Wound healing and cancer stem cells: inflammation as a driver of treatment resistance in breast cancer

The heterogeneity of breast cancer metastasis: a bioinformatics analysis utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing data

PURPOSE

Breast cancer is a common malignancy in women, and its metastasis is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) can distinguish the molecular characteristics of metastasis and identify predictor genes for patient prognosis. This article explores gene expression in primary breast cancer tumor tissue against metastatic cells in the lymph node and liver using scRNA-seq.

METHODS

Breast cancer scRNA-seq data from the Gene Expression Omnibus were used. The data were processed using R and the Seurat package. The cells were clustered and identified using Metascape. InferCNV is used to analyze the variation in copy number. Differential expression analysis was conducted for the cancer cells using Seurat and was enriched using Metascape.

RESULTS

We identified 18 distinct cell clusters, 6 of which were epithelial. CNV analysis identified significant alterations with duplication of chromosomes 1, 8, and 19. Differential gene analysis resulted in 17 upregulated and 171 downregulated genes for the primary tumor in the primary tumor vs. liver metastasis comparison and 43 upregulated and 4 downregulated genes in the primary tumor in the primary tumor vs lymph node metastasis comparison. Several enriched terms include Ribosome biogenesis, NTP synthesis, Epithelial dedifferentiation, Autophagy, and genes associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions.

CONCLUSION

No single gene or pathway can clearly explain the mechanisms behind tumor metastasis. Several mechanisms contribute to lymph node and liver metastasis, such as the loss of differentiation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and autophagy. These findings necessitate further study of metastatic tissue for effective drug development.

A gene for all seasons: The evolutionary consequences of HIF-1 in carcinogenesis, tumor growth and metastasis

Oxygen played a pivotal role in the evolution of multicellularity during the Cambrian Explosion. Not surprisingly, responses to fluctuating oxygen concentrations are integral to the evolution of cancer-a disease characterized by the breakdown of multicellularity. Poorly organized tumor vasculature results in chaotic patterns of blood flow characterized by large spatial and temporal variations in intra-tumoral oxygen concentrations. Hypoxia-inducible growth factor (HIF-1) plays a pivotal role in enabling cells to adapt, metabolize, and proliferate in low oxygen conditions. HIF-1 is often constitutively activated in cancers, underscoring its importance in cancer progression. Here, we argue that the phenotypic changes mediated by HIF-1, in addition to adapting the cancer cells to their local environment, also "pre-adapt" them for proliferation at distant, metastatic sites. HIF-1-mediated adaptations include a metabolic shift towards anaerobic respiration or glycolysis, activation of cell survival mechanisms like phenotypic plasticity and epigenetic reprogramming, and formation of tumor vasculature through angiogenesis. Hypoxia induced epigenetic reprogramming can trigger epithelial to mesenchymal transition in cancer cells-the first step in the metastatic cascade. Highly glycolytic cells facilitate local invasion by acidifying the tumor microenvironment. New blood vessels, formed due to angiogenesis, provide cancer cells a conduit to the circulatory system. Moreover, survival mechanisms acquired by cancer cells in the primary site allow them to remodel tissue at the metastatic site generating tumor promoting microenvironment. Thus, hypoxia in the primary tumor promoted adaptations conducive to all stages of the metastatic cascade from the initial escape entry into a blood vessel, intravascular survival, extravasation into distant tissues, and establishment of secondary tumors.

Triterpenoid ursolic acid regulates the environmental carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene-driven epigenetic and metabolic alterations in SKH-1 hairless mice for skin cancer interception

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental carcinogens accountable to developing skin cancers. Recently, we reported that exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a common PAH, causes epigenetic and metabolic alterations in the initiation, promotion and progression of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). As a follow-up investigation, this study examines how dietary triterpenoid ursolic acid (UA) regulates B[a]P-driven epigenetic and metabolic pathways in SKH-1 hairless mice. Our results show UA intercepts against B[a]P-induced tumorigenesis at different stages of NMSC. Epigenomic cytosines followed by guanine residues (CpG) methyl-seq data showed UA diminished B[a]P-mediated differentially methylated regions (DMRs) profiles. Transcriptomic RNA-seq revealed UA revoked B[a]P-induced differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of skin cancer-related genes, such as leucine-rich repeat LGI family member 2 (Lgi2) and kallikrein-related peptidase 13 (Klk13), indicating UA plays a vital role in B[a]P-mediated gene regulation and its potential consequences in NMSC interception. Association analysis of DEGs and DMRs found that the mRNA expression of KLK13 gene was correlated with the promoter CpG methylation status in the early-stage comparison group, indicating UA could regulate the KLK13 by modulating its promoter methylation at an early stage of NMSC. The metabolomic study showed UA alters B[a]P-regulated cancer-associated metabolisms like thiamin metabolism, ascorbate and aldarate metabolism during the initiation phase; pyruvate, citrate and thiamin metabolism during the promotion phase; and beta-alanine and pathothenate coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthesis during the late progression phase. Taken together, UA reverses B[a]P-driven epigenetic, transcriptomic and metabolic reprogramming, potentially contributing to the overall cancer interception against B[a]P-mediated NMSC.

Increased Rate of Mesh Erosion in Breast Cancer Survivors Taking Antiestrogen Therapy

IMPORTANCE

There are no current data investigating the relationship between mesh-exposure complications after midurethral sling surgery and antiestrogen therapy.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to determine if there are increased mesh-exposure complications between a breast cancer population versus a noncancer population particularly in conjunction with hormone suppression (HS) therapy.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective chart review was performed on patients with a history of breast cancer undergoing tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) surgery at our institution between 2013 and 2021. A group of patients who underwent TVT surgery without a history of cancer served as our control. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of mesh exposure complications.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-one patients with breast cancer had TVT surgery. Two hundred ninety-seven patients without cancer had TVT surgery during the same period. Baseline characteristics across all groups were similar. Twenty-nine patients (6.9%) experienced mesh exposure. This occurred at a higher rate in our cancer (15.7%) versus the noncancer population (3.4%). Women with breast cancer taking HS therapy had a higher rate of mesh exposure complications compared with those not taking HS therapy (25.0% versus 6.6%; P = 0.005). The highest rate of mesh exposure complications occurred in the cohort taking estrogen receptor modulators, selective estrogen receptor modulator (10/36 [27.8%]) versus aromatase inhibitors (5/24 [20.8%]) versus no HS therapy (4/61 [6.6%]; P = 0.014). On multivariate analysis, HS therapy use (odds ratio, 1.57; P = 0.007) and diabetes mellitus (odds ratio, 4.53; P = 0.018) were associated with increased TVT-related complications.

CONCLUSION

Women with breast cancer had a higher rate of mesh exposure complications from TVT surgery compared with women without cancer, particularly those taking antiestrogenic therapy.

Non-coding RNAs mediated inflammation in breast cancers

Breast cancer is the major cancer that affects women all over the world. The awareness over past several decades has led to intensive screening and detection as well as successful treatments. Still, the breast cancer mortality is unacceptable and needs to be urgently addressed. Among many factors, inflammation has often been associated with tumorigenesis, including breast cancer. More than a third of all breast cancer deaths are marked by deregulated inflammation. The exact mechanisms are still not completely known but among the many putative factors, the epigenetic changes, particularly those mediated by non-coding RNAs are fascinating. microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs as well as circular RNAs seem to impact the inflammation in breast cancer which further highlights their important regulatory role in breast cancer pathogenesis. Understanding inflammation in breast cancer and its regulation by non-coding RNAs is the primary objective of this review article. We attempt to provide the most complete information on the topic in hopes of opening new areas of research and discoveries.

Coculture of bacterial levans and evaluation of its anti-cancer activity against hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines

This research represents a novel study to assess how coculture affects levan yield, structure, bioactivities, and molecular weight. Among the 16 honey isolates, four bacterial strains recorded the highest levan yield. The Plackett-Burman design showed that the coculture (M) of isolates G2 and K2 had the maximum levan yield (52 g/L) and the effective factors were sucrose, incubation time, and sugarcane bagasse. The CCD showed that the most proper concentrations for maximum levan yield (81 g/L): were 130 g/L of sucrose and 6 g/f of sugarcane bagasse. Levan's backbone was characterized, and the molecular weight was determined. G2 and K2 isolates were identified based on 16 sRNA as Bacillus megaterium strain YM1C10 and Rhizobium sp. G6-1. M levan had promising antioxidant activity (99.66%), slowed the migration activity to a great extent, and recorded 70.70% inhibition against the hepatoblastoma cell line (HepG2) at 1000 µg/mL. Gene expression analysis in liver cancer cell lines (HePG2) revealed that M levan decreased the expression of CCL20), 2GRB2, and CCR6) genes and was superior to Doxo. While increasing the expression of the IL4R and IL-10 genes. The DNA damage values were significantly increased (P < 0.01) in treated liver cancer cell lines with levan M and Doxo. The results referred to the importance of each of the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups and the molecular weight in levans bioactivities.

Adhesive Hydrogel Patch-Mediated Combination Drug Therapy Induces Regenerative Wound Healing through Reconstruction of Regenerative Microenvironment

Regenerative wound healing involves the scarless wound healing as observed in fetal skin. Multiple features of regenerative wound healing have been well studied; however, the practical application of pro-regenerative materials to recapitulate the regenerative wound healing in adult skins has not yet been achieved. In this study, the authors identified that their novel pro-regenerative material, pyrogallol-functionalized hyaluronic acid (HA-PG) patches in combination with protein transduction domain-fused Dishevelled (Dvl)-binding motif (PTD-DBM), a peptide inhibiting the CXXC-type zinc finger protein 5 (CXXC5)-Dvl interaction, promoted regenerative wound healing in mice. The HA-PG patches loaded with this competitor peptide and valproic acid (VPA), a glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) inhibitor, significantly inhibited scar formation during wound healing. The HA-PG patches with PTD-DBM and/or VPA inhibit the expression of differentiated cell markers such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) while inducing the expression of stem cell markers such as CD105 and Nestin. Moreover, Collagen III, an important factor for regenerative healing, is critically induced by the HA-PG patches with PTD-DBM and/or VPA, as also seen in VPA-treated Cxxc5-/- mouse fibroblasts. Overall, these findings suggest that the novel regeneration-promoting material can be utilized as a potential therapeutic agent to promote both wound healing and scar attenuation.

High-dose Irradiation Stimulated Breast Tumor Microenvironment to Enhance Tumor Cell Growth and Decrease Tumor Cell Motility

Background

Surgery and radiotherapy are two main modalities of breast cancer treatment. However, surgery affects the tumor microenvironment negatively and promotes the growth of possible malignant cells remaining in the tumor bed.

Objective

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) on the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, the effect of surgical wound fluid (WF), collected from operated and irradiated patients on the growth and motility of a breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) was assessed.

Material and Methods

In this experimental study, preoperative blood serum (PS) and secreted WF from 18 patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery (IORT-) and 19 patients who received IORT following surgery (IORT+) were collected. The samples were purified and added to MCF-7 cultures. Two groups of the cells were treated with and without fetal bovine serum (FBS) and used as positive and negative controls. Applying 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and scratch wound healing assays, the growth and motility of MCF-7 cells were measured.

Results

Cell growth of the cells receiving WF from IORT+ patients (WF+) was statistically higher than the corresponding values of the cells received PS or WF from IORT- patients (WF-) (P<0.01). Both WF+ and WF- decreased the cells' migration ability compared to PS (P<0.02) and FBS (P<0.002), although WF+ caused a more significant reduction (P<0.02).

Conclusion

Wound fluid extracted from breast cancer patients who underwent both surgery and IORT increased the growth of breast tumor cells, but decreased their ability to migrate.

TCGA RNA-Seq and Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte Imaging Data Reveal Cold Tumor Signatures of Invasive Ductal Carcinomas and Estrogen Receptor-Positive Human Breast Tumors

Comparative studies of immune-active hot and immune-deserted cold tumors are critical for identifying therapeutic targets and strategies to improve immunotherapy outcomes in cancer patients. Tumors with high tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are likely to respond to immunotherapy. We used the human breast cancer RNA-seq data from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) and classified them into hot and cold tumors based on their lymphocyte infiltration scores. We compared the immune profiles of hot and cold tumors, their corresponding normal tissue adjacent to the tumor (NAT), and normal breast tissues from healthy individuals from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) database. Cold tumors showed a significantly lower effector T cells, lower levels of antigen presentation, higher pro-tumorigenic M2 macrophages, and higher expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness-associated genes. Hot/cold dichotomy was further tested using TIL maps and H&E whole-slide pathology images from the cancer imaging archive (TCIA). Analysis of both datasets revealed that infiltrating ductal carcinoma and estrogen receptor ER-positive tumors were significantly associated with cold features. However, only TIL map analysis indicated lobular carcinomas as cold tumors and triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) as hot tumors. Thus, RNA-seq data may be clinically relevant to tumor immune signatures when the results are supported by pathological evidence.

Pan-cancer investigation of C-to-U editing reveals its important role in cancer development and new targets for cancer treatment

RNA editing is prevalent in the transcriptome and is important for multiple cellular processes. C-to-U RNA editing sites (RES) are relatively rare and understudied in humans, compared to A-to-I editing. However, the functional impact of C-to-U editing in human cancers also remains elusive. Here, we conducted the first comprehensive survey of pan-cancer C-to-U RESs. Surprisingly, we found that the same subset of RESs were associated with multiple features, including patient survival, cancer stemness, tumor mutation burden (TMB), and tumor-infiltrated immune cell compositions (ICC), suggesting an RES-mediated close relationship between these features. For example, editing sites for GALM or IFI6 that led to higher expression were linked to lower survival and more cancer stemness. Also, TMB was found to be lower in prostate cancer cases with ICC-associated RESs in CAVIN1 or VWA8 or higher in prostate cancer cases with thymoma. With experimental support, we also found RESs in CST3, TPI1, or TNC that are linked to immune checkpoint blockade by anti-PD1. We also confirmed through experiments that two C-to-U RESs in CSNK2B or RPS14 had different effects on colon cancer cells. Patients with CSNK2B editing, which increased the expression of the oncogene CLDN18, had a lower response to drugs. On the other hand, drugs worked better on people who had RPS14 editing, which greatly increased ribosome production. In summary, our study demonstrated the important roles of C-to-U RESs across cancers and shed light on personalized cancer therapy.

Biology of cancer; from cellular and molecular mechanisms to developmental processes and adaptation

Cancer research has been largely focused on the cellular and molecular levels of investigation. Recent data show that not only the cell but also the extracellular matrix plays a major role in the progression of malignancy. In this way, the cells and the extracellular matrix create a specific local microenvironment that supports malignant development. At the same time, cancer implies a systemic evolution which is closely related to developmental processes and adaptation. Consequently, there is currently a real gap between the local investigation of cancer at the microenvironmental level, and the pathophysiological approach to cancer as a systemic disease. In fact, the cells and the matrix are not only complementary structures but also interdependent components that act synergistically. Such relationships lead to cell-matrix integration, a supracellular form of biological organization that supports tissue development. The emergence of this supracellular level of organization, as a structure, leads to the emergence of the supracellular control of proliferation, as a supracellular function. In humans, proliferation is generally involved in developmental processes and adaptation. These processes suppose a specific configuration at the systemic level, which generates high-order guidance for local supracellular control of proliferation. In conclusion, the supracellular control of proliferation act as an interface between the downstream level of cell division and differentiation, and upstream level of developmental processes and adaptation. Understanding these processes and their disorders is useful not only to complete the big picture of malignancy as a systemic disease, but also to open new treatment perspectives in the form of etiopathogenic (supracellular or informational) therapies.

Integrated Analysis of Multi-Omics Data to Establish a Hypoxia-Related Prognostic Model in Osteosarcoma

Background:

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common malignant bone tumor in clinical practice, and currently, the ability to predict prognosis in the diagnosis of OS is limited. There is an urgent need to find new diagnostic methods and treatment strategies for OS.

Material and methods:

We downloaded the multi-omics data for OS from the TARGET database. Prognosis-associated methylation sites were used to identify clustered subtypes of OS, and OS was classified into 3 subtypes (C1, C2, C3). Survival analysis showed significant differences between the C3 subtype and the other subtypes. Subsequently, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across subtypes were screened and subjected to pathway enrichment analysis.

Results:

A total of 249 DEGs were screened from C3 subtype to other subtypes. Metabolic pathway enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were significantly enriched to the hypoxic pathway. Based on univariate and multivariate COX regression analysis, 12 genes from the hypoxia pathway were further screened and used to construct hypoxia-related prognostic model (HRPM). External validation of the HRPM was performed on the GSE21257 dataset. Finally, differences in survival and immune infiltration between high and low risk score groups were compared.

Conclusion:

In summary, we proposed a hypoxia-associated risk model based on a 12-gene expression signature, which is potentially valuable for prognostic diagnosis of patients with OS.

High-Molecular-Weight Dextran-Type Exopolysaccharide Produced by the Novel Apilactobacillus waqarii Improves Metabolic Syndrome: In Vitro and In Vivo Analyses

Metabolic syndrome is a leading medical concern that affects one billion people worldwide. Metabolic syndrome is defined by a clustering of risk factors that predispose an individual to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stroke. In recent years, the apparent role of the gut microbiota in metabolic syndrome has drawn attention to microbiome-engineered therapeutics. Specifically, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) harbors beneficial metabolic characteristics, including the production of exopolysaccharides and other microbial byproducts. We recently isolated a novel fructophilic lactic acid bacterium (FLAB), Apilactobacillus waqarii strain HBW1, from honeybee gut and found it produces a dextran-type exopolysaccharide (EPS). The objective of this study was to explore the therapeutic potential of the new dextran in relation to metabolic syndrome. Findings revealed the dextran's ability to improve the viability of damaged HT-29 intestinal epithelial cells and exhibit antioxidant properties. In vivo analyses demonstrated reductions in body weight gain and serum cholesterol levels in mice supplemented with the dextran, compared to control (5% and 17.2%, respectively). Additionally, blood glucose levels decreased by 16.26% following dextran supplementation, while increasing by 15.2% in non-treated mice. Overall, this study displays biotherapeutic potential of a novel EPS to improve metabolic syndrome and its individual components, warranting further investigation.

TGF-β at the crossroads of multiple prognosis in breast cancer, and beyond

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), a pluripotent cytokine and a multifunctional growth factor has a crucial role in varied biological mechanisms like invasion, migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, apoptosis, wound healing, and immunosuppression. Moreover, it also has an imperative role both in normal mammary gland development as well as breast carcinogenesis. TGF-β has shown to have a paradoxical role in breast carcinogenesis, by transitioning from a growth inhibitor to a growth promoter with the disease advancement. The inter-communication and crosstalk of TGF-β with different signaling pathways has strengthened the likelihood to explore it as a comprehensive biomarker. In the last two decades, TGF-β has been studied extensively and has been found to be a promising biomarker for early detection, disease monitoring, treatment selection, and tumor progression making it beneficial for disease management. In this review, we focus on the signaling pathways and biological activities of the TGF-β family in breast cancer pathogenesis and its role as a circulatory and independent biomarker for breast cancer progression and metastasis. Moreover, this review highlights TGF-β as a drug target, and the underlying mechanisms through which it is involved in tumorigenesis that will aid in the development of varied therapies targeting the different stages of breast cancer.

Th17, Th22, and Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Population Dynamics and Response to IL-6 in 4T1 Mammary Carcinoma

Immunotherapies relying on type 1 immunity have shown robust clinical responses in some cancers yet remain relatively ineffective in solid breast tumors. Polarization toward type 2 immunity and expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) confer resistance to therapy, though it remains unclear whether polarization toward type 3 immunity occurs or has a similar effect. Therefore, we investigated the involvement of type 3 T_h17 and T_h22 cells and their association with expanding MDSC populations in the 4T1 mouse mammary carcinoma model. T_h17 and T_h22 were detected in the earliest measurable mass at d 14 and remained present until the final sampling on d 28. In peripheral organs, T_h17 populations were significantly higher than the non-tumor bearing control and peaked early at d 7, before a palpable tumor had formed. Peripheral T_h22 proportions were also significantly increased, though at later times when tumors were established. To further address the mechanism underlying type 3 immune cell and MDSC recruitment, we used CRISPR-Cas9 to knock out 4T1 tumor production of interleukin-6 (4T1-IL-6-KO), which functions in myelopoiesis, MDSC recruitment, and T_h maturation. While 4T1-IL-6-KO tumor growth was similar to the control, the reduced IL-6 significantly expanded the total CD4⁺ T_h population and T_h17 in tumors, while T_h22 and MDSC were reduced in all tissues; this suggests that clinical IL-6 depletion combined with immunotherapy could improve outcomes. In sum, 4T1 mammary carcinomas secrete IL-6 and other factors, to polarize and reshape T_h populations and expand distinct T_h17 and T_h22 populations, which may facilitate tumor growth and confer immunotherapy resistance.

Unfolding the cascade of SERPINA3: Inflammation to cancer

SERine Protease INhibitor clade A member 3 (SERPINA3), a member of the SERine-Protease INhibitor (SERPIN) superfamily, principally works as a protease inhibitor in maintaining cellular homeostasis. It is a matricellular acute-phase glycoprotein that appears to be the sole nuclear-binding secretory serpin. Several studies have emerged in recent years demonstrating its link to cancer and disease biology. SERPINA3 seems to have cancer- and compartment-specific biological functions, acting either as a tumour promoter or suppressor in different cancers. However, the localization, mechanism of action and the effectors of SERPINA3 in physiological and pathological scenarios remain obscure. Our review aims to consolidate the current evidence of SERPINA3 in various cancers, highlighting its association with the cancer hallmarks and ratifying its status as an emerging cancer biomarker. The elucidation of SERPINA3-mediated cancer progression and its targeting might shed light on the realm of cancer therapeutics.

Tannic Acid Exhibits Antiangiogenesis Activity in Nonsmall-Cell Lung Cancer Cells

Nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, with a dismal prognosis. NSCLC is a highly vascularized tumor, and chemotherapy is often hampered by the development of angiogenesis. Therefore, suppression of angiogenesis is considered a potential treatment approach. Tannic acid (TA), a natural polyphenol, has been demonstrated to have anticancer properties in a variety of cancers; however, its angiogenic properties have yet to be studied. Hence, in the current study, we investigated the antiproliferative and antiangiogenic effects of TA on NSCLC cells. The (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium) (MTS) assay revealed that TA induced a dose- and time-dependent decrease in the proliferation of A549 and H1299 cells. However, TA had no significant toxicity effects on human bronchial epithelial cells. Clonogenicity assay revealed that TA suppressed colony formation ability in NSCLC cells in a dose-dependent manner. The anti-invasiveness and antimigratory potential of TA were confirmed by Matrigel and Boyden chamber studies, respectively. Importantly, TA also decreased the ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) to form tube-like networks, demonstrating its antiangiogenic properties. Extracellular vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release was reduced in TA-treated cells compared to that in control cells, as measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Overall, these results demonstrate that TA can induce antiproliferative and antiangiogenic effects against NSCLC.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer: The Cytokinome of Post-Mastectomy Wound Fluid Augments Proliferation, Invasion, and Stem Cell Markers

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an aggressive phenotype with a high recurrence and low survival rate. Approximately 90% of local breast cancer recurrences occur adjacent to the same quadrant as the initial cancer, implying that tumor recurrence may be caused by residual cancer cells and/or quiescent cancer stem cells (CSCs) in the tumor. We hypothesized that wound fluid (WF) collected after modified radical mastectomy (MRM) may activate cancer cells and CSCs, promoting epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasion. Therefore, we characterized the cytokinome of WF drained from post-MRM cavities of non-IBC and IBC patients. The WF of IBC patients showed a significantly higher expression of various cytokines than in non-IBC patients. In vitro cell culture models of non-IBC and IBC cell lines were grown in media conditioned with and/without WF for 48 h. Afterwards, we assessed cell viability, the expression of CSCs and EMT-specific genes, and tumor invasion. Genes associated with CSCs properties and EMT markers were regulated in cells seeded in media conditioned by WF. IBC-WF exhibited a greater potential for inducing IBC cell invasion than non-IBC cells. The present study demonstrates the role of the post-surgical tumor cavity in IBC recurrence and metastasis.

Radiobiological effects of wound fluid on breast cancer cell lines and human-derived tumor spheroids in 2D and microfluidic culture

Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) could abrogate cancer recurrences, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. To clarify the effects of IORT-induced wound fluid on tumor progression, we treated breast cancer cell lines and human-derived tumor spheroids in 2D and microfluidic cell culture systems, respectively. The viability, migration, and invasion of the cells under treatment of IORT-induced wound fluid (WF-RT) and the cells under surgery-induced wound fluid (WF) were compared. Our findings showed that cell viability was increased in spheroids under both WF treatments, whereas viability of the cell lines depended on the type of cells and incubation times. Both WFs significantly increased sub-G1 and arrested the cells in G0/G1 phases associated with increased P16 and P21 expression levels. The expression level of Caspase 3 in both cell culture systems and for both WF-treated groups was significantly increased. Furthermore, our results revealed that although the migration was increased in both systems of WF-treated cells compared to cell culture media-treated cells, E-cadherin expression was significantly increased only in the WF-RT group. In conclusion, WF-RT could not effectively inhibit tumor progression in an ex vivo tumor-on-chip model. Moreover, our data suggest that a microfluidic system could be a suitable 3D system to mimic in vivo tumor conditions than 2D cell culture.

Dynamic synovial fibroblasts are modulated by NBCn1 as a potential target in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by aggressive fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) and pannus formation. Various therapeutic strategies have been developed against inflammatory cytokines in RA in recent decades. Based on the migratory features of FLSs, we examined whether modulation of the migratory module attenuates RA severity. In this study, inflamed synovial fluid-stimulated FLSs exhibited enhanced migration and migratory apparatus expression, and sodium bicarbonate cotransporter n1 (NBCn1) was identified in primary cultured RA-FLSs for the first time. The NBC inhibitor S0859 attenuated the migration of FLSs induced with synovial fluid from patients with RA or with TNF-α stimulation. Inhibition of NBCs with S0859 in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model reduced joint swelling and destruction without blood, hepatic, or renal toxicity. Primary FLSs isolated from the CIA-induced mouse model also showed reduced migration in the presence of S0859. Our results suggest that inflammatory mediators in synovial fluid, including TNF-α, recruit NBCn1 to the plasma membrane of FLSs to provide dynamic properties and that modulation of NBCn1 could be developed into a therapeutic strategy for RA.

A rare breast cancer in a patient with pierced nipples

ABSTRACT

Paget disease of the breast is a rare form of breast cancer that affects the nipple and areolar complex. Clinicians should have a high suspicion for this condition in patients who fail conservative treatment for benign-appearing dermatologic findings regardless of age or sex. This article describes a patient with whose presumed nipple infection was initially thought to be related to her nipple piercing.

Different pancreatic cancer microenvironments convert iPSCs into cancer stem cells exhibiting distinct plasticity with altered gene expression of metabolic pathways

BACKGROUND

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are generated under irregular microenvironment in vivo, of which mimic is quite difficult due to the lack of enough information of the factors responsible for cancer initiation. Here, we demonstrated that mouse induced pluripotent cells (miPSCs) reprogrammed from normal embryonic fibroblasts were susceptible to the microenvironment affected by cancer cells to convert into CSCs in vivo.

METHODS

Three different pancreatic cancer line cells, BxPC3, PANC1, and PK8 cells were mixed with miPSCs and subcutaneously injected into immunodeficient mice. Tumors were evaluated by histological analysis and cells derived from iPSCs were isolated and selected from tumors. The isolated cells were characterized for cancer stem cell characters in vitro and in vivo as well as their responses to anticancer drugs. The impact of co-injection of iPSCs with cancer cells on transcriptome and signaling pathways of iPSCs was investigated.

RESULTS

The injection of miPSCs mixed with human pancreatic cancer cells into immunodeficient mice maintained the stemness of miPSCs and changed their phenotype. The miPSCs acquired CSC characteristics of tumorigenicity and self-renewal. The drug responses and the metastatic ability of CSCs converted from miPSCs varied depending on the microenvironment of cancer cells. Interestingly, transcriptome profiles of these cells indicated that the pathways related with aggressiveness and energy production were upregulated from the levels of miPSCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our result suggests that cancer-inducing microenvironment in vivo could rewire the cell signaling and metabolic pathways to convert normal stem cells into CSCs.

Epigenome signature as an immunophenotype indicator prompts durable clinical immunotherapy benefits in lung adenocarcinoma

Intertumoral immune heterogeneity is a critical reason for distinct clinical benefits of immunotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Tumor immunophenotype (immune 'Hot' or 'Cold') suggests immunological individual differences and potential clinical treatment guidelines. However, employing epigenome signatures to determine tumor immunophenotypes and responsive treatment is not well understood. To delineate the tumor immunophenotype and immune heterogeneity, we first distinguished the immune 'Hot' and 'Cold' tumors of LUAD based on five immune expression signatures. In terms of clinical presentation, the immune 'Hot' tumors usually had higher immunoactivity, lower disease stages and better survival outcomes than 'Cold' tumors. At the epigenome levels, we observed that distinct DNA methylation patterns between immunophenotypes were closely associated with LUAD development. Hence, we identified a set of five CpG sites as the immunophenotype-related methylation signature (iPMS) for tumor immunophenotyping and further confirmed its efficiency based on a machine learning framework. Furthermore, we found iPMS and immunophenotype-related immune checkpoints (IPCPs) could contribute to the risk of tumor progression, implying IPCP has the potential to be a novel immunotherapy blockade target. After further parsing of the role of iPMS-predicted immunophenotypes, we found immune 'Hot' was a protective factor leading to better survival outcomes when patients received the anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy. And iPMS was also a well-performed signature (AUC = 0.752) for predicting the durable/nondurable clinical benefits. In summary, our study explored the role of epigenome signature in clinical tumor immunophenotyping. Utilizing iPMS to characterize tumor immunophenotypes will facilitate developing personalized epigenetic anticancer approaches.

Novel Galectin-3 Roles in Neurogenesis, Inflammation and Neurological Diseases

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is an evolutionarily conserved and multifunctional protein that drives inflammation in disease. Gal-3's role in the central nervous system has been less studied than in the immune system. However, recent studies show it exacerbates Alzheimer's disease and is upregulated in a large variety of brain injuries, while loss of Gal-3 function can diminish symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Several novel molecular pathways for Gal-3 were recently uncovered. It is a natural ligand for TREM2 (triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells), TLR4 (Toll-like receptor 4), and IR (insulin receptor). Gal-3 regulates a number of pathways including stimulation of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling and modulating Wnt signalling in a context-dependent manner. Gal-3 typically acts in pathology but is now known to affect subventricular zone (SVZ) neurogenesis and gliogenesis in the healthy brain. Despite its myriad interactors, Gal-3 has surprisingly specific and important functions in regulating SVZ neurogenesis in disease. Gal-1, a similar lectin often co-expressed with Gal-3, also has profound effects on brain pathology and adult neurogenesis. Remarkably, Gal-3's carbohydrate recognition domain bears structural similarity to the SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein necessary for cell entry. Gal-3 can be targeted pharmacologically and is a valid target for several diseases involving brain inflammation. The wealth of molecular pathways now known further suggest its modulation could be therapeutically useful.

Cellular Signalling and Photobiomodulation in Chronic Wound Repair

Photobiomodulation (PBM) imparts therapeutically significant benefits in the healing of chronic wounds. Chronic wounds develop when the stages of wound healing fail to progress in a timely and orderly frame, and without an established functional and structural outcome. Therapeutic benefits associated with PBM include augmenting tissue regeneration and repair, mitigating inflammation, relieving pain, and reducing oxidative stress. PBM stimulates the mitochondria, resulting in an increase in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and the downstream release of growth factors. The binding of growth factors to cell surface receptors induces signalling pathways that transmit signals to the nucleus for the transcription of genes for increased cellular proliferation, viability, and migration in numerous cell types, including stem cells and fibroblasts. Over the past few years, significant advances have been made in understanding how PBM regulates numerous signalling pathways implicated in chronic wound repair. This review highlights the significant role of PBM in the activation of several cell signalling pathways involved in wound healing.

Effects of Wound Fluid on Breast Cancer-derived Spheroids in a 3D Culture System: A Case Series Study

Surgery is the standard treatment for breast malignancies, although local and distant relapses might occur. Previous studies have shown that surgery-induced wound fluid (WF) contains tumor-initiating and progressing factors; however, these experiments have only been performed on breast cancer cell lines. Since a cancerous tumor includes various components like malignant cells, recruited non-malignant cells and extracellular matrix, those investigations that only focused on cancer cell lines themselves are not adequate to establish WF's effects. We conducted a 3D model study where we mimicked the tumor microenvironment to re-assess previous in-vitro findings. We generated human-derived breast tumor spheroids from 23 patient specimens, dissociated and cultured them in microfluidic devices. The spheroids from each sample were treated with the patients’ WF or RPMI medium. The proportion of live and dead cells was assessed using live/dead assays and fluorescent imaging on day 6. In 22 samples, the percentage of live cells was significantly higher in the WF-treated group than in the RPMI-treated group. In one sample, we observed an opposite trend. The results were contrary in one of the samples, and we reported that case with more details. We compared the two groups using the 3D culture environment of human-derived tumor spheroids prepared from different microfluidic devices to mimic the tumor environment heterogeneity. Our findings showed that most patients with breast cancer benefit from surgical wound healing. However, removal of the surgical-induced serum may not be a method of inhibiting the tumor in all patients.

Conditions Mimicking the Cancer Microenvironment Modulate the Functional Outcome of Human Chorionic Villus Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells in vitro

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells isolated from chorionic villi of human term placentae (CV-MSCs) possess unique biological characters. They exhibit self-renewal, directional migration, differentiation, and immunomodulatory effects on other cell lineages, by virtue of which they can be utilized as therapeutic carriers, for drug targeting, and therapy. Tumors display characteristic features of a damaged tissue microenvironment, which is saturated with conditions such as hypoxia, sustained inflammation, and increased oxidative stress. CV-MSCs function normally in a high oxidative stress environment induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and glucose and also protect endothelial cells from their damaging effects. For their therapeutic applications in a disease like cancer, it is necessary to ascertain the effects of tumor microenvironment on their functional outcome. In this study, we investigated the functional activities, of CV-MSCs in response to conditioned media (CM) obtained from the culture of breast cancer cell line MDA-231 (CM-MDA231). CV-MSCs were exposed to CM-MDA231 for different spatio-temporal conditions, and their biological functions as well as modulation in gene expression were evaluated. Effect of CM-MDA231 on factors responsible for changes in functional outcome were also investigated at the protein levels. CV-MSCs exhibited significant reduction in proliferation but increased adhesion and migration after CM-MDA231 treatment. Interestingly, there was no change in their invasion potential. CM-MDA231 treatment modulated expression of various genes involved in important cellular events including, integration, survival, message delivery and favorable outcome after transplantation. Analysis of pathways related to cell cycle regulation revealed significant changes in the expression of p53, and increased phosphorylation of Retinoblastoma (Rb) and Checkpoint Kinase 2 in CV-MSCs treated with CM-MDA231. To summarize, these data reveal that CV-MSCs retain the ability to survive, adhere, and migrate after sustained treatment with CM-MDA231, a medium that mimics the cancer microenvironment. These properties of CV-MSCs to withstand the inflammatory tumor like microenvironment prove that they may make useful candidate in a stem cell based therapy against cancer. However, further pre-clinical studies are needed to validate their therapeutic usage.

Cancer metastasis as a non-healing wound

Most cancer deaths are caused by metastasis: recurrence of disease by disseminated tumour cells at sites distant from the primary tumour. Large numbers of disseminated tumour cells are released from the primary tumour, even during the early stages of tumour growth. However, only a minority survive as potential seeds for future metastatic outgrowths. These cells must adapt to a relatively inhospitable microenvironment, evade immune surveillance and progress from the micro- to macro-metastatic stage to generate a secondary tumour. A pervasive driver of this transition is chronic inflammatory signalling emanating from tumour cells themselves. These signals can promote migration and engagement of stem and progenitor cell function, events that are also central to a wound healing response. In this review, we revisit the concept of cancer as a non-healing wound, first introduced by Virchow in the 19th century, with a new tumour cell-intrinsic perspective on inflammation and focus on metastasis. Cellular responses to inflammation in both wound healing and metastasis are tightly regulated by crosstalk with the surrounding microenvironment. Targeting or restoring canonical responses to inflammation could represent a novel strategy to prevent the lethal spread of cancer.

Role of the NLRP3 Inflammasome: Insights Into Cancer Hallmarks

In response to a variety of stresses, mammalian cells activate the inflammasome for targeted caspase-dependent pyroptosis. The research community has recently begun to deduce that the activation of inflammasome is instigated by several known oncogenic stresses and metabolic perturbations; nevertheless, the role of inflammasomes in the context of cancer biology is less understood. In manipulating the expression of inflammasome, researchers have found that NLRP3 serves as a deterministic player in conducting tumor fate decisions. Understanding the mechanistic underpinning of pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic pathways might elucidate novel therapeutic onco-targets, thereby providing new opportunities to manipulate inflammasome in augmenting the anti-tumorigenic activity to prevent tumor expansion and achieve metastatic control. Accordingly, this review aims to decode the complexity of NLRP3, whereby summarizing and clustering findings into cancer hallmarks and tissue contexts may expedite consensus and underscore the potential of the inflammasome in drug translation.

Unlocking mammalian regeneration through hypoxia inducible factor one alpha signaling

Historically, the field of regenerative medicine has aimed to heal damaged tissue through the use of biomaterials scaffolds or delivery of foreign progenitor cells. Despite 30 years of research, however, translation and commercialization of these techniques has been limited. To enable mammalian regeneration, a more practical approach may instead be to develop therapies that evoke endogenous processes reminiscent of those seen in innate regenerators. Recently, investigations into tadpole tail regrowth, zebrafish limb restoration, and the super-healing Murphy Roths Large (MRL) mouse strain, have identified ancient oxygen-sensing pathways as a possible target to achieve this goal. Specifically, upregulation of the transcription factor, hypoxia-inducible factor one alpha (HIF-1α) has been shown to modulate cell metabolism and plasticity, as well as inflammation and tissue remodeling, possibly priming injuries for regeneration. Since HIF-1α signaling is conserved across species, environmental or pharmacological manipulation of oxygen-dependent pathways may elicit a regenerative response in non-healing mammals. In this review, we will explore the emerging role of HIF-1α in mammalian healing and regeneration, as well as attempts to modulate protein stability through hyperbaric oxygen treatment, intermittent hypoxia therapy, and pharmacological targeting. We believe that these therapies could breathe new life into the field of regenerative medicine.

Tissue-specific control of galectin-1-driven circuits during inflammatory responses

The relevance of glycan-binding protein in immune tolerance and inflammation has been well established, mainly by studies of C-type lectins, siglecs and galectins both in experimental models and patient samples. Galectins, a family of evolutionarily conserved lectins, are characterized by sequence homology in the carbohydrate-recognition domain (CRD), atypical secretion via an ER-Golgi-independent pathway and the ability to recognize β-galactoside-containing saccharides. Galectin-1 (Gal-1), a prototype member of this family displays mainly anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities, although, similar to many cytokines and growth factors, it may also trigger paradoxical pro-inflammatory effects under certain circumstances. These dual effects could be associated to tissue-, time- or context-dependent regulation of galectin expression and function, including particular pathophysiologic settings and/or environmental conditions influencing the structure of this lectin, as well as the availability of glycosylated ligands in immune cells during the course of inflammatory responses. Here, we discuss the tissue-specific role of Gal-1 as a master regulator of inflammatory responses across different pathophysiologic settings, highlighting its potential role as a therapeutic target. Further studies designed at analyzing the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways that control Gal-1 expression and function in different tissue microenvironments may contribute to design tailored therapeutic strategies aimed at positively or negatively modulate this glycan-binding protein in pathologic inflammatory conditions.

Injectable In Situ Self-Cross-Linking Hydrogels Based on Hemoglobin, Carbon Quantum Dots, and Sodium Alginate for Real-Time Detection of Wound Bacterial Infection and Efficient Postoperative Prevention of Tumor Recurrence

Postoperative wound repair of solid tumors resection, which is afflicted by the complex tumor microenvironment (TME) and associated with the bacterial infection, is worsening and demands prompt solutions. Meanwhile, the tumor recurrence is frequently seen during the subsequent treatment due to intraoperative bleeding. For effective postoperative cancer therapy, nanoscale carriers occur as innovative and sensitive tools for monitoring the wound state, avoiding bacterial infection, and restraining tumor recurrence. Herein, a multifunctional sodium alginate (SA) hydrogel immobilizing hemoglobin (Hb) and pH-sensitive fluorescent changing carbon quantum dots (CQDs) is rationally designed. The multifunctionalization of obtained alginate@hemoglobin@CQDs hydrogel (SA@Hb@CQDs) simultaneously consists of detection, hemostasis, and chemodynamic therapy (CDT) with monitoring of wound pH based on CQDs, stanching triggered from SA hydrogel, and Fenton reaction induced by Hb. We demonstrated that SA@Hb@CQDs can stop bleeding quickly, collect wound status information in real-time, and avert bacterial infection as well as inhibit local tumor recurrence effectively. Therefore, our work provides a promising combination approach for postoperative tumor therapy.

Modulation of Immune Infiltration of Ovarian Cancer Tumor Microenvironment by Specific Subpopulations of Fibroblasts

Tumor immune infiltration plays a key role in the progression of solid tumors, including ovarian cancer, and immunotherapies are rapidly emerging as effective treatment modalities. However, the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a predominant stromal constituent, in determining the tumor-immune microenvironment and modulating efficacy of immunotherapies remains poorly understood. We have conducted an extensive bioinformatic analysis of our and other publicly available ovarian cancer datasets (GSE137237, GSE132289 and GSE71340), to determine the correlation of fibroblast subtypes within the tumor microenvironment (TME) with the characteristics of tumor-immune infiltration. We identified (1) four functional modules of CAFs in ovarian cancer that are associated with the TME and metastasis of ovarian cancer, (2) immune-suppressive function of the collagen 1,3,5-expressing CAFs in primary ovarian cancer and omental metastases, and (3) consistent positive correlations between the functional modules of CAFs with anti-immune response genes and negative correlation with pro-immune response genes. Our study identifies a specific fibroblast subtype, fibroblast functional module (FFM)2, in the ovarian cancer tumor microenvironment that can potentially modulate a tumor-promoting immune microenvironment, which may be detrimental toward the effectiveness of ovarian cancer immunotherapies.

Sweetening the hallmarks of cancer: Galectins as multifunctional mediators of tumor progression

Hanahan and Weinberg have proposed 10 organizing principles that enable growth and metastatic dissemination of cancer cells. These distinctive and complementary capabilities, defined as the "hallmarks of cancer," include the ability of tumor cells and their microenvironment to sustain proliferative signaling, evade growth suppressors, resist cell death, promote replicative immortality, induce angiogenesis, support invasion and metastasis, reprogram energy metabolism, induce genomic instability and inflammation, and trigger evasion of immune responses. These common features are hierarchically regulated through different mechanisms, including those involving glycosylation-dependent programs that influence the biological and clinical impact of each hallmark. Galectins, an evolutionarily conserved family of glycan-binding proteins, have broad influence in tumor progression by rewiring intracellular and extracellular circuits either in cancer or stromal cells, including immune cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. In this review, we dissect the role of galectins in shaping cellular circuitries governing each hallmark of tumors, illustrating relevant examples and highlighting novel opportunities for treating human cancer.

Clinical and Immunohistochemical epithelial profile of non-healing chronic traumatic ulcers

Background

Chronic wounds were previously related to cancer. Chronic Traumatic Ulcers (CTU) are lesions caused by chronic mechanical irritation (CMI) frequently diagnosed in Oral Medicine. Although these conditions may reflect a benign nature, some authors have proposed its relationship with malignant transformation. Currently, there are scarce investigations that evaluate biomarkers within CTU. The aim of this study was to evaluate cell differentiation and proliferation biomarkers patterns of CTU and OSCC through recognized markers such as cytokeratin 19 and Ki67 and correlate it with clinical features of both groups of patients.

Material and Methods

A Cross-sectional study of adult patients (n=79), both sexes, attended at Oral Medicine Department, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. The patients were classified into two groups: CTU (n=41), and OSCC (n=38). A subset of specimens were immunolabeled with Ki67 and Ck19.

Results

The population consisted of 51.9% male and 48.1% female, with an average of 57.0 ± 13.9. years (OSCC group) and 60.9 ± 14.9 years (CTU group). OSCC group presented higher scores for both biomarkers (Ki67 and Ck19), but only there were differences statistically significant for Ki67 (p=0.032). 25% of non-healing CTU were positive with medium scores of Ck19 and showed an immunohistochemical profile similar to OSCC. The lateral tongue was the most frequent site in both groups.

Conclusions

The altered immunohistochemical pattern found in many specimens of CTU was also observed in OSCC. The tongue border presents physiological conditions that could offer a suitable environment for the development of neoplastic events associated with CMI. Further studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms that could link oral non-healing ulcers with early malignant changes.

Key words:Ck19, Ki67, Oral Cancer, Chronic Traumatic Ulcer, Chronic Mechanical Irritation.

ZNF671 Inhibits the Proliferation and Metastasis of NSCLC via the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway

Background

Lung cancer is the most common cancer in the world and is the main cause of cancer-related death. Revealing the potential mechanism of malignant characteristics of lung cancer is urgent for treating this disease effectively. Zinc finger protein 671 (ZNF671) is a member of the largest transcription factor family in the human genome. The role of ZNF671 in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the function and mechanism of ZNF671 in NSCLC.

Methods

ZNF671 expression in NSCLC cells and tissues were detected by Real-Time PCR, Western blot and TCGA databases. Then, we evaluated the prognostic value of ZNF671 expression in NSCLC using the Kaplan–Meier plotter (KM plotter) and TCGA databases. Moreover, the function of ZNF671 in the proliferation and metastasis of lung cancer was investigated by MTT assay, colony formation assay, in vivo experiment, EdU assay, wound healing assay, transwell assay, and 3D culture assay. Luciferase reporter and subcellular fractionation assays were performed to determine the underlying mechanism of ZNF671-mediated proliferation and metastasis of NSCLC.

Results

ZNF671 expression was significantly reduced in both NSCLC cell lines and clinical specimens compared to that in normal controls. The survival analysis results indicated that the downregulation of ZNF671 significantly correlates with poor prognosis and predicts a shorter overall survival and post-progression survival among NSCLC patients. Ectopic overexpression of ZNF671 dramatically restrains, whereas silencing ZNF671 enhanced, cell proliferation and metastasis of NSCLC. Mechanically, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that the expression of ZNF671 was significantly correlated with Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Simultaneously, our results confirm that the overexpression of ZNF671 inhibits cell cycle progression and metastasis by weakening the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and then downregulating the expression of downstream target genes CyclinD1 and MMP9.

Conclusion

This study found that the overexpression of ZNF671 restrains the proliferation and metastasis of lung cancer through inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Furthermore, our current results provide important insights into ZNF671 as an excellent predictive biomarker for NSCLC, thus providing a novel perspective for the treatment of NSCLC.

Radiation induces an inflammatory response that results in STAT3-dependent changes in cellular plasticity and radioresistance of breast cancer stem-like cells

Purpose: Pro-inflammatory cytokines within the tumor microenvironment, such as IL-6, contribute to the maintenance of stem cells and promote their survival following treatment. The IL-6/STAT3 pathway is a key regulator of genes involved in cancer progression. Activation of STAT3 promotes expansion of cancer stem cells in triple negative breast cancer. Radiation has also been shown to expand cancer stem cell populations and can induce stemness in nonstem cells. However, the role of IL-6/STAT3 in radiation-induced changes in cellular plasticity is unclear.Materials and methods: Expression and secretion of IL-6 from triple-negative breast cancer cell lines SUM159PT and MDA-MB-231 were determined after radiation treatment by real-time PCR and ELISA. Activation of STAT3 after radiation was determined by western blotting. Changes in cellular plasticity induced by radiation were determined by examining ALDEFLUOR activity, gene expression analysis of aldehyde dehydrogenase isoforms and mammosphere forming assays with and without the addition of STAT3 inhibitors. To determine the effect of radiation on nonstem cell populations, experiments were also carried out in ALDEFLUOR sorted cells.Results: Radiation induced an inflammatory response in both cell lines that resulted in activation of STAT3. Additionally, radiation induced a stem-like state as evidenced by an increased activity and expression of the ALDH isoforms ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A3, and increased self-renewal capabilities. Radiation increased ALDH activity and self-renewal in non-stem cell (ALDH-) populations, suggesting radiation-induced cellular reprograming. However, inhibition of STAT3 blocked the radiation-induced stem-like state in both ALDEFLUOR positive and negative populations, and enhanced radiosensitivity.Conclusions: Radiation-induced changes in cellular plasticity are STAT3 dependent and may be a potential target to reduce radioresistance in TNBC and improve treatment outcome.

Joint learning improves protein abundance prediction in cancers

BACKGROUND

The classic central dogma in biology is the information flow from DNA to mRNA to protein, yet complicated regulatory mechanisms underlying protein translation often lead to weak correlations between mRNA and protein abundances. This is particularly the case in cancer samples and when evaluating the same gene across multiple samples.

RESULTS

Here, we report a method for predicting proteome from transcriptome, using a training dataset provided by NCI-CPTAC and TCGA, consisting of transcriptome and proteome data from 77 breast and 105 ovarian cancer samples. First, we establish a generic model capturing the correlation between mRNA and protein abundance of a single gene. Second, we build a gene-specific model capturing the interdependencies among multiple genes in a regulatory network. Third, we create a cross-tissue model by joint learning the information of shared regulatory networks and pathways across cancer tissues. Our method ranked first in the NCI-CPTAC DREAM Proteogenomics Challenge, and the predictive performance is close to the accuracy of experimental replicates. Key functional pathways and network modules controlling the proteomic abundance in cancers were revealed, in particular metabolism-related genes.

CONCLUSIONS

We present a method to predict proteome from transcriptome, leveraging data from different cancer tissues to build a trans-tissue model, and suggest how to integrate information from multiple cancers to provide a foundation for further research.

Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Undifferentiated Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Putative Role for the EBV-Encoded Oncoprotein, LMP1

Undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is 100% associated with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection, and biopsies display variable levels of expression of the viral oncoprotein, latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1). Emerging evidence suggests an important role for cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the NPC tumour microenvironment, yet the interaction between the virus, its latent gene products and the recruitment and activation of CAFs in the NPC tumour stroma remains unclear. This short review will discuss the current evidence for the importance of CAFs in NPC pathogenesis and outline a putative role for the EBV-encoded oncoprotein, LMP1, in governing tumour–stromal interactions.

Cancer Conditioned Medium Modulates Functional and Phenotypic Properties of Human Decidua Parietalis Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells

Background

Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells (MSCs) from the decidua parietalis (DPMSCs) of human term placenta express several molecules with important biological and immunological properties. DPMSCs induce natural killer cell expression of inflammatory receptors and their cytotoxic activity against cancer cells. These properties make DPMSCs promising therapeutical agent for cancer. The successful development of MSCs as an anti-cancer therapeutic cells rely on their ability to function in a hostile inflammatory and oxidative stress cancer environment. Here, we studied the effects of conditioned medium obtained from the culture of breast cancer cells (CMMDA-231) on the functional and phenotypic properties of DPMSCs.

Methods

DPMSCs were cultured with CMMDA-231 and important functions of DPMSCs were measured. The effect of CMMDA-231 on DPMSC expression of several genes with different functions was also evaluated.

Results

DPMSCs were able to function in response to CMMDA-231, but with reduced proliferative and adhesive potentials. Preconditioning of DPMSCs with CMMDA-231 enhanced their adhesion while reducing their invasion. In addition, CMMDA-231 modulated DPMSC expression of many genes with various functional (i.e., proliferation, adhesion, and invasion) properties. DPMSCs also showed increased expression of genes with anti-cancer property.

Conclusion

These data show the ability of DPMSCs to survive and function in cancer environment. In addition, preconditioning of DPMSCs with CMMDA-231 enhanced their anti-cancer properties and thus demonstrating their potential as an anti-cancer therapeutic agent. However, future studies are essential to reveal the mechanism underlying the effects of MDA-231 on DPMSC functional activities and also to confirm the anti-cancer therapeutic potential of DPMSCs.

Protective effects of eicosapentaenoic acid in adipocyte-breast cancer cell cross talk

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women among all cancer types. Obesity is one of the factors that promote progression of breast cancer, especially in post-menopausal women. Increasingly, adipose tissue is recognized for its active role in the tumor microenvironment. We hypothesized that adipocytes conditioned medium can impact breast cancer progression by increasing inflammatory cytokines production by cancer cells, and subsequently increasing their motility. By contrast, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an anti-inflammatory n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, reduces adipocyte-secreted inflammatory factors, leading to reduced cancer cell motility. To test these hypotheses, we investigated the direct effects of EPA on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and the effects of conditioned medium from 3 T3-L1 or human mesenchymal stem cells (HMSC)-derived adipocytes treated with or without EPA supplementation on breast cancer cells. We observed that conditioned medium from HMSC-derived adipocytes significantly increased mRNA transcription levels of cancer-associated genes such as FASN, STAT3 and cIAP2, while EPA-treated HMSC-derived adipocytes significantly reduced mRNA levels of these genes. However, direct EPA treatment significantly reduced mRNA content of these tumor-associated markers (FASN, STAT3, cIAP-2) only in MDA-MB-231 cells not in MCF-7 cells. Conditioned medium from EPA-treated 3 T3-L1 adipocytes further decreased inflammation, cell motility and glycolysis in cancer cells. Our data confirms that adipocytes play a significant role in promoting breast cancer progression and demonstrates that EPA-treated adipocytes reduced the negative impact of adipocyte-secreted factors on breast cancer cell inflammation and migration.

SWATH-based proteomics reveals processes associated with immune evasion and metastasis in poor prognosis colorectal tumours

Newly emerged proteomic methodologies, particularly data‐independent acquisition (DIA) analysis–related approaches, would improve current gene expression–based classifications of colorectal cancer (CRC). Therefore, this study was aimed to identify protein expression signatures using SWATH‐MS DIA and targeted data extraction, to aid in the classification of molecular subtypes of CRC and advance in the diagnosis and development of new drugs. For this purpose, 40 human CRC samples and 7 samples of healthy tissue were subjected to proteomic and bioinformatic analysis. The proteomic analysis identified three different molecular CRC subtypes: P1, P2 and P3. Significantly, P3 subtype showed high agreement with the mesenchymal/stem‐like subtype defined by gene expression signatures and characterized by poor prognosis and survival. The P3 subtype was characterized by decreased expression of ribosomal proteins, the spliceosome, and histone deacetylase 2, as well as increased expression of osteopontin, SERPINA 1 and SERPINA 3, and proteins involved in wound healing, acute inflammation and complement pathway. This was also confirmed by immunodetection and gene expression analyses. Our results show that these tumours are characterized by altered expression of proteins involved in biological processes associated with immune evasion and metastasis, suggesting new therapeutic options in the treatment of this aggressive type of CRC.

STAT3 polymorphisms and IL-6 polymorphism are associated with the risk of basal cell carcinoma in patients from northern Poland

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) environment consists of stromal and inflammatory cells which produce variety of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors that may affect tumor behavior. One of the cytokines suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of BCC is IL-6, which is the upstream element of IL-6/JAK/STAT3 pathway. The correlation between polymorphisms of the genes related to this pathway and cancer risk/prognosis have been previously investigated in several neoplasia, but available data concerning BCC are scarce. In the present study, rs1800795 (-174 G/C) IL-6 gene polymorphism and two polymorphisms in the STAT3 gene, namely rs2293152 (intron 11, C/G) and rs4796793 (-1697, C/G) were assessed in relation to the BCC risk and clinical course. Additionally, IL-6 serum level was assessed in relation to IL-6 genotype and clinical variables. The study included 254 unrelated patients with BCC and of mean age 70.39 ± 11.43 (69.83 ± 12.32 women, 71.03 ± 10.31 men) and 198 healthy, unrelated age- and sex-matched volunteers. IL-6 and STAT3 polymorphisms were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (SSP-PCR). Serum concentration of IL-6 was measured using the ELISA test. We have found that the presence of C allele in rs1800795 IL-6 gene polymorphism was associated with increased risk of BCC (aOR 1.86; 95% CI 1.22–2.84; p = 0.004). The presence of CC genotype in STAT3 rs2293152 polymorphism was associated with increased BCC risk in recessive model analysis (aOR 3.94; 95% CI 1.59–9.77; p = 0.003). In contrast, the presence of GC genotype in overdominant model was associated with decreased risk of BCC (aOR = 0.24; 95% CI 0.12–0.49; p < 0.0001). The presence of C allele in STAT3 rs2293152 polymorphism was associated with increased risk of BCC (aOR 1.31; 95% CI 1.01–1.69; p = 0.04). The presence of GG genotype in STAT3 rs4796793 polymorphism was associated with increased BCC risk in recessive model analysis (aOR 3.66; 95% CI 1.33–10.10; p = 0.012). The presence of G allele in STAT3 rs4796793 polymorphism was associated with increased risk of BCC (aOR 1.59; 95% CI 1.01–2.49; p = 0.04). IL-6 serum level positively correlated with the tumor size.

Cutaneous Metastasis after Surgery, Injury, Lymphadenopathy, and Peritonitis: Possible Mechanisms

Cutaneous metastases from internal malignancies are uncommon. Umbilical metastasis, also known as Sister Joseph nodule (SJN), develops in patients with carcinomatous peritonitis or superficial lymphadenopathy, while non-SJN skin metastases develop after surgery, injury, and lymphadenopathy. In this review, the possible mechanisms of skin metastases are discussed. SJNs develop by the contiguous or lymphatic spread of tumor cells. After surgery and injury, tumor cells spread by direct implantation or hematogenous metastasis, and after lymphadenopathy, they spread by extranodal extension. The inflammatory response occurring during wound healing is exploited by tumor cells and facilitates tumor growth. Macrophages are crucial drivers of tumor-promoting inflammation, which is a source of survival, growth and angiogenic factors. Angiogenesis is promoted by the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which also mediates tumor-associated immunodeficiency. In the subcutaneous tissues that surround metastatic lymph nodes, adipocytes promote tumor growth. In the elderly, age-associated immunosuppression may facilitate hematogenous metastasis. Anti-VEGF therapy affects recurrence patterns but at the same time, may increase the risk of skin metastases. Immune suppression associated with inflammation may play a key role in skin metastasis development. Thus, immune therapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors reactivating cytotoxic T-cell function and inhibiting tumor-associated macrophage function, appear promising.

A Human Organotypic Microfluidic Tumor Model Permits Investigation of the Interplay between Patient-Derived Fibroblasts and Breast Cancer Cells

Tumor-stroma interactions significantly influence cancer cell metastasis and disease progression. These interactions are partly comprised of the cross-talk between tumor and stromal fibroblasts, but the key molecular mechanisms within the cross-talk that govern cancer invasion are still unclear. Here, we adapted our previously developed microfluidic device as a 3D in vitro organotypic model to mechanistically study tumor-stroma interactions by mimicking the spatial organization of the tumor microenvironment on a chip. We cocultured breast cancer and patient-derived fibroblast cells in 3D tumor and stroma regions, respectively, and combined functional assessments, including cancer cell migration, with transcriptome profiling to unveil the molecular influence of tumor-stroma cross-talk on invasion. This led to the observation that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) enhanced invasion in 3D by inducing expression of a novel gene of interest, glycoprotein nonmetastatic B (GPNMB), in breast cancer cells, resulting in increased migration speed. Importantly, knockdown of GPNMB blunted the influence of CAF on enhanced cancer invasion. Overall, these results demonstrate the ability of our model to recapitulate patient-specific tumor microenvironments to investigate the cellular and molecular consequences of tumor-stroma interactions. SIGNIFICANCE: An organotypic model of tumor-stroma interactions on a microfluidic chip reveals that CAFs promote invasion by enhancing expression of GPNMB in breast cancer cells.

In Silico Transcriptomic Analysis of Wound-Healing-Associated Genes in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Background and objectives: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a devastating malignancy with poor prognosis. Reliable biomarkers for MPM diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis are needed. The aim of this study was to identify genes associated with wound healing processes whose expression could serve as a prognostic factor in MPM patients. Materials and Methods: We used data mining techniques and transcriptomic analysis so as to assess the differential transcriptional expression of wound-healing-associated genes in MPM. Moreover, we investigated the potential prognostic value as well as the functional enrichments of gene ontologies relative to microRNAs (miRNAs) of the significantly differentially expressed wound-healing-related genes in MPM. Results: Out of the 82 wound-healing-associated genes analyzed, 30 were found significantly deregulated in MPM. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that low ITGAV gene expression could serve as a prognostic factor favoring survival of MPM patients. Finally, gene ontology annotation enrichment analysis pointed to the members of the hsa-miR-143, hsa-miR-223, and the hsa-miR-29 miRNA family members as important regulators of the deregulated wound healing genes. Conclusions: 30 wound-healing-related genes were significantly deregulated in MPM, which are potential targets of hsa-miR-143, hsa-miR-223, and the hsa-miR-29 miRNA family members. Out of those genes, ITGAV gene expression was a prognostic factor of overall survival in MPM. Our results highlight the role of impaired tissue repair in MPM development and should be further validated experimentally.

The Activin Social Network: Activin, Inhibin, and Follistatin in Breast Development and Cancer

Activins and inhibins are closely related protein heterodimers with a similar tissue distribution; however, these two complexes have opposing functions in development and disease. Both are secreted cytokine hormones, with activin the primary inducer of downstream signaling cascades and inhibin acting as a rheostat that exquisitely governs activin function. Adding to the complexity of activin signaling, follistatin, a highly glycosylated monomeric protein, binds activin with high affinity and restrains downstream pathway activation but through a mechanism distinct from that of inhibin. These three proteins were first identified as key ovarian hormones in the pituitary-gonadal axis that direct the synthesis and secretion of FSH from the pituitary, hence controlling folliculogenesis. Research during the past 30 years has expanded the roles of these proteins, first by discovering the ubiquitous expression of the trio and then by implicating them in a wide array of biological functions. In concert, these three hormones govern tissue development, homeostasis, and disease in multiple organ systems through diverse autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. In the present study, we have reviewed the actions of activin and its biological inhibitors, inhibin, and follistatin, in mammary gland morphogenesis and cancer.

Rheumatoid arthritis and cancer risk[BULLET OPERATOR]results from the Greek European prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition cohort

To investigate the relative risk of cancer development in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in Greece after taking into consideration treatment modalities. The present analysis used data on the medical history of 26 331 participants in the Greek arm of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition that were collected at enrollment and thereafter during active follow-up. A history of RA and of drug treatment for the disease, as reported at baseline examination, was linked to cases of cancer reported during follow-up. A total of 91 (9.9%) patients with RA developed a cancer compared with 1542 (6.1%) patients without RA. The overall hazard ratios of all cancers increased 25% [95% confidence interval (CI): 1-54] among participants with prevalent RA, and almost all the site-specific incident cancer sites considered had rate ratios above unity. In terms of the contribution of RA medication, the hazard ratios of patients treated with salicylates was close to unity (1.07, 95% CI: 0.69-1.65), whereas those who were not treated with salicylates had a 31% (95% CI: 3-67) increased risk for cancer incidence compared with those without RA at baseline. RA patients have excess cancer risk because of either underlying complex disease pathways or treatment agents targeting immune function. Administration of salicylates appears to reduce the risk of developing malignancies.

Downregulation of MMSET impairs breast cancer proliferation and metastasis through inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling

BACKGROUND

Recently, the biggest challenge in the treatment of breast cancer is the metastasis of breast cancer cells. Multiple myeloma SET protein (MMSET), a histone lysine methyltransferase, overexpressed in various human cancers, was reported to be associated with carcinogenesis of human cancers.

METHODS

Expression of MMSET in breast cancer cell lines and tissues was quantified by real-time PCR and Western blotting. Immunohistochemistry was employed to analyze MMSET expression in 163 clinicopathologically characterized breast cancer cases. Cell functional assays such as MTT assay, colony formation, BrdU assay, flow cytometry, wound healing, Transwell assay, and 3D culture were used to investigate the effect of MMSET in the development and metastasis of human breast cancer. Effects of MMSET on Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were further studied by using Western blotting analysis.

RESULTS

Our results showed that MMSET expression was markedly overexpressed in breast cancer cells and clinical specimens and was significantly correlated with patients' clinicopatho-logic characteristics and prognosis. Moreover, silencing endogenous MMSET significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and metastasis of breast cancer cells through inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

CONCLUSION

This study found that the downregulated expression of MMSET impaired proliferation and metastasis of human breast cancer through inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Notably, our results indicated that MMSET could be a useful biomarker for the prognosis of breast cancer.

Wound Healing Fluid Reflects the Inflammatory Nature and Aggressiveness of Breast Tumors

Wound healing fluid that originates from breast surgery increases the aggressiveness of cancer cells that remain after the surgery. We determined the effects of the extent of surgery and tumor-driven remodeling of the surrounding microenvironment on the ability of wound-healing to promote breast cancer progression. In our analysis of a panel of 34 cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors in wound healing fluid, obtained from 27 breast carcinoma patients after surgery, the levels of several small molecules were associated with the extent of cellular damage that was induced by surgery. In addition, the composition of the resulting wound healing fluid was associated with molecular features of the removed tumor. Specifically, IP-10, IL-6, G-CSF, osteopontin, MIP-1a, MIP-1b, and MCP1-MCAF were higher in more aggressive tumors. Altogether, our findings indicate that the release of factors that are induced by removal of the primary tumor and subsequent wound healing is influenced by the extent of damage due to surgery and the reactive stroma that is derived from the continuously evolving network of interactions between neoplastic cells and the microenvironment, based on the molecular characteristics of breast carcinoma cells.