Cross-talk mechanism between endothelial cells and hepatocellular carcinoma cells via growth factors and integrin pathway promotes tumor angiogenesis and cell migration

Development of a Redox-Polymer-Based Electrochemical Glucose Biosensor Suitable for Integration in Microfluidic 3D Cell Culture Systems

The inclusion of online, in situ biosensors in microfluidic cell cultures is important to monitor and characterize a physiologically mimicking environment. This work presents the performance of second-generation electrochemical enzymatic biosensors to detect glucose in cell culture media. Glutaraldehyde and ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE) were tested as cross-linkers to immobilize glucose oxidase and an osmium-modified redox polymer on the surface of carbon electrodes. Tests employing screen printed electrodes showed adequate performance in a Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI-1640) media spiked with fetal bovine serum (FBS). Comparable first-generation sensors were shown to be heavily affected by complex biological media. This difference is explained in terms of the respective charge transfer mechanisms. Under the tested conditions, electron hopping between Os redox centers was less vulnerable than H₂O₂ diffusion to biofouling by the substances present in the cell culture matrix. By employing pencil leads as electrodes, the incorporation of these electrodes in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic channel was achieved simply and at a low cost. Under flow conditions, electrodes fabricated using EGDGE presented the best performance with a limit of detection of 0.5 mM, a linear range up to 10 mM, and a sensitivity of 4.69 μA mM^-1 cm^-2.

Inhibition of DAMP actions in the tumoral microenvironment using lactoferrin-glycyrrhizin conjugate for glioblastoma therapy

BACKGROUND

High-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) released from the tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in the tumor progression. HMGB1 serves as a damaged-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) that induces tumor angiogenesis and its development. Glycyrrhizin (GL) is an effective intracellular antagonist of tumor released HMGB1, but its pharmacokinetics (PK) and delivery to tumor site is deficient. To address this shortcoming, we developed lactoferrin-glycyrrhizin (Lf-GL) conjugate.

METHODS

Biomolecular interaction between Lf-GL and HMGB1 was evaluated by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) binding affinity assay. Inhibition of tumor angiogenesis and development by Lf-GL attenuating HMGB1 action in the tumor microenvironment was comprehensively evaluated through in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. Pharmacokinetic study and anti-tumor effects of Lf-GL were investigated in orthotopic glioblastoma mice model.

RESULTS

Lf-GL interacts with lactoferrin receptor (LfR) expressed on BBB and GBM, therefore, efficiently inhibits HMGB1 in both the cytoplasmic and extracellular regions of tumors. Regarding the tumor microenvironment, Lf-GL inhibits angiogenesis and tumor growth by blocking HMGB1 released from necrotic tumors and preventing recruitment of vascular endothelial cells. In addition, Lf-GL improved the PK properties of GL approximately tenfold in the GBM mouse model and reduced tumor growth by 32%. Concurrently, various biomarkers for tumor were radically diminished.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, our study demonstrates a close association between HMGB1 and tumor progression, suggesting Lf-GL as a potential strategy for coping with DAMP-related tumor microenvironment. HMGB1 is a tumor-promoting DAMP in the tumor microenvironment. The high binding capability of Lf-GL to HMGB1 inhibits tumor progression cascade such as tumor angiogenesis, development, and metastasis. Lf-GL targets GBM through interaction with LfR and allows to arrest HMGB1 released from the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, Lf-GL can be a GBM treatment by modulating HMGB1 activity.

A 3D Bioprinted in vitro Model of Neuroblastoma Recapitulates Dynamic Tumor-Endothelial Cell Interactions Contributing to Solid Tumor Aggressive Behavior

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial tumor in children resulting in substantial morbidity and mortality. A deeper understanding of the NB tumor microenvironment (TME) remains an area of active research but there is a lack of reliable and biomimetic experimental models. This study utilizes a 3D bioprinting approach, in combination with NB spheroids, to create an in vitro vascular model of NB for exploring the tumor function within an endothelialized microenvironment. A gelatin methacryloyl (gelMA) bioink is used to create multi-channel cubic tumor analogues with high printing fidelity and mechanical tunability. Human-derived NB spheroids and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) are incorporated into the biomanufactured gelMA and cocultured under static versus dynamic conditions, demonstrating high levels of survival and growth. Quantification of NB-EC integration and tumor cell migration suggested an increased aggressive behavior of NB when cultured in bioprinted endothelialized models, when cocultured with HUVECs, and also as a result of dynamic culture. This model also allowed for the assessment of metabolic, cytokine, and gene expression profiles of NB spheroids under varying TME conditions. These results establish a high throughput research enabling platform to study the TME-mediated cellular-molecular mechanisms of tumor growth, aggression, and response to therapy.

Enhancement of Farnesoid X Receptor Inhibits Migration, Adhesion and Angiogenesis through Proteasome Degradation and VEGF Reduction in Bladder Cancers

(1) Background: Bladder cancer is a malignant tumor mainly caused by exposure to environmental chemicals, with a high recurrence rate. NR1H4, also known as Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR), acts as a nuclear receptor that can be activated by binding with bile acids, and FXR is highly correlated with the progression of cancers. The aim of this study was to verify the role of FXR in bladder cancer cells. (2) Methods: A FXR overexpressed system was established to investigate the effect of cell viability, migration, adhesion, and angiogenesis in low-grade TSGH8301 and high-grade T24 cells. (3) Results: After FXR overexpression, the ability of migration, adhesion, invasion and angiogenesis of bladder cancer cells declined significantly. Focal adhesive complex, MMP2, MMP9, and angiogenic-related proteins were decreased, while FXR was overexpressed in bladder cancer cells. Moreover, FXR overexpression reduced vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA and protein expression and secretion in bladder cancer cells. After treatment with the proteosome inhibitor MG132, the migration, adhesion and angiogenesis caused by FXR overexpression were all reversed in bladder cancer cells. (4) Conclusions: These results may provide evidence on the role of FXR in bladder cancer, and thus may improve the therapeutic efficacy of urothelial carcinoma in the future.

Context dependent role of p53 during the interaction of hepatocellular carcinoma and endothelial cells

BACKGROUND

During the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), several angiogenic factors are overexpressed in the hepatic microenvironment, which play a critical role in governing the phenotype of the endothelial cells. Mutation in the p53 gene (TP53) is a common event in HCC that may dysregulate the angiogenic signals. However, their functional messages remain largely unexplored at the onset of metastasis.

METHODS

Role of p53 was studied by siRNA mediated silencing of p53 in HepG2 cells (WTp53), collecting and analyzing their conditioned medium, followed by indirect co-culture with endothelial cells (HUVECs). Gene and protein expression in HCC cells and endothelial cells was studied by RT-qPCR and western blotting respectively. β-catenin protein expression and localization were analyzed by immunocytochemistry.

RESULTS

We have studied a cell-to-cell interaction model to investigate the crosstalk of endothelial and hepatoma cells by either knocking down p53 or by using p53 null low metastatic HCC cell line. In the absence of p53, the HCC cells influence the migration and vascular network formation of endothelial cells through paracrine signaling of VEGF. Secretory VEGF activated the VEGF receptor-2 along with the survival signaling in endothelial cells. However, the β-catenin signal is upregulated in endothelial cells only during interaction with metastatic set up irrespective of absence and presence of p53, indicating context-dependent participation of p53 during communication between hepatoma cells and endothelial cells.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights that the role of p53 on cellular responses during interaction of hepatocellular carcinoma and endothelial cells is distinct to cell types and context.

Human endothelial cells promote arsenic-transformed lung epithelial cells to induce tumor growth and angiogenesis through interleukin-8 induction

Arsenic exposure is associated with lung cancer. Angiogenesis is essential for tumor development. However, the role and mechanism of human vascular endothelial cells in tumor growth and angiogenesis induced by arsenic-transformed bronchial epithelial (As-T) cells remain to be elucidated. In this study, we found that endothelial cells significantly increased As-T cell-induced tumor growth compared to those induced by As-T cells alone. To understand the molecular mechanism, we found that endothelial cells co-cultured with As-T cells or cultured in conditioned medium (CM) prepared from As-T cells showed much higher cell migration, proliferation, and tube formation compared to those co-cultured with BEAS-2B (B2B) cells or cultured in CM from B2B. We identified that higher levels of intracellular interleukin 8 (IL-8) were secreted by As-T cells, which activated IL-8/IL-8R signaling to promote endothelial cells migration and tube formation. IL-8 silencing and knockout (KO) in As-T cells, or IL-8 neutralizing antibody dramatically suppressed endothelial cell proliferation, migration, tube formation in vitro, and tumor growth and angiogenesis in vivo, suggesting a key role of IL-8 in As-T cells to induce angiogenesis via a paracrine effect. Finally, blocking of IL-8 receptors C-X-C chemokine receptor type 1 (CXCR1) and CXCR2 with neutralizing antibodies and chemical inhibitors inhibited tube formation, indicating that IL-8Rs on endothelial cells are necessary for As-T cell-induced angiogenesis. Overall, this study reveals an important molecular mechanism of arsenic-induced carcinogenesis, and suggests a new option to prevent and treat arsenic-induced angiogenesis.

Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Influences Prostate Cancer Cell Growth and Invasion through an Integrin α3, α5, αV, and β1 Dependent Mechanism

Simple Summary

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a growth hormone and is implicated in prostate cancer progression. Most prostate cancers begin in an androgen-dependent state so that androgen deprivation therapy results in improved clinical outcome. However, some cancerous cells may survive androgen deprivation, growing into therapy-resistant, androgen-independent prostate cancer. The present study investigated the influence of IGF-1 on tumor growth and migration properties using androgen-dependent LNCaP and VCaP and androgen-independent PC3 and DU145 prostate cancer cells. Stimulation with IGF-1 activated growth in all cell lines. There were changes in transmembrane receptors (integrins) that bind cells to each other and changes in focal adhesion kinase that controls cell motility. Intracellular Akt/mTOR signaling, regulating cell division, was also activated. Thus, it seems that prostate cancer progression is controlled by a fine-tuned network between IGF-1-driven integrin-FAK signaling and the Akt-mTOR pathway. Concerted targeting of both pathways may, therefore, help prevent cancer dissemination.

Abstract

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)-related signaling is associated with prostate cancer progression. Links were explored between IGF-1 and expression of integrin adhesion receptors to evaluate relevance for growth and migration. Androgen-resistant PC3 and DU145 and androgen-sensitive LNCaP and VCaP prostate cancer cells were stimulated with IGF-1 and tumor growth (all cell lines), adhesion and chemotaxis (PC3, DU145) were determined. Evaluation of Akt/mTOR-related proteins, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and integrin α and β subtype expression followed. Akt knock-down was used to investigate its influence on integrin expression, while FAK blockade served to evaluate its influence on mTOR signaling. Integrin knock-down served to investigate its influence on tumor growth and chemotaxis. Stimulation with IGF-1 activated growth in PC3, DU145, and VCaP cells, and altered adhesion and chemotactic properties of DU145 and PC3 cells. This was associated with time-dependent alterations of the integrins α3, α5, αV, and β1, FAK phosphorylation and Akt/mTOR signaling. Integrin blockade or integrin knock-down in DU145 and PC3 cells altered tumor growth, adhesion, and chemotaxis. Akt knock-down (DU145 cells) cancelled the effect of IGF-1 on α3, α5, and αV integrins, whereas FAK blockade cancelled the effect of IGF-1 on mTOR signaling (DU145 cells). Prostate cancer growth and invasion are thus controlled by a fine-tuned network between IGF-1 driven integrin-FAK signaling and the Akt-mTOR pathway. Concerted targeting of integrin subtypes along with Akt-mTOR signaling could, therefore, open options to prevent progressive dissemination of prostate cancer.

Fluid shear stress activates YAP to promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) mediated by fluid shear stress (FSS) in the tumor microenvironment plays an important role in driving metastasis of the malignant tumor. As a mechanotransducer, Yes-associated protein (YAP) is known to translocate into the nucleus to initiate transcription of genes involved in cell proliferation upon extracellular biophysical stimuli. Here, we showed that FSS facilitated cytoskeleton rearrangement in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, which led to the release of YAP from its binding partner, integrin β subunit, in the cytomembrane. Moreover, we found that upregulation of guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF)-H1, a microtubule-associated Rho GEF, is a critical step in the FSS-induced translocation of YAP. Nuclear YAP activated the expression of the EMT-regulating transcription factor SNAI1, but suppressed the expression of N6-methyladenosine (m6 A) modulators; together, this promoted the expression of EMT-related genes. We also observed that FSS-treated HepG2 cells showed markedly increased tumorigenesis and metastasis in vivo. Collectively, our findings unravel the underlying molecular processes by which FSS induces translocation of YAP from the cytomembrane to the nucleus, contributes to EMT and enhances metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Autophagy modulates FSS-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a highly fatal disease and threatens human health seriously. Fluid shear stress (FSS), which is caused by the leakage of plasma from abnormally permeable tumor blood vessels and insufficient lymphatic drainage, has been identified as contributing pathologically to cancer metastasis. Autophagy and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are both reported to be involved in cancer cell migration and invasion, but little has been revealed about the interaction between autophagy and EMT under a tumor mechanical microenvironment. Here, we identified that exposure to 1.4 dyne/cm² FSS could promote the formation of autophagosomes and significantly increase the expressions of autophagy-related markers of beclin1 and ATG7, and the ratio of LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ in both of HepG2 and QGY-7703 cells. The FSS loading also elevated the levels of mesenchymal markers N-cadherin, Vimentin, Twist, Snail, and β-catenin, while the epithelial markers E-cadherin showed a decrease. Once the autophagy was blocked by 3-methyladenine (3-MA) or knocking ATG5 down, the occurrence of FSS-induced EMT was inhibited dramatically according to the expression and translocation of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and β-catenin. Given the effect of EMT on cell migration, we observed that inhibition of autophagy could impede FSS-induced cell migration. Collectively, this study demonstrated that autophagy played a crucial role in FSS-induced EMT and cell migration in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Selective Targeting of αvβ5 Integrin in HepG2 Cell Line by RGDechi15D Peptide

Recently, the research community has become increasingly concerned with the receptor αvβ5, a member of the well-known integrin family. Different ongoing studies have evidenced that αvβ5 integrin regulates not only physiological processes but also a wide array of pathological events, suggesting the receptor as a valuable biomarker to specifically target for therapeutic/diagnostic purposes. Remarkably, in some tumors the involvement of the receptor in cell proliferation, tumor dissemination and angiogenesis is well-documented. In this scenario, the availability of a selective αvβ5 antagonist without ‘off-target’ protein effects may improve survival rate in patients with highly aggressive tumors, such as hepatocellular carcinoma. We recently reported a cyclic peptide, RGDechi15D, obtained by structure-activity studies. To our knowledge it represents the first peptide-based molecule reported in the literature able to specifically bind αvβ5 integrin and not cross react with αvβ3. Here we demonstrated the ability of the peptide to diminish both adhesion and invasion of HepG2 cells, an in vitro model system for hepatocellular carcinoma, to reduce the cell proliferation through an apoptotic process, and to interfere with the PI3K pathway. The peptide, also decreases the formation of new vessels in endothelial cells. Taken together these results indicate that the peptide can be considered a promising molecule with properties suited to be assessed in the future for its validation as a selective therapeutic/diagnostic weapon in hepatocarcinoma.

The Puzzling Potential of Carbon Nanomaterials: General Properties, Application, and Toxicity

Being a member of the nanofamily, carbon nanomaterials exhibit specific properties that mostly arise from their small size. They have proved to be very promising for application in the technical and biomedical field. A wide spectrum of use implies the inevitable presence of carbon nanomaterials in the environment, thus potentially endangering their whole nature. Although scientists worldwide have conducted research investigating the impact of these materials, it is evident that there are still significant gaps concerning the knowledge of their mechanisms, as well as the prolonged and chronic exposure and effects. This manuscript summarizes the most prominent representatives of carbon nanomaterial groups, giving a brief review of their general physico-chemical properties, the most common use, and toxicity profiles. Toxicity was presented through genotoxicity and the activation of the cell signaling pathways, both including in vitro and in vivo models, mechanisms, and the consequential outcomes. Moreover, the acute toxicity of fullerenol, as one of the most commonly investigated members, was briefly presented in the final part of this review. Thinking small can greatly help us improve our lives, but also obliges us to deeply and comprehensively investigate all the possible consequences that could arise from our pure-hearted scientific ambitions and work.

A Potent Branched-Tail Lipid Nanoparticle Enables Multiplexed mRNA Delivery and Gene Editing In Vivo

The clinical translation of messengerRNA (mRNA) drugs has been slowed by a shortage of delivery vehicles that potently and safely shuttle mRNA into target cells. Here, we describe the properties of a particularly potent branched-tail lipid nanoparticle that delivers mRNA to >80% of three major liver cell types. We characterize mRNA delivery spatially, temporally, and as a function of injection type. Following intravenous delivery, our lipid nanoparticle induced greater protein expression than two benchmark lipids, C12-200 and DLin-MC3-DMA, at an mRNA dose of 0.5 mg/kg. Lipid nanoparticles were sufficiently potent to codeliver three distinct mRNAs (firefly luciferase, mCherry, and erythropoietin) and, separately, Cas9 mRNA and single guide RNA (sgRNA) for proof-of-concept nonviral gene editing in mice. Furthermore, our branched-tail lipid nanoparticle was neither immunogenic nor toxic to the liver. Together, these results demonstrate the unique potential of this lipid material to improve the management of diseases rooted in liver dysfunction.

siVEGF-loaded nanoparticle uptake by tumor-associated vascular endothelial cells for hepatocellular carcinoma

Aim: This study examined nanoparticle entry into tumor-associated vascular endothelial cells during transport to hepatocellular carcinoma cells and tumors. Materials & methods: siVEGF was loaded into CS-SS-9R/BSA-cRGD nanoparticles (CBc NPs). The intracellular uptake, gene silencing efficiency, antiproliferation and antiangiogenic effect of the NPs were performed on EA.hy926 cells. In vivo antitumor and antiangiogenic effects were investigated in Bel-7402 tumor-bearing nude mice. Results: siVEGF-loaded CBc NPs entered EA.hy926 cells and suppressed their proliferation and capillary formation. The NPs also inhibited tumor proliferation and angiogenesis in tumor-bearing mice, which attributed to the downregulation of VEGF mRNA expression in tumor tissue. Conclusion: The uptake of siVEGF-loaded CBc NPs by tumor-associated vascular endothelial cells made important contributions in controlling the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Biological responses induced by high molecular weight chitosan administrated jointly with Platelet-derived Growth Factors in different mammalian cell lines

In this work, we studied cellular responses known to be involved in tissue regeneration, such as proliferation, migration and tubulogenesis under High Molecular Weight Chitosan (HMWC) and recombinant Platelet-derived Growth Factor (PDGF) treatments using an in vitro cell culture approach. We also analysed changes in mitochondrial dynamics that could be associated with such biological responses. For this proposes, endothelial human cell lines (EA.hy926 and ECFC) and 3T3-L1 mouse fibroblasts were used. The intracellular uptake of HMWC and their co-localization with acidic compartments were evaluated. Our results show that HMWC enhance PDGF-induced proliferation and cell migration in 3T3-L1 fibroblasts. An increase in PDGF-induced mitochondrial fragmentation was observed in 3T3-L1 cell line, but not in EA.hy926 cells, after the addition of HMWC. Endothelial cells, EA.hy926 and ECFC, potentiate their tubulogenesis capacity with the only addition of HMWC. The HMWC/PDGF-BB treatment notably enhanced tubule formation showing a synergistic effect when act combined in cell culture medium. The knowledge of these cellular responses can be used to design new tissue repair strategies using HMWC and PDGF.

PBX3 Promotes Tumor Growth and Angiogenesis via Activation of AT1R/VEGFR2 Pathway in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

PBX3 (Pre-B-cell leukemia homeobox 3) had been considered to be a multifunctional oncogene which involved in tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis in leukemia and some solid tumors. However, the contribution of PBX3 to papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remains unclear. In this study, we found that PBX3 expression was significantly upregulated in PTC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues, and high levels of PBX3 were correlated with tumor size, lymphatic metastasis, TMN stage, and poor prognosis of PTC patients. Overexpression of PBX3 in PTC cell lines promoted cell proliferation. Consistently, knockdown of PBX3 by shRNA induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase, and inhibited angiogenesis and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, PBX3 promoted PTC cell proliferation and angiogenesis through activation of AT1R/VEGFR2 pathway while overexpression of AT1R and treatment with VEGFA reversed PBX3-shRNA-induced decreased phosphorylation of VEGFR2 and its downstream (ERK1/2, AKT and Src). It demonstrated that PBX3 could be used as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for PTC.

Tumor Angiogenesis and Anti-Angiogenic Strategies for Cancer Treatment

Angiogenesis is the process through which novel blood vessels are formed from pre-existing ones and it is involved in both physiological and pathological processes of the body. Furthermore, tumor angiogenesis is a crucial factor associated with tumor growth, progression, and metastasis. In this manner, there has been a great interest in the development of anti-angiogenesis strategies that could inhibit tumor vascularization. Conventional approaches comprise the administration of anti-angiogenic drugs that target and block the activity of proangiogenic factors. However, as their efficacy is still a matter of debate, novel strategies have been focusing on combining anti-angiogenic agents with chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Moreover, nanotechnology has also been investigated for the potential of nanomaterials to target and release anti-angiogenic drugs at specific sites. The aim of this paper is to review the mechanisms involved in angiogenesis and tumor vascularization and provide an overview of the recent trends in anti-angiogenic strategies for cancer therapy.

Validation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Experimental Models for TGF-β Promoting Tumor Progression

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is a pleiotropic cytokine with dual role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It acts as tumor-suppressor and tumor-promoter in the early and late stage respectively. TGF-β influences the tumor-stroma cross-talk affecting the tumoral microenvironment. Therefore, inhibiting the TGF- β mediated pathway alone and/or in combination with chemotherapeutics represents an important therapeutic option. Experimental models to dissect the role of TGF-β in HCC tumor progression as well as the effectiveness of specific inhibitors are tricky. HCC cell lines respond to TGF-β according to their epithelial phenotype. However, the mesenchymal and more aggressive HCC cell lines in vitro, do not develop tumors when transplanted in vivo, thus hampering the understanding of molecular pathways that dictate outcome. In addition, in this model the native immune system is abolished, therefore the contribution of inflammation in hepatocarcinogenesis is unreliable. Different strategies have been set up to engineer HCC animal models, including genetically modified mice, chemically induced HCC, or hydrodynamic techniques. Patient-derived xenograft is currently probably the most fascinating model, keeping in mind that models cannot mirror all the reality. In this context, we discuss the different available HCC mouse models including our experimental model treated with inhibitor of TGF-β receptor Type I kinase (Galunisertib) and a potential role of exosomes in TGF-β moderated tumor progression of HCC. Unfortunately, no positive results were obtained in our treated orthotopic model because it does not reproduce the critical tumor-stroma interactions of the HCC.

Transient Receptor Potential Channel Expression Signatures in Tumor-Derived Endothelial Cells: Functional Roles in Prostate Cancer Angiogenesis

Background: Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels control multiple processes involved in cancer progression by modulating cell proliferation, survival, invasion and intravasation, as well as, endothelial cell (EC) biology and tumor angiogenesis. Nonetheless, a complete TRP expression signature in tumor vessels, including in prostate cancer (PCa), is still lacking. Methods: In the present study, we profiled by qPCR the expression of all TRP channels in human prostate tumor-derived ECs (TECs) in comparison with TECs from breast and renal tumors. We further functionally characterized the role of the ‘prostate-associated’ channels in proliferation, sprout formation and elongation, directed motility guiding, as well as in vitro and in vivo morphogenesis and angiogenesis. Results: We identified three ‘prostate-associated’ genes whose expression is upregulated in prostate TECs: TRPV2 as a positive modulator of TEC proliferation, TRPC3 as an endothelial PCa cell attraction factor and TRPA1 as a critical TEC angiogenic factor in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions: We provide here the full TRP signature of PCa vascularization among which three play a profound effect on EC biology. These results contribute to explain the aggressive phenotype previously observed in PTEC and provide new putative therapeutic targets.

Recent Insight into the Role of Fibrosis in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most widespread tumors in the world and its prognosis is poor because of lack of effective treatments. Epidemiological studies show that non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and advanced fibrosis represent a relevant risk factors to the HCC development. However little is known of pathophysiological mechanisms linking liver fibrogenesis to HCC in NASH. Recent advances in scientific research allowed to discover some mechanisms that may represent potential therapeutic targets. These include the integrin signaling, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation, Hedgehog signaling and alteration of immune system. In the near future, knowledge of fibrosis-dependent carcinogenic mechanisms, will help optimize antifibrotic therapies as an approach to prevent and treat HCC in patients with NASH and advanced fibrosis.

Co-Delivery of Eugenol and Dacarbazine by Hyaluronic Acid-Coated Liposomes for Targeted Inhibition of Survivin in Treatment of Resistant Metastatic Melanoma

While melanoma remains a challenge for oncologists, possibilities are being continuously explored to fight resistant metastatic melanoma more effectively. Eugenol is reported to inhibit survivin protein in breast cancer cells. Survivin is also overexpressed by melanoma cells, and is known to impart resistance to them against chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. To be able to fight resistant melanoma, we formulated hyaluronic acid (HA)-coated liposomes loaded with an effective combination of anti-melanoma agents (Dacarbazine and Eugenol), using a solvent injection method. Quality-by-Design (QbD) was applied to optimize and obtain a final formulation with the desired quality attributes, and within an acceptable size range. The optimized formulation was then subjected to performance analysis in cell lines. Coated-Dacarbazine Eugenol Liposomes were found to possess 95.08% cytotoxicity at a dacarbazine concentration of 0.5 µg/mL, while Dacarbazine Solution showed only 10.20% cytotoxicity at the same concentration. The number of late apoptotic cells was also found to be much higher (45.16% vs. 8.43%). Furthermore, migration assay and proliferation study also revealed significantly higher inhibition of cell migration and proliferation by Coated-Dacarbazine Eugenol Liposomes, signifying its potential against metastasis. Thus, surface-functionalized dacarbazine- and eugenol-loaded liposomes hold great promise against resistant and aggressive metastatic melanoma, with much less unwanted cytotoxicity and reduced doses of the chemotherapeutic agent.

Dual-targeted casein micelles as green nanomedicine for synergistic phytotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma

In recent years, green nanomedicines have made transformative difference in cancer therapy researches. Herein, we propose dual-functionalized spray-dried casein micelles (CAS-MCs) for combined delivery of two phytochemicals; berberine (BRB) and diosmin (DSN) as targeted therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The nanomicelles enabled parenteral delivery of the poorly soluble DSN via its encapsulation within their hydrophobic core. Moreover, sustained release of the water soluble BRB was attained by hydrophobic ion pairing with sodium deoxycholate followed by genipin crosslinking of CAS-MCs. Dual-active targeting of MCs, via conjugating both lactobionic acid (LA) and folic acid (FA), resulted in superior cytotoxicity and higher cellular uptake against HepG2 cells compared to single-targeted and non-targeted CAS-MCs. The dual-targeted DSN/BRB-loaded CAS-MCs demonstrated superior in vivo anti-tumor efficacy in HCC bearing mice as revealed by down regulation of cell necrosis markers (NF-κB and TNF-α), inflammatory marker COX2, inhibition of angiogenesis and induction of apoptosis. Histopathological analysis and immunohistochemical Ki67 staining confirmed the superiority of the dual-targeted micelles. Ex-vivo imaging showed preferential liver-specific accumulation of dual-targeted CAS-MCs. Overall, this approach combined the benefits of traditional herbal medicine with nanotechnology via LA/FA-CAS-MCs loaded with BRB and DSN as a promising nanoplatform for targeted HCC therapy.

Molecular Targets in Hepatocarcinogenesis and Implications for Therapy

Hepatocarcinogenesis comprises of multiple, complex steps that occur after liver injury and usually involve several pathways, including telomere dysfunction, cell cycle, WNT/β-catenin signaling, oxidative stress and mitochondria dysfunction, autophagy, apoptosis, and AKT/mTOR signaling. Following liver injury, gene mutations, accumulation of oxidative stress, and local inflammation lead to cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and necrosis. The persistence of this vicious cycle in turn leads to further gene mutation and dysregulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-18, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, resulting in immune escape by means of the NF-κB and inflammasome signaling pathways. In this review, we summarize studies focusing on the roles of hepatocarcinogenesis and the immune system in liver cancer. In addition, we furnish an overview of recent basic and clinical studies to provide a strong foundation to develop novel anti-carcinogenesis targets for further treatment interventions.