MMP1, 2, 3, 7, and 9 gene polymorphisms and urinary cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Exploring the effects of matrix metalloproteinase-13 on the malignant biological behavior of tongue squamous cell carcinoma via the TNF signaling pathway based on bioinformatics methods

Background

Identification of the etiology, molecular mechanisms, and carcinogenic pathways of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is crucial for developing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This study used bioinformatics methods to identify key genes in TSCC and explored the potential functions and pathway mechanisms related to the malignant biological behavior of TSCC.

Methods

Gene chip data sets (i.e., GSE13601 and GSE34106) containing the data of both TSCC patients and normal control subjects were selected from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Using a gene expression analysis tool (GEO2R) of the GEO database, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the following criteria: |log fold change| >1, and P<0.05. The GEO2R tool was also used to select the upregulated DEGs in the chip candidates based on a P value <0.05. A Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) function analysis, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were then conducted. The results were displayed using R language packages, including volcano plots, Venn diagrams, heatmaps, and enriched pathway bubble charts. Genes from the MalaCards database were compared with the candidate genes, and a thorough review of the literature was conducted to determine the clinical significance of these genes. Finally, feature gene-directed chemical drugs or targeted drugs were predicted using the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD).

Results

In total, 767 upregulated DEGs were identified from GSE13601 and 695 from GSE34106. By intersecting the upregulated DEGs from both data sets using a Venn diagram, 100 DEGs related to TSCC were identified. The enrichment analysis of the KEGG signaling pathways identified the majority of the pathways associated with the upregulated DEGs, including the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, the extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, the chemokine signaling pathway, the interlukin-17 signaling pathway, and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity. The PPI network and module analyses of the shared DEGs ultimately resulted in five clusters and 55 candidate genes. A further intersection analysis of the TSCC-related genes in the MalaCards database via a Venn diagram identified three important shared DEGs; that is, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1), MMP9, and MMP13. In the CTD, seven drugs related to MMP13 were identified for treating tongue tumors.

Conclusions

This study identified key genes and signaling pathways involved in TSCC and thus extended understandings of the molecular mechanisms that underlie the development and progression of TSCC. Additionally, this study showed that MMP13 may influence the malignant biological behavior of TSCC through the TNF signaling pathway. This finding could provide a theoretical basis for research into early differential diagnosis and targeted treatment.

Exploring the impact of TGF-β family gene mutations and expression on skin wound healing and tissue repair

Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β) signalling pathway is of paramount importance in the processes of wound healing, epidermal integrity maintenance and development of skin cancer. The objective of this research endeavour was to clarify the impact of gene mutations and variations in expression within TGF-β family on mechanisms of tissue repair, as well as to identify potential targets for therapeutic purposes in non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). The methods utilized in this study involved obtaining RNA-seq data from 224 NMSC patients and paired normal skin tissues from the PRJNA320473 and PRJEB27606 databases. The purpose of the differential gene expression analysis was to identify genes whose expression had changed significantly. In order to evaluate the effects and interrelationships of identified gene variants, structural analysis with AlphaFold and PDB data and network analysis with the STRING database were both utilized. Critical gene expression was externally validated through the utilization of the GEPIA database. Tumour tissues exhibited a notable upregulation of genes associated with the TGF-β pathway, specifically MMP1, MMP3, MMP9, EGF, COL3A1 and COL1A2, in comparison with normal tissues. As indicated by the central node status of these genes in the network analysis, they play a crucial role in the progression of NMSCs. The results of the structural analysis suggested that mutations might cause functional disruptions. External validation of the upregulation confirmed the expression trends and emphasized the biomarker potential of the upregulated genes. In conclusion, this research offered thorough examination of molecular modifications that occur in TGF-β family genes, which are linked to cutaneous wound healing and NMSC. The modified expression of the identified hub genes may represent innovative targets for therapeutic intervention.

Genetic Polymorphisms Involved in Bladder Cancer: A Global Review

Bladder cancer (BC) has been associated with genetic susceptibility. Single peptide polymorphisms (SNPs) can modulate BC susceptibility. A literature search was performed covering the period between January 2000 and October 2020. Overall, 334 articles were selected, reporting 455 SNPs located in 244 genes. The selected 455 SNPs were further investigated. All SNPs that were associated with smoking and environmental exposure were excluded from this study. A total of 197 genes and 343 SNPs were found to be associated with BC, among which 177 genes and 291 SNPs had congruent results across all available studies. These genes and SNPs were classified into eight different categories according to their function.

Investigation of the Roles of MTHFR (C677T and A1298C) and MMP-2 (-1306C>T ) Variations in Bladder Cancer Development

OBJECTIVE

Bladder cancer is a complex malignancy and has been associated with high morbidity. Since susceptibility to bladder cancer development differs between individuals, determining the roles of MTHFR and MMP-2 gene variations associated with this cancer is important for analyzing differences in individual susceptibility. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of MTHFR and MMP-2 gene variations in the development of bladder cancer in the Thrace region of Turkey.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred seventy-nine blood samples were collected, including 98 patients with bladder cancer and 81 healthy controls. DNA extraction was carried out with blood samples. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was applied to detect MTHFR C677T (rs 1801133), MTHFR A1298C (rs 1801131), and MMP-2 (-1306C>T) (rs 243865) gene variants.

RESULTS

For the MTHFR A1298C gene variation, CC genotype was the genetic risk factor (P=.0001), while AC genotype was the protective factor (P< .0001) in the development of bladder cancer. For the MMP-2 (-1306C>T) gene variation, TT genotype (P < .0001) and T allele (P=.0006) were genetic risk factors, while AC genotype (P=.0009) was the protective factor in the development of bladder cancer. For C677T/A1298C gene variations, CC-CC combined genotype was the genetic risk factor (P=.009), while CT-AC and CC-AC combined genotypes were potential protective biomarkers (P=.013 and P < .001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In our study, TT genotype and T allele were determined as genetic risk factors for MMP-2 (-1306C>T) gene variation. For C677T/A1298C gene variations, CC- CC combined genotype was detected as the genetic risk factor in the development of bladder cancer.

Investigation of roles of IL-8 (+ 781 C/T) and MMP-2 (-735 C/T) gene variations in early diagnosis of bladder cancer and progression

BACKGROUND

The aim of our study is to investigate the roles of IL-8 (+ 781 C/T) and MMP-2 (-735 C/T) gene variations in early diagnosis and progression of BCA.

METHODS

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) methods were used to determine the genotype distributions of IL-8 (+ 781 C/T) and MMP-2 (-735 C/T) gene variations.

RESULTS

In our study, the genotype distributions of IL-8 (+ 781 C/T) and MMP-2 (-735 C/T) gene variations were not found to be significantly different between the patient and control groups. In addition, C and T allele frequencies for these gene variations were not different from the Hardy-Weinberg distribution in patient and control groups. However, when the combined genotype analyzes for these gene variations were evaluated, CC-CC and CT-CC combined genotypes for + 781 C/T / -735 C/T gene variations were observed significantly more in the patient group compared to other genotypes.

CONCLUSION

Although IL-8 (+ 781 C/T) and MMP-2 (-735 C/T) gene variations were not found to be genetic risk factors in the Thrace population in our study, CC-CC and CT-CC combined genotypes were determined as genetic risk factors for BCA susceptibility. The combined genotypes obtained as a result of the combined genotype analysis of these genetic variations that are effective in tumor progression may be considered to be important biomarkers for the early diagnosis and progression of BCA.

Chronic Cadmium Exposure and Genetic Polymorphisms of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in a Population Exposed to Steel Slag in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study

Genetic polymorphisms in the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) family genes may be associated with cadmium (Cd) levels and its adverse effects. This study investigated the impact of MMP-2 and MMP-9 polymorphisms on Cd levels in 238 residents of a condominium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, built over an industrial steel slag waste. Polymorphisms were genotyped using TaqMan validated assays, and the Cd levels were measured in blood (BCd) and urine (UCd) samples by atomic absorption spectrometry. Associations were evaluated by linear correlation coefficients and multiple logistic regression, using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Mean age was 50 ± 15 years; 58% were female, 69% non-smokers. Mean concentrations for BCd and UCd were 0.70 ± 0.2 μg L^-1 and 0.56 ± 0.55 μg L^-1, respectively. Smoking status was associated with BCd ≥ 0.70 μg L^-1 (OR = 2.9; 95% CI = 1.6-5.9). MMP-9 rs17576 A > G was associated with BCd ≥ 0.70 μg L^-1 (OR = 2.11; 95% CI = 1.10-4.05) and UCd ≥ 0.56 μg L^-1 (OR = 3.38; 95% CI = 1.82-7.65). Knowing possible individual predisposing factors is essential to understand Cd toxicity, and to improve the monitoring of high-risk populations.

Key genes affecting the progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma identified by RNA-sequencing and bioinformatic analysis

Background: The present work was conducted to screen the potential biomarkers affecting nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) progression through RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), bioinformatic analysis and functional experiments.

Materials and Methods: Six normal samples and five NPC clinical samples were collected for RNA-seq analysis. The expression levels in both groups were determined through student’s t-test. We identified genes of P < 0.01 as the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). In addition, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted. Afterwards, STRING V10 database was employed to extract protein interactions among the DEGs. Later, we established a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and used the Cytoscape software for network visualization. qRT-PCR was conducted to verify hub genes from clinical samples. Then, the function of CXCL10 in cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration was evaluated.

Results: A total of 2024 DEGs were identified, among which, 1449 were down-regulated and 575 were up-regulated. The PPI was constructed, and the hub genes including Insulin Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF1), C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 10 (CXCL10), Interleukin 13 (IL13), Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM1), G Protein Subunit Gamma Transducin 1 (GNGT1), Matrix Metallopeptidase 1 (MMP1), Neurexin 1 (NRXN1) and Matrix Metallopeptidase 3 (MMP3) were obtained. The expression levels of CXCL10, IGF1, MMP3, MMP1, ICAM1, and IL-13 were significantly up-regulated in tumor tissues. High expression levels of CXCL10, MMP3 and ICAM1 predicted poor prognosis of NPC patients. CXCL10 silencing suppressed NPC cell proliferation and migration.

Conclusions: CXCL10 may serve as a potential key gene affecting NPC genesis and progression.

lncRNA SNHG1 Promotes Basal Bladder Cancer Invasion via Interaction with PP2A Catalytic Subunit and Induction of Autophagy

Although basal muscle-invasive bladder cancers (MIBCs) are predominant, are more aggressive, and have bad prognoses, molecular mechanisms underlying how basal MIBC formation/progression have been barely explored. In the present study, SNHG1, a long non-coding RNA, was shown to be expressed at higher levels in basal MIBC cells than in other types of bladder BC cells, and its presence could promote basal MIBC cell invasion. The results revealed that SNHG1 specifically induced MMP2 expression via increasing its transcription and mRNA stability. In one mechanism, SNHG1 directly bound with PP2A catalytic subunit (PP2A-c) to inhibit interactions of PP2A-c with c-Jun and then promoted c-Jun phosphorylation that, in turn, mediated MMP2 transcription. In another mechanism, SNHG1 markedly induced autophagy in the cells via induction of increases in the abundance of autophagy-related proteins. The latter initiated autophagy and further abolished miR-34a stability, which reduced overall miR-34a binding directly to the 3' UTR of MMP2 mRNA, thereby promoting MMP2 mRNA stabilization. These results provided novel insight into understanding the specific functions of SNHG1 in basal MIBC. Such findings may ultimately prove highly significant for the design/synthesis of new SNHG1-based compounds for the treatment of basal MIBC patients.

Equine penile squamous cell carcinoma: expression of biomarker proteins and EcPV2

Equine penile squamous cell carcinoma (EpSCC) is a relatively common cutaneous neoplasm with a poor prognosis. In this study, we aimed to determine the protein expression and colocalisation of FRA1, c-Myc, Cyclin D1, and MMP7 in normal (NT), tumour (T), hyperplastic epidermis and/or squamous papilloma (Hyp/Pap), poorly-differentiated (PDSCC), or well-differentiated (WDSCC) EpSCC using a tissue array approach. Further objectives were to correlate protein expression to (i) levels of inflammation, using a convolutional neural network (ii) equine papillomavirus 2 (EcPV2) infection, detected using PCR amplification. We found an increase in expression of FRA1 in EpSCC compared to NT samples. c-Myc expression was higher in Hyp/Pap and WDSCC but not PDSCC whereas MMP7 was reduced in WDSCC compared with NT. There was a significant increase in the global intersection coefficient (GIC) of FRA1 with MMP7, c-Myc, and Cyclin D1 in EpSCC. Conversely, GIC for MMP7 with c-Myc was reduced in EpSCC tissue. Inflammation was positively associated with EcPV2 infection in both NT and EpSCC but not Hyp/Pap. Changes in protein expression could be correlated with EcPV2 for Cyclin D1 and c-Myc. Our results evaluate novel biomarkers of EpSCC and a putative correlation between the expression of biomarkers, EcPV2 infection and inflammation.

The association between matrix metalloproteinase-7 genetic variant and bladder cancer risk in a Chinese Han population

The circulating matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) levels are associated with the risk of bladder cancer (BC). MMP-7 gene -181A/G polymorphism may influence the expression of MMP-7 by affecting the transcriptional activity. A case-control study comprising 355 BC patients and 435 age- and gender-matched healthy controls was conducted in a Chinese Han population. The genotype of MMP-7 gene -181A/G polymorphism was determined by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Data revealed that MMP-7 gene -181A/G polymorphism increased the risk of BC under the homozygous and allelic models. However, no association between MMP-7 gene -181A/G polymorphism and BC risk was obtained after adjusting for age, gender, smoking habits and drinking habits. Subgroup analyses showed MMP-7 gene -181A/G polymorphism was associated with increased risk for BC among the smokers and drinkers. Furthermore, AG or GG genotype of -181A/G polymorphism was associated with larger tumor size and lymphatic metastasis in BC patients. To sum up, MMP-7 gene -181A/G polymorphism is not associated with the susceptibility to BC. However, subgroup analyses obtain significant association among the groups of smokers and drinkers. Larger studies in other ethnic groups are needed to ascertain the contribution of MMP-7 gene -181A/G polymorphism to BC risk.

MicroRNA-146b Overexpression Promotes Human Bladder Cancer Invasion via Enhancing ETS2-Mediated mmp2 mRNA Transcription

Although microRNAs have been validated to play prominent roles in the occurrence and development of human bladder cancer (BC), alterations and function of many microRNAs (miRNAs) in bladder cancer invasion are not fully explored yet. miR-146b was reported to be a tumor suppressor or oncomiRNA in various types of cancer. However, its accurate expression, function, and mechanism in bladder cancer remain unclear. Here we discovered that miR-146b was frequently upregulated in bladder cancer tissues compared with adjacent non-cancerous tissues. Inhibition of miR-146b resulted in a significant inhibitory effect on the invasion of bladder cancer cells by reducing mmp2 mRNA transcription and protein expression. We further demonstrated that knockdown of miR-146b attenuated ETS2 expression, which was the transcription factor of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2. Moreover, mechanistic studies revealed that miR-146b inhibition stabilized ARE/poly(U)-binding/degradation factor 1 (auf1) mRNA by directly binding to its mRNA 3′ UTR, further reduced ets2 mRNA stability, and finally inhibited mmp2 transcription and attenuated bladder cancer invasion abilities. The identification of the miR-146b/AUF1/ETS2/MMP2 mechanism for promoting bladder cancer invasion provides significant insights into understanding the nature of bladder cancer metastasis. Targeting the pathway described here may be a novel approach for inhibiting invasion and metastasis of bladder cancer.

A Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Polymorphism, MMP1-1607 (1G>2G), Is Associated with Increased Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis Including 21,327 Patients

Although the matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1) polymorphism MMP1-1607 (1G>2G) has been associated with susceptibility to various cancers, these findings are controversial. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to explore the association between MMP1-1607 (1G>2G) and cancer risk. A systematic search of literature through PubMed, Embase, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar yielded 77 articles with 21,327 cancer patients and 23,245 controls. The association between the MMP1-1607 (1G>2G) polymorphism and cancer risks was detected in an allele model (2G vs. 1G, overall risk [OR]: 1.174, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.107-1.244), a dominant model (2G2G/1G2G vs. 1G1G OR, OR: 1.192, 95% CI: 1.090-1.303), and a recessive model (2G2G vs. 1G2G/1G1G, OR: 1.231, 95% CI: 1.141-1.329). In subgroup analysis, these associations were detected in both Asians and Caucasians. After stratification by cancer types, associations were found in lung, colorectal, nervous system, renal, bladder, and nasopharyngeal cancers. This meta-analysis revealed that MMP1-1607 (1G>2G) polymorphism was significantly associated with elevated risk of cancers.

PHLPP2 stabilization by p27 mediates its inhibition of bladder cancer invasion by promoting autophagic degradation of MMP2 protein

Pleckstrin homology domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase 2 (PHLPP2) is a tumor suppressor that catalyzes the de-phosphorylation of the AGC kinases, while p27 acts as a tumor suppressor that regulates cell cycle, apoptosis, and cell motility. Our previous studies have identified that PHLPP2 participates in inhibition of transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells following lung carcinogen B[a]P/B[a]PDE exposure. However, nothing was known about the association of p27 with regulation of PHLPP2 expression and the role of PHLPP2 in bladder cancer (BC) invasion. In our current studies, we demonstrated that PHLPP2 inhibited BC invasion through promoting MMP2 degradation via p62-mediated autophagy; and p27 expression was able to stabilize PHLPP2 protein by inhibiting protein degradation of Hsp90, which could directly bind to PHLPP2 and protect it from degradation. More in-depth studies discovered that stabilization of Hsp90 by p27 was mediated by calpain1 proteolysis system, whereas p27 inhibited calpain1 gene transcription by attenuating Jak1/Stat1 cascade in human invasive BC cells. Collectively, we for the first time revealed PHLPP2 downregulation in BCs and its participating in promotion of BC invasion, as well as novel role of p27 and mechanisms underlying its regulation of PHLPP2 protein degradation through Hsp90-dependent manner. Our findings improve our understanding of p27 and PHLPP2 roles and their crosstalk in regulation of BC invasion, which further contributes to improve the current strategy for invasive bladder cancer therapy.

Association between MMP2-1306 C/T polymorphism and prostate cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis based on 3906 subjects

Numerous investigations have addressed the correlation between MMP2-1306C/T polymorphism and prostate cancer (PCa) susceptibility. However, these conclusions were controversial. Thus, we conducted this current meta-analysis based on six studies from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China Biology Medicine disc (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) up to October 21^st, 2016. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the strength of the correlations. Additionally, different subgroup analyses and publication bias tests were performed. Eventually, six previous investigations consisted of 1920 cases and 1986 controls were identified and involved in this meta-analysis. Consequently, our evidence indicates a certain association between MMP2-1306C/T polymorphism and PCa risk among overall population (T vs C: OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.00-1.24, P = 0.040; TT+CT vs CC: OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.02-1.32, P = 0.026; respectively), as well as the subgroups of Asian population (T vs C: OR=1.48, 95% CI=1.13-1.94, P=0.004; TT+CT vs CC: OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.21-2.28, P = 0.002; respectively) and PCR-RFLP genotyped method (T vs C: OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.19-2.10, P = 0.001; TT+CT vs CC: OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.23-2.38, P = 0.001; respectively). However, no association was detected in MMP2-1306C/T polymorphism with Gleason grading or pathological stage of PCa. Our study indicates MMP2-1306 C/T polymorphism might increase PCa risk, particularly for Asian population. However, future studies comprising large cohort size from multicenter are required to confirm our conclusions.

Integrated analysis of HPV-mediated immune alterations in cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the primary cause of cervical cancer. HPV-mediated immune alterations are known to play crucial roles in determining viral persistence and host cell transformation. We sought to thoroughly understand HPV-directed immune alterations in cervical cancer by exploring publically available datasets.

METHODS

130 HPV positive and 7 HPV negative cervical cancer cases from The Cancer Genome Atlas were compared for differences in gene expression levels and functional enrichment. Analyses for copy number variation (CNV) and genetic mutation were conducted for differentially expressed immune genes. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to assess survival and relapse differences across cases with or without alterations of the identified immune signature genes.

RESULTS

Genes up-regulated in HPV positive cervical cancer were enriched for various gene ontology terms of immune processes (P=1.05E-14~1.00E-05). Integrated analysis of the differentially expressed immune genes identified 9 genes that displayed either CNV, genetic mutation and/or gene expression changes in at least 10% of the cases of HPV positive cervical cancer. Genomic amplification may cause elevated levels of these genes in some HPV positive cases. Finally, patients with alterations in at least one of the nine signature genes overall had earlier relapse compared to those without any alterations. The altered expression of either TFRC or MMP13 may indicate poor survival for a subset of cervical cancer patients (P=1.07E-07).

CONCLUSIONS

We identified a novel immune gene signature for HPV positive cervical cancer that is potentially associated with early relapse of cervical cancer.

Matrix Metalloproteinases Polymorphisms as Baseline Risk Predictors in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Background

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare disease, linked to asbestos exposure in more than 80% of the cases. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been identified as modulators of the tumour microenvironment and carcinogenesis. Polymorphisms of selected MMPs have been studied as potential biomarkers of time to progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS) in MM. The aim of our study was to investigate selected MMP polymorphisms as baseline risk predictors in MM development in combination with other well known risk factors, such as asbestos exposure.

Patients and methods

The study included 236 patients and 161 healthy blood donors as the control group. Ten different polymorphisms in three MMP genes were genotyped using a fluorescence-based competitive allele-specific assay (KASPar): MMP2 rs243865, rs243849 and rs7201, MMP9 rs17576, rs17577, rs2250889 and rs20544, and MMP14 rs1042703, rs1042704 and rs743257. In statistical analyses continuous variables were described using median and range (25%–75%), while frequencies were used to describe categorical variables. Deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) was assessed using the standard chi-square test. The additive and dominant genetic models were used in statistical analyses. The association of genetic polymorphism with MM risk were examined by logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Carriers of at least one polymorphic MMP2 rs243865 allele tended to have a decreased risk for MM (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.44–1.00; P = 0.050). The association was more pronounced in patients with known asbestos exposure: carriers of at least one polymorphic allele had significantly lower MM risk (OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.35–0.86; P = 0.009). None of the other tested polymorphisms showed association with the risk of malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Conclusions

The MMP2 rs243865 polymorphism may have a protective role in malignant pleural mesothelioma development. This finding is even more evident in patients exposed to asbestos, implying a strong gene-environment interaction.

Melanoma differentiation-associated gene-7 suppresses human gastric cancer cell invasion and migration

Gastric cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the world. Patients with gastric cancer often respond poorly to conventional chemotherapies, therefore more comprehensive therapy is required. Melanoma differentiation-associated gene-7 (MDA-7), also termed interleukin-24, is a potent tumor suppressor gene. Numerous studies have demonstrated that MDA-7 suppresses the growth and induces the apoptosis of cancer cells. In the present study, the MDA-7 gene was transfected into human gastric cancer AGS cells using adenovirus. Transwell and wound healing assays were performed to evaluate AGS cell invasion and migration, respectively. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of epithelial (E)-cadherin, cluster of differentiation (CD)44 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 proteins. A recombinant virus package was successfully constructed, and it was verified using western blotting that exogenous MDA-7 was highly expressed in the AGS cells. MDA-7 overexpression inhibited invasion and migration, decreased CD44, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, and increased epithelial (E-)cadherin expression in the AGS cells. Results of the present study revealed that MDA-7 inhibits gastric cancer invasion and metastasis by inhibiting CD44, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression and by promoting E-cadherin expression.

Zebrafish Xenograft: An Evolutionary Experiment in Tumour Biology

Though the cancer research community has used mouse xenografts for decades more than zebrafish xenografts, zebrafish have much to offer: they are cheap, easy to work with, and the embryonic model is relatively easy to use in high-throughput assays. Zebrafish can be imaged live, allowing us to observe cellular and molecular processes in vivo in real time. Opponents dismiss the zebrafish model due to the evolutionary distance between zebrafish and humans, as compared to mice, but proponents argue for the zebrafish xenograft's superiority to cell culture systems and its advantages in imaging. This review places the zebrafish xenograft in the context of current views on cancer and gives an overview of how several aspects of this evolutionary disease can be addressed in the zebrafish model. Zebrafish are missing homologs of some human proteins and (of particular interest) several members of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family of proteases, which are known for their importance in tumour biology. This review draws attention to the implicit evolutionary experiment taking place when the molecular ecology of the xenograft host is significantly different than that of the donor.

The MMP2 rs243865 polymorphism increases the risk of prostate cancer: A meta-analysis

Prostate cancer is a common cancer in men. However, the association between the rs243865 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the matrix metalloproteinase 2 gene (MMP2) and the risk for prostate cancer is inconclusive. We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and the Chinese CNKI and WANFANG databases for the relevant literature. Data were extracted and pooled results were estimated from odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). The quality of included studies was assessed, and publication bias of all included studies was examined. A total five studies involving 1895 patients with prostate cancer and 1918 controls were included. There was a significant association between rs243865 polymorphisms and higher risk of prostate cancer in the co-dominant model, dominant model, and allele model (CC vs. CT+TT, OR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.22–2.11, P = 0.001; CC vs. CT, OR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.34–2.42, P < 0.001; C vs. T, OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.05–1.66, P = 0.016, respectively). However, there was no significant difference between the co-recessive model and recessive model. Our meta-analysis results suggest that MMP2 rs243865 polymorphisms are significantly associated with higher risk of prostate cancer.

Matrine inhibits bladder cancer cell growth and invasion in vitro through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway: An experimental study

OBJECTIVE

To study the inhibitory effect of matrine on bladder cancer cell growth and invasion in vitro through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

METHODS

Human T24 bladder cancer cell lines were cultured and treated with different doses of matrine (0.25 mg/mL, 0.5 mg/mL and 1.0 mg/mL) as well as 20 μmol/L PI3K inhibitor LY294002 for 24 h, and the cell proliferation activity, the number of invasive cells as well as the expression of p-PI3K, p-AKT, proliferation genes and invasion genes were determined.

RESULTS

Different doses of matrine could decrease the cell viability value, the number of invasive cells as well as the expression of p-PI3K, p-AKT, MMP2 and MMP9, and increase the expression of p16, p21 and p27 in dose-dependent manner; p16, p21 and p27 expression in cells of 20 μmol/L LY29002 group were significantly higher than those of 0 μmol/L LY29002 group while MMP2 and MMP9 expression were significantly lower than those of 0 μmol/L LY29002 group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Matrine can inhibit bladder cancer cell proliferation and invasion in vitro and regulate the expression of cell cycle-inhibiting molecules and invasion-related genes through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Matrix Metalloproteases as Biomarkers of Disease

Matrix metalloprotease play a vital role in many cellular processes. Dysfunction in activity of these enzymes has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of diseases. Factors that affect the balanced interaction between MMPs and their inhibitors, such as genetic mutations of extracellular matrix components or dysregulation of MMP expression, can lead to various diseases. Due to their essential role in ECM remodeling, MMPs have become targets of interest as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases associated with alterations of the ECM.