Role of Periostin Expression in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Periostin Silencing Inhibits the Migration and Invasion of Lung Cancer Cells via Regulation of MMP-2 Expression

Biphenylsulfonamides as effective MMP-2 inhibitors with promising antileukemic efficacy: Synthesis, in vitro biological evaluation, molecular docking, and MD simulation analysis

Overexpression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) possesses a correlation with leukemia especially chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, no such MMP-2 inhibitor has come out in the market to date for treating leukemia. In this study, synthesis, biological evaluation, and molecular modeling studies of a set of biphenylsulfonamide derivatives as promising MMP-2 inhibitors were performed, focusing on their potential applications as antileukemic therapeutics. Compounds DH-18 and DH-19 exerted the most effective MMP-2 inhibition (IC50 of 139.45 nM and 115.16 nM, respectively) with potent antileukemic efficacy against the CML cell line K562 (IC50 of 0.338 µM and 0.398 µM, respectively). The lead molecules DH-18 and DH-19 reduced the MMP-2 expression by 21.3% and 17.8%, respectively with effective apoptotic induction (45.4% and 39.8%, respectively) in the K562 cell line. Moreover, both these compounds significantly arrested different phases of the cell cycle. Again, both these molecules depicted promising antiangiogenic efficacy in the ACHN cell line. Nevertheless, the molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies revealed that DH-18 formed strong bidentate chelation with the catalytic Zn2+ ion through the hydroxamate zinc binding group (ZBG). Apart from that, the MD simulation study also disclosed stable binding interactions of DH-18 and MMP-2 along with crucial interactions with active site amino acid residues namely His120, Glu121, His124, His130, Pro140, and Tyr142. In a nutshell, this study highlighted the importance of biphenylsulfonamide-based novel and promising MMP-2 inhibitors to open up a new avenue for potential therapy against CML.

Correlation between Periostin Expression and Pro-Angiogenic Factors in Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma

The role of periostin (POSTN) in remodeling the microenvironment surrounding solid tumors and its effect on the tumor cells in non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) have not yet been fully understood. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between POSTN expression (in tumor cells [NSCLC cells] and the tumor stroma) and pro-angiogenic factors (CD31, CD34, CD105, and VEGF-A) and microvascular density (MVD) in NSCLC. In addition, these associations were analyzed in individual histological subtypes of NSCLC (SCC, AC, and LCC) and their correlations with clinicopathological factors and prognosis were examined. Immunohistochemistry using tissue microarrays (TMAs) was used to assess the expression of POSTN (in tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts [CAFs]) and the pro-angiogenic factors. A significant positive correlation was found between the expression of POSTN (in cancer cells/CAFs) and the expression of the analyzed pro-angiogenic factors (CD31, CD34, CD105, and VEGF-A) and MVD in the entire population of patients with NSCLC and individual histological subtypes (AC, SCC). In addition, this study found that POSTN expression (in tumor cells/CAFs) increased with tumor size (pT), histopathological grade (G), and lymph-node involvement (pN). In addition, a high expression of POSTN (in tumor cells and CAFs) was associated with shorter survival among patients with NSCLC. In conclusion, a high expression of POSTN (in cancer cells and CAFs) may be crucial for angiogenesis and NSCLC progression and can constitute an independent prognostic factor for NSCLC.

A Comprehensive Review of Protein Biomarkers for Invasive Lung Cancer

Invasion and metastasis are important hallmarks of lung cancer, and affect patients' survival. Early diagnostics of metastatic potential are important for treatment management. Recent findings suggest that the transition to an invasive phenotype causes changes in the expression of 700-800 genes. In this context, the biomarkers restricted to the specific type of cancer, like lung cancer, are often overlooked. Some well-known protein biomarkers correlate with the progression of the disease and the immunogenicity of the tumor. Most of these biomarkers are not exclusive to lung cancer because of their significant role in tumorigenesis. The dysregulation of others does not necessarily indicate cell invasiveness, as they play an active role in cell division. Clinical studies of lung cancer use protein biomarkers to assess the invasiveness of cancer cells for therapeutic purposes. However, there is still a need to discover new biomarkers for lung cancer. In the future, minimally invasive techniques, such as blood or saliva analyses, may be sufficient for this purpose. Many researchers suggest unconventional biomarkers, like circulating nucleic acids, exosomal proteins, and autoantibodies. This review paper aims to discuss the advantages and limitations of protein biomarkers of invasiveness in lung cancer, to assess their prognostic value, and propose novel biomarker candidates.

Irisin ameliorates UUO-induced renal interstitial fibrosis through TGF-β1/periostin/MMP-2 signaling pathway

Renal fibrosis is the most common pathway in progressive kidney diseases. The unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model is used to induce progressive renal fibrosis. We evaluated the effects of irisin on renal interstitial fibrosis in UUO mice. The GSE121190, GSE36496, GSE42303, and GSE96101 datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. In total, 656 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in normal and UUO mouse renal samples. Periostin and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) were selected to evaluate the effect of irisin on renal fibrosis in UUO mice. In UUO mice, irisin ameliorated renal function, decreased the expression of periostin and MMP-2, and attenuated epithelial-mesenchymal transition and extracellular matrix deposition in renal tissues. In HK-2 cells, irisin treatment markedly attenuated TGF-β1-induced expression of periostin and MMP-2. Irisin treatment also inhibited TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition, extracellular matrix formation, and inflammatory responses. These protective effects of irisin were abolished by the overexpression of periostin and MMP-2. In summary, irisin treatment can improve UUO-induced renal interstitial fibrosis through the TGF-β1/periostin/MMP-2 signaling pathway, suggesting that irisin may be used for the treatment of renal interstitial fibrosis.

Integrated bioinformatics analysis reveals upregulated extracellular matrix hub genes in pancreatic cancer: Implications for diagnosis, prognosis, immune infiltration, and therapeutic strategies

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer (PC) stands out as one of the most formidable malignancies and exhibits an exceptionally unfavorable clinical prognosis due to the absence of well-defined diagnostic indicators and its tendency to develop resistance to therapeutic interventions. The primary objective of this present study was to identify extracellular matrix (ECM)-related hub genes (HGs) and their corresponding molecular signatures, with the intent of potentially utilizing them as biomarkers for diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic applications.

METHODS

Three microarray datasets were sourced from the NCBI database to acquire upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs), while MatrisomeDB was employed for filtering ECM-related genes. Subsequently, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established using the STRING database. The created network was visually inspected through Cytoscape, and HGs were identified using the CytoHubba plugin tool. Furthermore, enrichment analysis, expression pattern analysis, clinicopathological correlation, survival analysis, immune cell infiltration analysis, and examination of chemical compounds were carried out using Enrichr, GEPIA2, ULCAN, Kaplan Meier plotter, TIMER2.0, and CTD web platforms, respectively. The diagnostic and prognostic significance of HGs was evaluated through the ROC curve analysis.

RESULTS

Ten genes associated with ECM functions were identified as HGs among 131 DEGs obtained from microarray datasets. Notably, the expression of these HGs exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) higher in PC, demonstrating a clear association with tumor advancement. Remarkably, higher expression levels of these HGs were inversely correlated with the likelihood of patient survival. Moreover, ROC curve analysis revealed that identified HGs are promising biomarkers for both diagnostic (AUC > 0.75) and prognostic (AUC > 0.64) purposes. Furthermore, we observed a positive correlation between immune cell infiltration and the expression of most HGs. Lastly, our study identified nine compounds with significant interaction profiles that could potentially act as effective chemical agents targeting the identified HGs.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our findings suggest that COL1A1, KRT19, MMP1, COL11A1, SDC1, ITGA2, COL1A2, POSTN, FN1, and COL5A1 hold promise as innovative biomarkers for both the diagnosis and prognosis of PC, and they present as prospective targets for therapeutic interventions aimed at impeding the progression PC.

Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics reveal POSTN+ cancer-associated fibroblasts correlated with immune suppression and tumour progression in non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are potential targets for cancer therapy. Due to the heterogeneity of CAFs, the influence of CAF subpopulations on the progression of lung cancer is still unclear, which impedes the translational advances in targeting CAFs.

METHODS

We performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on tumour, paired tumour-adjacent, and normal samples from 16 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. CAF subpopulations were analyzed after integration with published NSCLC scRNA-seq data. SpaTial enhanced resolution omics-sequencing (Stereo-seq) was applied in tumour and tumour-adjacent samples from seven NSCLC patients to map the architecture of major cell populations in tumour microenvironment (TME). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and multiplexed IHC (mIHC) were used to validate marker gene expression and the association of CAFs with immune infiltration in TME.

RESULTS

A subcluster of myofibroblastic CAFs, POSTN+ CAFs, were significantly enriched in advanced tumours and presented gene expression signatures related to extracellular matrix remodeling, tumour invasion pathways and immune suppression. Stereo-seq and mIHC demonstrated that POSTN+ CAFs were in close localization with SPP1+ macrophages and were associated with the exhausted phenotype and lower infiltration of T cells. POSTN expression or the abundance of POSTN+ CAFs were associated with poor prognosis of NSCLC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identified a myofibroblastic CAF subpopulation, POSTN+ CAFs, which might associate with SPP1+ macrophages to promote the formation of desmoplastic architecture and participate in immune suppression. Furthermore, we showed that POSTN+ CAFs associated with cancer progression and poor clinical outcomes and may provide new insights on the treatment of NSCLC.

Identification and validation of 5-methylcytosine-associated genes in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

5-methylcytosine modifications play a significant role in carcinogenesis; however, studies exploring 5-methylcytosine-related genes in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients are lacking. In this study, we aimed to understand the potential role and clinical prognostic impact of 5-methylcytosine regulators in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and identify a prognostic biomarker based on 5-methylcytosine-associated genes. Gene expression profiles and corresponding clinical information of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients and normal controls were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas, Gene Expression Omnibus, and Genotype-Tissue Expression databases. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was divided into three clusters according to the 5-methylcytosine regulators, and differentially expressed genes were screened among the three clusters. Univariate Cox and Lasso-Cox regression analyses were used to screen prognostic genes and construct a prognostic risk model. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, and time-dependent receiver operator characteristic curve analysis were used to evaluate prognostic factors. GSVA was used to enrich potential pathways associated with 5-methylcytosine modification patterns. SsGSEA and CIBERSORT were used to assess immune cell infiltration. Six 5-methylcytosine-related genes (TUBB4A, CD3E, ZNF681, HAP1, IL22RA2, and POSTN) were used to construct a prognostic risk model, which was proved to have a good predictive effect. In addition, univariate and multivariate Cox regression risk scores were independent prognostic factors for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Further analysis showed that the 5-methylcytosine risk score was significantly correlated with immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Our study reveals for the first time a potential role for 5-methylcytosine modifications in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, provides novel insights for future studies on diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and offers potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Assessing structural insights into in-house arylsulfonyl L-(+) glutamine MMP-2 inhibitors as promising anticancer agents through structure-based computational modelling approaches

MMP-2 is potentially contributing to several cancer progressions including leukaemias. Therefore, considering MMP-2 as a promising target, novel anticancer compounds may be designed. Here, 32 in-house arylsulfonyl L-(+) glutamines were subjected to various structure-based computational modelling approaches to recognize crucial structural attributes along with the spatial orientation for higher MMP-2 inhibition. Again, the docking-based 2D-QSAR study revealed that the Coulomb energy conferred by Tyr142 and total interaction energy conferred by Ala84 was crucial for MMP-2 inhibition. Importantly, the docking-dependent CoMFA and CoMSIA study revealed the importance of favourable steric, electrostatic, and hydrophobic substituents at the terminal phenyl ring. The MD simulation study revealed a lower fluctuation in the RMSD, RMSF, and Rg values indicating stable binding interactions of MMP-2 and these molecules. Moreover, the residual hydrogen bond and their interaction analysis disclosed crucial amino acid residues responsible for forming potential hydrogen bonding for higher MMP-2 inhibition. The results can effectively aid in the design and discovery of promising small-molecule drug-like MMP-2 inhibitors with greater anticancer potential in the future.

Novel Therapeutic Targets for Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer

The various immune effector cells that infiltrate the tumor microenvironment (TME) play a key role in directing the outcome of tumor growth [...].

Data-independent acquisition and quantification of extracellular matrix from human lung in chronic inflammation-associated carcinomas

Early events associated with chronic inflammation and cancer involve significant remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which greatly affects its composition and functional properties. Using lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), a chronic inflammation-associated cancer (CIAC), we optimized a robust proteomic pipeline to discover potential biomarker signatures and protein changes specifically in the stroma. We combined ECM enrichment from fresh human tissues, data-independent acquisition (DIA) strategies, and stringent statistical processing to analyze "Tumor" and matched adjacent histologically normal ("Matched Normal") tissues from patients with LSCC. Overall, 1802 protein groups were quantified with at least two unique peptides, and 56% of those proteins were annotated as "extracellular." Confirming dramatic ECM remodeling during CIAC progression, 529 proteins were significantly altered in the "Tumor" compared to "Matched Normal" tissues. The signature was typified by a coordinated loss of basement membrane proteins and small leucine-rich proteins. The dramatic increase in the stromal levels of SERPINH1/heat shock protein 47, that was discovered using our ECM proteomic pipeline, was validated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) of "Tumor" and "Matched Normal" tissues, obtained from an independent cohort of LSCC patients. This integrated workflow provided novel insights into ECM remodeling during CIAC progression, and identified potential biomarker signatures and future therapeutic targets.

Increased Expression of POSTN Predicts Poor Prognosis: a Potential Therapeutic Target for Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND

Periostin (POSTN) is involved in many biological processes and is associated with the occurrence and development of several cancers, while its role in gastric cancer is not clear. We aimed to demonstrate the relationship between POSTN and gastric cancer based on publicly available data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database.

METHODS

POSTN expression data and corresponding clinical information were downloaded from TCGA database. We compared the expression of POSTN in gastric cancer samples and normal samples. POSTN-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified for further functional enrichment analysis. In addition, the relationships between POSTN expression and clinicopathological features and survival in patients with gastric cancer were also investigated through univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Furthermore, a nomogram was constructed to predict the survival probability of gastric cancer patients.

RESULTS

POSTN expression in gastric cancer was significantly higher than that in normal gastric tissues (p < 0.001). High POSTN expression in gastric cancer was significantly related to poor prognostic features, including greater tumor extent (odds ratio [OR] = 1.638 for T3 and T4 vs. T1 and T2), worse histological type (OR = 0.329 for diffuse type vs. tubular type), and advanced histological grade (OR = 1.646 for grade 3 vs. grades 1 and 2) (all p < 0.05). The 118 identified DEGs were primarily enriched in pathways related to tumorigenesis and tumor progression, including the TGF-β signaling pathway, the WNT signaling pathway, and the signaling by VEGF. POSTN expression was positively correlated with the enrichment of the macrophages (r = 0.599, p < 0.001), helper T2 cells (r = 0.146, p = 0.005), and CD8 + T cells (r = 0.190, p < 0.001), but negatively correlated with the enrichment of Th17 cells (r =  - 0.130, p = 0.012) and NK CD56bright cells. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that high POSTN expression is associated with a short overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.54; p = 0.011). In the multivariate cox regression analysis, high POSTN expression was confirmed to be an independent predictor of poor overall survival (HR = 1.681; p = 0.017). The constructed nomogram can well predict the 1 and 3 years overall survival probability of patients with GC (0.696 [95% CI, 0.671-0.721]).

CONCLUSION

POSTN plays an important role in the progression and prognosis of gastric cancer, and it may serve as a useful biomarker to predict survival in gastric cancer patients.

The Multiple Roles of Periostin in Non-Neoplastic Disease

Periostin, identified as a matricellular protein and an ECM protein, plays a central role in non-neoplastic diseases. Periostin and its variants have been considered to be normally involved in the progression of most non-neoplastic diseases, including brain injury, ocular diseases, chronic rhinosinusitis, allergic rhinitis, dental diseases, atopic dermatitis, scleroderma, eosinophilic esophagitis, asthma, cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases, liver diseases, chronic kidney diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, and osteoarthrosis. Periostin interacts with protein receptors and transduces signals primarily through the PI3K/Akt and FAK two channels as well as other pathways to elicit tissue remodeling, fibrosis, inflammation, wound healing, repair, angiogenesis, tissue regeneration, bone formation, barrier, and vascular calcification. This review comprehensively integrates the multiple roles of periostin and its variants in non-neoplastic diseases, proposes the utility of periostin as a biological biomarker, and provides potential drug-developing strategies for targeting periostin.

Autophagy Modulates the Migration of Retinal Pericytes Induced by Advanced Glycation End Products

Retinal pericyte migration occurs in the early stage of diabetic retinopathy (DR), which is one of the important causes of pericyte loss. Autophagy has been found to play essential roles in the regulation of many types of cell migration. In this study, we explored the relationship between autophagy and retinal pericyte migration. In diabetic rats, the retinas became thinner, and the level of autophagy in each cell layer increased. In the primary culture of bovine retinal pericytes, we found that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) increased the migratory cell ability without influencing cell viability, which also increased the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and decreased the expression of vinculin. AGEs-induced retinal pericyte autophagy and the inhibition of autophagy with chloroquine significantly inhibited cell migration, reversed AGEs-induced FAK phosphorylation, and changed vinculin and MMP-2 protein expression. These results provide a new insight into the migration mechanism of retinal pericytes. The early control of autophagy has a potential effect on regulating pericyte migration, which may contribute to keeping the integrity of retinal vessels in DR.

Role of periostin in inflammatory bowel disease development and synergistic effects mediated by the CCL5–CCR5 axis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), comprising mainly Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. In recent years, a wealth of data has been accumulated demonstrating the complex interplay of many different factors in the pathogenesis of IBD. Among these are factors impacting the epithelial barrier function, including vessel and extracellular matrix (ECM) formation, the gut microbiome (e.g., bacterial antigens), and, most importantly, the production of cytokines (pro- and anti-inflammatory) directly shaping the immune response. Patients failing to resolve the acute intestinal inflammation develop chronic inflammation. It has been shown that the expression of the matricellular protein periostin is enhanced during IBD and is one of the drivers of this disease. The C-C chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) is engaged by the chemotactic mediators CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL4/MIP-1β, and CCL5/RANTES. CCR5 blockade has been reported to ameliorate inflammation in a murine IBD model. Thus, both periostin and CCR5 are involved in the development of IBD. In this study, we investigated the potential crosstalk between the two signaling systems and tested a highly potent CCL5 derivative acting as a CCR5 antagonist in a murine model of IBD. We observed that the absence of periostin influences the CCR5-expressing cell population of the gut. Our data further support the notion that targeted modulation of the periostin and CCR5 signaling systems bears therapeutic potential for IBD.

The Role of Periostin in Angiogenesis and Lymphangiogenesis in Tumors

Simple Summary

Cancers are common diseases that affect people of all ages worldwide. For this reason, continuous attempts are being made to improve current therapeutic options. The formation of metastases significantly decreases patient survival. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms that are involved in this process seems to be crucial for effective cancer therapy. Cancer dissemination occurs mainly through blood and lymphatic vessels. As a result, many scientists have conducted a number of studies on the formation of new vessels. Many studies have shown that proangiogenic factors and the extracellular matrix protein, i.e., periostin, may be important in tumor angio- and lymphangiogenesis, thus contributing to metastasis formation and worsening of the prognosis.

Abstract

Periostin (POSTN) is a protein that is part of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and which significantly affects the control of intracellular signaling pathways (PI3K-AKT, FAK) through binding integrin receptors (αvβ3, αvβ5, α6β4). In addition, increased POSTN expression enhances the expression of VEGF family growth factors and promotes Erk phosphorylation. As a result, this glycoprotein controls the Erk/VEGF pathway. Therefore, it plays a crucial role in the formation of new blood and lymphatic vessels, which may be significant in the process of metastasis. Moreover, POSTN is involved in the proliferation, progression, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tumor cells. Its increased expression has been detected in many cancers, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma and glioblastoma. Many studies have shown that this protein may be an independent prognostic and predictive factor in many cancers, which may influence the choice of optimal therapy.