Quantitative evaluation of vimentin expression in tumour stroma of colorectal cancer

Changes in the Expression of Genes Regulating the Response to Hypoxia, Inflammation, Cell Cycle, Apoptosis, and Epithelial Barrier Functioning during Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer Depend on Individual Hypoxia Tolerance

One of the factors contributing to colorectal cancer (CRC) development is inflammation, which is mostly hypoxia-associated. This study aimed to characterize the morphological and molecular biological features of colon tumors in mice that were tolerant and susceptible to hypoxia based on colitis-associated CRC (CAC). Hypoxia tolerance was assessed through a gasping time evaluation in a decompression chamber. One month later, the animals were experimentally modeled for colitis-associated CRC by intraperitoneal azoxymethane administration and three dextran sulfate sodium consumption cycles. The incidence of tumor development in the distal colon in the susceptible to hypoxia mice was two times higher and all tumors (100%) were represented by adenocarcinomas, while in the tolerant mice, only 14% were adenocarcinomas and 86% were glandular intraepithelial neoplasia. The tumor area assessed on serially stepped sections was statistically significantly higher in the susceptible animals. The number of macrophages, CD3-CD19+, CD3+CD4+, and NK cells in tumors did not differ between animals; however, the number of CD3+CD8+ and vimentin+ cells was higher in the susceptible mice. Changes in the expression of genes regulating the response to hypoxia, inflammation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and epithelial barrier functioning in tumors and the peritumoral area depended on the initial mouse's hypoxia tolerance, which should be taken into account for new CAC diagnostics and treatment approaches development.

Pexidartinib and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Combine to Activate Tumor Immunity in a Murine Colorectal Cancer Model by Depleting M2 Macrophages Differentiated by Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are known to play supportive roles in tumor development and progression, but their interactions in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of colon-cancer-derived CAFs on TAM differentiation, migration, and tumor immunity, both in vitro and in vivo. When co-cultured with monocytes, CAFs attracted monocytes and induced their differentiation into M2 macrophages. Immunohistology of surgically resected human CRC specimens and orthotopically transplanted mouse tumors revealed a correlation between numbers of CAFs and numbers of M2 macrophages. In a mouse model of CRC orthotopic transplantation, treatment with an inhibitor of the colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor (PLX3397) depleted M2 macrophages and increased CD8-positive T cells infiltrating the tumor nest. While this treatment had a minor effect on tumor growth, combining PLX3397 with anti-PD-1 antibody significantly reduced tumor growth. RNA-seq following combination therapy showed activation of tumor immunity. In summary, CAFs are involved in the induction and mobilization of M2 macrophage differentiation in the CRC tumor immune microenvironment, and the combination of cancer immunotherapy and PLX3397 may represent a novel therapeutic option for CRC.

Association between the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers and oncologic outcomes of colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key step in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) that confers metastatic capabilities to cancer cells. The present study aimed to assess the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression and impact of EMT markers, including E-cadherin, Vimentin, β-catenin, and SMAD4, on the oncologic outcomes of CRC.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of 118 CRC patients. Tissue slides were retrieved from the slide archive and five tissue microarray construction blocks were constructed. IHC for E-cadherin, Vimentin, β-catenin, and SMAD4 was done. The main outcome was the association between abnormal marker expression and overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS).

RESULTS

Adenocarcinomas accounted for 71.2% of tumors, whereas 25.4% and 3.4% were mucinous and signet ring cell carcinomas. The rates of lymphovascular invasion and perineural invasion were 72.9% and 20.3%, respectively. There was a positive, significant correlation, and association between the four markers. Abnormal expression of E-cadherin was associated with significantly lower OS (p < 0.0001) and similar DFS (p = 0.06). Abnormal Vimentin expression was associated with a significantly higher rate of distant metastasis (p = 0.005) and significantly lower OS and DFS (p < 0.0001). Abnormal expression of β-catenin was associated with significantly lower OS (p < 0.0001) and similar DFS (p = 0.15). Abnormal expression of SMAD4 was associated with significantly lower OS and DFS (p < 0.0001). Abnormal expression of all four markers was associated with a higher disease recurrence, lower OS, and lower DFS.

CONCLUSION

Abnormal expression of each marker was associated with lower OS, whereas abnormal expression of Vimentin and SMAD4 only was associated with lower DFS.

The effect of novel nitrogen-based chalcone analogs on colorectal cancer cells: Insight into the molecular pathways

In colorectal cancer (CRC), aberrations in KRAS are associated with aggressive tumorigenesis and an overall low survival rate because of chemoresistance and adverse effects. Ergo, complementary, and integrative medicines are being considered for CRC treatment. Among which is the use of natural chalcones that are known to exhibit anti-tumor activities in KRAS mutant CRC subtypes treatment regimens. Consequently, we examine the effect of two novel compounds (DK13 and DK14) having chalcones with nitrogen mustard moiety on CRC cell lines (HCT-116 and LoVo) with KRAS mutation. These compounds were synthesized in our lab and previously reported to exhibit potent activity against breast cancer cells. Our data revealed that DK13 and DK14 treatment suppress cell growth, disturb the progression of cell cycle, and trigger apoptosis in CRC cell lines. Besides, treatment with both compounds impedes cell invasion and colony formation in both cell lines as compared to 5-FU; this is accompanied by up and down regulations of E-cadherin and Vimentin, respectively. At the molecular level, both compounds deregulate the expression and phosphorylation of β-catenin, Akt and mTOR, which are the main likely molecular mechanisms underlying these biological occurrences. Our findings present DK13 and DK14 as novel chemotherapies against CRC, through β-catenin/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways.

Adjuvant Novel Nanocarrier-Based Targeted Therapy for Lung Cancer

Lung cancer has the lowest survival rate due to its late-stage diagnosis, poor prognosis, and intra-tumoral heterogeneity. These factors decrease the effectiveness of treatment. They release chemokines and cytokines from the tumor microenvironment (TME). To improve the effectiveness of treatment, researchers emphasize personalized adjuvant therapies along with conventional ones. Targeted chemotherapeutic drug delivery systems and specific pathway-blocking agents using nanocarriers are a few of them. This study explored the nanocarrier roles and strategies to improve the treatment profile's effectiveness by striving for TME. A biofunctionalized nanocarrier stimulates biosystem interaction, cellular uptake, immune system escape, and vascular changes for penetration into the TME. Inorganic metal compounds scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) through their photothermal effect. Stroma, hypoxia, pH, and immunity-modulating agents conjugated or modified nanocarriers co-administered with pathway-blocking or condition-modulating agents can regulate extracellular matrix (ECM), Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF),Tyro3, Axl, and Mertk receptors (TAM) regulation, regulatory T-cell (Treg) inhibition, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) inhibition. Again, biomimetic conjugation or the surface modification of nanocarriers using ligands can enhance active targeting efficacy by bypassing the TME. A carrier system with biofunctionalized inorganic metal compounds and organic compound complex-loaded drugs is convenient for NSCLC-targeted therapy.

Detecting colorectal cancer using genetic and epigenetic biomarkers: screening and diagnosis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent types of cancer, with high incidence rates and mortality globally. The extended timeframe for developing CRC allows for the potential screening and early identification of the disease. Furthermore, studies have shown that survival rates for patients with cancer are increased when diagnoses are made at earlier stages. Recent research suggests that the development of CRC, including its precancerous lesion, is influenced not only by genetic factors but also by epigenetic variables. Studies suggest epigenetics plays a significant role in cancer development, particularly CRC. While this approach is still in its early stages and faces challenges due to the variability of CRC, it shows promise as a potential method for understanding and addressing the disease. This review examined the current evidence supporting genetic and epigenetic biomarkers for screening and diagnosis. In addition, we also discussed the feasibility of translating these methodologies into clinical settings. Several markers show promising potential, including the methylation of vimentin (VIM), syndecan-2 (SDC2), and septin 9 (SEPT9). However, their application as screening and diagnostic tools, particularly for early-stage CRC, has not been fully optimized, and their effectiveness needs validation in large, multi-center patient populations. Extensive trials and further investigation are required to translate genetic and epigenetic biomarkers into practical clinical use. biomarkers, diagnostic biomarkers.

AEG-1 as a Novel Therapeutic Target in Colon Cancer: A Study from Silencing AEG-1 in BALB/c Mice to Large Data Analysis

BACKGROUND

Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) is overexpressed in various malignancies. Exostosin-1 (EXT-1), a tumor suppressor, is an intermediate for malignant tumors. Understanding the mechanism behind the interaction between AEG-1 and EXT-1 may provide insights into colon cancer metastasis.

METHODS

AOM/DSS was used to induce tumor in BALB/c mice. Using an in vivo-jetPEI transfection reagent, transient transfection of AEG-1 and EXT-1 siRNAs were achieved. Histological scoring, immunohistochemical staining, and gene expression studies were performed from excised tissues. Data from the Cancer Genomic Atlas and GEO databases were obtained to identify the expression status of AEG-1 and itsassociation with the survival.

RESULTS

In BALB/c mice, the AOM+DSS treated mice developed necrotic, inflammatory and dysplastic changes in the colon with definite clinical symptoms such as loss of goblet cells, colon shortening, and collagen deposition. Administration of AEG-1 siRNA resulted in a substantial decrease in the disease activity index. Mice treated with EXT-1 siRNA showed diffusely reduced goblet cells. In vivo investigations revealed that PTCH-1 activity was influenced by upstream gene AEG-1, which in turn may affect EXT-1 activity. Data from The Cancer Genomic Atlas and GEO databases confirmed the upregulation of AEG-1 and downregulation of EXT-1 in cancer patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that AEG-1 silencing might alter EXT-1 expression indirectly through PTCH-1, influencing cell-ECM interactions, and decreasing dysplastic changes, proliferation and invasion.

Biophysics in tumor growth and progression: from single mechano-sensitive molecules to mechanomedicine

Evidence from physical sciences in oncology increasingly suggests that the interplay between the biophysical tumor microenvironment and genetic regulation has significant impact on tumor progression. Especially, tumor cells and the associated stromal cells not only alter their own cytoskeleton and physical properties but also remodel the microenvironment with anomalous physical properties. Together, these altered mechano-omics of tumor tissues and their constituents fundamentally shift the mechanotransduction paradigms in tumorous and stromal cells and activate oncogenic signaling within the neoplastic niche to facilitate tumor progression. However, current findings on tumor biophysics are limited, scattered, and often contradictory in multiple contexts. Systematic understanding of how biophysical cues influence tumor pathophysiology is still lacking. This review discusses recent different schools of findings in tumor biophysics that have arisen from multi-scale mechanobiology and the cutting-edge technologies. These findings range from the molecular and cellular to the whole tissue level and feature functional crosstalk between mechanotransduction and oncogenic signaling. We highlight the potential of these anomalous physical alterations as new therapeutic targets for cancer mechanomedicine. This framework reconciles opposing opinions in the field, proposes new directions for future cancer research, and conceptualizes novel mechanomedicine landscape to overcome the inherent shortcomings of conventional cancer diagnosis and therapies.

Quantitative dynamic contrast-enhance MRI parameters for rectal carcinoma characterization: correlation with tumor tissue composition

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements and the potential composition of rectal carcinoma.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients provided informed consent for this study. DCE-MRI was performed before total mesorectal excision. Quantitative parameters were calculated based on a modified Tofts model. Whole-mount immunohistochemistry and Masson staining sections were generated and digitized at histological resolution. The percentage of tissue components area was measured. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlations between pathological parameters and DCE-MRI parameters.

RESULTS

On the World Health Organization (WHO) grading scale, there were significant differences in extracellular extravascular space (Ktrans) (F = 9.890, P = 0.001), mean transit time (MTT) (F = 9.890, P = 0.038), CDX-2 (F = 4.935, P = 0.018), and Ki-67 (F = 4.131, P = 0.031) among G1, G2, and G3. ECV showed significant differences in extramural venous invasion (t =  - 2.113, P = 0.046). Ktrans was strongly positively correlated with CD34 (r = 0.708, P = 0.000) and moderately positively correlated with vimentin (r = 0.450, P = 0.027). Interstitial volume (Ve) was moderately positively correlated with Masson's (r = 0.548, P = 0.006) and vimentin (r = 0.417, P = 0.043). There was a moderate negative correlation between Ve and CDX-2 (r =  - 0.441, P = 0.031). The rate constant from extracellular extravascular space to blood plasma (Kep) showed a strong positive correlation with CD34 expression (r = 0.622, P = 0.001). ECV showed a moderate negative correlation with CDX-2 (r =  - 0.472, P = 0.020) and a moderate positive correlation with collagen fibers (r = 0.558, P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

The dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI-derived parameters measured in rectal cancer were significantly correlated with the proportion of histological components. This may serve as an optimal imaging biomarker to identify tumor tissue components.

What is new in cancer-associated fibroblast biomarkers?

The tumor microenvironment is one of the important drivers of tumor development. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a major component of the tumor stroma and actively participate in tumor development, invasion, metastasis, drug resistance, and other biological behaviors. CAFs are a highly heterogeneous group of cells, a reflection of the diversity of their origin, biomarkers, and functions. The diversity of CAF origin determines the complexity of CAF biomarkers, and CAF subpopulations expressing different biomarkers may play contrasting roles in tumor progression. In this review, we provide an overview of these emerging CAF biomarkers and the biological functions that they suggest, which may give a better understanding of the relationship between CAFs and tumor cells and be of great significance for breakthroughs in precision targeted therapy for tumors. Video Abstract.

The Anti-Tumor Effect of the Newly Developed LAT1 Inhibitor JPH203 in Colorectal Carcinoma, According to a Comprehensive Analysis

A novel large neutral amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1)-specific inhibitor, JPH203, is expected to cause cancer-specific starvation and possess anti-tumor effects; however, its anti-tumor mechanism for colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. We analyzed LAT family gene expressions in public databases using UCSC Xena and evaluated LAT1 protein expression using immunohistochemistry in 154 cases of surgically resected CRC. We also evaluated mRNA expression using polymerase chain reaction in 10 CRC cell lines. Furthermore, JPH203 treatment experiments were conducted in vitro and in vivo using an allogeneic immune-responsive mouse model with abundant stroma created via the orthotopic transplantation of the mouse-derived CRC cell line CT26 and mesenchymal stem cells. The treatment experiments were followed by comprehensive gene expression analyses with RNA sequencing. Database analyses and immunohistochemistry research on clinical specimens revealed that LAT1 expression was cancer-dominant, and its increase was accompanied by tumor progression. In vitro, JPH203 was effective in an LAT1 expression-dependent manner. In vivo, JPH203 treatment considerably reduced tumor size and metastasis, and RNA sequencing-based pathway analysis showed that not only tumor growth and amino acid metabolism pathways, but also stromal activation-related pathways were suppressed. The results of the RNA sequencing were validated in the clinical specimens, as well as both in vitro and in vivo. LAT1 expression in CRC plays an important role in tumor progression. JPH203 may inhibit the progression of CRC and tumor stromal activity.

Effects of vimentin on the migration, search efficiency, and mechanical resilience of dendritic cells

Dendritic cells use amoeboid migration to pass through narrow passages in the extracellular matrix and confined tissue in search for pathogens and to reach the lymph nodes and alert the immune system. Amoeboid migration is a migration mode that, instead of relying on cell adhesion, is based on mechanical resilience and friction. To better understand the role of intermediate filaments in ameboid migration, we studied the effects of vimentin on the migration of dendritic cells. We show that the lymph node homing of vimentin-deficient cells is reduced in our in vivo experiments in mice. Lack of vimentin also reduces the cell stiffness, the number of migrating cells, and the migration speed in vitro in both 1D and 2D confined environments. Moreover, we find that lack of vimentin weakens the correlation between directional persistence and migration speed. Thus, vimentin-expressing dendritic cells move faster in straighter lines. Our numerical simulations of persistent random search in confined geometries verify that the reduced migration speed and the weaker correlation between the speed and direction of motion result in longer search times to find regularly located targets. Together, these observations show that vimentin enhances the ameboid migration of dendritic cells, which is relevant for the efficiency of their random search for pathogens.

Vimentin and Ki-67 immunolabeling in canine gastric carcinomas and their prognostic value

This study evaluated the expression of vimentin and Ki-67 proliferative index (PI) by immunohistochemistry in 30 canine gastric carcinomas (GCs) and a possible association with clinical and pathological features and patient's survival time. Vimentin immunoreactivity was assessed in neoplastic cells (in primary lesions, emboli, and metastases) and tumor-associated stroma (TAS) of canine GCs. Ki-67 PI was quantified in the neoplastic epithelial component. Vimentin immunolabeling in neoplastic cells was found in 30% of the primary lesions, in 82% of the neoplastic emboli, and in 50% of the metastases; in TAS, it was observed in all cases. A mean of 16% of the TAS was immunolabeled for vimentin. High vimentin immunolabeling in the TAS (>16%) was detected in 40% of cases. The average value of Ki-67 PI was 50%, and 80% of the lesions had Ki-67 PI above 20%. Vimentin immunolabeling in neoplastic cells was more frequent in less-differentiated carcinomas (diffuse [29%] and indeterminate types [75%]) than well-differentiated carcinomas (intestinal type [0%], P = .049). No significant differences were observed in vimentin immunolabeling in the TAS or Ki-67 PI according to histological diagnosis, depth of invasion, presence of neoplastic emboli or metastases. However, vimentin immunolabeling in the TAS was positively correlated with Ki-67 PI (r = .394, P = .031). Furthermore, a moderate negative correlation was observed between Ki-67 PI and survival time (r = -0.540). Our results suggest that vimentin and Ki-67 PI have potential for providing prognostic information in cases of canine GCs.

The Molecular Role of IL-35 in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer and a common cause of cancer-related death. Better understanding of the molecular mechanisms, pathogenesis, and treatment of NSCLC can help improve patient outcomes. Significant progress has been made in the treatment of NSCLC, and immunotherapy can prolong patient survival. However, the overall cure and survival rates are low, especially in patients with advanced metastases. Interleukin-35 (IL-35), an immunosuppressive factor, is associated with the onset and prognosis of various cancers. Studies have shown that IL-35 expression is elevated in NSCLC, and it is closely related to the progression and prognosis of NSCLC. However, there are few studies on the mechanism of IL-35 in NSCLC. This study discusses the role of IL-35 and its downstream signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of NSCLC and provides new insights into its therapeutic potential.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts in breast cancer: Challenges and opportunities

The tumor microenvironment is proposed to contribute substantially to the progression of cancers, including breast cancer. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most abundant components of the tumor microenvironment. Studies have revealed that CAFs in breast cancer originate from several types of cells and promote breast cancer malignancy by secreting factors, generating exosomes, releasing nutrients, reshaping the extracellular matrix, and suppressing the function of immune cells. CAFs are also becoming therapeutic targets for breast cancer due to their specific distribution in tumors and their unique biomarkers. Agents interrupting the effect of CAFs on surrounding cells have been developed and applied in clinical trials. Here, we reviewed studies examining the heterogeneity of CAFs in breast cancer and expression patterns of CAF markers in different subtypes of breast cancer. We hope that summarizing CAF-related studies from a historical perspective will help to accelerate the development of CAF-targeted therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.

Biomarker Potential of Vimentin in Oral Cancers

Oral carcinogenesis is a multistep process. As much as 5% to 85% of oral tumors can develop from potentially malignant disorders (PMD). Although the oral cavity is accessible for visual examination, the ability of current clinical or histological methods to predict the lesions that can progress to malignancy is limited. Thus, developing biological markers that will serve as an adjunct to histodiagnosis has become essential. Our previous studies comprehensively demonstrated that aberrant vimentin expression in oral premalignant lesions correlates to the degree of malignancy. Likewise, overwhelming research from various groups show a substantial contribution of vimentin in oral cancer progression. In this review, we have described studies on vimentin in oral cancers, to make a compelling case for vimentin as a prognostic biomarker.

Vimentin affects colorectal cancer proliferation, invasion, and migration via regulated by activator protein 1

Uncontrolled recurrence and metastasis are important reasons for the high mortality rate of malignant tumors. Vimentin is positively correlated with the degree of malignancy of cancer cells. Vimentin is also highly expressed in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and plays a critical role in the metastasis and prognosis of CRC. However, the molecular mechanism of vimentin in the progression of CRC is incompletely understood. Therefore, the most active regions (nucleotides: 785-1085 nt) of the vimentin promoter in CRC were identified using luciferase experiments. By transcription factor sequence search and mutation analysis, the activator protein 1 (AP-1) binding site in the region of 785-1085 nt was confirmed. The vimentin promoter activity was enhanced by overexpression of AP-1. The electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that the binding site was recognized by AP-1. By cell proliferation assay, colony-forming assay, scratch-wound assay, cell migration assay, and cell invasion assay, we demonstrated that the AP-1 overexpression increased CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. However, when vimentin was knocked down by vimentin small hairpin RNA in the CRC cell of AP-1 overexpression, this trend disappeared. Animal experiments and immunohistochemistry showed that AP-1 promoted tumor growth by regulating the vimentin gene. In summary, AP-1 affected metastasis, invasion of CRC cells in vitro, and tumor growth in vivo by activating the vimentin promoter. This study might provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of the development of CRC and provide potential therapeutic targets for CRC.

Expression pattern and prognostic impact of glycoprotein non-metastatic B (GPNMB) in triple-negative breast cancer

Glycoprotein non-metastatic B (GPNMB) is a transmembrane protein overexpressed in numerous cancers including triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC). It has been linked to promote cancer aggressiveness and implicated as a novel target for GPNMB-expressing cancers. In current study, we aimed to explore the clinical significance of GPNMB in TNBC. Among 759 specimens, immunohistochemistry (IHC) exhibited GPNMB expressions were variable in different subtypes and significantly higher in TNBC. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed GPNMB overexpression in TNBC was associated with worse prognosis especially distant metastasis (P = 0.020, HR = 2.515, CI 1.154-5.480). Multivariate analysis showed GPNMB expression was an independent prognostic factor in terms of recurrence and distant metastasis (P = 0.008, HR = 3.22, CI 1.36-7.61; P = 0.017, HR = 3.08, CI 1.22-7.74). In silico analysis showed high mRNA expression of GPNMB was associated with distant metastasis and GPNMB was overexpressed in TNBC. Furthermore, GPNMB positively correlated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulators, mesenchymal marker vimentin, MMP and integrins. The protein levels of Twist and MMP2 were upregulated by GPNMB overexpression in TNBC cells. GPNMB-enhanced cell invasion was attenuated by broad spectrum MMP inhibitor (GM 6001) and the selective inhibitor of MMP-2 (ARP100). In summary, GPNMB expression is prevalent in TNBC and may be implicated as a prognostic biomarker in patients with TNBC.

Replacing centrifugation with mixing in urine analysis enriches protein pool in the urine samples

Urine is the basic diagnostic material, easy to collect, not requiring invasive approach. During standard procedure the urine samples are centrifuged and the supernatant analysed physically, biochemically, and microscopically. The centrifugation step removes proteins including those forming aggregates especially in the state of illness and after transplantation. Here, we analysed the effect of urine centrifuging on specific protein content in urine samples obtained from cardiovascular patients (CVD) and after kidney or liver transplantation. We tested homogeneous whole urine samples, standardly centrifuge one, and the pellet after centrifuging. Protein content was examined using Western blot analysis and mass spectrometry (MS) of samples from CVD patients or the one after transplantation. The average of 21% proteins from non-centrifuged samples were found in the pellet removed after standard centrifugation. MS analysis confirmed that diagnostically important proteins were located there in. In 90% of cases whole urine samples contained more proteins than standard supernatant, among them e.g. proteins involved in immunological response like immunoglobulins and complement compounds secreted by leucocytes. Replacing centrifuging with intensive mixing of urine samples provides a method of enriching the samples with proteins removed during standard procedure, thus increasing possibility of finding new biomarkers for diseases undiagnosable with classic urine analysis.

Smudge cells percentage on blood smear is a reliable prognostic marker in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Objective

We evaluated the relevance of using the smudge cell percentage in the blood smear as a prognostic marker in CLL.

Methods

In this prospective study, 42 untreated Senegalese patients with CLL were enrolled. The diagnosis was established, based on the peripheral blood count and flow cytometry using the Matutes score. Cytogenetic aberrations, assessed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), were available for 30 patients, while the immunoglobulin heavy chain genes (IGVH) mutation status was performed by next-generation sequencing (NGS) in 24 patients. The SC percentage was determined in the blood smear, as previously described. Statistical analyses were executed using the GraphPad Prism 8.

Results

The mean age was 63 years (48 - 85) and the male: female sex ratio was 4.66. A low SC (< 30%) percentage was correlated with Binet stage B/C (p = 0.0009), CD38 expression (p = 0.039), unmutated IGVH status (p = 0.0009) and presence of cytogenetic abnormalities (for del 13q, p = 0.0012, while for other cytogenetic aberrations, p = 0.016). An inverse correlation was found between the SC percentage and the absolute lymphocyte count (r = -0.51) and patients with higher percentage of SCs had a prolonged survival. However, there was no correlation between the SC percentage and age (p = 0.41) or gender (median, 19% for males vs. 20% for females; p = 0.76).

Conclusion

When less than 30%, the SC was associated with a poor prognosis in CLL. Easy and affordable, the percentage of SCs in a blood smear could be a reliable prognostic marker, accessible to all CLL patients, mainly those in developing countries.

CMTM6 promotes migration, invasion, and EMT by interacting with and stabilizing vimentin in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Background

CKLF like MARVEL transmembrane domain containing 6 (CMTM6) has been associated with the development in many kinds of cancers. However, the roles of CMTM6 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are largely unknown. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the function of CMTM6 in HCC.

Methods

We analysed CMTM6 levels and functions using human HCC cell lines, paired HCC and adjacent non-tumorous tissues, and a tissue microarray. CMTM6 expression was silenced using short hairpin RNAs and its was overexpressed from a lentivirus vector. CMTM6 mRNA and protein levels were determined using quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR and western blotting, respectively. Proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion were assessed using a Cell counting kit-8, colony formation, wound-healing, and Matrigel invasion assays, respectively. Immunohistochemistry was used to score the expression of CMTM6 in tissue samples. The localization and binding partners of CMTM6 were investigated using immunofluorescence and coimmunoprecipitation experiments, respectively. A mouse xenograft model was used for in vivo studies.

Results

Compared with that in adjacent, non-cancerous tissue, Here, CMTM6 levels were increased in HCC tissue samples. Silencing of CMTM6 suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells. Conversely, CMTM6 overexpression enhanced HCC cell invasion, migration, and proliferation. Mechanistically, CMTM6 physically interacts with and stabilizes vimentin, thus inducing epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which promotes proliferation, migration and invasion. Importantly, in HCC tissues, CMTM6 expression correlated positively with vimentin levels. Poor prognosis of HCC was associated significantly with higher CMTM6 expression.

Conclusions

CMTM6 has an important function in HCC proliferation, migration, and invasion, via its interaction with and stabilization of vimentin. CMTM6 might represent a potential biomarker and therapeutic target to treat HCC.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-021-02787-5.

Natural podophyllotoxin analog 4DPG attenuates EMT and colorectal cancer progression via activation of checkpoint kinase 2

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is critical for the metastatic dissemination of cancer cells and contributes to drug resistance. In this study, we observed that epithelial colorectal cancer (CRC) cells transiently exposed to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (a chemotherapeutic drug for CRC) as well as 5-FU-resistant cells (5-FU-R) develop EMT characters as evidenced by activation of Vimentin and augmented invasive properties. On the other hand, 4DPG (4′-demethyl-deoxypodophyllotoxin glucoside), a natural podophyllotoxin analog attenuates EMT and invadopodia formation abilities of HCT-116/5-FU-R and SW-620/5-FU-R cells. Treatment with 4DPG restrains Vimentin phosphorylation (Ser38) in 5-FU-R cells, along with downregulation of mesenchymal markers Twist1 and MMP-2 while augmenting the expression of epithelial markers E-cadherin and TIMP-1. Moreover, 4DPG boosts the tumor-suppressor protein, checkpoint kinase 2 (Chk2) via phosphorylation at Thr68 in a dose-dependent manner in 5-FU-R cells. Mechanistically, SiRNA-mediated silencing of Chk2, as well as treatment with Chk2-specific small-molecule inhibitor (PV1019), divulges that 4DPG represses Vimentin activation in a Chk2-dependent manner. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation analysis unveiled that 4DPG prevents complex formation between Vimentin and p53 resulting in the rescue of p53 and its nuclear localization in aggressive 5-FU-R cells. In addition, 4DPG confers suitable pharmacokinetic properties and strongly abrogates tumor growth, polyps formation, and lung metastasis in an orthotopic rat colorectal carcinoma model. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate 4DPG as a targeted antitumor/anti-metastatic pharmacological lead compound to circumvent EMT-associated drug resistance and suggest its clinical benefits for the treatment of aggressive cancers.

Targeting IL-3Rα on tumor-derived endothelial cells blunts metastatic spread of triple-negative breast cancer via extracellular vesicle reprogramming

The lack of approved targeted therapies highlights the need for new treatments for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. Interleukin-3 (IL-3) acts as an autocrine factor for tumor-endothelial cells (TEC), and exerts pro-angiogenic paracrine action via extracellular vesicles (EVs). IL-3Rα blockade on TEC changes TEC-EV (anti-IL-3R-EV) microRNA (miR) content and promotes the regression of established vessels. As TEC is the doorway for "drug" entry into tumors, we aimed to assess whether IL-3R blockade on TEC impacts tumor progression via its unique EV cargo. First, the expression of IL-3Rα was evaluated in 27 human TNBC samples. It was noticed that, besides TEC and inflammatory cells, tumor cells from 55.5% of the human TNBC samples expressed IL-3Rα. Using human TNBC cell lines for in vitro studies, we found that, unlike native TEC-EVs (nEVs), anti-IL-3R-EVs increase apoptosis and reduced cell viability and migration. In vivo, anti-IL-3R-EV treatment induced vessel regression in established tumors formed of MDA-MB-231 cells, decreased Vimentin, β-catenin, and TWIST1 expression, almost abolished liver and lung metastases from primary tumors, and reduced lung metastasis generated via the intravenous injection of MDA-MB-231 cells. nEVs depleted of miR-24-3p (antago-miR-24-3p-EVs) were effective as anti-IL-3R-EVs in downregulating TWIST1 and reducing metastatic lesions in vivo. Consistent with network analyses of miR-24-3p gene targeting, anti-IL-3R-EVs and antago-miR-24-3p-EVs upregulate SPRY2 in MDA-MB-231 cells. Finally, SPRY2 silencing prevented anti-IL-3R-EV and antago-miR-24-3p-EV-mediated apoptotic cues.Overall, these data provide the first evidence that IL-3Rα is highly expressed in TNBC cells, TEC, and inflammatory cells, and that IL-3Rα blockade on TEC impacts tumor progression.

Expression pattern of ALDH1, E-cadherin, Vimentin and Twist in early and late onset sporadic colorectal cancer

Aim: To evaluate the expression pattern of ALDH1 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 1), E-cadherin, Vimentin and Twist in early and late onset sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) and to study association of their expression with the occurrence of CRC at a young age. Materials & methods: Immunohistochemistry of ALDH1, E-cadherin, Vimentin and Twist was performed on 103 pretreated CRC biopsy samples. Results: ALDH1 expression was found to have strong correlation with early onset CRC (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: High ALDH1 expression correlates with the early onset of CRC. ALDH1 over-expression correlates with poor overall survival in colon cancer.

The Expressions and Mechanisms of Sarcomeric Proteins in Cancers

The sarcomeric proteins control the movement of cells in diverse species, whereas the deregulation can induce tumours in model organisms and occurs in human carcinomas. Sarcomeric proteins are recognized as oncogene and related to tumor cell metastasis. Recent insights into their expressions and functions have led to new cancer therapeutic opportunities. In this review, we appraise the evidence for the sarcomeric proteins as cancer genes and discuss cancer-relevant biological functions, potential mechanisms by which sarcomeric proteins activity is altered in cancer.

Multiplexed drug testing of tumor slices using a microfluidic platform

Current methods to assess the drug response of individual human cancers are often inaccurate, costly, or slow. Functional approaches that rapidly and directly assess the response of patient cancer tissue to drugs or small molecules offer a promising way to improve drug testing, and have the potential to identify the best therapy for individual patients. We developed a digitally manufactured microfluidic platform for multiplexed drug testing of intact cancer slice cultures, and demonstrate the use of this platform to evaluate drug responses in slice cultures from human glioma xenografts and patient tumor biopsies. This approach retains much of the tissue microenvironment and can provide results rapidly enough, within days of surgery, to guide the choice of effective initial therapies. Our results establish a useful preclinical platform for cancer drug testing and development with the potential to improve cancer personalized medicine.

Abundance of the Organic Anion-transporting Polypeptide OATP4A1 in Early-Stage Colorectal Cancer Patients: Association With Disease Relapse

The abundance of OATP4A1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) might be related to tumor progression. This was studied by immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded samples obtained from 178 patients (43 patients with a relapse within 5 y) with early-stage CRC. Positivity for OATP4A1 in tumor cells and noncancerous mucosal cells was proved by double-immunofluorescence staining with antibodies against OATP4A1 and keratin 8, whereas antibodies against appropriate CD markers were used to identify immune cells. Automated microscopic image analysis was used to measure the percentage of OATP4A1-positive cells and OATP4A1 staining intensity in tumor, immune, and adjacent normal-looking mucosal cells separately, as well as in the mucosal and immune cells of 14 nonmalignant tissue samples. In CRC the percentage of OATP4A1-positive cells, but not staining intensity, was significantly higher in tumor and mucosal cells adjacent to the tumor compared to the mucosa of nonmalignant samples (P<0.001 each). No difference was registered between immune cells in malignant and nonmalignant samples. Importantly, high levels of OATP4A1 in immune (odds ratio, 0.73; confidence interval, 0.63-0.85; P<0.001), and tumor cells (odds ratio, 0.79; confidence interval, 0.69-0.91; P<0.001) are significantly associated with a low risk of recurrence and also significantly enhance the discriminative power of other clinical parameters [such as International Union Against Cancer (UICC), adjuvant therapy, localization of the primary tumor] of the risk of relapse (receiver operating characteristics analysis; P=0.002). Using an advanced digital microscopic quantification procedure, we showed that OATP4A1 abundance is negatively associated with tumor recurrence in early-stage CRC. This digital scoring procedure may serve as a novel tool for the assessment of potential prognostic markers in early-stage CRC.

Vimentin immunoexpression is associated with higher tumor grade, metastasis, and shorter survival in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

The association between vimentin immunoexpression and poor prognosis has been described in many human cancers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between vimentin immunostaining and colorectal carcinoma (CRC) clinicopathologic parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Samples included 202 primary CRC tissues, 41 adenomas and 37 normal colonic mucosae. Anti-Vimentin (V9) monoclonal antibody was used for immunohistochemical staining. Vimentin expression was evaluated based on the percentage of cytoplasmic expression in epithelial cells.

RESULTS

Vimentin expression was identified in 35 (17.3%) of CRC samples. All normal mucosa and adenoma samples were vimentin negative. There was an association between positive vimentin immunostaining and high tumor grade, distant metastasis, and short overall (Log rank 5.112, P=0.024), as well as disease-free survival probabilities (Log rank 6.173, P=0.013). There was no association between vimentin expression and age, gender, tumor location, tumor size, tumor stage, nodal involvement, lymphovascular invasion, margin status, or tumor recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Vimentin immunoexpression is associated with worse prognosis in CRC patients. Vimentin can be considered a potentially important disease biomarker and could be a target for CRC therapy.

CXCR4/TGF-β1 mediated hepatic stellate cells differentiation into carcinoma-associated fibroblasts and promoted liver metastasis of colon cancer

Background: Liver metastasis of colon cancer is strongly affected by the tumor microenvironment (TME), with interactions between tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in particular. TGF-β is well known for its ability to mediate the CAF phenotype, and CXCR4 expression is closely correlated to poor prognosis in CRC. The relationship between these two signaling pathways remains to be delineated in liver metastasis of colon cancer.Methods: Immunohistochemistry was employed to investigate CXCR4 expression in 45 human specimens of primary colorectal cancer (CRC) and liver metastasis. The functions of SDF-1 released by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) on CXCR4 and TGF-β1 in CRC cells were investigated in vitro. The effects of CRC on HSCs differentiation into CAFs were confirmed using co-culture technology and expression analysis of CAFs markers by qPCR, western blot and immunofluorescence. The involvement of CXCR4 and TGF-β1 was verified with addition of CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100 and TGF-β1 inhibitor cyclophosphamide (Cy) both in vitro and in vivo.Results: There were more CXCR4-positive cells at the liver metastatic tissues compared to the primary sites. CRC cells activated and transformed HSCs to CAFs after co-cultivating with HSCs. Activated HSCs stimulated TGF-β1 secretion from CRC cells after co-culture with CRC cells in vitro. Moreover, the expression of CAFs markers was increasing in the activated HSCs. In a mouse hepatic metastasis model, treated with AMD3100 or Cy blocked the metastatic potential of HCT116 cells and the hepatic CAFs differentiation.Conclusions: These results indicated that CXCR4/TGF-β1 axis plays an important role in CRC liver metastasis through mediating HSCs differentiation into CAFs, providing preclinical evidences that blockade of the axis might be beneficial for anti-metastasis therapy in CRC.

Differentiation and roles of bone marrow-derived cells on the tumor microenvironment of oral squamous cell carcinoma

The stroma affects the properties and dynamics of the tumor. Previous studies have demonstrated that bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) possess the capability of differentiating into stromal cells. However, the characteristics and roles of BMDCs in oral squamous cell carcinoma remain unclear. The current study therefore investigated their locations and features by tracing green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled BMDCs in a transplantation mouse model. After irradiation, BALB-c nu-nu mice were injected with bone marrow cells from C57BL/6-BALB-C-nu/nu-GFP transgenic mice. These recipient mice were then injected subcutaneously in the head with human squamous cell carcinoma-2 cells. Immunohistochemistry for GFP, Vimentin, CD11b, CD31 and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), and double-fluorescent immunohistochemistry for GFP-Vimentin, GFP-CD11b, GFP-CD31 and GFP-α-SMA was subsequently performed. Many round-shaped GFP-positive cells were observed in the cancer stroma, which indicated that BMDCs served a predominant role in tumorigenesis. Vimentin(+) GFP(+) cells may also be a member of the cancer-associated stroma, originating from bone marrow. Round or spindle-shaped CD11b(+) GFP(+) cells identified in the present study may be macrophages derived from bone marrow. CD31(+)GFP(+) cells exhibited a high tendency towards bone marrow-derived angioblasts. The results also indicated that spindle-shaped α-SMA(+) GFP(+) cells were not likely to represent bone marrow-derived cancer-associated fibroblasts. BMDCs gathering within the tumor microenvironment exhibited multilineage potency and participated in several important processes, such as tumorigenesis, tumor invasion and angiogenesis.

The Emerging Role of Cytoskeletal Proteins as Reliable Biomarkers

Cytoskeletal proteins are essential building blocks of cells. More than 100 cytoskeletal and cytoskeleton-associated proteins are known and for some, their function and regulation are understood in great detail. Apart from cell shape and support, they facilitate many processes such as intracellular signaling and transport, and cancer related processes such as proliferation, migration, and invasion. During the last decade, comparative proteomic studies have identified cytoskeletal proteins as in vitro markers for tumor progression and metastasis. Here, these results are summarized and a number of unrelated studies are highlighted, identifying the same cytoskeletal proteins as potential biomarkers. These findings might indicate that the abundance of these potential markers of tumor progression is associated with the biological outcome and are independent of the cancer origin. This correlates well with recently published results from the Cancer Genome Atlas, indicating that cancers show remarkable similarities in their analyzed molecular information, independent of their organ of origin. It is postulated that the quantification of cytoskeletal proteins in healthy tissues, tumors, in adjacent tissues, and in stroma, is a great source of molecular information, which might not only be used to classify tumors, but more importantly to predict patients' outcome or even best treatment choices.

Significance of CLASP2 expression in prognosis for muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients: A propensity score-based analysis

BACKGROUND

Cytoplasmic linker-associated protein 2 (CLASP2) belongs to a family of microtubule plus-end tracking proteins that localize to the distal ends of microtubules and is involved in various microtubule-dependent processes. We previously showed that CLASP2 is involved in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of bladder urothelial cancer. This research aimed to explore the significance of CLASP2 expression as a prognostic marker for muscle-invasive bladder urothelial cancer (MIBC) patients after radical cystectomy-pelvic lymph node dissection (RC-PLND).

METHODS

CLASP2 expression was analyzed in 76 benign bladder tissues and 160 MIBC tissues by tissue immunohistochemistry. Survival analysis and multiple regression analysis following propensity score matching were performed to investigate the correlation between high CLASP2 expression and MIBC patients' survival.

RESULTS

CLASP2 expression was increased in MIBC patients, especially those with high-stage tumors or lymph node metastasis. In the follow-up of MIBC patients after propensity score matching, whether MIBC patients received adjuvant chemotherapy after RC-PLND, high CLASP2 expression was significantly associated with a poor prognosis. MIBC patients with low CLASP2 expression who received adjuvant chemotherapy tended to have an improved survival prognosis.

CONCLUSION

CLASP2 expression is correlated with malignant progression of MIBC. High CLASP2 expression predicted a poor prognosis for MIBC patients after RC-PLND.

microRNA-193a-5p inhibits migration of human HT-29 colon cancer cells via suppression of metastasis pathway

PURPOSE

Altered expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) is indicated strongly in colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aims to evaluate the inhibitory role of miR-193a-5p on epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers in CRC lines. The cellular effects and potential mechanisms of miR-193a-5p were also examined.

METHODS

Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to determine the expression of miR-193a-5p in three CRC cell lines (HCT-116, SW-480, and HT-29) and its impact on metastasis-related genes ( vimentin and CXCR4) before and after mimic transfection. Of those, the cell line with the highest changes was selected for the next upcoming experiments such as wound-healing assay, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), and annexin-V staining tests.

RESULTS

Our results revealed that miR-193a-5p was significantly downregulated in three CRC cell lines and that HT-29 displayed the most decrease ( P < 0.0001). The restoration of miR-193a-5p in human HT-29 cell line inhibited cell migration. But, miR-193a-5p transfection did not affect cell viability and had no significant effect on apoptosis induction. Also, the quantitative RT-PCR analysis of miR-193a-5p mimic transfected cells revealed a significant increase in miR-193a-5p messenger RNA (mRNA) expression level ( P < 0.0001) with reduction of vimentin and CXCR4 mRNA expression levels in HT-29 cell line ( P < 0.01 and < 0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicated that miR-193a-5p acts as a tumor suppressor miRNA and its downregulation plays an important role in metastasis via upregulation of metastasis-related genes in CRC. Therefore, it can be considered as a potential therapeutic target for applying in CRC management in the future.

Association of low expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin with the progression of early stage human squamous cervical cancer

The precise involvement and mechanisms of human papilloma virus type 16 (HPV16) in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and squamous cervical cancer (SCC) remain unknown. The present study aimed to examine the expression of EMT indicators and their association with HPV16 in CIN and early stage SCC, and their prognostic value in early stage SCC. The expression levels of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, β-catenin, vimentin, and fibronectin were determined by immunohistochemistry in 40 patients with normal uterine cervix, 22 patients with CIN1, 60 patients with CIN2-3, and 86 patients with SCC, stage Ia-IIa, according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. The expression of the epithelial indicators E-cadherin and β-catenin gradually declined, and the mesenchymal indicators N-cadherin, vimentin, and fibronectin increased with progression of the cervical lesions (P<0.05). Patients with SCC with lymph node metastasis, parametrial invasion, negative E-cadherin, and negative β-catenin expression had shorter overall survival (P=0.001, P=0.015, P=0.014, and P=0.043, respectively) and disease-free survival (P=0.002, P=0.021, P=0.025, and P=0.045, respectively) time. Multivariate survival analysis indicated that lymph node metastasis [Hazard ratio (HR)=3.544; P=0.010], parametrial invasion (HR=2.014; P=0.007) and E-cadherin expression (HR=0.163; P<0.001) were independently associated with overall survival, but also with disease-free survival (HR=3.612, P=0.009; HR=1.935, P=0.011; HR=0.168, P<0.001, respectively). In patients with CINs, HPV16 infection was negatively correlated with the expression of E-cadherin, and positively correlated with the expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, and fibronectin. EMT occurs during the progression of CINs to early stage SCC, and is associated with HPV16 infection in CINs. Lymph node metastasis and parametrial invasion are poor prognostic factors for SCC, while positive E-cadherin expression may serve as a protective prognostic factor for SCC.

Low tumour PPM1H indicates poor prognosis in colorectal cancer via activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts

BACKGROUND

Vimentin (VIM) is considered a prognostic marker in colorectal cancer (CRC). Our aim is to identify genes that fulfil a "X-low implies VIM-high" Boolean relationship and to evaluate their prognostic value and potential mechanism.

METHODS

Potential biomarkers related to VIM expression were searched using a bioinformatics approach across gene-expression arrays. Based on subgroup analysis of 2 CRC cohorts, the selected gene was tested for its association with patient's survival outcomes. The regulatory link between the selected gene and VIM was further examined with in vitro models.

RESULTS

PPM1H was identified as the top candidate in our search. Patients with PPM1H-low tumours have a lower 5-year disease-free survival rate than patients with PPM1H-high tumours in 2 independent cohorts. In multivariate Cox analysis, patients with PPM1H-low tumours were independently associated with relapse in both the discovery cohort (hazard ratio [HR], 1.362; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.015-1.826; P = 0.039) and the validation cohort (HR for DFS, 4.052; 95% CI, 2.634-6.234; P < 0.001). PPM1H knockdown in CRC cells and growth in the corresponding conditional medium increased VIM expression and colon fibroblast proliferation, indicating a transformation of cancer-association fibroblasts (CAFs). Conversely, educated CAFs also facilitated the growth of CRC cells with low PPM1H expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Lack of tumour PPM1H expression identifies a patient subgroup with a high relapse risk, and CRC cells with low expression of PPM1H activate CAFs and inversely get promoted by CAFs.

Coexpression of FOXK1 and vimentin promotes EMT, migration, and invasion in gastric cancer cells

In human gastric cancer (GC), the upregulation of FOXK1 and vimentin is frequently observed in cancer cells and correlates with increased malignancy. We report that FOXK1 synergizes with vimentin to promote GC invasion and metastasis via the induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We showed that higher expression levels of FOXK1 were significantly associated with GC development. FOXK1 can physically interact with and stabilize vimentin. Moreover, a positive correlation between the expression of FOXK1 and vimentin was found in GC cells. Higher expression levels of these two proteins were significantly associated with differentiation, lymph node metastasis, AJCC stage, and poorer prognosis. Furthermore, the coexpression of FOXK1 and vimentin enhances cell metastasis through the induction of EMT in GC cells. However, the siRNA-mediated repression of vimentin in FOXK1-overexpressing cells reversed the EMT-like phenotype and reduced GC cell migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Altogether, our findings suggest that the vimentin-FOXK1 axis provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying EMT regulation during GC progression and metastasis.

High Vimentin Expression Predicts a Poor Prognosis and Progression in Colorectal Cancer: A Study with Meta-Analysis and TCGA Database

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of vimentin expression in the prognosis and progression of CRC. Meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the correlations between vimentin and prognosis and clinicopathological features in CRC. Literatures were searched by PubMed, Embase, ClinicalKey, CNKI, VIP, and WanFang databases. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to assess the association of vimentin expression with survival rate in CRC. Eleven reports with 1969 cases were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that positive vimentin expression predicted a poor overall survival (OS) in the univariate analysis (HR: 2.087, 95%CI: 1.660-2.625) and multivariate analysis (HR: 1.633, 95%CI: 1.223-2.181). Vimentin overexpression also conferred worse disease-free survival (DFS) in the univariate analysis (HR: 2.069, 95%CI: 1.024-4.179) and multivariate analysis (HR: 2.802, 95%CI: 1.421-5.527). Moreover, upregulated vimentin is related to lymph node metastasis (OR: 2.288, 95%CI: 1.159-4.517), TNM stages (OR: 1.957, 95%CI: 1.333-2.873), and N stage (OR: 2.316, 95%CI: 1.482-3.620). Analysis of TCGA database indicated that elevated vimentin predicated a shorter OS (p=0.033). Our findings reveal that upregulated vimentin contributes to the progression and poor prognosis of CRC. Vimentin may be a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in patients with CRC.

Temporal and spatial changes of cells positive for stem-like markers in different compartments and stages of human colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence

Considerable evidence supports the idea that stem-like cells may play an essential role during the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). To accomplish this aim, we use immunohistochemistry (IHC) and double IHC with different potential stem-like markers, anti-musashi (Msi), anti-CD133, anti- LGR5 and anti-ALDH1 to examine the presentation of stem-like cells in different compartments including adenoma/CRC epithelium, transitional crypts and tumor stroma in colorectal adenoma and CRC. The results showed that cells positive for stem-like markers were remarkably increased in number and frequently observed in the adenoma/CRC epithelium, transitional crypts and tumor stroma. Notably, the population of cells positive for stem-liker markers was expanded from the base to the middle part of the transitional crypt in both adenoma and CRC tissues, reflecting that stem-like cells are likely involved in the process of colorectal tumorigenesis. Counting results showed that the grading scores of cells positive for LGR5 and ALDH1 in the adenoma/CRC epithelium were significantly increased relative with the control epithelium, and associated with the degree of dysplasia in the adenoma and node involvement in the CRC (all P < 0.05). In addition, the density of cells positive for stem-like markers in the adenomatous/cancerous stroma was also increased and paralleled an increase in the density of proliferative stromal cells labeled by PCNA, which were primarily identified as vimentin positive fibroblasts. Our results have revealed a changed temporal and spatial presentation of stem-like markers in different stages of human colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence, which might be a hallmark of the adenoma-carcinoma transition.

Long noncoding RNA VIM-AS1 promotes colorectal cancer progression and metastasis by inducing EMT

Emerging evidence indicates that lncRNAs play crucial roles in the initiation and progression of various malignant tumors. VIM-AS1 RNA is an lncRNA that transcribes from a shared bidirectional promoter with vimentin mRNA and its function in cancer cells is largely unknown. This study assessed the clinical significance of VIM-AS1 expression in colorectal cancer (CRC). We found that the VIM-AS1 transcript was significantly upregulated in high-grade, lymph node metastasis and vascular invasion tumors. Loss-of-function experiments revealed that the downregulation of VIM-AS1 could inhibit tumor cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis, cellular senescence and arresting the cell cycle. Moreover, the obtained data demonstrated that VIM-AS1 might play a crucial role in cell migration as well as the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of CRC cells. Collectively, for the first time, our data provide novel evidence for the biological and clinical significance of VIM-AS1 expression in CRC. Further, the findings of this study suggest that VIM-AS1 promotes tumor growth and metastasis by inducing EMT in CRC cells and could be considered as a novel tumor marker with probable value in diagnosis and CRC treatment.

Review of Blood-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening: How Far Are Circulating Cell-Free DNA Methylation Markers From Clinical Implementation?

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide, and late stages (III-IV) in particular have low 5-year survival rates. Stage shifting by CRC screening programs has proven effective by decreasing morbidity and mortality and in many countries national CRC screening programs have been implemented. Currently, European, Asian, and American authorities recommend screening for CRC using fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy. Because these approaches all have weaknesses (eg, poor compliance, high costs, test invasiveness), much effort has been put into the development of alternative screening approaches, many of which are blood-based. Blood-based strategies especially present the advantages of minimally invasiveness compared to endoscopies and an expectantly higher compliance rate compared to stool-based tests. The last decades have seen many discovery studies identifying promising blood-based biomarkers of CRC; however, common to all of these markers is that their clinical usefulness remains evasive. At present only one blood-based CRC screening marker has been approved in the United States. The aim of this review is to discuss the development of blood-based cell-free DNA methylation marker candidates for CRC screening. On the basis of a methodical literature search, the past, present, and future of cell-free DNA screening markers for CRC are revised and discussed. Resource limitations and technical challenges related to sensitivity and specificity measurements keep many markers at bay. Possible solutions to these problems are offered to enable markers to benefit future screening participants.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts in tumor microenvironment - Accomplices in tumor malignancy

There is much cellular heterogeneity in the tumor microenvironment. The tumor epithelia and stromal cells co-evolve, and this reciprocal relationship dictates almost every step of cancer development and progression. Despite this, many anticancer therapies are designed around druggable features of tumor epithelia, ignoring the supportive role of stromal cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the dominant cell type within the reactive stroma of many tumor types. Numerous previous studies have highlighted a pro-tumorigenic role for CAFs via secretion of various growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and the degradation of extracellular matrix. Recent works showed that CAFs secrete H₂O₂ to effect stromal-mediated field cancerization, transform primary epithelial cells, and aggravate cancer cell aggressiveness, in addition to inflammatory and mitogenic factors. Molecular characterization of CAFs also underscores the importance of Notch and specific nuclear receptor signaling in the activation of CAFs. This review consolidates recent findings of CAFs and highlights areas for future investigations.

The gain-of-function mutation E76K in SHP2 promotes CAC tumorigenesis and induces EMT via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

SHP2 is encoded by the protein tyrosine phosphatase 11 (Ptpn11) gene. Several gain-of-function (GOF) mutations in Ptpn11 have been identified in human hematopoietic malignancies and solid tumors. In addition, the mutation rate for SHP2 is the highest for colorectal cancer (CRC) among solid tumors. The E76K GOF mutation is the most common and active SHP2 mutation; however, the pathogenic effects and function of this mutation in CRC tumor progression have not been well characterized. The Wnt/β-catenin (CTNNB1) signaling pathway is crucial for CRC, and excessive activation of this pathway has been observed in several tumors. We used Ptpn11^E76K conditional knock-in mice to study this GOF mutation in colitis-associated CRC (CAC) and used the CRC cell lines HT29 and HCT116 to determine the relationship between SHP2 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Ptpn11^E76K conditional knock-in mice exhibited aggravated inflammation and increased CAC tumorigenesis. In vitro, SHP2^E76K and SHP2^WT promoted malignant biological behaviors of CRC cells and induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Together, our results showed that SHP2^E76K acts as an oncogene that promotes the tumorigenesis and metastasis of CRC.

Radiotherapy-Activated Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Promote Tumor Progression through Paracrine IGF1R Activation

Preoperative radiotherapy (RT) is a mainstay in the management of rectal cancer, a tumor characterized by desmoplastic stroma containing cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). Although CAFs are abundantly present, the effects of RT to CAF and its impact on cancer cells are unknown. We evaluated the damage responses of CAF to RT and investigated changes in colorectal cancer cell growth, transcriptome, metabolome, and kinome in response to paracrine signals emerging from irradiated CAF. RT to CAF induced DNA damage, p53 activation, cell-cycle arrest, and secretion of paracrine mediators, including insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1). Subsequently, RT-activated CAFs promoted survival of colorectal cancer cells, as well as a metabolic switch favoring glutamine consumption through IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) activation. RT followed by IGF1R neutralization in orthotopic colorectal cancer models reduced the number of mice with organ metastases. Activation of the downstream IGF1R mediator mTOR was significantly higher in matched (intrapatient) samples and in unmatched (interpatient) samples from rectal cancer patients after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Taken together, our data support the notion that paracrine IGF1/IGF1R signaling initiated by RT-activated CAF worsens colorectal cancer progression, establishing a preclinical rationale to target this activation loop to further improve clinical responses and patient survival.Significance: These findings reveal that paracrine IGF1/IGF1R signaling promotes colorectal cancer progression, establishing a preclinical rationale to target this activation loop. Cancer Res; 78(3); 659-70. ©2017 AACR.

Intratumoral stromal morphometry predicts disease recurrence but not response to 5-fluorouracil-results from the QUASAR trial of colorectal cancer

AIMS

The biological importance of tumour-associated stroma is becoming increasingly apparent, but its clinical utility remains ill-defined. For stage II/Dukes B colorectal cancer (CRC), clinical biomarkers are urgently required to direct therapeutic options. We report here prognostic/predictive analyses, and molecular associations, of stromal morphometric quantification in the Quick and Simple and Reliable (QUASAR) trial of CRC.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Relative proportions of tumour epithelium (PoT) or stroma (PoS) were morphometrically quantified on digitised haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) sections derived from 1800 patients enrolled in QUASAR, which randomised 3239 (91% stage II) CRC patients between adjuvant fluorouracil/folinic acid (FUFA) chemotherapy and observation. The prognostic and predictive values of PoT/PoS measurements were determined by the use of stratified log-rank analyses. A high proportion of tumour stroma (≥50%) was associated with an increased recurrence risk: 31.3% (143/457) recurrence for ≥50% versus 21.9% (294/1343) for <50% [rate ratio (RR) 1.62; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.30-2.02; P < 0.0001]. Of patients with stromal proportions of ≥65%, 40% (46/115) had recurrent disease within 10 years. The adverse prognostic effect of a high stromal proportion was independent of established prognostic variables, and was maintained in stage II/Dukes B patients (RR 1.62; 95% CI 1.26-2.08; P = 0.0002). KRAS mutation in the presence of a high stromal proportion augmented recurrence risk (RR 2.93; 95% CI 1.87-4.59; P = 0.0005). Stromal morphometry did not predict response to FUFA chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Simple digital morphometry applied to a single representative H&E section identifies CRC patients with a >50% higher risk of disease recurrence. This technique can reliably partition patients into subpopulations with different risks of tumour recurrence in a simple and cost-effective manner. Further prospective validation is warranted.

Loss of claudin-3 expression induces IL6/gp130/Stat3 signaling to promote colon cancer malignancy by hyperactivating Wnt/β-catenin signaling

The Hyperactivated Wnt/β-catenin signaling acts as a switch to induce EMT and promote colorectal cancer. However, due to its essential role in gut homeostasis, therapeutic targeting of this pathway has proven challenging. Additionally, IL-6/Stat-3 signaling, activated by microbial translocation through the dysregulated mucosal barrier in colon adenomas, facilitates the adenoma to adenocarcinomas transition. However, inter-dependence between these signaling pathways and key mucosal barrier components in regulating colon tumorigenesis and cancer progression remains unclear. In current study, we have discovered, using a comprehensive investigative regimen, a novel and tissue specific role of claudin-3, a tight junction integral protein, in inhibiting colon cancer progression by serving as the common rheostat of Stat-3 and Wnt-signaling activation. Loss of claudin-3 also predicted poor patient survival. These findings however contrasted an upregulated claudin-3 expression in other cancer types and implicated role of the epigenetic regulation. Claudin-3−/− mice revealed dedifferentiated and leaky colonic epithelium, and developed invasive adenocarcinoma when subjected to colon cancer. Wnt-signaling hyperactivation, albeit in GSK-3β independent manner, differentiated colon cancer in claudin-3−/− mice versus WT-mice. Claudin-3 loss also upregulated the gp130/IL6/Stat3 signaling in colonic epithelium potentially assisted by infiltrating immune components. Genetic and pharmacological studies confirmed that claudin-3 loss induces Wnt/β-catenin activation, which is further exacerbated by Stat-3-activation and help promote colon cancer. Overall, these novel findings identify claudin-3 as a therapeutic target for inhibiting overactivation of Wnt-signaling to prevent CRC malignancy.

The association of vimentin and fibronectin gene expression with epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor malignancy in colorectal carcinoma

Colorectal cancer is the most common malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract with very high mortality. One of the most distinguishing features for the establishment of an epithelial-mesenchymal transition phenotype is the alteration of mesenchymal markers expression and structural adhesion proteins. We evaluated the significance of vimentin and fibronectin gene expression in relation to invasion and metastasis in CRC patients. Tissue specimens were collected consecutively from forty-five colorectal carcinoma patients during surgeries. Tissues were divided into two separate parts for pathological and molecular assays. In order to histological staging, tissue sections were prepared from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin. To quantify gene expression, specimens were dissected and homogenized. Moreover, SW480, SW48, SW948, Caco-2, HT-29 and LS174T as human colon cancer cell lines were obtained and cultured, then molecular analyzing was performed. As results the expression of VIM gene increased in SW480, SW48 and SW948 while it decreased in Caco-2, HT-29 and LS174T. Moreover, FN was up-regulated in Caco-2, HT-29 and SW948, while it was down-regulated in SW480, SW48 and LS174T. In tissues, vimentin and fibronectin expression significantly increased in stromal cells, whereas vimentin decreased in colonic epithelial cells and fibronectin had no significant change. Vimentin and fibronectin expression were changed in tumor tissues. It was found an association between vimentin expression with age and tumor size; over-expression in older age and decreasing in larger tumor size. Furthermore, fibronectin over-expression is correlated to older age and high tumor stages; up-regulation with increasing age and high tumor stages.