Actopaxin (α-parvin) phosphorylation is required for matrix degradation and cancer cell invasion

MXRA7 is involved in monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation

Macrophages are critical in mediating immune and inflammatory responses, while monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation is one of the main macrophage resources that involves various matrix proteins. Matrix remodeling associated 7 (MXRA7) was recently discovered to affect a variety of physiological and pathological processes related to matrix biology. In the present study, we investigated the role of MXRA7 in monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation in vitro. We found that knockdown of MXRA7 inhibited the proliferation of THP-1 human monocytic cells. Knockdown of MXRA7 increased the adhesion ability of THP-1 cells through upregulation the expression of adhesion molecules VCAM-1 and ICAM1. Knockdown of MXRA7 alone could promoted the differentiation of THP-1 cells to macrophages. Furthermore, the MXRA7-knockdown THP-1 cells produced a more significant upregulation pattern with M1-type cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) than with those M2-type molecules (TGF-β1 and IL-1RA) upon PMA stimulation, indicating that knockdown of MXRA7 facilitated THP-1 cells differentiation toward M1 macrophages. RNA sequencing analysis revealed the potential biological roles of MXRA7 in cell adhesion, macrophage and monocyte differentiation. Moreover, MXRA7 knockdown promoted the expression of NF-κB p52/p100, while PMA stimulation could increase the expression of NF-κB p52/p100 and activating MAPK signaling pathways in MXRA7 knockdown cells. In conclusion, MXRA7 affected the differentiation of THP-1 cells toward macrophages possibly through NF-κB signaling pathways.

CHILKBP protects against podocyte injury by preserving ZO-1 expression

Glomerular diseases afflict millions of people and impose an enormous burden on public healthcare costs worldwide. Identification of potential therapeutic targets for preventing glomerular diseases is of considerable clinical importance. CHILKBP is a focal adhesion protein and modulates a wide array of biological functions. However, little is known about the role of CHILKBP in glomerular diseases. To investigate the function of CHILKBP in maintaining the structure and function of podocytes in a physiologic setting, a mouse model (CHILKBP cKO) was generated in which CHILKBP gene was conditionally deleted in podocytes using the Cre-LoxP system. Ablation of CHILKBP in podocytes resulted in massive proteinuria and kidney failure in mice. Histologically, typical podocyte injury including podocyte loss, foot process effacement, and glomerulosclerosis was observed in CHILKBP cKO mice. Mechanistically, we identified ZO-1 as a key junctional protein that interacted with CHILKBP. Loss of CHILKBP in podocytes exhibited a significant reduction of ZO-1 expression, leading to abnormal actin organization, aberrant slit diaphragm protein expression and compromised podocyte filtration capacity. Restoration of CHILKBP or ZO-1 in CHILKBP-deficient podocytes effectively alleviated podocyte injury induced by the loss of CHILKBP in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we showed the glomerular expression of CHILKBP and ZO-1 was decreased in patients with proteinuric kidney diseases. Our findings reveal a novel signaling pathway consisting of CHILKBP and ZO-1 that plays an essential role in maintaining podocyte homeostasis and suggest novel therapeutic approaches to alleviate glomerular diseases.

The role of Actopaxin in tumor metastasis

Actopaxin is a newly discovered focal adhesions (FAs) protein, actin-binding protein and pseudopodia-enriched molecule. It can not only bind to a variety of FAs proteins (such as Paxillin, ILK and PINCH) and non-FAs proteins (such as TESK1, CdGAP, β2-adaptin, G3BP2, ADAR1 and CD29), but also participates in multiple signaling pathways. Thus, it plays a crucial role in regulating important processes of tumor metastasis, including matrix degradation, migration, and invasion, etc. This review covers the latest progress in the structure and function of Actopaxin, its interaction with other proteins as well as its involvement in regulating tumor development and metastasis. Additionally, the current limitations for Actopaxin related studies and the possible research directions on it in the future are also discussed. It is hoped that this review can assist relevant researchers to obtain a deep understanding of the role that Actopaxin plays in tumor progression, and also enlighten further research and development of therapeutic approaches for the treatment of tumor metastasis.

The explorations of dynamic interactions of paxillin at the focal adhesions

Paxillin is one of the most important adapters in integrin-mediated adhesions that performs numerous crucial functions relying on its dynamic interactions. Its structural behavior serves different purposes, providing a base for several activities. The various domains of paxillin display different functions in the whole process of cell movements and have a significant role in cell adhesion, migration, signal transmission, and protein-protein interactions. On the other hand, some paxillin-associated proteins provide a unique spatiotemporal mechanism for regulating its dynamic characteristics in the tissue homeostasis and make it a more complex and decisive protein at the focal adhesions. This review briefly describes the structural adaptations and molecular mechanisms of recruitment of paxillin into adhesions, explains paxillin's binding dynamics and impact on adhesion stability and turnover, and reveals a variety of paxillin-associated regulatory mechanisms and how paxillin is embedded into the signaling networks.

Parvin: A hub of intracellular signalling pathways regulating cellular behaviour and disease progression

α-actinin superfamily houses the family of parvins, comprising α, β and γ isoforms in the vertebrates and a single orthologue in the invertebrates. Parvin as an adaptor protein is a member of the ternary IPP-complex including Integrin Linked Kinase (ILK) and particularly-interesting-Cys-His-rich protein (PINCH). Each of the complex proteins showed a conserved lineage and was principally used by the evolutionarily primitive integrin-adhesome machinery to regulate cellular behaviour and signalling pathways. Parvin facilitated integrin mediated integration of the extracellular matrix with cytoskeletal framework culminating in regulation of cellular adhesion and spreading, cytoskeleton reorganisation and cell survival. Studies have established role of parvin in pregnancy, lactation, matrix degradation, blood vessel formation and in several diseases such as cancer, NAFLD and cardiac diseases etc. This review narrates the history of parvin discovery, its elaborate gene structure and conservation across phyla including cellular expression, localisation and interacting partners in vertebrates as well as invertebrates. The review further discusses how parvin acts as an epicentre of signalling pathways, its associated mutants and diseased conditions.

Identification of Phosphorylated Proteins Regulated by SDF2L1 in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells

SDF2L1 is a new type of endoplasmic reticulum stress inducible protein, which is related to poor prognosis of various cancer, we initially studied the low expression level of SDF2L1 in NPC, but the molecular mechanism of SDF2L1 in NPC needs further elucidation. To identify phosphorylated proteins regulated by SDF2L1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), Label-free Quantitative (LFQ) Proteomics and 2D-LC-MS/MS analysis were performed on high metastatic NPC 5-8F cells with overexpression of SDF2L1 and empty segment. Western blotting was applied to validate the differentially expressed phosphorylated proteins (DEPPs). As a result, 331 DEPPs were identified by proteomics, and PARVA phosphorylation (ser8) was validated. The present results suggested that PARVA phosphorylation may be a new promising biomarker for predicting NPC and play a key role in the occurrence and development of NPC.

Circular RNA-Related CeRNA Network and Prognostic Signature for Patients with Osteosarcoma

Introduction

Osteosarcoma (OSA) is characterized by its relatively high morbidity in children and adolescents. Patients usually have advanced disease at the time of diagnosis, resulting in poor outcomes. This study focused on building a circular RNA-based ceRNA network to develop a reliable model for OSA risk prediction.

Methods

We used the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets to explore the expression patterns of circRNA, miRNA, and mRNA in OSA. The prognostic value of circRNA host genes was assessed with data from the Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET) database using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. We established a circRNA-related ceRNA network and annotated its biological functions. Next, we developed a prognostic risk signature based on mRNAs extracted from the ceRNA network. We also developed a prognostic model and constructed a nomogram to enhance the prediction of OSA prognosis.

Results

We identified 166 DEcircRNAs, 233 DEmiRNAs, and 1317 DEmRNAs and used them to create a circRNA-related ceRNA network. We then established a prognostic risk model consisting of four genes (MLLT11, TNFRSF11B, SLC7A7, and PARVA). Moreover, we found that inhibition of MLLT11 and SLC7A7 blocked OSA cell proliferation and migration in in vitro experiments.

Conclusion

Our study identifies crucial prognostic genes and provides a circRNA-related ceRNA network for OSA, which will contribute to the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the oncogenesis and development of OSA.

An AKT2-specific nanobody that targets the hydrophobic motif induces cell cycle arrest, autophagy and loss of focal adhesions in MDA-MB-231 cells

The AKT kinase family is a high-profile target for cancer therapy. Despite their high degree of homology the three AKT isoforms (AKT1, AKT2 and AKT3) are non-redundant and can even have opposing functions. Small-molecule AKT inhibitors affect all three isoforms which severely limits their usefulness as research tool or therapeutic. Using AKT2-specific nanobodies we examined the function of endogenous AKT2 in breast cancer cells. Two AKT2 nanobodies (Nb8 and Nb9) modulate AKT2 and reduce MDA-MB-231 cell viability/proliferation. Nb8 binds the AKT2 hydrophobic motif and reduces IGF-1-induced phosphorylation of this site. This nanobody also affects the phosphorylation and/or expression levels of a wide range of proteins downstream of AKT, resulting in a G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, the induction of autophagy, a reduction in focal adhesion count and loss of stress fibers. While cell cycle progression is likely to be regulated by more than one isoform, our results indicate that both the effects on autophagy and the cytoskeleton are specific to AKT2. By using an isoform-specific nanobody we were able to map a part of the AKT2 pathway. Our results confirm AKT2 and the hydrophobic motif as targets for cancer therapy. Nb8 can be used as a research tool to study AKT2 signalling events and aid in the design of an AKT2-specific inhibitor.

Paxillin family of focal adhesion adaptor proteins and regulation of cancer cell invasion

The paxillin family of proteins, including paxillin, Hic-5, and leupaxin, are focal adhesion adaptor/scaffolding proteins which localize to cell-matrix adhesions and are important in cell adhesion and migration of both normal and cancer cells. Historically, the role of these proteins in regulating the actin cytoskeleton through focal adhesion-mediated signaling has been well documented. However, studies in recent years have revealed additional functions in modulating the microtubule and intermediate filament cytoskeletons to affect diverse processes including cell polarization, vesicle trafficking and mechanosignaling. Expression of paxillin family proteins in stromal cells is also important in regulating tumor cell migration and invasion through non-cell autonomous effects on the extracellular matrix. Both paxillin and Hic-5 can also influence gene expression through a variety of mechanisms, while their own expression is frequently dysregulated in various cancers. Accordingly, these proteins may serve as valuable targets for novel diagnostic and treatment approaches in cancer.

Ras Suppressor-1 (RSU1) in Cancer Cell Metastasis: A Tale of a Tumor Suppressor

Cancer is a multifactorial disease responsible for millions of deaths worldwide. It has a strong genetic background, as mutations in oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes contribute to the initiation of cancer development. Integrin signaling as well as the signaling pathway of Ras oncogene, have been long implicated both in carcinogenesis and disease progression. Moreover, they have been involved in the promotion of metastasis, which accounts for the majority of cancer-related deaths. Ras Suppressor-1 (RSU1) was identified as a suppressor of Ras-induced transformation and was shown to localize to cell-extracellular matrix adhesions. Recent findings indicate that its expression is elevated in various cancer types, while its role in regulating metastasis-related cellular processes remains largely unknown. Interestingly, there is no in vivo work in the field to date, and thus, all relevant knowledge stems from in vitro studies. In this review, we summarize recent studies using breast, liver and brain cancer cell lines and highlight the role of RSU1 in regulating cancer cell invasion.

A kindlin-3-leupaxin-paxillin signaling pathway regulates podosome stability

Kindlin-3 regulates podosome stability by recruiting leupaxin to podosomes, which in turn controls PTP-PEST activity and paxillin phosphorylation. Kindlin-3 deficiency allows formation of initial adhesion patches containing talin, vinculin, and paxillin, whereas paxillin family proteins are dispensable for podosome formation.

Binding of kindlins to integrins is required for integrin activation, stable ligand binding, and subsequent intracellular signaling. How hematopoietic kindlin-3 contributes to the assembly and stability of the adhesion complex is not known. Here we report that kindlin-3 recruits leupaxin into podosomes and thereby regulates paxillin phosphorylation and podosome turnover. We demonstrate that the activity of the protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP-PEST, which controls paxillin phosphorylation, requires leupaxin. In contrast, despite sharing the same binding mode with leupaxin, paxillin recruitment into podosomes is kindlin-3 independent. Instead, we found paxillin together with talin and vinculin in initial adhesion patches of kindlin-3–null cells. Surprisingly, despite its presence in these early adhesion patches, podosomes can form in the absence of paxillin or any paxillin member. In conclusion, our findings show that kindlin-3 not only activates and clusters integrins into podosomes but also regulates their lifetime by recruiting leupaxin, which controls PTP-PEST activity and thereby paxillin phosphorylation and downstream signaling.

α-Parvin promotes breast cancer progression and metastasis through interaction with G3BP2 and regulation of TWIST1 signaling

Identification of molecular alterations driving breast cancer progression is critical for the development of effective therapy. In this study, we show that the level of α-parvin is elevated in triple-negative breast cancer cells. The depletion of α-parvin from triple-negative breast cancer cells effectively inhibits breast cancer cell growth, migration, and invasion in vitro, and tumor progression and metastasis in vivo. At the molecular level, we identify Ras-GTPase-activing protein SH3-domain-binding protein 2 (G3BP2) as an α-parvin-binding protein. Knockdown of α-parvin promotes G3BP2 interaction with TWIST1, increases ubiquitination and proteasome-dependent degradation of TWIST1, and consequently reduces the cellular level of TWIST1 and its downstream signaling. Importantly, the depletion of G3BP2 reverses the reduction in the level and signaling of TWIST1 and the suppression of breast cancer progression induced by the loss of α-parvin. Furthermore, the re-expression of an α-parvin mutant in which the G3BP2-binding site is ablated, unlike that of wild-type α-parvin, in α-parvin-deficient breast cancer cells, is unable to restore the level and signaling of TWIST1 and promote breast cancer progression. Finally, we show that protein level of α-parvin is highly positively correlated with that of TWIST1 in human triple-negative breast cancer patients. Our studies reveal a novel signaling pathway consisting of α-parvin, G3BP2, and TWIST1 that regulates breast cancer progression and metastasis, and suggest that the activation of this signaling pathway is a key factor for driving the progression and poor clinical outcome of human ER-negative breast cancer.

Inhibition of Breast Cancer Cell Invasion by Ras Suppressor-1 (RSU-1) Silencing Is Reversed by Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15)

Extracellular matrix (ECM)-related adhesion proteins are important in metastasis. Ras suppressor-1 (RSU-1), a suppressor of Ras-transformation, is localized to cell–ECM adhesions where it interacts with the Particularly Interesting New Cysteine-Histidine rich protein (PINCH-1), being connected to Integrin Linked Kinase (ILK) and alpha-parvin (PARVA), a direct actin-binding protein. RSU-1 was also found upregulated in metastatic breast cancer (BC) samples and was recently demonstrated to have metastasis-promoting properties. In the present study, we transiently silenced RSU-1 in BC cells, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. We found that RSU-1 silencing leads to downregulation of Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15), which has been associated with both actin cytoskeleton reorganization and metastasis. RSU-1 silencing also reduced the mRNA expression of PINCH-1 and cell division control protein-42 (Cdc42), while increasing that of ILK and Rac regardless of the presence of GDF-15. However, the downregulation of actin-modulating genes PARVA, RhoA, Rho associated kinase-1 (ROCK-1), and Fascin-1 following RSU-1 depletion was completely reversed by GDF-15 treatment in both cell lines. Moreover, complete rescue of the inhibitory effect of RSU-1 silencing on cell invasion was achieved by GDF-15 treatment, which also correlated with matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression. Finally, using a graph clustering approach, we corroborated our findings. This is the first study providing evidence of a functional association between RSU-1 and GDF-15 with regard to cancer cell invasion.

α-Parvin and β-parvin in the rat uterus during decidualisation and uterine receptivity

During early pregnancy, the uterine luminal epithelial cells (UECs) and endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) undergo morphological changes to enable blastocyst implantation. The present study investigates, for the first time, the cytoskeletal-associated proteins and α-actinin superfamily members, α-parvin and β-parvin, during early pregnancy in the rat uterus. These two PARVA proteins are involved in cell adhesion, morphological changes and regulation of other cytoskeletal proteins, through binding with proteins such as actin and integrin-linked kinase. α-parvin is present in UECs at fertilisation and significantly decreases by the time of implantation. β-parvin acts in opposition; significantly increasing in both UECs and ESCs at the time of implantation, suggesting a role in the process of decidualisation. Additionally, the presence of a serine-8 residue-phosphorylated α-parvin, which is associated with cell morphology changes, was found in the nuclear region of both UECs and ESCs during implantation and decidualisation. We also show that the presence of both β-parvin and phosphorylated α-parvin in ESCs is dependent on decidualisation occurring. This study demonstrates that the changing balance and localisation of the two PARVA proteins are dependent on the time of uterine receptivity, suggesting a co-dependent role in the cytoskeletal re-organisation crucial to the changing conditions necessary for implantation and decidualisation.

Inhibition of RhoA and mTORC2/Rictor by Fingolimod (FTY720) induces p21-activated kinase 1, PAK-1 and amplifies podosomes in mouse peritoneal macrophages

Macrophage functions in the immune response depend on their ability to infiltrate tissues and organs. The penetration between and within the tissues requires degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM), a function performed by the specialized, endopeptidase- and actin filament- rich organelles located at the ventral surface of macrophage, called the podosomes. Podosome formation requires local inhibition of small GTPase RhoA activity, and depends on Rac 1/Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 7, β-PIX and its binding partner the p21-activated kinase (PAK-1). The activity of RhoA and Rac 1 is in turn regulated by mTOR/mTORC2 pathway. Here we showed that a fungus metabolite Fingolimod (FTY720, Gilenya), which is clinically approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, down-regulates Rictor, which is a signature molecule of mTORC2 and dictates its substrate (actin cytoskeleton) specificity, down-regulates RhoA, up-regulates PAK-1, and causes amplification of podosomes in mouse peritoneal macrophages.

Matrix Remodeling Associated 7 Deficiency Alleviates Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice

Matrix remodeling associated 7 (MXRA7) was first noted to co-express with a group of matrix remodeling related genes, and its biological functions had remained unclear. In this study, we investigated the presumed function of MXRA7 in a carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced acute liver injury model in mice. Wild-type, MXRA7^−/− mice, and mice that were pulsed with hydrodynamic injection of vehicle or MXRA7-harboring plasmids were challenged with a single dose of CCl₄ for injury induction. The sera, spleens, and livers were harvested from mice for assay of cytokines/chemokines expression, cellular responses, or histological features. We found that MXRA7 deficiency alleviated, and MXRA7 overexpression aggravated liver damage in CCl₄-challenged mice. FACS analysis showed that MXRA7 deficiency reduced the recruitment of neutrophils through downregulation the expression of CXCL1 and CXCL2 in liver, decreased the number of CD8⁺ T cells in liver and spleen, suppressed the release of IFNγ and TNFα from T cells, and decreased IFNγ in serum and liver. Western blot assay demonstrated that MXRA7 deficiency suppressed the activation of MAPK pathway and AKT/NF-κB pathway, respectively. Lastly, MXRA7 deficiency or overexpression regulated the expression of two matrix remodeling-related genes (fibronectin and TIMP1) in the liver. We concluded that MXRA7 was an active player in CCl₄-induced liver injury, hypothetically by mediating the inflammation or immune compartments and matrix remodeling processes. Further exploration of MXRA7 as a possible new therapeutic target for management of inflammation-mediated liver injury was discussed.

β-PIX plays an important role in regulation of intestinal epithelial restitution by interacting with GIT1 and Rac1 after wounding

Early gut mucosal restitution is a process by which intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) migrate over the wounded area, and its defective regulation occurs commonly in various critical pathological conditions. This rapid reepithelialization is mediated by different activating small GTP-binding proteins, but the exact mechanism underlying this process remains largely unknown. Recently, it has been reported that interaction between p21-activated kinase-interacting exchange factor (β-PIX) and G protein-coupled receptor kinase-interacting protein 1 (GIT1) activates small GTPases and plays an important role in the regulation of cell motility. Here, we show that induced association of β-PIX with GIT1 is essential for the stimulation of IEC migration after wounding by activating Rac1. Levels of β-PIX and GIT1 proteins and their association in differentiated IECs (line of IEC-Cdx2L1) were much higher than those observed in undifferentiated IECs (line of IEC-6), which was associated with an increase in IEC migration after wounding. Decreased levels of endogenous β-PIX by its gene-silencing destabilized β-PIX/GIT1 complexes, repressed Rac1 activity and inhibited cell migration over the wounded area. In contrast, ectopic overexpression of β-PIX increased the levels of β-PIX/GIT1 complexes, stimulated Rac1 activity, and enhanced intestinal epithelial restitution. Increased levels of cellular polyamines also stimulated β-PIX/GIT1 association, increased Rac1 activity, and promoted the epithelial restitution. Moreover, polyamine depletion decreased cellular abundances of β-PIX/GIT1 complex and repressed IEC migration after wounding, which was rescued by ectopic overexpression of β-PIX or GIT1. These results indicate that β-PIX/GIT1/Rac1 association is necessary for stimulation of IEC migration after wounding and that this signaling pathway is tightly regulated by cellular polyamines. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our current study demonstrates that induced association of β-PIX with GIT1 is essential for the stimulation of intestinal epithelial restitution by activating Rac1, and this signaling pathway is tightly regulated by cellular polyamines.

A-to-I miR-378a-3p editing can prevent melanoma progression via regulation of PARVA expression

Previously we have reported that metastatic melanoma cell lines and tumor specimens have reduced expression of ADAR1 and consequently are impaired in their ability to perform A-to-I microRNA (miRNA) editing. The effects of A-to-I miRNAs editing on melanoma growth and metastasis are yet to be determined. Here we report that miR-378a–3p is undergoing A-to-I editing only in the non-metastatic but not in metastatic melanoma cells. The function of the edited form is different from its wild-type counterpart. The edited form of miR-378a-3p preferentially binds to the 3′-UTR of the PARVA oncogene and inhibits its expression, thus preventing the progression of melanoma towards the malignant phenotype. Indeed, edited miR-378a-3p but not its WT form inhibits melanoma metastasis in vivo. These results further emphasize the role of RNA editing in melanoma progression.

In melanoma, reduced ADAR1 impairs A-to-I microRNA editing. Here, the authors show that miR-378a-3p undergoes this editing in non-metastatic cells and the edited form of miR-378a-3p binds to the PARVA oncogene, inhibiting its expression and preventing melanoma progression and metastasis.

Meta-fibrosis links positive energy balance and mitochondrial metabolism to insulin resistance

Obesity and insulin resistance often emerge from positive energy balance and generally are linked to low-grade inflammation. This low-grade inflammation has been called “meta-inflammation” because it is a consequence of the metabolic dysregulation that can accompany overnutrition. One means by which meta-inflammation is linked to insulin resistance is extracellular matrix expansion secondary to meta-inflammation, which we define here as “meta-fibrosis”. The significance of meta-fibrosis is that it reflects a situation in which the extracellular matrix functions as a multi-level integrator of local (for example, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production) and systemic (for example, inflammation) inputs that couple to cellular processes creating insulin resistance. While adipose tissue extracellular matrix remodeling has received considerable attention, it is becoming increasingly apparent that liver and skeletal muscle extracellular matrix remodeling also contributes to insulin resistance. In this review, we address recent advances in our understanding of energy balance, mitochondrial energetics, meta-inflammation, and meta-fibrosis in the development of insulin resistance.

Public data mining plus domestic experimental study defined involvement of the old-yet-uncharacterized gene matrix-remodeling associated 7 (MXRA7) in physiopathology of the eye

Matrix-remodeling associated 7 (MXRA7) gene was first reported in 2002 and named so for its co-expression with several genes known to relate with matrix-remodeling. However, not any studies had been intentionally performed to characterize this gene. We started defining the functions of MXRA7 by integrating bioinformatics analysis and experimental study. Data mining of MXRA7 expression in BioGPS, Gene Expression Omnibus and EurExpress platforms highlighted high level expression of Mxra7 in murine ocular tissues. Real-time PCR was employed to measure Mxra7 mRNA in tissues of adult C57BL/6 mice and demonstrated that Mxra7 was preferentially expressed at higher level in retina, corneas and lens than in other tissues. Then the inflammatory corneal neovascularization (CorNV) model and fungal corneal infections were induced in Balb/c mice, and mRNA levels of Mxra7 as well as several matrix-remodeling related genes (Mmp3, Mmp13, Ecm1, Timp1) were monitored with RT-PCR. The results demonstrated a time-dependent Mxra7 under-expression pattern (U-shape curve along timeline), while all other matrix-remodeling related genes manifested an opposite changes pattern (dome-shape curve). When limited data from BioGPS concerning human MXRA7 gene expression in human tissues were looked at, it was found that ocular tissue was also the one expressing highest level of MXRA7. To conclude, integrative assay of MXRA7 gene expression in public databank as well as domestic animal models revealed a selective high expression MXRA7 in murine and human ocular tissues, and its change patterns in two corneal disease models implied that MXRA7 might play a role in pathological processes or diseases involving injury, neovascularization and would healing.

Focal Adhesion Proteins α- and β-Parvin are Overexpressed in Human Colorectal Cancer and Correlate with Tumor Progression

This study aims to address the role of focal adhesion proteins α- and β-parvin in human colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Expression of α- and β-parvin was examined by immunohistochemistry and real-time RT-PCR in a series of human CRC. Parvins were overexpressed in CRC and their expression correlated significantly with tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, and disease stage. A significant positive correlation of parvins protein expression with overexpression of integrin-linked kinase, p-AKT, and nuclear β-catenin, as well as with downregulation of E-cadherin was also observed. In conclusion, overexpression of α- and β-parvin seems to be implicated in human colorectal cancer progression.

Shikonin Suppresses Skin Carcinogenesis via Inhibiting Cell Proliferation

The M2 isoform of pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) has been shown to be up-regulated in human skin cancers. To test whether PKM2 may be a target for chemoprevention, shikonin, a natural product from the root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon and a specific inhibitor of PKM2, was used in a chemically-induced mouse skin carcinogenesis study. The results revealed that shikonin treatment suppressed skin tumor formation. Morphological examinations and immunohistochemical staining of the skin epidermal tissues suggested that shikonin inhibited cell proliferation without inducing apoptosis. Although shikonin alone suppressed PKM2 activity, it did not suppress tumor promoter-induced PKM2 activation in the skin epidermal tissues at the end of the skin carcinogenesis study. To reveal the potential chemopreventive mechanism of shikonin, an antibody microarray analysis was performed, and the results showed that the transcription factor ATF2 and its downstream target Cdk4 were up-regulated by chemical carcinogen treatment; whereas these up-regulations were suppressed by shikonin. In a promotable skin cell model, the nuclear levels of ATF2 were increased during tumor promotion, whereas this increase was inhibited by shikonin. Furthermore, knockdown of ATF2 decreased the expression levels of Cdk4 and Fra-1 (a key subunit of the activator protein 1. In summary, these results suggest that shikonin, rather than inhibiting PKM2 in vivo, suppresses the ATF2 pathway in skin carcinogenesis.

PARVA promotes metastasis by modulating ILK signalling pathway in lung adenocarcinoma

α-parvin (PARVA) is known to be involved in the linkage of integrins, regulation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics and cell survival. However, the role that PARVA plays in cancer progression remains unclear. Here, using a lung cancer invasion cell line model and expression microarrays, we identify PARVA as a potential oncogene. The overexpression of PARVA increased cell invasion, colony-forming ability and endothelial cell tube formation. By contrast, knockdown of PARVA inhibited invasion and tube formation in vitro. Overexpression of PARVA also promoted tumorigenicity, angiogenesis and metastasis in in vivo mouse models. To explore the underlying mechanism, we compared the expression microarray profiles of PARVA-overexpressing cells with those of control cells to identify the PARVA-regulated signalling pathways. Pathway analysis showed that eight of the top 10 pathways are involved in invasion, angiogenesis and cell death. Next, to identify the direct downstream signalling pathway of PARVA, 371 significantly PARVA-altered genes were analysed further using a transcription factor target model. Seven of the top 10 PARVA-altered transcription factors shared a common upstream mediator, ILK. Lastly, we found that PARVA forms a complex with SGK1 and ILK to enhance the phosphorylation of ILK, which led to the phosphorylation of Akt and GSK3β. Notably, the inactivation of ILK reversed PARVA-induced invasion. Taken together, our findings imply that PARVA acts as an oncogene by activating ILK, and that this activation is followed by the activation of Akt and inhibition of GSK3β. To our knowledge, this is the first study to characterize the role of PARVA in lung cancer progression.

Stanniocalcin-1 promotes metastasis in a human breast cancer cell line through activation of PI3K

Stanniocalcin-l (STC-1) is a secreted glycoprotein hormone that regulates calcium and phosphate homeostasis. STC-1 expression is upregulated in several cancers including breast cancer, and has been shown to be prognostic. Although these clinical observations implicate STC-1 as a potential tumor marker, it is still unclear whether STC-1 confers a malignant phenotype. In this study, this question was addressed by overexpressing STC-1 in the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 and examining the resultant phenotype in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of STC-1 enhanced invasiveness of MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro and promoted their lung metastasis in vivo, while having no effect on proliferation, adhesion, or proteinase activity. The addition of soluble STC-1 to MDA-MB-231 cultures resulted in the activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway, suggesting a mechanistic basis for the observed increases in cell motility and metastasis. Taken together, it was indicated that secreted STC-1 promotes metastatic potential of breast cancer cells via activation of PI3K/AKT.

Rho GTPases in collective cell migration

The family of Rho GTPases are intracellular signal transducers that link cell surface signals to multiple intracellular responses. They are best known for their role in regulating actin dynamics required for cell migration, but in addition control cell-cell adhesion, polarization, vesicle trafficking, and the cell cycle. The roles of Rho GTPases in single mesenchymal cell migration are well established and rely on Cdc42- and Rac-dependent cell protrusion of a leading edge, coupled to Rho-dependent contractility required to move the cell body forward. In cells migrating collectively, cell-cell junctions are maintained, and migrating leader cells are mechanically coupled to, and coordinate, migration with follower cells. Recent evidence suggests that Rho GTPases provide multifunctional input to collective cell polarization, cell-cell interaction, and migration. Here, we discuss the role of Rho GTPases in initiating and maintaining front-rear, apical-basal cell polarization, mechanotransduction, and cell-cell junction stability between leader and follower cells, and how these roles are integrated in collective migration. Thereby, spatiotemporal fine-tuning of Rho GTPases within the same cell and among cells in the cell group are crucial in controlling potentially conflicting, divergent cell adhesion and cytoskeletal functions to achieve supracellular coordination and mechanocoupling.

The focal adhesion-localized CdGAP regulates matrix rigidity sensing and durotaxis

Motile cells are capable of sensing the stiffness of the surrounding extracellular matrix through integrin-mediated focal adhesions and migrate towards regions of higher rigidity in a process known as durotaxis. Durotaxis plays an important role in normal development and disease progression, including tumor invasion and metastasis. However, the signaling mechanisms underlying focal adhesion-mediated rigidity sensing and durotaxis are poorly understood. Utilizing matrix-coated polydimethylsiloxane gels to manipulate substrate compliance, we show that cdGAP, an adhesion-localized Rac1 and Cdc42 specific GTPase activating protein, is necessary for U2OS osteosarcoma cells to coordinate cell shape changes and migration as a function of extracellular matrix stiffness. CdGAP regulated rigidity-dependent motility by controlling membrane protrusion and adhesion dynamics, as well as by modulating Rac1 activity. CdGAP was also found to be necessary for U2OS cell durotaxis. Taken together, these data identify cdGAP as an important component of an integrin-mediated signaling pathway that senses and responds to mechanical cues in the extracellular matrix in order to coordinate directed cell motility.

α-Parvin, a pseudopodial constituent, promotes cell motility and is associated with lymph node metastasis of lobular breast carcinoma

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is more frequently lymph node positive than is invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), and ILC cell infiltration shows distinctive histological characteristics, suggesting the action of ILC-specific invasion molecules. To identify such a molecule, we used a proteomic approach in the pseudopodia of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. A pseudopodial constituent was identified using excimer laser ablation, two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis, mass spectroscopy, and immunocytofluorescence. MDA-MB-231 cells were modified to express various levels of this constituent by transient transfection and were examined for pseudopodia formation and migratory abilities using wound healing and two-chamber assays. Immunohistochemical positivity of human breast cancer cells (56 ILCs and 21 IDCs) was compared with clinicopathological variables. An actin-binding adaptor protein, α-parvin, was found to localize to pseudopodia and to form focal adhesions in cells not induced to extend pseudopodia. Pseudopodial length and density and migratory abilities correlated with α-parvin expression. Twenty-one (37.5 %) ILCs stained positive for α-parvin, whereas the results were negative for all 21 IDCs (P < 0.001). α-Parvin positivity in ILC was significantly associated with lymphatic invasion (P = 0.038) and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.003) in univariate analyses and to lymph node metastasis (P = 0.020) in multivariate analyses. α-Parvin, a pseudopodial constituent, was found to promote migration of breast cancer cells and to be expressed exclusively by ILC, suggesting that α-parvin is an ILC-specific invasion molecule that may have clinical utility as a biomarker for aggressive subsets of ILC.

Elucidation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition-related pathways in a triple-negative breast cancer cell line model by multi-omics interactome analysis

Network features discriminate between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotype in a triple-negative breast cancer cell line model.

Suppression of actopaxin impairs hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis through modulation of cell migration and invasion

Early reports suggested that actopaxin, a member of the focal adhesion proteins, regulates cell migration. Here we investigated whether actopaxin is involved in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and metastasis. We examined actopaxin expression in human HCC samples using immunohistochemistry and western blotting. The functional and molecular effect of actopaxin was studied in vitro by overexpression in a nonmetastatic HCC cell line, as well as repression in a metastatic cell line. The in vivo effect of actopaxin repression was studied in nonobese diabetic and severe combined immunodeficient mice. We found that actopaxin was frequently overexpressed in human HCC patients and its overexpression positively correlated with tumor size, stage, and metastasis. Actopaxin expression also correlated with the metastatic potential of HCC cell lines. Actopaxin overexpression induced the invasion and migration ability of nonmetastatic HCC cells, whereas down-regulation of actopaxin reverted the invasive phenotypes and metastatic potential of metastatic HCC cells through regulating the protein expression of certain focal adhesion proteins including ILK, PINCH, paxillin, and cdc42, as well as regulating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathway. Furthermore, there was a close association between actopaxin and CD29. HCC cells with stronger CD29 expression showed a higher actopaxin level, whereas actopaxin repression attenuated CD29 activity. Finally, actopaxin down-regulation enhanced the chemosensitivity of HCC cells towards oxaliplatin treatment by way of a collective result of suppression of survivin protein, β-catenin, and mammalian target of rapamycin pathways and up-regulation of p53.

CONCLUSION

This study provides concrete evidence of a significant role of actopaxin in HCC progression and metastasis, by way of regulation of cell invasiveness and motility, an epithelial-mesenchymal transition process, and chemosensitivity to cytotoxic drugs.