Downregulation of FOXP1 Inhibits Cell Proliferation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Inducing G1/S Phase Cell Cycle Arrest

Acute myeloid leukemia with unreported translocation (x; 3) (q24; p13): A case report

Key Clinical Message

Novel and rare chromosomal aberrations in AML are important to understand, particularly if associated with tumorigenesis and how they contribute to prognostic risk. It is important that acute leukemia be treated right away. Herein, novel (x; 3) (q24; p13) is described.

Abstract

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults. This type of cancer usually gets worse quickly if it is not treated. Here, we report an unusual case of AML with an unreported translocation associated with AML.

Transcriptomics yields valuable information regarding the response mechanisms of Chinese Min pigs infected with PEDV

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) causes porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED), a highly infectious disease, which has resulted in huge economic losses for the pig industry. To date, the pathogenic and immune response mechanism was not particularly clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the pathogenic and immune responses of pigs infected with PEDV.In this study, 12 Min pigs were randomly selected without taking colostrum. At 3 days old, eight piglets were infected with 1 mL of PEDV solution (10 TCID50/ml), and the remaining four piglets were handled by 1 mL of 0.9% normal saline. Within the age of 7 days old, four piglets died and were considered as the death group. Correspondingly, four alive individuals were classified into the resistance group. Tissues of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon, cecum, and rectum of piglets in the three groups were collected to measure the PEDV content. Additionally, the jejunum was used for the measurements and analyses of Hematoxylin-eosinstaining (HE), immunohistochemical sections, and transcriptomics. The phenotypes of Min piglets infected with PEDV showed that the viral copy numbers and jejunal damage had significant differences between the death and resistance groups. We also observed the transcriptome of the jejunum, and the differentially expressed (DE) analysis observed 6,585 DE protein-coding genes (PCGs), 3,188 DE long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and 350 DE microRNAs (miRNAs), which were mainly involved in immune response and metabolic pathways. Furthermore, the specific expressed molecules for each group were identified, and 97 PCGs,108 lncRNAs, and 51 miRNAs were included in the ceRNA-regulated networks. By weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and transcription factor (TF) prediction, 27 significant modules and 32 significant motifs (E-value < 0.05) annotated with 519 TFs were detected. Of these TFs, 53 were DE PCGs. In summary, the promising key PCGs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs related to the pathogenic and immunological response of pigs infected with PEDV were detected and provided new insights into the pathogenesis of PEDV.

FOXP1-GINS1 axis promotes DLBCL proliferation and directs doxorubicin resistance

GINS1 is overexpressed in several types of cancers including leukemia and linked to poor outcomes. However, GINS1 remains poorly investigated in DLBCL (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma). This project aimed to explore the expression, functions and regulation of GINS1 in DLBCL. In this study, through analysis of clinical specimens from DLBCL patients, we uncovered that GINS1 was upregulated in DLBCL. By EMSA, ChIP and luciferase reporter assays, it was found that FOXP1 transcriptionally activated GINS1 expression by directly binding to the promoter region of the GINS1 gene. Western blotting and RT-PCR also revealed that GINS1 expression positively correlated with FOXP1 in human DLBCL specimens and cell lines. In an in vivo xenograft lymphoma mouse model, the FOXP1/GINS1 regulatory axis was also validated. Moreover, with CCK8 cell proliferation assays and colony formation assay, elevated GINS1 expression was found to be associated with doxorubicin resistance in lymphoma cells. Our findings showed that the FOXP1-GINS1 axis played a critical role in DLBCL development and doxorubicin resistance, and targeting the FOXP1-GINS1 axis could be a potential therapeutic approach for DLBCL treatment.

MicroRNA-206 in human cancer: Mechanistic and clinical perspectives

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs approximately 20-25 nt in length, play important roles via directly binding to the corresponding 3' UTR of target mRNAs. Recent research has shown that miRNAs cover a wide range of diseases, including several types of cancer. It is interesting to note that miR-206 operates as a tumor suppressor and is downregulated in abundant cancer types, such as breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and so forth. Interestingly, a growing number of studies have also reported that miR-206 could function as an oncogene and promote tumor cell proliferation. Thereby, miR-206 may act as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors under certain conditions. In addition, it was widely acknowledged that restoring tumor-suppressor miR-206 has emerged as an unconventional cancer therapy strategy. Therefore, miR-206 might be a newfangled procedure for achieving a more significant treatment outcome for cancer patients. This review summarizes the role of miR-206 in several cancer types and the contributions made between miR-206 and the diagnosis, treatment, and drug resistance of solid tumors.

FOXP1 inhibits pancreatic cancer growth by transcriptionally regulating IRF1 expression

FOXP1, known as a Forkhead-box (FOX) family protein, plays an important role in human tumorigenesis. However, the function and molecular mechanism of FOXP1 in pancreatic cancer (PC) remain unclear. Here, we report that PC patients with FOXP1 overexpression had a higher survival rate compared to patients with low- FOXP1 expression. Additionally, high expression of FOXP1 can markedly inhibit the growth of pancreatic cancer in vivo and in vitro, whereas low expression of FOXP1 effectively promoted the tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, FOXP1 could directly bind the IRF1 promoter, which triggered the transcriptional activity of IRF1. Taken together, FOXP1 suppressed PC growth via IRF1-dependent manner, serving as a potential prognostic biomarker for patients with PC.

Comprehensive investigating of MMR gene in hepatocellular carcinoma with chronic hepatitis B virus infection in Han Chinese population

Hepatocellular carcinoma associated with chronic hepatitis B virus infection seriously affects human health. Present studies suggest that genetic susceptibility plays an important role in the mechanism of cancer development. Therefore, this study focused on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of MMR genes associated with HBV-HCC. Five groups of participants were included in this study, which were healthy control group (HC), spontaneous clearance (SC), chronic hepatitis B group (CHB), HBV-related liver cirrhosis group (LC) and HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma group (HBV-HCC). A total of 3128 participants met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for this study. 20 polymorphic loci on MSH2, MSH3 and MSH6 were selected for genotyping. There were four case-control studies, which were HC vs. HCC, SC vs. HCC, CHB vs. HCC and LC vs. HCC. We used Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test, unconditional logistic regression, haplotype analysis, and gene-gene interaction for genetic analysis. Ultimately, after excluding confounding factors such as age, gender, smoking and drinking, 12 polymorphisms were found to be associated with genetic susceptibility to HCC. Haplotype analysis showed the risk haplotype GTTT (rs1805355_G, rs3776968_T, rs1428030_C, rs181747_C) was more frequent in the HCC group compared with the HC group. The GMDR analysis showed that the best interaction model was the three-factor model of MSH2-rs1981928, MSH3-rs26779 and MSH6-rs2348244 in SC vs. HCC group (P=0.001). In addition, we found multiplicative or additive interactions between genes in our selected SNPs. These findings provide new ideas to further explore the etiology and pathogenesis of HCC. We have attempted to explain the molecular mechanisms by which certain SNPs (MSH2-rs4952887, MSH3-rs26779, MSH3-rs181747 and MSH3-rs32950) affect genetic susceptibility to HCC from the perspectives of eQTL, TFBS, cell cycle and so on. We also explained the results of haplotypes and gene-gene interactions. These findings provide new ideas to further explore the etiology and pathogenesis of HCC.

Neglected, yet significant role of FOXP1 in T-cell quiescence, differentiation and exhaustion

FOXP1 is ubiquitously expressed in the human body and is implicated in both physiological and pathological processes including cancer. However, despite its importance the role of FOXP1 in T-cells has not been extensively studied. Although relatively few phenotypic and mechanistic details are available, FOXP1 role in T-cell quiescence and differentiation of CD4+ subsets has recently been established. FOXP1 prevents spontaneous T-cell activation, preserves memory potential, and regulates the development of follicular helper and regulatory T-cells. Moreover, there is growing evidence that FOXP1 also regulates T-cell exhaustion. Altogether this makes FOXP1 a crucial and highly undervalued regulator of T-cell homeostasis. In this review, we discuss the biology of FOXP1 with a focus on discoveries made in T-cells in recent years.

Transcription factor FOXP1 mediates vascular endothelial dysfunction in diabetic retinopathy

BACKGROUND

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is still the fastest growing cause of blindness in working aged adults, and its typical characteristics are endothelial cell dysfunction and pericytes loss. Transcription factor fork head box P1 (FOXP1) is a member of FOX family involved in diabetes progression and is expressed in endothelial cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role and mechanism of FOXP1 in DR.

METHODS

The vitreous of DR patients and non-DR patients were collected, and the expression of FOXP1 was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cultured in high glucose simulated DR environment, and the expressions of FOXP1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) were detected by RT-qPCR and western blot (WB) after transfection of small interfering RNA (siRNA) to knock out FOXP1. At the same time, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay (MTT), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assay (EDU), flow cytometry, Transwell assay, and tube-forming experiment were performed to determine cell proliferation, migration, and tube-forming ability.

RESULTS

We found that FOXP1 was highly expressed in the vitreous of DR patients and HUVECs under high glucose condition. After FOXP1 was decreased, the activation of VEGF expression and inhibition of PEDF expression in HUVECs induced by high glucose were reversed; meanwhile, cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation decreased, and apoptosis was promoted.

CONCLUSION

Generally, FOXP1 is highly expressed in the vitreous of DR patients, and its silence prevented VEGF/PEDF signaling pathway stimulated by high glucose and also reduced the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of endothelial cell, thus improving vascular endothelial dysfunction caused by DR. The results indicate that FOXP1 may be a therapeutic target of DR.

Impact of FOXP1 rs2687201 genetic variant on the susceptibility to HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma in Egyptians

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes a challenging health problem in Egypt due to the high incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Improved understanding of genetic mechanisms underlying the individual predisposition to HCC will lead to enhancements in the early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this disease. Transcription factor forkhead box P1 (FOXP1) is involved in the cellular processes of proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, and longevity. In addition, it has been implicated in hepatic tumorigenesis. The present study explored the association of C/A single-nucleotide polymorphism in the FOXP1 gene (rs2687201) with HCC susceptibility in HCV Egyptian patients. The study included 108 patients with HCV-dependant HCC, 86 HCV patients, and 80- age and gender-matched healthy controls. rs2687201 genotyping was performed by allelic discrimination method using TaqMan real-time PCR assays while FOXP1 gene expression and protein level were determined using qRT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunoassay, respectively. Our results revealed a significant association between FOXP1 rs2687201 and HCC risk where (A) allele was significantly more frequent in patients with HCC compared to controls (odds ratio [OR]: 1.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17-3.04, p = 0.01) and to HCV patients (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.62-2.94, p = 0.012). Furthermore, FOXP1 gene and protein expression levels were remarkably higher in (CA + AA) than in CC genotype carriers in a dominant model. The (CA + AA) genotype displayed a significantly shorter overall survival than the CC genotype in HCC patients. In conclusion, FOXP1 gene polymorphism rs2687201 is significantly associated with HCC, but not with HCV infection, in Egyptian patients.

Exosomal and non-exosomal miRNA expression levels in patients with HCV-related cirrhosis and liver cancer

Patients with HCV-related cirrhosis are at risk for liver cancer development. For these patients miRNAs may serve as preclinical markers, which expression levels are deregulated in cancer and which are stable to the damaging factors partly through complex formation with proteins or packaging into exosomes. In this research we have tried to identify what miRNA fraction in plasma – exosomal or not packed into exosomes (non-exosomal) – is stronger associated with primary liver cancer. The second question was whether saliva miRNA expression levels – both exosomal and non-exosomal – are associated with primary liver cancer. We evaluated exosomal and non-exosomal miRNAs – let-7a-5p, -16-5p, -18a-5p, -21-5p, -22-3p, -34a-5p, -103a-3p, -122-5p, -221-3p, -222-3p – in plasma and saliva of patients with HCV-related liver cirrhosis (n = 24), primary liver cancer (n = 24) and healthy volunteers (n = 21). Relative expression level was calculated with normalization of exosomal miRNA to exosomal miRNA-16-5p, non-exosomal miRNA to non-exosomal miRNA-16-5p and as a ratio of exosomal miRNA to non-exosomal miRNA. In this study, non-exosomal miRNAs (let-7a, miRNA-21-5p, -22-3p, -103a, -122-5p, -221-3p and 222-3p) normalized to non-exosomal miRNA-16-5p showed strong association with liver cancer in plasma. Three miRNAs, those with the mostly pronounced change of expression levels in plasma, – miRNA-21-5p, 122-5p, 221-3p – were detected in saliva. In contrast, exosomal miRNAs show stronger association with primary liver over non-exosomal miRNAs when working with saliva. Thus, depending on the examined biological material both miRNA fractions may serve as a valuable source for diagnostic and prognostic data.

circRNA hsa_circ_104566 Sponged miR-338-3p to Promote Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) could sponge micro-RNAs (miRNAs) to regulate tumor progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hsa_circ_104566 contributes to papillary thyroid carcinoma progression. However, the tumorigenic mechanism of hsa_circ_104566 on HCC remains enigmatic. The role of hsa_circ_104566 on HCC was therefore evaluated in this study. First, the high expression of hsa_circ_104566 was found in HCC tissues, which was significantly associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. Second, Hsa_circ_104566 promoted HCC progression by decreasing apoptosis and E-cadherin, while increasing cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, and N-cadherin. On the other hand, HCC progression was suppressed by knockdown of hsa_circ_104566. Hsa_circ_104566 could target miR-338-3p, and its expression was negatively correlated with miR-338-3p in HCC patients. Moreover, miR-338-3p suppressed protein expression of Forkhead box protein 1 (FOXP1) and had a negative correlation with FOXP1 in HCC patients. Functional assay further indicated that the promotion of HCC progression by hsa_circ_104566 was reversed by miR-338-3p, and miR-338-3p inhibitor could counteract the effect of hsa_circ_104566 knockdown on the suppression of HCC progression. In vivo assay indicated that hsa_circ_104566 knockdown suppressed HCC tumor growth and metastasis. In conclusion, hsa_circ_104566 sponged miR-338-3p to promote HCC progression, providing a potential therapeutic target for cancer intervention.

FOXP1 and NDRG1 act differentially as downstream effectors of RAD9-mediated prostate cancer cell functions

Metastatic progression is the key feature of prostate cancer primarily responsible for mortality caused by this disease. RAD9 is an oncogene for prostate cancer, and the encoded protein enhances metastasis-related phenotypes. RAD9 is a transcription factor with a limited set of regulated target genes, but the complete list of downstream genes critical for prostate carcinogenesis is unknown. We used microarray gene expression profiling and chromatin immunoprecipitation in parallel to identify genes transcriptionally controlled by RAD9 that contribute to this cancer. We found expression of 44 genes altered in human prostate cancer DU145 cells when RAD9 is knocked down by siRNA, and all of them bind RAD9 at their genomic location. FOXP1 and NDRG1 were down regulated when RAD9 expression was reduced, and we evaluated them further. We demonstrate that reduced RAD9, FOXP1 or NDGR1 expression decreases cell proliferation, rapid migration, anchorage-independent growth, anoikis resistance, and aerobic glycolysis. Ectopic expression of FOXP1 or NDRG1 partially restored aerobic glycolysis to prostate cancer cells with reduced RAD9 abundance, but only FOXP1 significantly complemented the other deficiencies. We thus show, for the first time, that RAD9 regulates FOXP1 and NDRG1 expression, and they function differently as downstream effectors for RAD9-mediated prostate cancer cell activities.

Overexpression of NOP58 as a Prognostic Marker in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A TCGA Data-Based Analysis

INTRODUCTION

NOP58 ribonucleoprotein, a core component of box C/D small nucleolar ribonucleoproteins, is involved in various cell physiological processes. However, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains very unclear. We aim to investigate NOP58 expression and its probable prognostic value in patients with HCC based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database.

METHODS

RNA sequencing data and clinicopathological characteristics of patients with HCC were collected from TCGA database. Expression of NOP58 in HCC tissues and normal tissues was analyzed by Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Patients were divided into high and low subgroups according to median expression of NOP58. Logistic regression, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) were conducted to annotate biological function and immune infiltration of NOP58.

RESULTS

NOP58 was significantly overexpressed in HCC tissues and correlated with significantly high tumor stage [odds ratio (OR) 10.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 10.01-10.03; P = 0.003], advanced pathologic stage (OR 10.02, 95% CI 10.01-10.03; P < 0.001), advanced histologic stage (OR 10.03, 95% CI 10.02-10.04; P < 0.001), vascular invasion (OR 10.02, 95% CI 10.01-10.03; P = 0.003), poor performance status (OR 10.01, 95% CI 10.01-10.03; P = 0.003), and Mut-TP53 status (OR 10.02, 95% CI 10.01-10.03; P < 0.001). Elevated NOP58 expression had poor disease-specific survival (DSS; P < 0.001), progression-free interval (P = 0.006), and overall survival (OS; P < 0.001). NOP58 expression was independently correlated with OS (HR 1.731, 95% CI 10.037-2.890; P = 0.036). GSEA demonstrated that various cell cycle pathways along with RB-1 pathway, interleukin-10 signaling, regulation of TP53 activity, and P53 downstream pathway were differentially enriched in NOP58 high expression phenotype. NOP58 expression was positively correlated with infiltrating the levels of T helper type 2 (Th2) cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Overexpression of NOP58 is negatively correlated with overall survival in patients with HCC and might be a potential biomarker for prognosis of HCC.

CircRNA_OTUD7A upregulates FOXP1 expression to facilitate the progression of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma via acting as a sponge of miR-431-5p

BACKGROUND

A growing number of studies have shown that circular RNA (circRNA) is an important regulator molecule in cancer progression, but it has been poorly studied in diffuse large b-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the role of circ_OTUD7A in DLBCL.

METHODS

Relative expression levels of circ_OTUD7A, microRNA (miR)-431-5p and forkhead box P1 (FOXP1) were determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The proliferation of cells was elevated by colony formation assay and MTT assay. Western blot (WB) analysis was employed to measure the protein levels of proliferation marker, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, cyclin marker, apoptosis markers and FOXP1. Moreover, the apoptosis, cell cycle process, migration and invasion of cells were detected using flow cytometry and transwell assay, respectively. In addition, the interaction between miR-431-5p and circ_OTUD7A or FOXP1 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

Circ_OTUD7A was highly expressed in DLBCL, and its knockdown could inhibit DLBCL cell proliferation and metastasis, while promote cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Similarly, FOXP1 also was upregulated in DLBCL, and its silencing could restrain the progression of DLBCL cells. Further experiments revealed that circ_OTUD7A could sponge miR-431-5p and miR-431-5p could target FOXP1. MiR-431-5p inhibitor could reverse the suppressive effect of circ_OTUD7A silencing on DLBCL progression, and FOXP1 overexpression also could reverse the inhibitory effect of miR-431-5p mimic on DLBCL progression.

CONCLUSION

Circ_OTUD7A promoted the progression of DLBCL by regulating the miR-431-5p/FOXP1 axis, which suggested that circ_OTUD7A might function as an oncogene in DLBCL.

FOXP1 drives osteosarcoma development by repressing P21 and RB transcription downstream of P53

Osteosarcoma has a poor prognosis, and the poor understanding of the genetic drivers of osteosarcoma hinders further improvement in therapeutic approaches. Transcription factor forkhead box P1 (FOXP1) is a crucial modulator in skeletal development and aging. Here, we determined the role and regulatory mechanisms of FOXP1 in osteosarcoma. Higher FOXP1 expression correlated with malignancy in both osteosarcoma cell lines and clinical biopsies. FOXP1 overexpression and knockdown in osteosarcoma cell lines revealed that FOXP1 promoted proliferation, tumor sphere formation, migration and invasion, and inhibited anoikis. Mechanistically, FOXP1 acted as a repressor of P21 and RB (retinoblastoma protein) transcription, and directly interacted with the tumor suppressor p53 to inhibit its activity. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (ERK/JNK) signaling and c-JUN/c-FOS transcription factors were found to be upstream activators of FOXP1. Moreover, FOXP1 silencing via lentivirus or adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated delivery of shRNA suppressed osteosarcoma development and progression in cell-derived and patient-derived xenograft animal models. Taken together, we demonstrate that FOXP1, which is transactivated by ERK/JNK-c-JUN/c-FOS, drives osteosarcoma development by regulating the p53-P21/RB signaling cascade, suggesting that FOXP1 is a potential target for osteosarcoma therapy.

A novel epigenetic regulation of circFoxp1 on Foxp1 in colon cancer cells

Foxp1 is a tumor suppressor in colon cancer. However, circFoxp1 derived from Foxp1 is an oncogene. In this study, we aim to investigate the role of circFoxp1 in colon cancer and the regulatory mechanism between circFoxp1 and Foxp1. 78 human colon tumor tissues and the matched paracancerous tissues were collected. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, quantitative methylation-specific PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, CCK-8 assay, and Tumor xenograft in nude mice were performed. The expression of circFoxp1 was increased and Foxp1 was reduced in colon cancer tissues, which were associated with a poor overall survival rate of the patients with colon cancer. CircFoxp1 recruited DNMT1 to the promoter of Foxp1, leading to promotor hypermethylation, thereby inhibiting Foxp1 transcription. Interfering circFoxp1 by siRNA in SW620 cells significantly inhibited cell viability, while knockdown Foxp1 expression partially restored SW620 cell viability. In addition, knockdown of circFoxp1 significantly sensitized colon cancer cells to Capecitabine in vitro and vivo through regulating Foxp1. We discovered a novel epigenetic pathway that circFoxp1 regulated Foxp1 in colon cancer cells. CircFoxp1 may regulate DNA methylation and demethylation to coordinate colon cancer cell proliferation and participate in chemotherapy drug responses. Therefore, circFoxp1 may be a potential therapeutic target for colon cancer.

Knockdown of LINC00473 Enhances Radiosensitivity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Regulating the miR-345-5p/FOXP1 Axis

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer. Radioresistance is a significant obstacle in HCC therapy. Long non-coding RNA 473 (LINC00473) has been found to impair the effect of radiotherapy. This study aimed to explore the function and molecular basis of LINC00473 in the radiosensitivity of HCC cells.

Methods

The levels of LINC00473, miR-345-5p and Forkhead Box P1 (FOXP1) were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cell viability was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Survival fraction was calculated by colony survival assay after exposure to different doses of radiation. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. The interaction among LINC00473, miR-345-5p and FOXP1 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The protein level of FOXP1 was detected by Western blot assay.

Results

LINC00473 and FOXP1 were up-regulated, while miR-345-5p was down-regulated in HCC tissues and cells. Radiation elevated LINC00473 expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Depletion of LINC00473 inhibited proliferation and heightened radiosensitivity and apoptosis in HCC cells. In addition, LINC00473 was a sponge of miR-345-5p. Also, miR-345-5p overexpression sensitized HCC cells to radiation. Moreover, miR-345-5p directly targeted FOXP1. MiR-345-5p inhibition or FOXP1 up-regulation reversed the enhanced radiosensitivity caused by LINC00473 knockdown.

Conclusion

LINC00473 contributed to radioresistance in HCC via modulating the miR-345-5p/FOXP1 axis, which might provide a promising diagnostic marker for HCC radiotherapy.

miR-29c-3p inhibits autophagy and cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer by regulating FOXP1/ATG14 pathway

Autophagy, characterized by the elevator of autophagy-related gene 14 (ATG14) and the dysregulation of autophagy-related proteins, contributes to the cisplatin (DDP) resistance in ovarian cancer. Forkhead box protein P1 (FOXP1), which is a well-defined transcription factor, is reported to have the oncogenic effect on ovarian cancer. This study aims to identify the effect of miR-29c-3p/FOXP1/ATG14 pathway in regulating autophagy and DDP resistance in ovarian cancer. The expressions of miR-29c-3p, FOXP1, ATG14 and autophagy-related proteins were detected in DDP-sensitive ovarian cancer cell lines (SKOV3 and A2780) and DDP-resistant cell lines (SKOV3/DDP and A2780/DDP). Cell viability was detected using the MTT assay. The therapeutic effect of miR-29c-3p overexpression was observed in the xenograft model of nude mice.Compared with DDP-sensitive cells, miR-29c-3p was decreased in DDP-resistant cells, and an enhancement of FOXP1, ATG14, autophagy, and drug resistance was shown in DDP-resistant cells. The anti-resistant effect of miR-29c-3p was observed as overexpressing miR-29c-3p inhibited cell viability of DDP-resistant cells. Moreover, FOXP1 was a target of miR-29c-3p, which was confirmed by the luciferase reporter assay, and ATG14 was transactivated by FOXP1, which was confirmed by the ChIP assay. Overexpression of miR-29c-3p increased DDP sensitivity by downregulating FOXP1/ATG14 in vitro. The tumor volume was reduced after the injection of miR-29c-3p-overexpressing SKOV3/DDP cells in vivo. Overexpression of miR-29c-3p inhibited autophagy and DDP resistance partly via downregulating FOXP1/ATG14 pathway, suggesting miR-29c-3p as a novel target in overcoming DDP resistance in ovarian cancer.

Molecular networks of FOXP family: dual biologic functions, interplay with other molecules and clinical implications in cancer progression

Though Forkhead box P (FOXP) transcription factors comprising of FOXP1, FOXP2, FOXP3 and FOXP4 are involved in the embryonic development, immune disorders and cancer progression, the underlying function of FOXP3 targeting CD4 + CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells and the dual roles of FOXP proteins as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor are unclear and controversial in cancers to date. Thus, the present review highlighted research history, dual roles of FOXP proteins as a tumor suppressor or an oncogene, their molecular networks with other proteins and noncoding RNAs, cellular immunotherapy targeting FOXP3, and clinical implications in cancer progression.

High Levels of Prebiotic Resistant Starch in Diet Modulate Gene Expression and Metabolomic Profile in Pancreatic Cancer Xenograft Mice

Cancer initiation and protection mainly derives from a systemic metabolic environment regulated by dietary patterns. Less is known about the impact of nutritional interventions in people with a diagnosis of cancer. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of a diet rich in resistant starch (RS) on cell pathways modulation and metabolomic phenotype in pancreatic cancer xenograft mice. RNA-Seq experiments on tumor tissue showed that 25 genes resulted in dysregulated pancreatic cancer in mice fed with an RS diet, as compared to those fed with control diet. Moreover, in these two different mice groups, six serum metabolites were deregulated as detected by LC–MS analysis. A bioinformatic prediction analysis showed the involvement of the differentially expressed genes on insulin receptor signaling, circadian rhythm signaling, and cancer drug resistance among the three top canonical pathways, whilst cell death and survival, gene expression, and neurological disease were among the three top disease and biological functions. These findings shed light on the genomic and metabolic phenotype, contributing to the knowledge of the mechanisms through which RS may act as a potential supportive approach for enhancing the efficacy of existing cancer treatments.

Upregulation of FoxP4 in HCC promotes migration and invasion through regulation of EMT

Previous studies have indicated that FoxP1, FoxP2 and FoxP3 play important roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the effect of FoxP4 in HCC requires further elucidation. The aim of the present study was to explore the roles of FoxP4 in HCC and further decipher the detailed mechanism. In present study, it was found that FoxP4, which is overexpressed in HCC tissues and cell lines, facilitated EMT in HCC cell lines through regulation of Slug. First, increased expression of FoxP4 was identified in 110 pairs of human HCC tumor and their adjacent normal tissues. In addition, the association between FoxP4 expression and clinicopathological features of HCC patients indicated that FoxP4 played vital roles in HCC development. Subsequently, gain- and loss-of-function experiments indicated that FoxP4 promoted cellular proliferation, migration as well invasion. In addition, EMT, a key mechanism during cancer metastasis, was regulated by FoxP4. Furthermore, ChIP and qChIP as well as luciferase reporter assays indicated that Slug, an EMT-associated transcription factor, was transcriptionally regulated by FoxP4. In conclusion, FoxP4 functioned as a tumor promoter in HCC cells by transcriptionally regulating Slug, and the present study highlighted the potential effects of FoxP4 on the prognosis and treatment of HCC.

FOXP1 negatively regulates tumor infiltrating lymphocyte migration in human breast cancer

Background

FOXP1, a transcriptional regulator of lymphocyte development, is abnormally expressed in some human tumors. This study investigated FOXP1-mediated regulation of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in untreated primary breast cancer (BC).

Methods

FOXP1 expression was analyzed in tissues from primary untreated breast tumors, BC cell lines and the METABRIC gene expression BC dataset. Cytokine and chemokine expression and lymphocyte migration in response to primary tumor supernatants (SN) was compared between FOXP1^hi and FOXP1^lo primary BC.

Finding

FOXP1 expression was higher in estrogen receptor positive compared to negative BC. FOXP1^hi tumors were significantly associated with lower TIL and fewer tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) compared to FOXP1^lo BC. Silencing FOXP1 in BC cell lines positively impacted cytokine and chemokine expression with the inverse effect associated with overexpression. CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCL13, CX3CL, CCL20, IL2, IL21, GZMB and IFNG expression decreased while IL10 and TGFβ increased in FOXP1^hi compared to FOXP1^lo primary BC. Lymphocyte migration using primary BC supernatants detected decreased mobility toward FOXP1^hi supernatants. FOXP1^lo BC expresses higher levels of chemokines driving TIL migration. The METABRIC gene expression dataset analysis show FOXP1 expression is associated with unfavorable BC outcomes.

Interpretation

These data identify FOXP1 as an important negative regulator of immune responses in BC via its regulation of cytokine and chemokine expression.

Fund

Belgian Fund for Scientific Research (FNRS 3.4513.12F) and Opération Télévie (7.4636.13F and 7.4609.15F), Fonds J.C. Heuson and Fonds Lambeau-Marteaux.

Upregulation of FOXP1 is a new independent unfavorable prognosticator and a specific predictor of lymphatic dissemination in cutaneous melanoma patients

Background

FOXP1 is a pleiotropic protein that plays important roles in immune responses (B-cell development regulation and differentiation of monocyte), organ development (cardiac valves, lung, and esophagus), and neuronal development. Besides being the primary regulator of normal human tissue development, FOXP1 also plays a role in tumorigenesis. However, the potential value of FOXP1 expression in tumor prognosis remains controversial. FOXP1 expression was assessed in tumor cells (TCs) and stromal cells (SCs) of cutaneous melanomas with the aim of analyzing the associations between FOXP1 expression and clinicopathological characteristics. We believe this article to be the first report analyzing the correlations between FOXP1 expression and clinicopathological, as well as histological, characteristics in melanoma.

Materials and methods

In total, 96 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded primary cutaneous melanoma tissue specimens were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis for FOXP1, and the results were correlated with classical clinicopathological features and patient survival.

Results

FOXP1 overexpression in TCs was strongly associated with the presence of metastases in sentinel lymph nodes (p=0.0003, OR=11.66) and positive status of regional lymph nodes (p=0.0006, OR=22.15). In 96% (52 of 54) of patients presenting with low FOXP1 expression, no clinical or histopathological features of lymphatic dissemination were observed. However, thinner and nonulcerated tumors were reported to have increased numbers of FOXP1-positive SCs. In addition, a strong association was observed between FOXP1 upregulation in SCs and the absence of regional lymph node metastases. There was a significant correlation between FOXP1 upregulation in TCs and shorter cancer-specific overall survival (log-rank test, p=0.0040) and disease-free survival (log-rank test, p=0.0021). FOXP1 expression was confirmed in multivariate analysis as a factor that significantly unfavorably impacts prognosis in melanoma patients (HR=3.14, p=0.0299, adjusted for age, Breslow thickness, and sex).

Conclusion

The findings from this study indicate that FOXP1 has a major role in melanoma progression, which makes it a candidate for molecular target-based cancer therapy.

Biosynthesis of MgO nanoparticles using mushroom extract: effect on peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) seed germination

Current study describes the green, environmental friendly, and cost-effectiveness technique for the preparation of MgO nanoparticles (NPs) via white button mushroom aqueous extract. The synthesized MgO NPs were characterized using equipments such as X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) for average crystalline size, particle size, morphology, elemental analysis, and weight loss of the materials, respectively. This study reports the application of gardened sizes of (20, 18.5, 18, 16.5, and 15 nm) biosynthesized MgO NPs on seed germination. The smaller size (15 nm) MgO NPs have been enhanced the seed germination and growth parameters as compared with remaining sizes of MgO NPs and control. The magnesium oxide NPs penetrates into peanut seeds and affecting on seed germination and growth rate mechanism. In addition, this germination found to be high in seeds than germination on selected soil plot MgO NPs (0.5 mg/L stable concentrations) compared to different size of MgO NPs and control. Physicochemical methods indicated that the MgO NPs are able to penetrate into the seed coat and support water uptake inside of seeds. Probably, this positive effect may cause for the uptake of MgO NPs by the plants, as indicated in the UV and SEM analyses. As the smaller size (15 nm) of MgO NPs particles stimulates the development of seedling and growth enhancement of peanut, it clearly indicates that the current study is helpful in growing of peanuts in large-scale agricultural production.