MicroRNA-27b-3p inhibits the proliferation and invasion of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma by targeting EGFR and MMP-13

Immunostaining and gene expression of epidermal growth factor receptors (HER1/HER2) in canine cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a neoplasm type often diagnosed in dogs. However, studies focused on further investigating its molecular biology, mainly biomarkers to help implementing new therapies, remain scare in the literature. Thus, immunostaining and the gene expression of epidermal growth factor receptors (HER1 and HER2) in canine cSCC presenting different cell differentiation degrees were herein assessed. Thirty-two (32) canine cSCC were selected, classified based on to their cell differentiation degree and subjected to immunohistochemical study to assess HER1 and HER2 immunostaining intensity and distribution. In addition, HER1 and HER2 gene expression was investigated through real-time PCR. Membranous and cytoplasmic immunostaining were observed in both markers. HER2 prevailed in poorly differentiated cSCC; there was positive protein expression correlation between both markers. Mean HER1 gene expression was higher in moderately differentiated, whereas mean HER2 gene expression was higher in poorly differentiated cSCC. Moreover, there was gene expression correlation between markers, regardless of cell differentiation degree. Thus, HER2 protein immunostaining and gene expression were higher in poorly differentiated canine cSCC and it enabled understanding that increase observed in this epidermal growth factor receptor is proportional to this neoplasm's cell differentiation degree in canine species. Results in the current study helped better understanding canine cSCC's molecular biology; however, it is relevant studying other markers aiming to investigate signaling pathways.

High C1QTNF1 expression mediated by potential ncRNAs is associated with poor prognosis and tumor immunity in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma

Background: Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) originates from proximal tubular cells and is the most common subtype of renal cell carcinoma. KIRC is characterized by changes in lipid metabolism, and obesity is a risk factor for it. C1q And TNF Related 1 (C1QTNF1), a novel adipokine and member of the C1q and TNF-related protein (CTRP) family, has been shown to affect the progression of various cancers. However, the role of C1QTNF1 in KIRC has not been studied. Methods: The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to analyze the expression of C1QTNF1 in KIRC tissues and normal tissues. The relationship between clinicopathological features and C1QTNF1 levels was also examined by logistic regression and the Wilcoxon rank sum test. In addition, the effect of C1QTNF1 on the prognosis of KIRC patients was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier (KM). The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were used to analyze the potential signaling pathways and biological functions of differential genes. A nomogram was constructed to predict the prognosis of KIRC patients. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to determine the association between C1QTNF1 expression and immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint genes. The upstream miRNAs and lncRNAs of C1QTNF1 were predicted by the ENCORI online tool. Finally, we examined the proliferation, invasion, and migration abilities of KIRC cells after C1QTNF1 knockdown. Results: The expression of C1QTNF1 in KIRC tissues was significantly higher than in normal renal tissues. Patients with higher C1QTNF1 expression had a poor prognosis, a finding supported by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. C1QTNF1 expression was significantly correlated with TNM and pathologic stages, age, and gender (p < 0.05). The C1QTNF1 expression level was significantly correlated with immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint genes in KIRC. Additionally, high C1QTNF1 expression was associated with poor prognosis in stage I and II, T1 and T2, T3 and T4, N0, and M0 patients (HR > 1, p < 0.05). The calibration diagram shows that the C1QTNF1 model has effective predictive performance for the survival of KIRC patients. Knockdown of C1QTNF1 inhibited KIRC cell proliferation, cell migration, and cell invasion. In addition, CYTOR and AC040970.1/hsa-miR-27b-3p axis were identified as the most likely upstream ncRNA-related pathways of C1QTNF1 in KIRC. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study suggests that high expression of C1QTNF1 is associated with KIRC progression and immune infiltration. The increased expression of C1QTNF1 suggests a poor prognosis in KIRC patients.

The anti-ovarian cancer effect of RPV modified paclitaxel plus schisandra B liposomes in SK-OV-3 cells and tumor-bearing mice

AIMS

Due to poor targeting ability of anti-tumor drugs and self-adaptation of tumors, the chemotherapy of ovarian cancer is still poorly effective. In recent years, the treatment of tumor with nano-targeted agents has become a potential research focus. In this study, a new type of short cell-penetrating peptide RPV-modified paclitaxel plus schisandrin B liposomes were constructed to disrupt VM channels, angiogenesis, proliferation and migration for the treatment of ovarian cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, clone assay, TUNEL, Transwell, wound-healing, CAM and mimics assay were used to detect the effects of RPV-modified liposomes on ovarian cancer SK-OV-3 cells before and after treatment. HE-staining, immunofluorescence and ELISA were used to further detect the expression of tumor-related proteins.

KEY FINDINGS

RPV-modified paclitaxel plus schisandrin B liposomes can inhibit angiogenesis, VM channel formation, invasion and proliferation of ovarian SK-OV-3 cells. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that tumor-related protein expression was down-regulated. Modification of RPV can prolong the retention time of liposome in vivo and accumulate in the tumor site, increasing the anti-tumor efficacy.

SIGNIFICANCE

The RPV-modified paclitaxel plus schisandrin B liposomes have good anti-tumor effect, thus may provide a new avenue for the treatment of ovarian cancer.