Overexpression of Kinesin Family Member 20A Correlates with Disease Progression and Poor Prognosis in Human Nasopharyngeal Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis of 105 Patients

Berberine targets KIF20A and CCNE2 to inhibit the progression of nonsmall cell lung cancer via the PI3K/AKT pathway

BACKGROUND

Nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the main type of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 85%. Berberine (BBR), a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine, has been reported to exhibit a potential antitumor effect in various cancers. In this research, we explored the function of BBR and its underlying mechanisms in the development of NSCLC.

METHODS

Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine (EdU), colony formation assays, flow cytometry, and transwell invasion assay were employed to determine cell growth, the apoptotic rate, cell invasion of NSCLC cells, respectively. Western blot was applied for detecting the protein expression of c-Myc, matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP9), kinesin family member 20A (KIF20A), cyclin E2 (CCNE2), and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway-related proteins. Glycolysis was evaluated by detecting glucose consumption, lactate production, and adenosine triphosphate/adenosine diphosphate (ATP/ADP) ratio with the matched kits. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was conducted to analyze the level of KIF20A and CCNE2. Tumor model was established to evaluate the function of BBR on tumor growth in NSCLC in vivo. In addition, immunohistochemistry assay was employed to detect the level of KIF20A, CCNE2, c-Myc, and MMP9 in mice tissues.

RESULTS

BBR exhibited suppressive effects on the progression of NSCLC, as evidenced by inhibiting cell growth, invasion, glycolysis, and facilitating cell apoptosis in H1299 and A549 cells. KIF20A and CCNE2 were upregulated in NSCLC tissues and cells. Moreover, BBR treatment significantly decreased the expression of KIF20A and CCNE2. KIF20A or CCNE2 downregulation could repress cell proliferation, invasion, glycolysis, and induce cell apoptosis in both H1299 and A549 cells. The inhibition effects of BBR treatment on cell proliferation, invasion, glycolysis, and promotion effect on cell apoptosis were rescued by KIF20A or CCNE2 overexpression in NSCLC cells. The inactivation of PI3K/AKT pathway caused by BBR treatment in H1299 and A549 cells was restored by KIF20A or CCNE2 upregulation. In vivo experiments also demonstrated that BBR treatment could repress tumor growth by regulating KIF20A and CCNE2 and inactivating the PI3K/AKT pathway.

CONCLUSION

BBR treatment showed the suppressive impact on the progression of NSCLC by targeting KIF20A and CCNE2, thereby inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway.

KIF20A as a potential biomarker of renal and bladder cancers based on bioinformatics and experimental verification

BACKGROUND

Bladder cancer (BC) is a malignant tumor that occurs in the bladder wall and often appears in elderly individuals. Renal cancer (RC) arises from the renal tubular epithelium, but its molecular mechanism remains unclear.

METHODS

We downloaded RC datasets (GSE14762 and GSE53757) and a BC dataset (GSE121711) to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs). We also performed weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). We created a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and performed functional enrichment analysis, such as gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Heatmaps were made for gene expression. Survival analysis and immunoinfiltration analysis were performed. Comparative toxicogenomics database (CTD) analysis was performed to find the relationship between disease and hub genes. Western blotting was performed to verify the role of KIF20A in apoptosis.

RESULTS

A total of 764 DEGs were identified. The GSEA showed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in organic acid metabolism, drug metabolism, mitochondria, and metabolism of cysteine and methionine. The PPI network in GSE121711 showed that KIF20A was a hub gene of renal clear cell carcinoma. Where the expression level of KIF20A was higher, the prognosis of patients was worse. CTD analysis showed that KIF20A was associated with inflammation, proliferation, and apoptosis. KIF20A expression in the RC group was upregulated, as shown by western blotting. The core proteins (including pRB Ser 780, CyclinA, E2F1, CCNE1, and CCNE2) in the pRB Ser 780/CyclinA signaling pathway were also upregulated in the RC group.

CONCLUSIONS

KIF20A might be a novel biomarker for researching renal and bladder cancers.

High expression of KIF20A in bladder cancer as a potential prognostic target for poor survival of renal cell carcinoma

Urinary system tumors are malignant tumors, including renal cancer and bladder cancer. however, molecular target of them remains unclear. GSE14762 and GSE53757 were downloaded from GEO database to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was performed. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes were used for enrichment analysis. Gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analyses were performed on whole genome, as formulated by gene set enrichment analysis. Survival analysis was also performed. Comparative toxicogenomics database was used to identify diseases most associated with hub genes. A total of 1517 DEGs were identified. DEGs were mainly enriched in cancer pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, organic acid metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, and protein homodimerization activity. Ten hub genes (TPX2, ASPM, NUSAP1, RAD51AP1, CCNA2, TTK, PBK, MELK, DTL, kinesin family member 20A [KIF20A]) were obtained, which were up-regulated in tumor tissue. The expression of KIF20A was related with the overall survival of renal and bladder cancer. KIF20A was up-regulated in the tumor tissue, and might worsen the overall survival of bladder and kidney cancer. KIF20A could be a novel biomarker of bladder and kidney cancer.

Integrated Analysis of Transcriptome Data Revealed AURKA and KIF20A as Critical Genes in Medulloblastoma Progression

Medulloblastoma is the neuroepithelial tumor with the highest degree of malignancy in the central nervous system, accounting for about 8% to 10% of children’s brain tumors. It has a high degree of malignancy and is easily transmitted through cerebrospinal fluid, with a relatively poor prognosis. Although medulloblastoma has been widely studied and treated, its molecular mechanism remains unclear. To determine which gene plays a crucial role in medulloblastoma development and progression, we analyzed three microarray datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes were used to detect and evaluate differentially expressed genes. Protein interaction network was established, and the hub genes were determined in cytoHubba through various assessment methods, while the target genes were screened out using survival analysis. Ultimately, human medulloblastoma samples were utilized to confirm target gene expression. In conclusion, This study found that aurora kinase A (AURKA) and kinesin family member 20A (KIF20A) may be involved in the initiation and development of medulloblastoma, have a close association with prognosis, and may become a potential therapeutic target and prognostic marker of MED.

IQGAP3 Overexpression Correlates With Poor Prognosis and Radiation Therapy Resistance in Breast Cancer

Background: IQ motif-containing GTPase activating protein 3 (IQGAP3), the latest identified member of the IQGAP family, may act as a crucial factor in cancer development and progression; however, its clinical value in breast cancer remains unestablished. We explored the correlation between IQGAP3 expression profile and the clinicopathological features in breast cancer.

Methods: IQGAP3 mRNA and protein levels were detected in breast cancer cell lines and tumor tissues by real-time PCR and western blotting and compared to the normal control groups. Protein expression of IQGAP3 was also evaluated immunohistochemically in archived paraffin-embedded specimens from 257 breast cancer patients, and the associations between IQGAP3 expression level, clinical characteristics, and prognosis were analyzed. We assessed the relationship between IQGAP3 expression and sensitivity to radiation therapy which was determined by subgroup analysis.

Results: IQGAP3 was significantly upregulated in breast cancer cell lines and human tumor tissues at both the mRNA and protein level compared to controls. Additionally, high levels of IQGAP3 expression were detected in 110/257 (42.8%) of archived paraffin-embedded breast cancer specimens. High IQGAP3 expression level was significantly related to clinical stage (p = 0.001), T category (p = 0.002), N category (p = 0.001), locoregional recurrence (p = 0.002), distant metastasis (p = 0.001), and vital status (p = 0.001). Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis showed that IQGAP3 expression was an independent prognostic factor among all 257 breast cancer patients in our cohort (p = 0.003, p = 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed IQGAP3 expression correlated with radioresistance and was also an independent predictor of radiotherapy outcome.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that high IQGAP3 expression predicts poor prognosis and radioresistance in breast cancer. Therefore, IQGAP3 may be a reliable prognostic biomarker in breast cancer and could be used to identify patients who may benefit from radiotherapy.

KIF20A Predicts Poor Survival of Patients and Promotes Colorectal Cancer Tumor Progression through the JAK/STAT3 Signaling Pathway

Kinesin family member 20A (KIF20A) has been recently reported to be upregulated and associated with increased invasiveness and metastasis in several malignancies. However, the role of KIF20A in colorectal cancer (CRC) is still unclear. This study is aimed at investigating the potential roles of KIF20A in the development of CRC. The results of bioinformatics analysis, immunohistochemical staining, and Western blot analysis showed that KIF20A was overexpressed in CRC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. High expression of KIF20A in CRC tissues was associated with depth of invasion, lymphatic node metastasis, distant metastasis, and TNM stage. Moreover, the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that CRC patients with high KIF20A expression had poor prognoses. Cox regression analysis revealed that KIF20A was an independent prognostic factor in patients with CRC. Further studies suggested that knockdown of KIF20A was able to reduce cell proliferation and migration by inhibiting the JAK/STAT3 pathway. Taken together, we propose that KIF20A plays a critical role in the tumorigenesis and tumor progression of colorectal cancer and could represent a potential therapeutic target for CRC.

Knockdown of Kif20a inhibits growth of tumors in soft tissue sarcoma in vitro and in vivo

Kif20a (Kinesin Family Member 20A), plays a role in cell mitosis, cell migration and intracellular transport. Numerous studies have demonstrated that Kif20a is abnormally highly expressed in a variety of tumors and shows poor prognosis. Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) represents a group of malignant tumors with poor prognosis. The role of Kif20a in STSs has not been systematically studied. In the present study, bioinformatics analysis, in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to investigate the function of Kif20a in STSs. In bioinformatics analysis higher KIf20a expression indicated a poor prognosis. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that Kif20a may be related to cell cycle, p53 and other signaling pathways. In vitro experiments showed that after the down-regulation of Kif20a, cell proliferation, migration and invasion were decreased, while apoptosis was increased. In vivo experiments revealed that Kif20a affected the proliferation of tumors in tumor-bearing mice. In summary, our findings revealed that Kif20a performs an important role in STS, indicating that it is a potential prognostic biomarker and potentially representing a therapeutic target for the disease.

OSskcm: an online survival analysis webserver for skin cutaneous melanoma based on 1085 transcriptomic profiles

Background

Cutaneous melanoma is one of the most aggressive and lethal skin cancers. It is greatly important to identify prognostic biomarkers to guide the clinical management. However, it is technically challenging for untrained researchers to process high dimensional profiling data and identify potential prognostic genes in profiling datasets.

Methods

In this study, we developed a webserver to analyze the prognostic values of genes in cutaneous melanoma using data from TCGA and GEO databases. The webserver is named Online consensus Survival webserver for Skin Cutaneous Melanoma (OSskcm) which includes 1085 clinical melanoma samples. The OSskcm is hosted in a windows tomcat server. Server-side scripts were developed in Java script. The database system is managed by a SQL Server, which integrates gene expression data and clinical data. The Kaplan–Meier (KM) survival curves, Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were calculated in a univariate Cox regression analysis.

Results

In OSskcm, by inputting official gene symbol and selecting proper options, users could obtain KM survival plot with log-rank P value and HR on the output web page. In addition, clinical characters including race, stage, gender, age and type of therapy could also be included in the prognosis analysis as confounding factors to constrain the analysis in a subgroup of melanoma patients.

Conclusion

The OSskcm is highly valuable for biologists and clinicians to perform the assessment and validation of new or interested prognostic biomarkers for melanoma. OSskcm can be accessed online at: http://bioinfo.henu.edu.cn/Melanoma/MelanomaList.jsp.

KIF15 Promotes Proliferation and Growth of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Liver cancer is thought as the most common human malignancy worldwide, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for nearly 90% liver cancer. Due to its poor early diagnosis and limited treatment, HCC has therefore become the most lethal malignant cancers in the world. Recently, molecular targeted therapies showed great promise in the treatment of HCC, and novel molecular therapeutic targets is urgently needed. KIF15 is a microtubule-dependent motor protein involved in multiple cell processes, such as cell division. Additionally, KIF15 has been reported to participate in the growth of various types of tumors; however, the relation between KIF15 and HCC is unclear. Herein, our study investigated the possible role of KIF15 on the progression of HCC and found that KIF15 has high expression in tumor samples from HCC patients. KIF15 could play a critical role in the regulation of cell proliferation of HCC, which was proved by in vitro and in vivo assays. In conclusion, this study confirmed that KIF15 could be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of HCC.

KIF20A silence inhibits the migration, invasion and proliferation of non-small cell lung cancer and regulates the JNK pathway

An increasing number of studies have shown that kinesin family member 20A (KIF20A) was overexpressed in several types of cancer, and its overexpression correlated with the oncogenesis and prognosis of cancers. However, little is known about the roles of KIF20A in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Thus, the aim of the present study was to demonstrate the expression of KIF20A in human NSCLC and reveal its biological functions and the underlying mechanisms. qRT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the expression of NSCLC patient specimens and NSCLC cell lines. The functions of KIF20A in migration and invasion were determined using Transwell assay. Cell proliferation capacity was performed by CKK-8 assay. We demonstrated that KIF20A was overexpressed in NSCLC specimens compared with the adjacent non-tumorous specimens, and high expression of KIF20A was associated with clinical stage and metastasis in NSCLC. Decreased expression of KIF20A inhibited NSCLC cells migration, invasion and proliferation. Most importantly, further experiments demonstrated that decreased the expression of KLF20A significantly downregulated expression of p-JNK and MMP7, which indicated that knockdown of KIF20A alters lung cancer cell phenotype and regulates JNK pathways. These results suggest that KIF20A may act as a putative oncogene and a potential therapeutic target in NSCLC.

Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) Relevant to Prognosis of Ovarian Cancer by Use of Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis and Validation by Immunohistochemistry Assay

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) relevant to prognosis of ovarian cancer by use of integrated bioinformatics analysis.

Material/Methods

The DEGs between normal ovariy tissue and ovarian cancer tissue were screened in GSE54388, GSE14407, and GSE18520 datasets and the overlapping DEGs were then indentified. GO and KEEG enrichment were performed to analyze the biological functions and pathways of the DEGs. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of the identified DEGs was constructed using the STRING database. Differences in prognosis between low and high expression of the hub DEGs were also evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier Plotter database. Protein expression of 2 hub genes – BUB1B and KIF201A – was assessed by immunohistochemistry assay and evaluated with the patient’s clinical pathology characteristics.

Results

We identified 361 DEGs, mainly involving oncogene-induced cell senescence, cyclin B1-CDK1 complex, protein kinase A catalytic subunit binding, cell cycle, and p53 signaling pathway. Ten hub genes were identified from among the 361 DEGs. The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of these 10 hub genes were evaluated in the Kaplan-Meier-plotter database. Three (BUB1B, KIF11, and KIF20A) of the 10 hub genes were found to be correlated with ovarian cancer OS and PFS. BUB1B expression level was correlated with ovarian FIGO stage (p<0.05) and tumor differentiation (p<0.05). For KIF20A, the expression level was correlated with FIGO stage (p<0.05) and intraperitoneal metastasis (p<0.05).

Conclusions

DEGs can participate in ovarian cancer development and can be used as biomarkers for prognosis. Patients with upregulated BUB1B, KIF11, and KIF20A tend to have worse overall survival and disease-free survival compared with patients who have low expression.

Role of a Kinesin Motor in Cancer Cell Mechanics

Molecular motors play important roles in force generation, migration, and intracellular trafficking. Changes in specific motor activities are altered in numerous diseases. KIF20A, a motor protein of the kinesin-6 family, is overexpressed in bladder cancer, and KIF20A levels correlate negatively with clinical outcomes. We report here a new role for the KIF20A kinesin motor protein in intracellular mechanics. Using optical tweezers to probe intracellular mechanics and surface AFM to probe cortical mechanics, we first confirm that bladder urothelial cells soften with an increasing cancer grade. We then show that inhibiting KIF20A makes the intracellular environment softer for both high- and low-grade bladder cancer cells. Upon inhibition of KIF20A, cortical stiffness also decreases in lower grade cells, while it surprisingly increases in higher grade malignant cells. Changes in cortical stiffness correlate with the interaction of KIF20A with myosin IIA. Moreover, KIF20A inhibition negatively regulates bladder cancer cell motility irrespective of the underlying substrate stiffness. Our results reveal a central role for a microtubule motor in cell mechanics and migration in the context of bladder cancer.

Prognostic significance of KIF2A and KIF20A expression in human cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The kinesin family (KIF) is reported to be aberrantly expressed and significantly correlated with survival outcomes in patients with various cancers. This meta-analysis was carried out to quantitatively evaluate the prognostic values of partial KIF members in cancer patients.

METHODS

Two well-known KIF members, KIF2A and KIF20A, were investigated to evaluate their potential values as novel prognostic biomarkers in human cancer. A comprehensive literature search was carried out of the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases up to April 2019. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the association of KIF2A and KIF20A expression with overall survival (OS) and clinicopathological parameters.

RESULTS

Twenty-five studies involving 7262 patients were finally incorporated, including nine about KIF2A and sixteen about KIF20A. Our results indicated that patients with high expression of KIF2 and KIF20A tended to have shorter OS than those with low expression (HR = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.87-2.65, P < .001; HR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.57-1.99, P < .001, respectively). Moreover, high expression of these 2 KIF members was significantly associated with advanced clinical stage (OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.57-2.50, P < .001; OR = 2.63, 95% CI: 2.03-3.41, P < .001, respectively), positive lymph node metastasis (OR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.65-3.27, P < .001; OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.59-2.83, P < .001, respectively), and distant metastasis (OR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.21-3.99, P = .010; OR = 5.25, 95% CI: 2.82-9.77, P < .001, respectively); only high KIF20A expression was related to poor differentiation grade (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.09-3.07, P = .023).

CONCLUSIONS

High expression of KIF2 and KIF20A in human cancer was significantly correlated with worse prognosis and unfavorable clinicopathological features, suggesting that these 2 KIF members can be used as prognostic biomarkers for different types of tumors.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42019134928.

Screening of potential biomarkers in hepatitis C virus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma using bioinformatic analysis

Evidence suggests that hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is among the main causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition, HCV-induced HCC (HCV-HCC) exhibits adverse clinical outcomes and limited therapeutic treatments are available for this condition. To investigate key biomarkers in the occurrence and development of HCV-HCC, microarray datasets GSE62232, GSE69715 and GSE107170 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database for analysis. The differentially expressed genes between HCV-HCC and normal tissue were identified using the GEO2R online tool. The function enrichment analyses including Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes were performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery online tool. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes database and visualized using Cytoscape. A total of 368 DEGs were identified, and the top 10 hub genes with a high degree of connectivity were selected for further analysis. Subsequently, overall survival and disease-free survival analysis revealed that there was a significant association between altered expression of HMMR, CCNB1 and KIF20A, and poor clinical outcome. In summary, these results indicate that HMMR, CCNB1 and KIF20A are potential targets for diagnosis and therapy of HCV-HCC.

Genome‑wide investigation of the clinical significance and prospective molecular mechanisms of kinesin family member genes in patients with lung adenocarcinoma

The current study aimed to identify the potential clinical significance and molecular mechanisms of kinesin (KIF) family member genes in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) using genome-wide RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) datasets derived from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Clinical parameters and RNA-seq data of patients with LUAD from the TCGA database enabled the assessment of the clinical significance of KIF genes, while the potential mechanisms of their interactions in LUAD were investigated by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). A gene signature with potential prognostic value was constructed via a stepwise multivariable Cox analysis. In total, 23 KIF genes were identified to be differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the LUAD tumor and adjacent non-cancerous tissues. Of these, 8 differentially expressed KIF genes were strongly found to be strongly associated with the overall survival of patients with LUAD. Three of these genes were found to be able to be grouped as a potential prognostic gene signature. Patients with higher risk scores calculated using this gene signature were found to have a markedly higher risk of mortality (adjusted P=0.003; adjusted HR, 1.576; 95% CI, 1.166–2.129). Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that this prognostic signature was able to accurately predict patient prognosis with an area under curve of 0.636, 0.643,0.665, 0.670 and 0.593 for the 1-, 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-year survival, respectively. This prognostic gene signature was identified as an independent risk factor for LUAD and was able to more accurately predict prognosis in comparison to other known clinical parameters, as shown via comprehensive survival analysis. GSEA enrichment revealed that that KIF14, KIF18B and KIF20A mediated basic cell physiology through the regulation of the cell cycle, DNA replication, and DNA repair biological processes and pathways. On the whole, the findings of this study identified 23 KIF genes that were DEGs between LUAD tumor and adjacent non-cancerous tissues. In total, 8 of these genes had the potential to function as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers in patients with LUAD.

The Identification of Potential Biomarkers and Biological Pathways in Prostate Cancer

Purpose: The present study aims to explore the potential mechanisms contributing to prostate cancer (PCa), screen the hub genes, and identify potential biomarkers and correlated pathways of PCa progression.

Methods: The PCa gene expression profile GSE3325 was operated to analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). DAVID was used to evaluate Gene ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to visualize interactions of the hub genes. The prognostic and diagnostic analysis of these hub genes was carried out to evaluate their potential effects on PCa.

Results: A total of 847 DEGs were identified (427 upregulated genes and 420 downregulated genes). Meanwhile, top15 hub genes were showed. GO analysis displayed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in cell cycle, DNA damage response, signal transduction by p53 class mediator resulting in cell cycle arrest and proteinaceous extracellular matrix. KEGG analysis indicated the DEGs were enriched in the p53 signaling pathway and cell cycle pathway. The GO and KEGG enrichment analyses for the DEGs disclosed important biological features of PCa. PPI network showed the interaction of top 15 hub genes. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) revealed that some of the hub genes were associated with biochemical recurrence (BCR) and metastasis of PCa. Some top hub genes were distinctive and new discoveries compared with that of the existing associated researches.

Conclusions: Our analysis revealed that the changes of cell cycle and p53 signaling pathway are two major signatures of PCa. CENPA, KIF20A and CDCA8 might promote the tumorigenesis and progression of PCa, especially in BCR and metastasis, which could be novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis of PCa.

Co-expression Network Analysis Identifies Four Hub Genes Associated With Prognosis in Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Background: Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are heterogeneous tumors derived from mesenchymal cells that differentiate into soft tissues. The prognosis of patients who present with an STS is influenced by the regulation of a complex gene network. Methods: Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to identify gene modules associated with STS (Samples = 156). Results: Among the 11 modules identified, the black and blue modules were highly correlated with STS. However, using preservation analysis, the black module demonstrated low preservation, therefore the blue module was chosen as the module of interest. Furthermore, a total of 20 network hub genes were identified in the blue module, 12 of which were also hub nodes in the protein-protein interaction network of the module genes. Following additional verification, 4 of 12 genes (RRM2, BUB1B, CENPF, and KIF20A) demonstrated poorer overall survival and disease-free survival rate in the test datasets. In addition, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) demonstrated that samples with a high level of blue module eigengene (ME) were enriched in cell cycle and metabolism associated signaling pathways. Conclusion: In summary, co-expression network analysis identified four hub genes associated with prognosis for STS, which may diminish the prognosis by influencing cell cycle and metabolism associated signaling pathways.

Identification of several cell cycle relevant genes highly correlated with the progression and prognosis of human bladder urothelial tumor

The incidence of bladder cancer (BCa) in China is the highest among genitourinary system tumors, and its progression is affected by multitudinous pathways, of which cell cycle progress plays an important role. This study screened and enriched differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from four gene expression profiles using bioinformatics analysis methods. The enrichment and analysis of gene function showed that these genes were highly correlated with cell cycle regulation. Identification of candidate small molecules was conducted to evaluate the application of clinical transformation in these DEGs. Prognostic and stage-related expression analysis further sorted five highly expressed genes associated with worse prognosis and higher stages in patients with BCa. Further analysis revealed their interaction in cell cycle regulation and genetical alteration. Meanwhile, we validated the elevated expression of these genes through transcription and translation levels. Taking the results together, we could infer that these five genes are valuable in diagnosis, prediction, and providing candidate therapeutic targets for patients with BCa in different stages.

KIF20A, highly expressed in immature hematopoietic cells, supports the growth of HL60 cell line

A microtubule-associated motor protein, kinesin-like family member 20A (KIF20A; also called MKlp2) is required for cytokinesis and contributes to intracellular vesicular trafficking. KIF20A plays a critical role in the development of several cancers, but its role in blood cells and hematological malignancies have not been studied. In the present study, we focused on the role of KIF20A in hematopoietic cells and possible involvement in myeloid neoplasms. We found that human leukemia cell lines and normal bone marrow CD34-positive cells stimulated by growth factors, but not mature peripheral blood cells, exhibit high KIF20A expression. We further found that HL60 cells, which originally express a large amount of KIF20A, showed decreased KIF20A expression in parallel with both neutrophil-like and macrophage-like differentiation-induction. KIF20A-knockdown using a lentivirus shRNA transfection system led to partial cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and frequent appearance of multinucleated cells. Treatment with a KIF20A-selective inhibitor, paprotrain enhanced the multinuclearity of KIF20A-knockdown cell clones and suppressed growth. The present study contributes to our understanding of the role of KIF20A in blood cells and leukemia cells in particular.

Overexpression of KIF20A confers malignant phenotype of lung adenocarcinoma by promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis

Increasing studies showed that kinesin family member 20A (KIF20A) was overexpessed in several types of cancer, and its overexpression correlated with the oncogenesis and prognosis of cancers. However, little is known about the role of KIF20A in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). In this study, we employed the bioinformatics analysis to identify the upregulation of KIF20A in LUAD, then verified the results in human tumor specimens and LUAD cell lines. Compared with normal lung tissues, a ubiquitous upregulation of KIF20A was observed in LUAD tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC) as well as TCGA analysis. Higher expression of KIF20A was significantly associated with more advanced clinicopathological features and shorter overall survival (OS). Moreover, multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that KIF20A was an independent prognostic factor for OS. The expression of KIF20A was significantly elevated in LUAD cell lines. After silencing KIF20A, lung cancer cell cycle arrested in G1 phase and apoptosis increased. The same results were observed in vivo. Thus, our study demonstrated that KIF20A might confer malignant phenotype to LUAD by regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis, providing a new potential biomarker for clinical treatment of LUAD.

KIF20A expression as a prognostic indicator and its possible involvement in the proliferation of ovarian clear‑cell carcinoma cells

Kinesin family member 20A (KIF20A), which is involved in cytokinesis and intracellular transportation, has been recently reported to be upregulated in several malignancies and may contribute to chemotherapeutic resistance. We examined the distribution and expression of KIF20A in clear‑cell carcinoma (CCC) of the ovary to elucidate its clinical significance and molecular mechanism. Paraffin sections from ovarian CCC tissues (N=43) were immunostained with KIF20A antibody, and the staining intensities were semi‑quantitatively evaluated. Furthermore, we investigated whether silencing of KIF20A contributes to the proliferation‑inhibitory potential using CCC cells. During the observational period, 18 patients (41.9%) developed recurrence. The median time to recurrence was 11.5 months. Patients in the high KIF20A expression group showed poorer progression‑free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) than those in the low expression group (P=0.0443 and P=0.0478, respectively). In multivariable analyses, KIF20A expression was also a significantly independent indicator of PFS and a marginally significant indicator of OS [PFS: HR (high vs. low), 5.488; 95% CI, 1.410‑24.772 (P=0.0136); OS: HR, 2.835; 95% CI, 0.854‑11.035, (P=0.0897)]. In in vitro studies, the ovarian CCC cell proliferation was significantly decreased by KIF20A silencing or in the presence of KIF20A inhibitor in CCC cells. Cell cycle G2/M arrest and a higher apoptosis‑induced fraction were more frequently observed in si‑KIF20A‑transfected CCC cells than in the control cells. Although the present study was preliminary, these data indicate the possible involvement of KIF20A in the proliferation of CCC, suggesting that targeting this molecule may contribute to reversing the malignant potential consequently affecting the oncologic outcome of CCC patients.

Aberrant KIF20A expression might independently predict poor overall survival and recurrence-free survival of hepatocellular carcinoma

Kinesin family member 20A (KIF20A) is an essential regulator of cytokinesis. In this study, by performing a retrospective study based on data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-Liver and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (LIHC) cohort, we tried to assess the independent prognostic value of KIF20A in terms of overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Results showed that normal liver tissues had very low KIF20A expression compared with normal tissues in other cohorts in TCGA. However, the primary HCC tissues (N = 371) had significantly elevated KIF20A expression than normal liver tissues (N = 50). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) data showed that normal hepatocytes had weak KIF20A staining. In comparison, some HCC tissues had medium and strong KIF20A expression, with nuclear-enhanced staining. By grouping patients with primary HCC (N = 365) into high and low KIF20A expression groups, we found that the high expression group had a substantially higher proportion of high-grade tumors (G3/G4) (34/65, 52.3% vs. 96/295, 32.5%, P = 0.0027), advanced tumors (stage III/IV) (28/61, 45.9% vs. 59/280, 21.1%, P < 0.0001) and death (44/67, 65.7% vs. 86/298, 28.9%, P < 0.0001) compared with the low expression group. Kaplan-Meier curves of OS and RFS indicated that high KIF20A expression was associated with worse survival outcomes. Subgroup analysis confirmed the associations in G1/G2, G3/G4 tumors and in early and advanced stages. Following univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that KIF20A expression was an independent prognostic indicator for poor OS (HR: 1.304, 95%CI: 1.157-1.469, P < 0.001) and RFS (HR: 1.144, 95%CI: 1.028-1.272, P < 0.001). Based on these findings, we infer that KIF20A was aberrantly expressed in HCC tissues and its expression might independently predict poor OS and RFS. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(4):328-335, 2018.

PTPN12 Affects Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cell Proliferation and Migration Through Regulating EGFR

OBJECTIVE

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) shows the leading morbidity in otorhinolaryngological malignant tumor. It is a common malignancy in China with obvious reginal distribution. NPC is a polygenic disease that is affected by numerous factors. Protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 12 (PTPN12) regulates multiple tumor proliferation and development, including breast cancer and colon cancer. However, the role of PTPN12 in NPC occurrence and development has not been elucidated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

NPC cell line CNE2 was cultured in vitro and divided into three groups, including control, empty plasmid, and PTPN12 groups. PTPN12 mRNA and protein expressions were tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. CNE2 cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay. Cell migration was determined by wound healing assay. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by caspase 3 activity detection. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression was assessed by Western blot.

RESULTS

PTPN12 plasmid transfection increased PTPN12 mRNA and protein expressions, suppressed cell proliferation and migration, reduced EGFR level, and enhanced caspase 3 activity compared with control and empty plasmid groups (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

PTPN12 regulates NPC proliferation and migration through negative regulating EGFR. It could be treated as a molecular target for NPC diagnosis and prognosis analysis.

Role of regenerating gene IA expression on local invasion and survival in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Regenerating gene IA (REGIA) plays an important role in tissue regeneration and tumors prognosis of epithelium origin. However, the role of REGIA in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is unclear. This study aims to investigate the expression and function of REG1A in NPC.

RESULTS

We have found that there was 63 patients with REGIA positive expression of 155 patients in this study (40.65%). The positive expression rate of REGIA was 30.50, 44.44 and 47.83% in stage T2, T3 and T4 patients, respectively. The REGIA expression was significantly difference in T2 and T4 stage tumors or T2 and T3-T4 stage. The positive expression rate of REGIA was found to be higher in patients with cervical lymph node persistence than those with cervical lymph node complete regression. Patients with negative REGIA expression had a better overall survival and free survival than those with REGIA positive expression. In addition, according to the univariate and multivariate analysis, the REGIA expression was an independent adverse prognostic factor for NPC patients.

CONCLUSION

REGIA expression was a useful biomarker in NPC patients for assessing T stage and survival.

RPA3 is a potential marker of prognosis and radioresistance for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Radioresistance-induced residual and recurrent tumours are the main cause of treatment failure in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Thus, the mechanisms of NPC radioresistance and predictive markers of NPC prognosis and radioresistance need to be investigated and identified. In this study, we identified RPA3 as a candidate radioresistance marker using RNA-seq of NPC samples. In vitro studies further confirmed that RPA3 affected the radiosensitivity of NPC cells. Specifically, the overexpression of RPA3 enhanced radioresistance and the capacity for DNA repair of NPC cells, whereas inhibiting RPA3 expression sensitized NPC cells to irradiation and decreased the DNA repair capacity. Furthermore, the overexpression of RPA3 enhanced RAD51 foci formation in NPC cells after irradiation. Immunohistochemical assays in 104 NPC specimens and 21 normal epithelium specimens indicated that RPA3 was significantly up-regulated in NPC tissues, and a log-rank test suggested that in patients with NPC, high RPA3 expression was associated with shorter overall survival (OS) and a higher recurrence rate compared with low expression (5-year OS rates: 67.2% versus 86.2%; 5-year recurrence rates: 14.8% versus 2.3%). Moreover, TCGA data also indicated that high RPA3 expression correlated with poor OS and a high recurrence rate in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) after radiotherapy. Taken together, the results of our study demonstrated that RPA3 regulated the radiosensitivity and DNA repair capacity of NPC cells. Thus, RPA3 may serve as a new predictive biomarker for NPC prognosis and radioresistance to help guide the diagnosis and individualized treatment of patients with NPC.