Expression of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil and their clinical significance

Cancer cell‑induced tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‑1 secretion by cancer‑associated fibroblasts promotes cancer cell migration

Cancer‑associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the major components of the cancer stroma in the tumor microenvironment. The interaction between cancer cells and CAFs (cancer‑stromal interaction; CSI) promotes tumor progression, including metastasis. Recently, the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‑1 (TIMP‑1) was reported to promote cancer cell migration and metastasis, which is contrary to its anticancer role as an inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase. Moreover, CAF‑derived TIMP‑1 is reported to regulate CAF activity. In the present study, we investigated the effect of TIMP‑1 on colon cancer cell migration in vitro. The TIMP‑1 secretion levels from the CAFs and cancer cell lines were comparatively measured to determine the main source of TIMP‑1. Furthermore, the effect of CSI on TIMP‑1 secretion was investigated using the Transwell co‑culture system. Cancer cell migration was evaluated using the wound‑healing assay. The results demonstrated that TIMP‑1 promoted the migration of LoVo cells, a colon cancer cell line, whereas TIMP‑1 neutralization inhibited the enhanced migration. The TIMP‑1 levels secreted from the cancer cells were approximately 10 times less than those secreted from the CAFs. TIMP‑1 secretion was higher in CAFs co‑cultured with cancer cells than in monocultured CAFs. Furthermore, the migration of LoVo cells increased upon co‑culturing with the CAFs. TIMP‑1 neutralization partially inhibited this enhanced migration. These results suggest that CAFs are the primary source of TIMP‑1 and that the TIMP‑1 production is enhanced through CSI in the tumor microenvironment, which promotes cancer cell migration.

Metastasis in the wild: investigating metastasis in non-laboratory animals

Humans are not the only species to spontaneously develop metastatic cancer as cases of metastasis have been reported in a wide range of animals, including dinosaurs. Mouse models have been an invaluable tool in experimental and clinical metastasis research, with the use of genetically-engineered mouse models that spontaneously develop metastasis or ectopic/orthotopic transplantation of tumour cells to wildtype or immunodeficient mice being responsible for many key advances in our understanding of metastasis. However, are there other species that can also be relevant models? Similarities to humans in terms of environmental exposures, life-span, genetics, histopathology and available therapeutics are all factors that can be considered when looking at species other than the laboratory mouse. This review will explore the occurrence of metastasis in multiple species from a variety of domestic, captive and free-living veterinary cases to assist in identifying potential alternative experimental and clinical research models relevant to humans.

MMP-7 expression may influence the rate of distant recurrences and disease-specific survival in HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

The objective of this study was to determine if matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) expression is related to human papilloma virus (HPV) status, clinical parameters, and outcome in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Tumor tissue specimens from 201 OPSCC patients treated with curative intent were available for immunohistochemistry, and the samples were stained with monoclonal MMP-7 antibody. All the patients were followed up at least 3 years or until death. MMP-7 expression did not differ between HPV-positive and HPV-negative patients. MMP-7 was not prognostic among patients with HPV-negative OPSCC. In the HPV-positive subgroup, patients with moderate, high, or very high MMP-7 expression had significantly worse 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) (56.6%) than patients with absent, or low MMP-7 expression (77.2%), and MMP-7 expression appeared as a prognostic factor in the multivariate analysis. In addition, among HPV-positive OPSCC with moderate, high, or very high MMP-7 expression, the 5-year distant recurrence-free survival was significantly lower (69.6%) than in those who had low or absent MMP-7 expression (97.5%). Our results suggest that among HPV-positive OPSCC patients, high MMP-7 expression is related to worse 5-year DSS and increased rate of distant recurrences.

Protein Expression of Stromelysin-2 in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas

BACKGROUND

Some matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in invasion and metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, there are few studies on association between stromelysin-2 (ST-2) and invasive behavior of HNSCC. The purpose of this study was to investigate Stromelysin-2 expression by immunohistochemistry.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was conducted on 81 specimens, including 61 HNSCC and 20 non neoplastic epithelium. Sections with 5 micron thickness were prepared and stained with immunohistochemistry technique. Then expression of ST-2 was evaluated according to percentage of stained cells and intensity of staining. Data were analyzed by SPSS (V.21) using Kruskal-Wallis and Tukey tests (P<0.05).

RESULTS

The 61 HNSCC specimens were grades I 36.1%, II 34.4% and III 29.5%. The level of ST-2 expressions were moderate (++) and intensive (+++) in 21.3% and 78.7% of tumors, respectively. The ST-2 expression level was only significant between the tumors with grade I and grade III (P=0.016). Tumors presented ST-2 expression with staining intensity of mild 6.6%, moderate 26.2% and strong 67.2%. Staining intensity of ST-2 in grade I tumors was significantly lower than grade II and grade III (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between grades II and III (P=0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

According to this study, the expression of ST-2 is associated with histopathological grade and tumor differentiation in HNSCCs.

Characteristics of Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in Glottic Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Benign Vocal Fold Lesions

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate expression profile of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in glottic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and benign vocal fold lesions (BVFLs) and to correlate it with clinical and pathological features.

Methods

The immunohistochemical expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was investigated in specimens taken from 217 patients group, including vocal fold polyps (n=39), recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (n=30), laryngeal keratosis (n=36), glottic SCC (n=112), and the normal tissue of vocal fold (n=12, control group). The expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9, both in epithelium and stroma cells, was graded on a semiquantitative scale, ranging from 0 (no expression) to 18 points (high expression).

Results

Expressions of both, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were significantly higher in the glottic SCC group comparing with BVFL group. Significant higher expression of parenchymal MMP-2 (P<0.001) and stromal MMP-9 (P=0.01) was revealed in the group of moderate/poorly differentiated glottic SCC comparing with well differentiated glottic SCC group. Expression of stroma MMP-2 was found to be correlated with nodal metastasis (P=0.030). Expressions of both, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were not correlated with clinical stage, tumor T value, smoking, alcohol use, age in the glottic SSC patients group. The MMP-2 stroma value of 11.2 points was determined as the optimum point (limiting value) for separating BVFL and glottic SCC patient groups.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that expressions of both MMP-2 and MMP-9 are up-regulated already in the development of BVFL, the next determinant step is concerned with occurrence of malignization. Limiting value of stroma MMP-2 demonstrates prognostic importance of MMP-2 in glottic SCC carcinogenesis.

Comprehensive assessment of prognostic markers for sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the molecular signature of the rare tumor sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC). The purpose of this study was to comprehensively assess various molecular biomarkers in SNSCC.

METHODS

We chose 13 markers for this study, which have been known as prognostic markers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Expression of these markers was examined by either in situ hybridization or immunohistochemical methods on tissue microarrays made from 70 SNSCC specimens and 28 matched-pair normal tissues from patients who underwent surgical resection at our institution. Expression data were correlated with patient clinicopathologic parameters and survival.

RESULTS

Of the 13 markers, only epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein expression was associated with significantly shorter disease-free survival (DFS; p = .01307). EGFR expression was also associated with shorter overall survival (OS), but the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Targeted inhibition of tumor EGFR expression may be a new approach to treating SNSCC.

Tpl2 knockout keratinocytes have increased biomarkers for invasion and metastasis

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the USA, with an estimated two million cases diagnosed annually. Tumor progression locus 2 (Tpl2), also known as MAP3K8, is a serine/threonine protein kinase in the mitogen-activated protein kinase signal transduction cascade. Tpl2 was identified by our laboratory as having a tumor suppressor function in skin carcinogenesis, with the absence of this gene contributing to heightened inflammation and increased skin carcinogenesis. In this study, we used gene expression profiling to compare expression levels between Tpl2 (+/+) and Tpl2 (-) (/-) keratinocytes. We identified over 2000 genes as being differentially expressed between genotypes. Functional annotation analysis identified cancer, cell growth/proliferation, cell death, cell development, cell movement and cell signaling as the top biological processes to be differentially regulated between genotypes. Further microarray analysis identified several candidate genes, including Mmp1b, Mmp2, Mmp9 and Mmp13, involved in migration and invasion to be upregulated in Tpl2 (-) (/-) keratinocytes. Moreover, Tpl2 (-/-) keratinocytes had a significant downregulation in the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor Timp3. Real-time PCR validated the upregulation of the MMPs in Tpl2 (-/-) keratinocytes and zymography confirmed that MMP2 and MMP9 activity was higher in conditioned media from Tpl2 (-/-) keratinocytes. Immunohistochemistry confirmed higher MMP9 staining in 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-treated skin from Tpl2 (-/-) mice and grafted tumors formed from v-ras(Ha) retrovirus-infected Tpl2 (-/-) keratinocytes. Additionally, Tpl2 (-/-) keratinocytes had significantly higher invasion, malignant conversion rates and increased endothelial cell tube formation when compared with Tpl2 (+/+) keratinocytes. In summary, our studies reveal that keratinocytes from Tpl2 (-/-) mice demonstrate a higher potential to be invasive and metastatic.

Histopathologic predictors of lymph node metastasis and prognosis in tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Risk factors for lymph node metastasis in tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) need to be established to determine the degree of surgery required to achieve high curative rates. However, little is known currently about the histopathological features predicting prognosis, specifically in TSCC.

METHODS

This study included 53 patients who underwent surgical resection with neck dissection. Clinicopathological factors investigated included age, gender, alcohol use, tobacco consumption, tumor stage, adjacent structure involvement, cell differentiation, squamous dysplasia, in situ carcinoma associated with primary invasive cancer, carcinoma in situ skip lesions, necrosis, invasive front, depth of invasion, and lymphatic, muscle, or perineural invasion.

RESULTS

Contralateral cervical metastasis was associated with higher T stages and soft palate invasion. Lymphatic and muscle invasion were associated with ipsilateral cervical metastasis. Advanced T stage, invasion to the base of tongue, and skip lesions were associated with decreased disease-free survival. Advanced T stage and skip lesions were associated with worse overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced T stage and soft palate invasion may predict a high risk of contralateral nodal metastasis. T stage and skip lesion are worse prognostic factors in TSCC and should be commented in pathology reports.

Matrix metalloproteinase and its drug targets therapy in solid and hematological malignancies: an overview

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) comprises a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases that degrade various components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and basement membrane. MMPs are involved in solid and hematological malignancy through modification of cell growth, activation of cancer cells and modulation of immune functions. Several polymorphisms of different MMPs such as MMP-1 (-1607 1G/2G), MMP-2 (-1306 C/T), MMP-3 (-1171 5A/6A) & MMP-9 (-1562 C/T) and their expression levels have been well documented in different types of solid cancer. These polymorphic variations were found to be associated with angiogenesis, cancer progression, invasion and metastasis. There is paucity of data available in the field of hematological malignancies. Hence the field of matrix biology of hematological malignancies is an area of active exploration. A number of MMP inhibitors (MMPIs) have been developed for the cancer treatment. The most extensively studied classes of MMP inhibitors include Batimastat, Marismastat, Salimatat, Prinomastat and Tanomastat. However, their efficacy and action have not been confirmed and more data is required. The application of one or more selective targeted MMPIs in combination with conventional anti-leukemic treatment may represent a positive approach in combat against hematopoietic malignancies. Balance of MMPs and TIMPs is altered in different malignancies and biochemical pathways. These alternations will add another dimension in the matrix biology of both solid tumor and leukemia. MMP and TIMP singly and in combination are increasingly being recognized as an important player in basic cellular biology. Exploration and exploitation of MMP and TIMP balance in various malignant and nonmalignant lesions is going to be one of the most interesting facets of future use of this system for human health care.

pEGFP-N1-mediated BmK CT expression suppresses the migration of glioma

Gliomas can diffuse into the normal brain and this invasion of glioma cells involves modification of receptor-mediated adhesive properties of tumor cells, degradation and remodeling of extracellular matrix by tumor-secreted metalloproteinase (MMPs) such as MMP-2, consequently creating an intercellular space for invasion of glioma cells. BmK CT, one of the key toxins in scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch venom, is a novel blocker of the chloride ion channel and MMP-2. In this report, a recombinant plasmid pEGFP-N1-BmK CT was constructed and characterized by in vitro studies. The results showed that pEGFP-N1 mediated BmK CT expression displayed a high activity in suppressing cell migration via MMP-2. The potential therapeutic effect of pEGFP-N1 mediated BmK CT against rat glioma C6 cells was assessed and its potential mechanism was elucidated. It represented an approach for developing a novel therapeutic agent-recombinant plasmid pEGFP-N1-BmK CT as an efficient and powerful adjuvant.

Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 accelerate glioma cell migration via matrix metalloproteinase-2 and 9

The gene encoding isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) is somatically mutated predominantly in secondary glioblastoma multiforme. Glioma-specific mutations in IDH1 always produced a single amino acid substitution at R132, but mutations in IDH2 were exclusively at R172 which was the analogous site to R132 in IDH1. Mutations of IDH1 and IDH2 led to simultaneous loss and gain of activities in the production of α-ketoglutarate and 2-hydroxyglutarate, respectively. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent endoproteinases involved in the degradation of the extracellular matrix. The exact role of IDH2 mutant on MMPs activity and cell migration has not been fully studied. Here, we show that in response to IDH2 mutations, low levels of α-ketoglutarate increased the stabilization of HIF-1α which can contribute to tumor growth. Moreover, mutant IDH2-induced HIF-1α improved the secretion levels of pro-MMP-2 and pro-MMP-9 as well as the conversion from pro-MMP-2 to its active form, giving C6 glioma cells a higher migration potential. The HIF-1α pathway is probably a critical pathway for release of MMPs in the glioma cancer harboring IDH mutant.