Roles of cell migration and invasion mediated by Twist in endometriosis

NK-92 cells activated by IL-2 inhibit the progression of endometriosis in vitro

BACKGROUND

Interleukin (IL)-2 is a key cytokine capable of modulating the immune response by activating natural killer (NK) cells. This study was recruited to explore the therapeutic potential of IL-2-activated NK-92 cells in endometriosis in vitro.

METHODS

Ectopic endometrial stromal cells (EESCs) were isolated and co-cultured with IL-2-activated NK-92 cells at varying effector-to-target (E:T) ratios (1:0 [Control], 1:1, 1:3, and 1:9). The viability, cytotoxicity, and cell surface antigen expression of IL-2-activated NK-92 cells were assessed. The viability, apoptosis, invasion, and migration ability of EESCs co-cultured with NK-92 cells at different ratios were evaluated. The apoptosis-related proteins, invasion and migration-related proteins as well as MEK/ERK pathway were examined via western blot. Each experiment was repeated three times.

RESULTS

IL-2 activation enhanced NK-92 cytotoxicity in a concentration-dependent manner. Co-culturing EESCs with IL-2-activated NK-92 cells at E:T ratios of 1:1, 1:3, and 1:9 reduced EESC viability by 20%, 45%, and 70%, respectively, compared to the control group. Apoptosis rates in EESCs increased in correlation with the NK-92 cell proportion, with the highest rate observed at a 1:9 ratio. Moreover, EESC invasion and migration were significantly inhibited by IL-2-activated NK-92 cells, with a 60% reduction in invasion and a 50% decrease in migration at the 1:9 ratio. Besides, the MEK/ERK signalling pathway was down-regulated in EESCs by IL-2-activated NK-92 cells.

CONCLUSION

IL-2-activated NK-92 cells exhibit potent cytotoxic effects against EESCs. They promote EESC apoptosis and inhibit viability, invasion, and migration through modulating the MEK/ERK signalling pathway.

CCL18 promotes endometriosis by increasing endometrial cell migration and neuroangiogenesis

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent inflammatory gynecological disease whose pathogenesis is unclear. C-C motif chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18), a chemokine, is involved in several inflammatory diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of CCL18 in endometriosis and its underlying mechanisms. Human endometrium and peritoneal fluid were obtained from women with and without endometriosis for molecular studies. The expression level of CCL18 in each tissue sample was examined by RNA sequencing analysis, quantitative PCR analysis and immunohistochemistry staining. The effects of CCL18 on cell migration, tube formation and neurite growth were investigated in vitro using primary endometrial cells, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, respectively. Moreover, the development of endometriosis in mice was studied in vivo by blocking CCL18. CCL18 was shown to be overexpressed in endometrial foci and peritoneal fluid in women with endometriosis and was positively correlated with endometriosis pain. In vitro, CCL18 promoted the migration of ectopic endometrial cells, tube formation of HUVECs, and nerve outgrowth of DRG neurons. More importantly, inhibition of CCL18 significantly suppressed lesion development, angiogenesis, and nerve infiltration in a mouse model of endometriosis. In conclusion, CCL18 may play a role in the progression of endometriosis by increasing endometrial cell migration and promoting neuroangiogenesis.

Overexpression of lncRNA-MEG3 inhibits endometrial cell proliferation and invasion via miR-21-5p/DNMT3B/Twist

Recent studies have found that lncRNA-MEG3(MEG3) plays an important role in the development of EMs (Endometriosis), but the specific mechanism needs to be further explored. This study aimed to investigate the effect of MEG3 on the proliferation, invasion of EMs cells. The authors used RT-qPCR to detect the expression of MEG3 and miR-21-5p in EMs tissues and hESCs cells, MTT and Transwell to detect cell proliferation and invasion, western blotting assay to detect the expression of DNMT3B and Twist, MSP to detect the methylation of Twist. The present study's detection results showed that MEG3 was lowly expressed in EMs tissues and hESCs cells, and overexpression of MEG3 could down-regulate miR-21-5p and inhibit endometrial cell proliferation and invasion. In addition, overexpression of MEG3 upregulated the expression of DNMT3B and promoted the methylation of TWIST. In conclusion, the present findings suggest that MEG3 is downregulated in EMs tissues, and overexpression of MEG3 can promote the activity of DNA methyltransferase DNMT3B by downregulating miR-21-5p, thereby promoting the methylation of Twist, downregulating Twist level to inhibits hESCs cells proliferation and invasion.

Assessment of BMP7, SMAD4, and CDH1 Expression Profile and Regulatory miRNA-542-3p in Eutopic and Ectopic Endometrium of Women with Endometriosis

Alterations in the expression of numerous genes and the miRNAs that are recognized as their regulators in the endometrial cells of women with endometriosis may disrupt the intracellular signaling pathways associated with epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). So far, the functional role of BMP7 in endometrial physiology has been confirmed, especially in the context of fertility, but the role of the activation of a specific mechanism operating through the BMP–SMAD–CDH1 axis in the formation of endometrial lesions remains unexplored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression profile of miR-542-3p and the EMT markers (BMP7, SMAD4, CDH1) in matched eutopic endometrium (EUE) and ectopic endometrium (ECE) samples from women with endometriosis in relation to healthy women. The levels of expression of the studied genes and miRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from women diagnosed with endometriosis and those without the disease were also evaluated. Fifty-four patients (n = 54: with endometriosis—n = 29 and without endometriosis—n = 25) were included in the study. A comparative analysis of the relative mean expression values (RQ) of the studied mRNA and miRNA assessed by RT-qPCR demonstrated downregulation of BMP7, SMAD4, and CDH1 expression in ectopic lesions and upregulation in the eutopic endometrium compared with the control group. In the eutopic tissue of women with endometriosis, miR-542-3p expression was similar to that of the control but significantly lower than in endometrial lesions. We also confirmed a trend towards a negative correlation between miR-542-3p and BMP7 in ectopic tissue, and in PBMC, a significant negative correlation of miR-542-3p with further BMP signaling genes, i.e., SMAD4 and CDH1, was observed. These results indicate that the miRNA selected by us may be a potential negative regulator of BMP7-SMAD4-CDH1 signaling associated with EMT. The different patterns of BMP7, SMAD4, and CDH1 gene expression in ECE, EUE, and the control endometrium observed by us suggests the loss of the endometrial epithelium phenotype in women with endometriosis and demonstrates their involvement in the pathogenesis and pathomechanism of this disease.

New concepts on the etiology of endometriosis

Endometriosis is a serious, chronic disorder where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, causing severe pelvic pain and infertility. It affects 11% of women. Endometriosis is a multifactorial disorder of unclear etiology, although retrograde menstruation plays a major role. It has a genetic component with over 40 genetic risk factors mapped, although their mechanism of action is still emerging. New evidence suggests a role for retrograde menstruation of endometrial stem/progenitor cells, now that identifying markers of these cells are available. Recent lineage tracing and tissue clearing microscopy and 3D reconstruction has provided new understanding of endometrial glandular structure, particularly the horizontal orientation and interconnection of basalis glands. New sequencing technologies, particularly whole genome DNA sequencing are revealing somatic mutations, including in cancer driver genes, in normal and eutopic endometrium of patients with endometriosis, as well as ectopic endometriotic lesions. Methylome sequencing is offering insight into the regulation of genes and the role of the environmental factors. Single cell RNA sequencing reveals the transcriptome of individual endometrial cells, shedding new light on the diversity and range of cellular subpopulations of the major cell types present in the endometrium and in endometriotic lesions. New endometrial epithelial organoid cultures replicating glandular epithelium are providing tractable models for studying endometriosis. Organoids derived from menstrual fluid offer a non-invasive source of endometrial tissue and a new avenue for testing drugs and developing personalized medicine for treating endometriosis. These new approaches are rapidly advancing our understanding of endometriosis etiology.

Effect and mechanisms of kaempferol against endometriosis based on network pharmacology and in vitro experiments

Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease, and its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Patients are at a higher risk of recurrence after surgery or drug withdrawal. In this study, to identify a potentially effective and safe therapy for endometriosis, we screened potential target genes of kaempferol on endometriosis using network pharmacology and further validation. Network pharmacology showed kaempferol may suppress migratory and invasive properties by modulating the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway and its downstream target matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)9. Furthermore, in vitro experiments showed that kaempferol repressed the migration and invasion of endometrial cells, and this effect may be involved in mediating the PI3K-related genes, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and MMP9. Network pharmacology and in vitro experiments showed that kaempferol, repressed the implantation of endometrial cells and formation of ectopic lesions by inhibiting migration and invasion and regulating PTEN and MMP9, which may be associated with the PI3K pathway.

Exosomal AFAP1-AS1 binds to microRNA-15a-5p to promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ectopic endometrial stromal cells in endometriosis

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis (EMS) remains a major challenge to reproductive health due to multifactorial etiology, disease heterogeneity, and the lack of appropriate diagnostic markers and treatment. Eexosome (Exo) has become a major factor in progression of a variety of diseases. However, the mechanisms directing their role in the pathophysiology of EMS are ill-defined. Here, we aimed to investigate the clinical implications of actin filament associated protein 1-Antisense RNA 1 (AFAP1-AS1) in EMS.

METHODS

Bioinformatics analysis was used to predict the expression and interaction of AFAP1-AS1, miR-15a-5p and BCL9 in EMS, and dual luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the targeted relationship of AFAP1-AS1, miR-15a-5p, and BCL9. The Exo from endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) was isolated and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Exosome uptake studies were performed. For in vitro assay, ectopic ESCs (EcESCs) proliferation, migration, and invasion were assessed by CCK-8 and Transwell assays. In vivo assay was performed by establishment of EMS mice to validate the result derived from in vitro assay.

RESULTS

The Exo was successfully isolated from ESCs and we observed high expression of AFAP1-AS1 and BCL9 but low expression of miR-15a-5p in EMS. Moreover, Exo derived from EcESCs could deliver AFAP1-AS1 to EcESCs and thus promoting proliferation, migration, and invasion of ESCs. AFAP1-AS1 bound to BCL9, which was targeted by miR-15a-5p in EMS. In vivo experiments in nude mice revealed that inhibition of Exosomal AFAP1-AS1 suppressed migration and invasion of EcESCs through miR-15a-5p/BCL9.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, these findings suggested that ESCs-derived Exo carrying AFAP1-AS1 contributed to EMS pathogenesis. This study might help us realize the etiology of EMS and improve the treatment of the related complications.

New Insights in Pathogenesis of Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a gynecological disease characterized by the growth of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity. The incidence of the disease is very high, there are currently no reliable early diagnostic tests, the therapies are only symptomatic and, consequently, the social impact of endometriosis is very important, also considering the related fertility problems. Despite this, the pathogenesis of endometriosis is still not fully defined. Retrograde menstruation and coelomic metaplasia are currently the most recognized pathogenetic hypotheses. Recent experimental evidences generated by our research group and by others have indicated an alteration of the fine-tuning of the female genital system developmental program during a critical window of time in the fetal life as the pathogenetic event prompting to the development of endometriosis later in life. Goal of this article is to present a revision of the recent literature about the different pathogenetic mechanisms proposed for endometriosis with particular emphasis on the embryologic theory. The possible clinical and pathological implications of these findings will be discussed.

Controlling Semi-Invasive Activity of Human Endometrial Stromal Cells by Inhibiting NF-kB Signaling Pathway Using Aloe-emodin and Aspirin

Background:

Inflammation and its master regulator, Nuclear Factor-kB (NF-kB), have been implicated in the development of endometriosis. Inhibition of NF-kB pathway using small molecules ameliorated disease progression and reduced the lesion size; nevertheless, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Therefore, this study, is an attempt to assess whether inhibiting NF-kB signaling by aloe-emodin (AE) or aspirin (Asp), as anti-inflammatory compounds, can suppresses the invasive activity of human endometrial stromal cells at stage IV endometriosis.

Methods:

The eutopic and healthy endometrial biopsies from a total of 8 infertile women with confirmed endometriosis and 8 women without endometriosis were digested and the single cells were cultured. Gene and protein markers of proliferation, migration, adhesion, and invasion of eutopic endometrial stromal cells (EuESCs) with and without treatment with AE or Asp, as well as control endometrial stromal cells (CESCs) was analyzed using q-PCR and immunofluorescence staining, respectively. Comparison between groups was performed using one-way ANOVA and the Bonferroni post hoc and p≤0.5 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

There was an association between NF-kB overexpression and higher proliferation/adhesion capacity in EuESCs. EuESCs (at stage IV endometriosis) displayed no invasive and migratory behaviors. Pre-treatment of EuESCs with AE or Asp significantly attenuated NF-kB expression and reduced proliferative, adhesive, invasive, and migratory activity of endometrial cells (p≤0.5).

Conclusion:

Eutopic endometrial stromal cells seem to have a semi-invasive activity which is largely suppressed by AE or Asp. It can be suggested that both Asp and AE (as potent NF-kB inhibitors) can be used as a supplement in conventional endometriosis treatments.

The Role of miRNAs 340-5p, 92a-3p, and 381-3p in Patients with Endometriosis: A Plasma and Mesenchymal Stem-Like Cell Study

Background

Endometriosis is the most prevalent gynecological disease with elusive etiology. The mysterious entity and the lack of noninvasive diagnostic methods affect women's lives negatively. This study is aimed at finding the relationship between miR-340-5p, 92a-3p, and miR-381-3p and the pathogenesis of endometriosis in endometrial mesenchymal stem-like cells (eMSCs) of endometriosis and assessing their potential as a noninvasive biomarker in plasma.

Methods

Peripheral blood and eMSC specimens were collected from suspected women of endometriosis before laparoscopy. Total RNA was isolated from plasma and cultured eMSCs to synthesize complementary DNA. The expression of miR-340-5p, miR-92a-3p, and miR-381-3p was analyzed by RT-qPCR. To understand these miRNAs' role, we also did a bioinformatic analysis.

Results

There was a downregulation of miR-340-5p, miR-92a-3p, and miR-381-3p in plasma, and the upregulation of miR-340-5p and the downregulation of miR-92a-3p and miR-381-3p in eMSCs of women with endometriosis. There was a positive concordance between the expression of miR-92a-3p and miR-381-3p in plasma and eMSCs. Our study also showed three genes, Solute Carrier Family 6 Member 8 (SLC6A8), Zinc Finger Protein 264 (ZNF264), and mouse double minute 2 (MDM2), as common targets of these miRNAs.

Conclusions

This study has been one of the first attempts to examine the expression of miR-340-5p, miR-92a-3p, and miR-381-3p in both plasma and eMSCs and revealed their possible role in endometriosis based on in silico analysis. Biomarkers pave the way to develop a new therapeutic approach to the management or treatment of endometriosis patients. Our result as a first report shows that combined levels of miRNAs 340-5p and 381-3p may have the potential to be utilized as diagnostic biomarkers for endometriosis.

Berberine inhibits the proliferation, invasion and migration of endometrial stromal cells by downregulating miR‑429

Endometriosis (EM) is a common gynecological disease, and its pathological process is accompanied by the migration and proliferation of uterine cells. Berberine (BBR) has been shown to exhibit antitumor activity; however, the effects of BBR on EM have seldom been reported to date. The expression of microRNA (miR)-429 is upregulated in EM and miR-429 can be used as a target for drug regulation of cancer cells. Whether BBR plays a regulatory role in EM by targeting miR-429 has not been reported. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the effects of BBR on EM cells. The survival rate of immortalized human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) was determined using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. A colony formation assay was used to detect the rate of cell proliferation. The expression levels of proliferation-related proteins, including proliferation marker protein Ki-67 (Ki-67) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blotting. Wound healing and Transwell assays were performed to detect cell migration and invasion, and western blotting was used to detect the expression of the migration- and invasion-related proteins, including matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2, MMP4 and MMP9. The expression of miR-429 was detected by RT-qPCR following its overexpression via cell transfection. The results revealed that treatment with 80 µM BBR significantly inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation, and inhibited the expression of Ki-67 and PCNA proteins in HESCs. BBR inhibited cell invasion and migration, as well as the expression of MMP2, MMP4 and MMP9. In this process, it was found that the expression of miR-429 decreased following treatment of the cells with BBR, whereas the inhibitory effects of BBR on cell proliferation, invasion and migration were suppressed following the overexpression of miR-429. Overall, the findings of the present study indicated that BBR inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of HESCs by downregulating the expression of miR-429.

ADMA mediates gastric cancer cell migration and invasion via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Objective

To explore the role of ADMA in gastric cancer.

Methods

The specimens of 115 gastric cancer patients were analyzed by ELISA and survival analysis. Functional assays were used to assess the effects of ADMA on gastric cancer cells. Experiments were conducted to detect the signaling pathway induced by ADMA in GC.

Results

Gastric cancer patients with high ADMA levels had poor prognosis and low survival rate. Furthermore, high level of ADMA did not affect the proliferation while promoted the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cell. Moreover, ADMA enhanced the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Importantly, ADMA positively regulated β-catenin expression in GC and promoted GC migration and invasion via Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Conclusions

ADMA regulates gastric cancer cell migration and invasion via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and which may be applied to clinical practice as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s12094-020-02422-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Endometriosis-When Does It Happen?

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important process of cell remodeling characterized by the gradual loss of the epithelial phenotype and progressive gain of a mesenchymal phenotype. EMT is not an all-or-nothing process, but instead a transition of epithelial to mesenchymal cells with intermediate cell states. Recently, EMT was described in endometriosis, and many EMT-specific pathways like Twist, Snail, Slug, Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1/2 (ZEB1/2), E/N-cadherin, keratins, and claudins are involved. However, as pointed out in this review, a comparison of the eutopic endometrium of women with and without endometriosis yielded only subtle changes of these EMT markers. Furthermore, only very few alterations in cell-cell contacts could be found but without changes in the epithelial phenotype. This suggests only a partial EMT which is not a prerequisite for the detachment of endometrial cells and, thus, not critical for the first step(s) in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. In contrast, the majority of changes in the EMT-related marker expression were found in the ectopic endometrium, especially in the three endometriotic entities, ovarian, peritoneal, and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), compared with the eutopic endometrium. In this review, we examine the most important EMT pathways described in endometriosis and propose that partial EMT might result from the interaction of endometrial implants with their surrounding microenvironment.