Role of ICAM1 in invasion of human breast cancer cells

Metastatic melanoma: An integrated analysis to identify critical regulators associated with prognosis, pathogenesis and targeted therapies

Metastatic melanoma causes a high rate of mortality. We conducted an integrated analysis to identify critical regulators associated with the prognosis, pathogenesis, and targeted therapies of metastatic-melanoma. A microarray dataset, GSE15605, including 12 metastatic-melanoma and sixteen normal skin (NS) samples, were obtained from the GEO database. After exploration of DEGs of NS and metastatic-melanoma, identification of relevant transcription factors (TFs) and kinases, the Gene Ontology (GO), and pathways analyses of DEGs were performed. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were evaluated by the STRING and Cytoscape. Subsequently, the hub genes were selected using GEPIA. Survival analysis was performed using the TCGA. To identify microRNA and lncRNA DEGs of the melanoma-associated genes miRwalk and FANTOM6 were employed. In metastatic-melanoma samples 285 and 1173 genes were up and down-regulated, respectively. The upregulated genes were mostly involved in granulocyte chemotaxis, positive regulation of calcium ion transmembrane transport, and melanin biosynthetic process. Five hub genes including CXCL11, ICAM1, LEF1, MITF, and STAT1 were identified, SUZ12, SOX2, TCF3, NANOG, and SMAD4 were determined as the most significant TFs in metastatic-melanoma. Furthermore, CDK2, GSK3B, CSNK2A1, and CDK1 target the highest amounts of genes associated with disease. The DGIdb analysis results show the match drugs for five hub genes. MiRNAs analysis revealed hsa-miR-181c-5p, hsa-miR-30b-3p, hsa-miR-3680-3P, hsa-miR-4659a-3p, hsa-miR-4687-3P, and hsa-miR-6808-3P could regulate the hub genes, whereas RP11-553K8.5 and SRP14-AS1 were identified as the top significant lncRNA. The items recognized in the current study can be used as potential biomarkers for diagnostic, predictive, and might helpful to develop targeted combined therapies.

Current status and innovative developments of CAR-T-cell therapy for the treatment of breast cancer

Breast cancer will overtake all other cancers in terms of diagnoses in 2024. Breast cancer counts highest among women in terms of cancer incidence and death rates. Innovative treatment approaches are desperately needed because treatment resistance brought on by current clinical drugs impedes therapeutic efficacy. The T cell-based immunotherapy known as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell treatment, which uses the patient's immune cells to fight cancer, has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in treating hematologic malignancies; nevertheless, the treatment effects in solid tumors, like breast cancer, have not lived up to expectations. We discuss in detail the role of tumor-associated antigens in breast cancer, current clinical trials, barriers to the intended therapeutic effects of CAR-T cell therapy, and potential ways to increase treatment efficacy. Finally, our review aims to stimulate readers' curiosity by summarizing the most recent advancements in CAR-T cell therapy for breast cancer.

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1): From molecular functions to clinical applications in cancer investigation

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is a versatile molecule that plays a critical role in various physiological and pathological processes, particularly in tumor development where its impact is bidirectional. On the one hand, it augments the immune response by promoting immune cell migration, infiltration, and the formation of immunological synapses, thus facilitating potent antitumor effects. Simultaneously, it contributes to tumor immune evasion and influences metastasis by mediating transendothelial migration (TEM), epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and epigenetic modification of tumor cells. Despite its significant potential, the full clinical utility of ICAM-1 has yet to be fully realized. In this review, we thoroughly examine recent advancements in understanding the role of ICAM-1 in tumor development, its relevance in predicting therapeutic efficacy and prognosis, as well as the progress in clinical translational research on anti-ICAM-1-based therapies, encompassing including monoclonal antibodies, immunotherapy, antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), and conventional treatments. By shedding light on these innovative strategies, we aim to underscore ICAM-1's significance as a valuable and multifaceted target for cancer treatment, igniting enthusiasm for further research and facilitating translation into clinical applications.

Tumor-intrinsic role of ICAM-1 in driving metastatic progression of triple-negative breast cancer through direct interaction with EGFR

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), the most aggressive subtype, presents a critical challenge due to the absence of approved targeted therapies. Hence, there is an urgent need to identify effective therapeutic targets for this condition. While epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is prominently expressed in TNBC and recognized as a therapeutic target, anti-EGFR therapies have yet to gain approval for breast cancer treatment due to their associated side effects and limited efficacy. Here, we discovered that intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) exhibits elevated expression levels in metastatic breast cancer and serves as a pivotal binding adaptor for EGFR activation, playing a crucial role in malignant progression. The activation of EGFR by tumor-expressed ICAM-1 initiates biased signaling within the JAK1/STAT3 pathway, consequently driving epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and facilitating heightened metastasis without influencing tumor growth. Remarkably, ICAM-1-neutralizing antibody treatment significantly suppressed cancer metastasis in a breast cancer orthotopic xenograft mouse model. In conclusion, our identification of ICAM-1 as a novel tumor intrinsic regulator of EGFR activation offers valuable insights for the development of TNBC-specific anti-EGFR therapies.

Targeting overexpressed surface proteins: A new strategy to manage the recalcitrant triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and heterogeneous cancer that lacks all three molecular markers, Estrogen, Progesterone, and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2). This unique characteristic of TNBC makes it more resistant to hormonal therapy; hence, chemotherapy and surgery are preferred. Active targeting with nanoparticles is more effective in managing TNBC than a passive approach. The surface of TNBC cells overexpresses several cell-specific proteins, which can be explored for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Immunohistochemical analysis has revealed that TNBC cells overexpress αVβ3 integrin, Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM-1), Glucose Transporter 5 (GLUT5), Transmembrane Glycoprotein Mucin 1 (MUC-1), and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR). These surface proteins can be targeted using ligands, such as aptamers, antibodies, and sugar molecules. Targeting the surface proteins of TNBC with ligands helps harmonize treatment and improve patient compliance. In this review, we discuss the proteins expressed, which are limited to αVβ3 integrin proteins, ICAM-1, GLUT-5, MUC1, and EGFR, on the surface of TNBC, the challenges associated with the preclinical setup of breast cancer for targeted nanoformulations, internalization techniques and their challenges, suggestions to overcome the limitations of successful translation of nanoparticles, and the possibility of ligand-conjugated nanoparticles targeting these surface receptors for a better therapeutic outcome.

Tumor-derived exosomal ICAM1 promotes bone metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer by inducing CD8+ T cell exhaustion

Exosomes, which are nanosized extracellular vesicles, have emerged as crucial mediators of the crosstalk between tumor cells and the immune system. Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1) plays a crucial role in multiple immune functions as well as in the occurrence, development and metastasis of cancer. As a glycoprotein expressed on the cell membrane, ICAM1 is secreted extracellularly on exosomes and regulates the immunosuppressive microenvironment. However, the role of exosomal ICAM1 in the immune microenvironment of breast cancer bone metastases remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidated the role of exosomal ICAM1 in facilitating CD8+ T cell exhaustion and subsequent bone metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We demonstrated that TNBC cells release ICAM1-enriched exosomes, and the binding of ICAM1 to its receptor is necessary for the suppressive effect of CD8 T cell proliferation and function. This pivotal engagement not only inhibits CD8+ T cell proliferation and activation but also initiates the development of an immunosuppressive microenvironment that is conducive to TNBC tumor growth and bone metastasis. Moreover, ICAM1 blockade significantly impairs the ability of tumor exosomes to bind to CD8+ T cells, thereby inhibiting their immunosuppressive effects. The present study elucidates the complex interaction between primary tumors and the immune system that is mediated by exosomes and provides a foundation for the development of novel cancer immunotherapies that target ICAM1 with the aim of mitigating TNBC bone metastasis.

The mechanism of the contribution of ICAM-1 to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Moreover, if not optimally treated, bladder cancer is a significant burden on healthcare systems due to multiple recurrences which often require more aggressive therapies. Therefore, targeted anti-cancer therapies, developed based on an in-depth understanding of specific proteins and molecular mechanisms, are promising in cancer treatment. Here, for the first time, we presented the new approaches indicating that intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) may play a potential role in enhancing therapeutic effectiveness for bladder cancer. In the present study, we presented that ICAM-1 expression as well as its regulation in bladder cancer is strongly correlated with the high expression of N-cadherin. Importantly, the presence of N-cadherin and its regulator-TWIST-1 was abolished when ICAM-1 was silenced. We identified also that ICAM-1 is capable of regulating cellular migration, proliferation, and EMT progression in bladder cancer cells via the N-cadherin/SRC/AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling axis. Therefore, we propose ICAM-1 as a novel metastatic marker for EMT progression, which may also be used as a therapeutic target in bladder cancer.

FGF2 drives osteosarcoma metastasis through activating FGFR1-4 receptor pathway-mediated ICAM-1 expression

Osteosarcoma is a malignant tumor with high metastatic potential, such that the overall 5-year survival rate of patients with metastatic osteosarcoma is only 20%. Therefore, it is necessary to unravel the mechanisms of osteosarcoma metastasis to identify predictors of metastasis by which to develop new therapies. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is a growth factor involved in embryonic development, cell migration, and proliferation. The overexpression of FGF2 and FGF receptors (FGFRs) has been shown to enhance cancer cell proliferation in lung, breast, gastric, and prostate cancers as well as melanoma. Nonetheless, the roles of FGF2 and FGFRs in human osteosarcoma cells remain unknown. In the present study, we found that FGF2 was overexpressed in human osteosarcoma sections and correlated with lung metastasis. Treatment of FGF2 induced migration activity, invasion activity, and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 expression in osteosarcoma cells. In particular, the downregulation or antagonism of FGFR1-4 suppressed FGF2-induced ICAM-1 expression and cancer cell migration. Furthermore, FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3, and FGFR4 were involved in FGF2-induced the phospholipase Cβ/protein kinase Cα/proto-oncogene c-Src signaling pathway and triggered c-Jun nuclear translocation. Subsequent c-Jun upregulation of activator protein-1 transcription activity on the ICAM-1 promoter led to an increased migration of osteosarcoma cells. Moreover, the knockdown of endogenous FGF2 suppressed ICAM-1 expression and migration of osteosarcoma cells. These findings suggest that FGF2/FGFR1-4 signaling promotes metastasis via its direct downstream target gene ICAM-1, revealing a novel potential therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.

Mechanobiology in oncology: basic concepts and clinical prospects

The interplay between genetic transformations, biochemical communications, and physical interactions is crucial in cancer progression. Metastasis, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, involves a series of steps, including invasion, intravasation, circulation survival, and extravasation. Mechanical alterations, such as changes in stiffness and morphology, play a significant role in all stages of cancer initiation and dissemination. Accordingly, a better understanding of cancer mechanobiology can help in the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Targeting the physical properties of tumours and their microenvironment presents opportunities for intervention. Advancements in imaging techniques and lab-on-a-chip systems enable personalized investigations of tumor biomechanics and drug screening. Investigation of the interplay between genetic, biochemical, and mechanical factors, which is of crucial importance in cancer progression, offers insights for personalized medicine and innovative treatment strategies.

Inhibition of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay reduces the tumorigenicity of human fibrosarcoma cells

Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is a eukaryotic RNA decay pathway with roles in cellular stress responses, differentiation, and viral defense. It functions in both quality control and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. NMD has also emerged as a modulator of cancer progression, although available evidence supports both a tumor suppressor and a pro-tumorigenic role, depending on the model. To further investigate the role of NMD in cancer, we knocked out the NMD factor SMG7 in the HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cell line, resulting in suppression of NMD function. We then compared the oncogenic properties of the parental cell line, the SMG7-knockout, and a rescue cell line in which we re-introduced both isoforms of SMG7. We also tested the effect of a drug inhibiting the NMD factor SMG1 to distinguish NMD-dependent effects from putative NMD-independent functions of SMG7. Using cell-based assays and a mouse xenograft tumor model, we showed that suppression of NMD function severely compromises the oncogenic phenotype. Molecular pathway analysis revealed that NMD suppression strongly reduces matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP9) expression and that MMP9 re-expression partially rescues the oncogenic phenotype. Since MMP9 promotes cancer cell migration and invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis, its downregulation may contribute to the reduced tumorigenicity of NMD-suppressed cells. Collectively, our results highlight the potential value of NMD inhibition as a therapeutic approach.

Increased Expression of miR-223-3p and miR-375-3p and Anti-Inflammatory Activity in HDL of Newly Diagnosed Women in Advanced Stages of Breast Cancer

The expression of inflammation-related miRs bound to high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), the anti-inflammatory activity of HDLs isolated from individuals with breast cancer, and controls were determined. Forty newly diagnosed women with breast cancer naïve of treatment and 10 control participants were included. Cholesterol-loaded bone-marrow-derived macrophages were incubated with HDL from both groups and challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Interleukin 6 (IL6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in the medium were quantified. The miRs in HDLs were determined by RT-qPCR. Age, body mass index, menopausal status, plasma lipids, and HDL composition were similar between groups. The ability of HDL to inhibit IL6 and TNF production was higher in breast cancer compared to controls, especially in advanced stages of the disease. The miR-223-3p and 375-3p were higher in the HDLs of breast cancer independent of the histological type of the tumor and had a high discriminatory power between breast cancer and controls. The miR-375-3p was greater in the advanced stages of the disease and was inversely correlated with the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Inflammation-related miRs and the anti-inflammatory role of HDLs may have a significant impact on breast cancer pathophysiology.

Novel chimeric antigen receptor T cell-based immunotherapy: a perspective for triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly aggressive and does not express estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone (PR), or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). It has a poor prognosis, and traditional endocrine and anti-HER2 targeted therapies have low efficacy against it. In contrast, surgery, radiotherapy, and/or systemic chemotherapy are relatively effective at controlling TNBC. The resistance of TNBC to currently available clinical therapies has had a significantly negative impact on its treatment outcomes. Hence, new therapeutic options are urgently required. Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy is a type of immunotherapy that integrates the antigen specificity of antibodies and the tumor-killing effect of T cells. CAR-T therapy has demonstrated excellent clinical efficacy against hematological cancers. However, its efficacy against solid tumors such as TNBC is inadequate. The present review aimed to investigate various aspects of CAR-T administration as TNBC therapy. We summarized the potential therapeutic targets of CAR-T that were identified in preclinical studies and clinical trials on TNBC. We addressed the limitations of using CAR-T in the treatment of TNBC in particular and solid tumors in general and explored key strategies to overcome these impediments. Finally, we comprehensively examined the advancement of CAR-T immunotherapy as well as countermeasures that could improve its efficacy as a TNBC treatment and the prognosis of patients with this type of cancer.

NMT1 sustains ICAM-1 to modulate adhesion and migration of tumor cells

Protein modifications have significant effects on tumorigenesis. N-Myristoylation is one of the most important lipidation modifications, and N-myristoyltransferase 1 (NMT1) is the main enzyme required for this process. However, the mechanism underlying how NMT1 modulates tumorigenesis remains largely unclear. Here, we found that NMT1 sustains cell adhesion and suppresses tumor cell migration. Intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) was a potential functional downstream effector of NMT1, and its N-terminus could be N-myristoylated. NMT1 prevented ubiquitination and proteasome degradation of ICAM-1 by inhibiting Ub E3 ligase F-box protein 4, which prolonged the half-life of ICAM1 protein. Correlations between NMT1 and ICAM-1 were observed in liver and lung cancers, which were associated with metastasis and overall survival. Therefore, carefully designed strategies focusing on NMT1 and its downstream effectors might be helpful to treat tumors.

Functionalized liposomes for targeted breast cancer drug delivery

Despite the exceptional progress in breast cancer pathogenesis, prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment strategies, it remains a prominent cause of female mortality worldwide. Additionally, although chemotherapies are effective, they are associated with critical limitations, most notably their lack of specificity resulting in systemic toxicity and the eventual development of multi-drug resistance (MDR) cancer cells. Liposomes have proven to be an invaluable drug delivery system but of the multitudes of liposomal systems developed every year only a few have been approved for clinical use, none of which employ active targeting. In this review, we summarize the most recent strategies in development for actively targeted liposomal drug delivery systems for surface, transmembrane and internal cell receptors, enzymes, direct cell targeting and dual-targeting of breast cancer and breast cancer-associated cells, e.g., cancer stem cells, cells associated with the tumor microenvironment, etc.

Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1: More than a Leukocyte Adhesion Molecule

Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) is a transmembrane protein in the immunoglobulin superfamily expressed on the surface of multiple cell populations and upregulated by inflammatory stimuli. It mediates cellular adhesive interactions by binding to the β2 integrins macrophage antigen 1 and leukocyte function-associated antigen 1, as well as other ligands. It has important roles in the immune system, including in leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium and transendothelial migration, and at the immunological synapse formed between lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells. ICAM-1 has also been implicated in the pathophysiology of diverse diseases from cardiovascular diseases to autoimmune disorders, certain infections, and cancer. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the structure and regulation of the ICAM1 gene and the ICAM-1 protein. We discuss the roles of ICAM-1 in the normal immune system and a selection of diseases to highlight the breadth and often double-edged nature of its functions. Finally, we discuss current therapeutics and opportunities for advancements.

Endorsement of TNBC Biomarkers in Precision Therapy by Nanotechnology

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease which accounts globally for approximately 1 million new cases annually, wherein more than 200,000 of these cases turn out to be cases of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). TNBC is an aggressive and rare breast cancer subtype that accounts for 10-15% of all breast cancer cases. Chemotherapy remains the only therapy regimen against TNBC. However, the emergence of innate or acquired chemoresistance has hindered the chemotherapy used to treat TNBC. The data obtained from molecular technologies have recognized TNBC with various gene profiling and mutation settings that have helped establish and develop targeted therapies. New therapeutic strategies based on the targeted delivery of therapeutics have relied on the application of biomarkers derived from the molecular profiling of TNBC patients. Several biomarkers have been found that are targets for the precision therapy in TNBC, such as EGFR, VGFR, TP53, interleukins, insulin-like growth factor binding proteins, c-MET, androgen receptor, BRCA1, glucocorticoid, PTEN, ALDH1, etc. This review discusses the various candidate biomarkers identified in the treatment of TNBC along with the evidence supporting their use. It was established that nanoparticles had been considered a multifunctional system for delivering therapeutics to target sites with increased precision. Here, we also discuss the role of biomarkers in nanotechnology translation in TNBC therapy and management.

A rationally designed ICAM1 antibody drug conjugate eradicates late-stage and refractory triple-negative breast tumors in vivo

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains the most lethal form of breast cancer, and effective targeted therapeutics are in urgent need to improve the poor prognosis of TNBC patients. Here, we report the development of a rationally designed antibody drug conjugate (ADC) for the treatment of late-stage and refractory TNBC. We determined that intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1), a cell surface receptor overexpressed in TNBC, efficiently facilitates receptor-mediated antibody internalization. We next constructed a panel of four ICAM1 ADCs using different chemical linkers and warheads and compared their in vitro and in vivo efficacies against multiple human TNBC cell lines and a series of standard, late-stage, and refractory TNBC in vivo models. An ICAM1 antibody conjugated with monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) via a protease-cleavable valine-citrulline linker was identified as the optimal ADC formulation owing to its outstanding efficacy and safety, representing an effective ADC candidate for TNBC therapy.

CX3CL1 induces cell migration and invasion through ICAM-1 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells

Human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has been associated with a relatively low survival rate over the years and is characterized by a poor prognosis. C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CX3CL1) has been involved in advanced migratory cells. Overexpressed CX3CL1 promotes several cellular responses related to cancer metastasis, including cell movement, migration and invasion in tumour cells. However, CX3CL1 controls the migration ability, and its molecular mechanism in OSCC remains unknown. The present study confirmed that CX3CL1 increased cell movement, migration and invasion. The CX3CL1-induced cell motility is upregulated through intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression in OSCC cells. These effects were significantly suppressed when OSCC cells were pre-treated with CX3CR1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and small-interfering RNA (siRNA). The CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis activates promoted PLCβ/PKCα/c-Src phosphorylation. Furthermore, CX3CL1 enhanced activator protein-1 (AP-1) activity. The CX3CR1 mAb and PLCβ, PKCα, c-Src inhibitors reduced CX3CL1-induced c-Jun phosphorylation, c-Jun translocation into the nucleus and c-Jun binding to the ICAM-1 promoter. The present results reveal that CX3CL1 induces the migration of OSCC cells by promoting ICAM-1 expression through the CX3CR1 and the PLCβ/PKCα/c-Src signal pathway, suggesting that CX3CL1-CX3CR1-mediated signalling is correlated with tumour motility and appealed to be a precursor for prognosis in human OSCC.

Senescent Secretome of Blind Mole Rat Spalax Inhibits Malignant Behavior of Human Breast Cancer Cells Triggering Bystander Senescence and Targeting Inflammatory Response

Subterranean blind mole rat, Spalax, has developed strategies to withstand cancer by maintaining genome stability and suppressing the inflammatory response. Spalax cells undergo senescence without the acquisition of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in its canonical form, namely, it lacks the main inflammatory mediators. Since senescence can propagate through paracrine factors, we hypothesize that conditioned medium (CM) from senescent Spalax fibroblasts can transmit the senescent phenotype to cancer cells without inducing an inflammatory response, thereby suppressing malignant behavior. To address this issue, we investigated the effect of CMs of Spalax senescent fibroblasts on the proliferation, migration, and secretory profile in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. The results suggest that Spalax CM induced senescence in cancer cells, as evidenced by increased senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) activity, growth suppression and overexpression of senescence-related p53/p21 genes. Contemporaneously, Spalax CM suppressed the secretion of the main inflammatory factors in cancer cells and decreased their migration. In contrast, human CM, while causing a slight increase in SA-β-Gal activity in MDA-MB-231 cells, did not decrease proliferation, inflammatory response, and cancer cell migration. Dysregulation of IL-1α under the influence of Spalax CM, especially the decrease in the level of membrane-bound IL1-α, plays an important role in suppressing inflammatory secretion in cancer cells, which in turn leads to inhibition of cancer cell migration. Overcoming of SASP in tumor cells in response to paracrine factors of senescent microenvironment or anti-cancer drugs represents a promising senotherapeutic strategy in cancer treatment.

Mimicking Tumor Cell Heterogeneity of Colorectal Cancer in a Patient-derived Organoid-Fibroblast Model

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Patient-derived organoid cancer models are generated from epithelial tumor cells and reflect tumor characteristics. However, they lack the complexity of the tumor microenvironment, which is a key driver of tumorigenesis and therapy response. Here, we developed a colorectal cancer organoid model that incorporates matched epithelial cells and stromal fibroblasts.

METHODS

Primary fibroblasts and tumor cells were isolated from colorectal cancer specimens. Fibroblasts were characterized for their proteome, secretome, and gene expression signatures. Fibroblast/organoid co-cultures were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and compared with their tissue of origin, as well as on gene expression levels compared with standard organoid models. Bioinformatics deconvolution was used to calculate cellular proportions of cell subsets in organoids based on single-cell RNA sequencing data.

RESULTS

Normal primary fibroblasts, isolated from tumor adjacent tissue, and cancer associated fibroblasts retained their molecular characteristics in vitro, including higher motility of cancer associated compared with normal fibroblasts. Importantly, both cancer-associated fibroblasts and normal fibroblasts supported cancer cell proliferation in 3D co-cultures, without the addition of classical niche factors. Organoids grown together with fibroblasts displayed a larger cellular heterogeneity of tumor cells compared with mono-cultures and closely resembled the in vivo tumor morphology. Additionally, we observed a mutual crosstalk between tumor cells and fibroblasts in the co-cultures. This was manifested by considerably deregulated pathways such as cell-cell communication and extracellular matrix remodeling in the organoids. Thrombospondin-1 was identified as a critical factor for fibroblast invasiveness.

CONCLUSION

We developed a physiological tumor/stroma model, which will be vital as a personalized tumor model to study disease mechanisms and therapy response in colorectal cancer.

Water channel protein AQP1 in cytoplasm is a critical factor in breast cancer local invasion

BACKGROUND

Metastasis of breast cancer grows from the local invasion to the distant colonization. Blocking the local invasion step would be promising for breast cancer treatment. Our present study demonstrated AQP1 was a crucial target in breast cancer local invasion.

METHODS

Mass spectrometry combined with bioinformatics analysis was used to identify AQP1 associated proteins ANXA2 and Rab1b. Co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence assays and cell functional experiments were carried out to define the relationship among AQP1, ANXA2 and Rab1b and their re-localization in breast cancer cells. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was performed toward the identification of relevant prognostic factors. Survival curves were plotted by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test.

RESULTS

Here, we show that the cytoplasmic water channel protein AQP1, a crucial target in breast cancer local invasion, recruited ANXA2 from the cellular membrane to the Golgi apparatus, promoted Golgi apparatus extension, and induced breast cancer cell migration and invasion. In addition, cytoplasmic AQP1 recruited cytosolic free Rab1b to the Golgi apparatus to form a ternary complex containing AQP1, ANXA2, and Rab1b, which induced cellular secretion of the pro-metastatic proteins ICAM1 and CTSS. Cellular secretion of ICAM1 and CTSS led to the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. Both in vivo assay and clinical analysis data confirmed above results.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggested a novel mechanism for AQP1-induced breast cancer local invasion. Therefore, targeting AQP1 offers promises in breast cancer treatment.

Ultra-low-coverage genome-wide association study-insights into gestational age using 17,844 embryo samples with preimplantation genetic testing

BACKGROUND

Very low-coverage (0.1 to 1×) whole genome sequencing (WGS) has become a promising and affordable approach to discover genomic variants of human populations for genome-wide association study (GWAS). To support genetic screening using preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) in a large population, the sequencing coverage goes below 0.1× to an ultra-low level. However, the feasibility and effectiveness of ultra-low-coverage WGS (ulcWGS) for GWAS remains undetermined.

METHODS

We built a pipeline to carry out analysis of ulcWGS data for GWAS. To examine its effectiveness, we benchmarked the accuracy of genotype imputation at the combination of different coverages below 0.1× and sample sizes from 2000 to 16,000, using 17,844 embryo PGT samples with approximately 0.04× average coverage and the standard Chinese sample HG005 with known genotypes. We then applied the imputed genotypes of 1744 transferred embryos who have gestational ages and complete follow-up records to GWAS.

RESULTS

The accuracy of genotype imputation under ultra-low coverage can be improved by increasing the sample size and applying a set of filters. From 1744 born embryos, we identified 11 genomic risk loci associated with gestational ages and 166 genes mapped to these loci according to positional, expression quantitative trait locus, and chromatin interaction strategies. Among these mapped genes, CRHBP, ICAM1, and OXTR were more frequently reported as preterm birth related. By joint analysis of gene expression data from previous studies, we constructed interrelationships of mainly CRHBP, ICAM1, PLAGL1, DNMT1, CNTLN, DKK1, and EGR2 with preterm birth, infant disease, and breast cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

This study not only demonstrates that ulcWGS could achieve relatively high accuracy of adequate genotype imputation and is capable of GWAS, but also provides insights into the associations between gestational age and genetic variations of the fetal embryos from Chinese population.

Macrophage membrane-biomimetic adhesive polycaprolactone nanocamptothecin for improving cancer-targeting efficiency and impairing metastasis

The recent remarkable success and safety of mRNA lipid nanoparticle technology for producing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines has stimulated intensive efforts to expand nanoparticle strategies to treat various diseases. Numerous synthetic nanoparticles have been developed for pharmaceutical delivery and cancer treatment. However, only a limited number of nanotherapies have enter clinical trials or are clinically approved. Systemically administered nanotherapies are likely to be sequestered by host mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS), resulting in suboptimal pharmacokinetics and insufficient drug concentrations in tumors. Bioinspired drug-delivery formulations have emerged as an alternative approach to evade the MPS and show potential to improve drug therapeutic efficacy. Here we developed a biodegradable polymer-conjugated camptothecin prodrug encapsulated in the plasma membrane of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. Polymer conjugation revived the parent camptothecin agent (e.g., 7-ethyl-10-hydroxy-camptothecin), enabling lipid nanoparticle encapsulation. Furthermore, macrophage membrane cloaking transformed the nonadhesive lipid nanoparticles into bioadhesive nanocamptothecin, increasing the cellular uptake and tumor-tropic effects of this biomimetic therapy. When tested in a preclinical murine model of breast cancer, macrophage-camouflaged nanocamptothecin exhibited a higher level of tumor accumulation than uncoated nanoparticles. Furthermore, intravenous administration of the therapy effectively suppressed tumor growth and the metastatic burden without causing systematic toxicity. Our study describes a combinatorial strategy that uses polymeric prodrug design and cell membrane cloaking to achieve therapeutics with high efficacy and low toxicity. This approach might also be generally applicable to formulate other therapeutic candidates that are not compatible or miscible with biomimetic delivery carriers.

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Macrophage membrane-biomimetic platform was exploited for nanodelivery of polycaprolactone nanocamptothecin.

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Macrophage-camouflaged nanocamptothecin exhibited tumor-tropic effects and increased tumor cell adhesion.

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The nanotherapy effectively suppressed primary tumor growth and the metastatic burden in vivo.

Catechol-O-methyl transferase suppresses cell invasion and interplays with MET signaling in estrogen dependent breast cancer

Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) is involved in detoxification of catechol estrogens, playing cancer-protective role in cells producing or utilizing estrogen. Moreover, COMT suppressed migration potential of breast cancer (BC) cells. To delineate COMT role in metastasis of estrogen receptor (ER) dependent BC, we investigated the effect of COMT overexpression on invasion, transcriptome, proteome and interactome of MCF7 cells, a luminal A BC model, stably transduced with lentiviral vector carrying COMT gene (MCF7-COMT). 2D and 3D assays revealed that COMT overexpression associates with decreased cell invasion (p < 0.0001 for Transwell assay, p < 0.05 for spheroid formation). RNA-Seq and LC-DIA-MS/MS proteomics identified genes associated with invasion (FTO, PIR, TACSTD2, ANXA3, KRT80, S100P, PREX1, CLEC3A, LCP1) being downregulated in MCF7-COMT cells, while genes associated with less aggressive phenotype (RBPMS, ROBO2, SELENBP, EPB41L2) were upregulated both at transcript (|log2FC|> 1, adj. p < 0.05) and protein (|log2FC|> 0.58, q < 0.05) levels. Importantly, proteins driving MET signaling were less abundant in COMT overexpressing cells, and pull-down confirmed interaction between COMT and Kunitz-type protease inhibitor 2 (SPINT2), a negative regulator of MET (log2FC = 5.10, q = 1.04-7). In conclusion, COMT may act as tumor suppressor in ER dependent BC not only by detoxification of catechol estrogens but also by suppressing cell invasion and interplay with MET pathway.

Modelling metastasis in zebrafish unveils regulatory interactions of cancer-associated fibroblasts with circulating tumour cells

The dynamic intercommunication between tumour cells and cells from the microenvironment, such as cancer-associated fibroblast (CAFs), is a key factor driving breast cancer (BC) metastasis. Clusters of circulating tumour cells (CTCs), known to bare a higher efficiency at establishing metastases, are found in the blood of BC patients, often accompanied by CAFs in heterotypic CTC-clusters. Previously we have shown the utility of CTC-clusters models and the zebrafish embryo as a model of metastasis to understand the biology of breast cancer CTC-clusters. In this work, we use the zebrafish embryo to study the interactions between CTCs in homotypic clusters and CTC-CAFs in heterotypic CTC-clusters to identify potential pro-metastatic traits derived from CTC-CAF communication. We found that upon dissemination CAFs seem to exert a pro-survival and pro-proliferative effect on the CTCs, but only when CTCs and CAFs remain joined as cell clusters. Our data indicate that the clustering of CTC and CAF allows the establishment of physical interactions that when maintained over time favour the selection of CTCs with a higher capacity to survive and proliferate upon dissemination. Importantly, this effect seems to be dependent on the survival of disseminated CAFs and was not observed in the presence of normal fibroblasts. Moreover, we show that CAFs can exert regulatory effects on the CTCs without being involved in promoting tumour cell invasion. Lastly, we show that the physical communication between BC cells and CAFs leads to the production of soluble factors involved in BC cell survival and proliferation. These findings suggest the existence of a CAF-regulatory effect on CTC survival and proliferation sustained by cell-to-cell contacts and highlight the need to understand the molecular mechanisms that mediate the interaction between the CTCs and CAFs in clusters enhancing the metastatic capacity of CTCs.

Identification of prognostic biomarkers among ICAMs in the breast cancer microenvironment

BACKGROUND

Intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs) in the tumor microenvironment are closely related to immunity and affect the prognosis of cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study is to explore the correlation between ICAM expression, mutation, methylation and immunity and their prognostic value in breast cancer (BC) is not clear.

METHODS

Online databases and tools such as UALCAN, COSMIC, cBioPortal, MethSurv, PrognoScan, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, GSCA and TIMER were utilized in this study.

RESULTS

We found that the mRNA and protein expression levels of ICAM1 were upregulated in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) compared with normal tissues, and TNBC patients with high expression of ICAM1 had better overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). The main types of ICAM1 gene variants were missense mutation and amplification, and ICAM1 showed a lower level of methylation in TNBC cancer tissues than in normal tissues, which was contrary to the high expression levels of ICAM1 mRNA and protein. Next, the function of ICAM1 was mainly related to the activation of apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inhibition of the androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor (ER) pathways. Meanwhile, functional pathway enrichment results showed that ICAM1 was also involved in the immune regulation process of BC. Furthermore, the expression of ICAM1 was positively associated with 6 types of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, B cells, neutrophils, macrophages and dendritic cells) and was also positively related to the expression of programmed cell death-1 (PD-1), programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA4).

CONCLUSIONS

Our research indicated that ICAM1 was likely to be a potential therapeutic target in TNBC.

Direct CD32 T-cell cytotoxicity: implications for breast cancer prognosis and treatment

The FcγRII (CD32) ligands are IgFc fragments and pentraxins. The existence of additional ligands is unknown. We engineered T cells with human chimeric receptors resulting from the fusion between CD32 extracellular portion and transmembrane CD8α linked to CD28/ζ chain intracellular moiety (CD32-CR). Transduced T cells recognized three breast cancer (BC) and one colon cancer cell line among 15 tested in the absence of targeting antibodies. Sensitive BC cell conjugation with CD32-CR T cells induced CD32 polarization and down-regulation, CD107a release, mutual elimination, and proinflammatory cytokine production unaffected by human IgGs but enhanced by cetuximab. CD32-CR T cells protected immunodeficient mice from subcutaneous growth of MDA-MB-468 BC cells. RNAseq analysis identified a 42 gene fingerprint predicting BC cell sensitivity and favorable outcomes in advanced BC. ICAM1 was a major regulator of CD32-CR T cell-mediated cytotoxicity. CD32-CR T cells may help identify cell surface CD32 ligand(s) and novel prognostically relevant transcriptomic signatures and develop innovative BC treatments.

ICAM1-Targeting Theranostic Nanoparticles for Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Therapy of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Purpose

Owing to the lack of effective biomarkers, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has the worst prognosis among all subtypes of breast cancer. Meanwhile, tremendous progress has been made to identify biomarkers for TNBC. However, limited number of biomarkers still restrain the specifically targeting outcomes against TNBC. Here, to solve the obstacle, we designed and synthesized a new type of biocompatible nanoparticles to amplify the targeting effects for TNBC theranostics.

Methods

To identify the biomarker of TNBC, the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1) was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot among all subtypes of breast cancer and normal breast epithelium. Then, vesicular nanoparticles based on poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) copolymers were prepared by the double emulsion method and modified with anti-ICAM1 antibodies through click chemistry to conjugate with related antigens on TNBC cell membranes and then loaded with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent gadolinium and chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin. The targeting capability, diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy of this nanoparticle were validated through cell-based and tumor model-based experiments.

Results

ICAM1 was expressed significantly higher on TNBC than on other subtypes of breast cancer and normal breast epithelium in both mRNA and protein level. Theranostic nanoparticle modified with anti-ICAM1 was proved to be able to specifically target to TNBC in vitro experiments. Such theranostic nanoparticle also displayed enhanced diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy by specifically targeting capability and extending circulation time in tumor models. The biocompatibility and biosafety of this nanoparticle was also confirmed in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

Overall, this new nanoparticle has been demonstrated with effective therapeutic outcomes against TNBC, providing a promising theranostic approach for MRI-guided therapy of TNBC.

Particulate matter 2.5 exposure induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition via PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in human retinal pigment epithelial ARPE-19 cells

Exposure to particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) has been linked to ocular surface diseases, yet knowledge of the molecular mechanism impacted on retina pathogenesis is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the effects and involved factors of PM2.5 exposure in human retinal pigment epithelial APRE-19 cells. Our data revealed a decreased cell viability and an increased migratory ability in APRE-19 cells after PM2.5 stimulation. The MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein levels were markedly increased while the MMPs regulators TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were significantly reduced in PM2.5-exposed APRE-19 cells. PM2.5 also increased pro-MMP-2 expression in the cell culture supernatants. Additionally, PM2.5 promoted the EMT markers through the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Moreover, the ICAM-1 production was also remarkably increased by PM2.5 but reduced by PI3K/AKT inhibitor LY294002 in APRE-19 cells. Taken together, these results suggest that PM2.5 promotes EMT in a PI3K/AKT/mTOR-dependent manner in the retinal pigment epithelium.

Current clinical landscape of oncolytic viruses as novel cancer immunotherapeutic and recent preclinical advancements

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) have been gaining attention in the pharmaceutical industry as a novel immunotherapeutic and therapeutic adjuvant due to their ability to induce and boost antitumor immunity through multiple mechanisms. First, intrinsic mechanisms of OVs that enable exploitation of the host immune system (e.g., evading immune detection) can nullify the immune escape mechanism of tumors. Second, many types of OVs have been shown to cause direct lysis of tumor cells, resulting in an induction of tumor-specific T cell response mediated by release of tumor-associated antigens and danger signal molecules. Third, armed OV-expressing immune stimulatory therapeutic genes could be highly expressed in tumor tissues to further improve antitumor immunity. Last, these OVs can inflame cold tumors and their microenvironment to be more immunologically favorable for other immunotherapeutics. Due to these unique characteristics, OVs have been tested as an adjuvant of choice in a variety of therapeutics. In light of these promising attributes of OVs in the immune-oncology field, the present review will examine OVs in clinical development and discuss various strategies that are being explored in preclinical stages for the next generation of OVs that are optimized for immunotherapy applications.

ICAM1 promotes bone metastasis via integrin-mediated TGF-β/EMT signaling in triple-negative breast cancer

Bone-related events caused by breast cancer bone metastasis substantially compromise the survival and quality of life of patients. Because triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks hormone receptors and Her2-targeted therapeutic options, progress in the treatment of TNBC bone metastasis has been very slow. Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1) is highly expressed in various cancers and plays an important role in tumorigenesis and metastasis. However, the effect and mechanism of ICAM1 in TNBC bone metastasis are still unknown. We found that ICAM1 was highly expressed in TNBC and correlated with prognosis in TNBC patients. Cell lines with high expression of ICAM1 exhibited enhanced bone metastasis in tumor-bearing mice, and silencing ICAM1 expression significantly inhibited bone metastasis in mice. ICAM1 interacted with integrins to activate the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program through TGF-β/SMAD signaling, ultimately enhancing cell invasiveness. Therefore, the findings of the present study provide a strong rationale for the application of ICAM1-targeted therapy in TNBC patients with bone metastasis.

Lipophagy-ICAM-1 pathway associated with fatty acid and oxygen deficiencies is involved in poor prognoses of ovarian clear cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Serum starvation and hypoxia (SSH) mimics a stress condition in tumours. We have shown that intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) protein is synergistically expressed in ovarian clear cell carcinoma (CCC) cells under SSH in response to an insufficient supply of fatty acids (FAs). This ICAM-1 expression is responsible for resistance against the lethal condition, thereby promoting tumour growth. However, the underlying mechanisms that link SSH-driven ICAM1 gene expression to impaired FA supply and its clinical relevance are unclear.

METHODS

The underlying mechanisms of how FA deficiency induces ICAM-1 expression in cooperation with hypoxia were analysed in vitro and in vivo. Clinical significance of CCC cell-derived ICAM-1 and the mechanism associated with the transcriptional synergism were also investigated.

RESULTS

ICAM-1 expression was mediated through lipophagy-driven lipid droplet degradation, followed by impaired FA-lipid droplet flow. Lipophagy induced ICAM1 expression through stabilisation of NFκB binding to the promoter region via Sam68 and hTERT. Analyses of clinical specimens revealed that expression of ICAM-1 and LC3B, an autophagy marker associated with lipophagy, significantly correlated with poor prognoses of CCC.

CONCLUSIONS

The lipophagy-ICAM-1 pathway induced under a tumour-like stress conditions contributes to CCC progression and is a potential therapeutic target for this aggressive cancer type.

ICAM-1 on Breast Cancer Cells Suppresses Lung Metastasis but Is Dispensable for Tumor Growth and Killing by Cytotoxic T Cells

Breast tumors and their derived circulating cancer cells express the leukocyte β2 integrin ligand Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1). We found that elevated ICAM-1 expression in breast cancer cells results in a favorable outcome and prolonged survival of breast cancer patients. We therefore assessed the direct in vivo contribution of ICAM-1 expressed by breast cancer cells to breast tumorigenesis and lung metastasis in syngeneic immunocompetent mice hosts using spontaneous and experimental models of the lung metastasis of the C57BL/6-derived E0771 cell line, a luminal B breast cancer subtype. Notably, the presence of ICAM-1 on E0771 did not alter tumor growth or the leukocyte composition in the tumor microenvironment. Interestingly, the elimination of Tregs led to the rapid killing of primary tumor cells independently of tumor ICAM-1 expression. The in vivo elimination of a primary E0771 tumor expressing the ovalbumin (OVA) model neoantigen by the OVA-specific OVA-tcr-I mice (OT-I) transgenic cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) also took place normally in the absence of ICAM-1 expression by E0771 breast cancer target cells. The whole lung imaging of these cells by light sheet microscopy (LSM) revealed that both Wild type (WT)- and ICAM-1-deficient E0771 cells were equally disseminated from resected tumors and accumulated inside the lung vasculature at similar magnitudes. ICAM-1-deficient breast cancer cells developed, however, much larger metastatic lesions than their control counterparts. Strikingly, the vast majority of these cells gave rise to intravascular tumor colonies both in spontaneous and experimental metastasis models. In the latter model, ICAM-1 expressing E0771- but not their ICAM-1-deficient counterparts were highly susceptible to elimination by neutrophils adoptively transferred from E0771 tumor-bearing donor mice. Ex vivo, neutrophils derived from tumor-bearing mice also killed cultured E0771 cells via ICAM-1-dependent interactions. Collectively, our results are a first indication that ICAM-1 expressed by metastatic breast cancer cells that expand inside the lung vasculature is involved in innate rather than in adaptive cancer cell killing. This is also a first indication that the breast tumor expression of ICAM-1 is not required for CTL-mediated killing but can function as a suppressor of intravascular breast cancer metastasis to lungs.

The Mechanism of Ginseng and Astragalus Decoction in the Treatment of Malignant Pleural Effusion Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Technology

Introduction

The objective of our study is to explore the potential active ingredients and activity of Ginseng and Astragalus decoction (GAD) in the treatment of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) by using network pharmacology and molecular docking technologies.

Methods

The active ingredients and corresponding targets of Ginseng and Astragalus were extracted from the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform. The relevant targets of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) were searched in the disease databases. Overlapping targets of Ginseng and Astragalus and the corresponding targets of MPE were obtained to define the effective target of GAD for the treatment of MPE. The STRING database was applied to construct a predicted protein-protein interaction network for intersected targets. The Cytoscape software was used to screen key targets with a therapeutic potential. Using the Metascape database, we performed Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes functional enrichment analysis on the targets identified in the study. PyMOL and AutoDock Vina were used to molecularly dock the selected key components to their respective key targets for MPE treatment.

Results

The core target network revealed 22 main active ingredients, 26 main targets, and 16 signaling pathways in GAD. Molecular docking revealed 6 targets (AKT serine/threonine kinase 1, intercellular adhesion molecule, Jun proto-oncogene, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2, and tumor necrosis factor) that could partially dock with kaempferol, frutinone A, ginsenoside RH2, formononetin, and quercetin.

Conclusions

Several components, targets, and signaling pathways of GAD contribute to the treatment of MPE, which suggests a rationale for further investigation on GAD's active molecule and mechanism of action in the clinical application of MPE.

Identification of AHSA1 as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Breast Cancer: Bioinformatics Analysis and In Vitro Studies

BACKGROUND

Shenling Baizhu Powder (SBP), a famous Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulation, has been widely used in the adjuvant treatment of cancers, including breast cancer. This study aims to identify potential new targets for breast cancer treatment based on the network pharmacology of SBP. <P> Methods: By analyzing the relationship between herbs and target proteins, potential targets of multiple herbs in SBP were identified by network pharmacology analysis. Besides, by comparing the data of breast cancer tissue with normal tissue, upregulated genes in two breast cancer expression profiles were found. Thereafter, the expression level and prognosis of activator of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) ATPase activity 1 (AHSA1) were further analyzed in breast cancer by bioinformatics analysis, and the network module of AHSA1 binding protein was constructed. Furthermore, the effect of knocking down AHSA1 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells was verified by MTT, clone formation assay, and transwell assay. <P> Results: Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1), chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 8 (CXCL8), AHSA1, and serpin family E member 1 (SERPINE1) were associated with multiple herbs in SBP. AHSA1 was remarkably upregulated in breast cancer tissues and positively correlated with poor overall survival and disease metastasis-free survival. Furthermore, knockdown of AHSA1 significantly inhibited the migration and invasion in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells but had no obvious effect on proliferation. In addition, among the proteins that bind to AHSAl, the network composed of proteasome, chaperonin, and heat shock proteins is closely connected, and these proteins are associated with poor prognosis in a variety of cancers. <P> Conclusion: AHSA1 is positively correlated with breast cancer progression and might act as a novel therapeutic target for breast cancer.

M2PP: a novel computational model for predicting drug-targeted pathogenic proteins

BACKGROUND

Detecting pathogenic proteins is the origin way to understand the mechanism and resist the invasion of diseases, making pathogenic protein prediction develop into an urgent problem to be solved. Prediction for genome-wide proteins may be not necessarily conducive to rapidly cure diseases as developing new drugs specifically for the predicted pathogenic protein always need major expenditures on time and cost. In order to facilitate disease treatment, computational method to predict pathogenic proteins which are targeted by existing drugs should be exploited.

RESULTS

In this study, we proposed a novel computational model to predict drug-targeted pathogenic proteins, named as M2PP. Three types of features were presented on our constructed heterogeneous network (including target proteins, diseases and drugs), which were based on the neighborhood similarity information, drug-inferred information and path information. Then, a random forest regression model was trained to score unconfirmed target-disease pairs. Five-fold cross-validation experiment was implemented to evaluate model's prediction performance, where M2PP achieved advantageous results compared with other state-of-the-art methods. In addition, M2PP accurately predicted high ranked pathogenic proteins for common diseases with public biomedical literature as supporting evidence, indicating its excellent ability.

CONCLUSIONS

M2PP is an effective and accurate model to predict drug-targeted pathogenic proteins, which could provide convenience for the future biological researches.

ICAM-1 Targeted Drug Combination Nanoparticles Enhanced Gemcitabine-Paclitaxel Exposure and Breast Cancer Suppression in Mouse Models

Despite the availability of molecularly targeted treatments such as antibodies and small molecules for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), hormone receptor (HR), and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), limited treatment options are available for advanced metastatic breast cancer (MBC), which constitutes ~90% mortality. Many of these monotherapies often lead to drug resistance. Novel MBC-targeted drug-combination therapeutic approaches that may reduce resistance are urgently needed. We investigated intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), which is abundant in MBC, as a potential target to co-localize two current drug combinations, gemcitabine (G) and paclitaxel (T), assembled in a novel drug-combination nanoparticle (GT DcNP) form. With an ICAM-1-binding peptide (referred to as LFA1-P) coated on GT DcNPs, we evaluated the role of the LFA1-P density in breast cancer cell localization in vitro and in vivo. We found that 1–2% LFA1-P peptide incorporated on GT DcNPs provided optimal cancer cell binding in vitro with ~4× enhancement compared to non-peptide GT DcNPs. The in vivo probing of GT DcNPs labeled with a near-infrared marker, indocyanine green, in mice by bio-imaging and G and T analyses indicated LFA1-P enhanced drug and GT DcNP localization in breast cancer cells. The target/healthy tissue (lung/gastrointestinal (GI)) ratio of particles increased by ~60× compared to the non-ligand control. Collectively, these data indicated that LFA1 on GT DcNPs may provide ICAM-1-targeted G and T drug combination delivery to advancing MBC cells found in lung tissues. As ICAM-1 is generally expressed even in breast cancers that are triple-negative phenotypes, which are unresponsive to inhibitors of nuclear receptors or HER2/estrogen receptor (ER) agents, ICAM-1-targeted LFA1-P-coated GT DcNPs should be considered for clinical development to improve therapeutic outcomes of MBCs.

Gene regulation of intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1): A molecule with multiple functions

Intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) is one of the most extensively studied inducible cell adhesion molecules which is responsible for several immune functions like T cell activation, extravasation, inflammation, etc. The molecule is constitutively expressed over the cell surface and is regulated up / down in response to inflammatory mediators like cellular stress, proinflammatory cytokines, viral infection. These stimuli modulate the expression of ICAM-1 primarily through regulating the ICAM-1 gene transcription. On account of the presence of various binding sites for NF-κB, AP-1, SP-1, and many other transcription factors, the architecture of the ICAM-1 promoter become complex. Transcription factors in union with other transcription factors, coactivators, and suppressors promote their assembly in a stereospecific manner on ICAM-1 promoter which mediates ICAM-1 regulation in response to different stimuli. Along with transcriptional regulation, epigenetic modifications also play a pivotal role in controlling ICAM-1 expression on different cell types. In this review, we summarize the regulation of ICAM-1 expression both at the transcriptional as well as post-transcriptional level with an emphasis on transcription factors and signaling pathways involved.

Fra-2 overexpression upregulates pro-metastatic cell-adhesion molecules, promotes pulmonary metastasis, and reduces survival in a spontaneous xenograft model of human breast cancer

Purpose

The transcription factor Fra-2 affects the invasive potential of breast cancer cells by dysregulating adhesion molecules in vitro. Previous results suggested that it upregulates the expression of E- and P-selectin ligands. Such selectin ligands are important members of the leukocyte adhesion cascade, which govern the adhesion and transmigration of cancer cells into the stroma of the host organ of metastasis. As so far, no in vivo data are available, this study was designed to elucidate the role of Fra-2 expression in a spontaneous breast cancer metastasis xenograft model.

Methods

The effect of Fra-2 overexpression in two stable Fra-2 overexpressing clones of the human breast cancer cell line MDA MB231 on survival and metastatic load was studied after subcutaneous injection into scid and E- and P-selectin-deficient scid mice.

Results

Fra-2 overexpression leads to a significantly shorter overall survival and a higher amount of spontaneous lung metastases not only in scid mice, but also in E- and P-deficient mice, indicating that it regulates not only selectin ligands, but also selectin-independent adhesion processes.

Conclusion

Thus, Fra-2 expression influences the metastatic potential of breast cancer cells by changing the expression of adhesion molecules, resulting in increased adherence to endothelial cells in a breast cancer xenograft model.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00432-021-03812-2.

TGF-β1 inhibits microvascular-like formation by decreasing VCAM1 and ICAM1 via the upregulation of SNAIL in human granulosa cells

Three major endothelial cell junctional adhesion molecules (VCAM1, ICAM1 and E-SELECTIN) play important roles in the process of angiogenesis, a progression of extensive physiological vascularization that occurs during the formation of the corpus luteum. Our previous studies demonstrated that TGF-β1 is a negative regulator of luteinization and progesterone production in luteinized human granulosa (hGL) cells. Whether TGF-β1 can regulate the expression of these endothelial cell adhesion molecules and subsequent angiogenesis in hGL cells remains to be elucidated. Using dual inhibition approaches (small molecular inhibitors and siRNA-based knockdown), we provided the first data showing that TGF-β1 significantly upregulates the expression of the SNAIL transcription factor, which in turn suppresses the expression of VCAM1 and ICAM1 in hGL cells. Additionally, we demonstrate that the suppressive effects on the expression of VCAM1 and ICAM1 induced by TGF-β1 treatment were most likely via an ALK5-mediated SMAD-dependent signaling pathway. Furthermore, functional studies showed that hGL cells cultured on Matrigel exhibited two typical endothelial cell phenotypes, microvascular-like formation and a sprouting microvascular pattern. Notably, these phenotypes were significantly suppressed by either TGF-β1 treatment or knockdown of VCAM1 and ICAM1. Our findings suggest that TGF-β1 plays a potential role in the inhibition of granulosa cell angiogenesis by downregulating the expression of VCAM1 and ICAM1 during follicular development and corpus luteum formation.

The potential of lunasin extract for the prevention of breast cancer progression by upregulating E-Cadherin and inhibiting ICAM-1

Background: Research in natural substances for their anticancer potential has become increasingly popular. Lunasin, a soybean protein, is known to inhibit cancer progression via various pathways.  The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Lunasin Extract (LE) on the expression of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and epithelial cadherins (E-Cadherin) in breast cancer. Methods: In this true-experimental in vivo study, 24 Sprague-Dawley rats that were induced by 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), were used. Based on the therapy given, the groups were divided into, normal, positive control (PC), negative control (NC), adjuvant, curative, and preventive. Lunasin was extracted from soybean seeds of the Grobogan variety in Indonesia. Tissue samples were obtained, processed, stained with anti-ICAM-1 and anti-E-Cadherin antibodies, examined under a microscope, and quantified using H-score. The data were analyzed using ANOVA, which was then followed by Duncan's test.  Results: Statistically significant difference in ICAM-1 expression was observed between the following groups: adjuvant and NC, normal and NC, PC and NC, adjuvant and preventive, normal and preventive, PC and preventive, adjuvant and curative, normal and curative, PC and curative. E-Cadherin expression was significantly different between preventive and NC, adjuvant and NC, PC and NC, normal and NC, adjuvant and curative, PC and curative, normal and curative, normal and preventive. Significant negative correlation was found between ICAM-1 and E-Cadherin [-0.616 (-0.8165; -0.283)] with p = 0.001.  Conclusion: Preventive dose of LE was able to reduce ICAM-1 expression while increasing E-Cadherin expression.

Metastasis prognostic factors and cancer stem cell-related transcription factors associated with metastasis induction in canine metastatic mammary gland tumors

Background

Canine mammary gland tumor (MGT) is the most common cancer in aged female dogs. Although it's important to identify reliable metastasis or prognostic factors by evaluating related to cell division, adhesion, and cancer stem cell-related transcription factor (TF) in metastasis-induced canine MGT, but there are limited studies.

Objectives

We aimed to identify metastasis prognostic factors and cancer stem cell-TFs in canine MGTs.

Methods

Age-matched female dogs diagnosed with MGT only were classified into metastatic and non-metastatic groups by histopathological staining of MGT tissues. The mRNA levels of cancer prognostic metastasis molecular factors (E-cadherin, ICAM-1, PRR14, VEGF, HPRT1, RPL4 and hnRNP H) and cancer stem cell-related TFs (Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog) were compared between metastatic and non-metastatic canine MGT tissues using qRT-PCR analysis.

Results

The mRNA levels of ICAM-1, PRR14, VEGF, hnRNP H, Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog in metastatic MGT group were significantly higher than those in non-metastatic MGT group. However, mRNA level of RPL4 was significantly lower in metastatic MGT group. Loss of E-cadherin and HPRT1 was observed in the metastatic MGT group but it was not significant.

Conclusions

Consistent expression patterns of all metastasis-related factors showing elevation in ICAM-1, PRR14, VEGF, hnRNP H, Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog, but decreases in RPL4 levels occurred in canine MGT tissues, which was associated with metastasis. Thus, these cancer prognostic metastasis factors and TFs of cancer stem cells, except for E-cadherin and HPRT1, can be used as reliable metastasis factors for canine MGT and therapeutic strategy.

ICAM1 initiates CTC cluster formation and trans-endothelial migration in lung metastasis of breast cancer

Circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters mediate metastasis at a higher efficiency and are associated with lower overall survival in breast cancer compared to single cells. Combining single-cell RNA sequencing and protein analyses, here we report the profiles of primary tumor cells and lung metastases of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). ICAM1 expression increases by 200-fold in the lung metastases of three TNBC patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). Depletion of ICAM1 abrogates lung colonization of TNBC cells by inhibiting homotypic tumor cell-tumor cell cluster formation. Machine learning-based algorithms and mutagenesis analyses identify ICAM1 regions responsible for homophilic ICAM1-ICAM1 interactions, thereby directing homotypic tumor cell clustering, as well as heterotypic tumor-endothelial adhesion for trans-endothelial migration. Moreover, ICAM1 promotes metastasis by activating cellular pathways related to cell cycle and stemness. Finally, blocking ICAM1 interactions significantly inhibits CTC cluster formation, tumor cell transendothelial migration, and lung metastasis. Therefore, ICAM1 can serve as a novel therapeutic target for metastasis initiation of TNBC.

Circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters are more efficient at mediating metastasis as compared to single cells and are associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer. Here, the authors show that ICAM1 is enriched in CTC clusters and its loss suppresses cell-cell interaction and CTC cluster formation, and propose ICAM1 as a therapeutic target for treating breast cancer metastasis.

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CARs) in cancer treatment

BACKGROUND

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplantation were the main cancer treatment approaches for several years but due to their limited effectiveness, there was a constant search for new therapeutic approaches. Cancer immunotherapy that utilizes and enhances the normal capacity of the patient's immune system was used to fight against cancer. Genetically engineered T-cells that express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) showed remarkable anti-tumor activity against hematologic malignancies and is now being investigated in a variety of solid tumors. The use of this therapy in the last few years has been successful, achieving a great success in improving the quality of life and prolonging the survival time of patients with a reduction in remission rates. However, many challenges still need to be resolved in order for this technology to gain widespread adoption. <P> Objective: This review summarizes various experimental approaches towards the use of CAR T-cells in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. <P> Conclusion: Finally, we address the challenges posed by CAR T-cells and discuss strategies for improving the performance of these T cells in fighting cancers.

Breast Cancer and Anaesthesia: Genetic Influence

Breast cancer is the leading cause of mortality in women. It is a heterogeneous disease with a high degree of inter-subject variability even in patients with the same type of tumor, with individualized medicine having acquired significant relevance in this field. The clinical and morphological heterogeneity of the different types of breast tumors has led to a diversity of staging and classification systems. Thus, these tumors show wide variability in genetic expression and prognostic biomarkers. Surgical treatment is essential in the management of these patients. However, the perioperative period has been found to significantly influence survival and cancer recurrence. There is growing interest in the pro-tumoral effect of different anaesthetic and analgesic agents used intraoperatively and their relationship with metastatic progression. There is cumulative evidence of the influence of anaesthetic techniques on the physiopathological mechanisms of survival and growth of the residual neoplastic cells released during surgery. Prospective randomized clinical trials are needed to obtain quality evidence on the relationship between cancer and anaesthesia. This document summarizes the evidence currently available about the effects of the anaesthetic agents and techniques used in primary cancer surgery and long-term oncologic outcomes, and the biomolecular mechanisms involved in their interaction.

Proteomic screening of potential N-glycoprotein biomarkers for colorectal cancer by TMT labeling combined with LC-MS/MS

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is part of the most widespread malignant tumors. At present, colonoscopy is a routine procedure in the diagnosis of CRC, but it is traumatic. Carcinoembryonic antigen, CA199, and CA242 are common serum markers for the diagnosis of CRC; however, they do not demonstrate satisfactory specificity and sensitivity for the diagnosis of CRC. Hence, Now it is necessary to screen many valuable serum biomarkers for CRC, proteomics methods have been used to investigate PTMs such as glycosylation of proteins with prominent roles in the occurrence and development of tumors.

METHODS

This study screens altering glycosylated proteins of CRC tissues using LC-MS/MS quantitative glycoproteomics, and then these candidate biomarkers for CRC are further validated by serum glycoproteomics.

RESULTS

The results of glycoproteomics in CRC tissues show that the abundance of 160 and 79 glycerogelatin proteins was obviously upregulated and downregulated compared with their adjacent tissues(P < 0.05). Bioinformatics analysis suggests that these molecules are mainly involved in many biological processes, including skeletal system development, collagen fibril organization, and receptor-mediated endocytosis. Results of serum glycoproteomics show that the changing trends of 2 protein glycosylation were consistent with MS results of CRC tissues, including ICAM1and APMAP. Areas under the ROC curve (AUC) results confirm that ICAM1and APMAP as early immune diagnosis markers of CRC has excellent sensitivity and specificity.

CONCLUSION

The ICAM1 and APMAP may serve as a potential tumor marker for CRC.

Control of Tumor Progression by Angiocrine Factors

Tumor progression, therapy resistance and metastasis are profoundly controlled by the tumor microenvironment. The contribution of endothelial cells to tumor progression was initially only attributed to the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). Research in the last decade has revealed however that endothelial cells control their microenvironment through the expression of membrane-bound and secreted factors. Such angiocrine functions are frequently hijacked by cancer cells, which deregulate the signaling pathways controlling the expression of angiocrine factors. Here, we review the crosstalk between cancer cells and endothelial cells and how this contributes to the cancer stem cell phenotype, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, immunosuppression, remodeling of the extracellular matrix and intravasation of cancer cells into the bloodstream. We also address the long-distance crosstalk of a primary tumor with endothelial cells at the pre-metastatic niche and how this contributes to metastasis.

Inhibition of cell migration and invasion by ICAM-1 binding DNA aptamers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide and most of the cancer-related deaths result from metastasis. As expressed on the surface of various cancer cell types, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) has been shown to play a role in the attachment, invasion and migration of tumor cells. In this study, DNA aptamers were generated against ICAM-1 by cell-SELEX and protein SELEX method using ICAM-1⁽⁺⁾ CHO-ICAM-1 cells and ICAM-1 protein, respectively. The pools obtained at the end of the 10th round of both SELEX were sequenced and the most enriched sequences were characterized for their binding behaviors and affinities to ICAM-1⁽⁺⁾ CHO-ICAM-1 and ICAM-1^(-) MIA PaCa-2 cells. Moreover, the inhibition abilities of sequences on migration and invasion were measured. The seven aptamer sequences were obtained selectively binding to CHO-ICAM-1 cells with K_d values in the ranging from 13.8 to 47.1 nM. Four of these aptamers showed inhibition in both migration and invasion of CHO-ICAM-1 cells at least 61%. All these results suggested that these aptamers have potential to detect specifically ICAM-1 expressing tumor cells and inhibit migration and invasion by blocking ICAM-1 related interactions of circulating tumor cells.

The multifaceted roles of the chemokines CCL2 and CXCL12 in osteophilic metastatic cancers

Breast and prostate cancers have a great propensity to metastasize to long bones. The development of bone metastases is life-threatening, incurable, and drastically reduces patients' quality of life. The chemokines CCL2 and CXCL12 and their respective receptors, CCR2 and CXCR4, are central instigators involved in all stages leading to cancer cell dissemination and secondary tumor formation in distant target organs. They orchestrate tumor cell survival, growth and migration, tumor invasion and angiogenesis, and the formation of micrometastases in the bone marrow. The bone niche is of particular importance in metastasis formation, as it expresses high levels of CCL2 and CXCL12, which attract tumor cells and contribute to malignancy. The limited number of available effective treatment strategies highlights the need to better understand the pathophysiology of bone metastases and reduce the skeletal tumor burden in patients diagnosed with metastatic bone disease. This review focuses on the involvement of the CCL2/CCR2 and CXCL12/CXCR4 chemokine axes in the formation and development of bone metastases, as well as on therapeutic perspectives aimed at targeting these chemokine-receptor pairs.