AHNAK2 Regulates NF-κB/MMP-9 Signaling to Promote Pancreatic Cancer Progression

Early metastasis of pancreatic cancer (PaC) is a major cause of its high mortality rate. Previous studies have shown that AHNAK2 is involved in the progression of some tumors and is predicted to be an independent prognostic factor for PaC; however, the specific mechanisms through which AHNAK2 regulates PaC remain unclear. In this study, we examined the role of AHNAK2 in PaC and its potential molecular mechanisms. AHNAK2 mRNA and protein expression in PaC tissues and cells were measured using qRT-PCR and western blot analysis. After AHNAK2 knockdown using small interfering RNA, PaC cells were subjected to CCK-8 scratch, and Transwell assays to assess cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, respectively. Furthermore, the validation of the mechanistic pathway was achieved by western blot analysis. AHNAK2 mRNA and protein levels were up-regulated in PaC and silencing AHNAK2 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of PaC cells. Mechanistically, AHNAK2 knockdown decreased the expression of phosphorylated p65, phosphorylated IκBα, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), suggesting that activation of the NF-κB/MMP-9 signaling pathway was inhibited. Importantly, activation of NF-κB reversed the effects of AHNAK2 knockdown. Our findings indicate that AHNAK2 promotes PaC progression through the NF-kB/MMP-9 pathway and provides a theoretical basis for targeting AHNAK2 for the treatment of PaC.

Morphological Changes Induced by TKS4 Deficiency Can Be Reversed by EZH2 Inhibition in Colorectal Carcinoma Cells

BACKGROUND

The scaffold protein tyrosine kinase substrate 4 (TKS4) undergoes tyrosine phosphorylation by the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway via Src kinase. The TKS4 deficiency in humans is responsible for the manifestation of a genetic disorder known as Frank-Ter Haar syndrome (FTHS). Based on our earlier investigation, the absence of TKS4 triggers migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like phenomena while concurrently suppressing cell proliferation in HCT116 colorectal carcinoma cells. This indicates that TKS4 may play a unique role in the progression of cancer. In this study, we demonstrated that the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and the histone methyltransferase of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) are involved in the migration, invasion, and EMT-like changes in TKS4-deficient cells (KO). EZH2 is responsible for the maintenance of the trimethylated lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3).

METHODS

We performed transcriptome sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation, protein and RNA quantitative studies, cell mobility, invasion, and proliferation studies combined with/without the EZH2 activity inhibitor 3-deazanoplanocine (DZNep).

RESULTS

We detected an elevation of global H3K27me3 levels in the TKS4 KO cells, which could be reduced with treatment with DZNep, an EZH2 inhibitor. Inhibition of EZH2 activity reversed the phenotypic effects of the knockout of TKS4, reducing the migration speed and wound healing capacity of the cells as well as decreasing the invasion capacity, while the decrease in cell proliferation became stronger. In addition, inhibition of EZH2 activity also reversed most epithelial and mesenchymal markers. We investigated the wider impact of TKS4 deletion on the gene expression profile of colorectal cancer cells using transcriptome sequencing of wild-type and TKS4 knockout cells, particularly before and after treatment with DZNep. Additionally, we observed changes in the expression of several protein-coding genes and long non-coding RNAs that showed a recovery in expression levels following EZH2 inhibition.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that the removal of TKS4 causes a notable disruption in the gene expression pattern, leading to the disruption of several signal transduction pathways. Inhibiting the activity of EZH2 can restore most of these transcriptomics and phenotypic effects in colorectal carcinoma cells.

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 inducing COL1A1 synthesis via integrin alpha Ⅴ promotes invasion and metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma cells

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is characterized by early distant invasion and metastasis, whereas the underlying mechanism is still obscure. Increasing evidence shows that collagen type Ι alpha 1 (COL1A1) is a gene associated with the progression of multiple diseases. Here, we attempted to investigate the role of COL1A1 in CCA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The expression of COL1A1 between tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues obtained from CCA patients was detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence, followed by analysis of its clinical significance. Then, the biological effects of COL1A1 overexpression or knockdown on CCA cells were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Finally, molecular mechanism of COL1A1 in regulating the invasion and metastasis of CCA cells was determined by a series of experiments.

RESULTS

COL1A1 expression was significantly higher in CCA pathological tissues than in corresponding adjacent normal tissues. Analysis of 83 CCA patients showed that higher expression of COL1A1 was correlated with poorer patient prognosis. Notably, overexpression or knockdown experiments revealed that COL1A1 contributed to the migration and invasion, as well as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), in CCA cells. Further investigations demonstrated that matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) promoted COL1A1 upregulation via the integrin alpha Ⅴ pathway, therefore affecting ECM remodelling and inducing EMT in CCA cells. Moreover, COL1A1 expression was positively related to PD-1 and PD-L1 in CCA, and COL1A1 increased PD-L1 expression by activating the NF-κB pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

COL1A1 plays an important role in regulating CCA progression and may act as a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for CCA.

Tumor therapy by targeting extracellular hydroxyapatite using novel drugs: A paradigm shift

BACKGROUND

It has been shown that tumor microenvironment (TME) hydroxyapatite (HAP) is typically associated with many malignancies and plays a role in tumor progression and growth. Additionally, acidosis in the TME has been reported to play a key role in selecting for a more aggressive tumor phenotype, drug resistance and desensitization to immunotherapy for many types of cancers. TME-HAP is an attractive target for tumor detection and treatment development since HAP is generally absent from normal soft tissue. We provide strong evidence that dissolution of hydroxyapatite (HAP) within the tumor microenvironment (TME-HAP) using a novel therapeutic can be used to kill cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo with minimal adverse effects.

METHODS

We developed an injectable cation exchange nano particulate sulfonated polystyrene solution (NSPS) that we engineered to dissolve TME-HAP, inducing localized acute alkalosis and inhibition of tumor growth and glucose metabolism. This was evaluated in cell culture using 4T1, MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer cells, MCF10 normal breast cells, and H292 lung cancer cells, and in vivo using orthotopic mouse models of cancer that contained detectable microenvironment HAP including breast (MMTV-Neu, 4T1, and MDA-MB-231), prostate (PC3) and colon (HCA7) cancer using 18 F-NaF for HAP and 18 F-FDG for glucose metabolism with PET imaging. On the other hand, H292 lung tumor cells that lacked detectable microenvironment HAP and MCF10a normal breast cells that do not produce HAP served as negative controls. Tumor microenvironment pH levels following injection of NSPS were evaluated via Chemical Exchange Saturation (CEST) MRI and via ex vivo methods.

RESULTS

Within 24 h of adding the small concentration of 1X of NSPS (~7 μM), we observed significant tumor cell death (~ 10%, p < 0.05) in 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 cell cultures that contain HAP but ⟨2% in H292 and MCF10a cells that lack detectable HAP and in controls. Using CEST MRI, we found extracellular pH (pHe) in the 4T1 breast tumors, located in the mammary fat pad, to increase by nearly 10% from baseline before gradually receding back to baseline during the first hour post NSPS administration. in the tumors that contained TME-HAP in mouse models, MMTV-Neu, 4T1, and MDA-MB-231, PC3, and HCA7, there was a significant reduction (p<0.05) in 18 F-Na Fuptake post NSPS treatment as expected; 18 F-  uptake in the tumor = 3.8 ± 0.5 %ID/g (percent of the injected dose per gram) at baseline compared to 1.8 ±0.5 %ID/g following one-time treatment with 100 mg/kg NSPS. Of similar importance, is that 18 F-FDG uptake in the tumors was reduced by more than 75% compared to baseline within 24 h of treatment with one-time NSPS which persisted for at least one week. Additionally, tumor growth was significantly slower (p < 0.05) in the mice treated with one-time NSPS. Toxicity showed no evidence of any adverse effects, a finding attributed to the absence of HAP in normal soft tissue and to our therapeutic NSPS having limited penetration to access HAP within skeletal bone.

CONCLUSION

Dissolution of TME-HAP using our novel NSPS has the potential to provide a new treatment paradigm to enhance the management of cancer patients with poor prognosis.

Further structural optimization and SAR study of sungsanpin derivatives as cell-invasion inhibitors

Metastasis is one of the major causes of death in patients with cancer, and cell invasion plays a fundamental part in this process. Because of the absence of efficacious treatments, caring for these patients is challenging. Recently, we optimized the structure of the naturally occurring lasso peptide sungsanpin. We identified two peptides, octapeptide S3 and cyclic peptide S4, which inhibited invasion into A549 cells effectively. We undertook an alanine scan of S3 to explore the structure-activity relationship. The linear octapeptide S3-4 and cyclic peptide S4-1 exhibited improved inhibition of invasion into A549 cells. We modified S3-4 to obtain S3-4K, which displayed much higher inhibitory activity against invasion into A549 cells than S3-4. Of all peptides tested, S4-1 upregulated significantly mRNA of tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase TIMP-1 and TIMP-2.

P53 together with ferroptosis: a promising strategy leaving cancer cells without escape

TP53, functioning as the keeper of the genome, assumes a pivotal function in the inhibition of tumorigenesis. Recent studies have revealed that p53 regulates ferroptosis pathways within tumor cells and is closely related to tumorigenesis. Therefore, we summarize the pathways and mechanisms by which p53 regulates ferroptosis and identify a series of upstream and downstream molecules involved in this process. Furthermore, we construct a p53-ferroptosis network centered on p53. Finally, we present the progress of drugs to prevent wild-type p53 (wtp53) degeneration and restore wtp53, highlighting the deficiencies of drug development and the prospects for p53 in cancer treatment. These findings provide novel strategies and directions for future cancer therapy.

The Impact of ROS and NGF in the Gliomagenesis and their Emerging Implications in the Glioma Treatment

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive molecules derived from molecular oxygen (O2). ROS sources can be endogenous, such as cellular organelles and inflammatory cells, or exogenous, such as ionizing radiation, alcohol, food, tobacco, chemotherapeutical agents and infectious agents. Oxidative stress results in damage of several cellular structures (lipids, proteins, lipoproteins, and DNA) and is implicated in various disease states such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, cancer, neurodegeneration, and aging. A large body of studies showed that ROS plays an important role in carcinogenesis. Indeed, increased production of ROS causes accumulation in DNA damage leading to tumorigenesis. Various investigations demonstrated the involvement of ROS in gliomagenesis. The most common type of primary intracranial tumor in adults is represented by glioma. Furthermore, there is growing attention on the role of the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in brain tumor pathogenesis. NGF is a growth factor belonging to the family of neurotrophins. It is involved in neuronal differentiation, proliferation and survival. Studies were conducted to investigate NGF pathogenesis's role as a pro- or anti-tumoral factor in brain tumors. It has been observed that NGF can induce both differentiation and proliferation in cells. The involvement of NGF in the pathogenesis of brain tumors leads to the hypothesis of a possible implication of NGF in new therapeutic strategies. Recent studies have focused on the role of neurotrophin receptors as potential targets in glioma therapy. This review provides an updated overview of the role of ROS and NGF in gliomagenesis and their emerging role in glioma treatment.

Rapid multi-task diagnosis of oral cancer leveraging fiber-optic Raman spectroscopy and deep learning algorithms

Introduction

Oral cancer, a predominant malignancy in developing nations, represents a global health challenge with a five-year survival rate below 50%. Nonetheless, substantial reductions in both its incidence and mortality rates can be achieved through early detection and appropriate treatment. Crucial to these treatment plans and prognosis predictions is the identification of the pathological type of oral cancer.

Methods

Toward this end, fiber-optic Raman spectroscopy emerges as an effective tool. This study combines Raman spectroscopy technology with deep learning algorithms to develop a portable intelligent prototype for oral case analysis. We propose, for the first time, a multi-task network (MTN) Raman spectroscopy classification model that utilizes a shared backbone network to simultaneously achieve different clinical staging and histological grading diagnoses.

Results

The developed model demonstrated accuracy rates of 94.88%, 94.57%, and 94.34% for tumor staging, lymph node staging, and histological grading, respectively. Its sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy compare closely with the gold standard: routine histopathological examination.

Discussion

Thus, this prototype proposed in this study has great potential for rapid, non-invasive, and label-free pathological diagnosis of oral cancer.

Expression and significance of cathepsin C and cathepsin D during pregnancy and Preeclampsia

BACKGROUND

Cathepsin C (Cat C) is involved in the inflammatory-immune system and can be degraded by cathepsin D (Cat D). Preeclampsia (PE) and the inflammation-immunity relationship is currently a hot research topic, but there are still few studies. The aim was to investigate the expression and significance of Cat C and D in the serum of nonpregnant women, patients in various stages of pregnancy and patients with PE, and in the placenta of patients with normal pregnancy and PE.

METHODS

Sixty young healthy nonpregnant women were selected: 180 normal pregnant women, including 60 each in the first, second, and third trimesters, and 100 women with PE, including 39 women with severe preeclampsia. The levels of Cat C and D in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the expression levels of Cat C and D in placentas were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC).

RESULTS

The serum of Cat C in the first trimester was significantly lower than that in the nonpregnant group (P < 0.001), whereas Cat D was significantly higher than that in the nonpregnant group (P < 0.01). The levels of Cat C and D in the second trimester and third trimester were significantly higher than those in the first trimester (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in Cat C and D between the second trimester and third trimester. The levels of Cat C in the serum and placentas of patients with PE were significantly higher than those in the third trimester (P < 0.001) and positively correlated with the severity of PE (P < 0.001), whereas the levels of Cat D in the serum and placentas of patients with PE were significantly lower than those in the third trimester (P < 0.001) and negatively correlated with the severity of PE (P < 0.001). Age, primigravida proportion, and body mass index were significantly higher in the PE group than in the control group (P < 0.05), which were high-risk factors for PE.

CONCLUSIONS

Cat C and D are associated with the maintenance of normal pregnancy. In patients with preeclampsia, a significant increase in Cat C and a significant decrease in Cat D levels may lead to the occurrence and development of preeclampsia.

Anticancer therapeutic effect of ginsenosides through mediating reactive oxygen species

Dysregulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and ROS-regulated pathways in cancer cells leads to abnormal accumulation of reactive oxygen species, displaying a double-edged role in cancer progression, either supporting transformation/proliferation and stimulating tumorigenesis or inducing cell death. Cancer cells can accommodate reactive oxygen species by regulating them at levels that allow the activation of pro-cancer signaling pathways without inducing cell death via modulation of the antioxidant defense system. Therefore, targeting reactive oxygen species is a promising approach for cancer treatment. Ginsenosides, their derivatives, and related drug carriers are well-positioned to modulate multiple signaling pathways by regulating oxidative stress-mediated cellular and molecular targets to induce apoptosis; regulate cell cycle arrest and autophagy, invasion, and metastasis; and enhance the sensitivity of drug-resistant cells to chemotherapeutic agents of different cancers depending on the type, level, and source of reactive oxygen species, and the type and stage of the cancer. Our review focuses on the pro- and anticancer effects of reactive oxygen species, and summarizes the mechanisms and recent advances in different ginsenosides that bring about anticancer effects by targeting reactive oxygen species, providing new ideas for designing further anticancer studies or conducting more preclinical and clinical studies.

Retinoic acid alters metalloproteinase action in red deer antler stem cells

Metalloproteinases (MMP)s regulate developmental processes, control angiogenesis and wound healing, participate in the formation of immune receptors, and are expressed in stem cells. Retinoic acid (RA) is a potential modulator of these proteinases. The aim was to determine (1) MMPs' action in antler stem cells (ASCs) before and after differentiation into adipo-, osteo-, and chondrocytes and (2) the effect of RA on modifying MMP action in ASCs. Antler tissue from pedicle was collected approximately 40 days after antler casting, post mortem from healthy breeding five year old males (N = 7). The cells were isolated from the pedicle layer of periosteum after skin separation and cultured. The pluripotency of the ASCs was evaluated by mRNA expression for NANOG, SOX2, and OCT4. ASCs were stimulated with RA (100nM) and differentiated for 14 days. The MMP (1-3) and TIMP(1-3) (tissue inhibitor of MMPs) mRNA expression was determined in the ASCs, their concentrations in the ASCs and the medium after RA stimulation as well as profiles of mRNA expression for MMPs: 1-3 and TIMPs: 1-3 during differentiation of ASC to osteocytes, adipocytes and chondrocytes. RA increased MMP-3 and TIMP-3 mRNA expression and output (P < 0.05) and not influenced on MMP-1 and TIMP-1 mRNA expression and output in ASC (P > 0.05). Depending on differentiation of ASC to osteocytes, adipocytes or chondrocytes, MMPs`and TIMPs`expression profile fluctuates for all studied proteases and its inhibitors. The studies demand continuation considering the role of proteases in stem cells physiology and differentiation. The results may be relevant for the study of cellular processes during the cancerogenesis of tumor stem cells.

Overcoming the Challenges of Phytochemicals in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Therapy: The Path Forward

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a very aggressive subtype of breast cancer that lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptor expression. TNBC is thought to be produced by Wnt, Notch, TGF-beta, and VEGF pathway activation, which leads to cell invasion and metastasis. To address this, the use of phytochemicals as a therapeutic option for TNBC has been researched. Plants contain natural compounds known as phytochemicals. Curcumin, resveratrol, and EGCG are phytochemicals that have been found to inhibit the pathways that cause TNBC, but their limited bioavailability and lack of clinical evidence for their use as single therapies pose challenges to the use of these phytochemical therapies. More research is required to better understand the role of phytochemicals in TNBC therapy, or to advance the development of more effective delivery mechanisms for these phytochemicals to the site where they are required. This review will discuss the promise shown by phytochemicals as a treatment option for TNBC.

An enzyme-responsive and transformable PD-L1 blocking peptide-photosensitizer conjugate enables efficient photothermal immunotherapy for breast cancer

Mild photothermal therapy combined with immune checkpoint blockade has received increasing attention for the treatment of advanced or metastatic cancers due to its good therapeutic efficacy. However, it remains a challenge to facilely integrate the two therapies and make it potential for clinical translation. This work designed a peptide-photosensitizer conjugate (PPC), which consisted of a PD-L1 antagonist peptide (CVRARTR), an MMP-2 specific cleavable sequence, a self-assembling motif, and the photosensitizer Purpurin 18. The single-component PPC can self-assemble into nanospheres which is suitable for intravenous injection. The PPC nanosphere is cleaved by MMP-2 when it accumulates in tumor sites, thereby initiating the cancer-specific release of the antagonist peptide. Simultaneously, the nanospheres gradually transform into co-assembled nanofibers, which promotes the retention of the remaining parts within the tumor. In vivo studies demonstrated that PPC nanospheres under laser irradiation promote the infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and maturation of DCs, which sensitize 4T1 tumor cells to immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Therefore, PPC nanospheres inhibit tumor growth efficiently both in situ and distally and blocked the formation of lung metastases. The present study provides a simple and efficient integrated strategy for breast cancer photoimmunotherapy.

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A peptide-photosensitizer conjugate (PPC) with self-assembled ability.

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Self-assembled PPC realized enzyme-responsive PD-L1 blocking peptide release.

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Shape transformation from nanospheres to co-assembled nanofibers.

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Efficient integrated strategy for breast cancer photoimmunotherapy.

Involvement of redox signalling in tumour cell dormancy and metastasis

Decades of research on oncogene-driven carcinogenesis and gene-expression regulatory networks only started to unveil the complexity of tumour cellular and molecular biology. This knowledge has been successfully implemented in the clinical practice to treat primary tumours. In contrast, much less progress has been made in the development of new therapies against metastasis, which are the main cause of cancer-related deaths. More recently, the role of epigenetic and microenviromental factors has been shown to play a key role in tumour progression. Free radicals are known to communicate the intracellular and extracellular compartments, acting as second messengers and exerting a decisive modulatory effect on tumour cell signalling. Depending on the cellular and molecular context, as well as the intracellular concentration of free radicals and the activation status of the antioxidant system of the cell, the signalling equilibrium can be tilted either towards tumour cell survival and progression or cell death. In this regard, recent advances in tumour cell biology and metastasis indicate that redox signalling is at the base of many cell-intrinsic and microenvironmental mechanisms that control disseminated tumour cell fate and metastasis. In this manuscript, we will review the current knowledge about redox signalling along the different phases of the metastatic cascade, including tumour cell dormancy, making emphasis on metabolism and the establishment of supportive microenvironmental connections, from a redox perspective.

3D bioprinting of dECM/Gel/QCS/nHAp hybrid scaffolds laden with mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes to improve angiogenesis and osteogenesis

Craniofacial bone regeneration is a coupled process of angiogenesis and osteogenesis, which, associated with infection, still remains a challenge in bone defects after trauma or tumor resection. 3D tissue engineering scaffolds with multifunctional-therapeutic properties can offer many advantages for the angiogenesis and osteogenesis of infected bone defects. Hence, in the present study, a microchannel networks-enriched 3D hybrid scaffold composed of decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM), gelatin (Gel), quaterinized chitosan (QCS) and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) (dGQH) was fabricated by an extrusion 3D bioprinting technology. And enlightened by the characteristics of natural bone microstructure and the demands of vascularized bone regeneration, the exosomes (Exos) isolated from human adipose derived stem cells as angiogenic and osteogenic factors were then co-loaded into the desired dGQH₂₀hybrid scaffold based on an electrostatic interaction. The results of the hybrid scaffolds performance characterization showed that these hybrid scaffolds exhibited an interconnected pore structure and appropriate degradability (>61% after 8 weeks of treatment), and the dGQH₂₀hybrid scaffold displayed the highest porosity (83.93 ± 7.38%) and mechanical properties (tensile modulus: 62.68 ± 10.29 MPa, compressive modulus: 16.22 ± 3.61 MPa) among the dGQH hybrid scaffolds. Moreover, the dGQH₂₀hybrid scaffold presented good antibacterial activities (against 94.90 ± 2.44% ofEscherichia coliand 95.41 ± 2.65% ofStaphylococcus aureus, respectively) as well as excellent hemocompatibility and biocompatibility. Furthermore, the results of applying the Exos to the dGQH₂₀hybrid scaffold showed that the Exo promoted the cell attachment and proliferation on the scaffold, and also showed a significant increase in osteogenesis and vascularity regeneration in the dGQH@Exo scaffoldsin vitroandin vivo. Overall, this novel dECM/Gel/QCS/nHAp hybrid scaffold laden with Exo has a considerable potential application in reservation of craniofacial bone defects.

Homeobox Protein PROX1 Expression is Negatively Regulated by Histone Deacetylase 1 and c-JUN Complex in MDA-MB-231 Human Breast Cancer Cells

Prospero homeobox 1 (PROX1) is a member of the homeobox transcription factor family that plays a critical role in the development of multiple tissues and specification of cell fate. PROX1 expression is differentially regulated based on the cellular context and plays an antagonistic role as a tumour promoter or suppressor in different tumour types. In human breast cancer, PROX1 expression is suppress-ed; however, the molecular mechanism by which it is down-regulated remains poorly understood. Here, we show that ectopic expression of PROX1 reduces the motility and invasiveness of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells, suggesting that PROX1 functions as a negative regulator of tumour invasion in MDA-MB-231 cells. Treatment with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors up-regulates PROX1 mRNA and protein expression levels. Knockdown of HDAC1 using short hairpin RNA also up-regulates PROX1 mRNA and protein expression levels. We found that HDAC1 interacted with c-JUN at the activator protein (AP)-1-binding site located at -734 to -710 in the PROX1 promoter region to suppress PROX1 expression. In addition, c-JUN N-terminal kinase-mediated c-JUN phosphorylation was found to be crucial for silencing PROX1 expression. In conclusion, PROX1 expression can be silenced by the epigenetic mechanism involved in the complex formation of HDAC1 and c-JUN at the AP-1 site in the PROX1 promoter region in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. Therefore, this study revealed the epigenetic regulatory mechanism involved in the suppression of PROX1 expression in breast cancer cells.

STAT3 in porcine endometrium during early pregnancy induces changes in extracellular matrix components and promotes angiogenesis†

A molecular interaction between maternal endometrium and implanting conceptus can lead to activation of a variety of transcription factors that regulate expression of several genes necessary for the process of embryo implantation. While, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is responsible for decidualization and epithelial remodeling in humans and mice, its role in porcine endometrium has not been explored before. In the present study, we observed a pregnancy dependent increase in gene and protein expression of STAT3. Phosphorylated STAT3 was predominantly present in the endometrium of pregnant animals in luminal and glandular epithelium and in the endothelium of blood vessels with a weak staining in stromal cells. Interleukins, IL-1β and IL-6, and epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced STAT3 expression and phosphorylation in endometrial explants collected on Day 13 of the estrous cycle. Biological significance of STAT3 was evaluated by blocking its phosphorylation with STAT3-specific inhibitor, Stattic. Using porcine extracellular matrix (ECM) and adhesion molecule array, EGF was shown to induce changes in gene expression of ECM components: MMP1, MMP3, MMP12, LAMA1, SELL, and ICAM1, which was abrogated in the presence of Stattic. Transcriptional activity of STAT3 was observed in promoter regions of MMP3 and MMP12. Additionally, IL-6-induced STAT3 phosphorylation upregulated VEGF and VCAM1 abundances in endometrial-endothelial cells (EEC). Moreover, IL-6 resulted in an increase in EEC proliferation and capillary formation which was reversed in the presence of Stattic. Results of present study reveal a role for STAT3 phosphorylation in regulating extracellular matrix remodeling and angiogenesis in porcine endometrium to facilitate embryo implantation.

Expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)−2/-7/-9/-14 and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs)−1/-2 in bovine cutaneous fibropapillomas associated with BPV-2 infection

Introduction

Bovine papillomaviruses −1/−2 (BPVs) are small non-enveloped double-stranded DNA viruses able to infect the skin of bovids and equids, causing development of neoplastic lesions such as bovine cutaneous fibropapillomas and equine sarcoid. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of zinc-dependent endopeptidases that degrade basal membrane and extracellular matrix, whose function is essential in physiological processes such as tissue remodeling and wound healing. MMPs activity is finely regulated by a balancing with expression of tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs), a process that is impaired during tumour development. BPV infection is associated with upregulation of MMPs and /or their unbalancing with TIMPs, contributing to local invasion and impairment of extracellular matrix remodeling in equine sarcoid; however, studies regarding this topic in bovine fibropapillomas are lacking.

Methods

The aim of this study was to perform an immunohistochemical and biochemical analysis on a panel of MMPs and TIMPs in BPV-2 positive bovine cutaneous fibropapillomas vs. normal skin samples.

Results

Immunohistochemistry revealed a cytoplasmic expression of MMP-2 (15/19), a cytoplasmic and perinuclear immunoreactivity of MMP-7 (19/19) and MMP-9 (19/19), along with a cytoplasmic and nuclear pattern of MMP-14 (16/19), accompanied by a cytoplasmic expression of TIMP-1 (14/19) and TIMP-2 (18/19) in tumour samples; western blotting revealed an overexpression of MMP-2 (8/9), MMP-7 (9/9) and MMP-9 (9/9), and a decreased level of MMP-14 (9/9), TIMP-1 (9/9) and TIMP-2 (9/9) in tumour versus normal skin samples. Moreover, gelatine zymography confirmed the expression of pro-active MMP-2 (9/9) and MMP-9 (9/9) and, most importantly, indicated the presence and increased activity of their active forms (82 and 62 kDa, respectively) in tumour samples.

Discussion

This is the first study describing MMPs and TIMPs in bovine cutaneous fibropapillomas and our results suggest that their unbalanced expression in presence of BPV-2 may play a significant role in tumour development. A further analysis of supplementary MMPs and TIMPs could bring new important insights into the papillomavirus induced tumours.

Plant polysaccharides with anti-lung injury effects as a potential therapeutic strategy for COVID-19

When coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) develops into the severe phase, lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and/or respiratory failure could develop within a few days. As a result of pulmonary tissue injury, pathomorphological changes usually present endothelial dysfunction, inflammatory cell infiltration of the lung interstitium, defective gas exchange, and wall leakage. Consequently, COVID-19 may progress to tremendous lung injury, ongoing lung failure, and death. Exploring the treatment drugs has important implications. Recently, the application of traditional Chinese medicine had better performance in reducing fatalities, relieving symptoms, and curtailing hospitalization. Through constant research and study, plant polysaccharides may emerge as a crucial resource against lung injury with high potency and low side effects. However, the absence of a comprehensive understanding of lung-protective mechanisms impedes further investigation of polysaccharides. In the present article, a comprehensive review of research into plant polysaccharides in the past 5 years was performed. In total, 30 types of polysaccharides from 19 kinds of plants have shown lung-protective effects through the pathological processes of inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and immunomodulation by mediating mucin and aquaporins, macrophage, endoplasmic reticulum stress, neutrophil, TGF-β1 pathways, Nrf2 pathway, and other mechanisms. Moreover, the deficiencies of the current studies and the future research direction are also tentatively discussed. This research provides a comprehensive perspective for better understanding the mechanism and development of polysaccharides against lung injury for the treatment of COVID-19.

Terminalia catappa leaf extracts inhibited metastasis of A2058 and A375 melanoma cells via downregulating p-Src and β-catenin pathway in vitro

Background: Melanoma is a highly aggressive, lethal, and malignant cancer. Once diagnosed early, it can be easily removed and cured with satisfaction. Although many methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy have been used to treat this disease at an advanced stage, the outcomes are poor. Terminalia catappa leaves have been shown to have various biological benefits, including antitumor activity. The specific effects and molecular mechanisms of Terminalia catappa leaf in treating A2058 and A375 melanoma cells in vitro need to be clarified.

Methods: The A2058 and A375 melanoma cancer cells were treated with Terminalia catappa leaf extracts, and then the effect of Terminalia catappa leaf extracts on migration and invasion was examined. The cell migration/invasion capacities of A2058 and A375 cells were investigated by a modified Boyden chamber assay. Zymography was used to clarify the activities of matrix metalloproteinases-2 and urinary type plasminogen activator. We performed a Western blot to verify the related expression of phospho-Src (Tyr416), phospho-Focal adhesion kinase (Tyr397), Vimentin, and β-catenin.

Results: Modified Boyden chamber assays demonstrated that treatment of Terminalia catappa leaf extracts significantly inhibited A2058 and A375 cell migration/invasion capacities. In the zymography results, we showed that Terminalia catappa leaf extracts negatively modulated the activities of matrix metalloproteinases-2 and urinary type plasminogen activator. Western blot indicated that Terminalia catappa leaf extracts reduced the expression of phospho-Src (Tyr416), phospho-Focal adhesion kinase (Tyr397), Vimentin, and β-catenin.

Conclusion:Terminalia catappa leaf extracts affected the antimetastasis of the A2058 and A375 melanoma cell lines by inhibiting the Focal adhesion kinase/Src interaction and Wingless-int1/β-catenin pathways in vitro. Terminalia catappa leaf extracts may serve as an effective chemopreventive agent against metastasis of melanoma cancer.

All Trans-Retinoic Acids Facilitate the Remodeling of 2D and 3D Cultured Human Conjunctival Fibroblasts

Vitamin A derivative, all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), is known to be a potent regulator of the growth and differentiation of various types of cells. In the present study, the unidentified effects of ATRA on superficial and vertical spreading conjunctival scarring were examined. The study involved the use of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cultures of human conjunctival fibroblast (HconF) cells in the presence or absence of TGF-β2. The effects of ATRA (1 μM) on superficial or vertical spreading conjunctival scarring were evaluated by the barrier function by trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and FITC dextran permeability measurements and real-time metabolic analysis, as well as the physical properties, namely, the size and stiffness, of 3D spheroids, respectively. In addition, the expressions of several related molecules, including extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules, ECM modulators including a tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and ER stress-related factors, were examined. ATRA significantly induced (1) an increase in TEER values and a decrease in FITC dextran permeability, respectively, in the 2D monolayers, and (2) relatively and substantially increased the size and stiffness, respectively, of the 3D spheroids. These ATRA-induced effects were further enhanced in the TGF-β2-treated cells, whereas the TGF-β2-induced enhancement in glycolytic capacity was canceled by the presence of ATRA. Consistent with these physical and morphological effects, the mRNA expressions of several molecules were significantly but differently induced between 2D and 3D cultures by ATRA, although the presence of TGF-β2 did not substantially affect these gene expression levels. The findings reported in this study indicate that ATRA may exacerbate both superficial and vertical conjunctival fibrosis spreading independently of TGF-β2-induced changes.

A 3D bioprinted decellularized extracellular matrix/gelatin/quaternized chitosan scaffold assembling with poly(ionic liquid)s for skin tissue engineering

Currently, a suitable bioink for 3D bioprinting and capable of mimicking the microenvironment of native skin and preventing bacterial infection remains a major challenge in skin tissue engineering. In this study, we prepared a tissue-specific extracellular matrix-based bioink, and dECM/Gel/QCS (dGQ) 3D scaffold assembling with poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) (dGQP) was obtained by an extrusion 3D bioprinting technology and dynamic hydrogen bonding method. The morphologies, mechanical properties, porosity, hydrophilicity, biodegradation, hemostatic effect, antibacterial ability, and biocompatibility of the hybrid scaffolds were characterized and evaluated. Results showed that the rapid release (2 h) of PILs on the dGQP scaffold can quickly kill gram-negative (E. coli) and gram-positive (S. aureus) bacteria with almost 100 % antibacterial activity and maintained a stable sterile environment for a long time (7 d), which was superior to the dGQ scaffold. The hemostasis and hemolysis test showed that the dGQP scaffold had a good hemostatic effect and excellent hemocompatibility. In vitro cytocompatibility studies showed that although the cell growth on dGQP scaffold was slow in the early stage, the cells proliferated rapidly since day 4 and had high ECM secretion at day 7. Overall, this advanced dGQP scaffold has a considerable potential to be applied in skin tissue engineering.

Novel therapeutic modalities target cell signaling of Renin-Angiotensin system/NF-κB-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in urethane-induced lung cancer in mice: An in vivo study

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer has risen to the top of the list of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Aliskiren is a direct renin inhibitor.

AIM

This study aims to investigate the impact of cell signaling of Renin-Angiotensin system (RAS)/NF-κB on lung cancer by investigating the potential therapeutic effects of aliskiren for lung cancer treatment in urethane-induced lung cancer in mice.

METHODS

Male BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to one of five treatment groups for 150 days, including (1) normal control; (2) aliskiren (25 mg/kg/i.p) daily, (3) urethane at a dose of 1.5 g/kg (i.p) at Day 1 and 60 (nonsmall cell lung cancer[NSCLC] group) (4) NSCLC mice received carboplatin (15 mg/kg/i.p) every other day for the last 4 successive weeks and (5) NSCLC mice treated with aliskiren daily. Tumor size was determined based on blood sampling, and lungs were isolated for biochemical analysis, western blot analysis assay, and histopathological examination.

RESULTS

Urethane demonstrated significant changes in all biochemical and molecular parameters and histological patterns. Aliskiren-treated mice had significantly lower levels of NF-κB p65, Bcl-2, cyclin D1, ICAM-1, MMP-2, and Nrf2, with an increase in the catalytic activity of caspase-3 due to its RAS inhibitory mechanism. The combined urethane administration with aliskiren demonstrated a significant improvement in the histopathological examination.

CONCLUSION

RAS/NF-B cell signaling is a potential therapeutic target for preventing and treating lung adenocarcinoma, evidenced by the fundamental cytotoxic mechanism and attenuation of metastasis and angiogenesis induced by the treatment of NSCLC mice with aliskiren.

Association of mast cell density, microvascular density and endothelial area with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis in canine mammary gland carcinomas

Background

Mast cell density has been shown to have both enhancing and inhibiting effects on tumour progression and the ability to predict breast cancer behaviour in humans. However, prognostic results have been contradictory. Some previous studies suggested involvement of mast cells in the progression of canine mammary tumours. This study investigated total, intratumoural and peritumoural mast cell densities by Giemsa staining, and their association with clinicopathological parameters and the disease outcome of canine mammary tumours. In addition, since mast cells promote angiogenesis, the microvascular density and endothelial area were evaluated by CD31 immunostaining.

Results

Intratumoural mast cell density was associated with tumour size, lymph node involvement and tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte count, while peritumoural mast cell density was associated with grade. The endothelial area was associated with grade, mitotic index, tubular formation and proliferation index. Tumours with a high grade, high total intratumoural mast cell density and a larger endothelial area were associated with shorter disease-free survival. Intratumoural mast cell density and grade were found to be independent prognostic factors.

Conclusions

These results suggest that intratumoural mast cell density and the endothelial area can be used to evaluate the aggressiveness of canine mammary carcinomas, while intratumoural mast cell density could be of use as an independent predictor of a prognosis of disease-free survival. Peritumoural mast cell density does not seem to influence tumour behaviour.

Stimuli-Responsive Hybrid Metal Nanocomposite - A Promising Technology for Effective Anticancer Therapy

Cancer is one of the most challenging, life-threatening illnesses to cure, with over 10 million new cases diagnosed each year globally. Improved diagnostic cum treatment with common side-effects are warranting for successful therapy. Nanomaterials are recognized to improve early diagnosis, imaging, and treatment. Recently, multifunctional nanocomposites attracted considerable interest due to their low-cost production, and ideal thermal and chemical stability, and will be beneficial in future diagnostics and customized treatment capacity. Stimuli-Responsive Hybrid Metal Nanocomposites (SRHMNs) based nanocomposite materials pose the on/off delivery of bioactive compounds such as medications, genes, RNA, and DNA to specific tissue or organs and reduce toxicity. They simultaneously serve as sophisticated imaging and diagnostic tools when certain stimuli (e.g., temperature, pH, redox, ultrasound, or enzymes) activate the nanocomposite, resulting in the imaging-guided transport of the payload at defined sites. This review in detail addresses the recent advancements in the design and mechanism of internal breakdown processes of the functional moiety from stimuli-responsive systems in response to a range of stimuli coupled with metal nanoparticles. Also, it provides a thorough understanding of SRHMNs, enabling non-invasive interventional therapy by resolving several difficulties in cancer theranostics.

Reduction of invasion and cell stemness and induction of apoptotic cell death by Cinnamomum cassia extracts on human osteosarcoma cells

Cinnamomum cassia possesses antioxidative activity and induces the apoptotic properties of various cancer types. However, its effect on osteosarcoma invasion and cancer stemness remains ambiguous. Here, we examined the molecular evidence of the anti-invasive effects of ethanoic C. cassia extracts (CCE). Invasion and migration were obviously suppressed after the expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator and matrix metalloprotein 2 in human osteosarcoma 143B cells were downregulated. CCE reversed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by transforming growth factor β1 and downregulated mesenchymal markers, such as snail-1 and RhoA. CCE suppressed self-renewal property and the expression of stemness genes (aldehyde dehydrogenase, Nanog, and CD44) in the 143B cells. CCE suppressed cell viability, reduced the colony formation of osteosarcoma cancer cells, and induced apoptotic cell death in the 143B cells, as indicated by caspase-9 activation. The xenograft tumor model of immunodeficient BALB/c nude mice showed that CCE administered in vivo through oral gavage inhibited the growth of implanted 143B cells. These findings indicated that CCE inhibited the invasion, migration, and cancer stemness of the 143B cells. CCE reduced proliferation of 143B cell possibly because of the activation of caspase-9 and the consequent apoptosis, suggesting that CCE is a potential anticancer supplement for osteosarcoma.

N-α-Acetyltransferase 10 inhibits invasion and metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma via regulating Pirh2-p53 signalling pathway

N‐α‐Acetyltransferase 10 (NAA10) was reported to be involved in tumour invasion and metastasis in several of tumours. However, the role and mechanism of NAA10‐mediated invasion and metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains undetermined. Herein, our study showed that NAA10 inhibits cell migration and invasion in vitro and attenuates the xenograft tumorigenesis in nude mice. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that there is a physical interaction between NAA10 and RelA/p65 in OSCC cells, thereby preventing RelA/p65‐mediated transcriptional activation of Pirh2. Consequently, inhibition of Pirh2 increased p53 level and suppressed the expression of p53 downstream targets, matrix metalloprotein‐2 (MMP‐2) and MMP‐9. Therefore, NAA10 may function as a tumour metastasis suppressor in the progression of OSCC by targeting Pirh2‐p53 axis and might be a prognostic marker as well as a therapeutic target for OSCC.

Cancer and Covid-19: Collectively catastrophic

The Covid-19 pandemic has spread rapidly across the globe, resulting in more than 3 million deaths worldwide. The symptoms of Covid-19 are usually mild and non-specific, however in some cases patients may develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and systemic inflammation. Individuals with inflammatory or immunocompromising illnesses, such as cancer, are more susceptible to develop ARDS and have higher rates of mortality. This is mediated through an initial hyperstimulated immune response which results in elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and a subsequent cytokine storm. This potentiates positive feedback loops which are unable to be balanced by anti-inflammatory mediators. Therefore, elevated levels of IL-1β, as a result of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, as well as IL-6 and TNF-α amongst many others, contribute to the progression of various cancer types. Furthermore, Covid-19 progression is associated with the depletion of CD8⁺ and CD4⁺ T cells, B cell and natural killer cell numbers. Collectively, a Covid-19-dependent pro-inflammatory profile and immune suppression promotes the optimal microenvironment for tumourigenesis, initiation and immune evasion of malignant cells, tumour progression and metastasis as well as cancer recurrence. There are, however, therapeutic windows of opportunity that may combat both Covid-19 and cancer to improve patient outcomes.

Analysis of the effects of aryl hydrocarbon receptor expression on cancer cell invasion via three-dimensional microfluidic invasion assays

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that binds to xenobiotics and activates expression of response elements to metabolize these compounds. The AHR pathway has been associated with a long list of diseases including cancer; however, it is debated whether AHR is tumorigenic or tumour-inhibiting. In particular, there are contradictory reports in the literature regarding the effects of AHR expression level on metastatic breast cancer. Here we used a 3D invasion assay called cell invasion in digital microfluidic microgel systems (CIMMS) to study the effect of AHR expression on invasion. In this study, MDA-MB-231 cells with stable knockout of AHR (AHRko) showed enhanced invasive characteristics and reduced proliferation, and cells with transient overexpression of AHR showed reduced invasiveness. Overexpression of AHR with a mutation in the DNA binding domain showed no difference in invasiveness compared to control, which suggests that the changes in invasiveness are related to the expression of AHR. CIMMS also allowed for extraction of sub-populations of invaded cells for RNA sequencing experiments. A comparison of the transcriptomes of invaded subpopulations of wild-type and AHRko cells identified 1809 genes that were differentially expressed, with enriched pathways including cell cycle, proliferation, survival, immunoproteasome activation, and activation of matrix metalloproteases. In sum, the data reported here for MDA-MB-231 cells suggests some new interpretations of the discrepancy in the literature on the role of AHR in breast cancer. We propose that the unique combination of functional discrimination with transcriptome profiling provided by CIMMS will be valuable for a wide range of mechanistic invasion-biology studies in the future.

STAT3 Enhances Sensitivity of Glioblastoma to Drug-Induced Autophagy-Dependent Cell Death

Simple Summary

Glioblastoma is the most common primary brain cancer in adults. One reason for the development and malignancy of this tumor is the misregulation of certain cellular proteins. The oncoprotein STAT3 that is frequently overactive in glioblastoma cells is associated with more aggressive disease and decreased patient survival. Autophagy is a form of cellular self digestion that normally maintains cell integrity and provides nutrients and basic building blocks required for growth. While glioblastoma is known to be particularly resistant to conventional therapies, recent research has suggested that these tumors are more sensitive to excessive overactivation of autophagy, leading to autophagy-dependent tumor cell death. Here, we show a hitherto unknown role of STAT3 in sensitizing glioblastoma cells to excessive autophagy induced with the repurposed drug pimozide. These findings provide the basis for future research aimed at determining whether STAT3 can serve as a predictor for autophagy-proficient tumors and further support the notion of overactivating autophagy for cancer therapy.

Abstract

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a devastating disease and the most common primary brain malignancy of adults with a median survival barely exceeding one year. Recent findings suggest that the antipsychotic drug pimozide triggers an autophagy-dependent, lysosomal type of cell death in GBM cells with possible implications for GBM therapy. One oncoprotein that is often overactivated in these tumors and associated with a particularly dismal prognosis is Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3). Here, we used isogenic human and murine GBM knockout cell lines, advanced fluorescence microscopy, transcriptomic analysis and FACS-based assessment of cell viability to show that STAT3 has an underappreciated, context-dependent role in drug-induced cell death. Specifically, we demonstrate that depletion of STAT3 significantly enhances cell survival after treatment with Pimozide, suggesting that STAT3 confers a particular vulnerability to GBM. Furthermore, we show that active STAT3 has no major influence on the early steps of the autophagy pathway, but exacerbates drug-induced lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) and release of cathepsins into the cytosol. Collectively, our findings support the concept of exploiting the pro-death functions of autophagy and LMP for GBM therapy and to further determine whether STAT3 can be employed as a treatment predictor for highly apoptosis-resistant, but autophagy-proficient cancers.

Functional roles of cytokines in infectious disease associated colorectal carcinogenesis

Infection processes induce various soluble factors that are carcinogens in humans; therefore, research into the soluble factors of chronic disease released from cells that have been infected with parasites is warranted. Parasitic infections in host cells release high levels of IFNγ. Studies have hypothesised that parasitosis-associated carcinogenesis might be analogous to colorectal cancers developed from inflammatory bowel diseases, whereby various cytokines and chemokines are secreted during chronic inflammation. IL-18 and IL-21 are other factors that might be involved in the development of colorectal cancer in schistosomiasis patients and patients with other infections. IL-21 has profound effects on tumour growth and immunosurveillance of colitis-associated tumourigenesis, thereby emphasising its involvement in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer. The prominent role of IL-21 in antitumour effects greatly depends on the enhanced cytolytic activity of NK cells and the pathogenic role of IL-21, which is often associated with enhanced risks of cancer and chronic inflammatory processes. As IL-15 is also related to chronic disease, it is believed to also play a role in the antitumour effect of colorectal carcinogenesis. IL-15 generates and maintains long-term CD8⁺ T cell immunity against T. gondii to control the infection of intracellular pathogens. The lack of IL-15 in mice contributes to the downregulation of the IFNγ-producing CD4⁺ T cell response against acute T. gondii infection. IL-15 induces hyperplasia and supports the progressive growth of colon cancer via multiple functions. The limited role of IL-15 in the development of NK and CD8⁺ T cells suggests that there may be other cytokines compensating for the loss of the IL-15 gene.

Identification of a distal RXFP1 gene enhancer with differential activity in fibrotic lung fibroblasts involving AP-1

Relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) mediates relaxin’s antifibrotic effects and has reduced expression in the lung and skin of patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease (fILD) including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and systemic sclerosis (SSc). This may explain the failure of relaxin-based anti-fibrotic treatments in SSc, but the regulatory mechanisms controlling RXFP1 expression remain largely unknown. This study aimed to identify regulatory elements of RXFP1 that may function differentially in fibrotic fibroblasts. We identified and evaluated a distal regulatory region of RXFP1 in lung fibroblasts using a luciferase reporter system. Using serial deletions, an enhancer upregulating pGL3-promoter activity was localized to the distal region between -584 to -242bp from the distal transcription start site (TSS). This enhancer exhibited reduced activity in IPF and SSc lung fibroblasts. Bioinformatic analysis identified two clusters of activator protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factor binding sites within the enhancer. Site-directed mutagenesis of the binding sites confirmed that only one cluster reduced activity (-358 to -353 relative to distal TSS). Co-expression of FOS in lung fibroblasts further increased enhancer activity. In vitro complex formation with a labeled probe spanning the functional AP-1 site using nuclear proteins isolated from lung fibroblasts confirmed a specific DNA/protein complex formation. Application of antibodies against JUN and FOS resulted in the complex alteration, while antibodies to JUNB and FOSL1 did not. Analysis of AP-1 binding in 5 pairs of control and IPF lung fibroblasts detected positive binding more frequently in control fibroblasts. Expression of JUN and FOS was reduced and correlated positively with RXFP1 expression in IPF lungs. In conclusion, we identified a distal enhancer of RXFP1 with differential activity in fibrotic lung fibroblasts involving AP-1 transcription factors. Our study provides insight into RXFP1 downregulation in fILD and may support efforts to reevaluate relaxin-based therapeutics alongside upregulation of RXFP1 transcription.

Pathological Role of Reactive Oxygen Species on Female Reproduction

Oxidative stress (OS), a clinical predicament characterized by a shift in homeostatic imbalance among prooxidant molecules embracing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), along with antioxidant defenses, has been established to play an indispensable part in the pathophysiology of subfertility in both human males and females. ROS are highly reactive oxidizing by-products generated during critical oxygen-consuming processes or aerobic metabolism. A healthy body system has its own course of action to maintain the equilibrium between prooxidants and antioxidants with an efficient defense system to fight against ROS. But when ROS production crosses its threshold, the disturbance in homeostatic balance results in OS. Besides their noxious effects, literature studies have depicted that controlled and adequate ROS concentrations exert physiologic functions, especially that gynecologic OS is an important mediator of conception in females. Yet the impact of ROS on oocytes and reproductive functions still needs a strong attestation for further analysis because the disruption in prooxidant and antioxidant balance leads to abrupt ROS generation initiating multiple reproductive diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and unexplained infertility in addition to other impediments in pregnancy such as recurrent pregnancy loss, spontaneous abortion, and preeclampsia. The current article elucidates the skeptical state of affairs created by ROS that influences female fertility.

Potential of natural products in osteosarcoma treatment: Focus on molecular mechanisms

Osteosarcoma is the most frequent type of bone cancer found in children and adolescents, and commonly arises in the metaphyseal region of tubular long bones. Standard therapeutic approaches, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, are used in the management of osteosarcoma. In recent years, the mortality rate of osteosarcoma has decreased due to advances in treatment methods. Today, the scientific community is investigating the use of different naturally derived active principles against various types of cancer. Natural bioactive compounds can function against cancer cells in two ways. Firstly they can act as classical cytotoxic compounds by non-specifically affecting macromolecules, such as DNA, enzymes, and microtubules, which are also expressed in normal proliferating cells, but to a greater extent by cancer cells. Secondly, they can act against oncogenic signal transduction pathways, many of which are activated in cancer cells. Some bioactive plant-derived agents are gaining increasing attention because of their anti-cancer properties. Moreover, some naturally-derived compounds can significantly promote the effectiveness of standard chemotherapy drugs, and in certain cases are able to ameliorate drug-induced adverse effects caused by chemotherapy. In the present review we summarize the effects of various naturally-occurring bioactive compounds against osteosarcoma.

Enhanced anti-metastatic therapy with down-regulation of heparinase expression by ROS-responsive micellar nanoparticles

Metastasis is a major sign of malignant tumors which plays a vital role in cancer-related death. Suppressing metastasis is an important way to improve the survival rate of cancer patients. Herein, multifunctional PEG-LAM-PPS nanoparticles (nPLPs) are fabricated as both nanocarriers and anti-metastatic agents for tumor treatment. In this system, laminarin sulfate (LAM) suppresses metastasis by reducing heparinase and protecting the extracellular matrix; the ROS-sensitive polypropylene sulfide (PPS) improves the release of the loaded drug in the tumor microenvironment. This is the first time that laminarin sulfate has been used as a carrier to inhibit the expression of heparinase and treat melanoma lung metastasis. The blank nanoparticles are excellently safe and showed high anti-metastatic efficacy in melanoma lung metastatic mouse models, reducing metastatic nodules by 60%. They significantly improved the anti-tumor efficacy of the loaded drug doxorubicin, provided ∼33% further reduction of the tumor volume and 50% further reduction of the metastatic nodule number compared with free doxorubicin. Thus, these simple and versatile micellar nanoparticles composed of biocompatible materials offer a promising vehicle for treating invasive solid tumors and metastases.

Antimetastatic Effects of Curcumin in Oral and Gastrointestinal Cancers

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are known as frequently occurred solid malignant tumors that can cause the high rate mortality in the world. Metastasis is a significant destructive feature of tumoral cells, which directly correlates with decreased prognosis and survival. Curcumin, which is found in turmeric, has been identified as a potent therapeutic natural bioactive compound (Curcuma longa). It has been traditionally applied for centuries to treat different diseases, and it has shown efficacy for its anticancer properties. Numerous studies have revealed that curcumin inhibits migration and metastasis of GI cancer cells by modulating various genes and proteins, i.e., growth factors, inflammatory cytokines and their receptors, different types of enzymes, caspases, cell adhesion molecules, and cell cycle proteins. Herein, we summarized the antimetastatic effects of curcumin in GI cancers, including pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, oral cancer, and esophageal cancer.

The role of extracellular matrix in tumour angiogenesis: the throne has NOx servants

The extracellular matrix (ECM) dynamics in tumour tissue are deregulated compared to the ECM in healthy tissue along with disorganized architecture and irregular behaviour of the residing cells. Nitric oxide (NO) as a pleiotropic molecule exerts different effects on the components of the ECM driving or inhibiting augmented angiogenesis and tumour progression and tumour cell proliferation and metastasis. These effects rely on the concentration of NO within the tumour tissue, the nature of the surrounding microenvironment and the sensitivity of resident cells to NO. In this review article, we summarize the recent findings on the correlation between the levels of NO and the ECM components towards the modulation of tumour angiogenesis in different types of cancers. These are discussed principally in the context of how NO modulates the expression of ECM proteins resulting in either the promotion or inhibition of tumour growth via tumour angiogenesis. Furthermore, the regulatory effects of individual ECM components on the expression of the NO synthase enzymes and NO production were reviewed. These findings support the current efforts for developing effective therapeutics for cancers.

Wrestling and Wrapping: A Perspective on SUMO Proteins in Schwann Cells

Schwann cell development and peripheral nerve myelination are finely orchestrated multistep processes; some of the underlying mechanisms are well described and others remain unknown. Many posttranslational modifications (PTMs) like phosphorylation and ubiquitination have been reported to play a role during the normal development of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and in demyelinating neuropathies. However, a relatively novel PTM, SUMOylation, has not been studied in these contexts. SUMOylation involves the covalent attachment of one or more small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) proteins to a substrate, which affects the function, cellular localization, and further PTMs of the conjugated protein. SUMOylation also regulates other proteins indirectly by facilitating non-covalent protein–protein interaction via SUMO interaction motifs (SIM). This pathway has important consequences on diverse cellular processes, and dysregulation of this pathway has been reported in several diseases including neurological and degenerative conditions. In this article, we revise the scarce literature on SUMOylation in Schwann cells and the PNS, we propose putative substrate proteins, and we speculate on potential mechanisms underlying the possible involvement of this PTM in peripheral myelination and neuropathies.

Praeruptorin A reduces metastasis of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting ERK/MMP1 signaling pathway

Praeruptorin A (PA) is one of the active ingredients found in the dried root of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn, has been reported to possess anticancer effects against various types of cancer. However, the effect of PA on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains uncleared. In this study, our results indicated that PA did not induce cytotoxicity or alter cell cycle distribution in human HCC cells (Huh-7, SK-Hep-1, and PLC/PRF/5 cells). Instead, PA inhibited the migration and invasion of human HCC cells while downregulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1) and activating the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathways. Furthermore, blocking the ERK signaling pathway through siERK restored the expression of MMP1 and the invasive ability of PA-treated HCC cells. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the antimetastatic activity of PA against human HCC cells, supporting its potential as a therapeutic agent of HCC treatments.

Focus on Multi-targeted Role of Curcumin: a Boon in Therapeutic Paradigm

Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound that exhibited good anticancer potential against different types of cancers through its multi-targeted effect like the termination of cell proliferation, inflammation, angiogenesis, and metastasis, thereby acting as antiproliferative and cytotoxic in nature. The present review surveys the various drug combination tried with curcumin or its synthetic analogues and also the mechanism by which curcumin potentiates the effect of almost every drug. In addition, this article also focuses on aromatherapy which is gaining much popularity in cancer patients. After thoroughly studying several articles on combination therapy of curcumin through authenticated book chapters, websites, research, and review articles available at PubMed, ScienceDirect, etc., it has been observed that multi-targeted curcumin possess enormous anticancer potential and, with whatever drug it is given in combination, has always resulted in enhanced effect with reduced dose as well as side effects. It is also capable enough in overcoming the problem of chemoresistance. Besides this, aromatherapy also proved its potency in reducing cancer-related side effects. Combining all the factors together, we can conclude that combination therapy of drugs with curcumin should be explored extensively. In addition, aromatherapy can be used as an adjuvant or supplementary therapy to reduce the cancer complications in patients.

Candida albicans Enhances the Progression of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Vitro and In Vivo

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is associated with oral Candida albicans infection, although it is unclear whether the fungus promotes the genesis and progression of OSCC or whether cancer facilitates fungal growth. In this study, we investigated whether C. albicans can potentiate OSCC tumor development and progression. In vitro, the presence of live C. albicans, but not Candida parapsilosis, enhanced the progression of OSCC by stimulating the production of matrix metalloproteinases, oncometabolites, protumor signaling pathways, and overexpression of prognostic marker genes associated with metastatic events. C. albicans also upregulated oncogenes in nonmalignant cells. Using a newly established xenograft in vivo mouse model to investigate OSCC-C. albicans interactions, oral candidiasis enhanced the progression of OSCC through inflammation and induced the overexpression of metastatic genes and significant changes in markers of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Finally, using the 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO) murine model, we directly correlate these in vitro and short-term in vivo findings with the progression of oncogenesis over the long term. Taken together, these data indicate that C. albicans upregulates oncogenes, potentiates a premalignant phenotype, and is involved in early and late stages of malignant promotion and progression of oral cancer. IMPORTANCE Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a serious health issue worldwide that accounts for 2% to 4% of all cancer cases. Previous studies have revealed a higher yeast carriage and diversity in oral cancer patients than in healthy individuals. Furthermore, fungal colonization in the oral cavity bearing OSCC is higher on the neoplastic epithelial surface than on adjacent healthy surfaces, indicating a positive association between oral yeast carriage and epithelial carcinoma. In addition to this, there is strong evidence supporting the idea that Candida contributes to carcinogenesis events in the oral cavity. Here, we show that an increase in Candida albicans burden promotes an oncogenic phenotype in the oral cavity.

Chemokines as the critical factors during bladder cancer progression: an overview

Bladder cancer (BCa) is one of the most frequent urogenital malignancies which is mainly observed among men. There are various genetic and environmental risk factors associated with BCa progression. Transurethral endoscopic resection and open ablative surgery are the main treatment options for muscle invasive BCa. BCG therapy is also employed following the endoscopic resection to prevent tumor relapse. The tumor microenvironment is the main interaction site of tumor cells and immune system in which the immune cells are recruited via chemokines and chemokine receptors. In present review we summarized the main chemokines and chemokine receptors which have been associated with histopathological features of BCa patients in the world. This review highlights the chemokines and chemokine receptors as critical markers in early detection and therapeutic purposes among BCa patients and clarifies their molecular functions during BCa progression and metastasis.

Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors (MMPIs) as attractive therapeutic targets: Recent progress and current challenges

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) plays an essential role in many physiological and pathological processes. An increase in MMP activity contributes to excessive degradation and remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which has been correlated with invasion and metastasis of tumors. Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor (MMPI) has been developed as an attractive therapeutic target for decades, suggesting inspiring therapeutic effects in preclinical studies. However, achieving specificity remains an important challenge in the development of MMPIs, limiting their clinical application and bringing about the risk of biosafety. Nanomaterials can be used as alternative candidates for MMPI design, providing a new strategy for this problem. This report reviewed the research about MMPIs, summarized their MMPs activity regulation mechanisms, and discussed their failures in clinical trials. Furthermore, we outlined several schemes of MMPIs screening and design. Finally, we reviewed the therapeutic application prospects of MMPIs and discussed the remaining challenges and solutions, which may offer new insights for the development of MMPIs studies.

Inhibitory Effects of Pectic Polysaccharide Isolated from Diospyros kaki Leaves on Tumor Cell Angiogenesis via VEGF and MMP-9 Regulation

Persimmon leaves are an attractive source of phytochemicals with potential health benefits. However, there are only a few reports on the chemical properties and biological activity of the polysaccharide fractions (PLE-I-III) of persimmon leaves. We evaluated the angiogenesis-inhibiting ability of pectic-polysaccharides. The molecular weight of PLEs was determined using a high-performance size-exclusion chromatography system. Tube formation assay of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was performed using Matrigel-coated 96-well plates. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), PI3K, Akt, and p38 phosphorylation levels were determined using Western blotting; VEGF and MMP-9 transcript levels were measured using SYBR Green qRT-PCR. PLE-I-III significantly inhibited HUVEC tube formation at 12.5 and 25 μg/mL. Among them, PLE-II showed the strongest anti-tube formation activity, and the mRNA/protein expression of angiogenesis-related factors (VEGF/MMP-9) was significantly reduced by PLE-II. PLE-II also suppressed the phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT and p38, JNK, and NF-κB p65 in HUVECs. These results suggest that the polysaccharide PLE-II isolated from persimmon leaves inhibited VEGF and MMP-9 expression in HUVECs via regulation of PI3K/AKT, p38, JNK, and NF-κB p65 signaling pathways.

Inhibitory effect of cathepsin K inhibitor (ODN-MK-0822) on invasion, migration and adhesion of human breast cancer cells in vitro

Approximately 90% of patients with advanced breast cancer develop bone metastases; an event that results in severe decrease of quality of life and a drastic deterioration in prognosis. Therefore, to increase the survival of breast cancer patients, the development of new therapeutic strategies to impair metastatic process and skeletal complications is critical. Previous studies on the role of cathepsin K (CTSK) in metastatic spreading led to several strategies for inhibition of this molecule such as MIV-711 (Medivir), balicatib and odanacatib (ODN) which were on trial in the past. The present study intended to assess the anti-metastatic efficacy of ODN in breast cancer cells. Human breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 were treated with different concentrations of ODN and performed invasion, adhesion and migration assays and, RT-PCR and western blot to evaluate the effect of ODN on the metastatic potential of breast cancer cells. ODN markedly decreased wound healing cell migration, invasion and adhesion at a dose dependent manner. ODN inhibits cell invasion by decreasing the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9) with the upregulation of TIMP-1 expression. ODN effectively inhibited the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK), and blocked the expression of β-integrins and FAK proteins. ODN also significantly inhibited PI3K downstream targets Rac1, Cdc42, paxillin and Src which are critical for cell adhesion, migration and cytoskeletal reorganization. ODN exerts anti-metastatic action through inhibition of signaling pathway for MMP-9, PI3K and MAPK. This indicates potential therapeutic effects of ODN in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.

Beneficial effects of Diplectria barbata (Wall. Ex C. B. Clarke) Franken et Roos extract on aging and antioxidants in vitro and in vivo

The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of Diplectria barbata (Wall. Ex C.B. Clarke) Franken & Roons (DFR) on wound healing, antioxidant and aging in Normal Human Dermal Fibroblast cell (NHDF) cells and mouse skin models. We investigated the effects of the aging process in vitro and in vivo. DFRtreated NHDF cells showed a concentration-dependent increase in the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins (Collagen-2.5-fold increase at 50 μg/ml, Elastin-1.5-fold increase at 1μg/ml) as well as an increase in proteins related to cell survival, differentiation, and development, while expression of aging proteins such as matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3) was decreased (5-fold decrease at 50 μg/ml). DFR treatment also led to enhanced expression of antioxidant proteins such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (10-fold increase at 50 μg/ml) and heme oxygenase 1 (1.5-fold increase at 25 μg/ml). To further investigate the antioxidative effects of DFR extracts, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activities were also evaluated. DFR extracts improved wound healing and resulted in increased expression of ECM proteins, while enzymes involved in collagen degradation, including MMP-3, were decreased in NHDF cells as well as in a mouse model. This study demonstrates the anti-aging, antioxidant, and wound healing properties of DFR extracts. Therefore, DFR extracts present may facilitate skin protection and care.

Oroxylin A Exerts Its Antitumor Effects in Human Gallbladder Cancer via Inhibition of the PTEN/PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway

Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is one of the most common carcinomas of the biliary tract and is associated with aggressive malignancy and poor prognosis. Current therapeutic strategies, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, are not sufficient for the treatment of GBC, and new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. The antitumor effects of oroxylin A (OrA), a natural flavonoid extracted from the dried roots of medicinal plants such as Scutellariae species (Radix Scutellariae), have been widely reported in various cancers. In this study, we first evaluated the antitumor activity and the underlying mechanism of action of OrA on GBC cells in vitro. Our results revealed that OrA significantly attenuated the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GBC cells, simultaneously promoting their apoptosis. Suppression of the phosphate on and tension homology deleted chromosome ten (PTEN)/phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway was found to be the underlying mechanism involved in the antitumor activity of OrA. In addition, experiments using a tumor xenograft mouse model confirmed the antitumor effects of OrA in vivo. Taken together, our findings indicate that OrA could be a potential antitumor agent for the prospective treatment of GBC.

Wikstromol from Wikstroemia indica induces apoptosis and suppresses migration of MDA-MB-231 cells via inhibiting PI3K/Akt pathway

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most severe type of breast cancer due to the lack of specific targets and rapid metastasis, which result in the poor prognosis. Recently, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway has emerged as a potential target for the treatment of TNBC. In our research interest to discover phytochemicals targeting TNBC, we have investigated wikstromol from Wikstroemia indica using the human TNBC MDA-MB-231 cells. The results showed wikstromol at 10 μM inhibited cell growth of MDA-MB-231 cells which was confirmed by MTT assay. Further DAPI staining has revealed wikstromol at 10 μM induced apoptosis of cancer cells, which was associated with the activation of caspase-3 following down-regulation of Bcl-2 as well as up-regulation of Bax, cleaved PARP and phosphorylated p53. Meanwhile, it was observed at 0.1 μM wikstromol suppressed the migration of the cancer cells via decreasing transcription of NF-κB and reducing activity and secretion of downstream MMP-9. In addition, p-PI3K and p-Akt were down-regulated in MDA-MB-231 cells in the presence of wikstromol at 0.1 μM, which indicated inactivation of PI3K/Akt pathway was involved in these inhibitory effects.