Ilex hainanensis Merr targets ITGAV to suppress the proliferation and metastasis of osteosarcoma cells

Targeting PAK4 reverses cisplatin resistance in NSCLC by modulating ER stress

Chemoresistance poses a significant impediment to effective treatments for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). P21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) has been implicated in NSCLC progression by invasion and migration. However, the involvement of PAK4 in cisplatin resistance is not clear. Here, we presented a comprehensive investigation into the involvement of PAK4 in cisplatin resistance within NSCLC. Our study revealed enhanced PAK4 expression in both cisplatin-resistant NSCLC tumors and cell lines. Notably, PAK4 silencing led to a remarkable enhancement in the chemosensitivity of cisplatin-resistant NSCLC cells. Cisplatin evoked endoplasmic reticulum stress in NSCLC. Furthermore, inhibition of PAK4 demonstrated the potential to sensitize resistant tumor cells through modulating endoplasmic reticulum stress. Mechanistically, we unveiled that the suppression of the MEK1-GRP78 signaling pathway results in the sensitization of NSCLC cells to cisplatin after PAK4 knockdown. Our findings establish PAK4 as a promising therapeutic target for addressing chemoresistance in NSCLC, potentially opening new avenues for enhancing treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.

Integrin subunit alpha V is a potent prognostic biomarker associated with immune infiltration in lower-grade glioma

As a member of integrin receptor family, ITGAV (integrin subunit α V) is involved in a variety of cell biological processes and overexpressed in various cancers, which may be a potential prognostic factor. However, its prognostic value and potential function in lower-grade glioma (LGG) are still unclear, and in terms of immune infiltration, it has not been fully elucidated. Here, the expression preference, prognostic value, and clinical traits of ITGAV were investigated using The Cancer Genome Atlas database (n = 528) and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas dataset (n = 458). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were used to explore the biological function of ITGAV. Using R package "ssGSEA" analysis, it was found thatthe ITGAV mRNA expression level showed intense correlation with tumor immunity, such as tumor-infiltrating immune cells and multiple immune-related genes. In addition, ITGAV is associated with some immune checkpoints and immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and response to chemotherapy. and the expression of ITGAV protein in LGG patients was verified via immunohistochemistry (IHC). ITGAV expression was higher in LGG tissues than in normal tissues (P < 0.001) and multifactor analysis showed that ITGAV mRNA expression was an independent prognostic factor for LGG overall survival (OS; hazard ratio = 2.113, 95% confidence interval = 1.393-3.204, P < 0.001). GSEA showed that ITGAV expression was correlated with Inflammatory response, complement response, KRAS signal, and interferon response. ssGSEA results showed a positive correlation between ITGAV expression and Th2 cell infiltration level. ITGAV mRNA was overexpressed in LGG, and high ITGAV mRNA levels were found to be associated with poor protein expression and poor OS. ITGAV is therefore a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of LGG and may be a potential immunotherapy target.

The lncRNA-miRNA-integrin alpha V ceRNA network can affect the occurrence and prognosis of gastric cancer

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to explore the role of integrin alpha V (ITGAV) and the related long noncoding RNA-microRNA-messenger RNA competing endogenous RNA (lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA) network in the development and prognosis of cancers, especially gastric cancer (GC), through bioinformatic analysis.

METHODS

Pan-cancer and GC data were collected from the UCSC Xena website, and validation datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). R (version 3.6.3), GraphPad Prism 8, and SPSS 23.0 software were used to analyze data and prepare figures.

RESULTS

The expression of ITGAV in tumor tissues was higher than that of normal tissues in ten cancer types. A lower expression of ITGAV in five tumors (CESC, LGG, LIHC, MESO, and STAD) predicted better patient prognosis. In GC, the mRNA and protein expression of ITGAV in tumor tissues was higher than that of normal tissues. Patients with high ITGAV expression had poor prognosis and clinical characteristics, including worse grades and more advanced stages. Patients with higher ITGAV expression had higher immune and stromal scores and lower purity (P<0.05). In addition, seven miRNAs were found that were negatively correlated with ITGAV expression through the website; high expression of these miRNAs indicated a better prognosis. Using this correlation, the authors built the lncRNA-miRNA-ITGAV ceRNA network, to predict the prognosis of GC.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that ITGAV could be considered a prognostic factor for GC, and an lncRNA-miRNA-ITGAV ceRNA network was built to promote the exploration of the mechanism and prognosis of GC.

MiR-139 inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cell line MG63 via down-regulating integrin subunit alpha V(ITGAV)

OBJECTIVES

Osteosarcoma is a relatively common primary malignant bone tumor in clinic, which frequently occurs in children and adolescents. It is essential to clarify the molecular mechanism of osteosarcoma to provide better diagnosis and treatment. Abnormal expression of miRNAs is closely related to the pathogenesis and progression of osteosarcoma. MiRNAs play a regulatory role in tumorigenesis and development of osteosarcoma. The purpose of this study is to reveal the working mechanism of miR-139/ITGAV axis in osteosarcoma progression.

METHODS

ITGAV and miR-139 expression was detected in osteosarcoma tissues or paracancerous normal tissues. TargetScan and Double luciferase reporter gene assay were adopted to verify weather ITGAV was the target gene of miR-139. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to evaluate the effects of miR-139 on ITGAV. CCK8, Flow cytometry, Transwell and Cell wound scratch assay were used to measure the effects of miR-139 and ITGAV on cell cycle, proliferation, migration and invasion of MG63, respectively. A nude mouse xenograft model of cervical cancer was constructed to observe the effects of miR-139 on the tumor growth.

RESULTS

We found that the expression of miR-139 in osteosarcoma tissue was significantly reduced, while the expression of ITGAV was significantly increased. MiR-139 could specifically bind to the 3'-UTR of ITGAV and negatively regulate its expression. Transfection of miR-139 mimic could inhibit the proliferation, S-phase arrest, invasion and migration of MG63 cells, and up-regulating the expression of ITGAV could reverse such inhibitory effect. In nude mouse xenograft model of osteosarcoma, overexpression of miR-139 could inhibit tumor growth, while down-regulation of miR-139 produced the opposite effect.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that miR-139/ITGAV axis was related to osteosarcoma initiation. MiR-139 could inhibit the biological behavior of osteosarcoma cells and the tumor growth in nude mouse model via targeting ITGAV, and miR-139/ITGAV axis may impede the progression of osteosarcoma.

Targeting integrin αvβ3 with indomethacin inhibits patient-derived xenograft tumour growth and recurrence in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma

RATIONALE

A high risk of post-operative recurrence contributes to the poor prognosis and low survival rate of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. Increasing experimental evidence suggests that integrin adhesion receptors, in particular integrin αv (ITGAV), are important for cancer cell survival, proliferation and migration. Therefore, targeting ITGAV may be a rational approach for preventing ESCC recurrence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Protein levels of ITGAV were determined in human ESCC tumour tissues using immunohistochemistry. MTT, propidium iodide staining, and annexin V staining were utilized to investigate cell viability, cell cycle progression, and induction of apoptosis, respectively. Computational docking was performed with the Schrödinger Suite software to visualize the interaction between indomethacin and ITGAV. Cell-derived xenograft mouse models, patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models, and a humanized mouse model were employed for in vivo studies.

RESULTS

ITGAV was upregulated in human ESCC tumour tissues and increased ITGAV protein levels were associated with poor prognosis. ITGAV silencing or knockout suppressed ESCC cell growth and metastatic potential. Interestingly, we identified that indomethacin can bind to ITGAV and enhance synovial apoptosis inhibitor 1 (SYVN1)-mediated degradation of ITGAV. Integrin β3, one of the β subunits of ITGAV, was also decreased at the protein level in the indomethacin treatment group. Importantly, indomethacin treatment suppressed ESCC tumour growth and prevented recurrence in a PDX mouse model. Moreover, indomethacin inhibited the activation of cytokine TGFβ, reduced SMAD2/3 phosphorylation, and increased anti-tumour immune responses in a humanized mouse model.

CONCLUSION

ITGAV is a promising therapeutic target for ESCC. Indomethacin can attenuate ESCC growth through binding to ITGAV, promoting SYVN1-mediated ubiquitination of ITGAV, and potentiating cytotoxic CD8+ T cell responses.

Angiogenesis-Related Gene Expression Signatures Predicting Prognosis in Gastric Cancer Patients

Simple Summary

To elucidate the role of angiogenesis as a prognostic signature in gastric cancer, we analyzed the expression level of 36 angiogenesis-related genes (ARGs) from Stomach Adenocarcinoma (STAD) from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Consensus clustering analysis showed two major angiogenesis-related types: one related to more aggressive clinicopathological characteristics and worse survival, and the other related to lower tumor, lymph node, metastasis (TNM) stage and better outcomes. Our analysis of TCGA with a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model identified 10 genes associated with overall survival in gastric cancer patients. With this gene signature, we computed angiogenesis-related gene signature risk scores for individual cancer patients that predicted overall and disease-free survival, which were further validated in the independent dataset Asian Cancer Research Group (ACRG). Moreover, an overall survival (OS)-related nomogram was established and had better performance in prognosis prediction than TNM stage. Our analysis provides a comprehensive map of ARGs that can be serve as useful biomarkers for gastric cancer.

Abstract

Increasing evidence indicates that angiogenesis is crucial in the development and progression of gastric cancer (GC). This study aimed to develop a prognostic relevant angiogenesis-related gene (ARG) signature and a nomogram. The expression profile of the 36 ARGs and clinical information of 372 GC patients were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Consensus clustering was applied to divide patients into clusters 1 and 2. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analyses were used to identify the survival related ARGs and establish prognostic gene signatures, respectively. The Asian Cancer Research Group (ACRG) (n = 300) was used for external validation. Risk score of ARG signatures was calculated, and a prognostic nomogram was developed. Gene set enrichment analysis of the ARG model risk score was performed. Cluster 2 patients had more advanced clinical stage and shorter survival rates. ARG signatures carried prognostic relevance in both cohorts. Moreover, ARG-risk score was proved as an independent prognostic factor. The predictive value of the nomogram incorporating the risk score and clinicopathological features was superior to tumor, lymph node, metastasis (TNM) staging. The high-risk score group was associated with several cancer and metastasis-related pathways. The present study suggests that ARG-based nomogram could serve as effective prognostic biomarkers and allow a more precise risk stratification.

Long Non-coding RNA SNHG17 Promotes Cell Proliferation and Invasion in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer by Targeting the miR-144/CD51 Axis

Previously, we found that the expression of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) small nucleolar RNA host gene 17 (SNHG17) was up-regulated in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) cells compared to that in hormone sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) cells. Moreover, we found that CD51 was up-regulated in prostate cancer cells and promoted the carcinogenesis and progression of prostate cancer. However, the regulatory mechanism of SNHG17 and CD51 in the development of CRPC remains unclear. In the current study, we aimed to elucidate the expressions, functions, and underlying mechanism of SNHG17 and CD51 in CRPC. Our results further confirmed that both SNHG17 and CD51 were up-regulated in CRPC tissues and cells. In addition, we found that SNHG17 expression was positively correlated with CD51 expression in prostate cancer. Mechanically, SNHG17 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to up-regulate CD51 expression through competitively sponging microRNA-144 (miR-144), and CD51 was identified as a direct downstream target of miR-144 in CRPC. Functionally, down-regulation of SNHG17 or up-regulation of miR-144 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRPC cells, whereas up-regulation of SNHG17 and down-regulation of miR-144 promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of CRPC cells in vitro and in vivo. Using gain and loss-of function assay and rescue assay, we showed that miR-144 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion by directly inhibiting CD51 expression, and SNHG17 promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion by directly enhancing CD51 expression in CRPC cells. Taken together, our study reveals the role of the SNHG17/miR-144/CD51 axis in accelerating CRPC cell proliferation and invasion, and suggests that SNHG17 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for CRPC.

Upregulation of miRNA-154-5p prevents the tumorigenesis of osteosarcoma

BACKGROUND

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary malignant bone sarcoma in human worldwide. It has been shown that the level of microRNA-154-5p (miR-154-5p) was downregulated in human OS tissues. However, the mechanisms by which miR-154-5p regulates the proliferation, apoptosis and invasion in OS remain unclear. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the role of miR-154-5p during the tumorigenesis of OS.

METHODS

The level of miR-154-5p in human OS tissues was detected by RT-qPCR. In addition, the effects of miR-154-5p on apoptosis and invasion of OS cells were assessed by flow cytometry and transwell assays, respectively. Meanwhile, the dual luciferase reporter system assay was performed to explore the interaction of miR-154-5p and E2F5.

RESULTS

The level of miR-154-5p was downregulated in OS tissues. Overexpression of miR-154-5p significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of MG63 cells. In addition, upregulation of miR-154-5p obviously induced apoptosis in MG63 cells via upregulation of Bax and cleaved caspase 3, and downregulation of Bcl-2. Moreover, luciferase reporter assay identified that E2F5 was the binding target of miR-154-5p. Meanwhile, overexpression of miR-154-5p induced cell cycle arrest in MG63 cells via inhibiting the expressions of E2F5, Cyclin E1 and CDK2. Furthermore, in vivo assays indicated that overexpression of miR-154-5p notably inhibited the tumor growth in an OS xenograft model.

CONCLUSION

These results indicated that miR-154-5p may function as a potential tumor suppressor in OS. Therefore, miR-154-5p might be a novel therapeutic option for the treatment of OS.

Silencing lncRNA ZFAS1 or elevated microRNA-135a represses proliferation, migration, invasion and resistance to apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells

Background

Osteosarcoma (OS) is still a disease with high mortality from malignant tumors in children and adolescents. Due to its poor treatment, this study explored the involvement of lncRNA ZFAS1/microRNA-135a (miR-135a)/apurinic/apyrimidinic exonuclease 1 (APEX1) axis in the regulation of OS growth and metastasis.

Methods

ZFAS1, miR-135a and APEX1 expression in OS tissues and cells were tested by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis. MG63 cells were transfected with sh-ZFAS1, miR-135a mimic or their controls to unearth theirs functions in the proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion, cycle entry and apoptosis of MG63 cells by MTT and EdU, colony formation assays, flow cytometry, and Transwell assay, severally. The proliferation related factor (Ki-67, CyclinD1), apoptosis related factor (Bax, Bcl-2) and migration related factor (MMP2, MMP9) protein levels were tested. Tumor volume and weight were detected by subcutaneous tumor xenograft in nude mice.

Results

Overexpressed ZFAS1 and APEX1, and down-regulated miR-135a existed in OS tissues and cells. Silenced ZFAS1 or elevated miR-135a inhibited colony formation and proliferation, cycle progression, migration and invasion while promoted apoptosis of MG63 cells. Silenced ZFAS1 or elevated miR-135a suppressed tumor volume and weight of OS in vivo. LncRNA ZFAS1 promoted APEX1 expression by competitively binding with miR-135a.

Conclusion

This study indicates that silenced ZFAS1 or up-regulated miR-135a restrained migration, proliferation and invasion and promoted apoptosis of OS MG63 cells. This study provides a possible theoretical basis for studying the regulatory mechanism of ZFAS1/miR-135a/APEX1 signaling axis on the growth and metastasis of OS.