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Kitaoka T, Harada K, Sakashita S, Kojima M, Taki T, Kuwata T, Kinoshita T, Futakuchi M, Ishii G, Sakamoto N. Quantification of Gremlin 1 throughout the tumor stroma using whole slide imaging and its clinicopathological significance in gastric cancer. Virchows Arch 2024:10.1007/s00428-024-03903-8. [PMID: 39225725 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-024-03903-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Gremlin 1 (GREM1) is an antagonist of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). GREM1 is expressed in the stromal cells of various carcinomas and promotes tumor progression by suppressing BMP signaling. We designed this study to establish an evaluation strategy for GREM1 expression, focusing on the tumor stroma, and to examine its clinicopathological significance in gastric cancer (GC) progression. We employed RNA in situ hybridization (ISH) to evaluate the prognostic value of GREM1 expression in a cohort of 104 surgically resected GC cases and assessed ISH scores according to previous reports. GREM1 expression was observed in tumor stromal cells, including fibroblasts. We defined GREM1-positive cells as those expressing ISH score ≥ 3 and quantified the number of GREM1-positive cells using image analysis software. We examined the relationship between the number of GREM1-positive cells in the tumor stroma and clinicopathological features. The number of GREM1-positive cells per tumor stroma ranged from 0 to 714.7 cells/mm2 (median, 1.65 cells/mm2). We divided the 104 GC cases into GREM1-High and GREM1-Low expression groups based on the abovementioned median value. GREM1-High expression group was significantly associated with a more advanced pT grade, pN grade, lymphatic invasion, and venous invasion. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significantly poorer survival in the GREM1-High expression group than in the GREM1-Low expression group. These results indicated that GREM1 expression in GC is localized in tumor stromal cells, and that high GREM1 expression in the tumor stroma could be a poor prognostic factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Kitaoka
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Laboratories, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Kenji Harada
- Division of Pathology, Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa, Japan
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shingo Sakashita
- Division of Pathology, Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Motohiro Kojima
- Division of Pathology, Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Taki
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Laboratories, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kuwata
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Services, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kinoshita
- Department of Gastric Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Futakuchi
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Genichiro Ishii
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Laboratories, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
- Division of Innovative Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Naoya Sakamoto
- Division of Pathology, Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa, Japan.
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Kuprytė M, Lesauskaitė V, Siratavičiūtė V, Utkienė L, Jusienė L, Pangonytė D. Expression of Osteopontin and Gremlin 1 Proteins in Cardiomyocytes in Ischemic Heart Failure. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8240. [PMID: 39125809 PMCID: PMC11311846 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
A relevant role of osteopontin (OPN) and gremlin 1 (Grem1) in regulating cardiac tissue remodeling and formation of heart failure (HF) are documented, with the changes of OPN and Grem1 levels in blood plasma due to acute ischemia, ischemic heart disease-induced advanced HF or dilatative cardiomyopathy being the primary focus in most of these studies. However, knowledge on the early OPN and Grem1 proteins expression changes within cardiomyocytes during remodeling due to chronic ischemia remains insufficient. The aim of this study was to determine the OPN and Grem1 proteins expression changes in human cardiomyocytes at different stages of ischemic HF. A semi-quantitative immunohistochemical analysis was performed in 105 myocardial tissue samples obtained from the left cardiac ventricles. Increased OPN immunostaining intensity was already detected in the stage A HF group, compared to the control group (p < 0.001), and continued to increase in the stage B HF (p < 0.001), achieving the peak of immunostaining in the stages C/D HF group (p < 0.001). Similar data of Grem1 immunostaining intensity changes in cardiomyocytes were documented. Significantly positive correlations were detected between OPN, Grem1 expression in cardiomyocytes and their diameter as well as the length, in addition to positive correlation between OPN and Grem1 expression changes within cardiomyocytes. These novel findings suggest that OPN and Grem1 contribute significantly to reorganization of cellular geometry from the earliest stage of cardiomyocyte remodeling, providing new insights into the ischemic HF pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milda Kuprytė
- Laboratory of Cardiac Pathology, Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.K.); (V.S.); (L.U.); (L.J.)
| | - Vaiva Lesauskaitė
- Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Vitalija Siratavičiūtė
- Laboratory of Cardiac Pathology, Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.K.); (V.S.); (L.U.); (L.J.)
| | - Lina Utkienė
- Laboratory of Cardiac Pathology, Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.K.); (V.S.); (L.U.); (L.J.)
| | - Lina Jusienė
- Laboratory of Cardiac Pathology, Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.K.); (V.S.); (L.U.); (L.J.)
| | - Dalia Pangonytė
- Laboratory of Cardiac Pathology, Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.K.); (V.S.); (L.U.); (L.J.)
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Liu P, Ding P, Sun C, Chen S, Lowe S, Meng L, Zhao Q. Lymphangiogenesis in gastric cancer: function and mechanism. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:405. [PMID: 37803421 PMCID: PMC10559534 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01298-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased lymphangiogenesis and lymph node (LN) metastasis are thought to be important steps in cancer metastasis, and are associated with patient's poor prognosis. There is increasing evidence that the lymphatic system may play a crucial role in regulating tumor immune response and limiting tumor metastasis, since tumor lymphangiogenesis is more prominent in tumor metastasis and diffusion. Lymphangiogenesis takes place in embryonic development, wound healing, and a variety of pathological conditions, including tumors. Tumor cells and tumor microenvironment cells generate growth factors (such as lymphangiogenesis factor VEGF-C/D), which can promote lymphangiogenesis, thereby inducing the metastasis and diffusion of tumor cells. Nevertheless, the current research on lymphangiogenesis in gastric cancer is relatively scattered and lacks a comprehensive understanding. Therefore, in this review, we aim to provide a detailed perspective on molecules and signal transduction pathways that regulate gastric cancer lymphogenesis, which may provide new insights for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengpeng Liu
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011, Hebei, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Ping'an Ding
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011, Hebei, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Chenyu Sun
- AMITA Health Saint Joseph Hospital Chicago, 2900 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60657, USA
| | - Shuya Chen
- Newham University Hospital, Glen Road, Plaistow, London, E13 8SL, England, UK
| | - Scott Lowe
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City University, 1750 Independence Ave, Kansas City, MO, 64106, USA
| | - Lingjiao Meng
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China.
- Research Center of the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China.
| | - Qun Zhao
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011, Hebei, China.
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China.
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Davies GCG, Dedi N, Jones PS, Kevorkian L, McMillan D, Ottone C, Schulze MSED, Scott-Tucker A, Tewari R, West S, Wright M, Rowley TF. Discovery of ginisortamab, a potent and novel anti-gremlin-1 antibody in clinical development for the treatment of cancer. MAbs 2023; 15:2289681. [PMID: 38084840 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2289681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Gremlin-1, a high-affinity antagonist of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP)-2, -4, and -7, is implicated in tumor initiation and progression. Increased gremlin-1 expression, and therefore suppressed BMP signaling, correlates with poor prognosis in a range of cancer types. A lack of published work using therapeutic modalities has precluded the testing of the hypothesis that blocking the gremlin-1/BMP interaction will provide benefits to patients. To address this shortfall, we developed ginisortamab (UCB6114), a first-in-class clinical anti-human gremlin-1 antibody, currently in clinical development for the treatment of cancer, along with its murine analog antibody Ab7326 mouse immunoglobulin G1 (mIgG1). Surface plasmon resonance assays revealed that ginisortamab and Ab7326 mIgG1 had similar affinities for human and mouse gremlin-1, with mean equilibrium dissociation constants of 87 pM and 61 pM, respectively. The gremlin-1/Ab7326 antigen-binding fragment (Fab) crystal structure revealed a gremlin-1 dimer with a Fab molecule bound to each monomer that blocked BMP binding. In cell culture experiments, ginisortamab fully blocked the activity of recombinant human gremlin-1, and restored BMP signaling pathways in human colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines. Furthermore, in a human CRC - fibroblast co-culture system where gremlin-1 is produced by the fibroblasts, ginisortamab restored BMP signaling in both the CRC cells and fibroblasts, demonstrating its activity in a relevant human tumor microenvironment model. The safety and efficacy of ginisortamab are currently being evaluated in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial in patients with advanced solid tumors (NCT04393298).
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Shi X, Wang J, Zhang X, Yang S, Luo W, Wang S, Huang J, Chen M, Cheng Y, Chao J. GREM1/PPP2R3A expression in heterogeneous fibroblasts initiates pulmonary fibrosis. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:123. [PMID: 35933397 PMCID: PMC9356444 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00860-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fibroblasts have important roles in the synthesis and remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins during pulmonary fibrosis. However, the spatiotemporal distribution of heterogeneous fibroblasts during disease progression remains unknown. Results In the current study, silica was used to generate a mouse model of pathological changes in the lung, and single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptome sequencing and an analysis of markers of cell subtypes were performed to identify fibroblast subtypes. A group of heterogeneous fibroblasts that play an important role at the early pathological stage were identified, characterized based on the expression of inflammatory and proliferation genes (termed inflammatory-proliferative fibroblasts) and found to be concentrated in the lesion area. The expression of GREM1/protein phosphatase 2 regulatory subunit B''alpha (PPP2R3A) in inflammatory-proliferative fibroblasts was found to initiate early pulmonary pathological changes by increasing the viability, proliferation and migration of cells. Conclusions Inflammatory-proliferative fibroblasts play a key role in the early pathological changes that occur in silicosis, and during this process, GREM1 is the driving factor that targets PPP2R3A and initiates the inflammatory response, which is followed by irreversible fibrosis induced by SiO2. The GREM1/PPP2R3A pathway may be a potential target in the early treatment of silicosis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13578-022-00860-0.
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Elemam NM, Malek AI, Mahmoud EE, El-Huneidi W, Talaat IM. Insights into the Role of Gremlin-1, a Bone Morphogenic Protein Antagonist, in Cancer Initiation and Progression. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020301. [PMID: 35203511 PMCID: PMC8869528 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The bone morphogenic protein (BMP) antagonist Gremlin-1 is a biologically significant regulator known for its crucial role in tissue differentiation and embryonic development. Nevertheless, it has been reported that Gremlin-1 can exhibit its function through BMP dependent and independent pathways. Gremlin-1 has also been reported to be involved in organ fibrosis, which has been correlated to the development of other diseases, such as renal inflammation and diabetic nephropathy. Based on growing evidence, Gremlin-1 has recently been implicated in the initiation and progression of different types of cancers. Further, it contributes to the stemness state of cancer cells. Herein, we explore the recent findings on the role of Gremlin-1 in various cancer types, including breast, cervical, colorectal, and gastric cancers, as well as glioblastomas. Additionally, we highlighted the impact of Gremlin-1 on cellular processes and signaling pathways involved in carcinogenesis. Therefore, it was suggested that Gremlin-1 might be a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha Mousaad Elemam
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; (N.M.E.); (A.I.M.); (E.E.M.)
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdullah Imadeddin Malek
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; (N.M.E.); (A.I.M.); (E.E.M.)
| | - Esraa Elaraby Mahmoud
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; (N.M.E.); (A.I.M.); (E.E.M.)
| | - Waseem El-Huneidi
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; (N.M.E.); (A.I.M.); (E.E.M.)
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: (W.E.-H.); (I.M.T.)
| | - Iman M. Talaat
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; (N.M.E.); (A.I.M.); (E.E.M.)
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21526, Egypt
- Correspondence: (W.E.-H.); (I.M.T.)
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Proteomic Signatures of Diffuse and Intestinal Subtypes of Gastric Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13235930. [PMID: 34885041 PMCID: PMC8656738 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is a leading cause of death from cancer globally. Gastric cancer is classified into intestinal, diffuse and indeterminate subtypes based on histology according to the Laurén classification. The intestinal and diffuse subtypes, although different in histology, demographics and outcomes, are still treated in the same fashion. This study was designed to discover proteomic signatures of diffuse and intestinal subtypes. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics using tandem mass tags (TMT)-based multiplexed analysis was used to identify proteins in tumor tissues from patients with diffuse or intestinal gastric cancer with adjacent normal tissue control. A total of 7448 or 4846 proteins were identified from intestinal or diffuse subtype, respectively. This quantitative mass spectrometric analysis defined a proteomic signature of differential expression across the two subtypes, which included gremlin1 (GREM1), bcl-2-associated athanogene 2 (BAG2), olfactomedin 4 (OLFM4), thyroid hormone receptor interacting protein 6 (TRIP6) and melanoma-associated antigen 9 (MAGE-A9) proteins. Although GREM1, BAG2, OLFM4, TRIP6 and MAGE-A9 have all been previously implicated in tumor progression and metastasis, they have not been linked to intestinal or diffuse subtypes of gastric cancer. Using immunohistochemical labelling of a tissue microarray comprising of 124 cases of gastric cancer, we validated the proteomic signature obtained by mass spectrometry in the discovery cohort. Our findings should help investigate the pathogenesis of these gastric cancer subtypes and potentially lead to strategies for early diagnosis and treatment.
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Sung NJ, Kim NH, Surh YJ, Park SA. Gremlin-1 Promotes Metastasis of Breast Cancer Cells by Activating STAT3-MMP13 Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239227. [PMID: 33287358 PMCID: PMC7730512 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gremlin-1 (GREM1), one of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonists, can directly bind to BMPs. GREM1 is involved in organogenesis, tissue differentiation, and organ fibrosis. Recently, numerous studies have reported the oncogenic role of GREM1 in cancer. However, the role of GREM1 in metastasis of breast cancer cells and its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. The role of GREM1 in breast cancer progression was assessed by measuring growth, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells. An orthotopic breast cancer mouse model was used to investigate the role of GREM1 in lung metastasis of breast cancer cells. GREM1 knockdown suppressed the proliferation of breast cancer cells, while its overexpression increased their growth, migration, and invasion. Cells with Grem1-knockdown showed much lower tumor growth rates and lung metastasis than control cells. GREM1 enhanced the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13). A positive correlation between GREM1 and MMP13 expression was observed in breast cancer patients. GREM1 activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) transcription factor involved in the expression of MMP13. Our study suggests that GREM1 can promote lung metastasis of breast cancer cells through the STAT3-MMP13 pathway. In addition, GREM1 might be a promising therapeutic target for breast cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam Ji Sung
- Department of ICT Environmental Health System, Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan-si 31538, Korea; (N.J.S.); (N.H.K.)
| | - Na Hui Kim
- Department of ICT Environmental Health System, Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan-si 31538, Korea; (N.J.S.); (N.H.K.)
| | - Young-Joon Surh
- Tumor Microenvironment Global Core Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea;
| | - Sin-Aye Park
- Department of ICT Environmental Health System, Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan-si 31538, Korea; (N.J.S.); (N.H.K.)
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan-si 31538, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-41-530-4990
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Sexton RE, Al Hallak MN, Diab M, Azmi AS. Gastric cancer: a comprehensive review of current and future treatment strategies. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2020; 39:1179-1203. [PMID: 32894370 PMCID: PMC7680370 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-020-09925-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 333] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer remains a major unmet clinical problem with over 1 million new cases worldwide. It is the fourth most commonly occurring cancer in men and the seventh most commonly occurring cancer in women. A major fraction of gastric cancer has been linked to variety of pathogenic infections including but not limited to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or Epstein Barr virus (EBV). Strategies are being pursued to prevent gastric cancer development such as H. pylori eradication, which has helped to prevent significant proportion of gastric cancer. Today, treatments have helped to manage this disease and the 5-year survival for stage IA and IB tumors treated with surgery are between 60 and 80%. However, patients with stage III tumors undergoing surgery have a dismal 5-year survival rate between 18 and 50% depending on the dataset. These figures indicate the need for more effective molecularly driven treatment strategies. This review discusses the molecular profile of gastric tumors, the success, and challenges with available therapeutic targets along with newer biomarkers and emerging targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E Sexton
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, HWCRC 732, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Mohammed Najeeb Al Hallak
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, HWCRC 732, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Maria Diab
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, HWCRC 732, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Asfar S Azmi
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, HWCRC 732, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
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Wang Y, Jiang Y, Chen L. Role of miR-218-GREM1 axis in epithelial-mesenchymal transition of oral squamous cell carcinoma: An in vivo and vitro study based on microarray data. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:13824-13836. [PMID: 33107676 PMCID: PMC7754042 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent cancer that develops in the head and neck area and has high annual mortality despite optimal treatment. microRNA‐218 (miR‐218) is a tumour inhibiting non‐coding RNA that has been reported to suppress the cell proliferation and invasion in various cancers. Thus, our study aims to determine the mechanism underlying the inhibitory role of miR‐218 in OSCC. We conducted a bioinformatics analysis to screen differentially expressed genes in OSCC and their potential upstream miRNAs. After collection of surgical OSCC tissues, we detected GREM1 expression by immunohistochemistry, RT‐qPCR and Western blot analysis, and miR‐218 expression by RT‐qPCR. The target relationship between miR‐218 and GREM1 was assessed by dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. After loss‐ and gain‐of‐function experiments, OSCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion were determined by MTT assay, scratch test and Transwell assay, respectively. Expression of TGF‐β1, Smad4, p21, E‐cadherin, Vimentin and Snail was measured by RT‐qPCR and Western blot analysis. Finally, effects of miR‐218 and GREM1 on tumour formation and liver metastasis were evaluated in xenograft tumour‐bearing nude mice. GREM1 was up‐regulated, and miR‐218 was down‐regulated in OSCC tissues, and GREM1 was confirmed to be the target gene of miR‐218. Furthermore, after up‐regulating miR‐218 or silencing GREM1, OSCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion were reduced. In addition, expression of TGF‐β signalling pathway‐related genes was diminished by overexpressing miR‐218 or down‐regulating GREM1. Finally, up‐regulated miR‐218 or down‐regulated GREM1 reduced tumour growth and liver metastasis in vivo. Taken together, our findings suggest that the overexpression of miR‐218 may inhibit OSCC progression by inactivating the GREM1‐dependent TGF‐β signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanpeng Wang
- Department of E.N.T., Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Yifeng Jiang
- Department of Stomatology, Shandong Medical College, Linyi, China
| | - Long Chen
- Department of Stomatology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China
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Liu C, Chen B, Huang Z, Hu C, Jiang L, Zhao C. Comprehensive analysis of a 14 immune-related gene pair signature to predict the prognosis and immune features of gastric cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 89:107074. [PMID: 33049494 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a new method for predicting tumor prognosis, the predictive effect of immune-related gene pairs (IRGPs) has been confirmed in several cancers, but there is no comprehensive analysis of the clinical significance of IRGPs in gastric cancer (GC). METHOD Clinical and gene expression profile data of GC patients were obtained from the GEO database. Based on the ImmPort database, differentially expressed immune-related gene (DEIRG) events were determined by a comparison of GC samples and adjacent normal samples. Cox proportional regression was used to construct an IRGP signature, and its availability was validated using three external validation datasets. In addition, we explored the association between clinical data and immune features and established a nomogram to predict outcomes in GC patients. RESULT A total of 88 DEIRGs were identified in GC from the training set, which formed 3828 IRGPs. Fourteen overall survival (OS)-related IRGPs were used to construct the prognostic signature. As a result, patients in the high-risk group exhibited poorer OS compared to those in the low-risk group. In addition, the fraction of CD8+ T cells, plasma cells, CD4 memory activated T cells, and M1 macrophages was higher in the high-risk group. Expression of two immune checkpoints, CD276 and VTCN1, was significantly higher in the high-risk group as well. Based on the independent prognostic factors, a nomogram was established and showed excellent performance. CONCLUSION The 14 OS-related IRGP signature was associated with OS, immune cells, and immune checkpoints in GC patients, and it could provide the basis for related immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Bo Chen
- The First Clinical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Zhangheng Huang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde 067000, China
| | - Chuan Hu
- Department of Joint Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Liqing Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Chengliang Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde 067000, China.
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Todd GM, Gao Z, Hyvönen M, Brazil DP, Ten Dijke P. Secreted BMP antagonists and their role in cancer and bone metastases. Bone 2020; 137:115455. [PMID: 32473315 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2020.115455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multifunctional secreted cytokines that act in a highly context-dependent manner. BMP action extends beyond the induction of cartilage and bone formation, to encompass pivotal roles in controlling tissue and organ homeostasis during development and adulthood. BMPs signal via plasma membrane type I and type II serine/threonine kinase receptors and intracellular SMAD transcriptional effectors. Exquisite temporospatial control of BMP/SMAD signalling and crosstalk with other cellular cues is achieved by a series of positive and negative regulators at each step in the BMP/SMAD pathway. The interaction of BMP ligand with its receptors is carefully controlled by a diverse set of secreted antagonists that bind BMPs and block their interaction with their cognate BMP receptors. Perturbations in this BMP/BMP antagonist balance are implicated in a range of developmental disorders and diseases, including cancer. Here, we provide an overview of the structure and function of secreted BMP antagonists, and summarize recent novel insights into their role in cancer progression and bone metastasis. Gremlin1 (GREM1) is a highly studied BMP antagonist, and we will focus on this molecule in particular and its role in cancer. The therapeutic potential of pharmacological inhibitors for secreted BMP antagonists for cancer and other human diseases will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace M Todd
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Zhichun Gao
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Marko Hyvönen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK.
| | - Derek P Brazil
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Peter Ten Dijke
- Oncode Institute, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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Baj J, Brzozowska K, Forma A, Maani A, Sitarz E, Portincasa P. Immunological Aspects of the Tumor Microenvironment and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Gastric Carcinogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E2544. [PMID: 32268527 PMCID: PMC7177728 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with Helicobacter pylori, a Gram-negative, microaerophilic pathogen often results in gastric cancer in a subset of affected individuals. This explains why H. pylori is the only bacterium classified as a class I carcinogen by the World Health Organization. Several studies have pinpointed mechanisms by which H. pylori alters signaling pathways in the host cell to cause diseases. In this article, the authors have reviewed 234 studies conducted over a span of 18 years (2002-2020). The studies investigated the various mechanisms associated with gastric cancer induction. For the past 1.5 years, researchers have discovered new mechanisms contributing to gastric cancer linked to H. pylori etiology. Alongside alteration of the host signaling pathways using oncogenic CagA pathways, H. pylori induce DNA damage in the host and alter the methylation of DNA as a means of perturbing downstream signaling. Also, with H. pylori, several pathways in the host cell are activated, resulting in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), together with the induction of cell proliferation and survival. Studies have shown that H. pylori enhances gastric carcinogenesis via a multifactorial approach. What is intriguing is that most of the targeted mechanisms and pathways appear common with various forms of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Baj
- Chair and Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (A.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Karolina Brzozowska
- Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Alicja Forma
- Chair and Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (A.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Amr Maani
- Chair and Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (A.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Elżbieta Sitarz
- Chair and 1st Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention, Medical University of Lublin, Gluska Street 1, 20-439 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy;
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