C-X-C chemokine receptor 2 correlates with unfavorable prognosis and facilitates malignant cell activities via activating JAK2/STAT3 pathway in non-small cell lung cancer

The CXCR2 chemokine receptor: A new target for gastric cancer therapy

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world, and current treatments are still based on surgery and drug therapy. However, due to the complexity of immunosuppression and drug resistance, the treatment of gastric cancer still faces great challenges. Chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) is one of the most common therapeutic targets in targeted therapy. As a G protein-coupled receptor, CXCR2 and its ligands play important roles in tumorigenesis and progression. The abnormal expression of these genes in cancer plays a decisive role in the recruitment and activation of white blood cells, angiogenesis, and cancer cell proliferation, and CXCR2 is involved in various stages of tumor development. Therefore, interfering with the interaction between CXCR2 and its ligands is considered a possible target for the treatment of various tumors, including gastric cancer.

WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein 1 activation through C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 5/C-X-C chemokine receptor type 2/leukemia inhibitory factor/leukemia inhibitory factor receptor signaling promotes immunosuppression and neuroendocrine differentiation in prostate cancer

The interaction between prostate cancer (PCa) cells and prostate stromal cells fosters an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) that promotes tumor growth and immune evasion. However, the specific signaling pathways involved remain unclear. We identified a key mechanism involving the CXCL5/CXCR2 and LIF/LIFR pathways, which create a feedforward loop that enhances neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) in PCa cells and upregulates WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein 1 (WISP1) in both cell types. WISP1 upregulation is essential for inducing immune checkpoints and immunosuppressive cytokines via LIF/LIFR signaling and STAT3 phosphorylation. This process leads to increased neuroendocrine markers, immune checkpoints, cell proliferation, and migration. Notably, WISP1 levels in patient sera correlate with PCa progression, suggesting its potential as a biomarker. Our findings elucidate the mechanisms by which reciprocal communication between PCa cells and stromal cells contributes to the formation of an immunosuppressive TME, driving the malignant progression of PCa and highlighting potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

Multi-omics differences in the bone marrow between essential thrombocythemia and prefibrotic primary myelofibrosis

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) and prefibrotic primary myelofibrosis (pre-PMF) are Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms. These conditions share overlapping clinical presentations; however, their prognoses differ significantly. Current morphological diagnostic methods lack reliability in subtype differentiation, underlining the need for improved diagnostics. The aim of this study was to investigate the multi-omics alterations in bone marrow biopsies of patients with ET and pre-PMF to improve our understanding of the nuanced diagnostic characteristics of both diseases. We performed proteomic analysis with 4D direct data-independent acquisition and microbiome analysis with 2bRAD-M sequencing technology to identify differential protein and microbe levels between untreated patients with ET and pre-PMF. Laboratory and multi-omics differences were observed between ET and pre-PMF, encompassing diverse pathways, such as lipid metabolism and immune response. The pre-PMF group showed an increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and decreased high-density lipoprotein and cholesterol levels. Protein analysis revealed significantly higher CXCR2, CXCR4, and MX1 levels in pre-PMF, while APOC3, APOA4, FABP4, C5, and CFB levels were elevated in ET, with diagnostic accuracy indicated by AUC values ranging from 0.786 to 0.881. Microbiome assessment identified increased levels of Mycobacterium, Xanthobacter, and L1I39 in pre-PMF, whereas Sphingomonas, Brevibacillus, and Pseudomonas_E were significantly decreased, with AUCs for these genera ranging from 0.833 to 0.929. Our study provides preliminary insights into the proteomic and microbiome variations in the bone marrow of patients with ET and pre-PMF, identifying specific proteins and bacterial genera that warrant further investigation as potential diagnostic indicators. These observations contribute to our evolving understanding of the multi-omics variations and possible mechanisms underlying ET and pre-PMF.

CXCR2 antagonist navarixin in combination with pembrolizumab in select advanced solid tumors: a phase 2 randomized trial

C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) has a role in tumor progression, lineage plasticity, and reduction of immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy. Preclinical evidence suggests potential benefit of CXCR2 inhibition in multiple solid tumors. In this phase 2 study (NCT03473925), adults with previously treated advanced or metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer (MSS CRC), or non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were randomized 1:1 to the CXCR2 antagonist navarixin 30 or 100 mg orally once daily plus pembrolizumab 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks up to 35 cycles. Primary endpoints were investigator-assessed objective response rate (RECIST v1.1) and safety. Of 105 patients (CRPC, n=40; MSS CRC, n=40; NSCLC, n=25), 3 had a partial response (2 CRPC, 1 MSS CRC) for ORRs of 5%, 2.5%, and 0%, respectively. Median progression-free survival was 1.8-2.4 months without evidence of a dose-response relationship, and the study was closed at a prespecified interim analysis for lack of efficacy. Dose-limiting toxicities occurred in 2/48 patients (4%) receiving navarixin 30 mg and 3/48 (6%) receiving navarixin 100 mg; events included grade 4 neutropenia and grade 3 transaminase elevation, hepatitis, and pneumonitis. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 70/105 patients (67%) and led to treatment discontinuation in 7/105 (7%). Maximal reductions from baseline in absolute neutrophil count were 44.5%-48.2% (cycle 1) and 37.5%-44.2% (cycle 2) and occurred within 6-12 hours postdose in both groups. Navarixin plus pembrolizumab did not demonstrate sufficient efficacy in this study. Safety and tolerability of the combination were manageable. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT03473925).

Chemokines network in bone metastasis: Vital regulators of seeding and soiling

Chemokines are well equipped with chemo-attractive signals that can regulate cancer cell trafficking to specific organ sites. Currently, updated concepts have revealed the diverse role of chemokines in the biology of cancer initiation and progression. Genomic instabilities and alterations drive tumor heterogeneity, providing more options for the selection and metastatic progression to cancer cells. Tumor heterogeneity and acquired drug resistance are the main obstacles in managing cancer therapy and the primary root cause of metastasis. Studies emphasize that multiple chemokine/receptor axis are involved in cancer cell-mediated organ-specific distant metastasis. One of the persuasive mechanisms for heterogeneity and subsequent events is sturdily interlinked with the crosstalk between chemokines and their receptors on cancer cells and tissue-specific microenvironment. Among different metastatic niches, skeletal metastasis is frequently observed in the late stages of prostate, breast, and lung cancer and significantly reduces the survival of cancer patients. Therefore, it is crucial to elucidate the role of chemokines and their receptors in metastasis and bone remodeling. Here, we review the potential chemokine/receptor axis in tumorigenesis, tumor heterogeneity, metastasis, and vicious cycle in bone microenvironment.

Endometrial Cancer-Adjacent Tissues Express Higher Levels of Cancer-Promoting Genes than the Matched Tumors

Molecular alterations in tumor-adjacent tissues have recently been recognized in some types of cancer. This phenomenon has not been studied in endometrial cancer. We aimed to analyze the expression of genes associated with cancer progression and metabolism in primary endometrial cancer samples and the matched tumor-adjacent tissues and in the samples of endometria from cancer-free patients with uterine leiomyomas. Paired samples of tumor-adjacent tissues and primary tumors from 49 patients with endometrial cancer (EC), samples of endometrium from 25 patients with leiomyomas of the uterus, and 4 endometrial cancer cell lines were examined by the RT-qPCR, for MYC, NR5A2, CXCR2, HMGA2, LIN28A, OCT4A, OCT4B, OCT4B1, TWIST1, STK11, SNAI1, and miR-205-5p expression. The expression levels of MYC, NR5A2, SNAI1, TWIST1, and STK11 were significantly higher in tumor-adjacent tissues than in the matched EC samples, and this difference was not influenced by the content of cancer cells in cancer-adjacent tissues. The expression of MYC, NR5A2, and SNAI1 was also higher in EC-adjacent tissues than in samples from cancer-free patients. In addition, the expression of MYC and CXCR2 in the tumor related to non-endometrioid adenocarcinoma and reduced the risk of recurrence, respectively, and higher NR5A2 expression in tumor-adjacent tissue increased the risk of death. In conclusion, tissues proximal to EC present higher levels of some cancer-promoting genes than the matched tumors. Malignant tumor-adjacent tissues carry a diagnostic potential and emerge as new promising target of anticancer therapy.

MiR-579 Inhibits Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Proliferation and Metastasis via Binding to CRABP2

Background

Lung cancer is the cancer with the highest morbidity and mortality. Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a subtype of lung cancer. The aim of this study is to explore the functions of miR-579 and CRABP2 in lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods

Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays were applied to calculate cell proliferative abilities. Transwell assay was utilized to measure cell invasive ability.

Results

MiR-579 is low expressed in LUAD tissues and cell lines. MiR-579 inhibits cell viability and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma. Knockdown of CRABP2 inhibits cell proliferation and invasion of Calu-3 cells. MiR-579 suppresses cell proliferation and invasion by regulating CRABP2 in Calu-3 cells.

Conclusion

Our study reveals that miR-579 acts as a tumor suppressor in LUAD and miR-579 can target and regulate the expression of CRABP2 to mediate cell proliferation and invasion. This study indicates that miR-579 has a potential to be a candidate biomarker for the treatment of LUAD.

Chemokines and NSCLC: Emerging role in prognosis, heterogeneity, and therapeutics

Lung cancer persists to contribute to one-quarter of cancer-associated deaths. Among the different histologies, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) alone accounts for 85% of the cases. The development of therapies involving immune checkpoint inhibitors and angiogenesis inhibitors has increased patients' survival probability and reduced mortality rates. Developing targeted therapies against essential genetic alterations also translates to better treatment strategies. But the benefits still seem farfetched due to the development of drug resistance and refractory tumors. In this review, we have highlighted the interplay of different tumor microenvironment components, essentially discussing the chemokine families (CC, CXC, C, and CX3C) that regulate the tumor biology in NSCLC and promote tumor growth, metastasis, and associated heterogeneity. The development of therapeutics and prognostic markers is a complex and multipronged approach. However, some essential chemokines can act as critical players for being considered potential prognostic markers and therapeutic targets.

SNF5 promotes cell proliferation and immune evasion in non-small cell lung cancer

Immune evasion is the process that tumor cells accelerate growth and metastasis by evading the recognition and attack of immune cells. SNF5 is one of the core subunits of SWI/SNF, which is involved in the development of a variety of malignancies. However, the functions of SNF5 in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and the mechanism of SNF5 regulates immune evasion are still unclear. Based on this, we analyzed the expression of SNF5 and overall survival of lung cancer tissues through the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database. Then we performed genetic gain and loss of function experiments with SNF5 using lentivirus infection and siRNA in NSCLC A549 and NCI-H1299 cells, respectively. We investigated the proliferation and immune evasion of these cells. We further explored the mechanism of SNF5 on NSCLC cells immune evasion. Our data showed that SNF5 was significantly increased in lung cancer tissues than that in normal lung tissues. Furthermore, SNF5 promoted NSCLC cells proliferation and the expressions of immune evasion-related genes. Meantime, overexpressed SNF5 reduced mortality of A549 cells when co-cultured with T cells. Moreover, SNF5 regulated the immune evasion by activating the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3)/ phospho-STAT3 pathway in NSCLC cells. Together, our results validate SNF5 as a tumor oncogene and provide a new target for NSCLC treatment.

CXCR2 Receptor: Regulation of Expression, Signal Transduction, and Involvement in Cancer

Chemokines are a group of about 50 chemotactic cytokines crucial for the migration of immune system cells and tumor cells, as well as for metastasis. One of the 20 chemokine receptors identified to date is CXCR2, a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) whose most known ligands are CXCL8 (IL-8) and CXCL1 (GRO-α). In this article we present a comprehensive review of literature concerning the role of CXCR2 in cancer. We start with regulation of its expression at the transcriptional level and how this regulation involves microRNAs. We show the mechanism of CXCR2 signal transduction, in particular the action of heterotrimeric G proteins, phosphorylation, internalization, intracellular trafficking, sequestration, recycling, and degradation of CXCR2. We discuss in detail the mechanism of the effects of activated CXCR2 on the actin cytoskeleton. Finally, we describe the involvement of CXCR2 in cancer. We focused on the importance of CXCR2 in tumor processes such as proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells as well as the effects of CXCR2 activation on angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and cellular senescence. We also discuss the importance of CXCR2 in cell recruitment to the tumor niche including tumor-associated neutrophils (TAN), tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), and regulatory T (T_reg) cells.

[Diagnostic efficiency of determining CXCR1, CXCR2 and hyaluronic acid blood level in non-small cell lung cancer patients]

In the structure of lung cancer incidence most cases belong to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) which is subdivided into two histological subtypes: adenocarcinoma (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A five-year survival rate of patients with stage I NSCLC is two times higher than in patients with stage II and more than five times higher than in stages III-IV. Currently, there are no informative blood biomarkers to diagnose early stages of NSCLC. The aim of the study was to evaluate complex determination of hyaluronic acid (HA), CXCR2 and CXCR1 levels blood of patients with AC and SCC. Blood samples from of 107 patients with SCC, 90 patients with AC, and 40 healthy people were used in this study. Concentration of HA in blood serum was determined by enzyme linked immunoassay. The level of CXCR2 and CXCR1 was determined by flow cytometry. Diagnostic parameters were determined by constructing mathematical models in the form of regression equations using the method of stepwise inclusion of predictors and subsequent ROC-analysis. Results of the study indicate that MFI CXCR1 in granulocytes, proportion of lymphocytes containing CXCR2 and concentration of HA in blood serum in stage I AC and SCC are significantly higher than in healthy people. The level of these parameter significantly increases at stage II of the disease compared to stage I and demonstrates further growth at its later stages. Based on the obtained results, regression equations were created: (i) including MFI CXCR1 in granulocytes, proportion of lymphocytes supplied with CXCR2 and HA concentration in the serum to detect stages I-II SCC (diagnostic sensitivity - 95.7%, specificity - 93.7%, threshold value - 0.59) and stages III-IV SCC (diagnostic sensitivity - 93.1%, specificity - 93.3%, threshold value - 0.64); (ii) including the proportion of lymphocytes supplied with CXCR2 MFI CXCR1 in granulocytes and CYFRA 21-1 blood level, which allows the detection of I-II stages of AC (sensitivity - 91.3%, specificity - 94.7%, threshold value - 0.61); (iii) including the proportion of lymphocytes supplied with CXCR2 and CYFRA 21-1 blood level, which allows the detection of AC stages III-IV (sensitivity - 94.6%, specificity - 91.3%, threshold value - 0.15); (iv) including the proportion of lymphocytes supplied with CXCR2 and HA level in the serum to differentiate stage II SCC from stage I (sensitivity - 94.4%, specificity - 87.5%, threshold value - 0.44) and II stage AC from stage I (sensitivity - 88.5%, specificity - 91.2%, threshold value - 0.46).

Sirtuin 2 promotes cell stemness and MEK/ERK signaling pathway while reduces chemosensitivity in endometrial cancer

PURPOSE

Sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) is functionally important in cancer progression and treatment resistance as an NAD+-dependent deacetylase, whereas its role in endometrial cancer (EC) is limitedly investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the regulatory role of SIRT2 on cell stemness and chemosensitivity in EC.

METHODS

SIRT2 expression was detected in human EC cell lines, including Ishikawa, AN3CA, HEC1A, KLE, and normal human endometrial (uterine) epithelial cells (served as controls). Then, SIRT2 overexpression plasmids (constructed with pcDNA3.1 vector) and knock-down plasmids (constructed with pGPH1 vector) were transfected in Ishikawa cells and KLE cells, respectively to assess the influence of SIRT2 on EC cell stemness and chemosensitivity to cisplatin and paclitaxel.

RESULTS

SIRT2 mRNA and protein were both overexpressed in EC cell lines (including Ishikawa cells, AN3CA cells, HEC1A cells, and KLE cells) compared with controls. Upregulation of SIRT2 increased the sphere formation capacity (by sphere formation assay and extreme limiting dilution analysis) and CD133⁺ cells rate in Ishikawa cells, whereas knock-down of SIRT2 reduced the sphere formation capacity and CD133⁺ cells rate in KLE cells. As for chemosensitivity, upregulation of SIRT2 increased relative cell viability in cisplatin-treated and paclitaxel-treated Ishikawa cells. In contrast, SIRT2 knock-down suppressed relative cell viability in cisplatin-treated but not in paclitaxel-treated KLE cells. In addition, SIRT2 overexpression increased, while SIRT2 knock-down reduced p-MEK and p-ERK1/2 levels in EC cells.

CONCLUSION

SIRT2 promotes cell stemness and activates the MEK/ERK signaling pathway while represses chemosensitivity in EC.

Knowledge-Guided "Community Network" Analysis Reveals the Functional Modules and Candidate Targets in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents a heterogeneous group of malignancies that are the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Although many NSCLC-related genes and pathways have been identified, there remains an urgent need to mechanistically understand how these genes and pathways drive NSCLC. Here, we propose a knowledge-guided and network-based integration method, called the node and edge Prioritization-based Community Analysis, to identify functional modules and their candidate targets in NSCLC. The protein–protein interaction network was prioritized by performing a random walk with restart algorithm based on NSCLC seed genes and the integrating edge weights, and then a “community network” was constructed by combining Girvan–Newman and Label Propagation algorithms. This systems biology analysis revealed that the CCNB1-mediated network in the largest community provides a modular biomarker, the second community serves as a drug regulatory module, and the two are connected by some contextual signaling motifs. Moreover, integrating structural information into the signaling network suggested novel protein–protein interactions with therapeutic significance, such as interactions between GNG11 and CXCR2, CXCL3, and PPBP. This study provides new mechanistic insights into the landscape of cellular functions in the context of modular networks and will help in developing therapeutic targets for NSCLC.

An inter-correlation among chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand (CXCL) 1, CXCL2 and CXCL8, and their diversified potential as biomarkers for tumor features and survival profiles in non-small cell lung cancer patients

Background

The aim was to explore the interaction among chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand (CXCL) 1/2/8 expressions, and their associations with clinicopathologic features and survival profiles in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Methods

The tumor tissue specimens from 232 primary NSCLC patients with TNM stage I-IIIA underwent resection were obtained and the expressions of CXCL1, CXCL2 and CXCL8 were measured by immunohistochemical assay. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated according to survival data.

Results

There were 117(50.4%) CXCL1 low expression patients versus (vs.) 115 (49.6%) CXCL1 high expression patients, 107(46.1%) CXCL2 low expression patients vs. 125 (53.9%) CXCL2 high expression patients, 93 (40.1%) CXCL8 low expression patients vs. 139 (59.9%) CXCL8 high expression patients. Meanwhile, CXCL1 expression was positively correlated with CXCL2 expression and CXCL8 expression; CXCL2 expression was also positively correlated with CXCL8 expression. For tumor features, CXCL1, CXCL2 and CXCL8 were positively correlated with lymph node (LYN) metastasis and TNM stage, but not correlated with differentiation, tumor size or carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level. For prognosis, CXCL1 high expression was associated with worse DFS and OS, so did CXCL2 high expression, while there was no correlation of CXCL8 with DFS or OS; Multivariate Cox’s regression disclosed that high expression of CXCL1, but not CXCL2 or CXCL8, was an independent factor predicting shorter DFS and OS.

Conclusions

An inter-correlation is observed among CXCL1, CXCL2 and CXCL8 expressions, and they show diversified potential as biomarkers for tumor features and survival profiles in NSCLC patients.

Katanin P60: a potential biomarker for lymph node metastasis and prognosis for non-small cell lung cancer

Background

This study aimed to assess the correlation of katanin P60 expression with clinical characteristics and survival profiles of surgical non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Methods

Two hundred and sixty-five primary NSCLC patients treated by surgical resection were retrospectively viewed. The expression of katanin P60 in the tumor specimen was detected by the immunohistochemical (IHC) staining assay. Preoperative clinical data were collected from patients’ medical records, and survival data were extracted from follow-up records.

Results

There were 127 (47.9%) and 138 (52.1%) patients with katanin P60-low expression and -high expression, respectively; in addition, patients presenting katanin P60-high+, -high++, and -high+++ expression were 62 (23.4%), 63 (23.8%), and 13 (4.9%), respectively. Katanin P60 expression was correlated with lymph node (LYN) metastasis and advanced TNM stage but not pathological grade, tumor size, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level or other non-tumor features in NSCLC patients. Regarding survival profiles, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were both the lowest in katanin P60-high+++ expression patients, followed with katanin P60-high++ patients, katanin P60-high+ patients, and the highest in katanin P60-low expression patients. Further analysis illustrated that katanin P60-high expression was an independent predictive factor for unfavorable DFS and OS in NSCLC patients.

Conclusions

Katanin P60 presents potential as a biomarker for lymph node metastasis and prognosis in NSCLC patients.

Clinical and functional characterization of CXCR1/CXCR2 biology in the relapse and radiotherapy resistance of primary PTEN-deficient prostate carcinoma

Functional impairment of the tumour suppressor PTEN is common in primary prostate cancer and has been linked to relapse post-radiotherapy (post-RT). Pre-clinical modelling supports elevated CXC chemokine signalling as a critical mediator of PTEN-depleted disease progression and therapeutic resistance. We assessed the correlation of PTEN deficiency with CXC chemokine signalling and its association with clinical outcomes. Gene expression analysis characterized a PTEN ^LOW/CXCR1^HIGH/CXCR2^HIGH cluster of tumours that associates with earlier time to biochemical recurrence [hazard ratio (HR) 5.87 and 2.65, respectively] and development of systemic metastasis (HR 3.51). In vitro, CXCL signalling was further amplified following exposure of PTEN-deficient prostate cancer cell lines to ionizing radiation (IR). Inhibition of CXCR1/2 signalling in PTEN-depleted cell-based models increased IR sensitivity. In vivo, administration of a CXCR1/2-targeted pepducin (x1/2pal-i3), or CXCR2-specific antagonist (AZD5069), in combination with IR to PTEN-deficient xenografts attenuated tumour growth and progression compared to control or IR alone. Post-mortem analysis confirmed that x1/2pal-i3 administration attenuated IR-induced CXCL signalling and anti-apoptotic protein expression. Interventions targeting CXC chemokine signalling may provide an effective strategy to combine with RT in locally advanced prostate cancer patients with known presence of PTEN-deficient foci.