Clinicopathological significance of SPC18 in colorectal cancer: SPC18 participates in tumor progression

SEC11A contributes to tumour progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Background

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a prevalent disease that has a low survival rate and high recurrence risk. Our study aims to investigate the expression and role of SEC11A in HNSCC.

Methods

The expression of SEC11A was assessed in 18 pairs of cancerous and adjacent tissues by qRT-PCR and western blotting. Immunohistochemistry was performed in clinical specimen sections to evaluate the expression of SEC11A and its association with outcomes. Furthermore, the functional role of SEC11A in HNSCC tumor proliferation and progression was investigated using the in vitro cell model with lentivirus-mediated SEC11A knockdown. Colony formation and CCK8 assays were conducted to assess cell proliferation potential, while in vitro migration and invasion were examined using wound healing and transwell assays. To determine the tumor formation potential in vivo, a tumor xenograft assay was used.

Results

In contrast to adjacent normal tissues, SEC11A expression was significantly elevated in HNSCC tissues. SEC11A was mainly localized in the cytoplasm, and its expression was significantly associated with patient prognosis. SEC11A was silenced using shRNA lentivirus in TU212 and TU686 cell lines, and the gene knockdown was confirmed. A series of functional assays demonstrated that SEC11A knockdown reduced cell proliferation, migration and invasion ability in vitro. In addition, the xenograft assay demonstrated that SEC11A knockdown significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Tumor tissue sections of mice showed decreased proliferation potential in the shSEC11A xenografts cells by immunohistochemistry.

Conclusion

SEC11A knockdown decreased cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and subcutaneous tumorigenesis in vivo. SEC11A is crucial to HNSCC proliferation and progression, and may serve as a new therapeutic target.

Signal peptidase complex catalytic subunit SEC11A upregulation is a biomarker of poor prognosis in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

In the current study, we aimed to investigate the expression of the five microsomal signal peptidase complex (SPC) subunit genes (SEC11A, SEC11C, SPCS1, SPCS2, and SPCS3) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) and to explore their prognostic value. Data from the HNSC subset of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and one previous single-cell RNA-seq dataset was used. Subgroup analysis was conducted in tumors from different anatomic sites. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and immune cell infiltration analysis were performed to check the influence of SEC11A on the tumor microenvironment. Among the genes significantly upregulated in the tumor group, only SEC11A expression (as a continuous variable) is independently associated with poorer progression-free survival (PFS) (HR: 2.075, 95%CI: 1.447–2.977, p<0.001) and disease-specific survival (DSS) (HR: 2.023, 95%CI: 1.284–3.187, p = 0.002). Subgroup analysis confirmed the prognostic value in tumors from three anatomic origins, including laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, oral cavity-related squamous cell carcinoma, and oropharynx-related squamous cell carcinoma. SEC11A is expressed in all subtypes of cells in the tumor microenvironment. Its expression showed a moderate positive correlation with its gene-level copy number (Pearson’s r = 0.53, p<0.001). SEC11A expression was negatively correlated with CD8+ T cells and B cells, but was positively correlated with cancer-associated fibroblast and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the tumor microenvironment. In summary, SEC11A upregulation is a result of gene amplification in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Its upregulation might serve as an independent prognostic biomarker and a predictor of the infiltration of certain types of immune cells.

Clinicopathological significance of claspin overexpression and its efficacy as a novel biomarker for the diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma

We previously reported that claspin is a key regulator in the progression of gastric cancer and renal cell carcinoma. However, the clinicopathological significance of claspin in urothelial carcinoma (UC) has not been investigated. We analyzed the expression and distribution of claspin in UC cases by immunohistochemistry. In the non-neoplastic urothelium, the expression of claspin was either weak or absent, whereas UC tissues showed nuclear staining. The expression of claspin was detected in 58 (42%) of a total of 138 upper tract UC cases treated by radical nephroureterectomy without neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Claspin-positive UC cases were associated with nodular/flat morphology, variant histology, high tumor grade, high pathological T grade, and lymphatic and venous invasion. The expression of claspin was significantly associated with decreased progression-free survival and cancer-specific survival. In addition, claspin was co-expressed with Ki-67, PD-L1, HER2, EGFR, and p53 in consecutive tumor sections of UC. An immunohistochemical analysis of claspin in biopsy specimens revealed that strong to moderate claspin staining was more frequently observed in carcinoma in situ in comparison to dysplasia or the benign urothelium. Furthermore, immunocytochemistry for claspin on urine cytology slides demonstrated that the proportion of claspin-positive cells was significantly greater in high-grade UC than in benign cases. These results suggest that claspin may be a novel prognostic marker and a possible therapeutic target molecule for UC. Moreover, claspin could be a useful diagnostic biomarker of urothelial neoplasia.

Overexpression of claspin promotes docetaxel resistance and is associated with prostate-specific antigen recurrence in prostate cancer

Although docetaxel (DTX) confers significant survival benefits in patients with castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), resistance to DTX inevitably occurs. Therefore, clarifying the mechanisms of DTX resistance may improve survival in patients with CRPC. Claspin plays a pivotal role in DNA replication stress and damage responses and is an essential regulator for the S‐phase checkpoint. CLSPN is an oncogenic gene that contributes to tumor proliferation in several human solid tumors. However, the clinical significance of claspin in prostate cancer (PCa) has not been examined. The present study aimed to elucidate the role of claspin and its relationship with DTX resistance in PCa. We immunohistochemically analyzed the expression of claspin in 89 PCa cases, of which 31 (35%) were positive for claspin. Claspin‐positive cases were associated with higher Gleason score, venous invasion, and perineural invasion. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that high claspin expression was related to poor prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) relapse‐free prognosis. In a public database, high CLSPN expression was associated with poor PSA relapse‐free prognosis, Gleason score, T stage, lymph node metastasis, CRPC, and metastatic PCa. Claspin knockdown by siRNA decreased cell proliferation, upregulated DTX sensitivity, and suppressed the expression of Akt, Erk1/2, and CHK1 phosphorylation in DU145 and PC3 cell lines. Furthermore, claspin expression was much more upregulated in DTX‐resistant DU145 (DU145‐DR) than in parental DU145 cells. Claspin knockdown significantly upregulated the sensitivity to DTX in DU145‐DR cells. These results suggest that claspin plays an important role in PCa tumor progression and DTX resistance.

MiR-873-5p modulates progression of tongue squamous cell carcinoma via targeting SEC11A

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of miR-873-5p on proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) by targeting SEC11A.

METHODS

Tongue squamous cell carcinoma tissues were collected and performed by qRT-PCR and Western blotting to determine the expression of miR-873-5p and SPC18. SCC9 and CAL-27 cells were transfected and divided into Mock, mimic NC, miR-873-5p mimic, SEC11A, and miR-873-5p mimic + SEC11A groups. Then, a series of experiments including cell count kit 8 (CCK-8), wound healing, Transwell, and flow cytometry were conducted. Besides, Western blotting was used to detect the expression of SPC18 and EGFR pathway-related proteins.

RESULTS

MiR-873-5p was downregulated while SPC18 was upregulated in TSCC, and miR-873-5p was negatively correlated with SPC18. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed SEC11A to be a target of miR-873-5p. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of SCC9 and CAL-27 cells in miR-873-5p mimic group were decreased with increased cell apoptosis, presenting with downregulations of SPC18 and EGFR pathway-related proteins, while cells in SEC11A group manifested totally different changes. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of miR-873-5p mimic on TSCC cell growth was abolished by SEC11A overexpression.

CONCLUSION

Overexpression of miR-873-5p may suppress cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, but facilitate apoptosis in TSCC via targeting SEC11A.

Histological diversity and molecular characteristics in gastric cancer: relation of cancer stem cell-related molecules and receptor tyrosine kinase molecules to mixed histological type and more histological patterns

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancers (GCs) are still one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality. The histological and molecular features of GC may differ widely from area to area within the same tumor. Intratumoral heterogeneity has been considered a major obstacle to an efficient diagnosis and successful molecular treatment.

METHODS

We selected and reevaluated 842 GC cases and analyzed the relationship between numbers or composites of histological patterns within tumors, and clinicopathological parameters in mucosal and invasive areas. In addition, we searched for the GC-associated molecules or molecular subtypes marking histological diversities.

RESULTS

GC cases with more histological numbers or mixed types in invasive areas showed significantly higher T grade and staging, whereas those in mucosal areas did not show any significant associations. GCs with histological diversities showed poorer prognosis and characteristically expressed cancer stem cell-related molecules (CD44, CD133 or ALDH1) and receptor tyrosine kinase molecules (HER2, EGFR or c-MET) as well as Helicobacter pylori infection. Expressions of CD44, HER2, c-MET, laminin 5·2 or retained E-cadherin in mucosal areas were predictive of more histological numbers and mixed types in invasive areas. In addition, the chromosomal instability subtype of GC showed significant associations with more histological numbers and mixed histological type, whereas the genomic stability subtype of GC showed a significant relationship with pure type.

CONCLUSIONS

We displayed the relationship between histological diversity and molecular features in GC, and we hope that the present data can contribute to the early diagnosis and prevention, and effective treatment of GC.

KHDRBS3 promotes multi-drug resistance and anchorage-independent growth in colorectal cancer

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is one of the most frequently used pharmacological agents in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). Resistance to chemotherapy is a major cause of treatment failure of CRC, and it is a well known fact that cancer stem cells play a significant role in the acquisition of drug resistance. In this study, we focused on the KHDRBS3 gene that encodes KH RNA Binding Domain Containing, Signal Transduction Associated 3. We first clarified the relationship between KHDRBS3 and 5-FU resistance. We then observed higher expression levels of KHDRBS3 in KRAS-mutant organoids and cell lines in comparison with KRAS wild-type organoids and cell lines. Immunohistochemical analysis using CRC cases revealed that the prognosis of KHDRBS3-positive patients was significantly worse compared with that of KHDRBS3-negative patients. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses showed that KHDRBS3 was an independent prognostic factor in patients with CRC. We determined that KHDRBS3 might play a crucial role in the acquisition of stem cell properties, such as drug resistance and spheroid/organoid formation, by regulating CD44 variant expression and the Wnt signaling pathway. In an immunodeficient mouse model, KHDRBS3-positive cells showed efficient tumor formation and formed metastatic lesions in the lungs. These results indicated that KHDRBS3 plays a crucial role in drug resistance and anchorage-independent growth by maintaining stem cell-like features in CRC cells. KHDRBS3 could be a promising candidate marker for predicting chemotherapeutic effect and prognosis in CRC patients.

Microbial Community Profiling Distinguishes Left-Sided and Right-Sided Colon Cancer

The difference between left- and right-sided colon cancer has become the focus of global attention, and researchers have found differences in the morbidity, molecular biological characteristics, and response to targeted drug therapy between left- and right-sided colon cancer. Therefore, the identification of more effective predictive indicators is critical for providing guidance to future clinical work. We collected samples from different colon sites and regions and analyzed the identities and distributions of differentially expressed species in the microbiota in the left and right sides of the colon to better explore the pathogenesis of colon cancer and provided a basis for individualized drug therapy. We collected samples from different regions in the body of 40 patients with colon cancer, including stool and tissues. The Subjects were classified into four groups, and this classification was mainly based on the colon cancer distribution. The microbiota composition of the left-sided and right-sided colon samples was assessed by specifically amplifying the V3-V4 region of the 16S rDNA gene from DNA extracts from the samples. These amplicons were examined by Illumina HiSeq 2500 sequencing. The microbial taxa in the left-sided colon samples are more abundant than those in the right-sided colon samples. The flora in the left-sided colon samples, such as Clostridium perfringens and Fusobacterium nucleatum, might be associated with VEGF expression and are more likely to promote colon cancer. The microbiota distribution in the right-sided colon samples is less invasive and harmful and particularly rich in Bifidobacterium dentium. In addition, Streptococcus, which is the target of EGFR, was found to be expressed in both the left- and right-sided colon samples but was found at a higher level in the left-sided colon samples. Additionally, the differential pathways involved in the left-sided colon samples mainly mediate DNA damage, methylation, and histone modifications, whereas those in the right-sided colon samples are dominated by DNA synthesis. The comparison of only the geographical differences revealed a significant difference in the distribution of the microbial population. The adherent microbiota composition and structural changes between the left- and right-sided colon samples might contribute to the development of colon cancer, lead to different morbidities, and further affect the prognosis of patients and their sensitivity to targeted drugs. Therefore, the identification of the differential flora in the colon could be used as an indicator for predicting the occurrence and development of colon cancer, which is also beneficial for future individualized drug therapy.

Long non-coding RNA DDX11-AS1 facilitates gastric cancer progression by regulating miR-873-5p/SPC18 axis

Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumour with high lethality. Accruing evidence elucidates the critical adjusting role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) in human cancers. DDX11 antisense RNA 1 (DDX11-AS1) was previously found to be involved in GC pathogenesis. However, the precise molecular mechanisms of DDX11-AS1 need to be further investigated. In this study, we found that DDX11-AS1 expression was up-regulated in GC tumour tissues and cells. Increased DDX11-AS1 expression was associated with advanced TNM stage and lymph node metastasis. Functionally, knockdown of DDX11-AS1 repressed cell proliferation and clone formation, while induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. As expected, DDX11-AS1 overexpression displayed the opposite effect. Mechanically, DDX11-AS1 enhanced SPC18 expression through acting as a ceRNA for miR-873-5p. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of DDX11-AS1 silencing on malignant biological behaviour of GC cells was attenuated by either miR-873-5p inhibitor or SEC11A up-regulation. Moreover, suppression of DDX11-AS1 also decreased GC tumorigenesis in vivo. In conclusion, DDX11-AS1 may serve as an oncogene in GC progression by sponging miR-873-5p and promoting SPC18 expression, providing a new insight into the mechanisms of DDX11-AS1 and elucidating a promising therapy target in GC.

Clinicopathological significance of intelectin-1 in colorectal cancer: Intelectin-1 participates in tumor suppression and favorable progress

Intelectin-1 (ITLN1) is an adipokine with an anti-inflammatory function that is involved in neoplastic diseases such as pleural mesothelioma and gastric and prostate cancers. However, the expression and function of ITLN1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unknown. To identify novel prognostic markers or therapeutic targets for CRC, we focused on ITLN1 protein. By immunohistochemistry, 87 (59%) of 148 CRC cases showed reduced expression of ITLN1. ITLN1-reduced CRC cases were associated with higher M grades (P = 0.0017) than ITLN1-retained CRC cases. Furthermore, the cases with ITLN1 retained expression tended toward a more favorable prognosis than those with reduced expression. Cell growth of the CRC cell lines transfected with ITLN1 siRNA were greater than those of the negative control cell lines transfected with siRNA. Levels of phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor, Erk and Akt were higher in the CRC cells transfected with ITLN1 siRNA than in control cells. Immunohistochemical analysis of human colorectal polyp specimens also revealed a sequential decrease in the expression of ITLN1 through both the conventional adenoma-carcinoma pathway and the serrated pathway. These results indicated that ITLN1 might play an important role in regulating colorectal tumorigenesis.

SPC18 Expression Is an Independent Prognostic Indicator of Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Esophageal cancer is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide. Signal peptidase complex 18 (SPC18) protein, which is encoded by the SEC11A gene, is one of the subunits of the signal peptidase complex and plays an important role in the secretion of proteins including transforming growth factor α (TGF-α). In this study, we investigated the significance of SPC18 expression in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

METHODS

SPC18 expression was examined by immunohistochemistry. RNA interference was used to inhibit SPC18 expression in ESCC cell lines. To examine cell viability, we performed 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays. The effects of SPC18 inhibition on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling were analyzed by Western blot.

RESULTS

In total, 46 (50%) of 92 ESCC cases were positive for SPC18. SPC18 staining was observed more frequently in stage II/III/IV cases than in stage I cases (p = 0.028). We found that SPC18 expression was significantly associated with increased cancer-specific mortality (p = 0.006, log-rank test). SPC18 expression was frequently found in EGFR-positive cases compared with EGFR-negative cases. Cell proliferation and EGFR signaling were inhibited by SPC18 knockdown.

CONCLUSION

Specific inhibitors of SPC18 may be promising anticancer drugs for patients with ESCC.

Claspin overexpression is associated with high-grade histology and poor prognosis in renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common human cancers. We previously reported that claspin is a key regulator in the progression of gastric cancer, and it likely plays an important role in cancer stem cells of gastric cancer. However, the significance of claspin in RCC has not been examined. First, we analyzed the expression and distribution of claspin in 95 RCC cases by immunohistochemistry. In the nonneoplastic kidney, the staining of claspin was either weak or absent, whereas RCC tissue showed nuclear staining. In total, claspin expression was detected in 45 (47%) of 95 RCC cases. The claspin staining appeared relatively stronger in high nuclear grade RCC than in low nuclear grade RCC. Claspin-positive RCC cases were associated with higher T grade, tumor stage, nuclear grade, vein invasion, and poorer prognosis. CLSPN siRNA treatment decreased RCC cell proliferation. The levels of phosphorylated Erk and Akt were lower in CLSPN siRNA-transfected RCC cells than in control cells. In addition, claspin was coexpressed with CD44, epidermal growth factor receptor, p53, and programmed death ligand-1. These results suggest that claspin plays an important role in tumor progression in RCC and might be a prognostic marker and novel therapeutic target molecule.

COX-2/C-MET/KRAS status-based prognostic nomogram for colorectal cancer: A multicenter cohort study

BACKGROUND/AIM

To construct quantitative prognostic models for colorectal cancer (CRC) based on COX-2/C-MET/KRAS expression status in clinical practice.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Clinical factors and COX-2/C-MET/KRAS expression status of 578 eligible patients from two Chinese hospitals were included. The patients were randomly allocated into training and validation datasets. We created several models using Cox proportional hazard models: Signature^C contained clinical factors, Signature^G contained COX-2/C-MET/KRAS expression status, and Signature^CG contained both. After comparing their accuracy, nomograms for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were built for the best signatures, with their concordance index and calibration tested. Further, patients were subgrouped by the median of the best signatures, and survival differences between the subgroups were compared.

RESULTS

For PFS, among the three signatures, Signature^PFS-CG had the best area under the curve (AUC), with the 1-, 2- and 3-year AUCs being 0.70, 0.73 and 0.89 in the training dataset, respectively and 0.67, 0.73 and 0.87 in the validation dataset, respectively. For OS, the AUCs of Signature^OS-CG for 1-, 2- and 3-years were 0.63, 0.71 and 0.81 in the training dataset, respectively and 0.68, 0.71 and 0.76 in validation dataset, respectively. The nomograms based on Signature^PFS-CG and Signature^OS-CG had good calibrations. Subsequent stratification analysis demonstrated that the subgroups were significantly different for both PFS (training:P < 0.001; validation:P< 0.001) and OS (training:P < 0.001; validation:P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Combining clinical factors and COX-2/C-MET/KRAS expression status, our models provided accurate prognostic information in CRC. They can be used to aid treatment decisions in clinical practice.

SEC11A Expression Is Associated with Basal-Like Bladder Cancer and Predicts Patient Survival

OBJECTIVES

Bladder cancer (BC) is a common malignancy worldwide. Signal peptidase complex 18 (SPC18) protein, which is encoded by the SEC11A gene, is one of the subunits of the signal peptidase complex and induces transforming growth factor-α secretion. In the present study, we analyzed the expression and function of SPC18 protein in human BC.

METHODS

Expression of SPC18 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. RNA interference was used to inhibit SEC11A expression in BC cell lines. For constitutive expression of the SEC11A gene, a SEC11A expression vector was transfected into BC cell lines. To examine cell viability, we performed 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. Modified Boyden chamber assays were used to examine cell invasiveness.

RESULTS

SPC18 was upregulated in 54% of 81 BC cases. SPC18 expression served as an independent prognostic classifier of patients with BC. SPC18-positive BC cases frequently expressed cytokeratin 5/6, a marker of basal-like BC. Cell growth and invasiveness were inhibited by SEC11A knockdown and enhanced by forced expression of SEC11A.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that SPC18 plays an important role in the progression of BC. Specific inhibitors of SPC18 may be promising anticancer drugs for patients with basal-like BC.

Clinicopathological significance of claspin overexpression and its association with spheroid formation in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Spheroid colony formation is a useful method to identify cancer stem cells (CSCs). The aim of this study was to identify a novel prognostic marker or therapeutic target for GC using a method to identify CSCs. We analyzed the microarray data in spheroid body-forming and parental cells and focused on the CLSPN gene because it is overexpressed in the spheroid body-forming cells in both the GC cell lines MKN-45 and MKN-74. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that CLSPN messenger RNA expression was up-regulated in GC cell lines MKN-45, MKN-74, and TMK-1. Immunohistochemistry of claspin showed that 94 (47%) of 203 GC cases were positive. Claspin-positive GC cases were associated with higher T and N grades, tumor stage, lymphatic invasion, and poor prognosis. In addition, claspin expression was coexpressed with CD44, human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2, and p53. CLSPN small interfering RNA treatment decreased GC cell proliferation and invasion. These results indicate that the expression of claspin might be a key regulator in the progression of GC and might play an important role in CSCs of GC.

Clinicopathological significance of SPC18 in colorectal cancer: SPC18 participates in tumor progression

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer‐related death worldwide. In order to identify novel prognostic markers or therapeutic targets for CRC, we searched for candidate genes in our comprehensive gene expression libraries, and focused on SEC11A, which encodes the SPC18 protein. SPC18 plays a key role in the endoplasmic reticulum‐Golgi secretory pathway and presumably regulates the secretion of various secretory proteins. An immunohistochemical analysis of SPC18 in 137 CRC tissue samples demonstrated that 79 (58%) CRC cases were positive for SPC18. SPC18‐positive CRC cases were more advanced in terms of N classification (P = 0.0315) and tumor stage (P = 0.0240) than SPC18‐negative CRC cases. Furthermore, the expression of SPC18 was an independent prognostic classifier for CRC patients. The cell growth and invasiveness of SPC18 siRNA‐transfected CRC cell lines was less than that of the negative control siRNA‐transfected cell lines. The levels of phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor, Erk and Akt were lower in SPC18 siRNA‐transfected CRC cells than in control cells. The expression of SPC18 was colocalized with β‐catenin nuclear localization and MMP7 at the invasive front. An immunohistochemical analysis of human colorectal polyp specimens revealed a sequential increase in the expression of SPC18 through the conventional adenoma‐carcinoma pathway, while SPC18 was not expressed or was expressed to a lesser extent in serrated pathway‐related tumors. These results suggest that SPC18 is involved in tumor progression, and is an independent prognostic classifier in patients with CRC.