Transcription Factor FOSL1 Promotes Angiogenesis of Colon Carcinoma by Regulating the VEGF Pathway Through Activating TIMP1

Angiogenesis is the critical media for tumor growth and migration. Tissue Inhibitor Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP1) acts as an oncogene in colon carcinoma (CC), but the biological effects of TIMP1 on angiogenesis remain an open issue. This study sought to explore the exact function and mechanism of TIMP1 in the angiogenesis of CC. Bioinformatics methods were utilized to analyze the expression of TIMP1 and its upstream transcription factor FOS-like antigen 1 (FOSL1) in the tumor tissue of CC. Meanwhile, in CC cell lines, real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were utilized to verify the expression of TIMP1 and FOSL1. Cell counting kit-8 and tube formation assays were utilized to analyze the proliferation and angiogenesis abilities of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of VEGFA, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays were carried out to explore the specific interaction between FOSL1 and TIMP1. The present study discovered that TIMP1 and FOSL1 were evidently up-regulated in CC tissue and cells. Meanwhile, TIMP1 was found to participate in regulating the signaling pathway of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Silenced TIMP1 conspicuously suppressed the proliferation and angiogenesis of HUVECs and reduced the protein expression of VEGFA, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3. Moreover, FOSL1 could promote TIMP1 transcription by binding with its promoter and the inhibition of TIMP1 expression obviously reversed the promotion effects of FOSL1 overexpression on the proliferation and angiogenesis of HUVECs. FOSL1 activated VEGF pathway by up-regulating TIMP1 expression, thereby advancing CC angiogenesis. We provided theoretical basis that the FOSL1/TIMP1/VEGF pathway might be a novel option for anti-angiogenesis therapy of CC.

An updated patent review of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors (2021-present)

INTRODUCTION

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are strongly interlinked with the progression and mechanisms of several life-threatening diseases including cancer. Thus, novel MMP inhibitors (MMPIs) as promising drug candidates can be effective in combating these diseases. However, no MMPIs are marketed to date due to poor pharmacokinetics and lower selectivity. Therefore, this review was performed to study the newer MMPIs patented after the COVID-19 period for an updated perspective on MMPIs.

AREAS COVERED

This review highlights patents related to MMPIs, and their therapeutic implications published between January 2021 and August 2023 available in the Google Patents, Patentscope, and Espacenet databases.

EXPERT OPINION

Despite various MMP-related patents disclosed up to 2020, newer patent applications in the post-COVID-19 period decreased a lot. Besides major MMPs, other isoforms (i.e. MMP-3 and MMP-7) have gained attention recently for drug development. This may open up newer dimensions targeting these MMPs for therapeutic advancements. The isoform selectivity and bioavailability are major concerns for effective MMPI development. Thus, adopting theoretical approaches and experimental methodologies can unveil the development of novel MMPIs with improved pharmacokinetic profiles. Nevertheless, the involvement of MMPs in cancer, and the mechanisms of such MMPs in other diseases should be extensively studied for novel MMPI development.

The Comprehensive Analysis of Specific Proteins as Novel Biomarkers Involved in the Diagnosis and Progression of Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) cases are predicted to rise by 2040 to approximately 1.8 million cases, while GC-caused deaths to 1.3 million yearly worldwide. To change this prognosis, there is a need to improve the diagnosis of GC patients because this deadly malignancy is usually detected at an advanced stage. Therefore, new biomarkers of early GC are sorely needed. In the present paper, we summarized and referred to a number of original pieces of research concerning the clinical significance of specific proteins as potential biomarkers for GC in comparison to well-established tumor markers for this malignancy. It has been proved that selected chemokines and their specific receptors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), specific proteins such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs), a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS), as well as DNA- and RNA-based biomarkers, and c-MET (tyrosine-protein kinase Met) play a role in the pathogenesis of GC. Based on the recent scientific literature, our review indicates that presented specific proteins are potential biomarkers in the diagnosis and progression of GC as well as might be used as prognostic factors of GC patients' survival.

Thermo-Transient Receptor Potential Channels: Therapeutic Potential in Gastric Cancer

Over the last decade, researchers have found abnormal expression of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. In particular, members of the thermally sensitive subclass (thermo-TRPs) are involved in many disease processes. Moreover, they have a vital role in the occurrence and development of gastric cancer (GC). Accordingly, thermo-TRPs constitute a major pharmacological target, and the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying their response to physiological stimuli or drugs is key for notable advances in GC treatment. Therefore, this paper summarizes the existing literature about thermo-TRP protein expression changes that are linked to the incidence and progression of GC. The review also discusses the implication of such association to pathology and cell physiology and identifies potential thermo-TRP protein targets for diagnosis and treatment of GC.

Utility of Matrix Metalloproteinases in the Diagnosis, Monitoring and Prognosis of Ovarian Cancer Patients

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynecologic malignancies. It is characterized by a high mortality rate, which is mainly due to the asymptomatic course of the disease. In light of the high mortality rate and increasing morbidity, new diagnostic methods are being explored to enable earlier detection, better monitoring, and improved prognosis. Such diagnostic methods include the assessment of tumor markers in various biological samples. Among the markers currently being investigated, extracellular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are of particular interest. The objective of this article was to compile the existing knowledge of MMPs in ovarian cancer patients and to describe their potential diagnostic utility. Additionally, this article provides an overview of the symptoms, complications, and risk factors associated with ovarian cancer and the role of MMPs in physiology and pathology. Preliminary results indicate that tissue expression and blood and body fluid levels of MMPs may be different in ovarian cancer patients than in healthy women. The expression and concentration of individual MMPs have been shown to be correlated with cancer stage and disease severity. In addition, the preliminary value of some of these enzymes in predicting prognosis is discussed. However, as the amount of data is limited, more studies are needed to fully evaluate the potential function of individual MMPs in ovarian cancer patients. Based on the knowledge gathered for this article, it seems that MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7, MMP-8, MMP-9, MMP-13, are tentatively the most useful. A thorough evaluation of their utility as modern biomarkers in ovarian cancer requires further investigation.

Bioinformatics Prediction and Machine Learning on Gene Expression Data Identifies Novel Gene Candidates in Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the five most common cancers in the world and unfortunately has a high mortality rate. To date, the pathogenesis and disease genes of GC are unclear, so the need for new diagnostic and prognostic strategies for GC is undeniable. Despite particular findings in this regard, a holistic approach encompassing molecular data from different biological levels for GC has been lacking. To translate Big Data into system-level biomarkers, in this study, we integrated three different GC gene expression data with three different biological networks for the first time and captured biologically significant (i.e., reporter) transcripts, hub proteins, transcription factors, and receptor molecules of GC. We analyzed the revealed biomolecules with independent RNA-seq data for their diagnostic and prognostic capabilities. While this holistic approach uncovered biomolecules already associated with GC, it also revealed novel system biomarker candidates for GC. Classification performances of novel candidate biomarkers with machine learning approaches were investigated. With this study, AES, CEBPZ, GRK6, HPGDS, SKIL, and SP3 were identified for the first time as diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarker candidates for GC. Consequently, we have provided valuable data for further experimental and clinical efforts that may be useful for the diagnosis and/or prognosis of GC.

LncRNA HOXC-AS1 Sponges miR-99a-3p and Upregulates MMP8, Ultimately Promoting Gastric Cancer

Simple Summary

Long noncoding RNAs, including the HOXC Cluster Antisense RNA 1 (HOXC-AS1), are reported to be critical during the occurrence and progression of gastric cancer. We examined cells and tissues for the expression of HOXC-AS1 and correlated the expression levels with the disease specific survival of the gastric cancer patients. We also identified the interaction between HOXC-AS1 and miR-99a-3p, as well as matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP8) by dual-luciferase reporter gene assays. Western blot and qRT-PCR were conducted to verify the alteration in expression levels, while Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and colony formation assay were performed to explore the influences on gastric cancer cells. Overexpression of HOXC-AS1 would accordingly sponge greater quantities of miR-99a-3p, leading to the upregulation of MMP8, eventually facilitating the progress of gastric cancer.

Abstract

Gastric cancer (GC) is among the most lethal tumors worldwide. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are reported to be critical during the occurrence and progression of malignancies. The HOXC cluster antisense RNA 1 (HOXC-AS1) has been suggested to participate in the genesis and development of GC. Therefore, we examined GC cells and tissues for the expression of HOXC-AS1 and correlated the expression levels with the disease specific survival of the patients, finding that HOXC-AS1 was overexpressed and probably had a tendency of leading to a poor prognosis. The Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and colony formation assay were then performed under knockdown of HOXC-AS1, revealing that cell proliferation of GC was distinctly decreased. Afterwards, miR-99a-3p was predicted to bind with HOXC-AS1 by DIANA tools. We carried out dual-luciferase reporter gene assays to identify the interaction between them. After knockdown of HOXC-AS1, miR-99a-3p was clearly overexpressed in GC cells. In addition, matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP8) was shown to be combined with miR-99a-3p using TargetScan. Similar experiments, along with western blot, were conducted to validate the correlation between miR-99a-3p and MMP8. Finally, rescue experiments for CCK-8 were completed, disclosing that HOXC-AS1 promoted cell progression of GC through sponging miR-99a-3p followed by subsequent upregulation of MMP8.

Investigation of proteomic profiles in canine lymphoma using tandem mass tag-based quantitative proteomics approach

Background and Aim:

Specific tumor biomarkers are useful for the early diagnosis of cancer or can predict the recurrence of neoplastic disease in humans and animals. Lymphoma in dogs could be classified into B-, T-, and NK-cell origins. T-cell lymphoma has the worst prognosis with a shorter survival time and disease-free interval. This study aimed to identify the differential serum protein expressions of canine B- and T-cell lymphomas compared with healthy dogs using a tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics.

Materials and Methods:

Serum samples were collected from 20 untreated canine lymphomas (14 B-cells and 6 T-cells) and four healthy control dogs. Sera peptides from each sample were processed for TMT 10-plex tagging and analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (MS). Differential proteome profiling was then compared between lymphoma and control.

Results:

We discovered 20 elevated and 14 decreased serum proteins in the lymphoma group relative to the healthy group. Six candidate increased proteins in canine lymphomas were beta-actin cytoplasmic 1 (ACTB, p=0.04), haptoglobin (p=0.002), beta-2 microglobulin (aaaaaaaa2M, p=0.007), beta-2 glycoprotein 1 (APOH, p=0.03), metalloproteinase inhibitor 1 (TIMP-1, p=0.03), and CD44 antigen (p=0.02). When compared between B- and T-cell lymphomas, B-cell phenotypes had upregulated immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain V region GOM (p=0.02), clusterin (p=0.01), apolipoprotein C1 (APOC1, p=0.05), and plasminogen (p=0.02).

Conclusion:

These findings were investigated quantitative serum proteomes between B- and T-cell lymphomas using TMT-based MS. ACTB, aaaaaaaa2M, APOH, TIMP-1, CD44 antigen, Ig heavy chain V region GOM, and APOC1 are novel candidate proteins and might serve as a lymphoma biomarker in dogs. However, evaluation with an increased sample size is needed to confirm their diagnostic and prognostic ability.

Matrix Metalloproteinase 8 Expression in a Tumour Predicts a Favourable Prognosis in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a significant cause of cancer-related death globally, and, despite improvements in diagnostics and treatment, survival remains poor. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes involved in stroma remodelling in inflammation and cancer. MMP-8 plays a varied prognostic role in cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. We examined the prognostic value of MMP-8 immunoexpression in tumour tissue and the amount of MMP-8-positive polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) in PDAC and their association with immune responses using C-reactive protein (CRP) as a marker of systemic inflammation. Tumour samples from 141 PDAC patients undergoing surgery in 2002−2011 at the Department of Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital were stained immunohistochemically, for which we evaluated MMP-8 expression in cancer cells and the amount of MMP-8-positive PMNs. We assessed survival using the Kaplan−Meier analysis while uni- and multivariable analyses relied on the Cox proportional hazards model. A negative MMP-8 stain and elevated CRP level predicted a poor prognosis (hazard ratio [HR] = 6.95; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.69−17.93; p < 0.001) compared to a positive stain and low CRP level (<10 mg/L). The absence of PMNs together with an elevated CRP level also predicted an unfavourable outcome (HR = 3.17; 95% CI 1.60−6.30; p = 0.001). MMP-8 expression in the tumour served as an independent positive prognostic factor (HR = 0.33; 95% CI 0.16−0.68; p = 0.003). Tumour MMP-8 expression and a low CRP level may predict a favourable outcome in PDAC with similar results for MMP-8-positive PMNs and low CRP levels. Tumoural MMP-8 expression represents an independent positive prognostic factor in PDAC.

Differential progression of unhealthy diet-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in obese and non-obese mice

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) ranks first among liver diseases in Western countries. NAFLD is typically associated with obesity and diabetes, however it also develops in lean individuals without metabolic syndrome. The prevalence of lean NAFLD is 7 percent in the U.S. and 25-30 percent in some Asian countries. NAFLD starts with excess liver fat accumulation (NAFL), progresses to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pathogenesis of lean NASH-HCC and how it differs from obese NASH-HCC is not well understood.

METHODS

In this work, we generated a mouse model of lean and obese NASH-HCC using a choline deficient/high trans-fat/fructose/cholesterol diet and a choline supplemented/high trans-fat/fructose/cholesterol diet, respectively, to compare progression to NASH-HCC in lean versus obese mice. Comparisons were made at the organismal, histological, and molecular level by investigating fatty acid metabolism in the plasma of these mice.

RESULTS

Obese mice showed more pronounced glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, higher levels of plasma cholesterol and triglycerides, and higher penetrance of NASH compared to lean mice. Despite the abnormal metabolic profile of obese mice, male obese and lean mice developed HCC with similar penetrance (53.3% and 53.8%, respectively), albeit lean mice showed faster tumor progression as evidenced by the larger tumor size and lower HCC-free survival. None of the female lean mice developed HCC, while 50% of female obese mice developed HCC. Both groups of mice showed a reduction in plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), however, the levels were higher towards the endpoint in obese mice compared to lean mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Unhealthy diet composition appears to drive progression to NASH-HCC rather than the organismal effects of obesity. PUFA levels may increase due to systemic inflammation in obese mice and act as suppressors of tumor progression, thus delaying HCC progression in obese mice compared to lean mice. These models could be used to further dissect the molecular pathogenesis of lean and obese NASH-HCC and address the mechanisms whereby PUFAs may be implicated in hepatocarcinogenesis.

Serum Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 and Myeloperoxidase Predict Survival after Resection of Colorectal Liver Metastases

INTRODUCTION

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been extensively studied in several malignancies, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a promising new prognostic biomarker. We investigated the prognostic value of MMP-8, MMP-9, and MPO, as well as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA19-9, and C-reactive protein (CRP) in colorectal cancer with operable liver metastases.

METHODS

This study included 419 patients who underwent liver resection for colorectal metastases at the Helsinki University Hospital between 2000 and 2013. Serum samples were drawn before and 3 months after liver resection. We evaluated associations of MMP-8, MMP-9, MPO, CRP, CEA, and CA19-9 concentrations to disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) using the Cox proportional hazards model and Kaplan-Meier log-rank method.

RESULTS

In univariate Cox regression analyses, pre- and postoperatively high MMP-8 (HR 1.53, 95% CI: 1.07-2.19, p = 0.021 and HR 1.45, 95% CI: 1.01-2.09, p = 0.044, respectively) associated with worse 10-year OS. Postoperatively high MPO indicated better 5-year DFS (HR 0.70, 95% CI: 0.54-0.90, p = 0.007). Elevated pre- and postoperative CEA and CA19-9 as well as postoperative CRP indicated impaired survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre- and postoperatively high MMP-8 associates with worse 10-year OS, and postoperatively high MPO associates with better 5-year DFS. CEA, CA19-9, and CRP are also prognostic.

The prognostic and diagnostic value of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases gene family and potential function in gastric cancer

Background: Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) gene family, including TIMP1, TIMP2, TIMP3 and TIMP4, was found to be correlated with serval cancers. Still the diagnostic and prognostic study of it in gastric cancer (GC) have few reports.

Methods and materials: In this study, the gene expression and clinical data were acquired from the Cancer Gene Atlas (TCGA), function enrichment was used by several databases for verifying known function. Operating characteristic (ROC) curves with area under the curve (AUC) used to assess diagnostic value. Survival analysis and joint-effects survival analysis was performed by the Kaplan-Meier curve. The results were adjusted by cox-regression model. Nomogram is used to directly predict the survival rate for individual GC patient. The potential mechanism for diagnostic and prognostic value was assessed by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Further functions of gene were verified by cell proliferation, migration and invasion assays in human gastric cancer cell line.

Results:TIMP1 was expressed in GC tissue was higher than normal gastric tissue. TIMP3 and TIMP4 have expressed in normal gastric tissue were higher than GC tissue. TIMP1, TIMP3 and TIMP4 have potential diagnostic value (AUC=0.842, 0.729, 0.786 respectively; all P<0.01). Low expression of TIMP2 and TIMP3 associated with favorable overall survival (all P<0.05). TIMP2 and TIMP3, which had significantly affection of prognosis were found having some function such as tRNA processing, cell cycle pathway ncRNA processing. The silencing of TIMP3 could inhibit the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cell.

Conclusion: We analyzed the TIMP gene family in GC, and the prognostic and diagnostic value. TIMP1 and TIMP2 could be used as diagnostic biomarkers in GC. TIMP2 and TIMP3 could be used as potential biomarkers for GC's prognosis.

The Tumor Proteolytic Landscape: A Challenging Frontier in Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy

In recent decades, dysregulation of proteases and atypical proteolysis have become increasingly recognized as important hallmarks of cancer, driving community-wide efforts to explore the proteolytic landscape of oncologic disease. With more than 100 proteases currently associated with different aspects of cancer development and progression, there is a clear impetus to harness their potential in the context of oncology. Advances in the protease field have yielded technologies enabling sensitive protease detection in various settings, paving the way towards diagnostic profiling of disease-related protease activity patterns. Methods including activity-based probes and substrates, antibodies, and various nanosystems that generate reporter signals, i.e., for PET or MRI, after interaction with the target protease have shown potential for clinical translation. Nevertheless, these technologies are costly, not easily multiplexed, and require advanced imaging technologies. While the current clinical applications of protease-responsive technologies in oncologic settings are still limited, emerging technologies and protease sensors are poised to enable comprehensive exploration of the tumor proteolytic landscape as a diagnostic and therapeutic frontier. This review aims to give an overview of the most relevant classes of proteases as indicators for tumor diagnosis, current approaches to detect and monitor their activity in vivo, and associated therapeutic applications.

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) as a prognostic biomarker in gastrointestinal cancer: a meta-analysis

Background

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) has recently been shown to be dependent on or independent of Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in its roles in tumorigenesis and progression. This appreciation has prompted various studies assessing the prognostic value of TIMP-1 in patients with gastrointestinal cancer, however, the conclusions were still inconsistent. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of TIMP-1-immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and pretreatment serum/plasma TIMP-1 level in gastrointestinal cancer survival as well as the association between TIMP-1 and clinicopathologic features.

Methods

The meta-analysis was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; Registration NO. CRD42020185407) and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. A highly sensitive literature search was performed in electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. Heterogeneity analysis was conducted using both chi-square-based Q statistics and the I² test. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the prognostic value of TIMP-1 using the fixed-effects model. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were calculated to evaluate the associations between TIMP-1 and clinicopathological characteristics. The meta-analysis was conducted using STATA 12.0 software.

Results

A total of 3,958 patients from twenty-two studies were included in the meta-analysis. Elevated TIMP-1 levels were significantly associated with poor survival in gastrointestinal cancer (TIMP-1-IHC staining: HR = 2.04, 95% CI [1.59–2.61], I² = 35.7%, P_Q = 0.156; pretreatment serum/plasma TIMP-1 levels: HR = 2.02, 95% CI [1.80–2.28], I² = 0%, P_Q = 0.630). Moreover, clinicopathological parameter data analysis showed that elevated TIMP-1 levels were significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (N1/N2/N3 vs N0: OR = 2.92, 95% CI [1.95–4.38]) and higher TNM stages (III/IV vs I/II: OR = 2.73, 95% CI [1.23–6.04]).

Conclusion

Both TIMP-1-positive IHC staining and high serum/plasma TIMP-1 levels are poor prognostic factors for the survival of gastrointestinal cancer. In addition, TIMP-1 overexpression was correlated with more advanced clinicopathological features.

The Roles of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Inhibitors in Human Diseases

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling endopeptidases that have the capacity to degrade almost every component of the ECM. The degradation of the ECM is of great importance, since it is related to embryonic development and angiogenesis. It is also involved in cell repair and the remodeling of tissues. When the expression of MMPs is altered, it can generate the abnormal degradation of the ECM. This is the initial cause of the development of chronic degenerative diseases and vascular complications generated by diabetes. In addition, this process has an association with neurodegeneration and cancer progression. Within the ECM, the tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) inhibit the proteolytic activity of MMPs. TIMPs are important regulators of ECM turnover, tissue remodeling, and cellular behavior. Therefore, TIMPs (similar to MMPs) modulate angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. An interruption in the balance between MMPs and TIMPs has been implicated in the pathophysiology and progression of several diseases. This review focuses on the participation of both MMPs (e.g., MMP-2 and MMP-9) and TIMPs (e.g., TIMP-1 and TIMP-3) in physiological processes and on how their abnormal regulation is associated with human diseases. The inclusion of current strategies and mechanisms of MMP inhibition in the development of new therapies targeting MMPs was also considered.

Matrix metalloproteinase-7, -8, -9, -15, and -25 in minor salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma

Knowledge on the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is limited. MMPs are capable of degrading almost all extracellular and pericellular components to promote invasion and metastasis. This study aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of MMP-7, -8, -9, -15, and -25 in ACC and to relate the results with clinicopathological factors and survival. The study included 68 patients with minor salivary gland ACC treated at the Helsinki University Hospital (Helsinki, Finland) in 1974-2012. Samples from 52 patients were available, consisting of 44 primary tumours and eight recurrent tumours. We scored immunostaining of MMP-7, -8, -9, -15, and -25 and analysed the immunoscore against clinical and pathological parameters using statistical correlation test. MMP-9 immunoexpression in pseudocysts of ACC and in peritumoural inflammatory cells associated with better survival and fewer treatment failures. High tumoural MMP-7 and -25 associated with better survival. High tumoural MMP-15 associated with poorer survival and high tumoural MMP-9 with advanced stage and regional recurrences. Tumour cells did not show MMP-8 immunopositivity. These results suggest that MMP-9 may contribute to ACC carcinogenesis in different roles. MMP-7, -8, and -9 can stimulate signalling pathways that may promote tissue modulation and metastatic potential. MMP-15 and -25 may reflect prognosis.

High Expression of MMP-9 in Primary Tumors and High Preoperative MPO in Serum Predict Improved Prognosis in Colorectal Cancer with Operable Liver Metastases

INTRODUCTION

The liver metastases of colorectal cancer (CRC) can be surgically treated in selected cases, with continuously improving results. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to cancer invasion by degrading the extracellular matrix, and elevated levels of MMP-2, MMP-8, and MMP-9 have been detected in several malignancies. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a mediator of tissue damage that can oxidatively activate latent MMPs. We evaluated the prognostic value of MMP-2, MMP-8, and MMP-9 in tissue samples of primary tumors and liver metastases and the pre- and postoperative serum levels of MMP-8, MMP-9, and MPO in CRC patients undergoing liver resection.

METHODS

Tissue and serum samples were obtained from 111 patients who had primary colorectal tumors and their liver metastases surgically treated at the Helsinki University Hospital between 1988 and 2007. Tissue expression of MMP-2, MMP-8, and MMP-9 in primary tumors and liver metastases was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Pre- and postoperative serum concentrations of MMP-8, MMP-9, and MPO were determined using a time-resolved immunofluorometric assay or commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Clinical data were retrieved from patient records and the Central Statistical Office of Finland. Associations with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Cox regression analysis and the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

High expression of MMP-9 in colorectal tumor tissue was associated with better DFS (p = 0.010), and high preoperative MPO in serum with improved DFS and OS (p < 0.001 and p = 0.014, respectively). The prognostic significance varied according to gender, age, and the synchronicity of liver metastases.

CONCLUSION

Low preoperative MPO in serum might identify patients at high risk of recurrence and death after resection of colorectal liver metastases. Elevated preoperative MPO and high expression of MMP-9 in colorectal tumor tissue indicate an improved prognosis. The use of these biomarkers should be adjusted according to clinical characteristics.

Label-free peptide quantification coupled with in silico mapping of proteases for identification of potential serum biomarkers in gastric adenocarcinoma patients

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to identify serum level variations in protein-derived peptides between patients diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) and non-cancer persons (control) to detect the activity changes of proteases and explore the auxiliary diagnostic value in the context of GAC physiopathology.

METHODS

The label-free quantitative peptidome approach was applied to identify variants in serum levels of peptides that can differentiate GAC patients from the control group. Peptide sequences were submitted against Proteasix tool predicting proteases potentially involved in their generation. The activity change of proteases was subsequently estimated based on the peptides with significantly altered relative abundance. In turn, activity change prediction of proteases was correlated with relevant protease expression data from the literature.

RESULTS

A total of 191 peptide sequences generated by the cleavage of 36 precursor proteins were identified. Using the label-free quantification approach, 33 peptides were differentially quantified (adjusted fold change ≥ 1.5 and p-value < 0.05) in which 19 were up-regulated and 14 were down-regulated in GAC samples. Of these peptides, fibrinopeptide A was significantly decreased and its phosphorylated form ADpSGEGDFLAEGGGVR was upregulated in GAC samples. Activity change prediction yielded 10 proteases including 6 Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs), Thrombin, Plasmin, and kallikreins 4 and 14. Among predicted proteases in our analysis, MMP-7 was presented as a more promising biomarker associated with useful assays of clinical practice for GAC diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Our experimental results demonstrate that the serum levels of peptides were significantly differentiated in GAC physiopathology. The hypotheses built on protease regulation could be used for further investigations to measure proteases and their activity levels that have been poorly studied for GAC diagnosis.

Functional disparities within the TIMP family in cancer: hints from molecular divergence

The members of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) family (TIMP-1, 2, 3, 4) are prominently appreciated as natural inhibitors of cancer-promoting metalloproteinases. However, clinical and recent functional studies indicate that some of them correlate with bad prognosis and contribute to the progression of cancer and metastasis, pointing towards mechanisms beyond inhibition of cancer-promoting proteases. Indeed, it is increasingly recognized that TIMPs are multi-functional proteins mediating a variety of cellular effects including direct cell signaling. Our aim was to provide comprehensive information towards a better appreciation and understanding of the biological heterogeneity and complexity of the TIMPs in cancer. Comparison of all four members revealed distinct cancer-associated expression patterns and distinct prognostic impact including a clear correlation of TIMP-1 with bad prognosis for almost all cancer types. For the first time, we present the interactomes of all TIMPs regarding overlapping and non-overlapping interaction partners. Interestingly, the overlap was maximal for metalloproteinases (e.g., matrix metalloproteinase 1, 2, 3, 9) and decreased for non-protease molecules, especially cell surface receptors (e.g., CD63, overlapping only for TIMP-1 and 4; IGF-1R unique for TIMP-2; VEGFR2 unique for TIMP-3). Finally, we attempted to identify and summarize experimental evidence for common and unique structural traits of the four TIMPs on the basis of amino acid sequence and protein folding, which account for functional disparities. Altogether, the four TIMPs have to be appreciated as molecules with commonalities, but, more importantly, functional disparities, which need to be investigated further in the future, since those determine their distinct roles in cancer and metastasis.

Identification of hub genes correlated with the pathogenesis and prognosis of gastric cancer via bioinformatics methods

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the world and 5-year overall survival (OS) rate is less than 10%. So, it is urgent to identified novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.

METHODS

Twelve GEO (gene expression omnibus) datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between GC and normal tissues were screened and integrated using limma and RobustRankAggreg (RRA) packages in R software. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) analyses for DEGs were conducted via STRING and DAVID, respectively. Moreover, Cox regression model was used to construct a gene prognosis signature.

RESULTS

Ten genes (COL1A1, CXCL8, COL3A1, SPP1, COL1A2, TIMP1, CXCL1, BGN, MMP3 and SERPINE1) were identified and might be highly related to GC. Further analysis showed high expression of CXCL8, COL3A1, CXCL1, MMP3 and SERPINE1, were significantly associated with late stage of GC. Lastly, we build a seven-gene prognosis signature (CYP19A1, SERPINE1, CGB5, CALCR, ASGR2, CYTL1 and ABCB5), which can give a good prediction of OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Our article screened out key genes highly associating with GC's developments and prognosis, and it is useful for researcher to further understand GC's molecular basis and direct the synthesis medicine of GC.

The Role of MMP8 in Cancer: A Systematic Review

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have traditionally been considered as tumor promoting enzymes as they degrade extracellular matrix components, thus increasing the invasion of cancer cells. It has become evident, however, that MMPs can also cleave and alter the function of various non-matrix bioactive molecules, leading to both tumor promoting and suppressive effects. We applied systematic review guidelines to study MMP8 in cancer including the use of MMP8 as a prognostic factor or as a target/anti-target in cancer treatment, and its molecular mechanisms. A total of 171 articles met the inclusion criteria. The collective evidence reveals that in breast, skin and oral tongue cancer, MMP8 inhibits cancer cell invasion and proliferation, and protects patients from metastasis via cleavage of non-structural substrates. Conversely, in liver and gastric cancers, high levels of MMP8 worsen the prognosis. Expression and genetic alterations of MMP8 can be used as a prognostic factor by examination of the tumor and serum/plasma. We conclude, that MMP8 has differing effects on cancers depending on their tissue of origin. The use of MMP8 as a prognostic factor alone, or with other factors, seems to have potential. The molecular mechanisms of MMP8 in cancer further emphasize its role as an important regulator of bioactive molecules.

Enhanced Systemic Response of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Regulators in Campylobacter and Salmonella Patients

Campylobacters are major enteropathogens worldwide with a substantial financial burden. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic metalloendopeptidases with ability to modify immune response and shown to be upregulated in patients with several tissue destructive diseases, including infections. We measured here serum concentrations of MMP-8 and MMP-9 together with their regulators myeloperoxidase (MPO), human neutrophil elastase (HNE), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1 in 80 Campylobacter and 25 Salmonella patients as well as in 27 healthy controls. Paired serum samples were available for 73 and 23 patients, respectively. When the initial serum samples were compared to those from controls, both Campylobacter and Salmonella patients showed elevated concentrations of all biomarkers tested (p ≤ 0.037). In the follow-up samples, collected about 25 days afterwards, MMP-8 levels of Campylobacter patients had already turned to normal but all the other biomarkers still showed elevated, although from the initial levels significantly dropped, levels. For the follow-up samples of Salmonella patients, only MMP-9 and MPO levels were at a significantly higher level than in controls. It remains to be studied if the systematically enhanced neutrophil-derived proteolytic and oxidative stress, induced by Campylobacter infection as shown here and persisting for several weeks, is important for the development of late sequelae.