High expression of EPB41L5, an integral component of the Arf6-driven mesenchymal program, correlates with poor prognosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue

Bioinformatics analysis and validation of HAUS6 as a key prognostic gene in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue

OBJECTIVE

To explore the expression of HAUS6 in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue (TSCC) and its relationship with the clinicopathological features of patients, and to further provide new ideas and therapeutic targets for curing TSCC.

DESIGN

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between TSCC and normal tissues and survival analysis. DEGs of HAUS6 were screened and analyzed for GO, KEGG and GSEA enrichment. Exploring the correlation of HAUS6 with immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint-related genes. The expression of HAUS6 in tumor and paraneoplastic tissues was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and Western Blot.

RESULTS

Analysis of the TCGA database results showed that expression of HAUS6 mRNA was significantly enhanced and correlated with overall survival (OS, p < 0.05) in TSCC. HAUS6 expression correlated with the level of immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint-related genes. Immunohistochemistry and Western Blot confirmed that the expression level of HAUS6 protein was significantly higher in tumor tissues than in paraneoplastic tissues, and that tumor size and hypo-differentiation were higher in the HAUS6 high expression group than in the low expression group in TSCC (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, these analyses suggest that HAUS6 can act as an independent predictor of prognosis (p < 0.05) and high HAUS6 expression is strongly associated with poor prognosis.

ZBTB7A suppresses glioblastoma tumorigenesis through the transcriptional repression of EPB41L5

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive and malignant glioma, has a poor prognosis. Although patients with GBM are treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, GBM is highly resistant to treatment, making it difficult and expensive to treat. In this study, we analyzed the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis dataset, the Cancer Genome Atlas dataset, and Gene Expression Omnibus array data. ZBTB7A (also called FBI1/POKEMON/LRF) was found to be highly expressed in low-grade glioma but significantly downregulated in patients with GBM. ZBTB7A is a transcription factor that plays an important role in many developmental stages, including cell proliferation. The activation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process in cancer progression and metastasis. Erythrocyte membrane protein band 4.1 like 5 (EPB41L5) is an essential protein for EMT progression and metastasis in various types of cancer. We found that ZBTB7A depletion in U87 cells induced GBM progression and metastasis. Based on RNA sequencing data, ZBTB7A directly binds to the promoter of the EPB41L5 gene, reducing its expression and inhibiting GBM progression. We demonstrated that ZBTB7A dramatically inhibits GBM tumor growth through transcriptional repression of EPB41L5. Thus, both ZBTB7A and EPB41L5 may be potential biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for GBM treatment. Overall, we discovered the role of a novel tumor suppressor that directly inhibits GBM progression (ZBTB7A) and identified EPB41L5 as a therapeutic target protein for patients with GBM.

Expression of TCF3 target genes defines a subclass of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma characterized by up-regulation of MYC target genes and poor clinical outcome following R-CHOP therapy

TCF3 is a lymphopoietic transcription factor that acquires somatic driver mutations in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Hypothesizing that expression patterns of TCF3-regulated genes can inform clinical management, we found that unsupervised clustering analysis with 15 TCF3-regulated genes and eight additional ones resolved local DLBCL cases into two main clusters, denoted Groups A and B, of which Group A manifested inferior overall survival (OS, p = 0.0005). We trained a machine learning model to classify samples into the Groups based on expression of the 23 transcripts in an independent validation cohort of 569 R-CHOP-treated DLBCL cases. Group A overlapped with the ABC cell-of-origin subgroup but its prognostic power was superior. GSEA analysis demonstrated asymmetric expression of 30 gene sets between the Groups, pointing to biological differences. We present, validate and make available a novel method to assign DLBCL cases into biologically-distinct groups with divergent OS following R-CHOP therapy.

Effect of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs) with High miR-183-5p Expression on Ovarian Cancer Cells by Regulating Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3)

Currently, the treatment for ovarian cancer (OC) is not satisfactory. The microRNAs may have an important function in tumor pathogenesis. miR-183-5p involves in several tumors. However, its effect on OC cells is unclear. The BMSCs could regulate the micro-environment of tumor and participate in tumor procession. In this study, effect of BMSCs with highly-expressed miR-183-5p on OC cells was assessed. The BMSCs with highly-expressed miR-183-5p was established and co-cultivated with OC cell line SKOV3 followed by measuring miR-183-5p level by PCR, STAT3 and ADAM9 expression by western blot. miR-183-5p level in OC cells was reduced and further decreased after co-culture with BMSCs along with enhance cell proliferation and upregulated STAT3 expression (P < 0.05). In addition, miR-183-5p level was increased in BMSCs with highly-expressed miR-183-5p and STAT3 expression was reduced along with restrained cell proliferation (P < 0.05). In conclusion, miR-183-5p in OC cells is downregulated and malignant biological behaviors of OC cells are restrained by BMSCs with highly-expressed miR-183-5p possibly through regulating the expression of STAT3.

Research on Function of Exosome of miR-328-3p Secreted by Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs) on Restraining the Gastric Cancer Through Being Down-Regulated with Trefoil Factor 3

Certain progress has been made in the therapeutic method against gastric cancer such as surgical operation combined with chemotherapy and radiation therapy in recent years. But the therapeutic efficacy and prognosis on gastric cancer was still not satisfactory. The function of exosome of miR-328–3p secreted by bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) on restraining the gastric cancer was studied in the present study. The BMSCs with highly-expressed miR-328-3p was established. The exosome in cell supernatant was collected. The exosome of BMSCs and MSCs with highlyexpressed miR-328-3p was added into SGC-7901 cells followed by analysis of miR-328-3p level by Real-time PCR and TFF3 (Trefoil Factor 3) level in exosome by Western blot, cell proliferation, expression of E-cadherin, Vimentin and Caspase-3. miR-328-39 expression was reduced and TFF3 was elevated in gastric cancer tissue (P < 0.05). miR-328-3p was upregulated and TFF3 was downregulated after addition of BMSCs exosomes along with increased cell proliferation and reduced E-cadherin and Caspase3 expression (P < 0.05). In conclusion, exosome of BMSCs could be regulated by miR-328-3p and TFF3 expression is restrained so as to regulate the biological behaviors of gastric cancer cell.

EPB41L5 promotes EMT through the ERK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide and is characterized by activation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EPB41L5 is regarded as a key factor in the progression of EMT and metastasis in various kinds of cancers, although the role and mechanism of EPB41L5 in ESCC have not yet been elucidated. In addition, tumor cells can acquire enhanced aggressiveness and a mesenchymal phenotype through phosphorylation of MAPK signaling pathway components. Here, we intend to explore whether EPB41L5 can regulate the EMT process in ESCC and reveal whether the MAPK signaling pathway is involved.

METHODS

We compared the expression level of EPB41L5 with the prognostic characteristics of 100 ESCC patients to hypothesize the role of EPB41L5 in the progression of ESCC. Furthermore, in vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted to verify the conclusions from the analysis of clinical specimens and investigate the underlying mechanism by which EPB41L5 contributes to ESCC.

RESULTS

We discovered that EPB41L5 was overexpressed in ESCC and that higher EPB41L5 expression was related to higher TNM stage, a higher incidence of lymphatic metastasis and worse prognosis. Moreover, using ESCC cells and nude mouse models, we found that EPB41L5 promoted EMT, proliferation, migration and invasion in ESCC. Mechanistically, activation of phosphorylation in the ERK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway was involved in the EPB41L5-mediated regulation of EMT.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our findings suggest that EPB41L5 plays a critical role in the regulation of EMT and the progression of ESCC.

TGF-β1-mediated exosomal lnc-MMP2-2 increases blood-brain barrier permeability via the miRNA-1207-5p/EPB41L5 axis to promote non-small cell lung cancer brain metastasis

Brain metastases remain a major problem in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is highly increased during lung cancer brain metastasis; however, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. We previously found that lnc-MMP2-2 is highly enriched in tumor growth factor (TGF)-β1-mediated exosomes and regulates the migration of lung cancer cells. This study aimed to explore the role of exosomal lnc-MMP2-2 in the regulation of BBB and NSCLC brain metastasis. Here, using endothelial monolayers and mouse models, we found that TGF-β1-mediated NSCLC-derived exosomes efficiently destroyed tight junctions and the integrity of these natural barriers. Overexpression of lnc-MMP2-2 in human brain microvascular endothelial cells increased vascular permeability in endothelial monolayers, whereas inhibition of lnc-MMP2-2 alleviated these effects. Furthermore, lnc-MMP2-2 knockdown markedly reduced NSCLC brain metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, through luciferase reporter assays, RNA pull-down assay, and Ago2 RNA immunoprecipitation assay, we showed that lnc-MMP2-2 served as a microRNA sponge or a competing endogenous RNA for miR-1207-5p and consequently modulated the derepression of EPB41L5. In conclusion, TGF-β1-mediated exosomal lnc-MMP2-2 increases BBB permeability to promote NSCLC brain metastasis. Thus, exosomal lnc-MMP2-2 may be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target against lung cancer brain metastasis.

Pak1 and PP2A antagonize aPKC function to support cortical tension induced by the Crumbs-Yurt complex

The Drosophila polarity protein Crumbs is essential for the establishment and growth of the apical domain in epithelial cells. The protein Yurt limits the ability of Crumbs to promote apical membrane growth, thereby defining proper apical/lateral membrane ratio that is crucial for forming and maintaining complex epithelial structures such as tubes or acini. Here, we show that Yurt also increases Myosin-dependent cortical tension downstream of Crumbs. Yurt overexpression thus induces apical constriction in epithelial cells. The kinase aPKC phosphorylates Yurt, thereby dislodging the latter from the apical domain and releasing apical tension. In contrast, the kinase Pak1 promotes Yurt dephosphorylation through activation of the phosphatase PP2A. The Pak1–PP2A module thus opposes aPKC function and supports Yurt-induced apical constriction. Hence, the complex interplay between Yurt, aPKC, Pak1, and PP2A contributes to the functional plasticity of Crumbs. Overall, our data increase our understanding of how proteins sustaining epithelial cell polarization and Myosin-dependent cell contractility interact with one another to control epithelial tissue architecture.

Zinc Finger E-Box Binding Homeobox 1 Regulates the Biological Behavior of Glioma Cells via iNOS/NF-κB Signaling

The gliomas pathogenesis is complex and effective molecular targets are still unclear. ZEB1 regulates epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and participates in tumors. Our study intends to analyze ZEB1’s role in glioma cells. qRT-PCR detected ZEB1 mRNA expression in normal group and tumor group. ZEB1 siRNA was transfected into glioma cells followed by measuring ZEB1, E-cadherin and Vimentin expression, cell proliferation, Capase-3 activity as well as NF-κB and iNOS changes by immunoblotting. Upregulation of ZEB1 was found in glioma tumor tissue and correlated with glioma clinicopathological characteristics. Interfering with ZEB1 by siRNA significantly down-regulated ZEB1, inhibited cell proliferation, increased Capase-3 activity, down regulated NF-κB and iNOS proteins in glioma cells, elevated E-cadherin and decreased Vimentin level (P <0.05). ZEB1 down regulation in glioma cells can change the expression of NF-κB/iNOS, regulate cell apoptosis and inhibit cell proliferation, thereby delaying EMT process.

Arf6 regulates RhoB subcellular localization to control cancer cell invasion

The ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (Arf6) is a small GTPase that regulates endocytic recycling processes in concert with various effectors. Arf6 controls cytoskeletal organization and membrane trafficking; however, the detailed mechanisms of regulation remain poorly understood. Here, we report that Arf6 forms a complex with RhoB. The interaction between RhoB and Arf6 is mediated by the GCI (glycine, cysteine, and isoleucine) residues (188-190) of RhoB. Specific targeting of Arf6 to plasma membrane or mitochondrial membranes promotes recruitment and colocalization of RhoB to these membrane microdomains. Arf6 depletion promotes the loss of RhoB from endosomal membranes and leads to RhoB degradation through an endolysosomal pathway. This results in defective actin and focal adhesion dynamics and increased 3D cell migration upon activation of the Met receptor tyrosine kinase. Our findings identify a novel regulatory mechanism for RhoB localization and stability by Arf6 and establish the strict requirement of Arf6 for RhoB-specific subcellular targeting to endosomes and biological functions.

Integrated analysis of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network in squamous cell carcinoma of tongue

Background

Numerous studies have highlighted that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can bind to microRNA (miRNA) sites as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), thereby affecting and regulating the expression of mRNAs and target genes. These lncRNA-associated ceRNAs have been theorized to play a significant role in cancer initiation and progression. However, the roles and functions of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue (SCCT) are still unclear.

Methods

The miRNA, mRNA and lncRNA expression profiles from 138 patients with SCCT were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. We identified the differential expression of miRNAs, mRNAs, and lncRNAs using the limma package of R software. We used the clusterProfiler package for GO and KEGG pathway annotations. The survival package was used to estimate survival analysis according to the Kaplan-Meier curve. Finally, the GDCRNATools package was used to construct the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network.

Results

In total, 1943 SCCT-specific mRNAs, 107 lncRNAs and 100 miRNAs were explored. Ten mRNAs (CSRP2, CKS2, ADGRG6, MB21D1, GMNN, RIPOR3, RAD51, PCLAF, ORC1, NAGS), 9 lncRNAs (LINC02560, HOXC13 − AS, FOXD2 − AS1, AC105277.1, AC099850.3, STARD4 − AS1, SLC16A1 − AS1, MIR503HG, MIR100HG) and 8 miRNAs (miR − 654, miR − 503, miR − 450a, miR − 379, miR − 369, miR − 190a, miR − 101, and let−7c) were found to be significantly associated with overall survival (log-rank p < 0.05). Based on the analysis of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network, one differentially expressed (DE) lncRNA, five DEmiRNAs, and three DEmRNAs were demonstrated to be related to the pathogenesis of SCCT.

Conclusions

In this study, we described the gene regulation by the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network in the progression of SCCT. We propose a new lncRNA-associated ceRNA that could help in the diagnosis and treatment of SCCT.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-019-5983-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Regulation of Proliferation and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) of Gastric Cancer by ZEB1 via Modulating Wnt5a and Related Mechanisms

Background

As a member of the zinc-finger E-box binding protein (ZEB) family, ZEB1 can modulate onset and progression of various tumors, but its regulatory effect or mechanism in GC has not been defined.

Material/Methods

GC tumor tissues and adjacent tissues were collected from GC patients across different TNM stages. Real-time PCR was used to measure ZEB1 expression to analyze its correlation with pathological features of tumors. Cultured GC cell lines SGC-7901 and MGC-803 were randomly assigned into control group, scramble group, and ZEB1 siRNA group. Real-time PCR was employed to analyze ZEB1 expression, and MTT approach was used to measure cell proliferation. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. Wound healing assay was used to detect its effect on cell migration. Expression of E-cadherin and Vimentin involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was measured by Western blot analysis, along with Wnt5a proteins.

Results

GC tissues had upregulation of ZEB1 (P<0.05 compared to adjacent tissues), whose expression level was correlated with differentiation grade, lymph node metastasis, and tumor pathological stage (P<0.05). Transfection of ZEB1 siRNA into SGC-7901 or MGC-803 cells can suppress ZEB1 expression, inhibit tumor cell proliferation, enhance apoptosis, and inhibit cell migration. Transfected GC cells had higher E-cadherin expression and decreased Vimentin expression or Wnt5a expression (P<0.05 compared to the control group).

Conclusions

ZEB1 expression is increased in GC tumor tissues and is associated with pathological features. The downregulation of ZEB1 can facilitate cell apoptosis via mediating Wnt5a, further suppressing GC cell proliferation and migration, and reducing EMT occurrence.

Regulation of Proliferation and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) of Gastric Cancer by ZEB1 via Modulating Wnt5a and Related Mechanisms

BACKGROUND As a member of the zinc-finger E-box binding protein (ZEB) family, ZEB1 can modulate onset and progression of various tumors, but its regulatory effect or mechanism in GC has not been defined. MATERIAL AND METHODS GC tumor tissues and adjacent tissues were collected from GC patients across different TNM stages. Real-time PCR was used to measure ZEB1 expression to analyze its correlation with pathological features of tumors. Cultured GC cell lines SGC-7901 and MGC-803 were randomly assigned into control group, scramble group, and ZEB1 siRNA group. Real-time PCR was employed to analyze ZEB1 expression, and MTT approach was used to measure cell proliferation. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. Wound healing assay was used to detect its effect on cell migration. Expression of E-cadherin and Vimentin involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was measured by Western blot analysis, along with Wnt5a proteins. RESULTS GC tissues had upregulation of ZEB1 (P<0.05 compared to adjacent tissues), whose expression level was correlated with differentiation grade, lymph node metastasis, and tumor pathological stage (P<0.05). Transfection of ZEB1 siRNA into SGC-7901 or MGC-803 cells can suppress ZEB1 expression, inhibit tumor cell proliferation, enhance apoptosis, and inhibit cell migration. Transfected GC cells had higher E-cadherin expression and decreased Vimentin expression or Wnt5a expression (P<0.05 compared to the control group). CONCLUSIONS ZEB1 expression is increased in GC tumor tissues and is associated with pathological features. The downregulation of ZEB1 can facilitate cell apoptosis via mediating Wnt5a, further suppressing GC cell proliferation and migration, and reducing EMT occurrence.

EPB41L5 Mediates TGFβ-Induced Metastasis of Gastric Cancer

PURPOSE

Because of disease heterogeneity, limited studies on effective chemotherapies and therapeutic agents for advanced gastric cancer are available. Erythrocyte membrane protein band 4.1-like 5 (EPB41L5) has critical roles in renal and breast cancer metastasis. However, its role in metastatic gastric cancer remains unknown.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The specimens of 78 gastric cancer patients were analyzed by oligonucleotide microarray and survival analysis. In vitro experiments and metastatic mice models were used to assess the effects of EPB41L5 on gastric cancer metastasis.

RESULTS

Gastric cancer patients with high EPB41L5 levels had poor prognosis and low survival rate. Further, TGFβ1-induced EPB41L5 expression promoted gastric cancer cell migration and invasion by Smad-dependent TGFβ signaling. Phospho-Smad3 recruitment to the EPB41L5 promoter was significantly inhibited by a TGFβ inhibitor. EPB41L5 overexpression increased lung metastasis of gastric cancer cells in nude mice, which was completely reversed by anti-EPB41L5 monoclonal antibody treatment. Importantly, p120-catenin knockdown abolished EPB41L5-enhanced gastric cancer cell metastasis. Anti-EPB41L5 monoclonal antibody treatment blocked the association of EPB41L5 with p120-catenin.

CONCLUSIONS

TGFβ/EPB41L5/p120-catenin axis regulates gastric cancer cell metastasis, and EPB41L5 is a promising therapeutic target for advanced gastric cancer.

Cell culture models of oral mucosal barriers: A review with a focus on applications, culture conditions and barrier properties

Understanding the function of oral mucosal epithelial barriers is essential for a plethora of research fields such as tumor biology, inflammation and infection diseases, microbiomics, pharmacology, drug delivery, dental and biomarker research. The barrier properties are comprised by a physical, a transport and a metabolic barrier, and all these barrier components play pivotal roles in the communication between saliva and blood. The sum of all epithelia of the oral cavity and salivary glands is defined as the blood-saliva barrier. The functionality of the barrier is regulated by its microenvironment and often altered during diseases. A huge array of cell culture models have been developed to mimic specific parts of the blood-saliva barrier, but no ultimate standard in vitro models have been established. This review provides a comprehensive overview about developed in vitro models of oral mucosal barriers, their applications, various cultivation protocols and corresponding barrier properties.

Roles of Arf6 in cancer cell invasion, metastasis and proliferation

ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (Arf6), a member of small GTPases ADP-ribosylation factor (Arf) family, expresses widely in mammalian cells and mainly regulates the functions of membrane traffic and actin remodeling. Current studies indicated that the activation and high expression of Arf6 protein may be significantly correlated with the invasion and metastasis of several tumors, such as breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, etc. Meanwhile, the ability of tumor invasion and metastasis can be suppressed when Arf6 activity is blocked by the inhibitors or small-interfering RNAs of Arf6. To explore the precisely potential mechanisms between Arf6 and the process of tumor invasion, metastasis and proliferation, we concludes the functions and potential signaling pathways of Arf6 in tumor cells and provides an overview about clinical prospects of Arf6 in the screening, diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of prognosis of neoplasms.