Increased expression of MMP9 is correlated with poor prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Serum NF-κB in Epstein-Barr Virus-Related Oropharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnostic Usability

Early diagnosis and effective therapy are the fundamental challenge for modern oncology. Hence, many researchers focus on the search for new or improved biomarkers. Due to the great importance of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in physiological and pathological processes, we focused on assessing its usefulness as a biomarker in OPSCC. The purpose of the research presented here was to evaluate the prevalence and the level of NF-κB in the serum of OPSCC patients (ELISA). Serum NF-κB levels were also assessed depending on the degree of histological differentiation of the tumor and TN classification. Additionally, we considered the existence of a correlation between the concentration of NF-κB and EBV antibody titers, viral load and selected MMPs-MMP3 and MMP9. Taken together, the obtained results demonstrated that NF-κB level was significantly higher among patients with EBV-related OPSCC than among those without EBV. In addition, the level of NF-κB was significantly higher in more advanced clinical stages. Moreover, a positive correlation was found between the concentration of NF-κB and the level of selected EBV antibodies, viral load and both tested MMPs. The diagnostic accuracy of NF-κB was confirmed by ROC analysis.

Circulating tumor cells: a valuable indicator for locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Advancements in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treatment have led to a focus on personalized treatment. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are important for liquid biopsies and personalized treatment but are not being fully utilized. This study examined how pre- and post-treatment CTC counts, EMT subtypes, clinical characteristics, and patient prognosis are related in order to support the use of liquid biopsy in managing NPC.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 141 patients with locally advanced NPC. All patients underwent CanPatrol™ CTC detection pre- and post-treatment and were categorized into EMT subtypes: epithelial type, mixed type, and mesenchymal type. This study analyzed CTC enumeration, EMT subtypes, and their associations with clinical characteristics and survival outcomes.

RESULTS

The results indicated a positive correlation between the pre-treatment detection rate of CTCs and N stage (P < 0.01), alongside a positive correlation with the TNM clinical stage (P = 0.02). Additionally, the detection rate of mesenchymal CTCs post-treatment is positively associated with the N stage (P = 0.02). The enumeration of CTCs pre- and post-treatment is negatively correlated with prognosis and has statistical significance. Additionally, an investigation into the EMT subtypes of CTCs revealed a significant association between the presence of mesenchymal CTCs pre- and post-treatment and decreased overall survival (OS) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, T stage, N stage, TNM clinical stage, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA were also significantly correlated with OS.

CONCLUSION

The study found that mesenchymal CTCs pre- and post-treatment, as well as the number of CTCs, were linked to a poor prognosis.

Identifying and validating MMP family members (MMP2, MMP9, MMP12, and MMP16) as therapeutic targets and biomarkers in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC)

Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma (KIRC) is a malignant tumor that carries a substantial risk of morbidity and mortality. The MMP family assumes a crucial role in tumor invasion and metastasis. This study aimed to uncover the mechanistic relevance of the MMP gene family as a therapeutic target and diagnostic biomarker in Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma (KIRC) through a comprehensive approach encompassing both computational and molecular analyses. STRING, Cytoscape, UALCAN, GEPIA, OncoDB, HPA, cBioPortal, GSEA, TIMER, ENCORI, DrugBank, targeted bisulfite sequencing (bisulfite-seq), conventional PCR, Sanger sequencing, and RT-qPCR based analyses were used in the present study to analyze MMP gene family members to accurately determine a few hub genes that can be utilized as both therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers for KIRC. By performing STRING and Cytohubba analyses of the 24 MMP gene family members, MMP2 (matrix metallopeptidase 2), MMP9 (matrix metallopeptidase 9), MMP12 (matrix metallopeptidase 12), and MMP16 (matrix metallopeptidase 16) genes were denoted as hub genes having highest degree scores. After analyzing MMP2, MMP9, MMP12, and MMP16 via various TCGA databases and RT-qPCR technique across clinical samples and KIRC cell lines, interestingly, all these hub genes were found significantly overexpressed at mRNA and protein levels in KIRC samples relative to controls. The notable effect of the up-regulated MMP2, MMP9, MMP12, and MMP16 was also documented on the overall survival (OS) of the KIRC patients. Moreover, targeted bisulfite-sequencing (bisulfite-seq) analysis revealed that promoter hypomethylation pattern was associated with up-regulation of hub genes (MMP2, MMP9, MMP12, and MMP16). In addition to this, hub genes were involved in various diverse oncogenic pathways. The MMP gene family members (MMP2, MMP9, MMP12, and MMP16) may serve as therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers in KIRC.

Could MMP3 and MMP9 Serve as Biomarkers in EBV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer

The high incidence of, and mortality from, head and neck cancers (HNCs), including those related to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), constitute a major challenge for modern medicine, both in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, many researchers have made efforts to identify diagnostic and prognostic factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP 3) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP 9) in EBV positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) patients. For this purpose, the level of these MMPs in the serum of patients with EBV-positive OPSCC was analyzed in relation to the degree of histological differentiation and TNM classification. Our research team's results indicate that the level of both MMPs is much higher in the EBV positive OPSCC patients compared to the EBV negative and control groups. Moreover, their levels were higher in more advanced clinical stages. Considering the possible correlation between the level of MMP 3, MMP 9 and anti-EBV antibodies, and also viral load, after statistical analysis using multiple linear regression, their high correlation was demonstrated. The obtained results confirm the diagnostic accuracy for MMP 3 and MMP 9. Both MMPs may be useful in the diagnosis of EBV positive OPSCC patients.

Prognostic Significance of Excision Repair Cross-Complementation Group 1 on Circulating Tumor Cells for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Liquid biopsy, including the detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), has emerged as a promising tool for cancer diagnosis and monitoring. However, the prognostic value of CTCs in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains unclear due to the lack of phenotypic characterization. The expression of Excision Repair Cross-Complementation Group 1 (ERCC1) and CTCs epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) have been associated with treatment efficacy. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of ERCC1 expression on CTCs and their EMT subtypes before treatment in NPC.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 108 newly diagnosed locally advanced NPC patients who underwent CanPatrol™ CTC testing between November 2018 and November 2021. CTCs were counted and classified into epithelial, epithelial-mesenchymal hybrid, and mesenchymal subtypes. ERCC1 expression was divided into negative and positive groups. Clinical features and survival outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

The positive rate of CTCs was 92.6% (100/108), with an ERCC1 positivity rate of 74% (74/100). Further analysis of the subtypes showed that positive ERCC1 on mesenchymal CTCs was associated with a later N stage (P = .01). Positive ERCC1 expression was associated with poor overall survival (OS; P = .039) and disease-free survival (DFS; P = .035). Further analysis of subtypes showed that the positive ERCC1 on mesenchymal-type CTCs was associated with poor OS (P = .012) and metastasis-free survival (MFS; P = .001).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that ERCC1 expression on CTCs may serve as a new prognostic marker for NPC patients. Evaluating CTCs subtypes may become an auxiliary tool for personalized and precise treatment.

Characterization and verification of MMP family members as potential biomarkers in kidney clear cell renal carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma can arise from lesions in the renal epithelium. This particular type of cancer is prevalent in the realm of renal cancers and is associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Among these cases, over 70% are classified as kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). Since the underlying causes of KIRC haven't been fully understood, there is an urgent need for deeper investigation into its pathogenesis. Various tools, software, and molecular analysis was used, including Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING), Cytoscape, University of ALabama at Birmingham CANcer data analysis Portal (UALCAN), muTarget, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), OncoDB, Human Protein Atlas (HPA), cBioPortal, Kaplan-Meier (KM) plotter, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource (TIMER), Encyclopedia of RNA Interactomes (ENCORI), DrugBank, Encyclopedia of RNA Interactomes (RT-qPCR), targeted bisulfide sequencing (bisulfide-seq), and receiver operating curve (ROC) to matrix metallopeptidase (MMP) gene family constituents, with the precise objective of identifying a small set of hub genes. These hub genes hold the potential to be harnessed as molecular biomarkers for KIRC. By performing STRING and CytoHubba analyses of the 24 MMP gene family members, MMP2 (matrix metallopeptidase 2), MMP9 (matrix metallopeptidase 9), MMP14 (matrix metallopeptidase 14), and MMP16 (matrix metallopeptidase 16) were recognized as hub genes having highest degree scores. After conducting an in-depth expression analysis of MMP2, MMP9, MMP14, and MMP16 using various The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases and RT-qPCR techniques, these displayed a significant increase in expression at both the mRNA and protein levels within KIRC samples when compared to control samples. The impact of the over expression of MMP2, MMP9, MMP14, and MMP16 also left a distinct mark on the worst overall survival (OS) rates of KIRC patients. Furthermore, a targeted bisulfide-seq investigation unveiled a correlation between promoter hypomethylation patterns and the up-regulation of these key genes in KIRC patients. Additionally, hub genes were involved in various diverse oncogenic pathways. In conclusion, four MMP gene family members, including MMP2, MMP9, MMP14, and MMP16 may serve as therapeutic target and molecular biomarker in KIRC.

Plasma-derived small extracellular vesicles unleash the angiogenic potential in head and neck cancer patients

BACKGROUND

In Head and neck cancer (HNC) angiogenesis is essential for tumor progression and metastasis. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) from HNC cell lines alter endothelial cell (EC) functions towards a pro-angiogenic phenotype. However, the role of plasma sEVs retrieved from HNC patients in this process is not clear so far.

METHODS

Plasma sEVs were isolated on size exclusion chromatography columns from 32 HNC patients (early-stage UICC I/II: 8, advanced-stage UICC III/IV: 24), 12 patients with no evident disease after therapy (NED) and 16 healthy donors (HD). Briefly, sEVs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), BCA protein assays and Western blots. Levels of angiogenesis-associated proteins were determined using antibody arrays. The interaction of fluorescently-labeled sEVs with human umbilical vein ECs was visualized by confocal microscopy. The functional effect of sEVs on tubulogenesis, migration, proliferation and apoptosis of ECs was assessed.

RESULTS

The internalization of sEVs by ECs was visualized using confocal microscopy. Based on antibody arrays, all plasma sEVs were enriched in anti-angiogenic proteins. HNC sEVs contained more pro-angiogenic MMP-9 and anti-angiogenic proteins (Serpin F1) than HD sEVs. Interestingly, a strong inhibition of EC function was observed for sEVs from early-stage HNC, NED and HD. In contrast, sEVs from advanced-stage HNC showed a significantly increased tubulogenesis, migration and proliferation and induced less apoptosis in ECs than sEVs from HD.

CONCLUSIONS

In general, plasma sEVs carry a predominantly anti-angiogenic protein cargo and suppress the angiogenic properties of ECs, while sEVs from (advanced-stage) HNC patients induce angiogenesis compared to HD sEVs. Thus, tumor-derived sEVs within the plasma of HNC patients might shift the angiogenic switch towards angiogenesis.

Circulating Tumor Cells: A Promising Biomarker in the Management of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignancy that arises from the mucosal epithelium of the nasopharynx, and its prognosis is relatively favorable. The 5-year overall survival rate in patients with locally advanced NPC currently exceeds 80%, but the development of individualized diagnosis and treatment at the molecular level is relatively lacking. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is the generic term for tumor cells that are present in the peripheral blood circulation. As a new biomarker with good clinical application prospects, the detection of CTCs has the advantages of being non-invasive, simple, and repeatable. By capturing and detecting CTCs in peripheral blood and monitoring the dynamic variation of its type and quantity, we can assess the biological characteristics of tumor in a timely manner and evaluate the therapeutic effect and prognosis of patients in advance, which will help to develop individualized treatments of tumors. The primary purposes of this review were the clinical application of CTCs in tumor stage determination, treatment efficacy evaluation, and prognosis prediction of NPC. In addition, we estimated the correlation between Epstein-Barr virus infection and CTCs and analyzed the difference in karyotypes and specific markers expressed on CTCs. We believe that our study will provide new insights and biomarkers for the individualized treatment of patients with NPC.

Targeted delivery of miR-218 via decorated hyperbranched polyamidoamine for liver cancer regression

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of most common causes of cancer death worldwide. MicroRNA (miRNA) replacement gene therapy is a novel approach for HCC management. MiR-218 is a promising tumor suppressor miRNA that is down-regulated in HCC. Here, our aim was the targeted delivery of miR-218 expressing DNA plasmid (pmiR-218) to suppress HCC in vitro and in vivo. Hyperbranched polyamidoamine was synthesized via simple and economically one-pot reaction followed by decoration with lactobionic acid (LA-PAMAM) to selectively deliver and restore miR-218 expression in HCC. In vitro cytotoxicity investigations revealed the high biocompatibility of LA-PAMAM. Furthermore, decoration of hyperbranched polymer with LA moieties enabled LA-PAMAM to deliver pmiR-218 more efficiently to HepG2 cells compared to both PMAMA and naked pmiR-218. Such efficient delivery of miR-218 resulted in suppression of HepG2 proliferation and down-regulation of its oncogenic HOXA1 target. In vivo, LA-PAMAM/pmiR-218 treatment of HCC induced by DEN and CCl₄ in mice leads to an obvious decrease in the number and size of HCC nodules. In addition, LA-PAMAM/pmiR-218 significantly improved the liver histological features, as well as down-regulated the HOXA1 in liver tissue. In conclusion, this study showed the potential of LA-PAMAM carrier for the targeted delivery of tumor suppressor miR-218 as a therapeutic candidate for HCC.

Geometrically encoded SERS nanobarcodes for the logical detection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma-related progression biomarkers

The limited availability of nasopharyngeal carcinoma-related progression biomarker array kits that offer physicians comprehensive information is disadvantageous for monitoring cancer progression. To develop a biomarker array kit, systematic identification and differentiation of a large number of distinct molecular surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) reporters with high spectral temporal resolution is a major challenge. To address this unmet need, we use the chemistry of metal carbonyls to construct a series of unique SERS reporters with the potential to provide logical and highly multiplex information during testing. In this study, we report that geometric control over metal carbonyls on nanotags can produce 14 distinct barcodes that can be decoded unambiguously using commercial Raman spectroscopy. These metal carbonyl nanobarcodes are tested on human blood samples and show strong sensitivity (0.07 ng/mL limit of detection, average CV of 6.1% and >92% degree of recovery) and multiplexing capabilities for MMPs.

Transcriptomic Profiling of Fibropapillomatosis in Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) From South Texas

Sea turtle fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a tumor promoting disease that is one of several threats globally to endangered sea turtle populations. The prevalence of FP is highest in green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) populations, and historically has shown considerable temporal growth. FP tumors can significantly affect the ability of turtles to forage for food and avoid predation and can grow to debilitating sizes. In the current study, based in South Texas, we have applied transcriptome sequencing to FP tumors and healthy control tissue to study the gene expression profiles of FP. By identifying differentially expressed turtle genes in FP, and matching these genes to their closest human ortholog we draw on the wealth of human based knowledge, specifically human cancer, to identify new insights into the biology of sea turtle FP. We show that several genes aberrantly expressed in FP tumors have known tumor promoting biology in humans, including CTHRC1 and NLRC5, and provide support that disruption of the Wnt signaling pathway is a feature of FP. Further, we profiled the expression of current targets of immune checkpoint inhibitors from human oncology in FP tumors and identified potential candidates for future studies.

Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Differentially Affect Glioblastoma Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion: A 2D-DIGE Proteomic Analysis

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) display high tumor tropism and cause indirect effects through the cytokines they secrete. However, the effects of BM-MSCs on the biological behaviors of glioblastoma multiforme remain unclear. In this study, the conditioned medium from BM-MSCs significantly inhibited the proliferation of C6 cells (P < 0.05) but promoted their migration and invasion (P < 0.05). Two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) proteomic analysis revealed 17 proteins differentially expressed in C6 cells exposed to the BM-MSC-conditioned medium including five upregulated proteins and 12 downregulated proteins. Among these, six differentially expressed proteins (Calr, Set, Oat, Npm1, Ddah1, and Tardbp) were closely related to cell proliferation and differentiation, and nine proteins (Pdia6, Sphk1, Anxa4, Vim, Tuba1c, Actr1b, Actn4, Rap2c, and Tpm2) were associated with motility and the cytoskeleton, which may modulate the invasion and migration of tumor cells. Above all, by identifying the differentially expressed proteins using proteomics and bioinformatics analysis, BM-MSCs could be genetically modified to specifically express tumor-suppressive factors when BM-MSCs are to be used as tumor-selective targeting carriers in the future.

Pinostilbene Hydrate Inhibits the Migration and Invasion of Human Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells by Downregulating MMP-2 Expression and Suppressing Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Through the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathways

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the most common head and neck cancers in East and Southeast Asia. During the past decades, advances in radiotherapy and chemotherapy had shown the improvement in tumor control with fewer side effects. Nevertheless, metastasis of NPC causes treatment failure and is often associated with poor clinical outcome and cancer mortality.

Hypothesis/Purpose: Pinostilbene hydrate (PSH) was recently demonstrated to have anti-metastatic properties on human oral cancers. However, the effects of PSH on NPC cells remain unknown.

Methods and Results: This study aims to investigate the anti-cancer ability of PSH on human NPC by wound healing, transwell assays, zymography assay, and Western blot assay to explore the possible underlying mechanisms. PSH significantly reduced the migrated distance of NPC cells in a dose-dependent manner and the abilities of cancer cell migration and invasion were markedly inhibited. The activity and the expression of MMP-2 were also significantly decreased after treatment with PSH. Furthermore, combined treatment of PSH with ERK1/2 inhibitor (U0126) caused significant elevation of the activity and the expression of MMP-2. Additionally, PSH upregulated the expression levels of E-cadherin and Claudin-1 while downregulating that of N-cadherin and vimentin on both NPC cell lines.

Conclusion: Our research illustrates that PSH inhibits the migration and invasion of human NPC cells. After exposure to PSH on NPC, the expression of MMP-2 is downregulated and EMT is suppressed through MAPK signaling pathways. These observations suggest that PSH could be a potential anti-metastatic agent for patients with NPC.

Kinesin Eg5 Targeting Inhibitors as a New Strategy for Gastric Adenocarcinoma Treatment

The Kinesins are proteins involved in several biological processes such as mitosis, intracellular transport, and microtubule movement. The mitotic process is allowed by the correct formation of the mitotic spindle which consists of microtubules originating from the spindle poles. In recent years, kinesin Eg5 inhibitors were studied as new chemotherapeutic drugs, due to the lack of side effects and resistance mechanisms. The aim of this work was to investigate the molecular signaling underlying the administration of novel kinesis Eg5 inhibitors in an in vitro model of gastric adenocarcinoma. Data obtained from analogues of K858 led us to select compounds 2 and 41, due to their lower IC₅₀ values. The ability of kinesin inhibitors to induce apoptosis was investigated by evaluating Bax and Caspase-3 protein expression, evidencing that compound 41 and K858 markedly raise Bax expression, while only compounds 2 and 41 co-administrated with K858 trigger Caspase-3 activation. The inhibition of mitotic spindle was measured by β-tubulin immunofluorescence analysis revealing monopolar spindles formation in gastric cancer cells treated with compounds 2, 41, and K858. Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS-2) and Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) expression levels were measured finding a NOS-2-mediated downregulation of MMP-9 when compound 41 and K858 are co-administered. However, this is in contrast to what was reported by migration assay in which both novel compounds and K858 in monotherapy markedly reduce cell migration. This work remarks the importance of understanding and exploring the biological effects of different novel Eg5 kinesin inhibitors administered in monotherapy and in combination with K858 as potential strategy to counteract gastric cancer.

Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Expression and Status of Cervical Lymph Nodes in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Tumor growth and metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients was suspected as a role of several molecular biomarkers that have been identified in tumor specimens of patients with NPC. Invasion and metastasis process was a complex mechanism which involved some proteolytic enzymes, such as matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). To analyze the association of MMP-9 expression of NPC patients with cervical lymph node metastasis. The study was conducted in oncology unit of ORL-HNS at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital Surabaya from May to July 2015. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens from NPC patients with WHO type II and III of histopathology and clinically were divided into four state of cervical enlargement (N0. N1. N2 and N3). The expression of MMP-9 was obtained with immunohistochemistry using rabbit polyclonal antibody Anti-MMP9 ab7299 from abcam®. Cambridge-UK. Thirty-two NPC patients were enrolled in this study. The study found a negative expression of MMP-9 in 3.12% of samples. Spearman rho test result was p = 0.001 with correlation coefficient of 0.754. Spearman test resulted p value of 0.001 with a correlation coefficient of 0.754. Correlation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression with cervical lymph node metastasis (N0, N1, N2, and N3) in patients with NPC showed a significant result (p < 0.05). There was a strong positive correlation between MMP-9 expressions with cervical lymph node status in NPC patients.

HDGF and PRKCA upregulation is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with lung adenocarcinoma

Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common histologic subtype of lung cancer. The aim of the present study was to assess the expression of hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) and protein kinase Cα (PRKCA) in lung adenocarcinoma (LADC), and to determine the association between the combined expression of these two proteins and clinicopathological characteristics of patients with LADC. The expression of HDGF and PRKCA mRNA was assessed by GEO database analysis, and HDGF and PRKCA protein levels were examined by immunohistochemistry using a tissue microarray. High HDGF and PRKCA expression was observed in LADC tissue compared to normal samples, and increased HDGF and PRKCA expression was associated with AJCC clinical stage, tumor classification, node classification, and lymph node metastasis. GEO database analysis revealed no significant differences between HDGF mRNA and PRKCA mRNA in LADC tissue. However, high PRKCA protein expression was associated with high HDGF protein expression, and patients with high HDGF and PRKCA expression exhibited poorer overall survival rates than patients with low expression levels of the two proteins. The results of the present study suggest that upregulation of both HDGF and PRKCA may be an unfavourable factor for lung adenocarcinoma progression.

Combined Virtual Screening, DFT Calculations and Molecular Dynamics Simulations to Discovery of Potent MMP-9 Inhibitors

Background:

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) plays a crucial role in the development and progression of cancer. Therefore, identifying its inhibitors has enjoyed numerous attentions. In this report, a hybrid approach, including pharmacophore-based virtual screening, docking studies, and density functional theory (DFT) binding energy calculations followed by molecular dynamics simulations, was used to identify potential MMP-9 inhibitors.

Methods:

Pharmacophore modeling based on ARP101, as a known MMP-9 inhibitor, was performed and followed by virtual screening of ZINC database and docking studies to introduce a set of new ligands as candidates for potent inhibitors of MMP-9. The binding energies of MMP-9 and the selected ligands as well as ARP101, were estimated via the DFT energy calculations. Subsequently, molecular dynamics simulations were applied to evaluate and compare the behavior of ARP101 and the selected ligand in a dynamic environment.

Results:

(S,Z)-6-(((2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)thio)methylene)-2-((4,6,7- trimethylquinazolin- 2-yl)amino)-1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidin-4-ol, ZINC63611396, with the largest DFT binding energy, was selected as a proper potent MMP-9 inhibitor. Molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the new ligand was stable in the active site.

Conclusion:

The results of this study revealed that compared to the binding energies achieved from the docking studies, the binding energies obtained from the DFT calculations were more consistent with the intermolecular interactions. Also, the interaction between the Zinc ion and ligand, in particular the Zn2+-ligand distance, played a profound role in the quantity of DFT binding energies.

An engineered PD-1-based and MMP-2/9-oriented fusion protein exerts potent antitumor effects against melanoma

Recent studies showed that the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint blockade is a dramatic therapy for melanoma by enhancing antitumor immune activity. Currently, major strategies for the PD-1/PD-L1 blockade have mainly focused on the use of antibodies and compounds. Seeking an alternative approach, others employ endogenous proteins as blocking agents. The extracellular domain of PD-1 (ePD1) includes the binding site with PD-L1. Accordingly, we constructed a PD-1-based recombinantly tailored fusion protein (dFv-ePD1) that consists of bivalent variable fragments (dFv) of an MMP-2/9-targeted antibody and ePD1. The melanoma-binding intensity and antitumor activity were also investigated. We found the intense and selective binding capability of the protein dFv-ePD1 to human melanoma specimens was confirmed by a tissue microarray. In addition, dFv-ePD1 significantly suppressed the migration and invasion of mouse melanoma B16-F1 cells, and displayed cytotoxicity to cancer cells in vitro. Notably, dFv-ePD1 significantly inhibited the growth of mouse melanoma B16-F1 tumor cells in mice and in vivo fluorescence imaging showed that dFv-ePD was gradually accumulated into the B16-F1 tumor. Also the B16-F1 tumor fluorescence intensity at the tumor site was stronger than that of dFv. This study indicates that the recombinant protein dFv-ePD1 has an intensive melanoma-binding capability and exerts potent therapeutic efficacy against melanoma. The novel format of the PD-L1-blocked agent may play an active role in antitumor immunotherapy.

TPD52L2 impacts proliferation, invasiveness and apoptosis of glioblastoma cells via modulation of wnt/β-catenin/snail signaling

Intratumoral heterogeneity greatly hinders efficiency of target therapy in glioblastoma (GBM). To decipher the underlying mechanisms of heterogeneity, patient-derived adult GBM cells were separately isolated from margins of T1 gadolinium enhancing tumor lesions (PNCs) and T1 gadolinium enhancing core lesions (ECs). Single clone culture was conducted in ECs and U87MG cell line to screen clones with distinct biological phenotypes. Single cell clones with diverse phenotypes were simultaneously separated from ECs and U87 cell line. PNCs, GCs(H) and U87(H) exhibited longer cellular protrusion than ECs, GCs(L) and U87(L), respectively. Cell strains with longer protrusion exhibited higher invasive ability and lower sensitivity to temozolomide (TMZ) and radiation. Subsequently, TPD52L2 was verified as the functional protein to regulate the cellular heterogeneity by the proteomics analysis. Downregulation of TPD52L2 enhanced cell invasion whereas inhibited cell proliferation rate and sensitivity to chemotherapy in vivo and in vitro, this condition was reversed when TPD52L2 was overexpressed. The invasiveness was facilitated by up-regulating CTNNB1/β-catenin and SNAI1/Snail mediated EMT process. In addition, the clinical data of 88 GBM cases in our neurosurgery center was analyzed to reveal the influence of TPD52L2 in the prognosis of GBM. Low expression of TPD52L2 exacerbated prognosis of GBM patients received standard radiotherapy plus concomitant and adjuvant TMZ (Stupp strategy). Taken together, TPD52L2 is an important biomarker influencing GBM prognosis.

Epstein-Barr virus Rta promotes invasion of bystander tumor cells through paracrine of matrix metalloproteinase 9

Clinical studies suggest a positive association between malignant progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and Rta, a transcription factor of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). However, Rta induces cellular senescence in vitro. To provide an underlying mechanism integrating these clues, we adapted a concept of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), based on which senescent cells facilitate tumor progression through paracrine. First, Rta-expressing NPC cells themselves show reduced invasiveness but promote invasion of Rta-negative tumor cells through secreted factors. Secretion of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), an SASP protein, is increased by Rta, which requires the C-terminus of Rta and Rta-induced activation of E2F. Furthermore, the Rta-induced, paracrine-mediated pro-invasive effect is blocked upon knockdown of MMP9 expression or treatment with an MMP9 inhibitor. This study not only indicates that Rta can contribute to NPC progression through paracrine but also supports that MMP9 is a potential therapeutic target to prevent NPC metastasis.

Knockdown of HDAC1 expression suppresses invasion and induces apoptosis in glioma cells

Glioma is the most common malignant tumor of the central nervous system, with a low survival rate of five years worldwide. Although high expression and prognostic value of histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) have been recently reported in various types of human tumors, the molecular mechanism underlying the biological function of HDAC1 in glioma is still unclear. We found that HDAC1 was elevated in glioma tissues and cell lines. HDAC1 expression was closely related with pathological grade and overall survival of patients with gliomas. Downregulation of HDAC1 inhibited cell proliferation, prevented invasion of glioma cell lines, and induced cell apoptosis. The expression of apoptosis and metastasis related molecules were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively, in U251 and T98G cells with HDAC1 knockdown. We found that HDAC1 knockdown upregulated expression of BIM, BAX, cleaved CASPASE3 and E-CADHERIN, and decreased expression of TWIST1, SNAIL and MMP9 in U251 and T98G cells with HDAC1 knockdown. In vivo data showed that knockdown of HDAC1 inhibited tumor growth in nude mice. In summary, HDAC1 may therefore be considered an unfavorable progression indicator for glioma patients, and may also serve as a potential therapeutic target.

Monocyte-derived factors including PLA2G7 induced by macrophage-nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell interaction promote tumor cell invasiveness

The non-keratinizing undifferentiated subtype of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignancy characterized by an intimate relationship between neoplastic cells and a non-neoplastic lymphoid component. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) foster tumor progression through production of soluble mediators that support proliferation, angiogenesis, survival and invasion of malignant cells. However, the role of macrophages in the progression of NPC remains poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the functional and phenotypic changes that occur to macrophages in macrophage-NPC cell co-culture systems, and how these changes influence tumor cells. We found that monocytes, including THP-1 cells and primary human monocytes, co-cultured with C666-1 NPC cells upregulate expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines at the early stages, followed by the induction of metastasis-related genes and interferon-stimulated genes at the later stage of coculture, indicating that TAMs are “educated” by NPC cells for cancer progression. Importantly, the induction of these factors from the TAMs was also found to enhance the migratory capabilities of the NPC cells. We have also identified one of these macrophage-derived factor, phospholipase A2 Group 7 (PLA2G7), to be important in regulating tumor cell migration and a novel tumor-promoting factor in NPC. Further studies to characterize the role of PLA2G7 in tumor metastasis may help determine its potential as a therapeutic target in NPC.

PGK1 and GRP78 overexpression correlates with clinical significance and poor prognosis in Chinese endometrial cancer patients

The aim of this study was to measure the expression patterns of PGK1 and GRP78 in normal endometrial tissues and endometrial carcinoma, and associations between their combined effects and the pathological features of endometrial carcinoma. We used 30 normal endometrial tissue samples and 130 endometrial carcinoma samples, and separately evaluated PGK1 and GRP78 protein expression by immunohistochemistry. Scores ranging from 0 to 9 were obtained by multiplying the percentage of positive cells by the staining intensity (0–3). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed increased PGK1 and GRP78 expression in the cytoplasm of endometrial carcinoma cells compared with that in normal endometrial tissues. High PGK1 expression positively correlated with the FIGO stage (P < 0.001), histological grade (P = 0.002), and lymph node status (P < 0.001). High GRP78 expression positively correlated with the pathological type (P = 0.0125), FIGO stage (P < 0.001), and lymph node status (P < 0.001). In addition, PGK1 overexpression was positively correlated with GRP78 overexpression in endometrial carcinoma patients (P < 0.001), and the concurrent expression of both oncogenes in endometrial carcinoma patients correlated significantly with the lymph node status (P < 0.001) and FIGO stage (P < 0.001). Patients with high PGK1 and GRP78 expression levels had poorer overall survival rates than those with low expression levels of both proteins (P < 0.001). Our results suggested that the co-occurrence of PGK1 and GRP78 expression is potentially an unfavorable factor for endometrial carcinoma progression.

Regional specificity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in the brain: voxel-level mapping in primary glioblastomas

AIM

To investigate the anatomical specificity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression in glioblastomas by using voxel-based neuroimaging analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical information and preoperative magnetic resonance images of 133 patients with glioblastomas were reviewed. Evaluation of MMP-9 expression was performed by using immunohistochemistry. Tumour lesions were segmented manually basing on the structural image of each patient, then registered to a standard brain atlas. Voxel-based regression analysis was subsequently performed to identify the specific brain regions that were associated with MMP-9 expression levels.

RESULTS

A significantly larger lesion volume of T2-hyperintensity was demonstrated in tumours with low MMP-9 expression compared to those with high MMP-9 expression (p=0.010). No significant difference was found in the lesion volumes of the contrast enhancement areas between the two groups (p=0.452). The major correlated cluster with high MMP-9 expression was identified in the right frontal lobe, while a cluster located at the posterior region of the right lateral ventricle was correlated with low MMP-9 expression.

CONCLUSION

Voxel-based statistical analysis revealed the anatomical specificity of MMP-9 expression levels in glioblastoma. The identified correlation between molecular biomarkers and anatomical distribution may increase our understanding of the biological characteristics of glioblastoma and provide new insight into the molecular subtypes of glioblastoma.

Higher IGFBP-1 to IGF-1 serum ratio predicts unfavourable survival in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Background

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system plays an important role in the development and progression of cancer. However, little is known about the expression of the IGF system components and their clinicopathological significance and prognostic value in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods

IGF system components (IGF-1, IGF-2, IGF-1SR, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-3, IGFBP-4 and IGFBP-6) were quantified from the plasma of NPC patients and healthy individuals using the RayBio Human Cytokine Antibody Array. IGFBP-1 and IGF-1 mRNA levels were quantified by real-time qPCR, and protein expression was detected by western blot in nine NPC cell lines and four immortalized nasopharyngeal epithelial (NPE) cell lines. Tissue-specific expression of IGFBP-1 and IGF-1 was detected by immunohistochemistry in paraffin-embedded NPC tissues. ELISA analysis was used to measure the serum levels of IGFBP-1 and IGF-1 in 142 NPC patients and 128 healthy controls and determine potential correlation with clinicopathological parameters.

Results

Significantly higher levels of circulating IGFBP-1 and lower levels of IGF-1 and IGF-2 were detected in NPC patients compared to healthy controls by Cytokine Antibody Array analyses (P = 0.034, 0.012, 0.046, respectively). IGFBP-1 expression was detected in the majority of NPC cell lines, but not in NPE cell lines, and was shown to localize to the nucleus of tumour cells, in contrast to the cytoplasmic staining observed in normal cells. Importantly, IGFBP-1 expression was stronger in NPC tumour tissues compared to peritumoural tissues. In contrast, IGF-1 expression was weak or absent in NPC and NPE cell lines, with the exception of the EBV-infected C666 cell line, and was found to be expressed at lower levels in tumour tissues compared to tumour-adjacent normal tissue. Levels of serum IGFBP-1 were shown to be significantly higher in patients with NPCs compared to healthy control individuals (55.23 ± 41.25 μg/L vs. 32.08 ± 29.73 μg/L, P < 0.001), whereas serum levels of IGF-1 were significantly lower in NPC patients compared to healthy controls (98.14 ± 71.48 μg/L vs. 164.01 ± 92.08 μg/L, P = 0.001). Consistently, the IGFBP-1/IGF-1 serum ratio was shown to be significantly higher in NPC patients compared to healthy control individuals (P = 0.002). Serum levels of IGFBP-1 and the IGFBP-1/IGF-1 ratio significantly correlated with age (P = 0.020; P = 0.016), WHO histological classification (P = 0.044; P = 0.048), titre of EA (EB Virus Capsid Antigen-IgA) and NPC (P = 0.015; P = 0.016). In contrast, higher IGFBP-1 serum levels and IGFBP-1/IGF-1 ratio significantly correlated with poor RFS (P = 0.046; P = 0.037) and OS (P = 0.038; P = 0.009). Multivariate analysis revealed that the IGFBP-1/IGF-1 ratio, but not serum IGFBP-1 level, represents an independent risk factor for poor RFS (P = 0.044) and OS (P = 0.035).

Conclusions

A higher IGFBP-1/IGF-1 serum ratio is significantly associated with poor prognosis in NPC patients.

Novel Antitumor Invasive Actions of p-Cymene by Decreasing MMP-9/TIMP-1 Expression Ratio in Human Fibrosarcoma HT-1080 Cells

p-Cymene (4-isopropyltoluene) has been reported to have beneficial actions such as anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities. To evaluate whether p-cymene exhibits antitumor invasive actions, we examined the effects of p-cymene on the production of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9)/gelatinase B and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) in human fibrosarcoma HT-1080 cells. p-Cymene was found to dose-dependently inhibit the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA)-augmented production and gene expression of MMP-9 in HT-1080 cells. In contrast, p-cymene enhanced the TPA-augmented production and gene expression of TIMP-1 in HT-1080 cells. However, there was no change in the constitutive level of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 mRNAs and TIMP-1 protein in p-cymene-treated cells. In addition, we found that the in-vitro TPA-augmented invasiveness of HT-1080 cells was inhibited by p-cymene in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, p-cymene was found to suppress the constitutive and/or TPA-augmented phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in HT-1080 cells. Thus, these results provide novel evidence that p-cymene is an effective candidate for the prevention of tumor invasion and metastasis through mechanisms that include the inhibition of MMP-9 expression and the augmentation of TIMP-1 production along with the suppression of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK signal pathways in tumor cells.

Novel biomarkers of nasopharyngeal carcinoma metastasis risk identified by reverse phase protein array based tumor profiling with consideration of plasma Epstein-Barr virus DNA load

PURPOSE

In patients with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), intertumor heterogeneity causes interpatient heterogeneity in the risk of distant metastasis. We aimed to identify novel biomarkers of metastasis risk using reverse phase protein array (RPPA) profiling of NPC patients at risk for metastasis and considering plasma EBV DNA load.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

A total of 98 patients with NPC with and without metastasis after treatment, matched with respect to clinical parameters, are enrolled. Total protein expression is measured by RPPA, and protein functions are analyzed by pathway bioinformatics.

RESULTS

The RPPA analysis revealed a profile of 70 proteins that are differentially expressed in metastatic and nonmetastatic tumors. Plasma EBV DNA load after treatment correlated with protein expression level better than plasma EBV DNA load before treatment did. The biomarkers of NPC metastasis identified by proteomics regulate signaling pathways involved in cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The authors identified 26 biomarkers associated with 5-year distant failure-free survival in univariate analysis; five biomarkers remained significant in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

A comprehensive RPPA profiling study is warranted to identify novel metastasis-related biomarkers and further examine the activation state of signaling proteins to improve estimation of metastasis risk for patients with EBV-associated NPC.

Melatonin suppresses TPA-induced metastasis by downregulating matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression through JNK/SP-1 signaling in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), a disease common in the South-East Asian population, has high lymph node metastatic ability. Melatonin, an endogenously produced substance present in animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria, has oncostatic activity via several mechanisms. The molecular mechanisms involved in melatonin-mediated tumor inhibitory potential are not completely defined. Here, we show that melatonin treatment inhibits TPA-induced cell motility by regulating the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression in NPC. We also identified the signaling cascade through which melatonin inhibits MMP-9 expression; this involves melatonin regulating the binding activity of the transcription factor specificity protein-1 (SP-1)-DNA. Our mechanistic analysis further reveals that the c-Jun N-terminal kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway is involved in the melatonin-mediated tumor suppressor activity. Furthermore, the findings indicate a functional link between melatonin-mediated MMP-9 regulation and tumor suppressing ability and provide new insights into the role of melatonin-induced molecular and epigenetic regulation of tumor growth. Thus, we conclude that melatonin suppresses the motility of NPC by regulating TPA-induced MMP-9 gene expression via inhibiting SP-1-DNA binding ability. The results provide a functional link between melatonin-mediated SP-1 regulation and the antimetastatic actions of melatonin on nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

URG4 expression is a novel prognostic factor for the progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and overall survival of patient

URG4, a novel oncogene, is involved in the development and progression of various tumors. This study investigated the clinicopathological significance of URG4 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We used five NPC tissues and adjacent normal nasopharyngeal tissues to determine URG4 expression and found that URG4 was upregulated in NPC tissues. Immunohistochemistry analysis found URG4 was expressed positively in 97.1% (99/102) of NPC samples and highly expressed in 41.2% (42/102) of NPC samples. Its level was positively correlated with advancing clinical stage. Kaplan–Meier analysis with the log-rank test found that patients with high URG4 expression had poor outcome and patients with low URG4 expression had better survival. Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between URG4 expression and clinical stage, larger tumor size, and lymph node involvement. Cox-regression analysis showed that URG4 expression could serve as a prognostic factor for NPC patients. In summary, this study showed that URG4 was upregulated in NPC tissues, patients with high URG4 expression had poor outcome, and URG4 was found to be a valuable biomarker for NPC progression.

Distribution and clinical significance of circulating tumor cells in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is one of the leading malignancies with obscure etiology. Circulating tumor cells have been showed to intimately correlate with characteristics in different kinds of cancer. But links between circulating tumor cells and nasopharyngeal carcinoma were still lacking. Therefore, we explored circulating tumor cells' distribution in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and their possible associations with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

METHODS

Firstly, we found that the positive ratio of circulating tumor cells is extremely high in four stages of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Meanwhile, positive ratios of mesenchymal circulating tumor cells were higher in early stages of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Apart from epithelial circulating tumor cells, total, hybrid and mesenchymal circulating tumor cells were correlated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma clinical stage.

RESULTS

Our results showed that hybrid and mesenchymal circulating tumor cells were associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma metastasis (both distant and lymph node) and smoking. Meanwhile, hybrid circulating tumor cells expressed the highest Epstein-Barr virus proteins and deoxyribonucleic acid in three types of circulating tumor cells. Moreover, we found that Epstein-Barr virus proteins viral-caspid antigen-immunoglobulin A (VCA/IgA) and early antigen-immunoglobulin A (EA/IgA), but not Epstein-Barr virus-deoxyribonucleic acid, had a closed association with nasopharyngeal carcinoma metastasis. However, Epstein-Barr virus hallmarks failed to associate with other nasopharyngeal carcinoma characteristics. Furthermore, we confirmed that matrix metalloproteinase 9 existed in circulating tumor cells and expressed most in mesenchymal circulating tumor cells. In addition, matrix metalloproteinase 9-expressed extent in hybrid circulating tumor cells is somewhat different from epithelial and mesenchymal circulating tumor cells in matrix metalloproteinase 9-positive circulating tumor cells. Nevertheless, matrix metalloproteinase 9 had no relationship with other nasopharyngeal carcinoma characteristics. Finally, our results showed that circulating tumor cells were decreased in patients after therapies.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, circulating tumor cells were tightly correlated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma characteristics. In addition, Epstein-Barr virus was associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma metastasis. Of note, decreased circulating tumor cells indicated a favorable curative effect in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients.

NDRG1 Controls Gastric Cancer Migration and Invasion through Regulating MMP-9

The purpose of this study is to detect the clinical significance of NDRG1 and its relationship with MMP-9 in gastric cancer metastatic progression. 101 cases of gastric cancer specimens were utilized to identify the protein expression of NDRG1 and MMP-9 by immunohistochemistry, their clinical significance was also analyzed. The suppression by siRNA-NDRG1 was employed to detect the role of NDRG1 in gastric cancer progression and its relationship with MMP-9. NDRG1 expression was correlated inversely with the degree of tumor cell differentiation (p < 0.01), invasion depth (p < 0.05), lymph node metastasis (p < 0.05) and TNM stage (p < 0.05), whereas MMP-9 was positive correlated with the degree of tumor cell differentiation (p < 0.01), lymph node metastasis (p < 0.05) and TNM stage (p < 0.05), but not correlated with invasion depth (p>0.05). Furthermore, cell proliferation and invasion effect were remarkably enhanced when NDRG1 was silencing, but MMP-9 expression was increased. NDRG1 silencing enhances gastric cancer cells progression through upregulating MMP-9. It suggests that NDRG1 may inhibit the metastasis of gastric cancer via regulating MMP-9.

Dietary Fatty Acids from Leaves of Clerodendrum Volubile Induce Cell Cycle Arrest, Downregulate Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Expression, and Modulate Redox Status in Human Breast Cancer

The antiproliferative effect of the fatty acid components of Clerodendrum volubile leaves as well as its antioxidant effect on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines were investigated. Fatty acids extracted from C. volubile leaf oil were subjected to gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis. The cells were cultured and treated with the fatty acids for 48 h, after which the antiproliferation effect was ascertained via MTT assay and cell viability analysis using BD fluorescence activated cells sorting (FACS) Calibur. Cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry on FACS Calibur. Western blotting was used in determining expression of proteins in the cell lines. The treated cell lines were assessed for reduced glutathione level, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and lipid peroxidation. The fatty acids significantly inhibited cell proliferation, arrested G0/G1 phase, downregulated the expression of MMP-9, and attenuated oxidative stress in of MCF-7 cell lines but had little or no effect on MDA-MB-231 cell lines. These results indicate the therapeutic potential of the fatty acids components of the leaves of C. volubile on human breast cancer, which may be explored further in drug development.

Inflammatory CXCL12-CXCR4/CXCR7 axis mediates G-protein signaling pathway to influence the invasion and migration of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells

This study explored whether the migration, invasion, and apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells were affected by the CXCR4/CXCR7-CXCL12 axis and if this mechanism was related to G-protein signaling pathway. A total of 72 NPC patients admitted in our hospital between April 2013 and February 2015 were incorporated in this study. Immunohistochemistry was performed to compare the expression levels of CXCR4, CXCR7, and CXCL12 between NPC tissues and adjacent normal tissues. Then, the correlation analysis was implemented to assess the association among CXCR4, CXCR7, and CXCL12 expressions. Jellyfish glow protein experiment was carried out after the cultivation of CNE-2Z cell lines in order to observe the intracellular calcium mobilization resulted from G-protein activation contributed by CXCR4/CXCR7-CXCL12 axis. The impact of CXCR4/CXCR7-CXCL12 axis on the migration and invasion of NPC cells was explored using transwell experiments. Finally, the anti-apoptosis effects of CXCR4/CXCR7-CXCL12 axis on NPC cells were investigated by the splicing of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP). Compared to NPC patients with low-grade (stage I-II) tumor node metastasis (TNM) and those without lymph node metastasis, the expression of CXCR4, CXCR7, and CXCL12 were significantly higher in NPC patients with high-grade (stage III-IV) TNM and those with lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). Moreover, there was significant positive correlation between the expression level of CXCL12 and CXCR7 (r s = 0.484, P < 0.001) as well as the expression level of CXCL12 and CXCR4 (r s = 0.414, P < 0.001). As suggested by cellular experiments using CNE-2Z, the calcium mobilization degree induced by CXCR4-CXCL12 axis in activating G proteins seemed to be slightly more effective than that induced by CXCR4/CXCR7-CXCL12 axis, while the CXCR7-CXCL12 axis could hardly activate calcium mobilization. Furthermore, the transwell experiment showed that CXCR4/CXCR7-CXCL12 axis could exacerbate the migration and invasion of NPC cells (P < 0.05). The transwell experiment also suggested that the CXCR4/CXCR7-CXCL12 axis was associated with the expression of matrix metallo proteinase 9 (MMP9) which is a substance in the downstream of G-protein pathways (P < 0.05). Results from PARP shear zone also indicated that the CXCR4/CXCR7-CXCL12 axis could suppress NPC cell apoptosis (P < 0.05). The expressional levels of CXCR4, CXCR7, and CXCL12 significantly varied with clinical stages and status of lymph node metastasis of NPC patients. This revealed potential indicators which can be used for NPC prognosis. Additionally, the CXCR4/CXCR7-CXCL12 axis may regulate the expression of downstream proteins (e.g., MMP-9) through the activation of G-protein signaling pathways. These conclusions may provide key evidence for NPC aetiology which can be further investigated to develop novel molecular targets for NPC treatments.

Upregulation of sialidase NEU3 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma associated with lymph node metastasis

Regional lymph node metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a crucial event for its progression, associated with a high rate of mortality. Sialidase, a key enzyme for the regulation of cellular sialic acids through catalyzing the initial step of degradation of glycoproteins and glycolipids, has been implicated in cancer progression. To facilitate the development of novel treatments for HNSCC, we have investigated whether sialidase is involved in the progression of this cancer. We found plasma membrane‐associated sialidase (NEU3) to be significantly upregulated in tumor compared to non‐tumor tissues; particularly, an increase in its mRNA levels was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis. To understand the mechanisms, we analyzed the NEU3‐mediated effects on the malignant phenotype using squamous carcinoma HSC‐2 and SAS cells. NEU3 promoted cell motility and invasion, accompanied by the increased expression of MMP‐9, whereas NEU3 silencing or the activity‐null mutant did not. NEU3 enhanced phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and an EGFR inhibitor, AG1478, abrogated the NEU3‐induced MMP9 augmentation. These findings identify NEU3 as a participant in HNSCC progression through the regulation of EGFR signaling and thus as a potential target for inhibiting EGFR‐mediated tumor progression.

IL-6/NOS2 inflammatory signals regulate MMP-9 and MMP-2 activity and disease outcome in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients

The role of nitric oxide (NO)(·) in the development of the metastatic properties of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is not fully understood. Previous studies proposed that interleukin-6 (IL-6) would act as regulator of matrix metalloprotease activation in NPC. Recently, we showed that (NO)(·) was a critical mediator of tumor growth in patients. The aim of this study was to determine the implication of IL-6 in the progression of NPC pathology via metalloprotease (MMP) activation and their possible correlation with (NO)(·) production. We observed a significant increase in IL-6 and nitrite (NO2 (-)) synthesis in patients (n = 17) as well as a strong expression of IL-6 and nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) in the analyzed tumors (n = 8). In patients' plasma, a negative correlation associated IL-6 with circulating nitrites (r = -0.33). A negative correlation associated the H-scores of these signals in the tumors (r = -0.47). In patients' plasma, nitrite synthesis was positively associated with MMP-9 activation (r = 0.45), pro-MMP-2 expression (r = 0.37), and negatively correlated with MMP-2 activation (r = -0.51). High nitrite levels was associated with better recurrence-free survival (RFS) (p = 0.02). Overall, our results suggest that the IL-6/NOS2 inflammatory signals are involved in the regulation of MMP-9- and MMP-2-dependent metastatic activity and that high circulating nitrite levels in NPC patients may constitute a prognostic predictor for survival.

Overexpression of chaperonin containing TCP1, subunit 3 predicts poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the value of chaperonin containing TCP1, subunit 3 (CCT3) to predict the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and determine its function in HCC progression.

METHODS: CCT3 expression levels were examined in human non-cancerous liver tissues and a variety of HCC cell lines by quantitative real-time PCR and immunoblotting. CCT3 expression was suppressed by small interfering RNA. The effects of reducing CCT3 expression in HCC cells were tested. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, cell counting experiment, cell cycle assay, apoptosis assay and invasion assay were employed to evaluate cell functions in vitro. Immunohistochemistry was performed on HCC specimens. In addition, CCT3 expression in HCC specimens was also assessed at the protein and mRNA level. Associations between clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis were analyzed, along with the possible mechanisms involved in CCT3’s function in HCC progression.

RESULTS: The expression levels of CCT3 mRNA and protein were upregulated in HCC cell lines in contrast to adjacent non-cancerous tissues. Reducing CCT3 expression not only suppressed cell proliferation in cell counts, MTT assay, cell cycle assay and induced cell apoptosis (P < 0.05 vs negative control), but also inhibited the tumor cell invasion capacity in vitro (P < 0.01 vs negative control). Overexpression of CCT3 in the nuclei of cancer cells in HCC specimens (58 of 104 patients, 55.8%) was associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients (3-year survival rate, 55.5% vs 84.2%, P = 0.020) after hepatectomy. Mechanistic analyses showed that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation was decreased even when stimulated by interleukin-6 after knocking down CCT3 in the HepG2 cell line.

CONCLUSION: Overexpression of CCT3 in the nuclei of cancerous cells is associated with HCC progression. CCT3 may be a target that affects the activation of STAT3 in HCC.

Association of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 expression with extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumor metastasis

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 are important proteases involved in invasion and metastasis of various tumors. Extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumors (EGISTs) are rare neoplasms. This study was performed to assess MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression in EGIST tissue samples for association with clinicopathological data from the patients. Twenty-one surgical EGIST tissue specimens were collected for analysis of MMP-2 and MMP- 9 expression using immunohistochemistry. MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteins were expressed in all of the epithelial cell types of EGISTs, whereas they were only expressed in 75% of the spindle cell type, although there was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05). Expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteins was associated with tumor size, mitotic rate, tumor necrosis, and distant metastasis (p<0.05). MMP-2 expression was linked with MMP-9 levels (p<0.05). However, there was no correlation between MMP-9 expression and age, sex, primary site, or cell morphology in any of these 21 EGIST patients (p>0.05). Moreover, expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteins increased with the degree of EGIST risk. This study provided evidence of an association of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression with advanced EGIST behavior.

Matrix Metalloproteinase 14 Overexpression Is Correlated with the Progression and Poor Prognosis of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14) has been identified to play a significant role in several types of cancers, but little is known about the significance of MMP14 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. The aim of this study was to explore the association of MMP14 expression with clinicopathologic features and prognosis in NPC.

METHODS

MMP14 mRNA and protein expressions were examined in NPC and nasopharyngeal tissues through real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Meanwhile, the relationship of MMP14 expression levels with clinical features and prognosis of NPC patients was analyzed.

RESULTS

MMP14 mRNA expression was markedly higher in NPC tissues than in nasopharyngeal epithelium tissues (p = 0.002). Using immunohistochemistry, staining for MMP14 protein was found in the normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cells and malignant epithelial cells, but increased expression of MMP14 was observed in NPC samples compared with normal nasopharyngeal epithelium samples (p = 0.027). In addition, high levels of MMP14 protein were positively correlated with the status of clinical stage (p = 0.009), N classification (p = 0.006), and distant metastasis (p = 0.005) of NPC patients. Patients with higher MMP14 expression had a significantly shorter overall survival time than did patients with low MMP14 expression. Multivariate analysis indicated that the level of MMP14 expression was an independent prognostic indicator (p < 0.001) for the survival of patients with NPC.

CONCLUSIONS

MMP14 overexpression is a potentially unfavorable prognostic factor for NPC patients.

Alpha-enolase promotes cell glycolysis, growth, migration, and invasion in non-small cell lung cancer through FAK-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway

Background

During tumor formation and expansion, increasing glucose metabolism is necessary for unrestricted growth of tumor cells. Expression of key glycolytic enzyme alpha-enolase (ENO1) is controversial and its modulatory mechanisms are still unclear in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

The expression of ENO1 was examined in NSCLC and non-cancerous lung tissues, NSCLC cell lines, and immortalized human bronchial epithelial cell (HBE) by quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry, and Western blot, respectively. The effects and modulatory mechanisms of ENO1 on cell glycolysis, growth, migration, invasion, and in vivo tumorigenesis and metastasis in nude mice were also analyzed.

Results

ENO1 expression was increased in NSCLC tissues in comparison to non-cancerous lung tissues. Similarly, NSCLC cell lines A549 and SPCA-1 also express higher ENO1 than HBE cell line in both mRNA and protein levels. Overexpressed ENO1 significantly elevated NSCLC cell glycolysis, proliferation, clone formation, migration, and invasion in vitro, as well as tumorigenesis and metastasis in vivo by regulating the expression of glycolysis, cell cycle, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated genes. Conversely, ENO1 knockdown reversed these effects. More importantly, our further study revealed that stably upregulated ENO1 activated FAK/PI3K/AKT and its downstream signals to regulate the glycolysis, cell cycle, and EMT-associated genes.

Conclusion

This study showed that ENO1 is responsible for NSCLC proliferation and metastasis; thus, ENO1 might serve as a potential molecular therapeutic target for NSCLC treatment.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13045-015-0117-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Prognostic Value of Molecular Markers and Implication for Molecular Targeted Therapies in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: An Update in an Era of New Targeted Molecules Development

The aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of molecular biomarkers which could provide information for more accurate prognostication and development of novel therapeutic strategies for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). NPC is a unique malignant epithelial carcinoma of head and neck region, with an intimate association with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Currently, the prediction of NPC prognosis is mainly based on the clinical TNM staging; however, NPC patients with the same clinical stage often present different clinical outcomes, suggesting that the TNM stage is insufficient to precisely predict the prognosis of this disease. In this review, we give an overview of the prognostic value of molecular markers in NPC and discuss potential strategies of targeted therapies for treatment of NPC. Molecular biomarkers, which play roles in abnormal proliferation signaling pathways (such as Wnt/β-catenin pathway), intracellular mitogenic signal aberration (such as hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α), receptor-mediated aberrations (such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)), tumor suppressors (such as p16 and p27 activity), cell cycle aberrations (such as cyclin D1 and cyclin E), cell adhesion aberrations (such as E-cadherin), apoptosis dysregualtion (such as survivin) and centromere aberration (centromere protein H), are prognostic markers for NPC. Plasma EBV DNA concentrations and EBV-encoded latent membrane proteins are also prognostic markers for NPC. Implication of molecular targeted therapies in NPC was discussed. Such therapies could have potential in combination with different cytotoxic agents to combat and eradicate tumor cells. In order to further improve overall survival for patients with loco-regionally advanced NPC, the development of innovative strategies, including prognostic molecular markers and molecular targeted agents is needed.

A Gelatinases-targeting scFv-based Fusion Protein Shows Enhanced Antitumour Activity with Endostar against Hepatoma

Gelatinases play important roles in tumour invasion and metastasis and are thus considered promising targets for cancer therapy. In this study, a new single-chain variable fragment (scFv)-based fusion protein Fv-LDP, composed of the anti-gelatinases scFv and lidamycin apoprotein (LDP), was prepared, and its combination with angiogenesis inhibitor Endostar was then investigated. The fusion protein Fv-LDP specifically bound to various tumour cells, and its binding capability to human pulmonary giant cell carcinoma (PG) cells was higher than that of LDP. Fv-LDP inhibited the expression and secretion of gelatinases and could be internalized into tumour cells via endocytosis. Fv-LDP also suppressed the growth of human hepatoma cells and murine hepatoma 22 transplanted in Kunming mice in various degrees. In addition, Endostar could enhance the synergistic or additive inhibition of Fv-LDP on the growth, migration or invasion of human hepatoma cells shown by a colony formation assay and a transwell-based migration or invasion assay, respectively. In vivo, Fv-LDP/Endostar combination showed a significantly synergistic effect on the growth of a human hepatoma xenograft, with an inhibition rate of 80.8% compared with the Fv-LDP (44.1%) or Endostar (8.9%)-treated group. The above-mentioned results indicate that the fusion protein Fv-LDP is effective against transplantable hepatoma in mice and human hepatoma xenografts in athymic mice. Moreover, Endostar can potentiate the inhibition effect of Fv-LDP on the growth of human hepatoma cells and xenografts. These data will provide a new combined strategy for improving the therapeutic efficacy of treatments for hepatoma or other gelatinase-overexpressing tumours.

Decreased miRNA-637 is an unfavorable prognosis marker and promotes glioma cell growth, migration and invasion via direct targeting Akt1

Although increasing evidence indicated that the deregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) contributes to tumorigenesis and invasion, little is known about the role of miR-637 in human gliomas. In the present study, we found that the expression level of miR-637 was significantly reduced in clinical glioma tissues compared with normal brain tissues. Moreover, we revealed that the introduction of miR-637 dramatically suppressed glioma cell growth, migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Further studies revealed that Akt1 is a direct target gene of miR-637. Silencing of Akt1 inhibited the growth and invasion of glioma cells by decreasing phosphorylated Akt, β-catenin, phosphorylated Foxo1 and Cyclin D1 and inducing the expression of Foxo1, which was consistent with the effect of miR-637 overexpression. Suppressed expression of miR-637 and increased Akt1 protein levels were correlated with unfavorable progression and poor prognosis, respectively, and a negative relationship between the miR-637 expression and Akt1 protein levels was observed in gliomas. Our findings provide new insights into the role of miR-637 in the development of gliomas, and implicate the potential application of miR-637 in cancer therapy.

Urinary ADAM12 and MMP-9/NGAL complex detect the presence of gastric cancer

Although the early diagnosis of gastric cancer provides the opportunity for curative endoscopic resection, comprehensive screening endoscopy would be invasive and expensive. To date, there is a complete absence of clinically useful gastric cancer biomarkers. With the goal of discovering noninvasive biomarkers for the early diagnosis of gastric cancer, we have conducted a case-control study using urine samples from individuals with gastric cancer versus healthy control samples. Of the enrolled 106 patients from September, 2012 to April, 2013, a cohort of 70 patients composed of 35 patients with gastric cancer and 35 age- and sex-matched healthy controls was analyzed. The gastric cancer group was composed of stage IA of 62.9% (22/35). The urinary levels of MMP-9/NGAL complex (uMMP-9/NGAL) and ADAM12 (uADAM12) were significantly higher in the gastric cancer group compared with the healthy control group as determined by monospecific ELISAs (uMMP-9/NGAL: median, 85 pg/mL vs. 0 pg/mL; P = 0.020; uADAM12: median, 3.35 ng/mL vs. 1.44 ng/mL; P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that both uMMP-9/NGAL and uADAM12 were significant, independent diagnostic biomarkers for gastric cancer. Moreover, MMP-9/NGAL activity was significantly elevated as determined by gelatin zymography. The combination of uMMP-9/NGAL with uADAM12 distinguished between control samples and gastric cancer samples with an AUC of 0.825 (P < 0.001) in an ROC analysis. Significantly, immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated a high coexpression of MMP-9 and NGAL (P < 0.001) and high expression of ADAM12 (P < 0.001) in gastric cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues (N = 35). In summary, uMMP-9/NGAL and uADAM12 are potential noninvasive biomarkers for gastric cancer, including early-stage disease.

MMP-7, MMP-8, and MMP-9 in oral and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas

OBJECTIVES

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) are epithelial neoplasms, of which OSCC has a worse prognosis. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in the initiation, invasion, metastasis, and defense of cancer. This study aimed to compare differences in MMP expression in these cancers.

STUDY DESIGN

Sixty-one patients with early-stage (T1-T2 N0 M0) cancers, of which 36 were OSCC and 25 CSCC, were enrolled into this study. Immunohistochemical staining was performed with MMP-7, MMP-8, and MMP-9 antibodies.

RESULTS

MMP-7 expression was stronger in OSCC than in CSCC, mainly in the invasive front. MMP-8 was absent and MMP-9 was mildly expressed in OSCC and CSCC cells. However, MMP-8 and MMP-9 were positive in peritumoral inflammatory cells in both cancers. In addition, MMP-7, MMP-8, and MMP-9 were not associated with the overall survival of patients with OSCC and CSCC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The increased expression of MMP-7 in the invasive front may partly explain the aggressiveness of OSCC.

PPM1D overexpression predicts poor prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer

It has been reported that protein phosphatase, Mg(2+)/Mn(2+) dependent, 1D (PPM1D) plays an important role in cancer tumorigenesis. However, the clinical and functional significance of PPM1D expression has not been characterized previously in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The purpose of this study was to assess PPM1D expression and to explore its contribution to NSCLC. We examined PPM1D messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in 53 NSCLC tissues and matched adjacent noncancerous tissues by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Furthermore, the PPM1D protein expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in 157 NSCLC samples. The relationship between PPM1D expression and clinicopathological features was analyzed by appropriate statistics. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to investigate the correlation between PPM1D expression and prognosis of NSCLC patients. The relative mRNA expression of PPM1D was significantly elevated in NSCLC tissues as compared with adjacent noncancerous tissues (P < 0.001). The high expression of PPM1D in NSCLC tissues was significantly correlated with tumor grade (P = 0.006), tumor size (P = 0.017), clinical stage (P = 0.001), and lymph node metastases (P = 0.002). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that high PPM1D expression correlated with poor prognosis of NSCLC patients (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that PPM1D expression was an independent prognostic marker for overall survival of NSCLC patients. In conclusion, PPM1D plays an important role in the progression of NSCLC. PPM1D may potentially be used as an independent biomarker for the prognostic evaluation of NSCLC.

The collagen triple helix repeat containing 1 facilitates hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma progression by regulating multiple cellular factors and signal cascades

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the major causes of acute and chronic liver diseases, fulminant hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC accounts for more than 85% of primary liver cancers and is the seventh most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. However, the mechanism by which HBV induces HCC is largely unknown. Collagen triple helixes repeat containing 1 (CTHRC1) is a secreted protein and has characteristics of a circulating hormone with potentially broad implications for cell metabolism and physiology. CTHRC1 is associated with human cancers, but its effect on HCC is unknown. Here, we revealed that CTHRC1 expression is highly correlated with HCC progression in HBV-infected patients, and demonstrated that HBV stimulates CTHRC1 expression by activating nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), through extracellular signal-regulated kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (ERK/c-JNK) pathway. In addition, CTHRC1 activates hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) through regulating phosphoinosmde-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI-3K/AKT/mTOR) pathway. More interestingly, CTHRC1 enhances colony formation, migration, and invasion of hepatoma cells by regulating p53 and stimulating matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression. In addition, knock-down of CTHRC1 results in the repression of HBV-associated carcinogenesis in nude mice. Thus, we revealed a novel mechanism by which HBV facilitates HCC development through activating the oncoprotein CTHRC1, which in turn enhances HBV-related HCC progression by stimulates colony formation, migration, and invasion of hepatoma cells through regulating multiple cellular factors and signal cascades.