Cell surface localization of importin α1/KPNA2 affects cancer cell proliferation by regulating FGF1 signalling

Distribution of importin-α isoforms in poultry species and their tissue- and age-related differences

While importin-α is well studied in mammals, the knowledge in avian species is still limited. In this study, we compared the mRNA expression patterns of five importin-α isoforms in the respiratory tract, liver, and spleen of chickens, turkeys, and pekin ducks in two different age-groups. In addition, we determined the distribution of importin-α in selected tissue of conchae, trachea, and lung of post-hatch chickens at all cellular levels by immunohistochemical staining. Our results indicate that importin-α3 is the most abundant isoform in the respiratory tract of chickens, turkeys, and pekin ducks. Moreover, importin-α is expressed as a gradient with lowest mRNA levels in the conchae and highest levels in the lung. The mRNA expression levels of most isoforms were higher in tissues from post-hatch chickens and turkeys in comparison to the corresponding embryos. In contrast to that, duck embryos mostly show higher mRNA expression levels of importin-α than post-hatch ducks.

Extended-Synaptotagmin 1 Enhances Liver Cancer Progression Mediated by the Unconventional Secretion of Cytosolic Proteins

Extended-synaptotagmin 1 (E-Syt1) is an endoplasmic reticulum membrane protein that is involved in cellular lipid transport. Our previous study identified E-Syt1 as a key factor for the unconventional protein secretion of cytoplasmic proteins in liver cancer, such as protein kinase C delta (PKCδ); however, it is unclear whether E-Syt1 is involved in tumorigenesis. Here, we showed that E-Syt1 contributes to the tumorigenic potential of liver cancer cells. E-Syt1 depletion significantly suppressed the proliferation of liver cancer cell lines. Database analysis revealed that E-Syt1 expression is a prognostic factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Immunoblot analysis and cell-based extracellular HiBiT assays showed that E-Syt1 was required for the unconventional secretion of PKCδ in liver cancer cells. Furthermore, deficiency of E-Syt1 suppressed the activation of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) and extracellular-signal-related kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2), both of which are signaling pathways mediated by extracellular PKCδ. Three-dimensional sphere formation and xenograft model analysis revealed that E-Syt1 knockout significantly decreased tumorigenesis in liver cancer cells. These results provide evidence that E-Syt1 is critical for oncogenesis and is a therapeutic target for liver cancer.

Cancer-Related Unconventional Protein Secretion: A New Role of the Endoplasmic Reticulum

Unconventional protein secretion (UPS) is a crucial mechanism controlling the localization of cytosolic proteins lacking signal peptides and is implicated in inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Several previous studies on immune cells have demonstrated the mechanisms of UPS. In cancer, the active secretion of several cytosolic proteins, including PKCδ and nucleolin, has been described. Moreover, we have recently demonstrated that extended synaptotagmin 1, one of the membrane proteins of the endoplasmic reticulum, plays a critical role in UPS in liver cancer cells. Importantly, UPS in cancer cells shows characteristics that are markedly different from those of the previously known UPS, and therefore, we categorize them as cancer-related UPS (CUPS). In this article, we provide an overview of UPS mechanisms and discuss the process that leads to the naming of cancer-specific UPS as CUPS.

KPNA2 promotes angiogenesis by regulating STAT3 phosphorylation

PURPOSE

Angiogenesis is involved in many pathological and physiological processes and is mainly driven by hypoxia. Karyopherin subunit alpha 2 (KPNA2), a member of the nuclear transport protein family, was recently shown to be induced by hypoxia in various types of tumours, so we aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of KPNA2 in angiogenesis under hypoxia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After overexpression or knockdown of KPNA2 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) by adenovirus vector infection, the tube formation, proliferation and migration of HUVEC under hypoxia were detected by tubule formation assay, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining and Transwell assay, respectively. After overexpression or knockdown of KPNA2 in a murine hindlimb ischemia model by local injection of purified adenovirus vector into the gastrocnemius muscle, blood flow changes were examined with a laser Doppler system. Changes in KPNA2-binding proteins under hypoxia were detected by immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry (IP-MS) and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). The effect of KPNA2 on signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was detected by Western blotting and quantitative RT‒PCR.

RESULTS

KPNA2 was upregulated in the HUVEC hypoxia model and murine hindlimb ischemia model. Overexpression of KPNA2 increased the proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVEC under hypoxia, while knockdown of KPNA2 reduced the proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVEC. Overexpression of KPNA2 promoted the restoration of blood flow in the murine hindlimb ischemia model, while knockout of KPNA2 inhibited the restoration of blood flow in the murine hindlimb ischemia model. Mechanistically, hypoxia promoted the binding of STAT3 to KPNA2. Overexpression of KPNA2 promoted STAT3 phosphorylation and then upregulated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin 2(ANGPT2), whereas knockdown of KPNA2 inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation and then downregulated VEGF and ANGPT2.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that hypoxia promotes the binding of STAT3 to KPNA2 and KPNA2 promotes angiogenesis under hypoxia by promoting the binding of STAT3 and JAK1 and regulating STAT3 phosphorylation.

Extended-synaptotagmin 1 engages in unconventional protein secretion mediated via SEC22B+ vesicle pathway in liver cancer

Protein secretion in cancer cells defines tumor survival and progression by orchestrating the microenvironment. Studies suggest the occurrence of active secretion of cytosolic proteins in liver cancer and their involvement in tumorigenesis. Here, we investigated the identification of extended-synaptotagmin 1 (E-Syt1), an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-bound protein, as a key mediator for cytosolic protein secretion at the ER-plasma membrane (PM) contact sites. Cytosolic proteins interacted with E-Syt1 on the ER, and then localized spatially inside SEC22B⁺ vesicles of liver cancer cells. Consequently, SEC22B on the vesicle tethered to the PM via Q-SNAREs (SNAP23, SNX3, and SNX4) for their secretion. Furthermore, inhibiting the interaction of protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ), a liver cancer-specific secretory cytosolic protein, with E-Syt1 by a PKCδ antibody, decreased in both PKCδ secretion and tumorigenicity. Results reveal the role of ER-PM contact sites in cytosolic protein secretion and provide a basis for ER-targeting therapy for liver cancer.

Extracellular PKCδ signals to EGF receptor for tumor proliferation in liver cancer cells

Protein kinase C delta (PKCδ) is a multifunctional PKC family member and has been implicated in many types of cancers, including liver cancer. Recently, we have reported that PKCδ is secreted from liver cancer cells, and involved in cell proliferation and tumor growth. However, it remains unclear whether the extracellular PKCδ directly regulates cell surface growth factor receptors. Here, we identify epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as a novel interacting protein of the cell surface PKCδ in liver cancer cells. Imaging studies showed that secreted PKCδ interacted with EGFR‐expressing cells in both autocrine and paracrine manners. Biochemical analysis revealed that PKCδ bound to the extracellular domain of EGFR. We further found that a part of the amino acid sequence on the C‐terminal region of PKCδ was similar to the putative EGFR binding site of EGF. In this regard, the point mutant of PKCδ in the binding site lacked the ability to bind to the extracellular domain of EGFR. Upon an extracellular PKCδ‐EGFR association, ERK1/2 activation, downstream of EGFR signaling, was apparently induced in liver cancer cells. This study indicates that extracellular PKCδ behaves as a growth factor and provides a molecular basis for extracellular PKCδ‐targeting therapy for liver cancer.

Bisphenol A replacement chemicals, BPF and BPS, induce protumorigenic changes in human mammary gland organoid morphology and proteome

SignificanceBisphenol A (BPA), found in many plastic products, has weak estrogenic effects that can be harmful to human health. Thus, structurally related replacements-bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF)-are coming into wider use with very few data about their biological activities. Here, we compared the effects of BPA, BPS, and BPF on human mammary organoids established from normal breast tissue. BPS disrupted organoid architecture and induced supernumerary branching. At a proteomic level, the bisphenols altered the abundance of common targets and those that were unique to each compound. The latter included proteins linked to tumor-promoting processes. These data highlighted the importance of testing the human health effects of replacements that are structurally related to chemicals of concern.

Multiple subcellular localizations and functions of protein kinase Cδ in liver cancer

Protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ) is a member of the PKC family, and its implications have been reported in various biological and cancerous processes, including cell proliferation, cell death, tumor suppression, and tumor progression. In liver cancer cells, accumulating reports show the bi-functional regulation of PKCδ in cell death and survival. PKCδ function is defined by various factors, such as phosphorylation, catalytic domain cleavage, and subcellular localization. PKCδ has multiple intracellular distribution patterns, ranging from the cytosol to the nucleus. We recently found a unique extracellular localization of PKCδ in liver cancer and its growth factor-like function in liver cancer cells. In this review, we first discuss the structural features of PKCδ and then focus on the functional diversity of PKCδ based on its subcellular localization, such as the nucleus, cell surface, and extracellular space. These findings improve our knowledge of PKCδ involvement in the progression of liver cancer.

Effects of Importin α1/KPNA1 deletion and adolescent social isolation stress on psychiatric disorder-associated behaviors in mice

Importin α1/KPNA1 is a member of the Importin α family widely present in the mammalian brain and has been characterized as a regulator of neuronal differentiation, synaptic functionality, and anxiety-like behavior. In humans, a de novo mutation of the KPNA1 (human Importin α5) gene has been linked with schizophrenia; however, the precise roles of KPNA1 in disorder-related behaviors are still unknown. Moreover, as recent studies have highlighted the importance of gene-environment interactions in the development of psychiatric disorders, we investigated the effects of Kpna1 deletion and social isolation stress, a paradigm that models social stress factors found in human patients, on psychiatric disorder-related behaviors in mice. Through assessment in a behavioral battery, we found that Kpna1 knockout resulted in the following behavioral phenotype: (1) decreased anxiety-like behavior in an elevated plus maze test, (2) short term memory deficits in novel object recognition test (3) impaired sensorimotor gating in a prepulse inhibition test. Importantly, exposure to social isolation stress resulted in additional behavioral abnormalities where isolated Kpna1 knockout mice exhibited: (1) impaired aversive learning and/or memory in the inhibitory avoidance test, as well as (2) increased depression-like behavior in the forced swim test. Furthermore, we investigated whether mice showed alterations in plasma levels of stress-associated signal molecules (corticosterone, cytokines, hormones, receptors), and found that Kpna1 knockout significantly altered levels of corticosterone and LIX (CXCL5). Moreover, significant decreases in the level of prolactin were found in all groups except for group-housed wild type mice. Our findings demonstrate that Kpna1 deletion can trigger widespread behavioral abnormalities associated with psychiatric disorders, some of which were further exacerbated by exposure to adolescent social isolation. The use of Kpna1 knockout mice as a model for psychiatric disorders may show promise for further investigation of gene-environment interactions involved in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders.

Role of PGPR on the physiology of sunflower irrigated with produced water containing high total dissolved solids (TDS) and its residual effects on soil fertility

The present study was conducted to evaluate the bioremediation potential of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) PGPR isolates from high total dissolved solids (TDS) bearing produced water on the water quality, soil physicochemical properties and growth and physiology of sunflower irrigated with high TDS bearing produced water having salinity level 130 times higher above seawater and also containing traces of oil and grease. Seeds of sunflower hybrid Parsun 3 were soaked for 3-4 h prior to sowing in 72 h old culture of PGPR strains W1 and W2 isolated from high TDS bearing polluted water. The control plants were irrigated with 90% diluted TDS water supplemented with 5 ml LB media. Whereas, the inoculated plants were irrigated with 90% diluted TDS water supplemented with 5 ml PGPR inocula.in LB media. The plants were grown under natural conditions. The 16S rRNA sequence analyses identified the isolate W1 bearing 100% similarity with the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) Ralstonia pickettii and W2 bearing 99.7% similarity with Brevibacillus invocatus. Both the isolate were catalase and oxidase positive. The Ralstonia pickettii and Brevibacillus invocatus treatments decreased the EC and TDS values significantly such that the EC and TDS values of 90% diluted TDS water were 29 times and 19 times higher than tap water. Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), organic matter, nitrogen, potassium, magnesium and carbon content were 1.96, 1.10, 2.28 1.20, 6.63 and 1.00 times greater than control in the rhizosphere soil of Ralstonia pickettii inoculated plants irrigated with high TDS bearing water There were significant increases in plant growth, sugar, flavonoids and phenolics, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids content and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase in plants inoculated with Ralstonia pickettii and Brevibacillus invocatus. The flavonoids, phenolics and proline contents were 0.54, 0.72 and 0.30 times higher in Ralstonia pickettii inoculated plants. Shoot/root dry weight ratio was about (50%) lower than control in Ralstonia pickettii and Brevibacillus invocatus treatments. Ralstonia pickettii was more effective than Brevibacillus invocatus to combat oxidative and osmotic stresses. It is inferred that the high TDS bearing produced water from oil factory harbor Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) having the potential to combat high salinity stress in plants when used as bioinoculant. The broth culture containing the bacteria may be supplemented with the saline water used for irrigation as it provides nutrients for the growth and proliferation of bacteria present in the saline water and hence the synergistic action of bacterial inocula with the indigenous bacteria present in saline water may better alleviate osmotic and oxidative stresses of plants encountered under salinity stress. The residual effect of Ralstonia pickettii on organic matter and Ca, Mg, K and P content of the rhizosphere soil was notably higher for succeeding crops. Novelty statement This is the first report demonstrating that rhizobacteria can proliferate in water containing salinity higher above seawater in addition to oil grease and TSS. Their efficiency to reduce TDS can be augmented by an exogenous supply of LB broth culture of PGPR isolated from the polluted water. These indigenous rhizobacteria when used as bioinoculant on the plant can act as plant growth promoters as well as bioremediation of salinity effects.

Importins: Diverse roles in male fertility

Regulated nucleocytoplasmic transport is central to the changes in gene expression that underpin cellular development and homeostasis, including in the testis, and proteins in the importin family are the predominant facilitators of cargo transport through the nuclear envelope. Reports documenting cell-specific profiles of importin transcripts and proteins during spermatogenesis led us to hypothesize that importins facilitate developmental switches in the testis. More recently, importins have been shown to serve additional functions, both inside and outside the nucleus; these include acting as subcellular scaffolding, mediating cellular stress responses, and controlling transcription. This paper seeks to provide an overview and update on the functions of importin proteins, with a focus on testis development and spermatogenesis. We present an extended survey of importins by combining published single cell RNAseq data with immunohistochemistry on developing and adult mouse testes. This approach reinforces and broadens knowledge of importins in biological processes, including in spermatogenesis and during testis development, revealing additional avenues for impactful investigations.

Membrane association of importin α facilitates viral entry into salivary gland cells of vector insects

The importin α family belongs to the conserved nuclear transport pathway in eukaryotes. However, the biological functions of importin α in the plasma membrane are still elusive. Here, we report that importin α, as a plasma membrane-associated protein, is exploited by the rice stripe virus (RSV) to enter vector insect cells, especially salivary gland cells. When the expression of three importin α genes was simultaneously knocked down, few virions entered the salivary glands of the small brown planthopper, Laodelphax striatellus Through hemocoel inoculation of virions, only importin α2 was found to efficiently regulate viral entry into insect salivary-gland cells. Importin α2 bound the nucleocapsid protein of RSV with a relatively high affinity through its importin β-binding (IBB) domain, with a dissociation constant K _D of 9.1 μM. Furthermore, importin α2 and its IBB domain showed a distinct distribution in the plasma membrane through binding to heparin in heparan sulfate proteoglycan. When the expression of importin α2 was knocked down in viruliferous planthoppers or in nonviruliferous planthoppers before they acquired virions, the viral transmission efficiency of the vector insects in terms of the viral amount and disease incidence in rice was dramatically decreased. These findings not only reveal the specific function of the importin α family in the plasma membrane utilized by viruses, but also provide a promising target gene in vector insects for manipulation to efficiently control outbreaks of rice stripe disease.

Novel insights into the interaction between long non-coding RNAs and microRNAs in glioma

Glioma is the most common brain tumor of the central nervous system. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified to play a vital role in the initiation and progression of glioma, including tumor cell proliferation, survival, apoptosis, invasion, and therapy resistance. New documents emerged, which indicated that the interaction between long non-coding RNAs and miRNAs contributes to the tumorigenesis and pathogenesis of glioma. LncRNAs can act as competing for endogenous RNA (ceRNA), and molecular sponge/deregulator in regulating miRNAs. These interactions stimulate different molecular signaling pathways in glioma, including the lncRNAs/miRNAs/Wnt/β-catenin molecular signaling pathway, the lncRNAs/miRNAs/PI3K/AKT/mTOR molecular signaling pathway, the lncRNAs-miRNAs/MAPK kinase molecular signaling pathway, and the lncRNAs/miRNAs/NF-κB molecular signaling pathway. In this paper, the basic roles and molecular interactions of the lncRNAs and miRNAs pathway glioma were summarized to better understand the pathogenesis and tumorigenesis of glioma.

Heparan Sulfate Synthesized by Ext1 Regulates Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Signaling and Promotes Resistance to EGFR Inhibitors in GBM

Signaling from multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) contributes to therapeutic resistance in glioblastoma (GBM). Heparan sulfate (HS), present on cell surfaces and in the extracellular matrix, regulates cell signaling via several mechanisms. To investigate the role for HS in promoting RTK signaling in GBM, we generated neural progenitor cells deficient for HS by knockout of the essential HS-biosynthetic enzyme Ext1, and studied tumor initiation and progression. HS-null cells had decreased proliferation, invasion, and reduced activation of multiple RTKs compared with control. In vivo tumor establishment was significantly decreased, and rate of tumor growth reduced with HS-deficient cells implanted in an HS-poor microenvironment. To investigate if HS regulates RTK activation through platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα) signaling, we removed cell surface HS in patient-derived GBM lines and identified reduced cell surface PDGF-BB ligand. Reduced ligand levels were associated with decreased phosphorylation of PDGFRα, suggesting HS promotes ligand-receptor interaction. Using human GBM tumorspheres and a murine GBM model, we show that ligand-mediated signaling can partially rescue cells from targeted RTK inhibition and that this effect is regulated by HS. Indeed, tumor cells deficient for HS had increased sensitivity to EGFR inhibition in vitro and in vivo. IMPLICATIONS: Our study shows that HS expressed on tumor cells and in the tumor microenvironment regulates ligand-mediated signaling, promoting tumor cell proliferation and invasion, and these factors contribute to decreased tumor cell response to targeted RTK inhibition.

Unconventional Secretion of PKCδ Exerts Tumorigenic Function via Stimulation of ERK1/2 Signaling in Liver Cancer

Expression of human protein kinase C delta (PKCδ) protein has been linked to many types of cancers. PKCδ is known to be a multifunctional PKC family member and has been rigorously studied as an intracellular signaling molecule. Here we show that PKCδ is a secretory protein that regulates cell growth of liver cancer. Full-length PKCδ was secreted to the extracellular space in living liver cancer cells under normal cell culture conditions and in xenograft mouse models. Patients with liver cancer showed higher levels of serum PKCδ than patients with chronic hepatitis or liver cirrhosis or healthy individuals. In liver cancer cells, PKCδ secretion was executed in an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-Golgi-independent manner, and the inactivation status of cytosolic PKCδ was required for its secretion. Furthermore, colocalization studies showed that extracellular PKCδ was anchored on the cell surface of liver cancer cells via association with glypican 3, a liver cancer-related heparan sulfate proteoglycan. Addition of exogenous PKCδ activated IGF-1 receptor (IGF1R) activation and subsequently enhanced activation of ERK1/2, which led to accelerated cell growth in liver cancer cells. Conversely, treatment with anti-PKCδ antibody attenuated activation of both IGF1R and ERK1/2 and reduced cell proliferation and spheroid formation of liver cancer cells and tumor growth in xenograft mouse models. This study demonstrates the presence of PKCδ at the extracellular space and the function of PKCδ as a growth factor and provides a rationale for the extracellular PKCδ-targeting therapy of liver cancer. SIGNIFICANCE: PKCδ secretion from liver cancer cells behaves as a humoral growth factor that contributes to cell growth via activation of proliferative signaling molecules, which may be potential diagnostic or therapeutic targets.

Transportin-2 plays a critical role in nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of oestrogen receptor-α

Oestrogen receptor-α (ERα) shuttles continuously between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, and functions as an oestrogen-dependent transcription factor in the nucleus and as an active mediator of signalling pathways, such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT, in the cytoplasm. However, little is known regarding the mechanism of ERα nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. In this study, we found that ERα is transported into the nucleus by importin-α/β1. Furthermore, we found that Transportin-2 (TNPO2) is involved in 17β-oestradiol (E2)-dependent cytoplasmic localisation of ERα. Interestingly, it was found that TNPO2 does not mediate nuclear export, but rather is involved in the cytoplasmic retention of ERα via the proline/tyrosine (PY) motifs. Moreover, we found that TNPO2 competitively binds to the basic nuclear localisation signal (NLS) of ERα with importin-α to inhibit importin-α/β-dependent ERα nuclear import. Finally, we confirmed that TNPO2 knockdown enhances the nuclear localisation of wild-type ERα and reduces PI3K/AKT phosphorylation in the presence of E2. These results reveal that TNPO2 regulates nucleocytoplasmic shuttling and cytoplasmic retention of ERα, so that ERα has precise functions depending on the stimulation.

Interactions of fibroblast growth factors with sulfated galactofucan from Saccharina japonica

A total 68 types of marine algae oligosaccharides and polysaccharides were prepared and used to study the structure-activity relationship of oligosaccharides and polysaccharides in their interactions with fibroblast growth factors (FGF) 1 and 2. Factors considered include different types of algae, extraction methods, molecular weight, sulfate content and fractions. In the case of low molecular weight polysaccharide (SJ-D) from Saccharina japonica and its fractions eluting from anion exchange column, both 1.0 M NaCl fraction (SJ-D-I) and 2.0 M NaCl fraction (SJ-D-S) had stronger binding affinity than the parent SJ-D, suggesting that sulfated galactofucans represented the major tight binding component. Nuclear magnetic resonance showed that SJ-D-I was a typical sulfated galactofucan, composed of four units: 1, 3-linked 4-sulfated α-L-fucose (Fuc); 1, 3-linked 2, 4-disulfated α-L-Fuc; 1, 6-linked 4-sulfated β-D-Gal and/or 1, 6-linked 3, 4-sulfated β-D-Gal. Modification by autohydrolysis to oligosaccharides and desulfation decreased the FGF binding affinity while oversulfation increased the affinity. The solution-based affinities of SJ-D-I to FGF1 and FGF2 were 69 nM and 3.9 nM, suggesting that SJ-D-I showed better preferentially binding to FGF1 than a natural ligand, heparin, suggesting that sulfated galactofucan might represent a good regulator of FGF1.

Stemness Related Genes Revealed by Network Analysis Associated With Tumor Immune Microenvironment and the Clinical Outcome in Lung Adenocarcinoma

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the leading fatal malignancy with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, due to its complicated mechanism and lack of effective clinical therapeutics, early diagnosis and prognosis are still unsatisfactory. Most of the previous studies focused on cancer stem cells (CSCs), the relationship between cancer stemness (stem-like characteristics) and anti-tumor immunity has not been clearly revealed. Therefore, this study aimed to comprehensively analyze the role of cancer stemness and tumor microenvironment (TME) in LUAD using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). We constructed a gene co-expression network, identified key modules, and hub genes, and further explored the relationship between hub gene expression and cancer immunological characteristics through a variety of algorithms, including Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumor tissues using Expression data (ESTIMATE) and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). The hub genes were renamed stemness related genes (SRGs), whose functions were examined at the transcription and protein levels through survival analysis with additional samples, Oncomine database, immunohistochemistry, single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA). Subsequently, Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) and Connectivity Map (CMap) were implemented for treatment and prognosis analyses. As a result, 15 co-expressed SRGs (CCNA2, CCNB1, CDC20, CDCA5, CDCA8, FEN1, KIF2C, KPNA2, MCM6, NUSAP1, RACGAP1, RRM2, SPAG5, TOP2A, and TPX2) were identified. The overexpression of which was discovered to be associated with reduced immune infiltration in LUAD. It was discovered that there was a general negative correlation between cancer stemness and immunity. The expression of SRGs could probably affect our tumor occurrence, progression, the efficacy of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, and clinical outcomes. In conclusion, the 15 SRGs reported in our study may be used as potential candidate biomarkers for prognostic indicators and therapeutic targets after further validation.

Intracellular partners of fibroblast growth factors 1 and 2 - implications for functions

Fibroblast growth factors 1 and 2 (FGF1 and FGF2) are mainly considered as ligands of surface receptors through which they regulate a broad spectrum of biological processes. They are secreted in non-canonical way and, unlike other growth factors, they are able to translocate from the endosome to the cell interior. These unique features, as well as the role of the intracellular pool of FGF1 and FGF2, are far from being fully understood. An increasing number of reports address this problem, focusing on the intracellular interactions of FGF1 and 2. Here, we summarize the current state of knowledge of the FGF1 and FGF2 binding partners inside the cell and the possible role of these interactions. The partner proteins are grouped according to their function, including proteins involved in secretion, cell signaling, nucleocytoplasmic transport, binding and processing of nucleic acids, ATP binding, and cytoskeleton assembly. An in-depth analysis of the network of these binding partners could indicate novel, non-classical functions of FGF1 and FGF2 and uncover an additional level of a fine control of the well-known FGF-regulated cellular processes.

Identification of Molecular Signatures in Mild Intrinsic Atopic Dermatitis by Bioinformatics Analysis

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is recognized as a common inflammatory skin disease and frequently occurred in Asian and Black individuals.

Objective

Since the limitation of dataset associated with human severe AD, this study aimed to screen potential novel biomarkers involved in mild AD.

Methods

Expression profile data (GSE75890) were obtained from the database of Gene Expression Omnibus. Using limma package, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between samples from AD and healthy control were selected. Furthermore, function analysis was conducted. Meanwhile, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and transcription factor (TF)-miRNA-target regulatory network were constructed. And quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to validate the expressions patterns of key genes.

Results

In total, 285 DEGs including 214 upregulated and 71 downregulated genes were identified between samples from two groups. The upregulated DEGs were mainly involved in nine pathways, such as hematopoietic cell lineage, pertussis, p53 signaling pathway, staphylococcus aureus infection, and cell cycle, while tight junction was the only pathway enriched by the downregulated DEGs. Cyclin B (CCNB)1, CCNB2, cyclin A (CCNA)2, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL)10, and CXCL9 were key nodes in PPI network. The TF-miRNA-target gene regulatory network focused on miRNAs such as miR-106b, miR-106a, and miR-17, TFs such as nuclear factor kappa B subunit 1, RELA proto-oncogene, Sp1 transcription factor, and genes such as matrix metallopeptidase 9, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma , and serpin family E member 1. Moreover, the upregulation of these genes, including CCNB1, CCNB2, CCNA2, CXCL10, and CXCL9 were confirmed by qRT-PCR.

Conclusion

CCNB1, CCNB2, CCNA2, and CXCL9 might be novel markers of mild AD. miR-106b and miR-17 may involve in regulation of immune response in AD patients.

Overexpression of Karyopherin Subunit alpha 2 (KPNA2) Predicts Unfavorable Prognosis and Promotes Bladder Cancer Tumorigenicity via the P53 Pathway

Background

We sought to investigate the expression of KPNA2 in bladder cancer (BC) and its relationship with prognosis, and to analyze the potential mechanism of KPNA2 in promoting BC progression.

Material/Methods

The RNA-seq data on BC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were imported into R statistical software for differential analysis. The clinical data for patients with BC were screened and analyzed with R software. The survival curve was drawn with the Kaplan-Meier Plotter. The expression of KPNA2 in 4 human BC cell lines and a human bladder epithelial cell line was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting (WB). The proliferation of BC cells was detected with Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), detection of apoptosis, and flow cytometry, and the migration and invasion of BC cells were detected through Transwell assays. WB was used to detect proteins involved in the P53 pathway.

Results

The expression of KPNA2 was higher in BC. The difference in KPNA2 expression was associated with many clinicopathological factors, and high expression of KPNA2 was associated with shorter survival time. After KPNA2 knockout, the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability decreased significantly, the cell cycle was clearly arrested in the G0/G1 phase, and the number of apoptotic cells increased. Moreover, CyclinD1, BCL2, and pro-caspase3 decreased significantly, whereas P53, P21, BAX, and cleaved-caspase3 increased significantly. The results in the overexpression group were the opposite of results in the knockdown group.

Conclusions

KPNA2 is an oncogenic factor that facilitates BC tumorigenicity through the P53 pathway.

The emerging roles of KPNA2 in cancer

Karyopherin α2 (KPNA2, also known as importinα-1), a member of the nuclear transporter family, is involved in the nucleocytoplasmic transport pathway of a variety of tumor-associated proteins. Recent studies have found that KPNA2 is overexpressed in various cancers, which is associated with poor prognosis. In addition, it has been shown to promote tumor formation and progression by participating in cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, immune response, and viral infection. It is indicated that KPNA2 also plays an important role in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of tumors. Herein, we provide an overview of the function and mechanism of KPNA2 in cancer and the prospects in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In the future, KPNA2 provides new ideas for the early diagnosis of malignant tumors, the development of molecularly targeted drugs, and prognosis evaluation.

Silencing of KPNA2 inhibits high glucose-induced podocyte injury via inactivation of mTORC1/p70S6K signaling pathway

Dysregulation of apoptotic and autophagic function are characterized as the main pathogeneses of diabetic nephropathy (DN). It has been reported that Karyopherin Alpha 2 (KPNA2) contributes to apoptosis and autophagy in various cells, but its role in DN development remains unknown. The purpose of present study was to explore the function and underling mechanisms of KPNA2 in development of DN. In this study, 30 mM high glucose (HG)-evoked podocytes were used as DN model. The expression of KPNA2 was detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot assays. The cell viability was tested by CCK-8 kit, the apoptosis was measured using flow cytometry assay, the apoptotic and the autophagy related genes was detected by Western blot. Our results indicated that KPNA2 was significantly increased after HG stimulation. Knockdown of KPNA2 inhibited apoptosis, and promoted cell viability and autophagy in HG-treated podocytes. In addition, silencing of KPNA2 deactivated mTORC1/p70S6K pathway activation via regulating SLC1A5. Further results demonstrated that activating mTORC1/p70S6K pathway strongly ameliorated the effect of KPNA2 on cell viability, apoptosis and autophagy. Therefore, our study suggested that knockdown of KPNA2 rescued HG-induced injury via blocking activation of mTORC1/p70S6K pathway by mediating SLC1A5.

Karyopherin Alpha 2 Is an Adverse Prognostic Factor in Clear-Cell and Papillary Renal-Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Karyopherin α2 (KPNA2) is involved in the nucleocytoplasmic transport system and is functionally involved in the pathogenesis of various solid tumors by the translocation of cancer associated cargo proteins. However, the role of KPNA2 in renal-cell carcinoma (RCC) is still unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protein expression of KPNA2 in cancerous and healthy renal tissues to evaluate its prognostic value in RCC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We assessed KPNA2 protein expression via immunohistochemistry in a well-characterized cohort of 240 RCC patients by using a quantitative image analysis software. In addition, we analyzed publicly available gene expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).

RESULTS

A subgroup of clear-cell RCC (ccRCC) showed elevated protein expression levels of KPNA2. Most remarkably, we detected a correlation between high KPNA2 protein expression and shorter overall survival times as well as higher tumor stage and International Society of Urologic Pathology grade in ccRCC. However, the prognostic value of KPNA2 was not confirmed by multivariate Cox regression analysis when tested together with strong prognostic factors like tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, International Society of Urologic Pathology grade, and resection status. The results of the TCGA gene expression data analysis confirmed the prognostic value of KPNA2 in ccRCC. Additionally, KPNA2 expression was identified as an adverse factor in papillary RCC at the transcript level.

CONCLUSION

KPNA2 appears to be involved in the carcinogenesis of RCC and functions as a novel prognostic indicator.

Aberrant expression of KPNA2 is associated with a poor prognosis and contributes to OCT4 nuclear transportation in bladder cancer

Recent studies show that Karyopherin alpha 2 (KPNA2) is up-regulated in quite a number of cancers and associated with poor prognosis. Here, we found that expression levels of KPNA2 and OCT4 are up-regulated in bladder cancer tissues and significantly associated with primary tumor stage and bladder cancer patients' poorer prognosis. Our data also showed decreased cell proliferation and migration rates of bladder cancer cell lines when the expression of KPNA2 and OCT4 was silenced. Meanwhile, cell apoptosis rate was increased. Furthermore, Co-IP and immunofluorescence assay showed the KPNA2 interacts with OCT4 and inhibits OCT4 nuclear transportation when KPNA2 was silenced. Thus, we confirmed that up-regulated KPNA2 and OCT4 expression is a common feature of bladder cancer that is correlated with increased aggressive tumor behavior. Also, we propose that KPNA2 regulates the process of OCT4 nuclear transportation in bladder cancer.

Importin α: functions as a nuclear transport factor and beyond

Nucleocytoplasmic transport is an essential process in eukaryotes. The molecular mechanisms underlying nuclear transport that involve the nuclear transport receptor, small GTPase Ran, and the nuclear pore complex are highly conserved from yeast to humans. On the other hand, it has become clear that the nuclear transport system diverged during evolution to achieve various physiological functions in multicellular eukaryotes. In this review, we first summarize the molecular mechanisms of nuclear transport and how these were elucidated. Then, we focus on the diverse functions of importin α, which acts not merely an import factor but also as a multi-functional protein contributing to a variety of cellular functions in higher eukaryotes.

Two isoforms of TALDO1 generated by alternative translational initiation show differential nucleocytoplasmic distribution to regulate the global metabolic network

Transaldolase 1 (TALDO1) is a rate-limiting enzyme involved in the pentose phosphate pathway, which is traditionally thought to occur in the cytoplasm. In this study, we found that the gene TALDO1 has two translational initiation sites, generating two isoforms that differ by the presence of the first 10 N-terminal amino acids. Notably, the long and short isoforms were differentially localised to the cell nucleus and cytoplasm, respectively. Pull-down and in vitro transport assays showed that the long isoform, unlike the short one, binds to importin α and is actively transported into the nucleus in an importin α/β-dependent manner, demonstrating that the 10 N-terminal amino acids are essential for its nuclear localisation. Additionally, we found that these two isoforms can form homo- and/or hetero-dimers with different localisation dynamics. A metabolite analysis revealed that the subcellular localisation of TALDO1 is not crucial for its activity in the pentose phosphate pathway. However, the expression of these two isoforms differentially affected the levels of various metabolites, including components of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, nucleotides, and sugars. These results demonstrate that the nucleocytoplasmic distribution of TALDO1, modulated via alternative translational initiation and dimer formation, plays an important role in a wide range of metabolic networks.