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Chen KN, Peng QL, Cao DF, Wang ZJ, Zhang K, Zhou XY, Min DY, Zhou BT, Mao XY. Inhibition of lysyl oxidase by pharmacological intervention and genetic manipulation alleviates epilepsy-associated cognitive disorder. Brain Res Bull 2024; 210:110928. [PMID: 38493836 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.110928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Epilepsy-associated cognitive disorder (ECD), a prevalent comorbidity in epilepsy patients, has so far uncharacterized etiological origins. Our prior work revealed that lysyl oxidase (Lox) acted as a novel contributor of ferroptosis, a recently discovered cell death mode in the regulation of brain function. However, the role of Lox-mediated ferroptosis in ECD remains unknown. ECD mouse model was established 2 months later following a single injection of kainic acid (KA) for. After chronic treatment with KA, mice were treated with different doses (30 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg) of Lox inhibitor BAPN. Additionally, hippocampal-specific Lox knockout mice was also constructed and employed to validate the role of Lox in ECD. Cognitive functions were assessed using novel object recognition test (NOR) and Morris water maze test (MWM). Protein expression of phosphorylated cAMP-response element binding (CREB), a well-known molecular marker for evaluation of cognitive performance, was also detected by Western blot. The protein distribution of Lox was analyzed by immunofluorescence. In KA-induced ECD mouse model, ferroptosis process was activated according to upregulation of 4-HNE protein and a previously discovered ferroptosis in our group, namely, Lox was remarkably increased. Pharmacological inhibition of Lox by BAPN at the dose of 100 mg/kg significantly increased the discrimination index following NOR test and decreased escape latency as well as augmented passing times within 60 s following MWM test in ECD mouse model. Additionally, deficiency of Lox in hippocampus also led to pronounced improvement of deficits in ECD model. These findings indicate that the ferroptosis regulatory factor, Lox, is activated in ECD. Ablation of Lox by either pharmacological intervention or genetic manipulation ameliorates the impairment in ECD mouse model, which suggest that Lox serves as a promising therapeutic target for treating ECD in clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang-Ni Chen
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for TCM Viscera-State Theory and Applications, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang 116600, China; Department of Clinical Pharmacology and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Engineering Research Center of Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Qi-Lin Peng
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Dan-Feng Cao
- Academician Workstation and Hunan Provincial University Key Laboratory of the Fundamental and Clinical Research on Functional Nucleic Acid, Changsha Medical University, Changsha 410219, China
| | - Zhao-Jun Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Engineering Research Center of Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Engineering Research Center of Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Xin-Yu Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222000, China; Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang 222000, China.
| | - Dong-Yu Min
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for TCM Viscera-State Theory and Applications, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang 116600, China; Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang 110032, China.
| | - Bo-Ting Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
| | - Xiao-Yuan Mao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Engineering Research Center of Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.
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Liu H, Zheng Q, Li M, Kou J, Wei J, Feng W. Dose-dependent bidirectional pharmacological effects of vinorelbine-based metronomic combination chemotherapy on tumor growth and metastasis and mechanisms in melanoma mouse model. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2024; 38:99-112. [PMID: 37458143 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12939] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence that the empirical setting of doses and schedules of antineoplastic agents in metronomic chemotherapy (MC) might lead to undesirable outcomes, such as promoting tumor growth or metastasis at certain low doses. However, details about the dose effect of antineoplastic agents in MC have not been fully known yet. OBJECTIVES Vinorelbine combined with cisplatin or fluorouracil (VNR/CDDP or VNR/FU) was selected to investigate its effects on tumor growth or metastasis as well as mechanisms. METHODS Experimental techniques, including immunohistochemistry, western blot, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry, were used to explore the mechanisms, along with cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. RESULTS The results showed that VNR/CDDP or VNR/FU promoted tumor growth and metastasis at low doses and inhibited them at high ones. Except that expressions of apoptotic proteins were elevated at both low and high doses, low-dose treatments enhanced angiogenesis and promoted the mobilization and recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), while high-dose treatments reversed these effects. Additionally, low concentrations of VNR/CDDP or VNR/FU stimulated tumor cell functions such as anti-apoptosis, migration, and invasion, but high concentrations only suppressed cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. CONCLUSION This study elucidated a bidirectional action mode regulated by multiple mechanisms at different doses in MC and also highlighted the risks of low-dose metronomic administration of antineoplastic agents in the clinic. More preclinical and clinical studies focusing on the dose-effect of metronomic regimens are urgently needed because an effective therapeutic regimen should be an optimal setting of drugs, doses, schedules, or combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Qiaowei Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Jianrong Kou
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Junsong Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Weiyi Feng
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
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Li Y, Dong D, Qu Y, Li J, Chen S, Zhao H, Zhang Q, Jiao Y, Fan L, Sun D. A Multidrug Delivery Microrobot for the Synergistic Treatment of Cancer. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2301889. [PMID: 37423966 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202301889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Multidrug combination therapy provides an effective strategy for malignant tumor treatment. This paper presents the development of a biodegradable microrobot for on-demand multidrug delivery. By combining magnetic targeting transportation with tumor therapy, it is hypothesized that loading multiple drugs on different regions of a single magnetic microrobot can enhance a synergistic effect for cancer treatment. The synergistic effect of using two drugs together is greater than that of using each drug separately. Here, a 3D-printed microrobot inspired by the fish structure with three hydrogel components: skeleton, head, and body structures is demonstrated. Made of iron oxide (Fe3 O4 ) nanoparticles embedded in poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), the skeleton can respond to magnetic fields for microrobot actuation and drug-targeted delivery. The drug storage structures, head, and body, made by biodegradable gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) exhibit enzyme-responsive cargo release. The multidrug delivery microrobots carrying acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and doxorubicin (DOX) in drug storage structures, respectively, exhibit the excellent synergistic effects of ASA and DOX by accelerating HeLa cell apoptosis and inhibiting HeLa cell metastasis. In vivo studies indicate that the microrobots improve the efficiency of tumor inhibition and induce a response to anti-angiogenesis. The versatile multidrug delivery microrobot conceptualized here provides a way for developing effective combination therapy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfang Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Dingran Dong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Yun Qu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Junyang Li
- Center for Robotics and Automation, Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Shuxun Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Han Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Yang Jiao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Lei Fan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
- Center for Robotics and Automation, Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Dong Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
- Center for Robotics and Automation, Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518000, China
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Cheng Y, Shen Y, Fang Q, Duan S, Wang Y, Dai X, Chen Y. Identification of epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related biomarkers in lung adenocarcinoma using bioinformatics and lab experiments. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:11970-11984. [PMID: 37910672 PMCID: PMC10683598 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung adenocarcinoma accounts for approximately 40% of lung cancer cases and poses a serious threat to human health. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify central biomarkers in lung adenocarcinoma. METHODS We first identified the EMT-associated genes in LUAD based on the TCGA cohort. Then we screened these 90 EMT-associated genes using univariate Cox regression analysis and LASSO regression analysis to develop a prognostic gene signature in the training set. The predictive performance of the gene signature was assessed in the validation set and multiple external test sets using the ROC cure, C index and log-rank tests. RT-PCR, western blot, wound healing assays, and siRNA methods were further used to investigate the role of PLEK2 in tumor behaviors. RESULTS Eight genes (CCNB1, PLEK2, DERL3, C1QTNF6, DLGAP5, HMMR, GJB3, and SPOCK1) were eventually selected to develop an eight-gene signature. The 5-year AUC of the gene signature has a robust predictive ability both for predicting overall survival (0.774, 0.756, and 0.669 in the external test sets, respectively), and for progression free survival (0.774, 0.746, and 0.755 in the external test sets, respectively). C-index of the gene signature was 0.961 ± 0.005, 0.916 ± 0.011, and 0.868 ± 0.234 in the external test sets, respectively. Four genes (C1QTNF6, DLGAP5, HMMR, and PLEK2) were identified as key genes in LUAD progression, which were upregulated in the cancerous tissue compared with in the normal tissue (P < 0.001), and correlated with an unwanted prognosis in lung cancer (P < 0.05). PLEK2 was used as an example to explore its effect on LUAD progression in vitro using RT-PCR, western blot, CCK8, si-RNA and wound healing assay. Silencing of PLEK2 was shown to reduce proliferative and migrated ability of lung cancer cells via prohibition of autophagy. CONCLUSIONS This study developed a novel EMT-related gene signature benefiting precision medicine, and identified four pivotal genes which can serve as therapeutic targets in LUAD. Four key genes can serve as molecular targets for patients with LUAD; silencing of PLEK2 was shown to reduce proliferative and migrated ability of lung cancer cells via prohibition of autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanjun Cheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, People’s Hospital of Chizhou, Chizhou, China
| | - Yumei Shen
- Department of Operation, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qianru Fang
- Department of Obstetrics, People’s Hospital of Chizhou, Chizhou, China
| | - Shanzhou Duan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yifei Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Dai
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yongbing Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Movahhed M, pazhouhi M, Ghaleh HEG, Kondori BJ. Anti-metastatic effect of taraxasterol on prostate cancer cell lines. Res Pharm Sci 2023; 18:439-448. [PMID: 37614618 PMCID: PMC10443670 DOI: 10.4103/1735-5362.378090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Prostate cancer is the second cause of death among men. Nowadays, treating various cancers with medicinal plants is more common than other therapeutic agents due to their minor side effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of taraxasterol on the prostate cancer cell line. Experimental approach The prostate cancer cell line (PC3) was cultured in a nutrient medium. MTT method and trypan blue staining were used to evaluate the viability of cells in the presence of different concentrations of taraxasterol, and IC50 was calculated. Real-time PCR was used to measure the expression of MMP-9, MMP-2, uPA, uPAR, TIMP-2, and TIMP-1 genes. Gelatin zymography was used to determine MMP-9 and MMP-2 enzyme activity levels. Finally, the effect of taraxasterol on cell invasion, migration, and adhesion was investigated. Findings/Results Taraxasterol decreased the survival rate of PC3 cells at IC50 time-dependently (24, 48, and 72 h). Taraxasterol reduced the percentage of PC3 cell adhesion, invasion, and migration by 74, 56, and 76 percent, respectively. Real-time PCR results revealed that uPA, uPAR, MMP-9, and MMP-2 gene expressions decreased in the taraxasterol-treated groups, but TIMP-2 and TIMP-1 gene expressions increased significantly. Also, a significant decrease in the level of MMP-9 and MMP-2 enzymes was observed in the PC3 cell line treated with taraxasterol. Conclusion and implications The present study confirmed the therapeutic role of taraxasterol in preventing prostate cancer cell metastasis in the in-vitro study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Movahhed
- Department of Pathology, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona pazhouhi
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, I.R. Iran
| | | | - Bahman Jalali Kondori
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Baqiyatallah Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases (BRCGL), Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Cheng SH, Chiou HYC, Wang JW, Lin MH. Reciprocal Regulation of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and Tumor Microenvironment in Gastrointestinal Cancer: Implications for Cancer Dormancy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092513. [PMID: 37173977 PMCID: PMC10177044 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers remain a major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite the progress made in current treatments, patients with GI cancers still have high recurrence rates after initial treatment. Cancer dormancy, which involves the entry and escape of cancer cells from dormancy, is linked to treatment resistance, metastasis, and disease relapse. Recently, the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in disease progression and treatment has received increasing attention. The crosstalk between cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF)-secreted cytokines/chemokines and other TME components, for example, extracellular matrix remodeling and immunomodulatory functions, play crucial roles in tumorigenesis. While there is limited direct evidence of a relationship between CAFs and cancer cell dormancy, this review explores the potential of CAF-secreted cytokines/chemokines to either promote cancer cell dormancy or awaken dormant cancer cells under different conditions, and the therapeutic strategies that may be applicable. By understanding the interactions between cytokines/chemokines released by CAFs and the TME, and their impact on the entry/escape of cancer dormancy, researchers may develop new strategies to reduce the risk of therapeutic relapse in patients with GI cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Hsuan Cheng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Ying Clair Chiou
- Teaching and Research Center, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 812, Taiwan
- Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Jiunn-Wei Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hong Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Post Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Master of Science Program in Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
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Li Z, Wei J, Chen B, Wang Y, Yang S, Wu K, Meng X. The Role of MMP-9 and MMP-9 Inhibition in Different Types of Thyroid Carcinoma. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28093705. [PMID: 37175113 PMCID: PMC10180081 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28093705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), one of the most investigated and studied biomarkers of the MMPs family, is a zinc-dependent proteolytic metalloenzyme whose primary function is degrading the extracellular matrix (ECM). It has been proved that MMP-9 expression elevates in multiple pathological conditions, including thyroid carcinoma. MMP-9 has a detectable higher level in malignant or metastatic thyroid tumor tissues than in normal or benign tissues and acts as an additional marker to distinguish different tumor stages because of its close correlations with clinical features, such as lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, tumor size and so on. Natural and non-natural MMP-9 inhibitors suppress its expression, block the progression of diseases, and play a role in therapy consequently. MMP-9 inhibitory molecules also assist in treating thyroid tumors by suppressing the proliferation, invasion, migration, metastasis, viability, adhesion, motility, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and other risk factors of different thyroid cancer cells. In a word, discovering and designing MMP-9 inhibitors provide great therapeutic effects and promising clinical values in various types of thyroid carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenshengnan Li
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Jia Wei
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Bowen Chen
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yaoqi Wang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Shuai Yang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Kehui Wu
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xianying Meng
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
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Meng L, Hu YT, Xu AM. F-box and leucine-rich repeat 6 promotes gastric cancer progression via the promotion of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:490-503. [PMID: 37009323 PMCID: PMC10052668 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i3.490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND F-box and leucine-rich repeat 6 (FBXL6) have reportedly been associated with several cancer types. However, the role and mechanisms of FBXL6 in gastric cancer (GC) require further elucidation.
AIM To investigate the effect of FBXL6 in GC tissues and cells and the underlying mechanisms.
METHODS TCGA and GEO database analysis was performed to evaluate the expression of FBXL6 in GC tissues and adjacent normal tissues. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, and western blotting were used to detect the expression of FBXL6 in GC tissue and cell lines. Cell clone formation, 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays, CCK-8, transwell migration assay, and wound healing assays were performed to evaluate the malignant biological behavior in GC cell lines after transfection with FBXL6-shRNA and the overexpression of FBXL6 plasmids. Furthermore, in vivo tumor assays were performed to prove whether FBXL6 promoted cell proliferation in vivo.
RESULTS FBXL6 expression was upregulated more in tumor tissues than in adjacent normal tissues and positively associated with clinicopathological characteristics. The outcomes of CCK-8, clone formation, and Edu assays demonstrated that FBXL6 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, whereas upregulation of FBXL6 promoted proliferation in GC cells. Additionally, the transwell migration assay revealed that FBXL6 knockdown suppressed migration and invasion, whereas the overexpression of FBXL6 showed the opposite results. Through the subcutaneous tumor implantation assay, it was evident that the knockdown of FBXL6 inhibited GC graft tumor growth in vivo. Western blotting showed that the effects of FBXL6 on the expression of the proteins associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition-associated proteins in GC cells.
CONCLUSION Silencing of FBXL6 inactivated the EMT pathway to suppress GC malignancy in vitro. FBXL6 can potentially be used for the diagnosis and targeted therapy of patients with GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Meng
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yu-Ting Hu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, Anhui Province, China
| | - A-Man Xu
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, Anhui Province, China
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9
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Yu H, Wang M, Wang X, Jiang X. Immune-related matrisomes are potential biomarkers to predict the prognosis and immune microenvironment of glioma patients. FEBS Open Bio 2022; 13:307-322. [PMID: 36560848 PMCID: PMC9900094 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a vital role in the progression and metastasis of glioma and is an important part of the tumor microenvironment. The matrisome is composed of ECM components and related proteins. There have been several studies on the effects of matrisomes on the glioma immune microenvironment, but most of these studies were performed on individual glioma immune-related matrisomes rather than integral analysis. Hence, an overall analysis of all potential immune-related matrisomes in gliomas is needed. Here, we divided 667 glioma patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database into low, moderate, and high immune infiltration groups. Immune-related matrisomes differentially expressed among the three groups were analyzed, and a risk signature was established. Eight immune-related matrisomes were screened, namely, LIF, LOX, MMP9, S100A4, SRPX2, SLIT1, SMOC1, and TIMP1. Kaplan-Meier analysis, operating characteristic curve analysis, and nomogram were constructed to analyze the relationships between risk signatures and the prognosis of glioma patients. The risk signature was significantly correlated with the overall survival of glioma patients. Both high- and low-risk signatures were also associated with some immune checkpoints. In addition, analysis of somatic mutations and anti-PD1/L1 immunotherapy responses in the high- and low-risk groups showed that the high-risk group had worse prognosis and a higher response to anti-PD1/L1 immunotherapy. Our analysis of immune-related matrisomes may improve understanding of the characteristics of the glioma immune microenvironment and provide direction for glioma immunotherapy development in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Minjie Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeWuhanChina
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeWuhanChina
| | - Xiaobing Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
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10
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Zhang S, Zhang W, Wu B, Xia L, Li L, Jin K, Zou Y, Sun C. Hub gene target of glioblastoma: LOX, SERPINH1 and TGFBI. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31418. [PMID: 36397358 PMCID: PMC9666166 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant tumor. The long-term prognosis of the patients is poor. Therefore, it is of important clinical value to further explore the pathogenesis and look for molecular markers for early diagnosis and targeted treatment. Two expression profiling datasets [GSE50161 (GPL570 platform), GSE116520 (GPL10558 platform)] were respectively downloaded from the gene expression omnibus database. Volcano diagrams show the Differently expressed genes (DEGs) of GSE50161 and GSE116520. A Venn diagram revealed 467 common DEGs between the 2 datasets. Lysyl oxidase (LOX), serpin family H member 1 (SERPINH1) and transforming growth factor beta induced (TGFBI) were negatively correlated with the overall survival rate in patients with GBM. The hub genes are high in GBM tumor tissues. The relative expression levels of LOX, SERPINH1 and TGFBI were significantly higher in GBM samples, compared with the normal brain tissues groups. Bioinformatics technology could be a useful tool to predict progression of GBM and to explore the mechanism of GBM.LOX, SERPINH1 and TGFBI may be involved in the mechanism of the occurrence and development of GBM, and may be used as molecular targets for early diagnosis and specific treatment. DEGs identified using GEO2R. Functional annotation of DEGs using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and gene body pathway enrichment analysis. Construction of a protein-protein interaction network. The pathway and process enrichment analysis of the hub genes were performed by Metascape. Survival analysis was performed in gene expression profiling interactive analysis. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay was performed to verify. The animal model was established for western blot test analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyuan Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Zhang
- Department of Operating Theater, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liang Xia
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liwen Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kai Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yangfan Zou
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Caixing Sun
- Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- * Correspondence: Caixing Sun, Department of Neurosurgery, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China (e-mail: )
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Lysyl Oxidase Family Proteins: Prospective Therapeutic Targets in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012270. [PMID: 36293126 PMCID: PMC9602794 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The lysyl oxidase (LOX) family, consisting of LOX and LOX-like proteins 1–4 (LOXL1–4), is responsible for the covalent crosslinking of collagen and elastin, thus maintaining the stability of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and functioning in maintaining connective tissue function, embryonic development, and wound healing. Recent studies have found the aberrant expression or activity of the LOX family occurs in various types of cancer. It has been proved that the LOX family mainly performs tumor microenvironment (TME) remodeling function and is extensively involved in tumor invasion and metastasis, immunomodulation, proliferation, apoptosis, etc. With relevant translational research in progress, the LOX family is expected to be an effective target for tumor therapy. Here, we review the research progress of the LOX family in tumor progression and therapy to provide novel insights for future exploration of relevant tumor mechanism and new therapeutic targets.
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12
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Kang D, Kim IH. Molecular Mechanisms and Potential Rationale of Immunotherapy in Peritoneal Metastasis of Advanced Gastric Cancer. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061376. [PMID: 35740397 PMCID: PMC9220323 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Peritoneal metastasis (PM) is one of the most frequent metastasis patterns of gastric cancer (GC), and the prognosis of patients with PM is very dismal. According to Paget’s theory, disseminated free cancer cells are seeded and survive in the abdominal cavity, adhere to the peritoneum, invade the subperitoneal tissue, and proliferate through angiogenesis. In these sequential processes, several key molecules are involved. From a therapeutic point of view, immunotherapy with chemotherapy combination has become the standard of care for advanced GC. Several clinical trials of newer immunotherapy agents are ongoing. Understanding of the molecular process of PM and the potential rationale of immunotherapy for PM treatment is necessary. Beyond understanding of the molecular aspect of PM, many studies have been conducted on the modality of treatment of PM. Notably, intraperitoneal approaches, including chemotherapy or immunotherapy, have been conducted, because systemic treatment of PM has limitations. In this study, we reviewed the molecular mechanisms and immunologic aspects of PM, and intraperitoneal approaches under investigation for treating PM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghoon Kang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea;
| | - In-Ho Kim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
- Correspondence:
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Maiti S, Banerjee A, Kanwar M. Effects of theaflavin-gallate in-silico binding with different proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and host inflammation and vasoregulations referring an experimental rat-lung injury. PHYTOMEDICINE PLUS : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 2:100237. [PMID: 35403090 PMCID: PMC8820952 DOI: 10.1016/j.phyplu.2022.100237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Background SARS-CoV-2 claimed 5,209,104 lives, infected 260,997,910 individuals, globally. Infection is caused due to exposure or susceptibility; deaths occur due to age,comorbidity,higher-viral-load, immuno-suppression, inflammation, and multi-organ failure. Theaflavin-gallate, the major black tea component, showed previous evidence to inhibit HIV-1. Purpose As theaflavin-gallate prevents experimental rat-lung injury, the study of inhibitory effects of theaflavin-gallate was done, on SARS-CoV-2proteins and various host proteins related to some adverse effects in COVID-19 patients. Study Design Currently, some prospective phytochemical, black-tea (Camellia-sinensis) extract (BTE) was initially tested in vivo in strong oxidant-mutagen arsenic-induced model rat lung injury similar to that of COVID-19 manifestations like severe inflammation, oxidative stress, lung tissue degenerations, and apoptotic death. In silico, extensive bioinformatics and molecular docking experiments were performed on all catechin or theaflavin derivatives of C. sinensis, and finally theaflavin-3'-O-gallate (TFMG) were screened for blocking or inactivation of several proteins of SARS CoV-2 and host adversely-acting proteins or factors. Methods In vivo experiments in DNA stability (ladder, comet assay), free radicals attack (malondialdehyde; MDA, superoxide dismutase SOD, catalase gel-zymogram assay), extra cellular matrix damage (matrix metalloprotease; MMP2and9 zymogram assay) and inflammation (TNF-α, ELISA). In silico experiments- molecular docking by AutoDock-Patchdock analysis, Surface Topology Calculation by CASTp, Grid-value calculation, and Ramachandran Plot study. Results The BTE showed strong protection of lung DNA and cell-matrix by decreasing MMPs, TNF-α, and free radicals, the same factors affecting COVID-19 patients. In silico data suggest that TFMG significantly blocked the entry, exit, and amino acids at catalytic active-site of more than thirty proteins including viral (nsp1,nsp2,Mainpro,∼-9.0 kcal/mol) and host inflammatory, oxidants, apoptotic, vaso-destabilizer molecules (FAS, CD40R, BCL2, TLR2, ∼ -10 and ACE1or2 ∼ -9.0 and AT1or2∼ -7.5 kcal/mol and more). When the binding energy of TFMG ranged from -7 to -11.7 kcal/mol(average -9.0) the same for hydroxy‑Chloroquine ranged (-2.5 to -7 average -4.5) and dexamethasone (-3.0 to -6.0, average -4.0 kcal/mol). Conclusions TFMG has some novel physicochemical or structural properties like (ACE values of binding to all tested proteins, -300 to -625), (for TFMG H-bond acceptor or donor: 15/10, for TFDG 20/13). Their topological-polar-surface-area (264Ų and 351Ų) and travel depth/height; 17.0/9.6 Å and 15.4/11.3 Å, respectively) were more potent than other compounds. Conclusively, the efficacy of TFMG may be further verified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smarajit Maiti
- Departmentof Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Cell and Molecular Therapeutics Laboratory Oriental Institute of Science and Technology, Midnapore, India
- Agricure Biotech Research Society, Epidemiology and Human Health Division, Midnapore 721101, India
| | - Amrita Banerjee
- Departmentof Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Cell and Molecular Therapeutics Laboratory Oriental Institute of Science and Technology, Midnapore, India
| | - Mehak Kanwar
- Departmentof Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Cell and Molecular Therapeutics Laboratory Oriental Institute of Science and Technology, Midnapore, India
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Binay S, Kaptan E. Transcription factor Runx2 changes the expression of some matricellular proteins in metastatic breast cancer cells. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:6433-6441. [PMID: 35441354 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07457-3] [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: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Runx2 is one of the runt-related genes that are overexpressed in human cancers and contribute to metastasis. The cancer cell metastasis requires modifications of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and reduction in ECM-cell interaction. This process is performed by various enzymes and proteins secreted by cancer and surrounding cells. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the Runx2 transcription factor on the expression of matricellular proteins such as HPA1, LOX, SPARC, and OPN, which have important roles in ECM modification and ECM-cell interaction in human breast cancer. Also, the changes in their associated oncogenic pathways including Akt, Erk, FAK activities, and c-jun protein expression were investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS Runx2 knockdown model was created using runx2 siRNA in MDA-MB-231 human metastatic breast cancer cells. The changes in the mRNA and protein expressions of ECM proteins were shown by the qPCR and Western blotting, respectively. The results showed that there was a decrease in both mRNA and protein expressions of HPA1, SPARC, and LOX, whereas there was no change in those of OPN. Phosphorylated Akt, Erk, FAK levels, and protein expression of c-jun, however, decreased in the cells. CONCLUSION Our results revealed that Runx2 affected matricellular protein expression, which is important for metastasis and invasion of breast cancer. Hence, we have concluded that runx2 appears to be efficient for regulating breast cancer metastasis through an expression of matricellular proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevgi Binay
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Istanbul University, Vezneciler, 34134, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Engin Kaptan
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Istanbul University, Vezneciler, 34134, Istanbul, Turkey.
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15
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Moreira AM, Ferreira RM, Carneiro P, Figueiredo J, Osório H, Barbosa J, Preto J, Pinto-do-Ó P, Carneiro F, Seruca R. Proteomic Identification of a Gastric Tumor ECM Signature Associated With Cancer Progression. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:818552. [PMID: 35340765 PMCID: PMC8942767 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.818552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an undisputable role in tissue homeostasis and its deregulation leads to altered mechanical and biochemical cues that impact cancer development and progression. Herein, we undertook a novel approach to address the role of gastric ECM in tumorigenesis, which remained largely unexplored. By combining decellularization techniques with a high-throughput quantitative proteomics approach, we have performed an extensive characterization of human gastric mucosa, uncovering its composition and distribution among tumor, normal adjacent and normal distant mucosa. Our results revealed a common ECM signature composed of 142 proteins and indicated that gastric carcinogenesis encompasses ECM remodeling through alterations in the abundance of 24 components, mainly basement membrane proteins. Indeed, we could only identify one de novo tumor-specific protein, the collagen alpha-1(X) chain (COL10A1). Functional analysis of the data demonstrated that gastric ECM remodeling favors tumor progression by activating ECM receptors and cellular processes involved in angiogenesis and cell-extrinsic metabolic regulation. By analyzing mRNA expression in an independent GC cohort available at the TGCA, we validated the expression profile of 12 differentially expressed ECM proteins. Importantly, the expression of COL1A2, LOX and LTBP2 significantly correlated with high tumor stage, with LOX and LTBP2 further impacting patient overall survival. These findings contribute for a better understanding of GC biology and highlight the role of core ECM components in gastric carcinogenesis and their clinical relevance as biomarkers of disease prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M. Moreira
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Doctoral Program on Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Applied to Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui M. Ferreira
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Carneiro
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Figueiredo
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Hugo Osório
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - José Barbosa
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of General Surgery, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - John Preto
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of General Surgery, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Perpétua Pinto-do-Ó
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering (INEB), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Fátima Carneiro
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Raquel Seruca
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Raquel Seruca,
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Cao H, Duan L, Zhang Y, Cao J, Zhang K. Current hydrogel advances in physicochemical and biological response-driven biomedical application diversity. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:426. [PMID: 34916490 PMCID: PMC8674418 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00830-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 258] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogel is a type of versatile platform with various biomedical applications after rational structure and functional design that leverages on material engineering to modulate its physicochemical properties (e.g., stiffness, pore size, viscoelasticity, microarchitecture, degradability, ligand presentation, stimulus-responsive properties, etc.) and influence cell signaling cascades and fate. In the past few decades, a plethora of pioneering studies have been implemented to explore the cell-hydrogel matrix interactions and figure out the underlying mechanisms, paving the way to the lab-to-clinic translation of hydrogel-based therapies. In this review, we first introduced the physicochemical properties of hydrogels and their fabrication approaches concisely. Subsequently, the comprehensive description and deep discussion were elucidated, wherein the influences of different hydrogels properties on cell behaviors and cellular signaling events were highlighted. These behaviors or events included integrin clustering, focal adhesion (FA) complex accumulation and activation, cytoskeleton rearrangement, protein cyto-nuclei shuttling and activation (e.g., Yes-associated protein (YAP), catenin, etc.), cellular compartment reorganization, gene expression, and further cell biology modulation (e.g., spreading, migration, proliferation, lineage commitment, etc.). Based on them, current in vitro and in vivo hydrogel applications that mainly covered diseases models, various cell delivery protocols for tissue regeneration and disease therapy, smart drug carrier, bioimaging, biosensor, and conductive wearable/implantable biodevices, etc. were further summarized and discussed. More significantly, the clinical translation potential and trials of hydrogels were presented, accompanied with which the remaining challenges and future perspectives in this field were emphasized. Collectively, the comprehensive and deep insights in this review will shed light on the design principles of new biomedical hydrogels to understand and modulate cellular processes, which are available for providing significant indications for future hydrogel design and serving for a broad range of biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Cao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, West China Hospital, and National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, 610064, Chengdu, P. R. China
- Department of Medical Ultrasound and Central Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 301 Yan-chang-zhong Road, 200072, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Lixia Duan
- Department of Medical Ultrasound and Central Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 301 Yan-chang-zhong Road, 200072, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound and Central Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 301 Yan-chang-zhong Road, 200072, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Cao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, West China Hospital, and National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, 610064, Chengdu, P. R. China.
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound and Central Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 301 Yan-chang-zhong Road, 200072, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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17
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Zhou W, Wu C, Zhao C, Huang Z, Lu S, Fan X, Tan Y, Stalin A, You R, Liu X, Zhang J, Wu Z, Wu J. An Advanced Systems Pharmacology Strategy Reveals AKR1B1, MMP2, PTGER3 as Key Genes in the Competing Endogenous RNA Network of Compound Kushen Injection Treating Gastric Carcinoma by Integrated Bioinformatics and Experimental Verification. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:742421. [PMID: 34646828 PMCID: PMC8502965 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.742421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric carcinoma (GC) is a severe tumor of the digestive tract with high morbidity and mortality and poor prognosis, for which novel treatment options are urgently needed. Compound Kushen injection (CKI), a classical injection of Chinese medicine, has been widely used to treat various tumors in clinical practice for decades. In recent years, a growing number of studies have confirmed that CKI has a beneficial therapeutic effect on GC, However, there are few reports on the potential molecular mechanism of action. Here, using systems pharmacology combined with proteomics analysis as a core concept, we identified the ceRNA network, key targets and signaling pathways regulated by CKI in the treatment of GC. To further explore the role of these key targets in the development of GC, we performed a meta-analysis to compare the expression differences between GC and normal gastric mucosa tissues. Functional enrichment analysis was further used to understand the biological pathways significantly regulated by the key genes. In addition, we determined the significance of the key genes in the prognosis of GC by survival analysis and immune infiltration analysis. Finally, molecular docking simulation was performed to verify the combination of CKI components and key targets. The anti-gastric cancer effect of CKI and its key targets was verified by in vivo and in vitro experiments. The analysis of ceRNA network of CKI on GC revealed that the potential molecular mechanism of CKI can regulate PI3K/AKT and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways by interfering with hub genes such as AKR1B1, MMP2 and PTGERR3. In conclusion, this study not only partially highlighted the molecular mechanism of CKI in GC therapy but also provided a novel and advanced systems pharmacology strategy to explore the mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhou
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chongjun Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihong Huang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Lu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaotian Fan
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yingying Tan
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Antony Stalin
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rongli You
- Shanxi Zhendong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shanxi, China
| | - Xinkui Liu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jingyuan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhishan Wu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jiarui Wu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Zhu J, Luo C, Zhao J, Zhu X, Lin K, Bu F, Yu Z, Zou F, Zhu Z. Expression of LOX Suggests Poor Prognosis in Gastric Cancer. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:718986. [PMID: 34595188 PMCID: PMC8476844 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.718986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is a key enzyme for the cross-linking of collagen and elastin in the extracellular matrix. This study evaluated the prognostic role of LOX in gastric cancer (GC) by analyzing the data of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset. Methods: The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to calculate the expression difference of LOX gene in gastric cancer and normal tissues. Western blot and immunohistochemical staining were used to evaluate the expression level of LOX protein in gastric cancer. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate the survival difference between the high expression group and the low expression group in gastric cancer. The relationship between statistical clinicopathological characteristics and LOX gene expression was analyzed by Wilcoxon or Kruskal-Wallis test and logistic regression. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to find independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of GC patients. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to screen the possible mechanisms of LOX and GC. The CIBERSORT calculation method was used to evaluate the distribution of tumor-infiltrating immune cell (TIC) abundance. Results: LOX is highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues and is significantly related to poor overall survival. Wilcoxon or Kruskal-Wallis test and Logistic regression analysis showed, LOX overexpression is significantly correlated with T-stage progression in gastric cancer. Multivariate Cox regression analysis on TCGA and GEO data found that LOX (all p < 0.05) is an independent factor for poor GC prognosis. GSEA showed that high LOX expression is related to ECM receptor interaction, cancer, Hedgehog, TGF-beta, JAK-STAT, MAPK, Wnt, and mTOR signaling pathways. The expression level of LOX affects the immune activity of the tumor microenvironment in gastric cancer. Conclusion: High expression of LOX is a potential molecular indicator for poor prognosis of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Chen Luo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jiefeng Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaojian Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Kang Lin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Fanqin Bu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhonglin Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Feilong Zou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhengming Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Ma Y, Zhang P, Zhang Q, Wang X, Miao Q, Lyu X, Cui B, Ma H. Dihydroartemisinin suppresses proliferation, migration, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and EMT via TNKS in gastric cancer. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:688. [PMID: 34457043 PMCID: PMC8358739 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is a common malignancy worldwide. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this malignancy remain unclear and there are a lack of effective drugs. The present study aimed to investigate the antitumor effect of Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) or inhibition of Tankyrases (TNKS), and determine the underlying molecular mechanisms of gastric cancer. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analyses were performed to detect the expression levels of TNKS, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related proteins in gastric cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues. The Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was performed to assess the viability of HGC-27 and AGS cells following treatment with different concentrations of HLY78 (a Wnt activator) or DHA. Following treatment with HLY78, DHA or small interfering (si)-TNKS1/si-TNKS2, colony formation and migratory abilities were assessed via the colony formation, wound healing and Transwell assays. Furthermore, western blot and immunofluorescence analyses were performed to detect the expression levels of TNKS, EMT- and Wnt/β-catenin-related proteins. The results demonstrated that the expression levels of TNKS, AXI2, β-catenin, N-cadherin and Vimentin were upregulated, whereas E-cadherin expression was downregulated in gastric cancer tissues compared with normal tissues. Furthermore, HLY78 and DHA suppressed the viability of HGC-27 and AGS cells, in a concentration-independent manner. Notably, TNKS knockdown or treatment with DHA suppressed colony formation, migration, TNKS expression, EMT and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Opposing effects were observed following treatment with HLY78, which were ameliorated following co-treatment with DHA. Taken together, these results suggest that DHA or inhibition of TNKS can suppress the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells, which is partly associated with inactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and EMT process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Ma
- Department of Pathology, The First Hospital of Yulin, Yulin, Shaanxi 719000, P.R. China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The First Hospital of Yulin, Yulin, Shaanxi 719000, P.R. China
| | - Qilong Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Hospital of Yulin, Yulin, Shaanxi 719000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- Department of Pathology, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
| | - Qiong Miao
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Hospital of Yulin, Yulin, Shaanxi 719000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolan Lyu
- Department of Pathology, The First Hospital of Yulin, Yulin, Shaanxi 719000, P.R. China
| | - Bo Cui
- Department of Pathology, The First Hospital of Yulin, Yulin, Shaanxi 719000, P.R. China
| | - Honghong Ma
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Hospital of Yulin, Yulin, Shaanxi 719000, P.R. China
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Li C, Wang H, Fang H, He C, Pei Y, Gai X. FOXP3 facilitates the invasion and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer cells through regulating VEGF, EMT and the Notch1/Hes1 pathway. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:958. [PMID: 34335900 PMCID: PMC8290412 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) is a specific marker of regulatory T cells (Tregs) that is also expressed in tumour cells. Previous studies have revealed that FOXP3 can promote metastasis in several types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, the underlying mechanism of FOXP3 remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of FOXP3 on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the Notch1/Hes1 pathway in NSCLC. After FOXP3 small interfering RNA (siRNAs) were transfected into A549 cells, the expression of FOXP3 mRNA and protein was determined by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting. Cell migration and invasion were analyzed by Transwell assays. The concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9 and VEGF in the cell supernatant were evaluated by ELISA. The expression of relevant proteins involved in EMT and Notch1/Hes1 pathway were assessed via western blotting. Additionally, the expression of FOXP3, CD31 and E-cadherin was detected by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of 55 human NSCLC tissue samples. The results demonstrated that FOXP3 knockdown significantly inhibited the cell migratory and invasive abilities, decreased the concentrations of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF, downregulated the protein expression of vimentin, N-cadherin, Notch1 and Hes family BHLH transcription factor 1 (Hes1), and upregulated the protein expression of E-cadherin. Furthermore, FOXP3 expression was positively associated with CD31+ vascular endothelial cells and negatively correlated with E-cadherin in NSCLC tissues. In addition, the Notch1/Hes1 pathway inhibitor DAPT significantly downregulated the expression of FOXP3 in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that FOXP3 may facilitate the invasive and migratory abilities of NSCLC cells via regulating the angiogenic factor VEGF, the EMT and the Notch1/Hes1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beihua University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - Hefei Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xiang Ya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
| | - Hui Fang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beihua University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, P.R. China.,Department of Laboratory, Chifeng Clinical Medical School, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia 024000, P.R. China
| | - Chengyuan He
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beihua University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - Yijie Pei
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beihua University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - Xiaodong Gai
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beihua University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
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Das S, Amin SA, Jha T. Inhibitors of gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) for the management of hematological malignancies. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 223:113623. [PMID: 34157437 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) are collectively known as gelatinases whereas MMP-2 is gelatinase-A and MMP-9 is termed as gelatinase-B. Gelatinases and other matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have long been associated with solid tumor invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. However, there is paucity of data available regarding the role of gelatinases in hematological malignancies. Recent studies have shown that gelatinases activities or functions are correlated with hematological malignancies. Strategies for designing more specific gelatinase inhibitors like catalytic (CAT) domain inhibitors and hemopexin (PEX) domain inhibitors as well as signaling pathway based or gelatinase expression inhibitors had been reported against hematologic malignant cells. Several substrate based non-selective to non-substrate based relatively selective synthetic matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors (MMPIs) had been developed. Few MMPIs had reached in clinical trials during the period of 1990s-2000s. Unfortunately the anti-tumor and anti-metastatic efficacies of these MMPIs were not justified with patients having several advanced stage solid tumor cancers in any substantial number of clinical trials. Till date not a single MMPI passed phase III clinical trials designed for advanced metastatic cancers due to adverse events as well as lack of ability to show uniformity in disease prolongation. With the best of our knowledge no clinical trial study has been reported with small molecule synthetic inhibitors against hematological malignancies. This review looks at the outcome of clinical trials of MMPIs for advanced stage solid tumors. This can therefore, act as a learning experience for future development of successful gelatinase inhibitors for the management of hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjib Das
- Natural Science Laboratory, Division of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India.
| | - Sk Abdul Amin
- Natural Science Laboratory, Division of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India.
| | - Tarun Jha
- Natural Science Laboratory, Division of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India.
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Evaluation of Important Molecular Pathways and Candidate Diagnostic Biomarkers of Noninvasive to Invasive Stages in Gastric Cancer by In Silico Analysis. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021; 2021:5571413. [PMID: 34054953 PMCID: PMC8131151 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5571413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer affects millions of people each year; it is the fifth deadliest cancer globally. Due to failure to perform routine tests such as endoscopy, it is usually diagnosed in the invasive stages. Therefore, finding diagnostic biomarkers in blood can help to speed up the initial diagnosis of cancer. This study aimed to find appropriate diagnostic biomarkers in the extracellular matrix of noninvasive to invasive stages of gastric cancer patients, using bioinformatics analysis. First, we selected the appropriate datasets from the GEO database. We evaluated the genes' signaling pathways, biological processes, and molecular functions. More accurately, we assessed the genes, in which their protein products are released into the extracellular matrix; we evaluated their protein network. Then, we validated the candidate proteins in the GEPIA and TCGA databases. The extracellular matrix, tyrosine kinase receptors, and immune response pathways are effective factors, which are related to the highly expressed genes and metabolism; cell cycle pathways are also impressive on low-expression genes. 69 highly expressed proteins are released into the extracellular matrix. After drawing the protein network, 5 proteins were selected as more suitable candidates for further studies. These proteins' expression significantly increases in the human samples, and the survival chart showed up to about 80% mortality in the individuals over time. With integrated bioinformatics analysis, BGN, LOX, MMP-9, SERPINE1, and TGFB1 proteins have been selected as suitable diagnostic biomarkers for noninvasive to invasive stages of gastric cancer. Further studies are needed to evaluate more precise mechanisms between these proteins.
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Huang J, Zhang L, Wan D, Zhou L, Zheng S, Lin S, Qiao Y. Extracellular matrix and its therapeutic potential for cancer treatment. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:153. [PMID: 33888679 PMCID: PMC8062524 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00544-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 262] [Impact Index Per Article: 87.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is one of the major components of tumors that plays multiple crucial roles, including mechanical support, modulation of the microenvironment, and a source of signaling molecules. The quantity and cross-linking status of ECM components are major factors determining tissue stiffness. During tumorigenesis, the interplay between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) often results in the stiffness of the ECM, leading to aberrant mechanotransduction and further malignant transformation. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of ECM dysregulation in the TME would contribute to the discovery of promising therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. Herein, we summarized the knowledge concerning the following: (1) major ECM constituents and their functions in both normal and malignant conditions; (2) the interplay between cancer cells and the ECM in the TME; (3) key receptors for mechanotransduction and their alteration during carcinogenesis; and (4) the current therapeutic strategies targeting aberrant ECM for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacheng Huang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, 310003, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Lele Zhang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, 310003, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Dalong Wan
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, 310003, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Shusen Zheng
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, 310003, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Shengzhang Lin
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
- Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou, 310000, China.
| | - Yiting Qiao
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
- Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, 310003, China.
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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LOXL2 Inhibitors and Breast Cancer Progression. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10020312. [PMID: 33669630 PMCID: PMC7921998 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10020312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
LOX (lysyl oxidase) and lysyl oxidase like-1–4 (LOXL 1–4) are amine oxidases, which catalyze cross-linking reactions of elastin and collagen in the connective tissue. These amine oxidases also allow the cross-link of collagen and elastin in the extracellular matrix of tumors, facilitating the process of cell migration and the formation of metastases. LOXL2 is of particular interest in cancer biology as it is highly expressed in some tumors. This protein also promotes oncogenic transformation and affects the proliferation of breast cancer cells. LOX and LOXL2 inhibition have thus been suggested as a promising strategy to prevent metastasis and invasion of breast cancer. BAPN (β-aminopropionitrile) was the first compound described as a LOX inhibitor and was obtained from a natural source. However, novel synthetic compounds that act as LOX/LOXL2 selective inhibitors or as dual LOX/LOX-L inhibitors have been recently developed. In this review, we describe LOX enzymes and their role in promoting cancer development and metastases, with a special focus on LOXL2 and breast cancer progression. Moreover, the recent advances in the development of LOXL2 inhibitors are also addressed. Overall, this work contextualizes and explores the importance of LOXL2 inhibition as a promising novel complementary and effective therapeutic approach for breast cancer treatment.
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Morales X, Cortés-Domínguez I, Ortiz-de-Solorzano C. Modeling the Mechanobiology of Cancer Cell Migration Using 3D Biomimetic Hydrogels. Gels 2021; 7:17. [PMID: 33673091 PMCID: PMC7930983 DOI: 10.3390/gels7010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding how cancer cells migrate, and how this migration is affected by the mechanical and chemical composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical to investigate and possibly interfere with the metastatic process, which is responsible for most cancer-related deaths. In this article we review the state of the art about the use of hydrogel-based three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds as artificial platforms to model the mechanobiology of cancer cell migration. We start by briefly reviewing the concept and composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the materials commonly used to recreate the cancerous ECM. Then we summarize the most relevant knowledge about the mechanobiology of cancer cell migration that has been obtained using 3D hydrogel scaffolds, and relate those discoveries to what has been observed in the clinical management of solid tumors. Finally, we review some recent methodological developments, specifically the use of novel bioprinting techniques and microfluidics to create realistic hydrogel-based models of the cancer ECM, and some of their applications in the context of the study of cancer cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carlos Ortiz-de-Solorzano
- IDISNA, Ciberonc and Solid Tumors and Biomarkers Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (X.M.); (I.C.-D.)
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26
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Wang X, Song X, Cheng G, Zhang J, Dong L, Bai J, Luo D, Xiong Y, Li S, Liu F, Sun Y, Wang X, Li Y, Huang Y. The Regulatory Mechanism and Biological Significance of Mitochondrial Calcium Uniporter in the Migration, Invasion, Angiogenesis and Growth of Gastric Cancer. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:11781-11794. [PMID: 33235465 PMCID: PMC7680189 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s262049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Increasing evidences suggest that mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), a selective channel responsible for mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, is involved in the progression of several cancers. In this study, we aimed to observe the clinical implications and biological functions of MCU in gastric cancer. Methods The expression of MCU in 90 pairs of gastric cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues was examined using immunohistochemistry and correlation between MCU expression and clinical features was analyzed. After construction of stable MCU knockdown or overexpression gastric cancer cells, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), wound healing and transwell assays were performed to examine MMP levels, migration and invasion. Subcutaneous xenograft tumors induced by gastric cancer cells transfected with MCU siRNAs or controls were constructed. Immunofluorescence was used to detect CD34 expression. Western blot was used to detect the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins. Results MCU had a higher expression in gastric cancer tissues than normal tissues. Compared to gastric cancer tissues, its expression was significantly higher after omental metastasis. MCU expression was significantly correlated with depth of invasion (p=0.048), lymph metastasis (p=0.027), TNM stage (p=0.036) and distant metastasis (p=0.029). Patients with high MCU expression indicated a worse prognosis than those with its low expression (p=0.0098). MCU significantly increased the MMP levels of gastric cancer cells. Wound healing and transwell assay results showed that MCU promoted migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells. In vivo, MCU knockdown significantly inhibited tumor growth and angiogenesis. Both in vitro and in vivo, silencing MCU suppressed the expression of HIF-1α and VEGF as well as activity of EMT processes. Conclusion Our findings suggested that highly expressed MCU could promote migration, invasion, angiogenesis and growth of gastric cancer, which could become a potential therapeutic marker for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Wang
- Department of Pathology, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan 063000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xudong Song
- Department of Pathology, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan 063000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Guang Cheng
- Central Laboratory of Clinical Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan 063000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Science, NHC Key Laboratory of Metabolic Cardiovascular Diseases Research, NingXia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, NingXia, People's Republic of China
| | - Liru Dong
- Department of Pathology, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan 063000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Bai
- Department of Pathology, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan 063000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Pathology, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan 063000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanjie Xiong
- Department of Pathology, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan 063000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Pathology, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan 063000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Pathology, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan 063000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Sun
- Department of Pathology, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan 063000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pathology, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan 063000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuyang Li
- Department of Pathology, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan 063000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunning Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan 750001, Ningxia, People's Republic of China
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Polychemotherapy with Curcumin and Doxorubicin via Biological Nanoplatforms: Enhancing Antitumor Activity. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12111084. [PMID: 33187385 PMCID: PMC7697177 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12111084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) is a well-known chemotherapeutic agent extensively applied in the field of cancer therapy. However, similar to other chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin, paclitaxel, docetaxel, etoposide and oxaliplatin, cancer cells are able to obtain chemoresistance that limits DOX efficacy. In respect to dose-dependent side effect of DOX, enhancing its dosage is not recommended for effective cancer chemotherapy. Therefore, different strategies have been considered for reversing DOX resistance and diminishing its side effects. Phytochemical are potential candidates in this case due to their great pharmacological activities. Curcumin is a potential antitumor phytochemical isolated from Curcuma longa with capacity of suppressing cancer metastasis and proliferation and affecting molecular pathways. Experiments have demonstrated the potential of curcumin for inhibiting chemoresistance by downregulating oncogene pathways such as MMP-2, TGF-β, EMT, PI3K/Akt, NF-κB and AP-1. Furthermore, coadministration of curcumin and DOX potentiates apoptosis induction in cancer cells. In light of this, nanoplatforms have been employed for codelivery of curcumin and DOX. This results in promoting the bioavailability and internalization of the aforementioned active compounds in cancer cells and, consequently, enhancing their antitumor activity. Noteworthy, curcumin has been applied for reducing adverse effects of DOX on normal cells and tissues via reducing inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis. The current review highlights the anticancer mechanism, side effects and codelivery of curcumin and DOX via nanovehicles.
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28
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Zhong X, Yu X, Wen X, Chen L, Gu N. Activation of the LINC00242/miR-141/FOXC1 axis underpins the development of gastric cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:272. [PMID: 32587479 PMCID: PMC7313095 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-01369-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are a class of newly identified transcripts recognized as critical governors of gene expression during human carcinogenesis, whereas their tumor-suppressive or tumor-promoting effects on gastric cancer (GC) are required for further investigation. In the study, we identify the expression pattern of a novel lncRNA LINC00242 in GC and its possible permissive role in the development of GC. Methods The study included 68 pairs of GC and adjacent normal gastric tissue samples. The viability, migration, and invasion of cultured human GC cells HGC27 were evaluated by CCK-8 and Transwell chamber assays. In vitro tube formation of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMVECs) in HGC27 cell coculture was detected. The regulatory network of LINC00242/miR-141/FOXC1 was verified using dual luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Subcutaneous xenografts of HGC27 cells were performed in nude mice. Results LINC00242 was highly expressed in GC tissues and cells and contributed to poor prognosis. LINC00242 knockdown inhibited HGC27 cell viability, migration and invasion, and tube formation of HBMVECs. LINC00242 interacted with miR-141 and positively regulated FOXC1, a target gene of miR-141. LINC00242 knockdown was partially lost in HGC27 cells upon miR-141 inhibition or FOXC1 overexpression. The tumor-promoting effect of LINC00242 on GC was demonstrated in nude mice. Conclusion Taken together, the present study demonstrates the oncogenic role of the LINC00242/miR-141/FOXC1 axis in GC, highlighting a theoretical basis for GC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiongdong Zhong
- Department of General Surgery, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai hospital affiliated with Jinan University), No.79 Kangning Road, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China
| | - Xianchang Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai hospital affiliated with Jinan University), No.79 Kangning Road, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China
| | - Xiaoyan Wen
- Department of General Surgery, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai hospital affiliated with Jinan University), No.79 Kangning Road, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai hospital affiliated with Jinan University), No.79 Kangning Road, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China
| | - Ni Gu
- Department of General Surgery, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai hospital affiliated with Jinan University), No.79 Kangning Road, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai, 519000 Guangdong China
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29
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STAT3 Pathway in Gastric Cancer: Signaling, Therapeutic Targeting and Future Prospects. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9060126. [PMID: 32545648 PMCID: PMC7345582 DOI: 10.3390/biology9060126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Molecular signaling pathways play a significant role in the regulation of biological mechanisms, and their abnormal expression can provide the conditions for cancer development. The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a key member of the STAT proteins and its oncogene role in cancer has been shown. STAT3 is able to promote the proliferation and invasion of cancer cells and induces chemoresistance. Different downstream targets of STAT3 have been identified in cancer and it has also been shown that microRNA (miR), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and other molecular pathways are able to function as upstream mediators of STAT3 in cancer. In the present review, we focus on the role and regulation of STAT3 in gastric cancer (GC). miRs and lncRNAs are considered as potential upstream mediators of STAT3 and they are able to affect STAT3 expression in exerting their oncogene or onco-suppressor role in GC cells. Anti-tumor compounds suppress the STAT3 signaling pathway to restrict the proliferation and malignant behavior of GC cells. Other molecular pathways, such as sirtuin, stathmin and so on, can act as upstream mediators of STAT3 in GC. Notably, the components of the tumor microenvironment that are capable of targeting STAT3 in GC, such as fibroblasts and macrophages, are discussed in this review. Finally, we demonstrate that STAT3 can target oncogene factors to enhance the proliferation and metastasis of GC cells.
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