Association between matrix metalloproteinases polymorphisms and ovarian cancer risk: A meta-analysis and systematic review

Characterization of immortalized ovarian epithelial cells with BRCA1/2 mutation

We aimed to elucidate the mechanism underlying carcinogenesis by comparing normal and BRCA1/2-mutated ovarian epithelial cells established via Sendai virus-based immortalization. Ovarian epithelial cells (normal epithelium: Ovn; with germline BRCA1 mutation: OvBRCA1; with germline BRCA2 mutation: OvBRCA2) were infected with Sendai virus vectors carrying three immortalization genes (Bmi-1, hTERT, and SV40T). The immunoreactivity to anti-epithelial cellular adhesion molecule (EpCAM) antibodies in each cell line and cells after 25 passages was confirmed using flow cytometry. Chromosomes were identified and karyotyped to detect numerical and structural abnormalities. Total RNA extracted from the cells was subjected to human transcriptome sequencing. Highly expressed genes in each cell line were confirmed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immortalization techniques allowed 25 or more passages of Ovn, OvBRCA1, and OvBRCA2 cells. No anti-EpCAM antibody reactions were observed in primary cultures or after long-term passages of each cell line. Structural abnormalities in the chromosomes were observed in each cell line; however, the abnormal chromosomes were successfully separated from the normal structures via cloning. Only normal cells from each cell line were cloned. MMP1, CCL2, and PAPPA were more predominantly expressed in OvBRCA1 and OvBRCA2 cells than in Ovn cells. Immortalized ovarian cells derived from patients with germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations showed substantially higher MMP1 expression than normal ovarian cells. However, the findings need to be validated in the future.

The Role of the Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Gene in Tumor Development and Metastasis: A Narrative Review

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is one of the widely studied enzymes of the extracellular matrix which can degrade various matrix biomolecules. The gene coding for this enzyme has been found to be associated with various multifactorial diseases, including cancer. More specifically, the expression of MMP-9 and polymorphisms of its gene have been found to be correlated with the formation and the invasiveness of different types of cancer. Hence, the latter gene can potentially be used both as a clinical genetic marker and a possible target in anticancer therapy. The present minireview explores the role of the MMP-9 gene in the process of tumor formation, growth, and metastasis and presents an overview of the polymorphisms of the gene associated with cancer as well as its regulation mechanisms, to provide an insight into the potential clinical applications. Nevertheless, further clinical trials and research are still required to reach more valuable conclusions for the clinical implications of the recent findings.

Comprehensive bioinformatic analysis of MMP1 in hepatocellular carcinoma and establishment of relevant prognostic model

Matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) encodes endopeptidases associated with degradation of multiple components of the extracellular matrix. This function has increasingly been considered to play a major proteolysis role in tumor invasion and metastasis. However, the relationship between MMP1 gene expression, tumor-immune microenvironment and prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients remains mostly unclear. This study focused on a comprehensive analysis of MMP1 in hepatocellular carcinoma, specifically the prognosis and tumor-immune microenvironment. MMP1 expression was analyzed using TCGA database and clinical samples. MMP1 associated mechanisms, pathways, mutations and prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma were evaluated. We also analyzed the tumor-immune microenvironment and corresponding treatments. Our research demonstrated that MMP1 expression was upregulated in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and correlated with poor survival. A prognostic model was established and its performance evaluated. We also found and report various correlations between MMP1 and immune-related cells/genes, as well the potential therapeutic agents. These findings indicate that MMP1 can potentially be a promising prognostic biomarker and indicator of the tumor-immune microenvironment status in hepatocellular carcinoma.

STAT3 but Not STAT5 Contributes to the Protective Effect of Electroacupuncture Against Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Mice

Electroacupuncture (EA) can help reduce infarct size and injury resulting from myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R); however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unknown. We previously reported that STAT5 plays a critical role in the cardioprotective effect of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC). Here, we assessed the effects of electroacupuncture pretreatment (EAP) on myocardial I/R injury in the presence and/or absence of Stat5 in mice and investigated whether EAP exerts its cardioprotective effects in a STAT5-dependent manner. Adult Stat5^fl/fl and Stat5-cKO mice were exposed to EAP at Neiguan (PC6) for 7 days before the induction of I/R injury by left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation. The myocardial infarct size (IS), area at risk, and apoptotic rate of cardiomyocytes were detected. RT-qPCR and western blotting were used to measure gene and protein expression, respectively, in homogenized heart tissues. RNA-seq was used to identify candidate genes and pathways. Our results showed that EAP decreased IS and the rate of cardiomyocyte apoptosis. We further found that STAT5 was activated by EAP in Stat5^fl/fl mice but not in Stat5-cKO mice, whereas the opposite was observed for STAT3. Following EAP, the levels of the antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-xL, Bcl-2, and p-AKT were increased in the presence of Stat5, while that of interleukin 10 (IL-10) was increased in both Stat5^fl/fl and Stat5-cKO. The gene expression profile in heart tissues was different between Stat5^fl/fl and the Stat5-cKO mice with EAP. Importantly, the top 30 DEGs under EAP in the Stat5-cKO mice were enriched in the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway. Our results revealed for the first time that the protective effect of EAP following myocardial I/R injury was attributable to, but not dependent on, STAT5. Additionally, we found that EAP could activate STAT3 signaling in the absence of the Stat5 gene, and could also activate antiapoptotic, survival, and anti-inflammatory signaling pathways.

Contribution of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Genotypes to Colorectal Cancer in Taiwan

BACKGROUND/AIM

Matrix metalloproteinase-1 is responsible for extracellular matrix regulation, and its genetic role in colorectal cancer (CRC) is unclear. The aim of the study was to investigate the contribution of Matrix metalloproteinase-1 genotypes to CRC risk in Taiwan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 362 cases and 362 controls were included and their MMP-1 -1607 (rs1799705) genotypes were examined. The environmental factors and clinical-pathological records were also analyzed.

RESULTS

The genotypic frequency of MMP-1 rs1799750 were different between the CRC and control groups (p for trend=0.0083). 1G/2G and 1G/1G were associated with lower risk (p=0.0438 and 0.0030, adjusted OR=0.73 and 0.54, 95%CI=0.54-0.90 and 0.37-0.83). Among non-smokers, those with 1G/2G and 1G/1G genotypes were at 0.70- and 0.48-fold odds of having CRC. Among non-alcohol drinkers, people with 1G/2G and 1G/1G genotypes were at 0.71- and 0.54-fold odds. The 1G/1G genotype were statistically lower among CRC patients with lymph node metastasis (7.2%) than those without (19.0%).

CONCLUSION

The genotypes at MMP-1 rs1799705 play a role in determining susceptibility to CRC risk in Taiwan.

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-3 gene variations affect MMP-1 and -3 serum concentration and associates with breast cancer

Matrix metallopeptidases (MMPs) 1 and 3 have been shown to contribute to the initiation, and progression of different cancers, including breast cancer (BC). In this study, we aimed to examine the relations between polymorphisms of MMP1 (rs1799750) and MMP3 (rs632478) and their circulating levels with BC. The polymorphisms were genotyped by PCR-based Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) and Allele-Specific PCR (AS-PCR) among 100 patients and 100 controls. MMP1 and MMP3 serum levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Genotype distributions of MMP1 and MMP3 genes showed significant difference between patients and controls. The distribution of 2G/2G, 1G/2G and 1G/1G genotypes for MMP1 was 74%, 2% and 24% in the patients and 38%, 2% and 60% in the controls, respectively (P = 0.0001). For MMP3 the distribution of C/C, A/C and A/A genotypes was 28%, 54% and 18% in patients and 48%, 40% and 12% in controls, respectively (P = 0.01). For MMP1, the 2G/2G genotype was linked with a higher risk of BC when compared with that of the 1G/1G genotype (OR = 4.86; 95% CI = 2.63-8.99; P = 0.0001). For MMP3, in co-dominant model, there was a higher risk of BC in A/A and A/C genotype carriers (A/A: OR = 2.57; 95% CI = 1.08-6.11; P = 0.03) (A/C: OR = 2.31 95% CI = 1.24-4.30; P = 0.008). We also showed that MMP1 and MMP3 serum level was significantly increased in BC patients compared to controls. MMP1 and MMP3 genetic variations and their circulating levels are both significantly related to BC.

Three Genes Predict Prognosis in Microenvironment of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the deadliest gynecological cancer in women. Immune cell infiltration has a critical role in regulating carcinogenesis and prognosis in OC. To identify prognostic genes relevant to the tumor microenvironment in OC, we investigated the association between OC and gene expression profiles. Results obtained with the ESTIMATE R tool showed that immune score and stromal score were correlated with lymphatic invasion, and high immune score predicted a favorable prognosis. A total of 342 common differentially expressed genes were identified according to the two scores; these genes were mainly involved in immune response, extracellular region, and serine-type endopeptidase activity. Three immune-related prognostic genes were selected by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. We further established a prognostic model and validated the prognostic value of three hub genes in different databases; our results showed that this model could accurately predict survival and evaluate prognosis independent of clinical characteristics. Three hub genes have prognostic value in OC. TIMER analysis revealed that the three genes were correlated with different immune cells. Low levels of macrophage infiltration and high levels of CD4+ T cell infiltration were associated with favorable survival outcomes. Arm-level gain of GYPC was correlated with neutrophils and dendritic cells. These findings indicate that CXCR4, GYPC, and MMP12 modulate prognosis via effects on the infiltration of immune cells. Thus, these genes represent potential targets for immune therapy in OC.

Role of matrix metalloproteases 1/3 gene polymorphisms in patients with rotator cuff tear

An association of Matrix Metalloproteinases-1/3 (MMP-1/3) rs1799750/rs3025058 polymorphism with increased risk of rotator cuff tear (RCT) has been reported in a Brazilian population. However, this significant association has not been confirmed in the Chinese population. Genotyping was conducted by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism and direct sequencing. Our results demonstrated that individuals with the TT genotype had a significantly higher risk of RCT compared with those with the CC genotype. The increased risk of RCT progression was associated with the 2G allele of the rs1799750 polymorphism. No significant association was observed for genotypic and allelic frequencies of the rs3025058 polymorphism. A significant association of the MMP-1 rs1799750 polymorphism was observed with smokers, drinkers and people aged ≥60 years and non-diabetic people. Additionally, the MMP-1 rs1799750 polymorphism was associated with pre-operative stiffness in RCT patients. In conclusion, a significant correlation was identified between the MMP-1 rs1799750 polymorphism and RCT. The MMP-1 rs1799750 polymorphism might be considered as a biomarker of genetically high-risk RCT, helping to clarify the mechanism of RCT.

The association between matrix metalloproteinase-7 genetic variant and bladder cancer risk in a Chinese Han population

The circulating matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) levels are associated with the risk of bladder cancer (BC). MMP-7 gene -181A/G polymorphism may influence the expression of MMP-7 by affecting the transcriptional activity. A case-control study comprising 355 BC patients and 435 age- and gender-matched healthy controls was conducted in a Chinese Han population. The genotype of MMP-7 gene -181A/G polymorphism was determined by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Data revealed that MMP-7 gene -181A/G polymorphism increased the risk of BC under the homozygous and allelic models. However, no association between MMP-7 gene -181A/G polymorphism and BC risk was obtained after adjusting for age, gender, smoking habits and drinking habits. Subgroup analyses showed MMP-7 gene -181A/G polymorphism was associated with increased risk for BC among the smokers and drinkers. Furthermore, AG or GG genotype of -181A/G polymorphism was associated with larger tumor size and lymphatic metastasis in BC patients. To sum up, MMP-7 gene -181A/G polymorphism is not associated with the susceptibility to BC. However, subgroup analyses obtain significant association among the groups of smokers and drinkers. Larger studies in other ethnic groups are needed to ascertain the contribution of MMP-7 gene -181A/G polymorphism to BC risk.

Association of MTHFR 677C>T Polymorphism with Susceptibility to Ovarian and Cervical Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background:

Previous studies have evaluated the impact of MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism on susceptibility to ovarian and cervical cancers in women, but the conclusions are still controversial. To get a more precise evaluation of the association between MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism and risk of ovarian and cervical cancers, we performed a meta-analysis of the association of all eligible studies.

Methods:

A comprehensive search performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, CNKI, and Web of Science databases to identify the relevant studies up to October 15, 2018. The strength of the association was estimated by odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results:

A total of 27 case-control studies including eleven studies with 4990 cases 7730 controls on ovarian cancer and 16 studies with 4990 cases and 7730 controls on cervical cancer were selected. Pooled data revealed that the MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism not significantly associated with an increased risk of ovarian and cervical cancers under all five genetic models. However, stratified analysis by ethnicity showed that the MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism was significantly associated with risk of ovarian cancer in Asians. No publication bias was found in the current meta-analysis.

Conclusions:

The results of this meta-analysis proposes that the MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism may not play a role in development of ovarian and cervical cancers in overall population. Further well-designed studies are necessary to clarify the precise role of the MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism on ovarian and cervical cancers risk.

MMP20 Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms Correlate with Susceptibility to Alcohol-Induced Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head in Chinese Males

Background

Alcohol-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is caused by the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic variations of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) system are associated with ONFH development and progression. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationships between MMP20 gene polymorphisms and the risk of alcohol-induced ONFH in Chinese Han males.

Material/Methods

In this case-control study, genotypes of 14 selected SNPs in the MMP20 gene were assayed using MassARRAY in 299 male cases with alcohol-induced ONFH and in 197 healthy males. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the influence of gene polymorphism on occurrence of alcohol-induced ONFH by allelic model analysis, genotype model analysis and haplotype analysis.

Results

After allelic model analysis, the minimum alleles of rs10895322, rs1784424, rs3781788, and rs1573954 correlated with an increased risk of alcohol-induced ONFH (P<0.05). Genetic model analysis revealed significant associations of 9 SNPs with alcohol-induced ONFH occurrence even after adjustment for age (P<0.05): 2 protective SNPs (rs1711423 and rs1784418) and 7 high-risk SNPs (rs10895322, rs1784424, rs3781788, rs7126560, rs1573954, rs1711399, and rs2292730). Moreover, 8 SNPs showed a statistically significant association with different clinical phenotypes (P<0.05). Beyond that, haplotype “CGGTTCCA” in MMP20 was discovered to correlate with a 1.63-fold increased risk of alcohol-induced ONFH (OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.15–2.30, P=0.0058).

Conclusions

Our data sheds new light on the associations of MMP20 gene polymorphisms with alcohol-induced ONFH predisposition in Chinese Han males.

Immunohistochemical analysis of matrix metalloproteinase-9 predicts papillary thyroid carcinoma prognosis

The present study aimed to explore the association between immunohistochemical matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression and the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), and to determine whether it may be used as a diagnostic or prognostic tool for PTC. Immunohistochemical staining of MMP-9 was performed in thyroid tissues obtained from 112 patients with PTC and 42 subjects with benign thyroid nodules (BTNs). The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the legitimacy of MMP-9 as a diagnostic tool for PTC, and a predictor for structurally persistent/recurrent disease (SPRD) and disease status. Cox regression was applied to identify the risk factors of disease status and SPRD. The present study revealed that MMP-9 was overexpressed in PTC tissues, compared with in BTN tissues. Furthermore, MMP-9 scores yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.842 (95% CI, 0.776-0.908) for differentially diagnosing PTC from BTN. In addition, the MMP-9 score was greater if patients previously had central lymph node metastasis, lateral lymph node metastasis or an advanced tumor-node-metastasis stage (III+IV). When MMP-9 was employed to predict disease status and SPRD, an AUC of 0.811 (95% CI, 0.706-0.917) and 0.806 (95% CI, 0.620-0.992) was obtained, respectively. A tumor size of >2 cm and an MMP-9 staining score of ≥6 were independent risk factors for predicting disease status, whereas vascular invasion and an MMP-9 staining score of ≥8 were risk factors for predicting SPRD. Furthermore, an MMP-9 staining score of ≥6 and ≥8 indicated shortened disease-free survival and survival without SPRD, respectively. In conclusion, the assessment of MMP-9 expression in thyroid carcinoma samples may represent a potential and supplementary tool for the diagnosis and prognostic prediction of PTC.

A Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Polymorphism, MMP1-1607 (1G>2G), Is Associated with Increased Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis Including 21,327 Patients

Although the matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1) polymorphism MMP1-1607 (1G>2G) has been associated with susceptibility to various cancers, these findings are controversial. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to explore the association between MMP1-1607 (1G>2G) and cancer risk. A systematic search of literature through PubMed, Embase, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar yielded 77 articles with 21,327 cancer patients and 23,245 controls. The association between the MMP1-1607 (1G>2G) polymorphism and cancer risks was detected in an allele model (2G vs. 1G, overall risk [OR]: 1.174, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.107-1.244), a dominant model (2G2G/1G2G vs. 1G1G OR, OR: 1.192, 95% CI: 1.090-1.303), and a recessive model (2G2G vs. 1G2G/1G1G, OR: 1.231, 95% CI: 1.141-1.329). In subgroup analysis, these associations were detected in both Asians and Caucasians. After stratification by cancer types, associations were found in lung, colorectal, nervous system, renal, bladder, and nasopharyngeal cancers. This meta-analysis revealed that MMP1-1607 (1G>2G) polymorphism was significantly associated with elevated risk of cancers.

Distinct co-expression networks using multi-omic data reveal novel interventional targets in HPV-positive and negative head-and-neck squamous cell cancer

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is present in a significant fraction of head-and-neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). The main goal of this study was to identify distinct co-expression patterns between HPV+ and HPV- HNSCC and to provide insights into potential regulatory mechanisms/effects within the analyzed networks. We selected cases deposited in The Cancer Genome Atlas database comprising data of gene expression, methylation profiles and mutational patterns, in addition to clinical information. The intersection among differentially expressed and differentially methylated genes showed the negative correlations between the levels of methylation and expression, suggesting that these genes have their expression levels regulated by methylation alteration patterns in their promoter. Weighted correlation network analysis was used to identify co-expression modules and a systematic approach was applied to refine them and identify key regulatory elements integrating results from the other omics. Three distinct co-expression modules were associated with HPV status and molecular signatures. Validation using independent studies reporting biological experimental data converged for the most significant genes in all modules. This study provides insights into complex genetic and epigenetic particularities in the development and progression of HNSCC according to HPV status, and contribute to unveiling specific genes/pathways as novel therapeutic targets in HNSCC.

Integrated analysis of HPV-mediated immune alterations in cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the primary cause of cervical cancer. HPV-mediated immune alterations are known to play crucial roles in determining viral persistence and host cell transformation. We sought to thoroughly understand HPV-directed immune alterations in cervical cancer by exploring publically available datasets.

METHODS

130 HPV positive and 7 HPV negative cervical cancer cases from The Cancer Genome Atlas were compared for differences in gene expression levels and functional enrichment. Analyses for copy number variation (CNV) and genetic mutation were conducted for differentially expressed immune genes. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to assess survival and relapse differences across cases with or without alterations of the identified immune signature genes.

RESULTS

Genes up-regulated in HPV positive cervical cancer were enriched for various gene ontology terms of immune processes (P=1.05E-14~1.00E-05). Integrated analysis of the differentially expressed immune genes identified 9 genes that displayed either CNV, genetic mutation and/or gene expression changes in at least 10% of the cases of HPV positive cervical cancer. Genomic amplification may cause elevated levels of these genes in some HPV positive cases. Finally, patients with alterations in at least one of the nine signature genes overall had earlier relapse compared to those without any alterations. The altered expression of either TFRC or MMP13 may indicate poor survival for a subset of cervical cancer patients (P=1.07E-07).

CONCLUSIONS

We identified a novel immune gene signature for HPV positive cervical cancer that is potentially associated with early relapse of cervical cancer.