CCL3 promotes angiogenesis by dysregulation of miR-374b/ VEGF-A axis in human osteosarcoma cells

Targeting the chemokines in acute graft-versus-host disease

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) constitutes a critical therapeutic approach for patients with malignant hematological disorders. Nevertheless, acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), one of the most prevalent complications associated with HSCT, remains a leading contributor to non-relapse mortality. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the interplay between chemokines and their receptors in the context of acute GVHD. Chemokines exert substantial effects across various pathological conditions, including autoimmune diseases, inflammatory processes, tumorigenesis, and metastatic dissemination. In this review, we aim to elucidate the role of chemokines in the pathogenesis of acute GVHD and further understand their potential as diagnostic biomarkers. We also present both preclinical and clinical insights into the application of chemokines in preventing and treating acute GVHD. The objective of this review is to offer novel perspectives on the clinical diagnosis and management strategies for acute GVHD.

Developing a 3D bone model of osteosarcoma to investigate cancer mechanisms and evaluate treatments

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone cancer, occurring frequently in children and young adults. Patients are treated with surgery and multi-agent chemotherapy, and despite the introduction of mifamurtide in 2011, there has been little improvement in survival for decades. 3-dimensional models offer the potential to understand the complexity of the osteosarcoma tumor microenvironment and aid in developing new treatment approaches. An osteosarcoma 3D bone core model was developed using human trabecular bone and the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), to form a functioning vasculature. A tri-culture of cells, stromal cells, macrophages, and the Saos-2 osteosarcoma cell line, were implanted into this model to simulate components of the tumor microenvironment, and mifamurtide was tested in this context. Immunohistochemistry and micro-CT were performed to assess phenotypic and structural effects of implantation. Successful integration and angiogenesis of the bone cores were observed after incubation on the CAM. The 3D bone model also showed similar characteristics to osteosarcoma patient samples including CD68 and CD105 expression. Incubating bone cores with mifamurtide induced a reduction of cellular markers and an increase in bone volume. This 3D bone core model has the potential to investigate osteosarcoma tumor microenvironment and provides a representative model for evaluation of novel therapies.

Targeting PADI2 as a potential therapeutic strategy against metastasis in oral cancer via suppressing EMT-mediated migration and invasion and CCL3/5-induced angiogenesis

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent and aggressive malignancy, with metastasis being the leading cause of death in patients. Unfortunately, therapeutic options for metastatic OSCC remain limited. Peptidylarginine deiminases (PADI) are implicated in various tumorigenesis and metastasis processes across multiple cancers. However, the role of PADI2, a type of PADI, in OSCC is not well understood. This study aimed to explore the impact of PADI2 on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and OSCC metastasis. The effect of PADI2 on EMT was evaluated using cell lines by Western blot analysis with shRNA targeting PADI2. In addition, the selective PADI2 inhibitor AFM32a was used to assess the effect of PADI2 on cancer metastasis and angiogenesis in animal models. Our findings indicated that PADI2 expression correlated with EMT changes, and PADI2 knockdown reversed these changes, reducing cell proliferation, cell migration, and invasion. PADI2 inhibition also diminished tube formation in HUVECs and decreased secretion of angiogenesis-related chemokines CCL3, CCL5 and CCL20. In a mouse model, AFM32a markedly reduced lung metastasis and production of CCL3 and CCL5. Our in vitro and in vivo studies suggested inhibiting PADI2 could prevent OSCC metastasis by impeding EMT and angiogenesis via AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. These results highlight PADI2 as a potential therapeutic target for combating OSCC metastasis.

miR-374 family is a key regulator of chronic primary pain onset

Introduction

Chronic primary pain conditions (CPPCs) are linked to catecholamine activation of peripheral adrenergic receptors. Yet, catecholamine-dependent epigenetic mechanisms, such as microRNA (miRNA) regulation of mRNA transcripts, remain largely unknown.

Objectives

We sought to identify RNA species correlated with case status in 3 pain cohorts, to validate RNAs found to be dysregulated in a mouse model of CPPC onset, and to directly test the role of adrenergic receptors in miRNA regulation. Furthermore, we tested antinociceptive effects of miR-374 overexpression.

Methods

We used RNA-seq and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to measure RNA expression in 3 pain cohorts. Next, we validated identified RNAs with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in a mouse model of CPPC onset, measuring expression in plasma, peripheral (adipose, muscle, dorsal root ganglia [DRG]), and central (spinal cord) tissues. Then, we stimulated adrenergic receptors in primary adipocyte and DRG cultures to directly test regulation of microRNAs by adrenergic signaling. Furthermore, we used in vitro calcium imaging to measure the antinociceptive effects of miR-374 overexpression.

Results

We found that one miRNA family, miR-374, was downregulated in the plasma of individuals with temporomandibular disorder, fibromyalgia syndrome, or widespread pain following a motor vehicle collision. miR-374 was also downregulated in plasma, white adipose tissue, and spinal cord from mice with multisite mechanical sensitivity. miR-374 downregulation in plasma and spinal cord was female specific. Norepinephrine stimulation of primary adipocytes, but not DRG, led to decreased miR-374 expression. Furthermore, we identified tissue-specific and sex-specific changes in the expression of predicted miR-374 mRNA targets, including known (HIF1A, NUMB, TGFBR2) and new (ATXN7, CRK-II) pain targets. Finally, we demonstrated that miR-374 overexpression in DRG neurons reduced capsaicin-induced nociceptor activity.

Conclusions

Downregulation of miR-374 occurs between adrenergic receptor activation and mechanical hypersensitivity, and its adipocyte source implicates adipose signaling in nociception. Further study of miR-374 may inform therapeutic strategies for the millions worldwide who experience CPPCs.

Patient-based multilevel transcriptome exploration highlights relevant chemokines and chemokine receptor axes in glioblastoma

Chemokines and their receptors form a complex interaction network, crucial for precise leukocyte positioning and trafficking. In cancer, they promote malignant cell proliferation and survival but are also critical for immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and lethal brain tumor, characterized by an immunosuppressive TME, with restricted immune cell infiltration. A better understanding of chemokine-receptor interactions is therefore essential for improving tumor immunogenicity. In this study, we assessed the expression of all human chemokines in adult-type diffuse gliomas, with particular focus on GBM, based on patient-derived samples. Publicly available bulk RNA sequencing datasets allowed us to identify the chemokines most abundantly expressed in GBM, with regard to disease severity and across different tumor subregions. To gain insight into the chemokines-receptor network at the single cell resolution, we explored GBmap, a curated resource integrating multiple scRNAseq datasets from different published studies. Our study constitutes the first patient-based handbook highlighting the relevant chemokine-receptor crosstalks, which are of significant interest in the perspective of a therapeutic modulation of the TME in GBM.

Identifying microRNAs Possibly Implicated in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia: A Review

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM) are chronic syndromes of unknown etiology, accompanied by numerous symptoms affecting neurological and physical conditions. Despite frequent revisions of the diagnostic criteria, clinical practice guidelines are often outdated, leading to underdiagnosis and ineffective treatment. Our aim was to identify microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers implicated in pathological mechanisms underlying these diseases. A comprehensive literature review using publicly accessible databases was conducted. Interesting miRNAs were extracted from relevant publications on ME/CFS and/or FM, and were then linked to pathophysiological processes possibly manifesting these chronic diseases. Dysregulated miRNAs in ME/CFS and FM may serve as promising biomarkers for these diseases. Key identified miRNAs, such as miR-29c, miR-99b, miR-128, miR-374b, and miR-766, were frequently mentioned for their roles in immune response, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and central sensitization, while miR-23a, miR-103, miR-152, and miR-320 were implicated in multiple crucial pathological processes for FM and/or ME/CFS. In summary, both ME/CFS and FM seem to share many dysregulated biological or molecular processes, which may contribute to their commonly shared symptoms. This miRNA-based approach offers new angles for discovering molecular markers urgently needed for early diagnosis or therapeutics to tackle the pathology of these medically unexplained chronic diseases.

Effect of conditioned media on the angiogenic activity of mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising candidates for use in novel cell therapies, although such live cell products are highly complex compared with traditional drugs. For example, difficulties such as the control of manufacturing conditions hinder the manufacture of stable cell populations that maintain their therapeutic potency. Here, assuming that medium selection significantly affects cell potency, we focused on the culture media as a critical manufacturing factor influencing the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs. We therefore performed a tube formation assay to quantify the angiogenic activities of conditioned media used to culture human umbilical vein endothelial cells compared with unconditioned media. Comprehensive molecular genetic analysis using microarrays was applied to determine the effects of these media on signal transduction pathways. We found that activation of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway differed, and that VEGF concentration was dependent on the composition of the conditioned media. These results indicate that the activation level of cell signaling pathways which contribute to therapeutic efficacy may vary depending on the media components affecting MSCs during their cultivation. Moreover, they indicate that therapeutic efficacy will likely depend on how cells are handled during manufacture. These findings will enhance our understanding of the quality control measures required to ensure the efficacy and safety of cell therapy products.

Macrophage Inflammatory Proteins (MIPs) Contribute to Malignant Potential of Colorectal Polyps and Modulate Likelihood of Cancerization Associated with Standard Risk Factors

Better understanding of molecular changes leading to neoplastic transformation is prerequisite to optimize risk assessment and chemopreventive and surveillance strategies. Data on macrophage inflammatory proteins (MIPs) in colorectal carcinogenesis are scanty and their clinical relevance remains unknown. Therefore, transcript and protein expression of CCL3, CCL4, CXCL2, and CCL19 were determined in 173 and 62 patients, respectively, using RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry with reference to polyps' characteristics. The likelihood of malignancy was modeled using probit regression. With the increasing malignancy potential of hyperplastic-tubular-tubulo-villous-villous polyps, the expression of CCL3, CCL4, and CCL19 in lesions decreased. CCL19 expression decreased also in normal mucosa while that of CXCL2 increased. Likewise, lesion CCL3 and lesion and normal mucosa CCL19 decreased and normal CXCL2 increased along the hyperplasia-low-high dysplasia grade. The bigger the lesion, the lower CCL3 and higher CXCL2 in normal mucosa. Singular polyps had higher CCL3, CCL4, and CCL19 levels in normal mucosa. CCL3, CCL4 and CXCL2 modulated the likelihood of malignancy associated with traditional risk factors. There was no correlation between the protein and mRNA expression of CCL3 and CCL19. In summary, the polyp-adjacent mucosa contributes to gaining potential for malignancy by polyps. MIPs may help in specifying cancerization probability estimated based on standard risk factors.

Genetically predicted circulating levels of cytokines and the risk of oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer: a bidirectional mendelian-randomization study

Background: Epidemiological research has established associations between various inflammatory cytokines and the occurrence of oral cancer and oropharyngeal cancer (OCPC). We performed a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to systematically investigate the causal relationship between inflammatory cytokines and OCPC. Methods: We performed a bidirectional two-sample MR analysis using OCPC from 12 studies (6,034 cases and 6,585 controls) and genome-wide association study (GWAS) results for 41 serum cytokines from 8,293 Finns, respectively. Inverse variance weighting was used as the primary MR method and four additional MR methods (MR Egger, Weighted median, Simple mode, Weighted mode) were used to examine genetic associations between inflammatory traits and OCPC, and Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept, leave-one-out analysis, funnel plot, and multivariate MR (MVMR) analysis were used to assess the MR results. Results: The results suggested a potential association between high gene expression of Macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP1α/CCL3) and an increased risk of OCPC (Odds Ratio (OR): 1.71, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.09-2.68, p = 0.019). Increasing the expression levels of the interleukin-7 (IL-7) gene by 1 standard deviation reduced the risk of OCPC (OR: 0.64, 95%CI: 0.48-0.86, p = 0.003). In addition, multivariate Mendelian randomization analysis also showed the same results (MIP1α/CCL3, OR: 1.002, 95% CI: 0.919-1.092, p = 0.044; IL-7, OR: 0.997, 95% CI: 0.994-0.999, p = 0.011). Conversely, there was a positive correlation between genetic susceptibility to OCPC and an increase in Interleukin-4 (IL-4) (OR: 1.04, 95%CI: 1.00-1.08, p = 0.027). Conclusion: Our study systematically assessed the association between inflammatory cytokines and the risk of OCPC. We identified two upstream regulatory factors (IL-7 and CCL3) and one downstream effector factor (IL-4) that were associated with OCPC, offering potential avenues for the development of novel treatments.

Hypoxia-regulated exosomes mediate M2 macrophage polarization and promote metastasis in chondrosarcoma

Chondrosarcoma is a primary malignant bone tumor. Traditional therapy is not very effective, and it is prone to metastasis in the late stage. The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a key role in the progression and metastasis of chondrosarcoma, and hypoxia is one of the key factors in the formation of TME. However, the detailed mechanism of how hypoxia affects tumor progression and metastasis in chondrosarcoma is still not fully understood. In this study, we focused on the mechanism of interaction between hypoxic chondrosarcoma cells (SW1353) and macrophages. Our results suggest that hypoxia enhances the release of exosomes from chondrosarcoma cells. These hypoxia-induced exosomes promoted macrophage polarization towards the M2 phenotype, characterized by the expression of CD163 and CD206, but not the M1 phenotype, characterized by CD86 expression. Further analysis revealed that M2 macrophages polarized by exosomes expressed arginase-1 and feedback to chondrosarcoma cells to promote migration. These results suggest that chondrosarcoma cells secrete more exosomes in a hypoxic microenvironment, and these hypoxia-derived exosomes induce the polarization of macrophages into an M2 phenotype, ultimately promoting the metastatic behavior of chondrosarcoma cells.

Promise and Challenges of T Cell Immunotherapy for Osteosarcoma

The cure rate for metastatic or relapsed osteosarcoma has not substantially improved over the past decades despite the exploitation of multimodal treatment approaches, allowing long-term survival in less than 30% of cases. Patients with osteosarcoma often develop resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, where personalized targeted therapies should offer new hope. T cell immunotherapy as a complementary or alternative treatment modality is advancing rapidly in general, but its potential against osteosarcoma remains largely unexplored. Strategies incorporating immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modified T cells, and T cell engaging bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) are being explored to tackle relapsed or refractory osteosarcoma. However, osteosarcoma is an inherently heterogeneous tumor, both at the intra- and inter-tumor level, with no identical driver mutations. It has a pro-tumoral microenvironment, where bone cells, stromal cells, neovasculature, suppressive immune cells, and a mineralized extracellular matrix (ECM) combine to derail T cell infiltration and its anti-tumor function. To realize the potential of T cell immunotherapy in osteosarcoma, an integrated approach targeting this complex ecosystem needs smart planning and execution. Herein, we review the current status of T cell immunotherapies for osteosarcoma, summarize the challenges encountered, and explore combination strategies to overcome these hurdles, with the ultimate goal of curing osteosarcoma with less acute and long-term side effects.

The Role of CCL3 in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease of unexplained causes. Its pathological features include synovial tissue hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration in joint cavity fluid, cartilage bone destruction, and joint deformation. C-C motif chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3) belongs to inflammatory cell chemokine. It is highly expressed in inflammatory immune cells. Increasingly, studies have shown that CCL3 can promote the migration of inflammatory factors to synovial tissue, the destruction of bone and joint, angiogenesis, and participate in the pathogenesis of RA. These symptoms indicate that the expression of CCL3 is highly correlated with RA disease. Therefore, this paper reviews the possible mechanism of CCL3 in the pathogenesis of RA, which may provide some new insights for the diagnosis and treatment of RA.

Comprehensive analysis of angiogenesis pattern and related immune landscape for individual treatment in osteosarcoma

Postoperative recurrence and metastasis are the main reasons for the poor prognosis of osteosarcoma (OS). Currently, an ideal predictor for not only prognosis but also drug sensitivity and immunotherapy responses in OS patients is urgently needed. Angiogenesis plays a crucial role in tumour progression, which suggests its immense potential for predicting prognosis and responses to immunotherapy for OS. Angiogenesis patterns in OS were explored in depth in this study to construct a prognostic model called ANGscore and clarify the underlying mechanism involved in the immune microenvironment. The efficacy and robustness of the model were validated in multiple datasets, including bulk RNA-seq datasets (TARGET-OS, GSE21257), a single-cell RNA-seq dataset (GSE152048) and immunotherapy-related datasets (GSE91061, GSE173839). OS patients with a high ANGscore had a worse prognosis, accompanied by the immune desert phenotype. Pseudotime and cellular communication analyses in scRNA-seq data revealed that as the ANGscore increased, the malignant degree of cells increased, and IFN-γ signalling was involved in tumour progression and regulation of the tumour immune microenvironment. Furthermore, the ANGscore was associated with immune cell infiltration and the response rate to immunotherapy. OS patients with high ANGscore might be resistant to uprosertib, and be sensitive to VE821, AZD6738 and BMS.345541. In conclusion, we established a novel ANGscore system by comprehensively analysing the expression pattern of angiogenesis genes, which can accurately differentiate the prognosis and immune characteristics of OS populations. Additionally, the ANGscore can be used for patient stratification during immunotherapy, and guide individualized treatment strategies.

Current Trends in Vascular Biomarkers for Systemic Sclerosis: A Narrative Review

Systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) is a multifaceted rare connective tissue disease whose pathogenesis is dominated by immune dysregulation, small vessel vasculopathy, impaired angiogenesis, and both cutaneous and visceral fibrosis. Microvascular impairment represents the initial event of the disease, preceding fibrosis by months or years and accounting for the main disabling and/or life-threatening clinical manifestations, including telangiectasias, pitting scars, periungual microvascular abnormalities (e.g., giant capillaries, hemorrhages, avascular areas, ramified/bushy capillaries) clinically detectable by nailfold videocapillaroscopy, ischemic digital ulcers, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and scleroderma renal crisis. Despite a variety of available treatment options, treatment of SSc-related vascular disease remains problematic, even considering SSc etherogenity and the quite narrow therapeutic window. In this context, plenty of studies have highlighted the great usefulness in clinical practice of vascular biomarkers allowing clinicians to assess the evolution of the pathological process affecting the vessels, as well as to predict the prognosis and the response to therapy. The current narrative review provides an up-to-date overview of the main candidate vascular biomarkers that have been proposed for SSc, focusing on their main reported associations with characteristic clinical vascular features of the disease.

Circulating microRNA expression signatures accurately discriminate myalgic encephalomyelitis from fibromyalgia and comorbid conditions

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), and fibromyalgia (FM) are two chronic complex diseases with overlapping symptoms affecting multiple systems and organs over time. Due to the absence of validated biomarkers and similarity in symptoms, both disorders are misdiagnosed, and the comorbidity of the two is often unrecognized. Our study aimed to investigate the expression profiles of 11 circulating miRNAs previously associated with ME/CFS pathogenesis in FM patients and individuals with a comorbid diagnosis of FM associated with ME/CFS (ME/CFS + FM), and matched sedentary healthy controls. Whether these 11 circulating miRNAs expression can differentiate between the two disorders was also examined. Our results highlight differential circulating miRNAs expression signatures between ME/CFS, FM and ME/CFS + FM, which also correlate to symptom severity between ME/CFS and ME/CFS + FM groups. We provided a prediction model, by using a machine-learning approach based on 11 circulating miRNAs levels, which can be used to discriminate between patients suffering from ME/CFS, FM and ME/CFS + FM. These 11 miRNAs are proposed as potential biomarkers for discriminating ME/CFS from FM. The results of this study demonstrate that ME/CFS and FM are two distinct illnesses, and we highlight the comorbidity between the two conditions. Proper diagnosis of patients suffering from ME/CFS, FM or ME/CFS + FM is crucial to elucidate the pathophysiology of both diseases, determine preventive measures, and establish more effective treatments.

CCL3-CCR5 axis promotes cell migration and invasion of colon adenocarcinoma via Akt signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) can promote tumorigenesis and development. C-C motif chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3) was reported to be derived from TAMs and tumor cells and facilitate the progression of several cancers. Nevertheless, whether CCL3 can be derived from TAMs and tumor cells of colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is unclarified.

METHODS

Peripheral blood monocytes-derived macrophages were polarized by the conditioned medium from COAD cells to establish TAM-like macrophages (TAM1/2). RT-qPCR and western blotting were used for detection of expression levels of CCL3 and its receptors C-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (CCR1) and CCR5 in TAM1/2 and COAD cells. Immunofluorescence staining was utilized for evaluating CCL3, CD163 and CCR5 expression. The Akt signaling pathway-associated protein levels were measured by western blotting. Transwell assays were used for assessing cell migration and invasiveness.

RESULTS

CCL3 displayed a high level in TAMs and cancer cells of COAD. CCL3 activated the Akt signaling pathway by binding to CCR5. CCL3-CCR5 axis facilitated COAD cell migration and invasiveness by activating the Akt signaling. CCL3 derived from both TAMs and cancer cells contributed to the malignant behaviors of COAD cells. High expression of CCL3/CCR5 was closely associated with poor prognoses of COAD patients.

CONCLUSION

CCL3-CCR5 interaction promotes cell migration and invasiveness, and functions as a prognostic biomarker for COAD.

Initial research on the effect and mechanism of Tivozanib on pulsed dye laser induced angiogenesis

INTRODUCTION

Pulsed dye laser (PDL) is the main treatment for port wine stain (PWS), but a considerable number of patients show low clearances. The reason for the poor efficacy is related to PDL-induced angiogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in PDL-induced angiogenesis and can activate the tyrosine kinase activity of VEGF receptor (VEGFR) in endothelial cells. It triggers a full range of responses, and then participates in the regulation of angiogenesis. Tivozanib is an inhibitor of VEGFR tyrosine kinase activity, which can block the pro-angiogenic effect of VEGF and reduce vascular permeability.

METHOD

Different energy densities of PDL were used to irradiate the abdominal skin of rats. According to the general and pathological changes of the irradiated area, the energy density of 8 J/cm² with smaller scab and stronger vascular effect was selected for follow-up experiments. Divided the rat abdomen skin into four areas, irradiated three of them uniformly with an energy density of 8 J/cm² , and applied different concentrations of Tivozanib coating agent to the laser irradiation area, and grouped them as follows: (1) vacant group, (2) control group, (3) 0.5% Tivozanib group, (4) 1% Tivozanib group. Camera and dermoscopy were used to observe skin changes. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunohistochemical staining, and blood vessels were counted to detect dermal vascular regeneration. Transcriptome sequencing and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were conducted to elucidate the mechanism and validate the reliability.

RESULTS

The number of blood vessels in the 0.5% Tivozanib group and 1% Tivozanib group was significantly reduced on the 7, 10, and 14 days compared with the control group. The number of blood vessels in the 1% Tivozanib group was significantly reduced compared with the 0.5% Tivozanib group, indicating that Tivozanib successfully inhibited PDL-induced angiogenesis, and the inhibitory effect of 1% Tivozanib was more significant than that of 0.5% Tivozanib. Transcriptome sequencing results showed a total of 588 significantly differentially expressed genes, including 90 upregulated genes and 498 downregulated genes. Gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that the significantly differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in the metabolic pathways which were closely related to angiogenesis. Finally, real-time PCR was used to verify the genes with higher expression differences, the top ranking and closely related to angiogenesis, namely, Cxcl1, Cxcl2, Cxcl3, Cxcl6, Ccl3, Csf3, IL1β, iNOS, Mmp9, Mmp13, Plau, Ets1, Spp1, Nr4a1. The results were consistent with the trend of transcriptome sequencing results, which proved the reliability of this study.

CONCLUSION

This study explored the inhibitory effect of Tivozanib on PDL-induced angiogenesis, and provided a new idea for the treatment of clinical PWS. Transcriptome sequencing explored the mechanism and provided reliable clues for later in-depth research.

Molecular signaling pathways as potential therapeutic targets in osteosarcoma

Among primary bone malignancies, osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common form causing morbidity and mortality in both adults and children. The interesting point about this malignancy is that nearly 10-20% of its newly diagnosed cases have developed metastasis. This adds up to the fact that the survival rate of both metastatic and non-metastatic patients of osteosarcoma hasn't changed in the past 30 years and suggests that we need to revise our therapeutic options for OS. In recent years, diverse signaling pathways have drawn the attention of the scientific community since they can be great candidates for treating complicated diseases such as cancer. In this review, we have tried to explain the pathophysiology of osteosarcoma by the help of different signaling pathways taking part in its initiation/progression and investigate how this pathway can be targeted for providing more efficient methods.

Identification of Key Pathways and Establishment of a Seven-Gene Prognostic Signature in Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer (CC) remains high morbidity and mortality. We aimed to identify critical pathways underlying cervical carcinogenesis and establish a prognostic signature. Six datasets from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database were used to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between CC and normal tissues. We used the unions of the DEGs to perform functional analysis. The 108 overlapped DEGs were analyzed to determine a prognostic signature by Cox regression and Lasso analysis based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Immune Cell Abundance Identifier (ImmuCellAI) were used to determine the relationships between the signature and biological functions. The PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, the Ras signaling pathway, and the viral carcinogenesis pathway may be critical for CC development. We identified seven genes (PLOD2, DSG2, SPP1, CXCL8, MCM5, HLTF, and KLF4) to construct a risk score formula. Survival analysis showed that the high-risk group indicated a worse prognosis than the low-risk group (p < 0.0001). The AUC of the prognostic signature was 0.7449, 0.7641, and 0.8146 at 1, 3, and 5 years. We also identified that the signature is an independent prognostic factor. GSEA showed five pathways were relevant to the signature, such as the adherens junction pathway. The signature also affected the abundances of various types of immune cells, such as B cell, CD4+ T cell, and CD8+ T cell. Further, we found that SPP1 was co-expressed with HK3, CD163, CCL3, CLEC5A, MMP8, TREM1, OLR1, and TREM2. The results of Gene Ontology analysis showed that SPP1 and its co-expressed related proteins mainly affected metabolic process, multicellular organismal process, cell communication, cell proliferation, protein binding, and transporter activity. In conclusion, the present study explored the key pathways for CC development and the seven-gene signature can effectively make the prognosis evaluation of CC patients.

Potential Anti-Metastatic Role of the Novel miR-CT3 in Tumor Angiogenesis and Osteosarcoma Invasion

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone tumor mainly occurring in young adults and derived from primitive bone-forming mesenchyme. OS develops in an intricate tumor microenvironment (TME) where cellular function regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs) may affect communication between OS cells and the surrounding TME. Therefore, miRNAs are considered potential therapeutic targets in cancer and one of the goals of research is to accurately define a specific signature of a miRNAs, which could reflect the phenotype of a particular tumor, such as OS. Through NGS approach, we previously found a specific molecular profile of miRNAs in OS and discovered 8 novel miRNAs. Among these, we deepen our knowledge on the fifth candidate renamed now miR-CT3. MiR-CT3 expression was low in OS cells when compared with human primary osteoblasts and healthy bone. Through TargetScan, VEGF-A was predicted as a potential biological target of miR-CT3 and luciferase assay confirmed it. We showed that enforced expression of miR-CT3 in two OS cell lines, SAOS-2 and MG-63, reduced expression of VEGF-A mRNA and protein, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis. Enforced expression of miR-CT3 also reduced OS cell migration and invasion as confirmed by soft agar colony formation assay. Interestingly, we found that miR-CT3 behaves inducing the activation of p38 MAP kinase pathway and modulating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) proteins, in particular reducing Vimentin expression. Overall, our study highlights the novel role of miR-CT3 in regulating tumor angiogenesis and progression in OS cells, linking also to the modulation of EMT proteins.

Modulating Properties of Piroxicam, Meloxicam and Oxicam Analogues against Macrophage-Associated Chemokines in Colorectal Cancer

The mechanisms underlying the antineoplastic effects of oxicams have not been fully elucidated. We aimed to assess the effect of classic and novel oxicams on the expression/secretion of macrophage-associated chemokines (RTqPCR/Luminex xMAP) in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells, and on the expression of upstream the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-activated genes NAG1, NFKBIA, MYD88, and RELA, as well as at the chemokine profiling in colorectal tumors. Meloxicam downregulated CCL4 9.9-fold, but otherwise the classic oxicams had a negligible/non-significant effect. Novel analogues with a thiazine ring substituted with arylpiperazine and benzoyl moieties significantly modulated chemokine expression to varying degree, upregulated NAG1 and NFKBIA, and downregulated MYD88. They inhibited CCL3 and CCL4, and their effect on CCL2 and CXCL2 depended on the dose and exposure. The propylene linker between thiazine and piperazine nitrogens and one arylpiperazine fluorine substituent characterized the most effective analogue. Only CCL19 and CXCL2 were not upregulated in tumors, nor was CXCL2 in tumor-adjacent tissue compared to normal mucosa. Compared to adjacent tissue, CCL4 and CXCL2 were upregulated, while CCL2, CCL8, and CCL19 were downregulated in tumors. Tumor CCL2 and CCL7 increased along with advancing T and CCL3, and CCL4 along with the N stage. The introduction of arylpiperazine and benzoyl moieties into the oxicam scaffold yields effective modulators of chemokine expression, which act by upregulating NAG1 and interfering with NF-κB signaling.

Psychosocial Stress and Age Influence Depression and Anxiety-Related Behavior, Drive Tumor Inflammatory Cytokines and Accelerate Prostate Cancer Growth in Mice

Prostate cancer (PCa) prevalence is higher in older men and poorer coping with psychosocial stressors effect prognosis. Yet, interactions between age, stress and PCa progression are underexplored. Therefore, we characterized the effects of age and isolation combined with restraint (2 h/day) for 14 days post-tumor inoculation on behavior, tumor growth and host defense in the immunocompetent, orthotopic RM-9 murine PCa model. All mice were tumor inoculated. Isolation/restraint increased sympathetic and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal cortical activation, based on elevated serum 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol/norepinephrine ratios and corticosterone levels, respectively. Elevated zero maze testing revealed age-related differences in naïve C57Bl/6 mice, and increased anxiety-like behavior in tumor-bearing mice. In open field testing, old stressed mice were less active throughout the 30-min test than young non-stressed and stressed, and old non-stressed mice, suggesting greater anxiety in old stressed mice. Old (18 month) mice demonstrated more depression-like behavior than young mice with tail suspension testing, without effects of isolation/restraint stress. Old mice developed larger tumors, despite similar tumor expression of tumor vascular endothelial growth factor or transforming growth factor-beta1 across age. Tumor chemokine/cytokine expression, commonly prognostic for poorer outcomes, were uniquely age- and stress-dependent, underscoring the need for PCa research in old animals. Macrophages predominated in RM-9 tumors. Macrophages, and CD4⁺ and CD4⁺FoxP3⁺ T-cell tumor infiltration were greater in young mice than in old mice. Stress increased macrophage infiltration in old mice. Conversely, stress reduced intratumoral CD4⁺ and CD4⁺FoxP3⁺ T-cell numbers in young mice. CD8⁺ T-cell infiltration was similar across treatment groups. Our findings support that age- and psychological stress interacts to affect PCa outcomes by interfering with neural-immune mechanisms and affecting behavioral responses.

Adiponectin Promotes VEGF Expression in Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts and Induces Endothelial Progenitor Cell Angiogenesis by Inhibiting miR-106a-5p

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an erosive polyarthritis that can lead to severe joint destruction and painful disability if left untreated. Angiogenesis, a critical pathogenic mechanism in RA, attracts inflammatory leukocytes into the synovium, which promotes production of proinflammatory cytokines and destructive proteases. Adipokines, inflammatory mediators secreted by adipose tissue, also contribute to the pathophysiology of RA. The most abundant serum adipokine is adiponectin, which demonstrates proinflammatory effects in RA, although the mechanisms linking adiponectin and angiogenic manifestations of RA are not well understood. Our investigations with the human MH7A synovial cell line have revealed that adiponectin dose- and time-dependently increases vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, stimulating endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) tube formation and migration. These adiponectin-induced angiogenic activities were facilitated by MEK/ERK signaling. In vivo experiments confirmed adiponectin-induced downregulation of microRNA-106a-5p (miR-106a-5p). Inhibiting adiponectin reduced joint swelling, bone destruction, and angiogenic marker expression in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice. Our evidence suggests that targeting adiponectin has therapeutic potential for patients with RA. Clinical investigations are needed.

miR-126-3p is essential for CXCL12-induced angiogenesis

Atherosclerosis, in the ultimate stage of cardiovascular diseases, causes an obstruction of vessels leading to ischemia and finally to necrosis. To restore vascularization and tissue regeneration, stimulation of angiogenesis is necessary. Chemokines and microRNAs (miR) were studied as pro-angiogenic agents. We analysed the miR-126/CXCL12 axis and compared impacts of both miR-126-3p and miR-126-5p strands effects in CXCL12-induced angiogenesis. Indeed, the two strands of miR-126 were previously shown to be active but were never compared together in the same experimental conditions regarding their differential functions in angiogenesis. In this study, we analysed the 2D-angiogenesis and the migration assays in HUVEC in vitro and in rat's aortic rings ex vivo, both transfected with premiR-126-3p/-5p or antimiR-126-3p/-5p strands and stimulated with CXCL12. First, we showed that CXCL12 had pro-angiogenic effects in vitro and ex vivo associated with overexpression of miR-126-3p in HUVEC and rat's aortas. Second, we showed that 2D-angiogenesis and migration induced by CXCL12 was abolished in vitro and ex vivo after miR-126-3p inhibition. Finally, we observed that SPRED-1 (one of miR-126-3p targets) was inhibited after CXCL12 treatment in HUVEC leading to improvement of CXCL12 pro-angiogenic potential in vitro. Our results proved for the first time: 1-the role of CXCL12 in modulation of miR-126 expression; 2-the involvement of miR-126 in CXCL12 pro-angiogenic effects; 3-the involvement of SPRED-1 in angiogenesis induced by miR-126/CXCL12 axis.

Angiogenic Properties of NK Cells in Cancer and Other Angiogenesis-Dependent Diseases

The pathogenesis of many serious diseases, including cancer, is closely related to disturbances in the angiogenesis process. Angiogenesis is essential for the progression of tumor growth and metastasis. The tumor microenvironment (TME) has immunosuppressive properties, which contribute to tumor expansion and angiogenesis. Similarly, the uterine microenvironment (UME) exerts a tolerogenic (immunosuppressive) and proangiogenic effect on its cells, promoting implantation and development of the embryo and placenta. In the TME and UME natural killer (NK) cells, which otherwise are capable of killing target cells autonomously, enter a state of reduced cytotoxicity or anergy. Both TME and UME are rich with factors (e.g., TGF-β, glycodelin, hypoxia), which support a conversion of NK cells to the low/non-cytotoxic, proangiogenic CD56^brightCD16^low phenotype. It is plausible that the phenomenon of acquiring proangiogenic and low cytotoxic features by NK cells is not only limited to cancer but is a common feature of different angiogenesis-dependent diseases (ADDs). In this review, we will discuss the role of NK cells in angiogenesis disturbances associated with cancer and other selected ADDs. Expanding the knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for angiogenesis and its disorders contributes to a better understanding of ADDs and may have therapeutic implications.

MicroRNA-1253 Suppresses Cell Proliferation Migration and Invasion of Osteosarcoma by Targeting MMP9

Purpose:

MicroRNAs play an important role in osteosarcoma (OS) development and progress. Although miR-1253 was considered as a tumor-inhibitor in some cancers, it’s function in the OS is not clear.

Methods:

In our study, we examined the expression of miR-1253 in OS cells and osteoblast cells using quantitative real-time PCR. The proliferation of OS cells was measured by BrdU assay, and we performed transwell to detect migration and invasion of OS cells. Meanwhile, EMT proteins were tested by western blot. We used Bioinformatics to predict the target genes of miR-1253 and found out Matrix metalloproteinases9 (MMP9) was one of that. The direct combination between miR-1253 and MMP9 was verified by double luciferase reporting experiment. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot were used to detect the expression of MMP9.

Results:

We found that the expression level of miR-1253 in OS cells was significantly lower than that in osteoblast cells. Overexpression of miR-1253 could significantly inhibit OS cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT. And then, MMP9 was predicted as a downstream target of miR-1253 by Bioinformatics analysis. Further experiments showed that miR-1253 could reduce the protein level of MMP9 by directly binding to the 3’-UTR of MMP9. Afterward, we performed a rescue experiment, in which both MMP9 and miR-1253 were overexpressed. Compared with the groups overexpressed miR-1253 alone, cell proliferation, migration and invasion in co-overexpression groups were improved.

Conclusions:

In summary, these results suggested that miR-1253 down-regulated in OS cells, and could suppress the proliferation, migration and invasion of OS cells. Its molecular regulatory mechanism was that inhibits the expression of the downstream target gene MMP9 by directly binding, thus affect OS cell functions. Therefore, miR-1253 has the potential to become a biomarker and therapeutic target for OS therapy.

MiR-374b increases the CIK expression and mediates biological function changes in cervical cancer cells by targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of miR-374b in medicating biological function changes in cervical cancer cells by increasing the cytokine-induced killer (CIK) expression.

METHODS

Venous blood of 62 cervical cancer patients and 58 healthy individuals including Human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) and normal human uterine smooth muscle cells (HUSMC) were tested for expression of miR-374b, PD-1, and PD-L1. sh-PD-1, si-PD-1, NC, miR-374b-inhibitor, and miR-374b-mimics were transfected into HeLa cells, and expression of miR-374b, PD-1, and PD-L1 was determined by a qRT-PCR assay, and the proliferation and apoptosis of the cells were detected using a MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively.

RESULTS

PD-1 was highly expressed in cervical cancer, while miR-374b is lowly expressed in it, and the area-under-the-curve (AUC) of both PD-1 and miR-374b was larger than 0.8. The dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed relationship between PD-1 and miR-374b. Expression of PD-1 in HeLa cells was significantly down-regulated after transfection of miR-374b-mimics. Compared with the CIK + NC group, the CIK + miR-374b-mimics group and the CIK + siRNA-PD-1 group showed a significant decrease in the relative mRNA expression of PD-1, compared with other group showed significantly lowered activity of HeLa cells, and the two groups showed significantly reduced tumor volume.

CONCLUSION

MiR-374b increases the CIK expression and mediates biological function changes in cervical cancer cells by targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway, so it is expected to be a potential therapeutic target for cervical cancer.

Role of microRNAs in the crosstalk between osteosarcoma cells and the tumour microenvironment

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone tumour, with a peak incidence in adolescents, and the five-year survival rate of patients with metastasis or recurrence is much lower than that of patients without metastasis and recurrence. OS is initiated and develops in a complex tumour microenvironment (TME) that contains many different components, such as osteoblasts, osteoclasts, mesenchymal stem cells, fibroblasts, immune cells, extracellular matrix (ECM), extracellular vesicles, and cytokines. The extensive interaction between OS and the TME underlies OS progression. Therefore, rather than targeting OS cells, targeting the key factors in the TME may yield novel therapeutic approaches. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play multiple roles in the biological behaviours of OS, and recent studies have implied that miRNAs are involved in mediating the communication between OS cells and the surrounding TME. Here, we review the TME landscape and the miRNA dysregulation of OS, describe the role of the altered TME in OS development and highlight the role of miRNA in the crosstalk between OS cells and the TME.

CC Chemokines in a Tumor: A Review of Pro-Cancer and Anti-Cancer Properties of Receptors CCR5, CCR6, CCR7, CCR8, CCR9, and CCR10 Ligands

CC chemokines (or β-chemokines) are 28 chemotactic cytokines with an N-terminal CC domain that play an important role in immune system cells, such as CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ lymphocytes, dendritic cells, eosinophils, macrophages, monocytes, and NK cells, as well in neoplasia. In this review, we discuss human CC motif chemokine ligands: CCL1, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CCL18, CCL19, CCL20, CCL21, CCL25, CCL27, and CCL28 (CC motif chemokine receptor CCR5, CCR6, CCR7, CCR8, CCR9, and CCR10 ligands). We present their functioning in human physiology and in neoplasia, including their role in the proliferation, apoptosis resistance, drug resistance, migration, and invasion of cancer cells. We discuss the significance of chemokine receptors in organ-specific metastasis, as well as the influence of each chemokine on the recruitment of various cells to the tumor niche, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), Kupffer cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), osteoclasts, tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), and regulatory T cells (T_reg). Finally, we show how the effect of the chemokines on vascular endothelial cells and lymphatic endothelial cells leads to angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis.

MiR-944/CISH mediated inflammation via STAT3 is involved in oral cancer malignance by cigarette smoking

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Down-regulation of CISH in OSCC tissues and cell lines.

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CISH mediates cellular functions through STAT3 inhibition.

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MiR-944 regulates cellular functions through direct binding of CISH.

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Cigarette smoking-mediated miR-944/CISH/STAT3 axis plays a role in oral carcinogenesis.

The cytokine-inducible Src homology 2-containing protein (CISH) is an endogenous suppressors of signal transduction and activator of transcription (STAT) and acts as a key negative regulator of inflammatory cytokine responses. Downregulation of CISH has been reported to associate with increased activation of STAT and enhanced inflammatory pathways. However, whether microRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in CISH/STAT regulation in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unknown. The expression of CISH on OSCC patients was determine by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Specific targeting by miRNAs was determined by software prediction, luciferase reporter assay, and correlation with target protein expression. The functions of miR-944 and CISH were accessed by transwell migration and invasion analyses using gain- and loss-of-function approaches. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and qRT-PCR were used to evaluate the pro-inflammation cytokines expression under the miR-944, CISH, NNK or combinations treatment. We found that the CISH protein, which modulates STAT3 activity, as a direct target of miR-944. CISH protein was significantly down-regulated in OSCC patients and cell lines and its level was inversely correlated with miR-944 expression. The miR-944-induced STAT3 phosphorylation, pro-inflammation cytokines secretion, migration and invasion were abolished by CISH restoration, suggesting that the oncogenic activity of miR-944 is CISH dependent. Furthermore, tobacco extract (NNK) may contribute to miR-944 induction and STAT3 activation. Antagomir-mediated inactivation of miR-944 prevented the NNK-induced STAT3 phosphorylation and pro-inflammation cytokines secretion. Altogether, these data demonstrate that NNK-induced miR944 expression plays an important role in CISH/STAT3-mediated inflammatory response and activation of tumor malignancy.

Molecular Biology of Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most frequent primary bone cancer in children and adolescents and the third most frequent in adults. Many inherited germline mutations are responsible for syndromes that predispose to osteosarcomas including Li Fraumeni syndrome, retinoblastoma syndrome, Werner syndrome, Bloom syndrome or Diamond-Blackfan anemia. TP53 is the most frequently altered gene in osteosarcoma. Among other genes mutated in more than 10% of OS cases, c-Myc plays a role in OS development and promotes cell invasion by activating MEK-ERK pathways. Several genomic studies showed frequent alterations in the RB gene in pediatric OS patients. Osteosarcoma driver mutations have been reported in NOTCH1, FOS, NF2, WIF1, BRCA2, APC, PTCH1 and PRKAR1A genes. Some miRNAs such as miR-21, -34a, -143, -148a, -195a, -199a-3p and -382 regulate the pathogenic activity of MAPK and PI3K/Akt-signaling pathways in osteosarcoma. CD133+ osteosarcoma cells have been shown to exhibit stem-like gene expression and can be tumor-initiating cells and play a role in metastasis and development of drug resistance. Although currently osteosarcoma treatment is based on adriamycin chemoregimens and surgery, there are several potential targeted therapies in development. First of all, activity and safety of cabozantinib in osteosarcoma were studied, as well as sorafenib and pazopanib. Finally, novel bifunctional molecules, of potential imaging and osteosarcoma targeting applications may be used in the future.

The Role of Pre-Clinical 3-Dimensional Models of Osteosarcoma

Treatment for osteosarcoma (OS) has been largely unchanged for several decades, with typical therapies being a mixture of chemotherapy and surgery. Although therapeutic targets and products against cancer are being continually developed, only a limited number have proved therapeutically active in OS. Thus, the understanding of the OS microenvironment and its interactions are becoming more important in developing new therapies. Three-dimensional (3D) models are important tools in increasing our understanding of complex mechanisms and interactions, such as in OS. In this review, in vivo animal models, in vitro 3D models and in ovo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) models, are evaluated and discussed as to their contribution in understanding the progressive nature of OS, and cancer research. We aim to provide insight and prospective future directions into the potential translation of 3D models in OS.

Renal cell tumors convert natural killer cells to a proangiogenic phenotype

Natural killer (NK) cells are classically associated with immune surveillance and destruction of tumor cells. Inconsistent with this function, NK cells are found in advanced human tumors including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). NK cells with non-classical phenotypes (CD56+CD16dim/neg; termed decidua NK (dNK) cells) accumulate at the maternal-fetal interface during embryo implantation. These dNK cells are poorly cytotoxic, proangiogenic, and facilitate placenta development. As similarities between embryo implantation and tumor growth exist, we tested the hypothesis that an analogous shift in NK cell phenotype and function occurs in RCC tumors. Our results show that peripheral NK (pNK) cells of RCC patients were uniformly CD56+CD16bright, but lacked full cytotoxic ability. By comparison, RCC tumor-infiltrated NK (TiNK) cells were significantly enriched for CD56+CD16dim-neg cells, a phenotype of dNK cells. Gene expression analysis revealed that angiogenic and inflammatory genes were significantly increased for RCC TiNK versus RCC pNK populations, with enrichment of genes in the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) 1α pathway. Consistent with this finding, NK cells cultured under hypoxia demonstrated limited cytotoxicity capacity, but augmented production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Finally, comparison of gene expression data for RCC TiNK and dNK cells revealed a shared transcriptional signature of genes with known roles in angiogenesis and immunosuppression. These studies confirm conversion of pNK cells to a dNK-like phenotype in RCC tumors. These characteristics are conceivably beneficial for placentation, but likely exploited to support early tumor growth and promote metastasis.

Modeling the Tumor Microenvironment and Pathogenic Signaling in Bone Sarcoma

Investigations of cancer biology and screening of potential therapeutics for efficacy and safety begin in the preclinical laboratory setting. A staple of most basic research in cancer involves the use of tissue culture plates, on which immortalized cell lines are grown in monolayers. However, this practice has been in use for over six decades and does not account for vital elements of the tumor microenvironment that are thought to aid in initiation, propagation, and ultimately, metastasis of cancer. Furthermore, information gleaned from these techniques does not always translate to animal models or, more crucially, clinical trials in cancer patients. Osteosarcoma (OS) and Ewing sarcoma (ES) are the most common primary tumors of bone, but outcomes for patients with metastatic or recurrent disease have stagnated in recent decades. The unique elements of the bone tumor microenvironment have been shown to play critical roles in the pathogenesis of these tumors and thus should be incorporated in the preclinical models of these diseases. In recent years, the field of tissue engineering has leveraged techniques used in designing scaffolds for regenerative medicine to engineer preclinical tumor models that incorporate spatiotemporal control of physical and biological elements. We herein review the clinical aspects of OS and ES, critical elements present in the sarcoma microenvironment, and engineering approaches to model the bone tumor microenvironment. Impact statement The current paradigm of cancer biology investigation and therapeutic testing relies heavily on monolayer, monoculture methods developed over half a century ago. However, these methods often lack essential hallmarks of the cancer microenvironment that contribute to tumor pathogenesis. Tissue engineers incorporate scaffolds, mechanical forces, cells, and bioactive signals into biological environments to drive cell phenotype. Investigators of bone sarcomas, aggressive tumors that often rob patients of decades of life, have begun to use tissue engineering techniques to devise in vitro models for these diseases. Their efforts highlight how critical elements of the cancer microenvironment directly affect tumor signaling and pathogenesis.

Endometrial stromal cell inflammatory phenotype during severe ovarian endometriosis as a cause of endometriosis-associated infertility

RESEARCH QUESTION

Do endometrial stromal cells from primary infertile patients with severe ovarian endometriosis display differential secretory profiles of inflammation-associated cytokines during the implantation window that may cause infertility?

DESIGN

Forty-eight cytokines were measured in conditioned medium of isolated endometrial stromal cells obtained from primary infertile patients without endometriosis (control group, n = 12) or with stage IV ovarian endometriosis (ovarian endometriosis group, n = 14) using multiplex assays. Key cytokines showing differential secretory profiles were validated using Western immunoblotting. Cellular phenotypic validation was carried out in vitro by comparing proliferation and migration capacity between control (n = 6) and ovarian endometriosis (n = 7) groups.

RESULTS

CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CXCL10, FGF2, IFNG, IL1RN, IL5, TNFA, and VEGF could be detected only in the conditioned media of stromal cells obtained from the ovarian endometriosis group. Among other cytokines detected in the conditioned media of both groups, CCL2 (P = 0.0018), CSF3 (P = 0.0017), IL1B (P = 0.0066), IL4 (P = 0.036), IL6 (P = 0.0039) and IL13 (P = 0.036) were found to be higher, whereas the concentration of IL18 was lower (P = 0.023) in the ovarian endometriosis group. Concentrations of CCL2, IL1B, IL4 and IL13 in conditioned medium reflected significant diagnostic performance for predicting ovarian endometriosis. Cellular phenotypic validation in vitro revealed an enhanced proliferative phenotype (P = 0.046) with no change in cell migratory capacity of endometrial stromal cells from the ovarian endometriosis group.

CONCLUSIONS

Endometrial stromal cells derived from severe ovarian endometriosis samples displayed a hyperinflammatory and hyperproliferative bias in the endometrial stroma during the 'window of implantation' putatively causing loss of fecundability.

Identification of potential molecular targets associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to identify and evaluate potential molecular targets associated with the development of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR).

METHODS

The microarray dataset "GSE60436" generated from fibrovascular membranes (FVMs) associated with proliferative DR was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the active FVMs and control or inactive FVMs and control were evaluated and co-DEGs were identified using VEEN analysis. Functional enrichment analysis, and protein-protein interactions (PPI) network and module analyses were performed on the upregulated and downregulated coDEGs. Finally, several predictions regarding microRNAs (miRNAs) and transcription factors (TFs) were made to construct a putative TF-miRNA-target network.

RESULTS

A total of 1475 co-DEGs were screened in active/inactive FVM samples, including 461 upregulated and 1014 downregulated genes, which were enriched for angiogenesis [Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 Subunit Alpha (HIF1A) and Placental Growth Factor (PGF)] and visual perception, respectively. In the case of the upregulated co-DEGs, Kinesin Family Member 11 (KIF11), and BUB1 Mitotic Checkpoint Serine/Threonine Kinase (BUB1) exhibited the highest values in both the PPI network and module analyses, as well as the genes related to mitosis. In the case of downregulated co-DEGs, several G protein subunits, including G Protein Subunit Beta 3 (GNB3), exhibited the highest values in both the PPI network and module analyses. The genes identified in the module analysis were found to be from the signal transduction-related pathways. In addition, we were able to identify four miRNAs and five TFs, including miR-136 and miR-374.

CONCLUSIONS

In brief, HIF1A, PGF, KIF11, G protein subunits, and miR-136, miR-374 may all be involved in angiogenesis, retinal endothelial cell proliferation, and visual signal transduction in proliferative DR. This study provides a number of novel insights that may aid the development of future studies dedicated to discovering novel therapeutic targets in proliferative DR.

A Collagen Based Cryogel Bioscaffold that Generates Oxygen for Islet Transplantation

The aim of this work was to develop, characterize and test a novel 3D bioscaffold matrix which can accommodate pancreatic islets and provide them with a continuous, controlled and steady source of oxygen to prevent hypoxia-induced damage following transplantation. Hence, we made a collagen based cryogel bioscaffold which incorporated calcium peroxide (CPO) into its matrix. The optimal concentration of CPO integrated into bioscaffolds was 0.25wt.% and this generated oxygen at 0.21±0.02mM/day (day 1), 0.19±0.01mM/day (day 6), 0.13±0.03mM/day (day 14), and 0.14±0.02mM/day (day 21). Accordingly, islets seeded into cryogel-CPO bioscaffolds had a significantly higher viability and function compared to islets seeded into cryogel alone bioscaffolds or islets cultured alone on traditional cell culture plates; these findings were supported by data from quantitative computational modelling. When syngeneic islets were transplanted into the epididymal fat pad (EFP) of diabetic mice, our cryogel-0.25wt.%CPO bioscaffold improved islet function with diabetic animals re-establishing glycemic control. Mice transplanted with cryogel-0.25wt.%CPO bioscaffolds showed faster responses to intraperitoneal glucose injections and had a higher level of insulin content in their EFP compared to those transplanted with islets alone (P<0.05). Biodegradability studies predicted that our cryogel-CPO bioscaffolds will have long-lasting biostability for approximately 5 years (biodegradation rate: 16.00±0.65%/year). Long term implantation studies (i.e. 6 months) showed that our cryogel-CPO bioscaffold is biocompatible and integrated into the surrounding fat tissue with minimal adverse tissue reaction; this was further supported by no change in blood parameters (i.e. electrolyte, metabolic, chemistry and liver panels). Our novel oxygen-generating bioscaffold (i.e. cryogel-0.25wt.%CPO) therefore provides a biostable and biocompatible 3D microenvironment for islets which can facilitate islet survival and function at extra-hepatic sites of transplantation.

Human monocytes subjected to ischaemia/reperfusion inhibit angiogenesis and wound healing in vitro

OBJECTIVES

The sequence of initial tissue ischaemia and consecutive blood flow restoration leads to ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, which is typically characterized by a specific inflammatory response. Migrating monocytes seem to mediate the immune response in ischaemic tissues and influence detrimental as well as regenerative effects during I/R injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To clarify the role of classical monocytes in I/R injury, isolated human monocytes were subjected to I/R in vitro (3 hours ischaemia followed by 24 hours of reperfusion). Cellular resilience, monocyte differentiation, cytokine secretion, as well as influence on endothelial tube formation, migration and cell recovery were investigated.

RESULTS

We show that I/R supported an enhanced resilience of monocytes and induced intracellular phosphorylation of the prosurvival molecules Erk1/2 and Akt. FACS analysis showed no major alteration in monocyte subtype differentiation and surface marker expression under I/R. Further, our experiments revealed that I/R changes the cytokine secretion pattern, release of angiogenesis associated proteins and MMP-9 activity in supernatants of monocytes exposed to I/R. Supernatants from monocytes subjected to I/R attenuated endothelial tube formation as indicator for angiogenesis as well as endothelial cell migration and recovery.

CONCLUSION

In summary, monocytes showed no significant change in cellular integrity and monocyte subtype after I/R. Functionally, monocytes might have a rather detrimental influence during the initial phase of I/R, suppressing endothelial cell migration and neoangiogenesis.

Understanding and Modeling Metastasis Biology to Improve Therapeutic Strategies for Combating Osteosarcoma Progression

Osteosarcoma is a malignant primary tumor of bone, arising from transformed progenitor cells with osteoblastic differentiation and osteoid production. While categorized as a rare tumor, most patients diagnosed with osteosarcoma are adolescents in their second decade of life and underscores the potential for life changing consequences in this vulnerable population. In the setting of localized disease, conventional treatment for osteosarcoma affords a cure rate approaching 70%; however, survival for patients suffering from metastatic disease remain disappointing with only 20% of individuals being alive past 5 years post-diagnosis. In patients with incurable disease, pulmonary metastases remain the leading cause for osteosarcoma-associated mortality; yet identifying new strategies for combating metastatic progression remains at a scientific and clinical impasse, with no significant advancements for the past four decades. While there is resonating clinical urgency for newer and more effective treatment options for managing osteosarcoma metastases, the discovery of druggable targets and development of innovative therapies for inhibiting metastatic progression will require a deeper and more detailed understanding of osteosarcoma metastasis biology. Toward the goal of illuminating the processes involved in cancer metastasis, a convergent science approach inclusive of diverse disciplines spanning the biology and physical science domains can offer novel and synergistic perspectives, inventive, and sophisticated model systems, and disruptive experimental approaches that can accelerate the discovery and characterization of key processes operative during metastatic progression. Through the lens of trans-disciplinary research, the field of comparative oncology is uniquely positioned to advance new discoveries in metastasis biology toward impactful clinical translation through the inclusion of pet dogs diagnosed with metastatic osteosarcoma. Given the spontaneous course of osteosarcoma development in the context of real-time tumor microenvironmental cues and immune mechanisms, pet dogs are distinctively valuable in translational modeling given their faithful recapitulation of metastatic disease progression as occurs in humans. Pet dogs can be leveraged for the exploration of novel therapies that exploit tumor cell vulnerabilities, perturb local microenvironmental cues, and amplify immunologic recognition. In this capacity, pet dogs can serve as valuable corroborative models for realizing the science and best clinical practices necessary for understanding and combating osteosarcoma metastases.

CCL3-CCR5 axis contributes to progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by promoting cell migration and invasion via Akt and ERK pathways

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) contribute to the progression and mortality of various malignancies. We reported that high numbers of infiltrating TAMs were significantly associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In our previous investigation of TAMs' actions in ESCC, we compared gene expression profiles between peripheral blood monocyte (PBMo)-derived macrophages and TAM-like macrophages stimulated with conditioned media of ESCC cell lines. Among the upregulated genes in the TAM-like macrophages, we focused on CC chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3), which was reported to contribute to tumor progression in several malignancies. Herein, we observed that not only TAMs but also ESCC cell lines expressed CCL3. A CCL3 receptor, CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) was expressed in the ESCC cell lines. Treating the ESCC cell lines with recombinant human (rh)CCL3 induced the phosphorylations of Akt and ERK, which were suppressed by CCR5 knockdown. Migration and invasion of ESCC cells were promoted by treatment with rhCCL3 and co-culture with TAMs. TAMs/rhCCL3-promoted cell migration and invasion were suppressed by inhibition of the CCL3-CCR5 axis, PI3K/Akt, and MEK/ERK pathways. Treatment with rhCCL3 upregulated MMP2 and VEGFA expressions in ESCC cell lines. Our immunohistochemical analysis of 68 resected ESCC cases showed that high expression of CCL3 and/or CCR5 in ESCC tissues was associated with poor prognosis. High CCR5 expression was associated with deeper invasion, presence of vascular invasion, higher pathological stage, higher numbers of infiltrating CD204⁺ TAMs, and higher microvascular density. High expression of both CCL3 and CCR5 was an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival. These results suggest that CCL3 derived from both TAMs and cancer cells contributes to the progression and poor prognosis of ESCC by promoting cell migration and invasion via the binding of CCR5 and the phosphorylations of Akt and ERK. The CCL3-CCR5 axis could become the target of new therapies against ESCC.

Resistin enhances angiogenesis in osteosarcoma via the MAPK signaling pathway

Over the last two decades, there have been no significant changes in patient outcomes in relation to the treatment of osteosarcoma, an aggressive malignant neoplasm. It is known that vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) plays a crucial role in angiogenesis and in osteosarcoma. Moreover, VEGF-A expression correlates with clinical stages of osteosarcoma. The adipokine resistin exhibits proinflammatory, proangiogenic and metastatic properties, and evidence suggests that resistin may serve as a prognostic biomarker linking obesity and inflammation to cancer. However, whether resistin has a role in osteosarcoma angiogenesis is unclear. This investigation shows that resistin promotes VEGF-A expression in human osteosarcoma cells and activates the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 signaling pathways, while ERK, JNK, and p38 inhibitors or their small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) inhibit resistin-induced VEGF-A expression as well as endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) migration and tube formation. We also found that resistin upregulates VEGF-A expression by enhancing activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). Finally, resistin promotes angiogenesis in the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. Resistin appears to be a promising target for human osteosarcoma.

Artemisinin inhibits angiogenesis by regulating p38 MAPK/CREB/TSP-1 signaling pathway in osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is the most common bone tumor and characterizes a high metastatic potential. In osteosarcoma, angiogenesis is reported to be closely associated with tumor metastasis. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and accordingly developing therapeutic strategies are urgently desired. Antimalarial agent, artemisinin, has been reported to inhibit tumor angiogenesis. However, we still knew little about the effects of artemisinin on angiogenesis and its potential molecular mechanisms in human osteosarcoma. In this study, we found that artemisinin could induce both the expression and secretion of thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) in a dose-dependent way in osteosarcoma cells. In addition, TSP-1 could effectively restore the artemisinin-induced suppression of angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). More importantly, we further found that phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) bond specifically to the promoter of TSP-1 and promoted its transcriptional activation. Moreover, our results showed that artemisinin could induce the phosphorylation of CREB via the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in osteosarcoma cells. In vivo, we also found that artemisinin could inhibit osteosarcoma proliferation and angiogenesis by regulating the p38 MAPK/CREB/TSP-1 signaling pathway. Taken together, our findings indicated that artemisinin could inhibit angiogenesis by regulating the p38 MAPK/CREB/TSP-1 signaling pathway in osteosarcoma.

Cytokine Profiling in Patients With Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the cytokine profiles in plasma and aqueous humor of patients with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) due to exudative AMD and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 16 patients clinically diagnosed with AMD, 18 patients with PCV, and 50 age- and sex-matched cataract patients without AMD/PCV (controls) were enrolled. Study subjects were treatment naïve, and 200 μL undiluted aqueous humor and 5 mL peripheral venous blood were collected from the study subjects. Clinical samples were analyzed for 41 different cytokines by Luminex bead-based multiplex assay. Cytokines concentrations with detection rates of 50% or more were included for the analysis, and the differences in plasma and aqueous humor cytokines levels between each group were analyzed.

Results

The age of the patients with AMD and PCV was 70.62 ± 10.15 (mean ± SD) and 71.48 ± 9.08 years, respectively, and that in the control group was 62.8 ± 10.67 years. Aqueous humor cytokines growth-regulated oncogene (GRO), macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC), and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α were significantly higher in AMD patients than controls (all P < 0.04), and GRO, MDC, MIP-1α, IL-8, IFN-γ-inducible protein 10, and monocyte chemotactic protein levels were significantly higher in PCV patients than controls (all P < 0.03). Soluble CD40 ligand and platelet-derived growth factor-AA levels were higher in plasma of healthy controls compared with AMD subjects. No significant differences in cytokine levels were observed between AMD and PCV patients for both plasma and aqueous humor.

Conclusions

In AMD and PCV patients, our data suggest that the pathologic changes are primarily driven by dysregulation of local immune factors in the eye, whereas the plasma cytokine levels are not elevated.

MicroRNAs in Bone Metastasis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review provides an update on the recent literature describing the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in cancer formation and bone metastasis. We confined our focus on osteosarcoma, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

RECENT FINDINGS

In all areas covered, major discoveries on the role of miRNAs in tumorigenesis and metastasis have been made. Novel signaling networks were identified with miRNAs having a central function. Potential improvements in the diagnosis of malignant diseases and the long-term follow-up might become possible by the use of miRNAs. Furthermore, miRNAs also have disease-modifying properties and might emerge as a new class of therapeutic molecules. MiRNAs are novel and important regulators of multiple cellular and molecular events. Due to their functions, miRNAs might become useful to improve the diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of cancer, and metastases. Thus, miRNAs are molecules of great interest in translational medicine.

MicroRNA-Based Diagnosis and Treatment of Metastatic Human Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a malignant tumor of the bones that commonly occurs in young individuals. The 5-year survival rate of osteosarcoma patients is 60-70%. Metastasis to the lungs leads to death in 30-40% of osteosarcoma patients. Therefore, the development of effective strategies for early detection and treatment of this disease are important to improve the survival of osteosarcoma patients. However, metastatic markers for osteosarcoma and molecules that might be targeted for the treatment of metastatic osteosarcoma have not been identified yet. Therefore, the mechanism of metastasis to the lungs needs to be explored from a novel viewpoint. Recently, the aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been reported to be involved in the carcinogenesis and cancer progression of many cancers. Furthermore, miRNAs in the blood have been reported to show an aberrant expression unique to several cancers. Therefore, miRNAs are gaining attention as potential diagnostic markers for cancers. On the other hand, normalizing the dysregulated expression of miRNAs in cancer cells has been shown to alter the phenotype of cancer cells, and thus treatment strategies targeting miRNAs are also being considered. This review summarizes the abnormality of miRNA expression associated with the metastasis of osteosarcoma and describes the present situation and issues regarding the early diagnosis and development of treatment strategies for metastatic osteosarcoma based on the current understanding of this disease.

The latest progress on miR-374 and its functional implications in physiological and pathological processes

Non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been emerging players in cell development, differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. Based on their differences in length and structure, they are subdivided into several categories including long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs >200nt), stable non‐coding RNAs (60‐300nt), microRNAs (miRs or miRNAs, 18‐24nt), circular RNAs, piwi‐interacting RNAs (26‐31nt) and small interfering RNAs (about 21nt). Therein, miRNAs not only directly regulate gene expression through pairing of nucleotide bases between the miRNA sequence and a specific mRNA that leads to the translational repression or degradation of the target mRNA, but also indirectly affect the function of downstream genes through interactions with lncRNAs and circRNAs. The latest studies have highlighted their importance in physiological and pathological processes. MiR‐374 family member are located at the X‐chromosome inactivation center. In recent years, numerous researches have uncovered that miR‐374 family members play an indispensable regulatory role, such as in reproductive disorders, cell growth and differentiation, calcium handling in the kidney, various cancers and epilepsy. In this review, we mainly focus on the role of miR‐374 family members in multiple physiological and pathological processes. More specifically, we also summarize their promising potential as novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets from bench to bedside.

Resistin facilitates VEGF-A-dependent angiogenesis by inhibiting miR-16-5p in human chondrosarcoma cells

Resistin is an adipokine that is associated with obesity, inflammation, and various cancers. Chondrosarcomas are primary malignant bone tumors that have a poor prognosis. VEGF-A is a critical angiogenic factor that is known to promote angiogenesis and metastasis in chondrosarcoma. It is unknown as to whether resistin affects human chondrosarcoma angiogenesis. In this study, we show how resistin promotes VEGF-A expression and subsequently induces angiogenesis of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Resistin treatment activated the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt signaling pathways, while PI3K and Akt inhibitors or siRNA diminished resistin-induced VEGF-A expression. In vitro and in vivo studies revealed the downregulation of micro RNA (miR)-16-5p in resistin-induced VEGF-A expression and EPCs angiogenesis. We also found a positive correlation between resistin and VEGF-A expression, and a negative correlation between resistin and VEGF-A with miR-16-5p in chondrosarcoma patients. These findings reveal that resistin facilitates VEGF-A expression and angiogenesis through the inhibition of miR-16-5p expression via PI3K/Akt signaling cascades. Resistin may be a promising target in chondrosarcoma angiogenesis.