GATA3-induced vWF upregulation in the lung adenocarcinoma vasculature

Unlocking the intricacies: Exploring the complex interplay between platelets and ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer, an aggressive malignancy of the female reproductive tract, is frequently linked to an elevated risk of thrombotic events. This association is manifested by a pronounced rise in platelet counts and activation levels. Current research firmly supports the pivotal role of platelets in the oncogenic processes of ovarian cancer, influencing tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. Platelets influence these processes through direct interactions with tumor cells or by secreting cytokines and growth factors that enhance tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. This review aims to thoroughly dissect the interactions between platelets and ovarian cancer cells, emphasizing their combined role in tumor progression and associated thrombotic events. Additionally, it summarizes therapeutic strategies targeting platelet-cancer interface which show significant promise. Such approaches could not only be effective in managing the primary ovarian tumor but also play a pivotal role in preventing metastasis and attenuating thrombotic complications associated with ovarian cancer.

Plasma von Willebrand factor levels in patients with cancer: A meta‑analysis

von Willebrand Factor (VWF) is well recognized for being dysregulated in various malignancies and has emerged as a potential biomarker for cancer detection. The present meta-analysis aimed to elucidate the association between plasma VWF and the incidence and metastasis of cancer. For this purpose, a comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases from their inception until March 3, 2023. This culminated in the selection of 15 original studies on various types of cancer, including a collective sample of 1,403 individuals. The standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were employed as statistical parameters to determine the association between plasma VWF and the incidence and metastasis of cancer. These were estimated using a random-effects model. The pooled data revealed that the plasma VWF levels of patients with cancer were significantly elevated compared with those of healthy controls (SMD, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.59-1.36), and a significant association was observed between plasma VWF levels and cancer metastasis (SMD, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.33-1.06). The symmetry of the Begg's funnel plots indicated that no significant bias was present in the analyses of VWF in cancer and its metastasis. In summary, the results of the present meta-analysis support the hypothesis that increased plasma VWF levels may serve as a biomarker for cancer and metastatic progression.

A drug-free cardiovascular stent functionalized with tailored collagen supports in-situ healing of vascular tissues

Drug-eluting stent implantation suppresses the excessive proliferation of smooth muscle cells to reduce in-stent restenosis. However, the efficacy of drug-eluting stents remains limited due to delayed reendothelialization, impaired intimal remodeling, and potentially increased late restenosis. Here, we show that a drug-free coating formulation functionalized with tailored recombinant humanized type III collagen exerts one-produces-multi effects in response to injured tissue following stent implantation. We demonstrate that the one-produces-multi coating possesses anticoagulation, anti-inflammatory, and intimal hyperplasia suppression properties. We perform transcriptome analysis to indicate that the drug-free coating favors the endothelialization process and induces the conversion of smooth muscle cells to a contractile phenotype. We find that compared to drug-eluting stents, our drug-free stent reduces in-stent restenosis in rabbit and porcine models and improves vascular neointimal healing in a rabbit model. Collectively, the one-produces-multi drug-free system represents a promising strategy for the next-generation of stents.

Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of the role of VWF in the tumor microenvironment of malignant mesothelioma

To explore the influence and effect of tumor microenvironment on the development of malignant mesothelioma using machine learning methods. 87 open cases were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas database including transcriptome data, clinical data, and mutation data. The immune, stromal, and estimate scores were calculated for each case by using the ESTIMATE algorithm, and then the cases were grouped according to high and low stromal scores to predict all-cause survival in malignant mesothelioma cases. Their mutation data were analyzed to reveal the differences in mutated genes between the 2 groups, and then the von Willebrand factor (VWF) and FCRL3 genes were identified according to the intersection of DEGs and high-frequency mutated genes. Lastly, the correlation between VWF and the immune checkpoint of 22 kinds of immune cells was analyzed by using the CIBERSORT package of R software. A significant difference was found in the survival time of patients between the high and low stromal score groups. High expression of the VWF gene was negatively correlated with the prognosis of malignant mesothelioma, and the expression of VWF was positively correlated with naive B cells and activated CD4 memory T cells and negatively correlated with NK cells. The results revealed that high expression of VWF may involve in the development of malignant mesothelioma, and the anti-CTLA4 immune checkpoint treatment may have certain efficacy.

Micropatterned Neurovascular Interface to Mimic the Blood–Brain Barrier’s Neurophysiology and Micromechanical Function: A BBB-on-CHIP Model

A hybrid blood–brain barrier (BBB)-on-chip cell culture device is proposed in this study by integrating microcontact printing and perfusion co-culture to facilitate the study of BBB function under high biological fidelity. This is achieved by crosslinking brain extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins to the transwell membrane at the luminal surface and adapting inlet–outlet perfusion on the porous transwell wall. While investigating the anatomical hallmarks of the BBB, tight junction proteins revealed tortuous zonula occludens (ZO-1), and claudin expressions with increased interdigitation in the presence of astrocytes were recorded. Enhanced adherent junctions were also observed. This junctional phenotype reflects in-vivo-like features related to the jamming of cell borders to prevent paracellular transport. Biochemical regulation of BBB function by astrocytes was noted by the transient intracellular calcium effluxes induced into endothelial cells. Geometry-force control of astrocyte–endothelial cell interactions was studied utilizing traction force microscopy (TFM) with fluorescent beads incorporated into a micropatterned polyacrylamide gel (PAG). We observed the directionality and enhanced magnitude in the traction forces in the presence of astrocytes. In the future, we envisage studying transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and the effect of chemomechanical stimulations on drug/ligand permeability and transport. The BBB-on-chip model presented in this proposal should serve as an in vitro surrogate to recapitulate the complexities of the native BBB cellular milieus.

Higher intra-tumoral expression of pro-coagulation genes is a predictor of angiogenesis, epithelial mesenchymal transition and worse patient survival in gastric cancer

Coagulation regulates angiogenesis in cancer, and is associated with tumor development and metastasis. To date, there have been no studies quantifying the state of intra-tumoral coagulation. We measured intra-tumoral coagulation gene expression using the "Hallmark-COAGULATION" gene set in the MSigDB, performing gene set variation analysis and then assigning a "coagulation score" to quantify gene expression. Clinical, histologic, and genetic data were analyzed in 807 gastric cancer patients from the TCGA_STAD and GSE84437 databases. Tumors with increased expression of pro-coagulation genes were consistently associated with higher AJCC T-categories (p = 0.018), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.036), and stage (p = 0.006) in both cohorts. Patients with high coagulation scores were found to have worse disease-specific survival and overall survival (OS) (p = 0.019 and 0.011, respectively) in TCGA, and worse OS in GSE84437 cohort (p = 0.012). Higher expression of pro-coagulation genes correlated with increased intra-tumoral angiogenesis, as well as increased proportions of lymphatic and microvascular endothelial cells, endothelial cells, and pericytes, calculated by xCell algorithm. High coagulation scores were significantly associated with low tumor mutation burden, but not with intratumor heterogeneity and homologous recombination deficiency. Gastric cancers with high coagulation scores contained higher amounts of M1 macrophages and dendritic cells, and low numbers of Th1 cells (all P<0.001). Genes for epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), myogenesis, apical junction, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling, and angiogenesis were enriched in high coagulation score-gastric cancers (all false discovery rate <0.25). In conclusion, gastric cancers expressing higher levels of pro-coagulation genes demonstrate increased angiogenesis, EMT, TGF-β signaling and worse patient prognosis.

The Intriguing Connections between von Willebrand Factor, ADAMTS13 and Cancer

von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a complex and large protein that is cleaved by ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13), and together they serve important roles in normal hemostasis. Malignancy can result in both a deficiency or excess of VWF, leading to aberrant hemostasis with either increased bleeding or thrombotic complications, as respectively seen with acquired von Willebrand syndrome and cancer-associated venous thromboembolism. There is emerging evidence to suggest VWF also plays a role in inflammation, angiogenesis and tumor biology, and it is likely that VWF promotes tumor metastasis. High VWF levels have been documented in a number of malignancies and in some cases correlate with more advanced disease and poor prognosis. Tumor cells can induce endothelial cells to release VWF and certain tumor cells have the capacity for de novo expression of VWF, leading to a proinflammatory microenvironment that is likely conducive to tumor progression, metastasis and micro-thrombosis. VWF can facilitate tumor cell adhesion to endothelial cells and aids with the recruitment of platelets into the tumor microenvironment, where tumor/platelet aggregates are able to form and facilitate hematogenous spread of cancer. As ADAMTS13 moderates VWF level and activity, it too is potentially involved in the pathophysiology of these events. VWF and ADAMTS13 have been explored as tumor biomarkers for the detection and prognostication of certain malignancies; however, the results are underdeveloped and so currently not utilized for clinical use. Further studies addressing the basic science mechanisms and real word epidemiology are required to better appreciate the intriguing connections between VWF, ADAMTS13 and malignancy. A better understanding of the role VWF and ADAMTS13 play in the promotion and inhibition of cancer and its metastasis will help direct further translational studies to aid with the development of novel cancer prognostic tools and treatment modalities.

The Manifold Cellular Functions of von Willebrand Factor

The plasma glycoprotein von Willebrand factor (VWF) is exclusively synthesized in endothelial cells (ECs) and megakaryocytes, the precursor cells of platelets. Its primary function lies in hemostasis. However, VWF is much more than just a "fishing hook" for platelets and a transporter for coagulation factor VIII. VWF is a true multitasker when it comes to its many roles in cellular processes. In ECs, VWF coordinates the formation of Weibel-Palade bodies and guides several cargo proteins to these storage organelles, which control the release of hemostatic, inflammatory and angiogenic factors. Leukocytes employ VWF to assist their rolling on, adhesion to and passage through the endothelium. Vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation is supported by VWF, and it regulates angiogenesis. The life cycle of platelets is accompanied by VWF from their budding from megakaryocytes to adhesion, activation and aggregation until the end in apoptosis. Some tumor cells acquire the ability to produce VWF to promote metastasis and hide in a shell of VWF and platelets, and even the maturation of osteoclasts is regulated by VWF. This review summarizes the current knowledge on VWF's versatile cellular functions and the resulting pathophysiological consequences of their dysregulation.

Identification of VWF as a Novel Biomarker in Lung Adenocarcinoma by Comprehensive Analysis

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the most malignant tumors with high morbidity and mortality worldwide due to the lack of reliable methods for early diagnosis and effective treatment. It’s imperative to study the mechanism of its development and explore new biomarkers for early detection of LUAD. In this study, the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset GSE43458 and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were used to explore the differential co-expressed genes between LUAD and normal samples. Three hundred sixity-six co-expressed genes were identified by differential gene expression analysis and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) method. Those genes were mainly enriched in ameboidal-type cell migration (biological process), collagen-containing extracellular matrix (cell component), and extracellular matrix structure constituent (molecular function). The protein-protein network (PPI) was constructed and 10 hub genes were identified, including IL6, VWF, CDH5, PECAM1, EDN1, BDNF, CAV1, SPP1, TEK, and SELE. The expression level of hub genes was validated in the GEPIA database, compared with normal tissues, VWF is lowly expressed and SPP1 is upregulated in LUAD tissues. The survival analysis showed increased expression of SPP1 indicated unfavorable prognosis whereas high expression of VWF suggested favorable prognosis in LUAD (p < 0.05). Based on the immune infiltration analysis, the relationship between SPP1 and VWF expression and macrophage, neutrophil, and dendritic cell infiltration was weak in LUAD. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting were used to validate the expression of VWF and SPP1 in normal human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cell and three LUAD cell lines, H1299, H1975, and A549. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was further performed to detect the expression of VWF in 10 cases LUAD samples and matched normal tissues. In summary, the data suggest that VWF is a potential novel biomarker for prognosis of LUAD.

Potential Prognostic Biomarkers of Lung Adenocarcinoma Based on Bioinformatic Analysis

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), which accounts for 60% of non-small-cell lung cancers, is poorly diagnosed and has a low average 5-year survival rate (approximately 20%). It remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Studies on long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in LUAD-related competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks are limited. We aimed to identify novel prognostic biomarkers for LUAD using bioinformatic tools and data analysis. We systemically integrated differentially expressed genes and clinically significant modules using weighted correlation network analysis. We performed a functional analysis of the collected candidate genes and explored three LUAD-related genes (VWF, PECAM1, and COL1A1) associated with the overall survival rates of patients with LUAD. Based on Cox proportional hazards analysis of candidate mRNAs and lncRNAs together with differentially expressed microRNAs, we constructed ceRNA networks, obtained 12 lncRNAs in the ceRNA networks, and revealed seven novel lncRNAs AC021016.2, AC079630.1, AC116407.1, AC125807.2, AF131215.5, LINC01936, and RHOXF1-AS1. These lncRNAs were found to be associated with overall survival rates and are suitable for the prediction of prognosis by Kaplan-Meier survival and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. In particular, three lncRNAs—AF131215.5, AC125807.2, and LINC01936—showed an independent prognostic value of overall survival for patients with LUAD. We evaluated the diagnostic capabilities of seven lncRNAs for patients with LUAD using principal component analysis and the Gene Set Variation Analysis index. lncRNAs and crucial genes could be effectively used for distinguishing LUAD tumors from normal tissues in the Gene Expression Omnibus profile. In particular, AC021016.2 showed a significant prognostic value in the validation dataset. Our findings reveal the significance of exploring lncRNAs in cancer-related ceRNAs using bioinformatic strategies.

Deciphering the Role of the Coagulation Cascade and Autophagy in Cancer-Related Thrombosis and Metastasis

Thrombotic complications are the second leading cause of death among oncology patients worldwide. Enhanced thrombogenesis has multiple origins and may result from a deregulation of megakaryocyte platelet production in the bone marrow, the synthesis of coagulation factors in the liver, and coagulation factor signaling upon cancer and the tumor microenvironment (TME). While a hypercoagulable state has been attributed to factors such as thrombocytosis, enhanced platelet aggregation and Tissue Factor (TF) expression on cancer cells, further reports have suggested that coagulation factors can enhance metastasis through increased endothelial-cancer cell adhesion and enhanced endothelial cell activation. Autophagy is highly associated with cancer survival as a double-edged sword, as can both inhibit and promote cancer progression. In this review, we shall dissect the crosstalk between the coagulation cascade and autophagic pathway and its possible role in metastasis and cancer-associated thrombosis formation. The signaling of the coagulation cascade through the autophagic pathway within the hematopoietic stem cells, the endothelial cell and the cancer cell are discussed. Relevant to the coagulation cascade, we also examine the role of autophagy-related pathways in cancer treatment. In this review, we aim to bring to light possible new areas of cancer investigation and elucidate strategies for future therapeutic intervention.

Dihydroartemisinin inhibits the expression of von Willebrand factor by downregulation of transcription factor ERG in endothelial cells

Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a semi‐synthetic derivative of artemisinin, has effective antitumor and anti‐inflammatory actions. von Willebrand factor (vWF), a large multifunctional glycoprotein, has a prominent function in hemostasis and is a key factor in thrombus formation. In addition, vWF has been regarded as a prospective biomarker for the diagnosis of endothelial dysfunction. In our experiment, we observed that 25 μM DHA specifically downregulated the expression of vWF mRNA and protein in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Further investigations demonstrated that this DHA‐decreased vWF expression was mediated by the transcription factor ERG and not GATA3. Luciferase activity assay confirmed that DHA regulated the ERG binding with the −56 ETS‐binding motif on the human vWF promoter. Thus, the −56 ETS motif on the vWF promoter region regulates the expression of vWF gene which is induced by DHA. Taken together, we proved that DHA decreased the vWF transcription through the downregulation of ERG in HUVECs. As vWF plays a key role in vascular homeostasis, our findings suggest a new role of DHA in vascular diseases.

Von Willebrand factor and cancer; metastasis and coagulopathies

Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a multimeric procoagulant plasma glycoprotein that mediates platelet adhesion along the endothelium. In addition to its role maintaining normal hemostasis, more recently novel biological functions for VWF have been described, including inflammation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Significantly increased plasma VWF levels have been reported across a variety of cancer patient cohorts. Given that VWF is established as a risk factor for venous thrombosis, this is of direct clinical importance. Moreover, elevated VWF has also been observed localized within the tumor microenvironment, correlating with advanced disease stage and poorer clinical outcome. Critically, evidence suggests that elevated VWF levels in cancer patients may not only contribute to cancer associated coagulopathies but may also mediate cancer progression and metastasis. Studies have shown that VWF can promote pro-inflammatory signaling, regulate angiogenesis and vascular permeability, which may facilitate tumor cell growth and extravasation across the vessel wall. Endothelial secreted VWF multimers contribute to the adhesion and transendothelial migration of tumor cells key for tumor dissemination. In support of this, VWF inhibition attenuated metastasis in vivo. Perhaps most intriguingly, specific tumor cells have been reported to acquire de novo VWF expression which increases tumor-platelet heteroaggregates and confers enhanced metastatic activity. Current knowledge on the roles of VWF in cancer and in particular its contribution to metastasis and cancer associated coagulopathies is summarized in this review.

Identification of significant genes in non-small cell lung cancer by bioinformatics analyses

Background

Lung cancer is the most malignant cancer featured with undesirable prognosis. It is urgent to identify novel biomarkers to improve both diagnosis and prognosis. The purpose of the study was to identify significant genes involved in lung cancer through bioinformatic methods and reveal potential underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Three datasets GSE19188, GSE27262, GSE118375, containing 122 lung cancer and 96 normal tissues, were available from GEO database. GEO2R and Venn diagram online software were applied to pick out differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Next, we used the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) to analyze Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) pathway and gene ontology (GO) enrichment, followed by protein-protein interaction (PPI) of these DEGs visualized by cytoscape. The MCODE plug-in was performed to construct a module complex of DEGs. In addition, Kaplan-Meier analysis was implemented for analysis of overall survival. To further validate the expression of these genes, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) was used.

Results

A total of 149 DEGs were identified, including 127 downregulated genes and 22 upregulated genes. KEGG analysis revealed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in ECM-receptor interaction, Vascular smooth muscle contraction, and PPAR signaling pathway. GO analysis of DEGs showed that significant functional enrichment of angiogenesis, cell adhesion, and vasculogenesis. 13 genes were selected as hub genes based on MCODE, and 11 of 13 genes had a significance. The results of GEPIA were consistent with survival analysis. Furthermore, reanalysis of these genes found they were significantly enriched in ECM-receptor interaction and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.

Conclusions

We have identified several key genes, which could be potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker as well as therapy targets.

Prognostic value of plasma von Willebrand factor levels in major adverse cardiovascular events: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) may offer great benefits for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Von Willebrand factor (vWF) is stored in endothelial cells and released into blood plasma upon vascular dysfunction. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the prognostic value of plasma vWF levels in CAD patients with MACEs.

METHODS

A total of 15 studies were included in this meta-analysis through the search in PubMed, Embase and CNKI. Data were collected from 960 patients who had MACEs after CAD and 3224 controls nested without the adverse events. The standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using random-effects model.

RESULTS

The plasma vWF levels examined at 24 h and 48 h after admission were significantly higher in CAD patients with MACEs than those without. The pooled SMD among the MACEs group and the non-MACEs group was 0.55 (95% CI = 0.30-0.80, P < 0.0001) and 0.70 (95% CI = 0.27-1.13, P = 0.001), respectively. However, no significant difference was found in plasma vWF levels on admission between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Plasma vWF level in CAD patients examined at 24 h and 48 h after admission might be an independent prognostic factor for MACE.

Plasma levels of von Willebrand factor in type 2 diabetes patients with and without cardiovascular diseases: A meta-analysis

Chronic vascular complications are the major causes of death and disability of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. von Willebrand factor (vWF) is involved in pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Previous studies showed elevated plasma levels of vWF in T2DM patients with CVD, but the association has not been validated. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare plasma levels of vWF in T2DM patients with and without CVD. We performed a meta-analysis based on published case-control studies of vWF in T2DM patients with and without CVD indexed in PubMed and other databases updated to April 2018. After independently assessing methodological quality and extracting data, 9 eligible studies were obtained including 576 cases and 632 controls. The standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using random-effects model. Meta-analysis showed that plasma level of vWF was significantly higher in T2DM patients with CVD than T2DM patients without CVD (SMD = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.32-0.90; P < .00001). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results. Plasma levels of vWF are significantly elevated in patients with T2DM complicated by CVD. This study helps further characterize the prognostic value of vWF for cardiovascular complications in T2DM patients.

GATA3 is downregulated in osteosarcoma and facilitates EMT as well as migration through regulation of slug

Background

GATA3 functions as a tumor suppressor and has been observed in multiple types of cancer, but the effects and mechanisms of GATA3 in osteosarcoma (OS) are not yet known.

Methods

The GATA3 expression in OS cells and tissues were detected using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR and Western blotting assay. CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, wound healing assay as well as transwell assay, were performed to determine the effects of GATA3 on cell proliferation, migration and invasion. ChIP and qChIP as well as luciferase assay were performed whether GATA3 transcriptionally regulated slug expression.

Results

GATA3 was downregulated in OS cells and tissues. The GATA3 expression was closely associated with tumor size as well as metastasis. GATA3 significantly suppressed OS cells proliferation, migration and invasion. EMT-associated transcript factor, slug, was transcriptionally inhibited by GATA3, thereby regulation of EMT in OS.

Conclusion

GATA3 serves as a tumor suppressor in OS and suppresses the progression and metastasis of OS through regulation of slug.

Dihydroartemisinin enhances VEGFR1 expression through up-regulation of ETS-1 transcription factor

Angiogenesis is required for tumor growth. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a the effective anti-malarial derivative of artemisinin, demonstrated potent anti-angiogenic activities that closely related to the regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling cascade. VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR1), a receptor in endothelial cells (ECs), coordinately regulate angiogenic activity triggered by ligand-receptor binding. Here we aimed to explore the effects of DHA on VEGFR1 expression in ECs. We found that DHA significantly increases VEGFR1 expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In addition, DHA significantly upregulates the level of V-Ets Avian Erythroblastosis Virus E26 Oncogene Homolog 1 (ETS-1), a transcriptional factor which binds to the human VEGFR1 promoter. ChIP assay showed that DHA increases ETS-1 binding to the -52 ETS motif on the VEGFR1 promoter. Knockdown of ETS-1 by RNA interference abolished DHA-induced increase of VEGFR1 expression. Taken together, we demonstrated that DHA elevates VEGFR1 expression via up-regulation of ETS-1 transcription in HUVECs.