MMP-1 (collagenase-1) expression in primary colorectal cancer and its metastases

An updated patent review of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors (2021-present)

INTRODUCTION

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are strongly interlinked with the progression and mechanisms of several life-threatening diseases including cancer. Thus, novel MMP inhibitors (MMPIs) as promising drug candidates can be effective in combating these diseases. However, no MMPIs are marketed to date due to poor pharmacokinetics and lower selectivity. Therefore, this review was performed to study the newer MMPIs patented after the COVID-19 period for an updated perspective on MMPIs.

AREAS COVERED

This review highlights patents related to MMPIs, and their therapeutic implications published between January 2021 and August 2023 available in the Google Patents, Patentscope, and Espacenet databases.

EXPERT OPINION

Despite various MMP-related patents disclosed up to 2020, newer patent applications in the post-COVID-19 period decreased a lot. Besides major MMPs, other isoforms (i.e. MMP-3 and MMP-7) have gained attention recently for drug development. This may open up newer dimensions targeting these MMPs for therapeutic advancements. The isoform selectivity and bioavailability are major concerns for effective MMPI development. Thus, adopting theoretical approaches and experimental methodologies can unveil the development of novel MMPIs with improved pharmacokinetic profiles. Nevertheless, the involvement of MMPs in cancer, and the mechanisms of such MMPs in other diseases should be extensively studied for novel MMPI development.

A novel prognostic model based on urea cycle-related gene signature for colorectal cancer

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. This study aimed to develop a urea cycle (UC)-related gene signature that provides a theoretical foundation for the prognosis and treatment of patients with CRC.

Methods

Differentially expressed UC-related genes in CRC were confirmed using differential analysis and Venn diagrams. Univariate Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analyses were performed to identify UC-related prognostic genes. A UC-related signature was created and confirmed using distinct datasets. Independent prognostic predictors were authenticated using Cox analysis. The Cell-type Identification by Estimating Relative Subsets of RNA Transcripts algorithm and Spearman method were applied to probe the linkage between UC-related prognostic genes and tumor immune-infiltrating cells. The Human Protein Atlas database was used to determine the protein expression levels of prognostic genes in CRC and normal tissues. Verification of the expression levels of UC-related prognostic genes in clinical tissue samples was performed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

Results

A total of 49 DEUCRGs in CRC were mined. Eight prognostic genes (TIMP1, FABP4, MMP3, MMP1, CD177, CA2, S100P, and SPP1) were identified to construct a UC-related gene signature. The signature was then affirmed using an external validation set. The risk score was demonstrated to be a credible independent prognostic predictor using Cox regression analysis. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction, IL-17 signaling pathway, and nitrogen metabolism were associated with the UC-related gene signature. Immune infiltration and correlation analyses revealed a significant correlation between UC-related prognostic genes and differential immune cells between the two risk subgroups. Finally, the qPCR results of clinical samples further confirmed the results of the public database.

Conclusion

Taken together, this study authenticated UC-related prognostic genes and developed a gene signature for the prognosis of CRC, which will be of great significance in the identification of prognostic molecular biomarkers, clinical prognosis prediction, and development of treatment strategies for patients with CRC.

Detecting the PEX Like Domain of Matrix Metalloproteinase-14 (MMP-14) with Therapeutic Conjugated CNTs

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are essential proteins acting directly in the breakdown of the extra cellular matrix and so in cancer invasion and metastasis. Given its impact on tumor angiogenesis, monitoring MMP-14 provides strategic insights on cancer severity and treatment. In this work, we report a new approach to improve the electrochemical interaction of the MMP-14 with the electrode surface while preserving high specificity. This is based on the detection of the hemopexin (PEX) domain of MMP-14, which has a greater availability with a stable and low-cost commercial molecule, as a recognition element. This molecule, called NSC-405020, is specific of the PEX domain of MMP-14 within the binding pocket. Through the covalent grafting of the NSC-405020 molecule on carbon nanotubes (CNTs), we were able to detect and quantify MMP-14 using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy with a linear range of detection of 10 ng⋅mL^-1 to 100 ng⋅mL^-1, and LOD of 7.5 ng⋅mL^-1. The specificity of the inhibitory small molecule was validated against the PEX domain of MMP-1. The inhibitor loaded CNTs system showed as a desirable candidate to become an alternative to the conventional recognition bioelements for the detection of MMP-14.

MMP1 Overexpression Promotes Cancer Progression and Associates with Poor Outcome in Head and Neck Carcinoma

Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1) has been reported to play key roles in a variety of cancers by degrading the extracellular matrix. However, its carcinogenic roles have not been shown yet in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This study aimed to elucidate its expression pattern and functional roles as well as clinical significance in HNSCC. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were utilized to determine the MMP1 expression pattern and the associations between its expression and patients' outcome in HNSCC. Mice tongue squamous cell carcinoma model induced by 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO) and siRNA-mediated cellular assay in vitro were utilized to evaluate the oncogenic role of MMP1. The biological functions and cancer-related pathways involved in MMP1-related genes were found through bioinformatics analysis. Both mRNA and protein abundance of MMP1 were highly increased in HNSCC as compared to its non-tumor counterparts. MMP1 overexpression positively correlated with advanced tumor size, cervical node metastasis, and advanced pathological grade and lower patients' survival. In the 4NQO-induced animal model, MMP1 expression increased along with the progression of the disease. In HNSCC cells, siRNA-mediated knockdown of MMP1 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and activated apoptosis and epithelia-mesenchymal transition (EMT). GSEA, GO, and KEGG analyses showed that MMP1 expression was significantly related to cancer-related pathways and cancer-related functions. Together, our results demonstrated MMP1 serves as a novel prognostic biomarker and putative oncogene in HNSCC.

Oncogenic Role of Connective Tissue Growth Factor Is Associated with Canonical TGF-β Cascade in Colorectal Cancer

TGF-β signaling pathways promote tumour development and control several downstream genes such as CTGF and MMPs. This study aimed to investigate the association between CTGF and MMP-1 mRNA expressions with clinicopathological status and survival rate in colorectal cancer patients. We investigated expression levels of CTGF and MMP-1 genes in paraffin-embedded tumours and adjacent normal tissue blocks (ADJ) by Real Time-PCR. Then, the expression of Smad2 and Smad4 proteins in the TGF-β canonical pathway was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Finally, the correlation between CTGF, MMP-1, and the canonical TGF-β-signalling pathway with the clinicopathological features was investigated. Expression levels of MMP-1and CTGF were higher in tumours compared with adjacent normal tissues. Overexpression levels of MMP-1 and CTGF were associated with lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, tumour histopathological grading, advanced stage, and poor survival (p < 0.05). Additionally, a significant association between the upregulation of MMP-1 and tumour location was noted. Upregulation of Smad2 and Smad4 proteins were also significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, advanced stage, and poor survival (p < 0.0001). This study showed that canonical TGF-β signalling regulates both CTGF and MMP-1 expression and CRC progression. Moreover, TGF-β signalling and its downstream genes could be used as novel biomarkers and novel approaches for targeted therapy in CRC.

Comprehensive Analysis of the Expression and Prognosis for MMPs in Human Colorectal Cancer

Background

Previous study implicated that genes of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family play an important role in tumor invasion, neoangiogenesis, and metastasis. However, the diverse expression patterns and prognostic values of 24 MMPs in colorectal cancer are yet to be analyzed.

Methods

In this study, by integrating public database and our data, we first investigated the expression levels and protein levels of MMPs in patients with colorectal cancer. Then, by using TCGA and GEO datasets, we evaluated the association of MMPs with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis of colorectal cancer. Finally, by using the cBioPortal online tool, we analyzed the alterations of MMPs and did the network and pathway analyses for MMPs and their nearby genes.

Results

We found that, MMP1, MMP3, MMP7, MMP9–MMP12, and MMP14 were consistently upregulated in public dataset and our samples. Whereas, MMP28 was consistently downregulated in public dataset and our samples. In the clinicopathological analyses, upregulated MMP11, MMP14, MMP16, MMP17, MMP19, and MMP23B were significantly associated with a higher tumor stage. In the survival analyses, upregulated MMP11, MMP14, MMP17, and MMP19 were significantly associated with a shorter progression-free survival (PFS) time and a shorter relapse-free (RFS) time.

Discussion

This study implied that MMP11, MMP14, MMP17, and MMP19 are potential targets of precision therapy for patients with colorectal cancer.

Metalloproteinases and colorectal cancer. Correlation of gene expression and clinical-pathological parameters

PURPOSE

To analyze gene and protein expression of metalloproteinases 1, 2, 9, 11 and 16 and their correlation with clinicopathological variables in colorectal adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 114 patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma treated surgically in the period 2006 to 2008 in Hospital de Câncer de Barretos - Fundação Pio XII. The evaluation of gene expression was performed by RT-PCR, and protein by immunohistochemistry. The analysis of gene expression was classified as overexpressed genes and poorly expressed (fold change of approximately 2, p<0.05). The positivity of the markers in the immunohistochemical study was performed by semi-quantitative analysis. The tissue of TMA (Tissue Microarray) was done by two independent pathologists.

RESULTS

The gene expression validated by immuno - histochemical was MMP-1(p= 0.00 and 1.57 fold change) and MMP - 2 (p= 0.01 and - 1.84 to fold change) when correlated with the histological types mucinous and adenocarcinoma NOS, MMP9 (p=0.01 and fold change of 1.13) and MMP-16 (p=0.03 and 1.61 fold change) when compared with the histological types villous and adenocarcinoma NOS, MMP - 11 statistically significant in relation to male (p = 0.04 and 1.65 fold change).

CONCLUSIONS

The MMPs 1, 2, 9, 11 and 16 gene and protein expression with statistical significance in at least one of the clinicopathological variables studied. Thus, we conclude that these MMPs have potential as a prognostic factor in colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Targeting P4HA1 with a Small Molecule Inhibitor in a Colorectal Cancer PDX Model

Deposition, remodeling, and signaling of the extracellular matrix facilitate tumor growth and metastasis. Here, we demonstrated that an enzyme, collagen prolyl 4-hydroxylase, alpha polypeptide I (P4HA1), which is involved in collagen synthesis and deposition, had elevated expression in colorectal cancers (CRCs) as compared to normal colonic tissues. The expression of P4HA1 in CRCs was independent of patient's age, race/ethnicity, gender, pathologic stage and grade, tumor location, and microsatellite instability (MSI) and p53 status. By modulating P4HA1 with shRNA, there was a reduction in malignant phenotypes of CRCs, including cell proliferation, colony formation, invasion, migration, and tumor growth, in mice regardless of their p53 and MSI status. Immunoblot analysis of excised xenograft tumors developed from cells with silenced PH4HA1 showed low levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Further, in CRC mouse models, silencing of P4HA1 in HT29 cells resulted in less metastasis to liver and bone. P4HA1 expression was regulated by miR-124, and inhibition of cell growth was noted for CRC cells treated with miR-124. Furthermore, low levels of the transcriptional repressor EZH2 reduced P4HA1 expression in CRC cells. Inhibition of P4HA1 with the small molecule inhibitor diethyl-pythiDC decreased AGO2 and MMP1, which are P4HA1 target molecules, and reduced the malignant phenotypes of CRC cells. Treatment of CRC patient-derived xenografts that exhibit high expression of P4HA1 with diethyl-pythiDC resulted in tumor regression. Thus, the present study shows that P4HA1 contributes to CRC progression and metastasis and that targeting of P4HA1 with diethyl-pythiDC could be an effective therapeutic strategy for aggressive CRCs.

Knockdown of MMP‑1 inhibits the progression of colorectal cancer by suppressing the PI3K/Akt/c‑myc signaling pathway and EMT

The present study aimed to investigate the role of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in the development of colorectal cancer and reveal the mechanism underlying this progression. Bioinformatics methods and a public dataset were first used to analyze MMP-1 gene expression in a public dataset. MMP-1 expression in colorectal cancer patients was assessed by immunohistochemistry; its association with clinicopathological parameters and its significance for prognosis were analyzed. Then proliferation, scratch and Transwell assays and a xenograft model were used to assess the change in malignant behavior in cells transfected with an MMP-1 shRNA. Changes involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the Akt signaling pathway were detected by western blotting. According to the results, MMP-1 expression was higher in colorectal cancer tissues than it was in matched adjacent noncancerous tissues, and its high expression was significantly related to lymphatic metastasis as well as TNM stage (P<0.05). Downregulation of MMP-1 expression inhibited the progression of colorectal cancer in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, after the cells were stably transfected with MMP-1 shRNA, the expression of N-cadherin, vimentin and Twist1 decreased while that of E-cadherin increased. The expression of p-Akt and c-Myc also decreased. In conclusion, MMP-1 may promote malignant behavior in colorectal cancer via EMT and the Akt signaling pathway.

Colorectal tumor-on-a-chip system: A 3D tool for precision onco-nanomedicine

Awareness that traditional two-dimensional (2D) in vitro and nonrepresentative animal models may not completely emulate the 3D hierarchical complexity of tissues and organs is on the rise. Therefore, posterior translation into successful clinical application is compromised. To address this dearth, on-chip biomimetic microenvironments powered by microfluidic technologies are being developed to better capture the complexity of in vivo pathophysiology. Here, we describe a "tumor-on-a-chip" model for assessment of precision nanomedicine delivery on which we validate the efficacy of drug-loaded nanoparticles in a gradient fashion. The model validation was performed by viability studies integrated with live imaging to confirm the dose-response effect of cells exposed to the CMCht/PAMAM nanoparticle gradient. This platform also enables the analysis at the gene expression level, where a down-regulation of all the studied genes (MMP-1, Caspase-3, and Ki-67) was observed. This tumor-on-chip model represents an important development in the use of precision nanomedicine toward personalized treatment.

Effects of varying radiation dosages on MMP1 expression, and MMP1 knockdown on the viability and migration of SW620 cells

Colorectal cancer (CRC), also known as bowel cancer, is one of the leading causes of cancer-associated mortality worldwide at present. The aim of the present study was to detect the effects of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) on the viability and migration of a CRC cell line in the presence or absence of variation X-ray radiation doses. The CRC cell line, SW620, was cultured and treated with different X-ray doses (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 3 and 6 Gy). MMP1 expression was downregulated via the application of a specific small interfering (si)-RNA. The viability and migration of SW620 cells prior to and following transfection were detected with MTT and Transwell chamber assays, respectively. The application of siRNA transfection to silence MMP1 in SW620 cells resulted in reduced cell viability and migration (P<0.05). Compared with the control, the cell viability and migration of cells were significantly reduced when exposed to 0.5, 1, 3, and 6 Gy X-ray radiation (P<0.05). In SW620 cells treated with different X-ray doses, the mRNA expression levels of MMP1 were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Cells treated with 0.5 Gy X-ray exposure exhibited the lowest mRNA expression levels of MMP1 when compared with other doses of X-ray radiation. The expression of MMP1 was associated with the promotion of the viability and migration of SW620 cells. X-ray radiation with 6 Gy dosages significantly reduced cell viability when compared with the control. Thus, MMP1-targeted therapy combined with radiotherapy could be used for treating CRC.

Micro-RNAs as critical regulators of matrix metalloproteinases in cancer

Metastasis is known to be one of the important factors associated with cancer-related deaths worldwide. Several cellular and molecular targets are involved in the metastasis process. Among these targets, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play central roles in promoting cancer metastasis. MMPs could contribute toward tumor growth, angiogenesis, migration, and invasion via degradation of the extracellular matrix and activation of pre-pro-growth factors. Therefore, identification of various cellular and molecular pathways that affect MMPs could contribute toward a better understanding of the metastatic pathways involved in various tumors. Micro-RNAs are important targets that could affect MMPs. Multiple lines of evidence have indicated that deregulation of various micro-RNAs, including miR-9, Let-7, miR-10b, and miR-15b, affects metastasis of tumor cells via targeting MMPs.

Metalloproteinase-1, Metalloproteinase-7, and p53 Immunoexpression and their Correlation with Clinicopathological Prognostic Factors in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma

Aim

The aim of this study was to analyze the immunoexpression of metalloproteinase-1, metalloproteinase-7, and p53 in colorectal adenocarcinoma, and to correlate this with clinicopathological prognostic factors.

Material and methods

Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissue from 82 patients was analyzed by means of immunohistochemistry, using the streptavidin-biotin method and the tissue microarray technique. Protein tissue expression was correlated with the variables of the degree of cell differentiation, stage, relapse-free survival, recurrence, survival, and specific mortality.

Results

All of the tumors were positive for metalloproteinase-1, while 50 (61%) were positive for metalloproteinase-7, and 32 (39%) were negative for the latter. For p53, 70 (85.4%) of the tumors were positive and 12 (14.6%) were negative. Correlation of the marker expressions separately and in conjunction did not produce any statistically significant data.

Conclusion

The immunoexpression of metalloproteinase-1, metalloproteinase-7, and p53 did not correlate with recurrence, mortality, relapse-free survival, survival, degree of cell differentiation, or staging of colorectal cancer.

The Inhibitory Effect of C-phycocyanin Containing Protein Extract (C-PC Extract) on Human Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in Hepatocellular Cancer Cell Line (HepG2)

Spirulina platensis :have been studied for several biological activities. In the current study C-phycocyanin containing protein extract (C-PC extract) of Spirulina platensis have been studied for its effect on human matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9) and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2). In the present study, breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB 231) and hepatocellular cancer cell line (HepG2) were examined for inhibition of MMPs at different levels of expression after C-PC extract treatment. Herein, we have demonstrated that C-PC extract significantly reduced activity of MMP-2 by 55.13% and MMP-9 by 57.9% in HepG2 cells at 15 μg concentration. Additionally, the treatment has reduced mRNA expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 at 20 μg concentration by 1.65-folds and 1.66-folds respectively. The C-PC extract treatment have also downregulated a mRNA expression of TIMP-2 by 1.12 folds at 20 μg concentration in HepG2 cells. Together, these results indicate that C-PC, extract successfully inhibited MMP-2 and -9 at different levels of expression and TIMP-2 at a mRNA expression level; however, extract did not have any effect on MMP-1 expressed in MDA-MB231 and TIMP-1 expressed in HepG2 cells as well as the exact mechanism of inhibition of MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-2 remained unclear.

Characterization, survival analysis, and expression of IGFR in tumor samples from patients diagnosed with Ewing family tumors treated at the Barretos Cancer Hospital

Objectives

Study the clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with Ewing family tumors (EFTs) and survival analysis based on risk criteria and expression of the surface protein known as insulin-like growth factor (IGFR).

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study based on clinical data from 77 patients diagnosed with EFTs treated by the Department of Pediatric Oncology at the Barretos Cancer Hospital in a period between 2003 and 2012. Biological samples of patients were examined for the presence of the surface receptor IGFR.

Results

The overall survival rate (OSR) of patients included in the study was 45% at five years, and EFS was 30% at five years. Metastasis at diagnosis was present in 44.2% of the sample; 88.2% of the sample was male (p < 0.001). The evaluation of the expression of IGFR in biological samples of patients was associated with the variable metastasis at diagnosis (p < 0.001). Worse prognosis was observed in patients with extrapulmonary metastasis (p = 0.009). The local treatment of neoplasia presented better prognosis in patients undergoing local surgical treatment (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

These results showed a higher incidence of metastasis at diagnosis in patients with EFTs treated at the Barretos Cancer Hospital (BCH). Extrapulmonary metastases were a negative prognostic factor in this study. Surgical treatment of the primary tumor was a factor for better prognosis. Strong expression of IGFR was more frequent in patients with metastases at diagnosis, but did not represent a prognostic factor for EFTs.

Extracellular Matrix and Colorectal Cancer: How Surrounding Microenvironment Affects Cancer Cell Behavior?

Colorectal cancer (CRC) whit more than a million of new cases per year is one of the most common registered cancers worldwide with few treatment options especially for advanced and metastatic patients.The tumor microenvironment is composed by extracellular matrix (ECM), cells, and interstitial fluids. Among all these constituents, in the last years an increased interest around the ECM and its potential role in cancer tumorigenesis is arisen. During cancer progression the ECM structure and composition became disorganized, allowing cellular transformation and metastasis. Up to now, the focus has mainly been on the characterization of CRC microenvironment analyzing separately structural ECM components or cell secretome modifications. A more extensive view that interconnects these aspects should be addressed. In this review, biochemical (secretome) and biomechanical (structure and architecture) changes of tumor microenvironment will be discussed, giving suggestions on how these changes can affect cancer cell behavior. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 967-975, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The matrix metalloproteinase-7 and pro-enzyme of metalloproteinase-1 as a potential marker for patients with rectal cancer without distant metastasis

The aim of this study was the evaluation of clinical usage of metalloproteinase (MMP): proMMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2 in serum of patients with rectal cancer, as well as the selection of parameters of the greatest diagnostic sensitivity and the determination of their relation with clinicopathological features, what is more, the demonstration whether their concentrations may have a prognostic value in the assessment of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). The study comprised 100 patients with rectal cancer including 29 women and 71 men. The tested group was comprised of qualified patients without distant metastasis (M0). It was demonstrated that in patients with rectal cancer, the concentrations of MMP-9, MMP-7, and proMMP-1 as well as TIMP-1 were significantly higher in comparison to the reference group. On the basis of ROC curves, the greatest diagnostic sensitivity of MMP-9 was demonstrated. When evaluating the correlation of tested parameters with the size of the tumor (T1-T2 vs T3-T4), essential differences were shown for proMMP-1 concentrations. The highest percentage of patients with progression had an increased concentration of MMP-7 and TIMP-1. During a 5-year follow-up, univariate log-rank analysis had shown an essential dependence between the concentration of MMP-7 in men and DSF which was confirmed in Cox multivariate analysis. It was demonstrated that the pretreatment concentration of proMMP-1 may be clinically useful when evaluating the mass of the tumor, whereas MMP-7 may be a prognostic factor for DFS in men with rectal cancer without distant metastasis.

The role of APE/Ref-1 signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma progression

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is responsible for a third of the estimated cancer-caused deaths worldwide. To deeply understand the mechanisms controlling HCC progression is of primary importance to develop new approaches for treatment. Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease-1/redox effector factor 1 (APE/Ref-1) has been uncovered elevated in various types of cancer, including HCC. Additionally, HCC progression is always correlated with elevated copper (Cu). Our previous data demonstrated that Cu treatment initiated APE/Ref-1 expression and its downstream targets. Therefore, we hypothesized that APE/Ref-1 may be involved in HCC progression through mediating the effect of Cu to its signaling cascades. Following different treatments, human HCC cell line (Hep3B) and immortalized non-malignant hepatocyte cell line (THLE3) were analyzed to explore the role of APE/Ref-1 signaling pathway. Unstained human tissue microarrays (TMA) were subjected to IHC analysis to study the relationship between APE/Ref-1 expression and clinic features. APE/Ref-1 was upregulated in HCC cells consistent with the strong expression of APE/Ref-1 in HCC tissue microarray. Greater cytoplasmic accumulation of APE/Ref-1 was found in poorly differentiated and more aggressive tumors. Also we provide evidence to show that APE/Ref-1 signaling pathway stimulates cellular proliferation, enhances antiapoptosis, and facilitates metastasis through experimental knockdown of APE/Ref-1 using siRNA in Hep3B cells or overexpressing APE/Ref-1 in THLE3 cells. These results define a novel role of APE/Ref-1 in HCC progression as being an important mediating and potentiating molecule, and also provide a basis for further investigations utilizing appropriate APE/Ref-1 inhibitors in combination with chemo-drugs for HCC treatment.

Soluble Expression of Bladder Cancer Biomarker Matrix Metalloproteinase 1

BACKGROUND

Matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) has been shown as a novel unique biomarker of bladder cancer in urine. MMP1 can only be detected using conventional and time-consuming methods, such as ELISA and Western. Refolded MMP1 has been achieved and used in probe screen for many years, while there is no clinical application for MMP1 detection until now. Soluble expression of MMP1 is necessary in urine detection.

METHODS

cDNA of MMP1 has been isolated from human embryonic kidney 293(HEK293) cells. The catalytic domain of MMP1 is expressed as fusion protein with Escherichia coli thioredoxin (TrxA). The 30 kDa recombinant proteins were purified by Ni-chelating chromatography. The activity of soluble MMP1 was determined and compared with refolded MMP1 by zymography.

RESULTS

Compared with refolded MMP1, TrxA can increase the solubility of MMP1. The soluble MMP1 has the same protein sequences with refolded MMP1 and increased 1.54-fold of gelatin-degradation activities than refolded MMP1.

CONCLUSION

Successfully soluble expression of MMP1 has been achieved by fusion expression and will make progress in discovering specific molecular probes against MMP1.

The role of matrix metalloproteinases in colorectal cancer

In the United States, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer mortality, with limited treatment options for those with advanced disease. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important for maintaining extracellular homeostasis but also play a prominent role in cancer cell invasion and dissemination. Expression levels of MMP-1, -2, -7, -9 and -13 correlate with worse outcomes; MMP-12 expression appears to be protective. Hence, MMPs are attractive therapeutic targets. Previous clinical trials using broad-spectrum MMP inhibitors were disappointing because of off-target toxicity and lack of efficacy. Now, the availability of safer, more selective inhibitors has renewed interest in therapeutic targeting of MMPs.

The association of matrix metalloproteinase-1 genetic polymorphism (-1607 1G>2G) with colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis

Several case-control studies on the relation between matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 gene -1607 1G>2G polymorphism and colorectal cancer do not have similar conclusions. The previous two meta-analyses focusing on the same issue also were inconsistent. To further evaluate the relation between the MMP-l gene polymorphism and colorectal cancer, we selected eight case-control studies related to MMP-1 gene polymorphism and colorectal cancer by searching MEDLINE, Embase, CANCERLIT, American Association for Cancer Research, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese CNKI, and Wanfang database. Q test and I (2) test were used to test the heterogeneity. We utilized the random effects model to calculate the odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI), and the overall effect of P value using the RevMan 5.2 software. The present study included 1,403 patients with colorectal cancer and 1,754 healthy control subjects. Both -1607 2G/2G genotype carriers [OR = 1.59, 95 % CI (1.27-2.01); P < 0.001] and the -1607 2G allele carriers [OR = 1.26, 95% CI (1.05-1.51); P = 0.01] were found to have an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Therefore, we concluded that MMP-1 -1607 1G>2G polymorphism was associated with colorectal cancer.

Expression of cell cycle regulators p21 and p27 as predictors of disease outcome in colorectal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Recent studies suggest that aberrations in cell cycle checkpoint controllers are a common feature in human malignancies and predict prognosis independent of stage.

OBJECTIVES

This study correlated two cell cycle regulators (p27 and p21) with clinical and pathological variables in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients to assess their role as prognostic factors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A series of 65 CRC patients were analyzed for p27 and p21 expression in their tumors using immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Forty-six percent of tumors showed positive nuclear p27 expression, whereas 72% of cases were completely p21 negative. There were no significant correlations between p27 and p21 expression and gender, age, lymph node involvement, stage, and grade. However, p27 (but not p21) expression revealed highly significant correlation with tumor location (p < 0.01), depth of invasion (p < 0.03), and lympho-vascular invasion (p < 0.02). Tumors with high p27 expression showed a higher recurrence rate than tumors with no expression (p < 0.03). In Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, there was a significant (p = 0.046) difference in disease-free survival (DFS) between p27-positive and p27-negative tumors in favor of the latter. p21 did not show any predictive value of DFS (p < 0.7). Neither p27 nor p21 did predict disease-specific survival (DSS) in Kaplan-Meier analysis, but DSS time was much shorter for p27-positive tumors. In multivariate (Cox) model, p27 lost its value as independent predictor of DFS, and none of the covariates were independent predictors of DSS.

CONCLUSION

p27 expression seems to be more powerful than p21 expression in providing useful prognostic information in CRC, particularly in predicting the patients at high risk for recurrent disease. Larger cohort and longer follow-up are needed to fully elucidate the value of p27 (and p21) as independent predictors of disease outcome.

Effect of the expression of matrix metalloproteases and their tissue inhibitors on survival of patients with resectable colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) are of crucial importance in the degradation of the stromal connective tissue and basement membrane components. Study of the behavior of these components might help to predict the aggressiveness of tumors.

AIMS

To evaluate the expression and clinical relevance of MMPs and TIMPs for patients with resectable colorectal carcinoma.

METHODS

An immunohistochemical study was performed using tissue arrays and specific antibodies against MMPs-1, 2, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 14, and TIMPs-1, 2 and 3. Determinations were performed in cancer specimens from 104 patients with resectable colorectal cancer. The minimum period of follow-up was 12.5 years for patients without recurrence. To identify specific groups of tumors with distinct expression profiles, the data were analyzed by unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis.

RESULTS

Expression of MMP-11 by fibroblasts and MMP-13 by tumor cells were associated with poor prognosis. The dendrogram revealed first-order division of tumors into two distinct MMP/TIMP molecular profiles, designated group 1 (n = 50) and group 2 (n = 54). Group 2 was characterized by significantly higher expression of MMP-1, 11, and 13, and TIMP-3.

CONCLUSION

Our results emphasize the prognostic value of MMP-11 and 13 expression in colorectal cancer.

Identification of colorectal cancer metastasis markers by an angiogenesis-related cytokine-antibody array

AIM: To investigate the angiogenesis-related protein expression profile characterizing metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with the aim of identifying prognostic markers.

METHODS: The expression of 44 angiogenesis-secreted factors was measured by a novel cytokine antibody array methodology. The study evaluated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (sVEGFR)-1 protein levels by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) in a panel of 16 CRC cell lines. mRNA VEGF and VEGF-A isoforms were quantified by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (Q-RT-PCR) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-2 expression was analyzed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS: Metastasis-derived CRC cell lines expressed a distinctive molecular profile as compared with those isolated from a primary tumor site. Metastatic CRC cell lines were characterized by higher expression of angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), macrophage chemoattractant proteins-3/4 (MCP-3/4), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), and the chemokines interferon γ inducible T cell α chemoattractant protein (I-TAC), monocyte chemoattractant protein I-309, and interleukins interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-1α, as compared to primary tumor cell lines. In contrast, primary CRC cell lines expressed higher levels of interferon γ (IFN-γ), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), IL-6, leptin, epidermal growth factor (EGF), placental growth factor (PlGF), thrombopoietin, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and VEGF-D, as compared with the metastatic cell lines. VEGF expression does not significantly differ according to the CRC cellular origin in normoxia. Severe hypoxia induced VEGF expression up-regulation but contrary to expectations, metastatic CRC cell lines did not respond as much as primary cell lines to the hypoxic stimulus. In CRC primary-derived cell lines, we observed a two-fold increase in VEGF expression between normoxia and hypoxia as compared to metastatic cell lines. CRC cell lines express a similar pattern of VEGF isoforms (VEGF₁₂₁, VEGF₁₆₅ and VEGF₁₈₉) despite variability in VEGF expression, where the major transcript was VEGF₁₂₁. No relevant expression of VEGFR-2 was found in CRC cell lines, as compared to that of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and sVEGFR-1 expression did not depend on the CRC cellular origin.

CONCLUSION: A distinct angiogenesis-related expression pattern characterizes metastatic CRC cell lines. Factors other than VEGF appear as prognostic markers and intervention targets in the metastatic CRC setting.

The effect of inositol hexaphosphate on the expression of selected metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors in IL-1β-stimulated colon cancer cells

INTRODUCTION

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have repeatedly been shown to play a very active role in extracellular matrix degradation associated with tumor invasion and metastasis. Tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) are well-known for their ability to inhibit MMP activity thereby inhibiting malignant progression. Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6 phytic acid) has been recognized to have both preventive and therapeutic effects against various cancers including that of colon. In in vitro studies, IP6 has been demonstrated to inhibit cancer cell adhesion and migration. In the present study, the effect of IP6 on the expression of MMP and TIMP genes was evaluated in unstimulated and IL-1β-stimulated colon cancer cell line Caco-2.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Real-time QRT-PCR was used to validate the transcription level of selected MMP and TIMP genes in Caco-2 cells after treatment with 1 ng/ml of IL-1β, 2.5 mM of IP6, and both for 6, 12, and 24 h.

RESULTS

Stimulation of cells with IL-1β only resulted in an overexpression of MMP and their TIMP mRNAs. A significant decrease in MMP-13, MMP-3, MMP-2, and TIMP-1 basal expression was achieved by IP6. IP6 was also an efficient downregulator of MMP-1, MMP-9, and TIMP-2 genes transcription stimulated by IL-1β in 6 h lasting culture. After 12 h, IL-1β-induced MMP-2 mRNA expression was significantly reduced by IP6.

CONCLUSION

Proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β upregulates MMP and TIMP mRNAs expression in colon cancer epithelial cells Caco-2. IP6 (2.5 mM) influences constitutive expression of both MMP and TIMP genes and downregulates IL-1β stimulated transcription of some of these genes. IP6 exerts its anti-metastatic activity through modulation of MMP and TIMP genes expression to prevent cancer cell migration and invasion.

MMP-1 is a (pre-)invasive factor in Barrett-associated esophageal adenocarcinomas and is associated with positive lymph node status

Background

Esophageal adenocarcinomas (EACs) arise due to gastroesophageal reflux, with Barrett's esophagus (BE) regarded as precancerous lesion. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) might play a role during the multistep carcinogenetic process.

Methods

Expression of MMP-1 and -13 was analyzed in esophageal cancer (n = 41 EAC with BE, n = 19 EAC without BE, and n = 10 esophageal squamous-cell carcinomas, ESCC), furthermore in BE without intraepithelial neoplasia (IN) (n = 18), and the cell line OE-33. MMP-1 was co-labelled with Ki-67 (proliferation), Cdx-2 (marker for intestinal metaplasia, BE) and analyzed on mRNA level. MMP-1 staining results were correlated with clinicopatholocical parameters.

Results

On protein level, MMP-1 expression was found in 39 of 41 (95%) EAC with BE, in 19 of 19 (100%) EAC without BE, in 6 of 10 (60%) ESCC, and in 10 of 18 (56%) BE without IN. No expression of MMP-13 was found in these specimens. Quantification showed 48% MMP-1 positive cells in EAC with BE, compared to 35% in adjacent BE (p < 0.05), 44% in EAC without BE, 32% in ESCC, and 4% in BE without IN. Immunofluorescence double staining experiments revealed increased MMP-1 expressing in proliferating cells (MMP-1+/Ki-67+) (r = 0.943 for BE and r = 0.811 for EAC). On mRNA-level, expression of MMP-1 was significantly higher in EAC compared to BE (p = 0.01) and confirmed immunohistochemical staining results. High MMP-1 levels were associated with lymph node metastases but not with poorer survival (p = 0.307).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that MMP-1 plays a role as preinvasive factor in BE-associated EAC. Expression of MMP-1 in proliferating BE and EAC cells suggest malignant proliferation following the clonal expansion model.

Correlation between the immunohistochemical expressions of MMP-1, MMP-7 and VEGF and prognostic factors in colorectal adenocarcinoma

PURPOSE: To analyze the expression of metalloproteinase-1, metalloproteinase-7 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in colorectal adenocarcinoma, and to correlate these with the clinical-pathological prognostic factors. METHODS: Tumor tissue from 82 patients was fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin blocks. These samples were analyzed by means of the streptavidin-biotin immunohistochemical method, using the tissue microarray technique. Marker positivity was evaluated using categorical scores that determined cutoff percentages of stained tumor cells. Protein tissue expression was correlated with the variables of degree of cell differentiation, staging, disease-free interval, recurrence, survival and specific mortality. The Fisher exact and Kaplan-Meier tests were used to assess associations between the markers and the study variables. The log-rank and Wilcoxon tests were used to assess the significance of differences between curves of disease-free interval and survival. RESULTS: All tumors were positive for metalloproteinase-1; 50 (61%) were positive and 32 (39%) were negative for metalloproteinase-7; and 60 (74.1%) were positive and 21 (25.9%) were negative for VEGF. Correlation of marker expression, both in groups and individually, did not show statistical significance in relation to the degree of cell differentiation, staging, disease-free interval, survival or specific mortality. Recurrence showed a statistically significant correlation with positive expression of the three markers, when analyzed as a group (p = 0.038). CONCLUSION: The associated expression of metalloproteinase-1, metalloproteinase-7 and VEGF in colorectal adenocarcinoma is related to the incidence of disease recurrence.

Regulation of cell invasion and signalling pathways in the pituitary adenoma cell line, HP-75, by reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with kazal motifs (RECK)

Degradation and remodelling of the extracellular matrix has been investigated, with the main focus on the balance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP). Recent reports disclose the presence of a novel MMP-inhibiting cell membrane-anchored glycoprotein designated 'reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs' (RECK). Our main aim in this study was to elucidate the role of RECK in cell invasion of pituitary adenomas and its contribution to signal transduction. The function of RECK in cell invasion was investigated by comparing data obtained from full-length RECK clone transfection and gene silencing with RECK mRNA-targeting siRNA. RECK expression was confirmed using real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting. Levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and -9) and TIMP-1 were measured by zymography and reverse zymography, respectively. Cell invasion was examined with a 3-D invasion assay. The signal cascade was investigated by cDNA microarray analysis. As expected, expression of RECK was elevated upon cDNA transfection, and diminished using siRNA. We observed elevation of MMP-2 and -9 expression and consequent 3-D cell invasion in cells under-expressing RECK. However, TIMP expression was not affected by RECK. Analysis with cDNA microarray revealed that RECK additionally upregulates growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor (GHRHR) and latrophilin 2 at the transcriptional level. Our findings collectively suggest that RECK regulates the cell signalling pathway, playing a critical neuroendocrinological role in the pituitary adenoma cell line.