Emerging Roles of ADAMTSs in Angiogenesis and Cancer

Identification of VEGFs-related gene signature for predicting microangiogenesis and hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis

Microangiogenesis is an important prognostic factor in various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) has been shown to contribute to tumor angiogenesis. Recently, several studies have investigated the regulation of VEGF production by a single gene, with few researchers exploring all genes that affect VEGF production. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed all genes affecting VEGF production in HCC and developed a risk model and gene-based risk score based on VEGF production. Moreover, the model's predictive capacity on prognosis of HCCs was verified using training and validation datasets. The developed model showed good prediction of the overall survival rate. Patients with a higher risk score experienced poor outcomes compared to those with a lower risk score. Furthermore, we identified the immunological causes of the poor prognosis of patients with high-risk scores comparing with those with low-risk scores.

Review: Mechanisms of TIMP-3 accumulation and pathogenesis in Sorsby fundus dystrophy

Sorsby fundus dystrophy (SFD) is a rare, inherited form of macular degeneration caused by mutations in the gene encoding tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 3 (TIMP-3). There are 21 mutations currently associated with SFD, with some variants (e.g., Ser179Cys, Tyr191Cys, and Ser204Cys) having been studied much more than others. We review what is currently known about the identified SFD variants in terms of their dimerization, metalloproteinase inhibition, and impact on angiogenesis, with a focus on disparities between reports and areas requiring further study. We also explore the potential molecular mechanisms leading to the accumulation of extracellular TIMP-3 in SFD and consider how accumulated TIMP-3 causes macular damage. Recent reports have identified extraocular pathologies in a small number of SFD patients. We discuss these intriguing findings and consider the apparent discrepancy between the widespread expression of TIMP-3 and the primarily retinal manifestations of SFD. The potential benefits of novel experimental approaches (e.g., metabolomics and stem cell models) in terms of investigating SFD pathology are presented. The review thus highlights gaps in our current molecular understanding of SFD and suggests ways to support the development of novel therapies.

Hic-5 regulates extracellular matrix-associated gene expression and cytokine secretion in cancer associated fibroblasts

The focal adhesion protein, Hic-5 plays a key role in promoting extracellular matrix deposition and remodeling by cancer associated fibroblasts within the tumor stroma to promote breast tumor cell invasion. However, whether stromal matrix gene expression is regulated by Hic-5 is still unknown. Utilizing a constitutive Hic-5 knockout, Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus-Polyoma Middle T-Antigen spontaneous breast tumor mouse model, bulk RNAseq analysis was performed on cancer associated fibroblasts isolated from Hic-5 knockout mammary tumors. Functional network analysis highlighted a key role for Hic-5 in extracellular matrix organization, with both structural matrix genes, as well as matrix remodeling genes being differentially expressed in relation to Hic-5 expression. The subcellular distribution of the MRTF-A transcription factor and expression of a subset of MRTF-A responsive genes was also impacted by Hic-5 expression. Additionally, cytokine array analysis of conditioned media from the Hic-5 and Hic-5 knockout cancer associated fibroblasts revealed that Hic-5 is important for the secretion of several key factors that are associated with matrix remodeling, angiogenesis and immune evasion. Together, these data provide further evidence of a central role for Hic-5 expression in cancer associated fibroblasts in regulating the composition and organization of the tumor stroma microenvironment to promote breast tumor progression.

Truncated O-glycosylation in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer reveals a gene expression signature associated with extracellular matrix and proteolysis

Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of death by cancer in women worldwide. Triple-negative (TN) BC constitutes aggressive and highly metastatic tumors associated with shorter overall survival of patients compared to other BC subtypes. The Tn antigen, a glycoconjugated structure resulting from an incomplete O-glycosylation process, is highly expressed in different adenocarcinomas, including BC. It also favors cancer growth, immunoregulation, and metastasis in TNBC. This work describes the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with BC aggressiveness and metastasis in an incomplete O-glycosylated TNBC cell model. We studied the transcriptome of a TNBC model constituted by the metastatic murine 4T1 cell line that overexpresses the Tn antigen due to a mutation in one of the steps of the O-glycosylation pathway. We analyzed and compared the results with the parental wild-type cell line and with a Tn-negative cell clone that was poorly metastatic and less aggressive than the 4T1 parental cell line. To gain insight into the generated expression data, we performed a gene set analysis. Biological processes associated with cancer development and metastasis, immune evasion, and leukocyte recruitment were highly enriched among functional terms of DEGs. Furthermore, different highly O-glycosylated protein-coding genes, such as mmp9, ecm1 and ankyrin-2, were upregulated in 4T1/Tn+ tumor cells. The altered biological processes and DEGs that promote tumor growth, invasion and immunomodulation might explain the aggressive properties of 4T1/Tn+ tumor cells. These results support the hypothesis that incomplete O-glycosylation that leads to the expression of the Tn antigen, which might regulate activity or interaction of different molecules, promotes cancer development and immunoregulation.

Enhancing Proteome Coverage by Using Strong Anion-Exchange in Tandem with Basic-pH Reversed-Phase Chromatography for Sample Multiplexing-Based Proteomics

Sample multiplexing-based proteomic strategies rely on fractionation to improve proteome coverage. Tandem mass tag (TMT) experiments, for example, can currently accommodate up to 18 samples with proteins spanning several orders of magnitude, thus necessitating fractionation to achieve reasonable proteome coverage. Here, we present a simple yet effective peptide fractionation strategy that partitions a pooled TMT sample with a two-step elution using a strong anion-exchange (SAX) spin column prior to gradient-based basic pH reversed-phase (BPRP) fractionation. We highlight our strategy with a TMTpro18-plex experiment using nine diverse human cell lines in biological duplicate. We collected three data sets, one using only BPRP fractionation and two others of each SAX-partition followed by BPRP. The three data sets quantified a similar number of proteins and peptides, and the data highlight noticeable differences in the distribution of peptide charge and isoelectric point between the SAX partitions. The combined SAX partition data set contributed 10% more proteins and 20% more unique peptides that were not quantified by BPRP fractionation alone. In addition to this improved fractionation strategy, we provide an online resource of relative abundance profiles for over 11,000 proteins across the nine human cell lines, as well as two additional experiments using ovarian and pancreatic cancer cell lines.

Expression of placental growth factor and a disintegrin and metalloprotease with a thrombospondin type motifs 1-4-8 during the three trimesters of rat pregnancy at the maternal-fetal interface

The functional roles of the a disintegrin and metalloprotease with a thrombospondin type motifs (ADAMTS) gene family in reproductive physiology, reproductive organs developments and adult reproductive health are still under investigation. The expression of the anti-angiogenic proteases ADAMTS-1, ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-8 in placental angiogenesis at various stages of pregnancy also remains unclear. The purpose of this study was therefore to determine the localization and expression of the ADAMTS-1, ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-8 proteins during the three stages of pregnancy in rats. Maternal-fetal tissue samples were collected on Days 5, 12 and 19 of each trimester, corresponding to the first, second and third trimesters. The expression of placental growth factor (PlGF) and ADAMTS-1, ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-8 at the maternal-fetal interface was examined using immunohistochemistry and western blot at three distinct phases of pregnancy. ADAMTS-1, ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-8 were detected in all three trimesters of pregnancy. The relative amount of PIGF increased in the first trimester and decreased significantly in the third trimester (p < 0.05). The expression of ADAMTS-1 and ADAMTS-4 was significantly higher in the second (p < 0.05) and third trimesters (p < 0.01) compared to the first trimester. However, no statistically significant change was observed in ADAMTS-8 expression between trimesters. The ADAMTS exhibiting the highest expression during the first trimester was ADAMTS8. These findings indicate that the expression of ADAMTS-1, ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-8 in the three different stages of rat pregnancy may be involved in the modulation of decidualization, morphogenesis and angiogenesis. Periodic changes in ADAMTS expression are thought to be regulated by gonadal steroids.

Aberrant AHRR, ADAMTS2 and FAM184 DNA Methylation: Candidate Biomarkers in the Oral Rinse of Heavy Smokers

OBJECTIVE

To identify DNA methylation patterns of heavy smokers in oral rinse samples.

METHODS

Genome-wide DNA methylation data was imported from Gene Expression Omnibus GSE70977 using the GEOquery package. Two independent sets were analyzed: (a) 71 epigenomes of cancer-free subjects (heavy smokers n = 37 vs. non-smokers n = 31); for concordance assessment (b) 139 oral-cancer patients' epigenomes (heavy smokers n = 92 vs. non-smokers n = 47). Differential DNA methylation for CpG positions and at the regional level was determined using Limma and DMRcate Bioconductor packages. The linear model included sex, age, and alcohol consumption. The statistical threshold was set to p < 0.05. Functional gene prioritization analysis was performed for gene-targeted analysis.

RESULTS

In individuals without cancer and heavy smokers, the FAM184B gene was found with two CpG positions differentially hypermethylated (p = 0.012 after FDR adjustment), in a region of 48 bp with an absolute methylation difference >10% between groups (p = 1.76 × 10^-8). In the analysis corresponding to oral-cancer patients, we found AHRR differentially hypomethylated cancer patients, but also in subjects without oral cancer in the targeted analyses. Remarkably, ADAMTS2 was found differentially hypermethylated in heavy smokers without a diagnosis of cancer in two consecutive probes cg05575921 (p = 3.13 × 10^-7) and cg10208897 (p = 1.36 × 10^-5).

CONCLUSIONS

Differentially methylated AHRR, ADAMTS2, and FAM184B genes are biomarker candidates in oral rinse samples.

Microenvironment commits breast tumor ECs to dedifferentiation by micro-RNA-200-b-3p regulation and extracellular matrix remodeling

Introduction: Hypoxia shapes the tumor microenvironment, modulates distinct cell population activities, and activates pathological angiogenesis in cancer, where endothelial cells (ECs) are the most important players. This study aimed to evidence the influences of the tumor microenvironment on the global gene expression pattern characteristic for ECs and the distinct responses displayed by tumor-derived ECs in comparison to the healthy endothelium during endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and its regulation by miR-200-b-3p. Methodology: Immortalized lines of ECs from the same patient with breast cancer, healthy breast tissue (HBH.MEC), and primary tumor (HBCa.MEC) were used. The experiments were performed in normoxia and hypoxia for 48 h. By using the wound healing test, we investigated the migration abilities of ECs. Global gene expression analysis with NGS was carried out to detect new pathways altered in pathological ECs and find the most changed miRNAs. The validation of NGS data from RNA and miRNA was estimated by qPCRs. Mimic miR-200b-3p was used in HBH.MEC, and the targets VEGF, Bcl2, ROCK2, and SP1 were checked. Results: Hypoxia influences EC migration properties in wound healing assays. In hypoxia, healthy ECs migrate slower than they do in normoxia, as opposed to HBCa.MEC, where no decreased migration ability is induced by hypoxia due to EndMT features. NGS data identified this process to be altered in cancer ECs through extracellular matrix (ECM) organization. The deregulated genes, validated by qPCR, included SPP1, ITGB6, COL4A4, ADAMST2, LAMA1, GAS6, PECAM1, ELN, FBLN2, COL6A3, and COL9A3. NGS also identified collagens, laminins, fibronectins, and integrins, as being deregulated in tumor-derived ECs. Moreover, the analysis of the 10 most intensively modified miRNAs, when breast tumor-derived ECs were compared to healthy ECs, shed light on miR-200b-3p, which is strongly upregulated in HBCa.MECs when compared to HBH.MECs. Discussion and conclusion: The pathological ECs differed significantly, both phenotypically and functionally, from the normal corresponding tissue, thus influencing their microenvironment cross-talk. The gene expression profile confirms the EndMT phenotype of tumor-derived ECs and migratory properties acquisition. Moreover, it indicates the role of miR-200b-3p, that is, regulating EndMT in pathological ECs and silencing several angiogenic growth factors and their receptors by directly targeting their mRNA transcripts.

The role of ADAMTS6 and ADAMTS17 polymorphisms in susceptibility to lumbar disc herniation in Chinese Han population

PURPOSE

LDH caused by lumbar disc degeneration is associated with genetic factors. However, the role of ADAMTS6 and ADAMTS17 genes in LDH risk is still unknown.

METHODS

To investigate the interaction between ADAMTS6 and ADAMTS17 variants in the susceptibility of LDH, five SNPs were genotyped in 509 patients and 510 healthy individuals. The experiment used logistic regression to calculate odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Multi-factor dimensionality reduction (MDR) was chosen to evaluate impact of interaction of SNP-SNP on susceptibility to LDH.

RESULTS

ADAMTS17-rs4533267 is significantly associated with reducing risk of LDH (OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.57-0.90, p = 0.005). Stratified analysis indicates that ADAMTS17-rs4533267 is significantly associated with the reducing risk of LDH among participants aged ≤ 48 years old. In addition, we observed that ADAMTS6-rs2307121 was associated with increasing risk of LDH in females. MDR analysis shows that single-locus model composed by ADAMTS17-rs4533267 can be chosen as the best model for predicting susceptibility to LDH (CVC = 10/10, test accuracy = 0.543).

CONCLUSION

ADAMTS6-rs2307121 and ADAMTS17-rs4533267 are potentially associated with LDH susceptibility. In particular, ADAMTS17-rs4533267 has a strong association with reducing risk of LDH.

Association between genome-wide epigenetic and genetic alterations in breast cancer tissue and response to HER2-targeted therapies in HER2-positive breast cancer patients: new findings and a systematic review

Recent evidence suggests that genetic and epigenetic mechanisms might be associated with acquired resistance to cancer therapies. The aim of this study was to assess the association of genome-wide genetic and epigenetic alterations with the response to anti-HER2 agents in HER2-positive breast cancer patients. PubMed was screened for articles published until March 2021 on observational studies investigating the association of genome-wide genetic and epigenetic alterations, measured in breast cancer tissues or blood, with the response to targeted treatment in HER2-positive breast cancer patients. Sixteen studies were included in the review along with ours, in which we compared the genome-wide DNA methylation pattern in breast tumor tissues of patients who acquired resistance to treatment (case group, n = 6) to that of patients who did not develop resistance (control group, n = 6). Among genes identified as differentially methylated between the breast cancer tissue of cases and controls, one of them, PRKACA, was also reported as differentially expressed in two studies included in the review. Although included studies were heterogeneous in terms of methodology and study population, our review suggests that genes of the PI3K pathway may play an important role in developing resistance to anti-HER2 agents in breast cancer patients. Genome-wide genetic and epigenetic alterations measured in breast cancer tissue or blood might be promising markers of resistance to anti-HER2 agents in HER2-positive breast cancer patients. Further studies are needed to confirm these data.

Gene Expression and Immunochemistry Analysis of ADAMTS-1 and Versican in Ameloblastoma

Background

Ameloblastoma is a benign but locally invasive odontogenic epithelial tumor, associated with a high recurrence rate after treatment. The action of enzymes of the metalloproteinase family is important to the degraded extracellular matrix, contributing to invasion. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the gene and protein expression of ADAMTS-1 and versican in ameloblastoma.

Materials and Methods

Twenty cases of ameloblastoma (n = 20) and ten dental follicles (DF) (n = 10) were used as a source for immunochemistry and quantitative RT-PCR for determining the protein and mRNA expressions of the concerned genes, respectively. Moreover, western blot and indirect immunofluorescence analysis were performed in AME cells.

Results

ADAMTS-1 and versican were overexpressed in DF than ameloblastoma by RT-PCR. However, in the immunolocalization analysis, ADAMTS-1 was expressed in ameloblastoma more than in DF and versican immunostaining obtained a similar pattern between ameloblastoma and DF. Indirect immunofluorescence detected the ADAMTS-1 and versican expression in cell lines derived from ameloblastoma. Western blot from cell lysate and conditioned medium detected ADAMTS-1 bands representing full-length and different processed forms. Monensin treatment confined ADAMTS-1 in the cell cytoplasm. Versican fragments also were detected in different compartments, intracellular and conditioned medium, allowing the versican process by ADAMTS-1.

Conclusion

This study showed a distinct expression of ADAMTS-1 and versican in ameloblastoma and DF, with ADAMTS-1 protein higher expression observed in ameloblastoma and possibly cleaved versican. These findings suggested that ADAMTS-1 may participate in tumor invasion, especially for the degradation of substrates (versican) in the ECM.

Hypoxic regulation of ADAMTS-2 and -3 (a disintegrin and matrix metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 2 and 3) procollagen N proteinases by HIF-1α in endothelial cells

ADAMTS-2 and ADAMTS-3, known as procollagen amino proteases (PNP), are primarily responsible for processing the amino ends of the fibrillar collagen precursors. ADAMTS-2 is a highly expressed gene in type I collagen-rich tissues, such as skin, bones, tendons, and aorta. ADAMTS-3 is mainly expressed in cartilage, where it colocalizes with type II procollagen and in the nervous system. Studies about ADAMTS-2 and ADAMTS-3 enzymes primarily focused on their collagen processing activity. Knowledge about the transcriptional regulations of these genes is rather limited. Here we analyzed the transcriptional regulations of ADAMTS-2 and ADAMTS-3 genes under chemically induced hypoxic conditions in endothelial cell model, HUVECs. We elucidated that hypoxia is the potent positive regulator of ADAMTS-2 and ADAMTS-3 genes. qRT-PCR and western blotting studies revealed that ADAMTS-2 and ADAMTS-3 expressions were increased at mRNA and protein levels under chemically induced hypoxic conditions in HUVECs. In addition, Transient transfection experiments of ADAMTS-2 and ADAMTS-3 promoter-reporter constructs indicated that low oxygen conditions increased ADAMTS-2 and ADAMTS-3 promoter activities. Furthermore, the DNA-protein interaction assay provided evidence of the functional binding of HIF-1α on bioinformatically determined HRE regions on the ADAMTS-2 and ADAMTS-3 promoters.

Differential Expression and Localization of ADAMTS Proteinases in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

We analyzed the expression of ADAMTS proteinases ADAMTS-1, -2, -4, -5 and -13; their activating enzyme MMP-15; and the degradation products of proteoglycan substrates versican and biglycan in an ocular microenvironment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) patients. Vitreous samples from PDR and nondiabetic patients, epiretinal fibrovascular membranes from PDR patients, rat retinas, retinal Müller glial cells and human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) were studied. The levels of ADAMTS proteinases and MMP-15 were increased in the vitreous from PDR patients. Both full-length and cleaved activation/degradation fragments of ADAMTS proteinases were identified. The amounts of versican and biglycan cleavage products were increased in vitreous from PDR patients. ADAMTS proteinases and MMP-15 were localized in endothelial cells, monocytes/macrophages and myofibroblasts in PDR membranes, and ADAMTS-4 was expressed in the highest number of stromal cells. The angiogenic activity of PDR membranes correlated significantly with levels of ADAMTS-1 and -4 cellular expression. ADAMTS proteinases and MMP-15 were expressed in rat retinas. ADAMTS-1 and -5 and MMP-15 levels were increased in diabetic rat retinas. HRMECs and Müller cells constitutively expressed ADAMTS proteinases but not MMP-15. The inhibition of NF-κB significantly attenuated the TNF-α-and-VEGF-induced upregulation of ADAMTS-1 and -4 in a culture medium of HRMECs and Müller cells. In conclusion, ADAMTS proteinases, MMP-15 and versican and biglycan cleavage products were increased in the ocular microenvironment of patients with PDR.

Survival Prognosis, Tumor Immune Landscape, and Immune Responses of ADAMTS14 in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma and Its Potential Mechanisms

Background

ADAMTS14 played a crucial role in the formation and development of various cancers. Currently, no associations had been revealed between ADAMTS14 and clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Hence, this study was designed to assess the prognostic values and immunological roles of ADAMTS14 in ccRCC and to reveal its potential mechanisms.

Methods

ADAMTS14-related expression profiles and related clinical data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, validated by the ICGC dataset, qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry. We utilized gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to find potentially ADAMTS14-related pathways and applied univariate/multivariate Cox regression analyses to identify independent factors significantly related to overall survival (OS) for ccRCC. A nomogram consisted of independent prognostic factors was also conducted. We further explored the associations between ADAMTS14 with immunity and revealed its potential mechanisms.

Results

ADAMTS14 displayed a higher expression in ccRCC tumor than in adjacent normal tissues, and further validated results of the ICGC dataset; qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry remained consistent (all p < 0.05). Moreover, elevated ADAMTS14 expression was significantly associated with poor OS (p < 0.001). Through univariate/multivariate Cox regression analyses, ADAMTS14 was found to be an independent prognostic factor for ccRCC (both p < 0.05) and GSEA identified several signaling pathways including INSULIN, MTOR, and PPAR pathways. The nomogram based on independent prognostic factors was successfully established and well evaluated. Moreover, the expression of ADAMTS14 was remarkably associated with immune checkpoint molecules, tumor mutational burden (TMB), immune cells, and tumor immune microenvironment (all p < 0.05). Results from TIDE and TCIA showed that highly expressed ADAMTS14 could predict worse efficacy of immunotherapy (all p < 0.05). As for its potential mechanisms, we also revealed several LncRNA/RNA binding protein (RBP)/ADAMTS14 mRNA networks.

Conclusions

ADAMTS14 was found to play oncogenic roles in ccRCC and to be significantly associated with immunity. Several LncRNA/RBP/ADAMTS14 mRNA networks were also identified for its potential mechanisms.

Multi-project and Multi-profile joint Non-negative Matrix Factorization for cancer omic datasets

MOTIVATION

The integration of multi-omic data using machine learning methods has been focused on solving relevant tasks such as predicting sensitivity to a drug or subtyping patients. Recent integration methods, such as joint Non-negative Matrix Factorization (jNMF), have allowed researchers to exploit the information in the data to unravel the biological processes of multi-omic datasets.

RESULTS

We present a novel method called Multi-project and Multi-profile joint Non-negative Matrix Factorization (M&M-jNMF) capable of integrating data from different sources, such as experimental and observational multi-omic data. The method can generate co-clusters between observations, predict profiles and relate latent variables. We applied the method to integrate low-grade glioma omic profiles from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) projects. The method allowed us to find gene clusters mainly enriched in cancer-associated terms. We identified groups of patients and cell lines similar to each other by comparing biological processes. We predicted the drug profile for patients, and we identified genetic signatures for resistant and sensitive tumors to a specific drug.

AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION

Source code repository is publicly available at https://bitbucket.org/dsalazarb/mmjnmf/ - Zenodo DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5150920.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Targeting the Host Response: Can We Manipulate Extracellular Matrix Metalloproteinase Activity to Improve Influenza Virus Infection Outcomes?

Each year, hundreds of thousands of individuals succumb to influenza virus infection and its associated complications. Several preventative and therapeutic options may be applied in order to preserve life. These traditional approaches include administration of seasonal influenza vaccines, pharmacological interventions in the form of antiviral drug therapy and supportive clinical approaches including mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. While these measures have shown varying degrees of success, antiviral therapies and vaccination are constrained due to ongoing antigenic drift. Moreover, clinical approaches can also be associated with complications and drawbacks. These factors have led to the exploration and development of more sophisticated and nuanced therapeutic approaches involving host proteins. Advances in immunotherapy in the cancer field or administration of steroids following virus infection have highlighted the therapeutic potential of targeting host immune responses. We have now reached a point where we can consider the contribution of other “non-traditional” host components such as the extracellular matrix in immunity. Herein, we will review current, established therapeutic interventions and consider novel therapeutic approaches involving the extracellular matrix.

Investigating ADAMTS7 and ADAMTS12 levels in prediabetic and Type 2 diabetic patients

Background: This study aims to investigate the role of ADAMTS7 and ADAMTS12 on atherosclerosis and inflammation in prediabetic and diabetic patients. Patients & methods: Serum ADAMTS7 and ADAMTS12 levels were compared with the atherosclerotic and inflammatory markers in diabetic (n = 65, female 30.9%, mean age = 53 years), prediabetic (n = 55, female 36.6%, mean age = 49 years) and control groups (n = 55, females 32.5%, mean age = 49 years). Serum ADAMTS levels were determined by a human enzyme-liked immunoassay. Results: In terms of ADAMTS7, there was no significant difference between diabetic, prediabetic and control groups (50.93, 44.34, 59.07, respectively; p > 0.05). ADAMTS12 is lower in diabetics (p < 0.05), whereas it is similar in prediabetics and controls (14.53, 20.76, 25.05, respectively; p > 0.05). ADAMTS7 and ADAMTS12 levels did not differ in diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy (p > 0.05). Conclusion: While ADAMTS12 was significantly lower in diabetics and prediabetics, ADAMTS7 and ADAMTS12 were not related to diabetic complications (nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy).

Circulating transcripts in maternal blood reflect a molecular signature of early-onset preeclampsia

Circulating RNA (C-RNA) is continually released into the bloodstream from tissues throughout the body, offering an opportunity to noninvasively monitor all aspects of pregnancy health from conception to birth. We asked whether C-RNA analysis could robustly detect aberrations in patients diagnosed with preeclampsia (PE), a prevalent and potentially fatal pregnancy complication. As an initial examination, we sequenced the circulating transcriptome from 40 pregnancies at the time of severe, early-onset PE diagnosis and 73 gestational age-matched controls. Differential expression analysis identified 30 transcripts with gene ontology annotations and tissue expression patterns consistent with the placental dysfunction, impaired fetal development, and maternal immune and cardiovascular system dysregulation characteristic of PE. Furthermore, machine learning identified combinations of 49 C-RNA transcripts that classified an independent cohort of patients (early-onset PE, n = 12; control, n = 12) with 85 to 89% accuracy. C-RNA may thus hold promise for improving the diagnosis and identification of at-risk pregnancies.

In silico study of cancer stage-specific DNA methylation pattern in White breast cancer patients based on TCGA dataset

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women. As current breast cancer treatments are still ineffective, we assess the methylation pattern of White breast cancer patients across cancer stage based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. Significant hypermethylation and hypomethylation can regulate the gene expression, thus becoming potential biomarkers in breast cancer tumorigenesis.

METHODS

DNA methylation data was downloaded using TCGA Assembler 2 based on race-specific metadata of TCGA - Breast Invasive Carcinoma (TCGA-BRCA) project from Genomic Data Commons (GDC) Data Portal. After the data was divided into each cancer stage, duplicated data of each patient was removed using OMICSBind, while differentially-expressed probes were identified using edgeR. The resulting probes were validated based on correlation and regression analysis with the gene expression, ANOVA between cancer stages, ROC curve per stage, as well as databases.

RESULTS

Based on the White dataset, we found 66 significant hypermethylated genes with logFC > 1.8 between Stage I-III. From this number, three epigenetic-regulated, stage-specific genes are proposed to be the detection biomarkers of breast cancer due to significant aberrant gene expression and/or low mutation ratio among breast cancer patients: ABCC9 (Stage III), SHISA3 (Stage II), and POU4F1 (Stage I-II).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that ABCC9, SHISA3, and POU4F1 are potential stage-specific detection biomarkers of breast cancer for White individuals, whereas their roles in other races need to be studied further.

Comprehensive Profiling of Genomic and Transcriptomic Differences between Risk Groups of Lung Adenocarcinoma and Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Lung cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer type and responsible for the highest number of cancer deaths worldwide. Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) are subtypes of non-small-cell lung cancer which has the highest frequency of lung cancer cases. We aimed to analyze genomic and transcriptomic variations including simple nucleotide variations (SNVs), copy number variations (CNVs) and differential expressed genes (DEGs) in order to find key genes and pathways for diagnostic and prognostic prediction for lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma. We performed a univariate Cox model and then lasso-regularized Cox model with leave-one-out cross-validation using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) gene expression data in tumor samples. We generated 35- and 33-gene signatures for prognostic risk prediction based on the overall survival time of the patients with LUAD and LUSC, respectively. When we clustered patients into high- and low-risk groups, the survival analysis showed highly significant results with high prediction power for both training and test datasets. Then, we characterized the differences including significant SNVs, CNVs, DEGs, active subnetworks, and the pathways. We described the results for the risk groups and cancer subtypes separately to identify specific genomic alterations between both high-risk groups and cancer subtypes. Both LUAD and LUSC high-risk groups have more downregulated immune pathways and upregulated metabolic pathways. On the other hand, low-risk groups have both up- and downregulated genes on cancer-related pathways. Both LUAD and LUSC have important gene alterations such as CDKN2A and CDKN2B deletions with different frequencies. SOX2 amplification occurs in LUSC and PSMD4 amplification in LUAD. EGFR and KRAS mutations are mutually exclusive in LUAD samples. EGFR, MGA, SMARCA4, ATM, RBM10, and KDM5C genes are mutated only in LUAD but not in LUSC. CDKN2A, PTEN, and HRAS genes are mutated only in LUSC samples. The low-risk groups of both LUAD and LUSC tend to have a higher number of SNVs, CNVs, and DEGs. The signature genes and altered genes have the potential to be used as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for personalized oncology.

Is There an Association Between Nasal Polyposis and ADAMTS Genes Expressions?

Objective

Nasal polyposis (NP) is an inflammatory chronic disease in which polyps are located in the nose or paranasal sinuses. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) genes have roles in vascular biology, inflammation, tissue morphogenesis, and pathophysiological remodeling. Therefore, some members of the ADAMTS gene family may contribute to pathogenesis of NPs. This study aimed to detect the potential relation between NP and the expression levels of ADAMTS 5, 8, and 9 genes.

Materials and Methods

This study consisted of nasal polyp tissues from 34 patients in whom nasal polyps had been diagnosed clinically, and healthy nasal mucosal tissues from 14 controls. RNA was isolated from the nasal polyps and normal nasal mucosal tissue in each subject. The expression levels of ADAMTS 5, 8, and 9 genes in the patients and controls were detected by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) method.

Results

The expression levels of ADAMTS 5 and 9 genes were significantly decreased in NP tissues. In contrast, the expression levels of ADAMTS 8 genes were also decreased in NP tissues, but they were not significantly different from those in the normal nasal tissues.

Conclusion

An association was detected between the expression levels of ADAMTS genes and NP. ADAMTS 5 and 9 genes may have an effect on the formation of NP.

Requirement for C-mannosylation to be secreted and activated a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4 (ADAMTS4)

BACKGROUND

C-mannosylation is a unique type of glycosylation. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4 (ADAMTS4) is a multidomain extracellular metalloproteinase that contains several potential C-mannosylation sites. Although some ADAMTS family proteins have been reported to be C-mannosylated proteins, whether C-mannosylation affects the activation and protease activity of these proteins is unclear.

METHODS

We established wild-type and mutant ADAMTS4-overexpressing HT1080 cell lines. Recombinant ADAMTS4 was purified from the conditioned medium of the wild-type ADAMTS4-overexpressing cells, and the C-mannosylation sites of ADAMTS4 were identified by LC-MS/MS. The processing, secretion, and intracellular localization of ADAMTS4 were examined by immunoblot and immunofluorescence analyses. ADAMTS4 enzymatic activity was evaluated by assessing the cleavage of recombinant aggrecan.

RESULTS

We identified that ADAMTS4 is C-mannosylated at Trp⁴⁰⁴ in the metalloprotease domain and at Trp⁵²³, Trp⁵²⁶, and Trp⁵²⁹ in the thrombospondin type 1 repeat (TSR). The replacement of Trp⁴⁰⁴ with Phe affected ADAMTS4 processing, without affecting secretion and intracellular localization. In contrast, the substitution of Trp⁵²³, Trp⁵²⁶, and Trp⁵²⁹ with Phe residues suppressed ADAMTS4 secretion, processing, intracellular trafficking, and enzymatic activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that the C-mannosylation of ADAMTS4 plays important roles in protein processing, intracellular trafficking, secretion, and enzymatic activity.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Because C-mannosylation appears to regulate many ADAMTS4 functions, C-mannosylation may also affect other members of the ADAMTS superfamily.

Biomarkers of response to ibrutinib plus nivolumab in relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, or Richter's transformation

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Biomarkers of response to ibrutinib + nivolumab were analyzed in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma and Richter transformation.

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DLBCL patients with elevated PD-L1 by immunohistochemistry tended to have better response and survival.

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Whole exome sequencing identified gene mutations in alternate B-cell receptor pathways linked to response in DLBCL.

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Enriched pathways by gene expression profiling were related to immune activation in responders and proliferation/replication in nonresponders.

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This preliminary work may help to generate hypotheses on genetically defined subsets of patients most likely to benefit from ibrutinib + nivolumab.

We analyzed potential biomarkers of response to ibrutinib plus nivolumab in biopsies from patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma (FL), and Richter's transformation (RT) from the LYM1002 phase I/IIa study, using programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) immunohistochemistry, whole exome sequencing (WES), and gene expression profiling (GEP). In DLBCL, PD-L1 elevation was more frequent in responders versus nonresponders (5/8 [62.5%] vs. 3/16 [18.8%]; p = 0.065; complete response 37.5% vs. 0%; p = 0.028). Overall response rates for patients with WES and GEP data, respectively, were: DLBCL (38.5% and 29.6%); FL (46.2% and 43.5%); RT (76.5% and 81.3%). In DLBCL, WES analyses demonstrated that mutations in RNF213 (40.0% vs. 6.2%; p = 0.055), KLHL14 (30.0% vs. 0%; p = 0.046), and LRP1B (30.0% vs. 6.2%; p = 0.264) were more frequent in responders. No responders had mutations in EBF1, ADAMTS20, AKAP9, TP53, MYD88, or TNFRSF14, while the frequency of these mutations in nonresponders ranged from 12.5% to 18.8%. In FL and RT, genes with different mutation frequencies in responders versus nonresponders were: BCL2 (75.0% vs. 28.6%; p = 0.047) and ROS1 (0% vs. 50.0%; p = 0.044), respectively. Per GEP, the most upregulated genes in responders were LEF1 and BTLA (overall), and CRTAM (germinal center B-cell–like DLBCL). Enriched pathways were related to immune activation in responders and resistance-associated proliferation/replication in nonresponders. This preliminary work may help to generate hypotheses regarding genetically defined subsets of DLBCL, FL, and RT patients most likely to benefit from ibrutinib plus nivolumab.

High ADAMTS18 expression is associated with poor prognosis in stomach adenocarcinoma

Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) is the most pathological type of gastric cancer. ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 18 (ADAMTS18) plays an essential role in organ development and tumorigenesis; however, its function in STAD, and its impact on clinical outcome remain unclear. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the association between ADAMTS18 expression and the prognosis of patients with STAD. Data from 300 patients with STAD in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were analyzed, and the median survival time and overall survival (OS) rate of these patients were assessed. Subsequently, 40 paired tumor and non-tumor tissue samples from patients with STAD were collected, and the relative ADAMTS18 mRNA expression levels were determined. Results from TCGA database demonstrated that high tumor ADAMTS18 expression was associated with a poorer prognosis in patients with STAD. Similarly, results from the assessed patient cohort indicated that ADAMTS18 expression was significantly higher in STAD tissues compared with non-tumor tissues. Furthermore, ADAMTS18 expression was significantly associated with tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis and tumor node metastasis stage. Taken together, these results suggest that ADAMTS18 is highly expressed in STAD tissues, and thus may act as a potential indicator of poor prognosis in patients with STAD.

Decreased Cytoplasmic Expression of ADAMTS14 Is Correlated with Reduced Survival Rates in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients

A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif 14 (ADAMTS14) is a member of the zinc-dependent protease family that is implicated in the occurrence and progression of tumors. Oral cancer (OC) is a common cancer worldwide, but it is particularly prevalent in Taiwan. However, whether the expression of ADAMTS14 is correlated with the carcinogenesis and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has not yet been investigated. In this study, we used immunohistochemistry (IHC) to examine 250 OSCC specimens in order to identify correlations between the cytoplasmic expression of ADAMTS14 and (1) clinicopathological features of OSCC as well as (2) clinical outcomes of OSCC. Our results indicate that cytoplasmic expression of ADAMTS14 was lower in OSCC tissues than in normal tissues. In analyzing correlations between ADAMTS14 expression and clinicopathological features, we found that negative cytoplasmic expression of ADAMTS14 was significantly associated with higher frequencies of lymph node metastasis and more advanced AJCC stages (III/IV). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that negative cytoplasmic expression of ADAMTS14 was also associated with significantly worse OSCC survival. Univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed that cytoplasmic expression of ADAMTS14 was associated with lymph node metastasis, tumor stage, and tumor grade and also indicated that cytoplasmic ADAMTS14 expression may be an independent prognostic factor for OSCC. This is the first study to report that the cytoplasmic expression level of ADAMTS14 is associated with OSCC prognosis and tumor progression. Our data indicate that ADAMTS14 can serve as a prognostic marker and a potential therapeutic target for OSCC.

Novel Associations Within the Tumor Microenvironment: Fibulins Meet ADAMTSs

The maintenance of tissue homeostasis in any organism is a very complex and delicate process in which numerous factors intervene. Cellular homeostasis not only depends on intrinsic factors but also relies on external factors that compose the microenvironment or cellular niche. Thus, extracellular matrix (ECM) components play a very important role in maintaining cell survival and behavior, and alterations in the ECM composition can lead to different pathologies. Fibulins and ADAMTS metalloproteases play crucial roles in the upkeep and function of the ECM in different tissues. In fact, members of both of these families of secreted multidomain proteins can interact with numerous other ECM components and thus shape or regulate the molecular environment. Individual members of both families have been implicated in tumor-related processes by exhibiting either pro- or antitumor properties. Recent studies have shown both an important relation among members of both families and their participation in several pathologies, including cardiogenesis or cancer. In this review, we summarize the associations among fibulins and ADAMTSs and the effects elicited by those interactions on cellular behavior.

Platelets, Thrombo-Inflammation, and Cancer: Collaborating With the Enemy

Platelets are small anucleate cells present in the blood stream, their typical role in primary hemostasis has been well-described. However, new evidence suggests that they have critically important roles in cancer progression and inflammation. Cancer cells can activate platelets, thus using them as physical shields from blood shear forces and natural killer (NK) cells. The activated platelets may also regulate hematopoietic and immune cell migration toward the tumor site; therefore, contributing to the cancer-associated inflammation. The activation of platelets by cancer cells may also contribute to metastasis and cancer progression by stimulating deep venous thrombosis and neutrophil extracellular trap formations (NETs) that “hide” cancer cells. We strived to review the current literature to dissect the role of platelets in cancer-associated thrombosis and tumor microenvironment inflammation.

Morphogenesis of the kidney and lung requires branch-tip directed activity of the Adamts18 metalloprotease

Adamts18 encodes a secreted metalloprotease restricted to branch-tip progenitor pools directing the morphogenesis of multiple mammalian organs. Adamts18 was targeted to explore a potential role in branching morphogenesis. In the kidney, an arborized collecting system develops through extensive branching morphogenesis of an initial epithelial outgrowth of the mesonephric duct, the ureteric bud. Adamts18 mutants displayed a weakly penetrant phenotype: duplicated ureteric outgrowths forming enlarged, bi-lobed kidneys with an increased nephron endowment. In contrast, Adamts18 mutants showed a fully penetrant lung phenotype: epithelial growth was markedly reduced and early secondary branching scaled to the reduced length of the primary airways. Furthermore, there was a pronounced delay in the appearance of differentiated cell types in both proximal and distally positions of the developing airways. Adamts18 is closely related to Adamts16. In the kidney but not the lung, broad epithelial Adamts16 expression overlaps Adamts18 in branch tips. However, compound Adamts16/18 mutants displayed a comparable low penetrance duplicated ureteric phenotype, ruling out a possible role for Adamts16 as a functional modifier of the Adamts18 kidney phenotype. Given the predicted action of secreted Adamts18 metalloprotease, and broad expression of Adamts18 in branching organ systems, these findings suggest distinct requirements for matrix modelling in the morphogenesis of epithelial networks.

A targeted proteomics approach reveals a serum protein signature as diagnostic biomarker for resectable gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of cancer death. Early detection is a key factor to reduce its mortality.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected pre- and postoperative serum samples as well as tumour tissues and adjacent normal tissues from 100 GC patients. Serum samples from non-cancerous patients were served as controls (n = 50). A high-throughput protein detection technology, multiplex proximity extension assays (PEA), was applied to measure levels of over 300 proteins. Alteration of each protein was analysed by univariate analysis. Elastic-net logistic regression was performed to select serum proteins into the diagnostic model.

FINDINGS

We identified 19 serum proteins (CEACAM5, CA9, MSLN, CCL20, SCF, TGF-alpha, MMP-1, MMP-10, IGF-1, CDCP1, PPIA, DDAH-1, HMOX-1, FLI1, IL-7, ZBTB-17, APBB1IP, KAZALD-1, and ADAMTS-15) that together distinguish GC cases from controls with a diagnostic sensitivity of 93%, specificity of 100%, and area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0·99 (95% CI: 0·98-1). Moreover, the 19-serum protein signature provided an increased diagnostic capacity in patients at TNM I-II stage (sensitivity 89%, specificity 100%, AUC 0·99) and in patients with high microsatellite instability (MSI) (91%, 98%, and 0·99) compared to individual proteins. These promising results will inspire a large-scale independent cohort study to be pursued for validating the proposed protein signature.

INTERPRETATION

Based on targeted proteomics and elastic-net logistic regression, we identified a 19-serum protein signature which could contribute to clinical GC diagnosis, especially for patients at early stage and those with high MSI. FUND: This study was supported by a European H2020-Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks grant (316,929, GastricGlycoExplorer). Funder had no influence on trial design, data evaluation, and interpretation.

ADAMTS5 acts as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting migration, invasion and angiogenesis in human gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

ADAMTS5 has been reported to be involved in the progression of several human tumors. Nevertheless, the role of ADAMTS5 in gastric cancer (GC) remains poorly defined.

METHODS

ADAMTS5 expression levels were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in GC cell lines and tissues, and the correlations between ADAMTS5 expression and clinicopathological features and survival were also examined. In vitro assays, including transwell assays, wound healing assays and cell adhesion assays, were employed to further explore the biological functions of ADAMTS5. A MAP kinase pathway microarray was used to identify the underlying mechanisms. The expression of ADAMTS5 and ETS1 and the microvessel density (MVD) were also analyzed using IHC to determine correlations with angiogenesis in GC.

RESULTS

ADAMTS5 expression was downregulated in gastric cancer tissues. Low expression of ADAMTS5 was associated with gender, histological type, degree of differentiation, M stage, TNM stage and vascular invasion, and was also an independent indicator of a poor prognosis for patients with GC. ADAMTS5 overexpression markedly inhibited GC cell migration and invasion and enhanced cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM), whereas knockdown of ADAMTS5 exerted the opposite effects. Furthermore, the ADAMTS5 expression status was negatively correlated with ETS1 expression and MVD.

CONCLUSION

ADAMTS5 is downregulated in GC and suppresses tumor metastasis and angiogenesis by inhibiting ETS1-mediated changes in MVD and potentially acts as a novel prognostic marker and a potential therapeutic target in human GC.

Identification and characterization of differentially expressed genes in Type 2 Diabetes using in silico approach

Diabetes mellitus is clinically characterized by hyperglycemia. Though many studies have been done to understand the mechanism of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), however, the complete network of diabetes and its associated disorders through polygenic involvement is still under debate. The present study designed to re-analyze publicly available T2D related microarray raw datasets present in GEO database and T2D genes information present in GWAS catalog for screening out differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and identify key hub genes associated with T2D. T2D related microarray data downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and re-analysis performed with in house R packages scripts for background correction, normalization and identification of DEGs in T2D. Also retrieved T2D related DEGs information from GWAS catalog. Both DEGs lists were grouped after removal of overlapping genes. These screened DEGs were utilized further for identification and characterization of key hub genes in T2D and its associated diseases using STRING, WebGestalt and Panther databases. Computational analysis reveal that out of 99 identified key hub gene candidates from 348 DEGs, only four genes (CCL2, ELMO1, VEGFA and TCF7L2) along with FOS playing key role in causing T2D and its associated disorders, like nephropathy, neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer via p53 or Wnt signaling pathways. MIR-29, and MAZ_Q6 are identified potential target microRNA and TF along with probable drugs alprostadil, collagenase and dinoprostone for the key hub gene candidates. The results suggest that identified key DEGs may play promising roles in prevention of diabetes.

Expression of Proteolytic Enzymes by Small Cell Lung Cancer Circulating Tumor Cell Lines

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive type of lung cancer which disseminates vigorously and has a dismal prognosis. Metastasis of SCLC is linked to an extremely high number of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), which form chemoresistant spheroids, termed tumorospheres. Intravasation and extravasation during tumor spread requires the activity of a number of proteases to disintegrate the stroma and vascular tissue. Generation of several permanent SCLC CTC lines allowed us to screen for the expression of 35 proteases using Western blot arrays. Cell culture supernatants of two CTC lines, namely BHGc7 and 10, were analyzed for secreted proteases, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), ADAM/TS, cathepsins, kallikreins, and others, and compared to proteases expressed by SCLC cell lines (GLC14, GLC16, NCI-H526 and SCLC26A). In contrast to NCI-H526 and SCLC26A, MMP-9 was highly expressed in the two CTC lines and in GLC16 derived of a relapse. Furthermore, cathepsins (S, V, X/Z/P, A and D) were highly expressed in the CTC lines, whereas ADAM/TS and kallikreins were not detectable. In conclusion, SCLC CTCs express MMP-9 and a range of cathepsins for proteolysis and, aside from tissue degradation, these enzymes are involved in cell signaling, survival, and the chemoresistance of tumor cells.

Use of single-step genome-wide association studies for prospecting genomic regions related to milk production and milk quality of buffalo

The aim of this research communication was to identify chromosome regions and genes that could be related to milk yield (MY), milk fat (%F) and protein percentage (%P) in Brazilian buffalo cows using information from genotyped and non-genotyped animals. We used the 90 K Axiom® Buffalo Genotyping array. A repeatability model was used. An iterative process was performed to calculate the weights of markers as a function of the squared effects of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) and allele frequencies. The 10 SNPs with the largest effects for MY, %F and %P were studied and they explained 7·48, 9·94 and 6·56% of the genetic variance, respectively. These regions harbor genes with biological functions that could be related to the traits analyzed. The identification of such regions and genes will contribute to a better understanding of their influence on milk production and milk quality traits of buffaloes.

ADAMTS8 targets ERK to suppress cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Introduction

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive system. A disintegrin and metallopeptidase with thrombospondin motif (ADAMTS) has been identified as a secreted metalloproteinase that participates in the inhibition of tumor cell growth and invasion. The aims of the present study were to investigate the clinical significance of ADAMTS8 in patients with HCC and to determine the effect of ADAMTS8 on HCC cell biological activity in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

The tumor tissues and matched adjacent non-tumor tissues were collected from 61 patients with HCC, and ADAMTS8 expression was detected with immunohistochemistry. Flow cytometry and MTT assays were used to assess cell apoptosis and cell viability, respectively, and ERK, p-ERK, Stat3, p-Stat3, Akt, and p-Akt protein expressions were measured by Western blot.

Results

The results showed that ADAMTS8 expression was significantly lower in HCC tissues than that in adjacent non-tumor tissues. Moreover, ADAMTS8 expression was inversely associated with clinical stages and metastasis in patients with HCC. Furthermore, we found that transfection with exogenous ADAMTS8 inhibited proliferation and migration and induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells. In the in vivo study, tumor growth of upregulated HepG2 cells in nude mice was significantly slower. Moreover, decreased ERK activity was detected after transfection with ADAMTS8.

Conclusion

These results indicate that low ADAMTS8 expression is a predictor of a poor prognosis in patients with HCC and that ADAMTS8 plays an important role in regulating HCC growth, invasion, and apoptosis by modulating the ERK signaling pathway. ADAMTS8 maybe a new target in HCC treatment.

Targeted Gene Sequencing of Gallbladder Carcinoma Identifies High-impact Somatic and Rare Germline Mutations

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is a subtype of biliary tract malignancy with poor prognosis and high fatality rate. The present study was designed to uncover somatic and rare germline mutations in GBC to reveal the disease biology and understand the clinical importance of mutation profile in terms of prognostics and actionability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed ultra-deep sequencing across 409 cancer-related genes in 11 GBC patients of North-Indian descent. NGS data analysis was performed using Ion Reporter and several other publicly available resources and databases.

RESULTS

We identified 184 nonsynonymous somatic and 60 rare germline mutations in bona-fide cancer drivers such as SMAD family member 4 (SMAD4), lysine methyltransferase 2C (KMT2C), and tumor protein p53 (TP53). All the early-onset cases or hypermutated cases harbored mutation(s) in critical DNA-repair genes. Additionally, we detected 9 novel genes with high-impact somatic mutations in GBC.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicated the significance of inherited rare germline mutations in DNA-repair pathway genes in addition to acquired somatic mutations in GB carcinogenesis.

Recombinant TSR1 of ADAMTS5 Suppresses Melanoma Growth in Mice via an Anti-angiogenic Mechanism

Inhibiting tumor angiogenesis is a well-established approach for anticancer therapeutic development. A Disintegrin-like and Metalloproteinase with ThromboSpondin Motifs 5 (ADAMTS5) is a secreted matrix metalloproteinase in the ADAMTS family that also functions as an anti-angiogenic/anti-tumorigenic molecule. Its anti-angiogenic/anti-tumorigenic function is independent from its proteinase activity, but requires its first thrombospondin type 1 repeat (TSR1). However, it is not known if recombinant TSR1 (rTSR1) can function as an anticancer therapeutic. In this report, we expressed and purified a 75-residue recombinant TSR1 polypeptide from E. coli and investigated its ability to function as an anticancer therapeutic in mice. We demonstrate that rTSR1 is present in the blood circulation as well as in the tumor tissue at 15 min post intraperitoneal injection. Intraperitoneal delivery of rTSR1 potently suppressed subcutaneous B16F10 melanoma growth as a single agent, accompanied by diminished tumor angiogenesis, increased apoptosis, and reduced cell proliferation in the tumor tissue. Consistently, rTSR1 dose-dependently induced the apoptosis of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in a caspase-dependent manner. This work indicates that rTSR1 of ADAMTS5 can function as a potent anticancer therapy in mice. It thus has the potential to be further developed into an anticancer drug.

Exact association test for small size sequencing data

Background

Recent statistical methods for next generation sequencing (NGS) data have been successfully applied to identifying rare genetic variants associated with certain diseases. However, most commonly used methods (e.g., burden tests and variance-component tests) rely on large sample sizes. Notwithstanding, due to its-still high cost, NGS data is generally restricted to small sample sizes, that cannot be analyzed by most existing methods.

Methods

In this work, we propose a new exact association test for sequencing data that does not require a large sample approximation, which is applicable to both common and rare variants. Our method, based on the Generalized Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel (GCMH) statistic, was applied to NGS datasets from intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) patients. IPMN is a unique pancreatic cancer subtype that can turn into an invasive and hard-to-treat metastatic disease.

Results

Application of our method to IPMN data successfully identified susceptible genes associated with progression of IPMN to pancreatic cancer.

Conclusions

Our method is expected to identify disease-associated genetic variants more successfully, and corresponding signal pathways, improving our understanding of specific disease’s etiology and prognosis.

Serum ADAMTS-13 Levels as an Indicator of Portal Vein Thrombosis

Background

Coagulation disorders in patients with liver cirrhosis are a common clinical problem. Cirrhosis should be considered a state of impaired blood clotting or an imbalance of the whole coagulation system. Cirrhosis-induced coagulopathy encompasses disturbances in both the procoagulant and anticoagulant systems. This mechanism may promote the development of thrombosis with portal vein thrombosis (PVT), which is considered an obstacle to orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). We assessed serum ADAMTS-13 levels in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis, with and without PVT.

Material and Methods

Serum ADAMTS-13 levels, age, platelet count (PLT), and INR (international normalized ratio) were evaluated in (n = 64) patients with liver cirrhosis either with PVT (group 1, n = 31) or without PVT (group 2, n = 33). The results were compared with those from healthy volunteers (group 3, n = 37). Liver cirrhosis was based on Desmet's classification of chronic hepatitis in liver biopsy stage ≥ 3 or liver elastography F-score ≥ 3. Serum ADAMTS-13 levels were measured with Quantikine® ELISA Human ADAMTS13 Immunoassay, R&D Systems Inc. We used Welch's F-test, Games-Howell, one-way ANOVA, Bonferroni test, and logistic regression to determine whether ADAMTS-13 levels were a predictor that was independent of MELD and Child-Pugh scores. All results (P < 0.05) were considered statistically significant.

Results

The mean serum ADAMTS-13 level in patients with PVT was significantly lower than that in patients without PVT (P = 0.001) and controls (P = 0.001). The mean serum ADAMTS-13 level in patients without PVT was significantly lower than that in controls (P = 0.001). ADAMTS-13 levels were significantly associated with PVT accounting for the Child-Pugh or MELD score in the logistic regression model.

Conclusions

Low serum ADAMTS-13 levels can be a useful indicator of portal thrombosis in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis irrespective of Child-Pugh or MELD scores. Further research is needed to determine whether ADAMTS-13 levels will find use in everyday clinical practice.

ADAMTS-6 is a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

A disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motif (ADAMTS) enzymes play important roles in cell functions including adhesion, invasion, migration, and proliferation. ADAMTS-6 is a member of the ADAMTS family; reports of its relationship with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) progression are rare. It is unclear whether ADAMTS-6 could be an independent ESCC biomarker.

METHODS

ADAMTS-6 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 171 paraffin-embedded ESCC specimens; relationships with patients' clinicopathological features and Twist-1 expression were analyzed by the Pearson Chi-square method, respectively. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the long-rank test.

RESULTS

ADAMTS-6 was expressed mainly in the cytoplasm and nucleus; the expression was significantly higher in tumor tissues. Increased expression of ADAMTS-6 correlated with clinical stage (P = 0.009), pT stage (P = 0.042), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.014) and recurrence (P = 0.033). There were no significant correlations between ADAMTS-6 expression and other clinicopathological parameters including age, sex, tumor size, distant metastasis, differentiation, …chemotherapy, radiotherapy, CD68 expression and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) status. Kaplan-Meier survival curves revealed that upregulated expression of ADAMTS-6 indicated short OS (P = 0.001) and DFS (P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis confirmed that high ADAMTS-6 expression was an independent factor for ESCC prognosis. ADAMTS-6 expression was significantly correlated with Twist-1 expression in ESCC cancer cells (P = 0.007) and stromal cells (P < 0.001). Patients with ESCC revealing expression of both ADAMTS-6 and Twist-1 exhibited significantly reduced OS and DFS rates than other patients.

CONCLUSIONS

High ADAMTS-6 expression is a useful marker of poor prognosis in patients with ESCC.

Characterizing key nucleotide polymorphisms of hepatitis C virus-disease associations via mass-spectrometric genotyping

As more than 80% of hepatocellular carcinoma patients in Japan also suffer from hepatitis C virus infections some time in their medical history, identifying genetic aberrations associated to hepatitis C virulence in these individuals remains a high priority in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. From the BioBank Japan Project, we acquired 480 subjects of hepatocellular carcinoma, chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis, and genotyped 131 clinically relevant host single nucleotide polymorphisms to survey the potential association between certain risk alleles and genes to a patient's predisposition to hepatitis C and liver cancer. Among those polymorphisms, we found 12 candidates with statistical significance to support association with hepatitis C virus susceptibility and genetic predisposition to hepatocellular carcinoma. SNPs in genes such as XPC, FANCA, KDR and BRCA2 also suggested likely connections between hepatitis C virus susceptibility and the contraction of liver diseases. Single nucleotide polymorphisms reported here provided suggestions for genes as biomarkers and elucidated insights briefing the linkage of hepatitis C virulence to the alteration of healthy liver genomic landscape as well as liver disease progression.

Identification of differentially expressed genes regulated by molecular signature in breast cancer-associated fibroblasts by bioinformatics analysis

OBJECTIVE

Breast cancer is a severe risk to public health and has adequately convoluted pathogenesis. Therefore, the description of key molecular markers and pathways is of much importance for clarifying the molecular mechanism of breast cancer-associated fibroblasts initiation and progression. Breast cancer-associated fibroblasts gene expression dataset was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database.

METHODS

A total of nine samples, including three normal fibroblasts, three granulin-stimulated fibroblasts and three cancer-associated fibroblasts samples, were used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between normal fibroblasts, granulin-stimulated fibroblasts and cancer-associated fibroblasts samples. The gene ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis was performed, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the DEGs was constructed by NetworkAnalyst software.

RESULTS

Totally, 190 DEGs were identified, including 66 up-regulated and 124 down-regulated genes. GO analysis results showed that up-regulated DEGs were significantly enriched in biological processes (BP), including cell-cell signalling and negative regulation of cell proliferation; molecular function (MF), including insulin-like growth factor II binding and insulin-like growth factor I binding; cellular component (CC), including insulin-like growth factor binding protein complex and integral component of plasma membrane; the down-regulated DEGs were significantly enriched in BP, including cell adhesion and extracellular matrix organization; MF, including N-acetylgalactosamine 4-sulfate 6-O-sulfotransferase activity and calcium ion binding; CC, including extracellular space and extracellular matrix. WIKIPATHWAYS analysis showed the up-regulated DEGs were enriched in myometrial relaxation and contraction pathways. WIKIPATHWAYS, REACTOME, PID_NCI and KEGG pathway analysis showed the down-regulated DEGs were enriched endochondral ossification, TGF beta signalling pathway, integrin cell surface interactions, beta1 integrin cell surface interactions, malaria and glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis-chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulphate. The top 5 up-regulated hub genes, CDKN2A, MME, PBX1, IGFBP3, and TFAP2C and top 5 down-regulated hub genes VCAM1, KRT18, TGM2, ACTA2, and STAMBP were identified from the PPI network, and subnetworks revealed these genes were involved in significant pathways, including myometrial relaxation and contraction pathways, integrin cell surface interactions, beta1 integrin cell surface interaction. Besides, the target hsa-mirs for DEGs were identified. hsa-mir-759, hsa-mir-4446-5p, hsa-mir-219a-1-3p and hsa-mir-26a-5p were important miRNAs in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

We pinpoint important key genes and pathways closely related with breast cancer-associated fibroblasts initiation and progression by a series of bioinformatics analysis on DEGs. These screened genes and pathways provided for a more detailed molecular mechanism underlying breast cancer-associated fibroblasts occurrence and progression, holding promise for acting as molecular markers and probable therapeutic targets.

Cardiorenal disease connection during post-menopause: The protective role of estrogen in uremic toxins induced microvascular dysfunction

Female gender, post-menopause, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and (CKD linked) microvascular disease are important risk factors for developing heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Enhancing our understanding of the interrelation between these risk factors could greatly benefit the identification of new drug targets for future therapy. This review discusses the evidence for the protective role of estradiol (E₂) in CKD-associated microvascular disease and related HFpEF. Elevated circulating levels of uremic toxins (UTs) during CKD may act in synergy with hormonal changes during post-menopause and could lead to coronary microvascular endothelial dysfunction in HFpEF. To elucidate the molecular mechanism involved, published transcriptome datasets of indoxyl sulfate (IS), high inorganic phosphate (HP) or E₂ treated human derived endothelial cells from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus database were analyzed. In total, 36 genes overlapped in both IS- and HP-activated gene sets, 188 genes were increased by UTs (HP and/or IS) and decreased by E₂, and 572 genes were decreased by UTs and increased by E₂. Based on a comprehensive in silico analysis and literature studies of collected gene sets, we conclude that CKD-accumulated UTs could negatively impact renal and cardiac endothelial homeostasis by triggering extensive inflammatory responses and initiating dysregulation of angiogenesis. E₂ may protect (myo)endothelium by inhibiting UTs-induced inflammation and ameliorating UTs-related uremic bleeding and thrombotic diathesis via restored coagulation capacity and hemostasis in injured vessels.

Clonorchis sinensis excretory-secretory products promote the migration and invasion of cholangiocarcinoma cells by activating the integrin β4-FAK/Src signaling pathway

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a slow-growing but highly metastatic cancer. Its metastatic potential largely explains its high mortality rate. A recognized risk factor for CCA development is infection with the liver flukes Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis. We previously reported that the excretory-secretory products (ESPs) of C. sinensis promoted the three-dimensional aggregation and invasion of CCA cells. In the present study, a quantitative real-time PCR array of extracellular matrix (ECM) and adhesion molecules was used to examine the regulatory mechanism of ESP-mediated CCA cell migration and invasion. In particular, the expression levels of integrin α isoforms and β4 were upregulated in response to ESPs. Increased expression of integrin β4 was probably correlated with activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and the steroid receptor coactivator (Src) family kinase and the subsequent activation of two downstream focal adhesion molecules, paxillin and vinculin. Moreover, inhibition of FAK/Src activation reduced paxillin and vinculin phosphorylation and attenuated ESP-induced CCA cell migration and invasion. These findings suggest that the integrin β4-FAK/Src signaling axis may play a crucial role in clonorchiasis-associated CCA metastasis during tumor progression.

Site-specific gene expression profiling as a novel strategy for unravelling keloid disease pathobiology

Keloid disease (KD) is a fibroproliferative cutaneous tumour characterised by heterogeneity, excess collagen deposition and aggressive local invasion. Lack of a validated animal model and resistance to a multitude of current therapies has resulted in unsatisfactory clinical outcomes of KD management. In order to address KD from a new perspective, we applied for the first time a site-specific in situ microdissection and gene expression profiling approach, through combined laser capture microdissection and transcriptomic array. The aim here was to analyse the utility of this approach compared with established methods of investigation, including whole tissue biopsy and monolayer cell culture techniques. This study was designed to approach KD from a hypothesis-free and compartment-specific angle, using state-of-the-art microdissection and gene expression profiling technology. We sought to characterise expression differences between specific keloid lesional sites and elucidate potential contributions of significantly dysregulated genes to mechanisms underlying keloid pathobiology, thus informing future explorative research into KD. Here, we highlight the advantages of our in situ microdissection strategy in generating expression data with improved sensitivity and accuracy over traditional methods. This methodological approach supports an active role for the epidermis in the pathogenesis of KD through identification of genes and upstream regulators implicated in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, inflammation and immune modulation. We describe dermal expression patterns crucial to collagen deposition that are associated with TGFβ-mediated signalling, which have not previously been examined in KD. Additionally, this study supports the previously proposed presence of a cancer-like stem cell population in KD and explores the possible contribution of gene dysregulation to the resistance of KD to conventional therapy. Through this innovative in situ microdissection gene profiling approach, we provide better-defined gene signatures of distinct KD regions, thereby addressing KD heterogeneity, facilitating differential diagnosis with other cutaneous fibroses via transcriptional fingerprinting, and highlighting key areas for future KD research.

The extracellular matrix in cancer progression: Role of hyalectan proteoglycans and ADAMTS enzymes

Remodelling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) has emerged as a key factor in cancer progression. Proteoglycans, including versican and other hyalectans, represent major structural elements of the ECM where they interact with other important molecules, including the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan and the CD44 cell surface receptor. The hyalectan proteoglycans are regulated through cleavage by the proteolytic actions of A Disintegrin-like And Metalloproteinase domain with Thrombospondin-1 motif (ADAMTS) family members. Alteration in the balance between hyalectan proteoglycans and ADAMTS enzymes has been proposed to be a crucial factor in cancer progression either in a positive or negative manner depending on the context. Further complexity arises due to the formation of bioactive cleavage products, such as versikine, which may also play a role, and non-enzymatic functions for ADAMTS proteins. This research is providing fresh insights into cancer biology and opportunities for the development of new diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Parathyroid hormone induces expression and proteolytic processing of Rankl in primary murine osteoblasts

Rankl, the major pro-osteoclastogenic cytokine, is synthesized as a transmembrane protein that can be cleaved by specific endopeptidases to release a soluble form (sRankl). We have previously reported that interleukin-33 (IL-33) induces expression of Tnfsf11, the Rankl-encoding gene, in primary osteoblasts, but we failed to detect sRankl in the medium. Since we also found that PTH treatment caused sRankl release in a similar experimental setting, we directly compared the influence of the two molecules. Here we show that treatment of primary murine osteoblasts with PTH causes sRankl release into the medium, whereas IL-33 only induces Tnfsf11 expression. This difference was not explainable by alternative splicing or by PTH-specific induction of endopeptidases previously shown to facilitate Rankl processing. Since sRankl release after PTH administration was blocked in the presence a broad-spectrum matrix metalloprotease inhibitor, we applied genome-wide expression analyses to identify transcriptional targets of PTH in osteoblasts. We thereby confirmed some of the effects of PTH established in other systems, but additionally identified few PTH-induced genes encoding metalloproteases. By comparing expression of these genes following administration of IL-33, PTH and various other Tnfsf11-inducing molecules, we observed that PTH was the only molecule simultaneously inducing sRankl release and Adamts1 expression. The functional relevance of the putative influence of PTH on Rankl processing was further confirmed in vivo, as we found that daily injection of PTH into wildtype mice did not only increase bone formation, but also osteoclastogenesis and sRankl concentrations in the serum. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that transcriptional effects on Tnfsf11 expression do not generally trigger sRankl release and that PTH has a unique activity to promote the proteolytic processing of Rankl.

ADAMTS14 Gene Polymorphism and Environmental Risk in the Development of Oral Cancer

Background

Oral cancer is a common malignancy that is shown to be causally associated with hereditary and acquired factors. ADAMTS14 is a member of the ADAMTS (a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase domain with thrombospondin motifs) metalloproteinase family that plays an important role in extracellular matrix (ECM) assembly and degradation. Elevation or deficiency of certain ADAMTS proteinases has been known to be implicated in a wide range of pathological processes including atherosclerosis, arthritis, and cancer. The present study aimed to explore the impact of ADAMTS14 gene polymorphisms, combined with environmental risks on the susceptibility to oral tumorigenesis.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the ADAMTS14 gene, including rs10823607, rs12774070, rs4747096, and rs61573157 were evaluated from 1200 normal controls and 850 patients with oral cancer. We failed to detect a significant association of four individual SNPs with oral cancer between case and control group. However, while considering behavioral exposure of environmental carcinogens, the presence of four ADAMTS14 SNPs, combined with betel nut chewing and/or smoking, profoundly leveraged the risk of oral cancer. Moreover, we observed a significant association of rs12774070, which is predicted to alter the expression and function of ADAMTS14 by in silico and bioinformatics analyses, with poor tumor cell differentiation (AOR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.38–0.92; p = 0.02) in patients who chewed betel nuts.

Conclusions

These results implicate the interaction between ADAMTS14 gene polymorphisms and environmental mutagens as a risk factor of oral tumorigenesis and suggest a correlation of rs12774070 with the degree of oral tumor cell differentiation.

The Investigation of ADAMTS16 in Insulin-Induced Human Chondrosarcoma Cells

OBJECTIVES

A disintegrin-like metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) is a group of proteins that have enzymatic activity secreted by cells to the outside extracellular matrix. Insulin induces proteoglycan biosynthesis in chondrosarcoma chondrocytes. The purpose of the present in vitro study is to assess the time course effects of insulin on ADAMTS16 expression in OUMS-27 (human chondrosarcoma) cell line to examine whether insulin regulates ADAMTS16 expression as well as proteoglycan biosynthesis with multifaceted properties or not.

METHODS

Chondrosarcoma cells were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium having either 10 μg/mL insulin or not. While the experiment was going on, the medium containing insulin had been changed every other day. Cells were harvested at 1st, 3rd, 7th, and 11th days; subsequently, RNA and proteins were isolated in every experimental group according to their time interval. RNA expression of ADAMTS was estimated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) by using primers. Immunoreactive protein levels were encountered by the western blot protein detection technique by using proper anti-ADAMTS16 antibodies.

RESULTS

ADAMTS16 mRNA expression level of chondrosarcoma cells was found to be insignificantly decreased in chondrosarcoma cells induced by insulin detected by the qRT-PCR instrument. On the other hand, there was a gradual decrease in immune-reactant ADAMTS16 protein amount by the time course in insulin-treated cell groups when compared with control cells.

CONCLUSION

It has been suggested that insulin might possibly regulate ADAMTS16 levels/activities in OUMS-27 chondrosarcoma cells taking a role in extracellular matrix turnover.

Co-segregation of Freiberg's infraction with a familial translocation t(5;7)(p13.3;p22.2) ascertained by a child with cri du chat syndrome and brachydactyly type A1B

The identification of chromosomal breakpoints in association with human abnormal phenotypes can enable elucidation of gene function. We report on epiphyseal aseptic necrosis of the lesser head of the second metatarsal bone, known as Freiberg's infraction (FI), in two female carriers of the apparently balanced t(5;7)(p13.3;p22.2) ascertained by a 16-year-old girl with cri-du-chat syndrome and unusual skeletal features in association with an unbalanced translocation der(5) t(5;7)(p13.3;p22.2). Mapping of the chromosome breakpoints using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) narrowed them to the coding sequence of ADAMTS12 on chromosome 5p13.3 and SDK1 on 7p22.2. In addition, several skeletal abnormalities classified as brachydactyly type A1B (BDA1B) were present in the proband and in both carriers of t(5;7)(p13.3;p22.2), suggesting a potential role of ADAMTS12 in the development of the BDA1B observed in this family.