Induction of KIFC1 expression in gastric cancer spheroids

Role of microRNAs in tumor progression by regulation of kinesin motor proteins

Aberrant cell proliferation is one of the main characteristics of tumor cells that can be affected by many cellular processes and signaling pathways. Kinesin superfamily proteins (KIFs) are motor proteins that are involved in cytoplasmic transportations and chromosomal segregation during cell proliferation. Therefore, regulation of the KIF functions as vital factors in chromosomal stability is necessary to maintain normal cellular homeostasis and proliferation. KIF deregulations have been reported in various cancers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and signaling pathways are important regulators of KIF proteins. MiRNAs have key roles in regulation of the cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. In the present review, we discussed the role of miRNAs in tumor biology through the regulation of KIF proteins. It has been shown that miRNAs have mainly a tumor suppressor function via the KIF targeting. This review can be an effective step to introduce the miRNAs/KIFs axis as a probable therapeutic target in tumor cells.

IQ Motif Containing GTPase-Activating Protein 3 Is Associated with Cancer Stemness and Survival in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal types of malignancy, with poor prognosis and rising incidence. IQ motif containing GTPase-activating protein 3 (IQGAP3) is a member of the IQGAPs family of scaffolding proteins that govern multiple cellular activities like cytoskeletal remodeling and cellular signal transduction. This study aimed to analyze the expression and biological function of IQGAP3 in PDAC.

METHODS

We analyzed IQGAP3 expression in 81 PDAC samples by immunohistochemistry. RNA interference was used to inhibit IQGAP3 expression in PDAC cell lines.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemical analysis of IQGAP3 showed that 54.3% of PDACs were positive for cytoplasmic expression of IQGAP3, with no expression found in non-neoplastic tissue. Furthermore, IQGAP3 expression was an independent poor prognostic factor in our immunostaining-based studies and analyses of public databases. Our cohort and the Cancer Genome Atlas database indicated that IQGAP3 is co-localized with kinesin family member C1 (KIFC1), which we previously reported as a cancer stem cell-associated protein. IQGAP3 small interfering RNA treatment decreased PDAC cell proliferation and spheroid colony formation via ERK and AKT pathways.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

These results suggest that IQGAP3, a transmembrane protein, is involved in survival and stemness and may be a promising new therapeutic target for PDAC.

Kinesin Family Member B18 Is Related to Gastric Mucin Phenotype and Contributes to Gastric Cancer Progression by Regulating Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

INTRODUCTION

Gastric cancer (GC) remains a common health concern worldwide and is the third leading cause of death in Japan. It can be broadly classified into gastric and intestinal mucin phenotypes using immunohistochemistry. We previously reported numerous associations of kinesin family member (KIF) genes and mucin phenotypes with GC. However, no previous studies have reported on the importance of KIF18B in GC using immunostaining. Thus, in this study, we investigated the expression and functions of KIF18B, which is highly expressed in gastric mucin phenotype GC.

METHODS

We performed RNA-seq of gastric and intestinal mucin type GCs, and clinicopathological studies of the KIF18B we found were performed using 96 GC cases. We also performed functional analysis using GC-derived cell lines.

RESULT

RNA-seq showed the upregulation of matrisome-associated genes in gastric mucin phenotype GC and a high expression of KIF18B. KIF18B was detected in 52 of the 96 GC cases (54%) through immunohistochemistry. Low KIF18B expression was significantly associated with poor overall survival (p < 0.01). Other molecules that were significantly associated with KIF18B were MUC5AC and claudin 18; these were also significantly associated with the gastric mucin phenotype. KIF18B small interfering RNA (siRNA)-transfected GC cells showed greater growth and spheroid colony formation than the negative control siRNA-transfected cells. Furthermore, expression of snail family transcriptional repressor 1 and cadherin 2 was significantly increased and that of cadherin 1 was significantly decreased in KIF18B siRNA-transfected GC cells.

CONCLUSION

These findings not only suggest that KIF18B may be a useful prognostic marker, but also provide insight into the pathogenesis of the GC phenotype.

Expression of kinesin family member C1 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma affects tumor progression and stemness

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a novel molecular target for the treatment of PDAC. Kinesin family member C1 (KIFC1) belongs to the kinesin superfamily proteins and has been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of a wide variety of carcinomas. However, the role of KIFC1 in PDAC remains unknown. This study aimed to analyze the expression and biological function of KIFC1 in PDAC. Immunohistochemically, KIFC1 was found in 37 of 81 PDAC cases (46%). A high expression of KIFC1 was significantly related to tumor size (p = 0.023) and poor overall survival (p = 0.011). Univariate and multivariate analysis indicated that KIFC1 expression was a prognostic factor in PDAC cases. As for cancer stem cell markers, KIFC1 expression tended to co-express significantly with CD44 (p < 0.01). The growth and spheroid colony formation of KIFC1 small interfering RNA (siRNA)-transfected PDAC cells were significantly lower than those of negative control siRNA-transfected cells. Therefore, our findings suggest that KIFC1 is an independent prognostic factor in PDAC and may represent a new promising therapeutic target in PDAC.

The Roles of KIFC1 in the Development of Osteosarcoma: Characterization of Potential Therapeutic Targets

Background

As an important member of the mitotic kinesin family, kinesin family member C1 (KIFC1) is abnormally expressed in a variety of tumors. However, the roles of KIFC1 in the development of osteosarcoma (OS) have never been elucidated.

Methods

The expression of KIFC1 in OS tissues which was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was further confirmed by Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2 (GEPIA2) database. The relationship between KIFC1 and CDC20 was analyzed by clinical data, STRING database, and GEPIA2 database. Survival analysis was performed through GEPIA2 database. To elucidate the roles of KIFC1 in OS, MG-63 and U-2 OS cells were treated with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) to knock down KIFC1 expression, and the knockdown efficiency was validated with quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting (WB). Moreover, colony formation and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were utilized to evaluate cell proliferation.

Results

According to IHC staining and GEPIA2 analysis, the expression of KIFC1 in OS tissues was significantly higher than that in adjacent normal tissues, which was inversely connected to the prognosis. These results were consistent with our clinical data. Besides, KIFC1 was positively correlated with CDC20. In addition, KIFC1 shRNA could effectively silence KIFC1 expression in MG-63 and U-2 OS cells. Furthermore, the knockdown of KIFC1 inhibited the cell proliferation ability with increased cell apoptosis in MG-63 and U-2 OS cells.

Conclusion

KIFC1 was significantly upregulated in OS and promoted OS progression by cell proliferation. These findings offered new clues for OS diagnosis and prognosis, suggesting KIFC1 could be a potential therapeutic target for OS in further study.

[Spheroids to organoids: Solid cancer models for anticancer drug discovery]

Cell culture is an important and necessary technology in oncology research. Currently, two-dimensional (2D) cell culture models are the most widely used, but they cannot reproduce the complexity and pathophysiology of tumors in vivo. This may be a major cause of the high rate of attrition of anticancer drugs entering clinical trials, the rate of new anticancer drugs entering the market being less than 5 %. One way to improve the success of new cancer drugs in the clinic is based on the use of three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models, more able to represent the complex environment and architecture of tumors. These 3D culture systems are also a powerful research tool for modeling the evolution of cancer from early stages to metastasis. Spheroids and organoids, the most adaptable models among 3D culture systems, are beginning to be used in pharmaceutical research and personalized medicine. In this article, we review the use of spheroids and organoids by highlighting their differences, discussing their impact on drug development, and looking at future challenges.

KIFC1 Is Associated with Basal Type, Cisplatin Resistance, PD-L1 Expression and Poor Prognosis in Bladder Cancer

Kinesin family member C1 (KIFC1), a minus end-directed motor protein, is reported to play an essential role in cancer. This study aimed to analyze KIFC1 expression and examine KIFC1 involvement in cisplatin resistance in bladder cancer (BC). Immunohistochemistry showed that 37 of 78 (47.4%) BC cases were positive for KIFC1. KIFC1-positive cases were associated with high T stage and lymph node metastasis. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that KIFC1-positive cases were associated with poor prognosis, consistent with the results from public databases. Molecular classification in several public databases indicated that KIFC1 expression was increased in basal type BC. Immunohistochemistry showed that KIFC1-positive cases were associated with basal markers 34βE12, CK5 and CD44. KIFC1 expression was increased in altered TP53 compared to that in wild-type TP53. Immunohistochemistry showed that KIFC1-positive cases were associated with p53-positive cases. P53 knockout by CRISPR-Cas9 induced KIFC1 expression in BC cell lines. Knockdown of KIFC1 by siRNA increased the sensitivity to cisplatin in BC cells. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that prognosis was poor among KIFC1-positive BC patients treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Immunohistochemistry showed that KIFC1-positive cases were associated with PD-L1-positive cases. High KIFC1 expression was associated with a favorable prognosis in patients treated with atezolizumab from the IMvigor 210 study. These results suggest that KIFC1 might be a promising biomarker and therapeutic target in BC.

Identification of Novel Molecular Therapeutic Targets and Their Potential Prognostic Biomarkers Among Kinesin Superfamily of Proteins in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Background

Kinesin superfamily of proteins (KIFs) has been broadly reported to play an indispensable role in the biological process. Recently, emerging evidence reveals its oncogenic role in various cancers. However, the prognostic, oncological, and immunological values of KIFs have not been comprehensively explored in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients. We aimed to illustrate the relationship between KIFs and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by using bioinformatical analysis.

Methods

We use GEPIA, Oncomine datasets, cBioPortal, LOGpc, TIMER, and STRING bioinformatics tools and web servers to investigate the aberrant expression, prognostic values, and oncogenic role of KIFs. The two-gene prognostic model and the correlation between KIFs and KRAS and TP53 mutation were performed using an R-based computational framework.

Results

Our results demonstrated that KIFC1/2C/4A/11/14/15/18A/18B/20B/23 (we name it prognosis-related KIFs) were upregulated and associated with unfavorable clinical outcome in pancreatic cancer patients. KIF21B overexpression is associated with better clinical outcome. The KIFC1/2C/4A/11/14/15/18A/18B/20B/23 profiles were significantly increased compared to grade 1 and grade 2/3. Besides, KIFC1/2C/4A/11/14/15/18A/18B/20B/23 was significantly associated with the mutation status of KRAS and TP53.Notably, most prognosis-related KIFs have strong correlations with tumor growth and myeloid-derived suppressor cells infiltration (MDSCs). A prognostic signature based on KIF20B and KIF21B showed a reliable predictive performance. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was employed to assess the predictive power of two-gene signature. Consequently, the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that KIF20B and KIF21B’s overexpression was associated with the immunological and oncogenic pathway activation in pancreatic cancer. Finally, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was utilized to investigate the expression pattern of KIF20B and KIF21B in pancreatic cancer cell lines and normal pancreatic cell.

Conclusions

Knowledge of the expression level of the KIFs may provide novel therapeutic molecular targets and potential prognostic biomarkers to pancreatic cancer patients.

Increased expression levels of AURKA and KIFC1 are promising predictors of progression and poor survival associated with gastric cancer

Increased cell proliferation is a critical hallmark of cancer development and progression. The proliferation of tumor cells depends on mitotic deregulation. Here, we identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in gastric cancer (GC) through RNA sequencing data and bioinformatics analysis. Subsequent functional and pathway enrichment analyses showed that the screened DEGs were enriched in the mitosis-associated pathway. Based on the analysis results, we selected two signatures (aurora kinase A [AURKA] and kinesin family member C1 [KIFC1]) to determine their clinicopathological significance. The results showed a significant positive correlation between AURKA and KIFC1 expression both at the mRNA and protein levels. AURKA expression was positively correlated with distant metastases (p = 0.032) and tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage (p = 0.001). Elevated KIFC1 expression was significantly associated with tumor size (p = 0.029), depth of invasion (p < 0.001), lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001), distant metastasis (p = 0.023), and TNM stage (p < 0.001). Higher AURKA (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.3, p < 0.001) and KIFC1 (HR = 1.41, p < 0.001) mRNA levels were also significantly correlated with poor overall survival. Thus, AURKA and KIFC1 could serve as potential prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for GC.

TDO2 overexpression correlates with poor prognosis, cancer stemness, and resistance to cetuximab in bladder cancer

Background

Bladder cancer (BC) is the 10th most common cancer in the world. BC with muscle invasion results in a poor prognosis and is usually fatal. Cancer cell metabolism has an essential role in the development and progression of tumors. Expression of tryptophan 2,3‐dioxygenase (TDO2) is associated with tumor progression and worse survival in some other cancers. However, no studies have been performed to uncover the biofunctional roles of TDO2 in BC.

Aim

This study aim to investigate the clinicopathologic significance of TDO2 in BC.

Methods and results

TDO2 expression was evaluated by qRT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry in an integrated analysis with the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and other published datasets. TDO2 overexpression was significantly associated with T classification, N classification, and M classification, tumor stage, recurrence, and basal type, and with the expression of CD44 and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) in BC. High TDO2 expression correlated with poor outcome of BC patients. Using BC cell lines with knockdown and forced expression of TDO2, we found that TDO2 was involved in the growth, migration, and invasiveness of BC cells. Moreover, TDO2 was found to be crucial for spheroid formation in BC cells. Importantly, TDO2 promoted BC cells resistance to cetuximab through integration of the EGFR pathway.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that TDO2 might take an essential part in BC progression and could be a potential marker for targeted therapy in BC.

KIFC1 regulates ZWINT to promote tumor progression and spheroid formation in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Kinesin Family Member C1 (KIFC1) has been proposed as a promising therapeutic target due to its pivotal role in centrosome clustering to mediate cancer cell progression. This study aimed to analyze the expression and biological function of KIFC1 in CRC. Immunohistochemically, 67 (52%) of 129 CRC cases were positive for KIFC1 and statistically associated with poorer overall survival. KIFC1 small interfering RNA (siRNA)-transfected cells demonstrated lower cell proliferation as compared to the negative control cells. A specific KIFC1 inhibitor, kolavenic acid analog (KAA) drastically inhibited CRC cell proliferation. Microarray analysis revealed that KAA-treated CRC cells presented reduced ZW10 interacting kinetochore protein (ZWINT) expression as compared to control cells. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that 61 (47%) of 129 CRC cases were positive for ZWINT and ZWINT expression was significantly correlated with KIFC1 expression. ZWINT-positive cases exhibited significantly worse overall survival. KIFC1 siRNA-transfected cells showed reduced ZWINT expression while ZWINT siRNA-transfected cells decreased cell proliferation. Both KIFC1 and ZWINT knockdown cells attenuated spheroid formation ability. This study provides new insights into KIFC1 regulating ZWINT in CRC progression and its potential as a therapeutic target.

Effect of KIF22 on promoting proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells via MAPK-ERK pathways

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most globally prevalent cancers in the world. The pathogenesis of GC has not been fully elucidated, and there still lacks effective targeted therapeutics. The influence of altered kinesin superfamily protein 22 (KIF22) expression in GC progression is still unclearly. The aim of this study was to investigate the KIF22 effects on GC and related mechanisms.

Methods

Gastric carcinoma tissues and matching non-cancerous tissues were collected from patients with GC who have accepted a radical gastrectomy in Lanzhou University Second Hospital from May 2013 to December 2014. The expression of KIF22 was examined in GC of 67 patients and 20 para-carcinoma tissues by immunochemical staining. The relationship between the expression of KIF22 and clinicopathologic characteristics was next investigated in the remaining 52 patients except for 15 patients who did not complete follow-up for 5 years. Cell viability was performed via 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) test and colony formation assay in the MGC-803 and BGC-823 GC cells. Cell scratch and trans-well invasion assay was performed to assess migration ability in the MGC-803 and BGC-823 GC cells. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) pathway enrichment analysis was performed to explore the potential functions. Cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry. In addition, the two GC cell lines were used to elucidate the underlying mechanism of KIF22 in GC in vitro via assessing the effects on mitogen-activated protein kinase and extracellular regulated protein kinases (MAPK/ERK) signal transduction pathway-related expressions by Western blotting assays. The differences were compared by t tests, one-way analysis of variance, and Chi-squared tests.

Results

The study showed that KIF22 was up-regulated in GC, and KIF22 high expression was significantly related to differentiation degree (χ² = 12.842, P = 0.002) and poorly overall survivals. GSEA pathway enrichment analysis showed that KIF22 was correlated with the cell cycle. Silence of KIF22 decreased the ability of the proliferation and migration in gastric cells, induced G1/S phase cell cycle arrest via regulating the MAPK-ERK pathways.

Conclusions

KIF22 protein level was negatively correlated with prognosis. KIF22 knockdown might inhibit proliferation and metastasis of GC cells via the MAPK-ERK signaling pathway.

Identification of key genes controlling cancer stem cell characteristics in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Self-renewal of gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) is considered to be the underlying cause of the metastasis, drug resistance, and recurrence of gastric cancer (GC).

AIM

To characterize the expression of stem cell-related genes in GC.

METHODS

RNA sequencing results and clinical data for gastric adenoma and adenocarcinoma samples were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, and the results of the GC mRNA expression-based stemness index (mRNAsi) were analyzed. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis was then used to find modules of interest and their key genes. Survival analysis of key genes was performed using the online tool Kaplan-Meier Plotter, and the online database Oncomine was used to assess the expression of key genes in GC.

RESULTS

mRNAsi was significantly upregulated in GC tissues compared to normal gastric tissues (P < 0.0001). A total of 16 modules were obtained from the gene coexpression network; the brown module was most positively correlated with mRNAsi. Sixteen key genes (BUB1, BUB1B, NCAPH, KIF14, RACGAP1, RAD54L, TPX2, KIF15, KIF18B, CENPF, TTK, KIF4A, SGOL2, PLK4, XRCC2, and C1orf112) were identified in the brown module. The functional and pathway enrichment analyses showed that the key genes were significantly enriched in the spindle cellular component, the sister chromatid segregation biological process, the motor activity molecular function, and the cell cycle and homologous recombination pathways. Survival analysis and Oncomine analysis revealed that the prognosis of patients with GC and the expression of three genes (RAD54L, TPX2, and XRCC2) were consistently related.

CONCLUSION

Sixteen key genes are primarily associated with stem cell self-renewal and cell proliferation characteristics. RAD54L, TPX2, and XRCC2 are the most likely therapeutic targets for inhibiting the stemness characteristics of GC cells.

Three-Dimensional Culture Systems in Gastric Cancer Research

Gastric cancer (GC), which includes cancer of the esophagus, the oesophagogastric junction, and the stomach fundus, is highly deadly with strong regional influence, Asia being the most affected. GC is often detected at late stages, with 30% of metastatic cases at diagnosis. Many authors have devised models to both unravel the mechanisms of GC development and to evaluate candidate therapeutics. Among these models, 2D-cell cultures are progressively replaced by 3D-cell cultures that recapitulate, much more comprehensively, tumor cellular and genetic heterogeneity, as well as responsiveness to environmental changes, such as exposure to drugs or irradiation. With respect to the specifics of GC, there are high hopes from such model systems, especially with the aim of identifying prognostic markers and novel drug targets.

miR-635 targets KIFC1 to inhibit the progression of gastric cancer

Accumulating studies have shown that the dysregulation of microRNAs is related to the carcinogenesis and development of gastric cancer (GC), and the role of miR-635 in GC remains largely unknown. miR-635 and Kinesin Family Member C1 (KIFC1) mRNA expression in GC tissues and paracancerous tissues and cells were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. KIFC1 protein expression in GC tissues and paracancerous normal tissues and cells was detected by immunohistochemistry and western blot. Cell proliferation was monitored by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine assay. Transwell assay was employed to detect the migration and invasion of GC cells. The dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was adopted to detect the targeting relationship between miR-635 and KIFC1. Compared with paracancerous tissues, miR-635 expression was remarkably decreased in GC tissues; conversely, KIFC1 expression was significantly increased. Compared with human normal gastric epithelial cell GSE-1, miR-635 expression was markedly decreased in GC cell lines. Meanwhile, KIFC1 expression was significantly increased, and the Kaplan-Meier Plotter database showed that its high expression was remarkably associated with poor prognosis. Additionally, miR-635 can negatively regulate KIFC1. miR-635 can target KIFC1 to inhibit proliferation, migration and invasion of GC cells. Collectively, miR-635 is lowly expressed in GC, and it inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion of GC cells via regulating KIFC1.

Microtubule Engagement with Taxane Is Altered in Taxane-Resistant Gastric Cancer

PURPOSE

Although taxane-based therapy is standard treatment for advanced gastric cancer, a majority of patients exhibit intrinsic resistance to taxanes. Here, we aim to identify the molecular basis of taxane resistance in gastric cancer.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We performed a post hoc analysis of the TAX-325 clinical trial and molecular interrogation of gastric cancer cell lines to assess the benefit of docetaxel in diffuse (DIF-GC) versus intestinal (INT-GC) gastric cancer. We assessed drug-induced microtubule stabilization in gastric cancer cells and in biopsies of patients with gastric cancer treated with taxanes. We performed transcriptome analysis in taxane-treated gastric cancer cells and patients to identify molecular drivers of taxane resistance.

RESULTS

Patients with DIF-GC did not derive a clinical benefit from taxane treatment suggesting intrinsic taxane resistance. DIF-GC cell lines displayed intrinsic resistance specific to taxanes because of impaired drug-induced microtubule stabilization, in the absence of tubulin mutations or decreased drug accumulation. Using taxane-treated gastric cancer patient biopsies, we demonstrated that absence of drug-target engagement was correlated with clinical taxane resistance. Taxane-sensitive cell lines displayed faster microtubule dynamics at baseline, implicating proteins that regulate cytoskeletal dynamics in intrinsic taxane resistance. Differential gene expression analysis of untreated and docetaxel-treated gastric cancer lines and patient samples identified kinesins to be associated with taxane sensitivity in vitro and in patient samples.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data reveal that taxane resistance is more prevalent in patients with DIF-GC, support assessment of drug-target engagement as an early read-out of taxane clinical efficacy, and encourage the investigation of kinesins and other microtubule-associated proteins as potentially targetable mediators of taxane resistance in gastric cancer.

Kinesin Family Member C1 (KIFC1) Accelerates Proliferation and Invasion of Endometrial Cancer Cells Through Modulating the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway

Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide. Kinesin family member C1 (KIFC1) has been demonstrated to play crucial roles in various tumors. However, the function of KIFC1 in EC remains to be revealed. In this study, upregulation of KIFC1 expression in human EC tissues was found from analysis on data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and positively correlated with short survival outcome of EC patients. In addition, the mRNA and protein levels of KIFC1 were confirmed to be up-regulated in EC cells (Ishikawa, HEC-1B, HEC-1A and KLE) compared to human normal endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) by quantitative real time PCR and western blot. In vitro functional experiments showed that overexpression of KIFC1 promoted proliferation, migration and invasion of EC cells, while KIFC1 depletion showed the opposite results. Moreover, KIFC1 knockdown suppressed tumor growth in mice. Further mechanism analysis showed that KIFC1 participated in the regulation of EC progression through regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Collectively, KIFC1 promoted proliferation and invasion through modulating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in EC, implying that KIFC1 might provide a promising therapeutic target for the therapy of EC.

Prognostic and clinicopathological significance of kinesin family member C1 in various cancers: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Kinesin family member C1 (KIFC1), a C-type kinesin motor protein, plays important roles in centrosome assembly and intracellular transport. Numerous studies have focused on the prognostic value of KIFC1 in malignant tumors and the relationship between KIFC1 expression and clinicopathological traits of cancer patients, but the studies remain controversial. And no meta-analysis has yet shown the association between KIFC1 and various cancers.

METHODS

Systematic retrieval was carried out within several databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Wanfang and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). In addition, hazard ratios (HR) and relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to examine the risk or hazard correlation by Stata SE15.1.

RESULTS

Eleven studies with the overall 2424 participants were included in this research. High KIFC1 expression was remarkably correlated with worse OS (HR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.07-1.60) and poorer relapse-free survival (HR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.75-2.80). In subgroup analysis, high KIFC1 expression was a negative predictor for OS in patients with ovarian cancer (P < .001), breast cancer (P < .001), hepatocellular carcinoma (P < .001), and non-small cell lung cancer (P < .001), but not for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (P = .246). Moreover, high levels of KIFC1 were related with positive lymph node metastasis (RR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.01-1.50, P = .041) and advanced tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage (RR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.27-1.89, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

KIFC1 overexpression indicates poor prognosis and more serious clinicopathological characteristics in kinds of malignancies. Thus, we conclude that KIFC1 could be a target for clinical diagnosis and treatment of various cancers.

Kinesin family member C1 accelerates bladder cancer cell proliferation and induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition via Akt/GSK3β signaling

Kinesin family member C1 (KIFC1) is implicated in the clustering of multiple centrosomes to maintain tumor survival and is thought to be an oncogene in several kinds of cancers. In our experiments, we first performed bioinformatics analysis to investigate the expression levels of KIFC1 in bladder cancer (BC) specimens and normal bladder epitheliums and then, using our samples, verified findings by quantitative real‐time PCR and western blotting assays. All data showed that KIFC1 was significantly upregulated in BC specimens at both the mRNA and protein levels. Immunohistochemical studies in a cohort of 152 paraffin‐embedded BC tissues displayed that upregulated expression of KIFC1 clearly correlated with pT status (P = .014) and recurrent status (P = .002). Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis and log‐rank test indicated that patients with BC with high KIFC1 expression had both shorter cancer‐specific survival (P < .001) and recurrence‐free survival time (P < .001) than those with low KIFC1 expression. Furthermore, ectopic downregulation of KIFC1 weakened BC cell proliferation and migration both in vitro and in vivo, whereas upregulation of KIFC1 enhanced this in vitro. Overexpression of KIFC1 phosphorylated GSK3β and promoted Snail through activating AKT (protein kinase B0) to induce proliferation and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and, therefore, substantially promoted BC migration and metastasis. Our study revealed an oncogenic role for KIFC1 to promote BC cell proliferation and EMT via Akt/GSK3β signaling; KIFC1 might be a promising prognostic biomarker as well as a therapeutic target for BC.

Teratogenic jervine increases the activity of doxorubicin in MCF-7/ADR cells by inhibiting ABCB1

Jervine is a natural teratogenic compound isolated from Veratrum californicum. In this study, for the first time, we revealed a novel activity of jervine in sensitizing the anti-proliferation effect of doxorubicin (DOX). We demonstrated that the synergistic mechanism was related to the intracellular accumulation of DOX via modulating ABCB1 transportation. Jervine did not affect the expression of ABCB1 in mRNA nor protein levels. However, jervine increased the ATPase activity of ABCB1 and possibly served as a substrate of ABCB1. The molecular docking results indicated that jervine was bound to a closed ABCB1 conformation and blocked drug entrance to the central binding site at the transmembrane domain. The present study identifies jervine acts as a substrate of ABCB1, and has potential to be developed as a novel and potent chemotherapy sensitizer used for patients developing multidrug resistance.

Identification of KIF11 As a Novel Target in Meningioma

Kinesins play an important role in many physiological functions including intracellular vesicle transport and mitosis. The emerging role of kinesins in different cancers led us to investigate the expression and functional role of kinesins in meningioma. Therefore, we re-analyzed our previous microarray dataset of benign, atypical, and anaplastic meningiomas (n = 62) and got evidence for differential expression of five kinesins (KIFC1, KIF4A, KIF11, KIF14 and KIF20A). Further validation in an extended study sample (n = 208) revealed a significant upregulation of these genes in WHO°I to °III meningiomas (WHO°I n = 61, WHO°II n = 88, and WHO°III n = 59), which was most pronounced in clinically more aggressive tumors of the same WHO grade. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed a WHO grade-associated upregulated protein expression in meningioma tissues. Furthermore, high mRNA expression levels of KIFC1, KIF11, KIF14 and KIF20A were associated with shorter progression-free survival. On a functional level, knockdown of kinesins in Ben-Men-1 cells and in the newly established anaplastic meningioma cell line NCH93 resulted in a significantly inhibited tumor cell proliferation upon siRNA-mediated downregulation of KIF11 in both cell lines by up to 95% and 71%, respectively. Taken together, in this study we were able to identify the prognostic and functional role of several kinesin family members of which KIF11 exhibits the most promising properties as a novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target, which may offer new treatment options for aggressive meningiomas.

Molecular carcinogenesis of gastric cancer: Lauren classification, mucin phenotype expression, and cancer stem cells

Gastric cancer (GC), one of the most common human cancers, is a heterogeneous disease with different phenotypes, prognoses, and responses to treatment. Understanding the pathogenesis of GC at the molecular level is important for prognosis prediction and determining treatments. Microsatellite instability (MSI), silencing of MLH1, MGMT, and CDKN2A genes by DNA hypermethylation, KRAS mutation, APC mutation, and ERBB2 amplification are frequently found in intestinal type GC. Inactivation of CDH1 and RARB by DNA hypermethylation, and amplification of FGFR and MET, are frequently detected in diffuse type GC. In addition, BST2 and PCDHB9 genes are overexpressed in intestinal type GC. Both genes are associated with GC progression. GC can be divided into gastric/intestinal mucin phenotypes according to mucin expression. MSI, alterations of TP73, CDH1 mutation, and DNA methylation of MLH are detected frequently in the gastric mucin phenotype. TP53 mutation, deletion of APC, and DNA methylation of MGMT are detected frequently in the intestinal mucin phenotype. FKTN is overexpressed in the intestinal mucin phenotype, and IQGAP3 is overexpressed in the gastric mucin phenotype. These genes are involved in GC progression. To characterize cancer stem cells, a useful method is spheroid colony formation. KIFC1 and KIF11 genes show more than twofold higher expression in spheroid-forming cells than that in parental cells. Both KIF genes are overexpressed in GC, and knockdown of these genes inhibits spheroid formation. Alterations of these molecules may be useful to understand gastric carcinogenesis. Specific inhibitors of these molecules may also be promising anticancer drugs.

Clinicopathological significance of claspin overexpression and its association with spheroid formation in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Spheroid colony formation is a useful method to identify cancer stem cells (CSCs). The aim of this study was to identify a novel prognostic marker or therapeutic target for GC using a method to identify CSCs. We analyzed the microarray data in spheroid body-forming and parental cells and focused on the CLSPN gene because it is overexpressed in the spheroid body-forming cells in both the GC cell lines MKN-45 and MKN-74. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that CLSPN messenger RNA expression was up-regulated in GC cell lines MKN-45, MKN-74, and TMK-1. Immunohistochemistry of claspin showed that 94 (47%) of 203 GC cases were positive. Claspin-positive GC cases were associated with higher T and N grades, tumor stage, lymphatic invasion, and poor prognosis. In addition, claspin expression was coexpressed with CD44, human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2, and p53. CLSPN small interfering RNA treatment decreased GC cell proliferation and invasion. These results indicate that the expression of claspin might be a key regulator in the progression of GC and might play an important role in CSCs of GC.

KIFC1 regulated by miR-532-3p promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma via gankyrin/AKT signaling

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide. The poor survival may be due to a high proportions of tumor recurrence and metastasis. Kinesin family member C1 (KIFC1) is highly expressed in a variety of neoplasms and is a potential marker for non-small cell lung cancer or ovarian adenocarcinoma metastasis. Nevertheless, the role of KIFC1 in HCC metastasis remains obscure. We investigated this in the present study using HCC cell lines and clinical specimens. Our results indicated that increased levels of KIFC1 were associated with poor prognosis and metastasis in HCC. In addition, KIFC1 induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and HCC metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. This tumorigenic effect depended on gankyrin; inhibiting gankyrin activity reversed EMT via activation of protein kinase B (AKT)/Twist family BHLH transcription factor 1 (AKT/TWIST1). We also found that KIFC1 was directly regulated by the microRNA miR-532-3p, whose downregulation was associated with metastatic progression in HCC. These results denote that a decrease in miR-532-3p levels results in increased KIFC1 expression in HCC, leading to metastasis via activation of the gankyrin/AKT/TWIST1 signaling pathway.

Down-regulation of KIF2A inhibits gastric cancer cell invasion via suppressing MT1-MMP

Gastric cancer accounts for a sizeable proportion of global cancer mortality with high morbidity and poor prognosis. Kinesin superfamily proteins (KIFs) are microtubule-dependent motor proteins that function as oncogenes in cancer cells, it has been discovered in recent years. Kinesin family member 2a (KIF2A), a member of the KIFs, has received attention for its role in carcinogenesis and its prognostic value in several human cancers such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and squamous cell carcinoma. However, the role of KIF2A in human gastric cancer remains unknown. In this study we aimed to explore the expression and biological functions of KIF2A in human gastric cancer cells, as well as to reveal its potential action mechanism. First, we found that KIF2A was markedly increased in gastric cancer cells (MKN-28, MKN-45, NCI-N87 and SGC-7901) compared to normal gastric mucosa epithelial cells (GES-1). Then KIF2A was successfully silenced in MKN-45 and SGC-7901 cells to facilitate further research into its function. We discovered that KIF2A silencing can significantly inhibit the growth and invasion of MKN-45 and SGC-7901 cells in a time-independent manner, accompanying a decreased expression of Membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP). When MT1-MMP was reintroduced into MKN-45 and SGC-7901 cells in the KIF2A-siRNA group, only invasion inhibition effects on MKN-45 and SGC-7901 cells induced by KIF2A silencing can be reversed. In conclusion, our study reveals that down-regulation of KIF2A can inhibit gastric cancer cell invasion by suppressing MT1-MMP.

Overexpression of KIFC1 and its association with spheroid formation in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common human cancers. We previously reported that KIFC1 is involved in gastric cancer pathogenesis and that KIFC1 plays an important role in gastric cancer spheroid colony formation. However, the significance of KIFC1 in ESCC has not been examined. In the present study, we analyzed the expression and distribution of KIFC1 in 132 ESCC cases by immunohistochemistry. In contrast to weak or no staining of KIFC1 in non-neoplastic mucosa, ESCC tissue showed stronger, more extensive KIFC1 staining. In total, 95 (72%) of 132 ESCC cases were positive for KIFC1. Immunostaining of ALDH1 was also performed, and KIFC1-positive ESCC cases were significantly frequently found in ALDH1-positive ESCC cases compared with ALDH1-negative ESCC cases. Spheroid colony formation is an effective method to characterize CSCs, thus we analyzed sphere number and size at 15days in ESCC cells downregulated for KIFC1 by siRNA transfection. Both the number and size of sphere from TE-1 cells were significantly reduced in KIFC1 siRNA-transfected TE-1 cells than in negative control siRNA-transfected cells. These results suggest that KIFC1 plays an important role in ESCC pathogenesis.

A unified model of the hierarchical and stochastic theories of gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is a life-threatening disease worldwide. Despite remarkable advances in treatments for GC, it is still fatal to many patients due to cancer progression, recurrence and metastasis. Regarding the development of novel therapeutic techniques, many studies have focused on the biological mechanisms that initiate tumours and cause treatment resistance. Tumours have traditionally been considered to result from somatic mutations, either via clonal evolution or through a stochastic model. However, emerging evidence has characterised tumours using a hierarchical organisational structure, with cancer stem cells (CSCs) at the apex. Both stochastic and hierarchical models are reasonable systems that have been hypothesised to describe tumour heterogeneity. Although each model alone inadequately explains tumour diversity, the two models can be integrated to provide a more comprehensive explanation. In this review, we discuss existing evidence supporting a unified model of gastric CSCs, including the regulatory mechanisms of this unified model in addition to the current status of stemness-related targeted therapy in GC patients.

KIFC1 induces resistance to docetaxel and is associated with survival of patients with prostate cancer

OBJECTIVES

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common malignancy worldwide. Docetaxel has been an important treatment option for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, nearly all patients with CRPC treated with docetaxel eventually become refractory. In the present study, we analyzed the expression and distribution of kinesin family member C1 (KIFC1) in human PCa by immunohistochemistry and examined the effect of inhibiting KIFC1 expression on docetaxel resistance.

METHODS

Expression of KIFC1 was determined using immunohistochemistry. RNA interference was used to inhibit KIFC1 expression in PCa cell lines. To examine cell viability, we performed 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that KIFC1 plays an important role in PCa progression. Immunohistochemical analysis of KIFC1 would facilitate identification of patients with poor prognoses after radical prostatectomy, as well as patients with poor therapeutic outcomes after docetaxel-based chemotherapy.

Overexpression of KIF11 in Gastric Cancer with Intestinal Mucin Phenotype

OBJECTIVE

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common human cancers. A useful method of gastric cancer stem cell (CSC) characterization is spheroid colony formation. Previously, we reported that KIF11 expression is >2-fold in spheroid-body-forming GC cells compared with parental cells. Here, we analyzed the expression and distribution of KIF11 in human GC by immunohistochemistry.

METHODS

Expression of KIF11 in 165 GC cases was determined using immunohistochemistry. For mucin phenotypic expression analysis of GC, immunostaining of MUC5AC, MUC6, MUC2 and CD10 was evaluated. RNA interference was used to inhibit KIF11 expression in GC cell lines.

RESULTS

In total, 119 of 165 GC cases (72%) were positive for KIF11. Expression of KIF11 was not associated with any clinicopathologic characteristics; however, it was observed frequently in GC exhibiting an intestinal phenotype. Both the number and size of spheres formed by MKN-74 cells were significantly reduced following transfection of KIF11-targeting siRNA compared with negative-control siRNA. Furthermore, levels of phosphorylated Erk1/2 were lower in KIF11 siRNA-transfected cells than with negative-control siRNA-transfected cells.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that KIF11 is involved in intestinal mucin phenotype GC.