Trefoil factor 1 acts to suppress senescence induced by oncogene activation during the cellular transformation process

Secretory Trefoil Factor 1 (TFF1) promotes gemcitabine resistance through chemokine receptor CXCR4 in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Gemcitabine is the first-line treatment option for patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the frequent adoption of resistance to gemcitabine by cancer cells poses a significant challenge in treating this aggressive disease. In this study, we focused on analyzing the role of trefoil factor 1 (TFF1) in gemcitabine resistance in PDAC. Analysis of PDAC TCGA and cell line datasets indicated an enrichment of TFF1 in the gemcitabine-resistant classical subtype and suggested an inverse correlation between TFF1 expression and sensitivity to gemcitabine treatment. The genetic ablation of TFF1 in PDAC cells enhanced their sensitivity to gemcitabine treatment in both in vitro and in vivo tumor xenografts. The biochemical studies revealed that TFF1 contributes to gemcitabine resistance through enhanced stemness, increasing migration ability of cancer cells, and induction of anti-apoptotic genes. We further pursued studies to predict possible receptors exerting TFF1-mediated gemcitabine resistance. Protein-protein docking investigations with BioLuminate software revealed that TFF1 binds to the chemokine receptor CXCR4, which was supported by real-time binding analysis of TFF1 and CXCR4 using SPR studies. The exogenous addition of TFF1 increased the proliferation and migration of PDAC cells through the pAkt/pERK axis, which was abrogated by treatment with a CXCR4-specific antagonist AMD3100. Overall, the present study demonstrates the contribution of the TFF1-CXCR4 axis in imparting gemcitabine resistance properties to PDAC cells.

Fresh Insights Into SLC25A26: Potential New Therapeutic Target for Cancers: A Review

SLC25A26 is the only known human mitochondrial S-adenosylmethionine carrier encoding gene. Recent studies have shown that SLC25A26 is abnormally expressed in some cancers, such as cervical cancer, low-grade glioma, non-small cell lung cancer, and liver cancer, which suggests SLC25A26 can affect the occurrence and development of some cancers. This article in brief briefly reviewed mitochondrial S-adenosylmethionine carrier in different species and its encoding gene, focused on the association of SLC25A26 aberrant expression and some cancers as well as potential mechanisms, summarized its potential for cancer prognosis, and characteristics of mitochondrial diseases caused by SLC25A26 mutation. Finally, we provide a brief expectation that needs to be further investigated. We speculate that SLC25A26 will be a potential new therapeutic target for some cancers.

Organoid-Based Human Stomach Micro-Physiological System to Recapitulate the Dynamic Mucosal Defense Mechanism

Several stomach diseases are attributed to the dysregulation of physiological function of gastric mucosal barrier by pathogens. Gastric organoids are a promising tool to develop treatment strategies for gastric infections. However, their functional features of in vivo gastric mucosal barrier and host-microbe interactions are limited due to the lack of physiological stimuli. Herein, a human stomach micro-physiological system (hsMPS) with physiologically relevant gastric mucosal defense system is described based on the combination of organoid and MPS technology. A fluid flow enhanced epithelial-mesenchymal interaction in the hsMPS enables functional maturation of gastric epithelial cells, which allows for the recreation of mesh-like mucus layer containing high level of mucus protective peptides and well-developed epithelial junctional complexes. Furthermore, gastroprotection mechanisms against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are successfully demonstrated in this system. Therefore, hsMPS represents a new in vitro tool for research where gastric mucosal defense mechanism is pivotal for developing therapeutic strategies.

Senescence program and its reprogramming in pancreatic premalignancy

Tumor is a representative of cell immortalization, while senescence irreversibly arrests cell proliferation. Although tumorigenesis and senescence seem contrary to each other, they have similar mechanisms in many aspects. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is highly lethal disease, which occurs and progresses through a multi-step process. Senescence is prevalent in pancreatic premalignancy, as manifested by decreased cell proliferation and increased clearance of pre-malignant cells by immune system. However, the senescent microenvironment cooperates with multiple factors and significantly contributes to tumorigenesis. Evidently, PDA progression requires to evade the effects of cellular senescence. This review will focus on dual roles that senescence plays in PDA development and progression, the signaling effectors that critically regulate senescence in PDA, the identification and reactivation of molecular targets that control senescence program for the treatment of PDA.

Combinatorial Herbal Extracts Alleviate Alcohol-Induced Hepatic Disorders

Plant-derived compounds can be useful for the management of liver disease. Traditionally, hepatic disorders have been treated with herbal extracts. Although many herbal extracts in Eastern medicine have been shown to possess hepatoprotective activities, single-origin herbal extracts primarily demonstrate either antioxidant or anti-inflammatory activities. The current study investigated the effects of combinatorial herbal extracts on alcohol-induced hepatic disorders in an ethanol-fed mouse model. Sixteen herbal combinations were evaluated as hepatoprotective formulations; the active constituents in these herbal extracts were daidzin, peonidin-3-glucoside, hesperidin, glycyrrhizin, and phosphatidylcholine. RNA sequencing analysis showed that exposure to ethanol altered hepatic gene expression profiles (compared to those of the non-alcohol-fed group), resulting in 79 differentially expressed genes. A majority of the differentially expressed genes in alcohol-induced hepatic disorders were associated with dysfunction of the normal cellular homeostasis in the liver; however, these genes were repressed by treatment with herbal extracts. Moreover, following treatment with herbal extracts, there were neither acute inflammatory responses in the liver tissue nor abnormalities in the cholesterol profile. These results suggest that combinatorial herbal extracts may alleviate alcohol-induced hepatic disorders by modulating the inflammatory response and lipid metabolism in the liver.

TFF-1 Functions to Suppress Multiple Phenotypes Associated with Lung Cancer Progression

Introduction

Trefoil Factor (TFF) is a member of a protein family comprised of three isoforms, of which TFF-1 exhibits antithetical functions; promotion or suppression of cell proliferation, survival and invasion, depending on the cancer type. However, the pathobiological function of TFF-1 in lung carcinoma has been still unclear.

Methods

We examined the expression and secretion of TFF-1 using cultured human lung carcinoma cells by immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative real-time PCR analyses. The effects of TFF-1 on various phenotypes were analyzed in two cell lines, including those transfected with cDNA encoding TFF-1. Cell proliferation and death were examined by hemocytometer cell counting and by colorimetric viability/cytotoxicity assay. Cell cycle profile, migration and invasion were also examined by flow cytometry, wound healing assay and Matrigel Transwell assay, respectively. The effect of TFF-1 overexpression was confirmed by additional transfection of TFF-1-specific siRNA.

Results

Endogenous TFF-1 protein expression and secretion into the media were observed exclusively in adenocarcinoma-derived cell lines. Forced overexpression of TFF-1 drove cell cycle transition, while the proliferation decreased by 19% to 25% due to increased cell death. This cell death was predominantly caused by apoptosis, as assessed by the activation of caspase 3/7. Cell migration was also suppressed by 71% to 82% in TFF-1-transfected cells. The suppressive effect of TFF-1 on proliferation and migration was restored by transfection of TFF-1 siRNA. Moreover, invasion was also suppressed to 77% to 83% in TFF-1-transfected cells.

Conclusion

These findings reveal that TFF-1 functions as a suppressor of cancer proliferation by induction of apoptosis, cell migration and invasion and thus may provide a synergistic target for potential treatment strategies for human lung carcinoma.

Reciprocal expression of trefoil factor-1 and thyroid transcription factor-1 in lung adenocarcinomas

Molecular targeted therapies against EGFR and ALK have improved the quality of life of lung adenocarcinoma patients. However, targetable driver mutations are mainly found in thyroid transcription factor‐1 (TTF‐1)/NK2 homeobox 1 (NKX2‐1)‐positive terminal respiratory unit (TRU) types and rarely in non‐TRU types. To elucidate the molecular characteristics of the major subtypes of non‐TRU‐type adenocarcinomas, we analyzed 19 lung adenocarcinoma cell lines (11 TRU types and 8 non‐TRU types). A characteristic of non‐TRU‐type cell lines was the strong expression of TFF‐1 (trefoil factor‐1), a gastric mucosal protective factor. An immunohistochemical analysis of 238 primary lung adenocarcinomas resected at Jichi Medical University Hospital revealed that TFF‐1 was positive in 31 cases (13%). Expression of TFF‐1 was frequently detected in invasive mucinous (14/15, 93%), enteric (2/2, 100%), and colloid (1/1, 100%) adenocarcinomas, less frequent in acinar (5/24, 21%), papillary (7/120, 6%), and solid (2/43, 5%) adenocarcinomas, and negative in micropapillary (0/1, 0%), lepidic (0/23, 0%), and microinvasive adenocarcinomas or adenocarcinoma in situ (0/9, 0%). Expression of TFF‐1 correlated with the expression of HNF4‐α and MUC5AC (P < .0001, P < .0001, respectively) and inversely correlated with that of TTF‐1/NKX2‐1 (P < .0001). These results indicate that TFF‐1 is characteristically expressed in non‐TRU‐type adenocarcinomas with gastrointestinal features. The TFF‐1‐positive cases harbored KRAS mutations at a high frequency, but no EGFR or ALK mutations. Expression of TFF‐1 correlated with tumor spread through air spaces, and a poor prognosis in advanced stages. Moreover, the knockdown of TFF‐1 inhibited cell proliferation and soft‐agar colony formation and induced apoptosis in a TFF‐1‐high and KRAS‐mutated lung adenocarcinoma cell line. These results indicate that TFF‐1 is not only a biomarker, but also a potential molecular target for non‐TRU‐type lung adenocarcinomas.

Odyssey of trefoil factors in cancer: Diagnostic and therapeutic implications

Trefoil factors 1, 2, and 3 (TFFs) are a family of small secretory molecules involved in the protection and repair of the gastrointestinal tract (GI). TFFs maintain and restore epithelial structural integrity via transducing key signaling pathways for epithelial cell migration, proliferation, and invasion. In recent years, TFFs have emerged as key players in the pathogenesis of multiple diseases, especially cancer. Initially recognized as tumor suppressors, emerging evidence demonstrates their key role in tumor progression and metastasis, extending their actions beyond protection. However, to date, a comprehensive understanding of TFFs' mechanism of action in tumor initiation, progression and metastasis remains obscure. The present review discusses the structural, functional and mechanistic implications of all three TFF family members in tumor progression and metastasis. Also, we have garnered information from studies on their structure and expression status in different organs, along with lessons from their specific knockout in mouse models. In addition, we highlight the emerging potential of using TFFs as a biomarker to stratify tumors for better therapeutic intervention.

Cellular senescence: from anti-cancer weapon to anti-aging target

Cellular senescence (CS) is a state of stable cell cycle arrest characterized by the production and secretion of inflammatory molecules. Early studies described oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) as a barrier to tumorigenesis, such that the therapeutic induction of CS might represent a rational anti-cancer strategy. Indeed, the validity of this approach has been borne out by the development and approval of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor palbociclib for the treatment of breast cancer. Apart from tumors, senescent cells have also been shown to accumulate during natural mammalian aging, where they produce detrimental effects on the physiology of surrounding tissues. Thus, pharmacological senescent cell depletion has been proposed as an approach to delay age-related functional decline; this has been formally demonstrated in animal models. In this review article, we describe the current mechanistic understanding of cellular senescence at the molecular level and how it informs the development of new therapeutic strategies to combat cancer and aging.

Comparative RNA-seq analysis reveals dys-regulation of major canonical pathways in ERG-inducible LNCaP cell progression model of prostate cancer

Prostate Cancer (CaP) is the second leading cause of cancer related death in USA. In human CaP, gene fusion between androgen responsive regulatory elements at the 5'-untranslated region of TMPRSS2 and ETS-related genes (ERG) is present in at least 50% of prostate tumors. Here we have investigated the unique cellular transcriptome associated with over-expression of ERG in ERG-inducible LNCaP cell model system of human CaP. Comprehensive transcriptome analyses reveal a distinct signature that distinguishes ERG dependent and independent CaP in LNCaP cells. Our data highlight a significant heterogeneity among the transcripts. Out of the 526 statistically significant differentially expressed genes, 232 genes are up-regulated and 294 genes are down-regulated in response to ERG. These ERG-associated genes are linked to several major cellular pathways, cell cycle regulation being the most significant. Consistently our data indicate that ERG plays a key role in modulating the expression of genes required for G1 to S phase transition, particularly those that affect cell cycle arrest at G1 phase. Moreover, cell cycle arrest in response to ERG appears to be promoted by induction of p21 in a p53 independent manner. These findings may provide new insights into mechanisms that promote growth and progression of CaP.

MTA2-mediated inhibition of PTEN leads to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma carcinogenicity

Metastasis-associated protein 2 (MTA2) is a core subunit of the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylating (NuRD) complex and functions by mediating chromatin remodeling and gene silencing. However, its biological actions and clinical significance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remain elusive. The aim of this study was to explore the function and regulation mechanism of MTA2 in PDAC. As shown in GEO, ICGC, and TCGA databases, a higher expression of MTA2 was noticed in the PDAC tissues than in the normal pancreatic tissues. Moreover, a higher expression level of MTA2 was associated with a shorter overall survival time in these public PDAC databases. We further investigated the underlying mechanisms of these observations by using a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-based deep sequencing, luciferase reporter, and quantitative ChIP assays. We identified the repressive binding of MTA2 to the promoter of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). We also found that Snail recruited MTA2 and HDAC1 to suppress PTEN expression. Ectopic expression and knockdown of MTA2 were performed to evaluate the effects of this gene on PDAC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Using CCK-8, colony formation and transwell assays, and a xenograft tumor model, we revealed that MTA2 promoted PDAC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and PDAC tumor growth in vivo by downregulation of PTEN. In benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC)-treated MIA Paca-2 cells and PANC-1 cells, MTA2 level decreased in a dose- and time-dependent manner with concomitant upregulation of PTEN level and downregulation of phosphorylated PI3K and AKT levels, providing evidence of the involvement of MTA2 and PTEN in the regulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in BITC-mediated PDAC suppression. Collectively, these findings uncover a novel role for MTA2 in the regulation of PDAC progression and help to elucidate the mechanisms involved in this process.

Trefoil factor 1 inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasm

The tumor-suppressive role of trefoil factor family (TFF) members in gastric carcinogenesis has been suggested, but their significance and mechanisms in other digestive diseases remain elusive. To clarify the role of TFF1 in pancreatic carcinogenesis, we performed IHC on human samples, transfected siRNA against TFF1 into pancreatic cancer cell lines, and employed mouse models in which PanIN development and loss of TFF1 occur simultaneously. In human samples, the expression of TFF1 was specifically observed in pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasm (PanIN), but was frequently lost in the invasive component of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). When the expression of TFF1 was suppressed in vitro, pancreatic cancer cell lines showed enhanced invasive ability and features of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), including upregulated Snail expression. TFF1 expression was also observed in PanIN lesions of Pdx-1 Cre; LSL-KRASG12D (KC) mice, a model of pancreatic cancer, and loss of TFF1 in these mice resulted in the expansion of PanIN lesions, an EMT phenotype in PanIN cells, and an accumulation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), eventually resulting in the development of invasive adenocarcinoma. This study indicates that the acquisition of TFF1 expression is an early event in pancreatic carcinogenesis and that TFF1 might act as a tumor suppressor to prevent EMT and the invasive transformation of PanIN.

Inherited pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancers arise through a series of genetic events both inherited and acquired. Inherited genetic changes, both high penetrance and low penetrance, are an important component of pancreatic cancer risk, and may be used to characterize populations who will benefit from early detection. Furthermore, pancreatic cancer patients with inherited mutations may be particularly sensitive to certain targeted agents, providing an opportunity to personalized treatment. Family history of pancreatic cancer is one of the strongest risk factors for the disease, and is associated with an increased risk of caners at other sites, including but not limited to breast, ovarian and colorectal cancer. The goal of this chapter is to discuss the importance of family history of pancreatic cancer, and the known genes that account for a portion of the familial clustering of pancreatic cancer.

Epithelial cell senescence: an adaptive response to pre-carcinogenic stresses?

Senescence is a cell state occurring in vitro and in vivo after successive replication cycles and/or upon exposition to various stressors. It is characterized by a strong cell cycle arrest associated with several molecular, metabolic and morphologic changes. The accumulation of senescent cells in tissues and organs with time plays a role in organismal aging and in several age-associated disorders and pathologies. Moreover, several therapeutic interventions are able to prematurely induce senescence. It is, therefore, tremendously important to characterize in-depth, the mechanisms by which senescence is induced, as well as the precise properties of senescent cells. For historical reasons, senescence is often studied with fibroblast models. Other cell types, however, much more relevant regarding the structure and function of vital organs and/or regarding pathologies, are regrettably often neglected. In this article, we will clarify what is known on senescence of epithelial cells and highlight what distinguishes it from, and what makes it like, replicative senescence of fibroblasts taken as a standard.

Trefoil factor family 1 expression in the invasion front is a poor prognostic factor associated with lymph node metastasis in pancreatic cancer

OBJECTIVES

Trefoil Factor Family protein 1 (TFF1) is secreted from mucus-producing cells. The relationship between TFF1 expression and clinical outcome in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains unknown. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of TFF1 expression in PDAC.

METHODS

TFF1 expression was examined on paraffin-embedded sections from 91 patients with resected PDAC using immunohistochemistry. The relationships between TFF1 expression and clinicopathological features were analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 91 PDAC patients, 71 patients (79.7%) showed TFF1 expression in cancer cells. In a subgroup of 71 patients, TFF1 expression was predominantly observed in the central part of the tumor, whereas TFF1 expression in the invasion front was reduced in 33 patients (46.4%). A significant correlation between preserved TFF1 expression in the invasion front and lymph node metastasis was observed. Univariate survival analysis revealed that preserved TFF1 expression in the invasion front, positive lymphatic invasion, lymph node metastasis and R1 resection was a significant poor prognostic factor in TFF1-positive PDAC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

TFF1 expression is frequently lost or decreased in the invasion front of human PDAC, and preserved TFF1 expression in the invasion front might predict poor survival in patients with PDAC.

TFF2-CXCR4 Axis Is Associated with BRAF V600E Colon Cancer

Oncogene-induced senescence (OIS), a tumor-suppressive mechanism that is induced by the replicative and metabolic stress of oncogene activation, is a key barrier in the development of BRAF V600E colon cancer. Inhibition of this mechanism has been observed through epigenetic changes observed in sporadic serrated polyps, as well as through the germline mutations associated with those who develop serrated polyposis. We hypothesize that upregulated autocrine factors exist that are specific to the serrated pathway and also promote bypass of oncogene-induced senescence. To identify such autocrine factors, we integrate analyses of microarrays of sessile serrated polyps and two large colon cancer cohorts, the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA; n = 153), and French national Cartes d'Identité des Tumeurs (CIT) program (n = 462), with enhanced gene annotation through natural language processing techniques of the existing medical corpus. We reproducibly associate higher expression of the ligand-receptor axis of TFF2 and CXCR4 with BRAF V600E-mutant colon cancer (P = 3.0 × 10(-3) and 0.077, respectively for TCGA; P = 3.0 × 10(-8) and 5.1 × 10(-7) for CIT). Given well-described oncogenic roles of TFF2 and CXCR4 in colon cancer, and availability of CXCR4 inhibitors for other clinical indications, this ligand-receptor axis may represent an actionable target for prevention and treatment of this molecular subtype of colorectal cancer.

Trefoil Factor 1 is involved in gastric cell copper homeostasis

Trefoil Factor 1 belongs to a group of small secreted proteins (the Trefoil Factor Family proteins), that are localized within the mucous granules and are expressed and secreted by epithelial cells that line mucous membranes. Trefoil factors are mainly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract, where they normally contribute to maintain the integrity of the mucosa. We recently demonstrated a selective binding ability of Trefoil Factor 1 for copper ions, through its carboxy-terminal tail, and we also observed that copper levels influence the equilibrium between the monomeric and homodimeric forms of Trefoil Factor 1, thus modulating its biological activity. Here we report that transcriptional regulation of Trefoil Factor 1 is also affected by copper levels, through the modulated binding of the copper-sensing transcription factor Sp1 onto the responsive elements present in the regulatory region of the gene. In addition we demonstrate that copper overload causes an accumulation of the trefoil protein in the Trans-Golgi Network and that Trefoil Factor 1 levels can influence copper excretion and copper related toxicity. These findings suggest that the protein might play a role in the overall complex mechanisms of copper homeostasis in the gastrointestinal tissues.

Trefoil factor 1 suppression of E-CADHERIN enhances prostate carcinoma cell invasiveness and metastasis

Metastasis is the primary mediator of prostate cancer (PCA) lethality and poses a significant clinical obstacle. The identification of factors involved in the metastasis of PCA is imperative. We demonstrate herein that trefoil factor 1 (TFF1) promotes PCA cell migration and invasion in vitro and metastasis in vivo. The capacity of TFF1 to enhance cell migration/invasion is mediated by transcriptional repression of E-CADHERIN. Consideration of targeted inhibition of TFF1 to prevent metastasis of prostate carcinoma is warranted.

Gene expression profiling of peritoneal metastases from appendiceal and colon cancer demonstrates unique biologic signatures and predicts patient outcomes

BACKGROUND

Treatment of peritoneal metastases from appendiceal and colon cancer with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) shows great promise. Although long-term disease-free survival is achieved in some cases with this procedure, many patients have recurrence. Oncologists have treated such recurrences of appendiceal cancer similarly to colorectal carcinoma, which has been largely ineffective. This study uses gene expression analysis of peritoneal metastases to better understand these neoplasms.

STUDY DESIGN

From a prospectively maintained database and tissue bank, 41 snap frozen samples of peritoneal metastases (26 appendiceal, 15 colorectal) from patients undergoing HIPEC with complete cytoreduction and more than 3 years of follow-up underwent global gene expression analysis. Distinct phenotypes were identified using unsupervised hierarchical clustering based on differential gene expression. Survival curves restratified by genotype were generated.

RESULTS

Three distinct phenotypes were found, 2 consisting of predominantly low grade appendiceal samples (10 of 13 in Cluster 1 and 15 of 20 in Cluster 2) and 1 consisting of predominantly colorectal samples (7 of 8 in Cluster 3). Cluster 1 consisted of patients with good prognosis and Clusters 2 and 3 consisted of patients with poor prognosis (p = 0.006). Signatures predicted survival of low- (Cluster 1) vs high-risk (Cluster 2) appendiceal (p = 0.04) and low-risk appendiceal (Cluster 1) vs colon primary (Cluster 3) (p = 0.0002).

CONCLUSIONS

This study represents the first use of gene expression profiling for appendiceal cancer, and demonstrates genomic signatures quite distinct from colorectal cancer, confirming their unique biology. Consequently, therapy for appendiceal lesions extrapolated from colonic cancer regimens may be unfounded. These phenotypes may predict outcomes guiding patient management.

The impact of cellular senescence in cancer therapy: is it true or not?

Cellular senescence is defined as the physiological program of terminal growth arrest, which can be triggered by various endogenous or exogenous stress signals. Cellular senescence can be induced in response to oncogenic activation and acts as a barrier to tumorigenesis. Moreover, tumor cells can undergo senescence when exposed to chemotherapeutic agents. In addition to suppressing tumorigenesis, senescent cells remain metabolically active and may contribute to tumor formation and to therapy resistance. In the current review, we discuss the molecular regulation of cellular senescence, the potential implications of senescence in human cancers, and the possibility of exploiting cellular senescence for the treatment of cancers.