Cancer cells survive with survivin

Apoptotic activity of genipin in human oral squamous cell carcinoma in vitro by regulating STAT3 signaling

Genipin, a natural compound derived from the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, was reported to have activity against various cancer types. In this study, we determined the underlying mechanism for genipin-induced cell death in human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The growth-inhibitory effects of genipin in human OSCC cells was examined by the Cell Counting Kit-8 and soft agar assays. The effects of genipin on apoptosis were assessed by nuclear morphological changes by 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining, measurement of the sub-G1 population, and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide double staining. The underlying mechanism of genipin activity was analyzed by western blot analysis, subcellular fractionation of the nucleus and cytoplasm, immunocytochemistry, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Genipin inhibited the growth of OSCC cells and induced apoptosis, which was mediated by a caspase-dependent pathway. Genipin reduced the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) at Tyr705 and its nuclear localization. Furthermore, inhibition of p-STAT3Tyr705 levels following genipin treatment was required for the reduction of survivin and myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) expression, leading to apoptotic cell death. The genipin-mediated reduction in survivin and Mcl-1 expression was caused by transcriptional and/or posttranslational regulatory mechanisms. The results provide insight into the regulatory mechanism by which genipin induces apoptotic cell death through the abrogation of nuclear STAT3 phosphorylation and suggest that genipin may represent a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of human OSCC.

Boron Derivatives Inhibit the Proliferation of Breast Cancer Cells and Affect Tumor-Specific T Cell Activity In Vitro by Distinct Mechanisms

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. Despite the initial clinical response obtained with the widely used conventional chemotherapy, an improved prognosis for breast cancer patients has been missing in the clinic because of the high toxicity to normal cells, induction of drug resistance, and the potential immunosuppressive effects of these agents. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the potential anti-carcinogenic effect of some boron derivatives (sodium pentaborate pentahydrate (SPP) and sodium perborate tetrahydrate (SPT)), which showed a promising effect on some types of cancers in the literature, on breast cancer cell lines, as well as immuno-oncological side effects on tumor-specific T cell activity. These findings suggest that both SPP and SPT suppressed proliferation and induced apoptosis in MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines through downregulation of the monopolar spindle-one-binder (MOB1) protein. On the other hand, these molecules increased the expression of PD-L1 protein through their effect on the phosphorylation level of Yes-associated protein (Phospho-YAP (Ser127). In addition, they reduced the concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ and cytolytic effector cytokines such as sFasL, perforin, granzyme A, Granzyme B, and granulysin and increased the expression of PD-1 surface protein in activated T cells. In conclusion, SPP, SPT, and their combination could have growth inhibitory (antiproliferative) effects and could be a potential treatment for breast cancer. However, their stimulatory effects on the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway and their effects on cytokines could ultimately account for the observed repression of the charging of specifically activated effector T cells against breast cancer cells.

Designing Nanomedicines for Breast Cancer Therapy

In 2020, breast cancer became the most diagnosed cancer worldwide. Conventional chemotherapies have major side effects due to their non-specific activities. Alternatively, short interfering RNA(siRNA)-carrying nanoparticles (NPs) have a high potential to overcome this non-specificity. Lipid-substituted polyethyleneimine (PEI) polymers (lipopolymers) have been reported as efficient non-viral carriers of siRNA. This study aims to engineer novel siRNA/lipopolymer nanocomplexes by incorporating anionic additives to obtain gene silencing through siRNA activity with minimal nonspecific toxicity. We first optimized our polyplexes in GFP+ MDA-MB-231 cells to effectively silence the GFP gene. Inclusion of phosphate buffer with pH 8.0 as complex preparation media and N-Lauroylsarcosine Sodium Salt as additive, achieved ~80% silencing with the least amount of undesired cytotoxicity, which was persistent for at least 6 days. The survivin gene was then selected as a target in MDA-MB-231 cells since there is no strong drug (i.e., small organic molecule) for inhibition of its oncogenic activity. The qRT-PCR, flow cytometry analysis and MTT assay revealed >80% silencing, ~95% cell uptake and >70% cell killing by the same formulation. We conclude that our lipopolymer can be further investigated as a lead non-viral carrier for breast cancer gene therapy.

The Prognostic and Therapeutic Implications of the Chemoresistance Gene BIRC5 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Chemoresistance affects TNBC patient treatment responses. Therefore, identifying the chemoresistant gene provides a new approach to understanding chemoresistance in TNBC. BIRC5 was examined in the current study as a tool for predicting the prognosis of TNBC patients and assisting in developing alternative therapies using online database tools. According to the examined studies, BIRC5 was highly expressed in 45 to 90% of TNBC patients. BIRC5 is not only abundantly expressed but also contributes to resistance to chemotherapy, anti-HER2 therapy, and radiotherapy. Patients with increased expression of BIRC5 had a median survival of 31.2 months compared to 85.8 months in low-expression counterparts (HR, 1.73; CI, 1.4−2.13; p = 2.5 × 10−7). The overall survival, disease-free survival, relapse-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, and the complete pathological response of TNBC patients with high expression of BIRC5 who received any chemotherapy (Taxane, Ixabepilone, FAC, CMF, FEC, Anthracycline) and anti-HER2 therapy (Trastuzumab, Lapatinib) did not differ significantly from those patients receiving any other treatment. Data obtained indicate that the BIRC5 promoter region was substantially methylated, and hypermethylation was associated with higher BIRC5 mRNA expression (p < 0.05). The findings of this study outline the role of BIRC5 in chemotherapy-induced resistance of TNBC, further indicating that BIRC5 may serve as a promising prognostic biomarker that contributes to chemoresistance and could be a possible therapeutic target. Meanwhile, several in vitro studies show that flavonoids were highly effective in inhibiting BIRC5 in genetically diverse TNBC cells. Therefore, flavonoids would be a promising strategy for preventing and treating TNBC patients with the BIRC5 molecule.

Oleanolic acid combined with olaparib enhances radiosensitization in triple negative breast cancer and hypoxia imaging with 18F-FETNIM micro PET/CT

The heterogeneity of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) results in the worst prognosis among breast cancer types, making its treatment strategy very challenging. A recent study showed that oleanolic acid (OA) has a radiosensitizing effect on tumor cells, but it does not show a good clinical effect when used alone in radiotherapy. The cytotoxicity of radiotherapy can be enhanced by modulating DNA repair, so new treatment options are being investigated to inhibit DNA repair pathways and sensitize tumors to radiation. Radiation induces DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), and inhibition of Poly (ADP-Ribose) polymerase (PARP) can prevent the repair of these lesions. Hence, we evaluated the radiosensitization and the underlying mechanism of combination treatment with OA and olaparib in TNBC. Meanwhile, tumor hypoxia was monitored with ¹⁸F-Fluoroerythronitroimidazole (FETNIM) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) during radiosensitization therapy. Here, we found that OA and olaparib in combination with radiotherapy significantly inhibited cell proliferation compared with other groups. The results were observed using colony formation assays [sensitization enhancement ratios (SER) 1.16-1.65]. In vivo, tumor growth was significantly delayed in transplanted tumors receiving irradiation (IR) with OA and olaparib. ¹⁸F-FETNIM PET/CT can be utilized for tumor hypoxia monitoring and radiosensitization response evaluation. In conclusion, these results suggest that the combination of OA and olaparib with IR enhances the inhibition of MDA-MB-231 in cell culture and in mice, providing a potentially novel combination for the effective treatment of TNBC patients.

Tumor‐targeted fluorescence labeling systems for cancer diagnosis and treatment

Conventional imaging techniques are available for clinical identification of tumor sites. However, detecting metastatic tumor cells that are spreading from primary tumor sites using conventional imaging techniques remains difficult. In contrast, fluorescence‐based labeling systems are useful tools for detecting tumor cells at the single‐cell level in cancer research. The ability to detect fluorescent‐labeled tumor cells enables investigations of the biodistribution of tumor cells for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. For example, the presence of fluorescent tumor cells in the peripheral blood of cancer patients is a predictive biomarker for early diagnosis of distant metastasis. The elimination of fluorescent tumor cells without damaging normal tissues is ideal for minimally invasive treatment of cancer. To capture fluorescent tumor cells within normal tissues, however, tumor‐specific activated target molecules are needed. This review focuses on recent advances in tumor‐targeted fluorescence labeling systems, in which indirect reporter labeling using tumor‐specific promoters is applied to fluorescence labeling of tumor cells for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Telomerase promoter‐dependent fluorescence labeling using replication‐competent viral vectors produces fluorescent proteins that can be used to detect and eliminate telomerase‐positive tumor cells. Tissue‐specific promoter‐dependent fluorescence labeling enables identification of specific tumor cells. Vimentin promoter‐dependent fluorescence labeling is a useful tool for identifying tumor cells that undergo epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). The evaluation of tumor cells undergoing EMT is important for accurately assessing metastatic potential. Thus, tumor‐targeted fluorescence labeling systems represent novel platforms that enable the capture of tumor cells for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

The N6-Methylandenosine-Related Gene BIRC5 as a Prognostic Biomarker Correlated With Cell Migration and Immune Cell Infiltrates in Low Grade Glioma

Gliomas account for 75% of all primary malignant brain tumors in adults and are associated with high mortality. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis repeat containing 5 (BIRC5) plays a critical role in cell apoptosis and the progression of diverse cancers. However, no studies have yet focused on the immunological function and mechanisms of upstream BIRC5 regulation in the progression of low-grade gliomas (LGG). Here, we evaluated BIRC5 expression and clinical characteristics in people with LGG using the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas, The Cancer Genome Atlas, Gene Expression Omnibus, Rembrandt, and Gravendeel databases. We used Kaplan–Meier statistics and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to analyze the prognostic value of BIRC5 in LGG. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment terms were also explored to identify functional roles of BIRC5. The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) and Tumor Immune System Interaction (TISIDB) databases were used to examine the correlation between BIRC5 expression and immune cell infiltration in LGG. The Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) and Cancer Therapeutics Response Portal (CTRP) databases were used to examine the potential drugs targeting BIRC5. We used transwell and wound healing assays to determine the biological functions of BIRC5 in glioma cell migration. Our results demonstrated that BIRC5 was highly expressed in LGG and the expression level correlated with tumor grade, prognosis, histological subtype, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutation, 1p/19q chromosomal co-deletion, chemotherapy status, and O[6]-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status. GO and KEGG analysis showed that BIRC5 is primarily involved in cell proliferation and immune response-related signaling pathways. We also found that BIRC5 was significantly correlated with m6A modification and diverse drug sensitivity. TIMER and TISIDB database analysis showed that BIRC5 expression is associated with infiltration of diverse immune cells and immune modulation in LGG. BIRC5 knockdown inhibited LGG cell migration. Collectively, our results demonstrate that BIRC5 is correlated with cell migration and immune infiltration in LGG and may be a useful prognostic biomarker.

Anti-cancer effect of boron derivatives on small-cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Anti-cancer activity of boron has been reported. Although many boron derivatives such as boric acid (BA) have been discovered to have anticancer effects, there are many boron derivatives whose anticancer effects have not yet been discovered. Some of these include sodium pentaborate pentahydrate (NaB), which has had limited research on its anticancer effects, and sodium perborate tetrahydrate (SPT), whose anticancer effect has yet to be discovered. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-cancer effects of boric acid (BA), sodium pentaborate pentahydrate (NaB), and sodium perborate tetrahydrate (SPT) against small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell line DMS-114 cells in vitro.

METHODS

EC50 concentrations and effects of BA, NaB, and SPT on cell survival were detected with an MTS assay. The colony-forming unit (CFU) assay was used to assess their effects on cell colony formation capability. Their effects on apoptosis were determined by an Annexin-V assay. A cell cycle analysis was performed to understand at what phase the cell cycle is arrested. Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR) was used to evaluate the mRNA levels of apoptotic, anti-apoptotic, and tumor suppressor genes. Western blotting was used to determine the protein levels of p53 and Caspase 3.

RESULTS

The survival rates of DMS-114 cells decreased with BA, NaB and SPT after 72 h of treatment and the EC50 concentrations ​​of DMS-114 and MRC-5 cells differed 5.5-fold in BA treatment, 5,2-fold in NaB treatment and 10-fold in SPT treatment. Colony unit numbers were decreased from 350 to 128, from 320 to 95, and from 430 to 96 in the BA, NaB, and SPT treatment groups, respectively. The apoptosis increased by 10, 19, and 42 percent after treatment with BA, NaB, and SPT for 72 h, respectively. Following 72 h of treatment with BA, NaB, and SPT, some pro-apoptotic and tumor suppressor genes were upregulated and some anti-apoptotic genes were downregulated. Cell cycle arrests were detected at the G2/M phase in the BA, and NaB treatment groups and at the Sub-G1 phase in the SPT treatment group. The protein levels of P53 and Caspase 3 increased with BA, NaB and SPT treatment for 72 h.

CONCLUSIONS

BA, NaB and SPT show anti-cancer activity in the DMS-114 cell line without damaging MRC-5 cells, and some of the molecular mechanisms are involved in apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.

Lactoferrin: A Nutraceutical with Activity against Colorectal Cancer

Homeostasis in the human body results from the tight regulation of several events, since too little inflammation disrupts the process of tissue repair and remodeling, whereas too much exerts a collateral effect by causing tissue damage with life-threatening consequences. In some clinical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), inflammation functions as a double-edged sword by either enabling or inhibiting cancer development and progression. Generally, cancer develops through evasion mechanisms that regulate cell growth, causing a high rate of uncontrolled proliferation, and mechanisms for evading cell death, such as apoptosis. Moreover, chronic inflammation is a factor that contributes to colorectal cancer (CRC), as observed in individuals with IBD; all these conditions favor an increased rate of angiogenesis and eventual metastasis. Lactoferrin (Lf) is a mammalian iron-binding multifunctional glycoprotein regarded as a natural compound that up- and downregulates both humoral and cellular components of immunity involved in regulating the inflammatory response and maintaining gut homeostasis. Human and bovine Lf share high sequence homology and have very similar antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. Bovine Lf from milk is considered a safe molecule and is commercially available in large quantities. This review mainly focuses on the regulatory effects of orally administered bovine Lf on the inflammatory response associated with CRC; this approach indicates that CRC is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers and affects the intestinal tract with high clinical and epidemiologic relevance. Thus, this review may provide foundations for the potential use of bovine Lf alone or as a natural adjunct agent to increase the effectiveness and reduce the side effects of anticancer chemotherapy.

BIRC5 promotes cancer progression and predicts prognosis in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) remains one of the most common respiratory tumors worldwide. Baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis repeat containing 5 (BIRC5) is a member of the inhibitor-of-apoptosis protein family. BIRC5 plays an important role in various types of cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and invasion. However, the specific role of BIRC5 in LSCC remains unclear.

METHODS

To provide a prognostic biomarker for LSCC, we screened the prognostic genes of LSCC via bioinformatics. PPI network and KEGG pathways were used to select hub genes. Clinical prognoses were performed using a Kaplan-Meier plotter and Cox proportional-hazard analysis. BIRC5 expression in LSCC tissues and cell lines were detected by RT-PCR, Western blot and Immunohistochemistry (IHC). Cell proliferation, cell cycle and cell apoptosis were detected with Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and Flow Cytometry assay, respectively.

RESULTS

Here, BIRC5 was strongly correlated with higher tumor grade and differentiation. BIRC5 was highly expressed in LSCC tissues when compared with normal tissues and increased expression of BIRC5 was associated with overall survival in LSCC patients. The suppression of BIRC5 induced cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of LSCC cells. The survival analysis confirmed that higher level of BIRC5 expression predicted poor prognosis of LSCC patients. BIRC5 may act as an oncogene of LSCC development and was suggested as a promising prognostic biomarker for LSCC.

Vaccines targeting angiogenesis in melanoma

Angiogenesis has a significant role in metastasis and progression of melanoma. Even small tumors may be susceptible to metastasis and hence lead to a worse outcome in patients with melanoma. One of the anti-angiogenic treatment approaches that is undergoing comprehensive study is specific immunotherapy. While tumor cells are challenging targets for immunotherapy due to their genetic instability and heterogeneity, endothelial cells (ECs) are genetically stable. Therefore, vaccines targeting angiogenesis in melanoma are appropriate choices that target both tumor cells and ECs while capable of inducing strong, anti-tumor immune responses with limited toxicity. The main targets of angiogenesis are VEGFs and their receptors but other potential targets have also been investigated, especially in preclinical studies. Various types of vaccines that target angiogenesis in melanoma have been studied including DNA, peptide, protein, dendritic cell-based, and endothelial cell vaccines. This review outlines a number of target antigens that are important for potential progress in developing vaccines for targeting angiogenesis in melanoma. We also discuss different types of vaccines that have been investigated, delivery mechanisms and popular adjuvants, and suggest ways to improve future clinical outcomes.

Expression of survivin in oral leukoplakia and oral lichen planus

BACKGROUND

Up to one third (3-33%) oral squamous cell carcinomas develop from potentially malignant lesions. Most common potentially malignant lesions (PML) are Leukoplakia and Lichen planus. It is very important to diagnose PML at early stage to prevent malignant transformation of lesion. Survivin is a smallest member of the Inhibitor of Apoptosis (IAP) family of proteins. Survivin plays an important role in apoptosis regulation. High expression of survivin is an early event during oral carcinogenesis and it acts as a tool for the identification of precancerous lesions at higher risk of progression into invasive carcinoma. The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of Survivin in oral leukoplakia, oral lichen planus.

METHODS AND MATERIAL

15 patients with oral lichen planus, 15 patients of oral leukoplakia were selected as subjects for the present study and 15 patients with normal oral mucosa were selected as controls and all were evaluated for expression of survivin. All sections were H & E stained and were studied immunohistochemically for the expression of surviving.

RESULTS

Expression of survivin was evaluated based on percent of cells expressing survivin and grading was given according to that. Significant survivin expression was detected in oral leukoplakia, oral lichen planus, (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Expression of survivin in potentially malignant lesions indicate potential risk of malignant transformation.

Immune-Related Genes Are Prognostic Markers for Prostate Cancer Recurrence

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is an immune-responsive disease. The current study sought to explore a robust immune-related prognostic gene signature for PCa.

Methods

Data were retrieved from the tumor Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and GSE46602 database for performing the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) cox regression model analysis. Immune related genes (IRGs) data were retrieved from ImmPort database.

Results

The weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) showed that nine functional modules are correlated with the biochemical recurrence of PCa, including 259 IRGs. Univariate regression analysis and survival analysis identified 35 IRGs correlated with the prognosis of PCa. LASSO Cox regression model analysis was used to construct a risk prognosis model comprising 18 IRGs. Multivariate regression analysis showed that risk score was an independent predictor of the prognosis of PCa. A nomogram comprising a combination of this model and other clinical features showed good prediction accuracy in predicting the prognosis of PCa. Further analysis showed that different risk groups harbored different gene mutations, differential transcriptome expression and different immune infiltration levels. Patients in the high-risk group exhibited more gene mutations compared with those in the low-risk group. Patients in the high-risk groups showed high-frequency mutations in TP53. Immune infiltration analysis showed that M2 macrophages were significantly enriched in the high-risk group implying that it affected prognosis of PCa patients. In addition, immunostimulatory genes were differentially expressed in the high-risk group compared with the low-risk group. BIRC5, as an immune-related gene in the prediction model, was up-regulated in 87.5% of prostate cancer tissues. Knockdown of BIRC5 can inhibit cell proliferation and migration.

Conclusion

In summary, a risk prognosis model based on IGRs was developed. A nomogram comprising a combination of this model and other clinical features showed good accuracy in predicting the prognosis of PCa. This model provides a basis for personalized treatment of PCa and can help clinicians in making effective treatment decisions.

Generation of reactive oxygen species is the primary mode of action and cause of survivin suppression by sepantronium bromide (YM155)

Survivin is a lucrative broad-spectrum drug target for different cancer types, including triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Sepantronium bromide (YM155) is the first of its class of survivin suppressants and was found to be quite effective in pre-clinical models of TNBC. However, in clinical trials when given in combination with docetaxel, YM55 failed to provide any added advantage. To understand if the clinical outcome is due to YM155 being ineffective or due to an inappropriate choice of combination, we need to elucidate its true mode of action. Hence, to explain the unexpected and unexplained observations pertaining to YM155 biology and its mode of action, we developed isogenic pairs of YM155-sensitive and -resistant TNBC cell lines and characterized them in detail by various biochemical assays. We found that YM155 generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the mitochondria in addition to the previously discovered redox cycling pathway. Both survivin suppression and DNA damage are secondary effects resulting from the ROS which contribute to the drug's cytotoxic effects on TNBC cells. Indeed, adaptation to both these pathways was important in conferring YM155 resistance. Finally, we uncovered a unique connection between the ROS and control of survivin expression involving a ROS/AKT/FoxO/survivin axis in TNBC cells. Together, by deciphering the true mode of action of YM155, we present a possible explanation for its poor clinical efficacy when used in combination with docetaxel. The results and conclusions presented here provide the information needed to effectively use YM155 in combination therapy.

Identification of prognostic significance of BIRC5 in breast cancer using integrative bioinformatics analysis

Aims: Baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis repeat containing 5 (BIRC5) plays vital roles in carcinogenesis by influencing cell division and proliferation and by inhibiting apoptosis. However, the prognostic significance of BIRC5 remains unclear in breast cancer.

Methods:BIRC5 expression and methylation status were evaluated using the Oncomine and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. The relevance between BIRC5 and different clinicopathological features as well as survival information was analyzed using the bc-GenExMiner database and Kaplan–Meier Plotter. BIRC5–drug interaction network was obtained using the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database.

Results: Based on the results from databases and own hospital data, BIRC5 was higher expressed in different breast cancer subtypes compared with the matched normal individuals. Hormone receptors were negatively correlated with BIRC5 expression, whereas the Scarff–Bloom–Richardson (SBR) grade, Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI), human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) status, basal-like status, and triple-negative status were positively related to BIRC5 level in breast cancer samples with respect to normal tissues. High BIRC5 expression was responsible for shorter relapse-free survival, worse overall survival, reduced distant metastasis free survival, and increased risk of metastatic relapse event. BIRC5–drug interaction network indicated that several common drugs could modulate BIRC5 expression. Furthermore, a positive correlation between BIRC5 andcell-division cycle protein 20 (CDC20) gene was confirmed.

Conclusion:BIRC5 may be adopted as a promising predictive marker and potential therapeutic target in breast cancer. Further large-scale studies are needed to more precisely confirm the value of BIRC5 in treatment of breast cancer.

miR-101-3p sensitizes lung adenocarcinoma cells to irradiation via targeting BIRC5

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) has been considered as the most common cause of cancer-associated mortality. Radiotherapy resistance is one of the main reasons for LUAD treatment failure. The microRNA (miR)-101-3p has been previously reported to function as a tumor suppressor in several types of cancer, including LUAD. The present study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of miR-101-3p on radioresistance of lung adenocarcinoma cells through bioinformatics analysis and biological experiments. Based on the analysis of Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data, it was demonstrated that the expression of miR-101-3p was low in LUAD tissues compared with normal lung tissues and was associated with poor prognosis of patients with LUAD. The results of the CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, immunofluorescence staining, caspase-3 activity assay and western blotting demonstrated that miR-101-3p overexpression sensitized LUAD cells to ionizing radiation by decreasing the abilities of LUAD cell proliferation, colony formation, DNA damage repair and increasing caspase-3 activity and apoptosis of LUAD cells following ionizing radiation. Furthermore, according to bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assay, baculoviral IAP repeat containing 5 (BIRC5) was identified as a direct target of miR-101-3p. Increased BIRC5 expression reversed the miR-101-3p-mediated increase in LUAD cell radiotherapy sensitivity. Taken together, the results of the present study demonstrated that miR-101-3p may be considered as a potential target that can enhance LUAD cell sensitivity to radiotherapy, which may provide a new strategy to improve therapy in patients with LUAD.

Depletion of Survivin suppresses docetaxel-induced apoptosis in HeLa cells by facilitating mitotic slippage

The anticancer effects of taxanes are attributed to the induction of mitotic arrest through activation of the spindle assembly checkpoint. Cell death following extended mitotic arrest is mediated by the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Accordingly, factors that influence the robustness of mitotic arrest or disrupt the apoptotic machinery confer drug resistance. Survivin is an inhibitor of apoptosis protein. Its overexpression is associated with chemoresistance, and its targeting leads to drug sensitization. However, Survivin also acts specifically in the spindle assembly checkpoint response to taxanes. Hence, the failure of Survivin-depleted cells to arrest in mitosis may lead to taxane resistance. Here we show that Survivin depletion protects HeLa cells against docetaxel-induced apoptosis by facilitating mitotic slippage. However, Survivin depletion does not promote clonogenic survival of tumor cells but increases the level of cellular senescence induced by docetaxel. Moreover, lentiviral overexpression of Survivin does not provide protection against docetaxel or cisplatin treatment, in contrast to the anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL or Bcl-2. Our findings suggest that targeting Survivin may influence the cell response to docetaxel by driving the cells through aberrant mitotic progression, rather than directly sensitizing cells to apoptosis.

Propofol activates AMPK to inhibit the growth of HepG2 cells in vitro and hepatocarcinogenesis in xenograft mouse tumor models by inducing autophagy

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a fatal malignant tumor with a poor prognosis, and is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the anti-tumor effect of propofol on the proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle of HCC by regulating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in vivo and in vitro.

Methods

The cell counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was employed to screen the effect of propofol on HepG2 cell viability at various concentrations (0.3, 0.6, 1.2, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 and 160 µM). We selected propofol at concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 µM for subsequent experiments. Flow cytometry was used to examine the apoptosis and cell cycle of HCC. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was applied to measure the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and survivin. Western blotting was applied to measure the protein expression levels of PCNA, survivin, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, p27 (Kip1), and cyclin A. The effects of propofol were evaluated by establishing a xenograft tumor model.

Results

After treatment with propofol, the mRNA expression levels of PCNA and survivin were decreased compared with the 0 µM propofol (control) group. The colony formation assay showed that the colony formation rate was obviously down-regulated. Flow cytometry demonstrated that HepG2 cell apoptosis was increased. G0/G1 was enhanced compared with the control group, while G2/M was restrained. The levels of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, p27, phospho-AMP-activated protein kinase α1 (p-AMPKα1), phospho-mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), and phospho-Unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1 (p-ULK1) were notably elevated, while the levels of cyclin A were suppressed. The xenograft tumor volume declined in vivo compared with the HepG2 xenograft group. The expression levels of cell proliferation markers (PCNA) were significantly down-regulated markedly, while the expression levels of cell cycle markers (p27) were notablyup-regulated. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) staining showed that cell apoptosis was increased. The levels of p-AMPKα1 were also up-regulated.

Conclusions

Propofol inhibits the proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle of HCC by regulating AMPK in vivo and in vitro.

Effect of Sepatronium Bromide (YM-155) on DNA Double-Strand Breaks Repair in Cancer Cells

Survivin, as an antiapoptotic protein often overexpressed in cancer cells, is a logical target for potential cancer treatment. By overexpressing survivin, cancer cells can avoid apoptotic cell death and often become resistant to treatments, representing a significant obstacle in modern oncology. A survivin suppressor, an imidazolium-based compound known as YM-155, is nowadays studied as an attractive anticancer agent. Although survivin suppression by YM-155 is evident, researchers started to report that YM-155 is also an inducer of DNA damage introducing yet another anticancer mechanism of this drug. Moreover, the concentrations of YM-155 for DNA damage induction seems to be far lower than those needed for survivin inhibition. Understanding the molecular mechanism of action of YM-155 is of vital importance for modern personalized medicine involving the selection of responsive patients and possible treatment combinations. This review focuses mainly on the documented effects of YM-155 on DNA damage signaling pathways. It summarizes up to date literature, and it outlines the molecular mechanism of YM-155 action in the context of the DNA damage field.

YM155, specific survivin inhibitor, can enhance artesunate-induced cytotoxicity in HCT116 colon cancer cells

Purpose

A water-soluble variant of the artemisinin called artesunate, approved as an antimalarial agent, can induce cell death on various cancer cell types. We studied the mechanism of cell death of artesunate on HCT116 colorectal cancer cells.

Methods

We treated HCT116 colon cancer cells with artesunate, holo-transferrin, deferoxamine mesylate, ferrostatin, necrostatin-1, and YM155. We observed the growth inhibition of artesunate on HCT116 colon cancer cells by morphologic findings. Inhibition of cell growth was assessed by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and long-term growth inhibition by colony-forming assay. Apoptosis was investigated by flow cytometry and Western blot analysis.

Results

Artesunate inhibited the proliferation of HCT116 colon cancer cells effectively. Co-treatment with YM155, a specific survivin inhibitor, enhanced the artesunate-induced cell death. Co-treatment with the iron-chelating agent deferoxamine rescued artesunate induced cell death and increased long-term cell survival and proliferation.

Conclusion

In this study, we demonstrated that artesunate-induced cytotoxicity in HCT116 colon cancer cells by suppressing the expression of survivin and partially by ferroptosis. Our findings suggest that the co-treatment artesunate with YM155 can induce more potent cell death on HCT116 colon cancer cells and shows new insight for the treatment of colorectal cancer patients.

Survivin Expression in Metastatic and Nonmetastatic Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Comparative Study

Aim:

Survivin is a multifunctional protein chiefly involved in apoptosis and cell cycle regulation. Increased expression of survivin in tumors and fetal tissue determines its antiapoptotic activity. The aim of the study is to identify the immunoexpression of survivin in metastatic and nonmetastatic oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and also to evaluate and compare the expression of survivin in metastatic and nonmetastatic OSCC of buccal mucosa.

Materials and Methods:

In total, 40 histopathologically proven cases of OSCC, including 20 metastatic and 20 nonmetastatic cases, are selected. Among the 20 metastatic and nonmetastatic cases, 10 well-differentiated and 10 moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma cases were included and were subjected to immunohistochemical staining for survivin expression. The results were analyzed by SPSS version 11.5 using chi-square test.

Results:

The expression of survivin in metastatic and nonmetastatic tumors is 15%–70% and 15%–60%, respectively. When comparing the cases of moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma in metastatic and nonmetastatic tumors, 70% cases show moderate staining intensity.

Conclusion:

The survivin expression was comparatively high in metastatic OSCC. Also based on the aforementioned results, survivin expression was high in increasing grades of OSCC.

Alantolactone induces apoptosis in THP-1 cells through STAT3, survivin inhibition, and intrinsic apoptosis pathway

Cancer is the second foremost cause of mortality in the world, and THP-1 cells play an important role in cancer progression. Alantolactone (ALT), a sesquiterpene lactone compound derived from Inula helenium, has a number of biological activities including antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer. The current study was conducted to investigate the effects of ALT on THP-1 cells and its underlying molecular mechanisms. THP-1 cells were cultured and treated with ALT (20, 40 µM) for 12 hr, and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, cell morphology, live/dead, and apoptosis assays were performed. The gene expressions at the protein level were checked through Western blot. Results show that ALT decreased cell viability and increased cell death and apoptosis. We found that ALT inhibited STAT3 and survivin expression. Furthermore, ALT induced mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis through a decrease in B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-xL and increase in Bax expression, resulting in the release of cytochrome c (Cyt-c) from mitochondria. Cyt-c release from mitochondria further increased cleaved (cl) caspase-3 and cl-PARP expression and led the cells to apoptosis. Therefore, ALT might be a good therapy for the progression due to THP-1 cells.

Arctigenin Enhances the Cytotoxic Effect of Doxorubicin in MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells

Several reports have described the anti-cancer activity of arctigenin, a lignan extracted from Arctium lappa L. Here, we investigated the effect of arctigenin (ATG) on doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cell death using MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. The results showed that DOX-induced cell death was enhanced by ATG/DOX co-treatment in a concentration-dependent manner and that this was associated with increased DOX uptake and the suppression of multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1) gene expression in MDA-MB-231 cells. ATG enhanced DOX-induced DNA damage and decreased the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and the expressions of RAD51 and survivin. Cell death caused by ATG/DOX co-treatment was mediated by the nuclear translocation of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF), reductions in cellular and mitochondrial Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, and increases in mitochondrial BAX levels. However, caspase-3 and -7 did not participate in DOX/ATG-induced cell death. We also found that DOX/ATG-induced cell death was linked with activation of the p38 signaling pathway and suppressions of the phosphorylations and expressions of Akt and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. Taken together, these results show that ATG enhances the cytotoxic activity of DOX in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells by inducing prolonged p21 expression and p38-mediated AIF-dependent cell death. In conclusion, our findings suggest that ATG might alleviate the side effects and improve the therapeutic efficacy of DOX.

4t-CHQ a Spiro-Quinazolinone Benzenesulfonamide Derivative Induces G0/G1 Cell Cycle arrest and Triggers Apoptosis Through Down-Regulation of Survivin and Bcl2 in the Leukemia Stem-Like KG1-a Cells

OBJECTIVE

Many experiments have revealed the anti-tumor activity of spiro-quinazolinone derivatives on different cell types. Exposing KG1-a cells to N-(4- tert- butyl- 4'- oxo- 1'H- spiro [cyclohexane- 1, 2'- quinazoline]- 3'(4'H)- yl)- 4- methyl benzenesulfonamide (4t-CHQ), as an active sub-component of spiroquinazolinone benzenesulfonamides, the experiment investigated the possible mechanisms that manifest the role of 4t-CHQ in leukemic KG1-a progenitor cells. Mechanistically, the inhibitory effects of 4t-CHQ on KG1-a cells emerge from its modulating function on the expression of Bax/Bcl2 and survinin proteins.

METHODS

Cell viability was assessed using MTT assay. The IC₅₀ value of cells was calculated to be 131.3μM, after 72h-incubation with 4t-CHQ, ranging from 10 to 150μM. Apoptotic changes were studied using Acridine Orange/Ethidium Bromide (AO/EB) staining. DNA fragmentation was analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis method. To evaluate the percentage of apoptotic cells and cell growth dynamic apoptotic features, we performed Annexin V/PI double staining assay and cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

According to the results, apoptosis induction was initiated by 4t-CHQ in the KG1-a cells (at IC₅₀ value). Cell dynamic analysis revealed that the cell cycle at the G1 phase was arrested after treatment with 4t- CHQ. Western blotting analysis showed enhancement in the expression ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, while the expression of survinin protein decreased in a time-dependent manner in the KG1-a cells. According to the docking simulation data, the effectiveness of 4t-CHQ on KG1-a cells commenced by its reactions with the functional domain of BH3 and Bcl2 and BIR domains of survivin protein.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate a remarkable role of 4t- CHQ in arresting leukemia KG1-a stem cells both by induction of apoptosis as well as by down-regulating survivin and Bcl2 proteins.

Unraveling survivin expression in chronic myeloid leukemia: Molecular interactions and clinical implications

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disorder characterized by the BCR-ABL oncoprotein, known to drive leukemogenesis by orchestrating multiple signaling pathways ultimately involved in cell survival. Despite successful response rates of CML patients to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), resistance eventually arises due to BCR-ABL-dependent and independent mechanisms. Survivin is an inhibitor of apoptosis protein acting in the interface between apoptosis deregulation and cell cycle progression. In CML, high levels of survivin have been associated with late stages of disease and therapy resistance. In this review, we provide an overview of important aspects concerning survivin subcellular localization and expression pattern in CML patients and cell lines. Moreover, we highlight the relevance of molecular networks involving survivin for disease progression and treatment resistance. Finally, we discuss the mechanisms accounting for survivin overexpression, as well as novel therapeutic interventions that have been designed to counteract survivin-associated malignancy in CML.

Molecular Mechanisms of Anticancer Activities of Puerarin

Medicinal plants are a vital source of natural products (NPs) that can cure cancer through modulation of different pathways, including oxidative stress, extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis, cell cycle, inflammation, NF-kB, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, AMPK (JNK), MEK/ERK (Raf)-MEK-ERK and autophagy. Puerarin (Pue), an important NP belonging to the isoflavone glycoside group, is derived from Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi, Pueraria thomsonii Benth, and Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.). This NP was approved by the Chinese Ministry of Health for the treatment of different diseases in 1993, but it was also later reported to exhibit anticancer activity. Pue causes cancer cells death through modulation of different mechanisms including oxidative stress, intrinsic and extrinsic, Survivin and XIAP, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK, JNK, cell cycle, AMPK, NF-kB, inflammation and autophagy pathways. Therefore, this review compiles for the first time the studies about the anticancer mechanism of Pue and provides comprehensive information about the anticancer effects of Pue. This review may serve as a basis for future research and clinical treatment.

Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis Identified Cancer Cell Proliferation as a Common Phenomenon During Perineural Invasion

Purpose

Perineural invasion (PNI) is the neoplastic invasion of nerves by cancer cells, a process that may prove to be another metastatic route besides direct invasion, lymphatic spread, and vascular dissemination. Given the increasing incidence and association with poor prognosis, revealing the pathogenesis of perineural invasion is of great importance.

Materials and methods

Four datasets related to PNI were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and used to construct weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The intersection of potential pathways obtained from further correlation and enrichment analyses of different datasets was validated by the coculture model of Schwann cells (SCs), flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results

GSE7055 and GSE86544 datasets were brought into the analysis for there were some significant modules related to PNI, while GSE103479 and GSE102238 datasets were excluded for insignificant differences. In total, 13,841 genes from GSE86544 and 10,809 genes from GSE7055 were used for WGCNA. As a consequence, 19 and 26 modules were generated, respectively. The purple module of GSE86544 and the dark gray module of GSE7055 were positively correlated with perineural invasion. Further correlation and enrichment analyses of genes from the two modules suggested that these genes were mainly enriched in cell cycle processes; especially, the terms S/G2/M phase were enriched. Three kinds of cells grew vigorously after coculture with SCs ex vivo. The Ki67 staining of the cervical cancer samples revealed that the Ki67 index of cancer cells surrounding nerves was higher than of those distant ones.

Conclusion

Our work has identified cancer cell proliferation as a common response to neural cancerous microenvironments, proving a foundation for cancer cell colonization and metastasis.

Thrombospondin-1 promotes tumor progression in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma via CD47

CD47 is highly expressed on various hematopoietic malignancies, and enables cancer cells to avoid immunosurveillance. Its ligand, thromobospondin-1 (TSP-1) is a multifunctional protein, and CD47/TSP-1 interactions promote tumor progression in various malignancies. In this study, we investigated roles of TSP-1 and CD47 in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Flow cytometric analysis and immunohistochemistry showed that CTCL tumor cells and CTCL cell lines (Hut78, HH, and MyLa cells) overexpressed CD47 compared with normal CD4⁺ T cells. Overexpression of CD47 was partially induced by high c-Myc expression in CTCL tumor cells. TSP-1 mRNA expression levels in CTCL lesional skin were higher than those in normal skin and correlated with increased risk of disease-related death. Moreover, TSP-1 was expressed on CTCL tumor cells by immunohistochemistry. Serum soluble TSP-1 levels in patients with Sézary syndrome were significantly elevated. TSP-1 promotes proliferation and survival of CTCL tumor cells, which is inhibited by anti-CD47 neutralizing antibody or CD47 knockdown. Stimulation with TSP-1 also induces cell migration and in vivo growth. These effects were mediated by phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and AKT and expression of survivin. Collectively, our findings prompt a novel therapeutic approach to CTCL based on discovery that CD47/TSP-1 interactions play important roles in progression of CTCL.

An Inhibitor of the Interaction of Survivin with Smac in Mitochondria Promotes Apoptosis

Herein we report the first small molecule that disrupts the survivin-Smac interaction taking place in mitochondria. The inhibitor, PZ-6-QN, was identified by initially screening a phenothiazine library using a fluorescence anisotropy assay and then conducting a structure-activity relationship study. Mutagenesis and molecular docking studies suggest that PZ-6-QN binds to survivin similarly to the known Smac peptide, AVPI. The results of the effort also show that PZ-6-QN exhibits good anticancer activity against various cancer cells. Moreover, cell-based mechanistic studies provide evidence for the proposal that PZ-6-QN enters mitochondria to inhibit the survivin-Smac interaction and promotes release of Smac and cytochrome c from mitochondria into the cytosol, a process that induces apoptosis in cancer cells. Overall, the present study suggests that PZ-6-QN can serve as a novel chemical probe for study of processes associated with the mitochondrial survivin-Smac interaction and it will aid the discovery of novel anticancer agents.

Effect and Mechanism of Survivin on Hypoxia-Induced Multidrug Resistance of Human Laryngeal Carcinoma Cells

This study aimed at clarifying the mechanism and role of survivin in hypoxia-induced multidrug resistance (MDR) of laryngeal carcinoma cells. Human laryngeal cancer cells were incubated under hypoxia or normoxia. The expression of survivin was silenced by performing RNA interference. Additionally, by Western blot and real-time quantitative RT-PCR, survivin expression was detected. The sensitivity of human laryngeal carcinoma cells to multiple drugs was measured by CCK-8 assay. Meanwhile, the apoptosis of cells induced by cisplatin or paclitaxel was assessed by Annexin-V/propidium iodide staining analysis. Under hypoxic conditions, the upregulation of survivin was abolished by RNA interference. Then, CCK-8 analysis demonstrated that the sensitivity to multiple agents of laryngeal carcinoma cells could be increased by inhibiting survivin expression (P < 0.05). Moreover, Annexin-V/propidium iodide staining analysis revealed that decreased expression of survivin could evidently increase the apoptosis rate of laryngeal carcinoma cells that were induced by cisplatin or paclitaxel evidently (P < 0.05). Our data suggests that hypoxia-elicited survivin may exert a pivotal role in regulating hypoxia-induced MDR of laryngeal cancer cells by preventing the apoptosis of cells induced by chemotherapeutic drug. Thus, blocking survivin expression in human laryngeal carcinoma cells may provide an avenue for gene therapy.

High Therapeutic Efficacy of a New Survivin LSP-Cancer Vaccine Containing CD4+ and CD8+ T-Cell Epitopes

The efficacy of an antitumoral vaccine relies both on the choice of the antigen targeted and on its design. The tumor antigen survivin is an attractive target to develop therapeutic cancer vaccines because of its restricted over-expression and vital functions in most human tumors. Accordingly, several clinical trials targeting survivin in various cancer indications have been conducted. Most of them relied on short peptide-based vaccines and showed promising, but limited clinical results. In this study, we investigated the immunogenicity and therapeutic efficacy of a new long synthetic peptide (LSP)-based cancer vaccine targeting the tumor antigen survivin (SVX). This SVX vaccine is composed of three long synthetic peptides containing several CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-cell epitopes, which bind to various HLA class II and class I molecules. Studies in healthy individuals showed CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-cell immunogenicity of SVX peptides in human, irrespective of the individual's HLA types. Importantly, high frequencies of spontaneous T-cell precursors specific to SVX peptides were also detected in the blood of various cancer patients, demonstrating the absence of tolerance against these peptides. We then demonstrated SVX vaccine's high therapeutic efficacy against four different established murine tumor models, associated with its capacity to generate both specific cytotoxic CD8⁺ and multifunctional Th1 CD4⁺ T-cell responses. When tumors were eradicated, generated memory T-cell responses protected against rechallenge allowing long-term protection against relapses. Treatment with SVX vaccine was also found to reshape the tumor microenvironment by increasing the tumor infiltration of both CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells but not Treg cells therefore tipping the balance toward a highly efficient immune response. These results highlight that this LSP-based SVX vaccine appears as a promising cancer vaccine and warrants its further clinical development.

Is serum survivin expression a predictive biomarker in locally advanced gastric cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy?

BACKGROUND

The potential prognostic value of survivin is variably reported depending on the gastric cancer.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of the prognostic and predictive significance of serum survivin and its relation with survival and treatment response rates in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC).

METHODS

Serum samples were prospectively collected from 50 patients with newly diagnosed LAGC. Serum samples of 32 healthy subjects were also collected as control groups for survivin levels. Serum survivin levels were evaluated at baseline and after three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in LAGC patients.

RESULTS

Median survivin level was 147 IU/L (range = 4.4-4936) at baseline and was 27 IU/L (range = 4.2-4737) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The difference between survivin levels of the control group (26 IU/L, range = 3.8-1430) and pre-treatment patient group was statistically significant (p< 0.001). Clinical response to mDCF regimen was classified as progressive (progressive disease) and non-progressive groups (partial response + stable disease). Baseline survivin levels were similar between patients in progressive and non-progressive groups (p= 0.55). Survivin levels were significantly reduced after chemotherapy in non-progressive group (p< 0.001). In contrast, serum survivin levels increased in a stepwise fashion from baseline to post-chemotherapy in patients with progressive disease (p= 0.06). Patients were divided into low and high survivin groups according to baseline median survivin levels. Median DFS was 12.4 and 14.6 months for low and high groups, respectively (p= 0.18). Moreover, median OS was 14.4 and 24.9 months for low and high group, respectively (p= 0.14).

CONCLUSION

It can be suggested that serum survivin can be used as a predictor of response to chemotherapy- but not survival- in LAGC patients receiving neoadjuvant mDCF chemotherapy. However, large multicenter prospective studies are required to confirm these results.

Differentially localized survivin and STAT3 as markers of gastric cancer progression: Association with Helicobacter pylori

BACKGROUND

Localization and differential expression of STAT3 and survivin in cancer cells are often related to distinct cellular functions. The involvement of survivin and STAT3 in gastric cancer has been reported in separate studies but without clear understanding of their kinetics in cancer progression.

METHODS

We examined intracellular distribution of STAT3 and survivin in gastric adenocarcinoma and compared it with normal and precancer tissues using immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Analysis of a total of 156 gastric samples comprising 61 histologically normal, 30 precancerous tissues (comprising intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia), and 65 adenocarcinomas, collected as endoscopic biopsies from treatment naïve study participants, revealed a significant (P < .001) increase in overall protein levels. Survivin expression was detectable in both cytoplasmic (90.8%) and nuclear (87.7%) compartments in gastric adenocarcinomas lesions. Precancerous dysplastic gastric lesions exhibited a moderate survivin expression (56.7%) localized in cytoplasmic compartment. Similarly, STAT3 and pSTAT3 expression was detected at high level in gastric cancer lesions. The levels of compartmentalized expression of survivin and STAT3/pSTAT3 correlated in precancerous and adenocarcinoma lesions. Although overexpression of these proteins was found associated with the tobacco use and alcohol consumption, their expression invariably and strongly correlated with concurrent Helicobacter pylori infection. Receiver operating characteristic analysis of nuclear survivin, STAT3, and pSTAT3 in different study groups showed acceptable positive and negative predictive values with area under the curve above 0.8 (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Overall, our results suggest that overall increase in survivin and STAT3 and their subcellular localization are key determinants of gastric cancer progression, which can be collectively used as potential disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets for gastric cancer.

A novel microRNA, hsa-miR-6852 differentially regulated by Interleukin-27 induces necrosis in cervical cancer cells by downregulating the FoxM1 expression

We have previously demonstrated that Interleukin-27 differentially regulates the expression of seven novel microRNAs. Here we elucidate the functional significance of these novel microRNAs. Of the seven microRNAs, over expression of miRNA-6852 (miR-SX4) mimic induces cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and induces necrosis in HEK293 and panel of cervical cancer cells (Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infected cell lines; HeLa, CaSki and SiHa cells). To define the mechanism of the miR-SX4-mediated G2/M arrest, a microarray gene chip array and western blot analysis were performed. FoxM1, a transcription factor is identified as a key protein down-regulated by miR-SX4, even though the miR-SX4 does not target 3’UTR of FoxM1. Knock down of FoxM1 using si-RNA demonstrate that FoxM1 silenced cell induces G2/M cell cycle arrest and necrosis. Our data demonstrated for the first time that miR-SX4 could be a potent anti-cancer microRNA.

Multidimensional integrative analysis uncovers driver candidates and biomarkers in penile carcinoma

Molecular data generation and their combination in penile carcinomas (PeCa), a significant public health problem in poor and underdeveloped countries, remain virtually unexplored. An integrativemethodology combin ing genome-wide copy number alteration, DNA methylation, miRNA and mRNA expression analysis was performed in a set of 20 usual PeCa. The well-ranked 16 driver candidates harboring genomic alterations and regulated by a set of miRNAs, including hsa-miR-31, hsa-miR-34a and hsa-miR-130b, were significantly associated with over-represented pathways in cancer, such as immune-inflammatory system, apoptosis and cell cycle. Modules of co-expressed genes generated from expression matrix were associated with driver candidates and classified according to the over-representation of passengers, thus suggesting an alteration of the pathway dynamics during the carcinogenesis. This association resulted in 10 top driver candidates (AR, BIRC5, DNMT3B, ERBB4, FGFR1, PML, PPARG, RB1, TNFSF10 and STAT1) selected and confirmed as altered in an independent set of 33 PeCa samples. In addition to the potential driver genes herein described, shorter overall survival was associated with BIRC5 and DNMT3B overexpression (log-rank test, P = 0.026 and P = 0.002, respectively) highlighting its potential as novel prognostic marker for penile cancer.

Healing of a Large Long-Bone Defect through Serum-Free In Vitro Priming of Human Periosteum-Derived Cells

Clinical translation of cell-based strategies for regenerative medicine demands predictable in vivo performance where the use of sera during in vitro preparation inherently limits the efficacy and reproducibility. Here, we present a bioinspired approach by serum-free pre-conditioning of human periosteum-derived cells, followed by their assembly into microaggregates simultaneously primed with bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2). Pre-conditioning resulted in a more potent progenitor cell population, while aggregation induced osteochondrogenic differentiation, further enhanced by BMP-2 stimulation. Ectopic implantation displayed a cascade of events that closely resembled the natural endochondral process resulting in bone ossicle formation. Assessment in a critical size long-bone defect in immunodeficient mice demonstrated successful bridging of the defect within 4 weeks, with active contribution of the implanted cells. In short, the presented serum-free process represents a biomimetic strategy, resulting in a cartilage tissue intermediate that, upon implantation, robustly leads to the healing of a large long-bone defect.

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Serum-free pre-conditioning affects the identity of periosteal progenitor cells

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A reduced CD105⁺, elevated CD34⁺, and upregulated BMP receptor expression was seen

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Priming by aggregation and BMP stimulation induced endochondral bone formation

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Validation in a critical size fracture model confirmed endochondral healing

Repurposing the anti-malarial drug artesunate as a novel therapeutic agent for metastatic renal cell carcinoma due to its attenuation of tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis

Despite advances in the development of molecularly targeted therapies, metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is still incurable. Artesunate (ART), a well-known anti-malarial drug with low toxicity, exhibits highly selective anti-tumor actions against various tumors through generation of cytotoxic carbon-centered free radical in the presence of free iron. However, the therapeutic efficacy of ART against metastatic RCC has not yet been fully elucidated. In the analysis on a dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) (n = 469) and a tissue microarray set from Samsung Medical Center (n = 119) from a cohort of patients with clear cell RCC (ccRCC), up-regulation of transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), which is a well-known predictive marker for ART, was correlated with the presence of distant metastasis and an unfavorable prognosis. Moreover, ART exerted potent selective cytotoxicity against human RCC cell lines (Caki-1, 786-O, and SN12C-GFP-SRLu2) and sensitized these cells to sorafenib in vitro, and the extent of ART cytotoxicity correlated with TfR1 expression. ART-mediated growth inhibition of human RCC cell lines was shown to result from the induction of cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and oncosis-like cell death. Furthermore, ART inhibited cell clonogenicity and invasion of human RCC cells and anti-angiogenic effects in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Consistent with these in vitro data, anti-tumor, anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic effects of ART were also validated in human 786-O xenografts. Taken together, ART is a promising novel candidate for treating human RCC, either alone or in combination with other therapies.

Targeting survivin with prodigiosin isolated from cell wall of Serratia marcescens induces apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

Abnormal activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway increases survivin expression that is involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. Therefore, downregulation of survivin may provide an attractive strategy for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. In this regard, little is known about the anticancer effects of prodigiosin isolated from cell wall of Serratia marcescens on the survivin expression and induction of apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

METHODS

Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells were treated with 100-, 200-, 400-, and 600-nM prodigiosin after which morphology of cells, cell number, growth inhibition, survivin expression, caspase-3 activation, and apoptotic rate were evaluated by inverted microscope, hemocytometer, MTT assay, RT-PCR, fluorometric immunosorbent enzyme assay, and flow cytometric analysis, respectively.

RESULTS

Prodigiosin changed morphology of cells to apoptotic forms and disrupted cell connections. This compound significantly increased growth inhibition rate and decreased metabolic activity of HepG2 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. After 24-, 48-, and 72-h treatments with prodigiosin at concentrations ranging from 100 nM to 600 nM, growth inhibition rates were measured to be 1.5-10%, 24-47.5%, and 55.5-72.5%, respectively, compared to untreated cells. At the same conditions, metabolic activities were measured to be 91-83%, 74-53%, and 47-31% for indicated concentrations of prodigiosin, respectively, compared to untreated cells. We also found that treatment of HepG2 cells for 48 h decreased significantly cell number and survivin expression and increased caspase-3 activation in a dose-dependent manner. Specifically, treatment with 600-nM prodigiosin resulted in 77% decrease in cell number, 88.5% decrease in survivin messenger RNA level, and 330% increase in caspase-3 activation level compared to untreated cells. An increase in the number of apoptotic cells (late apoptosis) ranging from 36.9% to 97.4% was observed with increasing prodigiosin concentrations.

CONCLUSION

From our data, prodigiosin is an attractive compound that turns the profile of high-level survivin expression in hepatocellular carcinoma cells into that of normal cells and may provide a novel approach to the hepatocellular carcinoma-targeted therapy.

Coordinated induction of cell survival signaling in the inflamed microenvironment of the prostate

PURPOSE

Both prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia are associated with inflammatory microenvironments. Inflammation is damaging to tissues, but it is unclear how the inflammatory microenvironment protects specialized epithelial cells that function to proliferate and repair the tissue. The objective of this study is to characterize the cell death and cell survival response of the prostatic epithelium in response to inflammation.

METHODS

We assessed induction of cell death (TNF, TRAIL, TWEAK, FasL) and cell survival factors (IGFs, hedgehogs, IL-6, FGFs, and TGFs) in inflamed and control mouse prostates by ELISA. Cell death mechanisms were determined by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence for cleavage of caspases and TUNEL. Survival pathway activation was assessed by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence for Mcl-1, Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, and survivin. Autophagy was determined by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence for free and membrane associated light chain 3 (LC-3).

RESULTS

Cleavage of all four caspases was significantly increased during the first 2 days of inflammation, and survival protein expression was substantially increased subsequently, maximizing at 3 days. By 5 days of inflammation, 50% of prostatic epithelial cells expressed survivin. Autophagy was also evident during the recovery phase (3 days). Finally, immunofluorescent staining of human specimens indicates strong activation of survival proteins juxtaposed to inflammation in inflamed prostate specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

The prostate responds to deleterious inflammation with induction of cell survival mechanisms, most notably survivin and autophagy, demonstrating a coordinated induction of survival factors that protects and expands a specialized set of prostatic epithelial cells as part of the repair and recovery process during inflammation.

Sequestering survivin to functionalized nanoparticles: a strategy to enhance apoptosis in cancer cells

Survivin belongs to the family of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP) and is present in most cancers while being below detection limits in most terminally differentiated adult tissues, making it an attractive protein to target for diagnostic and, potentially, therapeutic roles. Sub-100 nm poly(propargyl acrylate) (PA) particles were surface modified through the copper-catalyzed azide/alkyne cycloaddition of an azide-terminated survivin ligand derivative (azTM) originally proposed by Abbott Laboratories and speculated to bind directly to survivin (protein) at its dimer interface. Using affinity pull-down studies, it was determined that the PA/azTM nanoparticles selectively bind survivin and the particles can enhance apoptotic cell death in glioblastoma cell lines and other survivin over-expressing cell lines such as A549 and MCF7 relative to cells incubated with the original Abbott-derived small molecule inhibitor.

Survivin and cycline D1 expressions are associated with malignant potential in mucinous ovarian neoplasms

The most prevalent malignant ovarian neoplasms are epithelial ovarian cancers which is the most common cause of death among all gynecologic malignancies and a result of complex interaction of multiple oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. The aim of this study was to evaluate expression of survivin and cycline D1 biomarkers in mucinous ovarian neoplasms and their correlations with clinicopathological variables in mucinous ovarian cancers. We analyzed pathological specimens of 98 patients with benign (n = 34), borderline (n = 22) and malignant (n = 42) mucinous ovarian neoplasms. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that survivin and cyclin D1 expressions were located primarily in the nucleus of ovarian tumor cells and relatively weaker cytoplasmic staining. Survivin expression was significantly higher in malignant tumors (88.1 %) than those found in borderline (18.2 %) and benign tumors (8.8 %) (p < 0.001). Similarly, higher cyclin D1 expression was observed in malignant tumors (100 %) compared to borderline (36.4 %) and benign tumors (5.9 %) (p < 0.001). Expression of all biomarkers analyzed significantly and gradually increased from benign to borderline and borderline to malignant mucinous tumors. In terms of clinicopathological variables, tumor grade, FIGO stage and lymph node methastasis were associated with the expression of both biomarkers. Whereas age exhibited no different correlations in mucinous ovarian cancers. The expressions of survivin and cycline D1 are positively correlated with the malignant potential of mucinous ovarian neoplasms.

Treatment of LS174T colorectal cancer stem-like cells with n-3 PUFAs induces growth suppression through inhibition of survivin expression and induction of caspase-3 activation

PURPOSE

Colorectal cancer stem cells (CCSCs) are thought to contribute to tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, chemo-resistance and therapy failure. Therefore, assessment of the effectiveness of agents with anti-proliferative activities against CCSCs is warranted. Several studies have shown that different tumorigenic steps, ranging from initiation to metastasis, can be affected by n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Here, we evaluated the effects of the PUFA components docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), alone or in combination, on LS174T cells that serve as a model for colorectal cancer initiating cells with stem cell-like properties.

METHODS

LS174T cells were treated with 50, 100 and 150 μM DHA and EPA, or equal mixtures of DHA/EPA (i.e., 25/25, 50/50 and 75/75 μM), after which cell number, viability, growth inhibition, survivin expression, caspase-3 activation and apoptotic rate were evaluated.

RESULTS

We found that treatment of LS174T cells with increasing PUFA concentrations significantly increased growth inhibition in a dose- and time-dependent manner. After a 72 h treatment with 150 μM DHA and EPA, or their combination (75/75 μM), growth rates were inhibited by 80.3 ± 5.5%, 79.3 ± 5% and 71.1 ± 1%, respectively, compared to untreated cells. We also found that treatment for 48 h with 100 μM DHA and EPA, or their combination (50/50 μM), resulted in 2.9-, 3- and 2.6-fold increases in caspase-3 activation, as well as 54, 62.4 and 100% decreases in survivin mRNA expression levels, respectively, compared to untreated cells. Low survivin mRNA levels combined with high caspase-3 activity levels were found to correlate with a higher growth inhibition in PUFA-treated cells. DHA appears to be a more potent growth inhibitor than EPA and the DHA/EPA combination. An increase in the number of apoptotic cells (early + late), ranging from 12.9 to 44.7%, was observed with increasing DHA doses.

CONCLUSION

From our data we conclude that PUFAs induce growth inhibition via targeting survivin expression in LS174T cells, which serve as a model for CCSCs.

Inhibition of ERK1/2 down-regulates the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway in human NSCLC cells

Alterations of the EGFR/ERK and Hippo/YAP pathway have been found in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Herein, we show that ERK1 and ERK2 have an effect on the Hippo/YAP pathway in human NSCLC cells. Firstly, inhibition of ERK1/2 by siRNA or small-molecular inhibitors decreased the YAP protein level, the reporter activity of the Hippo pathway, and the mRNA levels of the Hippo downstream genes, CTGF, Gli2, and BIRC5. Secondly, degradation of YAP protein was accelerated after ERK1/2 depletion in NSCLC cell lines, in which YAP mRNA level was not decreased. Thirdly, forced over-expression of the ERK2 gene rescued the YAP protein level and Hippo reporter activity after siRNA knockdown targeting 3′UTR of the ERK2 gene in NSCLC cells. Fourthly, depletion of ERK1/2 reduced the migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. Combined depletion of ERK1/2 had a greater effect on cell migration than depletion of either one separately. Finally, the MEK1/2 inhibitor Trametinib decreased YAP protein level and transcriptional activity of the Hippo pathway in NSCLC cell lines. Our results suggest that ERK1/2 inhibition participates in reducing YAP protein level, which in turn down-regulates expression of the downstream genes of the Hippo pathway to suppress migration and invasion of NSCLC cells.