Alterations in the expression and activity of extracellular matrix components in HPV-associated infections and diseases

HPV-18 E6 enhances the interaction between EMILIN2 and SNX27 to promote WNT signaling

Oncogenic HPV E6 proteins have a PDZ-binding motif (PBM) which plays important roles in both the viral life cycle and tumor development. The PBM confers interaction with a large number of different PDZ domain-containing substrates, one of which is Sorting Nexin 27. This protein is part of the retromer complex and plays an important role in endocytic sorting pathways. It has been shown that at least two SNX27 interacting partners, GLUT1 and TANC2, are aberrantly trafficked due to the E6 PBM-dependent interaction with SNX27. To investigate further which other components of the endocytic trafficking pathway might be affected by the SNX27-HPV E6 interaction, we analyzed the SNX27 proteome interaction profile in a previously described HeLa cell line expressing GFP-SNX27, both in the presence and absence of the HPV-18 E6 oncoprotein. In this study, we identify a novel interacting partner of SNX27, secreted glycoprotein EMILIN2, whose release is blocked by HPV18 E6 in a PBM-dependent manner. Mechanistically, E6 can block EMILIN2 interaction with the WNT1 ligand, thereby enhancing WNT1 signaling and promoting cell proliferation.

IMPORTANCE

This study demonstrates that HPV E6 blocks EMILIN2 inhibition of WNT1 signaling, thereby enhancing cell proliferation in HPV-positive tumor cells. This involves a novel mechanism whereby the E6 PBM actually contributes toward enhancing the interaction between SNX27 and EMILIN2, suggesting that the mode of recognition of SNX27 by E6 and EMILIN2 is different. This is the first example of the E6 PBM altering a PDZ domain-containing protein to enhance potential substrate recognition.

MiR-21 Regulates Growth and Migration of Cervical Cancer Cells by RECK Signaling Pathway

Expression of miR-21 has been found to be altered in almost all types of cancers, and it has been classified as an oncogenic microRNA. In addition, the expression of tumor suppressor gene RECK is associated with miR-21 overexpression in high-grade cervical lesions. In the present study, we analyze the role of miR-21 in RECK gene regulation in cervical cancer cells. To identify the downstream cellular target genes of upstream miR-21, we silenced endogenous miR-21 expression using siRNAs. We analyzed the expression of miR-21 and RECK, as well as functional effects on cell proliferation and migration. We found that in cervical cancer cells, there was an inverse correlation between miR-21 expression and RECK mRNA and protein expression. SiRNAs to miR-21 increased luciferase reporter activity in construct plasmids containing the RECK-3'-UTR microRNA response elements MRE21-1, MRE21-2, and MRE21-3. The role of miR-21 in cell proliferation was also analyzed, and cancer cells transfected with siRNAs exhibited a markedly reduced cell proliferation and migration. Our findings indicate that miR-21 post-transcriptionally down-regulates the expression of RECK to promote cell proliferation and cell migration inhibition in cervical cancer cell survival. Therefore, miR-21 and RECK may be potential therapeutic targets in gene therapy for cervical cancer.

High-risk human papillomavirus prevalence among South African women diagnosed with other STIs and BV

INTRODUCTION

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a leading cause of cervical cancer. Although this relies on infection and persistence of HPV in epithelial cells, often occurring in the context of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bacterial vaginosis (BV), data on the relationships between these and their relative effects on epithelial barrier integrity in women remain sparse. This study describes the epidemiology of HPV combined with STI and/or BV prevalence and the relative impact on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) among South African women.

METHODS

Roche Linear Array was used for HPV genotyping in menstrual cup pellets of 243 HIV-negative women participating in the CAPRISA 083 cohort study. Vulvovaginal swabs were tested for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis using Xpert® CT/NG assay and lateral flow assay, and Gram staining was performed to diagnose BV using Nugent scoring criteria. Concentrations of 5 MMPs were measured in menstrual cup supernatants by multiplexed ELISA. Fisher's exact tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and multivariable regression models determined associations between HPV infection, STI and/or BV, and MMP concentrations.

RESULTS

HPV was prevalent in 34% of women (83/243; median 23 years, interquartile range (IQR) 21-27 years). Low-risk (lr) (71%, 59/83) and high-risk (hr)-HPV infections (54.2%, 45/83) were common. Hr-HPV was frequently detected in STI and/or BV-positive women compared to women without STIs or BV (p = 0.029). In multivariable analysis, BV was associated with increased odds of hr-HPV detection (OR: 2.64, 95%CI: 1.02-6.87, p = 0.046). Furthermore, Gardasil®9 vaccine-type strains were more frequently detected in women diagnosed with STI and/or BV (55.2%, 32/58 vs 24%, 6/25; p = 0.009). Among STI and/or BV-positive women, HPV detection was significantly associated with increased MMP-10 concentrations (b = 0.55, 95% CI 0.79-1.01; p = 0.022).

CONCLUSION

Most women with hr-HPV had another STI and/or BV, emphasizing an urgent need for STI and BV screening and intensive scale-up of cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination programmes. Furthermore, the study highlights the need for more extensive research to confirm and understand the relationship between HPV infection and barrier integrity.

EGCG attenuate EGF triggered matrix abundance and migration in HPV positive and HPV negative cervical cancer cells

Our previous laboratory findings suggested the beneficial effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) against cervical cancer (CC) cells survival. The present study is aimed at identifying the effects of EGCG in preventing the actions of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in human papilloma virus (HPV) 68 positive ME180 and HPV negative C33A CC cells. An elevated level of EGF in tumor micro-environment (TME) is linked to the metastasis of several cancers including CC. We hypothesized that EGCG has the ability to block the actions of EGF. To test this, survival assay was performed in cells treated with or without EGF and EGCG. The mitochondrial activity of cells was ascertained using MTT assay and mitored staining. Protein and non-protein components in the extracellular matrix such as collagen and sulphated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) were evaluated using sirius red and alcian blue staining, respectively. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) gene expression and enzymatic activity were assessed using real time-reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and gelatin zymography. Wound healing assay was performed to assess the EGF induced migratory ability and its inhibition by EGCG pre-treatment. Clonogenic assay showed that EGCG pre-treatment blocked the EGF driven colony formation. In silico analysis performed identified the efficacy of EGCG in binding with different domains of EGF receptor (EGFR). EGCG pre-treatment prevented the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metabolic activity induced by EGF, this is associated with concomitant reduction in the gene expression and enzyme activity of MMP-2. Further, reduced migration and ability to form colonies were observed in EGCG pre-treated cells when stimulated with EGF. HPV positive ME180 cells showed increased migratory and clonogenic ability upon EGF stimulation, whose effects were not much significant in HPV negative C33A cells. EGCG effectively blocked the actions of EGF in both HPV positive and HPV negative conditions and can be advocated as supplementary therapy for the management of EGF driven CC. However, further studies using cell line-derived xenograft (CDX)/patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model system is warranted to validate the therapeutic utility of EGCG.

The tumor ecosystem in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and advances in ecotherapy

The development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a multi-step process, and its survival depends on a complex tumor ecosystem, which not only promotes tumor growth but also helps to protect tumor cells from immune surveillance. With the advances of existing technologies and emerging models for ecosystem research, the evidence for cell-cell interplay is increasing. Herein, we discuss the recent advances in understanding the interaction between tumor cells, the major components of the HNSCC tumor ecosystem, and summarize the mechanisms of how biological and abiotic factors affect the tumor ecosystem. In addition, we review the emerging ecological treatment strategy for HNSCC based on existing studies.

Differential Urinary Proteomic Analysis of High-Risk Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated lesions and malignancies exhibit alterations in the composition and functionality of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that represent the complex molecular pathways present between infection and disease. A total of 20 urine samples were used, including from 10 patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN3) and 10 healthy controls to perform the label-free quantitative analysis using the nano-HPLC and ESI-MS ion trap mass analyzer and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS) fast screening. Among 476 identified/quantified proteins, 48 were significantly changed (log₂-fold change ≥1.0 or ≤-1.0, -log10 (bbinominal, p-value ≥ 1.3), of which were 40 proteins (down-regulated) and 8 proteins (up-regulated) in CIN3, in comparison to healthy controls. The biological function and key pathway enrichment of the gene set using gen set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were analyzed. The ECM-receptor interaction pathway (NES = -1.64, p = 0.026) was down-regulated by 13 proteins (HSPG2, COL6A1, COL6A3, SPP1, THBS1, TNC, DAG1, FN1, COMP, GP6, VTN, SDC1, and CD44; log₂ FC range from -0.03 to -1.48) for the CIN3 group in the KEGG database. The MALDI-TOF/MS screening showed the difference of protein profiles between the control and CIN3 groups, i.e., using the scatter plot with a well-separated shape, as well as effectively distinguishing both groups (control and CIN3) using genetic algorithms (GA) with cross-validation (51.56%) and recognition capability (95.0%). Decreased levels of ECM-receptor interaction proteins may cause disturbances in the interactions of cells with the ECM and play an important role in the development and progression of cervical cancer.

Association of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) family gene polymorphisms and the risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); implications of contribution for development of neurological symptoms in the COVID-19 patients

BACKGROUND

Seemingly, the Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a role in the etiopathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Here in this study, we determined the association of MMP9 rs3918242, MMP3 rs3025058, and MMP2 rs243865 polymorphisms with the risk of COVID-19, especially in those with neurological syndrome (NS).

METHODS

We enrolled 500 patients with COVID-19 and 500 healthy individuals. To genotype the target SNPs, the Real-time allelic discrimination technique was used. To determine serum levels of MMPs, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was exerted.

RESULTS

The MMP9 gene rs3918242 and MMP3 gene rs3025058 SNP were significantly associated with increased COVID-19 risk and susceptibility to COVID-19 with NS. The serum level of MMP-9 and MMP-3 was significantly higher in COVID-19 cases compared with the healthy controls. Serum MMP-9 and MMP-3 levels were also higher in COVID-19 subjects with NS in comparison to the healthy controls. The polymorphisms in MMP genes were not associated with serum level of MMPs.

CONCLUSION

MMP9 and MMP3 gene polymorphisms increases the susceptibility to COVID-19 as well as COVID-19 with neurologic syndrome, but they probably have no role in the regulation of serum MMP-9 and MMP-3 levels.

The UBC9/SUMO pathway affects E-cadherin cleavage in HPV-positive head and neck cancer

Functional loss of E-cadherin is frequent during tumor progression and occurs through a variety of mechanisms, including proteolytic cleavage. E-cadherin downregulation leads to the conversion of a more malignant phenotype promoting Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). The UBC9/SUMO pathway has been also shown to be involved in the regulation of EMT in different cancers. Here we found an increased expression of UBC9 in the progression of Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) and uncovered a role for UBC9/SUMO in hampering the HPV-mediated E-cadherin cleavage in HNC.

Low RECK Expression Is Part of the Cervical Carcinogenesis Mechanisms

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced carcinogenesis comprises alterations in the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and their regulators. Reversion-inducing Cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) inhibits the activation of specific metalloproteinases and its expression is frequently lost in human cancers. Here we analyzed the role of RECK in cervical carcinogenesis. Cervical cancer derived cell lines over expressing RECK were used to determine tumor kinetics as well as, cellular, immune and molecular properties in vivo. Besides, we analyzed RECK expression in cervical cancer samples. RECK over expression (RECK+) delayed tumor growth and increased overall survival in vivo. RECK+ tumors displayed an increase in lymphoid-like inflammatory infiltrating cells, reduced number and viability of tumor and endothelial cells and lower collagenase activity. RECK+ tumors exhibited an enrichment of cell adhesion processes both in the mouse model and cervical cancer clinical samples. Finally, we found that lower RECK mRNA levels were associated with cervical lesions progression and worse response to chemotherapy in cervical cancer patients. Altogether, we show that increased RECK expression reduced the tumorigenic potential of HPV-transformed cells both in vitro and in vivo, and that RECK down regulation is a consistent and clinically relevant event in the natural history of cervical cancer.

Penile cancer

Penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) is a rare cancer with orphan disease designation and a prevalence of 0.1-1 per 100,000 men in high-income countries, but it constitutes up to 10% of malignancies in men in some African, Asian and South American regions. Risk factors for PSCC include the absence of childhood circumcision, phimosis, chronic inflammation, poor penile hygiene, smoking, immunosuppression and infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). Several different subtypes of HPV-related and non-HPV-related penile cancers have been described, which also have different prognostic profiles. Localized disease can be effectively managed by topical therapy, surgery or radiotherapy. As PSCC is characterized by early lymphatic spread and imaging is inadequate for the detection of micrometastatic disease, correct and upfront surgical staging of the inguinal lymph nodes is crucial in disease management. Advanced stages of disease require multimodal management. Optimal sequencing of treatments and patient selection are still being investigated. Cisplatin-based chemotherapy regimens are the mainstay of systemic therapy for advanced PSCC, but they have poor and non-durable responses and high rates of toxic effects, indicating a need for the development of more effective and less toxic therapeutic options. Localized and advanced penile cancers and their treatment have profound physical and psychosexual effects on the quality of life of patients and survivors by altering sexual and urinary function and causing lymphoedema.

Distribution of HPV Genotypes in Patients with a Diagnosis of Anal Cancer in an Italian Region

Objectives: Anal cancer is a rare disease. However, its incidence is increasing in some population groups. Infection caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is strongly associated with the risk of anal cancer, whose variability depends on samples, histology, and HPV detection methods. The aim of the study was to assess prevalence and distribution of HPV genotypes in patients diagnosed with anal carcinoma. Methods: An observational, retrospective study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital in North Sardinia, Italy. Specimens of anal cancer diagnosed from 2002–2018 were selected. Demographic, epidemiological, and clinical variables were collected to assess their relationship with the occurrence of anal cancer. Results: The overall HPV positivity was 70.0% (21/30), with HPV-16 being the predominant genotype (~85%). The highest prevalence of anal cancer was in patients aged ≥55 years. HPV positivity was higher in women (p-value > 0.05) and in moderately differentiated samples (G2) (p-value < 0.05). p16^INK4a and E6-transcript positivity were found in 57% and 24% of the HPV positive samples, respectively. The OS (overall survival) showed a not statistically significant difference in prognosis between HPV positive sand negatives (10, 47.6%, vs. 4, 44.4%; p-value = 0.25). Conclusions: HPV-DNA and p16^INK4a positivity confirmed the role of HPV in anal carcinoma. Our findings could support the implementation and scale-up of HPV vaccination in males and females to decrease the incidence of HPV-associated cancers. Further studies are needed to better clarify the prognostic role of HPV/p16 status.

Purinergic signaling and tumor microenvironment in cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer incidence in the world female population, and it has become a public health problem worldwide. Several factors are involved in this type of cancer, including intrinsic factors related to the inflammatory process, such as extracellular nucleotides and adenosine-components of the purinergic system. The present review focuses on the role of the purinergic system in cervical cancer, especially regarding the interaction of extracellular nucleotides with their respective receptors expressed in the tumor microenvironment of cervical cancer and their role in the host immune response. The high concentrations of extracellular nucleotides in the tumor microenvironment of cervical cancer interfere in the regulation, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of cancer cells of the uterine cervix through different P1 and P2 receptor subtypes. Such diverse cellular processes that are mediated by adenosine triphosphate and adenosine across the tumor microenvironment and that also have effects on host immune defense will be reviewed here in detail.

Paving the way for more precise diagnosis of EcPV2-associated equine penile lesions

Background

There is growing evidence that equine papillomavirus type 2 (EcPV2) infection is causally associated with the development of equine genital squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Early stages of disease present clinically as plaques or wart-like lesions which can gradually progress to tumoural lesions. Histologically these lesions are inconsistently described as benign hyperplasia, papilloma, penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), carcinoma in situ (CIS) or SCC. Guidelines for histological classification of early SCC precursor lesions are not precisely defined, leading to potential misdiagnosis. The aim of this study was to identify histologic criteria and diagnostic markers allowing for a more accurate diagnosis of EcPV2-associated equine penile lesions.

Results

A total of 61 archived equine penile lesions were histologically re-assessed and classified as benign hyperplasia, papilloma, CIS or SCC. From these, 19 representative lesions and adjacent normal skin were comparatively analysed for the presence of EcPV2 DNA and transcripts using PCR and RNA in situ hybridisation (RISH). All lesional samples were positive by EcPV2 PCR and RISH, while adjacent normal skin was negative. RISH analysis yielded signal distribution patterns that allowed distinction of early (hyperplasia, papilloma) from late stage lesions (CIS, SCC). Subsequently, the 19 lesions were further assessed for expression of p53, Ki67, MCM7 and MMP1 by immunohistochemistry (IHC). All four proteins were expressed in both normal and lesional tissue. However, p53 expression was up-regulated in basal keratinocyte layers of papillomas, CIS and SCCs, as well as in upper keratinocyte layers of CIS and SCCs. MCM7 expression was only up-regulated in upper proliferating keratinocyte layers of papillomas, CIS and SCCs.

Conclusion

This study proposes combining a refined histological protocol for analysis of equine penile lesions with PCR- and/or RISH based EcPV2-screening and p53/MCM7 IHC to more accurately determine the type of lesion. This may help to guide the choice of optimum treatment strategy, especially at early stages of disease.