Low concentration of S100A8/9 promotes angiogenesis-related activity of vascular endothelial cells: bridges among inflammation, angiogenesis, and tumorigenesis?

S100A8/A9hi neutrophils induce mitochondrial dysfunction and PANoptosis in endothelial cells via mitochondrial complex I deficiency during sepsis

S100a8/a9, largely released by polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs), belongs to the S100 family of calcium-binding proteins and plays a role in a variety of inflammatory diseases. Although S100a8/a9 has been reported to trigger endothelial cell apoptosis, the mechanisms of S100a8/a9-induced endothelial dysfunction during sepsis require in-depth research. We demonstrate that high expression levels of S100a8/a9 suppress Ndufa3 expression in mitochondrial complex I via downregulation of Nrf1 expression. Mitochondrial complex I deficiency contributes to NAD+-dependent Sirt1 suppression, which induces mitochondrial disorders, including excessive fission and blocked mitophagy, and mtDNA released from damaged mitochondria ultimately activates ZBP1-mediated PANoptosis in endothelial cells. Moreover, based on comprehensive scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq analyses, S100A8/A9hi neutrophils are closely associated with the circulating endothelial cell count (a useful marker of endothelial damage), and S100A8 is an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in sepsis patients.

The Natural Product Secoemestrin C Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells via p38-S100A8 Feed-Forward Regulatory Loop

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are closely associated with tumor initiation, metastasis, chemoresistance, and recurrence, which represent some of the primary obstacles to cancer treatment. Targeting CSCs has become an important therapeutic approach to cancer care. Secoemestrin C (Sec C) is a natural compound with strong anti-tumor activity and low toxicity. Here, we report that Sec C effectively inhibited colorectal CSCs and non-CSCs concurrently, mainly by inhibiting proliferation, self-renewal, metastasis, and drug resistance. Mechanistically, RNA-seq analysis showed that the pro-inflammation pathway of the IL17 axis was enriched, and its effector S100A8 was dramatically decreased in Sec C-treated cells, whose roles in the stemness of CSCs have not been fully clarified. We found that the overexpression of S100A8 hindered the anti-CSCs effect of Sec C, and S100A8 deficiency attenuated the stemness traits of CSCs to enhance the Sec C killing activity on them. Meanwhile, the p38 signal pathway, belonging to the IL17 downstream axis, can also mediate CSCs and counter with Sec C. Notably, we found that S100A8 upregulation increased the p38 protein level, and p38, in turn, promoted S100A8 expression. This indicated that p38 may have a mutual feedback loop with S100A8. Our study discovered that Sec C was a powerful anti-colorectal CSC agent, and that the positive feedback loop of p38-S100A8 mediated Sec C activity. This showed that Sec C could act as a promising clinical candidate in colorectal cancer treatment, and S100A8 could be a prospective drug target.

S100A8 is a prognostic signature and associated with immune response in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Background

S100A8, a calcium-binding protein belonging to the S100 family, is involved in immune responses and multiple tumor pathogens. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is one of the most common types of B-cell lymphoma and remains incurable in 40% of patients. However, the role of S100A8 and its regulation of the immune response in DLBCL remain unclear.

Methods

The differential expression of S100A8 was identified via the GEO and TCGA databases. The prognostic role of S100A8 in DLBCL was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier curve. The function enrichment of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was explored through GO, KEGG, GSEA, and PPI analysis. In our cohort, the expression of S100A8 was verified. Meanwhile, the biological function of S100A8 was applied after the inhibition of S100A8 in an in vitro experiment. The association between S100A8 and immune cell infiltration and treatment response in DLBCL was analyzed.

Results

S100A8 was significantly overexpressed and related to a poor prognosis in DLBCL patients. Function enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly enriched in the IL-17 signaling pathway. Our cohort also verified this point. In vitro experiments suggested that inhibition of S100A8 should promote cell apoptosis and suppress tumor growth. Single-cell RNA sequence analysis indicated that S100A8 might be associated with features of the tumor microenvironment (TME), and immune infiltration analyses discovered that S100A8 expression was involved in TME. In terms of drug screening, we predicted that many drugs were associated with preferable sensitivity.

Conclusion

Elevated S100A8 expression is associated with a poor prognosis and immune infiltration in DLBCL. Inhibition of S100A8 could promote cell apoptosis and suppress tumor growth. Meanwhile, S100A8 has the potential to be a promising immunotherapeutic target for patients with DLBCL.

Forkhead box A1 induces angiogenesis through activation of the S100A8/p38 MAPK axis in cutaneous wound healing

BACKGROUND

The association between S100 calcium-binding protein A8 (S100A8) and angiogenesis has been reported in previous reports. This study focuses on the roles of S100A8 in the angiogenesis of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs) and in cutaneous wound healing in mice.

METHODS

Candidate genes related to angiogenesis activity were screened using a GSE83582 dataset. The overexpression DNA plasmid of S100A8 was transfected into HDMECs to analyze its effect on cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. Full-thickness skin wounds were induced on mice, followed by adenovirus treatments to analyze the function of gene alteration in wound healing and pathological changes. The upstream regulator of S100A8 was predicted by bioinformatics analysis and verified by luciferase and immunoprecipitation assays. The role of the forkhead box A1 (FOXA1)-S100A8 interaction in p38 MAPK activation and angiogenesis were validated by rescue experiments.

RESULTS

S100A8 was identified as a gene significantly correlated with angiogenesis. The S100A8 upregulation promoted the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of HDMECs, and it promoted p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Treatment of SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, blocked the promoting effect of S100A8. FOXA1 was identified as an upstream factor of S100A8 promoting its transcription. FOXA1 overexpression in HDMECs increased p38 MAPK phosphorylation and enhanced the activity of cells, which were blocked by the S100A8 inhibition. Similar results were reproduced in vivo where FOXA1 overexpression accelerated whereas the S100A8 knockdown retarded the cutaneous wound healing in mice.

CONCLUSION

FOXA1 mediates the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK through transcription activation of S100A8, thereby inducing angiogenesis and promoting cutaneous wound healing.

The functions and regulatory pathways of S100A8/A9 and its receptors in cancers

Inflammation primarily influences the initiation, progression, and deterioration of many human diseases, and immune cells are the principal forces that modulate the balance of inflammation by generating cytokines and chemokines to maintain physiological homeostasis or accelerate disease development. S100A8/A9, a heterodimer protein mainly generated by neutrophils, triggers many signal transduction pathways to mediate microtubule constitution and pathogen defense, as well as intricate procedures of cancer growth, metastasis, drug resistance, and prognosis. Its paired receptors, such as receptor for advanced glycation ends (RAGEs) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), also have roles and effects within tumor cells, mainly involved with mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), NF-κB, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and protein kinase C (PKC) activation. In the clinical setting, S100A8/A9 and its receptors can be used complementarily as efficient biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and treatment. This review comprehensively summarizes the biological functions of S100A8/A9 and its various receptors in tumor cells, in order to provide new insights and strategies targeting S100A8/A9 to promote novel diagnostic and therapeutic methods in cancers.

Transendothelial electrical resistance measurement by a microfluidic device for functional study of endothelial barriers in inflammatory bowel disease

Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing and remitting disease with a rising incidence globally. Circulating exosomes play great roles in IBD pathogenesis through exosomal cargoes, especially impacting the function of endothelial barriers. Transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurement is a widely used non-invasive and label-free strategy to monitor endothelial barrier function in vitro. This study established a well-designed microfluidic device to monitor the TEER changes of endothelial cellular barrier on-chip after treated with exosome derived from IBD serum. Methods: The chip comprised two layers of microfluidic chambers with top layer for the perfusion of medium to maintain the nutrition and pressure during cell culture, and bottom layer for the extracellular matrix mimic using hydrogel, which are separated by a semipermeable membrane that permitted the formation of endothelial cell barrier. Four electrodes independent from the outlets were integrated to the chip for TEER detection. In vivo mouse models mouse models and proteome profiling were performed to finding relevant regulators. Results: With this platform, significant decrease of TEER was detected, indicating that IBD serum exosome impact the endothelial cellular barrier on-chip. In vivo mouse models, IBD serum exosome treated group showed great higher DAI scores, shorter colons, more severe histological features, and higher levers of S100A8 expression, promoting the disease progress. Proteome profiling showed that TFRC and ANXA5 have great potentials as novel regulators in IBD. Discussion: This in-house customized microfluidic chip emulates the endothelial barrier microenvironment and enables the TEER monitoring, and can be used to investigate endothelial barrier function in vitro. IBD serum exosome promote the severity of disease.

Proteomics: Potential techniques for discovering the pathogenesis of connective tissue diseases-interstitial lung disease

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is one of the most serious lung complications of connective tissue disease (CTD). The application of proteomics in the past decade has revealed that various proteins are involved in the pathogenesis of each subtype of CTD-ILD through different pathways, providing novel ideas to study pathological mechanisms and clinical biomarkers. On this basis, a multidimensional diagnosis or prediction model is established. This paper reviews the results of proteomic detection of different subtypes of CTD-ILD and discusses the role of some differentially expressed proteins in the development of pulmonary fibrosis and their potential clinical applications.

Serum of Post-COVID-19 Syndrome Patients with or without ME/CFS Differentially Affects Endothelial Cell Function In Vitro

A proportion of COVID-19 reconvalescent patients develop post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) including a subgroup fulfilling diagnostic criteria of Myalgic encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (PCS/CFS). Recently, endothelial dysfunction (ED) has been demonstrated in these patients, but the mechanisms remain elusive. Therefore, we investigated the effects of patients’ sera on endothelia cells (ECs) in vitro. PCS (n = 17), PCS/CFS (n = 13), and healthy controls (HC, n = 14) were screened for serum anti-endothelial cell autoantibodies (AECAs) and dysregulated cytokines. Serum-treated ECs were analysed for the induction of activation markers and the release of small molecules by flow cytometry. Moreover, the angiogenic potential of sera was measured in a tube formation assay. While only marginal differences between patient groups were observed for serum cytokines, AECA binding to ECs was significantly increased in PCS/CFS patients. Surprisingly, PCS and PCS/CFS sera reduced surface levels of several EC activation markers. PCS sera enhanced the release of molecules associated with vascular remodelling and significantly promoted angiogenesis in vitro compared to the PCS/CFS and HC groups. Additionally, sera from both patient cohorts induced the release of molecules involved in inhibition of nitric oxide-mediated endothelial relaxation. Overall, PCS and PCS/CFS patients′ sera differed in their AECA content and their functional effects on ECs, i.e., secretion profiles and angiogenic potential. We hypothesise a pro-angiogenic effect of PCS sera as a compensatory mechanism to ED which is absent in PCS/CFS patients.

Tasquinimod efficacy and S100A9 expression in glucose-treated HREC cells

PURPOSE

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of blindness in working-aged people. Few studies were on the relationship between S100 Calcium Binding Protein A9 (S100A9) protein and DR, and none on endothelial cells induced by tasquinimod in high glucose. Therefore, we assessed the relationship between tasquinimod and S100A9 in DR.

METHODS

DR pathogenesis was simulated using high-glucose-induced human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) to study the mRNA expression of s100a9, thrombospondin-1 (tsp-1), hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (hif1-α), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (icam-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (vegf) after tasquinimod treatment. The protein expression of S100A9, TSP-1, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), ICAM-1 and VEGF was also analyzed.

RESULT

A total of 28 eyes of 26 patients were included in this experiment. A significantly higher expression of S100A9 as well as enhanced proliferation and mobility was observed in the high-glucose-treated HRECs compared with that in low-glucose-treated cells. However, these were significantly inhibited when treated with high glucose with 50 μM tasquinimod. The mRNA expression of tsp-1 was increased, whereas that of hif1-α, icam-1 and vegf was decreased after tasquinimod treatment. Western blot indicated the increased TSP-1 but decreased ERK, ICAM-1 and VEGF expression after treating with tasquinimod.

CONCLUSION

High glucose promoted the expression of s100a9, S100A9 protein in DR patients and HRECs. Tasquinimod inhibited the proliferation, migration and lumen formation of HRECs under a high glucose environment. Tasquinimod might play a vital role in inhibiting angiogenesis through inducing TSP-1 and inhibiting VEGF, ICAM-1 and ERK.

New Angiogenic Regulators Produced by TAMs: Perspective for Targeting Tumor Angiogenesis

Simple Summary

Since the targeting of a single pro-angiogenic factor fails to improve oncological disease outcome, significant efforts have been made to identify new pro-angiogenic factors that could compensate for the deficiency of current therapy or act independently as single drugs. Our review aims to present the state-of-the art for well-known and recently described factors produced by macrophages that induce and regulate angiogenesis. A number of positive and negative regulators of angiogenesis in the tumor microenvironment are produced by tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Accumulating evidence has indicated that, apart from the well-known angiogenic factors, there are plenty of novel angiogenesis-regulating proteins that belong to different classes. We summarize the data regarding the direct or indirect mechanisms of the interaction of these factors with endothelial cells during angiogenesis. We highlight the recent findings that explain the limitations in the efficiency of current anti-angiogenic therapy approaches.

Abstract

Angiogenesis is crucial to the supply of a growing tumor with nutrition and oxygen. Inhibition of angiogenesis is one of the main treatment strategies for colorectal, lung, breast, renal, and other solid cancers. However, currently applied drugs that target VEGF or receptor tyrosine kinases have limited efficiency, which raises a question concerning the mechanism of patient resistance to the already developed drugs. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) were identified in the animal tumor models as a key inducer of the angiogenic switch. TAMs represent a potent source not only for VEGF, but also for a number of other pro-angiogenic factors. Our review provides information about the activity of secreted regulators of angiogenesis produced by TAMs. They include members of SEMA and S100A families, chitinase-like proteins, osteopontin, and SPARC. The COX-2, Tie2, and other factors that control the pro-angiogenic activity of TAMs are also discussed. We highlight how these recent findings explain the limitations in the efficiency of current anti-angiogenic therapy. Additionally, we describe genetic and posttranscriptional mechanisms that control the expression of factors regulating angiogenesis. Finally, we present prospects for the complex targeting of the pro-angiogenic activity of TAMs.

The S100 protein family in lung cancer

The S100 protein family is involved in the pathogenesis of several malignancies including lung cancer. Recent studies have shown that one member, S100A2, was over-expressed in advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Another, S100A6, demonstrated variable expression in different lung cancer subtypes. Research using NSCLC cell lines reported that SIX3 inhibited cell metastasis and proliferation via S100P down-regulation. This review represents an update on S100 proteins in lung cancer from 2017 to 2021 and includes the aforementioned as well as S100A4, S100A7, and S100B. Inconsistencies in mechanisms of action for S100A8/S100A9 are highlighted and a comprehensive evaluation of the most recent evidence for the S100 proteins in lung cancer is presented.

Proteomic Analysis of Plasma sEVs Reveals That TNFAIP8 Is a New Biomarker of Cell Proliferation in Diabetic Retinopathy

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) derived from the plasma have been increasingly recognized as important vehicles of intercellular communication and potential sources of new biomarkers for multiple diseases. In this study, proteomic profiles of plasma sEVs from normal subjects and diabetic patients with or without diabetic retinopathy (DR) were systematically compared using iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics. Among a total of 901 identified proteins in plasma sEVs (false discovery rate (FDR) < 1%), 90 proteins were found to have significantly changed levels in DR. Based on the findings from the proteomic analysis, the role of tumor necrosis factor-α-induced protein 8 (TNFAIP8) in promoting human retinal microvascular endothelial cell (HRMEC) proliferation was investigated. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed that TNFAIP8 levels in plasma sEVs and vitreous are elevated in DR, whereas not statistically different in large EVs (lEVs) and plasma. In addition, in vitro experiments demonstrated that 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) increased the expression of TNFAIP8 in HRMECs. TNFAIP8 significantly increased HRMECs cell viability and promote cell migration and tube formation, and the depletion of TNFAIP8 impaired HRMEC proliferation. We demonstrated that TNFAIP8 in plasma sEVs could be used as a potential biomarker of DR. Functional studies suggested that TNFAIP8 might be an important mediator of angiogenesis in DR.

Propranolol Participates in the Treatment of Infantile Hemangioma by Inhibiting HUVECs Proliferation, Migration, Invasion, and Tube Formation

OBJECTIVE

Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are the most common benign tumors in infancy. The purpose of this study was to study the effects of propranolol on the function of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), in order to preliminarily elucidate the mechanism of propranolol in the treatment of IHs.

METHODS

HUVECs were treated with different concentrations of propranolol (30 μM, 60 μM, 90 μM, and 120 μM) with or without VEGF. Their proliferation, migration, invasion, adhesion, and tube formation ability were tested by using CCK-8, wound healing assay, transwell, cell adhesion assay, and tube formation assay. The expressions of HUVECs angiogenesis signaling molecules pERK/ERK, pAKT/AKT, p-mTOR/mTOR, and pFAK/FAK were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, propranolol could significantly inhibit the proliferation, migration, invasion, adhesion, and tube formation of HUVECs. Further studies showed that it could not only inhibit the migration, invasion, and tube formation ability of HUVECs after VEGF induction but also inhibit the phosphorylated protein expressions of angiogenesis-related signaling molecules like AKT, mTOR, ERK, and FAK in HUVECs, with a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect.

CONCLUSION

Propranolol can inhibit the proliferation, migration, invasion, adhesion, and tube formation of hemangioma endothelial cells; block VEGF-mediated angiogenesis signaling pathway; suppress the expressions of downstream angiogenesis-related signaling molecules; and ultimately achieve the effect of treatment of IHs.

S100A8 and S100A9 promote endothelial cell activation through the RAGE‑mediated mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 pathway

S100 calcium binding protein A8 (S100A8) and A9 (S100A9) belong to the S100 family of calcium-binding proteins and have important roles in inflammation. They increase endothelial cell proliferation, thereby affecting inflammation, angiogenesis and tumorigenesis. However, the mechanism of action of S100A8/9 in endothelial cells needs further study. Therefore, the present study sought to investigate the effects of S100A8/9 on the proliferation and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and their mechanism of action. The viability of HUVECs was determined through a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. The effect of S100A8/9 on the proliferation of HUVECs was detected by flow cytometry. Migration was evaluated by a Transwell migration assay. Apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin V-FITC and PI staining via flow cytometry. Western blot analysis and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays were performed to evaluate the activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mTOR pathway and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2). We previously confirmed that S100A8/9 were consistently overexpressed at 1 and 7 days post-surgery in a rabbit vein graft model, which is the period when apoptosis changes to proliferation in neointimal hyperplasia. In the present study, proliferation, viability and migration were increased after treating HUVECs with S100A8/9. S100A8/9 stimulated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and mTORC2, which was significantly suppressed by a receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE)-blocking antibody. Furthermore, depleting expression of RAGE or mTORC2 protein components (rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR) by small interfering RNA was found to reduce the cell viability, migration and angiogenesis of S100A8/9-treated HUVECs. The development of neointimal hyperplasia is a complex process initiated by damage to endothelial cells. In conclusion, S100A8/9 has an important role in intimal hyperplasia by promoting cell growth and angiogenesis via RAGE signaling and activation of mTORC2.

S100A8 facilitates cholangiocarcinoma metastasis via upregulation of VEGF through TLR4/NF‑κB pathway activation

A growing body of evidence indicates that S100 calcium-binding protein A8 (S100A8) is frequently overexpressed in malignant tumor tissues and regulates tumor progression; however, the role of S100A8 in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) remains unclear. The present study demonstrated that the protein expression of S100A8 was significantly higher in pathological tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues from patients with CCA. In addition, S100A8 expression was significantly associated with differentiation, lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis in patients following surgical resection of CCA. Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that overexpression of S100A6 promoted, while S100A8 knockdown attenuated, the migration and metastasis of CCA cells. Of note, the present results indicated that S100A8 promoted the CCA tumor cell-induced migration of vascular endothelial cells. Finally, S100A8 was demonstrated to positively regulate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in CCA cells, which was mediated by activation of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB pathway. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that S100A8 had an important role in facilitating CCA cell migration and metastasis via upregulation of VEGF expression by activating the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. These findings may provide a novel target for CCA treatment.

Clinical Value of Serum S100A8/A9 and CA15-3 in the Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

Background and Objective

S100A8/A9 is a heterodimer calcium-binding protein which is involved in tumor cell proliferation, adhesion and invasion, and is proposed as a biomarker for better diagnosis and prognosis in many cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the simultaneous serum-based level of S100A8/A9 and CA15-3 as well-illustrated cancer biomarkers, as well as their prognostic value in breast cancer patients and healthy matched controls.

Material and Methods

Thirty breast cancer patients at different stages of disease and healthy matched controls with no history of inflammatory, autoimmune diseases, or cancer, were enrolled in the study. The levels of S100A8/A9 and CA15-3 were assessed serologically using the Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, and the relevance of these markers with patients' clinicopathological features were subsequently assessed.

Results

Based on our data, the serum levels of both S100A8/A9 and CA15-3 were significantly higher in patients compared to the healthy controls, and thus positively correlated with tumor size. Also, statistical analysis shows that the serum level of S100A8/A9 has 100% specificity and sensitivity (AUC = 1.00, 95% CI) for the diagnosis of breast cancer patients.

Conclusion

According to our data as well as other observations, the S100A8/A9 heterodimer can be considered as a potential biomarker for the proper diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer.

The molecular mechanisms driving physiological changes after long duration space flights revealed by quantitative analysis of human blood proteins

Background

The conditions of space flight have a significant effect on the physiological processes in the human body, yet the molecular mechanisms driving physiological changes remain unknown.

Methods

Blood samples of 18 Russian cosmonauts who had conducted long-duration missions to the International Space Station were collected 30 days before launch and on the first and seventh days after landing.

Results

A panel of 125 proteins in the blood plasma was quantitated by a well-established and highly regarded targeted mass spectrometry approach. This method involves the monitoring of multiple reactions in conjunction with stable isotope-labeled standards at the University of Victoria - Genome BC Proteomics Centre.

Conclusions

Reduction of circulating plasma volume during space flight and activation of fluid retention at the final stage of the flight affect the changes in plasma protein concentrations present in the first days after landing. Using an ANOVA approach, it was revealed that only 1 protein (S100A9) reliably responded to space flight conditions. This protein plays an important role in the functioning of the endothelium and can serve as a marker for activation of inflammatory reactions. Concentrations of the proteins of complement, coagulation cascades, and acute phase reactants increase in the blood of cosmonauts as measured the first day after landing. Most of these proteins’ concentrations continue to increase by the 7th day after space flight. Similar dynamics are observed for proteases and their inhibitors. Thus, there is a shift in proteolytic blood systems, which is necessary for the restoration of muscle tissue and maintenance of oncotic homeostasis.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12920-019-0490-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Serum biomarkers identification by iTRAQ and verification by MRM: S100A8/S100A9 levels predict tumor-stroma involvement and prognosis in Glioblastoma

Despite advances in biology and treatment modalities, the prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM) remains poor. Serum reflects disease macroenvironment and thus provides a less invasive means to diagnose and monitor a diseased condition. By employing 4-plex iTRAQ methodology, we identified 40 proteins with differential abundance in GBM sera. The high abundance of serum S100A8/S100A9 was verified by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). ELISA and MRM-based quantitation showed a significant positive correlation. Further, an integrated investigation using stromal, tumor purity and cell type scores demonstrated an enrichment of myeloid cell lineage in the GBM tumor microenvironment. Transcript levels of S100A8/S100A9 were found to be independent poor prognostic indicators in GBM. Medium levels of pre-operative and three-month post-operative follow-up serum S100A8 levels predicted poor prognosis in GBM patients who lived beyond median survival. In vitro experiments showed that recombinant S100A8/S100A9 proteins promoted integrin signalling dependent glioma cell migration and invasion up to a threshold level of concentrations. Thus, we have discovered GBM serum marker by iTRAQ and verified by MRM. We also demonstrate interplay between tumor micro and macroenvironment and identified S100A8 as a potential marker with diagnostic and prognostic value in GBM.

MicroRNA-regulated pathways of flow-stimulated angiogenesis and vascular remodeling in vivo

BACKGROUND

Vascular shear stress promotes endothelial cell sprouting in vitro. The impact of hemodynamic forces on microRNA (miRNA) and gene expression within growing vascular networks in vivo, however, remain poorly investigated. Arteriovenous (AV) shunts are an established model for induction of neoangiogenesis in vivo and can serve as a tool for analysis of hemodynamic effects on miRNA and gene expression profiles over time.

METHODS

AV shunts were microsurgically created in rats and explanted on postoperative days 5, 10 and 15. Neoangiogenesis was confirmed by histologic analysis and micro-computed tomography. MiRNA and gene expression profiles were determined in tissue specimens from AV shunts by microarray analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and compared with sham-operated veins by bioinformatics analysis. Changes in protein expression within AV shunt endothelial cells were determined by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Samples from AV shunts exhibited a strong overexpression of proangiogenic cytokines, oxygenation-associated genes (HIF1A, HMOX1), and angiopoetic growth factors. Significant inverse correlations of the expressions of miR-223-3p, miR-130b-3p, miR-19b-3p, miR-449a-5p, and miR-511-3p which were up-regulated in AV shunts, and miR-27b-3p, miR-10b-5p, let-7b-5p, and let-7c-5p, which were down-regulated in AV shunts, with their predicted interacting targets C-X-C chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2), interleukin-1 alpha (IL1A), ephrin receptor kinase 2 (EPHA2), synaptojanin-2 binding protein (SYNJ2BP), forkhead box C1 (FOXC1) were present. CXCL2 and IL1A overexpression in AV shunt endothelium was confirmed at the protein level by immunohistochemistry.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that flow-stimulated angiogenesis is determined by an upregulation of cytokines, oxygenation associated genes and miRNA-dependent regulation of FOXC1, EPHA2 and SYNJ2BP.

Synthetic CpG oligonucleotides induce a genetic profile ameliorating murine myocardial I/R injury

We previously demonstrated that pre‐conditioning with CpG oligonucleotide (ODN) 1668 induces quick up‐regulation of gene expression 3 hours post‐murine myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, terminating inflammatory processes that sustain I/R injury. Now, performing comprehensive microarray and biocomputational analyses, we sought to further enlighten the “black box” beyond these first 3 hours. C57BL/6 mice were pretreated with either CpG 1668 or with control ODN 1612, respectively. Sixteen hours later, myocardial ischaemia was induced for 1 hour in a closed‐chest model, followed by reperfusion for 24 hours. RNA was extracted from hearts, and labelled cDNA was hybridized to gene microarrays. Data analysis was performed with BRB ArrayTools and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Functional groups mediating restoration of cellular integrity were among the top up‐regulated categories. Genes known to influence cardiomyocyte survival were strongly induced 24 hours post‐I/R. In contrast, proinflammatory pathways were down‐regulated. Interleukin‐10, an upstream regulator, suppressed specifically selected proinflammatory target genes at 24 hours compared to 3 hours post‐I/R. The IL1 complex is supposed to be one regulator of a network increasing cardiovascular angiogenesis. The up‐regulation of numerous protective pathways and the suppression of proinflammatory activity are supposed to be the genetic correlate of the cardioprotective effects of CpG 1668 pre‐conditioning.

Effect of calprotectin subunit S100A9 on the expression and methylation of OCLN in human melanoma cell line A-375

Increased levels of calprotectin subunits S100A8 and S100A9 have been detected in human cancers. Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer, and its treatment is challenging because of its brain metastasis. OCLN encodes occluding, which plays a major role in the formation and regulation of tight junctions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the methylation status of the OCLN promoter and its expression in A-375 melanoma cells treated with or without various concentrations of S100A9 for 24, 48, and 72 h. Total RNA was extracted, and synthesized cDNA was assessed by performing real-time PCR. MSP-PCR was performed after treatment with bisultfie. Recombinant S100A9 inhibited the proliferation of the A-375 cell line and the expression of the OCLN gene was downregulated in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Results of MSP-PCR showed that the OCLN gene promoter in a human melanoma cell line (A-375) was semimethylated.

Extracellular S100A9 Protein in Bone Marrow Supports Multiple Myeloma Survival by Stimulating Angiogenesis and Cytokine Secretion

Dysregulated expression of S100 protein family members is associated with cancer proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and inflammation. S100A9 induces myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) accumulation and activity. MDSCs, immunosuppressive cells that contribute to tumor immune escape, are the main producers of S100A9. In this study, we evaluated the role of extracellular S100A9 and the therapeutic relevance of S100A9 inhibition in multiple myeloma (MM), using the immunocompetent murine 5T33MM model. We demonstrated the presence of S100A9 and its receptor TLR4 in both monocytic and granulocytic MDSCs in human and mouse samples. We showed that S100A9 acted as a chemoattractant for MM cells and induced MDSCs to express and secrete inflammatory and pro-myeloma cytokines, including TNFα, IL6, and IL10. Blocking S100A9 interactions in vivo with the small molecule ABR-238901 did not directly affect MDSC accumulation but did reduce IL6 and IL10 cytokine expression by MDSC. ABR-238901 treatment in vivo reduced angiogenesis but had only minor effects on tumor load as single agent (6% reduction). However, ABR-238901 treatment in combination with bortezomib resulted in an increased reduction in tumor load compared with single treatments (50% relative reduction compared with bortezomib alone). Our data suggest that extracellular S100A9 promotes MM and that inhibition of S100A9 may have therapeutic benefit. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(10); 839-46. ©2017 AACR.

Molecular analysis of the mouse brain exposed to chronic mild stress: The influence of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α on physiological homeostasis

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent disorder that causes considerable disability in social functioning and is a risk factor for physical diseases. Recent clinical reports have demonstrated a marked association between MDD and physiological dyshomeostasis induced by metabolic disorders, including diabetes, hormone abnormalities and autoimmune diseases. The authors of the present study have previously analyzed comparative gene expression profiles in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of a chronic mild stress (CMS) animal model of MDD. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (Hnf4α) was identified as a central regulator that exerted significant influence on genes associated with physiological homeostasis. The aim of the present study was to investigate: i) the molecular mechanism of the depressive state in the PFC, and ii) the involvement of genes extracted from the comparative gene expression profiles, particularly those applicable to MDD in clinical practice. Core analysis of the previous PFC microarray results was performed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). Subsequently, IPA was used to search for molecules that are regulated by Hnf4α, and exist in the PFC and serum. From the core analysis, 5 genes that are associated with cell death and are expressed in the cortex were selected. Four of the extracted genes, insulin‑like growth factor 1, transthyretin, serpin family A member 3 and plasminogen, were markedly affected by Hnf4α. S100 calcium‑binding protein A9 (S100a9) and α2-HS-glycoprotein (Ahsg) were also chosen as they exist in serum and are also affected by Hnf4α. A significant group difference in the expression of these two genes was detected in the PFC, thalamus and hippocampus. The protein levels of AHSG and S100A9 in the PFC and hippocampus of the CMS group increased significantly when compared with the control group. These findings support the close association of Hnf4α (through genes such as S100a9 and Ahsg) with the development of various diseases induced by deregulation of physiological homeostasis during the progression of MDD.

Early Ankle Mobilization Promotes Healing in a Rabbit Model of Achilles Tendon Rupture

The use of early mobilization of the ankle joint without orthosis in the treatment of Achilles tendon rupture has been advocated as the optimal management. The goal of this study was to compare outcomes in a postoperative rabbit model of Achilles tendon rupture between early mobilization and immobilized animals using a differential proteomics approach. In total, 135 rabbits were randomized into the control group (n=15), the postoperative cast immobilization (PCI) group (n=60), and the early mobilization (EM) group (n=60). A rupture of the Achilles tendon was created in each animal model and repaired microsurgically, and tendon samples were removed at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days postoperatively. Proteins were separated using 2-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and identified using peptide mass fingerprinting, tandem mass spectrometry, NCBI database searches, and bioinformatics analyses. A series of differentially expressed proteins were identified between groups, some of which may play an important role in Achilles tendon healing. Notable candidate proteins that were upregulated in the EM group were identified, such as CRMP-2, galactokinase 1, tropomyosin-4, and transthyretin. The healing of ruptured Achilles tendons appears to be affected at the level of protein expression with the use of early mobilization. The classic postoperative treatment of Achilles tendon rupture with an orthosis ignored the self-protecting instinct of humans. With a novel operative technique, the repaired tendon can persist the load that comes from traction in knee and ankle joint functional movement. In addition, kinesitherapy provided an excellent experimental outcome via a mechanobiological mechanism.

A Time-Based and Intratumoral Proteomic Assessment of a Recurrent Glioblastoma Multiforme

Tumors consist of cells in different stages of transformation with molecular and cellular heterogeneity. By far, heterogeneity is the hallmark of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most malignant and aggressive type of glioma. Most proteomic studies aim in comparing tumors from different patients, but here we dive into exploring the intratumoral proteome diversity of a single GBM. For this, we profiled tumor fragments from the profound region of the same patient’s GBM but obtained from two surgeries a year’s time apart. Our analysis also included GBM‘s fragments from different anatomical regions. Our quantitative proteomic strategy employed 4-plex iTRAQ peptide labeling followed by a four-step strong cation chromatographic separation; each fraction was then analyzed by reversed-phase nano-chromatography coupled on-line with an Orbitrap-Velos mass spectrometer. Unsupervised clustering grouped the proteomic profiles into four major distinct groups and showed that most changes were related to the tumor’s anatomical region. Nevertheless, we report differentially abundant proteins from GBM’s fragments of the same region but obtained 1 year apart. We discuss several key proteins (e.g., S100A9) and enriched pathways linked with GBM such as the Ras pathway, RHO GTPases activate PKNs, and those related to apoptosis, to name a few. As far as we know, this is the only report that compares GBM fragments proteomic profiles from the same patient. Ultimately, our results fuel the forefront of scientific discussion on the importance in exploring the richness of subproteomes within a single tissue sample for a better understanding of the disease, as each tumor is unique.

Elevated S100A9 expression in tumor stroma functions as an early recurrence marker for early-stage oral cancer patients through increased tumor cell invasion, angiogenesis, macrophage recruitment and interleukin-6 production

S100A9 is a calcium-binding protein with two EF-hands and frequently deregulated in several cancer types, however, with no clear role in oral cancer. In this report, the expression of S100A9 in cancer and adjacent tissues from 79 early-stage oral cancer patients was detected by immunohistochemical staining. Although S100A9 protein was present in both tumor and stromal cells, only the early-stage oral cancer patients with high stromal expression had reduced recurrence-free survival. High stromal S100A9 expression was also significantly associated with non-well differentiation and recurrence. In addition to increasing cell migration and invasion, ectopic S100A9 expression in tumor cells promoted xenograft tumorigenesis as well as the dominant expression of myeloid cell markers and pro-inflammatory IL-6. The expression of S100A9 in one stromal component, monocytes, stimulated the aggressiveness of co-cultured oral cancer cells. We also detected the elevation of serum S100A9 levels in early-stage oral cancer patients of a separate cohort of 73 oral cancer patients. The release of S100A9 protein into extracellular milieu enhanced tumor cell invasion, transendothelial monocyte migration and angiogenic activity. S100A9-mediated release of IL-6 requires the crosstalk of tumor cells with monocytes through the activation of NF-κB and STAT-3. Early-stage oral cancer patients with both high S100A9 expression and high CD68+ immune infiltrates in stroma had shortest recurrence-free survival, suggesting the use of both S100A9 and CD68 as poor prognostic markers for oral cancer. Together, both intracellular and extracellular S100A9 exerts a tumor-promoting action through the activation of oral cancer cells and their associated stroma in oral carcinogenesis.

Elevated levels of polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells in patients with glioblastoma highly express S100A8/9 and arginase and suppress T cell function

BACKGROUND

Gliomas are primary brain tumors that are associated with a poor prognosis. The introduction of new treatment modalities (including immunotherapy) for these neoplasms in the last 3 decades has resulted in only limited improvement in survival. Gliomas are known to create an immunosuppressive microenvironment that hampers the efficacy of (immuno)therapy. One component of this immunosuppressive environment is the myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC).

METHODS

We set out to analyze the presence and activation state of MDSCs in blood (n = 41) and tumor (n = 20) of glioma patients by measuring S100A8/9 and arginase using flow cytometry and qPCR. Inhibition of T cell proliferation and cytokine production after stimulation with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 coated beads was used to measure in vitro MDSC suppression capacity.

RESULTS

We report a trend toward a tumor grade-dependent increase of both monocytic (M-) and polymorphonuclear (PMN-) MDSC subpopulations in the blood of patients with glioma. M-MDSCs of glioma patients have increased levels of intracellular S100A8/9 compared with M-MDSCs in healthy controls (HCs). Glioma patients also have increased S100A8/9 serum levels, which correlates with increased arginase activity in serum. PMN-MDSCs in both blood and tumor tissue demonstrated high expression of arginase. Furthermore, we assessed blood-derived PMN-MDSC function and showed that these cells have potent T cell suppressive function in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate a tumor grade-dependent increase of MDSCs in the blood of patients with a glioma. These MDSCs exhibit an increased activation state compared with MDSCs in HCs, independent of tumor grade.

Anti-cancer potency of tasquinimod is enhanced via albumin-binding facilitating increased uptake in the tumor microenvironment

Tasquinimod, an orally active quinoline-3-carboxamide, binds with high affinity to HDAC4 and S100A9 in cancer and infiltrating host cells within compromised tumor microenvironment inhibiting adaptive survival pathways needed for an angiogenic response. Clinical trials document that as low as 0.5-1mg tasquinimod/day is therapeutic against castrate resistant metastatic prostate cancer. Tasquinimod is metabolized via cytochrome P4503A4, but ketoconazole at a dose which completely inhibits CYP3A metabolism does not affect tasquinimod's ability to inhibit endothelial “sprouting” in vitro or anti-cancer efficacy against human prostate cancer xenografts in vivo.

Tasquinimod's potency is facilitated by its reversible binding (K_d < 35 μM) to the IIA subdomain of albumin (Sudlow's site I). As blood vessels within the compromised cancer microenvironment are characterized by a higher degree of leakiness than those in normal tissues, this results in an enhanced uptake of tasquinimod bound to albumin in cancer tissue via a tumor specific process known as the “enhanced permeability and retention” (i.e., EPR) effect. Thus, despite plasma levels of < 1 μM, the EPR effect results in intracellular drug concentrations of 2-3 μM, levels several-fold higher than needed for inhibition of endothelial sprouting (IC₅₀ ~ 0.5 μM) or for inhibition of HDAC4 and S100A9 mediated tumor growth.

Chronic endurance exercise affects paracrine action of CD31+ and CD34+ cells on endothelial tube formation

We aimed to determine if chronic endurance-exercise habits affected redox status and paracrine function of CD34(+) and CD34(-)/CD31(+) circulating angiogenic cells (CACs). Subjects were healthy, nonsmoking men and women aged 18-35 yr and categorized by chronic physical activity habits. Blood was drawn from each subject for isolation and culture of CD34(+) and CD34(-)/CD31(+) CACs. No differences in redox status were found in any group across either cell type. Conditioned media (CM) was generated from the cultured CACs and used in an in vitro human umbilical vein endothelial cell-based tube assay. CM from CD34(+) cells from inactive individuals resulted in tube structures that were 29% shorter in length (P < 0.05) and 45% less complex (P < 0.05) than the endurance-trained group. CD34(-)/CD31(+) CM from inactive subjects resulted in tube structures that were 26% shorter in length (P < 0.05) and 42% less complex (P < 0.05) than endurance-trained individuals. Proteomics analyses identified S100A8 and S100A9 in the CM. S100A9 levels were 103% higher (P < 0.05) and S100A8 was 97% higher in the CD34(-)/CD31(+) CM of inactive subjects compared with their endurance-trained counterparts with no significant differences in either protein in the CM of CD34(+) CACs as a function of training status. Recombinant S100A8/A9 treatment at concentrations detected in inactive subjects' CD34(-)/CD31(+) CAC CM also reduced tube formation (P < 0.05). These findings are the first, to our knowledge, to demonstrate a differential paracrine role in CD34(+) and CD34(-)/CD31(+) CACs on tube formation as a function of chronic physical activity habits and identifies a differential secretion of S100A9 by CD34(-)/CD31(+) CACs due to habitual exercise.

Calprotectin induces cell death in human prostate cancer cell (LNCaP) through survivin protein alteration

Calprotectin (CP), an abundant heterodimeric cytosolic protein of neutrophils, conveys a variety of functions such as tumor cell growth arrest and antimicrobial activity. We investigated CP activity and its possible apoptosis-inducing mechanism of action against an antiandrogen therapy-resistance prostate cancer cell line LNCaP. Cell viability and Annexin V FITC assays were performed in order to investigate its cell death activity and apoptosis, respectively. In order to address cell death inducing mechanism(s), immunocytochemistry and immunobloting analysis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) measurements were performed. The effective concentration of CP against LNCaP promoting LNCaP cell death was 200 µg/mL. ROS and NO levels of cells remarkably were enhanced following treatment with 50 and 100 µg/mL of CP, respectively. Protein expression of anti-apoptotic protein survivin was significantly decreased after administration of tumor cells with CP. Our data indicate that CP regulates the LNCaP cells viability via survivin-mediated pathway and ROS and NO enhancement. Thus, inhibition of survivin expression, enhancement of ROS and NO level by CP or other similar pharmaceutical agents might be effective in lowering the malignant proliferation of human prostate cancer cells.

Gonadotropin stimulation in mice leads to ovarian accumulation of immature myeloid cells and altered expression of proangiogenic genes

OBJECTIVE

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is associated with increased angiogenesis and vascular leakage. Immature myeloid cells (IMCs) and dendritic cells have been shown to be actively involved in angiogenesis in several disease models in mice and humans. Nevertheless, little is known about the role of these cells in the ovary. As such, this study sought to determine whether alterations in these ovarian myeloid cell populations are associated with gonadotropin stimulation in a mouse model.

STUDY DESIGN

Four-week-old pre-pubertal C57Bl/6 female mice were allocated into three groups: high-dose stimulation (n=4; pregnant mare serum gonadotropins (PMSG) 20U for 2 days), low-dose stimulation (n=5; PMSG 5U for 1 day) and sham-treated controls (n=4). Human chorionic gonadotropin 5U was injected on Day 3, and the mice were killed on Day 5. Ovaries were analysed by flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Gonadotropin stimulation increased the proportion of CD11b(+)Gr1(+) IMCs among the ovarian myeloid cells: 22.6±8.1% (high dose), 7.2±1.6% (low dose) and 4.1±0.3% (control) (p=0.02). Conversely, gonadotropin stimulation decreased the proportion of ovarian CD11c(+)MHCII(+) dendritic cells: 15.1±1.9% (high dose), 20.7±4.8% (low dose) and 27.3±8.2% (control) (p=0.02). IMCs, unlike dendritic cells, were localized adjacent to PECAM1(+) endothelial cells. Finally, gonadotropin stimulation was associated with increased expression of S100A8, S100A9, Vcan and Dmbt1, and decreased expression of MMP12.

CONCLUSIONS

Gonadotropin stimulation is associated with proangiogenic myeloid cell alterations, reflected by a dose-dependent increase in ovarian IMCs and a parallel decrease in dendritic cells. Recruited IMCs localize strategically at sites of angiogenesis. These changes are associated with differential expression of key proangiogenic genes.

Joining S100 proteins and migration: for better or for worse, in sickness and in health

The vast diversity of S100 proteins has demonstrated a multitude of biological correlations with cell growth, cell differentiation and cell survival in numerous physiological and pathological conditions in all cells of the body. This review summarises some of the reported regulatory functions of S100 proteins (namely S100A1, S100A2, S100A4, S100A6, S100A7, S100A8/S100A9, S100A10, S100A11, S100A12, S100B and S100P) on cellular migration and invasion, established in both culture and animal model systems and the possible mechanisms that have been proposed to be responsible. These mechanisms involve intracellular events and components of the cytoskeletal organisation (actin/myosin filaments, intermediate filaments and microtubules) as well as extracellular signalling at different cell surface receptors (RAGE and integrins). Finally, we shall attempt to demonstrate how aberrant expression of the S100 proteins may lead to pathological events and human disorders and furthermore provide a rationale to possibly explain why the expression of some of the S100 proteins (mainly S100A4 and S100P) has led to conflicting results on motility, depending on the cells used.

Transcriptional activation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) in myeloid cells promotes angiogenesis through VEGF and S100A8

Emerging evidence indicates that myeloid cells are essential for promoting new blood vessel formation by secreting various angiogenic factors. Given that hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) is a critical regulator for angiogenesis, we questioned whether HIF in myeloid cells also plays a role in promoting angiogenesis. To address this question, we generated a unique strain of myeloid-specific knockout mice targeting HIF pathways using human S100A8 as a myeloid-specific promoter. We observed that mutant mice where HIF-1 is transcriptionally activated in myeloid cells (by deletion of the von Hippel-Lindau gene) resulted in erythema, enhanced neovascularization in matrigel plugs, and increased production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the bone marrow, all of which were completely abrogated by either genetic or pharmacological inactivation of HIF-1. We further found that monocytes were the major effector producing VEGF and S100A8 proteins driving neovascularization in matrigel. Moreover, by using a mouse model of hindlimb ischemia we observed significantly improved blood flow in mice intramuscularly injected with HIF-1-activated monocytes. This study therefore demonstrates that HIF-1 activation in myeloid cells promotes angiogenesis through VEGF and S100A8 and that this may become an attractive therapeutic strategy to treat diseases with vascular defects.

Potential serum biomarkers for glioblastoma diagnostic assessed by proteomic approaches

BACKGROUND

The rapid progress of proteomics over the past years has allowed the discovery of a large number of potential biomarker candidates to improve early tumor diagnosis and therapeutic response, thus being further integrated into clinical environment. High grade gliomas represent one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant types of human brain cancer, with approximately 9-12 months median survival rate for patients with grade IV glioma (glioblastoma). Using state-of-the-art proteomics technologies, we have investigated the proteome profile for glioblastoma patients in order to identify a novel protein biomarker panel that could discriminate glioblastoma patients from controls and increase diagnostic accuracy.

RESULTS

In this study, SELDI-ToF MS technology was used to screen potential protein patterns in glioblastoma patients serum; furthermore, LC-MS/MS technology was applied to identify the candidate biomarkers peaks. Through these proteomic approaches, three proteins S100A8, S100A9 and CXCL4 were selected as putative biomarkers and confirmed by ELISA. Next step was to validate the above mentioned molecules as biomarkers through identification of protein expression by Western blot in tumoral versus peritumoral tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

Proteomic technologies have been used to investigate the protein profile of glioblastoma patients and established several potential diagnostic biomarkers. While it is unlikely for a single biomarker to be highly effective for glioblastoma diagnostic, our data proposed an alternative and efficient approach by using a novel combination of multiple biomarkers.

Gene expression profile regulated by the HPV16 E7 oncoprotein and estradiol in cervical tissue

The HPV16 E7 oncoprotein and 17β-estradiol are important factors for the induction of premalignant lesions and cervical cancer. The study of these factors is crucial for a better understanding of cervical tumorigenesis. Here, we assessed the global gene expression profiles induced by the HPV16 E7 oncoprotein and/or 17β-estradiol in cervical tissue of FvB and K14E7 transgenic mice. We found that the most dramatic changes in gene expression occurred in K14E7 and FvB groups treated with 17β-estradiol. A large number of differentially expressed genes involved in the immune response were observed in 17β-estradiol treated groups. The E7 oncoprotein mainly affected the expression of genes involved in cellular metabolism. Our microarray data also identified differentially expressed genes that have not previously been reported in cervical cancer. The identification of genes regulated by E7 and 17β-estradiol, provides the basis for further studies on their role in cervical carcinogenesis.

S100A8 and S100A9 are associated with colorectal carcinoma progression and contribute to colorectal carcinoma cell survival and migration via Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Background and Objective

S100A8 and S100A9, two members of the S100 protein family, have been reported in association with the tumor cell differentiation and tumor progression. Previous study has showed that their expression in stromal cells of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is associated with tumor size. Here, we investigated the clinical significances of S100A8 and S100A9 in tumor cells of CRC and their underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

Expression of S100A8 and S100A9 in colorectal carcinoma and matching distal normal tissues were measured by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry and western blot. CRC cell lines treated with the recombinant S100A8 and S100A9 proteins were used to analyze the roles and molecular mechanisms of the two proteins in CRC in vitro.

Results

S100A8 and S100A9 were elevated in more than 50% of CRC tissues and their expression in tumor cells was associated with differentiation, Dukes stage and lymph node metastasis. The CRC cell lines treatment with recombinant S100A8 and S100A9 proteins promoted the viability and migration of CRC cells. Furthermore, the two recombinant proteins also resulted in the increased levels of β-catenin and its target genes c-myc and MMP7. β-catenin over-expression in CRC cells by Adβ-catenin increased cell viability and migration. β-catenin knock-down by Adsiβ-catenin reduced cell viability and migration. Furthermore, β-catenin knockdown also partially abolished the promotive effects of recombinant S100A8 and S100A9 proteins on the viability and migration of CRC cells.

Conclusions

Our work demonstrated that S100A8 and S100A9 are linked to the CRC progression, and one of the underlying molecular mechanisms is that extracellular S100A8 and S100A9 proteins contribute to colorectal carcinoma cell survival and migration via Wnt/β-catenin pathway.