Death-associated protein kinase 3 controls the tumor progression of A549 cells through ERK MAPK/c-Myc signaling

Genistein alleviates doxorubicin-induced cardiomyocyte autophagy and apoptosis via ERK/STAT3/c-Myc signaling pathway in rat model

Doxorubicin (Dox) is a highly effective anti-neoplastic agent. Still, its utility in the clinic has been hindered by toxicities, including vomiting, hematopoietic suppression and nausea, with cardiotoxicity being the most serious side effect. Genistein (Gen) is a natural product with extensive biological effects, including anti-oxidation, anti-tumor, and cardiovascular protection. This study evaluated whether Gen protected the heart from Dox-induced cardiotoxicity and explored the underlying mechanisms. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were categorized into control (Ctrl), genistein (Gen), doxorubicin (Dox), genistein 20 mg/kg/day + doxorubicin (Gen20 + Dox) and genistein 40 mg/kg/day + doxorubicin (Gen40 + Dox) groups. Six weeks after injection, immunohistochemistry (IHC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and clinical cardiac function analyses were performed to evaluate the effects of Dox on cardiac function and structural alterations. Furthermore, each heart histopathological lesions were given a score of 0-3 in compliance with the articles for statistical analysis. In addition, molecular and cellular response of H9c2 cells toward Dox were evaluated through western blotting, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), AO staining and calcein AM/PI assay. Dox (5 μM in vitro and 18 mg/kg in vivo) was used in this study. In vivo, low-dose Gen pretreatment protected the rat against Dox-induced cardiac dysfunction and pathological remodeling. Gen inhibited extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2)'s phosphorylation, increased the protein levels of STAT3 and c-Myc, and decreased the autophagy and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. U0126, a MEK1/2 inhibitor, can mimic the effect of Gen in protecting against Dox-induced cytotoxicity both in vivo and in vitro. Molecular docking analysis showed that Gen forms a stable complex with ERK1/2. Gen protected the heart against Dox-induced cardiomyocyte autophagy and apoptosis through the ERK/STAT3/c-Myc signaling pathway.

A drug-free cardiovascular stent functionalized with tailored collagen supports in-situ healing of vascular tissues

Drug-eluting stent implantation suppresses the excessive proliferation of smooth muscle cells to reduce in-stent restenosis. However, the efficacy of drug-eluting stents remains limited due to delayed reendothelialization, impaired intimal remodeling, and potentially increased late restenosis. Here, we show that a drug-free coating formulation functionalized with tailored recombinant humanized type III collagen exerts one-produces-multi effects in response to injured tissue following stent implantation. We demonstrate that the one-produces-multi coating possesses anticoagulation, anti-inflammatory, and intimal hyperplasia suppression properties. We perform transcriptome analysis to indicate that the drug-free coating favors the endothelialization process and induces the conversion of smooth muscle cells to a contractile phenotype. We find that compared to drug-eluting stents, our drug-free stent reduces in-stent restenosis in rabbit and porcine models and improves vascular neointimal healing in a rabbit model. Collectively, the one-produces-multi drug-free system represents a promising strategy for the next-generation of stents.

Off-target pharmacological activity at various kinases: Potential functional and pathological side effects

In drug discovery, during the lead optimization and candidate characterization stages, novel small molecules are frequently evaluated in a battery of in vitro pharmacology assays to identify potential unintended, off-target interactions with various receptors, transporters, ion channels, and enzymes, including kinases. Furthermore, these screening panels may also provide utility at later stages of development to provide a mechanistic understanding of unexpected safety findings. Here, we present a compendium of the most likely functional and pathological outcomes associated with interaction(s) to a panel of 95 kinases based on an extensive curation of the scientific literature. This panel of kinases was designed by AbbVie based on safety-related data extracted from the literature, as well as from over 20 years of institutional knowledge generated from discovery efforts. For each kinase, the scientific literature was reviewed using online databases and the most often reported functional and pathological effects were summarized. This work should serve as a practical guide for small molecule drug discovery scientists and clinical investigators to predict and/or interpret adverse effects related to pharmacological interactions with these kinases.

Targeting Death-Associated Protein Kinases for Treatment of Human Diseases: Recent Advances and Future Directions

The death-associated protein kinase (DAPK) family is a member of the calcium/calmodulin-regulated serine/threonine protein kinase family, and studies have shown that its role, as its name suggests, is mainly to regulate cell death. The DAPK family comprises five members, including DAPK1, DAPK2, DAPK3, DRAK1 and DRAK2, which show high homology in the common N-terminal kinase domain but differ in the extra-catalytic domain. Notably, previous research has suggested that the DAPK family plays an essential role in both the development and regulation of human diseases. However, only a few small-molecule inhibitors have been reported. In this Perspective, we mainly discuss the structure, biological function, and role of DAPKs in diseases and the currently discovered small-molecule inhibitors, providing valuable information for the development of the DAPK field.

A Novel TP53 Gene Mutation Sustains Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer through Mitophagy

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the world. In particular, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents the majority of the lung cancer population. Advances in DNA sequencing technologies have significantly contributed to revealing the roles, functions and mechanisms of gene mutations. However, the driver mutations that cause cancers and their pathologies remain to be explored. Here, we performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) on tumor tissues isolated from 314 Chinese NSCLC patients and established the mutational landscape in NSCLC. Among 656 mutations, we identified TP53-p.Glu358Val as a driver mutation in lung cancer and found that it activates mitophagy to sustain cancer cell growth. In support of this finding, mice subcutaneously implanted with NSCLC cells expressing TP53-p.Glu358Val developed larger tumors compared to wild-type cells. The pharmaceutical inhibition of autophagy/mitophagy selectively suppresses the cell proliferation of TP53-null or TP53-p.Glu358Val-expressing lung cancer cells. Together, our study characterizes a new TP53 mutation identified from Chinese lung cancer patients and uncovers its roles in regulating mitophagy, providing a new insight into NSCLC treatment.

U0126: Not only a MAPK kinase inhibitor

U0126, as an inhibitor of the MAPK signaling pathway, is closely related to various biological processes, such as differentiation, cell growth, autophagy, apoptosis, and stress responses. It makes U0126 play an essential role in balancing cellular homeostasis. Although U0126 has been suggested to inhibit various cancers, its complete mechanisms have not been clarified in cancers. This review summarized the most recent and relevant research on the many applications of U0126 and described its role and mechanisms in different cancer cell types. Moreover, some acknowledged functions of U0126 researched in the laboratory were listed in our review. We discussed the probability of using U0126 to restain cancers or suppress the MAPK pathway as a novel way of cancer treatment.

Assessment of the Effect of Overexpression of Death-Associated Protein Kinases 3 Using PEGFPN1 on Gastric Adenocarcinoma Cell Line (MKN45)

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. An in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlies tumor GC will lead to breakthroughs in the targeted treatment of GC. Based on multiple lines of evidence, death-associated protein kinase 3 (DAPK3) regulates both programmed cell death including apoptosis and autophagy. The widespread experimental evidence raises the possibility of using DAPK-based gene therapy strategies. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of overexpression of DAPK3 using the PEGFPN1 vector on the gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (MKN45). Methods: The MKN45 cell lines were cultured in a DMEM culture medium and, then, the recombinant vector PEGFPN1-DAPK3 was transfected into the cells by lipofectamine 2000. The effects of the overexpression of the DAPK3 gene on MKN45 cells were evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), flow cytometry, and Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) techniques. Results: Our findings indicated that overexpression of DAPK3 in MKN45 cells not only affects the expression of apoptosis-related genes but also changes the expression of autophagy-related genes. Additionally, overexpression of DAPK3 reduces the metabolic activity of cells. Conclusions: The overexpression of the DAPK3 gene can lead to cell death by both inducing apoptosis and autophagy pathways in the gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (MKN45). This anti-cancer activity may describe a hopeful strategy in the application of novel gene therapy for the treatment of gastric adenocarcinoma; however, further research is required to examine the clinical effectiveness of this strategy in GC treatment.

Death-Associated Protein Kinase 3 Inhibitors Identified by Virtual Screening for Drug Discovery in Cancer and Hypertension

Death-associated protein kinase 3 (DAPK3) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that regulates apoptosis, autophagy, transcription, and actin cytoskeleton reorganization. DAPK3 induces morphological alterations in apoptosis when overexpressed, and it is considered a potential drug target in antihypertensive and anticancer drug development. In this article, we report new findings from a structure-guided virtual screening for discovery of phytochemicals that could modulate the elevated expression of DAPK3, and with an eye to anticancer drug discovery. We used the Indian Medicinal Plants, Phytochemistry and Therapeutics (IMPPAT), a curated database, as part of the methodology. The potential initial hits were identified based on their physicochemical properties and binding affinity toward DAPK3. Subsequently, various filters for drug likeness followed by interaction analysis and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for 100 nsec were performed to explore the conformational sampling and stability of DAPK3 with the candidate molecules. Notably, the data from all-atom MD simulations and principal component analysis suggested that DAPK3 forms stable complexes with ketanserin and rotenone. In conclusion, this study supports the idea that ketanserin and rotenone bind to DAPK3, and show stability, which can be further explored as promising scaffolds in drug development and therapeutics innovation in clinical contexts such as hypertension and various types of cancer.

Death-associated protein kinases and intestinal epithelial homeostasis

The family of death-associated protein kinases (DAPKs) and DAPK-related apoptosis-inducing protein kinases (DRAKs) act as molecular switches for a multitude of cellular processes, including apoptotic and autophagic cell death events. This review summarizes the mechanisms for kinase activity regulation and discusses recent molecular investigations of DAPK and DRAK family members in the intestinal epithelium. In general, recent literature convincingly supports the importance of this family of protein kinases in the homeostatic processes that govern the proper function of the intestinal epithelium. Each of the DAPK family of proteins possesses distinct biochemical properties, and we compare similarities in the information available as well as those cases where functional distinctions are apparent. As the prototypical member of the family, DAPK1 is noteworthy for its tumor suppressor function and association with colorectal cancer. In the intestinal epithelium, DAPK2 is associated with programmed cell death, potential tumor-suppressive functions, and a unique influence on granulocyte biology. The impact of the DRAKs in the epithelium is understudied, but recent studies support a role for DRAK1 in inflammation-mediated tumor growth and metastasis. A commentary is provided on the potential importance of DAPK3 in facilitating epithelial restitution and wound healing during the resolution of colitis. An update on efforts to develop selective pharmacologic effectors of individual DAPK members is also supplied.

The histone variant macroH2A1.1 regulates RNA Polymerase II paused genes within defined chromatin interaction landscapes

The histone variant macroH2A1.1 plays a role in cancer development and metastasis. To determine the underlying molecular mechanisms, we mapped the genome-wide localization of endogenous macroH2A1.1 in the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. We demonstrate that macroH2A1.1 specifically binds to active promoters and enhancers in addition to facultative heterochromatin. Selective knock down of macroH2A1.1 deregulates the expression of hundreds of highly active genes. Depending on the chromatin landscape, macroH2A1.1 acts through two distinct molecular mechanisms. The first mitigates excessive transcription by binding over domains including the promoter and the gene body. The second stimulates expression of RNA polymerase II (Pol II)-paused genes, including genes regulating mammary tumor cell migration. In contrast to the first mechanism, macroH2A1.1 specifically associates with the transcription start site of Pol II-paused genes. These processes occur in a predefined local 3D genome landscape, but do not require rewiring of enhancer-promoter contacts. We thus propose that macroH2A1.1 serves as a transcriptional modulator with a potential role in assisting the conversion of promoter-locked Pol II into a productive, elongating Pol II.

Summary: Histone variant macroH2A1.1 binding to the TSS of genes dependent on Pol II pausing stimulates transcription by promoting Pol II release in a human triple-negative breast cancer cell model.

Phosphocatalytic Kinome Activity Profiling of Apoptotic and Ferroptotic Agents in Multiple Myeloma Cells

Through phosphorylation of their substrate proteins, protein kinases are crucial for transducing cellular signals and orchestrating biological processes, including cell death and survival. Recent studies have revealed that kinases are involved in ferroptosis, an iron-dependent mode of cell death associated with toxic lipid peroxidation. Given that ferroptosis is being explored as an alternative strategy to eliminate apoptosis-resistant tumor cells, further characterization of ferroptosis-dependent kinase changes might aid in identifying novel druggable targets for protein kinase inhibitors in the context of cancer treatment. To this end, we performed a phosphopeptidome based kinase activity profiling of glucocorticoid-resistant multiple myeloma cells treated with either the apoptosis inducer staurosporine (STS) or ferroptosis inducer RSL3 and compared their kinome activity signatures. Our data demonstrate that both cell death mechanisms inhibit the activity of kinases classified into the CMGC and AGC families, with STS showing a broader spectrum of serine/threonine kinase inhibition. In contrast, RSL3 targets a significant number of tyrosine kinases, including key players of the B-cell receptor signaling pathway. Remarkably, additional kinase profiling of the anti-cancer agent withaferin A revealed considerable overlap with ferroptosis and apoptosis kinome activity, explaining why withaferin A can induce mixed ferroptotic and apoptotic cell death features. Altogether, we show that apoptotic and ferroptotic cell death induce different kinase signaling changes and that kinome profiling might become a valid approach to identify cell death chemosensitization modalities of novel anti-cancer agents.

ZIPK activates the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway and promotes cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer cells

Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant cancers globally. Chemotherapy resistance remains a major obstacle in the treatment of gastric cancer, and the molecular mechanisms underlying drug resistance are still not well understood. We previously reported that Zipper interacting protein kinase (ZIPK), also known as death‐associated protein kinase3, exerts an oncogenic effect on gastric cancer via activation of Akt/NF‐κB signaling and promotion of stemness. Here, we explored the roles of ZIPK in cisplatin resistance. We report that ZIPK enhances cell proliferation and invasion and reduces the antitumor activity of cisplatin in gastric cancer. In addition, our western blot data suggest that ZIPK activated the IL‐6/STAT3 signaling pathway. Furthermore, ZIPK increased the expression of IL‐6 and multidrug‐resistance genes. Using the STAT3 inhibitor stattic to block the IL‐6/STAT3 signaling pathway strongly increased the sensitivity of ZIPK‐expressed cells to cisplatin. In conclusion, ZIPK may play a role in cisplatin resistance through activation of the IL‐6/ STAT3 signaling pathway. Inhibition of STAT3 in gastric cancer overexpressing ZIPK might have potential to improve the efficacy of cisplatin.

Network analysis identifies DAPK3 as a potential biomarker for lymphatic invasion and colon adenocarcinoma prognosis

Colon adenocarcinoma is a prevalent malignancy with significant mortality. Hence, the identification of molecular biomarkers with prognostic significance is important for improved treatment and patient outcomes. Clinical traits and RNA-Seq of 551 patient samples in the UCSC Toil Recompute Compendium of The Cancer Genome Atlas TARGET and Genotype Tissue Expression project datasets (primary_site = colon) were used for weighted gene co-expression network analysis to reveal the association between gene networks and cancer cell invasion. One module, containing 151 genes, was significantly correlated with lymphatic invasion, a histopathological feature of higher risk colon cancer. DAPK3 (death-associated protein kinase 3) was identified as the pseudohub of the module. Gene ontology identified gene enrichment related to cytoskeletal organization and apoptotic signaling processes, suggesting modular involvement in tumor cell survival, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation. Although DAPK3 expression was reduced in patients with colon cancer, high expression of DAPK3 was significantly correlated with greater lymphatic invasion and poor overall survival.

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WCGNA reveals a gene module linked to lymphatic invasion in colon adenocarcinoma

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DAPK3 is a pseudohub gene with differential expression in colon cancer

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Gene ontology identified relationships to cytoskeletal organization and apoptosis

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DAPK3 was correlated with lymphatic invasion and poor overall survival

lncRNA CCAT1/miR-490-3p/MAPK1/c-Myc positive feedback loop drives progression of acute myeloid leukaemia

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a frequently diagnosed malignancy in adults. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) colon cancer-associated transcript 1 (CCAT1) has been well known to play vital roles in multiple malignancies including AML. Unfortunately, the detailed mechanism of CCAT1 in AML progression remains obscure. In this study, we demonstrated that CCAT1 was up-regulated in AML samples while its target, miR-490-3p, was relatively down-regulated. CCAT1 markedly increased viability and metastasis of AML cells, while miR-490-3p had opposite effects. CCAT1 could specifically bind to miR-490-3p and reduce its expression and activity, and MAPK1 was a target gene of miR-490-3p. Overexpressed CCAT1 could induce MAPK1 expression and c-Myc reciprocally increased CCAT1 expression. Our data implied that miR-490-3p could be a novel therapeutic target for AML, and highlights the crucial role of CCAT1/miR-490-3p/MAPK1/c-Myc positive feedback loop in AML progression.

Reprofiling of pyrimidine-based DAPK1/CSF1R dual inhibitors: identification of 2,5-diamino-4-pyrimidinol derivatives as novel potential anticancer lead compounds

Hybridization of reported weakly active antiproliferative hit 5-amino-4-pyrimidinol derivative with 2-anilino-4-phenoxypyrimidines suggests a series of 2,5-diamino-4-pyrimidinol derivatives as potential antiproliferative agents. Few compounds belonging to the proposed series were reported as CSF1R/DAPK1 inhibitors as anti-tauopathies. However, the correlation between CSF1R/DAPK1 signalling pathways and cancer progression provides motives to reprofile them against cancer therapy. The compounds were synthesised, characterized, and evaluated against M-NFS-60 cells and a kinase panel which bolstered predictions of their antiproliferative activity and suggested the involvement of diverse molecular targets. Compound 6e, the most potent in the series, showed prominent broad-spectrum antiproliferative activity inhibiting the growth of hematological, NSCLC, colon, CNS, melanoma, ovarian, renal, prostate and breast cancers by 84.1, 52.79, 72.15, 66.34, 66.48, 51.55, 55.95, 61.85, and 60.87%, respectively. Additionally, it elicited an IC50 value of 1.97 µM against M-NFS-60 cells and good GIT absorption with Pe value of 19.0 ± 1.1 × 10-6 cm/s (PAMPA-GIT). Molecular docking study for 6e with CSF1R and DAPK1 was done to help to understand the binding mode with both kinases. Collectively, compound 6e could be a potential lead compound for further development of anticancer therapies.

Carcinoembryonic antigen related cell adhesion molecule 6 promotes the proliferation and migration of renal cancer cells through the ERK/AKT signaling pathway

Background

Carcinoembryonic antigen related cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6) is a versatile glycoprotein and a member of the CEACAM family. Studies suggested that it served as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in some malignancies. In addition, it is involved in tumorigenesis by stimulating proliferation, suppressing apoptosis, facilitating migration and invasion, promoting angiogenesis, and inducing drug resistance. In the present study, we demonstrated the oncogenic effects of CEACAM6 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).

Methods

CEACAM6 expression was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemical staining and western blot in ccRCC tumor tissues and cell lines. Survival analysis was performed using the data of TCGA database. Cell proliferation and migration were detected by CCK-8 and transwell assays with the overexpression or silencing of CEACAM6. LY294002 was used to block the activation of PI3K/AKT pathway. Associated pathway proteins were detected by western blot.

Results

CEACAM6 was upregulated in ccRCC cell lines and tumor tissues. Longer overall survival was observed in patients with relatively low CEACAM6 levels. Furthermore, overexpression of CEACAM6 promoted the proliferation and migration of ccRCC cells. Conversely, shRNA-mediated CEACAM6 depletion modulated those changes. Further investigation demonstrated that the ERK/AKT signaling pathway activation played a pivotal role. In addition, PI3K/AKT pathway blockade abrogated the effects of CEACAM6 overexpression.

Conclusions

Aberrantly high expression of CEACAM6 is a stimulus for the formation and progression of ccRCC.

Establishment of a novel experimental model for muscle-invasive bladder cancer using a dog bladder cancer organoid culture

In human and dogs, bladder cancer (BC) is the most common neoplasm affecting the urinary tract. Dog BC resembles human muscle‐invasive BC in histopathological characteristics and gene expression profiles, and could be an important research model for this disease. Cancer patient‐derived organoid culture can recapitulate organ structures and maintains the gene expression profiles of original tumor tissues. In a previous study, we generated dog prostate cancer organoids using urine samples, however dog BC organoids had never been produced. Therefore we aimed to generate dog BC organoids using urine samples and check their histopathological characteristics, drug sensitivity, and gene expression profiles. Organoids from individual BC dogs were successfully generated, expressed urothelial cell markers (CK7, CK20, and UPK3A) and exhibited tumorigenesis in vivo. In a cell viability assay, the response to combined treatment with a range of anticancer drugs (cisplatin, vinblastine, gemcitabine or piroxicam) was markedly different in each BC organoid. In RNA‐sequencing analysis, expression levels of basal cell markers (CK5 and DSG3) and several novel genes (MMP28,CTSE,CNN3,TFPI2,COL17A1, and AGPAT4) were upregulated in BC organoids compared with normal bladder tissues or two‐dimensional (2D) BC cell lines. These established dog BC organoids might be a useful tool, not only to determine suitable chemotherapy for BC diseased dogs but also to identify novel biomarkers in human muscle‐invasive BC. In the present study, for the 1st time, dog BC organoids were generated and several specifically upregulated organoid genes were identified. Our data suggest that dog BC organoids might become a new tool to provide fresh insights into both dog BC therapy and diagnostic biomarkers.

Novel Functions of Death-Associated Protein Kinases through Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase-Related Signals

Death associated protein kinase (DAPK) is a calcium/calmodulin-regulated serine/threonine kinase; its main function is to regulate cell death. DAPK family proteins consist of DAPK1, DAPK2, DAPK3, DAPK-related apoptosis-inducing protein kinases (DRAK)-1 and DRAK-2. In this review, we discuss the roles and regulatory mechanisms of DAPK family members and their relevance to diseases. Furthermore, a special focus is given to several reports describing cross-talks between DAPKs and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) family members in various pathologies. We also discuss small molecule inhibitors of DAPKs and their potential as therapeutic targets against human diseases.

Tropomyosin isoforms have specific effects on the transcriptome of undifferentiated and differentiated B35 neuroblastoma cells

Tropomyosins, a family of actin‐associated proteins, bestow actin filaments with distinct biochemical and physical properties which are important for determining cell shape and regulating many cellular processes in eukaryotic cells. Here, we used RNA‐seq to investigate the effect of four tropomyosin isoforms on gene expression in undifferentiated and differentiated rat B35 neuroblastoma cells. In undifferentiated cells, overexpression of tropomyosin isoforms Tpm1.12, Tpm2.1, Tpm3.1, and Tpm4.2 differentially regulates a vast number of genes, clustering into several gene ontology terms. In differentiated cells, tropomyosin overexpression exerts a much weaker influence on overall gene expression. Our findings are particularly compelling because they demonstrate that tropomyosin‐dependent changes are attenuated once the cells are induced to follow a defined path of differentiation.

Database

Sequence data for public availability are deposited in the European Nucleotide Archive under the accession number PRJEB24136.

Hedgehog Signals Mediate Anti-Cancer Drug Resistance in Three-Dimensional Primary Colorectal Cancer Organoid Culture

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death worldwide. In patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, combination treatment with several anti-cancer drugs is employed and improves overall survival in some patients. Nevertheless, most patients with metastatic disease are not cured owing to the drug resistance. Cancer stem cells are known to regulate resistance to chemotherapy. In the previous study, we established a novel three-dimensional organoid culture model from tumor colorectal tissues of human patients using an air-liquid interface (ALI) method, which contained numerous cancer stem cells and showed resistance to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and Irinotecan. Here, we investigate which inhibitor for stem cell-related signal improves the sensitivity for anti-cancer drug treatment in tumor ALI organoids. Treatment with Hedgehog signal inhibitors (AY9944, GANT61) decreases the cell viability of organoids compared with Notch (YO-01027, DAPT) and Wnt (WAV939, Wnt-C59) signal inhibitors. Combination treatment of AY9944 or GANT61 with 5-FU, Irinotecan or Oxaliplatin decreases the cell viability of tumor organoids compared with each anti-cancer drug alone treatment. Treatment with AY9944 or GANT61 inhibits expression of stem cell markers c-Myc, CD44 and Nanog, likely through the decrease of their transcription factor, GLI-1 expression. Combination treatment of AY9944 or GANT61 with 5-FU or Irinotecan also prevents colony formation of colorectal cancer cell lines HCT116 and SW480. These findings suggest that Hedgehog signals mediate anti-cancer drug resistance in colorectal tumor patient-derived ALI organoids and that the inhibitors are useful as a combinational therapeutic strategy against colorectal cancer.

Establishment of a novel three-dimensional primary culture model for hippocampal neurogenesis

New neurons are generated in the adult hippocampus throughout life and contribute to the functions of learning and memory. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which disrupted neurogenesis regulates central nervous system (CNS) disorders are not fully understood. Here, we established a novel 3D culture system of hippocampal neurogenesis using air liquid interface (ALI) culture and Matrigel culture from mouse hippocampus tissues. After isolated mouse hippocampus tissue fragments were seeded into ALI wells and cultured in stemness‐stimulated media containing Wnt, EGF, Noggin and R‐spondin for 7 days, small spheres gradually appeared in the tissues. To identify the cell components, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining were performed. Expression of a mature neuronal cell marker, NeuN was observed in the tissues just after seeding. Expression of a neural stem cell marker, Nestin was observed in the tissues at day 7. To differentiate the Nestin‐positive cells, they were passaged into Matrigel. Expression of Nestin but not an immature neuronal cell marker, doublecortin (DCX) was observed in the isolated cells. After 7 days of Matrigel culture, they showed the neurite outgrowth. Expression of Nestin was decreased compared with the one just after passaging, while DCX expression was increased. Western blotting analysis also showed Nestin expression was decreased, while expression of DCX, a neuronal cell marker, Tuj1 and a granule cell marker, Prox‐1 was increased. Here, we establish the 3D culture of hippocampus tissues that might become a novel in vitro tool for monitoring the process of hippocampal neurogenesis. Our model might shed light into the mechanisms of pathogenesis of CNS disorders.

MiR-17-5p and miR-20a promote chicken cell proliferation at least in part by upregulation of c-Myc via MAP3K2 targeting

The miR-17-92 cluster has been well studied in mammals but less extensively studied in birds. Here, we demonstrated that miR-17-92 cluster overexpression promoted the proliferation of DF1 cells and immortalized chicken preadipocytes (ICPA-1), and miR-17-5p and miR-20a, members of the miR-17-92 cluster, targeted MAP3K2. Further analysis showed that MAP3K2 overexpression reduced the proliferation of DF1 and ICPA-1 cells and attenuated the promotive effect of the miR-17-92 cluster on cell proliferation. Downstream gene expression analysis of the MAPK signalling pathway showed that MAP3K2 overexpression decreased c-Myc expression; in contrast, MAP3K2 knockdown using RNA interference and miR-17-92 cluster overexpression increased c-Myc expression. Furthermore, c-Myc overexpression promoted miR-17-92 cluster expression and DF1 cell proliferation. Taken together, these data indicated that miR-17-92 promotes chicken cell proliferation at least in part by the upregulation of c-Myc via targeting MAP3K2, and the miR-17-92 cluster, c-Myc and E2F1 form a complex regulatory network in chicken cell proliferation.

Establishment of a dog primary prostate cancer organoid using the urine cancer stem cells

Dog spontaneously develop prostate cancer (PC) like humans. Because most dogs with PC have a poor prognosis, they could be used as a translational model for advanced PC in humans. Stem cell‐derived 3‐D organoid culture could recapitulate organ structures and physiology. Using patient tissues, a human PC organoid culture system was established. Recent study has shown that urine cells also possess the characteristic of stem cells. However, urine cell‐derived PC organoids have never been produced. Therefore, we generated PC organoids using the dog urine samples. Urine organoids were successfully generated from each dog with PC. Each organoid showed cystic structures and resembled the epithelial structures of original tissues. Expression of an epithelial cell marker, E‐cadherin, and a myofibloblast marker, α‐SMA, was observed in the urine organoids. The organoids also expressed a basal cell marker, CK5, and a luminal cell marker, CK8. CD49f‐sorted basal cell organoids rapidly grew compared with CD24‐sorted luminal cell organoids. The population of CD44‐positive cells was the highest in both organoids and the original urine cells. Tumors were successfully formed with the injection of the organoids into immunodeficient mice. Treatment with a microtubule inhibitor, docetaxel, but not a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, piroxicam, and an mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, decreased the cell viability of organoids. Treatment with a Hedgehog signal inhibitor, GANT61, increased the radiosensitivity in the organoids. These findings revealed that PC organoids using urine might become a useful tool for investigating the mechanisms of the pathogenesis and treatment of PC in dogs.