NMMHC-IIA-dependent nuclear location of CXCR4 promotes migration and invasion in renal cell carcinoma

Non-Muscle Myosin II A: Friend or Foe in Cancer?

Non-muscle myosin IIA (NM IIA) is a motor protein that belongs to the myosin II family. The myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9) gene encodes the heavy chain of NM IIA. NM IIA is a hexamer and contains three pairs of peptides, which include the dimer of heavy chains, essential light chains, and regulatory light chains. NM IIA is a part of the actomyosin complex that generates mechanical force and tension to carry out essential cellular functions, including adhesion, cytokinesis, migration, and the maintenance of cell shape and polarity. These functions are regulated via light and heavy chain phosphorylation at different amino acid residues. Apart from physiological functions, NM IIA is also linked to the development of cancer and genetic and neurological disorders. MYH9 gene mutations result in the development of several autosomal dominant disorders, such as May-Hegglin anomaly (MHA) and Epstein syndrome (EPS). Multiple studies have reported NM IIA as a tumor suppressor in melanoma and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; however, studies also indicate that NM IIA is a critical player in promoting tumorigenesis, chemoradiotherapy resistance, and stemness. The ROCK-NM IIA pathway regulates cellular movement and shape via the control of cytoskeletal dynamics. In addition, the ROCK-NM IIA pathway is dysregulated in various solid tumors and leukemia. Currently, there are very few compounds targeting NM IIA, and most of these compounds are still being studied in preclinical models. This review provides comprehensive evidence highlighting the dual role of NM IIA in multiple cancer types and summarizes the signaling networks involved in tumorigenesis. Furthermore, we also discuss the role of NM IIA as a potential therapeutic target with a focus on the ROCK-NM IIA pathway.

Unveiling the enigmatic role of MYH9 in tumor biology: a comprehensive review

Non-muscle myosin heavy chain IIA (MYH9), a member of the non-muscle myosin II (NM II) family, is widely expressed in cells. The interaction of MYH9 with actin in the cytoplasm can hydrolyze ATP, completing the conversion of chemical energy to mechanical motion. MYH9 participates in various cellular processes, such as cell adhesion, migration, movement, and even signal transduction. Mutations in MYH9 are often associated with autosomal dominant platelet disorders and kidney diseases. Over the past decade, tumor-related research has gradually revealed a close relationship between MYH9 and the occurrence and development of tumors. This article provides a review of the research progress on the role of MYH9 in cancer regulation. We also discussed the anti-cancer effects of MYH9 under special circumstances, as well as its regulation of T cell function. In addition, given the importance of MYH9 as a key hub in oncogenic signal transduction, we summarize the current therapeutic strategies targeting MYH9 as well as the ongoing challenges.

CXCR4 Expression as a Prognostic Biomarker in Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Poor long-term survival in localized high-risk soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) of the extremities and trunk highlights the need to identify new prognostic factors. CXCR4 is a chemokine receptor involved in tumor progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between CXCR4 expression in tumor tissue and survival in STSs patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy. CXCR4 expression was retrospectively determined by immunohistochemical analysis in serial specimens including initial biopsies, tumors post-neoadjuvant treatment, and tumors after relapse. We found that a positive cytoplasmatic expression of CXCR4 in tumors after neoadjuvant treatment was a predictor of poor recurrence-free survival (RFS) (p = 0.003) and overall survival (p = 0.019) in synovial sarcomas. We also found that positive nuclear CXCR4 expression in the initial biopsies was associated with poor RFS (p = 0.022) in undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas. In conclusion, our study adds to the evidence that CXCR4 expression in tumor tissue is a promising prognostic factor for STSs.

MYH9: A key protein involved in tumor progression and virus-related diseases

The myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9) gene encodes the heavy chain of non-muscle myosin IIA (NMIIA), which belongs to the myosin II subfamily of actin-based molecular motors. Previous studies have demonstrated that abnormal expression and mutations of MYH9 were correlated with MYH9-related diseases and tumors. Furthermore, earlier investigations identified MYH9 as a tumor suppressor. However, subsequent research revealed that MYH9 promoted tumorigenesis, progression and chemoradiotherapy resistance. Note-worthily, MYH9 has also been linked to viral infections, like severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Epstein-Barr virus, and hepatitis B virus, as a receptor or co-receptor. In addition, MYH9 promotes the development of hepatocellular carcinoma by interacting with the hepatitis B virus-encoding X protein. Finally, various findings highlighted the role of MYH9 in the development of these illnesses, especially in tumors. This review summarizes the involvement of the MYH9-regulated signaling network in tumors and virus-related diseases and presents possible drug interventions on MYH9, providing insights for the use of MYH9 as a therapeutic target for tumors and virus-mediated diseases.

Pathological changes in GPCR signal organisation: Opportunities for targeted therapies for triple negative breast cancer

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has the poorest prognosis compared to other breast cancer subtypes, due to a historical lack of targeted therapies and high rates of relapse. Greater insight into the components of signalling pathways in TNBC tumour cells has led to the clinical evaluation, and in some cases approval, of targeted therapies. In the last decade, G protein-coupled receptors, such as the β₂-adrenoceptor, have emerged as potential new therapeutic targets. Here, we describe how the β₂-adrenoceptor accelerates TNBC progression in response to stress, and the unique signalling pathway activated by the β₂-adrenoceptor to drive the invasion of an aggressive TNBC tumour cell. We highlight evidence that supports an altered organisation of GPCRs in tumour cells, and suggests that activation of the same GPCR in a different cellular location can control unique cell responses. Finally, we speculate how the relocation of GPCRs to the "wrong" place in tumour cells presents opportunities to develop targeted anti-cancer GPCR drugs with greater efficacy and minimal adverse effects.

NAP1L5 targeting combined with MYH9 Inhibit HCC progression through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Nucleosome assembly protein 1-like 5 (NAP1L5) is a protein-coding gene that encodes a protein similar to nucleosome assembly protein 1 (NAP1). It is a histone chaperone that plays an important role in gene transcription in organisms. However, the role of NAP1L5 in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma remains to be elucidated. In this study, low expression of NAP1L5 was found in hepatocellular carcinoma, and the downregulation of NAP1L5 was related to shorter survival and disease-free survival. In addition, its expression is also related to the tumor size and recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma. The overexpression and knockdown of NAP1L5 by plasmid and siRNA showed that NAP1L5 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion and induced apoptosis of hepatoma cells. In vivo experiments confirmed that NAP1L5 can inhibit the growth and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. In the mechanistic study, we found that NAP1L5 affects the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating MYH9 to inhibit the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. As a functional tumor suppressor, NAP1L5 is expressed at low levels in HCC. NAP1L5 inhibits the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating MYH9. It may be a new potential target for liver cancer treatment.

Demystifying the CXCR4 conundrum in cancer biology: Beyond the surface signaling paradigm

The oncogenic chemokine duo CXCR4-CXCL12/SDF-1 (C-X-C Receptor 4-C-X-C Ligand 12/ Stromal-derived factor 1) has been the topic of intense scientific disquisitions since Muller et al., in her ground-breaking research, described this axis as a critical determinant of organ-specific metastasis in breast cancer. Elevated CXCR4 levels correlate with distant metastases, poor prognosis, and unfavourable outcomes in most solid tumors. Therapeutic impediment of the axis in clinics with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved inhibitors like AMD3100 or Plerixafor yield dubious results, contrary to pre-clinical developments. Clinical trials entailing inhibition of CXCR7 (C-X-C Receptor 7), another convicted chemokine receptor that exhibits affinity for CXCL12, reveal outcomes analogous to that of CXCR4-CXCL12 axis blockade. Of note, the cellular CXCR4 knockout phenotype varies largely from that of inhibitor treatments. These shaky findings pique great curiosity to delve further into the realm of this infamous chemokine receptor to provide a probable explanation. A multitude of recent reports suggests the presence of an increased intracellular CXCR4 pool in various cancers, both cytoplasmic and nuclear. This intracellular CXCR4 protein reserve seems active as it correlates with vital tumor attributes, viz. prognosis, aggressiveness, metastasis, and disease-free survival. Diminishing this entire intracellular CXCR4 load apart from the surface signals looks encouraging from a therapeutic point of view. Transcending beyond the classically accepted concept of ligand-mediated surface signaling, this review sheds new light on plausible associations of intracellularly compartmentalised CXCR4 with various aspects of tumorigenesis. Besides, this review also puts forward a comprehensive account of CXCR4 regulation in different cancers.

HMGA1 stimulates MYH9-dependent ubiquitination of GSK-3β via PI3K/Akt/c-Jun signaling to promote malignant progression and chemoresistance in gliomas

Myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9) plays an essential role in human diseases, including multiple cancers; however, little is known about its role in gliomas. In the present study, we revealed that HMGA1 and MYH9 were upregulated in gliomas and their expression correlated with WHO grade, and HMGA1 promoted the acquisition of malignant phenotypes and chemoresistance of glioma cells by regulating the expression of MYH9 through c-Jun-mediated transcription. Moreover, MYH9 interacted with GSK-3β to inhibit the expression of GSK-3β protein by promoting its ubiquitination; the downregulation of GSK-3β subsequently promoted the nuclear translocation of β-catenin, enhancing growth, invasion, migration, and temozolomide resistance in glioma cells. Expression levels of HMGA1 and MYH9 were significantly correlated with patient survival and should be considered as independent prognostic factors. Our findings provide new insights into the role of HMGA1 and MYH9 in gliomagenesis and suggest the potential application of HMGA1 and MYH9 in cancer therapy in the future.

MYH9 is crucial for stem cell-like properties in non-small cell lung cancer by activating mTOR signaling

The fatality rate of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been high due to the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Non-muscle myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9) can promote the progression of various tumors, but its effect on the stem cell-like characteristics of lung cancer cells (LCCs) has not been clarified. Our research found that the stemness characteristics of LCCs were significantly enhanced by the overexpression of MYH9, and the knockout of MYH9 had the opposite effects. The in vivo with inhibitor blebbistatin further confirmed the effect of MYH9 on the stem cell-like behavior of LCCs. Furthermore, western blotting showed that the expression level of CSCs markers (CD44, SOX2, Nanog, CD133, and OCT4) was also regulated by MYH9. Mechanistic studies have shown that MYH9 regulates stem cell-like features of LCCs by regulating the mTOR signaling pathway, which was supported by sphere formation experiments after LCCs were treated with inhibitors Rapamycin and CHIR-99021. Importantly, high expression of MYH9 in lung cancer is positively correlated with poor clinical prognosis and is an independent risk factor for patients with NSCLC.

Two Motors and One Spring: Hypothetic Roles of Non-Muscle Myosin II and Submembrane Actin-Based Cytoskeleton in Cell Volume Sensing

Changes in plasma membrane curvature and intracellular ionic strength are two key features of cell volume perturbations. In this hypothesis we present a model of the responsible molecular apparatus which is assembled of two molecular motors [non-muscle myosin II (NMMII) and protrusive actin polymerization], a spring [a complex between the plasma membrane (PM) and the submembrane actin-based cytoskeleton (smACSK) which behaves like a viscoelastic solid] and the associated signaling proteins. We hypothesize that this apparatus senses changes in both the plasma membrane curvature and the ionic strength and in turn activates signaling pathways responsible for regulatory volume increase (RVI) and regulatory volume decrease (RVD). During cell volume changes hydrostatic pressure (HP) changes drive alterations in the cell membrane curvature. HP difference has opposite directions in swelling versus shrinkage, thus allowing distinction between them. By analogy with actomyosin contractility that appears to sense stiffness of the extracellular matrix we propose that NMMII and actin polymerization can actively probe the transmembrane gradient in HP. Furthermore, NMMII and protein-protein interactions in the actin cortex are sensitive to ionic strength. Emerging data on direct binding to and regulating activities of transmembrane mechanosensors by NMMII and actin cortex provide routes for signal transduction from transmembrane mechanosensors to cell volume regulatory mechanisms.

Insights into Nuclear G-Protein-Coupled Receptors as Therapeutic Targets in Non-Communicable Diseases

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) comprise a large protein superfamily divided into six classes, rhodopsin-like (A), secretin receptor family (B), metabotropic glutamate (C), fungal mating pheromone receptors (D), cyclic AMP receptors (E) and frizzled (F). Until recently, GPCRs signaling was thought to emanate exclusively from the plasma membrane as a response to extracellular stimuli but several studies have challenged this view demonstrating that GPCRs can be present in intracellular localizations, including in the nuclei. A renewed interest in GPCR receptors' superfamily emerged and intensive research occurred over recent decades, particularly regarding class A GPCRs, but some class B and C have also been explored. Nuclear GPCRs proved to be functional and capable of triggering identical and/or distinct signaling pathways associated with their counterparts on the cell surface bringing new insights into the relevance of nuclear GPCRs and highlighting the nucleus as an autonomous signaling organelle (triggered by GPCRs). Nuclear GPCRs are involved in physiological (namely cell proliferation, transcription, angiogenesis and survival) and disease processes (cancer, cardiovascular diseases, etc.). In this review we summarize emerging evidence on nuclear GPCRs expression/function (with some nuclear GPCRs evidencing atypical/disruptive signaling pathways) in non-communicable disease, thus, bringing nuclear GPCRs as targets to the forefront of debate.

The MYH9 Cytoskeletal Protein Is a Novel Corepressor of Androgen Receptors

In the progression of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), the androgen receptor (AR) that serves as a transcription factor becomes the most remarkable molecule. The transcriptional activity of AR is regulated by various coregulators. As a result, altered expression levels, an aberrant location or activities of coregulators promote the development of prostate cancer. We describe herein results showing that compared with androgen-dependent prostate cancer (ADPC) cells, AR nuclear translocation capability is enhanced in androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPC) cells. To gain insight into whether AR coregulators are responsible for AR translocation capability, we performed coimmunoprecipitation (CO-IP) coupled with LC-MS/MS to screen 27 previously reported AR cofactors and 46 candidate AR cofactors. Furthermore, one candidate, myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9), was identified and verified as a novel AR cofactor. Interestingly, the distribution of MYH9 was in both the cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments yet was enriched in the nucleus when AR was knocked down by AR shRNA, suggesting that the nuclear translocation of MYH9 was negatively regulated by AR. In addition, we found that blebbistatin, an inhibitor of MYH9, not only promoted AR nuclear translocation but also enhanced the expression of the AR target gene PSA, which indicates that MYH9 represses nuclear AR signaling. Taken together, our findings reveal that MYH9 appears to be a novel corepressor of AR plays a pivotal role in the progression of CRPC.

Targeted Delivery of Therapeutics to Urological Cancer Stem Cells

Urological cancer refers to cancer in organs of the urinary system and the male reproductive system. It mainly includes prostate cancer, bladder cancer, renal cancer, etc., seriously threatening patients' survival. Although there are many advances in the treatment of urological cancer, approved targeted therapies often result in tumor recurrence and therapy failure. An increasing amount of evidence indicated that cancer stem cells (CSCs) with tumor-initiating ability were the source of treatment failure in urological cancer. The development of CSCstargeted strategy can provide a possibility for the complete elimination of urological cancer. This review is based on a search of PubMed, Google scholar and NIH database (http://ClinicalTrials.gov/) for English language articles containing the terms: "biomarkers", "cancer stem cells", "targeting/targeted therapy", "prostate cancer", bladder cancer" and "kidney cancer". We summarized the biomarkers and stem cell features of the prostate, bladder and renal CSCs, outlined the targeted strategies for urological CSCs from signaling pathways, cytokines, angiogenesis, surface markers, elimination therapy, differentiation therapy, immunotherapy, microRNA, nanomedicine, etc., and highlighted the prospects and future challenges in this research field.

Current updates and future perspectives on the management of renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) refers to renal-epithelial cancer, which represents over 90% of kidney cancer and is a cause for cancer related deaths in the world. Studies suggested somatic VHL mutations to be the cause for the occurrence of cancer, but with the time, more latest genomic and biological studies have detected variation in epigenetic regulatory genes and showed significant heterogeneity of the intratumor that may lead to strategies of diagnostic, predictive, and therapeutic importance. Immune dysfunction is responsible for almost all types of renal cancer, and angiogenesis and immunosuppression function together in the tumor microenvironment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Over the past few years, advancement in the management of the RCC has finally revolutionized with the arrival of the entrapped immune inhibitors which particularly concentrated on the receptor (programmed cell death-1) and focus on the new generation receptor i.e. TKRI (tyrosine-kinase receptor inhibitors). The present review deals with the comprehensive review of RCC and emphasizes on its types, pathogenesis and advancement in these diseases. This review also overviews the role of innate and adaptive immune response-related mechanism, the function of cancer stem cell in this diseases, therapeutic targeted drugs and hormonal signaling pathways as an emerging strategy in the management of the renal cancer.

MICAL2 is a novel nucleocytoplasmic shuttling protein promoting cancer invasion and growth of lung adenocarcinoma

MICAL2 is a tumor-promoting factor involved in cell migration, invasion, deformation, and proliferation not yet fully explored in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). This study demonstrated that MICAL2 was overexpressed and cytoplasm-enriched in LUAD tissues. Moreover, high cytoplasmic MICAL2 and/or total MICAL2 expression levels were positively correlated with lymphatic metastasis and shorter overall survival in LUAD patients. MICAL2 promoted LUAD cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition-all of which involved the AKT and myosin-9 pathways. Furthermore, MICAL2 was identified as a nucleoplasm shuttling protein dependent on myosin-9 and its C-terminal fragment. MICAL2-ΔC-enriched in the nucleus-had less impact on tumor malignancy in LUAD cells in vitro and in vivo. Tumor promotion by MICAL2 was reduced by nuclear-export inhibitor, myosin-9 inhibitor, or si-myosin-9-all of which effectively inhibited MICAL2's nuclear export. Finally, the expression and subcellular location as well as clinical significance of MICAL2 and myosin-9 were analyzed across TCGA data and LUAD tissue arrays. Our data revealed that MICAL2 overexpression and nuclear export were associated with cancer progression; inhibiting its expression and/or nuclear export may provide a new target for LUAD therapy.

Expression and function of the stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) in the swine ovarian follicle

The most characterized stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) variants are the isoform α, which is the predominant one but undergoes rapid proteolysis, and the β isoform, which is more resistant. Through the interaction with a specific chemokine receptor called CXCR4, SDF-1 is able to regulate different physiological processes. The aim of this study was to verify the expression and potential functional role of SDF-1 and CXCR4 in the porcine ovary. Firstly, the expression of SDF-1 and its receptor in different ovarian districts was verified for the first time. Thereafter, the effect of SDF-1 β isoform (51-72) fragment on functional parameters, such as proliferation, metabolic activity, redox status, nitric oxide production, and steroidogenic activity, was assessed on granulosa cells collected from follicles. In addition, the potential effect of this protein in vascular events was verified through investigations on porcine aortic (AOC) endothelial cells, such as the production of nitric oxide and viability tests. The proliferation and metabolic activity were not affected by treatment with the cytokine. As regard to steroidogenesis, the peptide stimulated both estrogen (P = 0.049) and progesterone production (P = 0.039). Redox status was affected by the examined substance since superoxide anion was inhibited (P = 0.001), while antioxidant power (P = 0.034), as well as nitric oxide generation, were stimulated (P = 0.034). Tests performed on AOCs showed significant stimulation of nitric oxide production (P = 0.004) by the examined peptide, while cell viability was unaffected. Therefore, the potential role of cytokine in the mechanisms involved in the regulation of follicular function can be hypothesized.

Chemical compound cinobufotalin potently induces FOXO1-stimulated cisplatin sensitivity by antagonizing its binding partner MYH9

In this study, we present novel molecular mechanisms by which FOXO1 functions as a tumor suppressor to prevent the pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). First, we observed that FOXO1 not only controlled tumor stemness and metastasis, but also sensitized NPC cells to cisplatin (DDP) in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that FOXO1-induced miR-200b expression through the GSK3β/β-catenin/TCF4 network-mediated stimulation of ZEB1, which reduced tumor stemness and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signal. Furthermore, we observed FOXO1 interaction with MYH9 and suppression of MYH9 expression by modulating the PI3K/AKT/c-Myc/P53/miR-133a-3p pathway. Decreased MYH9 expression not only reduced its interactions with GSK3β, but also attenuated TRAF6 expression, which then decreased the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of GSK3β protein. Increased GSK3β expression stimulated the β-catenin/TCF4/ZEB1/miR-200b network, which increased the downstream tumor stemness and EMT signals. Subsequently, we observed that chemically synthesized cinobufotalin (CB) strongly increased FOXO1-induced DDP chemosensitivity by reducing MYH9 expression, and the reduction in MYH9 modulated GSK3β/β-catenin and its downstream tumor stemness and EMT signal in NPC. In clinical samples, the combination of low FOXO1 expression and high MYH9 expression indicated the worst overall survival rates. Our studies demonstrated that CB potently induced FOXO1-mediated DDP sensitivity by antagonizing its binding partner MYH9 to modulate tumor stemness in NPC.

Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of CXCR4 high expression in renal cell carcinoma: A meta-analysis and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Previous results have indicated that CXCR4 is an oncogene in several types of human tumors including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the correlation between CXCR4 expression and clinicopathological characteristics of RCC remains unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a meta-analysis to quantitatively evaluate the association of CXCR4 expression with the incidence of RCC and clinicopathological characteristics. Final analysis of 1203 patients with RCC from 14 eligible studies was performed.

RESULTS

We observed that CXCR4 expression is significantly higher in RCC than in normal renal tissue, and the pooled OR from 7 studies including 435 RCC and 297 normal renal tissues was OR = 46.23, 95% CI = 7.18-297.69, p < 0.0001. CXCR4 expression is not associated with gender status and clinical stages. However, CXCR4 expression was significantly associated with pathological grades, metastatic status, and overall survival in patients with RCC.

DISCUSSION

These results indicate that CXCR4 expression is associated with increased risk, progression, and prognosis for patients with RCC. The determination of CXCR4 expression may provide a biomarker for tumor risk evaluation, progression, and prognosis of patients with RCC.

A feed-forward loop between nuclear translocation of CXCR4 and HIF-1α promotes renal cell carcinoma metastasis

CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) has been suggested to play a critical role in cancer metastasis. Some studies have described CXCR4 nuclear localization in metastatic lesions of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which has been suggested to be correlated with cancer metastasis. However, the underlying mechanism and clinical significance of CXCR4 nuclear localization remains unknown. Here, we show that CXCR4 nuclear localization is more likely to occur in RCC tissues, especially in metastases, and is associated with poor prognosis. CXCR4 nuclear localization requires its nuclear localization sequence (NLS, residues 146-RPRK-149). After the mutation of NLS in CXCR4, CXCR4 nuclear localization in RCC cells is lost. Nuclear localization of CXCR4 promoted RCC tumorigenicity both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we found that CXCR4 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) colocalized in RCC cells and interacted with each other. Moreover, CXCR4 nuclear localization promoted nuclear accumulation of HIF-1α, thereby promoting the expression of genes downstream of HIF-1α. Reciprocally, nuclear HIF-1α promoted CXCR4 transcription, thus forming a feed-forward loop. Subcellular CXCR4 and HIF-1α expression levels were independent adverse prognostic factors and could be combined with TNM stage to generate a predictive nomogram of the clinical outcome of patients with RCC. Therefore, our findings indicate that CXCR4 nuclear translocation plays a critical role in RCC metastasis and may serve as a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target.

De novo MYH9 mutation in congenital scalp hemangioma

Congenital hemangiomas are tumor-like vascular malformations with poorly understood pathogenesis. We report the case of a neonate with a massive congenital scalp hemangioma that required urgent neurosurgical removal on the second day of life because of concern for high-flow arteriovenous shunting. Exome sequencing identified a rare damaging de novo germline mutation in MYH9 (c.5308C>T, p.[Arg1770Cys]), encoding the MYH9 nonmuscle myosin IIA. MYH9 has a probability of loss-of-function intolerance (pLI) score of >0.99 and is highly intolerant to missense variation (z score = 5.59). The p.(Arg1770Cys) mutation substitutes an evolutionarily conserved amino acid in the protein's critical myosin tail domain and is predicted to be highly deleterious by SIFT, PolyPhen-2, MetaSVM, and CADD. MYH9 is a known regulator of cytokinesis, VEGF-regulated angiogenesis, and p53-dependent tumorigenesis. These findings reveal a novel association of germline de novo MYH9 mutation with congenital hemangioma.

The 5T4 oncofetal glycoprotein does not act as a general organizer of the CXCL12 system in cancer cells

The chemokine, CXCL12, promotes cancer growth and metastasis through interaction with either CXCR4 and/or CXCR7. This tumor-specific organization of the CXCL12 system obscures current therapeutic approaches, aiming at the selective inactivation of CXCL12 receptors. Since it has been previously suggested that the cellular use of CXCR4 or CXCR7 is dictated by the 5T4 oncofetal glycoprotein, we have now tested whether 5T4 would represent a general and reliable marker for the organization of the CXCL12 system in cancer cells. The CXCR4 antagonist, AMD3100, as well as the CXCR7 antagonist, CCX771, demonstrated that the cancer cell lines A549, C33A, DLD-1, MDA-231, and PC-3 use either CXCR7 and/or CXCR4 for mediating CXCL12-induced chemotaxis and cell proliferation. The use of CXCL12 receptors as well as their subcellular localization remained unchanged in most cell lines following siRNA-mediated depletion of 5T4. In distinct cell lines, inhibition of 5T4 expression, however, modulated tumor cell migration and proliferation per se. Collectively our analyses fail to demonstrate general organizational influences of 5T4 of the CXCL12 system in different cancer cell lines, and, hence, dismiss its future use as a diagnostic marker.