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Selvan AJA, Kannan B, Pandi C, Jayaseelan VP, Arumugam P. EXT2: a novel prognostic and predictive biomarker for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2024; 137:282-289. [PMID: 38155009 DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2023.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study focused on EXT2, a member of the EXT family involved in heparan sulfate synthesis, to evaluate its potential as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in head-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS The present study used the cancer genome atlas head-neck squamous cell carcinoma (TCGA-HNSC) dataset-based UALCAN database to analyze the EXT2 expression and its clinicopathological features. In addition, we recruited 51 oral squamous cell carcinoma patients (OSCC), the most common HNSCC subtype, to validate the EXT2 mRNA expression analysis. In addition, we identified the role of EXT2 in prognosis using a Kaplan-Meier plot and immune signature using the tumor infiltration level. Furthermore, functional roles were analyzed using the EXT2 gene and protein networks. RESULTS The expression of EXT2 mRNA was significantly upregulated in OSCC tumors, which is consistent with the UALCAN-based results. EXT2 protein was also significantly overexpressed in HNSCC samples and was correlated with clinicopathological features. High EXT2 expression is associated with poor survival outcomes in HNSCC patients. Functional analysis of EXT2 using in silico tools revealed its involvement in critical pathways, including Wnt signaling, proteoglycans in cancer, and cellular responses to fibroblast growth and inflammation. CONCLUSION These findings highlight the potential of EXT2 as a prognostic and predictive biomarker of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Jenifer Arul Selvan
- Saveetha Medical College, and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Balachander Kannan
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Research, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Chandra Pandi
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Research, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vijayashree Priyadharsini Jayaseelan
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Research, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Paramasivam Arumugam
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Research, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Solaimuthu B, Khatib A, Tanna M, Karmi A, Hayashi A, Abu Rmaileh A, Lichtenstein M, Takoe S, Jolly MK, Shaul YD. The exostosin glycosyltransferase 1/STAT3 axis is a driver of breast cancer aggressiveness. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2316733121. [PMID: 38215181 PMCID: PMC10801894 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2316733121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program is crucial for transforming carcinoma cells into a partially mesenchymal state, enhancing their chemoresistance, migration, and metastasis. This shift in cell state is tightly regulated by cellular mechanisms that are not yet fully characterized. One intriguing EMT aspect is the rewiring of the proteoglycan landscape, particularly the induction of heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) biosynthesis. This proteoglycan functions as a co-receptor that accelerates cancer-associated signaling pathways through its negatively-charged residues. However, the precise mechanisms through which EMT governs HSPG biosynthesis and its role in cancer cell plasticity remain elusive. Here, we identified exostosin glycosyltransferase 1 (EXT1), a central enzyme in HSPG biosynthesis, to be selectively upregulated in aggressive tumor subtypes and cancer cell lines, and to function as a key player in breast cancer aggressiveness. Notably, ectopic expression of EXT1 in epithelial cells is sufficient to induce HSPG levels and the expression of known mesenchymal markers, subsequently enhancing EMT features, including cell migration, invasion, and tumor formation. Additionally, EXT1 loss in MDA-MB-231 cells inhibits their aggressiveness-associated traits such as migration, chemoresistance, tumor formation, and metastasis. Our findings reveal that EXT1, through its role in HSPG biosynthesis, governs signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling, a known regulator of cancer cell aggressiveness. Collectively, we present the EXT1/HSPG/STAT3 axis as a central regulator of cancer cell plasticity that directly links proteoglycan synthesis to oncogenic signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balakrishnan Solaimuthu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem9112001, Israel
| | - Anees Khatib
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem9112001, Israel
| | - Mayur Tanna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem9112001, Israel
| | - Abdelrahman Karmi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem9112001, Israel
| | - Arata Hayashi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem9112001, Israel
| | - Areej Abu Rmaileh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem9112001, Israel
| | - Michal Lichtenstein
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem9112001, Israel
| | - Suranjana Takoe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Berhampur760010, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore560012, India
| | - Yoav David Shaul
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem9112001, Israel
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Esplen HP, Yang RK, Kalia A, Tang Z, Tang G, Medeiros LJ, Toruner GA. Recurrent Somatic Copy Number Alterations and Their Association with Oncogene Expression Levels in High-Grade Ovarian Serous Carcinoma. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2192. [PMID: 38004332 PMCID: PMC10672014 DOI: 10.3390/life13112192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs) are frequently observed in high-grade ovarian serous carcinoma (HGOSC). However, their impact on gene expression levels has not been systematically assessed. In this study, we explored the relationship between recurrent SCNA and gene expression using The Cancer Genome Atlas Pan Cancer dataset (OSC, TCGA, PanCancer Atlas) to identify cancer-related genes in HGOSC. We then investigated any association between highly correlated cancer genes and clinicopathological parameters, including age of diagnosis, disease stage, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS). A total of 772 genes with recurrent SCNAs were observed. SCNA and mRNA expression levels were highly correlated for 274 genes; 24 genes were classified as a Tier 1 gene in the Cancer Gene Census in the Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (CGC-COSMIC). Of these, 11 Tier 1 genes had highly correlated SCNA and mRNA expression levels: TBL1XR1, PIK3CA, UBR5, EIF3E, RAD21, EXT1, RECQL4, KRAS, PRKACA, BRD4, and TPM4. There was no association between gene amplification and disease stage or PFS. EIF3E, RAD21, and EXT1 were more frequently amplified in younger patients, specifically those under the age of 55 years. Patients with tumors carrying PRKACA, BRD4, or TPM4 amplification were associated with a significantly shorter OS. RECQL4 amplification was more frequent in younger patients, and tumors with this amplification were associated with a significantly better OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hillary P. Esplen
- Graduate Program in Diagnostic Genetics and Genomics, School of Health Professions, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Richard K. Yang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Awdhesh Kalia
- Graduate Program in Diagnostic Genetics and Genomics, School of Health Professions, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Zhenya Tang
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 6565 MD Anderson Avenue, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-7815, USA
| | - Guilin Tang
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 6565 MD Anderson Avenue, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - L. Jeffrey Medeiros
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 6565 MD Anderson Avenue, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Gokce A. Toruner
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 6565 MD Anderson Avenue, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
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Kong W, Chen Y, Zhao Z, Zhang L, Lin X, Luo X, Wang S, Song Z, Lin X, Lai G, Yu Z. EXT1 methylation promotes proliferation and migration and predicts the clinical outcome of non-small cell lung carcinoma via WNT signalling pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:2609-2620. [PMID: 33565239 PMCID: PMC7933929 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is important for lung cancer prognosis. In this work, it is aimed to seek novel biomarkers with DNA methylation‐expression‐pathway pattern and explore its underlying mechanism. Prognostic DNA methylation sites and mRNAs were screened in NSCLC data set from TCGA, and further validated using the samples retrospectively collected, and EXT1 was identified as a potential target. Gene body methylation of three CpG sites (cg03276982, cg11592677, cg16286281) on EXT1 was significantly associated with clinical outcome, and the EXT1 gene expression also predicted prognosis. The expression level of EXT1 was also correlated with its DNA methylation level. This observation was further validated in a new data set consist of 170 samples. Knocking down of EXT1 resulted in decreased proliferation and migration. EXT1 targets were analysed using GSEA. It is found that the WNT signalling is the potential downstream target of EXT1. Further analyses revealed that the EXT1 targets the beta‐catenin and effect migration rate of NSCLC cell lines. The WNT signalling inhibitor, XAV‐939, effectively disrupted the migration promotion effect induced by EXT1. In summary, EXT1 methylation regulates the gene expression, effects the proliferation and migration via WNT pathway and predicted a poor prognosis for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wencui Kong
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhongquan Zhao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiandong Lin
- Laboratory of Radiation Oncology and Radiobiology, Fujian Cancer Hospital and Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xingguang Luo
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Shuiliang Wang
- Department of Urology, 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Team Support Force, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Transplant Biology, Affiliated Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University School of Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhengbo Song
- Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiangwu Lin
- Medical Oncology, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Fuzhou, China
| | - Guoxiang Lai
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zongyang Yu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA, Fujian Medical University,Affiliated Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University School of Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
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Wu D, Huo C, Jiang S, Huang Y, Fang X, Liu J, Yang M, Ren J, Xu B, Liu Y. Exostosin1 as a novel prognostic and predictive biomarker for squamous cell lung carcinoma: A study based on bioinformatics analysis. Cancer Med 2020; 10:2787-2801. [PMID: 33314711 PMCID: PMC8026939 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The exostosin (EXT) protein family is involved in diverse human diseases. However, the expression and prognostic value of EXT genes in human lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is not well understood. In this study, we analyzed the association between expression of EXT1 and EXT2 genes and survival in patients with LUSC using bioinformatics resources such as Oncomine and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases, the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) server and Kaplan–Meier plotter. Furthermore, regulatory microRNAs (miRNAs) were predicted for EXT1 and used to establish a potential miRNA‐messenger RNA (mRNA) regulation network for LUSC using the ENCORI platform. We observed that EXT1 and EXT2 expression levels were higher in LUSC than those in normal tissues. However, only EXT1 expression was significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS) in LUSC patients. Functional annotation enrichment analysis showed that genes co‐expressed with the EXT1 gene were enriched in biological processes such as cell adhesion and migration, and KEGG pathways such as extracellular matrix receptor interactions, complement and coagulation cascades, and cell death. Furthermore, three miRNAs, hsa‐mir‐190a‐5p, hsa‐mir‐195‐5p, and hsa‐mir‐490‐3p, were identified to be potentially involved in the regulation of EXT1. In summary, we identified EXT1 expression as a novel potential prognostic marker for human LUSC and the regulatory miRNAs that could possibly contribute to the prognosis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Disheng Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs, Department of Pharmacology, Marine Medicine Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Chao Huo
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs, Department of Pharmacology, Marine Medicine Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China.,Department of Anus and Intestines, Shenzhen Nanshan District People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Siyu Jiang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs, Department of Pharmacology, Marine Medicine Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanxia Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third People's Hospital of Shantou, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuehong Fang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs, Department of Pharmacology, Marine Medicine Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Shenzhen Ritzcon Biological Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Min Yang
- Shenzhen Ritzcon Biological Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianwei Ren
- Shenzhen Ritzcon Biological Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Bilian Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs, Department of Pharmacology, Marine Medicine Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
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Nia A, Dhanasekaran R. Genomic Landscape of HCC. CURRENT HEPATOLOGY REPORTS 2020; 19:448-461. [PMID: 33816052 PMCID: PMC8015384 DOI: 10.1007/s11901-020-00553-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer related mortality in the world and it has limited treatment options. Understanding the molecular drivers of HCC is important to develop novel biomarkers and therapeutics. PURPOSE OF REVIEW HCC arises in a complex background of chronic hepatitis, fibrosis and liver regeneration which lead to genomic changes. Here, we summarize studies that have expanded our understanding of the molecular landscape of HCC. RECENT FINDINGS Recent technological advances in next generation sequencing (NGS) have elucidated specific genetic and molecular programs involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. We summarize the major somatic mutations and epigenetic changes have been identified in NGS-based studies. We also describe promising molecular therapies and immunotherapies which target specific genetic and epigenetic molecular events. SUMMARY The genomic landscape of HCC is incredibly complex and heterogeneous. Promising new developments are helping us decipher the molecular drivers of HCC and leading to new therapies.
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Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycan Signaling in Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186588. [PMID: 32916872 PMCID: PMC7554799 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few decades, heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans (HSPGs) have been an intriguing subject of study for their complex structural characteristics, their finely regulated biosynthetic machinery, and the wide range of functions they perform in living organisms from development to adulthood. From these studies, key roles of HSPGs in tumor initiation and progression have emerged, so that they are currently being explored as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancers. The multifaceted nature of HSPG structure/activity translates in their capacity to act either as inhibitors or promoters of tumor growth and invasion depending on the tumor type. Deregulation of HSPGs resulting in malignancy may be due to either their abnormal expression levels or changes in their structure and functions as a result of the altered activity of their biosynthetic or remodeling enzymes. Indeed, in the tumor microenvironment, HSPGs undergo structural alterations, through the shedding of proteoglycan ectodomain from the cell surface or the fragmentation and/or desulfation of HS chains, affecting HSPG function with significant impact on the molecular interactions between cancer cells and their microenvironment, and tumor cell behavior. Here, we overview the structural and functional features of HSPGs and their signaling in the tumor environment which contributes to tumorigenesis and cancer progression.
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Molecular alterations associated with acquired resistance to BRAFV600E targeted therapy in melanoma cells. Melanoma Res 2020; 29:390-400. [PMID: 30741840 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Selective inhibition of the mutant BRAF protein is a highly promising therapeutic approach for melanoma patients carrying the BRAF mutation. Despite the remarkable clinical response, most patients develop resistance and experience tumour regrowth. To clarify the molecular background of BRAF inhibitor resistance, we generated four drug-resistant melanoma cell lines from paired primary/metastatic cell lines using a vemurafenib analogue PLX4720. Three of the resistant cell lines showed decreased proliferation after drug withdrawal, but the proliferation of one cell line (WM278) increased notably. Furthermore, we observed opposite phenomena in which a 'drug holiday' could not only be beneficial but also contribute to tumour progression. Using genomic and proteomic approaches, we found significantly different alterations between the sensitive and resistant cell lines, some of which have not been reported previously. In addition to several other changes, copy number gains were observed in all resistant cell lines on 8q24.11-q24.12 and 8q21.2. Gene expression analysis showed that most genes upregulated in the resistant cell lines were associated with cell motility and angiogenesis. Increased expression of six proteins (ANGPLT4, EGFR, Endoglin, FGF2, SerpinE1 and VCAM-1) and decreased expression of two proteins (osteopontin and survivin) were observed consistently in all resistant cell lines. In summary, we identified new genomic alterations and characterized the protein expression patterns associated with the resistant phenotype. Although several proteins have been shown to be associated with BRAF resistance, our study is the first to describe the association of VCAM-1 and osteopontin with BRAF resistance.
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