Tetraspanin 1 promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma via PI3K/AKT signaling

PTEN deficiency induces an extrahepatic cholangitis-cholangiocarcinoma continuum via aurora kinase A in mice

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The PTEN-AKT pathway is frequently altered in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (eCCA). We aimed to evaluate the role of PTEN in the pathogenesis of eCCA and identify novel therapeutic targets for this disease.

METHODS

The Pten gene was genetically deleted using the Cre-loxp system in biliary epithelial cells. The pathologies were evaluated both macroscopically and histologically. The characteristics were further analyzed by immunohistochemistry, reverse-transcription PCR, cell culture, and RNA sequencing. Some features were compared to those in human eCCA samples. Further mechanistic studies utilized the conditional knockout of Trp53 and Aurora kinase A (Aurka) genes. We also tested the effectiveness of an Aurka inhibitor.

RESULTS

We observed that genetic deletion of the Pten gene in the extrahepatic biliary epithelium and peri-ductal glands initiated sclerosing cholangitis-like lesions in mice, resulting in enlarged and distorted extrahepatic bile ducts in mice as early as 1 month after birth. Histologically, these lesions exhibited increased epithelial proliferation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and fibrosis. With aging, the lesions progressed from low-grade dysplasia to invasive carcinoma. Trp53 inactivation further accelerated disease progression, potentially by downregulating senescence. Further mechanistic studies showed that both human and mouse eCCA showed high expression of AURKA. Notably, the genetic deletion of Aurka completely eliminated Pten deficiency-induced extrahepatic bile duct lesions. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of Aurka alleviated disease progression.

CONCLUSIONS

Pten deficiency in extrahepatic cholangiocytes and peribiliary glands led to a cholangitis-to-cholangiocarcinoma continuum that was dependent on Aurka. These findings offer new insights into preventive and therapeutic interventions for extrahepatic CCA.

IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS

The aberrant PTEN-PI3K-AKT signaling pathway is commonly observed in human extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (eCCA), a disease with a poor prognosis. In our study, we developed a mouse model mimicking cholangitis to eCCA progression by conditionally deleting the Pten gene via Pdx1-Cre in epithelial cells and peribiliary glands of the extrahepatic biliary duct. The conditional Pten deletion in these cells led to cholangitis, which gradually advanced to dysplasia, ultimately resulting in eCCA. The loss of Pten heightened Akt signaling, cell proliferation, inflammation, fibrosis, DNA damage, epigenetic signaling, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell dysplasia, and cellular senescence. Genetic deletion or pharmacological inhibition of Aurka successfully halted disease progression. This model will be valuable for testing novel therapies and unraveling the mechanisms of eCCA tumorigenesis.

Tspan protein family: focusing on the occurrence, progression, and treatment of cancer

The Tetraspanins (Tspan) protein family, also known as the tetraspanin family, contains 33 family members that interact with other protein molecules such as integrins, adhesion molecules, and T cell receptors by forming dimers or heterodimers. The Tspan protein family regulates cell proliferation, cell cycle, invasion, migration, apoptosis, autophagy, tissue differentiation, and immune response. More and more studies have shown that Tspan proteins are involved in tumorigenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, thrombosis, tumor stem cell, and exosome signaling. Some drugs and microRNAs can inhibit Tspan proteins, thus providing new strategies for tumor therapy. An in-depth understanding of the functions and regulatory mechanisms of the Tspan protein family, which can promote or inhibit tumor development, will provide new strategies for targeted interventions in the future.

TSPAN1 inhibits metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma via suppressing NF-kB signaling

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) originates in the epithelial cells of the nasopharynx and is a common malignant tumor in southern China and Southeast Asia. Metastasis of NPC remains the main cause of death for NPC patients even though the tumor is sensitive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Here, we found that the transmembrane protein tetraspanin1 (TSPAN1) potently inhibited the in vitro migration and invasion, as well as, the in vivo metastasis of NPC cells via interacting with the IKBB protein. In addition, TSPAN1 was essential in preventing the overactivation of the NF-kB pathway in TSPAN1 overexpressing NPC cells. Furthermore, reduced TSPAN1 expression was associated with NPC metastasis and the poor prognosis of NPC patients. These results uncovered the suppressive role of TSPAN1 against NF-kB signaling in NPC cells for preventing NPC metastasis. Its therapeutic value warrants further investigation.

The role of Tetraspanins in digestive system tumor development: update and emerging evidence

Digestive system malignancies, including cancers of the esophagus, pancreas, stomach, liver, and colorectum, are the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide due to their high morbidity and poor prognosis. The lack of effective early diagnosis methods is a significant factor contributing to the poor prognosis for these malignancies. Tetraspanins (Tspans) are a superfamily of 4-transmembrane proteins (TM4SF), classified as low-molecular-weight glycoproteins, with 33 Tspan family members identified in humans to date. They interact with other membrane proteins or TM4SF members to form a functional platform on the cytoplasmic membrane called Tspan-enriched microdomain and serve multiple functions including cell adhesion, migration, propagation and signal transduction. In this review, we summarize the various roles of Tspans in the progression of digestive system tumors and the underlying molecular mechanisms in recent years. Generally, the expression of CD9, CD151, Tspan1, Tspan5, Tspan8, Tspan12, Tspan15, and Tspan31 are upregulated, facilitating the migration and invasion of digestive system cancer cells. Conversely, Tspan7, CD82, CD63, Tspan7, and Tspan9 are downregulated, suppressing digestive system tumor cell metastasis. Furthermore, the connection between Tspans and the metastasis of malignant bone tumors is reviewed. We also summarize the potential role of Tspans as novel immunotherapy targets and as an approach to overcome drug resistance. Finally, we discuss the potential clinical value and therapeutic targets of Tspans in the treatments of digestive system malignancies and provide some guidance for future research.

Migrasomes and tetraspanins in hepatocellular carcinoma: current status and future prospects

In recent years, many studies have attempted to clarify the formation, structure and biological function of migrasomes, which are defined as specialized organelles formed by the tips and intersections of Retraction Fibrils during cell migration. It has confirmed that migrasomes were involved in various critical biological processes and diseases, and has became a new research hotspot. In this paper, we reviewed the formation and biological functions of migrasomes, explored the relationship between migrasomes, tetraspanins and hepatocellular carcinoma and discussed the potential applications of migrasomes in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Tspan5 promotes the EMT process to regulate the syncytialization of trophoblast cells by activating Notch signalling

Placental trophoblastic cells play important roles in placental development and fetal health. However, the mechanism of trophoblastic cell fusion is still not entirely clear. The level of Tspan5 in the embryo culture medium was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Fusion of BeWo cells was observed by immunofluorescence. Cell fusion-related factors and EMT-related factors were identified by qRT-PCR and western blotting. Notch protein repressor DAPT was used to verify the role of Tspan5 in BeWo cells. The expression of Tspan5 was significantly increased in embryo culture medium. The fusion of BeWo cells was observed after treatment with forskolin (FSK). Cell fusion-related factors (i.e. β-hCG and syncytin 1/2) and Tspan5 were significantly increased after FSK treatment. In addition, FSK treatment promoted EMT-related protein expression in BeWo cells. Knockdown of Tspan5 inhibited cell fusion and EMT-related protein levels. Notch-1 and Jagged-1 protein levels were significantly upregulated, and the EMT process was activated by overexpression of Tspan5 in FSK-treated BeWo cells. Interestingly, blocking the Notch pathway by the repressor DAPT had the opposite results. These results indicated that Tspan5 could promote the EMT process by activating the Notch pathway, thereby causing cell fusion. These findings contribute to a better understanding of trophoblast cell syncytialization and embryonic development. Tspan5 may be used as a therapeutic target for normal placental development.

Establishment of cancer-associated fibroblasts-related subtypes and prognostic index for prostate cancer through single-cell and bulk RNA transcriptome

Current evidence indicate that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in prostate cancer (PCa) development and progression. In this study, we identified CAF-related molecular subtypes and prognostic index for PCa patients undergoing radical prostatectomy through integrating single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing data. We completed analyses using software R 3.6.3 and its suitable packages. Through single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing analysis, NDRG2, TSPAN1, PTN, APOE, OR51E2, P4HB, STEAP1 and ABCC4 were used to construct molecular subtypes and CAF-related gene prognostic index (CRGPI). These genes could clearly divide the PCa patients into two subtypes in TCGA database and the BCR risk of subtype 1 was 13.27 times higher than that of subtype 2 with statistical significance. Similar results were observed in MSKCC2010 and GSE46602 cohorts. In addtion, the molucular subtypes were the independent risk factor of PCa patients. We orchestrated CRGPI based on the above genes and divided 430 PCa patients in TCGA database into high- and low- risk groups according to the median value of this score. We found that high-risk group had significant higher risk of BCR than low-risk group (HR: 5.45). For functional analysis, protein secretion was highly enriched in subtype 2 while snare interactions in vesicular transport was highly enriched in subtype 1. In terms of tumor heterogeneity and stemness, subtype 1 showd higher levels of TMB than subtype 2. In addition, subtype 1 had significant higher activated dendritic cell score than subtype 2. Based on eight CAF-related genes, we developed two prognostic subtypes and constructed a gene prognostic index, which could predict the prognosis of PCa patients very well.

The versatile roles of testrapanins in cancer from intracellular signaling to cell-cell communication: cell membrane proteins without ligands

The tetraspanins (TSPANs) are a family of four-transmembrane proteins with 33 members in mammals. They are variably expressed on the cell surface, various intracellular organelles and vesicles in nearly all cell types. Different from the majority of cell membrane proteins, TSPANs do not have natural ligands. TSPANs typically organize laterally with other membrane proteins to form tetraspanin-enriched microdomains (TEMs) to influence cell adhesion, migration, invasion, survival and induce downstream signaling. Emerging evidence shows that TSPANs can regulate not only cancer cell growth, metastasis, stemness, drug resistance, but also biogenesis of extracellular vesicles (exosomes and migrasomes), and immunomicroenvironment. This review summarizes recent studies that have shown the versatile function of TSPANs in cancer development and progression, or the molecular mechanism of TSPANs. These findings support the potential of TSPANs as novel therapeutic targets against cancer.

Endostatin 33 Peptide Is a Deintegrin α6β1 Agent That Exerts Antitumor Activity by Inhibiting the PI3K-Akt Signaling Pathway in Prostate Cancer

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the leading cause of death in men and has poor therapeutic outcomes.

METHODS

A novel endostatin 33 peptide was synthesized by adding a specific QRD sequence on the basis of the endostatin 30 peptide (PEP06) with antitumor activity. Then, bioinformatic analysis and subsequent experiments were performed to validate the antitumor function of this endostatin 33 peptide.

RESULTS

We found that the 33 polypeptides significantly inhibited growth, invasion and metastasis and promoted the apoptosis of PCa in vivo or vitro, which is more significant than PEP06 under the same conditions. According to 489 cases from the TCGA data portal, the α6β1 high expression group was closely associated with the poor prognosis (Gleason score, pathological N stage, etc.) of PCa and was mainly enriched in the PI3K-Akt pathway. Subsequently, we demonstrated that endostatin 33 peptide can down-regulate the PI3K-Akt pathway via the targeted inhibition of α6β1, thereby inhibiting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and matrix metalloproteinase in C42 cell lines.

CONCLUSION

The endostatin 33 peptide can exert antitumor effects by inhibiting the PI3K-Akt pathway, especially in tumors with a high expression of the integrin α6β1 subtype, such as prostate cancer. Therefore, our study will provide a new method and theoretical basis for the treatment of prostate cancer.

The immunological characteristics of TSPAN1 expressing B cells in autoimmune hepatitis

Background and aims

Tetraspanin proteins are closely related to the functional changes of B cells, including antigen presentation, production of cytokines, and transduction. We aim to explore the potential role of Tetraspanin 1 (TSPAN1) in the biological activities of B cells in AIH.

Methods and results

Herein, this study found that numbers of cells expressing TSPAN1 were significantly increased in AIH patients compared to PBC, chronic hepatitis B, and healthy control (P < 0.0001). Moreover, there was a positive correlation between numbers of TSPAN1+ cells and AIH disease severity (P < 0.0001). Immunofluorescence staining further confirmed that TSPAN1 was primarily expressed on CD19+ B cells. Flow-cytometric analysis showed that TSPAN1+ B cells secreted more inflammatory cytokines and expressed higher level of CD86 than TSPAN1- B cells. Furthermore, compared with TSAPN1- cells, the expression of CXCR3 on TSPAN1+ cells was also higher. Meanwhile, CXCL10, the ligand of CXCR3, was significantly elevated in the liver of AIH (P < 0.01) and had positive correlation with the quantities of TSPAN1 (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the numbers of TSPAN1+ B cells were decreased in AIH patients after immunosuppressive therapy.

Conclusions

TSPAN1⁺ B cells in the liver may promote the progression of AIH via secreting cytokines and presenting antigens. The chemotactic movement of TSPAN1⁺ B cells toward the liver of AIH was possibly due to CXCR3 - CXCL10 interaction.

lncRNA DARS-AS1 Modulates TSPAN1-Mediated ITGA2 Hypomethylation by Interaction with miR-194-5p Thus Promoting Ovarian Cancer Progression

Objective

Ovarian cancer (OC) is usually called the "silent killer" due to its asymptomatic characteristics until advanced stages, thus being a significant threat to female health worldwide. In this work, we characterized an oncogenic DARS-AS1 role in OC.

Methods

The aggressiveness behaviors of the OC cell model were examined by CCK-8 assay, transwell invasion assay, flow cytometry, and immunoblotting analysis of apoptosis-related proteins. Interactions of miR-194-5p with lncRNA DARS-AS1 or TSPAN1 and of TSPAN1 with ITGA2 were validated by using a luciferase activity assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay.

Results

The OC cell model exhibited overexpressed lncRNA DARS-AS1 compared to normal cells. lncRNA DARS-AS1 knockdown led to reduced OC cell growth and metastasis while inducing the apoptosis in the OC cell model. lncRNA DARS-AS1 positively regulated TSPAN1 expression by binding with miR-194-5p and TSPAN1-mediated ITGA2 hypomethylation in OC cells. Further rescue function studies demonstrated that lncRNA DARS-AS1 affected OC cell viability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis ability by modulating miR-194-5p and TSPAN1 expressions.

Conclusion

Our work demonstrates that lncRNA DARS-AS1 promotes OC progression by modulating TSPAN1 and ITGA2 hypomethylation by binding with miR-194-5p.

Overexpression of Tetraspanin31 contributes to malignant potential and poor outcomes in gastric cancer

Tetraspanin has important functions in many cancers by aggregating with various proteins that interact with intracellular signaling proteins. The molecular function of Tetraspanin31 (TSPAN31), located in the 12q14 amplified region in various cancers, remains unclear in gastric cancer (GC). We tested whether TSPAN31 acts as a cancer‐promoting gene through its activation or overexpression in GC. We analyzed seven GC cell lines and 189 primary tumors, which were curatively resected in our hospital between 2011 and 2013. Overexpression of the TSPAN31 protein was frequently detected in three GC cell lines (42.9%) and 62 primary GC specimens (32.8%). Overexpression of TSPAN31 was significantly correlated with lymphatic invasion, venous invasion, more advanced pT and pN stages, and a higher recurrence rate. Moreover, TSPAN31 positivity was an independent factor predicting worse patient outcomes (p = 0.0283, hazard ratio 3.97). Ectopic overexpression of TSPAN31 facilitated cell proliferation of GC cells, and knockdown of TSPAN31 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition of GC cells through the PI3K‐Akt pathway and increased cell apoptosis in a TP53 mutation‐independent manner. In vivo analysis also revealed knockdown of TSPAN31 suppressed tumor progression. In addition, knockdown of TSPAN31 improved chemosensitivity to cisplatin through the suppression of ABCC2. These findings suggest that TSPAN31 plays a crucial role in tumor‐malignant potential through overexpression, highlighting its utility as a prognostic factor and a potential therapeutic target in GC.

Tspan9 Induces EMT and Promotes Osteosarcoma Metastasis via Activating FAK-Ras-ERK1/2 Pathway

Object

At present, there are few effective treatment options available to patients suffering from osteosarcoma (OS). Clarifying the signaling pathways that govern OS oncogenesis may highlight novel approaches to treating this deadly form of cancer. Recent experimental evidence suggests that the transmembrane protein tetraspanin-9 (Tspan9) plays a role in tumor development. This study was thus formulated to assess the molecular role of Tspan9 as a regulator of OS cell metastasis.

Methods

Gene expression in OS cell lines was evaluated via qRT-PCR, while CCK-8, colony formation, Transwell, and wound healing assays were used to explore the in vitro proliferative, invasive, and migratory activities of OS cells. The relationship between Tspan9 and in vivo OS cell metastasis was assessed by injecting these cells into the tail vein of nude mice. Interactions between the Tspan9 and integrin β1 proteins were explored through mass spectrometric and co-immunoprecipitation, and Western blotting to assess the functional mechanisms whereby Tspan9 shapes OS pathogenesis.

Results

Both primary OS tumors and OS cell lines commonly exhibited Tspan9 upregulation, and the knockdown of this tetraspanin suppressed the migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) activity in OS cells, whereas Tspan9 overexpression resulted in opposite phenotypes. Tumor lung metastasis were significantly impaired in mice implanted with HOS cells in which Tspan9 was downregulated as compared to mice implanted with control HOS cells. Tspan9 was also found to interact with β1 integrin and to contribute to OS metastasis via the amplification of integrin-mediated downstream FAK/Ras/ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Conclusion

These data suggest that Tspan9 can serve as a promising therapeutic target in OS.

Activation of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway by SPARC contributes to the malignant phenotype of cholangiocarcinoma cells

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a primary biliary epithelium malignancy with limited therapies, poor prognosis and high mortality rate. Nowadays, the molecular mechanisms of CCA remain elusive. SPARC has been proposed to be highly expressed in clinical CCA tissues, but few studies has been elucidated its functions in CCA. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the functional role of SPARC in the progression of CCA. In this study, a significantly increased expression of SPARC was observed in CCA tissues and cells. Knockdown of SPARC by RNA interference significantly impeded the proliferation of CCA cells. Moreover, SPARC silencing hampered the migration and invasion of CCA cells by inhibiting EMT. In parallel, overexpression of SPARC in RBE cells had the opposite effects. Mechanically, SPARC promoted proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of CCA cells in vitro via activating the PI3K-AKT signaling. Overall, our integrated analysis revealed that SPARC plays a crucial role in CCA progression via the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, which suggests that targeting SPARC might represent a promising approach for improving CCA patient's clinical outcome.

TSPAN1, a novel tetraspanin member highly involved in carcinogenesis and chemoresistance

The tetraspanin (TSPAN) family constitutes a poorly explored family of membrane receptors involved in various physiological processes, with relevant roles in anchoring multiple proteins, acting as scaffolding proteins, and cell signaling. Recent studies have increasingly demonstrated the involvement of TSPANs in cancer. In particular, tetraspanin 1 (also known as TSPAN1, NET-1, TM4C, C4.8 or GEF) has been implicated in cell survival, proliferation and invasion. Recently, our laboratory revealed a key role of TSPAN1 in the acquired resistance of tumor cells to conventional chemotherapy (e.g., cisplatin). In this review, we summarize and discuss the latest research on the physiological mechanisms of TSPANs in cancer and, in particular, on TSPAN1 regulating resistance to chemotherapy. A model of TSPAN1 action is proposed, and the potential of targeting TSPAN1 in anticancer therapeutic strategies is discussed.

YY1 activates EMI2 and promotes the progression of cholangiocarcinoma through the PI3K/Akt signaling axis

BACKGROUND

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is one of the deadliest cancers of the digestive tract. The prognosis of CCA is poor and the 5-year survival rate is low. Bioinformatic analysis showed that early mitotic inhibitor 2 (EMI2) was overexpressed in CCA but the underlying mechanism is not known.

METHODS

The data on bile duct carcinoma from TCGA and GEO databases were used to detect the expression of EMI2. The transcription factors of EMI2 were predicted using JASPAR and PROMO databases. Among the predicted transcription factors, YY1 has been rarely reported in cholangiocarcinoma, and was verified using the luciferase reporter gene assay. RT-PCR was performed to predict the downstream pathway of EMI2, and PI3K/Akt was suspected to be associated with it. Subsequently, in vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted to verify the effects of silencing and overexpressing EMI2 and YY1 on the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of the bile duct cancer cells.

RESULTS

EMI2 was highly expressed in CCA. Silencing EMI2 inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration of CCA cells, arrested cell cycle in the G1 phase, and promoted of apoptosis. The luciferase reporter gene assay showed that YY1 bound to the promoter region of EMI2, and after silencing YY1, the expression of EMI2 decreased and the progression of CCA was inhibited. Moreover, key proteins in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway decreased after silencing EMI2.

CONCLUSION

EMI2 may be one of the direct targets of YY1 and promotes the progression of CCA through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Tetraspanin 1 (TSPAN1) promotes growth and transferation of breast cancer cells via mediating PI3K/Akt pathway

The incidence and mortality of breast cancer rank first among all types of female tumors. To improve patients’ prognosis with advanced breast cancer, new and more effective targets still need to be explored and identified. Tetraspanin 1 (TSPAN1) is highly expressed in several cancers and affects the progression of these tumors. However, there are few studies focused on its role in breast cancer. Previous study showed that TSPAN1 promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis, and whether TSPAN1 could promote breast cancer via regulating EMT needs further study. In this study, we found high TSPAN1 expression in breast cancer tumor samples and cell lines which was confirmed by bioinformation analysis. The ablation of TSPAN1 suppressed the growth, and motility of breast cancer cells. We further found that TSPAN1 affected the EMT and mediated the PI3K/Akt pathway in breast cancer cells. In addition, TSPAN1 depletion suppressed tumor growth of breast cancer in mice. In summary, we thought TSPAN1 suppressed growth and motility of breast cancer via mediating EMT and PI3K/AKT pathway, and could serve as a potential target for treatment of breast cancer.

STK39 enhances the progression of Cholangiocarcinoma via PI3K/AKT pathway

Serine/threonine kinase 39 (STK39) is overexpressed in various tumor tissues and plays an essential role in tumor progression. In this study, we investigated the clinical value, as well as the potential functions and mechanisms of STK39 in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). The results showed that STK39 was overexpressed in CCA and negatively associated with the prognosis of patients with CCA. Functionally, STK39 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while STK39 overexpression facilitated tumor aggressiveness. The tumor-promoting effects of STK39 in CCA were also validated by in vivo experiments. Mechanistically, RNA-seq analysis identified that STK39 enhanced the progression of CCA by activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Furthermore, overexpression of STK39 could induce gemcitabine resistance in CCA cells. Moreover, the increased expression of STK39 may be mediated by the dysregulation of miR-26a-5p. In summary, STK39 could be served as a valuable prognostic candidate and a potential therapeutic target of CCA.

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STK39 was overexpressed in CCA, negatively associated with the prognosis of patients with CCA

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STK39 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation and invasion. STK39 overexpression facilitated tumor aggressiveness

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STK39 mediates oncogenic effects on CCA cells by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

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STK39 reduces CCA sensitivity to gemcitabine. Increased expression of STK39 may be mediated by dysregulation of miR-26a-5p

SRY-Box Transcription Factor 9 (SOX9) Affects the Proliferation, Invasion and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma by Regulating Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ)/Smad Signaling

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) develops rapidly with a high malignancy. SOX9 expression is increased in several tumors. However, its expression and role in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma have not yet been elucidated. Real time PCR and Western blot were done to assess SOX9 expression in tumor tissues and adjacent tissues of ICC. ICC cell line QBC939 cells were separated into control group, SOX9 overexpression group and SOX9 siRNA group followed by analysis of cell survival by MTT assay, cell migration by cell scratch assay, cell invasion by transwell chamber, E-cadherin and Vimentin level by western blot, TGFβ/Smad signaling protein level by real time PCR. SOX9 level in tumor tissues was significantly increased compared to adjacent tissues (P < 0.05) and it was associated with TNM stage, tissue type and metastasis, and survival time (P < 0.05). Transfection of pcDNA3.1-SOX9 upregulated SOX9, promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion, downregulated E-cadherin, upregulated Vimentin, TGF-β1 and Smad4 (P < 0.05). SOX9 siRNA transfection into QBC939 cells could significantly reverse the above mentioned changes (P < 0.05). SOX9 level is increased in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and targeting SOX9 can inhibit cell migration and invasion, and EMT via regulating TGFβ/Smad signaling.

Downregulation of MCM8 expression restrains the malignant progression of cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly aggressive malignant tumor with an extremely poor prognosis. Minichromosome maintenance 8 homologous recombination repair factor (MCM8) is a helicase involved in the elongation step of DNA replication and tumorigenesis. In the present study, the clinical significance and biological function of MCM8 in CCA were investigated. The expression levels of MCM8 in CCA and paracancerous tissues were analyzed using immunohistochemical staining. The potential mechanisms underlying MCM8 and the biological effects of MCM8 in CCA cells were explored using in vitro assays and in vivo mouse xenograft models. The high expression levels of MCM8 in CCA has important clinical significance in predicting disease progression. Knockdown of MCM8 decreased proliferation, promoted apoptosis and suppressed migration of CCA cells. MCM8 knockdown also suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, MCM8 knockdown led to the abnormal downregulation of survivin, XIAP, HSP27, IGF‑1sR, sTNF‑R1, sTNF‑R2, TNF‑α and TNF‑β. Furthermore, downregulation of MCM8 expression inhibited the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and induced the MAPK9 signaling pathway. MCM8 promoted the malignant progression of CCA, indicating that inhibition of MCM8 may have the potential to serve as a novel molecular targeted therapy.

Screening and Validation of Independent Predictors of Poor Survival in Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a digestive system malignant tumor with high mortality and poor prognosis, but the mechanisms of progression remain unclear in pancreatic cancer. It's necessary to identify the hub genes in pancreatic cancer and explore the novel potential predictors in the prognosis of pancreatic cancer. We downloaded two mRNA expression profiles from Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas Pancreatic Cancer (TCGA-PAAD) datasets to screen the commonly differentially expressed genes in pancreatic cancer by limma package in R. Subsequently, measurement of the functional similarity among the 38 DEGs in common was performed to identify the hub genes using GOSemSim package. Then, survival analysis and Cox regression were applied to explore prognosis-related hub genes using the survival package. Statistics analysis by two-tailed Student's t-test or one-way based on TCGA-PAAD datasets and qPCR detection in clinical samples were performed to explore the correlations between expression of hub genes in pancreatic cancer tissues and clinical parameters. Based on integrated analysis of TCGA and GEO datasets, we screened 38 DEGs in common, which were all up-regulated. The functional similarity results showed that 10 DEGs including TSPAN1, MSLN, C1orf116, PKP3, CEACAM6, BAIAP2L1, PPL, RAB25, ERBB3, and AP1M2 in the DEGs in common, which had the higher average functional similarity, were considered as the hub genes. Survival analysis results and Cox regression analysis showed that TSPAN1, CEACAM6, as well as ERBB3 were all associated with poor overall survival of PC. qPCR results showed that the expression levels of TSPAN1 and ERBB3 were significantly upregulated in the PC tissues. The statistical analysis results revealed that TSPAN1 expression correlated significantly with histologic grade, T stage, clinical stage, and vital status by two-tailed Student's t-test or one-way ANOVA; ERBB3 expression correlated significantly with T stage, clinical stage, and vital status by two-tailed Student's t-test or one-way ANOVA. We found that TSPAN1 and ERBB3 could be independent predictors of poor survival in pancreatic cancer.

CD9-positive cells in the intermediate lobe migrate into the anterior lobe to supply endocrine cells

The adenohypophysis is composed of the anterior and intermediate lobes (AL and IL), and secretes important hormones for growth, sexual development, metabolism, and reproduction. In the marginal cell layer (MCL) facing Rathke's cleft between the IL and AL, cluster of differentiation (CD) 9-, CD81-, S100β-, and SOX2-quadruple positive (CD9/CD81/S100β/SOX2-positive) cells in the adult IL are settled as tissue-resident stem/progenitor cells supplying hormone-producing cells to the AL. However, it is unclear how CD9/CD81/S100β/SOX2-positive cells in the IL-side MCL migrate into the AL across Rathke's cleft. In the present study, we performed chimeric pituitary tissue culture using S100β/GFP-transgenic rats and Wistar rats, and traced the footprint of S100β/GFP-expressing cells. We detected IL-side S100β/GFP-expressing cells in the AL tissue, demonstrating that these cells migrate from the IL to the AL. However, the cells failed to migrate in the opposite direction. Consistently, scanning electron microscopic analysis revealed well-developed cytoplasmic protrusions in the IL-side MCL, but not in the AL-side MCL, suggesting that IL-side CD9/CD81/S100β/SOX2-positive cells had higher migratory activity. We also searched for a specific marker for IL-side CD9/CD81/S100β/SOX2-positive cells and identified tetraspanin 1 (TSPAN1) from microarray analysis. Downregulation of Tspan1 by specific siRNA impaired cell migration and significantly reduced expression of snail family transcriptional repressor 2 (Slug), a marker of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Therefore, CD9/CD81/S100β/SOX2-positive cells in the IL-side MCL can be stem/progenitor cells that provide stem/progenitor cells to the AL-side MCL via SLUG-mediated EMT and cell migration.

Gastric Cancer: Identification of microRNAs Inhibiting Druggable Targets and Mediating Efficacy in Preclinical In Vivo Models

In addition to chemotherapy, targeted therapies have been approved for treatment of locally advanced and metastatic gastric cancer. The therapeutic benefit is significant but more durable responses and improvement of survival should be achieved. Therefore, the identification of new targets and new approaches for clinical treatment are of paramount importance. In this review, we searched the literature for down-regulated microRNAs which interfere with druggable targets and exhibit efficacy in preclinical in vivo efficacy models. As druggable targets, we selected transmembrane receptors, secreted factors and enzymes. We identified 38 microRNAs corresponding to the criteria as outlined. A total of 13 miRs target transmembrane receptors, nine inhibit secreted proteins and 16 attenuate enzymes. These microRNAs are targets for reconstitution therapy of gastric cancer. Further target validation experiments are mandatory for all of the identified microRNAs.

MicroRNA-455-5p Contributes to Cholangiocarcinoma Growth and Mediates Galangin's Anti-Tumor Effects

Fully understanding the mechanism of how Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) development and discovering promising therapeutic drugs are important to improve patients' survival time. This study identifies that microRNA-455-5p (miR-455-5p) targets protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 12A (PPP1R12A), an effect that represses mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and PI3K/AKT pathway activation, thereby controlling CCA cells survival and metastasis. Moreover, miR-455-5p expression is reduced in CCA tissues and negative correlation with PPP1R12A and PPP1R12A knockdown phenotypic mimics miR-455-5p' effects on CCA cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that galangin inhibits CCA growth both in vitro and in vivo, which is associated with increased miR-455-5p and repressed PPP1R12A expression. In support, overexpression of miR-455-5p abrogates those galangin-mediated anti-CCA effects. These findings establish an essential role of miR-455-5p in CCA development and galangin may provide a potential therapeutic adjuvant agent for anti-CCA treatment.

GSG2 knockdown suppresses cholangiocarcinoma progression by regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common type of hepatocellular carcinoma characterized by high aggressiveness and extremely poor patient prognosis. The germ cell-specific gene 2 protein (GSG2) is a histone H3 threonine-3 kinase required for normal mitosis. Nevertheless, the role and mechanism of GSG2 in the progression and development of CCA remain elusive. In the present study, the association between GSG2 and CCA was elucidated. Firstly, we demonstrated that GSG2 was overexpressed in CCA specimens and HCCC-9810 and QBC939 cells by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. It was further revealed that high expression of GSG2 in CCA had significant clinical significance in predicting disease deterioration. Subsequently, cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle distribution and migration were measured by MTT, flow cytometry, and wound healing assays, respectively in vitro. The results demonstrated that downregulation of GSG2 decreased proliferation, promoted apoptosis, arrested the cell cycle and weakened migration in the G2 phase of CCA cells. Additionally, GSG2 knockdown inhibited CCA cell migration by suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins, such as N-cadherin and vimentin. Mechanistically, GSG2 exerted effects on CCA cells by modulating the PI3K/Akt, CCND1/CDK6 and MAPK9 signaling pathways. In vivo experiments further demonstrated that GSG2 knockdown suppressed tumor growth. In summary, GSG2 was involved in the progression of CCA, suggesting that GSG2 may be a potential therapeutic target for CCA patients.

High expression of TREM2 promotes EMT via the PI3K/AKT pathway in gastric cancer: bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification

Background: To date, the pathogenesis of gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear. We combined public database resources and bioinformatics analysis methods, explored some novel genes and verified the experiments to further understand the pathogenesis of GC and to provide a promising target for anti-tumor therapy. Methods: We downloaded the chip data related to GC from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, extracted differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and then determined the key genes in the development of GC via PPI networks and model analysis. Functional annotation via GO and KEGG enrichment of DEGs was used to understand the latent roles of DEGs. The expression of the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) gene in GC cell lines was verified via RT-PCR and western blotting. Moreover, the CCK-8, wound healing assay, and transwell migration and invasion assays were used to understand the changes in the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of GC cells after silencing TREM2. Western blotting verified the interaction between TREM2 and PI3K predict of the string website, as well as the effect of TREM2 on EMT. Finally, a lung metastasis model was used to explore the relationship between TREM2 and metastasis. Results: Our study identified 16 key genes, namely BGN, COL1A1, COL4A1, COL5A2, NOX4, SPARC, HEYL, SPP1, TIMP1, CTHRC1, TREM2, SFRP4, FBXO32, GPX3, KIF4A, and MMP9 genes associated with GC. The EMT-related pathway was the most significantly altered pathway. TREM2 expression was higher in GC cell lines and was remarkably associated with tumor invasion depth, TNM stage, histological grade, histological type, anatomic subdivision, and Helicobacter pylori state. Knockdown of TREM2 expression inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells as well as the progression of EMT by PI3K/AKT signaling in vitro. In addition, lung metastasis were decreased in vivo. Conclusions: We identified some important genes associated with the progression of GC via public database analysis, explored and verified the effects of proto-oncogene TREM2 on EMT via the PI3K/AKT pathway. TREM2 may be a novel target in the GC therapy.

Single-cell analysis reveals metastatic cell heterogeneity in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Tumour metastasis and heterogeneity lead to poor survival outcomes and drug resistance in patients with metastatic RCC (mRCC). In this study, we aimed to assess intratumoural heterogeneity (ITH) in mRCC cells by performing a combined analysis of bulk data and single-cell RNA-sequencing data, and develop novel biomarkers for prognosis prediction on the basis of the potential molecular mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis. Eligible single-cell cohorts related to mRCC were acquired using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset to identify potential mRCC subpopulations. We then performed gene set variation analysis to understand the differential function in primary RCC and mRCC samples. Subsequently, we applied weighted correlation network analysis to identify coexpressing gene modules that were related to the external trait of metastasis. Protein-protein interactions were used to screen hub subpopulation-difference (sub-dif) markers (ACTG1, IL6, CASP3, ACTB and RAP1B) that might be involved in the regulation of RCC metastasis and progression. Cox regression analysis revealed that ACTG1 was a protective factor (HR < 1), whereas the other four genes (IL6, CASP3, ACTB and RAP1B) were risk factors (HR > 1). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis suggested the potential prognostic value of these sub-dif markers. The expression of sub-dif markers in mRCC was further evaluated in clinical samples by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Additionally, the genetic features of sub-dif marker expression patterns, such as genetic variation profiles, correlations with tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and targeted signalling pathway activities, were assessed in bulk RNA-seq datasets. In conclusion, we established novel subpopulation markers as key prognostic factors affecting EMT-related signalling pathway activation in mRCC, which could facilitate the implementation of a treatment for mRCC patients.

Tetraspanin 1 promotes endometriosis leading to ovarian clear cell carcinoma

Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) reportedly develops from endometriosis. However, the molecular mechanism underlying its malignant progression to OCCC remains elusive. This study aimed to identify an essential gene in the malignant transformation of endometriosis to OCCC. We performed RNA sequencing in formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissues of endometriosis (n = 9), atypical endometriosis (AtyEm) (n = 18), adjacent endometriosis to OCCC (AdjEm) (n = 7), and OCCC (n = 17). We found that tetraspanin 1 (TSPAN1) mRNA level was significantly increased by 2.4‐ (DESeq2) and 3.4‐fold (edgeR) in AtyEm and by 80.7‐ (DESeq2) and 101‐fold (edgeR) in OCCC relative to endometriosis. We confirmed that TSPAN1 protein level was similarly overexpressed in OCCC tissues and cell lines. In immortalized endometriosis cell lines, TSPAN1 overexpression enhanced cell growth and invasion. Mechanistically, TSPAN1 triggered AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity, promoting endometriosis and cell growth. Upregulated levels of TSPAN1 are considered an early event in the development of high‐risk endometriosis that could progress to ovarian cancer. Our study suggests the potential of TSPAN1 as a screening candidate for high‐risk endometriosis.

miR-573 suppresses pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through targeting TSPAN1

PURPOSE

To explore whether miR-573 can suppress pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by targeting TSPAN1.

METHODS

The expression of miR-573 and TSPAN1 in pancreatic cancer tissues and cells lines was analyzed using RT-qPCR. The human pancreatic cancer cell line PANC‑1 was transfected with miR-573 mimic, pcDNA3.1-TSPAN1, or genOFFTM st-h-TSPAN1. The effects of miR-573 and TSPAN1 on cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion were analyzed by CCK‑8, colony formation, transwell migration, and invasion assay, respectively. Target genes of miR-573 were screened using bioinformatics tools and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and real-time PCR. The effects of miR-573 in vivo were observed using tumor xenografts.

RESULTS

We found that miR-573 is downregulated and TSPAN1 is upregulated in pancreatic cancer tissues and cells lines. Function assays demonstrated that overexpression of miR-573 inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells, as well as suppressing tumor growth in vivo. Target genes of miR-573 were predicted using bioinformatics tools and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RT-qPCR or western blotting. Downregulation of TSPAN1 also inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. Furthermore, overexpression of TSPAN1 attenuated miR-573-induced inhibition of pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and migration.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicated that miR-573 suppresses pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through targeting TSPAN1. TSPAN1 targeted by miR-573 might be a potential therapeutic target for clinical treatment of pancreatic cancer.

TSPAN1: A Novel Protein Involved in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Chemoresistance

Simple Summary

Therapy resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients is the main obstacle to achieve more effective treatments that improve survival and quality of life of these patients. Therefore, it is of vital importance to unravel the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which tumor cells acquire resistance to chemotherapy. We conducted a comparative proteomic study involving cisplatin-resistant cells and cancer stem cells with the aim of identifying proteins potentially implicated in the acquisition of cisplatin resistance. Through this study, we identified for the first time tetraspanin-1 (TSPAN1) as an important protein involved in the development, progression and chemoresistance of HNSCC tumors.

Abstract

Sensitization of resistant cells and cancer stem cells (CSCs) represents a major challenge in cancer therapy. A proteomic study revealed tetraspanin-1 (TSPAN1) as a protein involved in acquisition of cisplatin (CDDP) resistance (Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD020159). TSPAN1 was found to increase in CDDP-resistant cells, CSCs and biopsies from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. TSPAN1 depletion in parental and CDDP-resistant HNSCC cells reduced cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, decreased autophagy, sensitized to chemotherapeutic agents and inhibited several signaling cascades, with phospho-SRC inhibition being a major common target. Moreover, TSPAN1 depletion in vivo decreased the size and proliferation of parental and CDDP-resistant tumors and reduced metastatic spreading. Notably, CDDP-resistant tumors showed epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) features that disappeared upon TSPAN1 inhibition, suggesting a link of TSPAN1 with EMT and metastasis. Immunohistochemical analysis of HNSCC specimens further revealed that TSPAN1 expression was correlated with phospho-SRC (pSRC), and inversely with E-cadherin, thus reinforcing TSPAN1 association with EMT. Overall, TSPAN1 emerges as a novel oncogenic protein and a promising target for HNSCC therapy.

TSPAN1 promotes autophagy flux and mediates cooperation between WNT-CTNNB1 signaling and autophagy via the MIR454-FAM83A-TSPAN1 axis in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive tumors associated with a poor clinical prognosis, weakly effective therapeutic options. Therefore, there is a strong impetus to discover new therapeutic targets in pancreatic cancer. In the present study, we first demonstrated that TSPAN1 is upregulated in pancreatic cancer and that TSPAN1 depletion decreases pancreatic cancer cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. TSPAN1 expression was correlated with poor overall survival of pancreatic cancer patients. Moreover, we demonstrated that TSPAN1 is a novel positive regulator of macroautophagy/autophagy characterized by decreased LC3-II and SQSTM1/p62 expressions, inhibited puncta formation of GFP-LC3 and autophagic vacuoles. We also demonstrated that tspan1 mutation impaired autophagy in the zebrafish model. Furthermore, we showed that TSPAN1 promoted autophagy maturation via direct binding to LC3 by two conserved LIR motifs. Mutations in the LIR motifs of TSPAN1 resulted in a loss of the ability to induce autophagy and promote pancreatic cancer proliferation. Second, we discovered two conservative TCF/LEF binding elements present in the promoter region of the TSPAN1 gene, which was further verified through luciferase activity and ChIP assays. Furthermore, TSPAN1 was upregulated by FAM83A through the canonical WNT-CTNNB1 signaling pathway. We further demonstrated that both TSPAN1 and FAM83A are both direct targets of MIR454 (microRNA 454). Additionally, we revealed the role of MIR454-FAM83A-TSPAN1 in the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Our findings suggest that components of the MIR454-FAM83A-TSPAN1 axis may be valuable prognosis markers or therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer.Abbreviations: AMPK: adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase; APC: APC regulator of WNT signaling pathway; ATG: autophagy related; AXIN2: axin 2; BECN1: beclin 1; CCND1: cyclin D1; CSNK1A1/CK1α: casein kinase 1 alpha 1; CTNNB1/β-catenin: catenin beta 1; DAPI: 4'6-diamino-2-phenylindole; EBSS: Earle's balanced salt solution; EdU: 5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine; FAM83A: family with sequence similarity 83 member A; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; GFP: green fluorescent protein; GSEA: gene set enrichment analysis; GSK3B: glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta; IHC: immunohistochemical; LAMP1: lysosomal associated membrane protein 1; LIR: LC3-interacting region; MAP1LC3/LC3, microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MIR454: microRNA 454; miRNA: microRNA; MKI67: antigen identified by monoclonal antibody Ki 67; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; MTT: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide; MYC: MYC proto-oncogene, bHLH transcription factor; OS: overall survival; PDAC: pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma; RAB7A: RAB7A, member RAS oncogene family; shRNA: short hairpin RNA; SQSTM1: sequestosome 1; TBE: TCF/LEF binding element; TCGA: The Cancer Genome Atlas; TCF/LEF: transcription factor/lymphoid enhancer binding factor; TCF4: transcription factor 4; TSPAN1: tetraspanin 1; TUNEL: terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling; UTR: untranslated region; WT: wild type.

Development and validation of a CpG island methylator phenotype-related prognostic signature for cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) still has a very unfavorable prognosis with a very high mortality, which is complicated by a lack of prognostic biomarkers. In this study, CCA patients in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) cohort were categorized into two subtypes. Differentially expressed and methylated genes were identified, and the impact of DNA methylation in the trans-regulation of gene expression was investigated. Finally, a CIMP-related methylation signature specific for CCA (CMSC) was trained in GEO and validated in the Tongji cohort. A subset of patients with CIMP-H was identified, which was correlated with an unfavorable prognosis. Gene enrichment analysis implied the potential mechanism of CIMP as a promoter of carcinogenesis by regulating proliferation. The trans-regulation among differentially methylated CpG sites and genes with the same change trends was positively correlated, while the converse situation showed a negative correlation. Notably, CMSC based on four genes could significantly classify CCA patients into low- and high-risk groups in the GEO cohort, and the robustness of CMSC was validated in the Tongji cohort. The results of receiver operating characteristic analysis further indicated that CMSC was capable of highly sensitive and specific prediction of the patient outcomes in CCA. In conclusion, our work highlights the clinical significance of CMSC in the prognosis of CCA.

Expression and function of transmembrane 4 superfamily proteins in digestive system cancers

Background

Although the medical level is constantly improving, cancer is still a major disease that threatens human health, and very effective treatments have not been found. In recent years, studies have found that four-transmembrane superfamily proteins are involved in multiple stages of tumorigenesis and development, but their expression and function in tumors have not been systematically studied.

Methods

We used the Oncomine database to analyze the mRNA expression levels of TSPAN family in various cancers. Then differentially expressed genes were screened out and verified by liver cancer, colorectal cancer, and gastric cancer cells by q-PCR and Western blot analysis. CCK8 and EDU analysis are used to detect cell proliferation, Cell wound scrape assay and Cell invasion assay are used to analyze cell invasion and metastasis. Nude tumor formation test used to verify the tumor suppressive effect of TSPAN7 in vivo.

Results

Differential analysis of 33 TSPAN proteins revealed that a total of 11 proteins showed differential expression in 10% of independent analyses, namely TSPAN1, TSPAN3, TSPAN5, TSPAN6, TSPAN7, TSPAN8, TSPAN13, TSPAN25, TSPAN26, TSPAN29, TSPAN30. TSPAN7 is the only four-transmembrane protein with reduced expression in three types of digestive tract tumors, so we chose TSPAN7 to be selected for cellular and molecular level verification. We found that compared with normal cells, the expression of TSPAN7 in liver cancer cells was significantly reduced, while the expression of gastric and colon cancer was not significantly different from that of normal cells. In addition, we also found that the high expression of Tspan7 not only inhibited the proliferation of HCC-LM3 cells, but also inhibited its invasion and metastasis.

Conclusions

Our study evaluated the expression and function of the TSPANs family in digestive cancers and explored TSPAN7 in hepatoma cells in detail. We found some members of the TSPAN family show significant expression differences between cancer and normal tissues, of which TSPAN7 may be a potential biomarker for liver cancer.

Whole-Transcriptome Sequencing Identifies Key Differentially Expressed mRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs Associated with CHOL

To systematically evaluate the whole-transcriptome sequencing data of cholangiocarcinoma (CHOL) to gain more insights into the transcriptomic landscape and molecular mechanism of this cancer, we performed whole-transcriptome sequencing based on the tumorous (C) and their corresponding non-tumorous adjacent to the tumors (CP) from eight CHOL patients. Subsequently, differential expression analysis was performed on the C and CP groups, followed by functional interaction prediction analysis to investigate gene-regulatory circuits in CHOL. In addition, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) for CHOL data was used to validate the results. In total, 2,895 differentially expressed messenger RNAs (dif-mRNAs), 56 differentially expressed microRNAs (dif-miRNAs), 151 differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (dif-lncRNAs), and 110 differentially expressed circular RNAs (dif-circRNAs) were found in CHOL samples compared with controls. Enrichment analysis on those differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to miRNA, lncRNA, and circRNA also identified the function of spliceosome. The downregulated hsa-miR-144-3p were significantly enriched in the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) complex network, which also included 7 upregulated and 13 downregulated circRNAs, 7 upregulated lncRNAs, and 90 upregulated and 40 downregulated mRNAs. Moreover, most of the DEGs and a few of the miRNAs (such as hsa-miR-144-3p) were successfully validated by TCGA data. The genes involved in RNA splicing and protein degradation processes and miR-144-3p may play fundamental roles in the pathogenesis of CHOL.

Prognosis for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients treated with postoperative adjuvant transcatheter hepatic artery chemoembolization

OBJECTIVE

We used meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of transcatheter hepatic arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for the treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).

METHODS

We performed the meta-analysis using the R 3.12 software and the quality evaluation of data using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The main outcomes were recorded as 1-year overall survival (OS), 3-year OS, 5-year OS, and hazard ratio (HR) of TACE treatment or non-TACE treatment. The heterogeneity test was performed using the Q-test based on chi-square and I² statistics. Egger's test was used to test the publication bias. The odds ratio or HR and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to represent the effect index.

RESULTS

Nine controlled clinical trials involving 1724 participants were included in this study; patients came mainly from China, Italy, South Korea, and Germany. In the OS meta-analysis, the 1-year and 3-year OS showed significant heterogeneity, but not the 5-year OS. TACE increased the 1-year OS (odds ratio = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.10-6.46) of the patients with ICC, but the 3- and 5-year OS rates were not significantly increased. The results had no publication bias, but the stability was weak. The HR had significant heterogeneity (I² = 0%, P= 0.54). TACE significantly decreased the HR of ICC patients (HR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.48-0.73). The results had no publication bias, and the stability was good.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with TACE is effective for patients with ICC. Regular updating and further research and analysis still need to be carried out.

ABCA8 is regulated by miR-374b-5p and inhibits proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma through the ERK/ZEB1 pathway

Background

ATP binding cassette subfamily A member 8 (ABCA8) belongs to the ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily. ABCA8 is a transmembrane transporter responsible for the transport of organics, such as cholesterol, and drug efflux. Some members of the ABC subfamily, such as ABCA1, may inhibit cancer development. However, the mechanism of ABCA8 in the process of cancer activation is still ambiguous.

Methods

The expression of ABCA8 in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and cell lines was examined using qPCR, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemical staining. The effects of ABCA8 on the proliferation and metastasis of HCC were examined using in vitro and in vivo functional tests. A luciferase reporter assay was performed to explore the binding between microRNA-374b-5p (miR-374b-5p) and the ABCA8 3′-untranslated region (UTR).

Results

ABCA8 was frequently down-regulated in HCC and this down-regulation was negatively correlated with prognosis. The overexpression of ABCA8 inhibited growth and metastasis in HCC, whereas the knockdown of ABCA8 exerted the antithetical effects both in vivo and in vitro. ABCA8 was down-regulated by miR-374b-5p; this down-regulation can induce epithelial transformation to mesenchyme via the ERK/ZEB1 signaling pathway and promote HCC progression.

Conclusion

We exposed the prognostic value of ABCA8 in HCC, and illuminated a novel pathway in ABCA8-regulated inhibition of HCC tumorigenesis and metastasis. These findings may lead to a new targeted therapy for HCC through the regulation of ABCA8, and miR-374b-5p.

miR-216a-mediated upregulation of TSPAN1 contributes to pancreatic cancer progression via transcriptional regulation of ITGA2

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is recognized as the most aggressive and deadliest malignancy because it has the highest mortality of all cancers in humans. Mutations in multiple tumor suppressors and oncogenes have been documented to be involved in pancreatic cancer progression and metastasis. The upregulation of tetraspanin 1 (TSPAN1), a transmembrane protein, has been reportedly observed in many human cancers. However, the role of TSPAN1 and its underlying molecular mechanisms in PC progression have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we validated the oncogenic role of TSPAN1 in PC, showing that TSPAN1 reinforces cell proliferation, migration, invasion and tumorigenesis. To investigate the upregulation of TSPAN1 in PC, we showed that miR-216a is the upstream negative regulator of TSPAN1 via direct binding to the TSPAN1 3'-untranslated region. Through RNA-Seq analysis, we for the first time revealed that TSPAN1 expression transcriptionally regulates ITGA2, which is involved in the actin cytoskeleton pathway. The stimulated cell proliferation and invasion initiated by TSPAN1 overexpression could be abolished by knockdown of ITGA2 in PC cells. Furthermore, TSPAN1 epigenetically regulates the expression of ITGA2 by modulating the levels of TET2 DNMT3B and DNMT1, resulting in hypomethylation of the CpG island of the ITGA2 promoter. In conclusion, the newly identified miR-216a/TSPAN1/ITGA2 axis is involved in the modulation of PC progression and represents a novel therapeutic strategy for future pancreatic cancer treatment.

Establishment of Peritoneal and Hepatic Metastasis Mouse Xenograft Models Using Gastric Cancer Cell Lines

BACKGROUND/AIM

Establishment of mouse xenograft models is necessary for oncological research and depends on the characteristics of the cell lines and the immune system of the host. In this study, we describe the development of mouse xenograft models using human gastric cancer (GC) cell lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MKN1 stably-expressing luciferase (MKN1-Luc), N87, KATO III, MKN45 stably-expressing luciferase (MKN45-Luc), NUGC4, and OCUM-1 human GC cell lines were injected intraperitoneally into mice to establish peritoneal metastasis models. MKN45-Luc were injected into subcutaneously implanted spleen, and MKN1-Luc and MKN45-Luc were injected directly into the portal veins of mice for the establishment of hepatic metastasis models.

RESULTS

Peritoneal metastasis was formed after implantation of MKN1-Luc, N87, KATO III, MKN45-Luc, and NUGC4 in nude mice, but not formed in OCUM-1 even in NOD/SCID mice. After intrasplenic injection of MKN45-Luc, we found no hepatic metastasis formation. We identified hepatic metastasis formation after direct injection of MKN45-Luc and MKN1-Luc into the portal veins of NOD/SCID mice.

CONCLUSION

Peritoneal and hepatic metastasis mouse xenograft models were successfully established using several human GC cell lines.

Correlation between the expressions of circular RNAs in peripheral venous blood and clinicopathological features in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Recent studies have reported that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study evaluated the expression of preoperative peripheral venous blood circRNAs in HCC patients and their predictive ability for microvascular invasion (MVI).

Methods

Seven circRNAs (circMTO1, circ-10720, circZKSCAN1, cSMARCA5, circHIPK3, circSETD3 and ciRS-7) were screened from the literature as circRNAs with reported biological functions in HCC. The expression levels of seven circRNAs in preoperative blood samples and HCC tissues were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The correlations between the circRNA expressions in blood and the clinicopathological factors of HCC patients were analyzed. The risk factors of MVI were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The functional role of circSETD3 in cell migration and invasion was evaluated by wound healing and Transwell assays in vitro.

Results

The expressions of all seven circRNAs were measured in peripheral venous blood samples. The venous expression levels of circHIPK3 and circMTO1 were significantly associated with gender, while circ-10720 and circMTO1 levels were significantly correlated with gross vascular invasion. Furthermore, circMTO1 and cSMARCA5 levels were significantly associated with alpha-fetoprotein level and ciRS-7 was significantly associated with satellite nodules. Importantly, low venous circSETD3 expression was significantly associated with prothrombin induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) level, MVI, gross vascular invasion, and liver capsule. Furthermore, venous circSETD3 expression had predictive ability for MVI. Knockdown of circSETD3 promoted cell invasion and metastasis in vitro.

Conclusions

CircRNAs were stably present in peripheral venous blood and associated with multiple clinicopathological characteristics of HCC patients. Venous circSETD3 was an independent risk factor of MVI and shows ability to predict MVI in HCC patients before surgery.

The detection and analysis of differential regulatory communities in lung cancer

The tumorgenesis process of lung cancer involves the regulatory dysfunctions of multiple pathways. Although many signaling pathways have been identified to be associated with lung cancer, there are little quantitative models of how inactions between genes change during the process from normal to cancer. These changes belong to different dynamic co-expressions patterns. We quantitatively analyzed differential co-expression of gene pairs in four datasets. Each dataset included a large number of lung cancer and normal samples. By overlapping their results, we got 14 highly confident gene pairs with consistent co-expression change patterns. Some of they, such as ARHGAP30 and GIMAP4, had been recorded in STRING network database while some of them were novel discoveries, such as C9orf135 and MORN5, TEKT1 and TSPAN1 were positively correlated in both normal and cancer but more correlated in normal than cancer. These gene pairs revealed the underlying mechanisms of lung cancer occurrence.

Lnc-LFAR1 affects intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma proliferation, invasion, and EMT by regulating the TGFβ/Smad signaling pathway

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) has had an increasing incidence in recent years. It exhibits high recurrence and metastasis rates, so it is a global health problem. LncRNAs have long been thought to have a role in regulating tumorigenesis and tumor progression and in playing a carcinogenic or tumor suppressor role in malignant cells. Lnc-LFAR1 is enriched in liver tissue, but its role and mechanism in ICC have not been elucidated. ICC cell line QBC939 cells were randomly divided into 3 groups, including a control group, an lnc-LFAR1 overexpression group, and an lnc-LFAR1 siRNA group, the cells of which were transfected with pcDNA3.1-LFAR1 plasmid and lnc-LFAR1 siRNA, respectively. Real-time PCR was used to quantify lnc-LFAR1 expression. A tetrazolium salt (MTT) colorimetric assay was adopted to assess cell viability. A cell scratch assay was selected to assess cell migration. A transwell chamber assay was used to test cell invasion. E-cadherin and vimentin expressions were detected using Western blot. The TGFβ/Smad signaling pathway was measured using real-time PCR. The transfection of pcDNA3.1-LFAR1 significantly increased the expression of lnc-LFAR1, promoted cell proliferation, facilitated cell migration and invasion, reduced E-cadherin levels, enhanced vimentin expression, upregulated TGF-β1 and Smad2 and Smad4 expressions (P < 0.05). Lnc-LFAR1 siRNA transfection clearly downregulated lnc-LFAR1 expression, inhibited cell proliferation, suppressed cell migration and invasion, increased E-cadherin expression, and decreased vimentin, TGF-β1, Smad2, and Smad4 levels (P < 0.05). Targeting lnc-LFAR1 can inhibit cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT by regulating the TGFβ/Smad pathway to affect the occurrence and development of cholangiocarcinoma.