Up-regulation of S100A16 expression promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition via Notch1 pathway in breast cancer

Notch signaling pathway in cancer: from mechanistic insights to targeted therapies

Notch signaling, renowned for its role in regulating cell fate, organ development, and tissue homeostasis across metazoans, is highly conserved throughout evolution. The Notch receptor and its ligands are transmembrane proteins containing epidermal growth factor-like repeat sequences, typically necessitating receptor-ligand interaction to initiate classical Notch signaling transduction. Accumulating evidence indicates that the Notch signaling pathway serves as both an oncogenic factor and a tumor suppressor in various cancer types. Dysregulation of this pathway promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis in malignancies, closely linked to cancer proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Furthermore, the Notch signaling pathway contributes to maintaining stem-like properties in cancer cells, thereby enhancing cancer invasiveness. The regulatory role of the Notch signaling pathway in cancer metabolic reprogramming and the tumor microenvironment suggests its pivotal involvement in balancing oncogenic and tumor suppressive effects. Moreover, the Notch signaling pathway is implicated in conferring chemoresistance to tumor cells. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of these biological processes is crucial for developing innovative therapeutic strategies targeting Notch signaling. This review focuses on the research progress of the Notch signaling pathway in cancers, providing in-depth insights into the potential mechanisms of Notch signaling regulation in the occurrence and progression of cancer. Additionally, the review summarizes pharmaceutical clinical trials targeting Notch signaling for cancer therapy, aiming to offer new insights into therapeutic strategies for human malignancies.

Potential drug targets for tumors identified through Mendelian randomization analysis

According to the latest cancer research data, there are a significant number of new cancer cases and a substantial mortality rate each year. Although a substantial number of clinical patients are treated with existing cancer drugs each year, the efficacy is unsatisfactory. The incidence is still high and the effectiveness of most cancer drugs remains unsatisfactory. Therefore, we evaluated the human proteins for their causal relationship to for cancer risk and therefore also their potential as drug targets. We used summary tumors data from the FinnGen and cis protein quantitative trait loci (cis-pQTL) data from a genome-wide association study, and employed Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore the association between potential drug targets and nine tumors, including breast, colorectal, lung, liver, bladder, prostate, kidney, head and neck, pancreatic caners. Furthermore, we conducted MR analysis on external cohort. Moreover, Bidirectional MR, Steiger filtering, and colocalization were employed to validate the main results. The DrugBank database was used to discover potential drugs of tumors. Under the threshold of False discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05, results showed that S100A16 was protective protein and S100A14 was risk protein for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER-positive) breast cancer, phosphodiesterase 5A (PDE5A) was risk protein for colorectal cancer, and melanoma inhibitory activity (MIA) was protective protein for non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). And there was no reverse causal association between them. Colocalization analysis showed that S100A14 (PP.H4.abf = 0.920) and S100A16 (PP.H4.abf = 0.932) shared causal variation with HER-positive breast cancer, and PDE5A (PP.H4.abf = 0.857) shared causal variation with colorectal cancer (CRC). The MR results of all pQTL of PDE5A and MIA were consistent with main results. In addition, the MR results of MIA and external outcome cohort were consistent with main results. In this study, genetic predictions indicate that circulating S100 calcium binding protein A14 (S100A14) and S100 calcium binding protein A16 (S100A16) are associated with increase and decrease in the risk of HER-positive breast cancer, respectively. Circulating PDE5A is associated with increased risk of CRC, while circulating MIA is associated with decreased risk of NSCLC. These findings suggest that four proteins may serve as biomarkers for cancer prevention and as potential drug targets that could be expected for approval.

Expression and gene regulatory network of S100A16 protein in cervical cancer cells based on data mining

S100A16 protein belongs to the S100 family of calcium-binding proteins, which is widely distributed in human tissues and highly conserved. S100 calcium-binding proteins possess broad biological functions, such as cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, tumor metastasis, and inflammation (Nat Rev Cancer 15:96-109, 2015). The S100A16 protein was initially isolated from a cell line derived from astrocytoma. The S100A16 protein, consisting of 103 amino acids, is a small acidic protein with a molecular weight of 11,801.4 Da and an isoelectric point (pI) of 6.28 (Biochem Biophys Res Commun 313:237-244, 2004). This protein exhibits high conservation among mammals and is widely expressed in various human tissues (Biochem Biophys Res Commun 322:1111-1122, 2004). Like other S100 proteins, S100A16 contains two EF-hand motifs that form a helix-loop-helix structural domain. The N-terminal domain and the C-terminal domain of S100A16 are connected by a "hinge" linker.S100A16 protein exhibits distinct characteristics that distinguish it from other S100 proteins. A notable feature is the presence of a single functional Ca2 + binding site located in the C-terminal EF-hand, consisting of 12 amino acids per protein monomer (J Biol Chem 281:38905-38917, 2006). In contrast, the N-terminal EF-hand of S100A16 comprises 15 amino acids instead of the typical 14, and it lacks the conserved glutamate residue at the final position. This unique attribute may contribute to the impaired Ca2 + binding capability in the N-terminal region (J Biol Chem 281:38905-38917, 2006). Studies have shown an integral role of S100 calcium-binding proteins in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of certain diseases (Cancers 12:2037, 2020). Abnormal expression of S100A16 protein is implicated in the progression of breast and prostate cancer, but an inhibitor of oral cancer and acute lymphoblastic leukemia tumor cell proliferation (BMC Cancer 15:53, 2015; BMC Cancer 15:631, 2015). Tu et al. (Front Cell Dev Biol 9:645641, 2021) indicate that the overexpression of S100A16 mRNA in cervical cancer(CC) such as cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma as compared to the control specimens. Tomiyama N. and co-workers (Oncol Lett 15:9929-9933, 2018) (Tomiyama, N) investigated the role of S100A16 in cancer stem cells using Yumoto cells (a CC cell line),The authors found upregulation of S100A16 in Yumoto cells following sphere formation as compared to monolayer culture.Despite a certain degree of understanding, the exact biological function of S100A16 in CC is still unclear. This article explores the role of S100A16 in CC through a bioinformatics analysis. Referencing the mRNA expression and SNP data of cervical cancer available through The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we analyzed S100A16 and its associated regulatory gene expression network in cervical cancer. We further screened genes co-expressed with S100A16 to hypothesize their function and relationship to the S100A16 cervical cancer phenotype.Our results showed that data mining can effectively elucidate the expression and gene regulatory network of S100A16 in cervical cancer, laying the foundation for further investigations into S100A16 cervical tumorigenesis.

S100a16 Deficiency Prevents Alcohol-induced Fatty Liver Injury via Inducing MANF Expression in Mice

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) encompasses conditions ranging from simple steatosis to cirrhosis and even liver cancer. It has gained significant global attention in recent years. Despite this, effective pharmacological treatments for ALD remain elusive, and the core mechanisms underlying the disease are not yet fully comprehended. S100A16, a newly identified calcium-binding protein, is linked to lipid metabolism. Our research has discovered elevated levels of the S100A16 protein in both serum and liver tissue of ALD patients. A similar surge in hepatic S100A16 expression was noted in a Gao-binge alcohol feeding mouse model. S100a16 knockdown alleviated ethanol-induced liver injury, steatosis and inflammation. Conversely, S100a16 transgenic mice showed aggravating phenomenon. Mechanistically, we identify mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) as a regulated entity downstream of S100a16 deletion. MANF inhibited ER-stress signal transduction induced by alcohol stimulation. Meanwhile, MANF silencing suppressed the inhibition effect of S100a16 knockout on ethanol-induced lipid droplets accumulation in primary hepatocytes. Our data suggested that S100a16 deletion protects mice against alcoholic liver lipid accumulation and inflammation dependent on upregulating MANF and inhibiting ER stress. This offers a potential therapeutic avenue for ALD treatment.

Expression of S100A16 Is Associated with Biological Aggressiveness and Poor Prognosis in Patients with Bladder Cancer Who Underwent Radical Cystectomy

S100 calcium binding protein A16 (S100A16) is expressed in various cancers; however, there are few reports on S100A16 in bladder cancer (BC). We retrospectively investigated clinical data including clinicopathological features in 121 patients with BC who underwent radical cystectomy (RC). Immunohistochemical staining was performed to evaluate S100A16 expression in archived specimens. Cases with >5% expression and more than moderate staining intensity on cancer cells were considered positive. S100A16 expression was observed in 54 patients (44.6%). Univariate analysis showed that S100A16 expression was significantly associated with age, pT stage, recurrence, and cancer-specific death. Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that patients with S100A16 expression had shorter overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) than those without S100A16 expression. In multivariate analysis, pT stage was an independent prognostic factor for OS and lymph node metastasis for CSS and RFS. S100A16 expression may be a biomarker of a biologically aggressive phenotype and poor prognosis in patients with BC who underwent RC. The PI3k/Akt signaling pathway is probably associated with S100A16 and may be a therapeutic target.

S100s and HMGB1 Crosstalk in Pancreatic Cancer Tumors

Pancreatic cancer remains a disease that is very difficult to treat. S100 proteins are small calcium binding proteins with diverse intra- and extracellular functions that modulate different aspects of tumorigenesis, including tumor growth and metastasis. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein is a multifaceted protein that also actively influences the development and progression of tumors. In this study, we investigate the possible correlations, at the transcript level, between S100s and HMGB1 in pancreatic cancer. For this purpose, we calculated Pearson's correlations between the transcript levels of 13 cancer-related S100 genes and HMGB1 in a cDNA array containing 19 pancreatic cancer tumor samples, and in 8 human pancreatic cancer cell lines. Statistically significant positive correlations were found in 5.5% (5 out of 91) and 37.4% (34 of 91) of the possible S100/S100 or S100/HMGB1 pairs in cells and tumors, respectively. Our data suggest that many S100 proteins crosstalk in pancreatic tumors either with other members of the S100 family, or with HMGB1. These newly observed interdependencies may be used to further the characterization of pancreatic tumors based on S100 and HMGB1 transcription profiles.

An Update on S100A16 in Human Cancer

S100A16 is a member of the S100 protein family. S100A16 is expressed in a variety of human tissues, although at varying levels. S100A16 expression is especially high in tissues rich in epithelial cells. mRNA and protein levels of S100A16 have been reported to be differentially expressed in the majority of human cancers. Functionally, S100A16 has been linked to several aspects of tumorigenesis, for example, cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Accordingly, S100A16 has been suggested to have both tumour-promoting and suppressive roles in human cancers. S100A16-mediated cellular functions are suggested to be mediated by the regulation of various signaling pathways/proteins including EMT-related proteins E-cadherin and Vimentin, PI3K-AKT, p53, MMP1-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, JNK/p38, etc. In addition to the functional roles, expression of S100A16 has been suggested to have prognostic potential in various cancer types. The aims of this review are to summarise the expression profile, identify common molecular partners and functional roles, and explore the prognostic potential of S100A16 in human cancers.

miR-508-5p serves as an anti-oncogene by targeting S100A16 to regulate AKT signaling and epithelial-mesenchymal transition process in lung adenocarcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

Our aim was to expose the effect of miR-508-5p on the developmental and biological behaviour of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAC).

METHODS

The KM plotter was used to analyze the survival significance of miR-508-5p and S100A16 expression in LUAC patients. qRT-PCR was performed to detect the expression of miR-508-5p and S100A16 in LUAC tissue and LUAC cell lines. CCK8, colony formation and Transwell were performed to evaluate the effects of miR-508-5p and S100A16 on cell proliferation and metastasis. Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to verify that S100A16 were targets of miR-508-5p. Western blot analysis was performed to analyze protein expression.

RESULTS

Results showed that low miR-508-5p expression in LUAC tissues indicated poorer overall survival of LUAC patients and miR-508-5p was downregulated in LUAC cell lines compared to the normal human lung epithelial cell line. miR-508-5p mimics could inhibit A549 cell proliferation and metastasis abilities, while miR-508-5p Antagomir showed the opposite effect. We identified S100A16 as one direct target of miR-508-5p, and rescuing S100A16 expression could reverse the effect of miR-508-5p mimics on A549 cell proliferation and metastasis. miR-508-5p could involve the coordination of AKT signaling and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progress using western-blot assays and rescuing S100A16 expression could reverse the inhibited AKT signaling and EMT progress induced by miR-508-5p mimics.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that miR-508-5p targeted S100A16 to regulate AKT signaling and EMT progress in A549 cells, resulting in impaired cell proliferation and metastasis activity, suggesting that miR-508-5p might be a promising therapeutic target and an important diagnostic and prognostic marker for improved LUAC therapeutic schedule.

RAGE Inhibitors for Targeted Therapy of Cancer: A Comprehensive Review

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a member of the immunoglobulin family that is overexpressed in several cancers. RAGE is highly expressed in the lung, and its expression increases proportionally at the site of inflammation. This receptor can bind a variety of ligands, including advanced glycation end products, high mobility group box 1, S100 proteins, adhesion molecules, complement components, advanced lipoxidation end products, lipopolysaccharides, and other molecules that mediate cellular responses related to acute and chronic inflammation. RAGE serves as an important node for the initiation and stimulation of cell stress and growth signaling mechanisms that promote carcinogenesis, tumor propagation, and metastatic potential. In this review, we discuss different aspects of RAGE and its prominent ligands implicated in cancer pathogenesis and describe current findings that provide insights into the significant role played by RAGE in cancer. Cancer development can be hindered by inhibiting the interaction of RAGE with its ligands, and this could provide an effective strategy for cancer treatment.

Science CommuniCa2+tion Developing Scientific Literacy on Calcium: The Involvement of CRAC Currents in Human Health and Disease

All human life starts with a calcium (Ca2+) wave. This ion regulates a plethora of cellular functions ranging from fertilisation and birth to development and cell death. A sophisticated system is responsible for maintaining the essential, tight concentration of calcium within cells. Intricate components of this Ca2+ network are store-operated calcium channels in the cells' membrane. The best-characterised store-operated channel is the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel. Currents through CRAC channels are critically dependent on the correct function of two proteins: STIM1 and Orai1. A disruption of the precise mechanism of Ca2+ entry through CRAC channels can lead to defects and in turn to severe impacts on our health. Mutations in either STIM1 or Orai1 proteins can have consequences on our immune cells, the cardiac and nervous system, the hormonal balance, muscle function, and many more. There is solid evidence that altered Ca2+ signalling through CRAC channels is involved in the hallmarks of cancer development: uncontrolled cell growth, resistance to cell death, migration, invasion, and metastasis. In this work we highlight the importance of Ca2+ and its role in human health and disease with focus on CRAC channels.

Calcium Binding Protein S100A16 Expedites Proliferation, Invasion and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Process in Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive system, listed as the second cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. S100 Calcium Binding Protein A16 (S100A16) is an acidic calcium-binding protein associated with several types of tumor progression. However, the function of S100A16 in GC is still not very clear. In this study, we analyzed S100A16 expression with the GEPIA database and the UALCAN cancer database. Meanwhile, 100 clinical GC samples were used for the evaluation of its role in the prognostic analysis. We found that S100A16 is significantly upregulated in GC tissues and closely correlated with poor prognosis in GC patients. Functional studies reveal that S100A16 overexpression triggers GC cell proliferation and migration both in vivo and in vitro; by contrast, S100A16 knockdown restricts the speed of GC cell growth and mobility. Proteomic analysis results reveal a large S100A16 interactome, which includes ZO-2 (Zonula Occludens-2), a master regulator of cell-to-cell tight junctions. Mechanistic assay results indicate that excessive S100A16 instigates GC cell invasion, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) via ZO-2 inhibition, which arose from S100A16-mediated ZO-2 ubiquitination and degradation. Our results not only reveal that S100A16 is a promising candidate biomarker in GC early diagnosis and prediction of metastasis, but also establish the therapeutic importance of targeting S100A16 to prevent ZO-2 loss and suppress GC metastasis and progression.

Exosomes and Brain Metastases: A Review on Their Role and Potential Applications

Brain metastases (BM) are a frequent complication in patients with advanced stages of cancer, associated with impairment of the neurological function, quality of life, prognosis, and survival. BM treatment consists of a combination of the available cancer therapies, such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapies. Even so, cancer patients with BM are still linked to poor prognosis, with overall survival being reported as 12 months or less. Intercellular communication has a pivotal role in the development of metastases, therefore, it has been extensively studied not only to better understand the metastization process, but also to further develop new therapeutic strategies. Exosomes have emerged as key players in intercellular communication being potential therapeutic targets, drug delivery systems (DDS) or biomarkers. In this Review, we focus on the role of these extracellular vesicles (EVs) in BM formation and their promising application in the development of new BM therapeutic strategies.

Integrated analysis identifies S100A16 as a potential prognostic marker for pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

The new S100 protein family member S100A16 is functionally expressed in various cancers. This study explored the prognostic value and potential role of S100A16 in pancreatic cancer (PC).

METHODS

RNA-seq and clinical data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas-Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-PAAD) dataset to compare the expression level of S100A16 between groups. The genes co-expressed with S100A16 in TCGA-PAAD were analyzed using cBioPortal. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and genomes enrichment analyses were also performed on these genes. Pathways related to S100A16 expression dysregulation were explored using gene set enrichment analysis. The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource was used to analyze the correlation between S100A16 and infiltrating immune cells. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox analyses were used to assess the prognostic significance of S100A16 for PC.

RESULTS

The S100A16 expression level was high in PC and increased with the degree of malignancy. The S100A16 functions in PC were mainly enriched in the immune modules, but negatively correlated with the immune activity (T-cell, cytokine, immune, co-receptor, signaling adaptor, cell adhesion molecule, chemokine, and JAK/STAT signaling) and infiltration level (T cells and macrophages). The strongest negative correlation was observed between the expression of CD8⁺ T cells and S100A16. Furthermore, high S100A16 expression also indicated worse overall survival and, therefore, worse prognosis of PC.

CONCLUSION

S100A16 is a potential independent prognostic marker and immunotherapy target for PC. Mechanistically, S100A16 potentially affects prognosis by extensive immunosuppression, including the inhibition of the anti-tumor immune response of CD8⁺ T cells.

ADAMTS19 Suppresses Cell Migration and Invasion by Targeting S100A16 via the NF-κB Pathway in Human Gastric Cancer

A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin motifs 19 (ADAMTS19) has been reported to participate in the pathogenesis of solid cancers. However, its role in gastric cancer (GC) remains undocumented. Using immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) on GC tissues and adjacent normal tissues, we found that ADAMTS19 was downregulated in GC tissues (IHC: p < 0.001; qRT-PCR: p = 0.017). Further investigation revealed that ADAMTS19 correlated with distant metastasis (p = 0.008) and perineural invasion (p = 0.018) and that patients with low ADAMTS19 had worse overall survival (p = 0.021). Gain- and loss-of-function assays showed that ADAMTS19 suppressed cell migration and invasion in vitro. Using bioinformatics analysis and co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays, we confirmed that ADAMTS19 binds with cytoplasm P65, decreasing the nucleus phosphorylation of P65, a crucial transcription factor in the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway, thereby downregulating S100 calcium-binding protein A16 (S100A16) expression. S100A16 acted as the downstream of ADAMTS19, reversing the suppression of cell migration and invasion by ADAMTS19 in vitro. A combination of ADAMTS19 and S100A16 expression provided the optimal prognostic indicator for GC. Patients with ADAMTS19^high-S100A16^low had better overall survival than ADAMTS19^low-S100A16^high patients (p = 0.006). These results suggest that ADAMTS19 suppresses cell migration and invasion by targeting S100A16 via the NF-κB pathway and that ADAMTS19 and S100A16 are potential metastasis and survival biomarkers for GC.

Bivalent Genes Targeting of Glioma Heterogeneity and Plasticity

Gliomas account for most primary Central Nervous System (CNS) neoplasms, characterized by high aggressiveness and low survival rates. Despite the immense research efforts, there is a small improvement in glioma survival rates, mostly attributed to their heterogeneity and complex pathophysiology. Recent data indicate the delicate interplay of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in regulating gene expression and cell differentiation, pointing towards the pivotal role of bivalent genes. Bivalency refers to a property of chromatin to acquire more than one histone marks during the cell cycle and rapidly transition gene expression from an active to a suppressed transcriptional state. Although first identified in embryonal stem cells, bivalent genes have now been associated with tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Emerging evidence indicates the implication of bivalent gene regulation in glioma heterogeneity and plasticity, mainly involving Homeobox genes, Wingless-Type MMTV Integration Site Family Members, Hedgehog protein, and Solute Carrier Family members. These genes control a wide variety of cellular functions, including cellular differentiation during early organism development, regulation of cell growth, invasion, migration, angiogenesis, therapy resistance, and apoptosis. In this review, we discuss the implication of bivalent genes in glioma pathogenesis and their potential therapeutic targeting options.

S100A16 induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human PDAC cells and is a new therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer treatment that synergizes with gemcitabine

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal cancers, with a poor 5-year survival rate of approximately 6%, mostly due to poor treatment response and early progression. The S100 gene family participates in various pathophysiological processes in various malignancies. S100A16 is a member of the S100 family, which is abnormally expressed in PDAC; however, its biological functions and mechanisms of action remain unclear. We analysed the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) public database and the gene ChIP data collected in our previous study of human PDAC cell line PANC-1 cocultured with M2 macrophages to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Twenty-three overexpressed genes were identified by screening. Then, the selected genes were analysed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to assess whether they have significant impact on the overall survival (OS) of PDAC patients. Of the 14 DEGs identified, S100A16 was associated with poor prognosis and was selected for further investigation; the results indicate that S100A16 is positively correlated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes in the TCGA dataset. Subsequent in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that S100A16 induces the EMT to promote the metastasis of human PDAC cells and that the effect is mediated by the enhanced expression of TWIST1 and activation of the STAT3 signalling pathway. The antitumour effect of gemcitabine (GEM) was enhanced in combination with S100A16 downregulation. In conclusion, our findings suggest that S100A16 is a novel potential therapeutic target for human PDAC treatment.

S100A16 suppresses the proliferation, migration and invasion of colorectal cancer cells in part via the JNK/p38 MAPK pathway

S100 calcium binding protein A16 (S100A16) is the most recent member of the S100 calcium-binding protein family. The function of S100A16 has been associated with various types of cancer; however, its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the role of S100A16 in CRC progression. The Oncomine dataset used in the current study revealed that the expression of S100A16 was decreased in CRC compared with normal colorectal tissues. Similar results were also determined via immunohistochemistry. In addition, a negative association was identified between S100A16 expression and the prognosis of patients with CRC. Further functional experiments revealed that S100A16 knockdown promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCT116 and SW480 cells, and vice versa in Lovo cells. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was promoted and the JNK/p38 MAPK pathway was activated in HCT116 cells following S100A16 knockdown, as determined via western blotting. Furthermore, S100A16 silencing promoted the migration and invasion of cells. EMT was also reversed when cells were treated with the JNK inhibitor (SP600125) or the p38 inhibitor (SB203580). In summary, the results of the present study demonstrated that S100A16 suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of CRC cells partially via the JNK/p38 MAPK signalling pathway and subsequent EMT mediation.

Differentially expressed full-length, fusion and novel isoforms transcripts-based signature of well-differentiated keratinized oral squamous cell carcinoma

Highly keratinized oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) exhibits an improved response to treatment and prognosis compared with weakly keratinized OSCC. Therefore, we aimed to develop gene transcript signature and to identify novel full-length isoforms, fusion transcript and non-coding RNA to differentiate well-differentiated (WD) with Moderately Differentiated (MD)/Poorly Differentiated (PD)/WD-lymphadenopathy OSCC through, HTA, Isoform sequencing, and NanoString. Additionally, specific copy number gain and loss were also identify in WD keratinized OSCC through Oncoscan array and validated through Real-time PCR in histopathologically characterized FFPE-WD keratinized OSCC. Three-hundred-thirty-eight (338) differentially expressed full-length (FL) transcript isoforms (317 upregulated and 21 down-regulated in OSCC) were identified through Isoform Sequencing using the PacBio platform. Thirty-four (34) highly upregulated differentially expressed transcripts from IsoSeq data were also correlated with HTA2.0 and validated in 42 OSCC samples. We were able to identify 18 differentially expressed transcripts, 12 fusion transcripts, and two long noncoding RNAs. These transcripts were involved in increased cell proliferation, dysregulated metabolic reprogramming, oxidative stress, and immune system markers with enhanced immune rearrangements, suggesting a cancerous nature. However, an increase in proteasomal activity and hemidesmosome proteins suggested an improved prognosis and tumor cell stability in keratinized OSCC and helped to characterize WD with MD/PD/WD with lymphadenopathy OSCC. Additionally, novel isoforms of IL37, NAA10, UCHL3, SPAG7, and RAB24 were identified while in silico functionally validated SPAG7 represented the premalignant phenotype of keratinized (K4) OSCC. Most importantly we found copy number gain and overexpression of EGFR suggest that TKIs may also be used as therapeutics in WD-OSCCs.

Analysis of expression differences of immune genes in non-small cell lung cancer based on TCGA and ImmPort data sets and the application of a prognostic model

Background

There has been little investigation carried out into the activity of immune-related genes in the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Our study set out to analyze the correlation between the differential expression of immune genes and NSCLC prognosis by screening the differential expression of immune genes. Based on the immune genes identified, we aimed to construct a prognostic risk model and explore some novel molecules which have predictive potential for therapeutic effect and prognosis in lung cancer.

Methods

Immune gene transcriptome data and clinical data of NSCLC samples were extracted from TCGA database, and transcription factors in the ImmPort dataset were obtained. The data were divided into two groups: normal tissues and tumor tissues. The expression levels of immune genes were compared using the edgeR algorithm, and then differential expression analysis was performed. The survival analysis was carried out by combining differential immune genes with clinical survival time, so that the immune genes influencing the prognosis of NSCLC could be determined. A risk score was calculated based on the expression levels of the immune genes related to the prognosis of NSCLC and their corresponding coefficients to construct a prognostic risk model. This model was used to calculate patient risk scores and perform clinical correlation analysis. The selected molecules were further verified by clinical samples.

Results

By comparing NSCLC tissues with normal tissues, a total of 6,778 differentially expressed genes were found (P<0.05), of which 490 were differential immune-related genes. Survival analysis determined 28 differential immune genes to be associated with prognosis (P<0.05). We calculated the patient risk value based on the immune gene prognosis model. The survival curve was drawn according to the patient risk score and showed that the survival prognosis was significantly different for the high-risk and the low-risk groups (P<0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was 0.723, which represented a relatively high true-positive rate. All of the results proved the reliability of our immune gene risk prognostic model. After drawing the risk curve, S100A16, IGKV4, S100P, ANGPTL4, SEMA4B, and LGR4 were found to be the high-risk immune genes in NSCLC. Clinical correlation analysis of survival-related differential immune genes revealed that in patients with lymph node metastasis, ANGPTL4 was positively correlated with T stage, S100a16 and SEMA4B were upregulated, and VIPR1 was downregulated. Further analysis revealed that VIPR1 was decreased in metastatic lung cancer compared to non-metastatic lung cancer. Furthermore, the real-time PCR detection of the clinical samples showed that S100A16 expression in lung cancer was increased, while VIPR1 expression in lung cancer was downregulated, which was consistent with the results of our bioinformatics analysis.

Conclusions

Based on big data from the TCGA and ImmPort databases, our study analyzed the relationship between differential expression of immune-related genes and clinical data, and constructed a prognostic model based on the immune genes identified. Two novel molecules, S100A16 and VIPR1, were verified to possibly have significant biological function in NSCLC. Our research may provide us with new insight into the immune genes by which the malignant biological behavior of NSCLC is mediated.

S100A16 Regulates HeLa Cell through the Phosphatidylinositol 3 Kinase (PI3K)/AKT Signaling Pathway

Background

S100 calcium-binding protein A16 (S100A16) is closely related to the onset and progression of tumors.

Material/Methods

In the research, the mainly purpose was to investigate the effect of S100A16 on the proliferation ability, invasion, and angiogenesis of HeLa cells. An adenoviral vector overexpressing S100A16 (Ad-S100A16) was constructed and transfected into HeLa cells, forming a stable cells line of overexpression. The effect of S100A16 on the proliferative capacity of HeLa cells was evaluated by a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Cell migration capacity was determined by a Transwell migration assay. Changes in matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, E-cadherin, and vimentin expression were evaluated by a cell-based immunofluorescence assay. The effect of S100A16 on angiogenesis was verified by knockout experiment.

Results

Overexpression of S100A16 significantly enhanced the proliferative and migratory capacities of HeLa cells (P<0.05), upregulated expression of matrix MMP-2, MMP-9, vimentin, phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase, and phosphorylated protein kinase B, and downregulated expression of E-cadherin. Vascular endothelial growth factor expression increased, phosphatase and tensin homolog expression decreased, and angiogenesis was positively correlated with S100A16 expression. These effects were largely mediated by the activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B pathways.

Conclusions

S100A16 could promote the proliferation, migration, and tumor angiogenesis of HeLa cells by regulating the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathways.

Molecular Mechanism of Stem Cell Differentiation into Adipocytes and Adipocyte Differentiation of Malignant Tumor

Adipogenesis is the process through which preadipocytes differentiate into adipocytes. During this process, the preadipocytes cease to proliferate, begin to accumulate lipid droplets, and develop morphologic and biochemical characteristics of mature adipocytes. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a type of adult stem cells known for their high plasticity and capacity to generate mesodermal and nonmesodermal tissues. Many mature cell types can be generated from MSCs, including adipocyte, osteocyte, and chondrocyte. The differentiation of stem cells into multiple mature phenotypes is at the basis for tissue regeneration and repair. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a very important role in tumor development and have the potential to differentiate into multiple cell lineages. Accumulating evidence has shown that cancer cells can be induced to differentiate into various benign cells, such as adipocytes, fibrocytes, osteoblast, by a variety of small molecular compounds, which may provide new strategies for cancer treatment. Recent studies have reported that tumor cells undergoing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition can be induced to differentiate into adipocytes. In this review, molecular mechanisms, signal pathways, and the roles of various biological processes in adipose differentiation are summarized. Understanding the molecular mechanism of adipogenesis and adipose differentiation of cancer cells may contribute to cancer treatments that involve inducing differentiation into benign cells.

Increased Stromal Infiltrating Lymphocytes are Associated with Circulating Tumor Cells and Metastatic Relapse in Breast Cancer Patients After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Background

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) intravasate into the bloodstream throughout early cancer stages, promoting metastasis. The tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in disease progression and outcome. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the associations of intratumoral and stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) with CTCs among patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).

Methods

We analyzed CTCs in 30 patients with primary breast cancer before and after NAC. The numbers of intratumoral TILs (iTILs) and stromal TILs (sTILs) from pre-NAC formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded core biopsies and post-NAC surgical samples were analyzed. The associations of TILs with pathologic complete response (pCR) and outcome were also evaluated.

Results

Of the 30 patients, pCR was achieved in nine (30.0%) patients. A total of 25 (83.3%) patients were CTC-positive before NAC, and eight (26.7%) patients were CTC-positive after NAC. Neither CTC detection before NAC nor CTC after NAC was predictive of pCR. Nevertheless, the presence of CTCs after NAC was significantly associated with early metastatic relapse (P = 0.049) and worse disease-free survival (P = 0.009). After NAC, total sTILs, CD4⁺ T cells, and CD8⁺ T cells were significantly correlated with CTC detection. Increased infiltration of sTILs and CD4⁺ T cells was also an unfavorable prognostic factor as measured by the rate of metastatic relapse.

Conclusion

Detection of CTCs after NAC was positively associated with the metastatic relapse of breast cancer patients. Increased infiltration of sTILs after NAC was correlated with CTCs and was found to be an unfavorable prognostic factor.

MicroRNA-6884-5p Regulates the Proliferation, Invasion, and EMT of Gastric Cancer Cells by Directly Targeting S100A16

S100 binding protein A16 (S100A16) expression levels are closely associated with microRNA (miRNA) processing. Higher levels of S100A16 are reported during the progression of many cancers. Our study mainly explored the interaction between S100A16 and miR-6884-5p in gastric cancer (GC). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to determine the level of S100A16 and miR-6884-5p in GC tissues and cell lines. The si-S100A16, pcDNA-S100A16, miR-6884-5p mimic or inhibitor was transfected into GC cells, and the effects of S100A16 and miR-6884-5p on the proliferation, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were explored by qRT-PCR and Western blot assays. Luciferase assays were performed to validate S100A16 as an miR-6884-5p target in GC cells. In our study, we found that the level of miR-6884-5p was significantly decreased and the expression of S100A16 was significantly increased in GC tissues and cell lines. There was a close association between these changes. Knockdown of S100A16 significantly inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and EMT of GC cells. The bioinformatics analysis predicted that S100A16 is a potential target gene of miR-6884-5p, and the luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-6884-5p could directly target S100A16. Introduction of miR-6884-5p to GC cells had similar effects to S100A16 silencing. Overexpression of S100A16 in GC cells partially reversed the inhibitory effects of the miR-6884-5p mimic. miR-6884-5p inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and EMT of GC cells by directly decreasing S100A16 expression.

S100A16-induced adipogenesis is associated with up-regulation of 11 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1)

The steadily increasing epidemic of obesity continues at alarming rates, is an important public health problem, and expression changes of S100A16 and 11 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1(11β-HSD1) is attributable to the adipocyte differentiation. In our previous study, we found that 11β-HSD1 protein expression increased in S100A16-overexpressed 3T3-L1 cell model. In order to further investigate the relationship between S100A16 and 11β-HSD1, and the molecular mechanisms of S100A16-induced adipogenesis, we constructed S100A16 transgenic and knockout mouse, and S100A16-overexpressed 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cell. Using S100A16 transgenic (S100A16^Tg/+) mice fed with normal fat diet (NFD) and high fat diet (HFD) diet model, we evaluated the effect of S100A16 on adipogenesis, expression of 11β-HSD1, and RNA sequencing and quantification of gene expression. Using the 3T3-L1 cell model, we examined the effect of S100A16 and 11β-HSD1 on pre-adipocyte differentiation, and cell signaling events of 11β-HSD1 overexpression induced by S100A16. We found that when compared with C57BL/6 mice, overexpression of S100A16 under the condition of HFD increased lipid content in WAT and fat infiltration in hepatocytes, 11β-HSD1 protein expression increased along with S100A16. Elevated S100A16 and 11β-HSD1 expression promoted adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. Overexpression of S100A16 inhibited the degradation of 11β-HSD1. We conclude that S100A16-induced adipogenesis is associated with up-regulation of 11β-HSD1.

S100A16 regulated by Snail promotes the chemoresistance of nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer through the AKT/Bcl-2 pathway

Objective: To fully investigate the effect of S100 proteins on the chemoresistance of nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

Materials and methods: The mitomycin C-resistant bladder cancer cell line M-RT4 was established and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was performed for proteomics analysis. RT-PCR and Western blot were then performed to confirm the findings. To investigate the mechanisms, S100A16 was knocked down by siRNA. Then, the sensitivity of M-RT4 to mitomycin C was analyzed by a cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay, and the molecular expression including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related and apoptosis-related markers were also examined by Western blot. Based on the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) data, the prognostic value of S100A16 was also investigated.

Results: There were six S100 proteins with differential expression, among which S100A16 was confirmed to be the only upregulated protein in M-RT4 cells. The expression of S100A16 was regulated by the EMT-related transcription factor Snail. Knockdown of S100A16 suppressed the AKT/Bcl-2 pathway to promote apoptosis, greatly sensitizing M-RT4 cells to mitomycin C. The expression of S100A16 was negatively correlated with the overall survival of bladder cancer patients.

Conclusion: S100A16 contributes to the chemoresistance of NMIBC by promoting the AKT/Bcl-2-mediated anti-apoptosis effect and could be a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for NMIBC patients.

ZFP57 suppress proliferation of breast cancer cells through down-regulation of MEST-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway

Activation of oncogenes by promoter hypomethylation plays an important role in tumorigenesis. Zinc finger protein 57 (ZFP57), a member of KRAB-ZFPs, could maintain DNA methylation in embryonic stem cells (ESCs), although its role and underlying mechanisms in breast cancer are not well understood. In this study, we found that ZFP57 had low expression in breast cancer, and overexpression of ZFP57 could inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. MEST was validated as the direct target gene of ZFP57 and MEST may be down-regulated by ZFP57 through conserving DNA methylation. Furthermore, overexpression of MEST could restore the tumour-suppressed and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway inactivated effects of ZFP57. ZFP57-MEST and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway axis are involved in breast tumorigenesis, which may represent a potential diagnostic biomarker, and provide a new insight into a novel therapeutic strategy for breast cancer patients.

Prognostic values of S100 family members in ovarian cancer patients

Objective

Exhibiting high consistence in sequence and structure, S100 family members are interchangeable in function and they show a wide spectrum of biological processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, migration, inflammation and differentiation and the like. While the prognostic value of each individual S100 in ovarian cancer is still elusive. In current study, we investigated the prognostic value of S100 family members in the ovarian cancer.

Methods

We used the Kaplan Meier plotter (KM plotter) database, in which updated gene expression data and survival information are from 1657 ovarian cancer patients, to assess the relevance of individual S100 family mRNA expression to overall survival in various ovarian cancer subtypes and different clinicopathological features.

Results

It was found that high expression of S100A2 (HR = 1.18, 95%CI: 1.04–1.34, P = 0.012), S100A7A (HR = 1.3, 95%CI: 1.04–1.63, P = 0.02),S100A10 (HR = 1.2, 95%CI: 1.05–1.38, P = 0.0087),and S100A16 (HR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1–1.51, P = 0.052) were significantly correlated with worse OS in all ovarian cancer patients, while the expression of S100A1 (HR = 0.87, 95%CI: 0.77–0.99, P = 0.039), S100A3 (HR = 0.83, 95%CI: 0.71–0.96, P = 0.0011), S100A5 (HR = 0.84, 95%CI: 0.73–0.97, P = 0.017), S100A6 (HR = 0.84, 95%CI: 0.72–0.98, P = 0.024), S100A13 (HR = 0.85, 95%CI:0.75–0.97, P = 0.014) and S100G (HR = 0.86, 95%CI: 0.74–0.99, P = 0.041) were associated with better prognosis. Furthermore, we assessed the prognostic value of S100 expression in different subtypes and the clinicopathological features, including pathological grades, clinical stages and TP53 mutation status, of ovarian cancer patients.

Conclusion

Comprehensive understanding of the S100 family members may have guiding significance for the diagnosis and outcome of ovarian cancer patients.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-5170-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

miR-3178 inhibits cell proliferation and metastasis by targeting Notch1 in triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a poorer outcome than other subtypes of breast cancer, and the discovery of dysregulated microRNA (miRNA) and their role in tumor progression has provided a new avenue for elucidating the mechanism involved in TNBC. In this study, we identified that miR-3178 was significantly reduced in TNBC, and the low miR-3178 expression correlated with poor overall survival in TNBC but not in non-TNBC. The ectopic overexpression of miR-3178 suppressed TNBC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration by inhibiting the epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) transition. Notch1 was validated as the direct target gene of miR-3178, which was confirmed by the dual-luciferase reporter assay. miR-3178 decreased the expression of Notch1 and restoration of Notch1 expression attenuated the inhibitory effects of miR-3178 on cell proliferation, metastasis, and the EMT in TNBC. miR-3178 inhibited cell proliferation and metastasis by targeting Notch1 in TNBC, and the restoration of miR-3178 might be a potential therapeutic strategy for TNBC.

Microwave ablation combined with doxorubicin enhances cell death via promoting reactive oxygen species generation in breast cancer cells

PURPOSE

To evaluate the mechanism for enhancing cell death induced by microwave ablation (MWA) combined with doxorubicin treatment in breast cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Different temperatures of heat treatment were used to mimic the tumor affected by sublethal heat during MWA in vitro. Breast cancer cells were treated at 43°C and 45°C, with or without doxorubicin. Cell viability, apoptosis, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated in MDA-MB-231 and SUM-1315 cells. Nude mice breast cancer models were randomly divided into control, MWA, doxorubicin, and combined treatment groups. Tumor apoptosis and DNA damage were evaluated in these groups.

RESULTS

The combined group had lower cell viability than the heat or doxorubicin group (all P<0.05), and enhanced apoptosis rate was observed in the combined group compared to others (all P<0.01) in MDA-MB-231 and SUM-1315. Increased capase3 (all P<0.01) and decreased Bcl-Xl (all P<0.01) were detected after combined therapy compared to single treated group in vitro. The raisedCaspase3 and DNA damage marker histone H2A.X induced by combined treatment were also approved in the nude mice models. Combined treatment promoted ROS generation compared to doxorubicin or MWA treatment (all P < 0.01). NF-κB expression in the combined group was higher than that of the single treatment group (all P<0.05). N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a ROS scavenger, partly restrained the combined treatment induced cell proliferation inhibition, Caspase3 and NF-κB compared to doxorubicin treatment (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

MWA combined with doxorubicin promote cell death via ROS induced cell apoptosis and DNA damage. Increasing ROS has potential for improving the efficiency of combined treatment.

Aberrant S100A16 expression might be an independent prognostic indicator of unfavorable survival in non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma

S100A16 is a conserved member of the S100 protein family in mammals. Its upregulation was observed in many tumors and is related to malignant transformation. In this study, we explored the independent prognostic value of S100A16 in terms of overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) by performing a retrospective study, using data in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Besides, by using deep sequencing data in TCGA-LUAD, we also explored the association between S100A16 expression and its DNA methylation and copy number alterations (CNAs). Results showed that the primary LUAD tissues (N = 514) had significantly elevated S100A16 expression compared with the normal lung tissues (N = 59). Based on OS data of 502 primary LUAD cases, we found that high S100A16 expression was correlated with inferior OS. The following univariate and multivariate analysis confirmed that increased S100A16 expression was an independent prognostic indicator of unfavorable OS (HR: 1.197, 95%CI: 1.050–1.364, p = 0.007) and RFS (HR: 1.206, 95%CI: 1.045–1.393, p = 0.011). By examining the DNA methylation data in TCGA-LUAD, we found that some S100A16 DNA CpG sites were generally hypermethylated in normal tissues, but not in LUAD tissues. Regression analysis identified a moderately negative correlation between S100A16 expression and its DNA methylation. In comparison, although DNA amplification (+1/+2) was frequent (378/511, 74%) in LUAD patients, it was not associated with increased S100A16 expression. Based on findings above, we infer that aberrant S100A16 expression might be modulated by its DNA hypomethylation and serves as an independent prognostic indicator of unfavorable OS and RFS in LUAD.

S100A16 up-regulates Oct4 and Nanog expression in cancer stem-like cells of Yumoto human cervical carcinoma cells

Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), which possess the ability to self-renewal and are multipotent, are regarded as the cause of tumor formation, recurrence, metastasis and drug resistance. It is necessary to understand the properties of CSCs in order to treat them effectively. It has been previously reported that S100 family proteins, which carry calcium-binding EF-hand motifs and are associated with tumorigenic processes, serve crucial roles in maintaining cancer stem-like properties. S100A16 is upregulated in various types of cancer, including bladder, lung and pancreatic. However, the roles of S100A16 in cancer cells, particularly CSCs, are not clear. The present study investigated the roles of S100A16 in CSCs using the sphere formation assay of Yumoto cells, which are a human cervical carcinoma cell line. The mRNA expression levels were evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and the protein expression levels were detected by western blot analysis. Following the sphere formation of Yumoto cells, the mRNA and protein expression level of Oct4, Nanog and S100A16 were increased compared with the control cells. Following transfection with S100A16 small interfering RNA (siRNA), the mRNA and protein expression of Oct4 and Nanog were decreased and the spheroid size was significantly decreased in the sphere formation of Yumoto cells compared with control siRNA treated cells. There was no change in the p53 mRNA expression level, whereas the p53 protein expression level, which was decreased by the sphere formation, was recovered by S100A16 knockdown. In addition, the protein expression levels of Oct4 and Nanog, which were increased in the sphere formation, were decreased by the proteasome inhibitor lactacystin. No differences were observed in the S100A16 protein expression between the presence or absence of lactacystin. These results suggest that S100A16 serves an important role in the CSCs of human cervical carcinoma and is a positive regulator of Oct4 and Nanog.

Bivalent Chromatin Domains in Glioblastoma Reveal a Subtype-Specific Signature of Glioma Stem Cells

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) can be clustered by gene expression into four main subtypes associated with prognosis and survival, but enhancers and other gene-regulatory elements have not yet been identified in primary tumors. Here, we profiled six histone modifications and CTCF binding as well as gene expression in primary gliomas and identified chromatin states that define distinct regulatory elements across the tumor genome. Enhancers in mesenchymal and classical tumor subtypes drove gene expression associated with cell migration and invasion, whereas enhancers in proneural tumors controlled genes associated with a less aggressive phenotype in GBM. We identified bivalent domains marked by activating and repressive chromatin modifications. Interestingly, the gene interaction network from common (subtype-independent) bivalent domains was highly enriched for homeobox genes and transcription factors and dominated by SHH and Wnt signaling pathways. This subtype-independent signature of early neural development may be indicative of poised dedifferentiation capacity in glioblastoma and could provide potential targets for therapy.Significance: Enhancers and bivalent domains in glioblastoma are regulated in a subtype-specific manner that resembles gene regulation in glioma stem cells. Cancer Res; 78(10); 2463-74. ©2018 AACR.

Insufficient microwave ablation-induced promotion of distant metastasis is suppressed by β-catenin pathway inhibition in breast cancer

Microwave ablation (MWA), a thermal ablation, is an effective treatment for breast cancer. However, residual breast cancer is still detected. The biological characteristics of residual breast cancer after thermal ablation remain unknown. To mimic insufficient MWA in vitro, breast cancer cells were treated at 37°C, 42°C, 45°C, 47°C and 50°C for 10 mins, the 37°C as control group. Insufficient MWA induced EMT-like changes of residual breast cancer by down-regulation of E-cadherin and up-regulation of vimentin and N-cadherin in vitro and in vivo. For the first time, we reported insufficient MWA promoted distant metastasis of residual breast cancer in vivo. Reduced β-catenin expression by siRNA diminished the EMT-like phenotype and enhanced migration capability induced by heat treatment in breast cancer cells. Moreover, ICG001, a special inhibitor of β-catenin pathway, depressed EMT of residual tumor and distant metastasis in an insufficient MWA nude mice model of breast cancer. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that insufficient MWA promotes EMT of residual breast cancer by activating β-catenin signal pathway, resulting in enhanced distant metastasis of residual breast cancer. In addition, the effectiveness of ICG001 in suppressing enhanced metastasis of residual breast cancer is preliminarily validated.

S100A16, a promising candidate as a prognostic marker for platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy in resected lung adenocarcinoma

Purpose

Although cisplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy improves the survival of patients with resected non-small-cell lung cancer, not all patients show a survival benefit, and some patients experience severe toxicity. Therefore, identifying biomarkers is important for selecting subgroups of patients who may show improved survival with platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy. S100A16 is thought to play key roles during different steps of tumor progression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of S100A16 expression as a prognostic marker in patients with completely resected lung adenocarcinoma receiving platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

S100A16 expression was immunohistochemically studied in 65 consecutive lung adenocarcinoma patients who underwent complete resection and received platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the effect of S100A16 expression on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

S100A16 expression was detected in 26 of the 65 (40.0%) lung adenocarcinoma patients. Although S100A16 expression was not correlated with DFS (P=0.062), it was significantly correlated with OS (P=0.009). In addition, multivariable analysis revealed that S100A16 expression independently predicted a poorer survival (HR =4.79; 95% CI =1.87–12.23; P=0.001).

Conclusion

The present study revealed that S100A16 is a promising candidate as a prognostic marker for platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy in resected lung adenocarcinoma. A further large-scale study is needed to confirm the present results.

S100A16 is a prognostic marker for colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

S100 is a superfamily of calcium-binding proteins that regulate multiple biological processes and are involved in many diseases. S100A16 has recently been identified to be involved in several cancers such as bladder cancer, lung cancer, and oral squamous cell carcinoma. However, the role of S100A16 expression in the colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been investigated.

METHODS

S100A16 protein expression was detected by immunohistochemistry in 296 cases of CRC. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis were performed to evaluate the prognostic significance of S100A16.

RESULT

The results showed that the overall survival (OS) of patients with low membrane S100A16 expression was significantly shorter than patients with high expression (P < 0.05). Chi-square analysis showed that S100A16 expression had a positive correlation with tumor grade (P = 0.02). Multivariate analysis identified membrane S100A16 expression as an independent prognostic marker for OS in CRC patients. (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis showed no significant association between cytoplasmic/nuclear S100A16 expression and OS.

CONCLUSION

Membrane S100A16 is associated with the prognosis of CRC patients, indicating that S100A16 may be a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for CRC.

Enhanced Isolation and Release of Circulating Tumor Cells Using Nanoparticle Binding and Ligand Exchange in a Microfluidic Chip

The detection of rare circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood of cancer patients has the potential to be a powerful and noninvasive method for examining metastasis, evaluating prognosis, assessing tumor sensitivity to drugs, and monitoring therapeutic outcomes. In this study, we have developed an efficient strategy to isolate CTCs from the blood of breast cancer patients using a microfluidic immune-affinity approach. Additionally, to gain further access to these rare cells for downstream characterization, our strategy allows for easy detachment of the captured CTCs from the substrate without compromising cell viability or the ability to employ next generation RNA sequencing for the identification of specific breast cancer genes. To achieve this, a chemical ligand-exchange reaction was engineered to release cells attached to a gold nanoparticle coating bound to the surface of a herringbone microfluidic chip (NP-^HBCTC-Chip). Compared to the use of the unmodified ^HBCTC-Chip, our approach provides several advantages, including enhanced capture efficiency and recovery of isolated CTCs.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 expression correlates with the invasion of breast cancer

Background

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) is an important marker of tumor-initiating cells. We aimed to investigate ALDH1 expression in benign breast disease and human breast cancer of different histologic stages.

Methods

Immunohistochemical staining of ALDH1 was applied to 21 cases with benign breast diseases, 47 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) cases, 62 cases diagnosed with invasive cancer with extensive intraductal component (EIC), and 58 cases diagnosed with invasive cancer without EIC.

Results

ALDH1 was expressed in tumor cells in 61.0 % of 164 breast cancer cases, which was higher than that in benign breast disease (3/21) (P < 0.001). Of these 167 breast cancer cases, a significantly higher rate (54/58) of intratumoral ALDH1 expression was observed in invasive cancer without EIC cases than that in DCIS cases (19/46, one case not available) and invasive cancer with EIC cases (27/60, two cases not available) (P < 0.001). Interestingly, a significantly higher rate (22/48) of intratumoral ALDH1 expression in invasive component was observed than that in in situ component (7/48) in the same tumor (P = 0.001). In 47 DCIS cases, no significant association was observed between ALDH1 positivity and any clinicopathological parameter (all P > 0.05). However, ALDH1 positive invasive breast cancers were significantly more likely to be with large tumor size (P = 0.001), high grade (P < 0.001), and high Ki67 expression (P = 0.009).

Conclusions

ALDH1 may play an important role in the invasion of breast cancer, and may be associated with aggressive phenotypes of breast cancer.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1608671725154947.

Co-expression of S100A14 and S100A16 correlates with a poor prognosis in human breast cancer and promotes cancer cell invasion

Background

S100 family proteins have recently been identified as biomarkers in various cancers. Of this protein family, S100A14 and S100A16 are also believed to play an important role in tumor progression. The aim of the present study was to clarify the clinical significance and functional role of these molecules in breast cancer.

Methods

In a clinical study, an immunohistochemical analysis of S100A14 and S100A16 expression in archival specimens of primary tumors of 167 breast cancer patients was performed. The relationship of S100A14 and S100A16 expression to patient survival and clinicopathological variables was statistically analyzed. In an experimental study, the subcellular localization and function of these molecules was examined by using the human breast cancer cell lines MCF7 and SK-BR-3, both of which highly express S100A14 and S100A16 proteins. Cells transfected with expression vectors and siRNA for these genes were characterized using in vitro assays for cancer invasion and metastasis.

Results

Immunohistochemical analysis of 167 breast cancer cases showed strong cell membrane staining of S100A14 (53% of cases) and S100A16 (31% of cases) with a significant number of cases with co-expression (p < 0.001). Higher expression levels of these proteins were significantly associated with a younger age (<60 years), ER-negative status, HER2-positive status and a poorer prognosis. Co-expression of the two proteins showed more aggressive features with poorer prognosis. In the human breast cancer cell lines MCF7 and SK-BR-3, both proteins were colocalized on the cell membrane mainly at cell-cell attachment sites. Immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence analyses demonstrated that the 100A14 protein can bind to actin localized on the cell membrane in a calcium-independent manner. A Boyden chamber assay showed that S100A14 and S100A16 knockdown substantially suppressed the invasive activity of both cell lines. Cell motility was also inhibited by S100A14 knockdown in a modified dual color wound-healing assay.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first report showing the correlation of expression of S100A14, S100A16, and co-expression of these proteins with poor prognosis of breast cancer patients. In addition, our findings indicate that S100A14 and S100A16 can promote invasive activity of breast cancer cells via an interaction with cytoskeletal dynamics. S100A14 and S100A16 might be prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for breast cancer.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-015-1059-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.