PAI-1 leads to G1-phase cell-cycle progression through cyclin D3/cdk4/6 upregulation

Mechanism of norcantharidin intervention in gastric cancer: analysis based on antitumor proprietary Chinese medicine database, network pharmacology, and transcriptomics

BACKGROUND

Combining antitumor proprietary Chinese medicine (pCm) with radiotherapy and chemotherapy can effectively improve tumor cure rates and enhance patients' quality of life. Gastric cancer (GC) severely endangers public health. Despite satisfactory therapeutic effects achieved by using antitumor pCm to treat GC, its underlying mechanism remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To integrate existing research data, construct a database of antitumor pCm, and study the intervention mechanisms in GC by focusing on their monomer components.

METHODS

We constructed an antitumor pCm database based on China's medical insurance catalog, and employed network pharmacology, molecular docking methods, cell experiments, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics to investigate the intervention mechanisms of effective pCm components for GC.

RESULTS

The study built an antitumor pCm database including 55 pCms, 171 Chinese herbal medicines, 1955 chemical components, 2104 targets, and 32 disease information. Network pharmacology and molecular docking technology identified norcantharidin as an effective component of antitumor pCm. In vitro experiments showed that norcantharidin effectively inhibited GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion; blocked the G2/M cell cycle phase; and induced GC cell apoptosis. Transcriptomic results revealed that norcantharidin affected biological processes, such as cell adhesion, migration, and inflammatory responses by influencing PI3K-AKT, NF-κB, JAK-STAT, TNF-α signaling pathways, and EMT-related pathways. Core molecules of norcantharidin involved in GC intervention include SERPINE1, SHOX2, SOX4, PRDM1, TGFR3, TOX, PAX9, IL2RB, LAG3, and IL15RA. Additionally, the key target SERPINE1 was identified using bioinformatics methods.

CONCLUSION

Norcantharidin, as an effective component of anti-tumor pCm, exerts its therapeutic effects on GC by influencing biological processes such as cell adhesion, migration, and inflammation. This study provides a foundation and research strategy for the post-marketing re-evaluation of antitumor pCms.

Unconventional localization of PAI-1 in PML bodies: A possible link with cellular growth of endothelial cells

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1/Serpin E1) is classically known for its antifibrinolytic activity via inhibiting uPA and tPA of the fibrinolytic pathway. PAI-1 has a paradoxical role in tumor progression, and its molecular functions are poorly understood. PAI-1 is a widely accepted secretory protease inhibitor, however, a study suggested the localization of PAI-1 in the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Besides the plethora of its biological functions as a secretory protein, intracellular localization, and functions of PAI-1 remain unexplored at the molecular level. In this study, using various in silico approaches, we showed that PAI-1 possesses a nuclear export signal. Using the CRM1-specific inhibitor leptomycin B, we demonstrated that PAI-1 has a functional CRM1-dependent NES, indicating the possibility of its nuclear localization. Further, we confirm that PAI-1 is localized in the nucleus of endothelial cells using fluorescence microscopy and immunoprecipitation. Notably, we identified an unconventional distribution of PAI-1 in the PML bodies of the nucleus of normal endothelial cells, while the protein was restricted in the cytoplasm of slow-growing cells. The data showed that the localization of PAI-1 in PML bodies is highly correlated with the growth potential of endothelial cells. This conditional nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of PAI-1 during the aging of cells could impart a strong link to its age-related functions and tumor progression. Together, this study identifies the novel behavior of PAI-1 that might be linked with cell aging and may be able to unveil the elusive role of PAI-1 in tumor progression.

Crosstalk between obesity and cancer: a role for adipokines

Adipose tissue is a complex organ that is increasingly being recognised as the largest endocrine organ in the body. Adipocytes among multiple cell types of adipose tissue can secrete a variety of adipokines, which are involved in signalling pathways and these can be changed by obesity and cancer. There are proposed mechanisms to link obesity/adiposity to cancer development including adipocytokine dysregulation. Among these adipokines, leptin acts through multiple pathways including the STAT3, MAPK, and PI3K pathways involved in cell growth. Adiponectin has the opposite action from leptin in tumour growth partly because of increased apoptotic responses of p53 and Bax. Visfatin increases cancer cell proliferation through ERK1/2, PI3K/AKT, and p38 which are stimulated by proinflammatory cytokines. Omentin through the PI3K/Akt-Nos pathway is involved in cancer-tumour development. Apelin might be involved through angiogenesis in tumour progressions. PAI-1 via its anti-fibrinolytic activity on cell adhesion and uPA/uPAR activity influence cancer cell growth.

miR-181a plays the tumor-suppressor role in chronic myeloid leukemia CD34 + cells partially via SERPINE1

The formation of the BCR-ABL fusion gene drives human chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The last 2 decades have witnessed that specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs, e.g., imatinib mesylate, IM) against ABL1 improve disease treatment, although some patients still suffer from relapse and TKI resistance. Therefore, a better understanding of the molecular pathology of CML is still urgently needed. miR-181a-5p (miR-181a) acts as a tumor suppressor in CML; however, the molecular mechanism of miR-181a in CML stem/progenitor cells remains elusive. Herein, we showed that miR-181a inhibited the growth of CML CD34+ cells, including the quiescent subset, and sensitized them to IM treatment, while miR-181a inhibition by a sponge sequence collaborated with BCR-ABL to enhance the growth of normal CD34+ cells. Transcriptome data and biochemical analysis revealed that SERPINE1 was a bona fide and critical target of miR-181a, which deepened the understanding of the regulatory mechanism of SERPINE1. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of SERPINE1 led to apoptosis mainly mediated by caspase-9 activation. The dual inhibition of SERPINE1 and BCR-ABL exhibited a significantly stronger inhibitory effect than a single agent. Taken together, this study demonstrates that a novel miR-181a/SERPINE1 axis modulates CML stem/progenitor cells, which likely provides an important approach to override TKI resistance.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 is associated with high-grade serous ovarian cancer metastasis and is reduced in patients who have received neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Introduction: High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most prevalent and deadliest subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), killing over 140,000 people annually. Morbidity and mortality are compounded by a lack of screening methods, and recurrence is common. Plasminogen-activator-inhibitor 1 (PAI-1, the protein product of SERPIN E1) is involved in hemostasis, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and tumor cell migration and invasion. Overexpression is associated with poor prognosis in EOC. Platelets significantly increase PAI-1 in cancer cells in vitro, and may contribute to the hematogenous metastasis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). CTCs are viable tumor cells that intravasate and travel through the circulation-often aided by platelets - with the potential to form secondary metastases. Here, we provide evidence that PAI-1 is central to the platelet-cancer cell interactome, and plays a role in the metastatic cascade. Methods: SK-OV-3 cells where PAI-1 had been silenced, treated with healthy donor platelets, and treated with platelet-conditioned medium were used as an in vitro model of metastatic EOC. Gene expression analysis was performed using RNA-Seq data from untreated cells and cells treated with PAI-1 siRNA or negative control, each with and without platelets. Four cohorts of banked patient plasma samples (n = 239) were assayed for PAI-1 by ELISA. Treatment-naïve (TN) whole blood (WB) samples were evaluated for CTCs in conjunction with PAI-1 evaluation in matched plasma. Results and discussion: Significant phenotypic changes occurring when PAI-1 was silenced and when platelets were added to cells were reflected by RNA-seq data, with PAI-1 observed to be central to molecular mechanisms of EOC metastasis. Increased proliferation was observed in cells treated with platelets. Plasma PAI-1 significantly correlated with advanced disease in a TN cohort, and was significantly reduced in a neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) cohort. PAI-1 demonstrated a trend towards significance in overall survival (OS) in the late-stage TN cohort, and correlation between PAI-1 and neutrophils in this cohort was significant. 72.7% (16/22) of TN patients with plasma PAI-1 levels higher than OS cutoff were CTC-positive. These data support a central role for PAI-1 in EOC metastasis, and highlight PAI-1's potential as a biomarker, prognostic indicator, or gauge of treatment response in HGSOC.

Functional Mechanism of MicroRNA-25-3p in Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Proliferation and Migration Through Regulation of Dual Specificity Phosphatase 5

OBJECTIVE

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) is a highly aggressive biliary tract tumor. microRNAs (miRs) exert dual actions in various cancers. This paper seeks to expound on the functional mechanisms of miR-25-3p/dual specificity phosphatase 5 (DUSP5) in HCCA cell proliferation and migration.

METHODS

HCCA-related data were downloaded from GEO database to screen out differentially-expressed genes. The potential target miR (miR-25-3p) and its expression in HCCA were analyzed on Starbase. The binding relation between miR-25-3p and DUSP5 was confirmed by dual-luciferase assay. Levels of miR-25-3p and DUSP5 in FRH-0201 cells and HIBEpics were determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot. miR-25-3p and DUSP5 levels were intervened with to explore their effects on FRH-0201 cells. The apoptosis, proliferation, migration, and invasion of FRH-0201 cells were evaluated by TUNEL, CCK8, scratch healing, and Transwell assays. Flow cytometry was conducted to assess FRH-0201 cell cycle. Levels of cell cycle-related proteins were determined by Western blot.

RESULTS

DUSP5 was weakly-expressed and miR-25-3p was highly-expressed in HCCA samples and cells. miR-25-3p targeted DUSP5. miR-25-3p suppressed FRH-0201 cell apoptosis and increased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. DUSP5 overexpression partially abrogated miR-25-3p overexpression-exerted effects on FRH-0201 cells. miR-25-3p stimulated G1/S phase transition of FRH-0201 cells by targeting DUSP5.

CONCLUSION

miR-25-3p regulated HCCA cell cycle and facilitated cell proliferation and migration by targeting DUSP5.

Myofibroblast depletion reduces kidney cyst growth and fibrosis in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) involves the development and persistent growth of fluid filled kidney cysts. In a recent study, we showed that ADPKD kidney cyst epithelial cells can stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of peri-cystic myofibroblasts. Although dense myofibroblast populations are often found surrounding kidney cysts, their role in cyst enlargement or fibrosis in ADPKD is unclear. To clarify this, we examined the effect of myofibroblast depletion in the Pkd1RC/RC (RC/RC) mouse model of ADPKD. RC/RC;αSMAtk mice that use the ganciclovir-thymidine kinase system to selectively deplete α-smooth muscle actin expressing myofibroblasts were generated. Ganciclovir treatment for four weeks depleted myofibroblasts, reduced kidney fibrosis and preserved kidney function in these mice. Importantly, myofibroblast depletion significantly reduced cyst growth and cyst epithelial cell proliferation in RC/RC;αSMAtk mouse kidneys. Similar ganciclovir treatment did not alter cyst growth or fibrosis in wild-type or RC/RC littermates. In vitro, co-culture with myofibroblasts from the kidneys of patients with ADPKD increased 3D microcyst growth of human ADPKD cyst epithelial cells. Treatment with conditioned culture media from ADPKD kidney myofibroblasts increased microcyst growth and cell proliferation of ADPKD cyst epithelial cells. Further examination of ADPKD myofibroblast conditioned media showed high levels of protease inhibitors including PAI1, TIMP1 and 2, NGAL and TFPI-2, and treatment with recombinant PAI1 and TIMP1 increased ADPKD cyst epithelial cell proliferation in vitro. Thus, our findings show that myofibroblasts directly promote cyst epithelial cell proliferation, cyst growth and fibrosis in ADPKD kidneys, and their targeting could be a novel therapeutic strategy to treat PKD.

PAI-1 is a potential transcriptional silencer that supports bladder cancer cell activity

The extracellular activity of Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is well described, acting as an inhibitor of tissue plasminogen activator and urokinase-type plasminogen activator, impacting fibrinolysis. Recent studies have revealed a pro-tumorigenic role of PAI-1 in human cancers, via the regulation of angiogenesis and tumor cell survival. In this study, immunohistochemical staining of 939 human bladder cancer specimens showed that PAI-1 expression levels correlated with tumor grade, tumor stage and overall survival. The typical subcellular localization of PAI-1 is cytoplasmic, but in approximately a quarter of the cases, PAI-1 was observed to be localized to both the tumor cell cytoplasm and the nucleus. To investigate the potential function of nuclear PAI-1 in tumor biology we applied chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-sequencing, gene expression profiling, and rapid immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry to a pair of bladder cancer cell lines. ChIP-sequencing revealed that PAI-1 can bind DNA at distal intergenic regions, suggesting a role as a transcriptional coregulator. The downregulation of PAI-1 in bladder cancer cell lines caused the upregulation of numerous genes, and the integration of ChIP-sequence and RNA-sequence data identified 57 candidate genes subject to PAI-1 regulation. Taken together, the data suggest that nuclear PAI-1 can influence gene expression programs and support malignancy.

Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics Analyses Identify Intersection Genes of Vitamin D3 and COVID-19 as Potential Therapeutic Targets

Purpose: The persistent pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the discovery of gastrointestinal transmission routes and the possible susceptibility of cancer patients to COVID-19 have forced us to search for effective pathways against stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD)/COVID-19. Vitamin D3 (VD3) is a steroid hormone with antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate the possible functional role and potential mechanisms of action of VD3 as an anti-COVID-19 and anti- STAD. Methods: Clinicopathological analysis, enrichment analysis and protein interaction analysis using bioinformatics and network pharmacology methods. Validate the binding activity of VD3 to core pharmacological targets and viral crystal structures using molecular docking. Results: We revealed the clinical characteristics of STAD/COVID-19 patients. We also demonstrated that VD3 may be anti- STAD/COVID-19 through antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory pathways. Molecular docking results showed that VD3 binds well to the relevant targets of COVID-19, including the spike RBD/ACE2 complex and main protease (Mpro, also known as 3CLpro). We also identified five core pharmacological targets of VD3 in anti-STAD/COVID-19 and validated the binding activity of VD3 to PAI1 by molecular docking. Conclusion: This study reveals for the first time that VD3 may act on disease target gene SERPINE1 through inflammatory and viral related signaling pathways and biological functions for the therapy of STAD/COVID-19. This may provide a new idea for the use of VD3 in the treatment of STAD/COVID-19.

Sustained postoperative plasma elevations of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 following minimally invasive colorectal cancer resection

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is a serine protease inhibitor that inhibits urokinase-type plasminogen activator and tissue-type plasminogen activator. PAI-1 participates in angiogenesis, wound healing and tumor invasion, and additionally regulates endothelial cell proliferation, angiogenesis and tumor growth. The purpose of the present study was to measure plasma PAI-1 levels perioperatively in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) undergoing minimally invasive colorectal resection (MICR). Patients with CRC who underwent elective MICR were eligible for the study. All patients were enrolled in an approved data/plasma bank. Patients with preoperative, postoperative day (POD) 1, POD 3, and at least one POD 7-34 plasma sample collection were studied. Plasma PAI-1 levels were determined in duplicate using ELISA, and the medians and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined. The correlations between postoperative plasma PAI-1 levels and length of surgery were evaluated. PAI-1 levels were compared between patients who underwent laparoscopic-assisted vs. hand-assisted surgery. The preoperative PAI-1 levels of stage I, II, III and IV pathological stage subgroups were also compared. A total of 91 patients undergoing MICR for CRC were studied. The mean incision length was 8.0±3.9 cm, and the length of stay was 6.8±4.3 days. Compared with the median preoperative levels (17.30; 95% CI: 15.63-19.78 ng/ml), significantly elevated median levels were observed on POD 1 (28.86; 95% CI: 25.46-31.22 ng/ml; P<0.001), POD 3 (18.87; 95% CI: 17.05-21.78 ng/ml; P=0.0037), POD 7-13 (26.97; 95% CI: 22.81-28.74 ng/ml; P<0.001), POD 14-20 (25.92; 95% CI: 17.85-35.89 ng/ml; P=0.001) and POD 21-27 (22.63; 95% CI: 20.03-30.09 ng/ml; P<0.001). The PAI-1 levels in the hand-assisted group were higher compared with those in the laparoscopic-assisted group for 4 weeks after surgery; however, a significant difference was found only on POD 1. Therefore, plasma PIA-1 levels were found to be significantly elevated for 4 weeks after MICR, and the surgery-related acute inflammatory response may account for the early postoperative PIA-1 increase. Furthermore, PAI-1-associated VEGF-induced angiogenesis in the healing wounds may account for the late postoperative elevations, and increased PAI-1 levels may promote angiogenesis in residual tumor deposits.

Application of a multiplex urinalysis test for the prediction of intravesical BCG treatment response: A pilot study

BACKGROUND

Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), a live attenuated tuberculosis vaccine that acts as a non-specific immune system stimulant, is the most effective adjuvant treatment for patients with intermediate or high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). However, to date, there are no reliable tests that are predictive of BCG treatment response. In this study, we evaluated the performance of OncuriaTM, a bladder cancer detection test, to predict response to intravesical BCG.

METHODS

OncuriaTM data was evaluated in voided urine samples obtained from a prospectively collected cohort of 64 subjects with intermediate or high risk NMIBC prior to treatment with intravesical BCG. The OncuriaTM test, which measures 10 cancer-associated biomarkers was performed in an independent clinical laboratory. The ability of the test to identify those patients in whom BCG is ineffective against tumor recurrence was tested. Predictive models were derived using supervised learning and cross-validation analyses. Model performance was assessed using ROC curves.

RESULTS

Pre-treatment urinary concentrations of MMP9, VEGFA, CA9, SDC1, PAI1, APOE, A1AT, ANG and MMP10 were increased in patients who developed disease recurrence. A combinatorial predictive model of treatment outcome achieved an AUROC 0.89 [95% CI: 0.80-0.99], outperforming any single biomarker, with a test sensitivity of 81.8% and a specificity of 84.9%. Hazard ratio analysis revealed that patients with higher urinary levels of ANG, CA9 and MMP10 had a significantly higher risk of disease recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Monitoring the urinary levels of a cancer-associated biomarker panel enabled the discrimination of patients who did not respond to intravesical BCG therapy. With further study, the multiplex OncuriaTM test may be applicable for the clinical evaluation of bladder cancer patients considering intravesical BCG treatment.

Identification and Characterization of Key Differentially Expressed Genes Associated With Metronomic Dosing of Topotecan in Human Prostate Cancer

Repetitive, low-dose (metronomic; METRO) drug administration of some anticancer agents can overcome drug resistance and increase drug efficacy in many cancers, but the mechanisms are not understood fully. Previously, we showed that METRO dosing of topotecan (TOPO) is more effective than conventional (CONV) dosing in aggressive human prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines and in mouse tumor xenograft models. To gain mechanistic insights into METRO-TOPO activity, in this study we determined the effect of METRO- and CONV-TOPO treatment in a panel of human PCa cell lines representing castration-sensitive/resistant, androgen receptor (+/−), and those of different ethnicity on cell growth and gene expression. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified for METRO-TOPO therapy and compared to a PCa patient cohort and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The top five DEGs were SERPINB5, CDKN1A, TNF, FOS, and ANGPT1. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis predicted several upstream regulators and identified top molecular networks associated with METRO dosing, including tumor suppression, anti-proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and inflammation. Further, the top DEGs were associated with increase survival of PCa patients (TCGA database), as well as ethnic differences in gene expression patterns in patients and cell lines representing African Americans (AA) and European Americans (EA). Thus, we have identified candidate pharmacogenomic biomarkers and novel pathways associated with METRO-TOPO therapy that will serve as a foundation for further investigation and validation of METRO-TOPO as a novel treatment option for prostate cancers.

Role of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma: An immunohistochemical and in vitro analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the influence of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) on the biological behavior and prognosis of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC).

METHODS

Immunoexpression of PAI-1 was analyzed in 60 OTSCC specimens and classified as low-expression (≤50% of positive cells) or high-expression (>50%). In vitro effects of recombinant human PAI-1 (rhPAI-1) were assessed through functional assays on the OTSCC-derived cell line SCC-25. Three cell groups were evaluated: G0 (control), G10 (10 nM rhPAI-1), and G20 (20 nM rhPAI-1).

RESULTS

High membrane expression of PAI-1 was associated with tumor budding (p = 0.046) and high-risk cases (p = 0.043). Cytoplasmic and membrane expression of PAI-1 was not associated with patient survival. Cell viability (p = 0.020) and progression to the S-phase of the cell cycle (p = 0.024) were higher in G10 and G20 at 24 h. The percentages of apoptotic/necrotic cells were not affected by rhPAI-1. The presence of rhPAI-1 increased cell migration (p = 0.039) and invasion (p = 0.039) after 24 and 72 h, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate the involvement of PAI-1 in the biological behavior of OTSCC, although its expression may not predict patient survival. The in vitro results suggest that PAI-1 stimulates cell proliferation, migration and invasion and may contribute to the aggressive phenotype of OTSCC.

Divergent Regulation of Alveolar Type 2 Cell and Fibroblast Apoptosis by Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 in Lung Fibrosis

Increased apoptosis sensitivity of alveolar type 2 (ATII) cells and increased apoptosis resistance of (myo)fibroblasts, the apoptosis paradox, contributes to the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The mechanism underlying the apoptosis paradox in IPF lungs, however, is unclear. Aging is the greatest risk factor for IPF. In this study, we show, for the first time, that ATII cells from old mice are more sensitive, whereas fibroblasts from old mice are more resistant, to apoptotic challenges, compared with the corresponding cells from young mice. The expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), an important profibrogenic mediator, was significantly increased in both ATII cells and lung fibroblasts from aged mice. In vitro studies using PAI-1 siRNA and active PAI-1 protein indicated that PAI-1 promoted ATII cell apoptosis but protected fibroblasts from apoptosis, likely through dichotomous regulation of p53 expression. Deletion of PAI-1 in adult mice led to a reduction in p53, p21, and Bax protein expression, as well as apoptosis sensitivity in ATII cells, and their increase in the lung fibroblasts, as indicated by in vivo studies. This increase was associated with an attenuation of lung fibrosis after bleomycin challenge. Since PAI-1 is up-regulated in both ATII cells and fibroblasts in IPF, the results suggest that increased PAI-1 may underlie the apoptosis paradox of ATII cells and fibroblasts in IPF lungs.

Cancer‑associated fibroblast‑induced M2‑polarized macrophages promote hepatocellular carcinoma progression via the plasminogen activator inhibitor‑1 pathway

Targeting the tumor stroma is an important strategy in cancer treatment. Cancer‑associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor‑associated macrophages (TAMs) are two main components in the tumor microenvironment (TME) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which can promote tumor progression. Plasminogen activator inhibitor‑1 (PAI‑1) upregulation in HCC is predictive of unfavorable tumor behavior and prognosis. However, the crosstalk between cancer cells, TAMs and CAFs, and the functions of PAI‑1 in HCC remain to be fully investigated. In the present study, macrophage polarization and key paracrine factors were assessed during their interactions with CAFs and cancer cells. Cell proliferation, wound healing and Transwell and Matrigel assays were used to investigate the malignant behavior of HCC cells in vitro. It was found that cancer cells and CAFs induced the M2 polarization of TAMs by upregulating the mRNA expression levels of CD163 and CD206, and downregulating IL‑6 mRNA expression and secretion in the macrophages. Both TAMs derived from cancer cells and CAFs promoted HCC cell proliferation and invasion. Furthermore, PAI‑1 expression was upregulated in TAMs after being stimulated with CAF‑conditioned medium and promoted the malignant behavior of the HCC cells by mediating epithelial‑mesenchymal transition. CAFs were the main producer of C‑X‑C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) in the TME and CXCL12 contributed to the induction of PAI‑1 secretion in TAMs. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that CAFs promoted the M2 polarization of macrophages and induced PAI‑1 secretion via CXCL12. Furthermore, it was found that PAI‑1 produced by the TAMs enhanced the malignant behavior of the HCC cells. Therefore, these factors may be targets for inhibiting the crosstalk between tumor cells, CAFs and TAMs.

Fibrinolytic System and Cancer: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications

Fibrinolysis is a crucial physiological process that helps to maintain a hemostatic balance by counteracting excessive thrombosis. The components of the fibrinolytic system are well established and are associated with a wide array of physiological and pathophysiological processes. The aberrant expression of several components, especially urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), its cognate receptor uPAR, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), has shown a direct correlation with increased tumor growth, invasiveness, and metastasis. As a result, targeting the fibrinolytic system has been of great interest in the field of cancer biology. Even though there is a plethora of encouraging preclinical evidence on the potential therapeutic benefits of targeting the key oncogenic components of the fibrinolytic system, none of them made it from “bench to bedside” due to a limited number of clinical trials on them. This review summarizes our existing understanding of the various diagnostic and therapeutic strategies targeting the fibrinolytic system during cancer.

PAI-1 expression in intratumoral inflammatory infiltrate contributes to lymph node metastasis in oral cancer: A cross-sectional study

Introduction

Immune cells contribute with mediators in the protein expression profile of the tumor microenvironment. Levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) are elevated in non-malignant inflammatory conditions; however, the association between PAI-1 expression and inflammation remains uncertain in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study aimed to investigate PAI-1 expression in mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltrate in OSCC and its role as a prognostic marker.

Methods

Samples were collected from patients with OSCC, treated surgically, and followed for 24 months after the procedure. Thirty-nine tumoral tissue were analyzed using immunohistochemistry. Correlation between protein expression, clinicopathological parameters, and the prognosis was investigated.

Results

Positive PAI-1 expression in mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltrate was significantly associated with lymph node status (p = 0.009) and with the cytoplasmic expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) (p = 0.028). Multivariate analysis revealed weak PAI-1 expression as an independent marker for lymph node metastases, with approximately 8-fold increased risk compared to strong expression (OR = 8.60; CI = 1.54-48.08; p = 0.014).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the strong PAI-1 expression in intratumoral inflammatory infiltrate is an indicator of a better prognosis for patients diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Oleuropein is a natural inhibitor of PAI-1-mediated proliferation in human ER-/PR- breast cancer cells

PURPOSE

Elevated expression of PAI-1 has been widely linked with adverse outcomes in a variety of human cancers, such as breast, gastric and ovarian cancers, rendering PAI-1 a prognostic biomarker. As a result, several chemical inhibitors are currently being developed against PAI-1; however, the clinical setting where they might confer survival benefits has not yet been elucidated.

METHODS

RNA sequencing data analysis from the TCGA/GTEx cancer portals (n = 3607 samples). In silico molecular docking analyses to predict functional macromolecule interactions. ER-/PR- (MDA-MB-231) and ER+/PR+ (MCF-7) breast cancer cell lines implemented to assess the effect of oleuropein as a natural inhibitor of PAI-1-mediated oncogenic proliferation.

RESULTS

We show that high PAI-1 levels inversely correlate with ER and PR expressions in a wide panel of estrogen/progesterone-responsive human malignancies. By implementing an in silico molecular docking analysis, we identify oleuropein, a phenolic component of olive oil, as a potent PAI-1-binding molecule displaying increased affinity compared to the other olive oil constituents. We demonstrate that EVOO or oleuropein treatment alone may act as a natural PAI-1 inhibitor by incrementally destabilising PAI-1 levels selectively in ER-/PR- breast cancer cells, accompanied by downstream caspase activation and cell growth inhibition. In contrast, ER+/PR+ breast cancer cells, where PAI-1 expression is absent or low, do not adequately respond to treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates an inverse correlation between PAI-1 and ESR1/PGR levels, as well as overall patient survival in estrogen/progesterone-responsive human tumours. With a focus on breast cancer, our data identify oleuropein as a natural PAI-1 inhibitor and suggest that oleuropein-mediated PAI-1 destabilisation may confer clinical benefit only in ER-/PR- tumours.

Adipocyte-Derived Leptin Promotes PAI-1 -Mediated Breast Cancer Metastasis in a STAT3/miR-34a Dependent Manner

Simple Summary

Although adipocytes affect the metastatic behavior of cancer cells, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely elusive. Thereby, we sought to screen for the signaling pathways responsible for adipocyte-induced motility of breast cancer cells by employing a breast cancer cell/adipocyte coculture system. Our study revealed that adipocyte coculture stimulated PAI-1 expression in breast cancer cells to potentiate cell motility. Furthermore, we obtained evidence that adipocytes secreted leptin to activate OBR in breast cancer cells, which phosphorylated STAT3 to promote the transcription of PAI-1 and repress the expression of miR-34a as the negative regulator of PAI-1. Our study provides new evidence for the involvement of adipocytes in breast cancer evolution, which advances the evolving roles of stromal cells in tumor pathogenesis.

Abstract

The crosstalk between cancer cells and adipocytes is critical for breast cancer progression. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions have not been fully characterized. In the present study, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) was found to be a critical effector of the metastatic behavior of breast cancer cells upon adipocyte coculture. Loss-of-function studies indicated that silencing PAI-1 suppressed cancer cell migration. Furthermore, we found that PAI-1 was closely related to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in breast cancer patients. A loss-of-function study and a mammary orthotopic implantation metastasis model showed that PAI-1 promoted breast cancer metastasis by affecting the EMT process. In addition, we revealed that leptin/OBR mediated the regulation of PAI-1 through the interactions between adipocytes and breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, we elucidated that leptin/OBR further activated STAT3 to promote PAI-1 expression via miR-34a–dependent and miR-34a–independent mechanisms in breast cancer cells. In conclusion, our study suggests that targeting PAI-1 and interfering with its upstream regulators may benefit breast cancer patients.

E2F7, regulated by miR‑30c, inhibits apoptosis and promotes cell cycle of prostate cancer cells

Prostate cancer (PCa) remains a leading cause of mortality among men in the United States and Western Europe. The molecular mechanism of PCa pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, the expression profile of E2F transcription factor 7 (E2F7) in PCa was examined using immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR, whilst cell cycle progression and apoptosis were determined using fluorescent cell activated sorting techniques. Cell viability was measured using Cell Counting Kit‑8 in loss‑ and gain‑of‑function studies. Dual‑luciferase reporter assay was used to verify if E2F7 was one of the potential targets of miR‑30c. The staining score of E2F7 of PCa tissues was found to be notably higher compared with that of adjacent normal tissues. Suppression of E2F7 expression in PCa cell lines led to significantly reduced proliferation rates, increased proportion of cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle and higher apoptotic rates compared with those in negative control groups. Dual‑luciferase reporter assay revealed E2F7 to be one of the binding targets of microRNA (miR)‑30c. In addition, transfection of miR‑30c mimics into PCa cells resulted in reduced cell viability, increased proportion of cells in the G1 phase and higher apoptotic rates. By contrast, transfection with the miR‑30c inhibitor led to lower apoptosis rates of PCa cells compared with negative control groups, whilst E2F7 siRNA co‑transfection reversed stimulatory effects of miR‑30c inhibitors on cell viability. In addition, the expression of cyclin‑dependent kinase inhibitor p21 were found to be upregulated by transfection with either E2F7 siRNA or miR‑30c mimics into PCa cells. In conclusion, the present study suggested that E2F7 may be positively associated with PCa cell proliferation by inhibiting p21, whereas E2F7 is in turn under regulation by miR‑30c. These observations suggest the miR‑30c/E2F7/p21 axis to be a viable therapeutic target for PCa.

Prostaglandin E2 receptor 3 (EP3) signaling promotes migration of cervical cancer via urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR)

Purpose

Cervical cancer metastasis results in poor prognosis and increased mortality, which is not separated from inflammatory reactions accumulated by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). As a specific G-protein coupled PGE2 receptor, EP3 is demonstrated as a negative prognosticator of cervical malignancy. Now, we aimed to investigate the pathological mechanism of EP3 in modulating cervical cancer carcinogenesis.

Methods

Bioinformatics analysis was used to identify PAI-1 and uPAR correlations with EP3 expression, as well as the prognosis of cervical cancer patients. In vitro analyses were carried out to investigate the role of EP3 on cervical cancer proliferation and migration.

Results

In vitro studies showed that sulprostone (an EP3 agonist) enhanced the proliferation and migration of cervical cancer cells, whereas silencing of EP3 inhibited their proliferation and migration. Furthermore, EP3 knockdown increased the expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (p-ERK1/2), but decreased p53 expression. Bioinformatics analysis showed that both PAI-1 and uPAR were correlated with EP3 expression, as well as the prognosis of cervical cancer patients. The survival analysis further showed that uPAR overexpression (IRS≥2) was correlated with a lower overall survival rate of cervical cancer patients with advanced stages (FIGO III-IV).

Conclusion

These results indicated that EP3 signaling pathway might facilitate the migration of cervical cancer cells through modulating uPAR expression. Therefore, EP3 and uPAR could represent novel therapeutic targets in the treatment of cervical cancer in advantaged stages.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00432-020-03272-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

PAI1 is a Marker of Bad Prognosis in Rectal Cancer but Predicts a Better Response to Treatment with PIM Inhibitor AZD1208

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. The standard treatment in locally advanced rectal cancer is preoperative radiation alone or in combination with chemotherapy, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Rectal cancer is highly lethal, with only 20% of patients showing a complete remission (by RECIST) after standard treatment, although they commonly show local or systemic relapse likely due to its late detection and high chemotherapy resistance, among other reasons. Here, we explored the role of PAI1 (Serpin E1) in rectal cancer through the analyses of public patient databases, our own cohort of locally advanced rectal cancer patients and a panel of CRC cell lines. We showed that PAI1 expression is upregulated in rectal tumors, which is associated with decreased overall survival and increased metastasis and invasion in advanced rectal tumors. Accordingly, PAI1 expression is correlated with the expression of (Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition) EMT-associated genes and genes encoding drug targets, including the tyrosine kinases PDGFRb, PDGFRa and FYN, the serine/threonine kinase PIM1 and BRAF. In addition, we demonstrate that cells expressing PAI1 protein are more sensitive to the PIM inhibitor AZD1208, suggesting that PAI1 could be used to predict response to treatment with PIM inhibitors and to complement radiotherapy in rectal tumors.

The plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 paradox in cancer: a mechanistic understanding

The paradoxical pro-tumorigenic function of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1, aka Serpin E1) in cancer progression and metastasis has been the subject of an abundant scientific literature that has pointed to a pro-angiogenic role, a growth and migration stimulatory function, and an anti-apoptotic activity, all directed toward promoting tumor growth, cancer cell survival, and metastasis. With uPA, PAI-1 is among the most reliable biomarkers and prognosticators in many cancer types. More recently, a novel pro-tumorigenic function of PAI-1 in cancer-related inflammation has been demonstrated. These multifaceted activities of PAI-1 in cancer progression are explained by the complex structure of PAI-1 and its multiple functions that go beyond its anti-fibrinolytic and anti-plasminogen activation activities. However, despite the multiple evidences supporting a pro-tumorigenic role of PAI-1 in cancer, and the development of several inhibitors, targeting PAI-1, has remained elusive. In this article, the various mechanisms responsible for the pro-tumorigenic functions of PAI-1 are reviewed with emphasis on its more recently described contribution to cancer inflammation. The challenges of targeting PAI-1 in cancer therapy are then discussed.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 (PAI-2) overexpression supports bladder cancer development in PAI-1 knockout mice in N-butyl-N- (4-hydroxybutyl)-nitrosamine- induced bladder cancer mouse model

BACKGROUND

Accumulating evidence suggests that plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) plays an important role in bladder tumorigenesis by regulating cell cycle. However, it remains unclear whether and how inhibition of PAI-1 suppresses bladder tumorigenesis.

METHODS

To elucidate the therapeutic effect of PAI-1 inhibition, we tested its tumorigenicity in PAI-1 knockout (KO) mice exposed to a known bladder carcinogen.

RESULTS

PAI-1 deficiency did not inhibit carcinogen-induced bladder cancer in mice although carcinogen-exposed wild type mice significantly increased PAI-1 levels in bladder tissue, plasma and urine. We found that PAI-1 KO mice exposed to carcinogen tended to upregulate protein C inhibitor (PAI-3), urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and tissue-type PA (tPA), and significantly increased PAI-2, suggesting a potential compensatory function of these molecules when PAI-1 is abrogated. Subsequent studies employing gene expression microarray using mouse bladder tissues followed by post hoc bioinformatics analysis and validation experiments by qPCR and IHC demonstrated that SERPING1 is further downregulated in PAI-1 KO mice exposed to BBN, suggesting that SERPING1 as a potential missing factor that regulate PAI-2 overexpression (compensation pathway).

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that serpin compensation pathway, specifically PAI-2 overexpression in this model, supports bladder cancer development when oncoprotein PAI-1 is deleted. Further investigations into PAI-1 are necessary in order to identify true potential targets for bladder cancer therapy.

Prognostic Significance of Lymphocyte Infiltration and a Stromal Immunostaining of a Bladder Cancer Associated Diagnostic Panel in Urothelial Carcinoma

We set out to expand on our previous work in which we reported the epithelial expression pattern of a urine-based bladder cancer-associated diagnostic panel (A1AT, ANG, APOE, CA9, IL8, MMP9, MMP10, PAI1, SDC1, and VEGFA). Since many of the analytes in the bladder cancer-associated diagnostic signature were chemokines, cytokines, or secreted proteins, we set out to report the stromal staining pattern of the diagnostic signature as well as CD3⁺ (T-cell) cell and CD68⁺ (macrophage) cell staining in human bladder tumors as a snapshot of the tumor immune landscape. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on 213 tumor specimens and 74 benign controls. Images were digitally captured and quantitated using Aperio (Vista, CA). The expression patterns were correlated with tumor grade, tumor stage, and outcome measures. We noted a positive correlation of seven of the 10 proteins (excluding A1AT and IL8 which had a negative association and VEGFA had no association) in bladder cancer. The overexpression of MMP10 was associated with higher grade disease, while overexpression of MMP10, PAI1, SDC1 and ANG were associated with high stage bladder cancer and CA9 was associated with low stage bladder cancer. Increased tumor infiltration of CD68⁺ cells were associated with higher stage disease. Overall survival was significantly reduced in bladder cancer patients' whose tumors expressed eight or more of the 10 proteins that comprise the bladder cancer diagnostic panel. These findings confirm that the chemokines, cytokines, and secreted proteins in a urine-based diagnostic panel are atypically expressed, not only in the epithelial component of bladder tumors, but also in the stromal component of bladder tumors and portends a worse overall survival. Thus, when assessing immunohistochemical staining, it is important to report staining patterns within the stroma as well as the entire stroma itself.

The inhibitory effect of oridonin on colon cancer was mediated by deactivation of TGF-β1/Smads-PAI-1 signaling pathway in vitro and vivo

Background

Oridonin, the main active component of Rabdosia rubescens, has been demonstrated to have anti-tumor effect on all kinds of cancer cells through various mechanisms and it has shown antitumor activity in some tumors partially via the suppression of TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway. The aim of this study was to explore the anticancer effect of oridonin on human colon carcinoma and underlying mechanism in vitro and vivo.

Methods

CCK-8 assay was employed to assess cell viability. The key target genes and proteins involved in TGF-β/Smads pathway was detected by RT-PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The orthotopic transplantation tumor model of colon cance LOVO cell was introduced to detect anti-cancer effects in vivo.

Results

Oridonin inhibited the proliferation of colon cancer LOVO cells in a concentration and time dependent manner. In addition, oridonin reduced the levels of Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, PAI-1 and the phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3 induced by TGF-β1 in vitro. Subsequently, we established an orthotopically implanted tumor model in nude mice and found that oridonin treatment significantly suppressed tumor growth, and which was accompanied by the down-regulation of Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, PAI-1 and p-Smad2, p-Smad3 expression levels.

Conclusion

Our present study demonstrated that the growth inhibition of colon cancer by oridonin could be partially mediated through discontinuing TGF-β1/Smads-PAI-1 signaling pathway, suggesting it as a promising agent in treating colorectal cancer.

Construction of a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network to explore the pathogenesis and treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Many studies focusing on circular RNAs (circRNAs) have recently been published. However, a large number of circRNAs remain to be explored. This study was designed to discover new circRNAs and investigate their potential roles in the pathogenesis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

METHODS

A combination of gene chip analysis and bioinformatic methods was utilized to reveal new circRNAs and their possible mechanisms in PDAC. A circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was established based on the results of differential analyses and interaction predictions. Promising drugs for treating PDAC were determined by connectivity map (CMap) analysis.

RESULTS

Expression profile data were collected from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and integration of differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs) from two gene chips using the RobustRankAggreg method revealed 10 DECs. The microRNA (miRNA) response elements of these 10 DECs were predicted. The predicted miRNAs and differentially expressed miRNAs were intersected, and 12 overlapping miRNAs were acquired. Next, 2908 miRNA target mRNAs and 1187 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PDAC were identified and combined, revealing 118 overlapping mRNAs. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed with the 118 mRNAs, and four hub genes (CDH1, SERPINE1, IRS1 and FYN) were identified. Using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis, survival analyses were conducted for the four hub genes, and SERPINE1 and FYN were found to be significantly associated with PDAC patient survival. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that these four hub genes are closely associated with certain cancer-related biological functions and pathways. In addition, CMap analysis based on the four hub genes was performed to screen potential therapeutic agents for PDAC, and three bioactive chemicals (celastrol, 5109870 and MG-132) were discovered.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study further our understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of PDAC from the perspective of the circRNA-related competing endogenous RNA network.

Monoclonal Antibody against CXCL1 (HL2401) as a Novel Agent in Suppressing IL6 Expression and Tumoral Growth

Rationale: The expression of the chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1), an inflammatory protein, has been reported to be up-regulated in many human cancers. The mechanisms through which aberrant cellular CXCL1 levels promote specific steps in tumor growth and progression are unknown. Methods: We described the anticancer effects and mechanism of action of HL2401, a monoclonal antibody directed at CXCL1 with in vitro and in vivo data on bladder and prostate cancers. Results: HL2401 inhibited proliferation and invasion of bladder and prostate cells along with disrupting endothelial sprouting in vitro. Furthermore, novel mechanistic investigations revealed that CXCL1 expression stimulated interleukin 6 (IL6) expression and repressed tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 4 (TIMP4). Systemic administration of HL2401 in mice bearing bladder and prostate xenograft tumors retarded tumor growth through the inhibition of cellular proliferation and angiogenesis along with an induction of apoptosis. Our findings reveal a previously undocumented relationship between CXCL1, IL6 and TIMP4 in solid tumor biology. Principal conclusions: Taken together, our results argue that CXCL1 plays an important role in sustaining the growth of bladder and prostate tumors via up-regulation of IL6 and down-regulation of TIMP4. Targeting these critical interactions with a CXCL1 monoclonal antibody offers a novel strategy to therapeutically manage bladder and prostate cancers.

Effect of serpinE1 overexpression on the primary tumor and lymph node, and lung metastases in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Serpin Family E Member 1 (SerpinE1) overexpression associates with poor clinical outcome in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. This study analyzed the role of serpinE1 in HNSCC dissemination.

METHODS

We studied the phenotypic characteristics and dissemination of HNSCC cells overexpressing serpinE1 using an orthotopic model and the association between serpinE1 overexpression and clinicopathological variables in patients included in The Cancer Genome Atlas database.

RESULTS

SerpinE1 overexpression increased proliferation, tumor budding, and the stromal component, while inhibiting apoptosis in primary tumors. It also enhanced the affectation and metastatic growth in lymph nodes, and the dispersion and growth of metastatic foci in the lung. High serpinE1 expression was associated with larger tumor size, undifferentiated tumors, lymph node metastasis, extracapsular spread, and the presence of perineural and angiolymphatic invasion.

CONCLUSION

SerpinE1 overexpression promotes tumor aggressiveness and metastatic dissemination to lymph nodes and lung consistently with its association with poor outcome in HNSCC patients.

KSHV co-infection, a new co-factor for HPV-related cervical carcinogenesis?

High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the etiological agent of cervical cancer and some other cancers. Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) represents a principal causative agent of several human cancers arising in those immunocompromised patients. In fact, KSHV DNA has been detected in the female genital tract, and this virus may share some transmission routes with HPV, although the detection rate of KSHV in cervical samples is very low and the KSHV/HPV co-infection is seldom reported. Currently, it remains unclear about the role of KSHV co-infection in the development of HPV-related neoplasias. In this article, we have summarized the recent finding from clinic and bench indicating KSHV co-infection may represent a co-factor for the development of HPV-related carcinogenesis.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in cancer research

[Despite as a major inhibitor of urokinase (uPA), paradoxically,] Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) has been validated to be highly expressed in various types of tumor biopsy tissues or plasma compared with controls based on huge clinical data bases analysis, more importantly, PAI-1 alone or in conjunction with uPA have been identified as prognostic for disease progression and relapse in certain cancer types. particularly in breast cancer. In addition to play important roles in cell adhesion, migration and invasion, PAI-1 has been reported to induce tumor vascularization and thus promote cell dissemination and tumor metastasis. Furthermore, there are many tumor promoting factors involved in the modulation of PAI-1 expression and activity, which will strengthen the pro-tumorigenic roles of PAI-1. Undoubtedly, PAI-1 may be a promising target for therapeutic intervention of specific cancer treatment. In fact, some PAI-1 inhibitors are currently being evaluated in cancer therapy, which may be developed to new antitumor agents in the future.

Analysis of microarrays of miR-34a and its identification of prospective target gene signature in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Currently, some studies have demonstrated that miR-34a could serve as a suppressor of several cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Previously, we discovered that miR-34a was downregulated in HCC and involved in the tumorigenesis and progression of HCC; however, the mechanism remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to estimate the expression of miR-34a in HCC by applying the microarray profiles and analyzing the predicted targets of miR-34a and their related biological pathways of HCC.

METHODS

Gene expression omnibus (GEO) datasets were conducted to identify the difference of miR-34a expression between HCC and corresponding normal tissues and to explore its relationship with HCC clinicopathologic features. The natural language processing (NLP), gene ontology (GO), pathway and network analyses were performed to analyze the genes associated with the carcinogenesis and progression of HCC and the targets of miR-34a predicted in silico. In addition, the integrative analysis was performed to explore the targets of miR-34a which were also relevant to HCC.

RESULTS

The analysis of GEO datasets demonstrated that miR-34a was downregulated in HCC tissues, and no heterogeneity was observed (Std. Mean Difference(SMD) = 0.63, 95% confidence intervals(95%CI):[0.38, 0.88], P < 0.00001; P_{heterogeneity} = 0.08 I² = 41%). However, no association was found between the expression value of miR-34a and any clinicopathologic characteristics. In the NLP analysis of HCC, we obtained 25 significant HCC-associated signaling pathways. Besides, we explored 1000 miR-34a-related genes and 5 significant signaling pathways in which CCND1 and Bcl-2 served as necessary hub genes. In the integrative analysis, we found 61 hub genes and 5 significant pathways, including cell cycle, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, notching pathway, p53 pathway and focal adhesion, which proposed the relevant functions of miR-34a in HCC.

CONCLUSION

Our results may lead researchers to understand the molecular mechanism of miR-34a in the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of HCC. Therefore, the interaction between miR-34a and its targets may promise better prediction and treatment for HCC. And the experiments in vivo and vitro will be conducted by our group to identify the specific mechanism of miR-34a in the progress and deterioration of HCC.

Grassystatins D-F, Potent Aspartic Protease Inhibitors from Marine Cyanobacteria as Potential Antimetastatic Agents Targeting Invasive Breast Cancer

Three new modified peptides named grassystatins D-F (1-3) were discovered from a marine cyanobacterium from Guam. Their structures were elucidated using NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The hallmark structural feature in the peptides is a statine unit, which contributes to their aspartic protease inhibitory activity preferentially targeting cathepsins D and E. Grassystatin F (3) was the most potent analogue, with IC50 values of 50 and 0.5 nM against cathepsins D and E, respectively. The acidic tumor microenvironment is known to increase the activation of some of the lysosomal proteases associated with tumor metastasis such as cathepsins. Because cathepsin D is a biomarker in aggressive forms of breast cancer and linked to poor prognosis, the effects of cathepsin D inhibition by 1 and 3 on the downstream cellular substrates cystatin C and PAI-1 were investigated. Furthermore, the functional relevance of targeting cathepsin D substrates was evaluated by examining the effect of 1 and 3 on the migration of MDA-MD-231 cells. Grassystatin F (3) inhibited the cleavage of cystatin C and PAI-1, the activities of their downstream targets cysteine cathepsins and tPA, and the migration of the highly aggressive triple negative breast cancer cells, phenocopying the effect of siRNA-mediated knockdown of cathepsin D.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 is an independent prognostic factor of ovarian cancer and IMD-4482, a novel plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 inhibitor, inhibits ovarian cancer peritoneal dissemination

In the present study, the therapeutic potential of targeting plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in ovarian cancer was tested. Tissues samples from 154 cases of ovarian carcinoma were immunostained with anti-PAI-1 antibody, and the prognostic value was analyzed. Among the samples, 67% (104/154) showed strong PAI-1 expression; this was significantly associated with poor prognosis (progression-free survival: 20 vs. 31 months, P = 0.0033). In particular, among patients with stage II-IV serous adenocarcinoma, PAI-1 expression was an independent prognostic factor. The effect of a novel PAI-1 inhibitor, IMD-4482, on ovarian cancer cell lines was assessed and its therapeutic potential was examined using a xenograft mouse model of ovarian cancer. IMD-4482 inhibited in vitro cell adhesion to vitronectin in PAI-1-positive ovarian cancer cells, followed by the inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation through dissociation of the PAI-urokinase receptor complex from integrin αVβ3. IMD-4482 caused G0/G1 cell arrest and inhibited the proliferation of PAI-1-positive ovarian cancer cells. In the xenograft model, IMD-4482 significantly inhibited peritoneal dissemination with the reduction of PAI-1 expression and the inhibition of focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation. Collectively, the functional inhibition of PAI-1 significantly inhibited ovarian cancer progression, and targeting PAI-1 may be a potential therapeutic strategy in ovarian cancer.

Association of MMP-2, RB and PAI-1 with decreased recurrence-free survival and overall survival in bladder cancer patients

Background

We previously reported an accurate urine-based bladder cancer (BCa)-associated diagnostic signature that can be used to non-invasively detect BCa. In this study, we investigated whether a component of this signature could risk stratify patients with BCa.

Methods

Utilizing immunohistochemistry, we investigated angiogenin, MMP-2, p53, RB and PAI-1 expression from 939 patients with BCa. The expression levels were scored by assigning a proportion score and an intensity score to yield a total staining score for each protein. The expressions of each protein individually and as an aggregate were then correlated with progression-free survival (PFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

Differential expressions of these markers were noted in BCa. With multivariate analysis in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) age, tumor grade portended a worse PFS, while age, tumor grade, nodal status, MMP2, RB and PAI-1 expression portended a worse OS. As for multivariate analysis in muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), age MMP-2 and RB were associated with a worse PFS, while age, nodal status, MMP-2, RB and PAI-1 were associated with a worse OS. Using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, we noted a significant reduction in OS as more of the five biomarkers were expressed in a tumor. Thus, overall, high expressions of MMP-2, RB and/or PAI-1 in bladder tumors were markers of poor prognosis.

Conclusion

Individually, MMP-2, RB and PAI-1, as well as in aggregate correlated with poor survival in patients with BCa. Thus, patients whose bladder tumors express these biomarkers may benefit from early radical treatment and/or neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapies.

Long non-coding RNA RP5-833A20.1 inhibits proliferation, metastasis and cell cycle progression by suppressing the expression of NFIA in U251 cells

Early reports suggest that nuclear factor IA (NFIA) is important in the pathogenesis of glioma. Our previous study demonstrated that the long non‑coding RNA (lncRNA), RP5‑833A20.1, suppressed the expression of NFIA in THP‑1 macrophage-derived foam cells. However, the effect and possible mechanism of RP5‑833A20.1 on glioma remains to be fully elucidated, and whether the NFIA-dependent pathway is involved in its progression has not been investigated. In the present study, the mechanisms by which RP5‑833A20.1 regulates the expression of NFIA in glioma were investigated. The expression levels of RP5‑833A20.1 and NFIA were determined in U251 cells and clinical samples using reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. The effects of RP5‑833A20.1 on cell proliferation, invasion, cell cycle and apoptosis were evaluated using in vitro assays. The potential changes in protein expression were investigated using western blot analysis. The methylation status of the CpG island in the NFIA promoter was determined using bisulfite PCR (BSP) sequencing. It was found that the expression of RP5‑833A20.1 was downregulated, whereas the expression of NFIA was upregulated in glioma tissues, compared with corresponding adjacent nontumor tissues from 20 patients with glioma. The overexpression of RP5‑833A20.1 inhibited proliferation and cell cycle progression, and induced apoptosis in the U251 cells. The mRNA and protein levels of NFIA were markedly inhibited by overexpression of RP5‑833A20.1 in the U251 cells. The overexpression of RP5‑833A20.1 increased the expression of microRNA‑382‑5p in the U251 cells. The BSP assay revealed that the overexpression of RP5‑833A20.1 enhanced the methylation level of the NFIA promoter. These results demonstrated that RP5‑833A20.1 inhibited tumor cell proliferation, induced apoptosis and inhibited cell‑cycle progression by suppressing the expression of NFIA in U251 cells. Collectively, these results indicated RP5‑833A20.1 as a novel therapeutic target for glioma.

High glucose and insulin enhance uPA expression, ROS formation and invasiveness in breast cancer-derived cells

BACKGROUND

Accumulating evidence indicates that type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk to develop breast cancer. This risk has been attributed to hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and chronic inflammation. As yet, however, the mechanisms underlying this association are poorly understood. Here, we studied the effect of high glucose and insulin on breast cancer-derived cell proliferation, migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasiveness, as well as its relationship to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the plasminogen activation system.

METHODS

MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation, migration and invasion were assessed using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), scratch-wound and matrigel transwell assays, respectively. ROS production was determined using 2' 7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate. The expression of E-cadherin, vimentin, fibronectin, urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), its receptor (uPAR) and its inhibitor (PAI-1) were assessed using qRT-PCR and/or Western blotting assays, respectively. uPA activity was determined using gel zymography.

RESULTS

We found that high glucose stimulated MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation, migration and invasion, together with an increased expression of mesenchymal markers (i.e., vimentin and fibronectin). These effects were further enhanced by the simultaneous administration of insulin. In both cases, the invasion and growth responses were found to be associated with an increased expression of uPA, uPAR and PAI-1, as well as an increase in active uPA. An osmolality effect of high glucose was excluded by using mannitol at an equimolar concentration. We also found that all changes induced by high glucose and insulin were attenuated by the anti-oxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and, thus, depended on ROS production.

CONCLUSIONS

From our data we conclude that hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia can promote breast cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. We found that these features were associated with increased expression of the mesenchymal markers vimentin and fibronectin, as well as increased uPA expression and activation through a mechanism mediated by ROS.

Silencing of ATPase Inhibitory Factor 1 Inhibits Cell Growth via Cell Cycle Arrest in Bladder Cancer

OBJECTIVE

The role of the ATPase inhibitory factor 1 (IF1) is inhibit the hydrolase activity of F1Fo-ATPase when oxidative phosphorylation is impaired. It has been demonstrated that IF1 is overexpressed in various carcinomas and mediates tumor cell activities, but the detailed mechanisms of IF1-mediated tumor progression and the link between IF1 and cell cycle progression remain unclear. Herein, we aimed to investigate the potential role of IF1 in cell cycle progression of human bladder cancer (BCa).

METHODS

The expression of IF1 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in tumor tissues. Western blot was used to detect protein expression in the cells. Cell proliferation was determined by MTT and colony formation assays. The cell cycle was analyzed using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

We firstly showed IF1 was overexpressed in BCa. Silencing of IF1 by small interfering RNA led to a significant decrease in cell proliferation and migration in T24 and UM-UC-3 cells. Importantly, IF1 knockdown caused cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 stage and decreased the protein level of cyclin E/cyclin-dependent kinases (cdk) 2 and/or cyclin D/cdk4/cdk6.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest the inhibitory effect of IF1 knockdown on BCa cell proliferation is via the suppression of cyclins and cdks related to G1/S transition and then induction of G0/G1 arrest, and firstly indicate IF1 mediates the tumor cell cycle. We concluded that IF1 may be a novel therapeutic target for BCa.

Validation and clinicopathologic associations of a urine-based bladder cancer biomarker signature

Background

To validate the expression of a urine-based bladder cancer associated diagnostic signature comprised of 10 targets; ANG, CA9, MMP9, MMP10, SERPINA1, APOE, SDC1, VEGFA, SERPINE1 and IL8 in bladder tumor tissues.

Methods

Immunohistochemical analyses were performed on tumor specimens from 213 bladder cancer patients (transitional cell carcinoma only) and 74 controls. Staining patterns were digitally captured and quantitated (Aperio, Vista, CA), and expression was correlated with tumor stage, tumor grade and outcome measures.

Results

We revealed a positive association of 9 of the 10 proteins (excluding VEGF) in bladder cancer. Relative to control cases, a reduction in SDC1 and overexpression of MMP9, MMP10, SERPINE1, IL8, APOE, SERPINA1, ANG were associated with high stage bladder cancer. Reduced VEGF and increased SERPINA1 were associated with high-grade bladder cancer. Disease-specific survival was significantly reduced in tumors with high expression of SERPINE1 and/or IL8.

Conclusions

These findings confirm that the proteins in a urine-based diagnostic signature are aberrantly expressed in bladder tumor tissues, and support the potential additional utility of selected biomarkers for the clinicopathological evaluation of excised tissue or biopsy material.

Virtual Slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/13000_2014_200