Expression of Livin in colorectal cancer and its relationship to tumor cell behavior and prognosis

Activation of M2 macrophage autophagy by rapamycin increases the radiosensitivity of colorectal cancer xenografts

BACKGROUND

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are intimately involved in cancer radiochemotherapy resistance. However, the mechanism by which macrophages affect radiosensitivity through autophagy remains unclear. The purpose of our study was to investigate how activating autophagy in type-II macrophages (M2) by using rapamycin (RAP) would affect the radiosensitivity of colorectal cancer (CRC) xenografts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A nude mouse CRC model was established by injecting LoVo CRC cells. After tumor formation, supernatant from M2 cells (autophagy-unactivated), autophagy-activated M2 cells, or autophagy-downregulated M2 cells was injected peritumorally. All tumor-bearing mice were irradiated with 8-Gy X-rays twice, and the radiosensitivity of CRC xenografts was analyzed in each group.

RESULTS

The mass, volume, and microvessel density (MVD) of tumors in the autophagy-unactivated M2 group significantly increased; however, supernatant from M2 cells that were autophagy-activated by rapamycin significantly decreased tumor weight, volume, and MVD compared with negative control. Combining bafilomycin A1 (BAF-A1) with RAP treatment restored the ability of the M2 supernatant to increase tumor mass, volume, and MVD. Immunohistochemical and Western blot results showed that compared with the negative control group, supernatant from M2 cells that were not activated by autophagy downregulated the expression of Livin and Survivin in tumor tissues; activation of M2 autophagy further downregulated the protein levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, autophagy-activated M2 supernatant can downregulate the expression of the antiapoptotic genes Livin and Survivin in CRC xenografts, improving the radiosensitivity of CRC by inducing apoptosis in combination with radiotherapy and inhibiting the growth of transplanted tumors.

The clinicopathological and prognostic significances of IGF-1R and Livin expression in patients with colorectal cancer

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. However, limited effective biomarkers are associated with the tumorigenesis and prognosis of CRC.

Methods

The present study identified potential signatures from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and further validated the identified biomarkers in CRC tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results

The expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) and Livin gene was significantly upregulated in CRC samples compared to the adjacent normal samples in the TCGA dataset. IHC indicated that IGF-1R and Livin protein levels are increased in CRC and adenoma tissues compared to normal tissues. Notably, the IGF-1R protein levels differed significantly between adenoma and CRC. The elevated IGF-1R and Livin expression was associated with CRC clinicopathological features, including age, gender, histological subtype, individual cancer stages, nodal metastasis, and TP53-mutant in TCGA. Additionally, the IGF-1R promoter methylation level was closely related to CRC. Consistent with the TCGA study, IHC indicated that overexpressed IGF-1R and Livin proteins were independent risk factors for stage and metastasis. A marked correlation was established between IGF-1R and Livin expression in CRC, while the survival map showed no significant correlation with CRC. Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that CRC patients with high IGF-1R or Livin expression had a prolonged overall disease-free survival than those with low expression in TCGA.

Conclusion

IGF-1R and Livin are associated with CRC tumorigenesis and might be valuable for novel biomarker identification and targeted therapeutic strategy development.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09961-y.

Livin/BIRC7 gene expression as a possible diagnostic biomarker for endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Livin/BIRC7 is a member of the inhibitors of apoptosis proteins family which are implicated in development of cancer through the inhibition of apoptosis process. This case-control study was intended to investigate livin/BIRC7 gene expression in endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma and its correlation to some oxidative stress markers in addition to its possible diagnostic performance.

METHODS

This study included 90 participants [30 endometrial hyperplasia patients, 30 endometrial carcinoma patients, and 30 healthy controls]. Livin/BIRC7 gene expression was analyzed using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Serum catalase activity was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and malondialdehyde level was measured by the colorimetric method.

RESULTS

Livin/BIRC7 gene expression was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in endometrial carcinoma from patients with endometrial hyperplasia when compared to controls. A positive correlation was found between livin/BIRC7 expression and serum catalase activity and malondialdehyde level in endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma. The detection of livin/BIRC7 in endometrial carcinoma has excellent sensitivity and specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

Livin/BIRC7 was overexpressed in endometrial carcinoma with excellent power to differentiate endometrial carcinoma from endometrial hyperplasia or healthy subjects, suggesting that it might be a useful molecular marker for endometrial carcinoma diagnosis.

Resistance to Cell Death in Mucinous Colorectal Cancer-A Review

Mucinous colorectal cancer (CRC) is estimated to occur in approximately 10-15% of CRC cases and is characterized by abundant extracellular mucin. Mucinous CRC is frequently associated with resistance to apoptosis. Inferior prognosis is observed in mucinous CRC, particularly in rectal cancer and metastatic cases. Mucins are heavily glycosylated secretory or transmembrane proteins that participate in protection of the colonic epithelium. MUC2 overexpression is a hallmark of mucinous CRCs. Mucinous CRC is associated with KRAS and BRAF mutation, microsatellite instability and the CpG island methylator phenotype. Mutations of the APC gene and p53 mutations which are characteristic non-mucinous colorectal adenocarcinoma are less common in mucinous CRC. Both physical and anti-apoptotic properties of mucin provide mechanisms for resistance to cell death. Mucin glycoproteins are associated with decreased expression of pro-apoptotic proteins, increased expression of anti-apoptotic proteins and increased cell survival signaling. The role for BCL-2 proteins, including BCL-X_L, in preventing apoptosis in mucinous CRC has been explored to a limited extent. Additional mechanisms opposing cell death include altered death receptor expression and altered mutation rates in genes responsible for chemotherapy resistance. The roles of alternate cell death programs including necroptosis and pyroptosis are not well understood in mucinous CRC. While the presence of MUC2 is associated with an immunosuppressive environment, the tumor immune environment of mucinous CRC and the role of immune-mediated tumor cell death likewise require further investigation. Improved understanding of cell death mechanisms in mucinous CRC may allow modification of currently used regimens and facilitate targeted treatment.

The BIRC Family Genes Expression in Patients with Triple Negative Breast Cancer

The BIRC (baculoviral IAP repeat-containing; BIRC) family genes encode for Inhibitor of Apoptosis (IAP) proteins. The dysregulation of the expression levels of the genes in question in cancer tissue as compared to normal tissue suggests that the apoptosis process in cancer cells was disturbed, which may be associated with the development and chemoresistance of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). In our study, we determined the expression level of eight genes from the BIRC family using the Real-Time PCR method in patients with TNBC and compared the obtained results with clinical data. Additionally, using bioinformatics tools (Ualcan and The Breast Cancer Gene-Expression Miner v4.5 (bc-GenExMiner v4.5)), we compared our data with the data in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We observed diverse expression pattern among the studied genes in breast cancer tissue. Comparing the expression level of the studied genes with the clinical data, we found that in patients diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 50, the expression levels of all studied genes were higher compared to patients diagnosed after the age of 50. We observed that in patients with invasion of neoplastic cells into lymphatic vessels and fat tissue, the expression levels of BIRC family genes were lower compared to patients in whom these features were not noted. Statistically significant differences in gene expression were also noted in patients classified into three groups depending on the basis of the Scarff-Bloom and Richardson (SBR) Grading System.

Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 and Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins in Colorectal Cancer-A Promising Signaling Network for Therapeutic Interventions

Simple Summary

Tumor suppressor 53 (p53) is a multifunctional protein that regulates cell cycle, DNA repair, apoptosis and metabolic pathways. In colorectal cancer (CRC), mutations of the gene occur in 60% of patients and are associated with a more aggressive tumor phenotype and resistance to anti-cancer therapy. In addition, inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins are distinguished biomarkers overexpressed in CRC that impact on a diverse set of signaling pathways associated with the regulation of apoptosis/autophagy, cell migration, cell cycle and DNA damage response. As these mechanisms are further firmly controlled by p53, a transcriptional and post-translational regulation of IAPs by p53 is expected to occur in cancer cells. Here, we aim to review the molecular regulatory mechanisms between IAPs and p53 and discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting their interrelationship by multimodal treatment options.

Abstract

Despite recent advances in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), patient’s individual response and clinical follow-up vary considerably with tumor intrinsic factors to contribute to an enhanced malignancy and therapy resistance. Among these markers, upregulation of members of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family effects on tumorigenesis and radiation- and chemo-resistance by multiple pathways, covering a hampered induction of apoptosis/autophagy, regulation of cell cycle progression and DNA damage response. These mechanisms are tightly controlled by the tumor suppressor p53 and thus transcriptional and post-translational regulation of IAPs by p53 is expected to occur in malignant cells. By this, cellular IAP1/2, X-linked IAP, Survivin, BRUCE and LIVIN expression/activity, as well as their intracellular localization is controlled by p53 in a direct or indirect manner via modulating a multitude of mechanisms. These cover, among others, transcriptional repression and the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 pathway. In addition, p53 mutations contribute to deregulated IAP expression and resistance to therapy. This review aims at highlighting the mechanistic and clinical importance of IAP regulation by p53 in CRC and describing potential therapeutic strategies based on this interrelationship.

Prognostic significance of BIRC7/Livin, Bcl-2, p53, Annexin V, PD-L1, DARC, MSH2 and PMS2 in colorectal cancer treated with FOLFOX chemotherapy with or without aspirin

Evasion of apoptosis is associated with treatment resistance and metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC). Various cellular processes are associated with evasion of apoptosis. These include overexpression of pro-apoptotic proteins (including p53 and PD-L1), anti-apoptotic proteins (BIRC7/Livin and Bcl-2), chemokine receptors (including DARC), and dysregulation of DNA mismatch repair proteins (including MSH2 and PMS2). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of folinic acid, 5-FU and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) as a single agent and aspirin plus FOLFOX in various combinations on the aforementioned proteins in human CRC, SW480 cell line and rat models of N-Methyl-N-Nitrosourea (NMU)-induced CRC. In addition, effects of the NMU-induced CRC and chemotherapeutic regimens on haematological and biochemical parameters in the rat models were studied. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and immunoblot techniques were used to study the expression pattern of the related proteins in the human CRC cells pre- and post-treatment. Double contrast barium enema, post-mortem examination and histological analyses were used to confirm tumour growth and the effect of the treatment in vivo in rat models. Notably, we found in human mucinous CRC, a significant increase in expression of the BIRC7/Livin post-FOLFOX treatment compared with pre-treatment (p = 0.0001). This increase provides new insights into the prognostic role of BIRC7/Livin in evasion of apoptosis and facilitation of treatment resistance, local recurrence and metastasis particularly among mucinous CRCs post-FOLFOX chemotherapy. These poor prognostic features in the CRC may be further compounded by the significant suppression of DARC, PD-L1, PMS2 and overexpression of MSH2 and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and p53 proteins observed in our study (p < 0.05). Importantly, we found a significant reduction in expression of BIRC7/Livin and reactivation of DARC and PD-L1 with a surge in Annexin V expression in rat models of CRC cells post-treatment with a sequential dose of aspirin plus FOLFOX compared with other treatments in vivo (p <0.05). The mechanistic rational of these effects underscores the importance of expanded concept of possible aspirin combination therapy with FOLFOX sequentially in future CRC management. Validation of our findings through randomized clinical trials of aspirin plus FOLFOX sequentially in patients with CRC is therefore warranted.

125I seeds irradiation inhibits tumor growth and induces apoptosis by Ki-67, P21, survivin, livin and caspase-9 expression in lung carcinoma xenografts

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is a fatal disease and a serious health problem worldwide. Patients are usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, and the effectiveness of chemotherapy for such patients is very limited. Iodine 125 seed (¹²⁵I) irradiation can be used as an important adjuvant treatment for lung carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of irradiation by 125I seeds in human lung cancer xenograft model and to determine the underlying mechanisms involved, with a focus on apoptosis.

METHODS

40 mice with A549 lung adenocarcinoma xenografts were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group (n = 10), sham seed (0 mCi) implant group (n = 10), 125I seed (0.6 mCi) implant group (n = 10) and 125I seed (0.8 mCi) implant group (n = 10), respectively. The body weight and tumor volume, were recorded every 4 days until the end of the study. Apoptotic cells were checked by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and activities of caspase-3 and caspase-8 enzyme were tested. Expression of P21, survivin, livin, caspase-9 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Ki-67) was detected with immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

The results of TUNEL staining assays showed that 125I seed irradiation suppresses the growth of lung cancer xenografts in nude mice and induced apoptosis. The activity of caspase-3 and caspase-8 was significantly higher. The expression levels Ki67, survivin and livin were substantially downregulated, while P21 and caspase-9 protein expression were significantly increased following 125I seed irradiation. This study revealed that 125I seed irradiation could significantly change apoptosis-related protein in human lung cancer xenografts.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our study demonstrates that radiation exposure by 125I seeds could be a new treatment option for lung cancer.

Recent developments in targeting genes and pathways by RNAi-based approaches in colorectal cancer

A wide spectrum of genetic and epigenetic variations together with environmental factors has made colorectal cancer (CRC), which involves the colon and rectum, a challenging and heterogeneous cancer. CRC cannot be effectively overcomed by common conventional therapies including surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone replacement which highlights the need for a rational design of novel anticancer therapy. Accumulating evidence indicates that RNA interference (RNAi) could be an important avenue to generate great therapeutic efficacy for CRC by targeting genes that are responsible for the viability, cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, metastasis, and invasion of CRC cells. In this review, we underline the documented benefits of small interfering RNAs and short hairpin RNAs to target genes and signaling pathways related to CRC tumorigenesis. We address the synergistic effects of RNAi-mediated gene knockdown and inhibitors/chemotherapy agents to increase the sensitivity of CRC cells to common therapies. Finally, this review points new delivery systems/materials for improving the cellular uptake efficiency and reducing off-target effects of RNAi.

Oncostatin M upregulates Livin to promote keratinocyte proliferation and survival via ERK and STAT3 signalling pathways

NEW FINDINGS

What is the central question of this study? What controls the proliferation and apoptosis in the pathogenesis of psoriasis? What is the main finding and its importance? The pathogenesis psoriasis involves abnormal homeostasis of keratinocytes, with hyperproliferation and decreasing apoptosis. An inhibitor of apoptosis protein family molecule, Livin, is highly expressed in psoriasis vulgaris lesional skin tissue. Expression of Livin was upregulated at transcription and protein levels after stimulation with oncostatin M (OSM). OSM promoted the survival of HaCaT cells in oxidative stress conditions. Expression of Livin and proliferation of HaCaT cells stimulated by OSM was regulated through ERK and STAT3 signalling pathways. This study might provide new insights into targeted therapy for psoriasis.

ABSTRACT

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory disease. Abnormal homeostasis of keratinocytes, with hyperproliferation and decreasing apoptosis, is involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Here, we report that an inhibitor of apoptosis protein family molecule, Livin, is highly expressed in psoriasis vulgaris lesional skin tissue at transcription and protein levels. Importantly, the expression level of Livin is related to the severity of psoriasis. The aim of the study was to investigate the regulation and functions of Livin in keratinocytes stimulated by the pro-inflammatory cytokine oncostatin M (OSM). The expression of Livin in HaCaT cells at mRNA and protein levels was measured by real-time PCR and Western blotting after OSM stimulation. The cell proliferation was measured by a 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation assay. Cell death was induced by the exogenous hydrogen peroxide (H₂ O₂ ) stress model, detected by 7-amino-actinomycin D staining and analysed by flow cytometry. Livin was overexpressed by a lentiviral transduction system to validate the roles of OSM and Livin in HaCaT cells. Specific inhibitors of ERK (U0126) and STAT3 (cryptotanshinone) were applied to investigate the signalling pathways involved in the regulation of Livin expression by OSM. The expression of Livin was upregulated after stimulation with OSM. OSM promoted the proliferation and survival of HaCaT cells. The expression of Livin and the proliferation of HaCaT cells induced by OSM were regulated through the ERK and STAT3 signalling pathways. We conclude that OSM promotes HaCaT cell proliferation and survival in conditions of oxidative stress.

A correlation between BCL-2 modifying factor, p53 and livin gene expressions in cancer colon patients

Accumulating evidence has revealed that livin gene and BCL-2 modifying factor (BMF) gene are closely associated with the initiation and progression of colon carcinoma by activating or suppressing multiple malignant processes. Those genes that can detect colon - cancer are a promising approach for cancer screening and diagnosis. This study aimed to evaluate correlation between livin, BMF and p53 genes expression in colon cancer tissues of patients included in the study, and their relationship with clinicopathological features and survival outcome in those patients. In this study, 50 pathologically diagnosed early cancer colon patients included and their tissue biopsy with 50 matched adjacent normal tissue, and 50 adenoma tissue specimens were analyzed for livin gene and BMF gene expressions using real time PCR. The relationship of those genes expressions with clinicopathological features, tumor markers, Time to Progression and overall survival for those patients were correlated in cancer colon group. In this study, there was a significant a reciprocal relationship between over expression of livin gene and down regulation of BMF and p53 genes in colon cancer cells. Livin mRNA was significantly higher, while BMF and p53 mRNA were significantly lower in colorectal cancer tissue compared to benign and normal colon tissue specimens (P < 0.001), however, this finding was absent between colon adenomas and normal mucosa. There was a significant association between up regulation of livin and down regulation of BMF and p53 expressions with more aggressive tumor (advanced TNM stage), rapid progression with metastasis and decreased overall survival in cancer colon patients, hence these genes can serve as significant prognostic markers of poor outcome in colon cancer patients. This work highlights the role of livin, BMF and p53 genes in colorectal tumorigenesis and the applicability of using those genes as a diagnostic and prognostic markers in patients with colon carcinoma and as a good target for cancer colon treatment in the future.

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Apoptosis and anti-apoptotic markers are a hallmark in cancer.

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There is a reciprocal relation between anti-apoptotic livin and proapoptotic BMF and P53 genes expression.

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Upregulation of livin and downregulation of BMF and P 53 genes expression are markers of poor prognosis in colon cancer.

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High livin expression is associated with more aggressive tumors with rapid progressions and metastasis.

A pilot study of Livin gene and Yes-associated protein 1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma patients

Background

Livin gene and Yes-Associated Protein 1 (YAP1 (play a pivotal role in organ size control and tumorigenesis.

Aim

In the present pilot study, we investigate the expression of Livin gene and YAP1 in hepatitis C virus (HCV) associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared to other HCV patients and controls.

Methods: the studied patients were divided into three groups 30 patients in each group in addition to 30 healthy subjects as a control group. Relative quantification of Livin gene and YAP-1 were assessed by quantitative Real Time RT-PCR (qPCR) in all studied patients and healthy controls. other laboratory investigations were done including complete blood count (CBC),international normalized ratio (INR) as well as liver function tests and tumor markers.

Results

Significant overexpression of Livin gene and YAP-1 was detected in HCC group followed by Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) untreated group then HCV treated group. The relative quantitation (RQ) of both genes showed positive correlation to the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level and a significant relation was found between higher level of Livin and YAP1 genes and tumor size. The overall survival rate was low in those patients with high levels of Livin and YAP 1 genes so they were considered as indicators of a bad prognosis.

Conclusion

There is overexpression of Livin gene and YAP1 in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. They can be used as indicators of bad prognosis of the disease pathway together with low survival rate.

Silencing Livin improved the sensitivity of colon cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil by regulating crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Currently, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) remains a widely used chemotherapeutic drug in the treatment of CRC; however, 5-FU resistance during treatment has become a common problem. Livin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein family, is considered to be associated with tumor resistance to chemotherapy. In the present study, Livin-silenced cells were generated by introducing a lentivirus into HCT116 and SW620 colon cancer cell lines. Acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining was used as an indicator of cell death. Western blot analysis was performed to detect protein expression levels, and transmission electron microscopy was used to assess autophagy. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 5-FU in colon cancer cells was evaluated using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. The results of the present study confirmed that silencing Livin significantly enhanced colon cancer cell death in the presence of 5-FU, increased expression levels of various apoptosis- and autophagy-associated proteins and augmented chemotherapeutic sensitivity to 5-FU. Furthermore, the present study demonstrated that this effect may be reversed when autophagy or apoptosis was inhibited, indicating that apoptosis and autophagy were involved in this process. The protein kinase B signaling pathway and B-cell lymphoma-2 expression levels significantly decreased following Livin knockdown, suggesting they may contribute to the regulation of apoptosis and autophagy crosstalk, which caused the Livin knockdown-induced cell death observed.

Livin/BIRC7 expression as malignancy marker in adrenocortical tumors

Livin/BIRC7 is a member of the inhibitors of apoptosis proteins family, which are involved in tumor development through the inhibition of caspases. Aim was to investigate the expression of livin and other members of its pathway in adrenocortical tumors and in the adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) cell line NCI-H295R.

The mRNA expression of livin, its isoforms α and β, XIAP, CASP3 and DIABLO was evaluated by qRT-PCR in 82 fresh-frozen adrenal tissues (34 ACC, 25 adenomas = ACA, 23 normal adrenal glands = NAG). Livin protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 270 paraffin-embedded tissues (192 ACC, 58 ACA, 20 NAG). Livin, CASP3 and cleaved caspase-3 were evaluated in NCI-H295R after induction of livin overexpression.

Relative livin mRNA expression was significantly higher in ACC than in ACA and NAG (0.060 ± 0.116 vs 0.004 ± 0.014 and 0.002 ± 0.009, respectively, p < 0.01), being consistently higher in tumors than in adjacent NAG and isoform β more expressed than α. No significant differences in CASP3, XIAP and DIABLO levels were found among these groups. In immunohistochemistry, livin was localized in both cytoplasm and nuclei. The ratio between cytoplasmic and nuclear staining was significantly higher in ACC (1.51 ± 0.66) than in ACA (0.80 ± 0.35) and NAG (0.88 ± 0.27; p < 0.0001). No significant correlations were observed between livin expression and histopathological parameters or clinical outcome. In NCI-H295R cells, the livin overexpression slightly reduced the activation of CASP3, but did not correlate with cell viability.

In conclusion, livin is specifically over-expressed in ACC, suggesting that it might be involved in adrenocortical tumorigenesis and represent a new molecular marker of malignancy.

Livin serves as a prognostic marker for mid-distal rectal cancer and a target of mid-distal rectal cancer treatment

Livin is a novel member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein family, which has been identified to be expressed in various malignancies and is suggested to be associated with poor prognostic significance. However, no data are available concerning the significance of livin in mid-distal rectal cancer. In the present study, livin expression, and its association with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis was examined in patients with mid-distal rectal cancer. Apoptotic susceptibility, invasion capacity and chemosensitivity of LoVo cells were investigated using small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of livin. It was revealed that livin was highly expressed in mid-distal rectal cancer tissues compared with the normal rectal mucosal tissues. Livin expression was associated with pathological grade, extent of invasion (T stage) and extent of lymph node metastasis (N stage) of tumor, contributing to poor prognosis of mid-distal rectal cancer following surgery. The data suggest that aggressive surgery should be applied in patients with mid-distal rectal cancer with high expression of livin. It was also revealed that knockdown of livin by siRNA increased the apoptotic rate, suppressed invasion of LoVo cells, and decreased the half-maximal inhibitory concentration of oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil by ~50% in LoVo cells significantly compared with control groups. The data suggested that a combination of downregulation of livin and anticancer drugs may significantly decrease the toxicity of anticancer drugs. Taken together, the present study indicated that livin may be a promising target in clinical therapy of mid-distal rectal cancer.

WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein-1 contributes to tumor progression and treatment failure in oral squamous cell carcinoma

WNT1-inducible-signaling pathway protein-1 (WISP-1) belongs to the family of cysteine rich 61/connective tissue growth factor/nephroblastoma overexpressed matricellular proteins, which are involved in various biological processes, including cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis and carcinogenesis. In the present study, the expression of WISP-1 was investigated, and its association with clinicopathological factors and prognosis in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) was evaluated. Additionally, the role of WISP-1 in invasion and apoptosis of human OSCC cells was evaluated. Immunoreactivity of WISP-1 was increased in OSCC tissue compared with adjacent normal tissue samples. High expression of WISP-1 protein was observed in 24/84 (28.57%) OSCC specimens. Additionally, high WISP-1 expression was significantly associated with treatment failure (P=0.042). The 5-year overall survival rate was 33% in patients with high WISP1 expression, and 66% in patients with low WISP-1 expression. WISP-1 expression in the human OSCC SCC-1483 cell line was observed. Furthermore, WISP-1 knockdown using small interfering (si)RNA significantly reduced cell invasion and induced apoptosis compared with control siRNA-transfected cells. These findings suggested that WISP-1 is associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis by increasing tumor cell invasion and inhibiting cell apoptosis in human OSCC.

Silencing Livin induces apoptotic and autophagic cell death, increasing chemotherapeutic sensitivity to cisplatin of renal carcinoma cells

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for 3 % of all adult malignancies and is the most lethal urological cancer. Livin is a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family, which is associated with tumor resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Clinical data also showed that patients with high tumor grades and stages have higher expression levels of Livin in RCC cells. Autophagy is a survival mechanism activated in response to nutrient deprivation. A possible role of Livin in the autophagy of RCC cells has not been investigated; therefore, this pioneer study was carried out. Livin was silenced in RCC cells (slow virus infection [SVI]-shLivin cells) by lentiviral transfection. Then, mRNA and protein expression levels in the transfected cells were assessed by quantitative fluorescence PCR and Western blotting, respectively. In addition, acridine orange staining and electron microscopy were used to assess autophagy in SVI-shLivin cells. The cisplatin IC50 values for RCC cells were measured by the CCK8 assay. Potent antitumor activities were observed in xenograft mouse models generated with Livin-silenced RCC cells in terms of delayed tumor onset and suppressed tumor growth. These results suggested that Livin silencing could increase the chemotherapeutic sensitivity of RCC cells to cisplatin and induce autophagic cell death. A possible mechanism of Bcl-2 and Akt pathway involvement was discussed specifically in this study. Overall, Livin silencing induces apoptotic and autophagic cell death and increases chemotherapeutic sensitivity of RCC cells to cisplatin.

Overexpression of Livin promotes migration and invasion of colorectal cancer cells by induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition via NF-κB activation

Livin is a novel member of the inhibitors of apoptosis protein family and has been implicated in the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the underlying mechanisms of Livin in CRC remain not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of Livin expression on the proliferation and metastasis of CRC cells and also addressed its related molecular mechanism to metastasis. The expression of Livin in CRC cells (HCT116, SW480, and HT-29 cell lines) was determined by Western blot analysis. Our results show that the overexpression of Livin significantly promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of SW480 cells. Concurrently, the inhibition of Livin reduces the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCT116 cells. In addition, Livin overexpression promotes the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, as evidenced by a decrease in epithelial E-cadherin expression and an increase in mesenchymal markers, including vimentin, Slug, and Snail. Furthermore, adding the NF-κB inhibitor, BAY 11-7028, or transfecting with small interfering RNA against p65 notably restores the expression level of E-cadherin and attenuates the invasive ability of Livin-overexpressing cells. Taken together, these results indicate that Livin potentiates migration and invasion of CRC cells partially through the induction of epithelial–mesenchymal transition via NF-κB activation. Livin may be a potential therapeutic target for CRC.

The effects of Livin shRNA on the response to cisplatin in HepG2 cells

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a lethal malignancy with poor prognosis, partially due to tumor metastasis, recurrence and resistance to chemo- or radio-therapy. Cisplatin can inhibit cancer cell DNA replication, and is widely used in the clinical treatment of tumors. The present study aimed to generate eukaryotic expression vectors for Livin shRNA and to examine the effects of Livin shRNA on the chemosensitivity of HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Eukaryotic expression vectors for Livin shRNA (pSD11-U6/Neo/GFP/Livin) were designed and constructed. The HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cell line was transfected with this vector using the liposome method. The expression levels of Livin mRNA and protein were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. The rate of cell growth inhibition was measured using MTT assay following treatment of the cells with cisplatin (2.0 mg/l). DNA sequencing confirmed that the construction of the eukaryotic expression vector for Livin shRNA had been successful. Transfection of these vectors into HepG2 cells led to a significant reduction in the expression levels of Livin mRNA and protein (P<0.05). Cisplatin treatment was associated with significantly higher rates of cell growth inhibition in HepG2 cells transfected with Livin shRNA compared with those that were not transfected (P<0.05). The vectors constructed in the present study produced effective inhibition of the Livin gene in HepG2 cells and increased the chemosensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Overexpression of Aiolos in Nalm-6 acute lymphoblastic leukaemia cells reduces apoptosis by suppressing phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 and activating the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt signalling pathway

The aim of the present study was to elucidate the molecular mechanism of Aiolos in the regulation of B‑cell leukaemia. A lentiviral system was used for overexpression of the Aiolos gene in Nalm‑6 cells to determine the effects of Aiolos on proliferation, apoptosis and the cell cycle. The expression and activation of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) and Akt were also investigated. Upregulation of Aiolos inhibited cell growth and arrested an increased number of Nalm‑6 cells at the G0/G1 phase. The apoptotic cell quantities were also significantly lower in the Aiolos‑transfected Nalm‑6 cells. In addition, Aiolos overexpression downregulated PTEN, but increased the expression and phosphorylation of Akt in the Nalm‑6 cells. The Akt inhibitor, Akti‑1/2, reduced the percentage of viable Aiolos‑overexpressed Nalm‑6 cells, however, it had no effect on cell cycle arrest or proliferation. Aiolos upregulation in the Nalm‑6 cells inhibited cell proliferation, suppressed apoptosis and arrested the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase. Aiolos improved the survival of Nalm‑6 cells via PTEN‑ and Akt‑dependent processes.

Expression of the apoptosis inhibitor livin in colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence: correlations with pathology and outcome

The inhibitor of apoptosis family member livin is expressed in several types of cancer but not in most benign tissues, and it has been considered to be a poor prognostic mark in various malignancies. However, livin expression and its prognostic relevance have not been evaluated in colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence. In this study, we analyzed the difference of livin expression among normal mucosa, adenoma, and adenocarcinoma and investigated the relationship of livin expression in carcinomas with clinicopathological variables using immunohistochemistry and real-time reverse transcription-PCR. We observed that the expression of livin protein was mainly present on base of colorectal crypts in adenoma and throughout the epithelium in carcinoma, whereas did not present in accompanying normal mucosa, and the expression of livin messenger RNA (mRNA) in adenocarcinomas was significantly higher than in adenomas and in normal mucosa (P = 0.001, respectively), whereas, compared with normal mucosa, the expression level of livin mRNA was up-regulated in adenomas but no significant difference (P = 0.196). We also found that the expression levels of livin mRNA in rectal cancer was significantly higher than those in colonic cancer, and livin mRNA expression was strongly related to colorectal cancer invasive depth but not to clinical tumor stage, differentiation, lymph node metastasis, tumor morphological category and pathological type, and patient's age and gender. These findings support the possibility that the livin gene may play a role in colorectal tumorigenesis, and increased expression of livin mRNA may serve as a new target for colorectal cancer treatment.

Relationship between expression of Livin and the biological behavior of human oral squamous cell carcinoma

Livin is one of the most important members of the inhibitor protein (IAP) family. It is overexpressed in several types of tumors and may have prognostic significance. The purpose of this study was to investigate Livin expression in human oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) and to determine whether Livin affects tumor cell behavior in OSCC cell lines and thus evaluate its potential usefulness in serving as a possible target for molecular-targeted therapy in a preclinical model. The expression of Livin protein was investigated in human OSCC tissues through immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. To evaluate the impact of Livin knockdown on the behavior of human OSCC cell lines, invasion, migration, proliferation and apoptosis assays using small-interfering RNA (siRNA) were performed. RT-PCR and western blot analysis were used to assess alteration of Livin expression at the mRNA and protein levels. The results revealed that expression of Livin was increased in the human OSCC tissues compared with the adjacent normal mucosa. In addition, immunoreactivity of Livin was expressed in 8 OSCC tissues (44.4%). Knockdown of Livin resulted in significantly reduced cell invasion, migration and proliferation in the human OSCC cells. Livin knockdown induced cell apoptosis in the human OSCC cells. Moreover, Livin inhibited apoptosis by suppressing the activity of caspases in the human OSCC cells. In conclusion, livin is associated with invasive and oncogenic phenotypes such as tumor cell invasion, tumor cell migration, tumor cell proliferation, and resistance to apoptosis in human OSCC cells.

Activation of nuclear factor κB pathway and downstream targets survivin and livin by SHARPIN contributes to the progression and metastasis of prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Nuclear factor κB (NFκB) signaling is strongly associated with tumor progression, and studies have shown that SHANK-associated RH domain interacting protein (SHARPIN) is crucial for NFκB pathway activation. However, the expression and functions of SHARPIN in prostate cancer (PCa) have not yet been defined.

METHODS

The expression of SHARPIN in PCa cell lines and tissues was evaluated with western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry. After SHARPIN was silenced in the PCa cell lines, western blots were used to confirm that SHARPIN physically associated with components of the NFκB pathway and the downstream targets (survivin and livin). The functions of SHARPIN in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro were measured with 5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4,5-dimenthylthiazoly)-3-(4-sulfophenyl)tetrazolium, inner salt (MTS), Transwell, and invasion assays, respectively. Flow cytometry was employed to evaluate cell apoptosis. Furthermore, tumorigenesis in vivo was examined with tumorigenicity assays.

RESULTS

SHARPIN expression was upregulated in PCa cell lines and tissues. The knockdown of SHARPIN or incubation with Bay 11-7082 (an NFκB inhibitor) led to dramatically decreased levels of phosphorylated IκBα and phosphorylated p65 in comparison with the control group. Downregulation of survivin and livin due to SHARPIN inhibition was attributable to transcriptional repression (P < .05). Decreases in cell viability, migration, invasion, and survival with a higher sensitivity to docetaxel in vitro and with repressed tumorigenesis in vivo were observed upon SHARPIN silencing, and this was consistent with the results from inhibition of the NFκB pathway and its downstream targets.

CONCLUSION

The current study demonstrates that overexpression of SHARPIN promotes activation of the NFκB pathway and downstream targets survivin and livin, which potentially contributes to PCa development.