Epithelial-mesenchymal transitions: insights from development

Anti-cancer effects of nitazoxanide in epithelial ovarian cancer in-vitro and in-vivo

Epithelial ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynecologic malignancies and poses a considerable threat to women's health. Although the progression-free survival of patients has been prolonged with the application of anti-angiogenesis drugs and Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARP) inhibitors, overall survival has not substantially improved. Thus, new therapeutic strategies are essential for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Nitazoxanide (NTZ), an FDA-approved anti-parasitic drug, has garnered attention for its potential anti-cancer activity. However, the anti-tumor effects and possible underlying mechanisms of NTZ on ovarian cancer remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the anti-tumor effects and the mechanism of NTZ on ovarian cancer in vitro and in vivo. We found that NTZ inhibited the proliferation of A2780 and SKOV3 epithelial ovarian cancer cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner; Furthermore, NTZ suppressed the metastasis and invasion of A2780 and SKOV3 cells in vitro, correlating with the inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition; Additionally, NTZ suppressed the Hippo/YAP/TAZ signaling pathway both in vitro and in vivo and demonstrated a good binding activity with core genes of Hippo pathway, including Hippo, YAP, TAZ, LATS1, and LATS2. Oral administration of NTZ inhibited tumor growth in xenograft ovarian cancer mice models without causing considerable damage to major organs. Overall, these data suggest that NTZ has therapeutic potential for treating epithelial ovarian cancer.

The multifaceted role of PCSK9 in cancer pathogenesis, tumor immunity, and immunotherapy

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a well-known regulator of cholesterol metabolism and cardiovascular diseases, has recently garnered attention for its emerging involvement in cancer biology. The multifunctional nature of PCSK9 extends beyond lipid regulation and encompasses a wide range of cellular processes that can influence cancer progression. Studies have revealed that PCSK9 can modulate signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and Wnt/β-catenin, thereby influencing cellular proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis. Additionally, the interplay between PCSK9 and cholesterol homeostasis may impact membrane dynamics and cellular migration, further influencing tumor aggressiveness. The central role of the immune system in monitoring and controlling cancer is increasingly recognized. Recent research has demonstrated the ability of PCSK9 to modulate immune responses through interactions with immune cells and components of the tumor microenvironment. This includes effects on dendritic cell maturation, T cell activation, and cytokine production, suggesting a role in shaping antitumor immune responses. Moreover, the potential influence of PCSK9 on immune checkpoints such as PD1/PD-L1 lends an additional layer of complexity to its immunomodulatory functions. The growing interest in cancer immunotherapy has prompted exploration into the potential of targeting PCSK9 for therapeutic benefits. Preclinical studies have demonstrated synergistic effects between PCSK9 inhibitors and established immunotherapies, offering a novel avenue for combination treatments. The strategic manipulation of PCSK9 to enhance tumor immunity and improve therapeutic outcomes presents an exciting area for further investigations. Understanding the mechanisms by which PCSK9 influences cancer biology and immunity holds promise for the development of novel immunotherapeutic approaches. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the intricate connections between PCSK9, cancer pathogenesis, tumor immunity, and the potential implications for immunotherapeutic interventions.

Mechanical deformation and death of circulating tumor cells in the bloodstream

The circulation of tumor cells through the bloodstream is a significant step in tumor metastasis. To better understand the metastatic process, circulating tumor cell (CTC) survival in the circulation must be explored. While immune interactions with CTCs in recent decades have been examined, research has yet to sufficiently explain some CTC behaviors in blood flow. Studies related to CTC mechanical responses in the bloodstream have recently been conducted to further study conditions under which CTCs might die. While experimental methods can assess the mechanical properties and death of CTCs, increasingly sophisticated computational models are being built to simulate the blood flow and CTC mechanical deformation under fluid shear stresses (FSS) in the bloodstream.Several factors contribute to the mechanical deformation and death of CTCs as they circulate. While FSS can damage CTC structure, diverse interactions between CTCs and blood components may either promote or hinder the next metastatic step-extravasation at a remote site. Overall understanding of how these factors influence the deformation and death of CTCs could serve as a basis for future experiments and simulations, enabling researchers to predict CTC death more accurately. Ultimately, these efforts can lead to improved metastasis-specific therapeutics and diagnostics specific in the future.

Early short-term hypoxia promotes epidermal cell migration by activating the CCL2-ERK1/2 pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition during wound healing

Background

Due to vasculature injury and increased oxygen consumption, the early wound microenvironment is typically in a hypoxic state. We observed enhanced cell migration ability under early short-term hypoxia. CCL2 belongs to the CC chemokine family and was found to be increased in early hypoxic wounds and enriched in the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 pathway in our previous study. However, the underlying mechanism through which the CCL2-ERK1/2 pathway regulates wound healing under early short-term hypoxia remains unclear. Activation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process in cancer cell metastasis, during which epithelial cells acquire the characteristics of mesenchymal cells and enhance cell motility and migration ability. However, the relationship between epithelial cell migration and EMT under early short-term hypoxia has yet to be explored.

Methods

HaCaT cells were cultured to verify the effect of early short-term hypoxia on migration through cell scratch assays. Lentiviruses with silenced or overexpressed CCL2 were used to explore the relationship between CCL2 and migration under short-term hypoxia. An acute full-thickness cutaneous wound rat model was established with the application of an ERK inhibitor to reveal the hidden role of the ERK1/2 pathway in the early stage of wound healing. The EMT process was verified in all the above experiments through western blotting.

Results

In our study, we found that short-term hypoxia promoted cell migration. Mechanistically, hypoxia promoted cell migration through mediating CCL2. Overexpression of CCL2 via lentivirus promoted cell migration, while silencing CCL2 via lentivirus inhibited cell migration and the production of related downstream proteins. In addition, we found that CCL2 was enriched in the ERK1/2 pathway, and the application of an ERK inhibitor in vivo and in vitro verified the upstream and downstream relationships between the CCL2 pathway and ERK1/2. Western blot results both in vivo and in vitro demonstrated that early short-term hypoxia promotes epidermal cell migration by activating the CCL2-ERK1/2 pathway and EMT during wound healing.

Conclusions

Our work demonstrated that hypoxia in the early stage serves as a stimulus for triggering wound healing through activating the CCL2-ERK1/2 pathway and EMT, which promote epidermal cell migration and accelerate wound closure. These findings provide additional detailed insights into the mechanism of wound healing and new targets for clinical treatment.

Basal delamination during mouse gastrulation primes pluripotent cells for differentiation

The blueprint of the mammalian body plan is laid out during gastrulation, when a trilaminar embryo is formed. This process entails a burst of proliferation, the ingression of embryonic epiblast cells at the primitive streak, and their priming toward primitive streak fates. How these different events are coordinated remains unknown. Here, we developed and characterized a 3D culture of self-renewing mouse embryonic cells that captures the main transcriptional and architectural features of the early gastrulating mouse epiblast. Using this system in combination with microfabrication and in vivo experiments, we found that proliferation-induced crowding triggers delamination of cells that express high levels of the apical polarity protein aPKC. Upon delamination, cells become more sensitive to Wnt signaling and upregulate the expression of primitive streak markers such as Brachyury. This mechanistic coupling between ingression and differentiation ensures that the right cell types become specified at the right place during embryonic development.

N-cadherin: A diagnostic marker to help discriminate primary liver carcinomas from extrahepatic carcinomas

Distinguishing primary liver cancer (PLC), namely hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), from liver metastases is of crucial clinical importance. Histopathology remains the gold standard, but differential diagnosis may be challenging. While absent in most epithelial, the expression of the adherens junction glycoprotein N-cadherin is commonly restricted to neural and mesenchymal cells, or carcinoma cells that undergo the phenomenon of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, we recently established N- and E-cadherin expression as hallmarks of normal hepatocytes and cholangiocytes, which are also preserved in HCC and iCCA. Therefore, we hypothesized that E- and/or N-cadherin may distinguish between carcinoma derived from the liver vs carcinoma of other origins. We comprehensively evaluated E- and N-cadherin in 3359 different tumors in a multicenter study using immunohistochemistry and compared our results with previously published 882 cases of PLC, including 570 HCC and 312 iCCA. Most carcinomas showed strong positivity for E-cadherin. Strong N-cadherin positivity was present in HCC and iCCA. However, except for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (23.6% of cases) and thyroid cancer (29.2%), N-cadherin was only in some instances faintly expressed in adenocarcinomas of the gastrointestinal tract (0%-0.5%), lung (7.1%), pancreas (3.9%), gynecological organs (0%-7.4%), breast (2.2%) as well as in urothelial (9.4%) and squamous cell carcinoma (0%-5.6%). As expected, N-cadherin was detected in neuroendocrine tumors (25%-75%), malignant melanoma (46.2%) and malignant mesothelioma (41%). In conclusion, N-cadherin is a useful marker for the distinction of PLC vs liver metastases of extrahepatic carcinomas (P < .01).

Targeting EMT using low-dose Teniposide by downregulating ZEB2-driven activation of RNA polymerase I in breast cancer

Metastatic dissemination from the primary tumor is a complex process that requires crosstalk between tumor cells and the surrounding milieu and involves the interplay between numerous cellular-signaling programs. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) remains at the forefront of orchestrating a shift in numerous cellular programs, such as stemness, drug resistance, and apoptosis that allow for successful metastasis. Till date, there is limited success in therapeutically targeting EMT. Utilizing a high throughput screen of FDA-approved compounds, we uncovered a novel role of the topoisomerase inhibitor, Teniposide, in reversing EMT. Here, we demonstrate Teniposide as a potent modulator of the EMT program, specifically through an IRF7-NMI mediated response. Furthermore, Teniposide significantly reduces the expression of the key EMT transcriptional regulator, Zinc Finger E-Box Binding Homeobox 2 (ZEB2). ZEB2 downregulation by Teniposide inhibited RNA polymerase I (Pol I) activity and rRNA biogenesis. Importantly, Teniposide treatment markedly reduced pulmonary colonization of breast cancer cells. We have uncovered a novel role of Teniposide, which when used at a very low concentration, mitigates mesenchymal-like invasive phenotype. Overall, its ability to target EMT and rRNA biogenesis makes Teniposide a viable candidate to be repurposed as a therapeutic option to restrict breast cancer metastases.

Downregulation of RCN1 inhibits esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression and M2 macrophage polarization

Reticulocalbin 1 (RCN1) is a calcium-binding protein involved in the regulation of calcium homeostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum. The aim of this study was to explore the clinical value and biological role of RCN1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In addition, we investigated the effect of RCN1 on the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). The GSE53625 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus database was used to analyze the expression of RCN1 mRNA and its relationship with clinical value and immune cell infiltration. Immunohistochemistry was used to validate the expression of RCN1 and its correlation with clinicopathological characteristics. Subsequently, transwell and cell scratch assays were conducted to evaluate the migration and invasion abilities of ESCC cells. The expression levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins were evaluated by western blot, while apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and western blot. Additionally, qRT‒PCR was utilized to evaluate the role of RCN1 in macrophage polarization. RCN1 was significantly upregulated in ESCC tissues and was closely associated with lymphatic metastasis and a poor prognosis, and was an independent prognostic factor for ESCC in patients. Knockdown of RCN1 significantly inhibited the migration, invasion, and EMT of ESCC cells, and promoted cell apoptosis. In addition, RCN1 downregulation inhibited M2 polarization. RCN1 is upregulated in ESCC patients and is negatively correlated with patient prognosis. Knocking down RCN1 inhibits ESCC progression and M2 polarization. RCN1 can serve as a potential diagnostic and prognostic indicator for ESCC, and targeting RCN1 is a very promising therapeutic strategy.

Cellular geometry and epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity intersect with PIEZO1 in breast cancer cells

Differences in shape can be a distinguishing feature between different cell types, but the shape of a cell can also be dynamic. Changes in cell shape are critical when cancer cells escape from the primary tumor and undergo major morphological changes that allow them to squeeze between endothelial cells, enter the vasculature, and metastasize to other areas of the body. A shift from rounded to spindly cellular geometry is a consequence of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, which is also associated with changes in gene expression, increased invasiveness, and therapeutic resistance. However, the consequences and functional impacts of cell shape changes and the mechanisms through which they occur are still poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that altering the morphology of a cell produces a remodeling of calcium influx via the ion channel PIEZO1 and identify PIEZO1 as an inducer of features of epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity. Combining automated epifluorescence microscopy and a genetically encoded calcium indicator, we demonstrate that activation of the PIEZO1 force channel with the PIEZO1 agonist, YODA 1, induces features of epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity in breast cancer cells. These findings suggest that PIEZO1 is a critical point of convergence between shape-induced changes in cellular signaling and epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in breast cancer cells.

A dynamic model of inorganic arsenic-induced carcinogenesis reveals an epigenetic mechanism for epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity

Inorganic arsenic (iAs) causes cancer by initiating dynamic transitions between epithelial and mesenchymal cell phenotypes. These transitions transform normal cells into cancerous cells, and cancerous cells into metastatic cells. Most in vitro models assume that transitions between states are binary and complete, and do not consider the possibility that intermediate, stable cellular states might exist. In this paper, we describe a new, two-hit in vitro model of iAs-induced carcinogenesis that extends to 28 weeks of iAs exposure. Through week 17, the model faithfully recapitulates known and expected phenotypic, genetic, and epigenetic characteristics of iAs-induced carcinogenesis. By 28 weeks, however, exposed cells exhibit stable, intermediate phenotypes and epigenetic properties, and key transcription factor promoters (SNAI1, ZEB1) enter an epigenetically poised or bivalent state. These data suggest that key epigenetic transitions and cellular states exist during iAs-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and that it is important for our in vitro models to encapsulate all aspects of EMT and the mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET). In so doing, and by understanding the epigenetic systems controlling these transitions, we might find new, unexpected opportunities for developing targeted, cell state-specific therapeutics.

Integrative genomic analyses identify candidate causal genes for calcific aortic valve stenosis involving tissue-specific regulation

There is currently no medical therapy to prevent calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS). Multi-omics approaches could lead to the identification of novel molecular targets. Here, we perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis including 14,819 cases among 941,863 participants of European ancestry. We report 32 genomic loci, among which 20 are novel. RNA sequencing of 500 human aortic valves highlights an enrichment in expression regulation at these loci and prioritizes candidate causal genes. Homozygous genotype for a risk variant near TWIST1, a gene involved in endothelial-mesenchymal transition, has a profound impact on aortic valve transcriptomics. We identify five genes outside of GWAS loci by combining a transcriptome-wide association study, colocalization, and Mendelian randomization analyses. Using cross-phenotype and phenome-wide approaches, we highlight the role of circulating lipoproteins, blood pressure and inflammation in the disease process. Our findings pave the way for the development of novel therapies for CAVS.

Generation of Functional and Mature Sympathetic Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells via a Neuroepithelial Route

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is a crucial branch of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) that is responsible for regulating visceral function and various physiological processes. Dysfunction of the SNS can lead to various diseases, such as hypertension and metabolic disorders. However, obtaining sympathetic neurons from human tissues for research is challenging. The current research aimed at recapitulating the process of human sympathetic neuron development and achieved the successful establishment of a stepwise, highly efficient in vitro differentiation protocol. This protocol facilitated the generation of functional and mature sympathetic neurons from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) using a chemical-defined induction medium. Initially, each differentiation stage was refined to derive sympathoadrenal progenitors (SAPs) from hPSCs through neural epithelial cells (NECs) and trunk neural crest stem cells (NCSCs). hPSC-derived SAPs could be expanded in vitro for at least 12 passages while maintaining the expression of SAP-specific transcription factors and neuronal differentiation potency. SAPs readily generated functional sympathetic neurons (SymNs) when cultured in the neuronal maturation medium for 3-4 weeks. These SymNs expressed sympathetic markers, exhibited electrophysiological properties, and secreted sympathetic neurotransmitters. More importantly, we further demonstrated that hPSC-derived SymNs can efficiently regulate the adipogenesis of human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and lipid metabolism in vitro. In conclusion, our study provided a simple and robust protocol for generating functional sympathetic neurons from hPSCs, which may be an invaluable tool in unraveling the mechanisms of SNS-related diseases.

Wnt/β-catenin-driven EMT regulation in human cancers

Metastasis accounts for 90% of cancer-related deaths among the patients. The transformation of epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells with molecular alterations can occur during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The EMT mechanism accelerates the cancer metastasis and drug resistance ability in human cancers. Among the different regulators of EMT, Wnt/β-catenin axis has been emerged as a versatile modulator. Wnt is in active form in physiological condition due to the function of GSK-3β that destructs β-catenin, while ligand-receptor interaction impairs GSK-3β function to increase β-catenin stability and promote its nuclear transfer. Regarding the oncogenic function of Wnt/β-catenin, its upregulation occurs in human cancers and it can accelerate EMT-mediated metastasis and drug resistance. The stimulation of Wnt by binding Wnt ligands into Frizzled receptors can enhance β-catenin accumulation in cytoplasm that stimulates EMT and related genes upon nuclear translocation. Wnt/β-catenin/EMT axis has been implicated in augmenting metastasis of both solid and hematological tumors. The Wnt/EMT-mediated cancer metastasis promotes the malignant behavior of tumor cells, causing therapy resistance. The Wnt/β-catenin/EMT axis can be modulated by upstream mediators in which non-coding RNAs are main regulators. Moreover, pharmacological intervention, mainly using phytochemicals, suppresses Wnt/EMT axis in metastasis suppression.

Effect of argon plasma abutment activation on soft tissue healing: RCT with histological assessment

OBJECTIVE

To assess the peri-implant soft tissue profiles between argon plasma treatment (PT) and non-treated (NPT) healing abutments by comparing clinical and histological parameters 2 months following abutment placement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty participants were randomly assigned to argon-plasma treatment abutments group (PT) or non-treated abutments (NPT) group. Two months after healing abutment placement, soft peri-implant tissues and abutment were harvested, and histological and clinical parameters including plaque index, bleeding on probing, and keratinized mucosa diameter (KM) were assessed. Specialized stainings (hematoxylin-eosin and picrocirious red) coupled with immunohistochemistry (vimentin, collagen, and CK10) were performed to assess soft tissue inflammation and healing, and the collagen content keratinization. In addition to standard statistical methods, machine learning algorithms were applied for advanced soft tissue profiling between the test and control groups.

RESULTS

PT group showed lower plaque accumulation and inflammation grade (6.71% vs. 13.25%, respectively; p-value 0.02), and more advanced connective tissue healing and integration compared to NPT (31.77% vs. 23.3%, respectively; p = 0.009). In the control group, more expressed keratinization was found compared to the PT group, showing significantly higher CK10 (>47.5%). No differences in KM were found between the groups.

SIGNIFICANCE

PT seems to be a promising protocol for guided peri-implant soft tissue morphogenesis reducing plaque accumulation and inflammation, and stimulating collagen and soft tissue but without effects on epithelial tissues and keratinization.

How studies in developmental epithelial-mesenchymal transition and mesenchymal-epithelial transition inspired new research paradigms in biomedicine

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its reverse mechanism, mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET), are evolutionarily conserved mechanisms initially identified in studies of early metazoan development. EMT may even have been established in choanoflagellates, the closest unicellular relative of Metazoa. These crucial morphological transitions operate during body plan formation and subsequently in organogenesis. These findings have prompted an increasing number of investigators in biomedicine to assess the importance of such mechanisms that drive epithelial cell plasticity in multiple diseases associated with congenital disabilities and fibrosis, and, most importantly, in the progression of carcinoma. EMT and MET also play crucial roles in regenerative medicine, notably by contributing epigenetic changes in somatic cells to initiate reprogramming into stem cells and their subsequent differentiation into distinct lineages.

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity from development to disease: An introduction to the special issue

Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) refers to the ability of cells to switch between epithelial and mesenchymal states, playing critical roles in embryonic development, wound healing, fibrosis, and cancer metastasis. Here, we discuss some examples that challenge the use of specific markers to define EMT, noting that their expression may not always correspond to the expected epithelial or mesenchymal identity. In concordance with recent development in the field, we emphasize the importance of generalizing the use of the term Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity (EMP), to better capture the diverse and context-dependent nature of the bidirectional journey that cells can undertake between the E and M phenotypes. We highlight the usefulness of studying a wide range of physiological EMT scenarios, stress the value of the dynamic of expression of EMP regulators and advocate, whenever possible, for more systematic functional assays to assess cellular states.

Chemopreventive and Biological Strategies in the Management of Oral Potentially Malignant and Malignant Disorders

Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) represent a significant global health burden due to their potential for malignant transformation and the challenges associated with their diagnosis and treatment. Chemoprevention, an innovative approach aimed at halting or reversing the neoplastic process before full malignancy, has emerged as a promising avenue for mitigating the impact of OPMD and OSCC. The pivotal role of chemopreventive strategies is underscored by the need for effective interventions that go beyond traditional therapies. In this regard, chemopreventive agents offer a unique opportunity to intercept disease progression by targeting the molecular pathways implicated in carcinogenesis. Natural compounds, such as curcumin, green tea polyphenols, and resveratrol, exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties that could make them potential candidates for curtailing the transformation of OPMD to OSCC. Moreover, targeted therapies directed at specific molecular alterations hold promise in disrupting the signaling cascades driving OSCC growth. Immunomodulatory agents, like immune checkpoint inhibitors, are gaining attention for their potential to harness the body's immune response against early malignancies, thus impeding OSCC advancement. Additionally, nutritional interventions and topical formulations of chemopreventive agents offer localized strategies for preventing carcinogenesis in the oral cavity. The challenge lies in optimizing these strategies for efficacy, safety, and patient compliance. This review presents an up to date on the dynamic interplay between molecular insights, clinical interventions, and the broader goal of reducing the burden of oral malignancies. As research progresses, the synergy between early diagnosis, non-invasive biomarker identification, and chemopreventive therapy is poised to reshape the landscape of OPMD and OSCC management, offering a glimpse of a future where these diseases are no longer insurmountable challenges but rather preventable and manageable conditions.

Subconfluent ARPE-19 Cells Display Mesenchymal Cell-State Characteristics and Behave like Fibroblasts, Rather Than Epithelial Cells, in Experimental HCMV Infection Studies

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has a broad cellular tropism and epithelial cells are important physiological targets during infection. The retinal pigment epithelial cell line ARPE-19 has been used to model HCMV infection in epithelial cells for decades and remains a commonly used cell type for studying viral entry, replication, and the cellular response to infection. We previously found that ARPE-19 cells, despite being derived from an epithelial cell explant, express extremely low levels of canonical epithelial proteins, such as E-cadherin and EpCAM. Here, we perform comparative studies of ARPE-19 and additional epithelial cell lines with strong epithelial characteristics. We find that ARPE-19 cells cultured under subconfluent conditions resemble mesenchymal fibroblasts, rather than epithelial cells; this is consistent with previous studies showing that ARPE-19 cultures require extended periods of high confluency culture to maintain epithelial characteristics. By reanalyzing public gene expression data and using machine learning, we find evidence that ARPE-19 cultures maintained across many labs exhibit mesenchymal characteristics and that the majority of studies employing ARPE-19 use them in a mesenchymal state. Lastly, by performing experimental HCMV infections across mesenchymal and epithelial cell lines, we find that ARPE-19 cells behave like mesenchymal fibroblasts, producing logarithmic yields of cell-free infectious progeny, while cell lines with strong epithelial character exhibit an atypical infectious cycle and naturally restrict the production of cell-free progeny. Our work highlights important characteristics of the ARPE-19 cell line and suggests that subconfluent ARPE-19 cells may not be optimal for modeling epithelial infection with HCMV or other human viruses. It also suggests that HCMV biosynthesis and/or spread may occur quite differently in epithelial cells compared to mesenchymal cells. These differences could contribute to viral persistence or pathogenesis in epithelial tissues.

Shake It Up Baby Now: The Changing Focus on TWIST1 and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer and Other Diseases

TWIST1 is a transcription factor that is necessary for healthy neural crest migration, mesoderm development, and gastrulation. It functions as a key regulator of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process by which cells lose their polarity and gain the ability to migrate. EMT is often reactivated in cancers, where it is strongly associated with tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Early work on TWIST1 in adult tissues focused on its transcriptional targets and how EMT gave rise to metastatic cells. In recent years, the roles of TWIST1 and other EMT factors in cancer have expanded greatly as our understanding of tumor progression has advanced. TWIST1 and related factors are frequently tied to cancer cell stemness and changes in therapeutic responses and thus are now being viewed as attractive therapeutic targets. In this review, we highlight non-metastatic roles for TWIST1 and related EMT factors in cancer and other disorders, discuss recent findings in the areas of therapeutic resistance and stemness in cancer, and comment on the potential to target EMT for therapy. Further research into EMT will inform novel treatment combinations and strategies for advanced cancers and other diseases.

TGF-β, EMT, and resistance to anti-cancer treatment

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling regulates cell-specific programs involved in embryonic development, wound-healing, and immune homeostasis. Yet, during tumor progression, these TGF-β-mediated programs are altered, leading to epithelial cell plasticity and a reprogramming of epithelial cells into mesenchymal lineages through epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a critical developmental program in morphogenesis and organogenesis. These changes, in turn, lead to enhanced carcinoma cell invasion, metastasis, immune cell differentiation, immune evasion, and chemotherapy resistance. Here, we discuss EMT as one of the critical programs associated with carcinoma cell plasticity and the influence exerted by TGF-β on carcinoma status and function. We further explore the composition of carcinoma and other cell populations within the tumor microenvironment, and consider the relevant outcomes related to the programs associated with cancer treatment resistance.

Single-cell transcriptomics illuminates regulatory steps driving anterior-posterior patterning of Drosophila embryonic mesoderm

Single-cell technologies promise to uncover how transcriptional programs orchestrate complex processes during embryogenesis. Here, we apply a combination of single-cell technology and genetic analysis to investigate the dynamic transcriptional changes associated with Drosophila embryo morphogenesis at gastrulation. Our dataset encompassing the blastoderm-to-gastrula transition provides a comprehensive single-cell map of gene expression across cell lineages validated by genetic analysis. Subclustering and trajectory analyses revealed a surprising stepwise progression in patterning to transition zygotic gene expression and specify germ layers as well as uncovered an early role for ecdysone signaling in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in the mesoderm. We also show multipotent progenitors arise prior to gastrulation by analyzing the transcription trajectory of caudal mesoderm cells, including a derivative that ultimately incorporates into visceral muscles of the midgut and hindgut. This study provides a rich resource of gastrulation and elucidates spatially regulated temporal transitions of transcription states during the process.

A unique cell population expressing the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition-transcription factor Snail moderates microglial and astrocyte injury responses

Insults to the central nervous system (CNS) elicit common glial responses including microglial activation evidenced by functional, morphological, and phenotypic changes, as well as astrocyte reactions including hypertrophy, altered process orientation, and changes in gene expression and function. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms that initiate and modulate such glial response are less well-defined. Here we show that an adult cortical lesion generates a population of ultrastructurally unique microglial-like cells that express Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transcription factors including Snail. Knockdown of Snail with antisense oligonucleotides results in a postinjury increase in activated microglial cells, elevation in astrocyte reactivity with increased expression of C3 and phagocytosis, disruption of astrocyte junctions and neurovascular structure, increases in neuronal cell death, and reduction in cortical synapses. These changes were associated with alterations in pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. By contrast, overexpression of Snail through microglia-targeted an adeno-associated virus (AAV) improved many of the injury characteristics. Together, our results suggest that the coordination of glial responses to CNS injury is partly mediated by epithelial-mesenchymal transition-factors (EMT-Fsl).

Involvement of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in Autoimmune Diseases

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex reversible biological process characterized by the loss of epithelial features and the acquisition of mesenchymal features. EMT was initially described in developmental processes and was further associated with pathological conditions including metastatic cascade arising in neoplastic progression and organ fibrosis. Fibrosis is delineated by an excessive number of myofibroblasts, resulting in exuberant production of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, thereby compromising organ function and ultimately leading to its failure. It is now well acknowledged that a significant number of myofibroblasts result from the conversion of epithelial cells via EMT. Over the past two decades, evidence has accrued linking fibrosis to many chronic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including systemic sclerosis (SSc), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome (SS), and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). In addition, chronic inflammatory states observed in most autoimmune and inflammatory diseases can act as a potent trigger of EMT, leading to the development of a pathological fibrotic state. In the present review, we aim to describe the current state of knowledge regarding the contribution of EMT to the pathophysiological processes of various rheumatic conditions.

Silencing of GRHL2 induces epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition in lung cancer cell lines with different effects on proliferation and clonogenic growth

Grainyhead-like 2 (GRHL2) is a transcription factor that suppresses epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). It has been previously shown that GRHL2 can confer both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive roles in human cancers, including breast, pancreatic and colorectal cancers. However, its role in lung cancer remains elusive. In the present study, a meta-analysis of multiple gene expression datasets with clinical data revealed that GRHL2 expression was increased in lung cancer compared with that in the normal tissues. Copy number analysis of GRHL2, performed using datasets of whole exome sequencing involving 151 lung cancer cell lines, revealed frequent amplifications, suggesting that the increased GRHL2 expression may have resulted from gene amplification. A survival meta-analysis of GRHL2 using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset showed no association of GRHL2 expression with overall survival. GRHL2 expression was found to be associated with EMT status in lung cancer in TCGA dataset and lung cancer cell lines. GRHL2 knockdown induced partial EMT in the hTERT/Cdk4-immortalized normal lung epithelial cell line HBEC4KT without affecting proliferation measured by CCK-8 assays. In addition, GRHL2 silencing caused three lung cancer cell lines, H1975, H2009 and H441, to undergo partial EMT. However, the proliferative effects differed significantly. GRHL2 silencing promoted proliferation but not colony formation in H1975 cells whilst suppressing colony formation without affecting proliferation in H2009 cells, but it did not affect proliferation in H441 cells. These results suggest cell type-dependent effects of GRHL2 knockdown. Downstream, GRHL2 silencing enhanced the phosphorylation of AKT and ERK, assessed by western blotting with phospho-specific antibodies, in HBEC4KT, H1975 and H2009 cell lines but not in the H441 cell line. By contrast, transient GRHL2 overexpression did not affect A549 cell proliferation, which lack detectable endogenous expression of the GRHL2 protein. However, GRHL2 overexpression did suppress E-cadherin expression in A549 cells. These results suggested that GRHL2 does not only function as a tumor suppressor of EMT but can also behave as an oncogene depending on the lung cancer cell-type context.

EV-miRNA-Mediated Intercellular Communication in the Breast Tumor Microenvironment

Cancer research has prioritized the study of the tumor microenvironment (TME) as a crucial area of investigation. Understanding the communication between tumor cells and the various cell types within the TME has become a focal point. Bidirectional communication processes between these cells support cellular transformation, as well as the survival, invasion, and metastatic dissemination of tumor cells. Extracellular vesicles are lipid bilayer structures secreted by cells that emerge as important mediators of this cell-to-cell communication. EVs transfer their molecular cargo, including proteins and nucleic acids, and particularly microRNAs, which play critical roles in intercellular communication. Tumor-derived EVs, for example, can promote angiogenesis and enhance endothelial permeability by delivering specific miRNAs. Moreover, adipocytes, a significant component of the breast stroma, exhibit high EV secretory activity, which can then modulate metabolic processes, promoting the growth, proliferation, and migration of tumor cells. Comprehensive studies investigating the involvement of EVs and their miRNA cargo in the TME, as well as their underlying mechanisms driving tumoral capacities, are necessary for a deeper understanding of these complex interactions. Such knowledge holds promise for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in cancer treatment.

E-box binding transcription factors in cancer

E-boxes are important regulatory elements in the eukaryotic genome. Transcription factors can bind to E-boxes through their basic helix-loop-helix or zinc finger domain to regulate gene transcription. E-box-binding transcription factors (EBTFs) are important regulators of development and essential for physiological activities of the cell. The fundamental role of EBTFs in cancer has been highlighted by studies on the canonical oncogene MYC, yet many EBTFs exhibit common features, implying the existence of shared molecular principles of how they are involved in tumorigenesis. A comprehensive analysis of TFs that share the basic function of binding to E-boxes has been lacking. Here, we review the structure of EBTFs, their common features in regulating transcription, their physiological functions, and their mutual regulation. We also discuss their converging functions in cancer biology, their potential to be targeted as a regulatory network, and recent progress in drug development targeting these factors in cancer therapy.

Paracrine regulation of neural crest EMT by placodal MMP28

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an early event in cell dissemination from epithelial tissues. EMT endows cells with migratory, and sometimes invasive, capabilities and is thus a key process in embryo morphogenesis and cancer progression. So far, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have not been considered as key players in EMT but rather studied for their role in matrix remodelling in later events such as cell migration per se. Here, we used Xenopus neural crest cells to assess the role of MMP28 in EMT and migration in vivo. We show that a catalytically active MMP28, expressed by neighbouring placodal cells, is required for neural crest EMT and cell migration. We provide strong evidence indicating that MMP28 is imported in the nucleus of neural crest cells where it is required for normal Twist expression. Our data demonstrate that MMP28 can act as an upstream regulator of EMT in vivo raising the possibility that other MMPs might have similar early roles in various EMT-related contexts such as cancer, fibrosis, and wound healing.

Transforming Growth Factor Beta and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition Alter Homologous Recombination Repair Gene Expression and Sensitize BRCA Wild-Type Ovarian Cancer Cells to Olaparib

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains the most lethal gynecologic malignancy, largely due to metastasis and drug resistant recurrences. Fifteen percent of ovarian tumors carry mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2, rendering them vulnerable to treatment with PARP inhibitors such as olaparib. Recent studies have shown that TGFβ can induce "BRCAness" in BRCA wild-type cancer cells. Given that TGFβ is a known driver of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the connection between EMT and metastatic spread in EOC and other cancers, we asked if TGFβ and EMT alter the susceptibility of EOC to PARP inhibition. Epithelial EOC cells were transiently treated with soluble TGFβ, and their clonogenic potential, expression, and function of EMT and DNA repair genes, and response to PARP inhibitors compared with untreated controls. A second epithelial cell line was compared to its mesenchymal derivative for EMT and DNA repair gene expression and drug responses. We found that TGFβ and EMT resulted in the downregulation of genes responsible for homologous recombination (HR) and sensitized cells to olaparib. HR efficiency was reduced in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, mesenchymal cells displayed sensitivity to olaparib, cisplatin, and the DNA-PK inhibitor Nu-7441. Therefore, the treatment of disseminated, mesenchymal tumors may represent an opportunity to expand the clinical utility of PARP inhibitors and similar agents.

Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity and Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Cutaneous Wound Healing

Epithelial and endothelial cells possess the inherent plasticity to undergo morphological, cellular, and molecular changes leading to their resemblance of mesenchymal cells. A prevailing notion has been that cutaneous wound reepithelialization involves partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of wound-edge epidermal cells to enable their transition from a stationary state to a migratory state. In this review, we reflect on past findings that led to this notion and discuss recent studies that suggest a refined view, focusing predominantly on in vivo results using mammalian excisional wound models. We highlight the concept of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP), which emphasizes a reversible conversion of epithelial cells across multiple intermediate states within the epithelial-mesenchymal spectrum, and discuss the critical importance of restricting EMT for effective wound reepithelialization. We also outline the current state of knowledge on EMP in pathological wound healing, and on endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), a process similar to EMT, as a possible mechanism contributing to wound fibrosis and scar formation. Harnessing epithelial/endothelial-mesenchymal plasticity may unravel opportunities for developing new therapeutics to treat human wound healing pathologies.

Molecular determinants of epithelial mesenchymal transition in mouse placenta and trophoblast stem cell

Trophectoderm cells of the blastocyst are the precursor of the placenta that is comprised of trophoblast, endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Since trophoectoderm cells are epithelial in nature, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of trophoblast stem (TS) cells might play pivotal role in placental morphogenesis. However, the molecular regulation of EMT during placental development and trophoblast differentiation still remained elusive. In this report, we sought to identify the molecular signature that regulates EMT during placental development and TS cell differentiation in mice. On E7.5 onwards the TS cells, located in the ectoplacental cone (EPC), rapidly divide and differentiate leading to formation of placenta proper. Using a real time PCR based array of functional EMT transcriptome with RNA from mouse implantation sites (IS) on E7.5 and E9.5, it was observed that there was an overall reduction of EMT gene expression in the IS as gestation progressed from E7.5 to E9.5 albeit the levels of EMT gene expression were substantial on both days. Further validation of array results using real time PCR and western blot analysis showed significant decrease in EMT-associated genes that included (a) transcription factors (Snai2, Zeb1, Stat3 and Foxc2), (b) extracellular matrix and cell adhesion related genes (Bmp1, Itga5, Vcan and Col3A1), (c) migration and motility- associated genes (Vim, Msn and FN1) and (d) differentiation and development related genes (Wnt5b, Jag1 and Cleaved Notch-1) on E9.5. To understand whether EMT is an ongoing process during placentation, the EMT-associated signatures genes, prevalent on E 7.5 and 9.5, were analysed on E12.5, E14.5 and E17.5 of mouse placenta. Interestingly, expression of these EMT-signature proteins were significantly higher at E12.5 though substantial expressions was observed in placenta with progression of gestation from mid- to late. To evaluate whether TS cells have the potential to undergo EMT ex vivo, TS cells were subjected to EMT induction, which was confirmed using morphological analysis and marker gene expression. Induction of EMT in TS cells showed similar gene expression profile of placental EMT. These results have broad biological implications, as inadequate mesenchymal transition leading to improper trophoblast-vasculogenic mimicry leads to placental pathophysiology and pregnancy failure.

In vitro cancer models as an approach to identify targetable developmental phenotypes in cancer stem cells

Cancer therapeutics are often highly toxic to the patient, and they often elicit rapid resistance in the tumour. Recent advances have suggested a potential new way in which we may improve on this, through two important concepts: (1) that multitudinous pathway alterations converge on a limited number of cancer cellular phenotypes, and (2) that these cancer cellular phenotypes depend on reactivation of developmental processes that are only minimally active in adult tissues. This provides a rationale for pursuing an approach of 'drugging the phenotype' focussed on targeting reactivated cellular processes from embryonic development. In this concepts paper, we cover these recent developments and their implications for the development of new cancer therapeutics that can avoid patient toxicity and acquired resistance. We then propose that in vitro tumour and developmental models can provide an experimental approach to identify and target the specific developmental processes at play, with a focus on the reactivation of developmental processes in the cancer stem cells that drive tumour progression and spread. Ultimately, the aim is to identify cellular processes that are specific to developmental phenotypes, are reactivated in cancer stem cells, and are essential to tumour progression. Therapeutically targeting these cellular processes could represent a new approach of 'drugging the phenotype' that treats the tumour whilst avoiding patient toxicity or the acquisition of therapeutic resistance.

A ratchet-like apical constriction drives cell ingression during the mouse gastrulation EMT

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental process whereby epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal phenotypes and the ability to migrate. EMT is the hallmark of gastrulation, an evolutionarily conserved developmental process. In mammals, epiblast cells ingress at the primitive streak to form mesoderm. Cells ingress and exit the epiblast epithelial layer and the associated EMT is dynamically regulated and involves a stereotypical sequence of cell behaviors. 3D time-lapse imaging of gastrulating mouse embryos combined with cell and tissue scale data analyses revealed the asynchronous ingression of epiblast cells at the primitive streak. Ingressing cells constrict their apical surfaces in a pulsed ratchet-like fashion through asynchronous shrinkage of apical junctions. A quantitative analysis of the distribution of apical proteins revealed the anisotropic and reciprocal enrichment of members of the actomyosin network and Crumbs2 complexes, potential regulators of asynchronous shrinkage of cell junctions. Loss of function analyses demonstrated a requirement for Crumbs2 in myosin II localization and activity at apical junctions, and as a candidate regulator of actomyosin anisotropy.

CAFs-derived rho-associated kinase1 mediated EMT to promote laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma metastasis

BACKGROUND

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an essential role in tumorigenesis and development of cancers. Nevertheless, the specific molecular mechanism of tumorigenesis and development in Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) still unknown.

METHODS

CAFs, CPFs and NFs were isolated and identified from laryngeal cancer, para-laryngeal cancer and normal tissues. Immunofluorescent staining, Rt-PCR and Western Blot were used to detect the expression of related proteins. Wound healing, migration, invasion and animal experiments were used to examine the ability of movement, migration, invasion and metastasis of LSCC.

RESULTS

ROCK1, was highly expressed in CAFs and CAFs enhanced LSCC metastasis in vivo and vitro, and downregulation of ROCK1 in CAFs inhibited the migration and invasion of LSCC cells. While increasing ROCK1 expression in NFs promoted the migration and invasion of LSCC cells. Further studies revealed that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and JAK2/STAT3/ERK1/2 pathway might play an essential role in promoting metastasis of LSCC. In addition, inhibition activity of ROCK1 or JAK2/STAT3/ERK1/2 signal molecules significantly reduced EMT and metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

CAFs-derived ROCK1 via JAK2/STAT3/ERK1/2 axis mediated EMT to promote LSCC metastasis and targeting ROCK1 might provide a potential treatment strategy for LSCC.

Potential plasma microRNAs signature miR-190b-5p, miR-215-5p and miR-527 as non-invasive biomarkers for prostate cancer

BackgroundProstate cancer (PCa) is the most prevalent (20%) pathological cancer among males globally. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short (19-22 nucleotide), conserved, noncoding molecules that regulate post-transcriptional processes either by repressing or degrading mRNA or by translation inhibition binding to complementary sites on mRNA. The goal of this study was to find out whether differentially expressed microRNA (DEM) could be used as a potential marker in the prognosis and diagnosis of PCa.MethodologyThe miRNAs profiling was done both from plasma and tissue samples of the same PCa patient (n = 3) by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and compared with BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) patients (n = 3) as controls and further validation of selected miRNAs.ResultsWe found 55 significant overexpressed DEMs, 44 significant underexpressed DEMs in plasma and 6 significant overexpressed DEMs, 27 significant underexpressed DEMs in tissue compared between PCa and BPH. Furthermore, there were eight miRNAs namely miR-190b, miR-215, miR-300, miR-329, miR-504, miR-525-3p, miR-527, miR-548a-3p found to be significantly differentially expressed in plasma and tissue samples via profiling, however only three showed concordant expression. After validation, miR-190b-5p were shown to be significantly downexpressed with fold changes of 0.4177 (p value - 0.0072) and 0.7264 (p value - 0.0143) in plasma and tissue samples, respectively. The expression of miR-215-5p was shown to be significantly overexpressed with fold change of 1.820 (p - 0.0016) and 1.476 (p - 0.0407) in plasma and tissue samples, respectively. Furthermore, miR-527 was shown to be significantly downexpressed with fold changes of 0.6018 (p - 0.0095) and 0.6917 (p - 0.0155) in plasma and tissue samples, respectively.ConclusionAccording to our findings, plasma miR-190b-5p, miR-215-5p, miR-527 levels alteration is consistently linked with PCa tissue. For establishing significant miRNAs as biomarkers, additional research of a larger population is needed.

Defined Microenvironments Trigger In Vitro Gastrulation in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

Gastrulation is a stage in embryo development where three germ layers arise to dictate the human body plan. In vitro models of gastrulation have been demonstrated by treating pluripotent stem cells with soluble morphogens to trigger differentiation. However, in vivo gastrulation is a multistage process coordinated through feedback between soluble gradients and biophysical forces, with the multipotent epiblast transforming to the primitive streak followed by germ layer segregation. Here, the authors show how constraining pluripotent stem cells to hydrogel islands triggers morphogenesis that mirrors the stages preceding in vivo gastrulation, without the need for exogenous supplements. Within hours of initial seeding, cells display a contractile phenotype at the boundary, which leads to enhanced proliferation, yes-associated protein (YAP) translocation, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and emergence of SRY-box transcription factor 17 (SOX17)+ T/BRACHYURY+ cells. Molecular profiling and pathway analysis reveals a role for mechanotransduction-coupled wingless-type (WNT) signaling in orchestrating differentiation, which bears similarities to processes observed in whole organism models of development. After two days, the colonies form multilayered aggregates, which can be removed for further growth and differentiation. This approach demonstrates how materials alone can initiate gastrulation, thereby providing in vitro models of development and a tool to support organoid bioengineering efforts.

Adult skin fibroblast state change in murine wound healing

Wound healing is a well-organized dynamic process involving coordinated consecutive phases: homeostasis, inflammation, proliferation and resolution. Fibroblasts play major roles in skin wound healing such as in wound contraction and release of growth factors which are of importance in angiogenesis and tissue remodeling. Abnormal fibroblast phenotypes have been identified in patients with chronic wounds. In this work, we analyzed scRNA-seq datasets of normal and wounded skin from mice at day 4 post-wound to investigate fibroblast heterogeneity during the proliferative phase of wound healing. Compositional analysis revealed a specific subset of fibroblast (cluster 3) that primarily increased in wounded skin (14%) compared to normal skin (3.9%). This subset was characterized by a gene signature marked by the plasma membrane proteins Sfrp2 + Sfrp4 + Sfrp1 + and the transcription factors Ebf1 + Prrx1 + Maged1 + . Differential gene expression and enrichment analysis identified epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and angiogenesis to be upregulated in the emerging subset of fibroblasts of the wounded skin. Using two other datasets for murine wounded skin confirmed the increase in cluster 3-like fibroblasts at days 2, 7 and 14 post-wounding with a peak at day 7. By performing a similarity check between the differential gene expression profile between wounded and normal skin for this emerging fibroblast subset with drug signature from the ConnectivityMap database, we identified drugs capable of mimicking the observed gene expression change in fibroblasts during wound healing. TTNPB, verteprofin and nicotinic acid were identified as candidate drugs capable of inducing fibroblast gene expression profile necessary for wound healing. On the other hand, methocarbamol, ifosfamide and penbutolol were recognized to antagonize the identified fibroblast differential expression profile during wound healing which might cause delay in wound healing. Taken together, analysis of murine transcriptomic skin wound healing datasets suggested a subset of fibroblasts capable of inducing EMT and further inferred drugs that might be tested as potential candidates to induce wound closure.

The versatile roles of ADAM8 in cancer cell migration, mechanics, and extracellular matrix remodeling

The posttranslational proteolytic cleavage is a unique and irreversible process that governs the function and half-life of numerous proteins. Thereby the role of the family of A disintegrin and metalloproteases (ADAMs) plays a leading part. A member of this family, ADAM8, has gained attention in regulating disorders, such as neurogenerative diseases, immune function and cancer, by attenuating the function of proteins nearby the extracellular membrane leaflet. This process of "ectodomain shedding" can alter the turnover rate of a number of transmembrane proteins that function in cell adhesion and receptor signal transduction. In the past, the major focus of research about ADAMs have been on neurogenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer, however, there seems to be evidence for a connection between ADAM8 and cancer. The role of ADAMs in the field of cancer research has gained recent attention, but it has been not yet been extensively addressed. Thus, this review article highlights the various roles of ADAM8 with particular emphasis on pathological conditions, such as cancer and malignant cancer progression. Here, the shedding function, direct and indirect matrix degradation, effects on cancer cell mobility and transmigration, and the interplay of ADAM8 with matrix-embedded neighboring cells are presented and discussed. Moreover, the most probable mechanical impact of ADAM8 on cancer cells and their matrix environment is addressed and debated. In summary, this review presents recent advances in substrates/ligands and functions of ADAM8 in its new role in cancer and its potential link to cell mechanical properties and discusses matrix mechanics modifying properties. A deeper comprehension of the regulatory mechanisms governing the expression, subcellular localization, and activity of ADAM8 is expected to reveal appropriate drug targets that will permit a more tailored and fine-tuned modification of its proteolytic activity in cancer development and metastasis.

Peroxiredoxin2 regulates trophoblast proliferation and migration through SPIB-HDAC2 pathway

Adequate proliferation and migration of placental trophoblasts is the prerequisite of a successful pregnancy. Peroxiredoxin2 (Prdx2) is a multi-functional gene involved in various signal events to maintain essential biological functions and normal cellular homeostasis. In this study, substantially lower Prdx2 levels were found in the first trimester cytotrophoblasts of women who suffered from recurrent miscarriage (RM). Prdx2 downregulation inhibited trophoblast proliferation and migration. We demonstrated that histone deacetylase2 (HDAC2) acts downstream of Prdx2 in regulating trophoblast proliferation and migration. HDAC2 deacetylates histone-3-lysine-9 in E-cadherin (E-cad) promoter and reduces the transcription of E-cad epigenetically, whereas it promotes the expression of Slug and Snail genes. These molecular changes may contribute to the trophoblast epithelial-mesenchymal transition. We further verified whether Prdx2 modulated the expression of HDAC2 through SPIB. SPIB could bind to the HDAC2 promoter PU-box region and induce HDAC2 expression. In RM, down-regulated Prdx2 suppresses SPIB-HDAC2 pathway, leading to increased E-cad and decreased Slug and Snail, and eventually restrains trophoblast proliferation and migration. Our study unveils the role of Prdx2-regulated SPIB-HDAC2 pathway in the pathology of RM and provides diagnostic and therapeutic targets for RM as well as other "great obstetrical syndromes" including preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction.

High VISTA expression is linked to a potent epithelial-mesenchymal transition and is positively correlated with PD1 in breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common type of tumor in women worldwide. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, particularly anti-PDL1, have shown promise as a therapeutic approach for managing this disease. However, this type of immunotherapy still fails to work for some patients, leading researchers to explore alternative immune checkpoint targets. The Ig suppressor of T cell activation domain V (VISTA) has emerged as a novel immune checkpoint that delivers inhibitory signals to T cells and has demonstrated encouraging results in various cancers. Our study investigated the association of VISTA expression with clinicopathological parameters in breast cancer patients, its involvement in the Epithelial-Mesenchymal-Transition (EMT) process, and its correlation with PD1 expression. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that VISTA was associated with lobular and metaplastic histological type, tumor size, lymph node status, ER and PR negative status, and the TNBC molecular subtype. Furthermore, VISTA expression was strongly associated with an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Immunohistochemistry analysis corroborated the transcriptomic results, indicating that VISTA was expressed in most immune cells (94%) and was significantly expressed in breast cancer tumor cells compared to matched adjacent tissues. Our study also showed for the first time that VISTA overexpression in breast cancer cells could be associated with the EMT process. Additionally, we identified a positive correlation between VISTA and PD-1 expression. Together, these results highlight the immunosuppressive effect of VISTA in breast cancer patients and suggest that bi-specific targeting of VISTA and PD-1 in combination therapy could be beneficial for these patients.

PCSK9 promotes the progression and metastasis of colon cancer cells through regulation of EMT and PI3K/AKT signaling in tumor cells and phenotypic polarization of macrophages

Background

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is the ninth member of the proprotein convertase family that regulates lipoprotein homeostasis and altered PCSK9 expression was reportedly associated with tumor development and progression. This study assessed PCSK9 expression and functions in human colon cancer and then explored the underlying molecular events.

Methods

Colon cancer tissues were utilized for analysis of PCSK9 expression for association with clinicopathological factors from patients by immunohistochemistry assay. Manipulation of PCSK9 expression was assessed in vitro and in vivo for colon cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion using cell viability CCK-8, Transwell tumor cell migration and invasion, and wound-healing assays. Next, proteomic analysis, Western blot, qRT-PCR and Flow cytometry were conducted to assess downstream targets and tumor cell-derived PCSK9 action on macrophage polarization.

Results

PCSK9 expression was upregulated in colon cancer tissues versus the normal tissues, and associated with advanced tumor pathological grade. Knockdown of PCSK9 expression reduced colon cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and suppressed tumor metastasis in vivo. PCSK9 directly or indirectly upregulated Snail 1 and in turn to downregulate E-cadherin expression, but upregulate N-cadherin and MMP9 levels and thereafter, to induce colon cancer cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and activated PI3K/AKT signaling. However, PCSK9 overexpression showed the inverse effects on colon cancer cells. Knockdown of PCSK9 expression inhibited M2 macrophage polarization, but also promoted M1 macrophage polarization by reduction of lactate, protein lactylation and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) levels.

Conclusion

PCSK9 played an important role in the progression and metastasis of colon cancer by regulation of tumor cell EMT and PI3K/AKT signaling and in the phenotypic polarization of macrophages by mediating MIF and lactate levels. Targeting PCSK9 expression or activity could be used to effectively control colon cancer.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02477-0.

TRAF4 Inhibits Bladder Cancer Progression by Promoting BMP/SMAD Signaling

Patients with bladder cancer often have a poor prognosis due to the highly invasive and metastatic characteristics of bladder cancer cells. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been causally linked to bladder cancer invasion. The E3 ubiquitin ligase, tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 4 (TRAF4) has been implicated as a tumor promoter in a wide range of cancers. In contrast, here we show that low TRAF4 expression is associated with poor overall survival in patients with bladder cancer. We show that the TRAF4 gene is epigenetically silenced and that ERK mediates TRAF4 phosphorylation, resulting in lower TRAF4 protein levels in bladder cancer cells. In addition, we demonstrate that TRAF4 is inversely correlated with an EMT gene signature/protein marker expression. Functionally, by manipulating TRAF4 expression, we show that TRAF4 regulates EMT genes and epithelial and invasive properties in bladder cancer cells. Transcriptomic analysis of dysregulated TRAF4 expression in bladder cancer cell lines revealed that high TRAF4 expression enhances the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)/SMAD and inhibits the NF-κB signaling pathway. Mechanistically, we show that TRAF4 targets the E3 ubiquitin ligase SMURF1, a negative regulator of BMP/SMAD signaling, for proteasomal degradation in bladder cancer cells. This was corroborated in patient samples where TRAF4 positively correlates with phospho-SMAD1/5, and negatively correlates with phospho-NFκb-p65. Lastly, we show that genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of SMURF1 inhibits the migration of aggressive mesenchymal bladder cancer cells.

IMPLICATIONS

Our findings identify E3 ubiquitin ligase TRAF4 as a potential therapeutic target or biomarker for bladder cancer progression.

TGF-β in Developmental and Fibrogenic EMTs

TGF-β plays a prominent role as an inducer of epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) during development and wound healing and in disease conditions such as fibrosis and cancer. During these processes EMT occurs together with changes in cell proliferation, differentiation, communication, and extracellular matrix remodeling that are orchestrated by multiple signaling inputs besides TGF-β. Chief among these inputs is RAS-MAPK signaling, which is frequently required for EMT induction by TGF-β. Recent work elucidated the molecular basis for the cooperation between the TGF-β-SMAD and RAS-MAPK pathways in the induction of EMT in embryonic, adult and carcinoma epithelial cells. These studies also provided direct mechanistic links between EMT and progenitor cell differentiation during gastrulation or intra-tumoral fibrosis during cancer metastasis. These insights illuminate the nature of TGF-β driven EMTs as part of broader processes during development, fibrogenesis and metastasis.

The molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies of EMT in tumor progression and metastasis

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an essential process in normal embryonic development and tissue regeneration. However, aberrant reactivation of EMT is associated with malignant properties of tumor cells during cancer progression and metastasis, including promoted migration and invasiveness, increased tumor stemness, and enhanced resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. EMT is tightly regulated by a complex network which is orchestrated with several intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including multiple transcription factors, post-translational control, epigenetic modifications, and noncoding RNA-mediated regulation. In this review, we described the molecular mechanisms, signaling pathways, and the stages of tumorigenesis involved in the EMT process and discussed the dynamic non-binary process of EMT and its role in tumor metastasis. Finally, we summarized the challenges of chemotherapy and immunotherapy in EMT and proposed strategies for tumor therapy targeting EMT.

The role of long noncoding RNAs as regulators of the epithelial–Mesenchymal transition process in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a highly invasive and relatively prevalent cancer, accounting for around 3% of all cancers diagnosed. OSCC is associated with bad outcomes, with only 50% overall survival (OS) after five years. The ability of OSCC to invade local and distant tissues relies on the induction of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), wherein epithelial cells shed their polarity and cell-to-cell contacts and acquire mesenchymal characteristics. Consequently, a comprehensive understanding of how tumor cell EMT induction is regulated has the potential of direct attempts to prevent tumor progression and metastasis, resulting in better patient outcomes. Several recent studies have established the significance of particular long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the context of EMT induction. Moreover, lncRNAs regulate a vast array of oncogenic pathways. With a focus on the mechanisms by which the underlined lncRNAs shape the metastatic process and a discussion of their potential utility as clinical biomarkers or targets for therapeutic intervention in patients with OSCC, the present review thus provides an overview of the EMT-related lncRNAs that are dysregulated in OSCC.

A review of the effects of estrogen and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation on intrauterine adhesion and endometriosis

Uterus transplantation has become an option for women suffering from some form of infertility. Current review discusses key physiological functions of the endometrium requiring the transition of tissue cells between the mesenchyme and epithelial cell phenotype, a process known as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Estrogen and EMT play a key role in the pathogenesis and treatment of intrauterine adhesion and endometriosis. There is also a close regulatory relationship between estrogen and EMT, and investigation of this relationship is of great significance for the treatment of endometrial disorders. The present review discusses the effects of estrogen on endometrial dysfunction, with a focus on the relationship between estrogen and EMT in endometrial disorders, taking into consideration the mechanisms by which receptors that regulate their functions and proteins that regulate their local biological functions interact with the factors involved in EMT. In addition, the review summarizes emerging drugs targeting receptors or proteins and provides information on the direction of new therapies for endometrial disorders.

Cardiac differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells using defined extracellular matrix proteins reveals essential role of fibronectin

Research and therapeutic applications using human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) require robust differentiation strategies. Efforts to improve hPSC-CM differentiation have largely overlooked the role of extracellular matrix (ECM). The present study investigates the ability of defined ECM proteins to promote hPSC cardiac differentiation. Fibronectin (FN), laminin-111, and laminin-521 enabled hPSCs to attach and expand. However, only addition of FN promoted cardiac differentiation in response to growth factors Activin A, BMP4, and bFGF in contrast to the inhibition produced by laminin-111 or laminin-521. hPSCs in culture produced endogenous FN which accumulated in the ECM to a critical level necessary for effective cardiac differentiation. Inducible shRNA knockdown of FN prevented Brachyury+ mesoderm formation and subsequent hPSC-CM generation. Antibodies blocking FN binding integrins α4β1 or αVβ1, but not α5β1, inhibited cardiac differentiation. Furthermore, inhibition of integrin-linked kinase led to a decrease in phosphorylated AKT, which was associated with increased apoptosis and inhibition of cardiac differentiation. These results provide new insights into defined matrices for culture of hPSCs that enable production of FN-enriched ECM which is essential for mesoderm formation and efficient cardiac differentiation.

High CBX8 Expression Leads to Poor Prognosis in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Inducing EMT by Activating the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

Background

In this study, we detected the expression of chromobox protein homolog 8 (CBX8) in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and its influence on the occurrence and progression of LSCC.

Methods

Pancancer analysis of CBX8 was analyzed by TCGA database and its expression in LSCC.The expression of CBX8 in 30 pairs of LSCC and adjacent tissues was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR)and immunohistochemical assays, and its association with the prognosis and clinicopathological features of LSCC was further evaluated. A CBX8 knockdown model was constructed in AMC-HN-8 and Hep2 cell lines. The effects of CBX8 on LSCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis were detected by CCK8,EdU,wound healing, Transwell and flow cytometry assays. Levels of apoptosis-related protein, WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) proteins, including Bax, Bcl2, β-catenin, DKK1, GSK3β, N-cadherin, E-cadherin and Snail1, in LSCC cells were detected by Western blotting.

Results

CBX8 was overexpressed in LSCC. High expression of CBX8 in LSCC patients led to shorter overall survival and correlated with tumor stage and lymphatic metastasis. After CBX8 knockdown, the proliferation of AMC-HN-8 and Hep2 cells slowed, and the number of EdU-positive cells decreased. Wound healing slowed down, and the number of Transwell invading cells decreased. The percentage of apoptotic cells increased. The expression levels of Bcl2, β-catenin, N-cadherin and Snail11 proteins were significantly reduced in the CBX8 knockdown cells, while Bax, DKK1, GSK3β and E-cadherin significantly increased with their corresponding controls.

Conclusion

CBX8 is highly expressed in LSCC and induces the EMT process by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to promote LSCC cell proliferation and migration and inhibit apoptosis, resulting in poor prognosis.

Sirtuins and Hypoxia in EMT Control

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a physiological process during embryogenesis, can become pathological in the presence of different driving forces. Reduced oxygen tension or hypoxia is one of these forces, triggering a large number of molecular pathways with aberrant EMT induction, resulting in cancer and fibrosis onset. Both hypoxia-induced factors, HIF-1α and HIF-2α, act as master transcription factors implicated in EMT. On the other hand, hypoxia-dependent HIF-independent EMT has also been described. Recently, a new class of seven proteins with deacylase activity, called sirtuins, have been implicated in the control of both hypoxia responses, HIF-1α and HIF-2α activation, as well as EMT induction. Intriguingly, different sirtuins have different effects on hypoxia and EMT, acting as either activators or inhibitors, depending on the tissue and cell type. Interestingly, sirtuins and HIF can be activated or inhibited with natural or synthetic molecules. Moreover, recent studies have shown that these natural or synthetic molecules can be better conveyed using nanoparticles, representing a valid strategy for EMT modulation. The following review, by detailing the aspects listed above, summarizes the interplay between hypoxia, sirtuins, and EMT, as well as the possible strategies to modulate them by using a nanoparticle-based approach.

Crumbs complex-directed apical membrane dynamics in epithelial cell ingression

Epithelial cells often leave their tissue context and ingress to form new cell types or acquire migratory ability to move to distant sites during development and tumor progression. Cells lose their apical membrane and epithelial adherens junctions during ingression. However, how factors that organize apical-basal polarity contribute to ingression is unknown. Here, we show that the dynamic regulation of the apical Crumbs polarity complex is crucial for normal neural stem cell ingression. Crumbs endocytosis and recycling allow ingression to occur in a normal timeframe. During early ingression, Crumbs and its complex partner the RhoGEF Cysts support myosin and apical constriction to ensure robust ingression dynamics. During late ingression, the E3-ubiquitin ligase Neuralized facilitates the disassembly of the Crumbs complex and the rapid endocytic removal of the apical cell domain. Our findings reveal a mechanism integrating cell fate, apical polarity, endocytosis, vesicle trafficking, and actomyosin contractility to promote cell ingression, a fundamental morphogenetic process observed in animal development and cancer.