Synergistic efficacy of Cullin1 and MMP-2 expressions in diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer

Nanomechanical-based classification of prostate tumor using atomic force microscopy

BACKGROUND

The loss of mechanical homeostasis between tumor cells and microenvironment is an important factor in tumor metastasis. In the process, mechanical forces affect cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and tissue development.

AIMS

Using high spatial resolution of Atomic force microscopy (AFM) technology, our study provides the direct measurement of the nanomechanical properties of prostate cancer clinical tissue specimens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

AFM was used to determine the biomechanical properties of prostate tissue with different grade scores. K-means clustering method and fuzzy C-means were used to distinguish the cellular component in prostate tissue from non-cellular component based on their viscoelasticity. Futhermore, AFM measurements in vitro cells, including metastatic prostate cells (PC-3) and normal human prostate cells (PZ-HPV-7) were carried out.

RESULTS

The Young's modulus was decreased in prostate cancer progression, and the elasticity of cellular component in prostate cancer tissue was smaller than that of normal prostate tissue. PC-3 cells were softer than PZ-HPV-7 cells. Further mechanism investigation showed that the difference in modulus between cancerous and normal prostate tissue may be associated with a greater actin cytoskeleton distribution inside the cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

The results suggests that the nanomechanical properties can classify the prostate tumor, which could be used as an index for the identification and classification of cancer at cellular level.

Targeting matrix metalloproteinases by E3 ubiquitin ligases as a way to regulate the tumor microenvironment for cancer therapy

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in neoplastic development. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are critically involved in tumorigenesis by modulation of the TME and degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in a large variety of malignancies. Evidence has revealed that dysregulated MMPs can lead to ECM damage, the promotion of cell migration and tumor metastasis. The expression and activities of MMPs can be tightly regulated by TIMPs, multiple signaling pathways and noncoding RNAs. MMPs are also finely controlled by E3 ubiquitin ligases. The current review focuses on the molecular mechanism by which MMPs are governed by E3 ubiquitin ligases in carcinogenesis. Due to the essential role of MMPs in oncogenesis, they have been considered the attractive targets for antitumor treatment. Several strategies that target MMPs have been discovered, including the use of small-molecule inhibitors, peptides, inhibitory antibodies, natural compounds with anti-MMP activity, and RNAi therapeutics. However, these molecules have multiple disadvantages, such as poor solubility, severe side-effects and low oral bioavailability. Therefore, it is necessary to discover the novel inhibitors that suppress MMPs for cancer therapy. Here, we discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting E3 ubiquitin ligases to inhibit MMPs. We hope this review will stimulate the discovery of novel therapeutics for the MMP-targeted treatment of a variety of human cancers.

microRNA-377-3p inhibits osteosarcoma progression by targeting CUL1 and regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

Emerging studies highlight the crucial effects of microRNAs on cancer initiation and malignant progression of various tumors. This study focused on the biological effect of miR-377-3p on CUL1 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and Wnt/β-catenin pathways in osteosarcoma (OS).

METHODS

We performed quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to analyze miR-377-3p and CUL1 expression levels in OS tissues and MG-63 cells. Then, cell counting kit (CCK)-8 and Transwell assay were used to examine the functions of miR-377-3p in OS cell growth and metastasis abilities. Meanwhile, luciferase reporter assay was used to validate CUL1 as direct target of miR-377-3p. qRT-PCR and Western blot were then carried out to detect the impact of miR-377-3p on EMT and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. Tumor xenograft models were established to further examine the effects of miR-377-3p on OS tumorigenesis in vivo.

RESULTS

miR-377-3p downregulation was frequently identified in OS tissues and cells, which was associated with worse prognosis of OS patients. Functional experiments showed miR-377-3p restoration could dramatically repress OS cell growth and migration by regulation of EMT and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. Moreover, luciferase reporter assay revealed that CUL1 acted as a functional target of miR-377-3p. Additionally, the elevated CUL1 expressions in OS tissues also indicated poor prognosis of OS patients. Furthermore, the OS tumor growth was also obviously inhibited by miR-377-3p overexpression in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, all the above findings revealed that miR-377-3p exerted anti-OS functions via CUL1 and EMT and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. These results may contribute to the development of clinical OS treatment.

Combined Radiochemotherapy: Metalloproteinases Revisited

Besides cytotoxic DNA damage irradiation of tumor cells triggers multiple intra- and intercellular signaling processes, that are part of a multilayered, treatment-induced stress response at the unicellular and tumor pathophysiological level. These processes are intertwined with intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms to the toxic effects of ionizing radiation and thereby co-determine the tumor response to radiotherapy. Proteolysis of structural elements and bioactive signaling moieties represents a major class of posttranslational modifications regulating intra- and intercellular communication. Plasma membrane-located and secreted metalloproteinases comprise a family of metal-, usually zinc-, dependent endopeptidases and sheddases with a broad variety of substrates including components of the extracellular matrix, cyto- and chemokines, growth and pro-angiogenic factors. Thereby, metalloproteinases play an important role in matrix remodeling and auto- and paracrine intercellular communication regulating tumor growth, angiogenesis, immune cell infiltration, tumor cell dissemination, and subsequently the response to cancer treatment. While metalloproteinases have long been identified as promising target structures for anti-cancer agents, previous pharmaceutical approaches mostly failed due to unwanted side effects related to the structural similarities among the multiple family members. Nevertheless, targeting of metalloproteinases still represents an interesting rationale alone and in combination with other treatment modalities. Here, we will give an overview on the role of metalloproteinases in the irradiated tumor microenvironment and discuss the therapeutic potential of using more specific metalloproteinase inhibitors in combination with radiotherapy.

ETV4 plays a role on the primary events during the adenoma-adenocarcinoma progression in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide; it is the fourth leading cause of death in the world and the third in Brazil. Mutations in the APC, DCC, KRAS and TP53 genes have been associated with the progression of sporadic CRC, occurring at defined pathological stages of the tumor progression and consequently modulating several genes in the corresponding signaling pathways. Therefore, the identification of gene signatures that occur at each stage during the CRC progression is critical and can present an impact on the diagnosis and prognosis of the patient. In this study, our main goal was to determine these signatures, by evaluating the gene expression of paired colorectal adenoma and adenocarcinoma samples to identify novel genetic markers in association to the adenoma-adenocarcinoma stage transition.

METHODS

Ten paired adenoma and adenocarcinoma colorectal samples were subjected to microarray gene expression analysis. In addition, mutations in APC, KRAS and TP53 genes were investigated by DNA sequencing in paired samples of adenoma, adenocarcinoma, normal tissue, and peripheral blood from ten patients.

RESULTS

Gene expression analysis revealed a signature of 689 differentially expressed genes (DEG) (fold-change> 2, p< 0.05), between the adenoma and adenocarcinoma paired samples analyzed. Gene pathway analysis using the 689 DEG identified important cancer pathways such as remodeling of the extracellular matrix and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Among these DEG, the ETV4 stood out as one of the most expressed in the adenocarcinoma samples, further confirmed in the adenocarcinoma set of samples from the TCGA database. Subsequent in vitro siRNA assays against ETV4 resulted in the decrease of cell proliferation, colony formation and cell migration in the HT29 and SW480 colorectal cell lines. DNA sequencing analysis revealed KRAS and TP53 gene pathogenic mutations, exclusively in the adenocarcinomas samples.

CONCLUSION

Our study identified a set of genes with high potential to be used as biomarkers in CRC, with a special emphasis on the ETV4 gene, which demonstrated involvement in proliferation and migration.

[Effects of Cullin1 on the Biological Characteristics of Lung Adenocarcinoma A549 and H1395 Cells]

BACKGROUND

Cullin1 is a representative member of the Cullin family, and it plays an important role in the ubiquitination of cell cycle, transcription and signal transduction related proteins. Cullin1 is closely related to the occurrence and development of a variety of malignant tumors. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Cullin1 on biological function of lung adenocarcinoma A549 and H1395 Cells.

METHODS

The expression of Cullin1 mRNA was detected by quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction in lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549, H358, H1395, H1650) and human normal lung epithelial cells BEAS-2B, siRNA technology was used to interfere with lung adenocarcinoma cells with relatively high expression of Cullin1 mRNA; cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, early cell apoptosis, invasion and migration ability were detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay (MTT), flow cytometry and Transwell experiment; Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), Cyclin D1, Cyclin E2, p21 and p27.

RESULTS

Compared with the BEAS-2B cell, Cullin1 mRNA was highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma cells, especially in lung adenocarcinoma A549 and H1395 cells (P<0.05). The proliferation ability of lung adenocarcinoma cells was inhibited after interference with Cullin1, and the number of cells in G1 phase increased, the number of cells in S phase decreased, and the early apoptosis rate of lung adenocarcinoma cells is significantly increased (P<0.05); The invasion and migration ability of lung adenocarcinoma cells decreased (P<0.05). After interference with Cullin1, the protein expression of MMP-9, MMP-2, CyclinD1 and CyclinE2 decreased (P<0.05), while the expression of TIMP-1, p21 and p27 protein increased (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Interference with Cullin1 inhibits the proliferation, invasion and migration of lung adenocarcinoma A549 and H1395 cells, Cullin1 plays a role in promoting cancer in lung adenocarcinoma.

High Expression of MMP-9 in Primary Tumors and High Preoperative MPO in Serum Predict Improved Prognosis in Colorectal Cancer with Operable Liver Metastases

INTRODUCTION

The liver metastases of colorectal cancer (CRC) can be surgically treated in selected cases, with continuously improving results. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to cancer invasion by degrading the extracellular matrix, and elevated levels of MMP-2, MMP-8, and MMP-9 have been detected in several malignancies. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a mediator of tissue damage that can oxidatively activate latent MMPs. We evaluated the prognostic value of MMP-2, MMP-8, and MMP-9 in tissue samples of primary tumors and liver metastases and the pre- and postoperative serum levels of MMP-8, MMP-9, and MPO in CRC patients undergoing liver resection.

METHODS

Tissue and serum samples were obtained from 111 patients who had primary colorectal tumors and their liver metastases surgically treated at the Helsinki University Hospital between 1988 and 2007. Tissue expression of MMP-2, MMP-8, and MMP-9 in primary tumors and liver metastases was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Pre- and postoperative serum concentrations of MMP-8, MMP-9, and MPO were determined using a time-resolved immunofluorometric assay or commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Clinical data were retrieved from patient records and the Central Statistical Office of Finland. Associations with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Cox regression analysis and the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

High expression of MMP-9 in colorectal tumor tissue was associated with better DFS (p = 0.010), and high preoperative MPO in serum with improved DFS and OS (p < 0.001 and p = 0.014, respectively). The prognostic significance varied according to gender, age, and the synchronicity of liver metastases.

CONCLUSION

Low preoperative MPO in serum might identify patients at high risk of recurrence and death after resection of colorectal liver metastases. Elevated preoperative MPO and high expression of MMP-9 in colorectal tumor tissue indicate an improved prognosis. The use of these biomarkers should be adjusted according to clinical characteristics.

CUL1-Mediated Organelle Fission Pathway Inhibits the Development of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a global high-incidence chronic airway inflammation disease. Its deterioration will lead to more serious lung lesions and even lung cancer. Therefore, it is urgent to determine the pathogenesis of COPD and find potential therapeutic targets. The purpose of this study is to reveal the molecular mechanism of COPD disease development through in-depth analysis of transcription factors and ncRNA-driven pathogenic modules of COPD. We obtained the expression profile of COPD-related microRNAs from the NCBI-GEO database and analyzed the differences among groups to identify the microRNAs significantly associated with COPD. Then, their target genes are predicted and mapped to a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Finally, key transcription factors and the ncRNA of the regulatory module were identified based on the hypergeometric test. The results showed that CUL1 was the most interactive gene in the highly interactive module, so it was recognized as a dysfunctional molecule of COPD. Enrichment analysis also showed that it was much involved in the biological process of organelle fission, the highest number of regulatory modules. In addition, ncRNAs, mainly composed of miR-590-3p, miR-495-3p, miR-186-5p, and transcription factors such as MYC, BRCA1, and CDX2, significantly regulate COPD dysfunction blocks. In summary, we revealed that the COPD-related target gene CUL1 plays a key role in the potential dysfunction of the disease. It promotes the proliferation of fibroblast cells in COPD patients by mediating functional signals of organelle fission and thus participates in the progress of the disease. Our research helps biologists to further understand the etiology and development trend of COPD.

DJ‑1 is a new prognostic marker and predicts chemotherapy efficacy in colorectal cancer

Protein/nucleic acid deglycase DJ-1 (DJ-1) is a 20-kDa conserved protein, which belongs to the DJ-1/ThiJ/Pfp I protein superfamily. Immunohistochemistry was performed to investigate the expression of DJ-1 in a colorectal cancer (CRC) tissue microarray containing tumor and corresponding adjacent normal tissues. In the present study, DJ-1 expression was significantly upregulated in CRC cells and tissues, compared with that in normal colon cells and adjacent normal tissues, respectively. In addition, patients with high DJ-1 expression levels had a worse overall survival (OS) compared with patients with low expression levels. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that high DJ-1 expression levels was an independent prognostic factor for patients with CRC. Moreover, DJ-1 was able to regulate the PI3K/Akt/p27/cyclin E and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways to promote CRC cell growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. In addition, DJ-1 regulated the NF-κB/Snail signaling pathway to induce CRC cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition to promote migration and invasion. Notably, patients receiving LFP treatment (oxaliplatin, 5-FU and tetrahydrofolate) had an increased OS compared with patients who underwent only surgery and low DJ-1 expression levels. The findings from the present study suggest that DJ-1 may serve as a promising prognostic marker and predicts chemotherapy efficacy in patients with CRC.

Molecular Imaging Probes Based on Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors (MMPIs)

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc- and calcium-dependent endopeptidases which are secreted or anchored in the cell membrane and are capable of degrading the multiple components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). MMPs are frequently overexpressed or highly activated in numerous human diseases. Owing to the important role of MMPs in human diseases, many MMP inhibitors (MMPIs) have been developed as novel therapeutics, and some of them have entered clinical trials. However, so far, only one MMPI (doxycycline) has been approved by the FDA. Therefore, the evaluation of the activity of a specific subset of MMPs in human diseases using clinically relevant imaging techniques would be a powerful tool for the early diagnosis and assessment of the efficacy of therapy. In recent years, numerous MMPIs labeled imaging agents have emerged. This article begins by providing an overview of the MMP subfamily and its structure and function. The latest advances in the design of subtype selective MMPIs and their biological evaluation are then summarized. Subsequently, the potential use of MMPI-labeled diagnostic agents in clinical imaging techniques are discussed, including positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and optical imaging (OI). Finally, this article concludes with future perspectives and clinical utility.

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.