Effect of junctional adhesion molecule-2 expression on cell growth, invasion and migration in human colorectal cancer

JAM2 is a prognostic biomarker and inhibits proliferation, metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in lung adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Junctional adhesion molecule 2 (JAM2) plays a pivotal role in various biological processes, including proliferation, metastasis and angiogenesis, contributing to tumor progression. While previous studies have highlighted the polarizing functions of JAM2 in different cancer types, its specific role in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains unclear.

METHODS

In this study, we harnessed multiple public databases to analyze the expression and prognostic significance of JAM2 in LUAD. Using the Linkedomics database, Matescape database and R package, we explored the associated genes, the potential biological functions and the impact of JAM2 on the tumor microenvironment. Our findings from public databases were further validated using real-time quantitative PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry. Additionally, in vitro experiments were conducted to assess the influence of JAM2 on LUAD cell proliferation, invasion, migration, apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, we established a xenograft model to investigate the in vivo effects of JAM2 on tumorigenesis.

RESULTS

Our results revealed a significant downregulation of JAM2 in LUAD, and patients with low JAM2 expression exhibited unfavorable overall survival outcomes. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that JAM2 may be associated with processes such as cell adhesion, extracellular matrix, cell junctions and regulation of proliferation. Notably, increased JAM2 expression correlated with higher tumor microenvironment scores and reduced immune cell abundance. Furthermore, overexpression of JAM2 induced apoptosis, suppressed tumor proliferation and exhibited potential inhibitory effects on tumor invasion and migration through the modulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Additionally, in vivo experiments confirmed that JAM2 overexpression led to a reduction in tumor growth.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our study highlights the clinical significance of low JAM2 expression as a predictor of poor prognosis in LUAD patients. Moreover, JAM2 was found to exert inhibitory effects on various aspects of tumor progression. Consequently, JAM2 emerges as a promising prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for LUAD patients.

Introducing novel key genes and transcription factors associated with rectal cancer response to chemoradiation through co-expression network analysis

Preoperative radiochemotherapy is a promising therapeutic method for locally advanced rectal cancer patients. However, the response of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients to preoperative radiotherapy varies widely. In this study, we aimed to identify novel biomarkers that could predict the response of colorectal tumors to treatment using a systems biology approach. We applied the Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis to construct co-expression networks and evaluated the correlation of these networks with radiation using the module-trait relationship. We then identified hub genes and related transcription factors in the selected co-expression module. Our analysis of seven constructed modules revealed that one module, which contained 113 nodes and 6066 edges, had the strongest correlation with radiation effects on CRC (correlation = 0.85; p-value = 6e-7). By analyzing the selected module with the CytoHubba plugin, we identified four hub genes, including ZEB2, JAM2, NDN, and PPAP2A. We also identified seven important transcription factors, including KLF4, SUZ12, TCF4, NANOG, POU5F1, SOX2, and SMARCA4, which may play essential roles in regulating the four hub genes. In summary, our findings suggest that ZEB2, JAM2, NDN, and PPAP2A, along with the seven transcription factors related to these hub genes, may be associated with the response of colorectal tumors to chemoradiotherapy.

Inflammation-Driven Colorectal Cancer Associated with Colitis: From Pathogenesis to Changing Therapy

Patients affected by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a two-fold higher risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC) than the general population. IBD-related CRC follows a different genetic and molecular pathogenic pathway than sporadic CRC and can be considered a complication of chronic intestinal inflammation. Since inflammation is recognised as an independent risk factor for neoplastic progression, clinicians strive to modulate and control disease, often using potent therapy agents to achieve mucosal healing and decrease the risk of colorectal cancer in IBD patients. Improved therapeutic control of inflammation, combined with endoscopic advances and early detection of pre-cancerous lesions through surveillance programs, explains the lower incidence rate of IBD-related CRC. In addition, current research is increasingly focused on translating emerging and advanced knowledge in microbiome and metagenomics into personalised, early, and non-invasive CRC screening tools that guide organ-sparing therapy in IBD patients. This review aims to summarise the existing literature on IBD-associated CRC, focusing on new insights into the alteration of the intestinal barrier and the interactions with the gut microbiome as the initial promoter. In addition, the role of OMIC techniques for precision medicine and the impact of the available IBD therapeutic armamentarium on the evolution to CRC will be discussed.

EPLIN, a Putative Tumour Suppressor in Colorectal Cancer, Implications in Drug Resistance

Colorectal cancer is a serious threat to human health. Poor prognosis and frequently reported drug resistance urges research into novel biomarkers and mechanisms to aid in the understanding of the development and progression of colorectal cancer and to optimise therapeutic strategies. In the current study, we investigated the roles of a putative tumour suppressor, EPLIN, in colorectal cancer. Our clinical colorectal cancer cohort and online databases revealed a downregulation of EPLIN in colorectal cancer tissues compared with normal tissues. The reduced expression of EPLIN was associated with poor clinical outcomes of patients. In vitro cellular function assays showed that EPLIN elicited an inhibitory effect on cellular growth, adhesion, migration and invasion. Utilising a protein microarray on protein samples from normal and tumour patient tissues suggested HSP60, Her2 and other signalling events were novel potential interacting partners of EPLIN. It was further revealed that EPLIN and HSP60 were negative regulators of Her2 in colorectal cancer cells. The clinical cohort also demonstrated that expression of HSP60 and Her2 affected clinical outcomes, but most interestingly the combination of EPLIN, HSP60 and Her2 was able to identify patients with the most unfavourable clinical outcome by independently predicting patient overall survival and disease free survival. Furthermore, EPLIN and HSP60 exhibited potential to regulate cellular response to chemotherapeutic and EGFR/Her2 targeted therapeutic agents. In conclusion, EPLIN is an important prognostic factor for patients with colon cancer and reduced EPLIN in CRC contributes to aggressive traits of CRC cells and their responses to chemotherapeutic drugs. Collectively, EPLIN is a pivotal factor for the development and progression of colorectal cancer and has important clinical and therapeutic values in this cancer type.

The Expression Pattern of Adhesion G Protein-Coupled Receptor F5 Is Related to Cell Adhesion and Metastatic Pathways in Colorectal Cancer-Comprehensive Study Based on In Silico Analysis

Adhesion G protein-coupled receptor F5 (ADGRF5) is involved inthe neoplastic transformation of some cancer types. However, the significance of ADGRF5 expression signature and the impact of signaling pathways mediated by ADGRF5 during neoplastic transformation of the colon and colorectal cancer (CRC) progression has been poorly examined. Using Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets, we showed that ADGRF5 is overexpressed in the colons of patients with CRC. In line, combined analysis of ADGRF5 expression with clinical characterization revealed an increased expression of ADGRF5 in patients with more advanced stages of CRC compared to patients with early stages of CRC. The Spearman correlation analysis documented numerous genes positively and negatively correlated with the expression pattern of ADGRF5 in the colon of patients with CRC. In the colon of CRC patients, the expression signature of ADGRF5 was associated with genes participating in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt, focal adhesion, cell adhesion molecules, and ribosome signaling pathways. Of note, ADGRF5 expression correlated with the levels of tumor-infiltrating immune cells in the colon of CRC patients. Moreover, we found that CRC patients with high expression of ADGRF5 had a significantly lower probability of overall survival and disease-free survival. In conclusion, our results support the prognostic value of ADGRF5 and its potent therapeutic implication in CRC.

Identification of subtypes of hepatocellular carcinoma and screening of prognostic molecular diagnostic markers based on cell adhesion molecule related genes

Cell adhesion molecules can predict liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) metastasis and determine prognosis, while the mechanism of the role of cell adhesion molecules in LIHC needs to be further explored. LIHC-related expression data were sourced from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the gene expression omnibus (GEO) databases, and genes related to cell adhesion were sourced from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. First, the TCGA-LIHC dataset was clustered by the nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) algorithm to find different subtypes of LIHC. Then the difference of prognosis and immune microenvironment between patients of different subtypes was evaluated. In addition, a prognostic risk model was obtained by least shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and Cox analysis, while a nomogram was drawn. Furthermore, functional enrichment analysis between high and low risk groups was conducted. Finally, the expressions of model genes were explored by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The 371 LIHC patients were classified into four subtypes by NMF clustering, and survival analysis revealed that disease-free survival (DFS) of these four subtypes were clearly different. Cancer-related pathways and immune microenvironment among these four subtypes were dysregulated. Moreover, 58 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between four subtypes were identified and were mainly associated with PPAR signaling pathway and amino acid metabolism. Furthermore, a prognostic model consisting of IGSF11, CD8A, ALCAM, CLDN6, JAM2, ITGB7, SDC3, CNTNAP1, and MPZ was built. A nomogram consisting of pathologic T and riskScore was built, and the calibration curve illustrated that the nomogram could better forecast LIHC prognosis. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) demonstrated that DEGs between high and low risk groups were mainly involved in cell cycle. Finally, the qRT-PCR illustrated the expressions of nine model genes between normal and LIHC tissue. A prognostic model consisting of IGSF11, CD8A, ALCAM, CLDN6, JAM2, ITGB7, SDC3, CNTNAP1, and MPZ was obtained, which provides an important reference for the molecular diagnosis of patient prognosis.

Effects of Catalase on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, Intestinal Morphology, and Microbial Composition in Yellow Broilers

The objective of this experiment was to study the effects of catalase (CAT) on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, and microbial composition of yellow broilers. Male Lingnan yellow broilers (360), aged 1 day, were randomly divided into control group (CON) (fed with a basic diet), R1 group (fed with basic diet + 150 U/kg catalase), and R2 group (fed with basic diet + 200 U/kg catalase). Each group had 8 replicates and 15 chickens in each replicate. The test is divided into the early stage (1–30 days) and the later stage (31–60 days). The results showed that compared with the control group, groups R1 and R2 significantly (p < 0.05) increased the weight gain and reduced (p < 0.05) the ratio of feed to gain in the early and the whole stages; prominently increased (p < 0.05) the concentration of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), the activities of CAT, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in livers, the activities of CAT and GSH-Px in serum, and CAT in the jejunum in the early and the later stages; markedly increased (p < 0.05) the villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth of the duodenum in the early and the later stages, the villus height and the villus height:crypt depth ratio of the jejunum and ileum in the early stage, and significantly lowered (p < 0.05) the crypt depth of the duodenum (in the early and the later stages), jejunum, and ileum (in early stage); memorably (p < 0.05) increased the number of total bacteria and Bacteroidetes in ceca, as well as the number of Lactobacillus in the jejunum (p < 0.05) on the 30th; significantly (p < 0.05) increased the mRNA expression of junction adhesion molecule 2 (JAM2), mucin 2 (MCU2), and occlusal protein (occludin) in the duodenum in the early stage, and increased (p < 0.05) the mRNA expression of JAM2 in the jejunum in the later stage. Collectively, adding catalase (CAT) to the diet of yellow broilers can improve the growth performance and the antioxidant capacity, promoting the integrity of intestinal morphology, optimizing the composition of intestinal microorganisms, and upregulating the mRNA expression of tight junction protein.

The Role of Gut Barrier Dysfunction and Microbiome Dysbiosis in Colorectal Cancer Development

Accumulating evidence indicates that breakdown of the+ protective mucosal barrier of the gut plays a role in colorectal cancer (CRC) development. Inflammation and oxidative stress in the colonic epithelium are thought to be involved in colorectal carcinogenesis and the breakdown of the integrity of the colonic barrier may increase the exposure of colonocytes to toxins from the colonic milieu, enhancing inflammatory processes and release of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). The aetiological importance of the gut microbiome and its composition - influenced by consumption of processed meats, red meats and alcoholic drinks, smoking, physical inactivity, obesity - in CRC development is also increasingly being recognized. The gut microbiome has diverse roles, such as in nutrient metabolism and immune modulation. However, microbial encroachment towards the colonic epithelium may promote inflammation and oxidative stress and even translocation of species across the colonic lumen. Recent research suggests that factors that modify the above mechanisms, e.g., obesity and Western diet, also alter gut microbiota, degrade the integrity of the gut protective barrier, and expose colonocytes to toxins. However, it remains unclear how obesity, lifestyle and metabolic factors contribute to gut-barrier integrity, leading to metabolic disturbance, colonocyte damage, and potentially to CRC development. This review will discuss the interactive roles of gut-barrier dysfunction, microbiome dysbiosis, and exposure to endogenous toxins as another mechanism in CRC development, and how biomarkers of colonic mucosal barrier function may provide avenues for disease, prevention and detection.

Integrative RNA-Seq and H3 Trimethylation ChIP-Seq Analysis of Human Lung Cancer Cells Isolated by Laser-Microdissection

Simple Summary

Tissue heterogeneity is one of the major problems in cancer genomics. Thus, we developed and conducted an RNA-Seq and ChIP-Seq integrative analysis of clinical lung tissue samples with the isolation of specific cell populations using laser-microdissection microscopy (LMD). The transcriptomic profile was successfully captured and somatically altered regions marked by histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) were identified in lung cancer. We also observed the differential expressions of cancer-related genes near the altered proximal H3K4me3 regions, while altered distal H3K4me3 regions were overlapped with enhancer activity annotations of cancer regulatory genes. Additionally, proximal tumor-gained promoters were associated with the core components of polycomb repressive complex 2. Our study demonstrates the practical workflow of using LMD on clinical samples for integrative analyses, which improves the overall understanding of genetic and epigenetic dysregulation of malignancy.

Abstract

Our previous integrative study in gastric cancer discovered cryptic promoter activation events that drive the expression of important developmental genes. However, it was unclear if such cancer-associated epigenetic changes occurred in cancer cells or other cell types in bulk tissue samples. An integrative analysis consisting of RNA-Seq and H3K4me3 ChIP-Seq was used. This workflow was applied to a set of matched normal lung tissues and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues, for which the stroma and tumor cell parts could be isolated by laser-microdissection microscopy (LMD). RNA-Seq analysis showed subtype-specific differential expressed genes and enriched pathways in NSCLC. ChIP-Seq analysis results suggested that the proximal altered H3K4me3 regions were located at differentially expressed genes involved in cancer-related pathways, while altered distal H3K4me3 regions were annotated with enhancer activity of cancer regulatory genes. Interestingly, integration with ENCODE data revealed that proximal tumor-gained promoters were associated with EZH2 and SUZ12 occupancies, which are the core components of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). This study used LMD on clinical samples for an integrative analysis to overcome the tissue heterogeneity problem in cancer research. The results also contribute to the overall understanding of genetic and epigenetic dysregulation of lung malignancy.

Single-cell RNA sequencing of equine mesenchymal stromal cells from primary donor-matched tissue sources reveals functional heterogeneity in immune modulation and cell motility

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapy is thought to depend on the intrinsic heterogeneity of MSC cultures isolated from different tissue sources as well as individual MSCs isolated from the same tissue source, neither of which is well understood. To study this, we used MSC cultures isolated from horses. The horse is recognized as a physiologically relevant large animal model appropriate for translational MSC studies. Moreover, due to its large size the horse allows for the simultaneous collection of adequate samples from multiple tissues of the same animal, and thus, for the unique collection of donor matched MSC cultures from different sources. The latter is much more challenging in mice and humans due to body size and ethical constraints, respectively.

METHODS

In the present study, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on primary equine MSCs that were collected from three donor-matched tissue sources; adipose tissue (AT), bone marrow (BM), and peripheral blood (PB). Based on transcriptional differences detected with scRNA-seq, we performed functional experiments to examine motility and immune regulatory function in distinct MSC populations.

RESULTS

We observed both inter- and intra-source heterogeneity across the three sources of equine MSCs. Functional experiments demonstrated that transcriptional differences correspond with phenotypic variance in cellular motility and immune regulatory function. Specifically, we found that (i) differential expression of junctional adhesion molecule 2 (JAM2) between MSC cultures from the three donor-matched tissue sources translated into altered cell motility of BM-derived MSCs when RNA interference was used to knock down this gene, and (ii) differences in C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 6 (CXCL6) expression in clonal MSC lines derived from the same tissue source correlated with the chemoattractive capacity of PB-derived MSCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultimately, these findings will enhance our understanding of MSC heterogeneity and will lead to improvements in the therapeutic potential of MSCs, accelerating the transition from bench to bedside.

Identification of prognosis-related genes in the tumor microenvironment of stomach adenocarcinoma by TCGA and GEO datasets

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) development, progression, prognosis and immunotherapeutic responses. How the genes in TME interact and behave is extremely crucial for tumor investigation. In the present study, we used gene expression data of STAD available from TCGA and GEO datasets to infer tumor purity using ESTIMATE algorithms, and predicted the associations between tumor purity and clinical features and clinical outcomes. Next, we calculated the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the comparisons of immune and stromal scores, and postulated key biological processes and pathways that the DEGs mainly involved in. Then, we analyzed the prognostic values of DEGs in TCGA dataset, and validated the results by GEO dataset. Finally, we used CIBERSORT computational algorithm to estimate the 22 tumor infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) subsets in STAD tissues. We found that stromal and immune scores were significantly correlated with STAD subtypes, clinical stages, Helicobacter polyri infection, and stromal scores could predict the clinical outcomes in STAD patients. Moreover, we screened 307 common DEGs in TCGA and GSE51105 datasets. In the prognosis analyses, we only found OGN, JAM2, RERG, OLFML2B, and ADAMTS1 genes were significantly associated with overall survival in TCGA and GSE84437 datasets, and these genes were correlated with the fractions of T cells, B cells, macrophages, monocytes, NK cells and DC cells, respectively. Our comprehensive analyses for transcriptional data not only improved the understanding of characteristics of TME, but also provided the targets for individual therapy in STAD.

lncRNA HOTAIR overexpression induced downregulation of c-Met signaling promotes hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Background

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) are both reversible processes, and regulation of phenotypical transition is very important for progression of several cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, it is defined that cancer cells can attain a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (hybrid E/M) phenotype. Cells with hybrid E/M phenotype comprise mixed epithelial and mesenchymal properties, they can be more resistant to therapeutics and also more capable of initiating metastatic lesions. However, the mechanisms regulating hybrid E/M in HCC are not well described yet. In this study, we investigated the role of the potential crosstalk between lncRNA HOTAIR and c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase, which are two essential regulators of EMT and MET, in acquiring of hybrid E/M phenotype in HCC.

Methods

Expression of c-Met and lncRNA HOTAIR were defined in HCC cell lines and patient tissues through HCC progression. lncRNA HOTAIR was overexpressed in SNU-449 cells and its effects on c-Met signaling were analyzed. c-Met was overexpressed in SNU-398 cells and its effect on HOTAIR expression was analyzed. Biological significance of HOTAIR/c-Met interplay was defined in means of adhesion, proliferation, motility behavior, invasion, spheroid formation and metastatic ability. Effect of ectopic lncRNA HOTAIR expression on phenotype was defined with investigation of molecular epithelial and mesenchymal traits.

Results

In vitro and in vivo experiments verified the pivotal role of lncRNA HOTAIR in acquisition of hybrid E/M phenotype through modulating expression and activation of c-Met and its membrane co-localizing partner Caveolin-1, and membrane organization to cope with the rate limiting steps of metastasis such as survival in adhesion independent microenvironment, escaping from anoikis and resisting to fluidic shear stress (FSS) in HCC.

Conclusions

Our work provides the first evidence suggesting a role for lncRNA HOTAIR in the modulation of c-Met to promote hybrid E/M phenotype. The balance between lncRNA HOTAIR and c-Met might be critical for cell fate decision and metastatic potential of HCC cells.

Transcriptome Analysis Identifies an Attenuated Local Immune Response in Invasive Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenomas

BACKGROUND

Invasive nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) remain challenging due to their high complication rate and poor prognosis. We aimed to identify the distinctive molecular signatures of invasive NFPAs, compared with noninvasive NFPAs, using gene expression profiling by RNA sequencing.

METHODS

We obtained frozen fresh tissue samples from 14 patients with NFPAs who underwent primary transsphenoidal surgery. Three non-invasive and 11 invasive NFPAs were used for RNA sequencing. The bioinformatics analysis included differential gene expression, gene ontology analysis, and pathway analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 700 genes were differentially expressed (59 up-regulated and 641 down-regulated genes) between invasive and non-invasive NFPAs (false discovery rate <0.1, and |fold change| ≥2). Using the down-regulated genes in invasive NFPAs, gene ontology enrichment analyses and pathway analyses demonstrated that the local immune response was attenuated and that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) RII-initiated TGF-β signaling was down-regulated in invasive NFPAs. The overexpression of claudin-9 (CLDN9) and the down-regulation of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5 (IGFBP5), death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP3) may be related with invasiveness in NFPAs.

CONCLUSION

Invasive NFPAs harbor different gene expression profiles relative to noninvasive NFPAs. In particular, local suppression of the immune response and TGF-β signaling can make PAs prone to invasiveness.

Genome Resequencing Reveals Congenital Causes of Embryo and Nestling Death in Crested Ibis (Nipponia nippon)

The crested ibis (Nipponia nippon) is endangered worldwide. Although a series of conservation measures have markedly increased the population size and distribution area of these birds, the high mortality of embryos and nestlings considerably decreases the survival potential of this bird species. High-throughput sequencing technology was utilized to compare whole genomes between ten samples from dead crested ibises (including six dead embryos and four dead nestlings aged 0-45 days) and 32 samples from living birds. The results indicated that the dead samples all shared the genetic background of a specific ancestral subpopulation. Furthermore, the dead individuals were less genetically diverse and suffered higher degrees of inbreeding compared with these measures in live birds. Several candidate genes (KLHL3, SETDB2, TNNT2, PKP1, AK1, and EXOSC3) associated with detrimental diseases were identified in the genomic regions that differed between the alive and dead samples, which are likely responsible for the death of embryos and nestlings. In addition, in these regions, we also found several genes involved in the protein catabolic process (UBE4A and LONP1), lipid metabolism (ACOT1), glycan biosynthesis and metabolism (HYAL1 and HYAL4), and the immune system (JAM2) that are likely to promote the normal development of embryos and nestlings. The aberrant conditions of these genes and biological processes may contribute to the death of embryos and nestlings. Our data identify congenital factors underlying the death of embryos and nestlings at the whole genome level, which may be useful toward informing more effective conservation efforts for this bird species.

Key modules and hub genes identified by coexpression network analysis for revealing novel biomarkers for larynx squamous cell carcinoma

Larynx squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is the second most aggressive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Numerous genes have been identified to be aberrantly expressed during the development of LSCC. However, currently, researchers focus more on the individual molecule and downstream genes, leaving the coexpression among genes and key upstream disease driver genes unexploited. In this study, we applied weighted gene coexpression analysis (WGCNA) to decipher potential hub genes driving the development of LSCC. After downloading of LSCC microarray profile from gene expression omnibus, different expression analysis was performed, which was used to conduct functional enrichment analysis. Then, we applied WGCNA to highlight the hub genes which were relevant to the carcinogenesis and progression. A total of 2858 differentially expressed genes were identified in LSCC samples compared with adjacent non-neoplastic tissues. WGCNA revealed three LSCC set-specific modules having significant Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment effect, including pink, cyan, and black module. Nine hub genes were identified to be crucial in LSCC onset and progression, which may assist clinical decisions and serve as potential targets for LSCC treatment.

Investigating Gut Permeability in Animal Models of Disease

A growing number of investigations report the association between gut permeability and intestinal or extra-intestinal disorders under the basis that translocation of gut luminal contents could affect tissue function, either directly or indirectly. Still, in many cases it is unknown whether disruption of the gut barrier is a causative agent or a consequence of these conditions. Adequate experimental models are therefore required to further understand the pathophysiology of health disorders associated to gut barrier disruption and to develop and test pharmacological treatments. Here, we review the current animal models that display enhanced intestinal permeability, and discuss (1) their suitability to address mechanistic questions, such as the association between gut barrier alterations and disease and (2) their validity to test potential treatments for pathologies that are characterized by enhanced intestinal permeability.

DOK7V1 influences the malignant phenotype of lung cancer cells through PI3K/AKT/mTOR and FAK/paxillin signaling pathways

Downstream of tyrosine kinase 7 transcript variant 1 (DOK7V1) is a docking protein mediating signal transduction between receptors and intracellular downstream molecules. Our previous study indicated that DOK7V1 was decreased in lung cancer and its lower expression was associated with a decreased survival rate. The 5‑year overall survival rate for patients with lung cancer was 20.2 and 18.6% for high and low DOK7 expression, respectively; the 5‑year disease‑free survival rate for patients with lung cancer was 14.3 and 16.9% for high and low DOK7 expression, respectively. DOK7V1 inhibited proliferation and migration, but enhanced adhesion, of lung cancer cells. In the present study, the effect of DOK7V1 and its domains [pleckstrin homology (PH) and phosphotyrosine‑binding (PTB) domain] on the malignant phenotype and associated signaling pathway in lung cancer cells was investigated. The results indicated that truncation of DOK7V1 domains (DOK7V1Δ‑PH and DOK7V1Δ‑PTB) inhibited the proliferation and migration of lung cancer cells which exhibited the same trend as DOK7V1, whereas DOK7V1Δ‑PH and DOK7V1Δ‑PTB exhibited different functions from those of DOK7V1 in cell matrix adhesion. Consistently, DOK7V1 overexpression in lung cancer cells suppressed the phosphoinositide 3‑kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways, but activated the focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/paxillin signaling pathway. Taken together, these results indicate that DOK7V1 may inhibit proliferation and migration via negatively regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, and increase adhesion by upregulating the FAK/paxillin signaling pathway in lung cancer cells.

Junctional adhesion molecule C (JAM-C) dimerization aids cancer cell migration and metastasis

Most cancer deaths result from metastasis, which is the dissemination of cells from a primary tumor to distant organs. Metastasis involves changes to molecules that are essential for tumor cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix and to endothelial cells. Junctional Adhesion Molecule C (JAM-C) localizes at intercellular junctions as homodimers or more affine heterodimers with JAM-B. We previously showed that the homodimerization site (E66) in JAM-C is also involved in JAM-B binding. Here we show that neoexpression of JAM-C in a JAM-C-negative carcinoma cell line induced loss of adhesive property and pro-metastatic capacities. We also identify two critical structural sites (E66 and K68) for JAM-C/JAM-B interaction by directed mutagenesis of JAM-C and studied their implication on tumor cell behavior. JAM-C mutants did not bind to JAM-B or localize correctly to junctions. Moreover, mutated JAM-C proteins increased adhesion and reduced proliferation and migration of lung carcinoma cell lines. Carcinoma cells expressing mutant JAM-C grew slower than with JAM-C WT and were not able to establish metastatic lung nodules in mice. Overall these data demonstrate that the dimerization sites E66-K68 of JAM-C affected cell adhesion, polarization and migration and are essential for tumor cell metastasis.