TIMP3 expression associates with prognosis in colorectal cancer and its novel arylsulfonamide inducer, MPT0B390, inhibits tumor growth, metastasis and angiogenesis

Mitochondria Targeted Nanoparticles Potentiate Tumor Chemo-Phototherapy by Toxic Oxidative Stress Mediated Oxeiptosis

Insufficient accumulation of drug at the tumor site and the low drug response are the main reason for the unsatisfactory effect of cancer therapy. Delivery drugs exquisitely to subcellular level can be employed to reduce side effects, and expand the therapeutic window. Herein, a triphenylphosphine (TPP) modified lipid nanoparticles is designed which are loaded with the photosensitizer indocyanine green (ICG) and chemotherapeutic paclitaxel (PTX) for mitochondria-targeted chemo-phototherapy. Owing to the movement of majority mitochondria along microtubules in cytoplasm, mitochondrial targeting may enable PTX to act more effectively. Meanwhile, the existence of chemo-drug potentiates the phototherapy to achieve synergistic anti-tumor activity. As expected, mitochondria targeting nanomedicine (M-ICG-PTX NPs) showed improved mitochondria targeted cellular distribution and enhanced cell cytotoxicity in vitro. Also, M-ICG-PTX NPs exhibited higher tumor growth inhibition ability by promoting cell apoptosis and oxeiptosis pathway, and high effective inhibition of primary tumor growth and tumor metastasis. Taken together, M-ICG-PTX NPs may be promising nanoplatforms to achieve potent therapeutic effect for the combination of chemo- and photo-therapy (PTT).

Nano-enabled colorectal cancer therapy

Colorectal cancer (CRC), one of the most common and deadliest diseases worldwide, poses a great health threat and social burden. The clinical treatments of CRC encompassing surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are challenged with toxicity, therapy resistance, and recurrence. In the past two decades, targeted therapy and immunotherapy have greatly improved the therapeutic benefits of CRC patients but they still suffer from drug resistance and low response rates. Very recently, gut microbiota regulation has exhibited a great potential in preventing and treating CRC, as well as in modulating the efficacy and toxicity of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In this review, we provide a cutting-edge summary of nanomedicine-based treatment in colorectal cancer, highlighting the recent progress of oral and systemic tumor-targeting and/or tumor-activatable drug delivery systems as well as novel therapeutic strategies against CRC, including nano-sensitizing immunotherapy, anti-inflammation, gut microbiota modulation therapy, etc. Finally, the recent endeavors to address therapy resistance, metastasis, and recurrence in CRC were discussed. We hope this review could offer insight into the design and development of nanomedicines for CRC and beyond.

Identification of RAC1 in promoting brain metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma using single-cell transcriptome sequencing

This study aims to give a new perspective to the biomarkers in the lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) brain metastasis, pathways involved and potential therapeutics. We performed a comprehensive single-cell level transcriptomic analysis on one LUAD patient with circulating tumor cells (CTCs), primary tumor tissue and metastatic tumor tissue using scRNA-seq approach to identify metastasis related biomarkers. Further scRNA-seq were performed on 7 patients to validate the cancer metastatic hallmark. with single cells collected from either metastatic or primary LUAD tissues. Pathological and functional studies were also performed to evidence the critical role of RAC1 in the LUAD metastasis. Hallmark gene was verified based on immunohistochemistry staining, cytological experiment, survival information from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and staining results from Human Protein Atlas (HPA) databases. PCA analysis revealed that CTCs were in the intermediate place between the metastatic group and primary group. In the unsupervised clustering analysis CTCs were closer to one of the metastatic tumor cells, implying heterogeneity of the metastatic tumor and origin of the CTCs were from metastatic site. Transitional phase related gene analysis identified RAC1 was enriched in metastatic tumor tissue (MTT) preferred gene set functioning as regulated cell death and apoptosis as well as promoted macromolecule organization. Compared with normal tissue, expression levels of RAC1 increased significantly in LUAD tissue based on HPA database. High expression of RAC1 predicts worse prognosis and higher-risk. EMT analysis identified the propensity of mesenchymal state in primary cells while epithelial signals were higher in the metastatic site. Functional clustering and pathway analyses suggested genes in RAC1 highly expressed cells played critical roles in adhesion, ECM and VEGF signaling pathways. Inhibition of RAC1 attenuates the proliferation, invasiveness and migration ability of lung cancer cells. Besides, through MRI T2WI results, we proved that RAC1 can promote brain metastasis in the RAC1-overexpressed H1975 cell burden nude mouse model. RAC1 and its mechanisms might promote drug design against LUAD brain metastasis.

Impact of Clinicopathological Characteristics and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-3 Polymorphism Rs9619311 on Biochemical Recurrence in Taiwanese Patients with Prostate Cancer

The tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases-3 (TIMP3) are not only endogenous regulators of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), but also induce apoptosis and inhibit endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis. The focus of this study was to investigate the relationship between TIMP3 genetic polymorphisms and biochemical recurrence and clinicopathological features of prostate cancer. The TIMP3 rs9619311, rs9862, and rs11547635 genetic polymorphisms were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction to determine their genotypic distributions in 579 patients with prostate cancer. This study found that individuals with the TIMP3 rs9619311 TC or TC + CC genotypes have a significantly higher risk of biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer (p = 0.036 and 0.033, respectively). Moreover, in the multivariate analysis, our results showed that pathologic Gleason grade, pathologic T stage, seminal vesicle invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and TIMP3 rs9619311 were associated with increased odds of biochemical recurrence. Patients with a PSA concentration under 7 ng/mL that were found to have the TIMP3 rs9619311 genetic polymorphism were associated with Gleason total score upgrade (p = 0.012) and grade group upgrade (p = 0.023). Compared with the CC homozygous, the TIMP3 rs9862 CT + TT polymorphic variant was found to be associated with clinically advanced tumor stage (p = 0.030) and Gleason total score upgrade (p = 0.002) in prostate cancer patients. In conclusion, the results of our study demonstrated that the TIMP3 rs9619311 genetic polymorphism was significantly associated with susceptibility to biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer. TIMP3 genetic polymorphisms, especially rs9619311, can serve as key predictors of biochemical recurrence and disease prognosis of prostate cancer.

Apelin Promotes Prostate Cancer Metastasis by Downregulating TIMP2 via Increases in miR-106a-5p Expression

Prostate cancer commonly affects the urinary tract of men and metastatic prostate cancer has a very low survival rate. Apelin belongs to the family of adipokines and is associated with cancer development and metastasis. However, the effects of apelin in prostate cancer metastasis is undetermined. Analysis of the database revealed a positive correlation between apelin level with the progression and metastasis of prostate cancer patients. Apelin treatment facilitates cell migration and invasion through inhibiting tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP2) expression. The increasing miR-106a-5p synthesis via c-Src/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is controlled in apelin-regulated TIMP2 production and cell motility. Importantly, apelin blockade inhibits prostate cancer metastasis in the orthotopic mouse model. Thus, apelin is a promising therapeutic target for curing metastatic prostate cancer.

Copper-olsalazine metal-organic frameworks as a nanocatalyst and epigenetic modulator for efficient inhibition of colorectal cancer growth and metastasis

Despite the extensive explorations of nanoscale metal-organic frameworks (nanoMOFs) in drug delivery, the intrinsic bioactivity of nanoMOFs, such as anticancer activity, is severely underestimated owing to the overlooked integration of the hierarchical components including nanosized MOFs and molecular-level organic ligands and metal-organic complexes. Herein, we propose a de novo design of multifunctional bioactive nanoMOFs ranging from molecular to nanoscale level, and demonstrate this proof-of-concept by a copper-olsalazine (Olsa, a clinically approved drug for inflammatory bowel disease, here as a bioactive linker and DNA hypomethylating agent) nanoMOF displaying a multifaceted anticancer mechanism: (1) Cu-Olsa nanoMOF-mediated redox dyshomeostasis for enhanced catalytic tumor therapy, (2) targeting downregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 by the organic complex of Cu²⁺ and Olsa, and (3) Olsa-mediated epigenetic regulation. Cu-Olsa nanoMOF displayed an enzyme-like catalytic activity to generate cancericidal species ·OH and ¹O₂ from rich H₂O₂ in tumors, improved the expression of tumor suppressors TIMP3 and AXIN2 by epigenetic modulation, and fulfilled selective inhibition of colorectal cancer cells over normal cells. The hyaluronic acid-modified nanoMOF further verified the efficient suppression of CT26 colorectal tumor growth and metastasis in murine models. Overall, these results suggest that Olsa-based MOF presents a platform of epigenetic therapy-synergized nanomedicine for efficient cancer treatment and provides a powerful strategy for the design of intrinsically bioactive nanoMOFs. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with intrinsic bioactivities such as anticancer and antibacterial activity are of great interest. Herein, we reported a bioactive copper-olsalazine (Cu-Olsa) nanoMOF as a nanodrug for colorectal cancer treatment. This nanoMOF per se displayed enzyme-like catalytic activity to generate cancericidal species ·OH and ¹O₂ from rich H₂O₂ in tumors for nanocatalytic tumor therapy. Upon dissociation into small molecular copper-organic complex and olsalazine in cancer cells, COX-2 inhibition and epigenetic modulation were fulfilled for selective inhibition of colorectal cancer growth and metastasis.

MicroRNA-613 Enhances Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cell Radiosensitivity via the DNA Methyltransferase 3B/Tissue Inhibitor of Matrix Metalloproteinase-3/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-1/Forkhead Box O-1 Axis

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common malignancy of the nasopharynx, and radioresistant represents the main obstacle in NPC treatment. Malignant transformation of normal cells is driven by genetic and epigenetic changes, which are primarily manifested as changes in miRNA levels and DNA methylation status. microRNA (miR)-613 plays an inhibitory role in several types of cancer. Herein, the current study sought to explore the roles of miR-613 in NPC cell radiosensitivity. miR-613 expression patterns in NPC tissues were detected, and its correlation with clinical indexes was analyzed. NP-69 and C666-1 cell lines were selected for cellular experimentation. Radioresistant cell line C666-1R was obtained by fractionated radiation. Cell viability, survival fraction, and apoptosis were detected by CCK-8, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry. The binding relation between miR-613 and DNMT3B was verified by dual-luciferase and RIP assays. miR-613 was lowly expressed in NPC tissues and cells, with lower expression levels in C666-1R than C666-1, and further correlated with lymph node metastasis, tumor size, and tumor metastasis. miR-613 overexpression reduced C666-1R cell viability and survival fraction and increased apoptosis, while C666-1 cells with silencing miR-613 presented the opposite trends. miR-613 targeted DNMT3B. miR-613 and DNMT3B overexpression led to enhanced C666-1R cell viability and survival fraction and decreased apoptosis. miR-613 reduced TIMP3 methylation and elevated TIMP3 protein level by inhibiting DNMT3B. miR-613 enhanced NPC radiosensitivity by inhibiting the DNMT3B/TIMP3/STAT1/FOXO1 pathway. Collectively, miR-613 inhibited DNMT3B, reduced TIMP3 methylation, and increased TIMP3 protein level, thus inhibiting the STAT1/FOXO1 pathway and enhancing the radiosensitivity of NPC cells.

In Situ Deployment of Engineered Extracellular Vesicles into the Tumor Niche via Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as a promising carrier system for the delivery of therapeutic payloads in multiple disease models, including cancer. However, effective targeting of EVs to cancerous tissue remains a challenge. Here, it is shown that nonviral transfection of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) can be leveraged to drive targeted release of engineered EVs that can modulate transfer and overexpression of therapeutic anticancer genes in tumor cells and tissue. MDSCs are immature immune cells that exhibit enhanced tropism toward tumor tissue and play a role in modulating tumor progression. Current MDSC research has been mostly focused on mitigating immunosuppression in the tumor niche; however, the tumor homing abilities of these cells present untapped potential to deliver EV therapeutics directly to cancerous tissue. In vivo and ex vivo studies with murine models of breast cancer show that nonviral transfection of MDSCs does not hinder their ability to home to cancerous tissue. Moreover, transfected MDSCs can release engineered EVs and mediate antitumoral responses via paracrine signaling, including decreased invasion/metastatic activity and increased apoptosis/necrosis. Altogether, these findings indicate that MDSCs can be a powerful tool for the deployment of EV-based therapeutics to tumor tissue.

Recent Progress in Understanding the Action of Natural Compounds at Novel Therapeutic Drug Targets for the Treatment of Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related death following lung and stomach cancers. As a highly lethal disease, liver cancer is diagnosed frequently in less developed countries. Natural compounds extracted from herbs, animals and natural materials have been adopted by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practices and reported to be effective in the development of new medications for the treatment of diseases. It is important to focus on the mechanisms of action of natural compounds against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), particularly in terms of cell cycle regulation, apoptosis induction, autophagy mediation and cell migration and invasion. In this review, we characterize novel representative natural compounds according to their pharmacologic effects based on recently published studies. The aim of this review is to summarize and explore novel therapeutic drug targets of natural compounds, which could accelerate the discovery of new anticancer drugs.

Anti-proliferative effects of the combination of Sulfamethoxazole and Quercetin via caspase3 and NFkB gene regulation: an in vitro and in vivo study

Combination therapy comprising natural polyphenols and anticancer drugs has been used to decrease the adverse effects and increase the effectiveness and antioxidant activities of the drugs. The antioxidant and anticancer effects of quercetin (Q), a nutritive polyphenol, have been observed both in vitro and in vivo. Likewise, the anticancer activity of sulfamethoxazole (S) has been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro and in vivo anticancer effects of Q alone and in combination with S. The in vitro effects of S, Q, and S + Q on HCT-116, HepG2, MCF-7, and PC3 cell lines were examined. Additionally, the in vivo effects of these drugs were evaluated using Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) tumor-bearing mice. The in vitro data revealed the potent anticancer activity of S + Q through the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. The EAC-inoculated mice treated with S + Q presented with elevated SOD, GSH, CAT, and TAC levels and decreased malondialdehyde levels compared with the untreated EAC group, thus revealing the antioxidant and protective actions of S + Q against EAC cell invasion. Furthermore, the downregulation of NFkB and upregulation of the caspase3 gene in the EAC-inoculated mice treated with the S + Q indicated the induction of the apoptotic pathway and decrease in both cell proliferation and metastasis. In conclusion, the combination of S and Q might exert anticancer effects by inducing apoptosis and exhibiting selective toxicity against the cancer cells and thereby protecting the vital organs.

Extracellular Vesicles Allow Epigenetic Mechanotransduction between Chondrocytes and Osteoblasts

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can be transported in extracellular vesicles (EVs) and are qualified as possible messengers for cell–cell communication. In the context of osteoarthritis (OA), miR-221-3p has been shown to have a mechanosensitive and a paracrine function inside cartilage. However, the question remains if EVs with miR-221-3p can act as molecular mechanotransducers between cells of different tissues. Here, we studied the effect of EV-mediated transport in the communication between chondrocytes and osteoblasts in vitro in a rat model. In silico analysis (Targetscan, miRWalk, miRDB) revealed putative targets of miRNA-221-3p (CDKN1B/p27, TIMP-3, Tcf7l2/TCF4, ARNT). Indeed, transfection of miRNA-221-3p in chondrocytes and osteoblasts resulted in regulation of these targets. Coculture experiments of transfected chondrocytes with untransfected osteoblasts not only showed regulation of these target genes in osteoblasts but also inhibition of their bone formation capacity. Direct treatment with chondrocyte-derived EVs validated that chondrocyte-produced extracellular miR-221-3p was responsible for this effect. Altogether, our study provides a novel perspective on a possible communication pathway of a mechanically induced epigenetic signal through EVs. This may be important for processes at the interface of bone and cartilage, such as OA development, physiologic joint homeostasis, growth or fracture healing, as well as for other tissue interfaces with differing biomechanical properties.

Insights into the Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Precancerous Conditions and in Colorectal Cancer

Simple Summary

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancer worldwide. CRC is derived from polyps and many factors, such as Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) can gain the progression of colorectal carcinogenesis. Many investigations have indicated the role of MMPs in CRC development while there is not enough knowledge about the function of MMPs in precancerous conditions. This review summarizes the current information about the role of MMPs in polyps and CRC progression.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third and second cancer for incidence and mortality worldwide, respectively, and is becoming prevalent in developing countries. Most CRCs derive from polyps, especially adenomatous polyps, which can gradually transform into CRC. The family of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) plays a critical role in the initiation and progression of CRC. Prominent MMPs, including MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-8, MMP-9, MMP-12, MMP-13, MMP-14, and MMP-21, have been detected in CRC patients, and the expression of most of them correlates with a poor prognosis. Moreover, many studies have explored the inhibition of MMPs and targeted therapy for CRC, but there is not enough information about the role of MMPs in polyp malignancy. In this review, we discuss the role of MMPs in colorectal cancer and its pathogenesis

miR-21 Exerts Anti-proliferative and Pro-apoptotic Effects in LPS-induced WI-38 Cells via Directly Targeting TIMP3

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease, which was caused by a complex interplay of inflammatory responses and chronic damage. miR-21 is increased in patients with IPF, but its function in the embryonic lung-derived diploid fibroblasts cells subjected to LPS is elusive. miRNA expression profile was obtained from GEO database and target genes of miRNAs were forecasted by TargetScan. To mimic the LPS-induced injury, different concentrations of LPS were applied to treat WI-38 cells. Functional in vitro experiments were conducted to examine the role of miR-21 and TIMP3. Luciferase report assay was performed to verify the relationship between miR-21 and TIMP3. qRT-PCR, western blotting, and ELISA were conducted to detect the levels of the related miRNAs, proteins, and inflammatory factors. miR-21 presented higher levels in interstitial pneumonia patients and LPS-induced WI-38 cells. Overexpression of miR-21 was negatively correlated with the proliferative capability of LPS-treated WI-38 cells. miR-21 directly targets TIMP3. TIMP3 restored the suppressive impact of miR-21 mimic on the proliferation, while TIMP3 alleviated the promoting impact of miR-21 mimic on the apoptosis of WI-38 cells treated by LPS. miR-21 inhibited Bcl-2 but increased Bax, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-9. Besides, miR-21 elevated the levels of IL-6 and IL-β but reduced the IL-10, which were weakened by TIMP3. Totally, miR-21 aggravated the LPS-induced lung injury and modulated inflammatory responses by targeting TIMP3.

Assessment of prognostic value of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP3) protein in ovarian cancer

Background: TIMP3 is a multifunctional proteolytic enzyme belonging to TIMPs family and acts as a potent inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). TIMP3 possesses a tumor suppresive function by directly promoting tumor cell apoptosis, preventing angiogenesis and extracellular matrix remodelling. The lower expression of TIMP3 was associated with poor prognosis and overall survival in various cancer types. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of TIMP3 protein expression with ovarian cancer (OC) clinicopathological features and survival outcomes.Patients and Methods: One hundred forty four of OC FFPE samples were collected from King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Saudi Arabia and constructed in tissue microarray (TMA) slides. Automated Ventana immunostainer platform was used to evaluate TIMP3 protein expression patterns.Results: The study showed that TIMP3 exhibits cytoplasmic localisation. This TIMP3 protein expression was not associated with age, tumor size and the involvement of lymph nodes (p > 0.05). However, it was significantly correlated with tumor stage (p < 0.05) and borderline significant with endpoint status (p = 0.07). Interestingly, the Kaplan-Meier analysis of disease specific survival (DSS) outcomes showed a significant association (p = 0.02, log rank) between OC patients with higher TIMP3 expression compared to those with lower expression. In fact, OC patients with high TIMP3 expression had longer survivals. Multivariate Cox’s regression analysis suggests that low TIMP3 protein expression pattern is an independent poor survival marker (p = 0.025).Conclusion: Cytoplasmic TIMP3 protein expression could be used as a good prognosticator to stratify poorly prognostic OC patients in order to personlaize their disease management.

Suppression of Extracellular Vesicle VEGF-C-mediated Lymphangiogenesis and Pancreatic Cancer Early Dissemination By a Selective HDAC1/2 Inhibitor

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive cancer characterized by early dissemination and poor drug response. Therefore, it is an unmet medical need to develop new strategies for treatment. As aberrant activation of ERK due to KRAS activating mutation is a driving force for PDAC, a brake system that can terminate ERK signaling represents an ideal druggable target. Herein, we demonstrate that forced expression of dual specificity phosphatase-2 (DUSP2), a specific ERK phosphatase, abrogated tumor formation and loss of Dusp2 facilitated Kras-driven PDAC progression. We report that a selective HDAC1/2 inhibitor (B390) has multifaceted therapeutic potential in PDAC by restoring the expression and function of DUSP2. In vitro study showed that treatment with B390 inhibited growth and migration abilities of PDAC cells, decreased extracellular vesicle-associated VEGF-C expression, and suppressed lymphatic endothelial cell proliferation. In vivo, B390 not only suppressed tumor growth by increasing tumor cell death, it also inhibited lymphangiogenesis and lymphovascular invasion. Taken together, our data demonstrate that B390 was able to alleviate loss of DUSP2-mediated pathologic processes, which provides the proof-of-concept evidence to demonstrate the potential of using selective HDAC1/2 inhibitors in PDAC treatment and suggests reinstating DUSP2 expression may be a strategy to subside PDAC progression.

A Metastasis-Related lncRNA Signature Correlates With the Prognosis in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

To explore the role of metastasis-related long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) signature for predicting the prognosis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients. Firstly, metastasis-associated genes were identified to establish a metastasis-related lncRNA signature by statistical analysis. Secondly, the ccRCC patients were grouped into high-risk or low-risk group according to the established signature, and the different pathways between the 2 groups were identified by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Finally, investigations involving PCR, transwell migration and invasion assay were carried out to further confirm our findings. The metastasis-related lncRNA signature was successfully constructed according to 7-metastasis-related genes (ADAM12, CD44, IL6, TFPI2, TGF-β1, THBS2, TIMP3). The diagnostic efficacy and the clinically predictive capacity of the signature were evaluated. Most of the values of the area under the time‐dependent receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) were greater than 0.70. The nomogram constructed by integrating clinical data and risk scores confirmed that the risk score calculated from our signature was a good prognosis predictor. GSEA analysis showed that some tumor-related pathways were enriched in the high-risk group, while metabolism-related pathways were enriched in the low-risk group. In carcinoma tissues, the SSR3-6, WISP1-2 were highly expressed, but the expression of UBAC2-6 was low there. Knocking down SSR3-6 decreased the ability of migration and invasion in ccRCC cells. In conclusion, we successfully constructed a metastasis-related lncRNA signature, which could accurately predict the survival and prognosis of ccRCC patients.

LINC01272/miR-876/ITGB2 axis facilitates the metastasis of colorectal cancer via epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Background: At the time of diagnosis, colorectal cancer (CRC) patients are usually in an advanced stage of disease, which is accompanied by metastasis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical regulatory roles in cancer biology. However, the contributions of lncRNA LINC01272 to CRC remain elusive. Methods: Bioinformatics and the survminer R package were used to predict intermolecular correlations and prognostic indicators. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to examine molecular expression. In vitro experiments, including migration assays, invasion assays, and wound healing assays, were used to investigate the effects of LINC01272, ITGB2 and miR-876 on CRC cell migration and invasion abilities. Furthermore, a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to explore the potential mechanism by which LINC01272 contributes to CRC. Results: We found that LINC01272 was highly expressed in multiple cancers and closely related to core epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) factors and that high levels of LINC01272 are associated with a poor prognosis in CRC patients. qRT-PCR revealed that LINC01272 was highly expressed and negatively associated with miR-876 in CRC. Additionally, LINC01272 or ITGB2 silencing reduced, while miR-876 overexpression promoted, the invasiveness and metastatic capacity of CRC cells in vitro. Moreover, LINC01272 potentially targeted miR-876, and miR-876 potentially targeted ITGB2. Conclusion: LINC01272 was highly expressed in CRC and predicted a poor prognosis. LINC01272 promoted EMT and metastasis by regulating miR-876/ITGB2 to act as an oncogene in CRC. LINC01272 may be a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for the treatment of CRC patients in the future.

Comprehensive Analysis of Prognostic and Genetic Signatures for General Transcription Factor III (GTF3) in Clinical Colorectal Cancer Patients Using Bioinformatics Approaches

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has the fourth-highest incidence of all cancer types, and its incidence has steadily increased in the last decade. The general transcription factor III (GTF3) family, comprising GTF3A, GTF3B, GTF3C1, and GTFC2, were stated to be linked with the expansion of different types of cancers; however, their messenger (m)RNA expressions and prognostic values in colorectal cancer need to be further investigated. To study the transcriptomic expression levels of GTF3 gene members in colorectal cancer in both cancerous tissues and cell lines, we first performed high-throughput screening using the Oncomine, GEPIA, and CCLE databases. We then applied the Prognoscan database to query correlations of their mRNA expressions with the disease-specific survival (DSS), overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS) status of the colorectal cancer patient. Furthermore, proteomics expressions of GTF3 family members in clinical colorectal cancer specimens were also examined using the Human Protein Atlas. Finally, genomic alterations of GTF3 family gene expressions in colorectal cancer and their signal transduction pathways were studied using cBioPortal, ClueGO, CluePedia, and MetaCore platform. Our findings revealed that GTF3 family members' expressions were significantly correlated with the cell cycle, oxidative stress, WNT/β-catenin signaling, Rho GTPases, and G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Clinically, high GTF3A and GTF3B expressions were significantly correlated with poor prognoses in colorectal cancer patients. Collectively, our study declares that GTF3A was overexpressed in cancer tissues and cell lines, particularly colorectal cancer, and it could possibly step in as a potential prognostic biomarker.

MicroRNA related prognosis biomarkers from high throughput sequencing data of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is the most common type of kidney cell carcinoma which has the worst overall survival rate. Almost 30% of patients with localized cancers eventually develop to metastases despite of early surgical treatment carried out. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in human cancer initiation, progression, and prognosis. The aim of our study was to identify potential prognosis biomarkers to predict overall survival of KIRC.

METHODS

All data were downloaded from an open access database The Cancer Genome Atlas. DESeq2 package in R was used to screening the differential expression miRNAs (DEMs) and genes (DEGs). RegParallel and Survival packages in R was used to analysis their relationships with the KIRC patients. David version 6.8 and STRING version 11 were used to take the Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis.

RESULTS

We found 2 DEGs (TIMP3 and HMGCS1) and 3 DEMs (hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-223-3p, and hsa-miR-365a-3p) could be prognosis biomarkers for the prediction of KIRC patients. The constructed prognostic model based on those 2 DEGs could effectively predict the survival status of KIRC. And the constructed prognostic model based on those 3 DEMs could effectively predict the survival status of KIRC in 3-year and 5-year.

CONCLUSION

The current study provided novel insights into the miRNA related mRNA network in KIRC and those 2 DEGs biomarkers and 3 DEMs biomarkers may be independent prognostic signatures in predicting the survival of KIRC patients.

Associations of TIMP-3 Genetic Polymorphisms with EGFR Statuses and Cancer Clinicopathologic Development in Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients

Lung adenocarcinoma (LADC) is a major subtype of lung cancer, particularly among populations of East Asia. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is the most frequently mutated oncogene promoting LADC progression and can serve as a therapeutic target in LADC. The tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-3 is a major regulator of extracellular matrix turnover via targeting of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and thus, plays a critical role in tumor development and progression. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential associations among TIMP-3 genetic polymorphisms, EGFR statuses, and cancer clinicopathologic development in patients with LADC. In this study, 277 LADC patients with different EGFR statuses were recruited to dissect the allelic discrimination of TIMP-3 -1296 T>C (rs9619311), TIMP3 249T>C (rs9862), and TIMP3 261C>T (rs11547635) polymorphisms using a TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. Our data showed that compared to those LADC patients with wild-type CC homozygotes of TIMP-3 rs9862, patients harboring TT homozygotes of rs9862 were at a higher risk of developing mutant EGFR (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.530; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.230–5.205; p = 0.012), particularly the EGFR L858R point mutation (AOR = 2.975; 95% CI: 1.182–7.488; p = 0.021). Moreover, we observed that TIMP-3 TT homozygotes of rs9862 were correlated with the incidence of EGFR mutations in patients with a smoking habit (p = 0.045). Within male patients harboring a mutant EGFR, TIMP-3 rs9862 T (CT+TT) allele carriers were at higher risk of developing an advanced stage (p = 0.025) and lymph node metastasis (p = 0.043). Further analyses of clinical datasets revealed correlations of TIMP-3 expression with a favorable prognosis in patients with LADC. In conclusion, the data suggest that TIMP-3 rs9862 polymorphisms may contribute to identify subgroups of lung cancer patients at high risk for tumor progression, among carriers of LADC-bearing mutant EGFR.

Precondition of sevoflurane upregulates TIMP3 expression to alleviate myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have pointed out that sevoflurane (Sef) preconditioning could relieve myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, but the mechanisms is still unknown.

METHODS

C57BL/6 mice model of myocardial I/R injury was established to evaluate the function of Sef. Briefly, Sef was inhaled before I/R operation. The levels of TIMP3, oxidative damage-related factors, and mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathway-related factors were measured by qRT-PCR and western blot. Myocardial infarction (MI) area was detected by triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining assay.

RESULTS

Sef preconditioning reduced MI area in myocardial I/R injury mice and upregulated TIMP3 expression in myocardial tissues of I/R mice. In addition, downregulation of TIMP3 reversed the alleviating effects of Sef pretreatment on myocardial oxidative damage and inhibited the effect of Sef pretreatment on MAPKs pathway activity.

CONCLUSION

Sef preconditioning ameliorated myocardial I/R injury by modulating MAPKs pathway activity via upregulating TIMP3.

Potential therapeutic effects of curcumin mediated by JAK/STAT signaling pathway: A review

Curcumin is a naturally occurring nutraceutical compound with a number of therapeutic and biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antitumor, and cardioprotective. This plant-derived chemical has demonstrated great potential in targeting various signaling pathways to exert its protective effects. Signal transducers and activator of transcription (STAT) is one of the molecular pathways involved in a variety of biological processes such as cell proliferation and cell apoptosis. Accumulating data demonstrates that the STAT pathway is an important target in treatment of a number of disorders, particularly cancer. Curcumin is capable of affecting STAT signaling pathway in induction of its therapeutic impacts. Curcumin is able to enhance the level of anti-inflammatory cytokines and improve inflammatory disorders such as colitis by targeting STAT signaling pathway. Furthermore, studies show that inhibition of JAK/STAT pathway by curcumin is involved in reduced migration and invasion of cancer cells. Curcumin normalizes the expression of JAK/STAT signaling pathway to exert anti-diabetic, renoprotective, and neuroprotective impacts. At the present review, we provide a comprehensive discussion about the effect of curcumin on JAK/STAT signaling pathway to direct further studies in this field.