Heterogeneity analysis of Metastasis Associated in Colon Cancer 1 (MACC1) for survival prognosis of colorectal cancer patients: a retrospective cohort study

Prognostic risk stratification value of MACC1 expression in patients with gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

The prognostic significance of metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1 (MACC1) has been explored in a variety of malignancies. However, its clinical relevance in patients with gastric cancer (GC) is limited, also remains controversial.

METHOD

In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the prognostic value of lesion MACC1 expression in 347 GC patients. Lesion MACC1 expression was analyzed with immunohistochemistry and grouped as MACC1low (n = 172) and MACC1high (n = 175) cases.

RESULTS

Data revealed that the degree of MACC1 expression is not related to patient sex, age and disease stage (all p > 0.05). Survival analysis showed that only post-operation advanced pT (p = 0.018), pN (p < 0.001), pM (p = 0.001) and AJCC stages (p < 0.001) are significantly associated with shorter survival, while no obvious difference was observed between MACC1low and MACC1high cases (p = 0.158). However, we found that survival for female (p = 0.032), older (p = 0.028), and early disease stage (pT stage I + II, p = 0.033) patients with MACC1high are remarkably worse than those with MACC1low.

CONCLUSION

In summary, our findings revealed that, though MACC1 expression is not associated with the survival of the whole cohort, the prognostic risk stratification value of lesion MACC1 expression in subgroups of patients with gastric cancer should be noted.

MACC1 Regulates LGR5 to Promote Cancer Stem Cell Properties in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The high mortality is directly associated with metastatic disease, which is thought to be initiated by colon cancer stem cells, according to the cancer stem cell (CSC) model. Consequently, early identification of those patients who are at high risk for metastasis is crucial for improved treatment and patient outcomes. Metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) is a novel prognostic biomarker for tumor progression and metastasis formation independent of tumor stage. We previously showed an involvement of MACC1 in cancer stemness in the mouse intestine of our MACC1 transgenic mouse models. However, the expression of MACC1 in human CSCs and possible implications remain elusive. Here, we explored the molecular mechanisms by which MACC1 regulates stemness and the CSC-associated invasive phenotype based on patient-derived tumor organoids (PDOs), patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) and human CRC cell lines. We showed that CD44-enriched CSCs from PDO models express significantly higher levels of MACC1 and LGR5 and display higher tumorigenicity in immunocompromised mice. Similarly, RNA sequencing performed on PDO and PDX models demonstrated significantly increased MACC1 expression in ALDH1(+) CSCs, highlighting its involvement in cancer stemness. We further showed the correlation of MACC1 with the CSC markers CD44, NANOG and LGR5 in PDO models as well as established cell lines. Additionally, MACC1 increased stem cell gene expression, clonogenicity and sphere formation. Strikingly, we showed that MACC1 binds as a transcription factor to the LGR5 gene promoter, uncovering the long-known CSC marker LGR5 as a novel essential signaling mediator employed by MACC1 to induce CSC-like properties in human CRC patients. Our in vitro findings were further substantiated by a significant positive correlation of MACC1 with LGR5 in CRC cell lines as well as CRC patient tumors. Taken together, this study indicates that the metastasis inducer MACC1 acts as a cancer stem cell-associated marker. Interventional approaches targeting MACC1 would potentially improve further targeted therapies for colorectal cancer patients to eradicate CSCs and prevent cancer recurrence and distant metastasis formation.

Association of tumor budding with clinicopathological features and prognostic value in stage III-IV colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Tumor budding (TB) has emerged as a promising independent prognostic biomarker in colorectal cancer (CRC). The prognostic role of TB has been extensively studied and currently affects clinical decision making in patients with stage I and II CRC. However, existing prognostic studies on TB in stage III CRC have been confined to small retrospective cohort studies. Consequently, this study investigated the correlation among TB categories, clinicopathological features, and prognosis in stage III-IV CRC to further enhance the precision and individualization of treatment through refined prognostic risk stratification.

AIM

To analyze the relationship between TB categories and clinicopathological characteristics and assess their prognostic value in stage III-IV CRC to further refine the prognostic risk stratification of stage III-IV CRC.

METHODS

The clinical data of 547 CRC patients were collected for this retrospective study. Infiltration at the front edge of the tumor buds was counted according to the 2016 International Tumor Budding Consensus Conference guidelines.

RESULTS

Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis demonstrated that chemotherapy (P = 0.004), clinical stage IV (P < 0.001), ≥ 4 regional lymph node metastases (P = 0.004), left-sided colonic cancer (P = 0.040), and Bd 2-3 (P = 0.002) were independent prognostic factors in patients with stage III-IV CRC. Moreover, the density of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes was higher in Bd 1 than in Bd 2-3, both in the tumor stroma and its invasive margin.

CONCLUSION

TB has an independent predictive prognostic value in patients with stage III-IV CRC. It is recommended to complete the TB report of stage III-IV CRC cases in the standardized pathological report to further refine risk stratification.

MACC1-induced migration in tumors: Current state and perspective

Malignant tumors are still a global, heavy health burden. Many tumor types cannot be treated curatively, underlining the need for new treatment targets. In recent years, metastasis associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) was identified as a promising biomarker and drug target, as it is promoting tumor migration, initiation, proliferation, and others in a multitude of solid cancers. Here, we will summarize the current knowledge about MACC1-induced tumor cell migration with a special focus on the cytoskeletal and adhesive systems. In addition, a brief overview of several in vitro models used for the analysis of cell migration is given. In this context, we will point to issues with the currently most prevalent models used to study MACC1-dependent migration. Lastly, open questions about MACC1-dependent effects on tumor cell migration will be addressed.

Molecular mechanisms of tumour budding and its association with microenvironment in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. Poor survival of CRC associated with the development of tumour metastasis led to the investigation of the potential biomarkers to predict outcomes in CRC patients. Tumour budding (TB) is a well-known independent prognostic marker for poor survival and disease metastasis. Therefore, it has been suggested that TB status is included in routine clinicopathological factors for risk assessment in CRC. In contrast with a vast majority of studies regarding the prognostic power of TB, there is no clear evidence pertaining to the underlying molecular mechanism driving this phenotype, or an understanding of TB relationship with the tumour microenvironment (TME). The aim of the present study is to present a comprehensive review of TB and tumour cell signalling pathways together with the cross-talk of immune cells that could drive TB formation in CRC.

Elevated MACC1 Expression in Colorectal Cancer Is Driven by Chromosomal Instability and Is Associated with Molecular Subtype and Worse Patient Survival

Metastasis-Associated in Colon Cancer 1 (MACC1) is a strong prognostic biomarker inducing proliferation, migration, invasiveness, and metastasis of cancer cells. The context of MACC1 dysregulation in cancers is, however, still poorly understood. Here, we investigated whether chromosomal instability and somatic copy number alterations (SCNA) frequently occurring in CRC contribute to MACC1 dysregulation, with prognostic and predictive impacts. Using the Oncotrack and Charité CRC cohorts of CRC patients, we showed that elevated MACC1 mRNA expression was tightly dependent on increased MACC1 gene SCNA and was associated with metastasis and shorter metastasis free survival. Deep analysis of the COAD-READ TCGA cohort revealed elevated MACC1 expression due to SCNA for advanced tumors exhibiting high chromosomal instability (CIN), and predominantly classified as CMS2 and CMS4 transcriptomic subtypes. For that cohort, we validated that elevated MACC1 mRNA expression correlated with reduced disease-free and overall survival. In conclusion, this study gives insights into the context of MACC1 expression in CRC. Increased MACC1 expression is largely driven by CIN, SCNA gains, and molecular subtypes, potentially determining the molecular risk for metastasis that might serve as a basis for patient-tailored treatment decisions.

Prognostic Factors of Recurrence and Survival in Operated Patients with Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND: The recurrence of colorectal cancers is considered to be one of the greatest post-surgical complications that is affected by various factors. This study was designed to investigate the prognostic factors that affect the recurrence and survival of patients with colon and rectal cancers. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 380 patients with colorectal cancers who underwent surgery were enrolled in the study (152 patients with colon cancer and 228 patients with rectal cancer). Preoperative serum albumin level, type of surgery, tumor size, differentiation grade, proximal, distal and radial, and marginal involvement, the total number of excised lymph nodes, the number of involved lymph nodes, and tumor stage were recorded. Also, the incidences of recurrence and metastasis were recorded during the study. RESULTS: 380 patients with a mean age of 57.11 years were enrolled in the study. 152 patients with an average age of 57.57 years were diagnosed as having colon cancer. Recurrence and metastasis occurred in two patients (1.3%) and five patients (3.3%), respectively. 18 patients (11.8%) died because of colon cancer. 228 patients with a mean age of 56.81 had rectal cancer. Recurrence was seen in 19 patients (8.3%) and metastasis in 33 patients (14.5%). 38 patients (16.7%) died because of rectal cancer. Tumor size and involved lymph nodes were independent prognostic factors for the recurrence and metastases of colon cancer. Only involved lymph nodes were associated with death due to colon cancer. Independent prognostic factors for rectal cancer metastasis include serum albumin level and age. The total number of excised lymph nodes was the only predictor of tumor recurrence and death in rectal cancer. The median survival times of colon and rectal cancers were 90 and 110 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: The size of the tumor and the number of involved lymph nodes were independent prognostic factors for recurrence and metastasis of colon cancer. Also, the number of involved lymph nodes was associated with colon cancer-related deaths. In the case of rectal cancer, serum albumin levels and age predicted metastases. Only the total number of excised lymph nodes had a reverse relationship with recurrence and rectal cancer-related death.

Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-2 (IGFBP2) Is a Key Molecule in the MACC1-Mediated Platelet Communication and Metastasis of Colorectal Cancer Cells

Tumor cell crosstalk with platelets and, subsequently, their activation are key steps in hematogenous tumor metastasis. MACC1 is an oncogene involved in molecular pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC) and other solid tumor entities, mediating motility and metastasis, making MACC1 an accepted prognostic biomarker. However, the impact of MACC1 on platelet activation has not yet been addressed. Here, we investigated the activation of platelets by human CRC cells upon MACC1 modulation, indicated by platelet aggregation and granule release. These approaches led to the identification of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 (IGFBP2) as a functional downstream molecule of MACC1, affecting communication with platelets. This was confirmed by an shRNA-mediated IGFBP2 knockdown, while maintaining MACC1 activity. Although IGFBP2 displayed an attenuated platelet activation potential, obviously by scavenging IGF-I as a platelet costimulatory mediator, the MACC1/IGFBP2 axis did not affect the thrombin formation potential of the cells. Furthermore, the IGFBP2/MACC1-driven cell migration and invasiveness was further accelerated by platelets. The key role of IGFBP2 for the metastatic spread in vivo was confirmed in a xenograft mouse model. Data provide evidence for IGFBP2 as a downstream functional component of MACC1-driven metastasis, linking these two accepted oncogenic biomarkers for the first time in a platelet context.

Enhancement of Annexin V in response to combination of epigallocatechin gallate and quercetin as a potent arrest the cell cycle of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers leading to comorbidities and mortalities globally. The rational of current study was to evaluate the combined epigallocatechin gallate and quercetin as a potent antitumor agent as commentary agent for therapeutic protocol. The present study investigated the effect of epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) (150mg) and quercetin (200mg) at different proportions on proliferation and induction of apoptosis in human colon cancer cells (HCT-116). Cell growth, colonogenic, Annexin V in addition cell cycle were detected in response to phytomolecules. Data obtained showed that, the colony formation was inhibited significantly in CRC starting from the lowest concentration tested of 10 µg/mL resulting in no colonies as visualized by a phase-contrast microscope. Data showed a significant elevation in the annexin V at 100 µg/mL EGCG(25.85%) and 150 µg/mL quercetin (48.35%). Moreover, cell cycle analysis showed that this combination caused cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase at concentration of 100 µg/mL (72.7%) and 150 µg/mL (75.25%). The combined effect of epigallocatechin Gallate and quercetin exert antiproliferative activity against CRC, it is promising in alternative conventional chemotherapeutic agent.

Screening of radiotracer for diagnosis of colorectal cancer liver metastasis based on MACC1-SPON2

Background

Metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) and Spondin2 (SPON2) are newly discovered oncogenes, but little is known about their role in colorectal cancer(CRC) liver metastases. PET has become an important molecular imaging technology due to its high sensitivity and quantifiability. In particular, its targeted, specific molecular probes can detect biological behaviors. This study was designed to evaluate the different biological properties of ¹⁸F-FDG, ¹⁸F-FLT, and ¹⁸F-FMISO PET. The value of the CRC liver metastasis model explores the correlation and potential mechanisms of three tracers uptakes with tumor-related biological characteristics.

Methods

Human CRC cell lines(LoVo and HCT8), were cultured for in vitro radionuclide uptake experiments to compare the molecular imaging features of colorectal cancer cells with different metastatic potentials. Two kinds of cells were injected into the spleen of nude mice to establish a liver metastasis model. After the tumor formation, three kinds of tracer PET images were performed to evaluate the characteristics of live PET imaging of high and low liver metastasis colorectal cancer models. The expression levels of MACC1 and SPON2 in tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Correlation between tracer uptake and expression of MACC1 and SPON2 in liver metastases was assessed by linear regression analysis.

Results

The uptake rate of in vitro three tracers uptake experiments was LoVo > HCT8. Micro-PET scan showed no significant difference between the ¹⁸F-FDG SUV values of the two cells (P > 0.05); there was significant difference between the ¹⁸F-FLT and ¹⁸F-FMISO SUV values (P < 0.05). All in vivo FLT and FMISO SUV values were significantly higher in LoVo tumors than in HCT8 tumors. The results of Western blot and immunohistochemistry showed that the expression levels of MACC1 and SPON2 in LoVo liver metastasis were higher than those in HCT8 (P < 0.05). The ¹⁸F-FLT SUVmax ratio was significantly correlated with the expression of MACC1 and SPON2 in hepatic metastases (r = 0.737, P = 0.0026; r = 0.842, P = 0.0002). The ¹⁸F-FMISO SUVmax ratio was only significantly correlated with the expression of MACC1 in hepatic metastasis (r = 0.770, P = 0.0013).

Conclusions

Early screening with ¹⁸F-FLT and ¹⁸F-FMISO tracers has important clinical value for the efficient diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases.

LncRNA FGD5-AS1 Facilitates the Radioresistance of Breast Cancer Cells by Enhancing MACC1 Expression Through Competitively Sponging miR-497-5p

Background

LncRNA-FGD5-AS1, as an oncogene, participates in the development and progress of various cancers. However, the exact role and the molecular mechanisms by which FGD5-AS1 regulates radiosensitivity in breast cancer (BC) remains largely unknown.

Methods

We used X-Ray weekly-dose-increase method to establish radiation-resistance cell lines. Bioinformatics tools analyze the expression of FGD5-AS1 in breast cancer tissue and evaluated the relationship between FGD5-AS1 and clinic-pathological features. CCK-8 and colony formation were used to analyze cell proliferation. Western blotting and qPCR were applied to detect protein and gene expression, respectively. RNA interference was used to knock down the endogenous gene expression. Luciferase reporter system and immunoprecipitates were applied to verify the target of FGD5-AS1.

Result

FGD5-AS1 was overexpressed in BC tissues and radiation-resistance cell lines. Higher levels of FGD5-AS1 predicted poorer clinical characteristics and prognosis. Loss-of-function FGD5-AS1 sensitized BC cells to X-ray, meanwhile, the cell gained radiation-resistance when exogenous FGD5-AS1 was expressed. FGD5-AS1 depletion arrested cells at G0/G1 and triggers cell apoptosis. The starBase database (ENCORI), predicted binding site of miR-497-5p in FGD5-AS1 sequence, and luciferase reporter system and immunoprecipitates verified miR-497-5p was the target of FGD5-AS1. Furthermore, MACC1 was predicted and verified as the target of miR-497-5p. Loss-of-function FGD5-AS1 sensitized ionizing radiation was rescued by the up-regulation of MACC1 and the inhibition of miR-497.

Conclusion

FGD5-AS1 displays an oncogene profile in CRC; patients with high expression of FGD5-AS1 should benefit less from radiotherapy and need a more frequent follow-up. Besides, FGD5-AS1 may be a potential therapeutic target for CRC.

MACC1 Is Associated With Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Can Predict Poor Prognosis in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Background

Given the reported correlation between the oncogene metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), as well as between MACC1 and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), we speculated that EMT is a likely causative link between MACC1 expression and poor NPC prognosis. Thus, we aim to clarify the relationship between MACC1 and EMT in NPC prognosis.

Material and Methods

We performed immunohistochemical examination of tissue sections from 128 NPC patients that were divided into six groups corresponding to high and low protein expression of MACC1 and two EMT-related proteins, vimentin and E-cadherin, and Kaplan–Meier (KM) survival analyses were performed.

Results

KM survival analysis showed that upregulation of MACC1 and vimentin and downregulation of E-cadherin were significantly associated with reduced survival in NPC. Short hairpin RNA (shRNA) interference and immunoblotting in the NPC cell line HNE-1 led to increased E-cadherin but decreased vimentin levels. MACC1 overexpression was significantly correlated with poor 5-year overall survival, metastasis-free survival, and disease-free survival (P<0.05) but not with poor relapse-free survival (P>0.05). Univariate analyses revealed that MACC1, E-cadherin, and vimentin levels along with T and N tumor classifications and cancer staging are significant prognostic factors of NPC (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings showed the association between MACC1 and EMT in NPC malignancy and support the role of MACC1 as a prognostic biomarker and molecular target for NPC treatment.

Systematic Identification of MACC1-Driven Metabolic Networks in Colorectal Cancer

Simple Summary

We aimed at the systematic identification of MACC1-driven metabolic networks in colorectal cancer. By this systematic analysis, our studies revealed new insights into MACC1-caused metabolomics phenotypes: (i) MACC1 fosters metastasis by rewiring glucose and glutamine metabolism, (ii) MACC1 increases glucose use by enhanced surface GLUT1; (iii) MACC1 increases glutamine and pyruvate use by enhanced uptake, and (iv) MACC1 reduces glutamine flux but has minor effects on pyruvate flux. Therefore, MACC1 is an important regulator of cancer metabolism.

Abstract

MACC1 is a prognostic and predictive metastasis biomarker for more than 20 solid cancer entities. However, its role in cancer metabolism is not sufficiently explored. Here, we report on how MACC1 impacts the use of glucose, glutamine, lactate, pyruvate and fatty acids and show the comprehensive analysis of MACC1-driven metabolic networks. We analyzed concentration-dependent changes in nutrient use, nutrient depletion, metabolic tracing employing ¹³C-labeled substrates, and in vivo studies. We found that MACC1 permits numerous effects on cancer metabolism. Most of those effects increased nutrient uptake. Furthermore, MACC1 alters metabolic pathways by affecting metabolite production or turnover from metabolic substrates. MACC1 supports use of glucose, glutamine and pyruvate via their increased depletion or altered distribution within metabolic pathways. In summary, we demonstrate that MACC1 is an important regulator of metabolism in cancer cells.

The newly identified MEK1 tyrosine phosphorylation target MACC1 is druggable by approved MEK1 inhibitors to restrict colorectal cancer metastasis

Cancer metastasis causes >90% of cancer deaths and remains a major treatment challenge. Here we deciphered the impact of tyrosine phosphorylation of MACC1, a causative driver for cancer metastasis, for cancer cell signaling and novel interventions to restrict cancer metastasis. We identified MACC1 as new MEK1 substrate. MEK1 directly phosphorylates MACC1, leading to accelerated and increased ERK1 activation. Mutating in silico predicted hierarchical MACC1 tyrosine phosphorylation sites abrogates MACC1-induced migration, invasion, and MET expression, a transcriptional MACC1 target. Targeting MEK1 by RNAi or clinically applicable MEK1 inhibitors AZD6244 and GSK1120212 reduces MACC1 tyrosine phosphorylation and restricts MACC1-induced metastasis formation in mice. Although MEK1 levels, contrary to MACC1, are not of prognostic relevance for CRC patients, MEK1 expression was found indispensable for MACC1-induced metastasis. This study identifies MACC1 as new MEK1 substrate for tyrosine phosphorylation decisively impacting cell motility, tumor growth, and metastasis. Thus, MAP kinase signaling is not linear leading to ERK activation, but branches at the level of MEK1. This fundamental finding opens new therapeutic options for targeting the MEK1/MACC1 axis as novel vulnerability in patients at high risk for metastasis. This might be extended from CRC to further solid tumor entities.

Overexpression of metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 in retinoblastoma

INTRODUCTION

Metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1), one of the prognostic markers for colonic and other tumours was noted to be overexpressed in retinoblastoma (Rb) Y79 cancer stem cells. This prompted us to evaluate its expression in primary Rb tumour and serum samples with clinicopathologic correlation. The interacting partner, c-MET was also evaluated in primary tumour tissues to explore the activation of MACC1 signaling.

METHODOLOGY

This study was done following institutional review board approval from participating institutes. Semiquantitative gene expression for MACC1 was evaluated using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections and unfixed tumour samples from primary Rb cases (n = 44). Immunolocalization for MACC1 was assessed in primary Rb tumours (n = 22), bone marrow aspirates with metastasis (n = 3), and c-MET expression was also assessed in Rb tumours (n = 17). Serum MACC1 levels were analysed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in samples collected from Rb patients undergoing enucleation (n = 31), Rb patients with proven clinical metastasis (n = 3), and compared to appropriate controls. Clinicopathologic correlation of MACC1 expression was analysed using the medical records with specific reference to histologic risk factors (HRF) for metastasis and differentiation.

RESULTS

High expression of MACC1 gene was noted in all the tumour samples (n = 44), more so in cases with versus without HRF (p < 0.0001). In cases with HRF, MACC1 and c-MET showed diffuse nuclear and cytoplasmic staining whereas it was predominantly cytoplasmic in cases without HRF. Mean immunoreactivity score of MACC1 and c-MET tissue immunolocalization revealed that cases with HRF showed significantly higher expression compared to cases without HRF (p < 0.05). Unlike the findings in colonic tumours, serum levels of MACC1 were lower in patients compared to normal controls.

CONCLUSION

Overexpression of MACC1 and c-MET in retinoblastoma tissues, specifically those with risk factors for metastasis, suggests its role in proliferation and possibly in invasion. However, the current data do not support it to be a clinical prognostic marker in retinoblastoma tumours. The inverse serum expression is an intriguing finding, which warrants further studies especially in retinoblastoma.

LncRNA MACC1-AS1/MACC1 enhances the progression of glioma via regulating metabolic plasticity

This study plans to investigate the effects of long-noncoding RNA MACC1-AS1 on glioma cells and its mechanism at metabolic plasticity angle. The MACC1-AS1 level was identified both in glioma tissues and in cells. Then the effects of MACC1-AS1 abnormal level on cell viability, apoptosis, the expression of apoptosis associated protein, glucose metabolism and redox status were measured in A172 and U251 cells by different methods. Furthermore, the interaction of MACC1-AS1 and MACC1 in glioma cells was investigated and the role of AMPK pathway was specifically examined. Our results demonstrated that MACC1-AS1 level was high in glioma tissues and cells, and MACC1-AS1 overexpression was closely associated with poor prognosis of glioma. Notably, under glucose deprivation, the MACC1-AS1 level was significantly increased, and overexpression of MACC1-AS1 increased cell viability but inhibited apoptosis. Also, MACC1-AS1 overexpression obviously increased the levels of GLUT1, HK2, G6PD, MCT1, ATP, lactate and NAPDH as well as promoted the activities of HK2 and LDHA, while reduced ROS level and the ratio of NADP+/NAPDH. In particular, the effects of proliferation, apoptosis and metabolic plasticity of glioma cells caused by MACC1-AS1 overexpression were achieved by positively regulating MACC1, and MACC1-AS1 promoted MACC1 expression via the AMPK pathway. In conclusions, the MACC1-AS1/MACC1 axis exertes the tumor-promoting effect by regulating glucose metabolism and redox homeostasis in glioma cells by activating the AMPK signals.

Lnc-HSD17B11-1:1 Functions as a Competing Endogenous RNA to Promote Colorectal Cancer Progression by Sponging miR-338-3p to Upregulate MACC1

Background

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play pivotal roles in various kinds of human diseases, especially in cancer. However, regulatory role, clinical significance and underlying mechanisms of lncRNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastasis still remain largely unknown. This study aimed to report a novel lncRNA, lnc-HSD17B-11:1, and its functional role in CRC progression.

Materials and methods

Differentially expressed lnc-HSD17B11-1:1 was screened and identified from a lncRNA profile microarray. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to determine the expression levels and prognostic values of lncRNA in CRC cohorts. In vitro and in vivo functional experiments were performed to investigate the effects of lnc-HSD17B11-1:1 on tumor growth and metastasis in CRC. Mechanistically, Base Scope, bioinformatics analyses, dual luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation experiments were performed to confirm the association of lnc-HSD17B11-1:1 and miR-338-3p. Dual luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR and western blot analysis were performed to assess the relationships among lnc-HSD17B11-1:1, miR-338-3p, and MACC1.

Results

Evidently up-regulation of lnc-HSD17B11-1:1 in CRC primary tissues was correlated with the depth of invasion (p = 0.043), clinical stage (p = 0.027), distant metastasis (p = 0.003) and poor prognosis of patients with CRC. lnc-HSD17B11-1:1 promoted CRC cell proliferation, mobility and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic analysis revealed that lnc-HSD17B11-1:1 may act as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by acting as a sponge for miR-338-3p to upregulate the expression of MACC1.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that lnc-HSD17B11-1:1 promotes CRC progression through lnc-HSD17B11-1:1/miR-338-3p/MACC1 axis and this might serve as a new diagnostic marker or target for treatment of CRC.

The aberrant expressions of MACC1, ZEB1, and KLF4 in hepatocellular carcinoma and their clinical significance

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1 (MACC1) is involved in the progression and metastasis of various cancers. Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is a key transcriptional factor of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that is involved in the migration and invasion of cancer cells. Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is a tumor suppressor that can inhibit tumor cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expressions and clinical significance of MACC1, ZEB1, and KLF4 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

We analyzed the expressions of MACC1, ZEB1, and KLF4 in 153 HCC specimens and their corresponding control specimens. The patients' clinicopathological and follow-up data were also collected.

RESULTS

The rates of positive expression of MACC1 and ZEB1 were significantly higher in the HCC specimens than in the control specimens, and their expressions were positively associated with the number of tumors, grades of differentiation, lymph node metastasis (LNM), and tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stages. Inversely, the rate of positive expression of KLF4 was significantly lower in the HCC specimens than it was in the control specimens, and its expression was negatively correlated with the number of tumors, grades of differentiation, LNM, and TNM stages. The patients who expressed MACC1 or ZEB1 had a reduced overall survival (OS) when compared with patients not expressing these proteins. However, the patients who expressed KLF4 had an increased OS when compared with patients who did not show any KLF4 expression. A multivariate analysis indicated that the expressions of MACC1, ZEB1, and KLF4 and tumor size, LNM, as well as the TNM stages were independent, prognostic factors for HCC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, positive expressions of MACC1, ZEB1, and KLF4 should be correlated with the duration of OS in patients with HCC and considered promising prognostic biomarkers, as well as potential therapeutic targets for HCC.

Evaluation of [18F]FDG/[18F]FLT/[18F]FMISO-based micro-positron emission tomography in detection of liver metastasis in human colorectal cancer

INTRODUCTION

Positron emission tomography (PET) is extensively used in clinical oncology for tumor detection. This study aimed to explore the application of the radiotracers [¹⁸F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([¹⁸F]FDG), 3'-deoxy-3'- [¹⁸F]fluorothymidine ([¹⁸F]FLT), and [¹⁸F]fluoromisonidazole ([¹⁸F]FMISO) in the diagnosis and monitoring of hepatic metastasis in human colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

A mouse model of human CRC with hepatic metastasis was established by intrasplenic implantation of human CRC cell lines LoVo or HCT8. Metastatic potential of these two cell lines was evaluated by wound healing assay in vitro and survival analysis. Uptake of radiotracers between LoVo and HCT8 cells and uptake of radiotracers in the resulting mouse tumor models were examined by in vivo and in vitro experiments. Uptake of each radiotracer in hepatic metastatic lesions was quantified and expressed as standard uptake value (SUV). Protein expression of multiple tumor biomarkers was determined in metastatic lesions. The correlation between tracer uptake and tumor marker expression was evaluated using linear regression.

RESULTS

LoVo cells exhibited a stronger metastatic potential and a higher radiotracer uptake ability than HCT8 cells, as evidenced by significantly greater wound closure percentage, shorter survival, higher incidence of liver metastases, and higher cellular radiotracer levels in LoVo cells or LoVo cell-xenografted mice. SUV values of [¹⁸F]FLT and [¹⁸F]FMISO, but not [¹⁸F]FDG, in LoVo cell-derived metastatic lesions were significantly greater than those in HCT8 lesions. Mechanistically, the expression of MACC1, HIF-1α, and GLUT-1(metastasis associated in colon cancer 1, MACC1; hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha, HIF-1α; and glucose transporter 1, GLUT-1, respectively) in LoVo cell-derived metastatic lesions was more effectively induced than in HCT8-derived ones. A linear regression analysis demonstrated significant positive correlations between [¹⁸F]FLT/[¹⁸F]FMISO uptake and tumor biomarker expression in metastatic tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

[¹⁸F]FLT and [¹⁸F]FMISO-based PET imaging may serve as a promising method for early detection and monitoring of hepatic metastasis in patients with CRC.

MACC1-the first decade of a key metastasis molecule from gene discovery to clinical translation

Deciphering the paths to metastasis and identifying key molecules driving this process is one important issue for understanding and treatment of cancer. Such a key driver molecule is Metastasis Associated in Colon Cancer 1 (MACC1). A decade long research on this evolutionarily conserved molecule with features of a transcription factor as well as an adapter protein for versatile protein-protein interactions has shown that it has manifold properties driving tumors to their metastatic stage. MACC1 transcriptionally regulates genes involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), including those which are able to directly induce metastasis like c-MET, impacts tumor cell migration and invasion, and induces metastasis in solid cancers. MACC1 has proven as a valuable biomarker for prognosis of metastasis formation linked to patient survival and gives promise to also act as a predictive marker for individualized therapies in a broad variety of cancers. This review discusses the many features of MACC1 in the context of the hallmarks of cancer and the potential of this molecule as biomarker and novel therapeutic target for restriction and prevention of metastasis.

Clinical relevance of circulating MACC1 and S100A4 transcripts for ovarian cancer

Metastasis‐associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) and S100 calcium‐binding protein A4 (S100A4) are prominent inducers of tumor progression and metastasis. For the first time, we systematically tracked circulating serum levels of MACC1 and S100A4 transcripts in the course of surgery and chemotherapy and analyzed their clinical relevance for ovarian cancer. MACC1 and S100A4 transcripts were quantified in a total of 318 serum samples from 79 ovarian cancer patients by RT‐qPCR and digital droplet PCR, respectively. MACC1 and S100A4 transcripts were significantly elevated in serum of ovarian cancer patients, compared to healthy controls (P = 0.024; P < 0.001). At primary diagnosis, high levels of MACC1 or S100A4 correlated with advanced FIGO stage (P = 0.042; P = 0.008), predicted suboptimal debulking surgery and indicated shorter progression‐free survival (PFS; P = 0.003; P = 0.001) and overall survival (OS; P = 0.001; P = 0.002). This is the first study in ovarian cancer to propose circulating MACC1 and S100A4 transcripts as potential liquid biopsy markers.

MACC1 promotes angiogenesis in cholangiocarcinoma by upregulating VEGFA

Purpose

Angiogenesis actively contributes to tumor growth and metastasis. MACC1 was reported to be associated with tumor progression. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the expression and role of MACC1 in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and its correlation with angiogenesis.

Patients and methods

We investigated the expression and correlation of MACC1 and VEGFA in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets and in 7 paired frozen CCA and matched paracarcinoma tissues. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to examine MACC1 and VEGFA expression as well as microvessel density (MVD) in 122 paraffin-embedded CCA samples. Western blotting, real-time qPCR and ELISA were performed to investigate the effect of MACC1 knockdown on VEGFA expression and secretion in CCA cells. Subsequently, we collected conditioned medium from cells with MACC1 knockdown and used it in angiogenesis assays.

Results

The expression levels of both MACC1 and VEGFA were significantly upregulated in the TCGA and GEO datasets and in the 7 paired frozen CCA tissues compared to the matched paracarcinoma tissues, and MACC1 was significantly correlated with VEGFA. IHC showed that high expression of MACC1 and VEGFA was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis (P<0.05 and P<0.01) and worse survival (P<0.01, P<0.05) in patients with CCA. We further verified that MACC1 was significantly correlated with VEGFA (P<0.01) and MVD (P<0.01) in clinical samples. Western blotting, real-time qPCR and ELISA results showed that MACC1 knockdown in CCA cells significantly decreased the protein and mRNA expression of VEGFA and reduced the VEGFA concentration in conditioned medium. Moreover, angiogenesis assays showed that conditioned medium from CCA cells with MACC1 knockdown decreased the number of tubes formed.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that MACC1 and VEGFA expression are upregulated in CCA. Moreover, MACC1 is an independent predictor of overall survival and facilitates angiogenesis in CCA by upregulating of VEGFA.

Automated Analysis of Lymphocytic Infiltration, Tumor Budding, and Their Spatial Relationship Improves Prognostic Accuracy in Colorectal Cancer

Both immune profiling and tumor budding significantly correlate with colorectal cancer patient outcome but are traditionally reported independently. This study evaluated the association and interaction between lymphocytic infiltration and tumor budding, coregistered on a single slide, in order to determine a more precise prognostic algorithm for patients with stage II colorectal cancer. Multiplexed immunofluorescence and automated image analysis were used for the quantification of CD3⁺CD8⁺ T cells, and tumor buds (TBs), across whole slide images of three independent cohorts (training cohort: n = 114, validation cohort 1: n = 56, validation cohort 2: n = 62). Machine learning algorithms were used for feature selection and prognostic risk model development. High numbers of TBs [HR = 5.899; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.875-18.55], low CD3⁺ T-cell density (HR = 9.964; 95% CI, 3.156-31.46), and low mean number of CD3⁺CD8⁺ T cells within 50 μm of TBs (HR = 8.907; 95% CI, 2.834-28.0) were associated with reduced disease-specific survival. A prognostic signature, derived from integrating TBs, lymphocyte infiltration, and their spatial relationship, reported a more significant cohort stratification (HR = 18.75; 95% CI, 6.46-54.43), than TBs, Immunoscore, or pT stage. This was confirmed in two independent validation cohorts (HR = 12.27; 95% CI, 3.524-42.73; HR = 15.61; 95% CI, 4.692-51.91). The investigation of the spatial relationship between lymphocytes and TBs within the tumor microenvironment improves accuracy of prognosis of patients with stage II colorectal cancer through an automated image analysis and machine learning workflow.

Evaluation of the correlation of MACC1, CD44, Twist1, and KiSS-1 in the metastasis and prognosis for colon carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) has been reported to promote tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Cancer stem cells and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) have also been reported to promote tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. KiSS-1, a known suppressor of metastasis, has been reported to be down-regulated in various tumors. However, the associations of MACC1, CD44, Twist1, and KiSS-1 in colonic adenocarcinoma (CAC) invasion and metastasis remain unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the roles of MACC1, CD44, Twist1, and KiSS-1 in CAC invasion and metastasis and their associations with each other and with the clinicopathological characteristics of CAC patients.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry and multivariate analysis were carried out to explore the expression of MACC1, CD44, Twist1, and KiSS-1 in 212 whole-CAC-tissue specimens and the corresponding normal colon mucosa tissues. Demographic, clinicopathological, and follow-up data were also collected.

RESULTS

The results of this study showed MACC1, CD44, and Twist1 expression to be up-regulated, and KiSS-1 expression was down-regulated in CAC tissues. Positive expression of MACC1, CD44, and Twist1 was found to be positively correlated with invasion, tumor grades, and lymph- node-metastasis (LNM) stages and tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stages for patients with CAC. Positive expression of KiSS-1 was inversely associated with invasion, tumor size, LNM stage, and TNM stage. The KiSS-1-positive expression group had significantly more favorable OS than did the KiSS-1-negative group. Univariate analysis indicated that overexpression of MACC1, CD44, and Twists1 was negatively associated with longer overall survival (OS) time, and there was a positive relationship between KiSS-1-positive expression and OS time for patients with CAC. Multivariate Cox analysis demonstrated that overexpression of MACC1, CD44, Twist1, and low expression of KiSS-1 and LNM and TNM stages were independent predictors of prognosis in patients with CAC.

CONCLUSIONS

The results in this study indicated that levels of expression of MACC1, CD44, Twist1, and KiSS-1 are related to the duration of OS in patients with CAC. MACC1, CD44, Twist1, and KiSS-1 may be suitable for use as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in CAC.

Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1 (MACC1) overexpression in colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis

Metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1 (MACC1) has been reported to be overexpressed in diverse human malignancies, and the increasing amount of evidences suggest that its overexpression is associated with the development and progression of many human tumors. However, the prognostic and clinicopathological value of MACC1 in colorectal cancer remains inconclusive. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to investigate the effect of MACC1 overexpression on clinicopathological features and survival outcomes in colorectal cancer. PubMed, CNKI, and Wanfang databases were searched for relevant articles published update to December 2015. Correlation of MACC1 expression level with overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and clinicopathological features were analyzed. In this meta-analysis, fifteen studies with a total of 2,161 colorectal cancer patients were included. Our results showed that MACC1 overexpression was significantly associated with poorer OS and DFS. Moreover, MACC1 overexpression was significantly associated with gender, localization, TNM stage, T stage, and N stage. Together, our meta-analysis showed that MACC1 overexpression was significantly associated with poor survival rates, regional invasion and lymph-node metastasis. MACC1 expression level can serve as a novel prognostic factor in colorectal cancer patients.

MACC1 is post-transcriptionally regulated by miR-218 in colorectal cancer

Metastasis is a multistep molecular network process, which is lethal for more than 90% of the cancer patients. Understanding the regulatory functions of metastasis-inducing molecules is in high demand for improved therapeutic cancer approaches. Thus, we studied the post-transcriptional regulation of the crucial carcinogenic and metastasis-mediating molecule metastasis associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1). In silico analysis revealed MACC1 as a potential target of miR-218, a tumor suppressor miRNA. Expression of these two molecules inversely correlated in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines. In a cohort of CRC patient tissues (n = 59), miR-218 is significantly downregulated and MACC1 is upregulated compared with normal mucosa. Luciferase reporter assays with a construct of the MACC1-3′-UTR harboring either the wild type or the mutated miR-218 seed sequence confirmed the specificity of the targeting. miR-218 inhibited significantly MACC1 protein expression, and consistently, MACC1-mediated migration, invasion and colony formation in CRC cells. Anti-miR-218 enhanced the MACC1-mediated migration, invasion and colony formation. Similar findings were observed in the gastric cancer cell line MKN-45. Further, we performed methylation-specific PCR of the SLIT2 and SLIT3 promoter, where miR-218 is encoded in intronic regions. The SLIT2 and SLIT3 promoters are hypermethylated in CRC cell lines. miR-218 and SLIT2 expressions correlated positively. Methyltransferase inhibitor 5-Azacytidine induced miR-218 expression and inhibited the expression of its target MACC1. We also determined that MACC1 has alternative polyadenylation (APA) sites, which results in different lengths of 3′-UTR variants in a CRC cell line. Taken together, miR-218 is post-transcriptionally inhibiting the MACC1 expression and its metastasis-inducing abilities.

Proteome Heterogeneity in Colorectal Cancer

Tumor heterogeneity is an important feature of colorectal cancer (CRC) manifested by dynamic changes in gene expression, protein expression, and availability of different tumor subtypes. Recent publications in the past 10 years have revealed proteome heterogeneity between different colorectal tumors and within the same tumor site. This paper reviews recent research works on the proteome heterogeneity in CRC, which includes the heterogeneity within a single tumor (intratumor heterogeneity), between different anatomical sites at the same organ, and between primary and metastatic sites (intertumor heterogeneity). The potential use of proteome heterogeneity in precision medicine and its implications in biomarker discovery and therapeutic outcomes will be discussed. Identification of the unique proteome landscape between and within individual tumors is imperative for understanding cancer biology and the management of CRC patients.

Metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1: A promising biomarker for the metastasis and prognosis of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most frequent type of malignancy in the world. Metastasis accounts for >90% mortalities in patients with CRC. The metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) gene has been identified as a novel biomarker for the prediction of metastasis and disease prognosis, particularly for patients with early-stage disease. Previous clinical studies demonstrated that MACC1 expression and polymorphisms in CRC tissues were indicators of metastasis, and that circulating transcripts in plasma were also significantly associated with the survival of patients. The present review describes the use of MACC1 beyond its utility in the clinic. By elucidating the upstream and downstream signal pathways of MACC1, the well-known mechanisms of MACC1-mediated cell proliferation, invasion, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are summarized, as well as the potential signaling pathways. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms by which the overexpression of MACC1 causes cisplatin resistance are emphasized.

[Expression of vasohibin-1 and MACC1 in lung squamous cell carcinoma and their clinicopathological significance]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expressions of vasohibin-1 and MACC1 in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and their associations with the clinicopathological characteristics of the patients.

METHODS

The expressions of vasohibin-1 and MACC1 proteins were examined with immunohistochemistry in 160 LSCC tissues and 80 normal lung tissues.

RESULTS

The positivity rates of vasohibin-1 and MACC1 proteins were 59.4% and 11.3% in LSCC tissues, respectively, which were significantly higher than the rates in normal lung tissues (57.5% and 8.8%, respectively; P<0.05). The expressions of vasohibin-1 and MACC1 proteins were significantly correlated with the tumor grades, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stages (all P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between vasohibin-1 expression and MACC1 expressions (P<0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that LSCC patients with a positive expression of vasohibin-1 had significantly shorter overall survival time than those negative for vasohibin-1; the overall survival time was also significantly shorter in patients positive for MACC1 than in those negative for MACC1 (both P<0.05). Multivariate COX regression analysis indicated that positive expressions of vasohibin-1 and MACC1 protein and TNM stage were independent prognostic factors of LSCC.

CONCLUSION

Aberrant expressions of vasohibin-1 and MACC1 may participate in the development and promote invasion and metastasis of LSCC. The combined detection of vasohibin-1 and MACC1 expression may provide important evidence for predicting the progression and prognosis of LSCC.

S100A4 in cancer progression and metastasis: A systematic review

Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related death and directly associates with cancer progression, resistance to anticancer therapy, and poor patient survival. Current efforts focusing on the underlying molecular mechanisms of cancer metastasis attract a special attention to cancer researchers. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition is a complex of molecular program during embryogenesis, inflammation, tissue fibrosis, and cancer progression and metastasis. S100A4, an important member of S100 family proteins, functions to increase the tumor progression and metastasis. The molecular mechanisms of S100A4 involving in the progression and metastasis are diverse in various malignant tumors. Detection of S100A4 expression becomes a promising candidate biomarker in cancer early diagnosis and prediction of cancer metastasis and therefore, S100A4 may be a therapeutic target. This review summarized up to date advancement on the role of S100A4 in human cancer development, progression, and metastasis and the underlying molecular events and then strategies to target S100A4 expression experimentally.

Evaluation of the correlation of vasculogenic mimicry, ALDH1, KAI1 and microvessel density in the prediction of metastasis and prognosis in colorectal carcinoma

Background

Metastasis and recurrence are the most common reasons for treatment failure of colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Vasculogenic mimicry (VM, blood supply formation often seen in highly aggressive tumors), Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1, a biomarker of cancer stem cells), KAI1 (a suppressor gene of tumor metastasis) are all valuable factors for metastasis and prognosis in diverse human cancers. However, the correlation of VM, ALDH1, KAI1 and microvessel density (MVD) in CRC is unclear. In this study, we analyzed the correlations among VM, ALDH1, KAI1 and MVD, as well as their respective correlations with clinicopathological parameters and survival in CRC.

Methods

The level of VM, ALDH1, KAI1 and MVD in 204 whole tissue samples of CRC were examined by immunhistochemistry. Clinical data was also collected.

Results

Levels of VM, ALDH1 and MVD were significantly higher, and levels of KAI1 significantly lower, in CRC tissues than in normal colorectal tissues. Levels of VM, ALDH1 and MVD were positively associated with invasion of depth, lymph node metastasis (LNM), distant metastasis and tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stages, and negatively with patients’ overall survival (OS). Levels of KAI1 was negatively correlated with invasion of depth, LNM, distant metastasis and TNM stages, and the KAI1 positive expression subgroup had significantly longer OS than did the KAI1- subgroup. In multivariate analysis, high levels of VM, ALDH1 and KAI1, as well as TNM stages were independently correlated with lower OS in patients with CRC.

Conclusions

VM, MVD and the expression of ALDH1 and KAI1 may represent promising metastatic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as potential therapeutic targets for CRC.

Evaluation of the correlation of vasculogenic mimicry, ALDH1, KiSS-1, and MACC1 in the prediction of metastasis and prognosis in ovarian carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Recurrence and metastasis are the usual manifestations of treatment failure of epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC). Vasculogenic mimicry (VM; blood supply development often seen in highly aggressive cancers), aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1, cancer stem cell biomarker), KiSS-1 (suppressor of tumor metastasis), and metastasis associated in colon cancer-1 (MACC1) are all useful predictive factors for metastasis and prognosis in various cancers. In this study, we analyzed associations among VM, ALDH1, KiSS-1, and MACC1 in EOC, and their respective correlations with clinicopathological characteristics and survival in EOC.

METHODS

Positive rates of VM, ALDH1, KiSS-1, and MACC1 in 207 whole EOC tissue samples were detected by immunohistochemistry. Patients' clinical data were also collected.

RESULTS

Levels of VM, ALDH1, and MACC1 were significantly higher, and levels of KiSS-1 significantly lower, in EOC tissues than in benign ovary tumors. Levels of VM, ALDH1, KiSS-1, and MACC1 were associated significantly with tumor/lymph node/metastasis (LNM) grade, implantation, and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, and with patients' overall survival (OS); whereas the KiSS-1+ subgroup had significantly longer OS than did the KiSS-1- subgroup. In multivariate analysis, high VM, ALDH1 or MACC1 levels, FIGO stage, implantation and low KiSS-1 levels were independently associated with shorter OS in patients with EOC.

CONCLUSIONS

VM and expressions of ALDH1, KiSS-1, and MACC1 represent promising markers for metastasis and prognosis, and potential therapeutic targets for EOC.

Cdk3-promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition through activating AP-1 is involved in colorectal cancer metastasis

Cyclin dependent kinase-3 (Cdk3) is a positive regulator of the G1 mammalian cell cycle phase. Cdk3 is involved in cancer progression, but very little is known about its mechanism in cancer development and progression. Herein, we found that Cdk3 increased colorectal cancer metastasis through promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) shift. Cdk3 was found to highly express in metastatic cancer and induce cell motility and invasion. Cdk3 was shown to phosphorylate c-Jun at Ser 63 and Ser 73 in vitro and ex vivo. Cdk3-phosphorylated c-Jun at Ser 63 and Ser 73 resulted in an increased AP-1 activity. Ectopic expression of Cdk3 promoted colorectal cancer from epithelial to mesenchymal transition conjugating AP-1 activation, while AP-1 inhibition dramatically decreased Cdk3-increased EMT shift. These results showed that the Cdk3/c-Jun signaling axis mediating epithelial-mesenchymal transition plays an important role in colorectal cancer metastasis.

Metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1 and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 are metastatic and prognostic biomarker for non-small cell lung cancer

Background

Tumor recurrence and metastasis are the most common reason for treatment failure. Metastasis-associate in colon cancer-1 (MACC1) has been identified as a metastatic and prognostic biomarker for colorectal cancer and other solid tumors. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1), a marker of cancer stem cells, is also associated with metastasis and poor prognosis in many tumors. However, the prognostic value of either MACC1 or ALDH1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unclear. In this study, we explored the relationship between MACC1 and ALDH1 expression, as well as their respective associations with clinicopathological features, to determine if either could be useful for improvement of survival prognosis in NSCLC.

Methods

The expression levels of both MACC1 and ALDH1 in 240 whole tissue sections of NSCLC were examined by immunohistochemistry. Clinical data were also collected.

Results

MACC1 and ALDH1 were significantly overexpressed in NSCLC tissues when compared to levels in normal lung tissues. Investigation of associations between MACC1 or ALDH1 protein levels with clinicopathological parameters of NSCLC revealed correlations between the expression of each with tumor grade, lymph node metastasis, and tumor node metastasis. The overall survival of patients with MACC1- or ALDH1-positive NSCLC tumors was significantly lower than that of those who were negative. Importantly, multivariate analysis suggested that positive expression of either MACC1 or ALDH1, as well as TNM stage, could be independent prognostic factors for overall survival in patients with NSCLC.

Conclusions

MACC1 and ALDH1 may represent promising metastatic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as potential therapeutic targets, for NSCLC.

The expression of metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1 and KAI1 in gastric adenocarcinoma and their clinical significance

Background

The most common reason for malignant tumor treatment failure is recurrence and metastasis. Metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1 (MACC1) was originally identified as a metastatic and prognostic biomarker for colon cancer and later other solid tumors. Kangai 1 (KAI1), a marker of suppressor of metastasis, is also associated with metastasis and poor prognosis in many tumors. However, the prognostic value of either MACC1 or KAI1 in gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) is unclear. In this study, we explored the relationship between MACC1 and KAI1 expression, as well as their respective correlation with clinicopathological features, to determine if either could be helpful for improvement of survival prognosis in GAC patients.

Methods

The expression levels of both MACC1 and KAI1 in 325 whole-tissue sections of GAC were examined by immunohistochemistry. Clinical data was also collected.

Results

MACC1 was significantly overexpressed in GAC tissues when compared to levels in normal gastric tissues; KAI1 was significantly down-expressed in GAC tissues when compared to levels in normal gastric tissues. Investigation of association between MACC1 and KAI1 protein levels with clinicopathological parameters of GAC indicated association between the expression of each with tumor grade, lymph node metastasis, invasive depth, and TNM stages. The overall survival time of patients with MACC1- or KAI1-positive GAC tumors was significantly shorter or longer than that of those who were negative. Importantly, multivariate analysis suggested that positive expression of either MACC1 or KAI1, as well as TNM stage, could be independent prognostic factors for overall survival in patients with GAC.

Conclusions

MACC1 and KAI1 may represent promising metastatic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as potential therapeutic targets, for GAC.

Favorable prognosis in colorectal cancer patients with co-expression of c-MYC and ß-catenin

Background

The purpose of our research was to determine the prognostic impact and clinicopathological feature of c-MYC and β-catenin overexpression in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.

Methods

Using immunohistochemistry (IHC), we measured the c-MYC and β-catenin expression in 367 consecutive CRC patients retrospectively (cohort 1). Also, c-MYC expression was measured by mRNA in situ hybridization. Moreover, to analyze regional heterogeneity, three sites of CRC including the primary, distant and lymph node metastasis were evaluated in 176 advanced CRC patients (cohort 2).

Results

In cohort 1, c-MYC protein and mRNA overexpression and ß-catenin nuclear expression were found in 201 (54.8 %), 241 (65.7 %) and 221 (60.2 %) of 367 patients, respectively, each of which was associated with improved prognosis (P = 0.011, P = 0.012 and P = 0.033, respectively). Moreover, co-expression of c-MYC and ß-catenin was significantly correlated with longer survival by univariate (P = 0.012) and multivariate (P = 0.048) studies. Overexpression of c-MYC protein was associated with mRNA overexpression (ρ, 0.479; P < 0.001) and nuclear ß-catenin expression (ρ, 0.282; P < 0.001). Expression of c-MYC and ß-catenin was heterogeneous depending on location in advanced CRC patients (cohort 2). Nevertheless, both c-MYC and ß-catenin expression in primary cancer were significantly correlated with improved survival in univariate (P = 0.001) and multivariate (P = 0.002) analyses. c-MYC and ß-catenin expression of lymph node or distant metastatic tumor was not significantly correlated with patients’ prognosis (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Co-expression of c-MYC and ß-catenin was independently correlated with favorable prognosis in CRC patient. We concluded that the expression of c-MYC and ß-catenin might be useful predicting indicator of CRC patient’s prognosis.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-016-2770-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The potential therapeutic applications and prognostic significance of metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1 (MACC1) in cancers

The metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1 (MACC1) gene was identified in 2009. Expression of MACC1 was found to be significantly upregulated in primary and metastatic colon carcinomas compared to normal tissues or adenomas. The induction of MACC1 occurs at the crucial step of transition from a benign to a malignant phenotype.

The aim of this review was to summarise current results of non-clinical and clinical studies on the role of MACC1 in the carcinogenesis and progression of cancer, as well its potential therapeutic and prognostic significance.

The gene encoding the HGF receptor MET is a transcriptional target of MACC1. In addition to promoting the proliferation, invasion, and migration of colon cancer cells in cell culture and tumour growth and metastasis in mouse models, MACC1 also contributes to carcinogenesis and progression of colorectal cancer through the β-catenin signalling pathway and mesenchymal-epithelial transition.

MACC1 knockdown with si/sh RNA was investigated in cell lines of different types of cancer. MACC1 is a promising therapeutic target for antitumour and antimetastatic intervention strategies for cancers. Here, it is presented as a potential independent prognostic indicator of reduced overall survival as well as of the occurrence of distant metastasis in patients with different types of cancer.

Apoptotic pathways and stemness in the colorectal epithelium and lamina propria mucosae during the human embryogenesis and carcinogenesis

AIM

Programmed cell death is essential both during normal organ development and carcinogenesis. In this study we immunohistochemically analyzed different pathways of cell death in 11 human conceptuses 5th-10th-weeks old, 10 low and high grade colorectal carcinomas (CRC), and 10 normal colon samples by using markers for apoptosis (caspase-3, AIF, TUNEL), proliferation (Ki-67) and stemness (Oct-4).

RESULTS

Between the 5th and 10th week of development, caspase-3 and AIF showed moderate-to-strong expression in the developing gut wall. During development, number of caspase-3-reactive cells decreased, while AIF increased. While healthy colorectal control and low grade CRC showed moderate expression of caspase-3 and AIF, in high grade CRC their expression was strong. Tumor tissues displayed significantly higher number of positive cells than controls. Occasionally, co-expressing of both markers characterized dying cells. In developing colon, Oct-4 and Ki-67 showed moderate-to-strong expression, while some cells co-expressed both markers. Their number decreased in the epithelium and increased in the connective tissue in later development. Healthy colorectal control displayed moderate Ki-67 and mild Oct-4 reactivity. While in low-grade CRC expression Oct-4 and Ki-67 was moderate, in high-grade CRC their expression was strong. Although Oct-4 and TUNEL occasionally co-expressed in all samples, both grades of CRC contained cells that were Oct-4 positive only.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed two different parallel pathways of cell death, with characteristic increase of AIF-mediated apoptosis when compared to caspase-3, and presence of stemness cells both during colon development and carcinogenesis. These finding might be considered as important diagnostic, survival and CRC therapy predictors.

Tumor Microenvironment in Gene Signatures: Critical Biology or Confounding Noise?

The tumor microenvironment contributes important information in gene expression signatures but may be susceptible to sampling variance. Mesenchymal signatures in particular may be influenced by sampling of nonrepresentative regions with high stromal content. Appropriate pathology quality control is required to ensure reproducibility of gene expression signatures. Clin Cancer Res; 22(16); 3989-91. ©2016 AACRSee related article by Dunne et al., p. 4095.

Increased MACC1 levels in tissues and blood identify colon adenoma patients at high risk

Background

Colorectal cancer is a preventable disease if caught at early stages. This disease is highly aggressive and has a higher incidence in African Americans. Several biomarkers and mutations of aggressive tumor behavior have been defined such as metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) that was associated with metastasis in colorectal cancer patients. Here, we aim to assess colon tissue MACC1 protein and circulating MACC1 transcripts in colon preneoplastic and neoplastic African American patients.

Methods

Patients’ tissue samples (n = 143) have been arranged on three tissue microarrays for normal (n = 26), adenoma (n = 68) and cancer (n = 49) samples. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect MACC1 expression. Blood samples (n = 93) from normal (n = 45), hyperplastic (n = 15) and tubular adenoma (n = 33) patients were used to assess MACC1 transcripts using qRT-PCR. Distribution of continuous variables was tested between different diagnoses with Kruskal–Wallis test. Categorical variables were tested by Chi square test. We assessed the prognostic ability of IHC staining by calculating area under receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) for adenoma and cancer separately. Differences between groups in terms of MACC1 transcript levels in plasma were calculated by using non-parametric (exact) Wilcoxon-Mann–Whitney tests. We performed all calculations with SPSS, version 21.

Results

In patient tissues, there was a statistically significant difference in MACC1 expression in normal vs. adenoma samples (p = 0.004) and normal vs. cancer samples (p < 0.001). There was however no major difference in MACC1 expression between adenoma vs. cancer cases or tubular adenomas vs tubulovillous adenomas. The area under the curve for both normal vs. adenoma and normal vs. cancer cases were 70 and 67 %, respectively. MACC1 expression was not correlated to age, gender or anatomical sample location. In patient plasma, MACC1 transcripts in adenoma patients were significantly higher than in plasma from normal patients (p = 0.014). However, the difference between normal and hyperplastic plasma MACC1 transcripts was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 is expressed at early stages of colorectal oncogenesis within the affected colonic tissue in this patient cohort. The plasma transcripts can be used to stratify African American patients at risk for potential malignant colonic lesions.

S100A4 in Cancer Metastasis: Wnt Signaling-Driven Interventions for Metastasis Restriction

The aberrant activity of Wnt signaling is an early step in the transformation of normal intestinal cells to malignant tissue, leading to more aggressive tumors, and eventually metastases. In colorectal cancer (CRC), metastasis accounts for about 90% of patient deaths, representing the most lethal event during the course of the disease and is directly linked to patient survival, critically limiting successful therapy. This review focuses on our studies of the metastasis-inducing gene S100A4, which we identified as transcriptional target of β-catenin. S100A4 increased migration and invasion in vitro and metastasis in mice. In patient CRC samples, high S100A4 levels predict metastasis and reduced patient survival. Our results link pathways important for tumor progression and metastasis: the Wnt signaling pathway and S100A4, which regulates motility and invasiveness. S100A4 suppression by interdicting Wnt signaling has potential for therapeutic intervention. As proof of principle, we applied S100A4 shRNA systemically and prevented metastasis in mice. Furthermore, we identified small molecule inhibitors from high-throughput screens of pharmacologically active compounds employing an S100A4 promoter-driven reporter. Best hits act, as least in part, via intervening in the Wnt pathway and restricted metastasis in mouse models. We currently translate our findings on restricting S100A4-driven metastasis into clinical practice. The repositioned FDA-approved drug niclosamide, targeting Wnt signaling, is being tested in a prospective phase II clinical trial for treatment of CRC patients. Our assay for circulating S100A4 transcripts in patient blood is used to monitor treatment success.

SPON2, a newly identified target gene of MACC1, drives colorectal cancer metastasis in mice and is prognostic for colorectal cancer patient survival

MACC1 (metastasis associated in colon cancer 1) is a prognostic biomarker for tumor progression, metastasis and survival of a variety of solid cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC). Here we aimed to identify the MACC1-induced transcriptome and key players mediating the MACC1-induced effects in CRC. We performed microarray analyses using CRC cells ectopically overexpressing MACC1. We identified more than 1300 genes at least twofold differentially expressed, including the gene SPON2 (Spondin 2) as 90-fold upregulated transcriptional target of MACC1. MACC1-dependent SPON2 expression regulation was validated on mRNA and protein levels in MACC1 high (endogenously or ectopically) and low (endogenously or by knockdown) expressing cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated the binding of MACC1 to the gene promoter of SPON2. In cell culture, ectopic SPON2 overexpression induced cell viability, migration, invasion and colony formation in endogenously MACC1 and SPON2 low expressing cells, whereas SPON2 knockdown reduced proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities in CRC cells with high endogenous MACC1 and SPON2 expression. In intrasplenically transplanted NOD/SCID mice, metastasis induction was analyzed with control or SPON2-overexpressing CRC cells. Tumors with SPON2 overexpression induced liver metastasis (vs control animals without any metastases, P=0.0036). In CRC patients, SPON2 expression was determined in primary tumors (stages I-III), and survival time was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method. CRC patients with high SPON2 expressing primary tumors demonstrated 8 months shorter metastasis-free survival (MFS) compared with patients with low SPON2 levels (P=0.053). Combining high levels of SPON2 and MACC1 improved the identification of high-risk patients with a 20-month shorter MFS vs patients with low biomarker expression. In summary, SPON2 is a transcriptional target of the metastasis gene MACC1. SPON2 induces cell motility in vitro and CRC metastasis in mice. In patients, SPON2 serves as prognostic indicator for CRC metastasis and survival, and might represent a promising target for therapeutic approaches.