Syndecan-1 induction in lung microenvironment supports the establishment of breast tumor metastases

Dissecting tumor microenvironment from spatially resolved transcriptomics data by heterogeneous graph learning

Spatially resolved transcriptomics (SRT) has enabled precise dissection of tumor-microenvironment (TME) by analyzing its intracellular molecular networks and intercellular cell-cell communication (CCC). However, lacking computational exploration of complicated relations between cells, genes, and histological regions, severely limits the ability to interpret the complex structure of TME. Here, we introduce stKeep, a heterogeneous graph (HG) learning method that integrates multimodality and gene-gene interactions, in unraveling TME from SRT data. stKeep leverages HG to learn both cell-modules and gene-modules by incorporating features of diverse nodes including genes, cells, and histological regions, allows for identifying finer cell-states within TME and cell-state-specific gene-gene relations, respectively. Furthermore, stKeep employs HG to infer CCC for each cell, while ensuring that learned CCC patterns are comparable across different cell-states through contrastive learning. In various cancer samples, stKeep outperforms other tools in dissecting TME such as detecting bi-potent basal populations, neoplastic myoepithelial cells, and metastatic cells distributed within the tumor or leading-edge regions. Notably, stKeep identifies key transcription factors, ligands, and receptors relevant to disease progression, which are further validated by the functional and survival analysis of independent clinical data, thereby highlighting its clinical prognostic and immunotherapy applications.

Bioinformatics analysis of the potentially functional circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network in breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women with high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, new research is still needed for biomarker detection. GSE101124 and GSE182471 datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to evaluate differentially expressed circular RNAs (circRNAs). The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) databases were used to identify the significantly dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) and genes considering the Prediction Analysis of Microarray classification (PAM50). The circRNA-miRNA-mRNA relationship was investigated using the Cancer-Specific CircRNA, miRDB, miRTarBase, and miRWalk databases. The circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was annotated using Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway database. The protein-protein interaction network was constructed by the STRING database and visualized by the Cytoscape tool. Then, raw miRNA data and genes were filtered using some selection criteria according to a specific expression level in PAM50 subgroups. A bottleneck method was utilized to obtain highly interacted hub genes using cytoHubba Cytoscape plugin. The Disease-Free Survival and Overall Survival analysis were performed for these hub genes, which are detected within the miRNA and circRNA axis in our study. We identified three circRNAs, three miRNAs, and eighteen candidate target genes that may play an important role in BC. In addition, it has been determined that these molecules can be useful in the classification of BC, especially in determining the basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) subtype. We conclude that hsa_circ_0000515/miR-486-5p/SDC1 axis may be an important biomarker candidate in distinguishing patients in the BLBC subgroup of BC.

Cell Membrane-Derived Nanovehicles for Targeted Therapy of Ischemic Stroke: From Construction to Application

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a prevalent form of stroke and a leading cause of mortality and disability. Recently, cell membrane-derived nanovehicles (CMNVs) derived from erythrocytes, thrombocytes, neutrophils, macrophages, neural stem cells, and cancer cells have shown great promise as drug delivery systems for IS treatment. By precisely controlling drug release rates and targeting specific sites in the brain, CMNVs enable the reduction in drug dosage and minimization of side effects, thus significantly enhancing therapeutic strategies and approaches for IS. While there are some reviews regarding the applications of CMNVs in the treatment of IS, there has been limited attention given to important aspects such as carrier construction, structural design, and functional modification. Therefore, this review aims to address these key issues in CMNVs preparation, structural composition, modification, and other relevant aspects, with a specific focus on targeted therapy for IS. Finally, the challenges and prospects in this field are discussed.

Clinical/prognostic significance of Syndecan-1 expression in invasive breast carcinoma with distant metastasis and its correlation with tumor immunity

OBJECTIVE

Breast Cancer (BC) is the most common malignant tumor for women in the world. 90% of BC-associated deaths are attributed to distant metastasis (DM). Therefore, there is an urgent need for a novel molecular target for the treatment of distant metastatic breast cancer (DMBC). Syndecan-1 (SDC-1) is a cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG). This study aims to study the expression patterns of SDC-1 in invasive breast carcinoma (IBC) with DM and to analyze its relationship with different clinicopathologic features, stromal tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs) status and the clinical outcomes.

METHODS

A total of 50 DM breast cancer and 100 non-distant metastasis (non-DM) breast cancer patients in West China Hospital, Sichuan University from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011 were collected. Immunohistochemical (IHC) method was used to detect the expression of SDC-1, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2), and Ki-67 in 150 specimens of patients with IBC. STILs were used to evaluate immune cells in the stromal tissue within the tumor. Various clinicopathologic characteristics were retrospectively analyzed, and follow-up information were collected for prognosis analyses. The expression pattern difference of SDC-1 in the DM group and the non-DM group and its correlation with clinicopathologic characteristics of IBC were analyzed.

RESULTS

Compared with the non-DM group, SDC-1 had higher cytoplasmic (90.0%) and stromal diffuse (70.0%) expressions and lower stromal peritumoral (18.0%) expression in the DM group. SDC-1 cytoplasmic expression was significantly associated with HER2-positive and high Ki-67 index in DM group, and with high histological grade and lymph node (LN) metastasis in non-DM group (P < 0.05). Compared with the non-DM group, the membranous expression of SDC-1 in the DM group was related to higher histological grade and T stage, higher frequency of LN involvement. Meanwhile, the expression pattern of SDC-1 in tumor stroma was associated with sTILs status (P < 0.05). The different combinations of SDC-1 staining patterns were correlated with clinicopathological features, biomarkers and sTILs status between DM group and non-DM group.There was no significant difference in overall survival between DMBC with different expression patterns of SDC-1.

CONCLUSION

The cytoplasmic and stromal expressions of SDC-1 in the primary lesion of IBC are closely associated with DM, and the stromal expression of SDC-1 is correlated with tumor immune microenvironment. SDC-1 is expected to be a potential new marker for predicting the risk of DM in IBC.

Single-cell sequencing reveals the landscape of the human brain metastatic microenvironment

Brain metastases is the most common intracranial tumor and account for approximately 20% of all systematic cancer cases. It is a leading cause of death in advanced-stage cancer, resulting in a five-year overall survival rate below 10%. Therefore, there is a critical need to identify effective biomarkers that can support frequent surveillance and promote efficient drug guidance in brain metastasis. Recently, the remarkable breakthroughs in single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology have advanced our insights into the tumor microenvironment (TME) at single-cell resolution, which offers the potential to unravel the metastasis-related cellular crosstalk and provides the potential for improving therapeutic effects mediated by multifaceted cellular interactions within TME. In this study, we have applied scRNA-seq and profiled 10,896 cells collected from five brain tumor tissue samples originating from breast and lung cancers. Our analysis reveals the presence of various intratumoral components, including tumor cells, fibroblasts, myeloid cells, stromal cells expressing neural stem cell markers, as well as minor populations of oligodendrocytes and T cells. Interestingly, distinct cellular compositions are observed across different samples, indicating the influence of diverse cellular interactions on the infiltration patterns within the TME. Importantly, we identify tumor-associated fibroblasts in both our in-house dataset and external scRNA-seq datasets. These fibroblasts exhibit high expression of type I collagen genes, dominate cell-cell interactions within the TME via the type I collagen signaling axis, and facilitate the remodeling of the TME to a collagen-I-rich extracellular matrix similar to the original TME at primary sites. Additionally, we observe M1 activation in native microglial cells and infiltrated macrophages, which may contribute to a proinflammatory TME and the upregulation of collagen type I expression in fibroblasts. Furthermore, tumor cell-specific receptors exhibit a significant association with patient survival in both brain metastasis and native glioblastoma cases. Taken together, our comprehensive analyses identify type I collagen-secreting tumor-associated fibroblasts as key mediators in metastatic brain tumors and uncover tumor receptors that are potentially associated with patient survival. These discoveries provide potential biomarkers for effective therapeutic targets and intervention strategies.

LacNAc modification in bone marrow stromal cells enhances resistance of myelodysplastic syndrome cells to chemotherapeutic drugs

Chemotherapeutic drugs are used routinely for treatment for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients but are ineffective in a substantial proportion of patients. Abnormal hematopoietic microenvironments, in addition to spontaneous characteristics of malignant clones, contribute to ineffective hematopoiesis. In our study, we found expression of enzyme β1,4-galactosyltransferase 1 (β4GalT1), which regulates N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) modification of proteins, is elevated in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) of MDS patients, and also contributes to drug ineffectiveness through a protective effect on malignant cells. Our investigation of the underlying molecular mechanism revealed that β4GalT1-overexpressing BMSCs promoted MDS clone cells resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs and also showed enhanced secretion of cytokine CXCL1 through degradation of tumor protein p53. Chemotherapeutic drug tolerance of myeloid cells was inhibited by application of exogenous LacNAc disaccharide and blocking of CXCL1. Our findings clarify the functional role of β4GalT1-catalyzed LacNAc modification in BMSCs of MDS. Clinical alteration of this process is a potential new strategy that may substantially enhance effectiveness of therapies for MDS and other malignancies, by targeting a niche interaction.

The Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycan Syndecan-1 Triggers Breast Cancer Cell-Induced Coagulability by Induced Expression of Tissue Factor

Syndecan-1 (Sdc-1) upregulation is associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer. Sdc-1 knockdown results in reduced angiogenesis and the dysregulation of tissue factor (TF) pathway constituents. Here, we evaluate the regulatory mechanisms and functional consequences of the Sdc-1/TF-axis using Sdc-1 knockdown and overexpression approaches in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Gene expression was analyzed by means of qPCR. Thrombin generation and cell migration were detected. Cell-cycle progression and apoptosis were investigated using flow cytometry. In MDA-MB-231 cells, IL6, IL8, VEGF, and IGFR-dependent signaling affected TF pathway expression depending on Sdc-1. Notably, Sdc-1 depletion and TF pathway inhibitor (TFPI) synergistically affected PTEN, MAPK, and STAT3 signaling. At the functional level, the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of TFPI depended on Sdc-1, whereas Sdc-1’s modulation of cell motility was not affected by TFPI. Sdc-1 overexpression in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells led to increased TF expression, inducing a procoagulative phenotype, as indicated by the activation of human platelets and increased thrombin formation. A novel understanding of the functional interplay between Sdc-1 and the TF pathway may be compatible with the classical co-receptor role of Sdc-1 in cytokine signaling. This opens up the possibility of a new functional understanding, with Sdc-1 fostering coagulation and platelet communication as the key to the hematogenous metastatic spread of breast cancer cells.

Extracellular matrix remodeling in tumor progression and immune escape: from mechanisms to treatments

The malignant tumor is a multi-etiological, systemic and complex disease characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation and distant metastasis. Anticancer treatments including adjuvant therapies and targeted therapies are effective in eliminating cancer cells but in a limited number of patients. Increasing evidence suggests that the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in tumor development through changes in macromolecule components, degradation enzymes and stiffness. These variations are under the control of cellular components in tumor tissue via the aberrant activation of signaling pathways, the interaction of the ECM components to multiple surface receptors, and mechanical impact. Additionally, the ECM shaped by cancer regulates immune cells which results in an immune suppressive microenvironment and hinders the efficacy of immunotherapies. Thus, the ECM acts as a barrier to protect cancer from treatments and supports tumor progression. Nevertheless, the profound regulatory network of the ECM remodeling hampers the design of individualized antitumor treatment. Here, we elaborate on the composition of the malignant ECM, and discuss the specific mechanisms of the ECM remodeling. Precisely, we highlight the impact of the ECM remodeling on tumor development, including proliferation, anoikis, metastasis, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and immune escape. Finally, we emphasize ECM "normalization" as a potential strategy for anti-malignant treatment.

Single-Cell Transcriptomic Analysis of Primary and Metastatic Tumor Ecosystems in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Lymph node metastasis, the leading cause of mortality in esophageal squamous carcinoma (ESCC) with a highly complex tumor microenvironment, remains underexplored. Here, the transcriptomes of 85 263 single cells are analyzed from four ESCC patients with lymph node metastases. Strikingly, it is observed that the metastatic microenvironment undergoes the emergence or expansion of interferon induced IFIT3+ T, B cells, and immunosuppressive cells such as APOC1+ APOE+ macrophages and myofibroblasts with highly expression of immunoglobulin genes (IGKC) and extracellular matrix component and matrix metallopeptidase genes. A poor-prognostic epithelial-immune dual expression program regulating immune effector processes, whose activity is significantly enhanced in metastatic malignant epithelial cells and enriched in CD74+ CXCR4+ and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II genes upregulated malignant epithelia cells is discovered. Comparing with primary tumor, differential intercellular communications of metastatic ESCC microenvironment are revealed and furtherly validated via multiplexed immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry staining, which mainly rely on the crosstalk of APOC1+ APOE+ macrophages with tumor and stromal cell. The data highlight potential molecular mechanisms that shape the lymph-node metastatic microenvironment and may inform drug discovery and the development of new strategies to target these prometastatic nontumor components for inhibiting tumor growth and overcoming metastasis to improve clinical outcomes.

A positive feedback loop of heparanase/syndecan1/nerve growth factor regulates cancer pain progression

Background

The purpose of this research was to assess the role of heparanase (HPSE)/syndecan1 (SDC1)/nerve growth factor (NGF) on cancer pain from melanoma.

Methods

The influence of HPSE on the biological function of melanoma cells and cancer pain in a mouse model was evaluated. Immunohistochemical staining was used to analyze HPSE and SDC1. HPSE, NGF, and SDC1 were detected using western blot. Inflammatory factors were detected using ELISA assay.

Results

HPSE promoted melanoma cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth, as well as cancer pain, while SST0001 treatment reversed the promoting effect of HPSE. HPSE up-regulated NGF, and NGF feedback promoted HPSE. High expression of NGF reversed the inhibitory effect of HPSE down-regulation on melanoma cell phenotype deterioration, including cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion. SST0001 down-regulated SDC1 expression. SDC1 reversed the inhibitory effect of SST0001 on cancer pain.

Conclusions

The results showed that HPSE promoted melanoma development and cancer pain by interacting with NGF/SDC1. It provides new insights to better understand the role of HPSE in melanoma and also provides a new direction for cancer pain treatment.

Promalignant effects of antiangiogenics in the tumor microenvironment

Antiangiogenic therapies are considered a promising strategy against solid tumors. Their aim is to inhibit the formation of new blood vasculature, thereby reducing the oxygen and nutrient supply to prevent further tumor growth and spreading. However, the strategy has seen limitations, as survival benefits are modest and often accompanied with increased tumor aggressiveness in form of invasion and metastasis. Antiangiogenic induced changes in the tumor microenvironment, such as hypoxia, mechanical stress or extracellular acidification can activate different receptors of tumoral and stromal cells and induce an extensive remodeling of the entire tumor microenvironment, with the overall goal to invade nearby tissues and regain access to the vasculature. In this regard, receptor tyrosine kinases have been studied intensively and especially the inhibition of c-Met has given promising results, characterized by a reduction in invasiveness and prolonged survival. Receptors that sense changes in the extracellular matrix like integrins or proteoglycans can also induce downstream signaling that stimulates the expression of remodeling factors such as new matrix components, enzymes or chemoattractants. Targeting multiple receptors and sensors of cancer cells simultaneously might represent an effective second line treatment that prevents the formation of malignant side effects.

Extracellular matrix mechanobiology in cancer cell migration

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is pivotal in modulating tumor progression. Besides chemically stimulating tumor cells, it also offers physical support that orchestrates the sequence of events in the metastatic cascade upon dynamically modulating cell mechanosensation. Understanding this translation between matrix biophysical cues and intracellular signaling has led to rapid growth in the interdisciplinary field of cancer mechanobiology in the last decade. Substantial efforts have been made to develop novel in vitro tumor mimicking platforms to visualize and quantify the mechanical forces within the tissue that dictate tumor cell invasion and metastatic growth. This review highlights recent findings on tumor matrix biophysical cues such as fibrillar arrangement, crosslinking density, confinement, rigidity, topography, and non-linear mechanics and their implications on tumor cell behavior. We also emphasize how perturbations in these cues alter cellular mechanisms of mechanotransduction, consequently enhancing malignancy. Finally, we elucidate engineering techniques to individually emulate the mechanical properties of tumors that could help serve as toolkits for developing and testing ECM-targeted therapeutics on novel bioengineered tumor platforms. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Disrupted ECM mechanics is a driving force for transitioning incipient cells to life-threatening malignant variants. Understanding these ECM changes can be crucial as they may aid in developing several efficacious drugs that not only focus on inducing cytotoxic effects but also target specific matrix mechanical cues that support and enhance tumor invasiveness. Designing and implementing an optimal tumor mimic can allow us to predictively map biophysical cue-modulated cell behaviors and facilitate the design of improved lab-grown tumor models with accurately controlled structural features. This review focuses on the abnormal changes within the ECM during tumorigenesis and its implications on tumor cell-matrix mechanoreciprocity. Additionally, it accentuates engineering approaches to produce ECM features of varying levels of complexity which is critical for improving the efficiency of current engineered tumor tissue models.

Characterization of glucose metabolism in breast cancer to guide clinical therapy

Background

Breast cancer (BRCA) ranks as a leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Glucose metabolism is a noticeable characteristic of the occurrence of malignant tumors. In this study, we aimed to construct a novel glycometabolism-related gene (GRG) signature to predict overall survival (OS), immune infiltration and therapeutic response in BRCA patients.

Materials and methods

The mRNA sequencing and corresponding clinical data of BRCA patients were obtained from public cohorts. Lasso regression was applied to establish a GRG signature. The immune infiltration was evaluated with the ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms. The drug sensitivity was estimated using the value of IC50, and further forecasted the therapeutic response of each patient. The candidate target was selected in Cytoscape. A nomogram was constructed via the R package of “rms”.

Results

We constructed a six-GRG signature based on CACNA1H, CHPF, IRS2, NT5E, SDC1 and ATP6AP1, and the high-risk patients were correlated with poorer OS (P = 2.515 × 10⁻⁷). M2 macrophage infiltration was considerably superior in high-risk patients, and CD8⁺ T cell infiltration was significantly higher in low-risk patients. Additionally, the high-risk group was more sensitive to Lapatinib. Fortunately, SDC1 was recognized as candidate target and patients had a better OS in the low-SDC1 group. A nomogram integrating the GRG signature was developed, and calibration curves were consistent between the actual and predicted OS.

Conclusions

We identified a novel GRG signature complementing the present understanding of the targeted therapy and immune biomarker in breast cancer. The GRGs may provide fresh insights for individualized management of BRCA patients.

Targeting Syndecan-1: New Opportunities in Cancer Therapy

Syndecan-1 (SDC1, CD138) is one of the heparan sulfate proteoglycans and is essential for maintaining normal cell morphology, interacting with extracellular and intracellular protein repertoire as well as mediating signaling transduction upon environmental stimuli. The critical role of SDC1 in promoting tumorigenesis and metastasis has been increasingly recognized in various cancer types, implying a promising potential of utilizing SDC1 as a novel target for cancer therapy. This review summarizes the current knowledge on SDC1 structure and functions, including its role in tumor biology. We also discuss the highlights and limitations of current SDC1-targeted therapies as well as the obstacles in developing new therapeutic methods, offering our perspective on the future directions to target SDC1 for cancer treatment.

Towards a molecular understanding of the overlapping and distinct roles of UBQLN1 and UBQLN2 in lung cancer progression and metastasis

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The Ubiquilin family of proteins (UBQLN) consists of five related proteins (UBQLN1-4 and UBQLNL).

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Herein, we showed that loss of UBQLN1 and/or UBQLN2 induces cellular processes involved in tumor progression and metastasis, including proliferation, clonogenic potential and migration in lung adenocarcinoma cells.

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Molecular, biochemical and RNAseq analyses in multiple cellular systems, identified overlapping and distinct gene sets and pathways that were altered following loss of UBQLN1 and/or UBQLN2.

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The present study, provide evidence that UBQLN1 and UBQLN2 perform similar, but distinct molecular functions in a variety of cell types.

The Ubiquilin family of proteins (UBQLN) consists of five related proteins (UBQLN1-4 and UBQLNL) that all contain ubiquitin-like (UBL) and ubiquitin-associated (UBA) domains. UBQLN1 and UBQLN2 are the most closely related and have been the most well-studied, however their biochemical, biological and cellular functions are still not well understood. Previous studies from our lab reported that loss of UBQLN1 or UBQLN2 induces epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) in lung adenocarcinoma cells. Herein, we showed that loss of UBQLN1 and/or UBQLN2 induces cellular processes involved in tumor progression and metastasis, including proliferation, clonogenic potential and migration in lung adenocarcinoma cells. In fact, following simultaneous loss of both UBQLN1 and UBQLN2 many of these processes were further enhanced. To understand the molecular mechanisms by which UBQLN1 and UBQLN2 loss could be additive, we performed molecular, biochemical and RNAseq analyses in multiple cellular systems. We identified overlapping and distinct gene sets and pathways that were altered following loss of UBQLN1 and/or UBQLN2. We have also begun to define cell type specific gene regulation of UBQLN1 and UBQLN2, as well as understand how loss of either gene can alter differentiation of normal cells. The data presented here demonstrate that UBQLN1 and UBQLN2 perform similar, but distinct molecular functions in a variety of cell types.

Proteomics and its applications in breast cancer

Breast cancer is an individually unique, multi-faceted and chameleonic disease, an eternal challenge for the new era of high-integrated precision diagnostic and personalized oncomedicine. Besides traditional single-omics fields (such as genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics) and multi-omics contributions (proteogenomics, proteotranscriptomics or reproductomics), several new "-omics" approaches and exciting proteomics subfields are contributing to basic and advanced understanding of these "multiple diseases termed breast cancer": phenomics/cellomics, connectomics and interactomics, secretomics, matrisomics, exosomics, angiomics, chaperomics and epichaperomics, phosphoproteomics, ubiquitinomics, metalloproteomics, terminomics, degradomics and metadegradomics, adhesomics, stressomics, microbiomics, immunomics, salivaomics, materiomics and other biomics. Throughout the extremely complex neoplastic process, a Breast Cancer Cell Continuum Concept (BCCCC) has been modeled in this review as a spatio-temporal and holistic approach, as long as the breast cancer represents a complex cascade comprising successively integrated populations of heterogeneous tumor and cancer-associated cells, that reflect the carcinoma's progression from a "driving mutation" and formation of the breast primary tumor, toward the distant secondary tumors in different tissues and organs, via circulating tumor cell populations. This BCCCC is widely sustained by a Breast Cancer Proteomic Continuum Concept (BCPCC), where each phenotype of neoplastic and tumor-associated cells is characterized by a changing and adaptive proteomic profile detected in solid and liquid minimal invasive biopsies by complex proteomics approaches. Such a profile is created, beginning with the proteomic landscape of different neoplastic cell populations and cancer-associated cells, followed by subsequent analysis of protein biomarkers involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition and intravasation, circulating tumor cell proteomics, and, finally, by protein biomarkers that highlight the extravasation and distant metastatic invasion. Proteomics technologies are producing important data in breast cancer diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers discovery and validation, are detecting genetic aberrations at the proteome level, describing functional and regulatory pathways and emphasizing specific protein and peptide profiles in human tissues, biological fluids, cell lines and animal models. Also, proteomics can identify different breast cancer subtypes and specific protein and proteoform expression, can assess the efficacy of cancer therapies at cellular and tissular level and can even identify new therapeutic target proteins in clinical studies.

A Comprehensive Evaluation of miR-144-3p Expression and Its Targets in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is an aggressive type of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with a relatively high rate of morbidity and mortality. An altered miR-144-3p level in LSCC with a small number of patients has been previously reported. However, the clinical implication of miR-144-3p and its involved mechanism underlying this disease is not clearly elucidated. In this work, we aimed to confirm the expression of miR-144-3p with larger samples and also to identify target genes for the investigation of the underlying mechanism of miR-144-3p in LSCC. The levels of miR-144-3p were downregulated in 155 samples of LSCC tissues as compared to 26 non-LSCC samples (SMD: -0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.23, -0.32). The AUC of 0.90 in the summarized ROC curve also indicated a potential ability to differentiate LSCC from non-LSCC tissues, with a sensitivity of 0.78 and a specificity of 0.88. With respect to the molecular mechanism, we predicted the potential targets from online-based prediction, peer-reviewed publications, and RNA-seq and microarray data. In particular, the genes influenced by transfection with miR-144-3p in the LSCC FaDu cell line were collected from the microarray GSE56243. Lastly, 12 novel targets for miR-144-3p in LSCC were obtained by different algorithms. In conclusion, our study confirmed the loss or downregulation of miR-144-3p in LSCC, which might contribute to the LSCC tumorigenesis and progression via regulation of the 12 novel targets, such as IL24, ITGA6, and CEP55. In the future, further investigations are required to validate the present results.

Therapeutic potential of targeting membrane-spanning proteoglycan SDC4 in hepatocellular carcinoma

Syndecan-4 (SDC4) functions as a major endogenous membrane-associated receptor and widely regulates cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, and cell migration in human tumorigenesis and development, which represents a charming anti-cancer therapeutic target. Here, SDC4 was identified as a direct cellular target of small-molecule bufalin with anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) activity. Mechanism studies revealed that bufalin directly bond to SDC4 and selectively increased SDC4 interaction with substrate protein DEAD-box helicase 23 (DDX23) to induce HCC genomic instability. Meanwhile, pharmacological promotion of SDC4/DDX23 complex formation also inactivated matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and augmented p38/JNK MAPKs phosphorylation, which are highly associated with HCC proliferation and migration. Notably, specific knockdown of SDC4 or DDX23 markedly abolished bufalin-dependent inhibition of HCC proliferation and migration, indicating SDC4/DDX23 signaling axis is highly involved in the HCC process. Our results indicate that membrane-spanning proteoglycan SDC4 is a promising druggable target for HCC, and pharmacological regulation of SDC4/DDX23 signaling axis with small-molecule holds great potential to benefit HCC patients.

Preferential Targeting Cerebral Ischemic Lesions with Cancer Cell-Inspired Nanovehicle for Ischemic Stroke Treatment

The poor drug delivery to cerebral ischemic regions is a key challenge of ischemic stroke treatment. Inspired by the intriguing blood-brain barrier (BBB)-penetrating ability of 4T1 cancer cells upon their brain metastasis, we herein designed a promising biomimetic nanoplatform by camouflaging a succinobucol-loaded pH-sensitive polymeric nanovehicle with a 4T1 cell membrane (MPP/SCB), aiming to promote the preferential targeting of cerebral ischemic lesions to attenuate the ischemia/reperfusion injury. In transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) rat models, MPP/SCB could be preferentially delivered to the ischemic hemisphere with a 4.79-fold higher than that in the normal hemisphere. Moreover, MPP/SCB produced notable enhancement of microvascular reperfusion in the ischemic hemisphere, resulting in a 69.9% reduction of infarct volume and showing remarkable neuroprotective effects of tMCAO rats, which was superior to the counterpart uncamouflaged nanovehicles (PP/SCB). Therefore, this design provides a promising nanoplatform to target the cerebral ischemic lesions for ischemic stroke therapy.

Proteoglycans as Mediators of Cancer Tissue Mechanics

Proteoglycans are a diverse group of molecules which are characterized by a central protein backbone that is decorated with a variety of linear sulfated glycosaminoglycan side chains. Proteoglycans contribute significantly to the biochemical and mechanical properties of the interstitial extracellular matrix where they modulate cellular behavior by engaging transmembrane receptors. Proteoglycans also comprise a major component of the cellular glycocalyx to influence transmembrane receptor structure/function and mechanosignaling. Through their ability to initiate biochemical and mechanosignaling in cells, proteoglycans elicit profound effects on proliferation, adhesion and migration. Pathologies including cancer and cardiovascular disease are characterized by perturbed expression of proteoglycans where they compromise cell and tissue behavior by stiffening the extracellular matrix and increasing the bulkiness of the glycocalyx. Increasing evidence indicates that a bulky glycocalyx and proteoglycan-enriched extracellular matrix promote malignant transformation, increase cancer aggression and alter anti-tumor therapy response. In this review, we focus on the contribution of proteoglycans to mechanobiology in the context of normal and transformed tissues. We discuss the significance of proteoglycans for therapy response, and the current experimental strategies that target proteoglycans to sensitize cancer cells to treatment.

Syndecan-1 and KRAS Gene Expression Signature Associates With Patient Survival in Pancreatic Cancer

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of syndecan-1 (SDC1) and KRAS molecular characteristics with patient survival in pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

Both SDC1 mRNA and methylation and KRAS mRNA and somatic mutations, as well as clinical data were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Alta pancreatic cancer data set for survival analyses. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes pathway analysis for coexpressed genes for either SDC1 or KRAS was performed, respectively.

RESULTS

A significantly negative correlation existed between SDC1 mRNA and DNA methylation. Patients with KRAS somatic mutations had a significantly higher SDC1 mRNA but lower methylation than those without the mutations. Compared with patients with KRASSDC1 signature, those with a high level of KRAS and SDC1 alone or both had a significantly elevated mortality. The adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) were 2.30 (1.16-4.54, P = 0.017) for KRASSDC1, 2.85 (1.48-5.49, P = 0.002) for KRASSDC1, and 2.48 (1.31-4.70, P = 0.005) for KRASSDC1, respectively. Several Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes pathways were shared, whereas there were distinct pathways between KRAS and SDC1 coexpressed genes.

CONCLUSIONS

SDC1 interplays with KRAS, and targeting both KRAS and SDC1 in combination may be more beneficial to pancreatic cancer patients.

Site-specific metastasis: A cooperation between cancer cells and the metastatic microenvironment

The conclusion derived from the information provided in this review is that disseminating tumor cells (DTC) collaborate with the microenvironment of a future metastatic organ site in the establishment of organ‐specific metastasis. We review the basic principles of site‐specific metastasis and the contribution of the cross talk between DTC and the microenvironment of metastatic sites (metastatic microenvironment [MME]) to the establishment of the organ‐specific premetastatic niche; the targeted migration of DTC to the endothelium of the future organ‐specific metastasis; the transmigration of DTC to this site and the seeding and colonization of DTC in their future MME. We also discuss the role played by DTC‐MME interactions on tumor dormancy and on the differential response of tumor cells residing in different MMEs to antitumor therapy. Finally, we summarize some studies dealing with the effects of the MME on a unique site‐specific metastasis—brain metastasis.

Identification of Potential Key Genes Associated With the Pathogenesis, Metastasis, and Prognosis of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer on the Basis of Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis

Objective: Breast cancer is the most common solid tumor affecting women and the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most lethal subtype of breast cancer. We aimed to identify potential TNBC-specific therapeutic targets by performing an integrative analysis on previously published TNBC transcriptome microarray data.

Methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between TNBC and normal breast tissues were screened using six Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets, and DEGs between metastatic TNBC and non-metastatic TNBC were screened using one GEO dataset. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses were performed on the overlapping DEGs. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) TNBC data were used to identify candidate genes that were strongly associated with survival. Expression of the candidate genes in TNBC cell lines was blocked or augmented using a lentivirus system, and transwell assays were used to determine their effect on TNBC migration.

Results: Eight upregulated genes and nine downregulated genes were found to be differentially expressed both between TNBC and normal breast tissues and between metastatic TNBC and non-metastatic TNBC. Among them, S100P and SDC1 were identified as poor prognostic genes. Furthermore, compared with control cells, SDC1-overexpressing TNBC cells showed enhanced migration ability, whereas SDC1 knockdown markedly reduced the migration of TNBC cells.

Conclusion: Our study determined that S100P and SDC1 may be potential treatment targets as well as prognostic biomarkers of TNBC.

Cold-hearted: A case for cold stress in cancer risk

A negative correlation exists between environmental temperature and cancer risk based on both epidemiological and statistical analyses. Previously, cold stress was reported to be an effective cause of tumorigenesis. Several studies have demonstrated that cold temperature serves as a potential risk factor in cancer development. Most recently, a link was demonstrated between the effects of extreme cold climate on cancer incidence, pinpointing its impact on tumour suppressor genes by causing mutation. The underlying mechanism behind cold stress and its association with tumorigenesis is not well understood. Hence, this review intends to shed light on the role of associated factors, genetic and/or non-genetic, which are modulated by cold temperature, and eventually influence tumorigenic potential. While scrutinizing the effect of cold exposure on the body, the expression of certain genes, e.g. uncoupled proteins and heat-shock proteins, were elevated. Biological chemicals such as norepinephrine, thyroxine, and cholesterol were also elevated. Brown adipose tissue, which plays an essential role in thermogenesis, displayed enhanced activity upon cold exposure. Adaptive measures are utilized by the body to tolerate the cold, and in doing so, invites both epigenetic and genetic changes. Unknowingly, these adaptive strategies give rise to a lethal outcome i.e., genesis of cancer. Concisely, this review attempts to draw a link between cold stress, genetic and epigenetic changes, and tumorigenesis and aspires to ascertain the mechanism behind cold temperature-mediated cancer risk.

SDC1 promotes cisplatin resistance in hepatic carcinoma cells via PI3K-AKT pathway

This study is to analyze the potential contribution of Syndecan 1 (SDC1) to cisplatin resistance in hepatic carcinoma. Cell proliferation and viability were determined by direct counting and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, respectively. The protein levels of SDC1, p-AKT, AKT and β-actin were quantified by western blotting. The SDC1 transcript abundance was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The relative expression of SDC1 in clinical liver tumor samples was analyzed with immunohistochemistry. SDC1 was up-regulated in cisplatin-resistant HepG2 cells (denoted as HepG2 CR hereafter). SDC1-knockdown re-sensitized HepG2 CR cells to cisplatin treatment. Ectopic over-expression of SDC1 conferred drug resistance to naïve HepG2 cells. PI3K/AKT pathway was over-activated in HepG2 CR cells, and simultaneous administration with PI3K inhibitor greatly surmounted the resistance. We also demonstrated that SDC1 was aberrantly up-regulated in clinical hepatocellular carcinoma samples. Our study highlighted the importance of SDC1-PI3K/AKT signaling in the cisplatin resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Framing cancer progression: influence of the organ- and tumour-specific matrisome

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a crucial role in regulating organ homeostasis. It provides mechanical and biochemical cues directing cellular behaviour and, therefore, has control over the progression of diseases such as cancer. Recent efforts have greatly enhanced our knowledge of the protein composition of the ECM and its regulators, the so-called matrisome, in healthy and cancerous tissues; yet, an overview of the common signatures and organ-specific ECM in cancer is missing. Here, we address this by taking a detailed approach to review why cancer grows in certain organs, and focus on the influence of the matrisome at primary and metastatic tumour sites. Our in-depth and comprehensive review of the current literature and general understanding identifies important commonalities and distinctions, providing insight into the biology of metastasis, which could pave the way to improve future diagnostics and therapies.

Mechanical Forces as Determinants of Disseminated Metastatic Cell Fate

Disseminated metastatic cancer cells represent one of the most relevant causes of disease relapse and associated death for cancer patients, and a therapeutic target of the highest priority. Still, our understanding of how disseminated cancer cells survive in the foreign metastatic environment, and eventually cause metastatic outgrowth, remains rather limited. In this review we focus on the cell microenvironment as a key regulator of cell behavior at the metastatic site, and especially on the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix and associated integrin signaling. We discuss available evidence pointing to a pervasive role of extracellular matrix (ECM) mechanical properties in regulating cancer cell proliferation and survival after dissemination, and propose that this might represent an important bottleneck for cells invading and establishing into a novel tissue. We point to the known molecular players, how these might contribute to modulate the mechanical properties of the metastatic environment, and the response of cells to these cues. Finally, we propose that emerging knowledge on the physical interaction of disseminated metastatic cells and on the downstream mechanotransduction pathways, including YAP/TAZ (Yes-associated protein-1 and WW-domain transcription activator 1) and MRTFs (Myocardin-related transcription factors), may help to identify novel approaches for therapy.

Extracellular matrix-cell interactions: Focus on therapeutic applications

Extracellular matrix (ECM) macromolecules together with a multitude of different molecules residing in the extracellular space play a vital role in the regulation of cellular phenotype and behavior. This is achieved via constant reciprocal interactions between the molecules of the ECM and the cells. The ECM-cell interactions are mediated via cell surface receptors either directly or indirectly with co-operative molecules. The ECM is also under perpetual remodeling process influencing cell-signaling pathways on its part. The fragmentation of ECM macromolecules provides even further complexity for the intricate environment of the cells. However, as long as the interactions between the ECM and the cells are in balance, the health of the body is retained. Alternatively, any dysregulation in these interactions can lead to pathological processes and finally to various diseases. Thus, therapeutic applications that are based on retaining normal ECM-cell interactions are highly rationale. Moreover, in the light of the current knowledge, also concurrent multi-targeting of the complex ECM-cell interactions is required for potent pharmacotherapies to be developed in the future.

Relationship between SDC1 and cadherin signalling activation in cancer

E-cadherin and SDC1 are markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that can be used to assess tumour prognosis. SDC1 has different effects in various types of cancers. On the one hand, reduced expression of SDC1 can leads to advantage stages of some cancers, such as gastric and colorectal cancer. On the other hand, SDC1 overexpression can also promote the growth and proliferation of cancer cells in pancreatic and breast cancer. However, the function of SDC1 is influenced and regulated by many factors. Exfoliated extracellular domain HS chain can mediate the function of SDC1 and play an important role in the occurrence and development of cancer. SDC1 binds to various ligands and influences the growth and reproduction of cancer cells via the activation of Wnt, the long isoform of FLICE-inhibitory protein (FLIP long), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and MAPK/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and other pathways. Cadherins occur in several types, but this review focuses on classical cadherins. N-cadherin and P-cadherin are activated during tumour development, whereas E-cadherin is a tumour suppressor. The cellular signalling pathways involved in classical cadherins, such as Wnt and VEGFR pathways, are also related to SDC1. The activation of E-cadherin caused by SDC1 knockdown has also been observed. Despite this evidence, no articles regarding the relationship of SDC1 and cadherin activation have been published. This review summarises the expressions of these two molecules in different cancers and analyses their possible relationship to provide insights into future cancer research and clinical treatment.

Syndecan-1 facilitates breast cancer metastasis to the brain

PURPOSE

Although survival rates for patients with localized breast cancer have increased, patients with metastatic breast cancer still have poor prognosis. Understanding key factors involved in promoting breast cancer metastasis is imperative for better treatments. In this study, we investigated the role of syndecan-1 (Sdc1) in breast cancer metastasis.

METHODS

To assess the role of Sdc1 in breast cancer metastasis, we silenced Sdc1 expression in the triple-negative breast cancer human MDA-MB-231 cell line and overexpressed it in the mouse mammary carcinoma 4T1 cell line. Intracardiac injections were performed in an experimental mouse metastasis model using both cell lines. In vitro transwell blood-brain barrier (BBB) and brain section adhesion assays were utilized to specifically investigate how Sdc1 facilitates brain metastasis. A cytokine array was performed to evaluate differences in the breast cancer cell secretome when Sdc1 is silenced.

RESULTS

Silencing expression of Sdc1 in breast cancer cells significantly reduced metastasis to the brain. Conversely, overexpression of Sdc1 increased metastasis to the brain. We found that silencing of Sdc1 expression had no effect on attachment of breast cancer cells to brain endothelial cells or astrocytes, but migration across the BBB was reduced as well as adhesion to the perivascular regions of the brain. Loss of Sdc1 also led to changes in breast cancer cell-secreted cytokines/chemokines, which may influence the BBB.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our study demonstrates a role for Sdc1 in promoting breast cancer metastasis to the brain. These findings suggest that Sdc1 supports breast cancer cell migration across the BBB through regulation of cytokines, which may modulate the BBB. Further elucidating this mechanism will allow for the development of therapeutic strategies to combat brain metastasis.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts as key regulators of the breast cancer tumor microenvironment

Tumor cells exist in close proximity with non-malignant cells. Extensive and multilayered crosstalk between tumor cells and stromal cells tailors the tumor microenvironment (TME) to support survival, growth, and metastasis. Fibroblasts are one of the largest populations of non-malignant host cells that can be found within the TME of breast, pancreatic, and prostate tumors. Substantial scientific evidence has shown that these cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are not only associated with tumors by proximity but are also actively recruited to developing tumors where they can influence other cells of the TME as well as influencing tumor cell survival and metastasis. This review discusses the impact of CAFs on breast cancer biology and highlights their heterogeneity, origin and their role in tumor progression, ECM remodeling, therapy resistance, metastasis, and the challenges ahead of targeting CAFs to improve therapy response.

Crosstalk between tumor cells and lymphocytes modulates heparanase expression

Background

Heparanase (HPSE) is an endo-beta-glucuronidase that degrades heparan sulfate (HS) chains on proteoglycans. The oligosaccharides generated by HPSE promote angiogenesis, tumor growth and metastasis. Heparanase-2 (HPSE2), a close homolog of HPSE, does not exhibit catalytic activity. Previous studies have demonstrated that serum or plasma from breast cancer patients showed increased expression of both heparanases in circulating lymphocytes. The aim of this study was to better understand the mechanisms involved in the upregulation of heparanases in circulating lymphocytes.

Methods

Lymphocytes collected from healthy women were incubated in the presence of MCF-7 breast cancer cells (co-culture) to stimulate HPSE and HPSE2 overexpression. The protein level of heparanases was evaluated by immunocytochemistry, while mRNA expression was determined by quantitative RT-PCR.

Results

The medium obtained from co-culture of MCF-7 cells and circulating lymphocytes stimulated the expression of HPSE and HPSE2. Previous treatment of the co-culture medium with an anti-heparan sulfate proteoglycan antibody or heparitinase II inhibited the upregulation of heparanases in circulating lymphocytes. The addition of exogenous heparan sulfate (HS) enhanced the expression of both heparanases. Moreover, the co-cultured cells, as well as MCF-7 cells, secreted a higher number of exosomes expressing an increased level of HS compared to that of the exosomes secreted by circulating lymphocytes from women who were not affected by cancer.

Conclusions

The results revealed that HS is likely responsible for mediating the expression of heparanases in circulating lymphocytes. HS secreted by tumor cells might be carried by exosome particles, confirming the key role of tumor cells, as well as secreted HS, in upregulating the expression of heparanases, suggesting a possible mechanism of crosstalk between tumor cells and circulating lymphocytes.