GATA6‑induced FN1 activation promotes the proliferation, invasion and migration of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells

The role of fibronectin in mediating cell migration

Fibronectin (FN) is a major extracellular matrix (ECM) protein involved in a wide range of physiological processes, including cell migration. These FN-mediated cell migration events are essential to processes such as wound repair, cancer metastasis, and vertebrate development. This review synthesizes mainly current literature to provide an overview of the mechanoregulatory role of FN-mediated cell migration. Background on FN structure and role in mechanotransduction is provided. Cell migration concepts are introduced, including the general cell migration mechanism and classification of cell migration types. Then, FN-mediated events that directly affect cell migration are explored. Finally, a focus on FN in tissue repair and cancer migration is presented, as these topics represent a large amount of current research.

Bioinformatics Analysis and Experimental Validation of Differential Genes and Pathways in Bone Nonunions

Non-union fractures pose a significant clinical challenge, often leading to prolonged pain and disability. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying non-union fractures is crucial for developing effective therapeutic interventions. This study integrates bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation to unravel key genes and pathways associated with non-union fractures. We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between non-union and fracture healing tissues using bioinformatics techniques. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were employed to elucidate the biological processes and pathways involved. Common DEGs were identified, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. Fibronectin-1 (FN1), Thrombospondin-1 (THBS1), and Biglycan (BGN) were pinpointed as critical target genes for non-union fracture treatment. Experimental validation involved alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alizarin Red staining to confirm osteogenic differentiation. Our analysis revealed significant alterations in pathways related to cell behavior, tissue regeneration, wound healing, infection, and immune responses in non-union fracture tissues. FN1, THBS1, and BGN were identified as key genes, with their upregulation indicating potential disruptions in the bone remodeling process. Experimental validation confirmed the induction of osteogenic differentiation. The study provides comprehensive insights into the molecular mechanisms of non-union fractures, emphasizing the pivotal roles of FN1, THBS1, and BGN in extracellular matrix dynamics and bone regeneration. The findings highlight potential therapeutic targets and pathways for further investigation. Future research should explore interactions between these genes, validate results using in vivo fracture models, and develop tailored treatment strategies for non-union fractures, promising significant advances in clinical management.

The value of subcutaneous xenografts for individualised radiotherapy in HNSCC: Robust gene signature correlates with radiotherapy outcome in patients and xenografts

PURPOSE

To assess the robustness of prognostic biomarkers and molecular tumour subtypes developed for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) on cell-line derived HNSCC xenograft models, and to develop a novel biomarker signature by combining xenograft and patient datasets.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mice bearing xenografts (n = 59) of ten HNSCC cell lines and a retrospective, multicentre patient cohort (n = 242) of the German Cancer Consortium-Radiation Oncology Group (DKTK-ROG) were included. All patients received postoperative radiochemotherapy (PORT-C). Gene expression analysis was conducted using GeneChip Human Transcriptome Arrays. Xenografts were stratified based on their molecular subtypes and previously established gene classifiers. The dose to control 50 % of tumours (TCD50) was compared between these groups. Using differential gene expression analyses combining xenograft and patient data, a gene signature was developed to define risk groups for the primary endpoint loco-regional control (LRC).

RESULTS

Tumours of mesenchymal subtype were characterized by a higher TCD50 (xenografts, p < 0.001) and lower LRC (patients, p < 0.001) compared to the other subtypes. Similar to previously published patient data, hypoxia- and radioresistance-related gene signatures were associated with high TCD50 values. A 2-gene signature (FN1, SERPINE1) was developed that was prognostic for TCD50 (xenografts, p < 0.001) and for patient outcome in independent validation (LRC: p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

Genetic prognosticators of outcome for patients after PORT-C and subcutaneous xenografts after primary clinically relevant irradiation show similarity. The identified robust 2-gene signature may help to guide patient stratification, after prospective validation. Thus, xenografts remain a valuable resource for translational research towards the development of individualized radiotherapy.

Deciphering a shared transcriptomic regulation and the relative contribution of each regulator type through endometrial gene expression signatures

BACKGORUND

While various endometrial biomarkers have been characterized at the transcriptomic and functional level, there is generally a poor overlap among studies, making it unclear to what extent their upstream regulators (e.g., ovarian hormones, transcription factors (TFs) and microRNAs (miRNAs)) realistically contribute to menstrual cycle progression and function. Unmasking the intricacies of the molecular interactions in the endometrium from a novel systemic point of view will help gain a more accurate perspective of endometrial regulation and a better explanation the molecular etiology of endometrial-factor infertility.

METHODS

An in-silico analysis was carried out to identify which regulators consistently target the gene biomarkers proposed in studies related to endometrial progression and implantation failure (19 gene lists/signatures were included). The roles of these regulators, and of genes related to progesterone and estrogens, were then analysed in transcriptomic datasets compiled from samples collected throughout the menstrual cycle (n = 129), and the expression of selected TFs were prospectively validated in an independent cohort of healthy participants (n = 19).

RESULTS

A total of 3,608 distinct genes from the 19 gene lists were associated with endometrial progression and implantation failure. The lists' regulation was significantly favoured by TFs (89% (17/19) of gene lists) and progesterone (47% (8 /19) of gene lists), rather than miRNAs (5% (1/19) of gene lists) or estrogen (0% (0/19) of gene lists), respectively (FDR < 0.05). Exceptionally, two gene lists that were previously associated with implantation failure and unexplained infertility were less hormone-dependent, but primarily regulated by estrogen. Although endometrial progression genes were mainly targeted by hormones rather than non-hormonal contributors (odds ratio = 91.94, FDR < 0.05), we identified 311 TFs and 595 miRNAs not previously associated with ovarian hormones. We highlight CTCF, GATA6, hsa-miR-15a-5p, hsa-miR-218-5p, hsa-miR-107, hsa-miR-103a-3p, and hsa-miR-128-3p, as overlapping novel master regulators of endometrial function. The gene expression changes of selected regulators throughout the menstrual cycle (FDR < 0.05), dually validated in-silico and through endometrial biopsies, corroborated their potential regulatory roles in the endometrium.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed novel hormonal and non-hormonal regulators and their relative contributions to endometrial progression and pathology, providing new leads for the potential causes of endometrial-factor infertility.

The impact of fibronectin knockout on invasion and migration of endometrial cell in adenomyosis

The present study aimed to investigate the potential effect of fibronectin (FN) in adenomyosis progression. Small guide RNAs were designed to knock down FN expression in Ishikawa cells. The impact of FN on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of the cells was assessed. Cell proliferation was detected using a Celigo Imaging Cytometer system; apoptosis was quantified by flow cytometry; and cell migration and invasion were investigated via transwell assays. Cell proliferation was markedly suppressed in the FN knockout (KO) group compared with the control group, while apoptosis significantly increased. The levels of cell migration and invasion in the KO group were significantly decreased compared with the control group. Our study revealed that downregulation of FN expression is likely to restrain cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in endometrial cells in adenomyosis.

MicroRNA-142-3P suppresses the progression of papillary thyroid carcinoma by targeting FN1 and inactivating FAK/ERK/PI3K signaling

OBJECTIVES

miR-142-3P is a tumor suppressor in various malignant cancers. However, the function of miR-142-3P in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to explore the function and mechanism of miR-142-3P in PTC.

METHODS

Real Time Quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to assess the expression of miR-142-3P and Fibronectin 1 (FN1) in PTC. The correlation between FN1 and miR-142-3P expression was analyzed by Spearman's correlation analysis. Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EDU) assay, cell migration and invasion assay and wound healing measures evaluated the effect of miR-142-3P and FN1 on cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Dural Luciferase reported gene assay evaluated the interaction between miR-142-3P and 3' untranslated region (UTR) of FN1. The Epithelial-Mesenchymal-Transition (EMT) and apoptosis related marker genes were measured using western blot analysis (WB).

RESULTS

miR-142-3P was significantly decreased in both PTC specimens and relevant cell lines. Functionally, miR-142-3P inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT, and induced the cell apoptosis in PTC. In addition, miR-142-3P bound directly with 3' UTR of FN1 and negatively regulated the expression of FN1 in PTC. FN1 expression is elevated in PTC, and its aberrant high correlated with declines in recurrence-free survival (RFS). Moreover, FN1 promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT, induced cell apoptosis in PTC cells. Depletion of FN1 rescues the effect of miR-142-3P inhibitor on cell proliferation, invasion, apoptosis and EMT via inactivating Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK)/Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK) / Phosphoinostide 3-kinase (P13K) signaling.

CONCLUSION

miR-142-3P suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT through modulating FN1/FAK/ERK/PI3K signaling in PTC, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target for PTC.

LINC00173 blocks GATA6-mediated transcription of COL5A1 to affect malignant development of oral squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Aberrant expression of collagen type V alpha 1 chain (COL5A1) has been linked to several forms of human cancers. In this work, we focused on the interaction of the LINC00173/GATA binding protein 6 (GATA6)/COL5A1 axis in the malignant property of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells.

METHODS

We analyzed six publicly accessible datasets GSE160042, GSE74530, GSE138206, GSE23558, GSE31853 and GSE146483 to identify aberrantly expressed genes in OSCC. The expression of COL5A1 in OSCC tissues and cell lines was examined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and/or immunohistochemistry. The regulatory mechanism responsible for COL5A1 transcription was predicted via bioinformatics systems, and the interactions of LINC00173, GATA6, and COL5A1 were identified by immunoprecipitation and luciferase assays. Overexpression or downregulation of COL5A1, GATA6, and LINC00173 were induced in OSCC cell lines to determine their roles in the malignant phenotype of the OSCC cells in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

COL5A1 showed elevated expression in OSCC tissues and cells. The COLA51 knockdown suppressed proliferation, migration and invasiveness, apoptosis resistance, and pro-angiogenic ability of OSCC cells, and it suppressed the growth and dissemination of xenograft tumors in vivo. GATA6 bound to COL5A1 promoter to activate its transcription, whereas LINC00173 bound to GATA6 to block this transcriptional activation. Overexpression of GATA6 or COL5A1 promoted the malignant phenotype of the OSCC cells, which were blocked upon LINC00173 upregulation.

CONCLUSION

This work demonstrates that LINC00173 blocks GATA6-mediated transcription of COL5A1 to affect malignant development of OSCC.

NCBP2 and TFRC are novel prognostic biomarkers in oral squamous cell carcinoma

There are few prognostic biomarkers and targeted therapeutics currently in use for the clinical management of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and patient outcomes remain poor in this disease. A majority of mutations in OSCC are loss-of-function events in tumour suppressor genes that are refractory to conventional modes of targeting. Interestingly, the chromosomal segment 3q22-3q29 is amplified in many epithelial cancers, including OSCC. We hypothesized that some of the 468 genes located on 3q22-3q29 might be drivers of oral carcinogenesis and could be exploited as potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Our integrative analysis of copy number variation (CNV), gene expression and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), identified two candidate genes: NCBP2, TFRC, whose expression positively correlates with worse overall survival (OS) in HPV-negative OSCC patients. Expression of NCBP2 and TFRC is significantly higher in tumour cells compared to most normal human tissues. High NCBP2 and TFRC protein abundance is associated with worse overall, disease-specific survival, and progression-free interval in an in-house cohort of HPV-negative OSCC patients. Finally, due to a lack of evidence for the role of NCBP2 in carcinogenesis, we tested if modulating NCBP2 levels in human OSCC cell lines affected their carcinogenic behaviour. We found that NCBP2 depletion reduced OSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Differential expression analysis revealed the upregulation of several tumour-promoting genes in patients with high NCBP2 expression. We thus propose both NCBP2 and TFRC as novel prognostic and potentially therapeutic biomarkers for HPV-negative OSCC.

Pathogenesis and prognosis of primary oral squamous cell carcinoma based on microRNAs target genes: a systems biology approach

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most prevalent head and neck malignancy, with frequent cervical lymph-node metastasis, leading to a poor prognosis in OSCC patients. The present study aimed to identify potential markers, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and genes, significantly involved in the etiology of early-stage OSCC. Additionally, the main OSCC's dysregulated Gene Ontology annotations and significant signaling pathways were identified. The dataset GSE45238 underwent multivariate statistical analysis in order to distinguish primary OSCC tissues from healthy oral epithelium. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) with the criteria of p-value < 0.001 and |Log2 fold change| > 1.585 were identified in the two groups, and subsequently, validated targets of DEMs were identified. A protein interaction map was constructed, hub genes were identified, significant modules within the network were illustrated, and significant pathways and biological processes associated with the clusters were demonstrated. Using the GEPI2 database, the hub genes' predictive function was assessed. Compared to the healthy controls, main OSCC had a total of 23 DEMs. In patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), upregulation of CALM1, CYCS, THBS1, MYC, GATA6, and SPRED3 was strongly associated with a poor prognosis. In HNSCC patients, overexpression of PIK3R3, GIGYF1, and BCL2L11 was substantially correlated with a good prognosis. Besides, “proteoglycans in cancer” was the most significant pathway enriched in the primary OSCC. The present study results revealed more possible mechanisms mediating primary OSCC and may be useful in the prognosis of the patients with early-stage OSCC.

Potential biomarkers and immune characteristics of small bowel adenocarcinoma

Small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA) is a gastrointestinal malignancy with low incidence but poor prognosis, and its pathogenesis is still unclear. This study aimed to explore potential disease-causing biomarkers of SBA. The gene expression datasets of SBA and normal samples were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. First, differential gene expression analysis and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) were performed. Common genes (CGs) were obtained by intersection of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and optimal modal genes of WGCNA. Subsequently, a protein‒protein interaction network was established to screen hub genes, and target genes were obtained by Lasso regression analysis of hub genes. An SBA risk prediction model was established based on target genes. The prediction accuracy of the model was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The levels of immune cell infiltration and activation of immune pathways were compared between SBA and normal samples using the "ggpubr" and "reshape2" packages. A total of 1058 DEGs were identified. WGCNA showed that the signature gene in the brown module was significantly associated with SBA (p = 7E−17), and 469 CGs were obtained. Four target genes (APOA4, APOB, COL1A2, FN1) were identified and showed excellent prediction of SBA risk (AUC = 0.965). In addition, active dendritic cells and macrophages showed higher infiltration levels in SBA. Meanwhile, the APC_co_stimulation pathway and parainflammation pathway were strongly active in SBA. Four target genes (APOA4, APOB, COL1A2, FN1) may be involved in the pathogenesis of small bowel adenocarcinoma.