Anoikis resistance--protagonists of breast cancer cells survive and metastasize after ECM detachment

ANXA5 predicts prognosis and immune response and mediates proliferation and migration in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common malignancy that often develops unnoticed. Typically, these tumors are identified at advanced stages, resulting in a relatively low chance of successful treatment. Anoikis serves as a natural defense against the spread of tumor cells, meaning circumventing anoikis can effectively inhibit tumor metastasis. Nonetheless, studies focusing on anoikis in the context of HNSCC remain scarce.

METHODS

Anoikis-related genes (ARGs) were identified by using the GeneCards and Harmonizome databases. Expression data of these genes and relevant clinical features were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. A LASSO regression and a prognostic risk score model were developed to determine their prognostic significance. The analysis included the use of the CIBERSORT algorithm to quantify immune and stromal cell presence. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo, we confirmed the expression and functional roles of proteins and mRNA of genes independently predictive of prognosis.

RESULTS

The study identified eight genes linked to prognosis (ANXA5, BAK1, CDKN2A, PPARG, CCR7, MAPK11, CRYAB, CRYBA1) and developed a prognostic model that effectively forecasts the survival outcomes for patients with HNSCC. A higher survival likelihood is associated with lower risk scores. In addition, a significant relationship was found between immune and risk score, and ANXA5 deletion promoted the killing of HNSCC cells by activated CD8+ T cells. During the screening process, 65 different chemotherapeutic drugs were found to have significant differences in IC50 values when comparing high- and low-risk categories. ANXA5 emerged as a gene with independent prognostic significance, exhibiting notably elevated protein and mRNA levels in HNSCC tissue compared to non-tumorous tissue. The suppression of ANXA5 gene activity resulted in a substantial decrease in both the growth and mobility of HNSCC cells. Animal model experiments demonstrated that inhibiting ANXA5 suppressed HNSCC growth and migration in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Through bioinformatics, a prognostic risk model of high precision was developed, offering valuable insights into the survival rates and immune responses in patients with HNSCC. ANXA5 is highlighted as a significant prognostic factor among the identified genes, indicating its promise as a potential therapeutic target for those with HNSCC.

FOSL1 promotes stem cell‑like characteristics and anoikis resistance to facilitate tumorigenesis and metastasis in osteosarcoma by targeting SOX2

Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer‑related death in osteosarcoma (OS). OS stem cells (OSCs) and anoikis resistance are considered to be essential for tumor metastasis formation. However, the underlying mechanisms involved in the maintenance of a stem‑cell phenotype and anoikis resistance in OS are mostly unknown. Fos‑like antigen 1 (FOSL1) is important in maintaining a stem‑like phenotype in various cancers; however, its role in OSCs and anoikis resistance remains unclear. In the present study, the dynamic expression patterns of FOSL1 were investigated during the acquisition of cancer stem‑like properties using RNA sequencing, PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence. Flow cytometry, tumor‑sphere formation, clone formation assays, anoikis assays, western blotting and in vivo xenograft and metastasis models were used to further investigate the responses of the stem‑cell phenotype and anoikis resistance to FOSL1 overexpression or silencing in OS cell lines. The underlying molecular mechanisms were evaluated, focusing on whether SOX2 is crucially involved in FOSL1‑mediated stemness and anoikis in OS. FOSL1 expression was observed to be upregulated in OSCs and promoted tumor‑sphere formation, clone formation and tumorigenesis in OS cells. FOSL1 expression correlated positively with the expression of stemness‑related factors (SOX2, NANOG, CD117 and Stro1). Moreover, FOSL1 facilitated OS cell anoikis resistance and promoted metastases by regulating the expression of apoptosis related proteins BCL2 and BAX. Mechanistically, FOSL1 upregulated SOX2 expression by interacting with the SOX2 promoter and activating its transcription. The results also showed that SOX2 is critical for FOSL1‑mediated stem‑like properties and anoikis resistance. The current findings indicated that FOSL1 is an important regulator that promotes a stem cell‑like phenotype and anoikis resistance to facilitate tumorigenesis and metastasis in OS by regulating the transcription of SOX2. Thus, FOSL1 might represent an attractive target for therapeutic interventions in OS.

The resistance to anoikis, mediated by Spp1, and the evasion of immune surveillance facilitate the invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Anoikis-Related Genes (ARGs) lead to the organism manifesting resistance to anoikis and are associated with unfavorable prognostic outcomes across various malignancies.Therefore, it is crucial to identify the pivotal target genes related to anoikis in HCC .We found that ARGs were significantly correlated with prognosis and immune responses in HCC. The core gene, SPP1, notably promoted anoikis resistance and metastasis in HCC through both in vivo and in vitro studies. The PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway played a critical role in anoikis suppression within HCC contexts. Our research unveiled SPP1's role in enhancing PKCα phosphorylation, which in turn activated the PI3K-Akt-mTOR cascade. Additionally, SPP1 was identified as a key regulator of MDSCs and Tregs migration, directly affecting their immunosuppressive capabilities.These findings indicate that in HCC, SPP1 promoted anoikis resistance and facilitated immune evasion by modulating MDSCs and Tregs.

Anoikis in cell fate, physiopathology, and therapeutic interventions

The extracellular matrix (ECM) governs a wide spectrum of cellular fate processes, with a particular emphasis on anoikis, an integrin-dependent form of cell death. Currently, anoikis is defined as an intrinsic apoptosis. In contrast to traditional apoptosis and necroptosis, integrin correlates ECM signaling with intracellular signaling cascades, describing the full process of anoikis. However, anoikis is frequently overlooked in physiological and pathological processes as well as traditional in vitro research models. In this review, we summarized the role of anoikis in physiological and pathological processes, spanning embryonic development, organ development, tissue repair, inflammatory responses, cardiovascular diseases, tumor metastasis, and so on. Similarly, in the realm of stem cell research focused on the functional evolution of cells, anoikis offers a potential solution to various challenges, including in vitro cell culture models, stem cell therapy, cell transplantation, and engineering applications, which are largely based on the regulation of cell fate by anoikis. More importantly, the regulatory mechanisms of anoikis based on molecular processes and ECM signaling will provide new strategies for therapeutic interventions (drug therapy and cell-based therapy) in disease. In summary, this review provides a systematic elaboration of anoikis, thus shedding light on its future research.

Multicenter cohort analysis of anoikis and EMT: implications for prognosis and therapy in lung adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Anoikis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are pivotal in the distant metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). A detailed understanding of their interplay and the identification of key genes is vital for effective therapeutic strategies against LUAD metastasis.

METHODS

Key prognostic genes related to anoikis and EMT were identified through univariate Cox regression analysis. We utilized ten machine learning algorithms to develop the Anoikis and EMT-Related Optimal Model (AEOM). The TCGA-LUAD dataset served as the training cohort, while six additional international multicenter LUAD datasets were employed as validation cohorts. The average concordance index (c-index) was used to evaluate model performance and identify the most effective model. Subsequent multi-omics analyses were conducted to explore differences in pathway enrichment, immune infiltration, and mutation landscapes between high and low AEOM groups. Experimental validation demonstrated that RHPN2, a key biomarker within the model, acts as an oncogene facilitating LUAD progression.

RESULTS

The AEOM displayed superior prognostic predictive performance for LUAD patients, outperforming numerous previously published LUAD signatures. Biologically, the AEOM was notably associated with immune features; the high AEOM group exhibited decreased immune activity and a tendency towards immune-cold tumors, as well as a higher tumor mutational burden (TMB). Subgroup analysis revealed that the low AEOM + high TMB group had the most favorable prognosis. The high AEOM group was primarily enriched in cell cycle-related pathways, promoting cancer cell proliferation. RHPN2, a crucial gene within the AEOM (correlation = 0.85, P < 0.05), was linked to poorer prognosis in LUAD patients with elevated RHPN2 expression. Further in vitro experiments showed that RHPN2 modulates LUAD cell proliferation and invasion.

CONCLUSION

The AEOM provides a robust prognostic model for LUAD, uncovering critical immune and biological pathways, with RHPN2 identified as a key oncogenic driver. These findings offer valuable insights for targeted therapies and enhanced patient outcomes.

Anoikis-Related Genes Impact Prognosis and Tumor Microenvironment in Bladder Cancer

Anoikis tolerance is an important biological process of tumor colonization and metastasis outside the primary tumor. Recent research has progressively elucidated the function and underlying mechanisms of anoikis in the metastasis of various solid tumors. Nevertheless, the specific mechanisms of anoikis in bladder cancer and its consequent effects on the tumor immune microenvironment remain ambiguous. In this study, we developed an anoikis score based on five genes (ETV7, NGF, SCD, LAMC1, and CASP6) and categorized subjects into high and low-risk groups using the median score from the TCGA database. Our findings indicate that SCD enhances the proliferation of bladder cancer cells in vitro. Furthermore, integrating the anoikis score with clinicopathological features to construct a prognostic nomogram demonstrated precision in assessing patient outcomes. Immune cell analysis revealed elevated infiltration levels of Treg cells and M2 macrophages in the high anoikis score group, whereas CD8+ T cell levels were reduced. This study highlights the importance of anoikis score in predicting patient prognosis, immune cell infiltration, and drug response, which may provide a treatment modality worth exploring in depth for the study of bladder cancer.

A thermo-sensitive hydrogel with prominent hemostatic effect prevents tumor recurrence via anti-anoikis-resistance

Tumor cells can survive when detached from the extracellular matrix (ECM) or lose cell-cell connections, a phenomenon known as anoikis-resistance (AR). AR is closely associated with tumor cell metastasis and recurrence, enabling tumor cells to disseminate, migrate, and invade after detachment. To address this issue, a novel intervention method combining intraoperative hemostasis with multifunctional nanozyme driven-enhanced chemodynamic therapy (ECDT) has been proposed, which holds the potential to weaken the AR capability of tumor cells and suppress tumor recurrence. Here, a nanocomposite containing a dendritic mesoporous nanoframework with Cu2+ was developed using an anion-assisted approach after surface PEG grafting and glucose oxidase (GOx) anchoring (DMSN-Cu@GOx/PEG). DMSN-Cu@GOx/PEG was further encapsulated in a thermal-sensitive hydrogel (H@DMSN-Cu@GOx/PEG). DMSN-Cu@GOx/PEG utilizes its high peroxidase (POD) activity to elevate intracellular ROS levels, thereby weakening the AR capability of bladder cancer cells. Additionally, through its excellent catalase (CAT) activity, DMSN-Cu@GOx/PEG converts the high level of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) catalyzed by intracellular GOx into oxygen (O2), effectively alleviating tumor hypoxia, downregulating hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression, inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) processes, and ultimately suppressing the migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells. Interestingly, in vivo results showed that the thermosensitive hydrogel H@DMSN-Cu@GOx/PEG could rapidly gel at body temperature, forming a gel film on wounds to eliminate residual tumor tissue after tumor resection surgery. Importantly, H@DMSN-Cu@GOx/PEG exhibited excellent hemostatic capabilities, effectively enhancing tissue coagulation during post-tumor resection surgery and mitigating the risk of cancer cell dissemination and recurrence due to surgical bleeding. Such hydrogels undoubtedly possess strong surgical application. Our developed novel nanosystem and hydrogel can inhibit the AR capability of tumor cells and prevent recurrence post-surgery. This study represents the first report of using dendritic mesoporous silica-based nanoreactors for inhibiting the AR capability of bladder cancer cells and suppressing tumor recurrence post-surgery, providing a new avenue for developing strategies to impede tumor recurrence after surgery.

Unraveling the relationship between anoikis-related genes and cancer-associated fibroblasts in liver hepatocellular carcinoma

This study intended to determine the molecular subtypes of liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) on the strength of anoikis-related genes (ARGs) and to assess their prognostic value and prospective relationship with immune cell infiltration and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Univariate Cox regression analysis yielded 66 prognosis-related ARGs and classified LIHC into two distinct subtypes, with subtype A demonstrating overexpression of most prognosis-related ARGs and a significant survival disadvantage. Furthermore, a reliable prediction model was developed using ARGs to evaluate the risk of LIHC patients. This model served as an independent prognostic indicator and a quantitative tool for clinical prognostic prediction. Additionally, subtype-specific differences in immune cell infiltration were observed, and the risk score was potentially linked to immune-related characteristics. Moreover, the study identified a significant association between CAF score and LIHC prognosis, with a low CAF score indicating a favorable patient prognosis. In conclusion, this study reveals the molecular mechanisms underlying the development and progression of LIHC and identifies potential therapeutic targets for the disease.

E-cadherin staining in the diagnosis of lobular versus ductal neoplasms of the breast: the emperor has no clothes

Categorizing breast neoplasia as ductal or lobular is a daily exercise that relies on a combination of histologic and immunohistochemical tools. The historically robust link between loss of the E-cadherin molecule and lobular neoplasia has rendered staining for E-cadherin by immunohistochemistry a staple of this diagnostic process. Unfortunately, discordances between E-cadherin expression and histomorphology, and variations in E-cadherin staining patterns and intensities abound in clinical practice, but are often neglected in favour of a binary interpretation of the E-cadherin result. In this article, we highlight the complexities of E-cadherin expression through a review of the E-cadherin protein and its associated gene (CDH1), the mechanisms leading to aberrant/absent E-cadherin expression, and the implications of these factors on the reliability of the E-cadherin immunohistochemical stain in the classification of ductal versus lobular mammary neoplasia.

mRNA-Lipid Nanoparticle-Mediated Restoration of PTPN14 Exhibits Antitumor Effects by Overcoming Anoikis Resistance in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) poses a challenging prognosis due to early metastasis driven by anoikis resistance. Identifying crucial regulators to overcome this resistance is vital for improving patient outcomes. In this study, a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screen in TNBC cells has identified tyrosine-protein phosphatase nonreceptor type 14 (PTPN14) as a key regulator of anoikis resistance. PTPN14 expression has shown a progressive decrease from normal breast tissue to metastatic tumors. Overexpressing PTPN14 has induced anoikis and inhibited cell proliferation in TNBC cells, while normal human breast cells are unaffected. Mechanistically, PTPN14 is identified as a key factor in dephosphorylating breast cancer antiestrogen resistance 3, a novel substrate, leading to the subsequent inhibition of PI3K/AKT and ERK signaling pathways. Local delivery of in vitro transcribed PTPN14 mRNA encapsulated by lipid nanoparticles in a TNBC mouse model has effectively inhibited tumor growth and metastasis, prolonging survival. The study underscores PTPN14 as a potential therapeutic target for metastatic TNBC, with the therapeutic strategy based on mRNA expression of PTPN14 demonstrating clinical application prospects in alleviating the burden of both primary tumors and metastatic disease.

Empagliflozin drives ferroptosis in anoikis-resistant cells by activating miR-128-3p dependent pathway and inhibiting CD98hc in breast cancer

A tumour suppressor miRNA, miR-128-3p, is widely involved in various biological processes and has been found to get downregulated in breast cancer patients. We previously published that ectopically expressed miR-128-3p suppressed migration, invasion, cell cycle arrest, and breast cancer stem cells. In the present study, we explored the role of Empagliflozin (EMPA) as a miR-128-3p functionality-mimicking drug in inducing ferroptosis by inhibiting CD98hc. Given that CD98hc is one of the proteins critical in triggering ferroptosis, we confirmed that miR-128-3p and EMPA inhibited SP1, leading to inhibition of CD98hc expression. Further, transfection with siCD98hc, miR-128-3p mimics, and inhibitors was performed to assess their involvement in the ferroptosis of anoikis-resistant cells. We proved that anoikis-resistant cells possess high ROS and iron levels. Further, miR-128-3p and EMPA treatments induced ferroptosis by inhibiting GSH and enzymatic activity of GPX4 and also induced lipid peroxidation. Moreover, EMPA suppressed bioluminescence of 4T1-Red-FLuc induced thoracic cavity, peritoneal tumour burden and lung nodules in an in-vivo metastatic model of breast cancer. Collectively, we revealed that EMPA sensitized the ECM detached cells to ferroptosis by synergically activating miR-128-3p and lowering the levels of SP1 and CD98hc, making it a potential adjunct drug for breast cancer chemotherapy.

Integrative nomogram model based on anoikis-related genes enhances prognostic evaluation in colorectal cancer

Background

Revealing the role of anoikis resistance plays in CRC is significant for CRC diagnosis and treatment. This study integrated the CRC anoikis-related key genes (CRC-AKGs) and established a novel model for improving the efficiency and accuracy of the prognostic evaluation of CRC.

Methods

CRC-ARGs were screened out by performing differential expression and univariate Cox analysis. CRC-AKGs were obtained through the LASSO machine learning algorithm and the LASSO Risk-Score was constructed to build a nomogram clinical prediction model combined with the clinical predictors. In parallel, this work developed a web-based dynamic nomogram to facilitate the generalization and practical application of our model.

Results

We identified 10 CRC-AKGs and a risk-related prognostic Risk-Score was calculated. Multivariate COX regression analysis indicated that the Risk-Score, TNM stage, and age were independent risk factors that significantly associated with the CRC prognosis(p < 0.05). A prognostic model was built to predict the outcome with satisfied accuracy (3-year AUC = 0.815) for CRC individuals. The web interactive nomogram (https://yuexiaozhang.shinyapps.io/anoikisCRC/) showed strong generalizability of our model. In parallel, a substantial correlation between tumor microenvironment and Risk-Score was discovered in the present work.

Conclusion

This study reveals the potential role of anoikis in CRC and sets new insights into clinical decision-making in colorectal cancer based on both clinical and sequencing data. Also, the interactive tool provides researchers with a user-friendly interface to input relevant clinical variables and obtain personalized risk predictions or prognostic assessments based on our established model.

A prognostic model for anoikis-related genes in pancreatic cancer

Anoikis, a distinct form of programmed cell death, is crucial for both organismal development and maintaining tissue equilibrium. Its role extends to the proliferation and progression of cancer cells. This study aimed to establish an anoikis-related prognostic model to predict the prognosis of pancreatic cancer (PC) patients. Gene expression data and patient clinical profiles were sourced from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA-PAAD: Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma) and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC-PACA: Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma). Non-cancerous pancreatic tissue gene expression data were obtained from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project. The R package was used to construct anoikis-related PC prognostic models, which were later validated with the ICGC-PACA database. Survival analyses demonstrated a poorer prognosis for patients in the high-risk group, consistent across both TCGA-PAAD and ICGC-PACA datasets. A nomogram was designed as a predictive tool to estimate patient mortality. The study also analyzed tumor mutations and immune infiltration across various risk groups, uncovering notable differences in tumor mutation patterns and immune landscapes between high- and low-risk groups. In conclusion, this research successfully developed a prognostic model centered on anoikis-related genes, offering a novel tool for predicting the clinical trajectory of PC patients.

Mitochondrial dysfunction significantly contributes to the sensitivity of tumor cells to anoikis and their metastatic potential

It is well-known that the survival of metastatic cells during their dissemination plays an important role in metastasis. However, does this mean that the final result of the metastatic cascade (the volume of metastatic damage to distant organs and tissues) depends on, or at least correlates with, the degree of resistance to anoikis (distinctive hallmarks of metastatic cells)? This question remains open.The aim of the work was to study in vitro the changes in the survival rates, proliferative activity, oxidative stress, and glycolysis intensity during three days of anchorage-dependent and anchorage-independent growth of two Lewis lung carcinoma cell lines (LLC and LLC/R9) and compare these changes with the status of mitochondria and metastatic potential of the cells in vivo.

Methods

The number and volume of lung metastases were estimated for each cell line after intramuscular inoculation of the cells in C57Bl/6 mice. For the in vitro study, the cells were seeded on Petri dishes pretreated with poly-HEMA or untreated dishes and then allowed to grow for 3 days. Cell viability, cell cycle progression, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), glucose consumption and lactate production rates were investigated daily in both growth conditions. An electron microscopy study of intracellular structures was carried out.

Results

The study showed (as far as we know for the first time) a correlation between the metastatic potential of cells (determined in vivo) and their sensitivity to anoikis (assessed in vitro). The transition of LLC/R9 cells with an inherently defective mitochondrial system to the conditions of anchorage-independent growth was characterized by a decrease in survival, a slowdown in growth rates, an increase in both glucose consumption rate and intracellular ROS levels and manyfold lower metastatic potential, compared to highly metastatic LLC cells with the normal mitochondrial system.

Mitochondrial division inhibitor (mdivi-1) induces extracellular matrix (ECM)-detachment of viable breast cancer cells by a DRP1-independent mechanism

Increasing evidence supports the hypothesis that cancer progression is under mitochondrial control. Mitochondrial fission plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of cancer cell homeostasis. The inhibition of DRP1, the main regulator of mitochondrial fission, with the mitochondrial division inhibitor (mdivi-1) had been associated with cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapeutics and decrease proliferation. Here, using breast cancer cells we find that mdivi-1 induces the detachment of the cells, leading to a bulk of floating cells that conserved their viability. Despite a decrease in their proliferative and clonogenic capabilities, these floating cells maintain the capacity to re-adhere upon re-seeding and retain their migratory and invasive potential. Interestingly, the cell detachment induced by mdivi-1 is independent of DRP1 but relies on inhibition of mitochondrial complex I. Furthermore, mdivi-1 induces cell detachment rely on glucose and the pentose phosphate pathway. Our data evidence a novel DRP1-independent effect of mdivi-1 in the attachment of cancer cells. The generation of floating viable cells restricts the use of mdivi-1 as a therapeutic agent and demonstrates that mdivi-1 effect on cancer cells are more complex than anticipated.

Synergistic effects of photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy: Activating the intrinsic/extrinsic apoptotic pathway of anoikis for triple-negative breast cancer treatment

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly invasive and metastatic subtype of breast cancer that often recurs after surgery. Herein, we developed a cyclodextrin-based tumor-targeted nano delivery system that incorporated the photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6) and the chemotherapeutic agent lonidamine (LND) to form the R6RGD-CMβCD-se-se-Ce6/LND nanoparticles (RCC/LND NPS). This nanosystem could target cancer cells, avoid lysosomal degradation and further localize within the mitochondria. The RCC/LND NPS had pH and redox-responsive to control the release of Ce6 and LND. Consequently, the nanosystem had a synergistic effect by effectively alleviating hypoxia, enhancing the production of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) and amplifying the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT). Furthermore, the RCC/LND NPS + light weakened anoikis resistance, disrupted extracellular matrix (ECM), activated both the intrinsic apoptotic pathway (mitochondrial pathway) and extrinsic apoptotic pathway (receptor death pathway) of anoikis. In addition, the nanosystem showed significant anti-TNBC efficacy in vivo. These findings collectively demonstrated that RCC/LND NPS + light enhanced the anticancer effects, induced anoikis and inhibited tumor cell migration and invasion through a synergistic effect of chemotherapy and PDT. Overall, this study highlighted the promising potential of the RCC/LND NPS + light for the treatment of TNBC.

EDI3 knockdown in ER-HER2+ breast cancer cells reduces tumor burden and improves survival in two mouse models of experimental metastasis

BACKGROUND

Despite progress understanding the mechanisms underlying tumor spread, metastasis remains a clinical challenge. We identified the choline-producing glycerophosphodiesterase, EDI3 and reported its association with metastasis-free survival in endometrial cancer. We also observed that silencing EDI3 slowed cell migration and other cancer-relevant phenotypes in vitro. Recent work demonstrated high EDI3 expression in ER-HER2+ breast cancer compared to the other molecular subtypes. Silencing EDI3 in ER-HER2+ cells significantly reduced cell survival in vitro and decreased tumor growth in vivo. However, a role for EDI3 in tumor metastasis in this breast cancer subtype was not explored. Therefore, in the present work we investigate whether silencing EDI3 in ER-HER2+ breast cancer cell lines alters phenotypes linked to metastasis in vitro, and metastasis formation in vivo using mouse models of experimental metastasis.

METHODS

To inducibly silence EDI3, luciferase-expressing HCC1954 cells were transduced with lentiviral particles containing shRNA oligos targeting EDI3 under the control of doxycycline. The effect on cell migration, adhesion, colony formation and anoikis was determined in vitro, and significant findings were confirmed in a second ER-HER2+ cell line, SUM190PT. Doxycycline-induced HCC1954-luc shEDI3 cells were injected into the tail vein or peritoneum of immunodeficient mice to generate lung and peritoneal metastases, respectively and monitored using non-invasive bioluminescence imaging. Metabolite levels in cells and tumor tissue were analyzed using targeted mass spectrometry and MALDI mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI), respectively.

RESULTS

Inducibly silencing EDI3 reduced cell adhesion and colony formation, as well as increased susceptibility to anoikis in HCC1954-luc cells, which was confirmed in SUM190PT cells. No influence on cell migration was observed. Reduced luminescence was seen in lungs and peritoneum of mice injected with cells expressing less EDI3 after tail vein and intraperitoneal injection, respectively, indicative of reduced metastasis. Importantly, mice injected with EDI3-silenced cells survived longer. Closer analysis of the peritoneal organs revealed that silencing EDI3 had no effect on metastatic organotropism but instead reduced metastatic burden. Finally, metabolic analyses revealed significant changes in choline and glycerophospholipid metabolites in cells and in pancreatic metastases in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced metastasis upon silencing supports EDI3's potential as a treatment target in metastasizing ER-HER2+ breast cancer.

β2-Adrenoceptor Activation Favor Acquisition of Tumorigenic Properties in Non-Tumorigenic MCF-10A Breast Epithelial Cells

Noradrenaline and adrenaline, and their cognate receptors, are currently accepted to participate in cancer progression. They may also participate in cancer initiation, although their role in this phase is much less explored. The aim of this work was to study the influence of adrenergic stimulation in several processes related to breast cancer carcinogenesis, using several adrenergic agonists in the MCF-10A non-tumorigenic breast cells. Activation of the β-adrenoceptors promoted an epithelial phenotype in MCF-10A cells, revealed by an increased expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and a decrease in the mesenchymal markers, N-cadherin and vimentin. MCF-10A cell motility and migration were also impaired after the β-adrenoceptors activation. Concomitant with this effect, β-adrenoceptors decrease cell protrusions (lamellipodia and filopodia) while increasing cell adhesion. Activation of the β-adrenoceptors also decreases MCF-10A cell proliferation. When the MCF-10A cells were cultured under low attachment conditions, activation the of β- (likely β2) or of α2-adrenoceptors had protective effects against cell death, suggesting a pro-survival role of these adrenoceptors. Overall, our results showed that, in breast cells, adrenoceptor activation (mainly through β-adrenoceptors) may be a risk factor in breast cancer by inducing some cancer hallmarks, providing a mechanistic explanation for the increase in breast cancer incidences that may be associated with conditions that cause massive adrenergic stimulation, such as stress.

Predicting the prognosis, immune response, and immunotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma using a novel risk model based on anoikis-related lncRNAs

BACKGROUND

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is an extremely heterogeneous and metastatic disease. Anoikis, which is a specific type of programmed apoptosis, is involved in tumor metastasis, tissue homeostasis, and development. Herein, we constructed an anoikis-related long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) signature to predict the prognosis, immune responses, and therapeutic effects in HNSCC patients.

METHODS

A total of 501 HNSCC samples were acquired from the TCGA database and randomly classified into the training and validation groups (1:1 ratio). Thereafter, the results derived from the training set were analyzed with the LASSO regression analysis, and a novel anoikis-related lncRNA risk model was constructed. Time-dependent ROC curves and Kaplan-Meier analysis were carried out to assess the diagnostic value and survival outcomes. A nomogram was utilized to predict the prognostic accuracy. Furthermore, we studied the tumor microenvironment, tumor mutation burden, enrichment pathways, and the response to chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

RESULTS

Seven anoikis-related lncRNAs (AC015878.1, CYTOR, EMSLR, LINC01503, LINC02084, RAB11B-AS1, Z97200.1) were screened to design a novel risk model, which was recognized as the independent prognostic factor for HNSCC patients. The findings implied that low-risk patients showed significantly longer OS, PFS, and DSS compared to those high-risk patients. The two groups that were classified using the risk model showed significant differences in their immune landscape. The risk model also predicted that low-risk HNSCC patients could attain a better response to immunotherapy, while high-risk patients would be more sensitive to gemcitabine, docetaxel, and cisplatin.

CONCLUSIONS

We constructed a novel risk model that could be employed for effectively predicting patient prognosis with a good independent prognostic value for HNSCC patients. Furthermore, this model could be used for designing new immunotherapeutic and chemotherapeutic strategies, and it helps clinicians establish personalized and detailed strategies for HNSCC patients.