The value of MMP-9 for breast and non-small cell lung cancer patients' survival

The multifaceted roles of matrix metalloproteinases in lung cancer

Background

Though the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are widely investigated in lung cancer (LC), however, almost no review systematically clarify their multi-faced roles in LC.

Methods

We investigated the expression of MMPs and their effects on survival of patients with LC, the resistance mechanisms of MMPs in anti-tumor therapy, the regulatory networks of MMPs involved, the function of MMPs inducing CSCLs, MMPs-related tumor immunity, and effects of MMP polymorphisms on risk of LC.

Results

High expression of MMPs was mainly related to poor survival, high clinical stages and cancer metastasis. Role of MMPs in LC are multi-faced. MMPs are involved in drug resistance, induced CSCLs, participated in tumor immunity. Besides, MMPs polymorphisms may increase risk of LC.

Conclusions

MMPs might be promising targets to restore the anti-tumor immune response and enhance the killing function of nature immune cells in LC.

Analysis of MMP-2-735C/T (rs2285053) and MMP-9-1562C/T (rs3918242) Polymorphisms in the Risk Assessment of Developing Lung Cancer

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 are gelatinases which are capable of degrading type IV collagen and have been linked to cancer invasion and metastatic development. MMP-2 and MMP-9 gene polymorphisms may affect their biological function, and thus their role in cancer development and progression. We analyzed the association of the polymorphism frequencies of MMP-2-735C/T and MMP-9-1562C/T with MMP-2 and MMP-9 serum concentrations, as well as their potential effects in lung cancer patients. We conducted a retrospective, case-control study consisting of 112 lung cancer patients and 100 healthy individuals from a Caucasian population in Poland. Polymerase chain reaction with restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR/RFLP) and electrophoresis was used to genotype genomic DNA from whole blood samples. MMP-2 and MMP-9 serum concentrations were then determined using ELISA. For statistical analysis, Statistica version 13 from TIBCO Software Inc. was utilized with a significance level <0.05. Logistic regression analysis revealed that MMP-2-735CC (OR = 5.39; 95% CI = 0.62-47.17; p = 0.238504) and -735CT genotype (OR = 7.22; 95% CI = 0.78-67.14; p = 0.072836), as well as MMP-9-1562CC (OR = 1.45; 95% CI = 0.31-6.70; p = 0.757914) and -1562CT genotype (OR = 1.60; 95% CI = 0.33-7.83; p = 0.548801) were associated with a higher risk of lung cancer. There were statistically significant differences observed in the MMP-2 concentration between individuals with the -735CC genotype and the -735CT genotype (non-smoking control: 204.04 ng/mL vs. 237.00 ng/mL, respectively, p = 0.041479; adenocarcinoma patients: 157.69 ng/mL vs. 126.37 ng/mL, respectively, p = 0.013222), as well as differences in the MMP-9 concentration between individuals with the -1562CC genotype and the -1562CT genotype (smoking control: 385.67 ng/mL vs. 562.80 ng/mL, respectively, p = 0.000936; patients with other lung neoplasms: 821.64 ng/mL vs. 928.88 ng/mL, respectively p = 0.023315). The role of MMP-2-735C/T and MMP-9 -1562C/T polymorphisms in an increased risk of lung cancer cannot be dismissed. Specific genotypes affect MMP-2 and MMP-9 concentrations in both lung cancer patients and healthy controls, which may thereby increase lung cancer risk, disease aggressiveness, and patient survival outcomes.

Molecular and clinical insights of matrix metalloproteinases into cancer spread and potential therapeutic interventions

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are the group of enzymes that belong to the family of zinc dependent endopeptidases. These proteases degrade collagen and other important proteins in extracellular matrix (ECM) and regulate cytoskeletal proteins, growth factors, chemokines and cytokines, thereby play significant role during organogenesis and normal tissue turnover. Recent studies highlight the tumorigenic functions of MMPs by modulating tumor microenvironment. Dysregulated MMPs/TIMPs cause an imbalance in crucial cell signals, and lead to serious pathological conditions related to inflammation, uncontrolled cell growth, ECM degradation, increased cell migration, cell death resistance, replicative immortality and the establishment of metastatic niche at secondary sites. Recently established correlation between the higher expression of active MMPs and cancer aggressiveness makes them probable target candidate of cancer diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. The present review focuses on the tumourigenic functions of MMPs and recent advancements in the development of MMP inhibitors of therapeutic potential in cancer treatment.

New Insights on Old Biomarkers Involved in Tumor Microenvironment Changes and Their Diagnostic Relevance in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is a multifactorial disease with a heterogeneous tumor group that hampers diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, as well as understanding of the processes that underlie its pathogenesis. Current research efforts are focused on examining alterations in the tumor microenvironment, which may affect the pathogenesis and further malignant progression in lung cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in the levels of biomarkers involved in the lung tumor microenvironment and their diagnostic utility in differentiating lung cancer subtypes and stages.

METHODS

This study comprised 112 lung cancer patients, 50 with adenocarcinoma, 35 with squamous cell carcinoma, 13 with other non-small cell lung carcinoma subtypes, and 14 with other lung neoplasms than non-small cell lung carcinoma. Tumor markers (CEA, CYFRA 21-1, and NSE) were measured in the patients' sera and plasmas, along with IL-6, TNF-α, SAA1, CRP, MMP-2, MMP-9, glucose, lactate, and LDH, utilizing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, enzyme immunoassays, and automated clinical chemistry and turbidimetry systems. The results were statistically analyzed across patient groups based on the subtype and stage of lung cancer.

RESULTS

Glucose concentrations showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences both between lung cancer subtypes and stages, with the highest levels in patients with other lung neoplasms (me = 130.5 mg/dL) and in patients with stage IIB lung cancer (me = 132.0 mg/dL). In patients with advanced lung cancer, IL-6 and LDH had considerably higher concentration and activity. There was also a significant positive correlation between IL-6 and MMP-9 in adenocarcinoma and SqCC, with correlation coefficients of 0.53 and 0.49, respectively. The ROC analyses showed that the best single biomarkers for distinguishing adenocarcinoma from squamous cell carcinoma are glucose, CRP, and CYFRA 21-1; however, their combination did not significantly improve sensitivity, specificity, and the AUC value. The combinations of IL-6, glucose, LDH and CEA, IL-6, SAA1, MMP-9, and lactate can distinguish patients with stage IIB lung cancer from those with stage IIA with 100% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and with an AUC value of 0.8333 and 1.0000, respectively, whereas the combination of CEA, IL-6, and LDH can identify patients with stage IIIA lung cancer from those with stage IIB with 72.73% sensitivity, 94.44% specificity, and an AUC value of 0.8686.

CONCLUSION

There is a link between biomarkers of tumor microenvironment changes and tumor markers, and combinations of these markers may be clinically useful in the differential diagnosis of adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, as well as lung cancer stages IIB and IIA, and IIIA and IIB.

The Trinity of Matrix Metalloproteinases, Inflammation, and Cancer: A Literature Review of Recent Updates

The critical link between cancer and inflammation has been known for many years. This complex network was further complexed by revealing the association of the matrix metalloproteinase family members with inflammatory cytokines, which were previously known to be responsible for the development of metastasis. This article summarizes the current studies which evaluate the relationship between cancer and inflammatory microenvironment as well as the roles of MMPs on invasion and metastasis together.

Metalloproteinases and their roles in human cancer

It is now widely appreciated that members of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family of enzymes play a key role in cancer development and progression along with many of the hallmarks associated with them. The activity of these enzymes has been directly implicated in extracellular matrix remodeling, the processing of growth factors and receptors, the modulation of cell migration, proliferation, and invasion, the epithelial to mesenchymal transition, the regulation of immune responses, and the control of angiogenesis. Certain MMP family members have been validated as biomarkers of a variety of human cancers including those of the breast, brain, pancreas, prostate, ovary, and others. The related metalloproteinases, the A disintegrin and metalloproteinases (ADAMs), share a number of these functions as well. Here, we explore these essential metalloproteinases and some of their disease-associated activities in detail as well as some of their complementary translational potential. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Relationship between serum MMP-9 level and prognosis after radical resection for Hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients

Purpose:

To analyze the preoperative serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels and prognosis of patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC) undergoing radical resection.

Methods:

Preoperative serum MMP-9 levels in patients with HC undergoing radical resection were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ROC curve assay was used to analyze the preoperative serum MMP-9 level to determine the most valuable cut-off point. The relationship between MMP-9 and clinicopathological features of HC patients was analyzed. Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the prognostic factors, and COX regression model was used to analyze the independent risk factors affecting prognosis.

Results:

Preoperative serum MMP-9 levels were significantly elevated in the death patients compared with the survival patients. The most valuable cut-off point for preoperative serum MMP-9 for prognosis was 201.93 ng/mL. Preoperative serum MMP-9 was associated with Bismuth-Corlette classification) and lymph node metastasis. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that MMP-9, Bismuth-Corlette classification, Lymph node metastasis, Portal vein invasion, Hepatic artery invasion, Liver invasion, Incised margin, and Preoperative biliary drainage were related to prognosis. Cox regression model confirmed that hepatic artery invasion, liver invasion, incised margin, and MMP-9 have the potential to independence predicate prognosis in HC patients.

Conclusion:

Preoperative serum MMP-9 has high predictive value for prognosis and is an independent influencing factor for the prognosis of patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Long Non-coding RNA PVT1 Competitively Binds MicroRNA-424-5p to Regulate CARM1 in Radiosensitivity of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Accumulating evidence revealed that dysregulated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were involved in tumorigenesis and progression. This study is supposed to reveal the effects of lncRNA PVT1 on the radiosensitivity of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) via the microRNA (miR)-424-5p/lncRNA PVT1/CARM1 signaling pathway. Differentially expressed lncRNA was filtrated. The co-expressed gene of lncRNA was predicted, and gene ontology analysis was performed to find out the genes associated with NSCLC radiosensitivity. The miR that was combined with lncRNA and mRNA was filtrated. Two cell lines with the highest expressed PVT1 were selected, followed by transfection with a series of different mimic, inhibitor, or siRNA. RIP assay was employed for the interaction between PVT1 and CARM1. The regulatory effect of miR-424-5p on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, cycle, and apoptosis was investigated. PVT1 was the most remarkable lncRNA that upregulated in NSCLC. CARM1 co-expressed with lncRNA PVT1 and associated with NSCLC radiosensitivity. Both lncRNA PVT1 and CARM1 can combine with miR-424-5p. Increased PVT1, CARM1, MMP-2, MMP-9, and Bcl-2 and decreased miR-424-5p and Bax were found in NSCLC tissues. PVT1 was targeted by miR-424-5p. After silencing of PVT1 or overexpressed miR-424-5p, decreased PVT1, CARM1, MMP-2, MMP-9, and Bcl-2 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion but promoted miR-424-5p, Bax, and cell apoptosis. The present study confirms the radiosensitivity of NSCLC radiotherapy can be increased by siRNA-PVT1 and overexpressed miR-424-5p.

MMP-1 is overexpressed in triple-negative breast cancer tissues and the knockdown of MMP-1 expression inhibits tumor cell malignant behaviors in vitro

Matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) is a member of the zinc-dependent endopeptidase family, which cleaves the extracellular matrix. The present study investigated the functional role of MMP-1 in breast cancer ex vivo and in vitro in order to determine the underlying molecular mechanisms. The levels of MMP-1 were analyzed in 99 breast cancer specimens using immunohistochemistry and western blotting. A stable short hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdown of MMP-1 expression was performed in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, and the effects were examined using MTT and colony formation assays, as well as migration and invasion assays, while western blotting was used to detect the activation of intracellular signaling. The MMP-1 protein was more highly expressed in triple-negative breast cancer tissues than in estrogen receptor(+) and human epidermal growth factor 2 receptor(3+) breast cancer tissues (P<0.05). Furthermore, the MMP-1 levels were significantly higher in the tumor and tumor stromal cells of lymph node metastatic breast cancer tissues than in those of non-metastatic tissues. The knockdown of MMP-1 expression in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells using MMP-1 shRNA significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and the expression of the Myc proto-oncogene protein, phosphorylated and total RAC-α serine/threonine-protein kinase 1, and B-cell lymphoma 2, but increased the protein levels of apoptosis regulator BAX and caspase 3. In conclusion, the data suggest that MMP-1 serves an important role in breast cancer development and metastasis. Future studies should assess MMP-1 as a prognostic marker for patients with breast cancer and its inhibition as a novel strategy for controlling breast cancer.

Correlation of MMP-9 and p53 protein expression with prognosis in metastatic spinal tumor of lung cancer

The aim of the study was to compare the protein expression of MMP-9 and p53 and examine their correlation with prognosis in lung cancer metastatic spinal tumor. Tissue samples were obtained from 30 cases of para-cancerous tissue (group I), 75 cases of non-metastatic lung cancer tissue (group II) and 100 cases of metastatic spinal tumor tissue of lung cancer (group III). The protein expression of MMP-9 and p53 was detected by immunohistochemistry and was present in all three groups. The positive rate for MMP-9 was 20, 67 and 83%, respectively. There was a significant difference among the three groups (p<0.05). The positive rate for p53 was 16.7, 78.7 and 92%, respectively. There was a highly significant difference among the three groups (p<0.01). There was a positive correlation between the protein expressions of MMP-9 and p53 (Spearman's correlation coefficient r=0.351, p<0.05). The positive or negative expression of the two proteins was statistically significant (p<0.05) for 5-year survival. The expression of MMP-9 and p53 proteins in metastatic spinal tumors of lung cancer showed increasing trends, and the expression of MMP-9 and p53 proteins was significantly higher compared to non-metastatic lung cancer tissue and para-cancerous tissue samples. This likely was associated with the invasion and metastasis of lung cancer to the spine. Survival analysis suggested that the overexpression of p53 and MMP-9 were correlated with poor prognosis.

OCIAD2 suppressed tumor growth and invasion via AKT pathway in Hepatocelluar carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive tumor and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Ovarian carcinoma immunoreactive antigen-like protein 2 (OCIAD2) has been found frequently methylated in various cancers, including HCC. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of OCIAD2 in HCC progression. We analyzed liver hepatocellular carcinoma patients' data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), including data extracted from 371 HCC tissues and 50 adjacent normal liver tissues. The RNA sequencing and DNA methylation data revealed that OCIAD2 were significantly hypermethylated and its expression level in the tumor tissues was much lower than that in the corresponding adjacent normal tissues. The methylation level in the promoter was negatively correlated with the expression level of OCAID2. Treatment of HCC cell lines with the DNA methylation inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycitydine (5-Aza) induced a significant increase in the OCIAD2 mRNA and protein. Knocking-down OCIAD2 led to an increased colony formation, migration and invasion dramatically, accompanying with an enhanced expression of MMP9 and activation of AKT and FAK. Inhibition of AKT signaling restored OCIAD2-mediated changes in HCC cell clonogenic growth, migration and invasion. Survival analysis of HCC patient's data indicated patients with a higher expression ratio of OCIAD2/MMP9 had a shorter overall survival than those with a lower expression ratio of OCIAD2/MMP9. Overall, our data indicate that reduced expression of OCIAD2 by DNA hypermethylation plays an important role in HCC tumor growth and invasion. Hypermethylation of OCIAD2 may contribute to HCC treatment development.

Identification of novel selective MMP-9 inhibitors as potential anti-metastatic lead using structure-based hierarchical virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulation

MMP-9 is an attractive target for the development of new anticancer drugs. In the current study, pharmacophore modeling was employed using two highly active and selective gelatinase inhibitors obtained from two X-ray crystal structures (PDB IDs: and ) to identify novel selective MMP-9 inhibitors. The derived model was refined manually and also validated by the GH scoring method. The refined pharmacophore model, ADRR, was able to retrieve 86% of actives with a GH score of 0.774, indicating that the model was capable of retrieving the active MMP-9 inhibitors. ADRR was used to screen 2 838 166 unique structures. Hit filtration was carried out using a fitness score >1.5 and drug-likeness properties. Hierarchical clustering generates 33 clusters based on diversity. A total of 33 molecules were obtained and these molecules were taken for cross-docking studies with 5 subtype MMPs. Among 33 tested, 2 molecules, P10A-0000088030 (Lig-1) and P10A-0001383812 (Lig-2), were found to have the highest docking scores (-8.59 kcal mol(-1) and -8.27 kcal mol(-1)) towards MMP-9 compared with the other MMPs. Further MM-GBSA analysis was performed for two hits with 5 subtype MMPs to reveal the essential features that contribute to selectivity. The results showed that van der Waals contributions play a central role in determining the selectivity of MMP-9 inhibitors. Molecular dynamics studies were carried out for total time of 330 ns to assess the stability of ligands at the active site. MD analysis showed that binding of Lig-1 with MMP-9 is stable compared to that with Lig-2. Hence, we suggest the Lig-1 compound as a good lead in designing novel potent inhibitors of MMP-9.

Prognostic impact of serum and tissue MMP-9 in non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) was one of the most important enzyme to breakdown extracellular matrix, aim to clarify the prognostic value of MMP-9 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we investigated the serum MMP-9 of NSCLC patients and performed a meta-analysis of the published literature. The expression and activity of serum MMP-9 were assessed by ELISA and gelatin zymography in 163 NSCLC patients. Moreover, 26 studies were included in meta-analysis by searching Medline and ISI Web of Knowledge. Our own data revealed high activity but not expression of MMP-9 significantly correlated with advanced T category and positive metastasis. In contrast, the meta-analysis revealed that increased MMP-9 level indicate high T category (RR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.73-0.94), tumor stage (RR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.63-0.82) and poor OS (5-year overall survival, RR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.19-1.48). Moreover, stratified analysis based on sample types found that high MMP-9 expression in tissue specimen but not serum was significant correlated with advanced T category (RR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.72-0.92), tumor stage (RR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.60-0.80) and poor 5-year OS (1.33, 95% CI: 1.18-1.50).In conclusion, the activity of MMP-9 was positively correlated with advanced T category and distant metastasis. Moreover, the meta-analysis revealed that overexpression of MMP-9 in tissue but not in serum was a risk factor of advanced T category, tumor stage and poor outcome.

Genetic alterations and epigenetic alterations of cancer-associated fibroblasts

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one major type of component identified in the tumor microenvironment. Studies have focused on the genetic and epigenetic status of CAFs, since they are critical in tumor progression and differ phenotypically and functionally from normal fibroblasts. The present review summarizes the recent achievements in understanding the gene profiles of CAFs and pays special attention to their possible epigenetic alterations. A total of 7 possible genetic alterations and epigenetic changes in CAFs are discussed, including gene differential expression, karyotype analysis, gene copy number variation, loss of heterozygosis, allelic imbalance, microsatellite instability, post-transcriptional control and DNA methylation. These genetic and epigenetic characteristics are hypothesized to provide a deep understanding of CAFs and a perspective on their clinical significance.

Hsa-miR-623 suppresses tumor progression in human lung adenocarcinoma

Our previous study revealed that Ku80 was overexpressed in lung cancer tissues and hsa-miR-623 regulated the Ku80 expression; however, the detailed function of hsa-miR-623 in lung cancer was unclear. We identified that hsa-miR-623 bound to the 3'-UTR of Ku80 mRNA, thus significantly decreasing Ku80 expression in lung adenocarcinoma cells. Hsa-miR-623 was downregulated in lung adenocarcinoma tissues compared with corresponding non-tumorous tissues, and its expression was inversely correlated with Ku80 upregulation. Downregulation of hsa-miR-623 was associated with poor clinical outcomes of lung adenocarcinoma patients. Hsa-miR-623 suppressed lung adenocarcinoma cell proliferation, clonogenicity, migration and invasion in vitro. Hsa-miR-623 inhibited xenografts growth and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma in vivo. Ku80 knockdown in lung adenocarcinoma cells suppressed tumor properties in vitro and in vivo similar to hsa-miR-623 overexpression. Further, hsa-miR-623 overexpression decreased matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 expression levels, with decreased ERK/JNK phosphorylation. Inhibition of hsa-miR-623 or overexpression of Ku80 promoted lung adenocarcinoma cell invasion, activated ERK/JNK phosphorylation and increased MMP-2/9 expressions, which could be reversed by ERK kinase inhibitor or JNK kinase inhibitor. In summary, our results showed that hsa-miR-623 was downregulated in lung adenocarcinoma and suppressed the invasion and metastasis targeting Ku80 through ERK/JNK inactivation mediated downregulation of MMP-2/9. These findings reveal that hsa-miR-623 may serve as an important therapeutic target in lung cancer therapy.

Uncovering Driver DNA Methylation Events in Nonsmoking Early Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma

As smoking rates decrease, proportionally more cases with lung adenocarcinoma occur in never-smokers, while aberrant DNA methylation has been suggested to contribute to the tumorigenesis of lung adenocarcinoma. It is extremely difficult to distinguish which genes play key roles in tumorigenic processes via DNA methylation-mediated gene silencing from a large number of differentially methylated genes. By integrating gene expression and DNA methylation data, a pipeline combined with the differential network analysis is designed to uncover driver methylation genes and responsive modules, which demonstrate distinctive expressions and network topology in tumors with aberrant DNA methylation. Totally, 135 genes are recognized as candidate driver genes in early stage lung adenocarcinoma and top ranked 30 genes are recognized as driver methylation genes. Functional annotation and the differential network analysis indicate the roles of identified driver genes in tumorigenesis, while literature study reveals significant correlations of the top 30 genes with early stage lung adenocarcinoma in never-smokers. The analysis pipeline can also be employed in identification of driver epigenetic events for other cancers characterized by matched gene expression data and DNA methylation data.

Significance of EGFR signaling pathway genetic alterations in radically resected non-small cell lung cancers from a Polish cohort. One institutional study

PURPOSE

We evaluated the distribution and clinical impact of EGFR, KRAS and HER2 copy number gains and EGFR, KRAS and BRAF activating mutations in resected non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) from 151 Polish patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Quantitative PCR and DNA sequencing were used for copy number evaluation and mutational analysis, respectively.

RESULTS

An increased EGFR CN was found in 21.2% of the tumors, more commonly of the non-squamous histology (P=0.029), larger in size (P=0.004) and those obtained from women (P=0.040). HER2 copy gain was observed in 21.8% of the patients, more frequently with lymph node metastases (P=0.048) and stage IIIA disease (P=0.061). KRAS gain was found in 29.3% of the tumors, and was not associated with patients' clinicopathological features. No BRAF mutations were found. EGFR and KRAS mutation frequency and associations with clinicopathological characteristics did not differ significantly from those previously described for the NSCLC patients of Caucasian ethnicity. Strong associations existed between most of the analyzed alterations. In the multivariate model, EGFR mutations constituted an independent prognostic factor of the disease recurrence in adenocarcinoma patients (HR 7.20; 95%CI 1.31-39.48; P=0.023), while an increased EGFR copy number tended to indicate a shorter overall survival (HR 4.85; 95%CI 0.92-25.58; P=0.062).

CONCLUSIONS

EGFR pathway genes alterations are frequent in NSCLCs from Polish patients and have a prognostic potential for patients' clinical outcome after a curative tumor resection. Gene CN evaluation by quantitative PCR provides comparable results and enables assay standardization, yet the optimal scoring system needs to be developed.

[Effect of Long Non-coding RNA SPRY4-IT1 on Invasion and Migration of A549 Cells]

背景与目的

人长链非编码RNA基因的异常表达与多种肿瘤有关。本研究旨在探讨人长链非编码RNA基因SPRY4-ITl对肺癌细胞A549侵袭和迁移能力的影响及机制。

方法

将SPRY4-ITl转染入肺癌A549细胞系，采用RT-PCR方法检测重组质粒在细胞中表达水平比较；采用MTT和Transwell检测A549细胞侵袭和迁移能力的变化，采用Western blot方法检测SPRY4-ITl对MMP-2和MMP-9蛋白的影响。

结果

转染pcDNA3.1-SPRY4-ITl细胞划痕两侧细胞间距较转染pcDNA3.1细胞明显变窄，其穿膜细胞数为（207 ± 34）个/视野，相比对照组明显增多（P < 0.05），且转染pcDNA3.1-SPRY4-ITl细胞中的基质金属蛋白酶（matrix metalloproteinase, MMP）-2及MMP-9蛋白表达较转染空质粒组均有升高。

结论

在肺癌A549细胞中过表达SPRY4-IT1可增强细胞的侵袭、迁移能力，且细胞内MMP-2及MMP-9表达升高，提示SPRY4-IT1可能通过调控MMP影响肺癌的侵袭和转移能力。

RNA interference-mediated knockdown of RhoGDI2 induces the migration and invasion of human lung cancer A549 cells via activating the PI3K/Akt pathway

Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor 2 (RhoGDI2) has been identified as a tumor suppressor gene for cellular migration and invasion. However, the underlying mechanism and effector targets of RhoGDI2 in lung cancer are still not fully understood. In this study, a vector-expressed small hairpin RNA (shRNA) of RhoGDI2 was transfected into the human lung cancer cell line A549. After the successful transfection, the down-regulation of RhoGDI2 promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung cancer cells in vitro through the increasing expression and activities of the matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) and PI3K/Akt pathways. Transiently transfecting the small interfering RNA (siRNA) of MMP-9 into the RhoGDI2 shRNA cells reduced the MMP-9 expression. Both transfecting the siRNA and adding the MMP-9 antibody into the RhoGDI2 shRNA cells led to a decrease in the invasion and migration of the lung cancer cells. The blockade of the PI3K/Akt pathway by LY294002 resulted in abolishment of the effects of RhoGDI2 shRNA in Akt phosphorylation and MMP-9 expression. This result suggests that the down-regulated RhoGDI2 contributed to the migration and invasion of the lung cancer cell line via activating the PI3K/Akt pathway and the ensuing increase in the expression and activity of MMP-9. In conclusion, we report that the shRNA-mediated knockdown of RhoGDI2 induces the invasion and migration of lung cancer due to cross-talk with the PI3K/Akt pathway and MMP-9. Verifying the role and molecular mechanism of the participation of RhoGDI2 in the migration and invasion of lung cancer may provide a target for better treatment.

[Advancement of relationship between metabolic alteration in cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor progression in lung cancer]

肺癌的演进与“肿瘤微环境”变化密切相关，癌相关成纤维细胞（cancer-associated fibroblasts, CAFs）是被癌细胞“驯化”的成纤维细胞，是肿瘤微环境的重要成员之一。CAFs还具有促进肿瘤细胞生长、侵袭和转移的特性。研究表明CAFs的物质能量代谢方式与正常的成纤维细胞有明显不同。CAFs以糖酵解生成乳酸的方式进行代谢并将乳酸供给癌细胞，即CAFs表现为“反瓦伯格效应（reverse Warburg effect）”的代谢形式以适应和促进肿瘤细胞的演进。本文针对CAFs代谢转变与肺癌演进的关系，从以下五个方面进行综述：①CAFs的特性及其代谢特点；② CAFs代谢的研究现状；③CAFs代谢方式转变可能的分子机制；④CAFs代谢方式转变与肺癌演进的关系；⑤CAFs代谢方式的转变与肺癌预后和治疗的关系。