DEK promoted EMT and angiogenesis through regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in triple-negative breast cancer

Super-resolution microscopy reveals the nanoscale cluster architecture of the DEK protein cancer biomarker

DEK protein, a key chromatin regulator, is strongly overexpressed in various forms of cancer. While conventional microscopy revealed DEK as uniformly distributed within the cell nucleus, advanced super-resolution techniques uncovered cluster-like structures. However, a comprehensive understanding of DEK's cellular distribution and its implications in cancer and cell growth remained elusive. To bridge this gap, we employed single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) to dissect DEK's nanoscale organization in both normal-like and aggressive breast cancer cell lines. Our investigation included characteristics such as localizations per cluster, cluster areas, and intra-cluster localization densities (ICLDs). We elucidated how cluster features align with different breast cell types and how chromatin decompaction influences DEK clusters in these contexts. Our results indicate that DEK's intra-cluster localization density and nano-organization remain preserved and not significantly influenced by protein overexpression or chromatin compaction changes. This study advances the understanding of DEK's role in cancer and underscores its stable nanoscale behavior.

Imaging-based study demonstrates how the DEK nanoscale distribution differentially correlates with epigenetic marks in a breast cancer model

Epigenetic dysregulation of chromatin is one of the hallmarks of cancer development and progression, and it is continuously investigated as a potential general bio-marker of this complex disease. One of the nuclear factors involved in gene regulation is the unique DEK protein-a histone chaperon modulating chromatin topology. DEK expression levels increase significantly from normal to cancer cells, hence raising the possibility of using DEK as a tumor marker. Although DEK is known to be implicated in epigenetic and transcriptional regulation, the details of these interactions and their relevance in cancer development remain largely elusive. In this work, we investigated the spatial correlation between the nuclear distribution of DEK and chromatin patterns-alongside breast cancer progression-leveraging image cross-correlation spectroscopy (ICCS) coupled with Proximity Ligation Assay (PLA) analysis. We performed our study on the model based on three well-established human breast cell lines to consider this tumor's heterogeneity (MCF10A, MCF7, and MDA-MB-231 cells). Our results show that overexpression of DEK correlates with the overall higher level of spatial proximity between DEK and histone marks corresponding to gene promoters regions (H3K9ac, H3K4me3), although it does not correlate with spatial proximity between DEK and gene enhancers (H3K27ac). Additionally, we observed that colocalizing fractions of DEK and histone marks are lower for the non-invasive cell subtype than for the highly invasive cell line (MDA-MB-231). Thus, this study suggests that the role of DEK on transcriptionally active chromatin regions varies depending on the subtype of the breast cancer cell line.

An Updated Review of Contribution of Long Noncoding RNA-NEAT1 to the Progression of Human Cancers

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) present pivotal roles in cancer tumorigenesis and progression. Recently, nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) as a lncRNA has been shown to mediate cell proliferation, migration, and EMT in tumor cells. NEAT1 by targeting several miRNAs/mRNA axes could regulate cancer cell behavior. Therefore, NEAT1 may function as a potent biomarker for the prediction and treatment of some human cancers. In this review, we summarized various NEAT1-related signaling pathways that are critical in cancer initiation and progression.

Role of DEK in carcinogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic outcome of breast cancer: An evidence-based clinical review

Breast cancer is a significantly burdening women's cancer with limited diagnostic modalities. DEK is a novel biomarker overexpressed in breast cancers, currently exhaustively researched for its diagnosis and prognosis. Search for relevant meta-analyses, cohorts, and experimental studies in the last fifteen years was done in five large scientific databases. Non-English, non-full text articles or unrelated studies were excluded. Thirteen articles discussed the potential of DEK to estimate breast cancer characteristics, treatment outcomes, and prognosis. This proto-oncogene plays a role in breast carcinogenesis, increasing tumour proliferation and invasion, preventing apoptosis, and creating an immunodeficient tumour milieu with M2 tumour-associated macrophages. DEK is also associated with worse clinicopathological features and survival in breast cancer patients. Using a Kaplan-Meier plotter data analysis, DEK expression predicts worse overall survival (HR 1.24, 95%CI: 1.01-1.52, p = 0.039), comparable to other biomarkers. DEK is a promising novel biomarker requiring further research to determine its bedside applications.

Rab22a Promotes Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma by Activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway

Background

Rab22a is a member of the RAS superfamily, involved in early endosome formation and intracellular vesicle transport. Rab22a is significantly upregulated in a variety of malignant tumors. However, its function in thyroid cancer has never been addressed.

Methods

The expression of Rab22a in paraffin sections of 101 patients was detected by immunohistochemical staining. By upregulating and downregulating the expression of Rab22a in thyroid cancer cell lines, the effect of Rab22a on cell proliferation, invasion, and migration was analyzed. Co-IP was employed, and the interaction between Rab22a and PI3Kp85α was shown. The function of Rab22a on PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was further studied by western blot analysis.

Results

Immunostaining showed that Rab22a was significantly overexpressed in thyroid cancer tissues but negative in adjacent normal tissues or nodular goiters. The proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT in papillary thyroid carcinoma cell lines were enhanced upon Rab22a overexpression but inhibited after knocking down Rab22a. The co-IP assay demonstrated an interaction between Rab22a and PI3K85α, an effector of PI3K. We further found that Rab22a can activate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. However, the ability of Rab22a to promote the proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT of papillary thyroid carcinoma cells was significantly inhibited after being treated with LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor.

Conclusions

Rab22a can promote the EMT process and enhance proliferation, migration, and invasion of papillary thyroid carcinoma cells by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Our study provides new pathological diagnosis clues and clinical treatment targets for thyroid cancer.

Crowberry inhibits cell proliferation and migration through a molecular mechanism that includes inhibition of DEK and Akt signaling in cholangiocarcinoma

Background

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare biliary adenocarcinoma related to poor clinical prognosis. Crowberry is an herbal medicine used to control inflammatory diseases and reestablish antioxidant enzyme activity. Although crowberry shows significant therapeutic efficacy in various tumors and diseases, its anticancer effects and specific molecular mechanisms in CCA are poorly understood.

Aim of the study

This study was conducted to characterize crowberry effects on CCA cells behavior.

Materials and methods

The chemical profiles of crowberry extract was qualitatively analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and HPLC–tandem mass spectrometry. MTT, colony formation and EdU assays were performed to measure cell proliferation. The effect of crowberry treatment on CCA cell migration was assessed by wound healing and migration assays. Moreover, Hoechst staining assay and flow cytometry were performed to assess the cell apoptosis rate. Western blotting was used to assess the protein expression levels of key factors associated with apoptosis, the Akt signaling pathway, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. A xenograft model was established and immunohistochemical and H&E staining was performed to assess crowberry antitumor effects in vivo.

Results

Crowberry clearly inhibited CCA cells proliferation and migration in a dose-dependent manner and induced apoptosis in vitro. Crowberry inactivated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by regulating DEK in vitro and significantly inhibited tumor growth by downregulating the DEK expression in xenograft models.

Conclusion

Crowberry inhibits CCA cells proliferation and migration through a molecular mechanism that includes inhibition of DEK and Akt signaling pathway inhibition in vitro and in vivo.

Graphical Abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13020-022-00623-6.

Crowberry alterd expression levels of key mediators in PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Crowberry alterd expression levels of key mediators in PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Crowberry suppressed the expression of the proto-oncogene DEK in vivo and in vitro.

Crowberry inhibited CCA progression and migration through a molecular mechanism that includes inhibition of DEK and the Akt signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro.

Valsartan Regulates PI3K/AKT Pathways through lncRNA GASL1 to Improve Isoproterenol-Induced Heart Failure

Objective

This study is aimed at determining the expression and function of the GASL1 and PI3K/AKT pathways in isoproterenol- (ISO-) induced heart failure (HF). To determine the moderating effect of valsartan (VAL) on the progression of ISO-induced HF and to elucidate the related mechanism.

Materials and Methods

First, in in vivo experiment, we examined the effect of VAL on cardiac function in rats with ISO-induced HF. Similarly, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the effect of VAL on ISO-treated rat primary cardiomyocytes. Then, si-GASL1-transfected primary cardiomyocytes were constructed and Ad-si-GASL1 was injected through rat tail vein to achieve the effect of lowering GASL1 expression, so as to investigate the role of GASL1 in VAL's treatment of ISO-induced HF.

Results

In ISO-induced HF rat models, the GASL1 decreased while PI3K and p-AKT expressions were abnormally elevated and cardiac function deteriorated, and VAL was able to reverse these changes. In primary cardiomyocytes, ISO induces apoptosis of cardiomyocytes, and expression of GASL1 decreased while PI3K and p-AKT were abnormally elevated, which can be reversed by VAL. The transfection of primary cardiomyocytes with si-GASL1 confirmed that GASL1 affected the expression of PI3K, p-AKT, and the apoptosis of primary cardiomyocytes. Rat myocardium injected with Ad-si-GASL1 was found to aggravate the cardiac function improved by VAL.

Conclusions

This study was the first to confirm that VAL improves ISO-induced HF by regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway through GASL1. And this study demonstrated a significant correlation between HF, VAL, GASL1, and the PI3K/AKT pathway.

KIF15 upregulation promotes leiomyosarcoma cell growth via promoting USP15-mediated DEK deubiquitylation

Kinesin Family Member 15 (KIF15) is a plus end-directed microtubule motor, which exerts complex regulations in cancer biology. This study aimed to explore the functional role of KIF15 in leiomyosarcoma (LMS). Bioinformatic analysis was carried out using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-Sarcoma (SARC). LMS cell lines SK-UT-1 and SK-LMS-1 were used as in vitro cell models. Results showed that LMS patients with high KIF15 expression had significantly worse survival than the low KIF15 expression counterparts. KIF15 knockdown slowed, while KIF15 overexpression increased the proliferation of SK-UT-1 and SK-LMS-1 cells. Co-IP assay confirmed mutual interaction between endogenous KIF15 and DEK (encoded by DEK proto-oncogene). KIF15 knockdown facilitated DEK degradation, while KIF15 overexpression slowed DEK degradation. In ubiquitination assay, a significant increase in DEK polyubiquitylation was observed when KIF15 expression was suppressed. USP15 physically interacted with both DEK and KIF15 in the cells. USP15 knockdown decreased DEK protein stability and canceled KIF15-mediated DEK stabilization. USP15 overexpression enhanced DEK stability, the effect of which was impaired by KIF15 knockdown. USP15 overexpression reduced DEK polyubiquitination. USP15 knockdown increased DEK polyubiquitination and canceled the effect of KIF15 overexpression on reducing DEK polyubiquitination. DEK overexpression enhanced the proliferation of SK-UT-1 and SK-LMS-1 cells. DEK knockdown decreased cell proliferation and canceled the effect of KIF15 overexpression on cell proliferation. In conclusion, this study revealed a novel mechanism that KIF15 enhances LMS cell proliferation via preventing DEK protein from degradation by increasing USP15 mediated deubiquitylation.

MicroRNA-216b targets HK2 to potentiate autophagy and apoptosis of breast cancer cells via the mTOR signaling pathway

Patients suffering from breast cancer (BC) still have a poor response to treatments, even though early detection and improved therapy have contributed to a reduced mortality. Recent studies have been inspired on the association between microRNAs (miRs) and therapies of BC. The current study set out to investigate the role of miR-216b in BC, and further analyze the underlining mechanism. Firstly, hexokinase 2 (HK2) and miR-216b were characterized in BC tissues and cells by RT-qPCR and Western blot assay. In addition, the interaction between HK2 and miR-216b was analyzed using dual luciferase reporter assay. BC cells were further transfected with a series of miR-126b mimic or inhibitor, or siRNA targeting HK2, so as to analyze the regulatory mechanism of miR-216b, HK2 and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, and to further explore their regulation in BC cellular behaviors. The results demonstrated that HK2 was highly expressed and miR-216b was poorly expressed in BC cells and tissues. HK2 was also verified as a target of miR-216b with online databases and dual luciferase reporter assay. Functionally, miR-216b was found to be closely associated with BC progression via inactivating mTOR signaling pathway by targeting HK2. Moreover, cell viability, migration and invasion were reduced as a result of miR-216b upregulation or HK2 silencing, while autophagy, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were induced. Taken together, our findings indicated that miR-216 down-regulates HK2 to inactivate the mTOR signaling pathway, thus inhibiting the progression of BC. Hence, this study highlighted a novel target for BC treatment.

DEK is highly expressed in breast cancer and is associated with malignant phenotype and progression

DEK proto-oncogene (DEK) has been demonstrated as an oncogene and is associated with the development of many types of tumor; however, the expression and role of DEK in breast cancer remain unknown. The present study aimed to determine the role of DEK in the progression of breast cancer. The expression of DEK in 110 breast cancer tissues and 50 adjacent normal breast tissues was examined using immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, DEK expression was upregulated by DEK transfection or downregulated by DEK shRNA interference in MCF7 cells. Proliferative and invasive abilities were examined in MCF7 cells using MTT assay, colony-formation assay and transwell invasion assays. The results demonstrated that DEK expression level was significantly increased in breast cancer tissues compared with normal breast tissues. Furthermore, high DEK expression was associated with high histological grade, lymph node metastasis, advanced Tumor-Node-Metastasis stage and high Ki-67 index; however, DEK expression was not associated with the expression level of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. High DEK expression indicated poor prognosis in patients with breast cancer. DEK overexpression upregulated the protein expression of β-catenin and Wnt and increased the proliferative and invasive abilities of breast cancer cells. DEK downregulation had the opposite effect. Taken together, the results from the present study demonstrated that high expression of DEK was common in patients with breast cancer and was associated with progression of the disease and poor prognosis, and that DEK overexpression promoted the proliferative and invasive abilities of breast cancer cells.

Downregulation of SDCBP inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis by regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in gastric carcinoma

Syndecan-binding protein (SDCBP) has been reported to critically process a core role in tumorigenesis. This study was conducted to characterize a novel regulatory network of SDCBP in gastric carcinoma (GC) cells. Our findings indicated that overexpression of SDCBP promoted the proliferation of GC cell and increased proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression. Moreover, the overexpression of SDCBP suppressed the apoptosis of GC cell along with a decrease of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and induction of PI3K/AKT/mTOR activation. However, knockdown of SDCBP exhibited opposed effects on GC cells. Furthermore, silencing SDCBP significantly inhibited GC cell viability and PCNA expression accompanied with the upregulated cell apoptosis and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, which was regulated by PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. And it was further determined that PI3K inhibitor LY294002, AKT inhibitor Torin1, and mTOR inhibitor MK-2206 suppressed the apoptosis. In conclusion, SDCBP promotes the growth ability of GC by inducing the PCNA expression and inhibiting GC cell apoptosis via inactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

DEK-targeting aptamer DTA-64 attenuates bronchial EMT-mediated airway remodelling by suppressing TGF-β1/Smad, MAPK and PI3K signalling pathway in asthma

This study is to investigate the inhibitory effects and mechanisms of DEK-targeting aptamer (DTA-64) on epithelial mesenchymaltransition (EMT)-mediated airway remodelling in mice and human bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B. In the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mice, DTA-64 significantly reduced the infiltration of eosinophils and neutrophils in lung tissue, attenuated the airway resistance and the proliferation of goblet cells. In addition, DTA-64 reduced collagen deposition, transforming growth factor 1 (TGF-β1) level in BALF and IgE levels in serum, balanced Th1/Th2/Th17 ratio, and decreased mesenchymal proteins (vimentin and α-SMA), as well as weekend matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and NF-κB p65 activity. In the in vitro experiments, we used TGF-β1 to induce EMT in the human epithelial cell line BEAS-2B. DEK overexpression (ovDEK) or silencing (shDEK) up-regulated or down-regulated TGF-β1 expression, respectively, on the contrary, TGF-β1 exposure had no effect on DEK expression. Furthermore, ovDEK and TGF-β1 synergistically promoted EMT, whereas shDEK significantly reduced mesenchymal markers and increased epithelial markers, thus inhibiting EMT. Additionally, shDEK inhibited key proteins in TGF-β1-mediated signalling pathways, including Smad2/3, Smad4, p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, JNK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR. In conclusion, the effects of DTA-64 against EMT of asthmatic mice and BEAS-2B might partially be achieved through suppressing TGF-β1/Smad, MAPK and PI3K signalling pathways. DTA-64 may be a new therapeutic option for the management of airway remodelling in asthma patients.

Long noncoding RNA NEAT1 promotes progression of glioma as a ceRNA by sponging miR-185-5p to stimulate DNMT1/mTOR signaling

Long noncoding RNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) is regarded as an oncogene in multiple cancers. Previous studies have shown that NEAT1 is involved in the proliferation and tumorigenesis of glioma cells, while miR-185-5p functions as a tumor suppressor in glioma. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of NEAT1 in glioma, especially in association with miR-185-5p, has not been studied. In this study, we first demonstrated that NEAT1 expression was upregulated, and miR-185-5p downregulated in glioma tissues and cells. More important, NEAT1 expression was negatively correlated with miR-185-5p expression in glioma tissues. In vitro and in vivo experiments verified that NEAT1 was a competing endogenous RNA for miR-185-5p for promoting DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) expression and activated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, thus inhibiting apoptosis, and promoting glioma migration, proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition process. Furthermore, NEAT1 knockdown suppressed tumor growth and reduced the expression of proliferation antigen Ki-67, DNMT1, and mTOR, but upregulated the expression of miR-185-5p in vivo. Finally, with mTOR inhibitor rapamycin, we confirmed that NEAT1 promoted glioma activity through mTOR signaling both in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, these results suggest that NEAT1 promotes glioma tumorigenesis via miR-185-5p/DNMT1/mTOR signaling, which may provide a new target for the diagnosis and therapy of glioma.

A Review About Pembrolizumab in First-Line Treatment of Advanced NSCLC: Focus on KEYNOTE Studies

 Lung cancer is currently the malignant tumor with the highest incidence and mortality in the world, while non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common pathological type of lung caner. In the past few decades, the only treatment options available for advanced NSCLC patients have been targeted therapy or chemotherapy, but these therapies are inevitably tolerated by tumors.  The discovery of immune checkpints that mediate the immune escape of tumor cells have been promoting a series of immune checkpoint inhibitors to be used in cancer treatment and achieved great results. Among them, pembrolizumab is currently the only PD-1 inhibitor approved for first-line treatment of NSCLC, whether it is monotherapy or combination therapy, for creditable performance in KEYNOTE studies. In this review, we systematically integrate the latest series of clinical trial results, pharmacological mechanisms, adverse events (AEs) and predictive biomarkers in the first-line treatment of NSCLC. We hope pembrolizumab could become a better choice for more clinicians and benefit more patients with advanced NSCLC.

Advances in the role of exosomal non-coding RNA in the development, diagnosis, and treatment of gastric cancer (Review)

Exosomes are small vesicles secreted by a variety of cells that contain vrious biological macromolecules, including RNA, non-coding RNA and protein. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated that exosomes and particularly the non-coding RNAs they contain, serve important roles in many cellular processes, including the transmission of information. It is well established that the occurrence and development of gastric cancer, one of the four most common malignant tumors worldwide, involves the transmission of information. Based on the urgent need for the elucidation of the mechanism involved in this process, as well as advances in the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer, numerous reports have assessed the association between non-coding RNAs in exosomes and gastric cancer. The purpose of the present review was to summarize recent evidence on certain non-coding RNAs associated with the development, diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer.

Guizhi Fuling Decoction inhibiting the PI3K and MAPK pathways in breast cancer cells revealed by HTS2 technology and systems pharmacology

As one of the classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions in treating gynecological tumors, Guizhi Fuling Decoction (GFD) has been used to treat breast cancer (BRCA). Nonetheless, the potential molecular mechanism remains unclear so far. Therefore, systems pharmacology was used in combination with high throughput sequencing-based high throughput screening (HTS2) assay and bioinformatic technologies in this study to investigate the molecular mechanisms of GFD in treating BRCA. By computationally analyzing 76 active ingredients in GFD, 38 potential therapeutic targets were predicted and significantly enriched in the "pathways in cancer". Meanwhile, experimental analysis was carried out to examine changes in the expression levels of 308 genes involved in the "pathways in cancer" in BRCA cells treated by five herbs of GFD utilizing HTS2 platform, and 5 key therapeutic targets, including HRAS, EGFR, PTK2, SOS1, and ITGB1, were identified. The binding mode of active compounds to these five targets was analyzed by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. It was found after integrating the computational and experimental data that, GFD possessed the anti-proliferation, pro-apoptosis, and anti-angiogenesis activities mainly through regulating the PI3K and the MAPK signaling pathways to inhibit BRCA. Besides, consistent with the TCM theory about the synergy of Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi) by Cortex Moutan (Mudanpi) in GFD, both of these two herbs acted on the same targets and pathways. Taken together, the combined application of computational systems pharmacology techniques and experimental HTS2 platform provides a practical research strategy to investigate the functional and biological mechanisms of the complicated TCM prescriptions.

Cordycepin Inhibits Cancer Cell Proliferation and Angiogenesis through a DEK Interaction via ERK Signaling in Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a malignant tumor that arises from the epithelial cells of the bile duct and is notorious for its poor prognosis. The clinical outcome remains disappointing, and thus more effective therapeutic options are urgently required. Cordycepin, a traditional Chinese medicine, provides multiple pharmacological strategies in antitumors, but its mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we reported that cordycepin inhibited the viability and proliferation capacity of CCA cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and colony formation assay. Flow cytometry and Hoechst dye showed that cordycepin induced cancer cell apoptosis via extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 deactivation. Moreover, cordycepin significantly reduced the angiogenetic capabilities of CCA in vitro as examined by tube formation assay. We also discovered that cordycepin inhibited DEK expression by using Western blot assay. DEK serves as an oncogenic protein that is overexpressed in various gastrointestinal tumors. DEK silencing inhibited CCA cell viability and angiogenesis but not apoptosis induction determined by Western blot and flow cytometry. Furthermore, cordycepin significantly inhibited tumor growth and angiogenic capacities in a xenograft model by downregulating the expression of DEK, phosphorylated ERK1/2 CD31 and von Willebrand factor (vWF). Taken together, we demonstrated that cordycepin inhibited CCA cell proliferation and angiogenesis with a DEK interaction via downregulation in ERK signaling. These data indicate that cordycepin may serve as a novel agent for CCA clinical treatment and prognosis improvement. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Cordycepin provides multiple strategies in antitumors, but its mechanisms are not fully elucidated, especially on cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). We reported that cordycepin inhibited the viability of CCA cells, induced apoptosis via extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 deactivation and DEK inhibition, and reduced the angiogenetic capabilities of CCA both in vivo and in vitro.

A three layered histone epigenetics in breast cancer metastasis

Thanks to the advancement in science and technology and a significant number of cancer research programs being carried out throughout the world, the prevention, prognosis and treatment of breast cancer are improving with a positive and steady pace. However, a stern thoughtful attention is required for the metastatic breast cancer cases—the deadliest of all types of breast cancer, with a character of relapse even when treated. In an effort to explore the less travelled avenues, we summarize here studies underlying the aspects of histone epigenetics in breast cancer metastasis. Authoritative reviews on breast cancer epigenetics are already available; however, there is an urgent need to focus on the epigenetics involved in metastatic character of this cancer. Here we put forward a comprehensive review on how different layers of histone epigenetics comprising of histone chaperones, histone variants and histone modifications interplay to create breast cancer metastasis landscape. Finally, we propose a hypothesis of integrating histone-epigenetic factors as biomarkers that encompass different breast cancer subtypes and hence could be exploited as a target of larger population.

Aging Induced p53/p21 in Genioglossus Muscle Stem Cells and Enhanced Upper Airway Injury

Aging of population brings related social problems, such as muscle attenuation and regeneration barriers with increased aging. Muscle repair and regeneration depend on muscle stem cells (MuSCs). Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) rises in the aging population. OSA leads to hypoxia and upper airway muscle injury. However, little is known about the effect of increasing age and hypoxia to the upper airway muscle. The genioglossus (GG) is the major dilator muscle to keep the upper airway open. Here, we reported that muscle fiber and MuSC function declined with aging in GG. Increasing age also decreased the migration and proliferation of GG MuSCs. p53 and p21 were high expressions both in muscle tissue and in GG MuSCs. We further found that hypoxia inhibited GG MuSC proliferation and decreased myogenic differentiation. Then, hypoxia enhanced the inhibition effect of aging to proliferation and differentiation. Finally, we investigated that hypoxia and aging interact to form a vicious circle with upregulation of p53 and p21. This vicious hypoxia plus aging damage accelerated upper airway muscle injury. Aging and hypoxia are the major damage elements in OSA patients, and we propose that the damage mechanism of hypoxia and aging in GG MuSCs will help to improve upper airway muscle regeneration.

Downregulation of N-myc and STAT Interactor Protein Predicts Aggressive Tumor Behavior and Poor Prognosis in Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

PURPOSE

We investigated the expression of the N-myc and STAT interactor (NMI) protein in invasive ductal carcinoma tissue and estimated its clinicopathologic significance as a prognostic factor. The expression levels and prognostic significance of NMI were also analyzed according to the molecular subgroup of breast cancers.

METHODS

Human NMI detection by immunohistochemistry was performed using tissue microarrays of 382 invasive ductal carcinomas. The correlation of NMI expression with patient clinicopathological parameters and prognostic significance was analyzed and further assessed according to the molecular subgroup of breast cancers. Moreover, in vitro experiments with 13 breast cancer cell lines were carried out. We also validated NMI expression significance in The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort using the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database.

RESULTS

Low NMI expression was observed in 190 cases (49.7%). Low NMI expression was significantly associated with the "triple-negative" molecular subtype (p < 0.001), high nuclear grade (p < 0.001), high histologic grade (p < 0.001), and advanced anatomic stage (p = 0.041). Patients with low NMI expression had poorer progression-free survival (p = 0.038) than patients with high NMI expression. Low NMI expression was not significantly associated with patient prognosis in the molecular subgroup analysis. In vitro, a reduction of NMI expression was observed in 8 breast cancer cell lines, especially in the estrogen receptor-positive and basal B type of triple-negative breast cancer molecular subgroups. The HPA database showed that low NMI expression levels were associated with a lower survival probability compared with that associated with high NMI expression (p = 0.053).

CONCLUSION

NMI expression could be a useful prognostic biomarker and a potential novel therapeutic target in invasive ductal carcinoma.

Role of lncRNA-ATB in ovarian cancer and its mechanisms of action

This study aimed to elucidate the role of long non-coding RNA activated by transforming growth factor-β (lncRNA-ATB) in ovarian cancer and its underlying mechanisms of action. Expression levels of lncRNA-ATB in ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 and in a healthy human ovarian cell line were compared using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The results indicated that lncRNA-ATB was expressed at significantly higher levels in SKOV3 cells compared with the healthy cell line. After downregulation of lncRNA-ATB expression in SKOV3 cells using lncRNA-ATB-short hairpin RNA, cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration were assessed using Cell counting kit-8, Live Dead staining, Transwell assay and wound healing assay, respectively. RT-qPCR and western blotting were used to quantify the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), phosphorylated (p)-STAT3, and the additional epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins E-cadherin and vimentin in SKOV3 cells. LncRNA-ATB downregulation significantly reduced SKOV3 cell proliferation, invasion and migration, promoted apoptosis, decreased the expression of p-STAT3 and vimentin, and increased E-cadherin expression. Taken together, these results suggest that lncRNA-ATB downregulation can inhibit ovarian cancer cell proliferation, invasion and migration, and promote cell apoptosis. Lnc-RNA-ATB may therefore be a new target for ovarian cancer treatment.

MicroRNA-150-5p and SRC kinase signaling inhibitor 1 involvement in the pathological development of gastric cancer

The current study aimed to assess the regulatory mechanism of microRNA-150-5p (miR-150-5p) in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to verify the expression of miR-150-5p in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines, which was revealed to be highly expressed in each. In addition, the expression of miR-150-5p was associated with advanced gastric cancer and lymph node metastasis. The current study then hypothesized that SRC kinase signaling inhibitor 1 (SRCIN1) was the target gene of miR-150-5p, a theory that was confirmed via a dual luciferase reporter gene assay. RT-qPCR and western blotting were then performed to verify the expression of SRCIN1 in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. The results demonstrated that SRCIN1 was lowly expressed in gastric cancer tissues and cells. To assess the effect of miR-150-5p on gastric cancer cells, experiments were conducted with BGC-823 cells transfected with a miR-150-5p inhibitor or a miR-150-5p inhibitor+SRCIN1-small interfering (si)RNA respectively. A cell counting kit-8 assay and flow cytometry were also used to assess cell viability and apoptosis, respectively. Western blotting and RT-qPCR were further used to measure the expression of specific markers of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), including epithelial cell markers (E-cadherin and zona occluding-1) and interstitial cell markers (vimentin, N-cadherin and β-catenin). The results revealed that the miR-150-5p inhibitor attenuated cell viability, induced apoptosis, decreased the expression of interstitial cell markers and increased epithelial cell marker expression. However, all effects of the miR-150-5p inhibitor were reversed following SRCIN1-siRNA treatment. In summary, the current study indicated that the miR-150-5p inhibitor attenuated cell viability, induced apoptosis and inhibited gastric cancer cell EMT by targeting SRCIN1.

Circular RNA circNRIP1 acts as a microRNA-149-5p sponge to promote gastric cancer progression via the AKT1/mTOR pathway

BACKGROUND

CircRNA has emerged as a new non-coding RNA that plays crucial roles in tumour initiation and development. 'MiRNA sponge' is the most reported role played by circRNAs in many tumours. The AKT/mTOR axis is a classic signalling pathway in cancers that sustains energy homeostasis through energy production activities, such as the Warburg effect, and blocks catabolic activities, such as autophagy. Additionally, the AKT/mTOR axis exerts a positive effect on EMT, which promotes tumour metastasis.

METHODS

We detected higher circNRIP1 expression in gastric cancer by performing RNA-seq analysis. We verified the tumour promotor role of circNRIP1 in gastric cancer cells through a series of biological function assays. We then used a pull-down assay and dual-luciferase reporter assay to identify the downstream miR-149-5p of circNRIP1. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence assays were performed to demonstrate that the circNRIP1-miR-149-5p-AKT1/mTOR axis is responsible for the altered metabolism in GC cells and promotes GC development. We then adopted a co-culture system to trace circNRIP1 transmission via exosomal communication and RIP experiments to determine that quaking regulates circNRIP1 expression. Finally, we confirmed the tumour suppressor role of microRNA-133a-3p in vivo in PDX mouse models.

RESULTS

We discovered that knockdown of circNRIP1 successfully blocked proliferation, migration, invasion and the expression level of AKT1 in GC cells. MiR-149-5p inhibition phenocopied the overexpression of circNRIP1 in GC cells, and overexpression of miR-149-5p blocked the malignant behaviours of circNRIP1. Moreover, it was proven that circNRIP1 can be transmitted by exosomal communication between GC cells, and exosomal circNRIP1 promoted tumour metastasis in vivo. We also demonstrated that quaking can promote circNRIP1 transcription. In the final step, the tumour promotor role of circNRIP1 was verified in PDX models.

CONCLUSIONS

We proved that circNRIP1 sponges miR-149-5p to affect the expression level of AKT1 and eventually acts as a tumour promotor in GC.

HIF-1α/VEGF signaling-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis is critically involved in anti-metastasis effect of luteolin in melanoma cells

Tumor metastasis is still the leading cause of melanoma mortality. Luteolin, a natural flavonoid, is found in fruits, vegetables, and medicinal herbs. The pharmacological action and mechanism of luteolin on the metastasis of melanoma remain elusive. In this study, we investigated the effect of luteolin on A375 and B16‐F10 cell viability, migration, invasion, adhesion, and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and pivotal molecules in HIF‐1α/VEGF signaling expression were analysed using western blot assays or quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Results showed that luteolin inhibits cellular proliferation in A375 and B16‐F10 melanoma cells in a time‐dependent and concentration‐dependent manner. Luteolin significantly inhibited the migratory, invasive, adhesive, and tube‐forming potential of highly metastatic A375 and B16‐F10 melanoma cells or human umbilical vein endothelial cells at sub‐IC₅₀ concentrations, where no significant cytotoxicity was observed. Luteolin effectively suppressed EMT by increased E‐cadherin and decreased N‐cadherin and vimentin expression both in mRNA and protein levels. Further, luteolin exerted its anti‐metastasis activity through decreasing the p‐Akt, HIF‐1α, VEGF‐A, p‐VEGFR‐2, MMP‐2, and MMP‐9 proteins expression. Overall, our findings first time suggests that HIF‐1α/VEGF signaling‐mediated EMT and angiogenesis is critically involved in anti‐metastasis effect of luteolin as a potential therapeutic candidate for melanoma.

Molecular mechanism of triple-negative breast cancer-associated BRCA1 and the identification of signaling pathways

BRAC1 has multiple important interactions with triple-negative breast cancer, the specific molecular characteristics of this interaction, however, have not yet been completely elucidated. By examining cell signaling pathways, important information for comprehending the potential mechanisms of this cancer may become known. The aim of the present study was to identify the effects of BRAC1 and to find the signaling pathway(s) involved in the pathogenic mechanism of triple-negative breast cancer. In this study, GSE27447 microarray data were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database of the National Center for Biotechnology Information, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from GSE27447 were distinguished by Significant Analysis of Microarray. Gene ontology (GO) analysis was carried out on 132 upregulated and 198 downregulated genes with DAVID. The signaling was forecast by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Transcription factors were recognized by TFatS. The BRAC1 relevant protein-protein interaction networks (PPI) were fixed by STRING and visualized by CytoScape. Overall, the upregulated DEGs, which included CR2, IGHM, PRKCB, CARD11, PLCG2, CD79A, IGKC and CD27, were primarily enriched in the terms associated with immune responses, and the downregulated DEGs, which included STARD3, ALDH8A1, SRD5A3, CACNA1H, UGT2B4, SDR16C5 and MED1, were primarily enriched in the hormone metabolic process. In addition, 13 pathways, such as the B-cell receptor-signaling pathway, the hormone synthesis signaling pathway and the oxytocin-signaling pathway, were chosen. MYC, SP1 and CTNNB1 were determined to be enriched in triple-negative breast cancer. A total of 8 genes were identified to be downregulated in the BRAC1-related PPI network. The results of the present study show a fresh angle on the molecular mechanism of triple-negative breast cancer and indicate a possible target for its treatment.

miR-3178 inhibits cell proliferation and metastasis by targeting Notch1 in triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a poorer outcome than other subtypes of breast cancer, and the discovery of dysregulated microRNA (miRNA) and their role in tumor progression has provided a new avenue for elucidating the mechanism involved in TNBC. In this study, we identified that miR-3178 was significantly reduced in TNBC, and the low miR-3178 expression correlated with poor overall survival in TNBC but not in non-TNBC. The ectopic overexpression of miR-3178 suppressed TNBC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration by inhibiting the epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) transition. Notch1 was validated as the direct target gene of miR-3178, which was confirmed by the dual-luciferase reporter assay. miR-3178 decreased the expression of Notch1 and restoration of Notch1 expression attenuated the inhibitory effects of miR-3178 on cell proliferation, metastasis, and the EMT in TNBC. miR-3178 inhibited cell proliferation and metastasis by targeting Notch1 in TNBC, and the restoration of miR-3178 might be a potential therapeutic strategy for TNBC.

Targeting ROR1 inhibits epithelial to mesenchymal transition in human lung adenocarcinoma via mTOR signaling pathway

The receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1) is a type I surface transmembrane protein that contributes to progression of tumor-cell growth and metastasis. We and others have shown that the roles of ROR1 include inhibiting apoptosis, potentiating EGFR signaling, and inducing proliferation in lung cancer, but the roles and mechanisms of ROR1 in lung adenocarcinoma metastasis have not been elucidated. Here we chose four lung adenocarcinoma cell lines, PC9 (erlotinib-sensitive), PC9erlo (acquired erlotinib-resistant), NCI-H358 (partial erlotinib-resistant), and NCI-H1975 (erlotinib-resistant) as cell models to simulate the clinical situation. We found that ROR1 prompted epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) by increasing the expression level of a key epithelial gene, E-cadherin, while decreasing the expression level of the key mesenchymal gene vimentin. Silencing ROR1 by siRNA significantly reduced the migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells in vitro and also significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt (Ser473), mTOR (Ser2448), Raptor (Ser792) and p70S6K (Thr389) in all four cell lines. This strongly supports our proposal that ROR1 may play a central role in tumor progression and metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma through mTOR signaling, regardless of its EGFR-TKI sensitivity status.

The unique DEK oncoprotein in women's health: A potential novel biomarker

Breast and cervical cancer are the first and fourth cancer types with the highest prevalence in women, respectively. The developmental profiles of cancer in women can vary by genetic markers and cellular events. In turn, age and lifestyle influence in the cellular response and also on the cancer progression and relapse. The human DEK protein, a histone chaperone, belongs to a specific subclass of chromatin topology modulators, being involved in the regulation of DNA-dependent processes. These epigenetic mechanisms have dynamic and reversible nature, have been proposed as targets for different treatment approaches, especially in tumor therapy. The expression patterns of DEK vary between healthy and cancer cells. High expression of DEK is associated with poor prognosis in many cancer types, suggesting that DEK takes part in oncogenic activities via different molecular pathways, including inhibition of senescence and apoptosis. The focus of this review was to highlight the role of the DEK protein in these two female cancers.

The "Yin and Yang" of Natural Compounds in Anticancer Therapy of Triple-Negative Breast Cancers

Among the different types of breast cancers, triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are highly aggressive, do not respond to conventional hormonal/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted interventions due to the lack of the respective receptor targets, have chances of early recurrence, metastasize, tend to be more invasive in nature, and develop drug resistance. The global burden of TNBCs is increasing regardless of the number of cytotoxic drugs being introduced into the market each year as they have only moderate efficacy and/or unforeseen side effects. Therefore, the demand for more efficient therapeutic interventions, with reduced side effects, for the treatment of TNBCs is rising. While some plant metabolites/derivatives actually induce the risk of cancers, many plant-derived active principles have gained attention as efficient anticancer agents against TNBCs, with fewer adverse side effects. Here we discuss the possible oncogenic molecular pathways in TNBCs and how the purified plant-derived natural compounds specifically target and modulate the genes and/or proteins involved in these aberrant pathways to exhibit their anticancer potential. We have linked the anticancer potential of plant-derived natural compounds (luteolin, chalcones, piperine, deguelin, quercetin, rutin, fisetin, curcumin, resveratrol, and others) to their ability to target multiple dysregulated signaling pathways (such as the Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, NF-κB, PI3K/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Hedgehog) leading to suppression of cell growth, proliferation, migration, inflammation, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis, and activation of apoptosis in TNBCs. Plant-derived compounds in combination with classical chemotherapeutic agents were more efficient in the treatment of TNBCs, possibly with lesser side effects.

Antrodia camphorata inhibits epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by targeting multiple pathways in triple-negative breast cancers

Antrodia camphorata (AC) exhibits potential for engendering cell-cycle arrest as well as prompting apoptosis and metastasis inhibition in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. We performed the current study to explore the anti-epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) properties of fermented AC broth in TNBC cells. Our results illustrated that noncytotoxic concentrations of AC (20-60 μg/ml) reversed the morphological changes (fibroblastic-to-epithelial phenotype) as well as the EMT by upregulating the observed E-cadherin expression. Furthermore, we discovered treatment with AC substantially inhibit the Twist expression in human TNBC (MDA-MB-231) cells as well as in those that were transfected with Twist. In addition, we determined AC to decrease the observed Wnt/β-catenin nuclear translocation through a pathway determined to be dependent on GSK3β. Notably, AC treatment consistently inhibited the EMT by downregulating mesenchymal marker proteins like N-cadherin, vimentin, Snail, ZEB-1, and fibronectin; at that same time upregulating epithelial marker proteins like occludin and ZO-1. Bioluminescence imaging that was executed in vivo demonstrated AC substantially suppressed breast cancer metastasis to the lungs. Notably, we found that western blot analysis confirmed that AC decreased lung metastasis as demonstrated by upregulation of E-cadherin expression in biopsied lung tissue. Together with our results support the anti-EMT activity of AC, indicating AC as having the potential for acting as an anticancer agent for the treatment of human TNBC treatment.

miR-1284 Inhibits the Growth and Invasion of Breast Cancer Cells by Targeting ZIC2

miR-1284 has been reported to inhibit tumor growth in some human cancers, including lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and gastric cancer. Whether it regulates breast cancer progression remains elusive. In this study, we found that miR-1284 was downregulated in breast cancer tissues and cell lines compared to normal control cells. Moreover, we showed that overexpression of miR-1284 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells while promoting apoptosis. In terms of mechanism, we found that transcription factor ZIC2 was a target of miR-1284 in breast cancer cells. Through the luciferase reporter assay, we demonstrated their direct interaction. RT-qPCR and Western blot also indicated that miR-1284 overexpression inhibited the protein levels of ZIC2 in breast cancer cells. Moreover, we found that ZIC2 knockdown inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells, whereas restoration of ZIC2 reversed the effects of miR-1284 on breast cancer cells. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that miR-1284 suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells via targeting ZIC2, which provided a new insight on the development of therapeutic targets for breast cancer treatment.