Osteopontin is linked to p65 and MMP-9 expression in pulmonary adenocarcinoma but not in malignant pleural mesothelioma

Osteopontin, GLUT1 and Ki-67 expression in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: prognostic implications

Background

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is the most common primary peritoneal neoplasm. The only universally recognised pathological prognostic factor is histopathological subtype. Prognostic markers based on patient features and clinical stages have been disappointing.

Aims

To assess the prognostic role of several clinicopathological features in a retrospective cohort of 60 patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma.

Methods

Sixty patients were centrally collected and were immunohistochemically analysed for the expression of osteopontin (OPN), GLUT1 and Ki‐67. Labelling was assessed by two pathologists. Complete clinical information and follow‐up were obtained from patients' records.

Results

OPN expression was identified in 52 (86.6%) of 60 specimens, and GLUT1 in 39 (65%) of 60 specimens. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that a lower peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI), tumour‐directed treatment (chemotherapy or surgery alone or in any combination), lower Ki‐67, GLUT1 and lower OPN expression had a statistically significant positive effect on overall survival (OS). PCI (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.032 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.000–1.067); P = 0.054) and tumour‐directed treatment (HR = 0.211 (95% CI: 0.104–0.430); P < 0.001), Ki‐67 (HR = 22.326 (95% CI: 3.523–141.498); P = 0.003) and OPN (HR = 7.268 (95% CI: 1.771–29.811); P = 0.009) retained independent prognostic significance in the multivariate analysis, all with a positive effect on OS with the exception of GLUT1.

Conclusions

OPN, Ki‐67, treatment and PCI were independent indicators for OS, and a higher level of OPN expression correlated significantly with poorer OS.

Mesothelioma Biomarkers: Discovery in Search of Validation

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an asbestos-related neoplasm that can only be treated successfully when correctly diagnosed and treated early. The asbestos-exposed population is a high-risk group that could benefit from sensitive and specific blood- or tissue-based biomarkers. We review recent work with biomarker development in MPM and literature of the last 20 years on the most promising blood- and tissue-based biomarkers. Proteomic, genomic, and epigenomic platforms are covered. SMRP is the only validated blood-based biomarker with diagnostic, monitoring and prognostic value. To strengthen development and testing of MPM biomarkers, cohorts for validation must be established by enlisting worldwide collaborations.

Mesothelioma Biomarkers: A Review Highlighting Contributions from the Early Detection Research Network

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an asbestos-related neoplasm, which can be treated successfully only if correctly diagnosed and treated in early stages. The asbestos-exposed population serves as a high-risk group that could benefit from sensitive and specific blood- or tissue-based biomarkers. This review details the recent work with biomarker development in MPM and the contributions of the NCI Early Detection Research Network Biomarker Developmental Laboratory of NYU Langone Medical Center. The literature of the last 20 years was reviewed to comment on the most promising of the blood- and tissue-based biomarkers. Proteomic, genomic, and epigenomic platforms as well as novel studies such as "breath testing" are covered. Soluble mesothelin-related proteins (SMRP) have been characterized extensively and constitute an FDA-approved biomarker in plasma with diagnostic, monitoring, and prognostic value in MPM. Osteopontin is found to be a valuable prognostic biomarker for MPM, while its utility in diagnosis is slightly lower. Other biomarkers, such as calretinin, fibulin 3, and High-Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1), remain under study and need international validation trials with large cohorts of cases and controls to demonstrate any utility. The EDRN has played a key role in the development and testing of MPM biomarkers by enlisting collaborations all over the world. A comprehensive understanding of previously investigated biomarkers and their utility in screening and early diagnosis of MPM will provide guidance for further future research.See all articles in this CEBP Focus section, "NCI Early Detection Research Network: Making Cancer Detection Possible."

Serum osteopontin in patients with lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: does the co-existence make the difference?

Background

Osteopontin (OPN) is involved in cancer development and metastasis. Increased sputum OPN was detected in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

We evaluated serum OPN levels in patients with lung cancer (LC) and/or COPD and aimed to determine OPN prognostic performance in 1-year mortality in LC and also its diagnostic performance in LC among COPD patients. We recruited 167 LC patients, 85 with concomitant COPD. 28 COPD patients served as control group.

Results

OPN levels were higher in LC compared to COPD alone (P=0.017) and higher in COPD and LC compared to COPD alone (P=0.031). No difference was observed in OPN levels between LC and COPD vs. LC without COPD (P=0.171). Serum OPN ≥50.3 ng/mL was an independent predictor of 1-year mortality in LC.

Conclusions

OPN levels ≥35 ng/mL could predict the presence of LC among COPD patients. In patients with LC and/or COPD, LC is the major determinant for serum OPN. Serum OPN might be a promising prognostic biomarker of LC and a diagnostic biomarker of LC among COPD patients.

Diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for malignant mesothelioma: an update

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive and lethal cancer, mostly related to inhalation of asbestos and erionite fibers. MM is associated with poor prognosis, because of its resistance to current therapies, even if higher survival occurs in patients diagnosed and treated when at stage I of the disease. However, these do not exceed 5% of the total number of cases, due to the inadequacy of the existing biomarkers for early and accurate diagnosis. Therefore, new effective biomarkers are needed for MM detection at earlier stages and to develop tailored therapies. Here we review the most promising biomarkers in MM to date: mesothelin, soluble mesothelin-related peptides (SMRPs), megakaryocyte potentiating factor (MPF), Osteopontin (OPN), Fibulin-3, high mobility group B1 (HMGB1), microRNAs (miRNAs), multiplex protein signatures. The validation of these biomarkers will allow their use, alone or in combination, for monitoring individuals from cohorts at risk of MM and attaining early detection of MM that is instrumental in improving patient survival.

Clinical Significance of Circulating Osteopontin Levels in Patients With Lung Cancer and Correlation With VEGF and MMP-9

Osteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional cytokine involved in carcinogenesis. Serum levels of OPN, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were measured by ELISA in 90 lung cancer patients. OPN levels were elevated in patients compared to controls (p <.0001). Smokers, patients with worse performance status, and weight loss exhibited higher OPN levels (p =.0012,.00036, and.0003, respectively). Increased OPN levels were associated with worse survival (p =.0018). Finally, OPN levels were positively correlated with both VEGF (p =.0008) and MMP-9 (p <.0001). OPN might serve as a prognostic biomarker, and the positive correlation between OPN and both VEGF and MMP-9 could implicate new insights in tumor angiogenesis.

Osteopontin is associated with decreased apoptosis and αv integrin expression in lung adenocarcinoma

Osteopontin (OPN) is a glycoprotein involved in invasion, progression and metastasis of many carcinomas. It contains several functional domains including binding sites for αv integrins, cell surface molecules playing a major role in mediating cell migration and adhesion. The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of osteopontin in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to determine its possible prognostic significance as well as relation to apoptosis and αv integrin expression. We analyzed 111 surgically resected NSCLC for immunohistochemical expression of OPN and αv integrin. OPN expression was compared to apoptotic rate and clinicopathological parameters such as tumor size, histological grade, lymph node status, pT, and TNM stage. Apoptotic rate was measured by TUNEL staining method. OPN expression in NSCLC was significantly higher in lung adenocarcinomas (AC) then in squamous cell carcinomas (p<0.001). There was no correlation between OPN expression and clinicopathological parameters. The level of OPN expression in AC was associated with decreased apoptotic activity of tumor cells (p=0.006), and correlated with αv integrin expression (p=0.048), particularly in low stage tumors (p=0.013). Prolonged tumor cell survival in lung AC due to OPN and αv integrin overexpression may have an impact on tumor progression and resistance to therapy.

Early stages of mesothelioma, screening and biomarkers

The early diagnosis of mesothelioma is notoriously difficult, both from a clinical and pathological perspective. Patients often undergo several medical investigations without definitive diagnosis. The discovery of biomarkers that can be assessed in pleural effusions, histological samples, and serum may assist with the difficult early diagnosis of mesothelioma. In this chapter we focus on those markers that have been examined in the setting of either early diagnosis of mesothelioma in symptomatic individuals or that have been proposed as suitable for screening of asbestos-exposed individuals, with an emphasis on cytology and histology.

A Phosphotyrosine Proteomic Screen Identifies Multiple Tyrosine Kinase Signaling Pathways Aberrantly Activated in Malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a highly aggressive cancer that is refractory to all current chemotherapeutic regimens. Therefore, uncovering new rational therapeutic targets is imperative in the field. Tyrosine kinase signaling pathways are aberrantly activated in many human cancers and are currently being targeted for chemotherapeutic intervention. Thus, we sought to identify tyrosine kinases hyperactivated in MM. An unbiased phosphotyrosine proteomic screen was employed to identify tyrosine kinases activated in human MM cell lines. From this screen, we have identified novel signaling molecules, such as JAK1, STAT1, cortactin (CTTN), FER, p130Cas (BCAR1), SRC and FYN as tyrosine phosphorylated in human MM cell lines. Additionally, STAT1 and SRC family kinases (SFK) were confirmed to be active in primary MM specimens. We also confirmed that known signal transduction pathways previously implicated in MM, such as EGFR and MET signaling axes, are co-activated in the majority of human MM specimens and cell lines tested. EGFR, MET, and SFK appear to be co-activated in a significant proportion of MM cell lines, and dual inhibition of these kinases was demonstrated to be more efficacious for inhibiting MM cell viability and downstream effector signaling than inhibition of a single tyrosine kinase. Consequently, these data suggest that TKI mono-therapy may not represent an efficacious strategy for the treatment of MM, due to multiple tyrosine kinases potentially signaling redundantly to cellular pathways involved in tumor cell survival and proliferation.

Adenosine and osteopontin contribute to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major health concern. Adenosine, a signaling molecule generated in response to cell stress, contributes to the pathogenesis of COPD. An established model of adenosine-mediated lung injury is the adenosine deaminase-deficient (Ada(-/-)) mouse. Osteopontin (OPN) is a chemokine that is produced following injury and is implicated in a variety of human pathologies, but its expression and role in the pathogenesis of COPD have not been examined. To investigate the role of OPN in a model of COPD, Ada(-/-) double-knockout mice were generated, and inflammation and air-space enlargement endpoints were examined. Results demonstrate that Ada(-/-) mice exhibit OPN-dependent neutrophilia, alveolar air-space enlargement, and increases in mediators of air-space enlargement. Furthermore, we demonstrate that patients with COPD have increased OPN expression within distal airways in association with clinical airway obstruction. These results suggest that OPN represents a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for patients with COPD.

Identification of a biphasic role for genistein in the regulation of prostate cancer growth and metastasis

Considered a chemopreventive agent, the ability of genistein to modulate the progression of existing prostate cancer (CaP) is not clear. We show here that the consumption of genistein (250 mg/kg diet) by 12-week-old transgenic adenocarcinoma mouse prostate (TRAMP-FVB) mice harboring prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia lesions until 20 weeks of age induces an aggressive progression of CaP, as evidenced by a 16% increase in the number of well-differentiated and poorly differentiated prostates, coinciding with a 70% incidence of pelvic lymph node (LN) metastases as opposed to 0% and 10% in 0 and 1,000 mg/kg groups, concomitant with elevated osteopontin (OPN) expression in prostates and LNs. Equivalent nanomolar (500 nmol/L) concentrations of genistein recapitulated these effects in human PC3 CaP cells as evidenced by increased proliferation, invasion, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity (approximately 2-fold), accompanied by an up-regulation of OPN expression and secretion, compared with vehicle-treated cells. A pharmacologic dose (50 micromol/L) decreased proliferation, invasion, and MMP-9 activity (>2.0-fold) concomitant with OPN reduction. Upon OPN knockdown by short hairpin RNA, genistein was no longer effective in up-regulating PC3 cell proliferation, invasion, and MMP-9 activation, which were significantly reduced in the absence of OPN, highlighting the requirement for OPN in mediating the effects of genistein. Proliferation, invasion, and OPN levels were also nonsignificantly induced by genistein in the presence of ICI 182,780 or wortmannin, indicating a dependence on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and estrogen signaling. Our results suggest the presence of a biphasic regulation of CaP growth and metastasis by genistein, warranting careful examination of the effects of genistein on hormone-dependent cancers in a chemotherapeutic setting.