ANXA10 induction by interaction with tumor-associated macrophages promotes the growth of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Knockdown of ANXA10 induces ferroptosis by inhibiting autophagy-mediated TFRC degradation in colorectal cancer

Annexin A10 (ANXA10) belongs to a family of membrane-bound calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding proteins, but its precise function remains unclear. Further research is required to understand its role in sessile serrated lesions (SSL) and colorectal cancer (CRC). We conducted transcriptome sequencing on pairs of SSL and corresponding normal control (NC) samples. Bioinformatic methods were utilized to assess ANXA10 expression in CRC. We knocked down and overexpressed ANXA10 in CRC cells to examine its effects on cell malignant ability. The effect of ANXA10 on lung metastasis of xenograft tumor cells in nude mice was also assessed. Furthermore, we used quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and flow cytometry for reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid ROS, and intracellular Fe2+ to measure ferroptosis. Immunoblotting and Immunofluorescence staining were used to detect autophagy. We found that ANXA10 was significantly overexpressed in SSL compared to NC. ANXA10 was also highly expressed in BRAF mutant CRCs and was associated with poor prognosis. ANXA10 knockdown reduced the survival, proliferation, and migration ability of CRC cells. Knockdown of ANXA10 inhibited lung metastasis of CRC cells in mice. ANXA10 knockdown increased transferrin receptor (TFRC) protein levels and led to downregulation of GSH/GSSG, increased Fe2+, MDA concentration, and ROS and lipid ROS in cells. Knockdown of ANXA10 inhibited TFRC degradation and was accompanied by an accumulation of autophagic flux and an increase in SQSTM1. Finally, Fer-1 rescued the migration and viability of ANXA10 knockdown cell lines. In brief, the knockdown of ANXA10 induces cellular ferroptosis by inhibiting autophagy-mediated TFRC degradation, thereby inhibiting CRC progression. This study reveals the mechanism of ANXA10 in ferroptosis, suggesting that it may serve as a potential therapeutic target for CRC of the serrated pathway.

Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Induced in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells via Close Contact with Tumor-Associated Macrophages Contributes to Cancer Progression and Poor Prognosis

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) contribute to disease progression in various cancers, including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We have previously used an indirect co-culture system between ESCC cell lines and macrophages to analyze their interactions. Recently, we established a direct co-culture system to closely simulate actual ESCC cell-TAM contact. We found that matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) was induced in ESCC cells by direct co-culture with TAMs, not by indirect co-culture. MMP9 was associated with ESCC cell migration and invasion, and its expression was controlled by the Stat3 signaling pathway in vitro. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that MMP9 expression in cancer cells at the invasive front ("cancer cell MMP9") was related to high infiltration of CD204 positive M2-like TAMs (p < 0.001) and was associated with worse overall and disease-free survival of patients (p = 0.036 and p = 0.038, respectively). Furthermore, cancer cell MMP9 was an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival. Notably, MMP9 expression in cancer stroma was not associated with any clinicopathological factors or patient prognoses. Our results suggest that close interaction with TAMs infiltrating in cancer stroma or cancer nests induces MMP9 expression in ESCC cells, equipping them with more malignant features.

Silencing of RhoC induces macrophage M1 polarization to inhibit migration and invasion in colon cancer via regulating the PTEN/FOXO1 pathway

Ras homologue family member C (RhoC) is an oncogene in diverse types of human cancers, whereas its regulatory mechanisms involving macrophage polarization is rarely investigated. This study is designed to explore the regulatory role of RhoC in colon cancer and the underlying molecular mechanisms involving macrophage polarization. We detected RhoC expression by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot, and analysed the biological function of RhoC knockdown in CC cells by the MTT, wound healing and transwell assay. Macrophage polarization-associated markers, genes associated with migration, phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) and forkhead box O (FOXO) were determined by qRT-PCR and western blot. The xenograft tumour mouse model was used to assess the role of RhoC in vivo. RhoC is highly expressed in CC cells. The cell viability, invasion and migration abilities of CC cells were reduced by knockdown of RhoC. RhoC knockdown promoted M1 polarization, inhibited M2 polarization and decreased levels of genes associated with migration (matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9). Silencing of RhoC inhibited tumour growth and expression of genes associated with migration in the xenografted model. In addition, silencing of RhoC promoted PTEN/FOXO1 expression, and PTEN inhibitor (SF1670) reversed the inhibitory effects of RhoC silencing. We demonstrated that silencing of RhoC reduced CC cells invasion and migration, and tumour growth by suppressing M2 macrophage polarization via regulating the PTEN/FOXO1 pathway.

ANXA10 is a prognostic biomarker and suppressor of hepatocellular carcinoma: a bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation

Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is one of the main cancers worldwide and has high morbidity and mortality rates. Although previous studies have shown that ANXA10 is expressed at low levels in LIHC tumor tissues, the biological function of ANXA10 in LIHC is still unclear. Therefore, we utilized TCGA, TIMER, GEPIA2, TISIDB, LinkedOmics, ssGSEA algorithms and CIBERSORT methodology to preliminarily evaluate the potential mechanism of ANXA10 in LIHC. In vitro experiments were used to further verify some functions of ANXA10. Consequently, we found that ANXA10 mRNA/protein expression was downregulated in LIHC tissue compared to normal tissue. ANXA10 was significantly linked with clinicopathological features, immunocytes, multiple cancer-related pathways, m6A modification and a ceRNA network. A three-gene prognostic signature rooted in ANXA10-related immunomodulators was determined and found to be an independent prognostic predictor. A nomogram was constructed to predict survival with good accuracy. Additionally, in vitro trials revealed that ANXA10 upregulation inhibited LIHC cell proliferation and migration. This study reveals that ANXA10 may serve as a prognostic marker and promising therapeutic target in LIHC clinical practice through various biologic functions.

Roles of IL-7R Induced by Interactions between Cancer Cells and Macrophages in the Progression of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

High infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which contribute to the progression of several cancer types, is correlated with poor prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In addition to the previously reported increase in migration and invasion, ESCC cells co-cultured directly with macrophages exhibited enhanced survival and growth. Furthermore, interleukin-related molecules are associated with ESCC; however, the precise mechanism underlying this association is unclear. Therefore, we explored the role of interleukin-related molecules in ESCC progression. A cDNA microarray analysis of monocultured and co-cultured ESCC cells revealed that the interleukin 7 receptor (IL-7R) was upregulated in ESCC cells co-cultured with macrophages. Overexpression of IL-7R promoted the survival and growth of ESCC cells by activating the Akt and Erk1/2 signaling pathways. The IL-7/IL-7R axis also contributed to the promotion of ESCC cell migration via the Akt and Erk1/2 signaling pathways. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry showed that ESCC patients with high IL-7R expression in cancer nests exhibited a trend toward poor prognosis in terms of disease-free survival, and showed significant correlation with increased numbers of infiltrating macrophages and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Therefore, IL-7R, which is upregulated when directly co-cultured with macrophages, may contribute to ESCC progression by promoting the development of various malignant phenotypes in cancer cells.

Pathobiological functions and clinical implications of annexin dysregulation in human cancers

Annexins are an extensive superfamily of structurally related calcium- and phospholipid-binding proteins, largely conserved and widely distributed among species. Twelve human annexins have been identified, referred to as Annexin A1-13 (A12 remains as of yet unassigned), whose genes are spread throughout the genome on eight different chromosomes. According to their distinct tissue distribution and subcellular localization, annexins have been functionally implicated in a variety of biological processes relevant to both physiological and pathological conditions. Dysregulation of annexin expression patterns and functions has been revealed as a common feature in multiple cancers, thereby emerging as potential biomarkers and molecular targets for clinical application. Nevertheless, translation of this knowledge to the clinic requires in-depth functional and mechanistic characterization of dysregulated annexins for each individual cancer type, since each protein exhibits varying expression levels and phenotypic specificity depending on the tumor types. This review specifically and thoroughly examines the current knowledge on annexin dysfunctions in carcinogenesis. Hence, available data on expression levels, mechanism of action and pathophysiological effects of Annexin A1-13 among different cancers will be dissected, also further discussing future perspectives for potential applications as biomarkers for early diagnosis, prognosis and molecular-targeted therapies. Special attention is devoted to head and neck cancers (HNC), a complex and heterogeneous group of aggressive malignancies, often lately diagnosed, with high mortality, and scarce therapeutic options.

The Role of Tumor Microenvironment in Invasion and Metastasis of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common cancers in the world, with a high rate of morbidity. The invasion and metastasis of ESCC is the main reason for high mortality. More and more evidence suggests that metastasized cancer cells require cellular elements that contribute to ESCC tumor microenvironment (TME) formation. TME contains many immune cells and stromal components, which are critical to epithelial–mesenchymal transition, immune escape, angiogenesis/lymphangiogenesis, metastasis niche formation, and invasion/metastasis. In this review, we will focus on the mechanism of different microenvironment cellular elements in ESCC invasion and metastasis and discuss recent therapeutic attempts to restore the tumor-suppressing function of cells within the TME. It will represent the whole picture of TME in the metastasis and invasion process of ESCC.

Remodelling of the tumour microenvironment by the kallikrein-related peptidases

Kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) are critical regulators of the tumour microenvironment. KLKs are proteolytic enzymes regulating multiple functions of bioactive molecules including hormones and growth factors, membrane receptors and the extracellular matrix architecture involved in cancer progression and metastasis. Perturbations of the proteolytic cascade generated by these peptidases, and their downstream signalling actions, underlie tumour emergence or blockade of tumour growth. Recent studies have also revealed their role in tumour immune suppression and resistance to cancer therapy. Here, we present an overview of the complex biology of the KLK family and its context-dependent nature in cancer, and discuss the different therapeutic strategies available to potentially target these proteases.

Efficacy of PRR11, HMGA2, and ANXA10 in predicting early recurrence of colorectal cancer after total mesorectal resection

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in China ranks third among malignant tumors, and the mortality rate ranks fifth. The 5-year survival rate of CRC patients can be significantly improved by total mesenterectomy, but some patients still experience tumor recurrence and metastasis, and the exact reasons are not completely clear.

AIM

To explore the performance of proline-rich protein 11 (PRR11), high mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2), and annexin A10 (ANXA10) in predicting the early recurrence of CRC after total mesorectal resection (TME).

METHODS

CRC patients admitted to our hospital from March 2016 to March 2020 were selected for this prospective study, all of whom received TME treatment. The patients were divided into either a recurrence group or a non-recurrence group according to the presence of recurrence 1 year after operation or not. The baseline data and the mRNA expression of PRR11, HMGA2, and ANXA10 were com-pared between the two groups. The recurrence rates of patients with different mRNA expression levels of PRR11, HMGA2, and ANXA10 were also compared. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) were used to analyze the efficacy of each index in predicting postoperative recurrence.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in N stage, surgical margin, number of lymph nodes dissected, and the mRNA expression levels of PRR11, HMGA2, and ANXA10 between the two groups (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of PRR11 and HMGA2 were positively correlated with N stage, while ANXA10 mRNA expression was negatively correlated with N stage (P < 0.05). The recurrence rate differed significantly among patients with different mRNA expression levels of PRR11, HMGA2, and ANXA10 (P < 0.05). PRR11, HMGA2, and ANXA10 mRNA expression was significantly associated with postoperative recurrence (P < 0.05); the AUC of the three indexes combined in predicting recurrence was higher than that of each index (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The expression of PRR11, HMGA2, and ANXA10 in CRC patients is closely related to early recurrence after TME, which has guiding significance for prognosis and survival, and can be used as molecular markers to assist clinical treatment.

S100A8/A9 Induced by Interaction with Macrophages in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Promotes the Migration and Invasion of Cancer Cells via Akt and p38 MAPK Pathways

Tumor-associated macrophages are associated with more malignant phenotypes of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells. Previously, an indirect co-culture assay of ESCC cells and macrophages was used to identify several factors associated with ESCC progression. Herein, a direct co-culture assay of ESCC cells and macrophages was established, which more closely simulated the actual cancer microenvironment. Direct co-cultured ESCC cells had significantly increased migration and invasion abilities, and phosphorylation levels of Akt and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) compared with monocultured ESCC cells. According to a cDNA microarray analysis between monocultured and co-cultured ESCC cells, both the expression and release of S100 calcium binding protein A8 and A9 (S100A8 and S100A9), which commonly exist and function as a heterodimer (herein, S100A8/A9), were significantly enhanced in co-cultured ESCC cells. The addition of recombinant human S100A8/A9 protein induced migration and invasion of ESCC cells via Akt and p38 MAPK signaling. Both S100A8 and S100A9 silencing suppressed migration, invasion, and phosphorylation of Akt and p38 MAPK in co-cultured ESCC cells. Moreover, ESCC patients with high S100A8/A9 expression exhibited significantly shorter disease-free survival (P = 0.005) and cause-specific survival (P = 0.038). These results suggest that S100A8/A9 expression and release in ESCC cells are enhanced by direct co-culture with macrophages and that S100A8/A9 promotes ESCC progression via Akt and p38 MAPK signaling pathways.

High Annexin A10 expression is correlated with poor prognosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the third-leading cause of cancer-related death. Owing to its poor prognosis, new molecular biomarkers for PDAC are needed. Annexin A10 (ANXA10) is a calcium-/phospholipid-binding protein belonging to the annexin family of proteins. ANXA10 is not only associated with gastric phenotypes, but also acts an independent prognostic factor in several cancers. However, the role of ANXA10 in PDAC remains unknown. Therefore, we examined the relationship between ANXA10 and the prognosis of PDAC. We analyzed the expression of ANXA10 using data from public databases, and performed immunohistochemistry analysis for 81 PDAC cases. We then investigated the relationship between ANXA10 expression and clinicopathological features. ANXA10 was detected in 47 of 81 PDAC cases (58%). High expression of ANXA10 was significantly related to poor overall survival (OS; p=0.011). Univariate analysis of OS revealed three prognostic parameters: tumor grade (p=0.046), perineural invasion (p=0.017), and ANXA10 expression (p=0.012). Multivariate analysis indicated that ANXA10 expression (p<0.01) alone was a prognostic factor in PDAC cases. Our findings suggest that ANXA10 expression is an independent prognostic factor in PDAC cases and shows promise as a new biomarker in PDAC.

Colon cancer cells secreted CXCL11 via RBP-Jκ to facilitated tumour-associated macrophage-induced cancer metastasis

Metastasis is the main cause of colon cancer‐related deaths. RBP‐Jκ is involved in colon cancer development, but its function in colon cancer metastasis is still unclear. Tumour‐associated macrophages are the main cell components in tumour microenvironments. Here, we aimed to determine the function of RBP‐Jκ in colon cancer metastasis and its underlying mechanisms for modulating interactions between colon cancer cell and tumour‐associated macrophages. Through bioinformation analysis, we found that RBP‐Jκ was overexpressed in colon cancer tissues and associated with advanced colon cancer phenotypes, macrophage infiltration and shorter survival overall as confirmed by our patients’ data. And our patients’ data show that RBP‐Jκ expression and tumour‐associated macrophages infiltration are associated with colon cancer metastasis and are independent prognostic factors for colon cancer patients. Tumour‐associated macrophages induced colon cancer cell migration, invasion and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition through secreting TGF‐β1. Colon cancer cells with high RBP‐Jκ expression induced the expression of TGF‐β1 in tumour‐associated macrophages by secreting CXCL11. Our research revealed that colon cancer cells secreted CXCL11 via overexpression of RBP‐Jκ to enhance the expression of TGF‐β1 in tumour‐associated macrophages to further promote metastasis of colon cancer cells.

Knockdown of ANXA10 inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma cells by down-regulating TSG101 thereby inactivating the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway

Annexin A10 (ANXA10) is a member of annexin A and has been reported to highly express in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) tissues. Tumor susceptibility gene 101 (TSG101) also plays a role in PTC and is predicted to bind to ANXA10. This study intended to investigate whether ANXA10 could regulate PTC via binding to ANXA10. The expression of ANXA10 and TSG101 in normal thyroid follicular epithelial cell line and several PTC cell lines was analyzed using RT-qPCR and western blotting assays. Subsequently, PTC cell line BCPAP was silenced with ANXA10 followed by TSG101 overexpression or not, and then cell proliferation, apoptosis and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling expression were assessed via MTT, colony formation, immunofluorescence staining, Tunel staining and western blotting assays. Besides, the interaction between ANXA10 and TSG101 was validated using Co-immunoprecipitation assay. ANXA10 and TSG101 expressions were up-regulated in PTC cell lines. ANXA10 silence inhibited proliferation, promoted apoptosis and inactivated MAPK/ extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) signaling pathway of BCPAP cells. Additionally, ANXA10 could bind to TSG101 and regulate its expression. However, the above effects of ANXA10 silence on BCPAP cells were all blocked by TSG101 overexpression. ANXA10 inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis of PTC cells via binding to TSG101, and these actions may depend on down-regulating MAPK/ERK pathway expression.

Innate Immune Cells in the Esophageal Tumor Microenvironment

Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most common mucosa-associated tumors, and is characterized by aggressiveness, poor prognosis, and unfavorable patient survival rates. As an organ directly exposed to the risk of foodborne infection, the esophageal mucosa harbors distinct populations of innate immune cells, which play vital roles in both maintenance of esophageal homeostasis and immune defense and surveillance during mucosal anti-infection and anti-tumor responses. In this review, we highlight recent progress in research into innate immune cells in the microenvironment of EC, including lymphatic lineages, such as natural killer and γδT cells, and myeloid lineages, including macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, mast cells and eosinophils. Further, putative innate immune cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in tumor occurrence and progression are discussed, to highlight potential directions for the development of new biomarkers and effective intervention targets, which can hopefully be applied in long-term multilevel clinical EC treatment. Fully understanding the innate immunological mechanisms involved in esophageal mucosa carcinogenesis is of great significance for clinical immunotherapy and prognosis prediction for patients with EC.

Loss of Annexin A10 Expression Is Associated with Poor Prognosis in Early Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related mortality. The diagnosis and treatment of early GC is a crucial strategy for prognostic improvement of GC. Annexin A10 (ANXA10), a calcium-/phospholipid-binding protein, is a member of the annexin family. The significance of ANXA10 expression in early GC remains unclear. This is the first report to investigate ANXA10 expression in early GC. We performed immunohistochemistry to evaluate ANXA10 expression in early GC, and the correlation between ANXA10 and clinicopathological factors. The loss of ANXA10 expression was detected in 63 (61.2%) of 103 early GC cases and significantly correlated with poor overall survival in patients. Sex, pT stage, pN stage, histology, and ANXA10 expression were associated with poor survival. Sex, histology, and ANXA10 expression were determined as independent predictors of survival in early GC patients. ANXA10 immunostaining could be a new decision-making biomarker in GC.

Esophageal Microenvironment: From Precursor Microenvironment to Premetastatic Niche

Esophageal cancer (EC) is the sixth most deadly cancer, and its incidence is still increasing year by year. Although the researches on the molecular mechanisms of EC have been widely carried out and incremental progress has been made, its overall survival rate is still low. There is cumulative evidence showing that the esophageal microenvironment plays a vital role in the development of EC. In precancerous lesions of the esophagus, high-risk environmental factors can promote the development of precancerous lesions by inducing the production of inflammatory factors and the recruitment of immune cells. In the tumor microenvironment, tumor-promoting cells can inhibit anti-tumor immunity and promote tumor progression through a variety of pathways, such as bone marrow-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumor-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and regulatory T cells (Tregs). The formation of extracellular hypoxia and acidic microenvironment and the change of extracellular matrix stiffness are also important factors affecting tumor progression and metastasis. Simultaneously, primary tumor-derived cytokines and bone marrow-derived immune cells can also promote the formation of pre-metastasis niche of EC lymph nodes, which are beneficial to EC lymph node metastasis. Further research on the specific mechanism of these processes in the occurrence, development, and metastasis of each EC subtype will support us to grasp the overall pre-cancerous prevention, targeted treatment, and metastatic assessment of EC.