High expression of angiogenic factor AGGF1 is an independent prognostic factor for hepatocellular carcinoma

Interactome battling of lncRNA CCDC144NL-AS1: Its role in the emergence and ferocity of cancer and beyond

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were, once, viewed as "noise" for transcription. Recently, many lncRNAs are functionally linked to several human disorders, including cancer. Coiled-Coil Domain Containing 144 N-Terminal-Like antisense1 (CCDC144NL-AS1) is a newly discovered cytosolic lncRNA. Aberrant CCDC144NL-AS1 expression was discovered in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), ovarian cancer (OC), gastric cancer (GC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and osteosarcoma. CCDC144NL-AS1 could be a promising prognostic biological marker and therapeutic target for cancer. In this review, we will collect and highlight the available information about CCDC144NL-AS1 role in various cancers. Moreover, we will discuss the diagnostic and prognostic utility of CCDC144NL-AS1 as a new molecular biomarker for several human malignancies, besides its potential therapeutic importance.

Identification and characterization of a special type of subnuclear structure: AGGF1-coated paraspeckles

AGGF1 is an angiogenic factor with G-Patch and FHA domains 1 described by our group. Gain-of-function mutations in AGGF1 cause Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, whereas somatic loss-of-function mutations cause cancer. Paraspeckles are small membraneless subnuclear structures with a diameter of 0.5-1 μm, and composed of lncRNA NEAT1 as the scaffold and three core RNA-binding proteins NONO, PSPC1, and PSF. Here, we show that AGGF1 is a key regulatory and structural component of paraspeckles that induces paraspeckle formation, forms an outside rim of paraspeckles, wraps around the NONO/PSF/PSPC1/NEAT1 core, and regulates the size and number of paraspeckles. AGGF1-paraspeckles are larger (>1 μm) than conventional paraspeckles. RNA-FISH in combination with immunostaining shows that AGGF1, NONO, and NEAT1_2 co-localize in 20.58% of NEAT1_2-positive paraspeckles. Mechanistically, AGGF1 interacts with NONO, PSF, and HNRNPK, and upregulates NEAT1_2, a longer, 23 kb NEAT1 transcript with a key role in regulation of paraspeckle size and number. RNA-immunoprecipitation shows that AGGF1 interacts with NEAT1, which may be another possible mechanism underlying the formation of AGGF1-paraspeckles. NEAT1_2 knockdown reduces the number and size of AGGF1-paraspeckles. Functionally, AGGF1 regulates alternative RNA splicing as it decreases the exon skipping/inclusion ratio in a CD44 model. AGGF1 is also localized in some nuclear foci without NEAT1 or NONO, suggesting that AGGF1 is an important liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) driver for other types of AGGF1-positive nuclear condensates (referred to as AGGF1-bodies). Our results identify a special type of AGGF1-coated paraspeckles and provide important insights into the formation, structure, and function of paraspeckles.

Associations between tumor grade, contrast-enhanced ultrasound features, and microvascular density in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) comprises 70% of all renal cell carcinomas (RCCs). Currently, the most important prognostic factor for this type of carcinoma is the World Health Organization/International Society of Urological Pathology (WHO/ISUP) grade. However, nonsurgical methods are rarely used to determine a tumor's WHO/ISUP grade, thus limiting the development of nonsurgical therapies. Due to variations in microvascular density (MVD) at different stages of tumor growth, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) features may provide a noninvasive method for evaluating the WHO/ISUP grade of ccRCC.

METHODS

In this study, we analyzed confirmed cases of ccRCC using CEUS features. We also used CD34 and CD31 antibodies to determine MVD. The heterogeneity of CD34 and CD31 expressions were used to determine different degrees of angiogenesis.

RESULTS

When compared to WHO/ISUP grade I/II (G1/G2) tumors, grade III/IV (G3/G4) tumors had reduced peak intensity (PI) (P=0.006), time to peak (TTP) (P<0.001), and relative enhancement percentage index (∆PI%) (P<0.001). However, the frequency of incomplete pseudocapsule (P=0.049) and slow wash-in (P=0.001) was significantly higher in G3/G4 tumors. A cut-off value of ∆PI% <33.15% (P<0.001) allowed identification of G3/G4 tumors with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.80 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.70 to 0.91) and a sensitivity of 80%. The mean CD34+ MVD (P<0.001) and CD31+ MVD (P<0.001) were significantly lower in G3/G4 tumors. A positive correlation was revealed between ∆PI% and MVD. There was a statistically significant difference in the density of undifferentiated vessels between the slow wash-in and fast wash-in cases (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The features of CEUS are effective for differentiating G3/G4 tumors from G1/G2. There was a positive correlation detected between ∆PI% and MVD, and the density of undifferentiated vessels showed a significant difference between slow wash-in and fast wash-in cases. These findings indicate that CEUS can enable the sonographic visualization of tumor angiogenesis and thus be considered an acceptable method for the nonsurgical assessment of tumor microvascular distribution and grade.

Expression and Clinical Significance of the NCAPH, AGGF1, and FOXC2 Proteins in Serous Ovarian Cancer

Purpose

Recurrence and metastasis are the most common causes of high mortality rates in patients with serous ovarian cancer (SOC). Non-structural maintenance of chromosomes (non-SMC) condensin I complex subunit H (NCAPH) is a newly identified essential oncoprotein whose function in SOC pathogenesis has not been reported yet. Angiogenic factor with G patch and FHA domains 1 (AGGF1) is an effective promoter of angiogenesis in humans, leading to cancer cell infiltration and progression. Forkhead box C2 (FOXC2) plays a pivotal role in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The present study analyzed the correlations among the expressions of these three proteins and their relationships with the clinicopathological characteristics and survival of patients with SOC.

Patients and Methods

The expressions of NCAPH, AGGF1, and FOXC2 were detected by the immunohistochemical examination of 153 SOC tissue samples and 30 serous ovarian cystadenoma tissue samples. Clinicopathologic and follow-up data of the patients were collected.

Results

The expressions of NCAPH, AGGF1, and FOXC2 were remarkably higher in the SOC tissue samples than in the serous ovarian cystadenoma tissue samples. The protein expressions were positively correlated with the histological tumor grade, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, lymph node metastasis, and intraperitoneal implantation, but were negatively correlated with the overall survival (OS). Moreover, multivariate analysis showed that the NCAPH, AGGF1, and FOXC2 expressions, FIGO stage, and histological tumor grade were independent adverse prognostic factors for OS in patients with SOC.

Conclusion

The results of this study show that the expressions of NCAPH, AGGF1, and FOXC2 are promising biomarkers and possible therapeutic targets in patients with SOC.

The Relationship Between UBE2C and AGGF1 Overexpression and Tumor Angiogenesis in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background

Tumor infiltration and metastasis are the leading causes of death for patients with tumors. Angiogenesis is a prerequisite for tumor growth and metastasis. Angiogenic factor with G patch and FHA domains 1 (AGGF1) is an angiogenic factor, whereas ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2C (UBE2C) functions in protein ubiquitination. Microvessel density (MVD) is the most common indicator of tumor microvessels, and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) facilitates blood supply to tumors. This study explored UBE2C and AGGF1 expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and their relationship with angiogenesis and prognosis to identify biological factors that might predict NSCLC infiltration, metastasis, and prognosis.

Methods

The specimens and clinical pathological data of patients with NSCLC confirmed by pathology after surgical resection between January 2013 and December 2015 were collected. UBE2C and AGGF1 expression, as well as microvessel formation and VM in NSCLC, was observed using immunohistochemistry. The relationships between UBE2C, AGGF1, MVD, VM, and clinical pathological parameters and their relationships with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were analyzed.

Results

UBE2C and AGGF1 levels in NSCLC tissues were significantly higher than those in corresponding normal tissues (57.1% vs 15.6 and 59.7% vs 25.3%, respectively; P < 0.05). UBE2C, AGGF1, MVD, and VM were positively correlated with each other (P < 0.05) and were all related to tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and tumor-node-metastasis stage (P < 0.05). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that patient OS and DFS in the UBE2C, AGGF1, VM-positive, and high-MVD groups were reduced (all P < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that UBE2C, AGGF1, VM, and MVD were independent risk factors for NSCLC prognosis.

Conclusion

UBE2C and AGGF1 overexpression is associated with angiogenesis and poor prognosis and may be important for predicting NSCLC invasion, metastasis, and prognosis.

The expression of AGGF1, FOXC2, and E-cadherin in esophageal carcinoma and their clinical significance

Angiogenic factor with G-patch and FHA domain 1 (AGGF1) is a newly initiator of angiogenesis. Forkhead box C2 (FOXC2) that is a member of the winged spiral transcription factor family plays an important role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Epithelial-cadherin (E-cad) that is an adhesion molecule is also involved in EMT. The purpose of this study is to investigate the expression of AGGF1, FOXC2, and E-cad in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and their clinical significance.Immunohistochemistry was performed to investigate the expression of AGGF1, FOXC2, and E-cad in 170 ESCC specimens and corresponding normal esophageal mucosa tissues. Follow-up data was also collected.The positive rates of AGGF1 and FOXC2 expression were significantly higher in ESCC group when compared with the control group; the positive rate of E-cad expression was significantly lower in ESCC group when compared with the control group. Positive rates of AGGF1, FOXC2, and E-cad expression were significantly associated with grades of differentiation, tumor grades, lymph node metastasis stages, as well as tumor-node-metastasis stages. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that positive expression of AGGF1 or FOXC2 for ESCC patients had significantly unfavorably overall survival time when compared with patients with negative expression of AGGF1 or FOXC2; and positive expression of E-cad for ESCC patients had significantly longer overall survival time when compared with patients with negative expression of E-cad. Multivariate analysis indicated that AGGF1, FOXC2, and E-cad expression and tumor-node-metastasis stages were postoperative independent prognostic factors for ESCC patients.AGGF1, FOXC2, and E-cad may be considered promising biomarkers of ESCC patients' prognosis.

Expression of AGGF1 and Twist1 in hepatocellular carcinoma and their correlation with vasculogenic mimicry

BACKGROUND

The most common reason for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment failure is recurrence and metastasis. AGGF1 (a promoting gene of tumor metastasis), vasculogenic mimicry (VM, new blood supply formation in malignant tumors), and Twist1 (an evolutionarily conserved basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor) are all valuable factors for metastasis and prognosis in diverse common human cancers. However, the correlation of AGGF1, Twist1, and VM in HCC is still unclear. In this study, we analyzed the correlations among these factors as well as their correlation with clinicopathologic data and survival in HCC.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis was used to detect the expression of AGGF1 and Twist1 in 111 archival surgical specimens of human HCC. Furthermore, clinical data were collected.

RESULTS

Levels of VM, AGGF1 and Twist1 were significantly higher in HCC tissues than in normal hepatic tissues. Levels of VM, AGGF1, and Twist1 were positively associated with AFP, HBsAg, size, capsular invasion, Child-Pugh classification level, and tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage, and negatively associated with patients' overall survival (OS). In multivariate analysis, high levels of VM, AGGF1, Twist1, AFP, Child-Pugh classification level, as well as TNM stage were independently correlated with lower OS in patients with HCC.

CONCLUSION

VM and the expression of AGGF1 and Twist1 may represent promising metastatic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as therapeutic targets for HCC.

Angiogenic Factor with G Patch and FHA Domains 1 (AGGF1) Acts as Diagnostic Biomarker and Adverse Prognostic Factor of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): Evidence from Bioinformatic Analysis

Background

Angiogenic factor with G patch and FHA domains 1 (AGGF1) is a novel identified initiator of angiogenesis through promoting the proliferation of endothelial cells. The continuous angiogenesis plays a key role in the growth, invasion, and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while the diagnostic and prognostic roles of AGGF1 for HCC need to be further studied.

Material/Methods

The mRNA sequencing datasets and clinical features of HCC patients were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The relationship between clinical features and AGGF1 expression was analyzed by Wilcoxon test. Further validation explorations were carried out using online database Oncomine. The diagnostic receiver operating characteristic curves of AGGF1 and alpha-fetoprotein were compared to examine the diagnostic efficacy of AGGF1. Survival analysis and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis were performed to explore the prediction value and potential mechanism of AGGF1 dysregulation in HCC.

Results

Comprehensive overexpression of AGGF1 was observed in HCC, correlating with poor overall survival. Upregulated level of AGGF1 was statistically associated with poor differentiated histological grade, advanced cancer stage and T classification. AGGF1 was a more effective diagnostic marker than alpha-fetoprotein in HCC. Several important pathways related to HCC including pathway in cancer and P53 signaling pathway were differentially enriched in the high AGGF1 expression phenotype.

Conclusions

AGGF1 was a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker for poor clinical outcomes in HCC patients. Moreover, vital pathways regulated by AGGF1 in HCC may include regulation of autophagy, Wnt signaling pathway, pathway in cancer, cell cycle, and P53 signaling pathway.

Regulation of autophagy by canonical and non-canonical ER stress responses

Cancer cells encounter numerous stresses that pose a threat to their survival. Tumor microenviroment stresses that perturb protein homeostasis can produce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which can be counterbalanced by triggering the unfolded protein response (UPR) which is considered the canonical ER stress response. The UPR is characterized by three major proteins that lead to specific changes in transcriptional and translational programs in stressed cells. Activation of the UPR can induce apoptosis, but also can induce cytoprotective programs such as autophagy. There is increasing appreciation for the role that UPR-induced autophagy plays in supporting tumorigenesis and cancer therapy resistance. More recently several new pathways that connect cell stresses, components of the UPR and autophagy have been reported, which together can be viewed as non-canonical ER stress responses. Here we review recent findings on the molecular mechanisms by which canonical and non-canonical ER stress responses can activate cytoprotective autophagy and contribute to tumor growth and therapy resistance. Autophagy has been identified as a druggable pathway, however the components of autophagy (ATG genes) have proven difficult to drug. It may be the case that targeting the UPR or non-canonical ER stress programs can more effectively block cytoprotective autophagy to enhance cancer therapy. A deeper understanding of these pathways could provide new therapeutic targets in cancer.

Knockdown of AGGF1 inhibits the invasion and migration of gastric cancer via epithelial-mesenchymal transition through Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Background

Angiogenic factor with G-patch and FHA domain 1 (AGGF1), as a newly identified human angiogenic factor, is overexpressed in some types of malignant tumors and closely associated with patient’s prognosis. However, the mechanisms involved in the regulation of AGGF1 in gastric cancer (GC) still remain unclear.

Methods

In this study, AGGF1 level in GC tissues and cell lines was analyzed by western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). After knockdown of AGGF expression by RNA interference in GC cell lines MKN-45 and MGC-803, wound healing and transwell assays were conducted to examine the effects of AGGF1 on migration and invasion. Tumor growth was assessed in a mouse xenograft model in vivo. Furthermore, expression levels of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers and involvement of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway were detected by western blot and qRT-PCR.

Results

Compared to those in normal groups, the protein and mRNA of AGGF1 expression levels were significantly higher both in GC tissues and cell lines (all P < 0.05). Knockdown of AGGF1 dramatically inhibited the invasion and migration of MKN-45 and MGC-803 cells (all P < 0.01) in vitro, and suppressed the tumor growth of nude mice xenograft model in vivo. Western blot revealed alterations in EMT biomarkers, suggesting the role of AGGF1 in EMT. Moreover, we found that downregulated expression of AGGF1 attenuated Wnt/β-catenin related protein expression.

Conclusions

Collectively, knockdown of AGGF1 inhibits the invasion and migration of gastric cancer via epithelial–mesenchymal transition through Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12935-019-0765-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.