Decreased Cezanne expression is associated with the progression and poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma

OTUD7B knockdown inhibits the proliferation and stemness of breast cancer cells by destabilizing FOXM1

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide; therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel therapies and drugs that prolong the survival and improve the quality of life of patients with breast cancer. In the present study, the effects and underlying mechanisms of OTU domain-containing 7B (OTUD7B) knockdown on breast cancer were investigated using MDA-MB-468, MDA-MB-453 and MCF7 cell lines. The results of Cell Counting Kit 8, colony formation and tumor sphere formation experiments showed that OTUD7B knockdown caused a significant decrease in the proliferation and sphere formation ability of MDA-MB-468, MDA-MB-453 and MCF7 cells in vitro. Moreover, western blotting results showed that CD44, EpCAM, SOX2 and Nanog protein levels were significantly decreased following OTUD7B knockdown. These findings indicated that OTUD7B knockdown reduced the proliferation and stemness of breast cancer cells. Co-immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that OTUD7B interacted with forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) and reduced the polyubiquitylation of FOXM1 in breast cancer cells; accordingly, FOXM1 protein levels were significantly decreased by OTUD7B knockdown. Furthermore, the overexpression of FOXM1 reduced the inhibitory effects of OTUD7B knockdown on breast cancer cells. The findings of the present study provide new insights into the oncogenic role of OTUD7B in breast cancer and indicate that OTUD7B may serve as a therapeutic target for breast cancer.

Associations of A20, CYLD, Cezanne and JAK2 Genes and Immunophenotype with Psoriasis Susceptibility

Background and Objectives: Psoriasis is an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory skin disorder and commonly associated with highly noticeable erythematous, thickened and scaly plaques. Deubiquitinase genes, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha protein 3 (TNFAIP3, A20), the cylindromatosis (CYLD) and Cezanne, function as negative regulators of inflammatory response through the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathways. In this study, polymorphisms and expressions of A20, CYLD and Cezanne genes as well as immunophenotype in psoriatic patients were determined. Materials and Methods: In total, 82 patients with psoriasis and 147 healthy individuals with well-characterized clinical profiles were enrolled. Gene polymorphisms were determined by direct DNA sequencing, gene expression profile by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunophenotype by flow cytometry, and the secretion of cytokines and cancer antigen (CA) 125 by enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The inactivation of A20, CYLD and Cezanne and increased levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ and CA 125 was observed in psoriatic patients. Importantly, patients with low A20 expression had significant elevations of triglyceride and total cholesterol concentrations and higher numbers of CD13+CD117- and CD19+CD23+ (activated B) cells than those with high A20 expression. Genetic analysis indicated that all rs4495487 SNPs in the JAK2 gene, rs200878487 SNPs in the A20 gene and four SNPs (c.1584-375, c.1584-374, rs1230581026 and p.W433R) in the Cezanne gene were associated with significant risks, while the rs10974947 variant in the JAK2 gene was at reduced risk of psoriasis. Moreover, in the Cezanne gene, p.W433R was predicted to be probably damaging by the Polyphen-2 prediction tool and an AA/CC haplotype was associated with a high risk of psoriasis. In addition, patients with higher CA 125 levels than the clinical cutoff 35 U/mL showed increased levels of IFN-γ than those with normal CA 125 levels. Conclusions: A20 expression was associated with lipid metabolism and the recruitment of CD13+ CD117- and activated B cells into circulation in psoriatic patients. Besides this, the deleterious effect of the p.W433R variant in the Cezanne gene may contribute to the risk of psoriasis.

OTUD7B Activates Wnt Signaling Pathway through the Interaction with LEF1

The Wnt signaling pathway plays a critical role in regulating normal cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Dysregulation of Wnt signaling has been implicated in various human diseases, including cancer. β-catenin and LEF1 are key mediators of Wnt signaling, and their dysregulation is a hallmark of many cancer types. In this study, we aimed to identify the deubiquitinases (DUBs) that regulate the Wnt signaling pathway through the essential component LEF1. Screening candidate DUBs from the human DUB library, we discovered that OTUD7B interacts with LEF1 and activates Wnt signaling. OTUD7B and LEF1 interact with each other through the UBA and HMG domains, respectively. Furthermore, OTUD7B promotes the nuclear localization of LEF1, leading to an increased interaction with β-catenin in the nucleus while not noticeably affecting ubiquitination on LEF1. Using qPCR array analysis, we found that OTUD7B overexpression leads to an upregulation of 75% of the tested Wnt target genes compared to the control. These findings suggest that OTUD7B may serve as a potential therapeutic target in human diseases, including cancers where Wnt signaling is frequently dysregulated.

Protective role of cezanne in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting autophagy, apoptosis and oxidative stress

Doxorubicin (DOX) is frequently used in clinical practice for its broad-spectrum effects. However, its benefit is limited by a series of complications, including excessive apoptosis and autophagy of cardiomyocytes, overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and high level of oxidative stress. As a new protein, OTU domain-containing 7B (OTUD7B), also called Cezanne, has been reported to regulate many pathological processes. However, whether it plays a role in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity is still unclear. We discovered that the Cezanne level was significantly increased in DOX-treated neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) and C57BL/6 J mice hearts. In vitro, the knockdown of Cezanne with adenovirus in NRCMs significantly worsened DOX-induced apoptosis, autophagy and oxidative stress, while Cezanne overexpression showed opposite results. In vivo, the overexpression of Cezanne using cardiomyocyte-targeted adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9) significantly reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, autophagy and oxidative stress level when C57BL/6 J mice were subjected to DOX. Mechanistically, the overexpression of Cezanne significantly reversed the in-activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway induced by DOX, while the inhibitors of this pathway abolished the effect of Cezanne, suggesting that the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway plays a role in the protective function of Cezanne. These findings indicate that Cezanne could ameliorate DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by attenuating the apoptosis and autophagy of cardiomyocytes and decreasing the level of oxidative stress.

OTUD7B (Cezanne) ameliorates fibrosis after myocardial infarction via FAK-ERK/P38 MAPK signaling pathway

Fibrosis is one of the crucial reasons for cardiac dysfunction after myocardial infarction (MI). Understanding the underlying molecular mechanism that causes fibrosis is crucial to developing effective therapy. Recently, OUT domain-containing 7B (OTUD7B), also called Cezanne, a multifunctional deubiquitylate, has been found to play various roles in cancer and vascular diseases and control many important signaling pathways, including inflammation, proliferation, and so on. However, whether OTUD7B plays a role in fibrosis caused by MI remains unclear. Our study aimed to explore the function of OTUD7B in cardiac fibrosis and investigate the underlying mechanism. We found that the expression of OTUD7B was downregulated in the MI rat model and cultured cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) in hypoxic conditions and after TGF-β1 treatment. In vitro, silencing OTUD7B using small interfering RNA (siRNA) increased α-SMA (smooth muscle actin α) and collagen Ⅰ levels in CFs, whereas the overexpression of OTUD7B using adenovirus decreased their expression. Mechanistically, OTUD7B could regulate the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that has been proved to act as a potential mediator of fibrosis, and ERK/P38 MAPK was involved in this regulation process. In vitro, overexpression of OTUD7B downregulated the phosphorylation level of FAK and then inhibited ERK/P38 phosphorylation, thus leading to decreased α-SMA and collagen Ⅰ expressions, while OTUD7B knockdown showed an opposite result. These findings suggest that OTUD7B could become a potentially effective therapeutic strategy against fibrosis after MI.

USP8 regulates liver cancer progression via the inhibition of TRAF6-mediated signal for NF-κB activation and autophagy induction by TLR4

Herein, we aimed to elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanism in which ubiquitin-specific protease 8 (USP8) is implicated in liver cancer progression via TRAF6-mediated signal. USP8 induces the deubiquitination of TRAF6, TAB2, TAK1, p62, and BECN1, which are pivotal roles for NF-κB activation and autophagy induction. Notably, the LIHC patient with low USP8 mRNA expression showed markedly shorter survival time, whereas there was no significant difference in the other 18-human cancers. Importantly, the TCGA data analysis on LIHC and transcriptome analysis on the USP8 knockout (USP8KO) SK-HEP-1 cells revealed a significant correlation between USP8 and TRAF6, TAB2, TAK1, p62, and BECN1, and enhanced NF-κB-dependent and autophagy-related cancer progression/metastasis-related genes in response to LPS stimulation. Furthermore, USP8KO SK-HEP-1 cells showed an increase in cancer migration and invasion by TLR4 stimulation, and a marked increase of tumorigenicity and metastasis in xenografted NSG mice. The results demonstrate that USP8 is negatively implicated in the LIHC progression through the regulation of TRAF6-mediated signal for the activation of NF-κB activation and autophagy induction. Our findings provide useful insight into the LIHC pathogenesis of cancer progression.

Regulation of cell activation by A20 through STAT signaling in acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the hematologic malignancy characterized by the aberrant proliferation of immature lymphoid cells. A20 is a deubiquitinase gene that inhibits functional activation of immune cells mediated through NF-κB/STAT pathways and frequently found inactivated in lymphoma. IL-6 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine secreted by immune cells under the pathogenic conditions and regulated by STAT signaling. Little is known about the role of A20 in regulating the function of ALL blasts and underlying molecular mechanisms. The present study, therefore, explored whether A20 expression contributes to IL-6 induced cell migration and activation of myeloid cells in ALL. To this end, blood samples of thirty-five adult ALL patients were examined. Gene expression profile was determined by quantitative RT-PCR, immunophenotype by flow cytometry, secretion of inflammatory cytokines by ELISA, and cell migration by a transwell migration assay. As a result, the expression of A20 was inactivated in ALL. Immunophenotypic analysis indicated that percent of CD11b⁺CD40⁺ expressing cells present in ALL was significantly reduced when transfected with PEM-T easy A20. Importantly, IL6-induced CXCL12-mediated migration of ALL blasts was dependent on the presence of A20. The inhibitory effects of A20 on activated myeloid cells and migration of ALL blasts were mediated through the STAT pathway upon IL-6 challenge. In addition, the CA-125 level was much higher in elderly females than either young female or male ALL patients or healthy donors. In conclusion, the inhibitory effects of A20 on activation of ALL blasts are expected to affect the immune response to treatment for adult ALL patients.

Tumor-suppressive miR-3650 inhibits tumor metastasis by directly targeting NFASC in hepatocellular carcinoma

In recent years, a growing body of evidence has provided support for the important role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the progression of human cancers. A recent study showed that a novel miRNA miR-3650 expression was significantly decreased in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the precise role of miR-3650 in HCC have remained poorly understood. In this study, we found that miR-3650 expression was frequently decreased in HCC tissues. Low expression of miR-3650 is positively associated with tumor metastasis and poor survival of HCC patients. Forced expression of miR-3650 significantly inhibited the migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HCC cells. Through bioinformatic analysis and luciferase assays, we confirmed that neurofascin (NFASC) is a directly target mRNA of miR-3650. Rescue experiment demonstrated that NAFSC overexpression could partially counteracted the inhibitory effect of miR-3650 in HCC metastasis and EMT. In conclusion, our findings are the first time to demonstrate that reduced expression of miR-3650 in HCC was correlated with tumor metastasis and poor survival. MiR-3650 repressed HCC migration and EMT by directly targeting NFASC. Our findings suggested that miR-3650 may serve as a potential prognostic marker and promising application in HCC therapy.

Novel Value of Preoperative Gamma-Glutamyltransferase Levels in the Prognosis of AFP-Negative Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) is involved in tumor development and progression, but its prognostic value in α-fetoprotein- (AFP-) negative (AFP < 25 ng/mL) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients remains unknown.

Methods

A large cohort of 678 patients with AFP-negative HCC following curative resection who had complete data were enrolled in this study. The optimal cutoff value for the preoperative level of GGT was determined by the X-tile program. Independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were also identified.

Results

The optimal cutoff values for the preoperative levels of GGT were 37.2 U/L and 102.8 U/L, which were used to divide all patients into three subgroups (group 1, GGT < 37.2 U/L (n = 211, 31.1%); group 2, GGT ≥ 37.2 and <102.8 U/L (n = 320, 47.2%); group 3, GGT ≥ 102.8 U/L (n = 147, 21.7%)), with distinct OS times (58.5 vs. 53.5 vs. 44.4 months, P < 0.001) and DFS times (47.9 vs. 40.3 vs. 30.1 months, P < 0.001). Elevated preoperative GGT levels were associated with an unfavorable tumor burden (larger tumor size, multiple tumors, and microvascular invasion) and were selected as independent predictors of a worse OS (group 2 vs. group 1, HR: 1.73 (1.13-2.65), P = 0.011; group 3 vs. group 1, HR: 3.28 (2.10-5.13), P < 0.001) and DFS (group 2 vs. group 1, HR: 1.52 (1.13-2.05), P = 0.006; group 3 vs. group 1, HR: 2.11 (1.49-2.98), P < 0.001) in multivariable analysis.

Conclusions

Elevated preoperative GGT levels are associated with an unfavorable tumor burden and serve as an independent prognostic marker for worse outcomes in AFP-negative HCC patients following resection.

MHC Class I Downregulation in Cancer: Underlying Mechanisms and Potential Targets for Cancer Immunotherapy

In recent years, major advances have been made in cancer immunotherapy. This has led to significant improvement in prognosis of cancer patients, especially in the hematological setting. Nonetheless, translation of these successes to solid tumors was found difficult. One major mechanism through which solid tumors can avoid anti-tumor immunity is the downregulation of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I), which causes reduced recognition by- and cytotoxicity of CD8⁺ T-cells. Downregulation of MHC-I has been described in 40-90% of human tumors, often correlating with worse prognosis. Epigenetic and (post-)transcriptional dysregulations relevant in the stabilization of NFkB, IRFs, and NLRC5 are often responsible for MHC-I downregulation in cancer. The intrinsic reversible nature of these dysregulations provides an opportunity to restore MHC-I expression and facilitate adaptive anti-tumor immunity. In this review, we provide an overview of the mechanisms underlying reversible MHC-I downregulation and describe potential strategies to counteract this reduction in MHC-I antigen presentation in cancer.

The multiple roles of deubiquitinases in liver cancer

Primary liver cancer ranks the second leading cause of death associated with cancer in the world and therefore a major public health challenge. The mortality rates of liver cancer has been increasing during the past decades with the reality that the alternative therapeutic drugs are not available. Although growing numbers of proteins involved in liver cancer progression have been identified, many of these are not suitable drug targets, which hinders the development of new drugs to cure liver cancer. It is in urgent demand that novel therapeutic approaches should be explored. Deubiquitinases (DUBs), specifically removing ubiquitin chains from the target protein, have showed vital roles for protein homeostasis and quality control by rigidly regulating the balance between ubiquitination and deubiquitination in normal physiology. Recent studies have revealed deregulation or dysfunction of DUBs always associates with cancer and other diseases. Targeting certain DUBs, leading to degradation or loss function of the key oncoproteins, including undruggable ones, seems to provide a potential therapy for cancer patients. In liver cancer, numberous of DUBs are demonstrated to participate in hepatocarcinogenesis, metastasis and so on. Depending on the substrates, some DUBs may suppress liver cancers while others promote. In this review, we primarily summarize the roles of DUBs in liver tumors, and illustrate opportunities for the application of targeting DUBs for cancer therapy.

Ubiquitin ligase CHIP regulates OTUD3 stability and suppresses tumour metastasis in lung cancer

Ovarian tumour domain-containing protein 3 (OTUD3), a key OTU (ovarian tumour protease) family deubiquitylase, plays context-dependent roles in cancers. It suppresses tumorigenesis in breast, colon, liver and cervical cancer through stabilizing PTEN (phosphatase and tension homologue deleted on chromosome 10) while promotes lung tumorigenesis through stabilizing GRP78 (The glucose-regulated protein 78 kDa). The regulation especially post-translational modification of OTUD3 remains unclear. Here, we report that the carboxyl terminus of Hsc70-interacting protein (CHIP) is a ubiquitin ligase for OTUD3. CHIP interacts with, polyubiquitylates OTUD3 and promotes OTUD3 degradation. Knockdown of CHIP stabilizes OTUD3 which leads to elevated GRP78 levels in lung cancer cells. CHIP-knockdown lung cancer cells exhibit increased invasion in OTUD3 and GRP78 dependent manner. Further study demonstrates that CHIP-knockdown lung cancer cells are more prone to metastasize to mice lung when injected intravenously or subcutaneously. Moreover, the expression of CHIP is low in human lung cancer tissues and inversely correlates with OTUD3 expression and GRP78 expression. Furthermore, we identified CHIP mutations in human lung cancers, which reduce CHIP catalytic activity. These findings demonstrate that CHIP is a negative regulator of OTUD3 and CHIP suppresses lung cancer metastasis through inhibiting OTUD3-GRP78 signaling axis.

Salvia miltiorrhiza-derived miRNAs suppress vascular remodeling through regulating OTUD7B/KLF4/NMHC IIA axis

Objective: Abnormal proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are essential for vascular remodeling. Natural compounds with diterpene chinone or phenolic acid structure from Salvia miltiorrhiza, an eminent medicinal herb widely used to treat cardiovascular diseases in China, can effectively attenuate vascular remodeling induced by vascular injury. However, it remains unknown whether Salvia miltiorrhiza-derived miRNAs can protect VSMCs from injury by environmental stimuli. Here, we explored the role and underlying mechanisms of Salvia miltiorrhiza-derived Sal-miR-1 and 3 in the regulation of VSMC migration and monocyte adhesion to VSMCs induced by thrombin. Methods: A mouse model for intimal hyperplasia was established by the ligation of carotid artery and the injured carotid arteries were in situ-transfected with Sal-miR-1 and 3 using F-127 pluronic gel. The vascular protective effects of Sal-miR-1 and 3 were assessed via analysis of intimal hyperplasia with pathological morphology. VSMC migration and adhesion were analyzed by the wound healing, transwell membrane assays, and time-lapse imaging experiment. Using loss- and gain-of-function approaches, Sal-miR-1 and 3 regulation of OTUD7B/KLF4/NMHC IIA axis was investigated by using luciferase assay, co-immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, western blotting, etc. Results:Salvia miltiorrhiza-derived Sal-miR-1 and 3 can enter the mouse body after intragastric administration, and significantly suppress intimal hyperplasia induced by carotid artery ligation. In cultured VSMCs, these two miRNAs inhibit thrombin-induced the migration of VSMCs and monocyte adhesion to VSMCs. Mechanistically, Sal-miR-1 and 3 abrogate OTUD7B upregulation by thrombin via binding to the different sites of the OTUD7B 3'UTR. Most importantly, OTUD7B downregulation by Sal-miR-1 and 3 attenuates KLF4 protein levels via decreasing its deubiquitylation, whereas decreased KLF4 relieves its repression of transcription of NMHC IIA gene and thus increases NMHC IIA expression levels. Further, increased NMHC IIA represses VSMC migration and monocyte adhesion to VSMCs via maintaining the contractile phenotype of VSMCs. Conclusions: Our studies not only found the novel bioactive components from Salvia miltiorrhiza but also clarified the molecular mechanism underlying Sal-miR-1 and 3 inhibition of VSMC migration and monocyte adhesion to VSMCs. These results add important knowledge to the pharmacological actions and bioactive components of Salvia miltiorrhiza. Sal-miR-1 and 3-regulated OTUD7B/KLF4/NMHC IIA axis may represent a therapeutic target for vascular remodeling.

Farnesoid X Receptor Agonism, Acetyl-Coenzyme A Carboxylase Inhibition, and Back Translation of Clinically Observed Endpoints of De Novo Lipogenesis in a Murine NASH Model

A promising approach for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the inhibition of enhanced hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL), which is the synthesis of fatty acids from nonlipid sources. This study assesses three approaches to DNL suppression in a newly developed dietary NASH mouse model: i) dietary intervention (switch from NASH‐inducing diet to normal diet); ii) inhibition of acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC), the enzyme catalyzing the rate‐limiting step in DNL; and iii) activation of farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a major transcriptional regulator of DNL. C57BL/6J mice on a high‐fat diet combined with ad libitum consumption of a fructose–sucrose solution developed several of the liver histologic features seen in human disease, including steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis, accompanied by elevated fibrosis biomarkers and liver injury enzymes. Obesity and metabolic impairments were associated with increased intestinal permeability and progression to adenoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. All three approaches led to resolution of established NASH with fibrosis in mice; however, some differences were noted, e.g., with respect to the degree of hepatic steatosis attenuation. While ACC inhibition resulted in elevated blood triglycerides and peripheral obesity, FXR activation prevented peripheral obesity in NASH mice. Comparative transcriptome analysis underlined the translatability of the mouse model to human NASH and revealed novel mechanistic insights into differential regulation of lipid, inflammatory, and extracellular matrix pathways by FXR agonism and ACC inhibition. Conclusion: Novel insights are provided on back translation of clinically observed endpoints of DNL inhibition by targeting ACC or FXR, which are promising therapeutic options for the treatment of NASH, in a newly developed diet‐induced NASH mouse model.

DUBs, Hypoxia, and Cancer

Alterations in protein ubiquitylation and hypoxia are commonly associated with cancer. Ubiquitylation is carried out by three sequentially acting ubiquitylating enzymes and can be opposed by deubiquitinases (DUBs), which have emerged as promising drug targets. Apart from protein localization and activity, ubiquitylation regulates degradation of proteins, among them hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs). Thereby, various E3 ubiquitin ligases and DUBs regulate HIF abundance. Conversely, several E3s and DUBs are regulated by hypoxia. While hypoxia is a powerful HIF regulator, less is known about hypoxia-regulated DUBs and their impact on HIFs. Here, we review current knowledge about the relationship of E3s, DUBs, and hypoxia signaling. We also discuss the reciprocal regulation of DUBs by hypoxia and use of DUB-specific drugs in cancer.

Upregulation of OTUD7B (Cezanne) Promotes Tumor Progression via AKT/VEGF Pathway in Lung Squamous Carcinoma and Adenocarcinoma

OTUD7B, a multifunctional deubiquitinylase, plays an essential role in inflammation and proliferation signals. However, its function in lung cancer remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of OTUD7B in patients with lung adenocarcinoma and squamous carcinoma and to characterize its molecular mechanisms in lung cancer progression and metastasis. Two tissue microarrays containing 150 pairs of lung squamous carcinoma and matched adjacent non-cancer tissues, and one tissue microarray containing 75 pairs of lung adenocarcinoma and adjacent non-cancer tissues were included, and immunohistochemical staining was performed to assess the clinical relevance of OTUD7B in non-small cell lung cancer. OTUD7B is highly expressed in both lung squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma and correlates with a worse prognosis. MTT proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion assays and immunoblotting assay in NCI-H358 and A549 cell lines suggested that OTUD7B enhances EGF-induced Akt signal transduction and promotes lung cancer cell proliferation and migration. Immunohistochemical staining of large-scale lung cancer subjects (171 cases) revealed positive correlation of OTUD7B and VEGF expression. ELISA and tube formation assay revealed OTUD7B promotes VEGF production and angiogenesis. NCI-H358 tumor model demonstrated OTUD7B is required for lung tumor progression by facilitating activation of Akt signaling. These findings collectively identified OTUD7B as an independent predictive factor for the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer and revealed OTUD7B promotes lung cancer cell proliferation and metastasis via Akt/VEGF signal pathway.

Involvement of E3 Ligases and Deubiquitinases in the Control of HIF-α Subunit Abundance

The ubiquitin and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathways are cellular processes involved in the regulation of a variety of cellular functions. Enzymes called ubiquitin E3 ligases perform protein ubiquitylation. The action of these enzymes can be counteracted by another group of enzymes called deubiquitinases (DUBs), which remove ubiquitin from target proteins. The balanced action of these enzymes allows cells to adapt their protein content to a variety of cellular and environmental stress factors, including hypoxia. While hypoxia appears to be a powerful regulator of the ubiquitylation process, much less is known about the impact of DUBs on the HIF system and hypoxia-regulated DUBs. Moreover, hypoxia and DUBs play crucial roles in many diseases, such as cancer. Hence, DUBs are considered to be promising targets for cancer cell-specific treatment. Here, we review the current knowledge about the role DUBs play in the control of HIFs, the regulation of DUBs by hypoxia, and their implication in cancer progression.

Emerging role of zinc finger protein A20 as a suppressor of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the third leading cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide, is a major public health problem. Zinc finger protein A20 (A20), an acute phase response gene, is a potent inhibitor of NF-κB signaling. A20 serves a critical role in liver protection, including limiting inflammation following hepatic injury, stimulating hepatocyte growth, and preventing hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury. A20 is also involved in different processes, including tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis through multiple mechanisms. Accumulated studies have reported the clinical implications and biological relevance of A20 in the development and progression of HCC. The underlying mechanisms of A20 in HCC include inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, protein tyrosine kinase 2 activation and Rac family GTPase 1 activity. Combining liver protection with tumor inhibition is a unique advantage of A20, which has the potential to be a novel treatment for promoting liver regeneration following liver resection in patients with HCC with liver cirrhosis. This review discusses the hepato-protective effect of A20 on hepatocytes and its potential role in cancer development, particularly its suppressor effect on HCC.

Active mind-body movement therapies as an adjunct to or in comparison with pulmonary rehabilitation for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

Active mind-body movement therapies (AMBMTs), including but not limited to yoga, tai chi, and qigong, have been applied as exercise modalities for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). AMBMT strategies have been found to be more effective than usual care; however, whether AMBMT is inferior, equivalent, or superior to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in people with COPD remains to be determined.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of AMBMTs compared with, or in addition to, PR in the management of COPD.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register of trials and major Chinese databases, as well as trial registries from inception to July 2017. In addition, we searched references of primary studies and review articles. We updated this search in July 2018 but have not yet incorporated these results.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included (1) randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing AMBMT (i.e. controlled breathing and/or focused meditation/attention interventions for which patients must actively move their joints and muscles for at least four weeks with no minimum intervention frequency) versus PR (any inpatient or outpatient, community-based or home-based rehabilitation programme lasting at least four weeks, with no minimum intervention frequency, that included conventional exercise training with or without education or psychological support) and (2) RCTs comparing AMBMT + PR versus PR alone in people with COPD. Two independent review authors screened and selected studies for inclusion.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion, extracted outcome data, and assessed risk of bias. We contacted study authors if necessary to ask them to provide missing data. We calculated mean differences (MDs) using a random-effects model.

MAIN RESULTS

We included in the meta-analysis 10 studies with 762 participants across one or more comparisons. The sample size of included studies ranged from 11 to 206 participants. Nine out of 10 studies involving all levels of COPD severity were conducted in China with adults from 55 to 88 years of age, a higher proportion of whom were male (78%). Nine out of 10 studies provided tai chi and/or qigong programmes as AMBMT, and one study provided yoga. Overall, the term 'PR' has been uncritically applied in the vast majority of studies, which limits comparison of AMBMT and PR. For example, eight out of 10 studies considered walking training as equal to PR and used this as conventional exercise training within PR. Overall study quality for main comparisons was moderate to very low mainly owing to imprecision, indirectness (exercise component inconsistent with recommendations), and risk of bias issues. The primary outcomes for our review were quality of life, dyspnoea, and serious adverse events.When researchers compared AMBMT versus PR alone (mainly unstructured walking training), statistically significant improvements in disease-specific quality of life (QoL) (St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) total score) favoured AMBMT: mean difference (MD) -5.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) -8.75 to -2.92; three trials; 249 participants; low-quality evidence. The common effect size, but not the 95% CI around the pooled treatment effect, exceeded the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of minus four. The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) also revealed statistically significant improvements favouring AMBMT over PR, with scores exceeding the MCID of three, with an MD of 6.58 units (95% CI -9.16 to - 4.00 units; one trial; 74 participants; low-quality evidence). Results show no between-group differences with regard to dyspnoea measured by the modified Medical Research Council Scale (MD 0.00 units, 95% CI -0.37 to 0.37; two trials; 127 participants; low-quality evidence), the Borg Scale (MD 0.44 units, 95% CI -0.88 to 0.00; one trial; 139 participants; low-quality evidence), or the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) Dyspnoea Scale (MD -0.21, 95% CI -2.81 to 2.38; one trial; 11 participants; low-quality evidence). Comparisons of AMBMT versus PR alone did not include assessments of generic quality of life, adverse events, limb muscle function, exacerbations, or adherence.Comparisons of AMBMT added to PR versus PR alone (mainly unstructured walking training) revealed significant improvements in generic QoL as measured by Short Form (SF)-36 for both the SF-36 general health summary score (MD 5.42, 95% CI 3.82 to 7.02; one trial; 80 participants; very low-quality evidence) and the SF-36 mental health summary score (MD 3.29, 95% CI 1.45 to 4.95; one trial; 80 participants; very low-quality evidence). With regard to disease-specific QoL, investigators noted no significant improvement with addition of AMBMT to PR versus PR alone (SGRQ total score: MD -2.57, 95% CI -7.76 to 2.62 units; one trial; 192 participants; moderate-quality evidence; CRQ Dyspnoea Scale score: MD 0.04, 95% CI -2.18 to 2.26 units; one trial; 80 participants; very low-quality evidence). Comparisons of AMBMT + PR versus PR alone did not include assessments of dyspnoea, adverse events, limb muscle function, exacerbations, or adherence.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Given the quality of available evidence, the effects of AMBMT versus PR or of AMBMT added to PR versus PR alone in people with stable COPD remain inconclusive. Evidence of low quality suggests better disease-specific QoL with AMBMT versus PR in people with stable COPD, and evidence of very low quality suggests no differences in dyspnoea between AMBMT and PR. Evidence of moderate quality shows that AMBMT added to PR does not result in improved disease-specific QoL, and evidence of very low quality suggests that AMBMT added to PR may lead to better generic QoL versus PR alone. Future studies with adequate descriptions of conventional exercise training (i.e. information on duration, intensity, and progression) delivered by trained professionals with a comprehensive understanding of respiratory physiology, exercise science, and the pathology of COPD are needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn regarding treatment outcomes with AMBMT versus PR or AMBMT added to PR versus PR alone for patients with COPD.

Modifications of Au Nanoparticle-Functionalized Graphene for Sensitive Detection of Sulfanilamide

In this paper, we present a simple and feasible electrochemical sensor based on Au nanoparticle-functionalized graphene for the determination of sulfanilamide. Au nanoparticles were deposited on graphene, which acted as a platform to prepare excellent nanocomposites. Attributed to the graphene’s large surface area and the Au nanoparticles’ strong conductivity, many sulfanilamide molecules were enriched on the sensor surface and the signal response became more sensitive. Under the optimal conditions, the electrochemical sensors could be used for the efficient detection of sulfanilamide. Good linearity was observed in the range of 0.1–1000 μmol·L⁻¹ and the detection limit was 0.011 μmol·L⁻¹. Most importantly, the Au nanoparticle-functionalized graphene-modified electrode could be successfully applied for the detection of sulfanilamide in animal meat, and exhibited good stability, acceptable recovery, and offered a promising platform for point-of-care detecting in real samples.

Involvement of soluble B7-H3 in combination with the serum inflammatory cytokines interleukin-17, -8 and -6 in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Previous studies have demonstrated that B7-H3, and the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-17, IL-8 and IL-6, are involved in the development of a variety of tumors. The objectives of the present study were: i) To investigate the association between soluble B7-H3 (sB7-H3) and cytokine levels of IL-17, IL-8 and IL-6 in the serum of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); and ii) to determine their potential value for use in HCC diagnosis. Serum sB7-H3, IL-17, IL-8 and IL-6 levels in the HCC patients and healthy control subjects were measured using ELISA. The accuracy of each of these biomarkers in HCC diagnosis was compared using a receiver operating characteristic curve and the area under the curve (AUC). A logistic regression model was used to investigate the accuracy of diagnosing HCC when evaluated using combined determinations of sB7-H3, IL-17, IL-8 and IL-6 levels. The data demonstrated that serum levels of sB7-H3, IL-17, IL-8 and IL-6 were significantly increased in HCC patients compared with those in the healthy control group. Serum sB7-H3 levels were positively associated with serum IL-17, whereas serum IL-8 levels were negatively correlated with serum IL-17 levels. The AUC values for sB7-H3, IL-17, IL-8 and IL-6 were 83.2, 65.7, 95.3 and 97.0%, respectively, and indicated that all four biomarkers exhibited a statistically significant capacity for diagnosing HCC. Using the logistic regression model, the AUC value, sensitivity and specificity, as determined for the combination of the four biomarkers, were 99.2, 96.67 and 97.14%, respectively. This was significantly greater than that achieved when any single biomarker was used alone in the logistic regression model to assess their accuracy in HCC diagnosis. The optimum cutoff value of the predicted probability obtained by the combination of sB7-H3, IL-17, IL-8 and IL-6 in the regression model was 0.5745. To conclude, the present study revealed that there exists a positive association between serum sB7-H3 and IL-17 levels in HCC patients. Determinations involving the combination of serum sB7-H3, IL-17, IL-8 and IL-6 levels demonstrate great potential for use in HCC diagnosis.

Cezanne predicts progression and adjuvant TACE response in hepatocellular carcinoma

We have previously reported that Cezanne could be a prognostic biomarker for survival in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, the role of Cezanne genes in HCC cells and its response to postoperative adjuvant transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in HCC patients remains unknown. In this study, Cezanne expression was detected in human HCC using real-time PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry. The function of Cezanne in HCC cells was determined by Transwell invasion assays and nude mice metastasis assay. The response of Cezanne in patients who received adjuvant TACE after hepatectomy was evaluated. Functional study demonstrated that interference of Cezanne expression promoted the migration and invasion of HCC cells in vitro and boosted metastasized HCC formation in mice. Upregulation of Cezanne diminished the adhesion and migration of hepatoma cells. Further study indicated that Cezanne might inhibit invasion of HCC cells by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In addition, patients with low Cezanne expression had significant improvement in prognosis after receiving adjuvant TACE. In contrast, patients with high Cezanne expression had a poorer response to adjuvant TACE. Moreover, Cezanne status was associated with response to adjuvant TACE in patients subgroup stratified by vascular invasion, tumor size and tumor number. In conclusion, Cezanne may be a novel antioncogene that has a pivotal role in the invasion of HCC and contribute to the selection of patients who may benefit from adjuvant TACE to prevent recurrence.

OTUD7B and NIK expression in non-small cell lung cancer: Association with clinicopathological features and prognostic implications

PURPOSE

To investigate the correlation among OTUD7B and NIK expression and the clinicopathological characteristics in NSCLC patients.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty patients were involved in this study. We detected OTUD7B and NIK expression by immunohistochemistry and analyzed their correlation with clinicopathological data.

RESULTS

The expression of OTUD7B and NIK were negatively correlated in NSCLC tumor samples (rs=-0.421, P<0.001). The higher expression of OTUD7B was associated with smaller tumor size(P=0.018), less lymph node metastasis (P=0.012) and earlier TNM stage(P=0.039), while the higher expression of NIK was only related to more lymph node metastasis(P=0.031) and later TNM stage(P=0.011). MMP-9 was negatively correlated with OTUD7B and positively correlated with NIK. In addition, the high expression of OTUD7B was associated with good prognosis of NSCLC patients (log-rank=6.714, P=0.0096), and a high OTUD7B/low NIK index can predict an even better prognosis (log-rank=11.794, P=0.0006). Moreover, the multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that OTUD7B rather than NIK is an independent marker of overall survival in NSCLC patients(HR=1.602, 95% CI 1.009-2.544, P=0.046).

CONCLUSIONS

OTUD7B and NIK may play important roles in the development of lung cancer. The combination of OTUD7B and NIK expression may be a good index for predicting the prognosis of NSCLC.

DUBs, New Members in the Hypoxia Signaling clUb

Cellular protein homeostasis is tightly regulated by ubiquitination. Responsible for target protein ubiquitination is a class of enzymes, the so-called ubiquitin E3 ligases. They are opposed to a second class of enzymes, called deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), which can remove polyubiquitin chains from their specific target proteins. The coaction of the two sets of enzymes allows the cell to adapt its overall protein content and the abundance of particular proteins to a variety of cellular and environmental stresses, including hypoxia. In recent years, DUBs have been highlighted to play major roles in many diseases, including cancer, both as tumor suppressors and oncogenes. Therefore, DUBs are emerging as promising targets for cancer-cell specific treatment. Here, we will review the current understanding of DUBs implicated in the control of hypoxia-inducible factor, the regulation of DUBs by hypoxia, and the use of DUB-specific drugs to target tumor hypoxia-signaling.