Wnt inhibitory factor 1 (WIF1) methylation and its association with clinical prognosis in patients with chondrosarcoma

Baitouweng decoction suppresses growth of esophageal carcinoma cells through miR-495-3p/BUB1/STAT3 axis

BACKGROUND

Esophageal carcinoma (EC) is one of the most prevalent cancers in human populations worldwide. Baitouweng decoction is one of the most important Chinese medicine formulas, with the potential to treat cancer.

AIM

To investigate the role and mechanism of Baitouweng decoction on EC cells.

METHODS

Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in EC tissues and normal tissues were screened by the cDNA microarray technique and by bioinformatics methods. The target genes of microRNAs were predicted based on the TargetScan database and verified by dual luciferase gene reporter assay. We used Baitouweng decoction to intervene EC cells, and detected the activity of EC9706 and KYSE150 cells by the MTT method. Cell cycle and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. The expression of BUB1 mRNA and miR-495-3p was measured by qRT-PCR. The protein levels of BUB1, STAT3, p-STAT3, CCNB1, CDK1, Bax, Caspase3, and Caspase9 were measured by Western blot analysis. The migration and invasion abilities of the cells were measured by wound-healing assay and Transwell invasion assay, respectively.

RESULTS

DEGs identified are involved in biological processes, signaling pathways, and network construction, which are mainly related to mitosis. BUB1 was the key hub gene, and it is also a target gene of miR-495-3p. Baitouweng decoction could upregulate miR-495-3p and inhibit BUB1 expression. In vitro experiments showed that Baitouweng decoction significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of EC cells and induced apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest. After treatment with Baitouweng decoction, the expression of Bax, Caspase 3, and Caspase 9 in EC cells increased significantly, while the expression of BUB1, CCNB1, and CDK1 decreased significantly. Moreover, the STAT3 signaling pathway may play an important role in this process.

CONCLUSION

Baitouweng decoction has a significant inhibitory effect on EC cell growth. BUB1 is a potential therapeutic target for EC. Further analysis showed that Baitouweng decoction may inhibit the growth of EC cells by upregulating miR-495-3p targeting the BUB1-mediated STAT3 signal pathway.

Epigenetic regulation of human WIF1 and DNA methylation situation of WIF1 and GSTM5 in urothelial carcinoma

WNT inhibitory factor 1 (WIF1) is known to function as a tumor suppressor gene; it inhibits oncogene activation by preventing WNT signaling. This study investigated the epigenetic regulation of WIF1 gene in bladder cancer. We observed a positive relationship between WIF1 mRNA expression and survival probability of bladder cancer patients. The WIF1 gene expression could be enhanced by DNA demethylation drug 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) and histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA), suggesting that epigenetic modifications could regulate WIF1 gene expression. Overexpression of WIF1 inhibited cell proliferation and migration in 5637 cells, confirming the tumor suppressor role of WIF1. 5-Aza-dC dose dependently increased WIF1 gene expression while reducing DNA methylation level, suggesting that reversing WIF1 DNA methylation could activate its gene expression. We collected the cancer tissues and urine pellets of bladder cancer patients and only urine pellets from non-bladder cancer volunteers for DNA methylation analysis, but the methylation level of WIF1 gene -184 to +29 did not differ between patients and controls. We also analyzed glutathione S-transferase Mu 5 (GSTM5) gene methylation level because GSTM5 DNA hypermethylation was suggested to be a tumor biomarker in our previous study. It confirmed a higher GSTM5 DNA methylation in bladder cancer patients than in controls. In summary, this study suggests that the 5-aza-dC activated WIF1 gene which showed an anti-cancer effect, while WIF1 promoter -184 to +29 did not provide a suitable methylation assay region in clinical samples. In contrast, GSTM5 promoter -258 to -89 is a useful region for DNA methylation assay because it shows a higher methylation level in bladder cancer patients.

Role of non-coding RNAs and exosomal non-coding RNAs in retinoblastoma progression

Retinoblastoma (RB) is a rare aggressive intraocular malignancy of childhood that has the potential to affect vision, and can even be fatal in some children. While the tumor can be controlled efficiently at early stages, metastatic tumors lead to high mortality. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are implicated in a number of physiological cellular process, including differentiation, proliferation, migration, and invasion, The deregulation of ncRNAs is correlated with several diseases, particularly cancer. ncRNAs are categorized into two main groups based on their length, i.e. short and long ncRNAs. Moreover, ncRNA deregulation has been demonstrated to play a role in the pathogenesis and development of RB. Several ncRNAs, such as miR-491-3p, miR-613,and SUSD2 have been found to act as tumor suppressor genes in RB, but other ncRNAs, such as circ-E2F3, NEAT1, and TUG1 act as tumor promoter genes. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of ncRNAs can provide new opportunities for RB therapy. In the present review, we discuss the functional roles of the most important ncRNAs in RB, their interaction with the genes responsible for RB initiation and progression, and possible future clinical applications as diagnostic and prognostic tools or as therapeutic targets.

Comprehensive Bioinformatics Analysis of mRNA Expression Profiles and Identification of a miRNA-mRNA Network Associated with the Pathogenesis of Low-Grade Gliomas

Purpose

Low-grade glioma is the most common type of primary intracranial tumour, and the overall survival of patients with low-grade glioma (LGG) has shown no significant improvement over the past few decades. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the precise molecular mechanisms involved in the carcinogenesis of LGG.

Methods

To investigate the regulatory mechanisms of mRNA–miRNA networks related to LGG, in the present study, a comprehensive analysis of the genomic landscape between low-grade gliomas and normal brain tissues from the GEO and TCGA datasets was first conducted to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed miRNAs in LGG. Following a series of analyses, including WGCNA, GO and KEGG analyses, PPI and key model analyses, and survival analysis of the DEGs with clinical phenotypes, the potential key genes were screened and identified, and the related miRNA–mRNA networks were subsequently constructed through miRWalk 3.0. Finally, the potential miRNA–mRNA networks were further validated in CGGA (Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas) datasets and clinical specimens by qRT-PCR.

Results

In our results, six hub genes, MELK, NCAPG, KIF4A, NUSAP1, CEP55, and TOP2A, were ultimately identified. Two regulatory pathways, miR-495-3p-TOP2A and miR-1224-3p-MELK, that regulate the pathogenesis of LGG were ultimately identified. Furthermore, the expression of miR-495-3p-TOP2A and miR-1224-3p-MELK in solid tissues was validated by qRT-PCR.

Conclusion

Our study identified hub genes and related miRNA–mRNA regulatory pathways that contribute to the carcinogenesis of LGG, which may help us reveal the mechanisms underlying the development of LGG.

Association of ZNF331 and WIF1 methylation in peripheral blood leukocytes with the risk and prognosis of gastric cancer

Background

Peripheral blood leukocyte (PBL) DNA methylation may serve as a surrogate marker to evaluate the susceptibility to and prognosis of gastric cancer (GC). In this study, blood-derived DNA methylation levels of two tumour-related genes, namely, ZNF331 and WIF1, and their impacts on the risk and prognosis of GC were evaluated.

Methods

In total, 398 GC cases and 397 controls were recruited for the study. Then, all cases were followed up for 5 years. ZNF331 and WIF1 promoter methylation status in PBLs was measured using a methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting method. Logistic and Cox regression models were used to analyse the correlation between gene methylation and the risk and prognosis of GC. Confounders were balanced through propensity score (PS) matching.

Results

High ZNF331 methylation significantly decreased GC risk after PS adjustment (OR = 0.580, 95% CI: 0.375–0.898, P = 0.015), which also presented in males (OR = 0.577, 95% CI: 0.343–0.970, P = 0.038). However, WIF1 methylation was not associated with GC risk. Additionally, significant combined effects between ZNF331 methylation and the intake of green vegetables and garlic were observed (OR = 0.073, 95% CI: 0.027–0.196, P < 0.001 and OR = 0.138, 95% CI: 0.080–0.238, P < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, ZNF331 and WIF1 methylation had no impact on the prognosis of GC.

Conclusion

ZNF331 methylation in PBLs may affect GC risk in combination with the consumption of green vegetables and garlic and may act as a potential biomarker of GC.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08199-4.

LINC00176 facilitates CD4+T cell adhesion in systemic lupus erythematosus via the WNT5a signaling pathway by regulating WIF1

Accruing research shows the implications of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the progression of various autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The present study aimed to identify the expression pattern of LINC00176 in SLE and to explore its effects on CD4⁺T cell adhesion in this context. The biological functions of LINC00176, WIF1 and WNT5a on CD4⁺T cells in SLE were evaluated via gain- and loss-of-function experiments, following delivery of pcDNA3-LINC00176, siRNA-LINC00176, pcDNA3-WIF1 and WNT-sFRP5 (an inhibitor for the WNT5a signaling pathway). High LINC00176 expression was evident in the CD4⁺T cells of SLE patients. Additionally, WIF1 was identified as a potential target gene of LINC00176, and was negatively regulated by LINC00176. The overexpression of LINC00176 could promote proliferation and adhesion of CD4⁺T cells in SLE. Such alternations were reversed following up-regulation of WIF1 or inhibition of the WNT5a signaling pathway. Taken together, the key findings of our study highlight the ability of LINC00176 to potentially promote the proliferation and adhesion of CD4⁺T cells in SLE by down-regulating WIF1 and activating the WNT5a signaling pathway, providing new insight and a theoretical basis for translation in SLE therapy.

Mutation profiling in eight cases of vagal paragangliomas

Background

Vagal paragangliomas (VPGLs) belong to a group of rare head and neck neuroendocrine tumors. VPGLs arise from the vagus nerve and are less common than carotid paragangliomas. Both diagnostics and therapy of the tumors raise significant challenges. Besides, the genetic and molecular mechanisms behind VPGL pathogenesis are poorly understood.

Methods

The collection of VPGLs obtained from 8 patients of Russian population was used in the study. Exome library preparation and high-throughput sequencing of VPGLs were performed using an Illumina technology.

Results

Based on exome analysis, we identified pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants of the SDHx genes, frequently mutated in paragangliomas/pheochromocytomas. SDHB variants were found in three patients, whereas SDHD was mutated in two cases. Moreover, likely pathogenic missense variants were also detected in SDHAF3 and SDHAF4 genes encoding for assembly factors for the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) complex. In a patient, we found a novel variant of the IDH2 gene that was predicted as pathogenic by a series of algorithms used (such as SIFT, PolyPhen2, FATHMM, MutationTaster, and LRT). Additionally, pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants were determined for several genes, including novel genes and some genes previously reported as associated with different types of tumors.

Conclusions

Results indicate a high heterogeneity among VPGLs, however, it seems that driver events in most cases are associated with mutations in the SDHx genes and SDH assembly factor-coding genes that lead to disruptions in the SDH complex.

LINC01541 Functions as a ceRNA to Modulate the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway by Decoying miR-506-5p in Endometriosis

Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological diseases that adversely effects the lives of women. Our previous studies showed that LINC01541 plays a key role in 17β-estradiol (17β-E2)-stimulated endometrial stromal cells (ESCs); however, the mechanism by which LINC01541 exerts if effects requires further elaboration. Here, we report that LINC01541 serves to reduce the bioavailability of miR-506-5p by acting as a molecular sponge. Samples of control endometrial tissue and ectopic endometrial tissue were obtained from 10 healthy volunteers and 18 patients with endometriosis, respectively, and the levels of LINC01541 and miR-506-5p expressions in those tissues were measured. The relationship between LINC01541 and miR-506-5p was verified in 17β-E2-stimulated ESCs. Overexpression or silencing of miR-506-5p in ESCs was performed explore its role in endometriosis, and we also investigated whether WNT inhibitory factor 1 (WIF1) might be a target gene of miR-506-5p. Our results showed that LINC01541 was expressed at low levels and miR-506-5p was expressed at high levels in ectopic tissues. LINC01541 expression was negatively correlated with miR-506-5p expression. We also found that miR-506-5p activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by inhibiting WIF1 expression, and thereby induced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ESCs. Furthermore, silencing of miR-506-5p promoted apoptosis and suppressed the proliferation of 17β-E2-treated ESCs. Overexpression of miR-506-5p could reverse the inhibitory effect of LINC01541 in endometriosis. In summary, this study found that in endometriosis, LINC01541 functions as a ceRNA that modulates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by decoying miR-506-5p.

miR-495-3p inhibits the cell proliferation, invasion and migration of osteosarcoma by targeting C1q/TNF-related protein 3

Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is one of the most common malignant tumors of bone, and microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) serve critical roles in the progression of human OS. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of miR-495-3p in OS.

Methods: The expression of miR-495-3p in OS tissues and adjacent tissues from 30 patients was measured by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Human OS cell lines (U-2 OS, MG-63 and Saos-2 cells) and normal osteoplastic cells (hFoB 1.19 cells) were employed to perform the further analysis. The cell proliferation ability of MG-63 cells was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and colony formation assay. In addition, cell invasion and migration were evaluated by Transwell and scratch wound healing assays, respectively. Flow cytometry was applied to assess cell apoptosis and the cell cycle. Moreover, RT-qPCR and Western blotting were performed to measure mRNA and protein expression. A luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the target gene of miR-495-3p. Furthermore, a xenograft OS model was made to evaluate the effect of miR-495-3p in vivo.

Results: The results revealed that miR-495-3p was downregulated in the OS tissues and GBM cell lines. Additionally, miR-495-3p overexpression suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of MG-63 cells. Simultaneously, cell apoptosis was promoted, accompanied by cell cycle arrest, after transfecting with miR-495-3p mimics. In addition, the expression levels of cell apoptosis-related proteins were increased, whereas proteins of the cell cycle were decreased. Importantly, C1q/TNF-related protein 3 (CTRP3) was confirmed as a direct target of miR-495-3p. A xenograft tumor model was employed to verify the effects of miR-495-3p on OS.

Conclusion: On the basis of these results, we conclude that miR-495-3p overexpression inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion by downregulating CTRP3. Therefore, miR-495-3p may act as a tumor suppressor and an underlying target for OS treatment.

VE-822 mediated inhibition of ATR signaling sensitizes chondrosarcoma to cisplatin via reversion of the DNA damage response

Introduction

Cisplatin has been reported to elicit the DNA damage response (DDR) via activation of the ATR-Chk1 pathway, which in turn contributes to the induction of cisplatin resistance. Inhibition of ATR-Chk1 signaling reverses cisplatin resistance in some cancers. However, the influence of inhibiting ATR-Chk1 signaling on cisplatin resistance in chondrosarcoma cancer has not been reported.

Materials and methods

We compared the expression levels of ATR kinases in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma, choriocarcinoma and chondrosarcoma cell lines. We inhibited ATR kinase function with VE-822, a selective ATR inhibitor, and suppressed ATR kinase expression with shRNA. Western blotting, the CCK-8 assay, cell cycle distribution assay and apoptosis analysis were used to study the influence of inhibiting ATR-Chk1 signaling on reversing cisplatin resistance in chondrosarcoma cell lines.

Results

We found that chondrosarcoma cells expressed very low basal levels of phosphorylated ATR, but cisplatin treatment induced the activation of ATR-Chk1 signaling in a dose- and time-dependent manner, suggesting the induction of DDR. As expected, ATR inhibition with VE-822 reversed cisplatin-induced DDR and enhanced cisplatin-induced activation of H2AX, which is an important marker of DNA damage. Meanwhile, ATR inhibition by RNA interference also reversed DDR and promoted DNA damage. Furthermore, both pharmacological and molecular inhibition of ATR accelerated cisplatin-induced inhibition of cell proliferation and cell death.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that inhibiting ATR activation promoted cisplatin-induced cell death via reversion of DDR, and VE-822 may be a valuable strategy for the prevention of cisplatin resistance in chondrosarcoma.

Gene expression and DNA methylation regulation of arsenic in mouse bladder tissues and in human urothelial cells

According to a report of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, arsenic and inorganic arsenic compounds are classified into Group 1 carcinogens with regard to human health. Epidemiological studies indicate that arsenic is one of the main risk factors for the development of bladder cancer. In the present study, arsenic-altered gene expression in mouse bladder tissues and in human urothelial cells was compared. In the mouse model, sodium arsenite-induced mouse urothelial hyperplasia and intracellular inclusions were present. Following DNA array analysis, four genes with differential expression were selected for quantitative real-time PCR assay. The genes were the following: Cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), adenosine A1 receptor (ADORA1), metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) and Wnt inhibitory factor 1 (Wif1). The results indicated a significant increase in the levels of Cbs and Adora1. The analysis of the DNA CpG methylation levels of the mouse Cbs and Adora1 genes revealed no significant change. In contrast to these observations, the four genes were further analyzed in the human normal urothelial cell line SV-HUC1. The data indicated that WIF1 gene expression was decreased by sodium arsenite, whereas this was not noted for CBS, MALAT1 and ADORA1. Sodium arsenite decreased mRNA and protein expression levels of the WIF1 gene. In addition, the methylation levels of the WIF1 gene were increased. Sodium arsenite inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell migration as demonstrated in cell functional assays. The gene status was compared in 8 human urothelial cell lines, and WIF1 mRNA expression levels were determined to be higher, whereas DNA CpG methylation levels were lower in SV-HUC1 cells compared with those noted in the other 7 bladder cancer cell lines. In summary, the data indicated that sodium arsenite decreased WIF1 gene expression and promoted cell migration. The increased methylation levels of WIF1 DNA CpG could be a potential biomarker for bladder cancer.

Therapeutic effect of palbociclib in chondrosarcoma: implication of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 as a potential target

BACKGROUND

Chondrosarcoma is a malignant cartilaginous neoplasm of the bone which resistant to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CKD4) is highly expressed in human cancer, and palbociclib, the inhibitor of CDK4 has been used clinically under FDA approval for application in cancer therapeutic remedies. However, the level of CDK4 and the treatment possibility in chondrosarcoma require further exploration. Thus, we aim to investigate the level of CDK4 and accompanying therapeutic effects of palbociclib in chondrosarcoma.

METHODS

We used immunohistochemistric analysis to evaluate human CDK4 productions in chondrosarcoma tissues. The inhibitory expression of CDK4 by siRNA or palbociclib on cell proliferation, invasion, migration, apoptosis and cycle arrest of chondrosarcoma were determined by MTT, wound healing, transwell and flow cytometry. CDK4/Rb signaling pathway were determined by western blot and Immunofluorescence assay. The inhibition effect of palbociclib on tumor growth within the bone were determined by bioluminescence imaging in vivo.

RESULTS

CDK4 was found to express significantly in human chondrosarcoma samples. The enhanced levels of CDK4 were interlinked with malignant metastasis and undesirable prognosis of chondrosarcoma patients. CDK4 was also highly expressed in human chondrosarcoma cell lines and its inhibition by specific siRNA and palbociclib lead to a decrease in cell proliferation, accompanied by the phosphorylation of Rb. Furthermore, palbociclib also induced cell cycle arrest in G1 phase and decreased cell migration and invasion via CDK4/Rb signaling pathway. Administration of palbociclib in vivo could reduce tumor burden in chondrosarcoma.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, these data highlight CDK4 inhibitors, such as palbociclib, as potential promising therapeutics in the treatment of human chondrosarcoma.

Genetic variant of WIF1 gene is functionally associated with developmental dysplasia of the hip in Han Chinese population

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a common skeletal disorder. Studies have demonstrated a significant role of WIF1 gene in skeletal development. The present study was conducted to reveal the association between DDH and gene WIF1. A two-stage case-control candidate gene association study was conducted in total 1573 samples (586 DDH patients and 987 healthy controls) in this study. Polymorphism rs3782499 was genotyped in all samples. Difference of WIF1 expression in hip joint tissue was compared between the patients and the controls. WIF1 expression was compared among different genotypes in DDH patients. The SNP rs3782499 was found significantly associated with DDH in the two-stage study with 585 patients and 987 controls. There was a significant difference in allele frequency (p = 4.37 * 10^-5) and genotype distribution in a recessive model (AG + GG vs. AA). DDH patients were found to have significantly higher WIF1 expression than controls. Moreover, Patients with rs3782499 genotype AA have a significantly increased expression of WIF1 than those with GG. To conclude, polymorphism rs3782499 of WIF1 gene is a functional variant regulating the expression of WIF1 in DDH in Chinese Han population, which might be a potential biomarker for the early diagnosis of DDH.

Chondrosarcoma: A Rare Misfortune in Aging Human Cartilage? The Role of Stem and Progenitor Cells in Proliferation, Malignant Degeneration and Therapeutic Resistance

Unlike other malignant bone tumors including osteosarcomas and Ewing sarcomas with a peak incidence in adolescents and young adults, conventional and dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas mainly affect people in the 4th to 7th decade of life. To date, the cell type of chondrosarcoma origin is not clearly defined. However, it seems that mesenchymal stem and progenitor cells (MSPC) in the bone marrow facing a pro-proliferative as well as predominantly chondrogenic differentiation milieu, as is implicated in early stage osteoarthritis (OA) at that age, are the source of chondrosarcoma genesis. But how can MSPC become malignant? Indeed, only one person in 1,000,000 will develop a chondrosarcoma, whereas the incidence of OA is a thousandfold higher. This means a rare coincidence of factors allowing escape from senescence and apoptosis together with induction of angiogenesis and migration is needed to generate a chondrosarcoma. At early stages, chondrosarcomas are still assumed to be an intermediate type of tumor which rarely metastasizes. Unfortunately, advanced stages show a pronounced resistance both against chemo- and radiation-therapy and frequently metastasize. In this review, we elucidate signaling pathways involved in the genesis and therapeutic resistance of chondrosarcomas with a focus on MSPC compared to signaling in articular cartilage (AC).