Cell division cycle proteinising prognostic biomarker of breast cancer

CDC20 promotes radioresistance of prostate cancer by activating Twist1 expression

Currently, radiotherapy is one of the most attractive treatments for prostate cancer (PCa) patients. However, radioresistance remains a challenging issue and the underlying mechanism is unknown. Growing evidence has demonstrated that CDC20 (Cell division cycle protein 20) plays a pivotal role in a variety of tumors, including PCa. Here, GEPIA database mining and western blot analysis showed that higher expression of CDC20 was observed in PCa tissues and cells. We demonstrated that the expression of CDC20 was increased in PCa cells by irradiation, and knockdown of CDC20 resulted in inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, tumor formation, induced cell apoptosis and increased radiosensitivity in PCa in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we observed that CDC20 regulated Twist1 pathway, influencing cell proliferation and migration. These results suggest that targeting CDC20 and Twist1 may be an effective way to improve the radiosensitivity of PCa.

Integrated transcriptome and network analysis identifies EZH2/CCNB1/PPARG as prognostic factors in breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) has high morbidity, with significant relapse and mortality rates in women worldwide. Therefore, further exploration of its pathogenesis is of great significance. This study selected therapy genes and possible biomarkers to predict BC using bioinformatic methods. To this end, the study examined 21 healthy breasts along with 457 BC tissues in two Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets and then identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Survival-associated DEGs were screened using the Kaplan-Meier curve. Based on Gene Ontology (GO) annotation, survival-associated DEGs were mostly associated with cell division and cellular response to hormone stimulus. The enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) pathway was mostly correlated with cell cycle and tyrosine metabolism. Using overlapped survival-associated DEGs, a survival-associated PPI network was constructed. PPI analysis revealed three hub genes (EZH2, CCNB1, and PPARG) by their degree of connection. These hub genes were confirmed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-BRCA dataset and BC tissue samples. Through Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), the molecular mechanism of the potential therapy and prognostic genes were evaluated. Thus, hub genes were shown to be associated with KEGG_CELL_CYCLE and VANTVEER_BREAST_CANCER_POOR_PROGNOSIS gene sets. Finally, based on integrated bioinformatics analysis, this study identified three hub genes as possible prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for BC. The results obtained further understanding of the underground molecular mechanisms related to BC occurrence and prognostic outcomes.

Current Progress and Perspectives of CDC20 in Female Reproductive Cancers

The cancers of the cervix, endometrium, ovary, and breast are great threats to women's health. Cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of cells and deregulated cell cycle progression is one of the main causes of malignancy. Agents targeting cell cycle regulators may have potential anti-tumor effects. CDC20 (cell division cycle 20 homologue) is a co-activator of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) and thus acts as a mitotic regulator. In addition, CDC20 serves as a subunit of the mitotic checkpoint complex (MCC) whose function is to inhibit APC/C. Recently, higher expression of CDC20 has been reported in these cancers and was closely associated with their clinicopathological parameters, indicating CDC20 a potential target for cancer treatment that is worth further study. In the present review, we summarized current progress and put forward perspectives of CDC20 in female reproductive cancers.

Microarray data reveal potential genes that regulate triple-negative breast cancer

Objective

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by a lack of targeted therapies and poor patient prognosis, and its underlying pathological mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to identify potential key genes and related pathways that are required for TNBC development.

Methods

We screened the Gene Expression Omnibus database for transcriptome data and identified differently expressed genes in TNBC. Then, we performed Gene Ontology analysis to determine the genes and pathways involved in TNBC development. We correlated significantly expressed genes and miRNAs using miRDB, TargetScan, miRWalk, and DIANA, and then validated the expression of CDK1 and miR-143-3p in TNBC patients.

Results

Eighteen genes were significantly upregulated in TNBC patients, and these were found to be enriched in cell metabolic process, cell division, mitochondrion, and respiratory chain. MiR-143-3p was found to be an upstream regulator of CDK1. Validation experiments revealed that CDK1 was upregulated while miR-143-3p was downregulated in clinical TNBC specimens.

Conclusions

Collectively, our results revealed 18 upregulated genes in TNBC. Notably, CDK1 and its related microRNA miR-143-3p could be potential therapeutic targets for TNBC.

REC8 inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells by targeting CDC20

Breast cancer is one of the most types of common malignant tumor in women. REC8 is a known tumor suppressor in several types of cancer; however, the role of REC8 in breast cancer remains unknown. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects and underlying mechanism of REC8 on the proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. The expression of REC8 in normal and breast cancer cells was detected by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blotting. Stable REC8‑overexpressing breast cancer cells were constructed to modify the expression of REC8. The expression of cell division cycle 20 (CDC20) in breast cancer cells was altered using the CDC20 inhibitor apcin. Cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis were determined by Cell Counting Kit‑8, colony formation, wound healing, Transwell and TUNEL assays, respectively. Western blotting was performed to measure the expression of matrix metalloproteinase‑2/9 and apoptosis‑associated proteins [Bcl‑2, caspase‑3, cleaved caspase‑3 and cleaved poly (ADP‑ribose) polymerase]. Compared with normal breast cells, the expression of REC8 was lower in breast cancer cells. Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins online database was used to predict the interaction between REC8 and CDC20. Overexpression of REC8 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells in vitro; these changes were reversed by CDC20 overexpression. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that REC8 decreased proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells by inhibiting CDC20.

LPCAT1 functions as a novel prognostic molecular marker in hepatocellular carcinoma

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between LPCAT1 expression and clinicopathologic parameters of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), further, to explore the effect of LPCAT1 on overall survival (OS) in patients with HCC, and its possible mechanism. Bioinformatics analysis using high throughput RNA-sequencing data from TCGA was utilized to explore the differential expression of LPCAT1 between normal and tumor tissues, and the associations between LPCAT1 expression and clinicopathological parameters. Survival analyses and subgroup survival analyses were utilized to elucidate the effect of LPCAT1 on OS in patients with HCC. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were used to investigate the prognostic factors. Potential LPCAT1 related tumor genes were identified by the methodology of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) screening. GO term enrichment analysis, KEGG pathway analysis and the PPI network were used to explore the potential mechanism. LPCAT1 was significantly overexpressed in HCC tumor tissues compared with normal tissues. The LPCAT1 expression was related to tumor grade, ECOG score, AFP and TNM stage, with P values of 0.000, 0.000, 0.007 and 0.000, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that LPCAT1 expression was independently associated with OS, with an HR of 1.04 (CI: 1.01-1.06, P = 0.003). The KEGG pathway enrichment analyses showed that overlapped DEGs mainly participate in the cell cycle. Finally, we identified a hub gene, CDK1, which has been reported to act on the cell cycle, consistent with the result of KEGG enrichment analysis. Collectively, these data confirmed LPCAT1 was upregulated in HCC, and was an independent predictor of the prognosis.

Apcin inhibits the growth and invasion of glioblastoma cells and improves glioma sensitivity to temozolomide

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant primary brain tumor, and GBM patients have a poor overall prognosis. CDC20 expression is increased in a variety of tumors and associated with temozolomide (TMZ) resistance in glioma cells. Apcin specifically binds to CDC20 to inhibit APC/C-CDC20 interaction and exhibits antitumor properties. The purpose of this article was to assess whether apcin inhibits tumor growth in glioma cell lines and increases the sensitivity of GBM to TMZ. In this study, a series of biochemical assays, such as Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), wound healing, apoptosis and colony formation assays, were performed to determine the antitumor properties of apcin in glioma cells. GBM cell apoptosis was detected by western blotting analysis of related proteins. Apcin increased the sensitivity of glioma to TMZ, as confirmed by CCK-8 and western blotting analysis. The results showed that apcin significantly inhibited the proliferation of glioma cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The migration decreased with increasing apcin concentrations. Increased Bim expression indicated that apcin promotes the apoptosis of glioma cells. Furthermore, apcin improved glioma sensitivity to TMZ. The results showed that apcin can effectively inhibit GBM growth and improve TMZ sensitivity. Apcin has the potential to treat GBM and is expected to provide new ideas for individualized treatment.

Evaluation of Oncogene NUP37 as a Potential Novel Biomarker in Breast Cancer

Purpose

There is an urgent need to identify oncogenes that may be beneficial to diagnose and develop target therapy for breast cancer.

Methods

Based on the GEO database, DECenter was used to screen the differentially overexpressed genes in breast cancer samples. Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes and Cytoscape were performed to construct the PPI network to predict the hub gene. Functional and pathway enrichment were performed based on GO analysis. GEO2R, Oncomine, human tissue microarray staining, and western blot were applied to confirm the expression of NUP37. The association between NUP37 expression and prognosis in patients with breast cancer were assessed using the Kaplan–Meier plotter online tool and OncoLnc. siRNAs were used to knock down NUP37 and evaluate proliferation, migration, and stemness in breast cancer cells.

Results

We found that 138 genes were differentially upregulated in breast cancer samples, mainly comprising components of the nucleus and involved in the cell cycle process. NUP37 was identified as a hub gene that is upregulated in breast cancer patients related to a significantly worse survival rate. Furthermore, we confirmed that the downregulation of NUP37 in breast cancer cells results in the inhibition of cell growth, migration, and stemness.

Conclusions

High expression of NUP37 in breast cancer patients is associated with a poorer prognosis and promotion of cell growth, migration, and stemness. The multiple bioinformatics and experimental analysis help provide a comprehensive understanding of the roles of NUP37 as a potential marker for diagnosis and prognosis and as a novel therapeutic target in breast cancer.

Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor by 3-methylcholanthrene, but not by indirubin, suppresses mammosphere formation via downregulation of CDC20 expression in breast cancer cells

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that regulates various toxicological and biological functions. We reported previously that 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC), an exogenous AhR agonist, inhibited tumorsphere (mammosphere) formation from breast cancer cell lines, while the endogenous AhR agonist, indirubin, very weakly inhibited this process. However, the difference in inhibition mechanism of mammosphere formation by 3MC or indirubin is still unknown. In this study, we established AhR-re-expressing (KOTR-AhR) cells from AhR knockout MCF-7 cells using the tetracycline (Tet)-inducible gene expression systems. To identify any difference in inhibition of mammosphere formation by 3MC or indirubin, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) experiments were performed using KOTR-AhR cells. RNA-seq experiments revealed that cell division cycle 20 (CDC20), which regulates the cell cycle and mitosis, was decreased by 3MC, but not by indirubin, in the presence of AhR expression. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein levels of CDC20 were decreased by 3MC in MCF-7 cells via the AhR. In addition, mammosphere formation was suppressed by small interfering RNA-mediated CDC20 knockdown compared to the negative control in MCF-7 cells. These results suggest that AhR activation by 3MC suppresses mammosphere formation via downregulation of CDC20 expression in breast cancer cells. This study provides useful information for the development of AhR-targeted anti-cancer drugs.

Development of a Novel Prognostic Signature Based on Antigen Processing and Presentation in Patients with Breast Cancer

Background: Complex antigen processing and presentation processes are involved in the development and progression of breast cancer (BC). A single biomarker is unlikely to adequately reflect the complex interplay between immune cells and cancer; however, there have been few attempts to find a robust antigen processing and presentation-related signature to predict the survival outcome of BC patients with respect to tumor immunology. Therefore, we aimed to develop an accurate gene signature based on immune-related genes for prognosis prediction of BC. Methods: Information on BC patients was obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Gene set enrichment analysis was used to confirm the gene set related to antigen processing and presentation that contributed to BC. Cox proportional regression, multivariate Cox regression, and stratified analysis were used to identify the prognostic power of the gene signature. Differentially expressed mRNAs between high- and low-risk groups were determined by KEGG analysis. Results: A three-gene signature comprising HSPA5 (heat shock protein family A member 5), PSME2 (proteasome activator subunit 2), and HLA-F (major histocompatibility complex, class I, F) was significantly associated with OS. HSPA5 and PSME2 were protective (hazard ratio (HR) < 1), and HLA-F was risky (HR > 1). Risk score, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and PD-L1 were independent prognostic indicators. KIT and ACACB may have important roles in the mechanism by which the gene signature regulates prognosis of BC. Conclusion: The proposed three-gene signature is a promising biomarker for estimating survival outcomes in BC patients.

Key Genes and Prognostic Analysis in HER2+ Breast Cancer

Human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2)+ breast cancer is considered the most dangerous type of breast cancers. Herein, we used bioinformatics methods to identify potential key genes in HER2+ breast cancer to enable its diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis prediction. Datasets of HER2+ breast cancer and normal tissue samples retrieved from Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases were subjected to analysis for differentially expressed genes using R software. The identified differentially expressed genes were subjected to gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses followed by construction of protein-protein interaction networks using the STRING database to identify key genes. The genes were further validated via survival and differential gene expression analyses. We identified 97 upregulated and 106 downregulated genes that were primarily associated with processes such as mitosis, protein kinase activity, cell cycle, and the p53 signaling pathway. Visualization of the protein-protein interaction network identified 10 key genes (CCNA2, CDK1, CDC20, CCNB1, DLGAP5, AURKA, BUB1B, RRM2, TPX2, and MAD2L1), all of which were upregulated. Survival analysis using PROGgeneV2 showed that CDC20, CCNA2, DLGAP5, RRM2, and TPX2 are prognosis-related key genes in HER2+ breast cancer. A nomogram showed that high expression of RRM2, DLGAP5, and TPX2 was positively associated with the risk of death. TPX2, which has not previously been reported in HER2+ breast cancer, was associated with breast cancer development, progression, and prognosis and is therefore a potential key gene. It is hoped that this study can provide a new method for the diagnosis and treatment of HER2 + breast cancer.