Comparison of expression profiles in ovarian epithelium in vivo and ovarian cancer identifies novel candidate genes involved in disease pathogenesis

NCAPD2 promotes the malignant progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common type of oral cancer, with a poor prognosis, yet the underlying mechanism needs further exploration. Non-SMC condensin I complex subunit D2 (NCAPD2) is a widely expressed protein in OSCC, but its role in tumor development is unclear. This study aimed to explore NCAPD2 expression and its biological function in OSCC. NCAPD2 expression in OSCC cell lines and tissue specimens was analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Cancer cell growth was evaluated using cell proliferation, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, and colony formation assays. Cell migration was evaluated using wound healing and Transwell assays. Apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry. The influence of NCAPD2 on tumor growth in vivo was evaluated in a mouse xenograft model. NCAPD2 expression was significantly higher in OSCC than that in normal oral tissue. In vitro, the knockdown of NCAPD2 inhibited OSCC cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. NCAPD2 depletion also significantly inhibited the migration of OSCC cells. Moreover, NCAPD2 overexpression induced inverse effects on OSCC cell phenotypes. In vivo, we demonstrated that downregulating NCAPD2 could inhibit the tumorigenicity of OSCC cells. Mechanically, OSCC regulation by NCAPD2 involved the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. These results suggest NCAPD2 as a novel oncogene with an important role in OSCC development and a candidate therapeutic target for OSCC.

Non-SMC condensin I complex subunit D2 (NCAPD2) reveals its prognostic and immunologic features in human cancers

Non-SMC condensin I complex subunit D2 (NCAPD2) is overexpressed in some malignant tumors. However, there are few studies on the function of NCAPD2 in pan-cancer. We used the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), Human Protein Atlas (HPA), and UALCAN to analyze NCAPD2 expression and promoter methylation levels in 33 tumors and normal samples. We performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) on liver cancer and corresponding normal tissues to examine NCAPD2 protein expression in LIHC. Kaplan-Meier survival and univariate regression analyses were performed to explore the pan-cancer clinical significance of NCAPD2. Moreover, correlative analysis between NCAPD2 expression and clinical characteristics, immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoints, immune regulators, tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), ribonucleic acid (RNA) methylation regulators, and drug sensitivity was conducted using data from TCGA. We also investigated the effects of NCAPD2 expression on immunotherapy efficacy and prognosis. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted using NCAPD2. Bioinformatic analysis showed that NCAPD2 was overexpressed in most tumors and correlated with the clinical characteristics of some cancers. IHC results demonstrated that NCAPD2 protein expression was higher in LIHC than in normal liver. NCAPD2 expression was linked with T stage, clinical stage, and histologic grade in LIHC. Overexpression of NCAPD2 resulted in poor overall survival, and disease-specific survival in adrenocortical carcinoma, kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma, brain lower grade glioma, liver hepatocellular carcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma, mesothelioma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, sarcoma, skin cutaneous melanoma, and uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma. NCAPD2 was considered an independent biomarker by Cox regression in LIHC. The time ROC curve demonstrated that the survival rate of 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS and DSS in LIHC was above 0.6. The expression of NCAPD2 was significantly correlated with immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoints, TMB, MSI, and RNA methylation regulators in several tumors. NCAPD2 had a high predictive value for immunotherapy efficiency in certain tumors. In our study, drugs sensitive to NCAPD2 protein were screened by sensitivity analysis. GSEA analysis showed that NCAPD2 mainly participated in the G2M checkpoint, mitotic spindle, and KRAS-signaling. NCAPD2 may act as a prognostic molecular marker in most cancers.

Multi-level integrative analysis of the roles of lncRNAs and differential mRNAs in the progression of chronic pancreatitis to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most malignant tumors and approximately 5% of patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) inevitably develop PDAC. This study aims explore the key gene regulation involved in the progression of CP to PDAC, with a particular emphasis on the function of lncRNAs.

RESULTS

A total of 103 pancreatic tissue samples collected from 11 to 92 patients with CP and PDAC, respectively, were included in this study. After normalizing and logarithmically converting the original data, differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) and mRNAs (DEGs) in each dataset were selected. To determine the main functional pathways of differential mRNAs, we further annotated DEGs using gene ontology (GO) and analyzed the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment. In addition, the interaction between lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA was clarified and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to screen for key modules and determine hub genes. Finally, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to detect the changes in non-coding RNAs and key mRNAs in the pancreatic tissues of patients with CP and PDAC. In this study, 230 lncRNAs and 17,668 mRNAs were included. There were nine upregulated lncRNAs and 188 downregulated lncRNAs. Furthermore, 2334 upregulated differential mRNAs and 10,341 downregulated differential mRNAs were included in the enrichment analysis. From the KEGG enrichment analysis, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, calcium signaling pathway, cAMP signaling pathway, and nicotine addiction exhibited significant differences. Additionally, a total of 52 lncRNAs, 104 miRNAs, and 312 mRNAs were included in the construction of a potential lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network. PPI network was established and two of the five central DEGs were created in this module, suggesting that lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPAR1) and regulator of calcineurin 2 (RCAN2) may play significant roles in the progression from CP to PDAC. Finally, the PCR results suggested that LINC01547/hsa-miR-4694-3p/LPAR1 and LINC00482/hsa-miR-6756-3p/RCAN2 play important roles in the carcinogenesis process of CP.

CONCLUSION

Two signaling axes critical in the progression of CP to PDAC were screened out. Our findings will be useful for novel insights into the molecular mechanism and potential diagnostic or therapeutic biomarkers for CP and PDAC.

NCAPD2 is a novel marker for the poor prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma and is associated with immune infiltration and tumor mutational burden

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is at present the most prevalent subtype of lung cancer worldwide. Non-SMC condensin I complex subunit D2 (NCAPD2) is one of the 3 non-SMC subunits in condensin I. Previous studies have confirmed that NCAPD2 plays a critical role in chromosome cohesion and segregation. NCAPD2 may be involved in tumorigenesis and progression by participating in abnormal cell cycle division, but the prognostic value of NCAPD2 in LUAD remains unclear. We investigated differences in the expression levels of NCAPD2 and determined their association with clinical features, as well as their diagnostic and prognostic value using the cancer genome atlas database. The function of NCAPD2 was analyzed using gene ontology, Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes, and gene set enrichment analysis. CIBERSORT, single-sample gene set enrichment analysis, and ESTIMATE were used to analyze the immune microenvironment of tumor patients. Tumor mutational burden (TMB) and immune checkpoints were analyzed, while hub genes were identified using weighted gene coexpression network analysis and were used to construct prognostic models. Subsequently, the competing endogenous RNAs network of NCAPD2 in LUAD was explored. Finally, we performed qPCR to verify differences in NCAPD2 expression between the tumor and normal tissues. The expression of NCAPD2 in LUAD was significantly upregulated compared with normal lung tissues. NCAPD2 has been linked to the T stage, N stage, and tumor stage. The elevated expression of NCAPD2 in LUAD can predict a poor prognosis. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that the main function of NCAPD2 was in cell cycle regulation. Moreover, NCAPD2 was also associated with immune cell infiltration and TMB. NCAPD2 is a novel prognostic marker in LUAD and is associated with immune infiltration and TMB.

MUM1L1 as a Tumor Suppressor and Potential Biomarker in Ovarian Cancer: Evidence from Bioinformatics Analysis and Basic Experiments

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most prevalent gynecologic malignancy, with high mortality rates. However, its pathogenesis remains unclear. The current study aimed to explore potential biomarkers and suppressor genes for diagnosing and treating OC.

METHODS

Biochemical and bioinformatics approaches were used to detect differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in ovarian tissues via integration analysis. Kaplan-Meier plot analysis was performed to assess progression-free survival and overall survival according to DEGs. Then, we constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network based on data from the STRING database to identify the related target genes of DEGs. Finally, DEGs regulating the proliferation, migration, and invasion of SKOV3 cell lines were validated via in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

Four DEGs (MUM1L1, KLHDC8A, CRYGD, and GREB1) with enriched expression in ovarian tissues were explicitly expressed in the ovary based on an analysis of all human proteins. MUM1L1 had high specificity, and its expression was higher in normal ovarian tissues than in OC tissues. Kaplan-Meier plot analysis showed that a high MUM1L1 expression was associated with longer progression-free survival and overall survival in OC. Based on the PPI analysis results, CBLN4, CBLN1, PTH2R, TMEM255B, and COL23A1 were associated with MUM1L1. In vitro studies revealed that MUM1L1 overexpression decreased the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of SKOV3 cell lines. Meanwhile, MUM1L1 knockdown had contrasting results.

CONCLUSION

MUM1L1 is a tumor suppressor gene and is a potential biomarker for diagnosing and treating OC.

Copy Number Variants Are Ovarian Cancer Risk Alleles at Known and Novel Risk Loci

BACKGROUND

Known risk alleles for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) account for approximately 40% of the heritability for EOC. Copy number variants (CNVs) have not been investigated as EOC risk alleles in a large population cohort.

METHODS

Single nucleotide polymorphism array data from 13 071 EOC cases and 17 306 controls of White European ancestry were used to identify CNVs associated with EOC risk using a rare admixture maximum likelihood test for gene burden and a by-probe ratio test. We performed enrichment analysis of CNVs at known EOC risk loci and functional biofeatures in ovarian cancer-related cell types.

RESULTS

We identified statistically significant risk associations with CNVs at known EOC risk genes; BRCA1 (PEOC = 1.60E-21; OREOC = 8.24), RAD51C (Phigh-grade serous ovarian cancer [HGSOC] = 5.5E-4; odds ratio [OR]HGSOC = 5.74 del), and BRCA2 (PHGSOC = 7.0E-4; ORHGSOC = 3.31 deletion). Four suggestive associations (P < .001) were identified for rare CNVs. Risk-associated CNVs were enriched (P < .05) at known EOC risk loci identified by genome-wide association study. Noncoding CNVs were enriched in active promoters and insulators in EOC-related cell types.

CONCLUSIONS

CNVs in BRCA1 have been previously reported in smaller studies, but their observed frequency in this large population-based cohort, along with the CNVs observed at BRCA2 and RAD51C gene loci in EOC cases, suggests that these CNVs are potentially pathogenic and may contribute to the spectrum of disease-causing mutations in these genes. CNVs are likely to occur in a wider set of susceptibility regions, with potential implications for clinical genetic testing and disease prevention.

NUAK2 silencing inhibits the proliferation, migration and epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition of cervical cancer cells via upregulating CYFIP2

NUAK family kinase 2 (NUAK2) has been reported to be involved in various cancer cell processes, including proliferation, apoptosis and invasion, by targeting multiple genes. However, to the best of our knowledge, its biological function in cervical cancer (CC) has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, the present study aimed to measure the expression of NUAK2 and to evaluate its functions in CC. The expression levels of NUAK2 and cytoplasmic FMRP-interacting protein 2 (CYFIP2) were detected in CC tissues and cell lines. In addition, the effects of NUAK2 and CYFIP2 knockdown on CC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were evaluated in vitro using Cell Counting Kit-8, immunofluorescence, wound healing assay, Transwell assay and western blotting, respectively. Furthermore, co-immunoprecipitation was performed to determine the interaction between NUAK2 and CYFIP2. The results revealed that the expression levels of NUAK2 were upregulated in CC tissues and cells, whereas CYFIP2 expression was reduced. In addition, knockdown of NUAK2 reduced cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT. Notably, NUAK2 was found to bind directly to CYFIP2. Furthermore, CYFIP2 inhibition reversed the effects of NUAK2 on CC cells. In summary, NUAK2 may regulate CYFIP2 expression to promote CC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT.

NCAPD2 inhibits autophagy by regulating Ca2+/CAMKK2/AMPK/mTORC1 pathway and PARP-1/SIRT1 axis to promote colorectal cancer

Non-SMC condensin I complex subunit D2 (NCAPD2) is one of the three non-SMC subunits in condensin I. Previous studies have shown that NCAPD2 plays an important role in the chromosome condensation and segregation. However, its role in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) and specific molecular mechanisms still need to be further studied. Here we show that NCAPD2 inhibits autophagy and blocks autophagic flux via Ca²⁺/CAMKK/AMPK/mTORC1 pathway and PARP-1/SIRT1 axis. NCAPD2 acts as a tumor promoter both in vitro and in vivo. NCAPD2 knockout suppresses colorectal cancer development in AOM/DSS induced mice model. Therefore, our findings support a role for NCAPD2 in autophagy to promote CRC development and highlight NCAPD2 as a potential target for CRC therapy.

Expression of cancer stem cell markers CD24, EPHA1 and CD9 and their correlation with clinical outcome in epithelial ovarian tumours

BACKGROUND

There has been variability between laboratories in the identification of cancer stem cells (CSCs) markers for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). We have evaluated three new surface markers for EOC to identify CSCs precisely.

METHODS

Three new putative CSCs specific surface markers CD9, CD24 and EPHA1 identified by a bioinformatics approach were evaluated in normal ovary, fallopian tube and ovarian tumours.

RESULTS

The expression of CD9 alone was observed in normal ovarian surface epithelium and fallopian tube whereas CD24 and EPHA1 were not expressed (n= 5). CD24 was expressed in all tumours (N= 101) while CD9 and EPHA1 were expressed in 89 and 71 tumours, respectively. The statistical analysis showed significant correlation of the stage of the disease (p< 0.0001), type of surgery (p< 0.0001) and residual disease (p< 0.0001) with overall survival. Although expression of CD9, CD24 and EPHA1 was observed in the majority of tumours there was no significant correlation with outcome. In patients who underwent primary surgery, increased expression of CD24 significantly correlated with poor survival. The expression of CD24 was significantly reduced (p< 0.002) upon analysis of paired sections from patients prior to surgery and at interval debulking surgery (n= 16).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that overexpression of these new markers may be useful in identifying and targeting ovarian CSCs and CD24 may be a putative CSCs marker in ovarian cancer.

Genomic analysis of low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma to identify key drivers and therapeutic vulnerabilities

Low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (LGSOC) is associated with a poor response to existing chemotherapy, highlighting the need to perform comprehensive genomic analysis and identify new therapeutic vulnerabilities. The data presented here represent the largest genetic study of LGSOCs to date (n = 71), analysing 127 candidate genes derived from whole exome sequencing cohorts to generate mutation and copy-number variation data. Additionally, immunohistochemistry was performed on our LGSOC cohort assessing oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, TP53, and CDKN2A status. Targeted sequencing identified 47% of cases with mutations in key RAS/RAF pathway genes (KRAS, BRAF, and NRAS), as well as mutations in putative novel driver genes including USP9X (27%), MACF1 (11%), ARID1A (9%), NF2 (4%), DOT1L (6%), and ASH1L (4%). Immunohistochemistry evaluation revealed frequent oestrogen/progesterone receptor positivity (85%), along with CDKN2A protein loss (10%) and CDKN2A protein overexpression (6%), which were linked to shorter disease outcomes. Indeed, 90% of LGSOC samples harboured at least one potentially actionable alteration, which in 19/71 (27%) cases were predictive of clinical benefit from a standard treatment, either in another cancer's indication or in LGSOC specifically. In addition, we validated ubiquitin-specific protease 9X (USP9X), which is a chromosome X-linked substrate-specific deubiquitinase and tumour suppressor, as a relevant therapeutic target for LGSOC. Our comprehensive genomic study highlighted that there is an addiction to a limited number of unique 'driver' aberrations that could be translated into improved therapeutic paths. © 2020 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Withaferin A attenuates ovarian cancer-induced cardiac cachexia

Cachexia is a common multifactorial syndrome in the advanced stages of cancer and accounts for approximately 20–30% of all cancer-related fatalities. In addition to the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, cancer results in impairments in cardiac function. We recently demonstrated that WFA attenuates the cachectic skeletal muscle phenotype induced by ovarian cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether ovarian cancer induces cardiac cachexia, the possible pathway involved, and whether WFA attenuates cardiac cachexia. Xenografting of ovarian cancer induced cardiac cachexia, leading to the loss of normal heart functions. Treatment with WFA rescued the heart weight. Further, ovarian cancer induced systolic dysfunction and diastolic dysfunction Treatment with WFA preserved systolic function in tumor-bearing mice, but diastolic dysfunction was partially improved. In addition, WFA abrogated the ovarian cancer-induced reduction in cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area. Finally, treatment with WFA ameliorated fibrotic deposition in the hearts of tumor-bearing animals. We observed a tumor-induced MHC isoform switching from the adult MHCα to the embryonic MHCβ isoform, which was prevented by WFA treatment. Circulating Ang II level was increased significantly in the tumor-bearing, which was lowered by WFA treatment. Our results clearly demonstrated the induction of cardiac cachexia in response to ovarian tumors in female NSG mice. Further, we observed induction of proinflammatory markers through the AT₁R pathway, which was ameliorated by WFA, in addition to amelioration of the cachectic phenotype, suggesting WFA as a potential therapeutic agent for cardiac cachexia in oncological paradigms.

Transcriptomic analysis of expression of genes regulating cell cycle progression in porcine ovarian granulosa cells during short-term in vitro primary culture

The primary function of ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) is the support of oocytes during maturation and development. Molecular analyses of granulosa cell-associated processes, leading to improvement of understanding of the cell cycle events during the formation of ovarian follicles (folliculogenesis), may be key to improve the in vitro fertilization procedures. Primary in vitro culture of porcine GCs was employed to examine the changes in the transcriptomic profile of genes belonging to “cell cycle”, “cell division”, “cell cycle process”, “cell cycle phase transition”, “cell cycle G1/S phase transition”, “cell cycle G2/M phase transition” and “cell cycle checkpoint” ontology groups. During the analysis, microarrays were employed to study the transcriptome of GCs, analyzing the total RNA of cells from specific periods of in vitro cultures. This research was based on material obtained from 40 landrace gilts of similar weight, age and the same living conditions. RNA was isolated at specific timeframes: before the culture was established (0 h) and after 48 h, 96 h and 144 h in vitro. Out of 133 differentially expressed genes, we chose the 10 most up-regulated (SFRP2, PDPN, PDE3A, FGFR2, PLK2, THBS1, ETS1, LIF, ANXA1, TGFB1) and the 10 most downregulated (IGF1, NCAPD2, CABLES1, H1FOO, NEK2, PPAT, TXNIP, NUP210, RGS2 and CCNE2). Some of these genes known to play key roles in the regulation of correct cell cycle passage (up-regulated SFRP2, PDE3A, PLK2, LIF and down-regulated CCNE2, TXNIP, NEK2). The data obtained provide a potential reference for studies on the process of mammalian folliculogenesis, as well as suggests possible new genetic markers for cell cycle progress in in vitro cultured porcine granulosa cells.

Differential Expression of KRAS and SIRT1 in Ovarian Cancers with and Without Endometriosis

Accumulating research shows that ovarian cancer progression can be influenced by both gene mutations and endometriosis. However, the exact mechanism at hand is poorly understood. In the current study, we explored the expression of KRAS and SIRT1, two genes previously identified as altered in endometriosis and ovarian cancer. Human endometrial samples were obtained from regularly cycling women with endometriosis, ovarian cancer, and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer between 18 and 50 of age undergoing hysterectomy, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. The cytoplasmic expression of KRAS was low in eutopic endometrium from women without endometriosis or ovarian cancer; however, it was elevated in those who have been diagnosed with endometriosis, as well as ovarian cancer with or without the presence of endometriosis. Nuclear and cytoplasmic SIRT1 expression was also low within endometrium without either disease. However, nuclear SIRT1 expression was increased in those with endometriosis and ovarian cancer associated with endometriosis. Nuclear but not the cytoplasmic expression of SIRT1 correlated with KRAS expression in ovarian cancers associated with endometriosis. These results suggest roles of KRAS and SIRT1 in endometriosis and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer. Cytoplasmic KRAS expression proves to be a key biomarker in both diseases, while nuclear SIRT1 may be a new biomarker specific to those with endometriosis and those with both endometriosis and ovarian cancer. Further research of these genes could aid in determining the pathogenesis of both diseases and help in clarifying the development of endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer.

Role of the dynamic tumor microenvironment in controversies regarding immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR mutations

Immunotherapy has been incorporated into the first- and second-line treatment strategies for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), profoundly ushering in a new treatment landscape. However, both adaptive signaling and oncogenic (epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-driven) signaling may induce PD-L1 upregulation in NSCLC. Nevertheless, the superiority of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in advanced EGFR-mutant NSCLC is only moderate. ICIs appear to be well tolerated, but clinical activity for some advanced EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients has only been observed in a small proportion of trials. Hence, there are still several open questions about PD-L1 axis inhibitors in patients with NSCLC whose tumors harbor EGFR mutations, such as the effect of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) or EGFR mutations in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Finding the answers to these questions requires ongoing trials and preclinical studies to identify the mechanisms explaining this possible increased susceptibility and to identify prognostic molecular and clinical markers that may predict benefits with PD-1 axis inhibition in this specific NSCLC subpopulation. The presence of multiple mechanisms, including dynamic immune TME profiles, changes in PD-L1 expression and low tumor mutational burdens, may explain the conflicting data regarding the correlation between PD-L1 axis inhibitors and EGFR mutation status. We conducted a review of this currently controversial topic in an attempt to aid in the decision-making process.

Relationship between p-cofilin and cisplatin resistance in patients with ovarian cancer and the role of p-cofilin in prognosis

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine the correlation between p-cofilin expression and cisplatin resistance in patients with ovarian cancer, and also to investigate the role of p-cofilin in prognosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The ovarian cancer cell line A2780/DDP resistant to cisplatin was prepared. The cell resistance to cisplatin was measured via MTT assay. The cell invasion capacity was identified via Transwell assay. The mRNA expression and protein level was evaluated via semi-quantitative PCR and Western blot, respectively. The tumor tissues of patients with cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer were collected. The relationship between prognosis and p-cofilin expression was analyzed.

RESULTS

The growth rate of A2780 was similar to that of A2780/DDP. The sensitivity of A2780 to cisplatin was significantly higher than that of A2780/DDP (p< 0.01). The migration capacity of A2780/DDP was significantly increased compared to that of A2780 (p< 0.01), indicating that the cisplatin-resistant cell lines were successfully constructed. Both CFL1 mRNA level and p-cofilin level in A2780/DDP was significantly higher than that in A2780 (p< 0.01). The p-cofilin level in cancer tissues in patients with cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer was significantly higher than that in patients with cisplatin-sensitive ovarian cancer (p< 0.01). The cisplatin resistance was positively correlated with the p-cofilin expression level (r= 0.802, p= 0.023). The survival time of patients with normal or low level of p-cofilin was significantly longer than that of patients with high expression.

CONCLUSION

The cisplatin resistance of ovarian cancer is closely related to the expression level of p-cofilin, which affects the prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer.

Pathogenic Variants in GPC4 Cause Keipert Syndrome

Glypicans are a family of cell-surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans that regulate growth-factor signaling during development and are thought to play a role in the regulation of morphogenesis. Whole-exome sequencing of the Australian family that defined Keipert syndrome (nasodigitoacoustic syndrome) identified a hemizygous truncating variant in the gene encoding glypican 4 (GPC4). This variant, located in the final exon of GPC4, results in premature termination of the protein 51 amino acid residues prior to the stop codon, and in concomitant loss of functionally important N-linked glycosylation (Asn514) and glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor (Ser529) sites. We subsequently identified seven affected males from five additional kindreds with novel and predicted pathogenic variants in GPC4. Segregation analysis and X-inactivation studies in carrier females provided supportive evidence that the GPC4 variants caused the condition. Furthermore, functional studies of recombinant protein suggested that the truncated proteins p.Gln506^∗ and p.Glu496^∗ were less stable than the wild type. Clinical features of Keipert syndrome included a prominent forehead, a flat midface, hypertelorism, a broad nose, downturned corners of mouth, and digital abnormalities, whereas cognitive impairment and deafness were variable features. Studies of Gpc4 knockout mice showed evidence of the two primary features of Keipert syndrome: craniofacial abnormalities and digital abnormalities. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that GPC4 is most closely related to GPC6, which is associated with a bone dysplasia that has a phenotypic overlap with Keipert syndrome. Overall, we have shown that pathogenic variants in GPC4 cause a loss of function that results in Keipert syndrome, making GPC4 the third human glypican to be linked to a genetic syndrome.

Metformin and epothilone A treatment up regulate pro-apoptotic PARP-1, Casp-3 and H2AX genes and decrease of AKT kinase level to control cell death of human hepatocellular carcinoma and ovary adenocarcinoma cells

High mortality rates in ovarian and liver cancer are largely a result of resistance to currently used chemotherapy. Here, we investigated genotoxic and pro-oxidant effects of metformin (MET) and epothilone A (A) in combination with respect to apoptosis in HepG2 and SKOV-3 cancer cells. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) was studied using 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluoresein diacetate, and samples were analyzed for the presence and absence of the N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Expression of genes involved in programmed cell death, oxidative and alkylating DNA damage was measured. Probes were analyzed in the presence of Akt or nuclear factor-κB inhibitor. Compared to either drug alone, combination of epothilone A and metformin was more potent; decreased Akt level; and elevated percentage of apoptotic cells, induced cell cycle arrest at G1 phase and elevated the sub-G1 cell population by increasing the mRNA level of caspase-3, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 and H2AX. The anticancer effect of the drug combination was partially reversed by NAC supplementation, suggesting that ROS generation is required to induce apoptosis. The present study demonstrates that novel combination such as epothilone A and MET show promise in expanding ovarian and liver cancer therapy.

A Novel Candidate Gene for Temperature-Dependent Sex Determination in the Common Snapping Turtle

Temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) was described nearly 50 years ago. Researchers have since identified many genes that display differential expression at male- vs. female-producing temperatures. Yet, it is unclear whether these genes (1) are involved in sex determination per se, (2) are downstream effectors involved in differentiation of ovaries and testes, or (3) are thermo-sensitive but unrelated to gonad development. Here we present multiple lines of evidence linking CIRBP to sex determination in the snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentina We demonstrate significant associations between a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (c63A > C) in CIRBP, transcript levels in embryonic gonads during specification of gonad fate, and sex in hatchlings from a thermal regime that produces mixed sex ratios. The A allele was induced in embryos exposed to a female-producing temperature, while expression of the C allele did not differ between female- and male-producing temperatures. In accord with this pattern of temperature-dependent, allele-specific expression, AA homozygotes were more likely to develop ovaries than AC heterozygotes, which, in turn, were more likely to develop ovaries than CC homozygotes. Multiple regression using SNPs in CIRBP and adjacent loci suggests that c63A > C may be the causal variant or closely linked to it. Differences in CIRBP allele frequencies among turtles from northern Minnesota, southern Minnesota, and Texas reflect small and large-scale latitudinal differences in TSD pattern. Finally, analysis of CIRBP protein localization reveals that CIRBP is in a position to mediate temperature effects on the developing gonads. Together, these studies strongly suggest that CIRBP is involved in determining the fate of the bipotential gonad.

Targeting LKB1 in cancer - exposing and exploiting vulnerabilities

The LKB1 tumour suppressor is a serine/threonine kinase that functions as master regulator of cell growth, metabolism, survival and polarity. LKB1 is frequently mutated in human cancers and research spanning the last two decades have begun decoding the cellular pathways deregulated following LKB1 inactivation. This work has led to the identification of vulnerabilities present in LKB1-deficient tumour cells. Pre-clinical studies have now identified therapeutic strategies targeting this subset of tumours that promise to benefit this large patient population harbouring LKB1 mutations. Here, we review the current efforts that are underway to translate pre-clinical discovery of therapeutic strategies targeting LKB1 mutant cancers into clinical practice.

In-depth LC-MS/MS analysis of the chicken ovarian cancer proteome reveals conserved and novel differentially regulated proteins in humans

Ovarian cancer (OVC) remains the most lethal gynecological malignancy in the world due to the combined lack of early-stage diagnostics and effective therapeutic strategies. The development and application of advanced proteomics technology and new experimental models has created unique opportunities for translational studies. In this study, we investigated the ovarian cancer proteome of the chicken, an emerging experimental model of OVC that develops ovarian tumors spontaneously. Matched plasma, ovary, and oviduct tissue biospecimens derived from healthy, early-stage OVC, and late-stage OVC birds were quantitatively characterized by label-free proteomics. Over 2600 proteins were identified in this study, 348 of which were differentially expressed by more than twofold (p ≤ 0.05) in early- and late-stage ovarian tumor tissue specimens relative to healthy ovarian tissues. Several of the 348 proteins are known to be differentially regulated in human cancers including B2M, CLDN3, EPCAM, PIGR, S100A6, S100A9, S100A11, and TPD52. Of particular interest was ovostatin 2 (OVOS2), a novel 165-kDa protease inhibitor found to be strongly upregulated in chicken ovarian tumors (p = 0.0005) and matched plasma (p = 0.003). Indeed, RT-quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis demonstrated that OVOS2 mRNA and protein were also upregulated in multiple human OVC cell lines compared to normal ovarian epithelia (NOE) cells and immunohistochemical staining confirmed overexpression of OVOS2 in primary human ovarian cancers relative to non-cancerous tissues. Collectively, these data provide the first evidence for involvement of OVOS2 in the pathogenesis of both chicken and human ovarian cancer.

Condensin I and II Complexes License Full Estrogen Receptor α-Dependent Enhancer Activation

Enhancers instruct spatio-temporally specific gene expression in a manner tightly linked to higher-order chromatin architecture. Critical chromatin architectural regulators condensin I and condensin II play non-redundant roles controlling mitotic chromosomes. But the chromosomal locations of condensins and their functional roles in interphase are poorly understood. Here we report that both condensin complexes exhibit an unexpected, dramatic estrogen-induced recruitment to estrogen receptor α (ER-α)-bound eRNA(+) active enhancers in interphase breast cancer cells, exhibiting non-canonical interaction with ER-α via its DNA-binding domain (DBD). Condensins positively regulate ligand-dependent enhancer activation at least in part by recruiting an E3 ubiquitin ligase, HECTD1, to modulate the binding of enhancer-associated coactivators/corepressors, including p300 and RIP140, permitting full eRNA transcription, formation of enhancer:promoter looping, and the resultant coding gene activation. Collectively, our results reveal an important, unanticipated transcriptional role of interphase condensins in modulating estrogen-regulated enhancer activation and coding gene transcriptional program.

The MOC31PE immunotoxin reduces cell migration and induces gene expression and cell death in ovarian cancer cells

Background

The standard treatment of ovarian cancer with chemotherapy often leads to drug resistance and relapse of the disease, and the need for development of novel therapy alternatives is obvious. The MOC31PE immunotoxin binds to the cell surface antigen EpCAM, which is expressed by the majority of epithelial cancers including ovarian carcinomas, and we studied the cytotoxic effects of MOC31PE in ovarian cancer cells.

Methods

Investigation of the effects of MOC31PE treatment on protein synthesis, cell viability, proliferation and gene expression of the ovarian cancer cell lines B76 and HOC7.

Results

MOC31PE treatment for 24 h caused a dose-dependent reduction of protein synthesis with ID₅₀ values of less than 10 ng/ml, followed by reduced cell viability. In a gene expression array monitoring the expression of 84 key genes in cancer pathways, 13 of the genes were differentially expressed by MOC31PE treatment in comparison to untreated cells. By combining MOC31PE and the immune suppressor cyclosporin A (CsA) the MOC31PE effect on protein synthesis inhibition and cell viability increased tenfold. Cell migration was also reduced, both in the individual MOC31PE and CsA treatment, but even more when combining MOC31PE and CsA. In tumor metastasis PCR arrays, 23 of 84 genes were differentially expressed comparing CsA versus MOC31PE + CsA treatment. Increased expression of the tumor suppressor KISS1 and the nuclear receptor NR4A3 was observed, and the differential candidate gene expression was confirmed in complementary qPCR analyses. For NR4A3 this was not accompanied by increased protein expression. However, a subcellular fractionation assay revealed increased mitochondrial NR4A3 in MOC31PE treated cells, suggesting a role for this protein in MOC31PE-induced apoptotic cell death.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates that MOC31PE may become a new targeted therapy for ovarian cancer and that the MOC31PE anti-cancer effect is potentiated by CsA.

Ascites analysis by a microfluidic chip allows tumor-cell profiling

Ascites tumor cells (ATCs) represent a potentially valuable source of cells for monitoring treatment of ovarian cancer as it would obviate the need for more invasive surgical biopsies. The ability to perform longitudinal testing of ascites in a point-of-care setting could significantly impact clinical trials, drug development, and clinical care. Here, we developed a microfluidic chip platform to enrich ATCs from highly heterogeneous peritoneal fluid and then perform molecular analyses on these cells. We evaluated 85 putative ovarian cancer protein markers and found that nearly two-thirds were either nonspecific for malignant disease or had low abundance. Using four of the most promising markers, we prospectively studied 47 patients (33 ovarian cancer and 14 control). We show that a marker set (ATCdx) can sensitively and specifically map ATC numbers and, through its reliable enrichment, facilitate additional treatment-response measurements related to proliferation, protein translation, or pathway inhibition.

Dual detection of cancer biomarker CA125 using absorbance and electrochemical methods

An enzyme-linked immunoassay based on dual signal transduction mechanisms has been developed for detection of ovarian cancer biomarker CA125. The immunoassay uses a nanoelectrode array (NEA) chip and absorbance methods for the dual detection. The NEA is used to confirm the optical detection of CA125 that is carried out in a high-binding 96-well plate. An alkaline phosphatase (AP) enzyme was used to label the detection antibody to allow for both the optical and electrochemical detection of CA125. Two kinds of substrates were catalyzed by the AP enzyme. para-Nitrophenylphosphate (PNPP) produces chromogenic para-nitrophenol (PNP), which can be optically detected at 405 nm. para-Aminophenylphosphate (PAPP) produces electroactive para-aminophenol (PAP), which can be detected amperometrically between -0.1 and 0.3 V. The linear ranges have been determined to be 5-1000 U mL(-1) and 5-1000 U mL(-1) for the optical and electrochemical immunoassays, respectively. The limit of detection of the optical immunoassay is 1.3 U mL(-1) and 40 U mL(-1) for the optical and electrochemical methods, respectively.

The LKB1 tumor suppressor differentially affects anchorage independent growth of HPV positive cervical cancer cell lines

Infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses is causally linked to cervical carcinogenesis. However, most lesions caused by high-risk HPV infections do not progress to cancer. Host cell mutations contribute to malignant progression but the molecular nature of such mutations is unknown. Based on a previous study that reported an association between liver kinase B1 (LKB1) tumor suppressor loss and poor outcome in cervical cancer, we sought to determine the molecular basis for this observation. LKB1-negative cervical and lung cancer cells were reconstituted with wild type or kinase defective LKB1 mutants and we examined the importance of LKB1 catalytic activity in known LKB1-regulated processes including inhibition of cell proliferation and elevated resistance to energy stress. Our studies revealed marked differences in the biological activities of two kinase defective LKB1 mutants in the various cell lines. Thus, our results suggest that LKB1 may be a cell-type specific tumor suppressor.

Objective assessment of cancer genes for drug discovery

Selecting the best targets is a key challenge for drug discovery, and achieving this effectively, efficiently and systematically is particularly important for prioritizing candidates from the sizeable lists of potential therapeutic targets that are now emerging from large-scale multi-omics initiatives, such as those in oncology. Here, we describe an objective, systematic, multifaceted computational assessment of biological and chemical space that can be applied to any human gene set to prioritize targets for therapeutic exploration. We use this approach to evaluate an exemplar set of 479 cancer-associated genes, reveal the tension between biological relevance and chemical tractability, and describe major gaps in available knowledge that could be addressed to aid objective decision-making. We also propose drug repurposing opportunities and identify potentially druggable cancer-associated proteins that have been poorly explored with regard to the discovery of small-molecule modulators, despite their biological relevance.

Tumor stress-induced phosphoprotein1 (STIP1) as a prognostic biomarker in ovarian cancer

Stress-induced phosphoprotein 1 (STIP1) has been recently identified as a released biomarker in human ovarian cancer. In addition, STIP1 secreted by human ovarian cancer cells has been shown to promote tumor cell proliferation by binding to ALK2 (activin A receptor, type II-like kinase 2) and activating the SMAD-ID3 signaling pathways. In this study, a total of 330 ovarian cancer tumor samples were evaluated for STIP1 expression by immunohistochemistry and analyzed for a possible correlation with patient characteristics and survival. The quantification of immunoreactivity was accomplished by applying an immunohistochemical scoring system (histoscore). Patients with high-level STIP1 expression (histoscore ≥169) had a significantly worse survival (high STIP1, mean survival time = 76 months; low STIP1, mean survival time = 112 months; P<0.0001). Moreover, STIP1 histoscores were significantly higher in high-grade tumors (grade 3) than in low-grade (grade 1–2) malignancies (P<0.0001), suggesting that STIP1 may be a proxy for tumor aggressiveness. The results of multivariable analysis revealed that high STIP1 histoscores, advanced stages, histologic types, and the presence of residual disease (≥2 cm) were independent predictors of poor prognosis. The addition of STIP1 histoscores improved the prediction of overall and progression-free survival rates in the multivariable Cox proportional hazard model. The treatment of ovarian cancer cells with recombinant STIP1 stimulated cell proliferation and migration, but co-treatment with anti-STIP1 antibodies abrogated this effect. Our findings suggest that STIP1 expression may be related to prognosis and that the STIP1 pathway may represent a novel therapeutic target for human ovarian cancer.

Bidirectional modulation of endogenous EpCAM expression to unravel its function in ovarian cancer

Background:

The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is overexpressed on most carcinomas. Dependent on the tumour type, its overexpression is either associated with improved or worse patient survival. For ovarian cancer, however, the role of EpCAM remains unclear.

Methods:

Cell survival of ovarian cancer cell lines was studied after induction or repression of endogenous EpCAM expression using siRNA/cDNA or artificial transcription factors (ATF) consisting of engineered zinc-fingers fused to either a transcriptional activator or repressor domain.

Results:

Two ATFs were selected as the most potent down- and upregulator, showing at least a two-fold alteration of EpCAM protein expression compared with control. Downregulation of EpCAM expression resulted in growth inhibition in breast cancer, but showed no effect on cell growth in ovarian cancer. Induction or further upregulation of EpCAM expression decreased ovarian cancer cell survival.

Conclusion:

The bidirectional ATF-based approach is uniquely suited to study cell-type-specific biological effects of EpCAM expression. Using this approach, the oncogenic function of EpCAM in breast cancer was confirmed. Despite its value as a diagnostic marker and for immunotherapy, EpCAM does not seem to represent a therapeutic target for gene expression silencing in ovarian cancer.

An open-label phase 2 study of twice-weekly bortezomib and intermittent pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in patients with ovarian cancer failing platinum-containing regimens

BACKGROUND

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) is an established treatment for relapsed ovarian cancer. Preclinical and clinical evidences in other tumor types suggest that the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib can act synergistically with PLD.

METHODS

Patients with relapsed ovarian cancer (N = 58), previously treated with platinum (100%) and taxane (95%), received bortezomib, 1.3 mg/m intravenous (days 1, 4, 8, and 11), and PLD, 30 mg/m intravenous (day 1), every 3 weeks. Tumor responses were assessed using Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors and Gynecologic Cancer Intergroup criteria. An optimal 2-stage design was implemented. Gene expression profiling in peripheral blood was characterized before and during treatment in 10 platinum-sensitive patients enrolled in stage 2 of the study.

RESULTS

Median number of bortezomib-PLD cycles was 3.5. Of 38 patients in the platinum-sensitive group, 9 responses were observed (median duration, 4.8 months). The platinum-resistant group was closed at stage 1 owing to lack of response. Toxicity was moderate and mainly consisted of hematologic, gastrointestinal, and mucositis events. Of the total 58 patients, peripheral neuropathy was reported in 9 patients (none were grade 3). Transcription profiling identified the prevalence of genes associated with ribonucleoprotein complexes, RNA processing, and protein translation. The gene expression changes were more robust in patients who responded or had stable disease compared with patients who had progressive disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of bortezomib and PLD was well tolerated, but the antitumor activity is insufficient to warrant further investigation in ovarian cancer.

ZNF385B and VEGFA are strongly differentially expressed in serous ovarian carcinomas and correlate with survival

BACKGROUND

The oncogenesis of ovarian cancer is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to identify mRNAs differentially expressed between moderately and poorly differentiated (MD/PD) serous ovarian carcinomas (SC), serous ovarian borderline tumours (SBOT) and superficial scrapings from normal ovaries (SNO), and to correlate these mRNAs with clinical parameters including survival.

METHODS

Differences in mRNA expression between MD/PD SC, SBOT and SNO were analyzed by global gene expression profiling (n = 23), validated by RT-qPCR (n = 41) and correlated with clinical parameters.

RESULTS

Thirty mRNAs differentially expressed between MD/PD SC, SBOT and SNO were selected from the global gene expression analyses, and 21 were verified (p<0.01) by RT-qPCR. Of these, 13 mRNAs were differentially expressed in MD/PD SC compared with SNO (p<0.01) and were correlated with clinical parameters. ZNF385B was downregulated (FC = -130.5, p = 1.2×10(-7)) and correlated with overall survival (p = 0.03). VEGFA was upregulated (FC = 6.1, p = 6.0×10(-6)) and correlated with progression-free survival (p = 0.037). Increased levels of TPX2 and FOXM1 mRNAs (FC = 28.5, p = 2.7×10(-10) and FC = 46.2, p = 5.6×10(-4), respectively) correlated with normalization of CA125 (p = 0.03 and p = 0.044, respectively). Furthermore, we present a molecular pathway for MD/PD SC, including VEGFA, FOXM1, TPX2, BIRC5 and TOP2A, all significantly upregulated and directly interacting with TP53.

CONCLUSIONS

We have identified 21 mRNAs differentially expressed (p<0.01) between MD/PD SC, SBOT and SNO. Thirteen were differentially expressed in MD/PD SC, including ZNF385B and VEGFA correlating with survival, and FOXM1 and TPX2 with normalization of CA125. We also present a molecular pathway for MD/PD SC.

The multifaceted roles of neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) in inflammation and cancer

Neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL), also known as oncogene 24p3, uterocalin, siderocalin or lipocalin 2, is a 24kDa secreted glycoprotein originally purified from a culture of mouse kidney cells infected with simian virus 40 (SV-40). Subsequent investigations have revealed that it is a member of the lipocalin family of proteins that transport small, hydrophobic ligands. Since then, NGAL expression has been reported in several normal tissues where it serves to provide protection against bacterial infection and modulate oxidative stress. Its expression is also dysregulated in several benign and malignant diseases. Its small size, secreted nature and relative stability have led to it being investigated as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in numerous diseases including inflammation and cancer. Functional studies, conducted primarily on lipocalin 2 (Lcn2), the mouse homologue of human NGAL have revealed that Lcn2 has a strong affinity for iron complexed to both bacterial siderophores (iron-binding proteins) and certain human proteins like norepinephrine. By sequestering iron-laden siderophores, Lcn2 deprives bacteria of a vital nutrient and thus inhibits their growth (bacteriostatic effect). In malignant cells, its proposed functions range from inhibiting apoptosis (in thyroid cancer cells), invasion and angiogenesis (in pancreatic cancer) to increasing proliferation and metastasis (in breast and colon cancer). Ectopic expression of Lcn2 also promotes BCR-ABL induced chronic myelogenous leukemia in murine models. By transporting iron into and out of the cell, NGAL also regulates iron responsive genes. Further, it stabilizes the proteolytic enzyme matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) by forming a complex with it, and thereby prevents its autodegradation. The factors regulating NGAL expression are numerous and range from pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukins, tumor necrosis factor-α and interferons to vitamins like retinoic acid. The purpose of this review article is to examine the expression, structure, regulation and biological role of NGAL and critically assess its potential as a novel diagnostic and prognostic marker in both benign and malignant human diseases.

Epigenetic biomarkers in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer

INTRODUCTION

Current diagnostic methods for ovarian cancer have limited performance. Recent advances within the field of epigenetics have shifted the clinical implementation of epigenetic biomarkers as a diagnostic approach from a dream for the future to a present-day consideration. Patients could potentially benefit greatly from this novel diagnostic approach.

AREAS COVERED

Epigenetic mechanisms in cancer are discussed, with a focus on potential diagnostic epigenetic biomarkers in ovarian cancer in tissue and body fluids. A literature search was undertaken (on 22-09-2011) for these subjects using the search syntax ((((((((((((((("ovarian") OR "ovary") OR "ovarian cancer") OR "ovarian cancers") OR "cancer of the ovary") OR "tumour of the ovary") OR "ovarian tumor") OR "ovarian tumors") OR "ovarian tumour") OR "ovarian tumours") OR "ovarian neoplasm") OR "ovarian neoplasms" OR "ovarian carcinoma") OR "ovarian carcinomas") OR "carcinoma of the ovary")) AND ((((((((("epigenetics") OR "epigenetic") OR "epigenome") OR "methylation") OR "hypermethylation") OR "chromatin modification") OR "histone") OR "histones") OR "acetylation")

EXPERT OPINION

To date no single epigenetic biomarker is able to accurately detect early ovarian cancer in either tissue or body fluids. A panel of epigenetic biomarkers based on aberrant DNA methylation in body fluids, especially blood, has the best chance of being implemented in clinical practice, as it is semi-invasive. However, progression toward clinical use is hampered by the lack of detection techniques combining high throughput and accuracy with low cost, by difficulties in establishing reliable reference values and by the heterogeneous nature of ovarian cancer. Until addressed, implementation as a diagnostic measure complimenting current techniques in select cases seems a far way to go, and implementation as a primary screening tool is yet even farther away.