Extracellular vesicles derived from ascitic fluid enhance growth and migration of ovarian cancer cells

DNA Content in Embryonic Extracellular Vesicles Is Independent of the Apoptotic Rate in Bovine Embryos Produced In Vitro

Pre-implantation embryos release extracellular vesicles containing different molecules, including DNA. The presence of embryonic DNA in E-EVs released into the culture medium during in vitro embryo production could be useful for genetic diagnosis. However, the vesicles containing DNA might be derived from embryos suffering from apoptosis, i.e., embryos of bad quality. This work intended to confirm that embryos release DNA that is useful for genotyping by evaluating the effect of embryonic apoptosis on DNA content in E-EVs. Bovine embryos were produced by parthenogenesis and in vitro fertilization (IVF). On Day 5, morulae were transferred to individual cultures in an EV-depleted SOF medium. On Day 7, embryos were used to evaluate cellular apoptosis, and each culture medium was collected to evaluate E-EV concentration, characterization, and DNA quantification. While no effect of the origin of the embryo on the apoptotic rate was found, arrested morulae had a higher apoptotic rate. E-EVs containing DNA were identified in all samples, and the concentration of those vesicles was not affected by the origin or quality of the embryos. However, the concentration of DNA was higher in EVs released by the arrested parthenogenetic embryos. There was a correlation between the concentration of E-EVs, the concentration of DNA-positive E-EVs, and the concentration of DNA. There was no negative effect of apoptotic rate on DNA-positive E-EVs and DNA concentration; however, embryos of the best quality with a low apoptotic rate still released EVs containing DNA. This study confirms that the presence of DNA in E-EVs is independent of embryo quality. Therefore, E-EVs could be used in liquid biopsy for noninvasive genetic diagnosis.

Zinc Finger and BTB Domain-Containing 20: A Newly Emerging Player in Pathogenesis and Development of Human Cancers

Zinc finger and BTB domain-containing 20 (ZBTB20), which was initially identified in human dendritic cells, belongs to a family of transcription factors (TFs) with an N-terminal BTB domain and one or more C-terminal DNA-binding zinc finger domains. Under physiological conditions, ZBTB20 acts as a transcriptional repressor in cellular development and differentiation, metabolism, and innate immunity. Interestingly, multiple lines of evidence from mice and human systems have revealed the importance of ZBTB20 in the pathogenesis and development of cancers. ZBTB20 is not only a hotspot of genetic variation or fusion in many types of human cancers, but also a key TF or intermediator involving in the dysregulation of cancer cells. Given the diverse functions of ZBTB20 in both health and disease, we herein summarize the structure and physiological roles of ZBTB20, with an emphasis on the latest findings on tumorigenesis and cancer progression.

Emerging role of microRNAs as regulators of protein kinase C substrate MARCKS and MARCKSL1 in cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as pivotal regulators of gene expression, playing essential roles in diverse cellular processes, including the development and progression of cancer. Among the numerous proteins influenced by miRNAs, the MARCKS/MARCKSL1 protein, a key regulator of cellular cytoskeletal dynamics and membrane-cytosol communication, has garnered significant attention due to its multifaceted involvement in various cancer-related processes, including cell migration, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Motivated by the encouraging early clinical success of peptides targeting MARCKS in several pathological conditions, this review article delves into the intricate interplay between miRNAs and the MARCKS protein in cancer. Herein, we have highlighted the latest findings on specific miRNAs that modulate MARCKS/MARCKSL1 expression, providing a comprehensive overview of their roles in different cancer types. We have underscored the need for in-depth investigations into the therapeutic feasibility of targeting the miRNA-MARCKS axis in cancer, taking cues from the successes witnessed in related fields. Unlocking the full potential of miRNA-mediated MARCKS regulation could pave the way for innovative and effective therapeutic interventions against various cancer types.

Obese Mouse Fat Cell-derived Extracellular Vesicles Transport miR-99a-5p to Mitigate the Proliferation and Migration of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cells

OBJECTIVE

Fat cells-derived extracellular vesicles (FC-EVs) play a role in regulating the tumor microenvironment in cancers by transporting RNAs. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are vital regulators of cancer development. This study was conducted to explore the role of FC-EVs in the proliferation and migration of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, providing targets for NSCLC treatment.

METHODS

The obese mouse model was established via high-fat diet (HFD), followed by separation and characterization of FC-EVs (HFD-EVs). The levels of miR-99a-5p, precursor-miR-99a-5p, and heparan sulfate-glucosamine 3-sulfotransferase 3B1 (HS3ST3B1) were measured by RT-qPCR or Western blot assay. Cell proliferation and migration were evaluated by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and wound healing assays. The expression of Cy3-labeled miR-99a-5p in A549 cells (one NSCLC cell line) was observed via confocal microscopy. The binding of miR-99a-5p to HS3ST3B1 was analyzed by the dual luciferase assay. Rescue experiments were performed to confirm the role of HS3ST3B1 in NSCLC cells.

RESULTS

miR-99a-5p was upregulated in adipose tissues, FCs, and HFD-EVs. HFD-EVs mitigated the proliferation and migration of NSCLC cells. HFD-EVs transported miR-99a-5p into A549 cells, which upregulated miR-99a-5p expression and inhibited HS3ST3B1 expression in A549 cells. HS3ST3B1 overexpression reversed the inhibition of HFD-EVs on the proliferation and migration of NSCLC cells.

CONCLUSION

HFD-EVs transported miR-99a-5p into NSCLC cells and inhibited HS3ST3B1, thereby inhibiting proliferation and migration of NSCLC cells.

MicroRNAs Present in Malignant Pleural Fluid Increase the Migration of Normal Mesothelial Cells In Vitro and May Help Discriminate between Benign and Malignant Effusions

The sensitivity of pleural fluid (PF) analyses for the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) is low to moderate. Knowledge about the pathobiology and molecular characteristics of this condition is limited. In this study, the crosstalk between stromal cells and tumor cells was investigated in vitro in order to reveal factors that are present in PF which can mediate MPE formation and aid in discriminating between benign and malignant etiologies. Eighteen PF samples, in different proportions, were exposed in vitro to mesothelial MeT-5A cells to determine the biological effects on these cells. Treatment of normal mesothelial MeT-5A cells with malignant PF increased cell viability, proliferation, and migration, and activated different survival-related signaling pathways. We identified differentially expressed miRNAs in PF samples that could be responsible for these changes. Consistently, bioinformatics analysis revealed an enrichment of the discovered miRNAs in migration-related processes. Notably, the abundance of three miRNAs (miR-141-3p, miR-203a-3, and miR-200c-3p) correctly classified MPEs with false-negative cytological examination results, indicating the potential of these molecules for improving diagnosis. Malignant PF produces phenotypic and functional changes in normal mesothelial cells. These changes are partly mediated by certain miRNAs, which, in turn, could serve to differentiate malignant from benign effusions.

Bioengineered exosomal-membrane-camouflaged abiotic nanocarriers: neurodegenerative diseases, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

A bio-inspired strategy has recently been developed for camouflaging nanocarriers with biomembranes, such as natural cell membranes or subcellular structure-derived membranes. This strategy endows cloaked nanomaterials with improved interfacial properties, superior cell targeting, immune evasion potential, and prolonged duration of systemic circulation. Here, we summarize recent advances in the production and application of exosomal membrane-coated nanomaterials. The structure, properties, and manner in which exosomes communicate with cells are first reviewed. This is followed by a discussion of the types of exosomes and their fabrication methods. We then discuss the applications of biomimetic exosomes and membrane-cloaked nanocarriers in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, imaging, and the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, we appraise the current challenges associated with the clinical translation of biomimetic exosomal membrane-surface-engineered nanovehicles and evaluate the future of this technology.

UHMK1 promotes lung adenocarcinoma oncogenesis by regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Effective targeted therapy for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), the number one cancer killer worldwide, continues to be a difficult problem because of the limitation of number of applicable patients and acquired resistance. Identifying more promising drug targets for LUAD treatment holds immense clinical significance. Recent studies have revealed that the U2 auxiliary factor (U2AF) homology motif kinase 1 (UHMK1) is a robust pro-oncogenic factor in many cancers. However, its biological functions and the underlying molecular mechanisms in LUAD have not been investigated.

METHODS

The UHMK1 expression in LUAD cells and tissues was evaluated by bioinformatics analysis, immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blotting (WB), and real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays. A series of gain- and loss-of-function experiments for UHMK1 were carried out to investigate its biological functions in LUAD in vitro and in vivo. The mechanisms underlying UHMK1's effects in LUAD were analyzed by transcriptome sequencing and WB assays.

RESULTS

UHMK1 expression was aberrantly elevated in LUAD tumors and cell lines and positively correlated with tumor size and unfavorable patient prognosis. Functionally, UHMK1 displayed robust pro-oncogenic capacity in LUAD and mechanistically exerted its biological effects via the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

UHMK1 is a potent oncogene in LUAD. Targeting UHMK1 may significantly improve the effect of LUAD treatment via inhibiting multiple biological ways of LUAD progression.

Circulating Biomarkers for Cancer Detection: Could Salivary microRNAs Be an Opportunity for Ovarian Cancer Diagnostics?

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs with the crucial regulatory functions of gene expression at post-transcriptional level, detectable in cell and tissue extracts, and body fluids. For their stability in body fluids and accessibility to sampling, circulating miRNAs and changes of their concentration may represent suitable disease biomarkers, with diagnostic and prognostic relevance. A solid literature now describes the profiling of circulating miRNA signatures for several tumor types. Among body fluids, saliva accurately reflects systemic pathophysiological conditions, representing a promising diagnostic resource for the future of low-cost screening procedures for systemic diseases, including cancer. Here, we provide a review of literature about miRNAs as potential disease biomarkers with regard to ovarian cancer (OC), with an excursus about liquid biopsies, and saliva in particular. We also report on salivary miRNAs as biomarkers in oncological conditions other than OC, as well as on OC biomarkers other than miRNAs. While the clinical need for an effective tool for OC screening remains unmet, it would be advisable to combine within a single diagnostic platform, the tools for detecting patterns of both protein and miRNA biomarkers to provide the screening robustness that single molecular species separately were not able to provide so far.

MARCKS is a New Prognostic Biomarker in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common type of cancers, but there is still a lack of known biomarkers for the effective diagnosis or prognosis of HCC. Myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate (MARCKS) is a substrate of protein kinase C, which was located in the cell plasma membrane. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the role of MARCKS in HCC.

Methods

The role of MARCKS in HCC was explored by bioinformatics and experiment.

Results

We demonstrated that MARCKS expression was significantly elevated in HCC datasets of TCGA. MARCKS was up-regulated in tumor sample in HCC. Functional enrichment indicated that MARCKS-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly enriched in cell junction tissue, response to growth factors and cell population proliferation. Tumor and ECM-receptor interactions related pathways were enriched by the KEGG. MARCKS expression in HCC patients was higher in females, younger individuals, and those at worse clinical stages. Cox regression analysis showed that MARCKS expression was a risk factor for overall survival and disease-specific survival of patients.

Conclusion

MARCKS was up-regulated in HCC, may play a crucial role in HCCs, and has prognostic value for clinical outcomes.

Mathematical Modeling and Experimental Validation of Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Tumor Suppressor MicroRNA Delivery and Propagation in Ovarian Cancer Cells

Extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated microRNA transfer and propagation from the donor cell to the recipient cell in the tumor microenvironment have significant implications, including the development of multidrug resistance (MDR). Although miRNA-encapsulated EV have been shown to have functional effects on recipient cells, the quantitative aspects of transfer kinetics and functional effects remain poorly understood. Intracellular events such as degradation of miRNA, loading of miRNA into EVs, cellular release of EVs, and their uptake by recipient cells govern the transfer and functional effect of encapsulated miRNA. Based on these rate-limiting steps, we developed a mathematical model using ordinary differential equations (model 1). We performed coculture experiments using ID8-VEGF ovarian cancer cells to demonstrate EV-mediated propagation of tumor suppressor miRNA Let7b administered with hyaluronic acid-poly(ethyleneimine) (HA-PEI) nanoparticles. Using the experimental data and model fitting, we determined the rate constants for the kinetic events involved in the transfer from the donor cells to the recipient cells. In model 2, we performed Let7b transfection experiments in ID8-VEGF cells with HA-PEI nanoparticles to determine the concentration-effect relationship on HMGA2 mRNA levels. Lastly, in model 3, we combined model 1 and model 2 parameters to describe the kinetics and effect relationship of EV-Let7b in recipient cells to predict the minimum number of miRNA copies needed to show functional effects.

Extracellular vesicle contents as non-invasive biomarkers in ovarian malignancies

Ovarian cancer most commonly presents at an advanced stage where survival is approximately 30% compared with >80% if diagnosed and treated before disease spreads. Diagnostic capabilities have progressed from surgical staging via laparotomy to image-guided biopsies and immunohistochemistry staining, along with advances in technology and medicine. Despite improvements in diagnostic capabilities, population-level screening for ovarian cancer is not recommended. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are 40–150 nm structures formed when the cellular lipid bilayer invaginates. These structures function in cell signaling, immune responses, cancer progression, and establishing the tumor microenvironment. EVs are found in nearly every bodily fluid, including serum, plasma, ascites, urine, and effusion fluid, and contain molecular cargo from their cell of origin. This cargo can be analyzed to yield information about a possible malignancy. In this review we describe how the cargo of EVs has been studied as biomarkers in ovarian cancer. We bring together studies analyzing evidence for various cargos as ovarian cancer biomarkers. Then, we describe the role of EVs in modulation of the tumor microenvironment. This review also summarizes the therapeutic and translational potential of EVs for their optimal utilization as non-invasive biomarkers for novel treatments against cancer.

Skin Cancer Research Goes Digital: Looking for Biomarkers within the Droplets

Skin cancer, which includes the most frequent malignant non-melanoma carcinomas (basal cell carcinoma, BCC, and squamous cell carcinoma, SCC), along with the difficult to treat cutaneous melanoma (CM), pose important worldwide issues for the health care system. Despite the improved anti-cancer armamentarium and the latest scientific achievements, many skin cancer patients fail to respond to therapies, due to the remarkable heterogeneity of cutaneous tumors, calling for even more sophisticated biomarker discovery and patient monitoring approaches. Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR), a robust method for detecting and quantifying low-abundance nucleic acids, has recently emerged as a powerful technology for skin cancer analysis in tissue and liquid biopsies (LBs). The ddPCR method, being capable of analyzing various biological samples, has proved to be efficient in studying variations in gene sequences, including copy number variations (CNVs) and point mutations, DNA methylation, circulatory miRNome, and transcriptome dynamics. Moreover, ddPCR can be designed as a dynamic platform for individualized cancer detection and monitoring therapy efficacy. Here, we present the latest scientific studies applying ddPCR in dermato-oncology, highlighting the potential of this technology for skin cancer biomarker discovery and validation in the context of personalized medicine. The benefits and challenges associated with ddPCR implementation in the clinical setting, mainly when analyzing LBs, are also discussed.

Extracellular Vesicles-ceRNAs as Ovarian Cancer Biomarkers: Looking into circRNA-miRNA-mRNA Code

Simple Summary

Patients with ovarian cancer have a very poor chance of long-term survival, usually due to advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. Emerging evidence suggests that extracellular vesicles contain noncoding RNAs such as microRNAs, piwiRNAs, circular RNAs, and long noncoding RNAs, with regulatory effects on ovarian cancer. In this review, we focus on ovarian cancer-associated circular RNA shuttled by extracellular vesicles as mediators of cancer progression and novel biomarkers in liquid biopsy. We propose a circular-RNA–microRNA-mRNA code that can reveal the regulatory network created by extracellular vesicles, noncoding RNAs, and mRNAs in ovarian cancer. Future research in this field will help to identify novel diagnostic biomarkers and druggable therapeutic targets, which will ultimately benefit patients.

Abstract

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most lethal gynecologic malignancies in females worldwide. OC is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage due to a lack of specific symptoms and effective screening tests, resulting in a poor prognosis for patients. Age, genetic alterations, and family history are the major risk factors for OC pathogenesis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying OC progression, identifying new biomarkers for early detection, and discovering potential targets for new drugs are urgent needs. Liquid biopsy (LB), used for cancer detection and management, consists of a minimally invasive approach and practical alternative source to investigate tumor alterations by testing extracellular vesicles (EVs), circulating tumor cells, tumor-educated platelets, and cell-free nucleic acids. EVs are nanosize vesicles shuttling proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, such as DNA, RNA, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), that can induce phenotypic reprogramming of target cells. EVs are natural intercellular shuttles for ncRNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and circular-RNAs (circRNAs), known to have regulatory effects in OC. Here we focus on the involvement of circRNAs and miRNAs in OC cancer progression. The circRNA-microRNA-mRNA axis has been investigated with Circbank and miRwalk analysis, unraveling the intricate and detailed regulatory network created by EVs, ncRNAs, and mRNAs in OC.

The Evaluation Value of CT in the Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Ovarian Cancer Patients

Aim

To discuss the evaluation value of CT in the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with ovarian cancer.

Methods

The clinical, pathological, and CT imaging information of 72 patients with ovarian cancer treated in our hospital from January 2018 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. CT examination and pathological examination were compared to evaluate the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Results

Using the CRS grading system, 26 cases (36.11%) scored 1, 42 cases (58.33%) scored 2, and 4 cases (5.56%) scored 3. CRS grading system scores of 1, 2, 3, and 4–7 patients were compared, P > 0.05. The CT manifestations of lymphadenectasis, degree of peritoneal thickening, ascites, and maximum length diameter of the mass were compared between the patients before and after chemotherapy, P < 0.05. According to RECIST 1.1, there were 1 (1.39%) CR, 38 (52.78%) PR, 29 (40.28%) SD, and 4 (5.56%) PD. The comparison was done between RECIST 1.1 and CRS grading system, P > 0.05.

Conclusion

CT could be used to evaluate the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for ovarian cancer.

UHMK1 aids colorectal cancer cell proliferation and chemoresistance through augmenting IL-6/STAT3 signaling

UHMK1, a serine/threonine kinase with a U2AF homology motif, is implicated in RNA processing and protein phosphorylation. Increasing evidence has indicated its involvement in tumorigenesis. However, it remains to be elucidated whether UHMK1 plays a role in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we demonstrated that UHMK1 was frequently upregulated in CRC samples compared with adjacent normal tissue and high expression of UHMK1 predicted poor outcomes. Knockdown of UHMK1 by siRNAs restrained CRC cell proliferation and increased oxaliplatin sensitivity, whereas overexpression of UHMK1 promoted CRC cell growth and oxaliplatin resistance, suggesting that UHMK1 plays important oncogenic roles in CRC. Mechanistically, we showed that UHMK1 had a significant effect on IL6/STAT3 signaling by interacting with STAT3. The interaction of UHMK1 with STAT3 enhanced STAT3 activity in regulating gene transcription. Furthermore, we found that STAT3 could in turn transcriptionally activate UHMK1 expression in CRC cells. The complementary experiments for cell growth and oxaliplatin resistance indicated the interdependent relationship between UHMK1 and STAT3. Thus, these collective findings uncovered a new UHMK1/STAT3 positive feedback regulatory loop contributing to CRC development and chemoresistance.

Adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette subfamily C members in liver hepatocellular carcinoma: Bioinformatics-driven prognostic value

Aberrant expression of adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette subfamily C (ABCC), one of the largest superfamilies and transporter gene families of membrane proteins, is associated with various tumors. However, its relationship with liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) remains unclear.We used the Oncomine, UALCAN, Human Protein Atlas, GeneMANIA, GO, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), TIMER, and Kaplan-Meier Plotter databases. On May 20, 2021, we searched these databases for the terms ABCC1, ABCC2, ABCC3, ABCC4, ABCC5, ABCC6, ABCC7, ABCC8, ABCC9, ABCC10, ABCC11, ABCC12, ABCC13, and "liver cancer." The exposure group comprised LIHC patients, and the control group comprised normal patients (those with noncancerous liver tissue). All patients shown in the retrieval language search were included. We compared the mRNA expression of these proteins in LIHC and control patients to examine the potential role of ABCC1-13 in LIHC.Relative to the normal liver tissue, mRNA expression of ABCC1/2/3/4/5/6/10 was significantly upregulated (P < .001), and that of ABCC9/11 significantly downregulated (both P < .001), in LIHC. ABCC mRNA expression varied with gender (P < .05), except for ABCC11-13; with tumor grade (P < 0.05), except for ABCC7/12/13; with tumor stage (P < .05), except for ABCC11-13; and with lymph node metastasis status (P < .05), except for ABCC7/8/11/12/13. Based on KEGG enrichment analysis, these genes were associated with the following pathways: ABC transporters, Bile secretion, Antifolate resistance, and Peroxisome (P < .05). Except for ABCC12/13, the ABCCs were significantly associated with B cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, macrophage, neutrophil, and dendritic cell infiltration (P < .05). High mRNA expression of ABCC1/4/5/8 (P < .05) and low expression of ABCC6/7/9/12/13 (P < .05) indicated poor prognosis. Prognostic significance was indicated for ABCC2/13 for both men and women (P < .05); for ABCC1/6/12/13 for tumor grades 1-3 (P < .05); for ABCC5/11/12/13 for all tumor stages (P < .05); for ABCC1/11/12/13 for American Joint Committee on Cancer T stages 1-3 (P < .05); and for ABCC1/5/6/13 for vascular invasion. None showed prognostic significance for microvascular invasion (P < .05).We identified ABCC1/2/3/4/5/6/9/10/11 as potential diagnostic markers, and ABCC1/4/5/6/7/8/9/12/13 as prognostic markers, of LIHC. Our future work will promote the use of ABCCs in the diagnosis and treatment of LIHC.

Small extracellular vesicles from malignant ascites of patients with advanced ovarian cancer provide insights into the dynamics of the extracellular matrix

The exact role of malignant ascites in the development of intraperitoneal metastases remains unclear, and the mechanisms by which extracellular vesicles (EVs) promote tumor progression in the pre-metastatic niche have not been fully discovered. In this study, we characterized ascites from high-grade epithelial ovarian cancer patients. Small-EVs (30-150 nm) were isolated from two sources-the bulk ascites and the ascitic fluid-derived tumor cell cultures-and assessed with a combination of imaging, proteomic profiling, and protein expression analyses. In addition, Gene Ontology and pathway analysis were performed using different databases and bioinformatic tools. The results proved that the small-EVs derived from the two sources exhibited significantly different stiffness and size distributions. The bulk ascitic fluid-derived small-EVs were predominantly involved in the complement and coagulation cascade. Small-EVs derived from ascites cell cultures contained a robust proteomic profile of extracellular matrix remodeling regulators, and we observed an increase in transforming growth factor-β-I (TGFβI), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), and fibronectin expression after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. When measured in the two sources, we demonstrated that fibronectin exhibited opposite expression patterns in small-EVs in response to chemotherapy. These findings highlight the importance of an ascites cell isolation workflow in investigating the treatment-induced cancer adaption processes.