Oncostatin M Receptor-targeted antibodies suppress STAT3 signaling and inhibit ovarian cancer growth

Expanding the repertoire of Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) targets with improved tumor selectivity and range of potent payloads through in-silico analysis

Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) have emerged as a promising class of targeted cancer therapeutics. Further refinements are essential to unlock their full potential, which is currently limited by a lack of validated targets and payloads. Essential aspects of developing effective ADCs involve the identification of surface antigens, ideally distinguishing target tumor cells from healthy types, uniformly expressed, accompanied by a high potency payload capable of selective targeting. In this study, we integrated transcriptomics, proteomics, immunohistochemistry and cell surface membrane datasets from Human Protein Atlas, Xenabrowser and Gene Expression Omnibus utilizing Lantern Pharma's proprietary AI platform Response Algorithm for Drug positioning and Rescue (RADR®). We used this in combination with evidence based filtering to identify ADC targets with improved tumor selectivity. Our analysis identified a set of 82 targets and a total of 290 target indication combinations for effective tumor targeting. We evaluated the impact of tumor mutations on target expression levels by querying 416 genes in the TCGA mutation database against 22 tumor subtypes. Additionally, we assembled a catalog of compounds to identify potential payloads using the NCI-Developmental Therapeutics Program. Our payload mining strategy classified 729 compounds into three subclasses based on GI50 values spanning from pM to 10 nM range, in combination with sensitivity patterns across 9 different cancer indications. Our results identified a diverse range of both targets and payloads, that can serve to facilitate multiple choices for precise ADC targeting. We propose an initial approach to identify suitable target-indication-payload combinations, serving as a valuable starting point for development of future ADC candidates.

IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway induces prostate apoptosis response protein-4(PAR-4) to stimulate malignant behaviors of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Prostate apoptosis response protein-4 (PAR-4) is considered a tumor suppressor. However, the role of PAR-4 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has rarely been reported. The study explores the role of PAR-4 in the malignant behaviors of HCC cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

TCGA database was applied to analyze the expression of PAR-4 in HCC. Evaluated PAR-4 relationship with clinical parameters and prognosis by tissue microarray; expression of STAT3, p-STAT3, Src and Ras was detected by Western blotting or laser confocal microscopy. Cell scratch and flow cytometry assays were used to observe IL-6 regulation of the malignant behaviors of HCC cells. The tumorigenic potential of HCC cells in vivo was evaluated in a nude mouse tumor model.

RESULTS

Analysis indicated that the expression of PAR-4 in HCC tissues was significantly higher than that in normal liver tissues; and PAR-4 interacted with STAT3. KEGG analysis showed that PAR-4 plays a role in the Janus kinase (JAK)/STAT signaling pathway. The positive expression rate of PAR-4 in HCC tissues was significantly higher than that in adjacent tissues. Positive correlation between IL-6 and PAR-4 expression in the HCC tissues. Exogenous IL-6 significantly promoted the proliferation and migration of HCC cells and up-regulated the expression of PAR-4 and p-STAT3 in HCC cells. Interference of the expression of PAR-4 could reduce the malignant behaviors of HCC cells and inhibit tumorigenesis in a nude mouse tumor model.

CONCLUSIONS

PAR-4 expression is positively correlated with HCC; PAR-4 promotes malignant behavior of HCC cells mediated by the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of gastrointestinal cancer liver metastases and drug resistance

Distant metastases and drug resistance account for poor survival of patients with gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies such as gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer. GI cancers most commonly metastasize to the liver, which provides a unique immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment to support the development of a premetastatic niche for tumor cell colonization and metastatic outgrowth. Metastatic tumors often exhibit greater resistance to drugs than primary tumors, posing extra challenges in treatment. The liver metastases and drug resistance of GI cancers are regulated by complex, intertwined, and tumor-dependent cellular and molecular mechanisms that influence tumor cell behavior (e.g. epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, or EMT), tumor microenvironment (TME) (e.g. the extracellular matrix, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and tumor-infiltrating immune cells), tumor cell-TME interactions (e.g. through cytokines and exosomes), liver microenvironment (e.g. hepatic stellate cells and macrophages), and the route and mechanism of tumor cell dissemination (e.g. circulating tumor cells). This review provides an overview of recent advances in the research on cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate liver metastases and drug resistance of GI cancers. We also discuss recent advances in the development of mechanism-based therapy for these GI cancers. Targeting these cellular and molecular mechanisms, either alone or in combination, may potentially provide novel approaches to treat metastatic GI malignancies.

Single-cell RNA sequencing in ovarian cancer: revealing new perspectives in the tumor microenvironment

Single-cell sequencing technology has emerged as a pivotal tool for unraveling the complexities of the ovarian tumor microenvironment (TME), which is characterized by its cellular heterogeneity and intricate cell-to-cell interactions. Ovarian cancer (OC), known for its high lethality among gynecologic malignancies, presents significant challenges in treatment and diagnosis, partly due to the complexity of its TME. The application of single-cell sequencing in ovarian cancer research has enabled the detailed characterization of gene expression profiles at the single-cell level, shedding light on the diverse cell populations within the TME, including cancer cells, stromal cells, and immune cells. This high-resolution mapping has been instrumental in understanding the roles of these cells in tumor progression, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. By providing insight into the signaling pathways and cell-to-cell communication mechanisms, single-cell sequencing facilitates the identification of novel therapeutic targets and the development of personalized medicine approaches. This review summarizes the advancement and application of single-cell sequencing in studying the stromal components and the broader TME in OC, highlighting its implications for improving diagnosis, treatment strategies, and understanding of the disease's underlying biology.

Blocking Oncostatin M receptor abrogates STAT3 mediated integrin signaling and overcomes chemoresistance in ovarian cancer

Chemotherapy such as cisplatin is widely used to treat ovarian cancer either before or after surgical debulking. However, cancer relapse due to chemotherapy resistance is a major challenge in the treatment of ovarian cancer. The underlying mechanisms related to chemotherapy resistance remain largely unclear. Therefore, identification of effective therapeutic strategies is urgently needed to overcome therapy resistance. Transcriptome-based analysis, in vitro studies and functional assays identified that cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells express high levels of OSMR compared to cisplatin sensitive cells. Furthermore, OSMR expression associated with a module of integrin family genes and predominantly linked with integrin αV (ITGAV) and integrin β3 (ITGB3) for cisplatin resistance. Using ectopic expression and knockdown approaches, we proved that OSMR directly regulates ITGAV and ITGB3 gene expression through STAT3 activation. Notably, targeting OSMR using anti-OSMR human antibody inhibited the growth and metastasis of ovarian cancer cells and sensitized cisplatin treatment. Taken together, our results underscore the pivotal role of OSMR as a requirement for cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer. Notably, OSMR fostered the expression of a distinct set of integrin genes, which in turn resulted into a crosstalk between OSMR and integrins for signaling activation that is critical for cisplatin resistance. Therefore, targeting OSMR emerges as a promising and viable strategy to reverse cisplatin-resistance in ovarian cancer.

Hypoxic Exosomal circPLEKHM1-Mediated Crosstalk between Tumor Cells and Macrophages Drives Lung Cancer Metastasis

Intercellular communication often relies on exosomes as messengers and is critical for cancer metastasis in hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Some circular RNAs (circRNAs) are enriched in cancer cell-derived exosomes, but little is known about their ability to regulate intercellular communication and cancer metastasis. Here, by systematically analyzing exosomes secreted by non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, a hypoxia-induced exosomal circPLEKHM1 is identified that drives NSCLC metastasis through polarizing macrophages toward to M2 type. Mechanistically, exosomal circPLEKHM1 promoted PABPC1-eIF4G interaction to facilitate the translation of the oncostatin M receptor (OSMR), thereby promoting macrophage polarization for cancer metastasis. Importantly, circPLEKHM1-targeted therapy significantly reduces NSCLC metastasis in vivo. circPLEKHM1 serves as a prognostic biomarker for metastasis and poor survival in NSCLC patients. This study unveils a new circRNA-mediated mechanism underlying how cancer cells crosstalk with macrophages within the hypoxic tumor microenvironment to promote metastasis, highlighting the importance of exosomal circPLEKHM1 as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for lung cancer metastasis.

Pharmacological inhibition of the LIF/LIFR autocrine loop reveals vulnerability of ovarian cancer cells to ferroptosis

Of all gynecologic cancers, epithelial-ovarian cancer (OCa) stands out with the highest mortality rates. Despite all efforts, 90% of individuals who receive standard surgical and cytotoxic therapy experience disease recurrence. The precise mechanism by which leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and its receptor (LIFR) contribute to the progression of OCa remains unknown. Analysis of cancer databases revealed that elevated expression of LIF or LIFR was associated with poor progression-free survival of OCa patients and a predictor of poor response to chemotherapy. Using multiple primary and established OCa cell lines or tissues that represent five subtypes of epithelial-OCa, we demonstrated that LIF/LIFR autocrine signaling is active in OCa. Moreover, treatment with LIFR inhibitor, EC359 significantly reduced OCa cell viability and cell survival with an IC50 ranging from 5-50 nM. Furthermore, EC359 diminished the stemness of OCa cells. Mechanistic studies using RNA-seq and rescue experiments unveiled that EC359 primarily induced ferroptosis by suppressing the glutathione antioxidant defense system. Using multiple in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models including cell-based xenografts, patient-derived explants, organoids, and xenograft tumors, we demonstrated that EC359 dramatically reduced the growth and progression of OCa. Additionally, EC359 therapy considerably improved tumor immunogenicity by robust CD45+ leukocyte tumor infiltration and polarizing tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) toward M1 phenotype while showing no impact on normal T-, B-, and other immune cells. Collectively, our findings indicate that the LIF/LIFR autocrine loop plays an essential role in OCa progression and that EC359 could be a promising therapeutic agent for OCa.

Molybdenum exposure induces inflammatory response via the regulatory effects of lncRNA-00072124/miR-308/OSMR crosstalk on JAK/STAT axis in duck kidneys

Molybdenum (Mo) is an essential nutrient in living organisms. Although numerous researchers have noticed the health damage caused by excessive Mo, the underlying mechanism of excessive Mo-induced nephrotoxicity remains poorly understood. A gene crosstalk called competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) can interpret many regulatory mechanisms molecularly. But there are few researches have tried to explain the damage mechanism of excess Mo to organisms through ceRNAs network. To clarify this, the study explored the changes in lncRNAs and miRNAs expression profiles in the kidney of ducks exposed to excess Mo for 16 weeks. The sequencing results showed that Mo exposure caused differential expression of 144 lncRNAs and 14 miRNAs. The occurrence of inflammation through the JAK/STAT axis was observed and the lncRNA-00072124/miR-308/OSMR axis was verified by a double luciferase reporter assay. Overexpression of miR-308 and RNA interference of OSMR reduced Mo-induced inflammatory factors, while miR-308 knockdown showed the opposite effect. Simultaneously, lncRNA-00072124 affected OSMR function as a ceRNA. Taken together, these results concluded that Mo exposure activated the JAK/STAT axis and induced inflammation mediated by the lncRNA-00072124/miR-308/OSMR crosstalk. The results might provide new views for revealing the toxic effects of excess Mo in duck kidneys.

Correlation Between Oncostatin M and Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

The expression of oncostatin M (OSM) has been studied in various diseases related to inflammatory response, but its implementation in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) remains to be explored.  Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the correlation between serum OSM expression and various aspects of AIS in a clinical setting.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

A single-centered case-control study was performed in the First Affiliate Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from October 2020 to March 2021. A total of 134 patients were enrolled in the AIS group and 34 healthy individuals were enrolled in the control group. Physical examinations were performed and venous blood samples were collected. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum OSM. Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, and modified Rankin scale (mRS) were used to assess the classification, etiology, severity, and prognosis of the AIS group. Assessments were done to analyze serum OSM expression based on sensitivity, etiology, severity, prognosis, and several risk factors of AIS. Regression models, correlation, and sensitivity tests were performed to explore the correlation of OSM expression with various aspects of AIS.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant elevation of serum OSM expression in the AIS group (P<0.001). All AIS subgroups showed elevation in OSM level and statistically significant results were reflected in three subgroups. The area under the curve to differentiate AIS patients and control by serum OSM level was 0.747 (P<0.001), with the optimal cut-off value showing sensitivity at 58.82% and specificity at 75.37%. The elevation of serum OSM expression was proportional with severity, not proportional to the volume of infarct, and less elevated in the favorable outcome group. Serum OSM correlation with several risk factors of AIS was statistically significant in age, low-density lipoprotein, non-high-density lipoprotein, prothrombin time, and systolic blood pressure.

CONCLUSION

Serum OSM was expressed differently in correlation with various aspects of AIS. Our findings supported the initial hypothesis that OSM is correlated with various aspects of AIS in humans.

OSM May Serve as a Biomarker of Poor Prognosis in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma and Promote Tumor Cell Invasion and Migration

Background

Currently, the role of oncostatin M (OSM) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) has not been investigated. This study will explore the impact of OSM on ccRCC expression, prognosis, and cell function.

Materials and Methods

In this study, we used The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to evaluate OSM expression characteristics, pathogenic factor distribution, and prognostic aspects in ccRCC. We also combined this analysis with qRT-PCR to verify OSM mRNA expression levels at the tissue level. Then, the effects of OSM on the proliferation, invasion, and migration abilities of ccRCC cells were explored through CCK8, Transwell, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence experiments. Finally, the oncogenic mechanisms associated with OSM in ccRCC were explored through signaling pathway enrichment and single-cell analysis.

Results

The results demonstrated that OSM was significantly more expressed in ccRCC than in normal tissues. According to the survival analysis, OSM in ccRCC was considerably worse in the group with high expression than in the group with low expression. Also, the univariate and multivariate Cox analyses of clinical characteristics show that OSM in ccRCC may be able to predict a poor prognosis on its own as a biomarker. In vitro cellular experiments demonstrated that high OSM expression had no discernible impact on ccRCC cell proliferation compared to the control group, but it did promote tumor cell invasion and migration. Signaling pathways and single-cell analysis revealed that OSM might promote ccRCC invasion and migration through M2 macrophages.

Conclusion

In conclusion, OSM may serve as an independent poor prognostic biomarker in ccRCC and promote tumor cell invasion and migration. This discovery is expected to provide a new therapeutic target for patients with recurrent and metastatic ccRCC.

New perspectives in cancer immunotherapy: targeting IL-6 cytokine family

Chronic inflammation has been recognized as a canonical cancer hallmark. It is orchestrated by cytokines, which are master regulators of the tumor microenvironment (TME) as they represent the main communication bridge between cancer cells, the tumor stroma, and the immune system. Interleukin (IL)-6 represents a keystone cytokine in the link between inflammation and cancer. Many cytokines from the IL-6 family, which includes IL-6, oncostatin M, leukemia inhibitory factor, IL-11, IL-27, IL-31, ciliary neurotrophic factor, cardiotrophin 1, and cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor 1, have been shown to elicit tumor-promoting roles by modulating the TME, making them attractive therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.The development of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) immunotherapies has radically changed the outcome of some cancers including melanoma, lung, and renal, although not without hurdles. However, ICB shows limited efficacy in other solid tumors. Recent reports support that chronic inflammation and IL-6 cytokine signaling are involved in resistance to immunotherapy. This review summarizes the available preclinical and clinical data regarding the implication of IL-6-related cytokines in regulating the immune TME and the response to ICB. Moreover, the potential clinical benefit of combining ICB with therapies targeting IL-6 cytokine members for cancer treatment is discussed.

Unveiling the novel immune and molecular signatures of ovarian cancer: insights and innovations from single-cell sequencing

Ovarian cancer is a highly heterogeneous and lethal malignancy with limited treatment options. Over the past decade, single-cell sequencing has emerged as an advanced biological technology capable of decoding the landscape of ovarian cancer at the single-cell resolution. It operates at the level of genes, transcriptomes, proteins, epigenomes, and metabolisms, providing detailed information that is distinct from bulk sequencing methods, which only offer average data for specific lesions. Single-cell sequencing technology provides detailed insights into the immune and molecular mechanisms underlying tumor occurrence, development, drug resistance, and immune escape. These insights can guide the development of innovative diagnostic markers, therapeutic strategies, and prognostic indicators. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive summary of the diverse applications of single-cell sequencing in ovarian cancer. It encompasses the identification and characterization of novel cell subpopulations, the elucidation of tumor heterogeneity, the investigation of the tumor microenvironment, the analysis of mechanisms underlying metastasis, and the integration of innovative approaches such as organoid models and multi-omics analysis.

The clinical relevance of OSM in inflammatory diseases: a comprehensive review

Oncostatin M (OSM) is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in a variety of inflammatory responses such as wound healing, liver regeneration, and bone remodeling. As a member of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) family of cytokines, OSM binds the shared receptor gp130, recruits either OSMRβ or LIFRβ, and activates a variety of signaling pathways including the JAK/STAT, MAPK, JNK, and PI3K/AKT pathways. Since its discovery in 1986, OSM has been identified as a significant contributor to a multitude of inflammatory diseases, including arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, lung and skin disease, cardiovascular disease, and most recently, COVID-19. Additionally, OSM has also been extensively studied in the context of several cancer types including breast, cervical, ovarian, testicular, colon and gastrointestinal, brain,lung, skin, as well as other cancers. While OSM has been recognized as a significant contributor for each of these diseases, and studies have shown OSM inhibition is effective at treating or reducing symptoms, very few therapeutics have succeeded into clinical trials, and none have yet been approved by the FDA for treatment. In this review, we outline the role OSM plays in a variety of inflammatory diseases, including cancer, and outline the previous and current strategies for developing an inhibitor for OSM signaling.

ARF6 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation through activating STAT3 signaling

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) possesses the high mortality in cancers worldwide. Nevertheless, the concrete mechanism underlying HCC proliferation remains obscure. In this study, we show that high expression of ARF6 is associated with a poor clinical prognosis, which could boost the proliferation of HCC.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to detect the expression level of ARF6 in HCC tissues. We analyzed the clinical significance of ARF6 in primary HCC patients. We estimated the effect of ARF6 on tumor proliferation with in vitro CCK8, colony formation assay, and in vivo nude mouse xenograft models. Immunofluorescence was conducted to investigate the ARF6 localization. western blotting was used to detect the cell cycle-related proteins with. Additionally, we examined the correlation between ARF6 and STAT3 signaling in HCC with western blotting, immunohistochemistry and xenograft assay.

RESULTS

ARF6 was upregulated in HCC tissues compared to adjacent normal liver tissues. The increased expression of ARF6 correlated with poor tumor differentiation, incomplete tumor encapsulation, advanced tumor TNM stage and poor prognosis. ARF6 obviously promoted HCC cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell cycle progression. In vivo nude mouse xenograft models showed that ARF6 enhanced tumor growth. Furthermore, ARF6 activated the STAT3 signaling and ARF6 expression was positively correlated with phosphorylated STAT3 level in HCC tissues. Furthermore, after intervening of STAT3, the effect of ARF6 on tumor-promoting was weakened, which demonstrated ARF6 functioned through STAT3 signaling in HCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that ARF6 promotes HCC proliferation through activating STAT3 signaling, suggesting that ARF6 may serve as potential prognostic and therapeutic targets for HCC patients.

Formin protein FMNL1 is a biomarker for tumor-infiltrating immune cells and associated with well immunotherapeutic response

Background: Increased studies on the basis of bulk RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data of cancer identify numbers of immune-related genes which may play potential regulatory roles in the tumor microenvironment (TME) without in-depth validation. Methods: In the current study, the immunological correlation and cell subpopulation expression pattern of FMNL1 were analyzed using public data. In addition, the cell subpopulation expression pattern of FMNL1 was also deeply validated using single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) and multiplexed quantitative immunofluorescence (mQIF). Results: Bulk FMNL1 mRNA was related to better prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and was able to identify immuno-hot tumor in not only HCC but also multiple cancer types. Bulk FMNL1 mRNA also predicted the response to immunotherapy in multiple cancers. Further validation using scRNA-seq and mQIF revealed that FMNL1 was a biomarker for immune cells. Conclusions: FMNL1 is a biomarker for immune cells in not only hepatocellular carcinoma, but also multiple cancer types. Moreover, immune infiltration analysis using the bulk RNA-seq data would be further validated using scRNA-seq and/or mQIF to describe the cell subpopulation expression pattern in tumor tissues for more in-depth and appropriate understanding.

Canine interleukin-31 binds directly to OSMRβ with higher binding affinity than to IL-31RA

Interleukin-31 (IL-31) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in skin inflammation and tumor progression. The IL-31 signaling cascade is initiated by its binding to two receptors, IL-31 receptor alpha (IL-31RA) and oncostatin M receptor subunit beta (OSMRβ). The previous study suggested that human IL-31 (hIL-31) directly interacts with IL-31RA and OSMRβ, independently, but the binding ability of hIL-31 to IL-31RA is stronger than to OSMRβ. In different to its human ortholog, feline IL-31 (fIL-31) has a higher binding affinity for feline OSMRβ. However, the binding pattern of canine IL-31 to its receptors remains to be elucidated. In this study, we purified the recombinant canine IL-31 (rcIL-31) protein and revealed its secondary structure to be mainly composed of alpha-helices. Moreover, in vitro studies show that rcIL-31 has the ability to induce the phosphorylation of signal transducer activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and STAT5 in DH-82 cells. In the following, the binding efficacies of bioactive rcIL-31 for its individual receptor components have been measured using a flow cytometry assay. The result demonstrates that correctly refolded rcIL-31 binds independently with cIL-31RA and cOSMRβ which were expressed on the cell surface. Of note, rcIL-31 has a greater than tenfold higher affinity to OSMRβ than to IL-31RA. Additionally, we demonstrated that D1-D4, especially D4 of cOSMRβ, is crucial for its binding to cIL-31. Furthermore, this study proved that rcIL-31 has a high binding affinity to the soluble cOSMRβ with a KD value of 3.59 × 10-8 M. The results presented in the current study will have a significant implication in the development of drugs or antibodies against diseases induced by cIL-31 signaling.

Oncostatin-M and OSM-Receptor Feed-Forward Activation of MAPK Induces Separable Stem-like and Mesenchymal Programs

Patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) frequently present with advanced metastatic disease and exhibit a poor response to therapy, resulting in poor outcomes. The tumor microenvironment cytokine Oncostatin-M (OSM) initiates PDAC plasticity, inducing the reprogramming to a stem-like/mesenchymal state, which enhances metastasis and therapy resistance. Using a panel of PDAC cells driven through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by OSM or the transcription factors ZEB1 or SNAI1, we find that OSM uniquely induces tumor initiation and gemcitabine resistance independently of its ability to induce a CD44HI/mesenchymal phenotype. In contrast, while ZEB1 and SNAI1 induce a CD44HI/mesenchymal phenotype and migration comparable with OSM, they are unable to promote tumor initiation or robust gemcitabine resistance. Transcriptomic analysis identified that OSM-mediated stemness requires MAPK activation and sustained, feed-forward transcription of OSMR. MEK and ERK inhibitors prevented OSM-driven transcription of select target genes and stem-like/mesenchymal reprogramming, resulting in reduced tumor growth and resensitization to gemcitabine. We propose that the unique properties of OSMR, which hyperactivates MAPK signaling when compared with other IL6 family receptors, make it an attractive therapeutic target, and that disrupting the OSM-OSMR-MAPK feed-forward loop may be a novel way to therapeutically target the stem-like behaviors common to aggressive PDAC.

IMPLICATIONS

Small-molecule MAPK inhibitors may effectively target the OSM/OSMR-axis that leads to EMT and tumor initiating properties that promote aggressive PDAC.

A single center case series of immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus, patterns of disease onset and long-term clinical outcome

Background

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a rare, but serious immune-related adverse event (irAE) of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Our goal was to characterize treatment outcomes associated with ICI-induced T1DM through analysis of clinical, immunological and proteomic data.

Methods

This was a single-center case series of patients with solid tumors who received ICIs and subsequently had a new diagnosis of T1DM. ICD codes and C-peptide levels were used to identify patients for chart review to confirm ICI-induced T1DM. Baseline blood specimens were studied for proteomic and immunophenotypic changes.

Results

Between 2011 and 2023, 18 of 3744 patients treated at Huntsman Cancer Institute with ICIs were confirmed to have ICI-induced T1DM (0.48%). Eleven of the 18 patients received anti-PD1 monotherapy, 4 received anti-PD1 plus chemotherapy or targeted therapy, and 3 received ipilimumab plus nivolumab. The mean time to onset was 218 days (range 22-418 days). Patients had sudden elevated serum glucose within 2-3 weeks prior to diagnosis. Sixteen (89%) presented with diabetic ketoacidosis. Three of 12 patients had positive T1DM-associated autoantibodies. All patients with T1DM became insulin-dependent through follow-up. At median follow-up of 21.9 months (range 8.4-82.4), no patients in the melanoma group had progressed or died from disease. In the melanoma group, best responses were 2 complete response and 2 partial response while on active treatment; none in the adjuvant group had disease recurrence. Proteomic analysis of baseline blood suggested low inflammatory (IL-6, OSMR) markers and high metabolic (GLO1, DXCR) markers in ICI-induced T1DM cohort.

Conclusions

Our case series demonstrates rapid onset and irreversibility of ICI-induced T1DM. Melanoma patients with ICI-induced T1DM display excellent clinical response and survival. Limited proteomic data also suggested a unique proteomic profile. Our study helps clinicians to understand the unique clinical presentation and long-term outcomes of this rare irAE for best clinical management.

Afatinib combined with anti-PD1 enhances immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma via ERBB2/STAT3/PD-L1 signaling

Background

Afatinib is mainly used to treat advanced non-small cell lung cancer, but its therapeutic effect on hepatocellular carcinoma is still unclear.

Methods

Over 800 drugs were screened by CCK8 technology and afatinib was found to have a significant inhibitory effect on liver cancer cells. The expression of PDL1 in tumor cells treated with drugs were detected by qRT-PCR and Weston Blot experiments. The effects of afatinib on the growth, migration and invasion of HCC cells were evaluated using wound healing, Transwell, and cell cloning assays. The in vivo effects of afatinib in combination with anti-PD1 were evaluated in C57/BL6J mice with subcutaneous tumorigenesis. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to explore the specific mechanism of afatinib's inhibition of ERBB2 in improving the expression level of PD-L1, which was subsequently verified through experiments.

Results

Afatinib was found to have a significant inhibitory effect on liver cancer cells, as confirmed by in vitro experiments, which demonstrated that it could significantly suppress the growth, invasion and migration of HCC cells. qRT PCR and Weston Blot experiments also showed that Afatinib can enhance the expression of PD-L1 in tumor cells. In addition, in vitro experiments confirmed that afatinib can significantly enhance the immunotherapeutic effect of hepatocellular carcinoma. Afatinib's ability to increase PD-L1 expression is mediated by STAT3 activation following its action on HCC cells.

Conclusion

Afatinib enhances PD-L1 expression in tumor cells through the STAT3/PD-L1 pathway. The combination of afatinib and anti-PD1 treatment significantly increases the immunotherapeutic effect of HCC.

Cloning, expression, purification, and immunoblotting analysis of recombinant type III fibronectin domains of human oncostatin M receptor

BACKGROUND

The human oncostatin M receptor subunit , commonly known as the oncostatin M receptor (OSMR), is a cell surface protein and belongs to the family of type I cytokine receptors. It is highly expressed in several cancers and is a potential therapeutic target. Structurally, OSMR consists of three major domains: the extracellular, transmembrane, and cytoplasmic domains. The extracellular domain further comprises four Type III fibronectin subdomains. The functional relevance of these type III fibronectin domains is not known yet, and it is of great interest to us to understand their role in OSMR-mediated interactions with other oncogenic proteins.

METHODS & RESULTS

The four type III fibronectin domains of hOSMR were amplified by PCR using the pUNO1-hOSMR construct as a template. The molecular size of the amplified products was confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis. The amplicons were then cloned into a pGEX4T3 vector containing GST as an N-terminal tag. Positive clones with domain inserts were identified by restriction digestion and overexpressed in E. coli Rosetta (DE3) cells. The optimum conditions for overexpression were found to be 1 mM IPTG and an incubation temperature of 37 °C. The overexpression of the fibronectin domains was confirmed by SDS-PAGE, and they are affinity purified by using glutathione agarose beads in three repetitive steps. The purity of the isolated domains analyzed by SDS-PAGE and western blotting showed that they were exactly at their corresponding molecular weights as a single distinct band.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we have successfully cloned, expressed, and purified four Type III fibronectin subdomains of hOSMR.

Over expression of ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2O in bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells partially attenuates acute myeloid leukaemia progression

Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). However, due to the high heterogeneity of AML the mechanism underlying the cross-talk between MSCs and leukaemia cells is not well understood. We found that mixed-lineage leukaemia-AF9 (MLL-AF9)-induced AML mice-derived MSCs had higher proliferative viability compared to wild-type mice-derived MSCs with ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2O (Ube2o) down-regulation. After overexpression of UBE2O in AML-derived MSCs, the growth capacity of MSCs was reduced with nuclear factor kappa B subunit 1 (NF-κB) pathway deactivation. In vitro co-culture assay revealed that UBE2O-overexpression MSCs suppressed the proliferation and promoted apoptosis of AML cells by direct contact. In vivo results revealed that the leukaemia burden was reduced and the overall survival of AML mice was prolonged, with decreased dissemination of leukaemia cells in BM, spleen, liver and peripheral blood. Additionally, subcutaneous tumorigenesis revealed that tumour growth was also suppressed in the UBE2O-overexpression MSCs group. In conclusion, UBE2O was expressed at a low level in MLL-AF9-induced AML mice-derived MSCs. Overexpression of UBE2O in MSCs suppressed their proliferation through NF-κB pathway deactivation, which resulted in AML suppression. Our study provides a theoretical basis for a BM microenvironment-based therapeutic strategy to control disease progression.

Identification of marine natural product Pretrichodermamide B as a STAT3 inhibitor for efficient anticancer therapy

The Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) regulates the expression of various critical mediators of cancer and is considered as one of the central communication nodes in cell growth and survival. Marine natural products (MNP) represent great resources for discovery of bioactive lead compounds, especially anti-cancer agents. Through the medium-throughput screening of our in-house MNP library, Pretrichodermamide B, an epidithiodiketopiperazine, was identified as a JAK/STAT3 signaling inhibitor. Further studies identified that Pretrichodermamide B directly binds to STAT3, preventing phosphorylation and thus inhibiting JAK/STAT3 signaling. Moreover, it suppressed cancer cell growth, in vitro, at low micromolar concentrations and demonstrated efficacy in vivo by decreasing tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. In addition, it was shown that Pretrichodermamide B was able to induce cell cycle arrest and promote cell apoptosis. This study demonstrated that Pretrichodermamide B is a novel STAT3 inhibitor, which should be considered for further exploration as a promising anti-cancer therapy.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-022-00162-x.

STAT3 signaling in prostate cancer progression and therapy resistance: An oncogenic pathway with diverse functions

The categorization of cancers demonstrates that prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in men and it causes high death annually. Prostate cancer patients are diagnosed mainly via biomarkers such as PSA test and patients show poor prognosis. Prostate cancer cells rapidly diffuse into different parts of body and their metastasis is also a reason for death. Current therapies for prostate cancer patients include chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy as well as targeted therapy. The progression of prostate cancer cells is regulated by different factors that STAT3 signaling is among them. Growth factors and cytokines such as IL-6 can induce STAT3 signaling and it shows carcinogenic impact. Activation of STAT3 signaling occurs in prostate cancer and it promotes malignant behavior of tumor cells. Induction of STAT3 signaling increases glycolysis and proliferation of prostate cancer cells and prevents apoptosis. Furthermore, STAT3 signaling induces EMT mechanism in increasing cancer metastasis. Activation of STAT3 signaling stimulates drug resistance and the limitation of current works is lack of experiment related to role of STAT3 signaling in radio-resistance in prostate tumor. Calcitriol, capsazepine and β-elemonic are among the compounds capable of targeting STAT3 signaling and its inhibition in prostate cancer therapy. In addition to natural products, small molecules targeting STAT3 signaling have been developed in prostate cancer therapy.

The role of IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in cancers

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in immune regulation. It can activate janus kinase 2 (JAK2)-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway. As one of the important signal transduction pathways in cells, JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway plays a critical role in cell proliferation and differentiation by affecting the activation state of downstream effector molecules. The activation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway is involved in tumorigenesis and development. It contributes to the formation of tumor inflammatory microenvironment and is closely related to the occurrence and development of many human tumors. This article focuses on the relationship between IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and liver cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer and ovarian cancer, hoping to provide references for the research of cancer treatment targeting key molecules in IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Oncostatin M Receptor as a Therapeutic Target for Radioimmune Therapy in Synovial Sarcoma

Synovial sarcoma (SS) is a pediatric muscle cancer that primarily affects adolescents and young adults and has few treatment options. Complicating the treatment of synovial sarcoma is the low mutational burden of SS. Inflammatory pathways have been identified as being upregulated in some SS, leading to the discovery of upregulated oncostatin M receptor (OSMR). It was found that OSMR is upregulated in SS by RNAseq analysis and quantitative PCR, highlighting its potential in the treatment of SS. Also, OSMR is upregulated in mouse models for synovial sarcoma as demonstrated by western blot and immunohistochemistry, and the protein is present in both primary and metastatic sites of disease. Using a radioimmune therapy drug model, targeted therapy was synthesized for use in OSMR expressing SS and it was demonstrated that this drug is stable, while capable of efficient OSMR binding and isotope capture. Finally, this antibody conjugate exhibited ideal pharmacokinetics and targeted sites of disease in our mouse model and was taken up in both primary and metastatic diseased tissue. This suggests OSMR as an ideal target for therapy and this radioimmune therapy provides a novel treatment option for a disease with few therapy choices.

Molecular profile of pure squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder identifies major roles for OSMR and YAP signalling

Pure squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common pure variant form of bladder cancer, found in 2–5% of cases. It often presents late and is unresponsive to cisplatin‐based chemotherapy. The molecular features of these tumours have not been elucidated in detail. We carried out whole‐exome sequencing (WES), copy number, and transcriptome analysis of bladder SCC. Muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) samples with no evidence of squamous differentiation (non‐SD) were used for comparison. To assess commonality of features with urothelial carcinoma with SD, we examined data from SD samples in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) study of MIBC. TP53 was the most commonly mutated gene in SCC (64%) followed by FAT1 (45%). Copy number analysis revealed complex changes in SCC, many differing from those in samples with SD. Gain of 5p and 7p was the most common feature, and focal regions on 5p included OSMR and RICTOR. In addition to 9p deletions, we found some samples with focal gain of 9p24 containing CD274 (PD‐L1). Loss of 4q35 containing FAT1 was found in many samples such that all but one sample analysed by WES had FAT1 mutation or deletion. Expression features included upregulation of oncostatin M receptor (OSMR), metalloproteinases, metallothioneins, keratinisation genes, extracellular matrix components, inflammatory response genes, stem cell markers, and immune response modulators. Exploration of differentially expressed transcription factors identified BNC1 and TFAP2A, a gene repressed by PPARG, as the most upregulated factors. Known urothelial differentiation factors were downregulated along with 72 Kruppel‐associated (KRAB) domain‐containing zinc finger family protein (KZFP) genes. Novel therapies are urgently needed for these tumours. In addition to upregulated expression of EGFR, which has been suggested as a therapeutic target in basal/squamous bladder cancer, we identified expression signatures that indicate upregulated OSMR and YAP/TAZ signalling. Preclinical evaluation of the effects of inhibition of these pathways alone or in combination is merited.

Gp130-Mediated STAT3 Activation Contributes to the Aggressiveness of Pancreatic Cancer through H19 Long Non-Coding RNA Expression

Simple Summary

The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation correlate with the aggressiveness of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We demonstrated that the autocrine/paracrine interleukin-6 (IL-6) or leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF)/glycoprotein 130 (gp130)/STAT3 pathway contributes to the maintenance of stemness features and membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) expression, and modulates transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smad signaling-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasion through regulation of TGFβ-RII expression in PDAC cancer stem cell (CSC)-like cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that p-STAT3 acts through the IL-6 or LIF/gp130/STAT3 pathway to access the active promoter region of metastasis-related long non-coding RNA H19 and contribute to its transcription in CSC-like cells. Therefore, the autocrine/paracrine IL-6 or LIF/gp130/STAT3 pathway in PDAC CSC-like cells exhibiting H19 expression is considered to be involved in the aggressiveness of PDAC, and inhibition of the gp130/STAT3 pathway is a promising strategy to target CSCs for the elimination of PDAC (146/150).

Abstract

Signaling pathways involving signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) play key roles in the aggressiveness of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), including their tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been correlated with PDAC aggressiveness, and activation of STAT3 is involved in the regulation of CSC properties. Here, we investigated the involvement of interleukin-6 (IL-6) or the leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF)/glycoprotein 130 (gp130)/STAT3 pathway and their role in pancreatic CSCs. In PDAC CSC-like cells formed by culturing on a low attachment plate, autocrine/paracrine IL-6 or LIF contributes to gp130/STAT3 pathway activation. Using a gp130 inhibitor, we determined that the gp130/STAT3 pathway contributes to the maintenance of stemness features, the expression of membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP), and the invasion of PDAC CSC-like cells. The gp130/STAT3 pathway also modulates the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smad pathway required for epithelial-mesenchymal transition induction through regulation of TGFβ-RII expression in PDAC CSC-like cells. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that p-STAT3 can access the active promoter region of H19 to influence this metastasis-related long non-coding RNA and contribute to its transcription in PDAC CSC-like cells. Therefore, the autocrine/paracrine IL-6 or LIF/gp130/STAT3 pathway in PDAC CSC-like cells may eventually facilitate invasion and metastasis, two hallmarks of malignancy. We propose that inhibition of the gp130/STAT3 pathway provides a promising strategy for targeting CSCs for the treatment of PDAC.

Association of oncostatin M receptor polymorphisms with clinical recurrence of ovarian cancer in the Chinese Han population

Aim: Ovarian cancer (OC) is a gynecological malignancy with a challenging judgment of prognosis due to complicated etiology and high recurrence rate. The oncostatin M receptor (OSMR) from members of the IL-6 receptor family is associated with tumor development. This study aims to explore the correlations between OSMR gene polymorphisms (rs2278329 [G/A, missense, Asp553Asn], rs2292016 [G/T, promoter, -100G/T]) and OC. Methods: This study enrolled 160 OC patients and 397 healthy controls. Genotypes of two single-nucleotide polymorphisms were distinguished using TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assay, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: A significantly decreased overall survival rate was found in serous OC patients carrying rs2278329 GA/AA genotypes. Meanwhile, TT genotype carriers of rs2292016 had an improved relapse rate, and the GT genotype showed a definitive correlation with a lower relapse rate. Conclusion: OSMR gene polymorphisms may be related to recurrence and overall survival of serous OC patients.

Patient-Derived Ovarian Cancer Spheroids Rely on PI3K-AKT Signaling Addiction for Cancer Stemness and Chemoresistance

Simple Summary

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most fatal gynecological cancer with poor survival rates and high mortality. EOC patients respond to standard platinum-based chemotherapy in the beginning, but relapse often due to chemoresistance. Ovarian cancer cells disseminate from the ovarian tumors and spread within the abdomen, where ascites fluid supports the growth and transition. Malignant ascites is present in a third of patients at diagnosis and is considered as a major source of chemoresistance, recurrence, poor survival, and mortality. Malignant ascites is a complex fluid that contains a pro-tumorigenic environment with disseminated cancer cells in 3D spheroids form. In this study, we established an ovarian cancer cell line and identified that 3D spheroids develop from the 2D monolayer, and the platinum-resistant phenotype develops due to the aberrant PI3K-AKT signaling in tumor cells. Furthermore, when we used a combinatorial approach of cisplatin with LY-294002 (a PI3K-AKT dual kinase inhibitor) to treat the cisplatin version of both MCW-OV-SL-3 and A-2780 cell lines, it prevented the 3D spheroid formation ability and also sensitized the cells for cisplatin. In brief, our results provided evidence to advance therapeutic approaches to treat cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer patients.

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy among women worldwide and is characterized by aggressiveness, cancer stemness, and frequent relapse due to resistance to platinum-based therapy. Ovarian cancer cells metastasize through ascites fluid as 3D spheroids which are more resistant to apoptosis and chemotherapeutic agents. However, the precise mechanism as an oncogenic addiction that makes 3D spheroids resistant to apoptosis and chemotherapeutic agents is not understood. To study the signaling addiction mechanism that occurs during cancer progression in patients, we developed an endometrioid subtype ovarian cancer cell line named ‘MCW-OV-SL-3’ from the ovary of a 70-year-old patient with stage 1A endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the ovary. We found that the cell line MCW-OV-SL-3 exhibits interstitial duplication of 1q (q21–q42), where this duplication resulted in high expression of the PIK3C2B gene and aberrant activation of PI3K-AKT-ERK signaling. Using short tandem repeat (STR) analysis, we demonstrated that the cell line exhibits a unique genetic identity compared to existing ovarian cancer cell lines. Notably, the MCW-OV-SL-3 cell line was able to form 3D spheroids spontaneously, which is an inherent property of tumor cells when plated on cell culture dishes. Importantly, the tumor spheroids derived from the MCW-OV-SL-3 cell line expressed high levels of c-Kit, PROM1, ZEB1, SNAI, VIM, and Twist1 compared to 2D monolayer cells. We also observed that the hyperactivation of ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling in these cancer cells resulted in resistance to cisplatin. In summary, the MCW-OV-SL3 endometrioid cell line is an excellent model to study the mechanism of cancer stemness and chemoresistance in endometrioid ovarian cancer.

Attenuated expression of SNF5 facilitates progression of bladder cancer via STAT3 activation

BACKGROUND

SWI/SNF, a well-known ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling complex, plays an essential role in several biological processes. SNF5, the core subunit of the SWI/SNF remodeling complex, inactivated in 95% of malignant rhabdoid tumors (MRT), highlighting its significance in tumorigenesis. However, the role of SNF5 in bladder cancer (BC) remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the function and potential clinical applicability of SNF5 in BC.

METHODS

Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) databases were used to evaluate the clinical significance of SNF5 in BC. We performed Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and functional assays to investigate the role of SNF5 in BC. Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) and drug-susceptibility tests were performed to identify the potential value of SNF5 in the treatment of BC.

RESULTS

Low SNF5 expression conferred a poor prognosis and was significantly associated with the N-stage in BC. ROC curves indicated that SNF5 could distinguish BC from the normal tissues. In vitro and in vivo functional assays demonstrated that attenuated SNF5 expression could promote cell proliferation and enhance migration by STAT3 activation. We imputed that low SNF5 expression could confer greater resistance against conventional first-line drugs, including cisplatin and gemcitabine in BC. GDSC and drug-resistance assays suggested that low SNF5 expression renders T24 and 5637 cells high sensitivity to EGFR inhibitor gefitinib, and combination of EZH2 inhibitor GSK126 and cisplatin.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, the present study, for the first time, showed that low SNF5 expression could promote cell proliferation and migration by activating STAT3 and confer poor prognosis in BC. Importantly, SNF5 expression may be a promising candidate for identifying BC patients who could benefit from EGFR-targeted chemotherapy or cisplatin in combination with EZH2 inhibitor treatment regimens.

Circular RNA circPRKDC promotes tumorigenesis of gastric cancer via modulating insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) and mediating microRNA-493-5p

CircPRKDC has been disclosed to participate in the tumorigenesis of serval tumors, but the regulatory mechanisms of circPRKDC in GC are still unknown. CircPRKDC, miR-493-5p, and insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) levels were tested by RT-qPCR. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related protein levels were evaluated via western blot. The cell viability, migration and invasion were evaluated through CCK-8 and Transwell assays. Luciferase reporter and RIP assays were employed to confirm the binding ability between miR-493-5p and circPRKDC or IRS2. CircPRKDC was upregulated in GC samples, and circPRKDC silencing restrained GC cell viability, metastasis, and EMT and suppressed GC tumor growth. Besides, miR-493-5p was a target of circPRKDC, and the repressive impact of circPRKDC knockdown on GC development was neutralized by miR-493-5p inhibition. Moreover, miR-493-5p targeted IRS2 and IRS2 addition rescued the effects of circPRKDC depletion on GC progression. Finally, circPRKDC knockdown could regulate IRS2 expression by targeting miR-493-5p. These results elaborated that circPRKDC accelerated GC development via sponging miR-493-5p and increasing IRS2, which might provide novel potential targets for GC treatment.