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Contini C, Manconi B, Olianas A, Guadalupi G, Schirru A, Zorcolo L, Castagnola M, Messana I, Faa G, Diaz G, Cabras T. Combined High-Throughput Proteomics and Random Forest Machine-Learning Approach Differentiates and Classifies Metabolic, Immune, Signaling and ECM Intra-Tumor Heterogeneity of Colorectal Cancer. Cells 2024; 13:1311. [PMID: 39195201 DOI: 10.3390/cells13161311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a frequent, worldwide tumor described for its huge complexity, including inter-/intra-heterogeneity and tumor microenvironment (TME) variability. Intra-tumor heterogeneity and its connections with metabolic reprogramming and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were investigated with explorative shotgun proteomics complemented by a Random Forest (RF) machine-learning approach. Deep and superficial tumor regions and distant-site non-tumor samples from the same patients (n = 16) were analyzed. Among the 2009 proteins analyzed, 91 proteins, including 23 novel potential CRC hallmarks, showed significant quantitative changes. In addition, a 98.4% accurate classification of the three analyzed tissues was obtained by RF using a set of 21 proteins. Subunit E1 of 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase (OGDH-E1) was the best classifying factor for the superficial tumor region, while sorting nexin-18 and coatomer-beta protein (beta-COP), implicated in protein trafficking, classified the deep region. Down- and up-regulations of metabolic checkpoints involved different proteins in superficial and deep tumors. Analogously to immune checkpoints affecting the TME, cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix (ECM) dynamics were crucial for EMT. Galectin-3, basigin, S100A9, and fibronectin involved in TME-CRC-ECM crosstalk were found to be differently variated in both tumor regions. Different metabolic strategies appeared to be adopted by the two CRC regions to uncouple the Krebs cycle and cytosolic glucose metabolism, promote lipogenesis, promote amino acid synthesis, down-regulate bioenergetics in mitochondria, and up-regulate oxidative stress. Finally, correlations with the Dukes stage and budding supported the finding of novel potential CRC hallmarks and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Contini
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Statal University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Barbara Manconi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Statal University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Alessandra Olianas
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Statal University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Giulia Guadalupi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Statal University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Alessandra Schirru
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Statal University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Luigi Zorcolo
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Statal University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Massimo Castagnola
- Laboratorio di Proteomica, Centro Europeo di Ricerca sul Cervello, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Roma, Italy
| | - Irene Messana
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Gavino Faa
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Statal University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Giacomo Diaz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Statal University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Tiziana Cabras
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Statal University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
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2
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Corrias G, Lai E, Ziranu P, Mariani S, Donisi C, Liscia N, Saba G, Pretta A, Persano M, Fanni D, Spanu D, Balconi F, Loi F, Deidda S, Restivo A, Pusceddu V, Puzzoni M, Solinas C, Massa E, Madeddu C, Gerosa C, Zorcolo L, Faa G, Saba L, Scartozzi M. Prediction of Response to Anti-Angiogenic Treatment for Advanced Colorectal Cancer Patients: From Biological Factors to Functional Imaging. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1364. [PMID: 38611042 PMCID: PMC11011199 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading tumor worldwide. In CRC, the angiogenic pathway plays a crucial role in cancer development and the process of metastasis. Thus, anti-angiogenic drugs represent a milestone for metastatic CRC (mCRC) treatment and lead to significant improvement of clinical outcomes. Nevertheless, not all patients respond to treatment and some develop resistance. Therefore, the identification of predictive factors able to predict response to angiogenesis pathway blockade is required in order to identify the best candidates to receive these agents. Unfortunately, no predictive biomarkers have been prospectively validated to date. Over the years, research has focused on biologic factors such as genetic polymorphisms, circulating biomarkers, circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and microRNA. Moreover, research efforts have evaluated the potential correlation of molecular biomarkers with imaging techniques used for tumor assessment as well as the application of imaging tools in clinical practice. In addition to functional imaging, radiomics, a relatively newer technique, shows real promise in the setting of correlating molecular medicine to radiological phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Corrias
- Department of Radiology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Eleonora Lai
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Pina Ziranu
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Stefano Mariani
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Clelia Donisi
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Nicole Liscia
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Giorgio Saba
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Andrea Pretta
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Mara Persano
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Daniela Fanni
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, AOU Cagliari, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (D.F.); (C.G.); (G.F.)
| | - Dario Spanu
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Francesca Balconi
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Francesco Loi
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Simona Deidda
- Colorectal Surgery Unit, A.O.U. Cagliari, Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (S.D.); (A.R.); (L.Z.)
| | - Angelo Restivo
- Colorectal Surgery Unit, A.O.U. Cagliari, Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (S.D.); (A.R.); (L.Z.)
| | - Valeria Pusceddu
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Marco Puzzoni
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Cinzia Solinas
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Elena Massa
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Clelia Madeddu
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Clara Gerosa
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, AOU Cagliari, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (D.F.); (C.G.); (G.F.)
| | - Luigi Zorcolo
- Colorectal Surgery Unit, A.O.U. Cagliari, Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (S.D.); (A.R.); (L.Z.)
| | - Gavino Faa
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, AOU Cagliari, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (D.F.); (C.G.); (G.F.)
| | - Luca Saba
- Department of Radiology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Mario Scartozzi
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.L.); (P.Z.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (G.S.); (A.P.); (M.P.); (D.S.); (F.B.); (F.L.); (V.P.); (M.P.); (C.S.); (E.M.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
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3
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Kim J, Lee C, Han J, Jeong H, Wang S, Choi YH, Jung Y. Targeted Deletion of Thymosin Beta 4 in Hepatic Stellate Cells Ameliorates Liver Fibrosis in a Transgenic Mouse Model. Cells 2023; 12:1658. [PMID: 37371128 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the most common feature of liver disease, and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the main contributors to liver fibrosis. Thus, finding key targets that modulate HSC activation is important to prevent liver fibrosis. Previously, we showed that thymosin β4 (Tβ4) influenced HSC activation by interacting with the Hedgehog pathway in vitro. Herein, we generated Tβ4 conditional knockout (Tβ4-flox) mice to investigate in vivo functions of Tβ4 in liver fibrosis. To selectively delete Tβ4 in activated HSCs, double-transgenic (DTG) mice were generated by mating Tβ4-flox mice with α-smooth muscle actin (α-Sma)-Cre-ERT2 mice, and these mice were administered carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) or underwent bile duct ligation to induce liver fibrosis. Tβ4 was selectively suppressed in the activated HSCs of DTG mouse liver, and this reduction attenuated liver injury, including fibrosis, in both fibrotic models by repressing Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. In addition, the re-expression of Tβ4 by an adeno-associated virus reversed the effect of HSC-specific Tβ4 deletion and led to liver fibrosis with Hh activation in CCl4-exposed mice treated with tamoxifen. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that Tβ4 is a crucial regulator of HSC activation, suggesting it as a novel therapeutic target for curing liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Kim
- Institute of System Biology, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Chanbin Lee
- Institute of System Biology, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinsol Han
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Hayeong Jeong
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Sihyung Wang
- New Drug Development Center, Daegu Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation, Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Yung Hyun Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, Dong-Eui University College of Korean Medicine, Pusan 47227, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngmi Jung
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Republic of Korea
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4
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Wang WC, Zhang XF, Tang EJ, Li AJ, Chen L, Wang JQ, Ma JY, Zhang XF, Sun B. Thymosin β4, a potential marker of malignancy and prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Scand J Gastroenterol 2023; 58:380-391. [PMID: 36269095 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2022.2136012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lack of effective early diagnostic markers is an obstacle in clinical diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is an increasing popular approach for identification of clinically relevant parameters including biomarkers. PATIENTS AND METHODS 540 subjects, including 274 HCC, 119 liver cirrhosis, 89 hepatitis, and 58 healthy volunteers were enrolled. MALDI-TOF MS was used to select potential novel biomarkers from serum of HCC patients. Its clinical application was evaluated by experiments and clinical data analysis. RESULTS We identified Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) in serum by MALDI-TOF MS. The expression of Tβ4 was detected up-regulating in HCC cells and tissues which enhanced motility of HCC cells. More important, the level of serum Tβ4 was significantly elevated in HCC patients. The AUROC showed the optimum diagnostic cut-off was 1063.6 ng/mL, ROC and 95% CI of Tβ4 (0.908; 0.880-0.935) were larger than that of serum AFP (0.712; 0.662-0.762; p < 0.001). The sensitivity (91.3% vs 83.1%) and specificity (81.2% vs 20.3%) of serum Tβ4 were higher than alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). In AFP-negative HCC, the sensitivity could reach to 80.5%. ROC analysis showed serum Tβ4 had a better performance compared with AFP in distinguishing early-stage and small HCC. Tβ4 is correlated with TNM stage (p = 0.016) and vascular invasion (p = 0.005). Survival analysis indicated the survival time of Tβ4 positive patients was shorter (p < 0.001). Cox analysis suggested Tβ4 could be an independent factor for HCC prognosis. CONCLUSION Tβ4 may serve as a novel biomarker for HCC diagnosis and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Chao Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Feng Zhang
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Er-Jiang Tang
- Center for Clinical Research and Translational Medicine, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - A-Jian Li
- Department of General Surgery, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Lei Chen
- Center for Clinical Research and Translational Medicine, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Jia-Qi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Jun-Yong Ma
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Feng Zhang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Bin Sun
- Center for Clinical Research and Translational Medicine, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P. R. China
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5
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Li Y, Wang D, Ge H, Güngör C, Gong X, Chen Y. Cytoskeletal and Cytoskeleton-Associated Proteins: Key Regulators of Cancer Stem Cell Properties. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:1369. [PMID: 36355541 PMCID: PMC9698833 DOI: 10.3390/ph15111369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of cancer cells possessing stemness characteristics that are closely associated with tumor proliferation, recurrence and resistance to therapy. Recent studies have shown that different cytoskeletal components and remodeling processes have a profound impact on the behavior of CSCs. In this review, we outline the different cytoskeletal components regulating the properties of CSCs and discuss current and ongoing therapeutic strategies targeting the cytoskeleton. Given the many challenges currently faced in targeted cancer therapy, a deeper comprehension of the molecular events involved in the interaction of the cytoskeleton and CSCs will help us identify more effective therapeutic strategies to eliminate CSCs and ultimately improve patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqiang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Department of General Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Heming Ge
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Department of General Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Cenap Güngör
- Department of General Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Xuejun Gong
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Yongheng Chen
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
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Kuo CY, Jhuang JY, Huang WC, Cheng SP. Aberrant Expression of Thymosin Beta-4 Correlates With Advanced Disease and BRAF V600E Mutation in Thyroid Cancer. J Histochem Cytochem 2022; 70:707-716. [PMID: 36321670 PMCID: PMC9660367 DOI: 10.1369/00221554221138370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymosin beta-4 (TMSB4X) was recently identified as a differentially expressed gene between malignant and non-malignant thyroid cells via single-cell RNA sequencing. In the present study, we aimed to study the immunostaining pattern of TMSB4X in benign and malignant thyroid neoplasms. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that normal thyroid tissue or benign thyroid disorders exhibited undetectable immunoreactivity against TMSB4X except for positive staining of inflammatory infiltrates and stromal cells associated with autoimmune thyroid disease. By contrast, overexpression of TMSB4X was observed in a variety of thyroid malignancies, including papillary, follicular, poorly differentiated, and undifferentiated thyroid cancer. Among 141 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer, higher TMSB4X expression was associated with papillary tumor type, extrathyroidal extension, lymph node metastasis, and BRAF V600E mutation. The results were consistent with those from the public transcriptomic datasets. In summary, TMSB4X expression was aberrantly increased in various types of thyroid cancer, and higher TMSB4X expression was correlated with advanced disease characteristics. Thymosin beta-4 may be a novel downstream effector of the BRAF V600E mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Yu Kuo
- Department of Surgery, MacKay Memorial
Hospital, Taipei
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine,
MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City
| | - Jie-Yang Jhuang
- Department of Pathology, MacKay Memorial
Hospital, Taipei
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine,
MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City
| | - Wen-Chien Huang
- Department of Surgery, MacKay Memorial
Hospital, Taipei
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine,
MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City
| | - Shih-Ping Cheng
- Department of Surgery, MacKay Memorial
Hospital, Taipei
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine,
MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, MacKay
Medical College, New Taipei City
- Department of Pharmacology, School of
Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei
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7
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Sánchez-Ramírez D, Medrano-Guzmán R, Candanedo-González F, De Anda-González J, García-Rios LE, Pérez-Koldenkova V, Gutiérrez-de la Barrera M, Rodríguez-Enríquez S, Velasco-Velázquez M, Pacheco-Velázquez SC, Piña-Sánchez P, Mayani H, Gómez-Delgado A, Monroy-García A, Martínez-Lara AK, Montesinos JJ. High expression of both desmoplastic stroma and epithelial to mesenchymal transition markers associate with shorter survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Eur J Histochem 2022; 66:3360. [PMID: 35174683 PMCID: PMC8883614 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2022.3360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Desmoplastic stroma (DS) and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) play a key role in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) progression. To date, however, the combined expression of DS and EMT markers, and their association with variations in survival within each clinical stage and degree of tumor differentiation is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between expression of DS and EMT markers and survival variability in patients diagnosed with PDAC. We examined the expression levels of DS markers alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin, and vimentin, and the EMT markers epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EPCAM), pan-cytokeratin, and vimentin, by immunohistochemistry using a tissue microarray of a retrospective cohort of 25 patients with PDAC. The results were examined for association with survival by clinical stage and by degree of tumor differentiation. High DS markers expression -α-SMA, fibronectin, and vimentin- was associated with decreased survival at intermediate and advanced clinical stages (p=0.006-0.03), as well as with both poorly and moderately differentiated tumor grades (p=0.01-0.02). Interestingly, the same pattern was observed for EMT markers, i.e., EPCAM, pan-cytokeratin, and vimentin (p=0.00008-0.03). High expression of DS and EMT markers within each clinical stage and degree of tumor differentiation was associated with lower PDAC survival. Evaluation of these markers may have a prognostic impact on survival time variation in patients with PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damián Sánchez-Ramírez
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells Laboratory, Oncology Research Unit, Oncology Hospital, National Medical Center, IMSS, Mexico City.
| | - Rafael Medrano-Guzmán
- Department of Sarcomas, Oncology Hospital, High Specialty Medical Unit (UMAE), National Medical Center, IMSS, Mexico City.
| | - Fernando Candanedo-González
- Department of Pathology, Oncology Hospital, High Specialty Medical Unit (UMAE), National Medical Center, IMSS, Mexico City.
| | - Jazmín De Anda-González
- Department of Pathology, Oncology Hospital, High Specialty Medical Unit (UMAE), National Medical Center, IMSS, Mexico City.
| | - Luis Enrique García-Rios
- Department of Sarcomas, Oncology Hospital, High Specialty Medical Unit (UMAE), National Medical Center, IMSS, Mexico City.
| | - Vadim Pérez-Koldenkova
- National Laboratory of Advanced Microscopy-IMSS, National Medical Center, Siglo XXI IMSS, Mexico City.
| | | | | | - Marco Velasco-Velázquez
- Department of Pharmacology and Peripheral Research Unit in Translational Biomedicine (CMN 20 de noviembre, ISSSTE), School of Medicine, UNAM, Mexico City.
| | | | - Patricia Piña-Sánchez
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Oncology Research Unit, Oncology Hospital, National Medical Center, IMSS, Mexico City.
| | - Héctor Mayani
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells Laboratory, Oncology Research Unit, Oncology Hospital, National Medical Center, IMSS, Mexico City.
| | - Alejandro Gómez-Delgado
- Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Medical Research Unit, Pediatric Hospital, National Medical Center, IMSS, Mexico City.
| | - Alberto Monroy-García
- Immunology and Cancer Laboratory, Oncology Research Unit, Oncology Hospital, National Medical Center (IMSS), Mexico City.
| | - Ana Karen Martínez-Lara
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells Laboratory, Oncology Research Unit, Oncology Hospital, National Medical Center, IMSS, Mexico City.
| | - Juan José Montesinos
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells Laboratory, Oncology Research Unit, Oncology Hospital, National Medical Center, IMSS, Mexico City.
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8
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Abstract
In spite of the significant technical and technological progress in neurosurgery and the continuous discoveries by the basic research, adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma remains a significant clinical challenge. Actually, the huge size of the tumor, its multiple cystic components, the encasement of Willis' circle and optic pathways, and the invasion of the hypothalamus often prevent its safe surgical resection. Moreover, the local aggressiveness of the tumor accounts for a high risk of recurrence even after a gross total resection. For these reasons, more and more efforts are being dedicated to enhance the knowledge about AC and improve the tools for its treatment.This paper is dedicated to the most recent advances concerning the AC management. Promising, new insights come for the basic research, thanks to the updates on the role of the WNT-β-catenin pathway (important for the tumor genesis and progression, not yet developed enough for a safe target therapy in children but useful for determining the prognosis) and the inflammatory mediators (widely overexpressed, especially by the cyst of the tumor, and for which target therapies are being developed). Moreover, further factors and pathways are under investigation.Also the development of new treatment strategies accounts for the improvement of the prognosis and the quality of life of AC patients. The enhancement of the experience with the endoscopic techniques (both transsphenoidal and transventricular approaches) actually allows to perform a less invasive but effective surgery that can be coupled with new modalities of radiation therapy aiming at obtaining a reliable control of the disease and protecting the endocrinological, ophthalmological, and neurological functions. A special mention is finally deserved by the techniques specifically designed for the intracystic therapy (as cyst fenestration alone or in combination with administration of radionuclides or bleomycin or interferon-α) that are here analyzed together with the aforementioned advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Bianchi
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Benato
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Massimi
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore-Rome, Rome, Italy.
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9
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Rocconi RP, Wilhite AM, Schambeau L, Scalici J, Pannell L, Finan MA. A novel proteomic-based screening method for ovarian cancer using cervicovaginal fluids: A window into the abdomen. Gynecol Oncol 2021; 164:181-186. [PMID: 34756750 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2021.10.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our objective is to develop a site-specific proteomic-based screening test for ovarian cancer(OC) using the mucus of the cervix and vagina and evaluate a potential means for home testing. METHODS Cervicovaginal fluid samples were obtained from ovarian cancer and normal control patients for LC-mass spectrometry(MS) proteomic evaluation. Statistical modeling determined the protein panel with the highest penetrance across ovarian cancer samples. A subcohort of patients consented to provide self-collected vaginal samples at home with questionnaire on feasibility. Cohen's kappa methodology was utilized to determine agreement between physician-collected and patient-collected samples. RESULTS A total of 83 consecutive patient samples were collected prospectively (33 ovarian cancer & 50 controls). Thirty patients consented for self-collection. Using LC-MS, 30 peptides demonstrated independent statistical significance for detecting ovarian cancer. Using statistical modeling, the protein panel that determined the best predictor for detecting OC formed a "fingerprint" consisting of 5 proteins: serine proteinase inhibitor A1; periplakin; profilin1; apolipoprotein A1; and thymosin beta4-like protein. These peptides demonstrated a significant increase probability of detecting ovarian cancer with the ROC curve having an AUC of 0.86 (p = 0.00001). Physician-collected and patient-collected specimens demonstrated moderate agreement with kappa average of 0.6 with upper bound of 0.75. CONCLUSIONS Using novel site-specific collection methods, we identified an OC "fingerprint" with adequate sensitivity and specificity to warrant further evaluation in a larger cohort. Agreement of physician-collected and patient-collected samples were encouraging and could improve access to screening with a home self-collection if this screening test is validated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodney P Rocconi
- University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute, Mobile, AL, United States of America.
| | - Annelise M Wilhite
- University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute, Mobile, AL, United States of America
| | - Lindsay Schambeau
- University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute, Mobile, AL, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Scalici
- University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute, Mobile, AL, United States of America
| | - Lewis Pannell
- University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute, Mobile, AL, United States of America
| | - Michael A Finan
- University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute, Mobile, AL, United States of America
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10
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Tsuge M. Are Humanized Mouse Models Useful for Basic Research of Hepatocarcinogenesis through Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection? Viruses 2021; 13:v13101920. [PMID: 34696350 PMCID: PMC8541657 DOI: 10.3390/v13101920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health problem that can lead to liver dysfunction, including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Current antiviral therapies can control viral replication in patients with chronic HBV infection; however, there is a risk of HCC development. HBV-related proteins may be produced in hepatocytes regardless of antiviral therapies and influence intracellular metabolism and signaling pathways, resulting in liver carcinogenesis. To understand the mechanisms of liver carcinogenesis, the effect of HBV infection in human hepatocytes should be analyzed. HBV infects human hepatocytes through transfer to the sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP). Although the NTCP is expressed on the hepatocyte surface in several animals, including mice, HBV infection is limited to human primates. Due to this species-specific liver tropism, suitable animal models for analyzing HBV replication and developing antivirals have been lacking since the discovery of the virus. Recently, a humanized mouse model carrying human hepatocytes in the liver was developed based on several immunodeficient mice; this is useful for analyzing the HBV life cycle, antiviral effects of existing/novel antivirals, and intracellular signaling pathways under HBV infection. Herein, the usefulness of human hepatocyte chimeric mouse models in the analysis of HBV-associated hepatocarcinogenesis is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masataka Tsuge
- Natural Science Center for Basic Research and Development, Department of Biomedical Science, Research and Development Division, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan; ; Tel.: +81-82-257-1510
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
- Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
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11
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Desiderio C, Rossetti DV, Castagnola M, Massimi L, Tamburrini G. Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma: advances in proteomic research. Childs Nerv Syst 2021; 37:789-797. [PMID: 32617710 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-020-04750-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many efforts have been performed in the last decade to accomplish the genomic and proteomic characterization of pediatric adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma with the purpose to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the onset and development of this pediatric brain tumor, its high recurrence rate, and, although classified as a histologically benign neoplasm, its aggressive behavior. METHODS The focus of this review is to perform the new comparison of the proteomic profiles of the solid component and the intracystic fluid of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma based on our previous results, obtained by both the top-down and the bottom-up proteomic approaches, to disclose differences and similarities, and to discuss the results in the context of the most recent literature. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Proteins and peptides identified in the cyst fluid and in the solid component of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (AC) include beyond markers of inflammation (i.e., alpha-defensins), proteins involved in cell migration and protein degradation (i.e., beta-thymosin and ubiquitin peptides), whose main role might be in tumor growth and infiltration of the surrounding neural structures. These last appeared different in the solid components compared with the cyst fluid, missing their terminal part in the solid tissue, a feature generally associated to malignancies, which might represent a distinct molecular site for an aggressive behavior of AC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Desiderio
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy.
| | - Diana Valeria Rossetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Castagnola
- Laboratorio di Proteomica, Centro Europeo di Ricerca sul Cervello, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Massimi
- UOC Neurochirurgia Infantile, Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Invecchiamento, Neurologiche, Ortopediche e della Testa-Collo; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Gemelli 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianpiero Tamburrini
- UOC Neurochirurgia Infantile, Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Invecchiamento, Neurologiche, Ortopediche e della Testa-Collo; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Gemelli 1, 00168, Rome, Italy.
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12
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Lee JW, Thuy PX, Han HK, Moon EY. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced tumor growth is regulated by primary cilium formation via the axis of H 2O 2 production-thymosin beta-4 gene expression. Int J Med Sci 2021; 18:1247-1258. [PMID: 33526986 PMCID: PMC7847613 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.53595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) that is one of the most commonly used phthalates in manufacturing plastic wares regulates tumorigenesis. Thymosin beta-4 (TB4), an actin-sequestering protein, has been reported as a novel regulator to form primary cilia that are antenna-like organelles playing a role in various physiological homeostasis and pathological development including tumorigenesis. Here, we investigated whether DEHP affects tumor growth via primary cilium (PC) formation via the axis of TB4 gene expression and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Tumor growth was increased by DEHP treatment that enhanced TB4 expression, PC formation and ROS production. The number of cells with primary cilia was enhanced time-dependently higher in HeLa cells incubated in the culture medium with 0.1% fetal bovine serum (FBS). The number of cells with primary cilia was decreased by the inhibition of TB4 expression. The incubation of cells with 0.1% FBS enhanced ROS production and the transcriptional activity of TB4 that was reduced by ciliobrevin A (CilioA), the inhibitor of ciliogenesis. ROS production was decreased by catalase treatment but not by mito-TEMPO, which affected to PC formation with the same trend. H2O2 production was reduced by siRNA-based inhibition of TB4 expression. H2O2 also increased the number of ciliated cells, which was reduced by siRNA-TB4 or the co-incubation with CilioA. Tumor cell viability was maintained by ciliogenesis, which was correlated with the changes of intracellular ATP amount rather than a simple mitochondrial enzyme activity. TB4 overexpression enhanced PC formation and DEHP-induced tumor growth. Taken together, data demonstrate that DEHP-induced tumor growth might be controlled by PC formation via TB4-H2O2 axis. Therefore, it suggests that TB4 could be a novel bio-marker to expect the risk of DEHP on tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Wook Lee
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Pham Xuan Thuy
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Kyoung Han
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Yi Moon
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
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13
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Abstract
Simple Summary Cell migration is an essential process from embryogenesis to cell death. This is tightly regulated by numerous proteins that help in proper functioning of the cell. In diseases like cancer, this process is deregulated and helps in the dissemination of tumor cells from the primary site to secondary sites initiating the process of metastasis. For metastasis to be efficient, cytoskeletal components like actin, myosin, and intermediate filaments and their associated proteins should co-ordinate in an orderly fashion leading to the formation of many cellular protrusions-like lamellipodia and filopodia and invadopodia. Knowledge of this process is the key to control metastasis of cancer cells that leads to death in 90% of the patients. The focus of this review is giving an overall understanding of these process, concentrating on the changes in protein association and regulation and how the tumor cells use it to their advantage. Since the expression of cytoskeletal proteins can be directly related to the degree of malignancy, knowledge about these proteins will provide powerful tools to improve both cancer prognosis and treatment. Abstract Successful metastasis depends on cell invasion, migration, host immune escape, extravasation, and angiogenesis. The process of cell invasion and migration relies on the dynamic changes taking place in the cytoskeletal components; actin, tubulin and intermediate filaments. This is possible due to the plasticity of the cytoskeleton and coordinated action of all the three, is crucial for the process of metastasis from the primary site. Changes in cellular architecture by internal clues will affect the cell functions leading to the formation of different protrusions like lamellipodia, filopodia, and invadopodia that help in cell migration eventually leading to metastasis, which is life threatening than the formation of neoplasms. Understanding the signaling mechanisms involved, will give a better insight of the changes during metastasis, which will eventually help targeting proteins for treatment resulting in reduced mortality and longer survival.
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14
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Coni P, Piras M, Mateddu A, Piludu M, Orru G, Scano A, Cabras T, Piras V, Lachowicz JI, Jaremko M, Faa G, Castagnola M, Pichiri G. Thymosin β4 cytoplasmic/nuclear translocation as a new marker of cellular stress. A Caco2 case study. RSC Adv 2020; 10:12680-12688. [PMID: 35497634 PMCID: PMC9051466 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra10365a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomarkers of cell stress are important for proper diagnosis, and in studies of how cells respond to drug treatment. Biomarkers that respond early to pharmacological treatment could improve therapy by tailoring the treatment to the needs of the patient. Thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) plays a significant role in many aspects of cellular metabolism because of its actin-sequestering properties. Other physiological functions of Tβ4 have been also reported. Among these, Tβ4 may play a crucial role during cellular stress. We addressed the relevance of Tβ4 in cellular stress conditions by using different treatments (serum starvation, DMSO, and butyrate administration) in a colon adenocarcinoma cell line (CaCo2), a cell line frequently used for in vitro experimental studies of Tβ4. In this study, different stress stimuli were analyzed and the obtained results were compared using immunocytochemistry, and molecular and biochemical methods. Taken together, the data clearly indicate that the Tβ4 peptide is involved in adaptive and defensive cellular mechanisms, and that different stress inducers lead to a similar Tβ4 cytoplasmic/nuclear translocation. The translocation of Tβ4 between the cytoplasm and the nucleus of the cell seems characteristic of a possible molecular response to cellular stress exerted by this peptide. Biomarkers of cell stress are important for proper diagnosis, and in studies of how cells respond to drug treatment.![]()
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15
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Igarashi H, Taniguchi H, Nosho K, Ishigami K, Koide H, Mitsuhashi K, Okita K, Takemasa I, Imai K, Nakase H. PRDM14 promotes malignant phenotype and correlates with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer. Clin Transl Oncol 2019; 22:1126-1137. [PMID: 31741141 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-019-02239-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence suggests that stemness in cancer cells is a cause of drug resistance or metastasis and is an important therapeutic target. PR [positive regulatory domain I-binding factor 1 (PRDI-BF1) and retinoblastoma protein-interacting zinc finger gene (RIZ1)] domain containing 14 (PRDM14), that regulates pluripotency in primordial germ cell, has reported the overexpression and function of stemness in various malignancies, suggesting it as the possible therapeutic target. However, to our knowledge, there have been no reports on the expression and function of PRDM14 in colorectal cancer (CRC). Therefore, we investigated the expression and the role of PRDM14 in CRC. METHODS We performed immunohistochemistry evaluations and assessed PRDM14 expression on 414 primary CRC specimens. Colon cancer cell lines were subjected to functional and stemness assays in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS We found that PRDM14 positive staining exhibited heterogeneity in the CRC primary tumor, especially at the tumor invasion front. The aberrant expression of PRDM14 at the invasion front was associated with lymph node metastasis and disease stage in patients with CRC. Furthermore, the multivariate analysis revealed high PRDM14 expression as an independent prognostic factor in the patients with Stage III CRC. Overexpression of PRDM14 enhanced the invasive, drug-resistant and stem-like properties in colon cancer cells in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that PRDM14 is involved in progression and chemoresistance of CRC, and is a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in the CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Igarashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S-1, W-16, Chou-ku, Sapporo, 060-8543, Japan.
| | - H Taniguchi
- The Center for Antibody and Vaccine Therapy, Research Hospital, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - K Nosho
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S-1, W-16, Chou-ku, Sapporo, 060-8543, Japan
| | - K Ishigami
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S-1, W-16, Chou-ku, Sapporo, 060-8543, Japan
| | - H Koide
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S-1, W-16, Chou-ku, Sapporo, 060-8543, Japan
| | - K Mitsuhashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S-1, W-16, Chou-ku, Sapporo, 060-8543, Japan
| | - K Okita
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Oncology and Science, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - I Takemasa
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Oncology and Science, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - K Imai
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - H Nakase
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S-1, W-16, Chou-ku, Sapporo, 060-8543, Japan
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16
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Lachowicz JI, Jaremko M, Jaremko L, Pichiri G, Coni P, Piludu M. Metal coordination of thymosin β4: Chemistry and possible implications. Coord Chem Rev 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2019.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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17
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Chand M, Keller DS, Mirnezami R, Bullock M, Bhangu A, Moran B, Tekkis PP, Brown G, Mirnezami A, Berho M. Novel biomarkers for patient stratification in colorectal cancer: A review of definitions, emerging concepts, and data. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2018; 10:145-158. [PMID: 30079141 PMCID: PMC6068858 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v10.i7.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment has become more personalised, incorporating a combination of the individual patient risk assessment, gene testing, and chemotherapy with surgery for optimal care. The improvement of staging with high-resolution imaging has allowed more selective treatments, optimising survival outcomes. The next step is to identify biomarkers that can inform clinicians of expected prognosis and offer the most beneficial treatment, while reducing unnecessary morbidity for the patient. The search for biomarkers in CRC has been of significant interest, with questions remaining on their impact and applicability. The study of biomarkers can be broadly divided into metabolic, molecular, microRNA, epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EMT), and imaging classes. Although numerous molecules have claimed to impact prognosis and treatment, their clinical application has been limited. Furthermore, routine testing of prognostic markers with no demonstrable influence on response to treatment is a questionable practice, as it increases cost and can adversely affect expectations of treatment. In this review we focus on recent developments and emerging biomarkers with potential utility for clinical translation in CRC. We examine and critically appraise novel imaging and molecular-based approaches; evaluate the promising array of microRNAs, analyze metabolic profiles, and highlight key findings for biomarker potential in the EMT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Chand
- GENIE Centre, University College London, London W1W 7TS, United Kingdom
| | - Deborah S Keller
- Department of Surgery, Columbia University Medical Centre, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Reza Mirnezami
- Department of Surgery, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Marc Bullock
- Department of Surgery, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Aneel Bhangu
- Department of Surgery, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2QU, United Kingdom
| | - Brendan Moran
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, North Hampshire Hospital, Basingstoke RG24 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Paris P Tekkis
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Royal Marsden Hospital and Imperial College London, London SW3 6JJ, United Kingdom
| | - Gina Brown
- Department of Radiology, Royal Marsden Hospital and Imperial College London, London SW3 6JJ, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Mirnezami
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Southampton and NIHR, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Mariana Berho
- Department of Pathology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
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18
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Abstract
Background: Several studies have shown that the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) in the CACAN1C gene, rs1006737, is related to different mood disorder illnesses, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Current day molecular procedures for allele detection of this gene can be very expensive and time consuming. Hence, a sensitive and specific molecular procedure for detecting these mutations in a large number of subjects is desirable, especially for research groups who have no complex laboratory equipment. Objective: The possibility of using a Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) probe was evaluated by means of bioinformatic tools, designed for forecasting the molecular behavior of DNA probes used in the research field or for laboratory analysis methods. Method: In this study we used the DINAMelt Web Server to predict the Tms of FRET oligo in the presence of the A and/or G allele in rs1006737. The PCR primers were designed by using oligo 4 and oligo 6 primer analysis software, Results: The molecular probe described in this study detected a Tm difference of 5-6°C between alleles A and G in rs1006737, which also showed good discrimination for a heterozygous profile for this genomic region. Conclusion: Although in silico studies represent a relatively new avenue of inquiry, they have now started to be used to predict how a molecular probe interacts with its biological target, reducing the time and costs of molecular test tuning. The results of this study seem promising for further laboratory tests on allele detection in rs1006737 region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germano Orrù
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Molecular Biology Service (MBS), University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,National Research Council of Italy, ISPA, Sassari, Italy
| | - Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessia Bramanti
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti, ISASI, Messina, Italy
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19
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Bipolar Disorder (BD), along with depression and schizophrenia, is one of the most serious mental illnesses, and one of the top 20 causes of severe impairment in everyday life. Recent molecular studies, using both traditional approaches and new procedures such as Whole-Genome Sequencing (WGS), have suggested that genetic factors could significantly contribute to the development of BD, with heritability estimates of up to 85%. However, it is assumed that BD is a multigenic and multifactorial illness with environmental factors that strongly contribute to disease development/progression, which means that progress in genetic knowledge of BD might be difficult to interpret in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to provide a synthetic description of the main SNPs variants identified/confirmed by recent extensive WGS analysis as well as by reconstruction in an in vitro mechanism or by amygdala activation protocol in vivo. METHOD Bibliographic data, genomic and protein Data Banks were consulted so as to carry out a cross genomic study for mutations, SNPs and chromosomal alterations described in these studies in BD patients. RESULTS Fifty-five different mutations have been described in 30 research papers by different genetic analyses including recent WGS analysis. Many of these studies have led to the discovery of the most probable susceptibility genes for BD, including ANK3, CACNA1C, NCAN, ODZ4, SYNE1, and TRANK1. Exploration has started the role of several of these mutations in BD pathophysiology using in vitro and animal models. CONCLUSION Although new genomic research technology in BD opens up new possibilities, the current results for common variants are still controversial because of four broad conditions: analytical validity, clinical validity, clinical utility and a reasonable cost for genetic analysis are not yet accessible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germano Orrù
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Molecular Biology Service (MBS), University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- National Research Council of Italy, ISPA, Sassari, Italy
- Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Germano Orrù Ph.D, via Ospedale 54, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; Tel: +39 070 609-2568; E-mail:
| | - Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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20
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Li X, Wang L, Chen C. Effects of exogenous thymosin β4 on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury and fibrosis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5872. [PMID: 28724974 PMCID: PMC5517632 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06318-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the effects of exogenous thymosin β4 (TB4) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute liver injury and fibrosis in rodent animals. Results showed that both in mice and rats CCl4 rendered significant increases in serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, hepatic malondialdehyde formation, decreases in antioxidants including superoxide dismutase and glutathione, and up-regulated expressions of transforming growth factor-β1, α-smooth muscle actin, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β in the liver tissues. Hydroxyproline contents in the rat livers were increased by CCl4. Histopathological examinations indicated that CCl4 induced extensive necrosis in mice livers and pseudo-lobule formations, collagen deposition in rats livers. However, all these changes in mice and rats were significantly attenuated by exogenous TB4 treatment. Furthermore, up-regulations of nuclear factor-κB p65 protein expression by CCl4 treatment in mice and rats livers were also remarkably reduced by exogenous TB4 administration. Taken together, findings in this study suggested that exogenous TB4 might prevent CCl4-induced acute liver injury and subsequent fibrosis through alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiankui Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Cai Chen
- Teaching and Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Xinyang Vocational and Technical College, Xinyang, China
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Massimi L, Martelli C, Caldarelli M, Castagnola M, Desiderio C. Proteomics in pediatric cystic craniopharyngioma. Brain Pathol 2017; 27:370-376. [PMID: 28414889 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) is still often burdened by a poor prognosis in children as far as the risk of recurrence and the quality of life are concerned. Therefore, many efforts are now dedicated to investigate the molecular characteristics of this tumor aiming at finding new therapeutic options. ACP is prevalently a cystic lesion so that an increasing number of researches are focused on the analysis of its cystic content. In the present article, the main results of the current proteomic analysis (PA) on the ACP fluid are summarized. Both "bottom-up" and "top-down" approaches have been utilized. In the bottom-up approach, proteins and peptides are enzymatically or chemically digested prior to liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analyses. The bottom-up approach pointed out several proteins of the inflammation (namely, α2-HS-glycoprotein, α1-antichymotrypsin and apolipoproteins) as possibly involved in the genesis and growth of the cystic component of ACP. The top-down strategy analyzes proteins and peptides in the intact state, making it particularly suitable for the identification of peptides and low molecular weight proteins and for the characterization of their possible isoforms and post-translational modifications. The top-down approach disclosed the presence of the thymosin β family. Thymosin β4, in particular, which is involved in the cytoskeleton organization and migration of several tumors, could play a role in the progression of ACP. Finally, PA was utilized to investigate alterations in cyst fluid character after treatment with interferon-α. The analyzed samples showed a progressive reduction of the levels of α-defensins (proteins involved in the inflammatory-mediated response) after the intracystic injection of interferon-α, thus reinforcing the hypothesis that inflammation contributes to ACP cyst pathogenesis. Additional studies on the solid component of ACP are still necessary to further validate the previous results and to identify possible markers for targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Massimi
- Neurochirurgia Pediatrica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Martelli
- Istituto di Biochimica e Chimica Clinica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Caldarelli
- Neurochirurgia Pediatrica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Castagnola
- Istituto di Biochimica e Chimica Clinica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Desiderio
- Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy
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Lee SY, Park MJ, Lee HK, Son HJ, Kim CN, Kim JH, Kang DW. Increased Expression of Thymosin β 4 Is Independently Correlated with Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α (HIF-1α) and Worse Clinical Outcome in Human Colorectal Cancer. J Pathol Transl Med 2016; 51:9-16. [PMID: 27744656 PMCID: PMC5267536 DOI: 10.4132/jptm.2016.08.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thymosin β4 is a multi-functional hormone-like polypeptide, being involved in cell migration, angiogenesis, and tumor metastasis. This study was undertaken to clarify the clinicopathologic implications of thymosin β4 expression in human colorectal cancers (CRCs). Methods We investigated tissue sections from 143 patients with CRC by immunohistochemistry. In addition, we evaluated the expression patterns and the clinico-pathological significance of thymosin β4 expression in association with hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression in the CRC series. Results High expression of thymosin β4 was significantly correlated with lymphovascular invasion, invasion depth, regional lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and TNM stage. Patients with high expression of thymosin β4 showed poor recurrence-free survival (p = .001) and poor overall survival (p = .005) on multivariate analysis. We also found that thymosin β4 and HIF-1α were overexpressed and that thymosin β4 expression increased in parallel with HIF-1α expression in CRC. Conclusions A high expression level of thymosin β4 indicates poor clinical outcomes and may be a useful prognostic factor in CRC. Thymosin β4 is functionally related with HIF-1α and may be a potentially valuable biomarker and possible therapeutic target for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Yun Lee
- Department of Pathology, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Mee Ja Park
- Department of Pathology, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Hye Kyung Lee
- Department of Pathology, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Hyun Jin Son
- Department of Pathology, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Chang Nam Kim
- Department of Surgery, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Joo Heon Kim
- Department of Pathology, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Dong Wook Kang
- Department of Pathology, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
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Marks ED, Kumar A. Thymosin β4: Roles in Development, Repair, and Engineering of the Cardiovascular System. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2016; 102:227-49. [PMID: 27450737 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2016.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The burden of cardiovascular disease is a growing worldwide issue that demands attention. While many clinical trials are ongoing to test therapies for treating the heart after myocardial infarction (MI) and heart failure, there are few options doctors able to currently give patients to repair the heart. This eventually leads to decreased ventricular contractility and increased systemic disease, including vascular disorders that could result in stroke. Small peptides such as thymosin β4 (Tβ4) are upregulated in the cardiovascular niche during fetal development and after injuries such as MI, providing increased neovasculogenesis and paracrine signals for endogenous stem cell recruitment to aid in wound repair. New research is looking into the effects of in vivo administration of Tβ4 through injections and coatings on implants, as well as its effect on cell differentiation. Results so far demonstrate Tβ4 administration leads to robust increases in angiogenesis and wound healing in the heart after MI and the brain after stroke, and can differentiate adult stem cells toward the cardiac lineage for implantation to the heart to increase contractility and survival. Future work, some of which is currently in clinical trials, will demonstrate the in vivo effect of these therapies on human patients, with the goal of helping the millions of people worldwide affected by cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- E D Marks
- Nanomedicine Research Laboratory, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | - A Kumar
- Nanomedicine Research Laboratory, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States.
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24
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Abstract
Liver fibrosis, a major characteristic of chronic liver disease, is inappropriate tissue remodeling caused by prolonged parenchymal cell injury and inflammation. During liver injury, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) undergo transdifferentiation from quiescent HSCs into activated HSCs, which promote the deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, leading to liver fibrosis. Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4), a major actin-sequestering protein, is the most abundant member of the highly conserved β-thymosin family and controls cell morphogenesis and motility by regulating the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton. Tβ4 is known to be involved in various cellular responses, including antiinflammation, wound healing, angiogenesis, and cancer progression. Emerging evidence suggests that Tβ4 is expressed in the liver; however, its biological roles are poorly understood. Herein, we introduce liver fibrogenesis and recent findings regarding the function of Tβ4 in various tissues and discuss the potential role of Tβ4 in liver fibrosis with a special focus on the effects of exogenous and endogenous Tβ4. Recent studies have revealed that activated HSCs express Tβ4 in vivo and in vitro. Treatment with the exogenous Tβ4 peptide inhibits the proliferation and migration of activated HSCs and reduces liver fibrosis, indicating it has an antifibrotic action. Meanwhile, the endogenously expressed Tβ4 in activated HSCs is shown to promote HSCs activation. Although the role of Tβ4 has not been elucidated, it is apparent that Tβ4 is associated with HSC activation. Therefore, understanding the potential roles and regulatory mechanisms of Tβ4 in liver fibrosis may provide a novel treatment for patients.
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25
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Jackson KW, Christiansen VJ, Yadav VR, Silasi-Mansat R, Lupu F, Awasthi V, Zhang RR, McKee PA. Suppression of tumor growth in mice by rationally designed pseudopeptide inhibitors of fibroblast activation protein and prolyl oligopeptidase. Neoplasia 2015; 17:43-54. [PMID: 25622898 PMCID: PMC4309729 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2014.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Revised: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor microenvironments (TMEs) are composed of cancer cells, fibroblasts, extracellular matrix, microvessels, and endothelial cells. Two prolyl endopeptidases, fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and prolyl oligopeptidase (POP), are commonly overexpressed by epithelial-derived malignancies, with the specificity of FAP expression by cancer stromal fibroblasts suggesting FAP as a possible therapeutic target. Despite overexpression in most cancers and having a role in angiogenesis, inhibition of POP activity has received little attention as an approach to quench tumor growth. We developed two specific and highly effective pseudopeptide inhibitors, M83, which inhibits FAP and POP proteinase activities, and J94, which inhibits only POP. Both suppressed human colon cancer xenograft growth > 90% in mice. By immunohistochemical stains, M83- and J94-treated tumors had fewer microvessels, and apoptotic areas were apparent in both. In response to M83, but not J94, disordered collagen accumulations were observed. Neither M83- nor J94-treated mice manifested changes in behavior, weight, or gastrointestinal function. Tumor growth suppression was more extensive than noted with recently reported efforts by others to inhibit FAP proteinase function or reduce FAP expression. Diminished angiogenesis and the accompanying profound reduction in tumor growth suggest that inhibition of either FAP or POP may offer new therapeutic approaches that directly target TMEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth W Jackson
- William K. Warren Medical Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
| | - Victoria J Christiansen
- William K. Warren Medical Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Vivek R Yadav
- College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Robert Silasi-Mansat
- Cardiovascular Biology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Florea Lupu
- Cardiovascular Biology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Vibhudutta Awasthi
- College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Roy R Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Patrick A McKee
- William K. Warren Medical Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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Thymosin β4 induces proliferation, invasion, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Amino Acids 2015; 48:117-27. [PMID: 26276576 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-015-2070-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a vital role in carcinogenesis, invasion, and metastasis of many epithelial tumors including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), a common malignancy of the head and neck. However, the functional role of the actin-sequestering protein thymosin β4 (Tβ4) in the EMT in OSCCs remains unclear. Thus, we investigated whether overexpression of Tβ4 could induce in vitro tumorigenesis such as cell proliferation and anchorage independency and an EMT-like phenotype in OSCCs. Also, we examined whether it affects invasiveness and cell motility-associated signaling molecules. Tβ4-overexpressing OSCCs, SCC-15_Tβ4 and SCC-25_Tβ4, enhanced cell proliferation and colony formation. In addition, we observed that Tβ4 overexpression induced an EMT-like phenotype, accompanied by a decrease in expression of the epithelial cell marker E-cadherin and an increase in expression of mesenchymal cell markers vimentin and N-cadherin. Also, the expression level of Twist1, an EMT-inducing transcription factor, was significantly enhanced in SCC-15_Tβ4 and SCC-25_Tβ4 cells. Tβ4 overexpression augmented in vitro invasion and MMP-2 activity and enhanced the phosphorylation of paxillin and cortactin and expression of LIMK1. Taken together, these results suggest that Tβ4 overexpression could be one of the causes of tumorigenesis and progression in OSCCs. Further investigation on the Tβ4 molecule would encourage the development of specific targets for cancer treatment.
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27
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Cabras T, Iavarone F, Martelli C, Delfino D, Rossetti DV, Inserra I, Manconi B, Desiderio C, Messana I, Hannappel E, Faa G, Castagnola M. High-resolution mass spectrometry for thymosins detection and characterization. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2015; 15 Suppl 1:S191-201. [PMID: 26095945 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2015.1009887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to characterize β and α thymosins and their proteoforms in various tissues and bodily fluids by mass spectrometry and to look at their association with a wide variety of pathologies. METHODS A top-down proteomic platform based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to high-resolution LTQ-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (MS) was applied to the characterization of naturally occurring peptides. RESULTS In addition to thymosin β4 (Tβ4) and β10 (Tβ10), several post-translational modifications of both these peptides were identified not only in bodily fluids but also in normal and pathological tissues of different origins. The analysis of tissue specimens allowed the characterization of different C-terminal truncated forms of Tβ4 and Tβ10 together with other proteolytic fragments. The sulfoxide derivative of both Tβ4 and Tβ10 and the acetylated derivatives at lysine residues of Tβ4 were also characterized. Different proteoforms of prothymosin α, parathymosin α, thymosin α1 and thymosin α11 together with diverse proteolytic fragments were identified too. CONCLUSION The clinical and prognostic significance and the origin of these proteoforms have to be deeply investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Cabras
- Università di Cagliari, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente , Cagliari , Italy
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Piludu M, Piras M, Pichiri G, Coni P, Orrù G, Cabras T, Messana I, Faa G, Castagnola M. Thymosin beta 4 may translocate from the cytoplasm in to the nucleus in HepG2 cells following serum starvation. An ultrastructural study. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119642. [PMID: 25835495 PMCID: PMC4383617 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to its actin-sequestering properties, thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) is considered to play a significant role in the cellular metabolism. Several physiological properties of Tβ4 have been reported;, however, many questions concerning its cellular function remain to be ascertained. To better understand the role of this small peptide we have analyzed by means of transmission immunoelectron microscopy techniques the ultrastructural localization of Tβ4 in HepG2 cells. Samples of HepG2 cells were fixed in a mixture of 3% formaldehyde and 0.1% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M cacodylate buffer and processed for standard electron microscopic techniques. The samples were dehydrated in a cold graded methanol series and embedded in LR gold resin. Ultrathin sections were labeled with rabbit antibodies to Tβ4, followed by gold-labeled goat anti-rabbit, stained with uranyl acetate and bismuth subnitrate, observed and photographed in a JEOL 100S transmission electron microscope. High-resolution electron microscopy showed that Tβ4 was mainly restricted to the cytoplasm of HepG2 growing in complete medium. A strong Tβ4 reactivity was detected in the perinuclear region of the cytoplasmic compartment where gold particles appeared strictly associated to the nuclear membrane. In the nucleus specific Tβ4 labeling was observed in the nucleolus. The above electron microscopic results confirm and extend previous observations at light microscopic level, highlighting the subcellular distribution of Tβ4 in both cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments of HepG2 cells. The meaning of Tβ4 presence in the nucleolus is not on the best of our knowledge clarified yet. It could account for the interaction of Tβ4 with nucleolar actin and according with this hypothesis, Tβ4 could contribute together with the other nucleolar acting binding proteins to modulate the transcription activity of the RNA polymerases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Piludu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Monica Piras
- Divisione di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Pichiri
- Divisione di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Pierpaolo Coni
- Divisione di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Germano Orrù
- OBL, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Tiziana Cabras
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Universitadi Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Irene Messana
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Universitadi Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gavino Faa
- Divisione di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Massimo Castagnola
- Istituto di Biochimica e di Biochimica Clinica, Universita`Cattolica, Roma, Italy
- Istituto per la Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, CNR, IstitutoScientifico, Internazionale (ISI) Paolo VI, Roma, Italy
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Theunissen W, Fanni D, Nemolato S, Di Felice E, Cabras T, Gerosa C, Van Eyken P, Messana I, Castagnola M, Faa G. Thymosin beta 4 and thymosin beta 10 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. Eur J Histochem 2014; 58:2242. [PMID: 24704991 PMCID: PMC3980204 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2014.2242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2013] [Revised: 01/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) and thymosin beta 10 (Tβ10) are two members of the beta-thymosin family involved in many cellular processes such as cellular motility, angiogenesis, inflammation, cell survival and wound healing. Recently, a role for beta-thymosins has been proposed in the process of carcinogenesis as both peptides were detected in several types of cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression pattern of Tβ4 and Tβ10 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To this end, the expression pattern of both peptides was analyzed in liver samples obtained from 23 subjects diagnosed with HCC. Routinely formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded liver samples were immunostained by indirect immunohistochemistry with polyclonal antibodies to Tβ4 and Tβ10. Immunoreactivity for Tβ4 and Tβ10 was detected in the liver parenchyma of the surrounding tumor area. Both peptides showed an increase in granular reactivity from the periportal to the periterminal hepatocytes. Regarding HCC, Tβ4 reactivity was detected in 7/23 cases (30%) and Tβ10 reactivity in 22/23 (96%) cases analyzed, adding HCC to human cancers that express these beta-thymosins. Intriguing finding was seen looking at the reactivity of both peptides in tumor cells infiltrating the surrounding liver. Where Tβ10 showed a strong homogeneous expression, was Tβ4 completely absent in cells undergoing stromal invasion. The current study shows expression of both beta-thymosins in HCC with marked differences in their degree of expression and frequency of immunoreactivity. The higher incidence of Tβ10 expression and its higher reactivity in tumor cells involved in stromal invasion indicate a possible major role for Tβ10 in HCC progression.
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Nemolato S, Cabras T, Restivo A, Zorcolo L, Di Felice E, Fanni D, Gerosa C, Messana I, Castagnola M, Faa G, Casula G. Thymosin ß4 expression in colorectal polyps and adenomas. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2013; 68:1220-4. [PMID: 24141838 PMCID: PMC3782725 DOI: 10.6061/clinics/2013(09)08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) is a ubiquitous peptide that plays pivotal roles in the cytoskeletal system and in cell differentiation. Recently, a role for Tβ4 has been proposed in experimental and human carcinogenesis, including gastrointestinal cancer. This study was aimed at evaluating the relationship between Tβ4 immunoreactivity and the initial steps of carcinogenesis. METHODS In total, 60 intestinal biopsies, including 10 hyperplastic polyps, 10 sessile serrated adenomas/polyps, 15 colorectal adenomas with low-grade dysplasia, 15 adenomas with high-grade dysplasia, 15 adenocarcinomas and 10 samples of normal colon mucosa, were analyzed for Tβ4 expression by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Weak cytoplasmic reactivity for Tβ4 was detected in the normal colon mucosa. No reactivity for Tβ4 was found in hyperplastic and sessile serrated polyps/adenomas. Tβ4 expression was observed in 10/15 colorectal adenocarcinomas. In adenomas with low-grade dysplasia, Tβ4 immunoreactivity was mainly detected in dysplastic glands but was absent in hyperplastic glands. Tβ4 immunoreactivity was characterized by spot-like perinuclear staining. In high-grade dysplastic polyps, immunostaining for Tβ4 appeared diffuse throughout the entire cytoplasm of dysplastic cells. Spot-like perinuclear reactivity was detected in adenocarcinoma tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows for the first time that Tβ4 is expressed during different steps of colon carcinogenesis. The shift of Tβ4 immunolocalization from low-grade to high-grade dysplastic glands suggests a role for Tβ4 in colorectal carcinogenesis. However, the real meaning of Tβ4 reactivity in dysplastic intestinal epithelium remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Nemolato
- Department of Surgery, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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31
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Pichiri G, Coni P, Nemolato S, Cabras T, Fanari MU, Sanna A, Di Felice E, Messana I, Castagnola M, Faa G. Cellular trafficking of thymosin beta-4 in HEPG2 cells following serum starvation. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67999. [PMID: 23967050 PMCID: PMC3743897 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Accepted: 05/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) is an ubiquitous multi-functional regenerative peptide, related to many critical biological processes, with a dynamic and flexible conformation which may influence its functions and its subcellular distribution. For these reasons, the intracellular localization and trafficking of Tβ4 is still not completely defined and is still under investigation in in vivo as well as in vitro studies. In the current study we used HepG2 cells, a human hepatoma cell line; cells growing in normal conditions with fetal bovine serum expressed high levels of Tβ4, restricted to the cytoplasm until 72 h. At 84 h, a diffuse Tβ4 cytoplasmic immunostaining shifted to a focal perinuclear and nuclear reactivity. In the absence of serum, nuclear reactivity was localized in small granules, evenly dispersed throughout the entire nuclear envelop, and was observed as earlier as at 48 h. Cytoplasmic immunostaining for Tβ4 in HepG2 cells under starvation appeared significantly lower at 48 h and decreased progressively at 72 and at 84 h. At these time points, the decrease in cytoplasmic staining was associated with a progressive increase in nuclear reactivity, suggesting a possible translocation of the peptide from the cytoplasm to the nuclear membrane. The normal immunocytochemical pattern was restored when culture cells submitted to starvation for 84 h received a new complete medium for 48 h. Mass spectrometry analysis, performed on the nuclear and cytosolic fractions of HepG2 growing with and without serum, showed that Tβ4 was detectable only in the cytosolic and not in the intranuclear fraction. These data suggest that Tβ4 is able to translocate from different cytoplasmic domains to the nuclear membrane and back, based on different stress conditions within the cell. The punctuate pattern of nuclear Tβ4 immunostaining associated with Tβ4 absence in the nucleoplasm suggest that this peptide might be localized in the nuclear pores, where it could regulate the pore permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Pichiri
- Divisione di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Fan NJ, Li K, Liu QY, Wang XL, Hu L, Li JT, Gao CF. Identification of tubulin beta chain, thymosin beta-4-like protein 3, and cytochrome b-c₁ complex subunit 1 as serological diagnostic biomarkers of gastric cancer. Clin Biochem 2013; 46:1578-84. [PMID: 23747515 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2013.05.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2013] [Revised: 05/09/2013] [Accepted: 05/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite major advances in its diagnosis and treatment, gastric cancer (GC) remains a major life-threatening disease. Treatment of the disease is further aggravated by the lack of diagnostic biomarkers that can aid in the early detection of GC and promote its favorable prognosis. The present work aims to identify novel diagnostic biomarkers for GC. DESIGN AND METHODS The present work is a case-control study that focuses on proteomic analysis of serum from healthy volunteers and GC patients using ClinProt profiling technology based on mass spectrometry. A pattern of proteins/peptides with the ability to differentiate the studied populations was identified. Deregulated proteins/peptides differentially expressed in the serum of patients compared with healthy volunteers were identified by mass spectroscopy. RESULTS A pattern of proteins/peptides consisting of four protein/peptide peaks at m/z 1467, 1867, 2701, and 2094 was identified. These protein/peptide peaks were able to differentiate the studied populations with close to 100% sensitivity and specificity. Three of the deregulated proteins/peptides at m/z 1867, 2701, and 2094 were identified by mass spectroscopy (LTQ Orbitrap XL) as tubulin beta chain, thymosin beta-4-like protein 3, and cytochrome b-c₁ complex subunit 1, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The pattern of proteins/peptides identified in the present work shows great potential for GC diagnosis. Deregulated proteins of tubulin beta chain, thymosin beta-4-like protein 3, and cytochrome b-c₁ complex subunit 1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of GC and serve as potential serological diagnostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nai-Jun Fan
- Institute of Anal-Colorectal Surgery, No. 150 Central Hospital of PLA, Luoyang, PR China
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Desiderio C, Martelli C, Rossetti DV, Di Rocco C, D'Angelo L, Caldarelli M, Tamburrini G, Iavarone F, Castagnola M, Messana I, Cabras T, Faa G. Identification of thymosins β4 and β 10 in paediatric craniopharyngioma cystic fluid. Childs Nerv Syst 2013; 29:951-60. [PMID: 23503632 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-013-2069-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma is the third most recurrent paediatric brain tumour. Although histologically benign, it behaves aggressively as a malignant tumour due to invasion of the hypothalamus and visual pathways. Surgery is still the first and almost the only mode of treatment, although serious damage can occur as a consequence of tumour localization. The proteomic characterization of the intracystic tumoural fluid could contribute to the comprehension of the tumorigenesis processes and to the development of therapeutic targets to reduce cyst volume, allowing less invasive surgery and/or delay of the radical resection of the tumour mass and the collateral serious effects. METHODS Intracystic fluid was analysed by a LC-ESI-IT-MS top-down platform after acidification, deproteinization and chloroform liquid/liquid extraction. FINDINGS Thymosin β4 and β10 peptides were for the first time identified in the intracystic fluid of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma by low- and high-resolution MS analysis coupled with LC. The two peptides showed the same distribution trend in the analysed samples. Thymosin β4 and β10 were present in 77 % of the analysed samples. These peptides were not found in the cerebrospinal fluid available for two patients. INTERPRETATION The presence of β-thymosins in the intracystic fluid of the tumour confirmed the secretion of these proteins in the extracellular environment. Due to their G-actin-sequestering activity and antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties, these peptides could be strictly involved in both tumour progression and cyst development and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Desiderio
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, Rome, Italy.
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Castagnola M, Cabras T, Iavarone F, Vincenzoni F, Vitali A, Pisano E, Nemolato S, Scarano E, Fiorita A, Vento G, Tirone C, Romagnoli C, Cordaro M, Paludetti G, Faa G, Messana I. Top-down platform for deciphering the human salivary proteome. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2013; 25:27-43. [PMID: 23025766 DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2012.714647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Proteomic platforms can be classified in bottom-up strategies, which analyze the sample after proteolytic digestion, and top-down strategies, which analyze the intact naturally occurring proteome. Bottom-up platforms are high-throughput because they can investigate a large number of proteins, regardless of their dimension. Nonetheless, information on post-translational modifications (PTMs) can be lost, especially those regarding naturally occurring cleavages and alternative splicing. Top-down platforms cannot cover vast proteomes, however, they can disclose subtle structural variations occurring during protein maturation and allow label-free relative quantifications in an unlimited number of samples. A repertoire of 256 masses belonging to naturally occurring proteins and peptides consistently detected by RP-HPLC-ESI-MS analysis of the acidic soluble fraction of human whole saliva is presented in this study. Of them, 233 have been identified, while 23 are still pending for the definitive characterization. The present review reports average and mono-isotopic masses of the peptides and proteins detected, RP-HPLC elution times, PTMs, origin and quali-quantitative variations observed in several physiological and pathological conditions. The information reported can be a reference for users of top-down RP-HPLC-ESI-MS proteomic platforms applied to the study of the human salivary proteome as well as of other human bodily fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Castagnola
- Istituto di Biochimica e Biochimica Clinica, Facoltà di Medicina, Università Cattolica, Largo Francesco Vito 1, Rome, Italy.
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Sribenja S, Wongkham S, Wongkham C, Yao Q, Chen C. Roles and Mechanisms of β-Thymosins in Cell Migration and Cancer Metastasis: An Update. Cancer Invest 2013; 31:103-10. [DOI: 10.3109/07357907.2012.756111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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36
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Faa G, Nemolato S, Cabras T, Fanni D, Gerosa C, Fanari M, Locci A, Fanos V, Messana I, Castagnola M. Thymosin β4 expression reveals intriguing similarities between fetal and cancer cells. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2013; 1269:53-60. [PMID: 23045970 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06679.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) is highly expressed in saliva of human newborns but not in adults. Here preliminary immunohistochemical analyses on different human tissues are reported. Immunoreactivity for Tβ4 in human salivary glands show high quantities of Tβ4 before birth, followed by downregulation of expression in adulthood. In contrast, Tβ4 is detected in tumors of salivary glands, suggesting that tumor cells might utilize fetal programs, including Tβ4 synthesis. Immunohistochemical analyses in the gastrointestinal tract showed strong reactivity for Tβ4 in enterocytes during development, but weak immunostaining in mature enterocytes. In colorectal cancer, the association of a high expression of Tβ4 with epithelial-mesenchymal transition was observed. On the basis of these data, the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition could represent the unifying process that explains the role of Tβ4 during fetal development and in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavino Faa
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital San Giovanni di Dio, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Bhangu A, Wood G, Mirnezami A, Darzi A, Tekkis P, Goldin R. Epithelial mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer: Seminal role in promoting disease progression and resistance to neoadjuvant therapy. Surg Oncol 2012; 21:316-23. [PMID: 22981546 DOI: 10.1016/j.suronc.2012.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2012] [Accepted: 08/22/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) may be physiological as part of embryological development, or pathological as part of cancer development. It is one of the key initiating events in the metastatic cascade. EMT has profound effects on tumour cell invasiveness, proliferation and motility. In the present article we aimed to review the potential role of EMT as a process to explain colorectal cancer progression and resistance to neoadjuvant therapy. METHODS Extensive literature searches were performed in Pubmed, EMBASE and Google Scholar databases to identify relevant articles published before March 2012. RESULTS There is adequate evidence to support the complex upstream signalling alterations needed for EMT to occur in colorectal cancers. Changes of EMT are likely to be found at the tumour invasive front: the deepest, growing tumour margin. Loss of E-cadherin at the cell membrane causes loss of cellular integrity, with subsequent migration of malignant cells and tumour budding. These processes are associated with metastases and recurrence of colorectal cancer. There is early evidence from a limited number of studies that resistance to neoadjuvant therapy in colorectal cancer is associated with changes of EMT. However, there is a lack of supporting evidence originating from human colorectal cancer tissues. CONCLUSIONS Emerging evidence demonstrates that development of EMT in colorectal cancer leads to an aggressive phenotype that may promote metastatic spread, and augment treatment resistance during neoadjuvant therapy. A clearer understanding of the processes and role of EMT in colorectal cancer may also highlight novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneel Bhangu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
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Castagnola M, Inzitari R, Fanali C, Iavarone F, Vitali A, Desiderio C, Vento G, Tirone C, Romagnoli C, Cabras T, Manconi B, Sanna MT, Boi R, Pisano E, Olianas A, Pellegrini M, Nemolato S, Heizmann CW, Faa G, Messana I. The surprising composition of the salivary proteome of preterm human newborn. Mol Cell Proteomics 2010; 10:M110.003467. [PMID: 20943598 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m110.003467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Saliva is a body fluid of a unique composition devoted to protect the mouth cavity and the digestive tract. Our high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-electrospray ionization-MS analysis of the acidic soluble fraction of saliva from preterm human newborn surprisingly revealed more than 40 protein masses often undetected in adult saliva. We were able to identify the following proteins: stefin A and stefin B, S100A7 (two isoforms), S100A8, S100A9 (four isoforms), S100A11, S100A12, small proline-rich protein 3 (two isoforms), lysozyme C, thymosins β(4) and β(10), antileukoproteinase, histone H1c, and α and γ globins. The average mass value reported in international data banks was often incongruent with our experimental results mostly because of post-translational modifications of the proteins, e.g. acetylation of the N-terminal residue. A quantitative label-free MS analysis showed protein levels altered in relation to the postconceptional age and suggested coordinate and hierarchical functions for these proteins during development. In summary, this study shows for the first time that analysis of these proteins in saliva of preterm newborns might represent a noninvasive way to obtain precious information of the molecular mechanisms of development of human fetal oral structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Castagnola
- Istituto di Biochimica e di Biochimica Clinica, Università Cattolica, Rome, Italy.
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