CENPF Upregulation is Associated with Immunosuppressive Status and Poor Clinical Outcomes in Lung Adenocarcinoma Validated by qRT-PCR

OBJECTIVE

CENPF-differentially expressed in various types of cancers-is a marker of poor prognosis. However, studies on the impact of CENPF on patient prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma regarding immune infiltration are lacking.

METHODS

CENPF expression profiles were analyzed in the GEO and TCGA databases. qRT-PCR was used to verify CENPF mRNA expression in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines. The prognostic value of CENPF was evaluated by combining data from clinical samples in the GEPIA2 and TCGA databases. Metascape and WebGestalt were used for enrichment analysis of gene sets most positively associated with CENPF. Immune cell infiltration score data were retrieved from TCGA and the correlation between CENPF expression and immune cell infiltration was analyzed.

RESULTS

CENPF expression was elevated in 29 types of cancer. CENPF was highly expressed and increased with tumor grade in lung adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemical and qRT-PCR analyses revealed that CENPF expression was upregulated in lung adenocarcinoma tissues and cells. High expression of CENPF significantly worsened prognoses in patients with multiple malignancies, including lung adenocarcinoma. Results from gene set enrichment analysis indicated significant enrichment of the progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation pathway. Immune infiltration analysis revealed that CD4+ Th2 cell infiltration was significantly higher in the high CENPF expression group.

CONCLUSION

Upregulation of CENPF expression was related to poor progression-free survival, disease- free survival, and overall survival in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. High expression of CENPF was markedly related to genes associated with the immune checkpoint. Lung adenocarcinoma samples with high CENPF expression had increased CD4+ Th2 cell infiltration. Our findings indicate that CENPF promotes CD4+ Th2 cell infiltration through oncogenic activity and may be used as a biomarker for predicting patient outcomes in lung adenocarcinoma.

FOXM1 and CENPF are associated with a poor prognosis through promoting proliferation and migration in lung adenocarcinoma

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a clinically challenging disease due to its poor prognosis and limited therapeutic methods. The aim of the present study was to identify prognosis-related genes and therapeutic targets for LUAD. Raw data from the GSE32863, GSE41271 and GSE42127 datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Following normalization, the data were merged into a matrix, which was first used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and survival analysis were performed to screen potential prognosis-related genes. Gene overlaps among DEGs, survival-related genes and WGCNA genes were finally constructed to obtain candidate genes. An analysis with the STRING database was performed to construct a protein-protein interaction network and hub genes were selected using Cytoscape. The candidate genes were finally identified by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Furthermore, in vivo and in vitro experiments, including immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Cell Counting Kit-8, colony-formation and migration assays, were performed to validate the potential mechanism of these genes in LUAD. Two genes, namely forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) and centromere protein F (CENPF), were identified as unfavorable indicators of prognosis in patients with LUAD. High expression of FOXM1 and CENPF were associated with poor survival. Furthermore, LUAD cells with FOXM1 and CENPF knockdown showed a significant reduction in proliferation and migration (P<0.05). FOXM1 and CENPF may have an essential role in the prognosis of patients with LUAD by influencing cell proliferation and migration, and they provide potential molecular targets for LUAD therapy.

Novel Loss of Function Variants in CENPF Including a Large Intragenic Deletion in Patients with Strømme Syndrome

Strømme syndrome is an ultra-rare primary ciliopathy with clinical variability. The syndrome is caused by bi-allelic variants in CENPF, a protein with key roles in both chromosomal segregation and ciliogenesis. We report three unrelated patients with Strømme syndrome and, using high-throughput sequencing approaches, we identified novel pathogenic variants in CENPF, including one structural variant, giving a genetic diagnosis to the patients. Patient 1 was a premature baby who died at 26 days with congenital malformations affecting many organs including the brain, eyes, and intestine. She was homozygous for a donor splice variant in CENPF, NM_016343.3:c.1068+1G>A, causing skipping of exon 7, resulting in a frameshift. Patient 2 was a female with intestinal atresia, microcephaly, and a Peters anomaly. She had normal developmental milestones at the age of 7 years. She is compound heterozygous for CENPF NM_016343.3:c.5920dup and c.8991del, both frameshift. Patient 3 was a male with anomalies of the brain, eye, intestine, and kidneys. He was compound heterozygous for CENPF p.(Glu298Ter), and a 5323 bp deletion covering exon 1. CENPF exon 1 is flanked by repetitive sequences that may represent a site of a recurrent structural variation, which should be a focus in patients with Strømme syndrome of unknown etiology.

Long Non-Coding RNA Small Nucleolar RNA Host Gene 4 Induced by Transcription Factor SP1 Promoted the Progression of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Through Modulating microRNA-510-5p/Centromere Protein F Axis

Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are implicated with tumorigenesis and the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Previous studies suggested that long non-coding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 4 (SNHG4) exerted oncogenic roles in various cancers. However, the function and molecular mechanism of SNHG4 in NPC have not been investigated. In our study, it was confirmed that the SNHG4 level was enriched in NPC tissues and cells. Functional assays indicated that SNHG4 depletion inhibited the proliferation and metastasis but promoted apoptosis of NPC cells. Furthermore, we identified miR-510-5p as a downstream gene of SNHG4 in NPC cells and SNHG4 upregulated CENPF expression by binding to miR-510-5p. Moreover, there was a positive (or negative) association between CENPF and SNHG4 (or miR-510-5p) expression in NPC. In addition, rescue experiments verified that CENPF overexpression or miR-510-5p silencing abrogated inhibitory effects on NPC tumorigenesis caused by SNHG4 deficiency. The study demonstrated that SNHG4 promoted NPC progression via miR-510-5p/CENPF axis, providing a novel potential therapeutic target for NPC treatments.

Prognostic Significance of Proliferative Markers: Cyclin D1 and CENPF in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients-A Cohort Study

Introduction

Oral cancer ranks sixth place worldwide among other cancers and is known for its high morbidity and mortality rates. Among oral cancer, oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) remains the most common. Expression of specific biomarkers are known to be related to the prognosis of the OSCC.

Methodology

An immunohistochemistry study was performed to evaluate the expression of Cyclin D1 and CENPF for their prognostic significance in twenty OSCC patients. The follow-up period ranged from 10 to 18 months. The expression of these proliferative markers was correlated with demographic, clinical and histopathological grade of the disease.

Results

The results revealed 28% mortality rates in relation to OSCC involving retro-molar trigone. Based on the Cyclin D1 and CENPF expression, high mortality rate (Pearson coefficient = 0.800) was seen with grade 3 and 4 expressions of the markers. Decreased survival rates (Pearson coefficient = 0.824) were observed with stage III and IV disease with grade 3 and 4 expressions of the markers.

Conclusion

Cyclin D1 and CENPF have shown promising results as proliferative markers which can be linked with prognosis of OSCC in this study. Further studies with larger sample size are needed to extrapolate our findings.

N6-methyladenosine modification of CENPF mRNA facilitates gastric cancer metastasis via regulating FAK nuclear export

BACKGROUND

N6-methyladenosine (m⁶ A) modification is the most common modification that occurs in eukaryotes. Although substantial effort has been made in the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer (GC) in recent years, the prognosis of GC patients remains unsatisfactory. The regulatory mechanism between m⁶ A modification and GC development needs to be elucidated. In this study, we examined m⁶ A modification and the downstream mechanism in GC.

METHODS

Dot blotting assays, The Cancer Genome Atlas analysis, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) were used to measure the m⁶ A levels in GC tissues. Methylated RNA-immunoprecipitation sequencing and RNA sequencing were performed to identify the targets of m⁶ A modification. Western blotting, Transwell, wound healing, and angiogenesis assays were conducted to examine the role of centromere protein F (CENPF) in GC in vitro. Xenograft, immunohistochemistry, and in vivo metastasis experiments were conducted to examine the role of CENPF in GC in vivo. Methylated RNA-immunoprecipitation-qPCR, RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR and RNA pulldown assays were used to verify the m⁶ A modification sites of CENPF. Gain/loss-of-function and rescue experiments were conducted to determine the relationship between CENPF and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in GC cells. Coimmunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, qRT-PCR, and immunofluorescence assays were performed to explore the proteins that interact with CENPF and elucidate the regulatory mechanisms between them.

RESULTS

CENPF was upregulated in GC and facilitated the metastasis of GC both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, increased m⁶ A modification of CENPF was mediated by methyltransferase 3, and this modified molecule could be recognized by heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2/B1 (HNRNPA2B1), thereby promoting its mRNA stability. In addition, the metastatic phenotype of CENPF was dependent on the MAPK signaling pathway. Furthermore, CENPF could bind to FAK and promote its localization in the cytoplasm. Moreover, we discovered that high expression of CENPF was related to lymphatic invasion and overall survival in GC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings revealed that increased m⁶ A modification of CENPF facilitates the metastasis and angiogenesis of GC through the CENPF/FAK/MAPK and epithelial-mesenchymal transition axis. CENPF expression was correlated with the clinical features of GC patients; therefore, CENPF may serve as a prognostic marker of GC.

Integrated pan-cancer analysis of centromere protein F and experimental verification of its role and clinical significance in cholangiocarcinoma

Centromere protein F (CENPF), a protein related to the cell cycle, is a key part of the kinetochore-centromere complex involved in cell division, differentiation, and proliferation. CENPF expression is upregulated in various types of cancer and plays a role in oncogenesis and tumor progression. However, the expression pattern, prognostic significance, and biological role of CENPF in these cancer types are poorly understood. Therefore, in this study, we conducted a pan-cancer analysis of the role of CENPF, which we considered a cut point, to investigate its utility as a prognostic and immunological indicator for malignancies, especially cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Using systematic bioinformatics analysis, we investigated the expression patterns, prognostic relevance, molecular function, signaling pathways, and immune infiltration patterns of CENPF in the pan-cancer analysis. Western blot and immunohistochemistry staining assays were performed to evaluate the expression profiles of CENPF in CCA tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, wound healing, and Transwell assays, as well as CCA xenograft mouse models, were employed to determine the role and function of CENPF in CCA. The results showed that CENPF expression was upregulated and strongly linked to a worse prognosis in most cancer types. CENPF expression was substantially associated with immune cell infiltration, tumor microenvironment, genes related to immune checkpoints, tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, and immunotherapy response in diverse malignancies. CENPF was considerably overexpressed in CCA tissues and cells. Functionally, inhibiting CENPF expression significantly reduced the proliferating, migrating, and invading abilities of CCA cells. CENPF expression also affects the prognosis of multiple malignancies, which is highly associated with immunotherapy response and tumor immune cell infiltration. In conclusion, CENPF may act as an oncogene and an immune infiltration-related biomarker and can accelerate tumor development in CCA.

Deciphering the Prognostic and Therapeutic Significance of Cell Cycle Regulator CENPF: A Potential Biomarker of Prognosis and Immune Microenvironment for Patients with Liposarcoma

Liposarcoma (LPS) is one of the most common subtypes of sarcoma with a high recurrence rate. CENPF is a regulator of cell cycle, differential expression of which has been shown to be related with various cancers. However, the prognostic value of CENPF in LPS has not been deciphered yet. Using data from TCGA and GEO datasets, the expression difference of CENPF and its effects on the prognosis or immune infiltration of LPS patients were analyzed. As results show, CENPF was significantly upregulated in LPS compared to normal tissues. Survival curves illustrated that high CENPF expression was significantly associated with adverse prognosis. Univariate and multivariate analysis suggested that CENPF expression could be an independent risk factor for LPS. CENPF was closely related to chromosome segregation, microtubule binding and cell cycle. Immune infiltration analysis elucidated a negative correlation between CENPF expression and immune score. In conclusion, CENPF not only could be considered as a potential prognostic biomarker but also a potential malignant indicator of immune infiltration-related survival for LPS. The elevated expression of CENPF reveals an unfavorable prognostic outcome and worse immune score. Thus, therapeutically targeting CENPF combined with immunotherapy might be an attractive strategy for the treatment of LPS.

Identification of the novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers associated of prostate cancer with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs)

Globally, prostate cancer remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity despite advances in treatment. Research on prostate cancer has primarily focused on the malignant epithelium, but the tumor microenvironment has recently been recognized as an important factor in the progression of prostate cancer. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in prostate cancer progression among multiple cell types in the tumor microenvironment. In order to develop new treatments and identify predictive and prognostic biomarkers for CAFs, further research is needed to understand the mechanism of action of prostate cancer and CAF. In this work, we performed the single-cell RNA sequence analysis to obtain the biomarkers for CAFs, and ten genes were finally regarded as the marker genes for CAFs. Based on the ssGSEA algorithm, the prostate cancer cohort was divided into low- and high-CAFs groups. Further analysis revealed that the CAFs-score is associated with many immune-related cells and immune-related pathways. In addition, between the low- and high-CAFs tissues, a total of 127 hub genes were discovered, which is specific in CAFs. After constructing the prognostic prediction model, SLPI, VSIG2, CENPF, SLC7A1, SMC4, and ITPR2 were finally regarded as the key genes in the prognosis of patients with prostate cancer. Each patient was assigned with the risk score as follows: SLPI* 0.000584811158157081 + VSIG2 * -0.01190627068889 + CENPF * -0.317826812875334 + SLC7A1 * -0.0410213995358753 + SMC4 * 0.202544454923637 + ITPR2 * -0.0824652047622673 + TOP2A * 0.140312081524807 + OR51E2 * -0.00136602095885459. The GSVA revealed the biological features of CAFs, many cancer-related pathways, such as the adipocytokine signaling pathway, ERBB signaling pathway, GnRH signaling pathway, insulin signaling pathway, mTOR signaling pathway and PPAR signaling pathway are closely associated with CAFs. As a result of these observations, similar transcriptomics may be involved in the transition from normal fibroblasts to CAFs in adjacent tissues. As one of the biomarkers for CAFs, CENPF can promote the proliferation ability of prostate cancer cells. The overexpress of CENPF could promote the proliferation ability of prostate cancer cells. In conclusion, we discuss the potential prognostic and therapeutic value of CAF-dependent pathways in prostate cancer.

Hsa_circ_0002082 up-regulates Centromere Protein F via abolishing miR-508-3p to promote breast cancer progression

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) dysregulation has been revealed to function in the pathological processes of cancers. Herein, the role and mechanisms of hsa_circ_0002082 in breast cancer (BC) progression were elucidated.

METHODS

In vivo and in vitro functional experiments were conducted, and the interaction between miR-508-3p and hsa_circ_0002082 or Centromere Protein F (CENPF) was elucidated.

RESULTS

Hsa_circ_0002082 expression was higher in BC tissues and cell lines. Functionally, knockdown of hsa_circ_0002082 induced apoptosis and suppressed proliferation and metastasis in BC cells in vitro. Mechanistically, hsa_circ_0002082 targeted miR-508-3p, which was confirmed to be decreased in BC. MiR-508-3p overexpression suppressed BC cell malignant phenotypes, moreover, inhibition of miR-508-3p attenuated the anticancer action of hsa_circ_0002082 silencing on BC cells. Besides that, miR-508-3p targeted CENPF, CENPF was highly expressed in BC, CENPF up-regulation reversed the suppressive impacts of miR-508-3p on BC cell growth and metastasis. Besides, hsa_circ_0002082 silencing impeded BC growth in nude mice.

CONCLUSION

Knockdown of hsa_circ_0002082 suppresses breast cancer growth and metastasis by miR-508-3p/CENPF axis, suggesting that hsa_circ_0002082 may be a promising target for breast cancer treatment.

LINC00536 knockdown inhibits breast cancer cells proliferation, invasion, and migration through regulation of the miR-4282/centromere protein F axis

Breast cancer (BC) poses a huge threat to women's health. Growing evidence has shown lncRNAs play critical roles in BC progression. However, the effect of LINC00536 in BC remains unknown. LINC00536, miR-4282, and centromere protein F (CENPF) expressions in BC cells were determined using qPCR assay. Colony formation assay was employed to evaluate the cell proliferation of BC cells. Besides, cell migration and invasion were evaluated using the transwell assay. FISH assay was employed to analyze LINC00536 and miR-4282 locations in BC cells. Additionally, dual luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to verify the binding relationships between LINC00536 and miR-4282, miR-4282 and CENPF. Here, our results displayed that LINC00536 and CENPF were overexpressed in BC cells, while miR-4282 was downregulated. LINC00536 could negatively regulate miR-4282 expression via directly binding to miR-4282. LINC00536 silence suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of BC cells, which was abolished by miR-4282 inhibition. Additionally, miR-4282 could negatively regulate CENPF expression via directly binding to CENPF. MiR-4282 overexpression suppressed BC development, which was abolished by CENPF overexpression. Finally, we proved that LINC00536 silencing suppressed BC growth via regulating the miR-4282/CENPF axis in vivo. Our research displayed that LINC00536 acted as an oncogene in BC. LINC00536-enhanced BC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Moreover, LINC00536 functioned as a ceRNA to exert malignant characteristics in BC via the miR-4282-CENPF axis. Collectively, our results demonstrated that the LINC00536-miR-4282-CENPF axis was a critical player in BC development and was a promising target for BC therapy.

Centromere Protein F (CENPF): A novel marker for salivary gland pathology

Background

Salivary gland tumours are relatively uncommon, and there exists considerable diagnostic difficulty. This is due to individual lesions having diverse histopathological features, presence of number of types and variants, and overlapping histological features in different tumour entities.

Aim

The current study aimed at assessing the expression of centromere protein F (CENPF) in benign and malignant salivary gland tumours and to evaluate the efficacy of CENPF as a proliferative marker to aid in the diagnosis of malignancy so that it will help in surgical pathology practice.

Materials and Methods

The study group involved 20 cases of benign salivary gland tumours, 20 cases of malignant salivary gland tumours, and 10 normal salivary gland tissues. All the cases were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis for CENPF expression and were assessed by two independent observers and further taken up for evaluation.

Statistical Analysis

The results were analysed statistically among different groups using analysis of variance (ANOVA) or Kruskal-Wallis test with Chi-squared test using IBM's Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0.

Results

CENPF expression in normal salivary gland was negative with gradual increase in expression from benign salivary gland tumours to malignant salivary gland tumours. CENPF expression was high in malignant salivary gland tumours.

Conclusion

Findings of the study suggest that CENPF can be regarded as a new cell proliferation marker for malignant salivary gland tumours.

Therapeutic effects of acupuncture in rheumatoid arthritis are associated with centromere protein F expression

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to study the critical role of CENPF in regulation of rheumatoid arthritis with acupuncture treatment.

METHODS

PCA was used to analyze the different expression genes between AP treatment group and control group. Volcano plot and random forest model were used to analyze the decreased and increased expression genes. RT-qPCR and IF were used to measure the expression of CENPF in CIA model rat with or without AP treatment. The expression of MCP-1, TNF-α and IL-6 was measured by western blotting. The pathology character and arthritis index were used to analyze the severity of joint injury.

RESULTS

PCA data showed that the expression of genes was different between AP treatment group and control group from GEO datasets. Volcano plot and random forest model analysis indicated that CENPF is the most significantly increased expression gene after AP treatment. RT-qPCR and IF assay showed that CENPF is reduced expression in CIA model rat, while CENPF is upregulated expression in CIA model rat with AP treatment. Furthermore, overexpression of CENPF reduced the increasing of MCP-1, TNF-α and IL-6 in CIA model rat. On the contrary, CENPF deficiency induced the expression of MCP-1, TNF-α and IL-6 in CIA model rat. Additionally, the expression of MCP-1, TNF-α and IL-6 in CIA model rat was suppressed, whereas knockdown of CENPF antagonized the decrease of MCP-1, TNF-α and IL-6 in CIA model rat with AP treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

CENPF may be a key gene in regulation of the therapeutic effects of acupuncture in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a globally common autoimmune inflammatory disease found especially in China. Acupuncture (AP), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment method, is commonly used for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Many studies have demonstrated that acupuncture alone or in combination with other treatments is beneficial to treat clinical situation of rheumatoid arthritis, thus improving function and quality of life. In this study, we found that centromere protein F (CENPF) is a key gene in rheumatoid arthritis with acupuncture treatment by using differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and random forest model analysis of GSE57983 and GSE77298. Acupuncture helps to up-regulate the expression of CENPF in tissues in rheumatoid arthritis. Functionally, overexpression of CENPF inhibits monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and Interleukin (IL)-6 expressions whereas deficiency of CENPF facilitates MCP-1, TNF-α, and IL-6 expressions in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model. Furthermore, knocked down CENPF with acupuncture treatment antagonizes the inhibition of MCP-1, TNF-α, and IL-6 expressions in a CIA rat model. CENPF could be a crucial biomarker in regulating function of acupuncture in treating rheumatoid arthritis.

CENPF as an independent prognostic and metastasis biomarker corresponding to CD4+ memory T cells in cutaneous melanoma

Owing to recent advances in immunotherapies, the overall survival of patients with skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) has increased; however, the 5-year survival rate of metastatic patients remains poor. Skin cutaneous melanoma-upregulated genes were screened via analysis of differentially expressed genes (GSE3189 and GSE46517), and metastasis-related oncogenes were identified via weighted gene coexpression network analysis of the GSE46517 dataset. As confirmed by the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource, we found highly expressed centromere protein F (CENPF) in SKCM and its metastases. Immunostaining of human melanoma tissues demonstrated high CENPF expression. According to the Kaplan-Meier survival curve log-rank test, receiver-operating characteristic curve, and univariate and multivariate analyses, the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database suggested CENPF be a typical independent predictor of SKCM. The CIBERSORT algorithm classified the types of the immune cells from GSE46517 and showed higher proportion of CD4+ memory-activated T cells in metastatic melanoma. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis of TCGA data confirmed the correlation between CENPF and activated CD4+ T cells. Centromere protein F was positively correlated with tumor mutational burden and CD4+ memory T cell markers (interleukin [IL]-23A, CD28, and CD62L), negatively associated with memory T cell maintenance factors (IL-7 and IL-15) by correlation analysis. Moreover, immunofluorescence showed high coexpression of CENPF and IL23A, CD4 in melanoma. Upregulated CENPF might lead to premature depletion of CD4+ memory T cells and immunosuppression. Nomogram indicated CENPF clinical predictive value for 1-, 3-, 5-, and 7-year melanoma overall survival. Therefore, CENPF plays a vital role in the progression and metastasis of melanoma and can be an effective therapeutic target.

MiR-1-3p targets CENPF to repress tumor-relevant functions of gastric cancer cells

Here we noted significantly downregulated miR-1-3p in gastric cancer (GC) tissue compared with adjacent normal tissue through qRT-PCR. Lowly expressed miR-1-3p correlated GC progression. Overexpressing miR-1-3p could restrain tumor-relevant cell behaviors in GC, while miR-1-3p inhibitor treatment triggered the opposite results. Moreover, dual-luciferase reporter gene detection identified specific binding sites of miR-1-3p in CENPF 3’untranslated region. Upregulating miR-1-3p constrained cell progression of GC via CENPF downregulation. Western blot, qRT-PCR and dual-luciferase detections manifested that miR-1-3p negatively mediated CENPF expression in GC cells. Thus, we demonstrated that miR-1-3p negatively mediated CENPF to hamper GC progression. CENPF may be an underlying target for GC therapy.

Biallelic variants in CENPF causing a phenotype distinct from Strømme syndrome

Biallelic loss-of-function (LoF) variants in CENPF gene are responsible for Strømme syndrome, a condition presenting with intestinal atresia, anterior ocular chamber anomalies, and microcephaly. Through an international collaboration, four individuals (three males and one female) carrying CENPF biallelic variants, including two missense variants in homozygous state and four LoF variants, were identified by exome sequencing. All individuals had variable degree of developmental delay/intellectual disability and microcephaly (ranging from -2.9 SDS to -5.6 SDS) and a recognizable pattern of dysmorphic facial features including inverted-V shaped interrupted eyebrows, epicanthal fold, depressed nasal bridge, and pointed chin. Although one of the cases had duodenal atresia, all four individuals did not have the combination of internal organ malformations of Strømme syndrome (intestinal atresia and anterior eye segment abnormalities). Immunofluorescence analysis on skin fibroblasts on one of the four cases with the antibody for ARL13B that decorates primary cilia revealed shorter primary cilia that are consistent with a ciliary defect. This case-series of individuals with biallelic CENPF variants suggests the spectrum of clinical manifestations of the disorder that may be related to CENPF variants is broad and can include phenotypes lacking the cardinal features of Strømme syndrome.

The first case report of Strømme syndrome in a Chinese patient: Expanding the phenotype and literature review

Strømme syndrome (MIM #243605) is a rare autosomal recessive ciliopathy resulting from compound heterozygous or homozygous pathogenic alterations in the CENPF gene (# 600236). Although there are a number of case reports featuring individuals with clinically compatible Strømme syndrome, only 13 affected individuals had molecular confirmation worldwide. Herein, we report a 24 years old Chinese gentleman with molecularly confirmed Strømme syndrome with compound heterozygous pathogenic nonsense variants in NM_016343.3(CENPF):c.436C > T, p.(Gln146*) and c.9280C > T, p.(Arg3094*). He presented with microcephaly, unilateral microphthalmia, single central upper incisor and bilateral preaxial polydactyly. To our knowledge, this is the first reported Chinese individual with molecularly confirmed Strømme syndrome.

Upregulated mitosis-associated genes CENPE, CENPF, and DLGAP5 predict poor prognosis and chemotherapy resistance of Acute Myeloid Leukemia

BACKGROUND

Mitosis-associated genes are dysregulated in many types of cancers and play important roles in disease progression and chemotherapy resistance. However, their expression and functions in chemotherapy-resistant Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) are still largely undetermined.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the roles of spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) genes CENPE, CENPF, and DLGAP5 in chemotherapy-resistant AML.

METHODS

RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed in patients with chemotherapy-resistant AML and chemotherapy-sensitive AML. AML mRNA data from 151 patients with recurrence were downloaded from TCGA. Integrated analysis of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), GO and KEGG pathways. CENPE, CENPF, or DLGAP5 knockdown cell lines were used to analyse proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle alterations.

RESULTS

A total of 87 DEGs (48 upregulated and 39 downregulated) were obtained through gene analysis of R/R-AML and a total of 329 DEGs (202 upregulated and 127 downregulated) were obtained in refractory S-AML. Upregulated DEGs were mainly enriched in cell cycle (GO: 0007049, hsa04110) and mitotic cell cycle (GO: 0000278) processes and pathway. Venn diagram analysis identified the most upregulated DEGs (including CENPE, CENPF, and DLGAP5) in chemoresistant AML. The expression of CENPE, CENPF and DLGAP5 in R-AML (TCGA) was significantly higher than that of primary AML (GEO). The proliferation of K562 cells after CENPE and DLGAP5 knockdown was significantly decreased (P= 0.0001 and P= 0.0006). In THP-1 cells, the CCK-8 values after CENPE, CENPF and DLGAP5 knockdown were significantly decreased (P= 0.01, P= 0.0395 and P= 0.0362). Knockdown of CENPE, CENPF and DLGAP5 significantly increased cell apoptosis by regulating Caspase-9, BAX, TP-53 and bcl-2, and induced cell cycle arrested by regulating CDK1, CDK2, CDKN1A, and CyclinD1.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the mitotic cell cycle-associated genes CENPE, CENPF, and DLGAP5 were upregulated in chemotherapy-resistant AML patients and might be useful for predicting poor prognosis.

Apoptosis-induced translocation of centromere protein F in its corresponding autoantibody production in hepatocellular carcinoma

Serum autoantibodies against tumor-associated antigen have important value in the early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the mechanism of autoantibody production is poorly understood. We previously showed that autoantibodies against the centromere protein F (CENPF) may be useful as an early diagnostic marker for HCC. Here we explored the mechanism of cell apoptosis-based CENPF autoantibody production and verified the correlation of CENPF autoantibody level with HCC development. We demonstrated that CENPF was overexpressed and aberrantly localized throughout the nuclei and cytoplasm in human HCC cells compared with hepatic cells. CENPF overexpression promoted the production of CENPF autoantibodies in a manner that correlated with tumor growth of mouse HCC model. During apoptosis of HCC cells, CENPF protein translocated to apoptotic vesicles and relocalized at the cell surface. Through isolating apoptotic components, we found apoptotic body and blebs with lower CD31 and CD47 expression more effectively induced DC phagocytosis and maturation compared with apoptotic intact cells in vitro, and this DC response was independent of CENPF expression. Moreover, injection of mice with apoptotic bodies and blebs effectively induced an immune response and the production of CENPF-specific antibodies. Our findings provide a first elucidation of mechanisms underlying the CENPF autoantibody production via cell apoptosis-induced CENPF translocation, and demonstrate a direct correlation between CENPF autoantibody levels and HCC progression, suggesting the potential of CENPF autoantibody as an HCC diagnostic marker.

Upregulation of CENPF is linked to aggressive features of osteosarcoma

Centromere protein F (CENPF) plays a key role in the regulation of the cell cycle. The present study revealed that CENPF was overexpressed in a variety of tumors and associated with the poor prognosis of osteosarcoma. The mRNA expression levels of CENPF were analyzed using the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis database and the protein levels of CENPF were detected in the specimens from patients with osteosarcoma using immunohistochemistry. Cell proliferation, cell cycle and flow cytometry assays were performed after the transfection of control or CENPF plasmids into osteosarcoma cells. A xenografts assay was used to determine the effects of CENPF on tumor growth in vivo. The results showed that CENPF was upregulated in osteosarcoma tissues and associated with high-grade tumor stage (P=0.023) and intraglandular dissemination (P=0.046). The transfection-induced depletion of CENPF in human osteosarcoma MG-63 and U-2 OS cell lines inhibited cell proliferation, stimulated apoptosis and induced cell cycle arrest. Induced CENPF depletion in MG-63 cells inhibited tumor growth of osteosarcoma cells in mice. These findings suggested that elevated CENPF levels contributed to increased cell proliferation by mediating apoptosis and cell cycle in osteosarcoma. Therefore, CENPF might be a potential biomarker for poor prognosis of osteosarcoma.

miR-383-5p inhibits human malignant melanoma cells function via targeting CENPF

Human malignant melanoma (MM), is a type of skin cancer with high morbidity and mortality. In this study, we investigated the role of miR-383-5p in human MM cells in vitro. miR-383-5p expression was downregulated in MM cell lines compared with the human normal melanocyte cell line, and miR-383-5p overexpression inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of M14 and A375 cells. Furthermore, miR-383-5p was able to effectively bind to the 3'UTR of CENPF mRNA. miR-383-5p expression was negatively correlated with CENPF expression and miR-383-5p overexpression inhibited CENPF protein expression in M14 and A375 cells. The overexpression of CENPF could effectively rescue the inhibitory effect on proliferation and invasion caused by miR-383-5p. Additionally, using publicly available databases, we showed that CENPF expression was upregulated in human MM tissues and could predict the prognosis of MM. In conclusion, miR-383-5p acts as a tumor suppressor in human MM by targeting CENPF, suggesting CENPF as a potential therapeutic target for human MM.

Centromere Protein F (CENPF) Serves as a Potential Prognostic Biomarker and Target for Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Overexpression of Centromere Protein F (CENPF) is associated with tumorigenesis of many human malignant tumors. But the molecular mechanism and prognostic value of CENPF in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are still unclear. In this essay, expression of CENPF in HCC tumors were evaluated in a series of databases, including GEO, TCGA, Oncomine, GEPIA, The Human Protein Atlas and Kaplan-Meier plotter. It was apparent that mRNA and protein expression levels of CENPF were significantly increased in patients with HCC and were manifestly associated with the tumor stage of HCC. Aberrant expressions of CENPF were significantly linked with worse overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in HCC patients. Then, immunohistochemistry of CENPF in human HCC samples was carried out to suggest that CENPF protein was over-expressed in HCC tissues, compared with paired adjacent non-cancerous samples. And small interfering RNAs of CENPF in the human HepG2 cells were further performed to reveal that down-regulation of CENPF significantly inhibited cell proliferation, cell migration, and cell invasion, but slightly promoted cell apoptosis in human HepG2 cells. Moreover, the gene-set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted to probe the biology process and molecular signaling pathway of CENPF in HCC. The GSEA analysis pointed out that CENPF was principally enriched in cell cycle and closely related to E2F1 and CDK1 in the regulation of cell cycle, especially during G2/M transition of mitosis in HCC. Additionally, immune infiltration analysis by CIBERSORTx revealed that mutilpe immune cells, including T_reg, etc., were significantly different in HCC samples with CENPF^high, compared with CENPF^low. These results collectively demonstrated that CENPF might serve as a potential prognostic biomarker and novel therapeutic target for HCC. However, further research is needed to validate our findings and promote the clinical application of CENPF in HCC.

Overexpression of CENPF is associated with progression and poor prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma

Background and aim: The molecular signatures of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) are not well understood. Centromere protein F (CENPF) has been shown to promote oncogenesis in many cancers; however, its role in LUAD has not been illustrated. We explored the role of CENPF in LUAD. Methods: CENPF expression level was investigated in public online database firstly, the prognosis of CENPF in LUAD were also assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Then quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed using 13 matched pairs of clinical LUAD tissue samples. Subsequently, the impact of CENPF expression on cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, colony formation was investigated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT), flow cytometric analysis and colony formation assay, respectively. Finally, experimental xenograft lung cancer model of nude mice armpit of right forelimb to determine the effect of CENPF on LUAD tumorigenesis. Results: CENPF mRNA expression was significantly elevated in LUAD tissues compared with adjacent non-tumor lung tissues in Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) (P < 0.001). Up-regulated CENPF was remarkably positively associated with pathological stage, relapse free survival (RFS) as well as overall survival (OS) of LUAD patients. Besides, CENPF knockdown greatly suppressed A549 cell proliferation, induced S phase arrest, promoted apoptosis and decreased colony numbers of LUAD cells. Furthermore, knockdown of CENPF significantly inhibited the tumor growth of the LUAD cells in an experimental xenograft lung cancer model of nude mice armpit of right forelimb. Conclusion: Taken together, these results demonstrated that CENPF may serve as a potential biomarker of prognostic relevance and a potential therapeutic target for LUAD.

Centromere protein F is identified as a novel therapeutic target by genomics profile and contributing to the progression of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the most severe and serious deadliest cancer type worldwide. Centromeric proteins (CENPs) family are involved in centromere formation and kinetochore organization during mitosis and play an important role in cancers. Here, we analyzed all CENPs in a panel of PC tissues and non-tumor tissues by genomics profile. We identified that CENPF is significantly upregulated in PC and correlated with poor prognosis of patients. Furthermore, silencing CENPF significantly inhibited PC cell proliferation, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and caused cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, meanwhile, in vivo growth of pancreatic cells. Moreover, the TNF pathway and longevity regulating pathways are two potential pathways, which were regulated by CENPF. These findings investigated the clinical and functional contribution of CENPF as a novel biomarker for PC.

XBP1 negatively regulates CENPF expression via recruiting ATF6α to the promoter during ER stress

Background

Centromere protein F (CENPF) is a key component of the kinetochore complex involved in mitosis, cell differentiation and cellular response to stresses. However, the alteration of CENPF in response to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has not been well described. In the present study, we investigate CENPF regulation in response to ER stress.

Methods

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to determine CENPF expression under ER stress. Luciferase activity analysis was performed to investigate the promoter regions contributing to CENPF transcription in response to TG. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and ChIP Re-IP assays were used to determine if X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) and/or activating transcription factor 6α (ATF6α) bind in the CENPF promoter region. Cell apoptosis and proliferation were analyzed using TUNEL, cell growth and clonogenic assays.

Results

CENPF expression is dramatically reduced under ER stress induced by thapsigargin (TG), brefeldin A (BFA), or tunicamycin (TM) and this downregulation of CENPF expression was dependent on XBP1 and ATF6α. Luciferase activity analysis of the truncated CENPF promoter indicates that regions from bases - 679 to - 488 and from - 241 to - 78 in the CENPF promoter were sensitive to TG treatment. Additionally, ChIP and ChIP Re-IP assays reveal that XBP1 and ATF6α were assembled on the same regions of CENPF promoter. Notably, we identify two XBP1 binding sequences at positions - 567 and - 192, to which XBP1 binding was enhanced by TG. Finally, CENPF overexpression inhibits cell apoptosis and promotes cell proliferation in response to ER stress.

Conclusion

In summary, these results demonstrate that ER stress plays a crucial role in CENPF expression, and XBP1 may up-regulate DNA-binding affinities after TG treatment to the promoter of CENPF. These findings may contribute to the understanding of the molecular mechanism of CENPF regulation.

LncRNA MCM3AP-AS1 promotes breast cancer progression via modulating miR-28-5p/CENPF axis

Breast cancer is one of the commonly occurred cancers among women and poses a huge threat against female health. Abnormal expression of lncRNA has been confirmed to be an important inducer of cancer. By searching GEO and TCGA database, we found that CENPF was upregulated in breast cancer tissues. Through RT-qPCR, CENPF was found to be upregulated in breast cancer cells. Functional experiments revealed that CENPF had positive effect on the cellular functions, including proliferation, migration and invasion. Subsequently, CENPF was confirmed to combine with miR-28-5p, and its expression was suppressed by miR-28-5p. Furthermore, it was found that miR-28-5p bound to MCM3AP-AS1, and MCM3AP-AS1 expressed at a high level in breast cancer cells. Besides, MCM3AP-AS1 was confirmed as a cytoplasmic RNA. In addition, there was a positive expression correlation between MCM3AP-AS1 and CENPF. Therefore, MCM3AP-AS1 was confirmed to regulate CENPF via competitively binding to miR-28-5p. At last, rescue assays demonstrated that knockdown of CENPF restored miR-28-5p repression-induced cellular processes in MCM3AP-AS1-silenced cells. In vivo assay revealed that MCM3AP-AS1 could hasten tumor growth in breast cancer by targeting CENPF. All results indicated that MCM3AP-AS1/miR-28-5p/CENPF axis accelerates breast cancer progression.

Centromere protein F and Forkhead box M1 correlation with prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common histological type of lung cancer. Altered expression of centromere protein F (CENPF), a transient kinetochore protein, has been found in a variety of human cancers. However, its clinical significance in NSCLC remains unknown. In the present study the results of quantitative PCR and western blot analyses demonstrated that CENPF and Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) were significantly higher in NSCLC tissues than in the non-cancerous controls at both transcriptional and translational levels. Immunohistochemical staining results showed 58.7% (44/75) and 64.0% (48/75) of NSCLC tissues displayed high expression of CENPF and FOXM1, respectively. CENPF protein expression showed a positive correlation with tumor size (P=0.0179), vital status (P=0.0008) and FOXM1 expression (P=0.0013) in NSCLC. Poor overall survival was correlated with high levels of CENPF and FOXM1 in NSCLC patients as evaluated by Kaplan-Meier and log rank test. Multivariate analyses showed that CENPF expression was an independent prognostic factor for NSCLC. In conclusion, our study provides evidence of the prognostic function of CENPF in NSCLC.

Overexpression of CENPF correlates with poor prognosis and tumor bone metastasis in breast cancer

Background

Centromere Protein F (CENPF) associates with the centromere-kinetochore complex and influences cell proliferation and metastasis in several cancers. The role of CENPF in breast cancer (BC) bone metastasis remains unclear.

Methods

Using the ONCOMINE database, we compared the expression of CENPF in breast cancer and normal tissues. Findings were confirmed in 60 BC patients through immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Microarray data from GEO and Kaplan-Meier plots were used analyze the overall survival (OS) and relapse free survival (RFS). Using the GEO databases, we compared the expression of CENPF in primary lesions, lung metastasis lesions and bone metastasis lesions, and validated our findings in BALB/C mouse 4T1 BC models. Based on gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and western blot, we predicted the mechanisms by which CENPF regulates BC bone metastasis.

Results

The ONCOMINE database and immunohistochemical (IHC) showed higher CENPF expression in BC tissue compared to normal tissue. Kaplan-Meier plots also revealed that high CENPF mRNA expression correlated to poor survival and shorter progression-free survival (RFS). From BALB/C mice 4T1 BC models and the GEO database, CENPF was overexpressed in primary lesions, other target organs, and in bone metastasis. Based on gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and western blot, we predicted that CENPF regulates the secretion of parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) through its ability to activate PI3K-AKT-mTORC1.

Conclusion

CENPF promotes BC bone metastasis by activating PI3K-AKT-mTORC1 signaling and represents a novel therapeutic target for BC treatment.

Weighted gene coexpression network analysis identifies a new biomarker of CENPF for prediction disease prognosis and progression in nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer

BACKGROUND

The dreadful prognosis of nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer mainly results from the delay in recognition of individuals with a high risk of progression. Thus, the emphasis of this work lies in developing valuable biomarkers that is conducive to accurately predicting the progression of NMIBC.

METHODS

Microarray data from GSE32894 including 209 NMIBC samples were performed by weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), which could find modules of highly correlated genes and relate modules to external sample traits. Besides, we constructed a protein-protein interaction to facilitate screening the hub gene. At last, we used RNA-seq and microarray data and clinical information from ArrayExpress (E-MTAB-4321) and GSE13507 to select and validate the candidate gene.

RESULTS

In current paper, blue module of 13 gene coexpression clusters we identified was selected as the key modules. Seven genes namely: CDCA8, CENPF, MCM6, MELK, PRC1, STIL, and TPX2 have been identified as candidate genes. Notably, among them, only elevated CENPF in NIMBC tissue was closely associated with low progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rate in three datasets and had a large area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Finally, CENPF was identified as an effective biomarker in NMIBC.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, our findings submit a new progressive and prognostic molecular marker and therapeutic target for NMIBC. Moreover, these genes that deserve to be further researched may improve the comprehension about the occurrence and development of superficial bladder cancer.

HnRNPR-CCNB1/CENPF axis contributes to gastric cancer proliferation and metastasis

Gastric cancer (GC) is a common disease globally with high mortality rate. It is therefore necessary to develop novel therapies targeting specific events in the pathogenesis of GC. Some hnRNP family members are involved in multiple cancer biological behaviors. However, the potential function and mechanism of hnRNPR, a new molecule of hnRNP family in GC remains unknown. We found that the expression of hnRNPR was significantly overexpressed in multiple cancers compared to the normal tissues. Functionally, hnRNPR promoted cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Knockdown of hnRNPR in two type mice models, with two types of tumors models decreased the tumor aggressiveness and metastasis. Mechanistically, hnRNPR targeted oncogenic pathways by stabilizing the expression of CCNB1 and CENPF mRNA level. Knockdown of CCNB1 and CENPF abolished the hnRNPR-induced cell growth and invasion, respectively. Furthermore, the protein level of hnRNPR in the tumor was positively correlated with the expression of CCNB1 and CENPF in clinical samples. Together, these results indicate that overexpression of hnRNPR promoted the aggressiveness of GC by increasing the mRNA expression of CCNB1 and CENPF. HnRNPR-CCNB1/CENPF axis may be a potential therapeutic target for GC treatment.

Loss of CENPF leads to developmental failure in mouse embryos

Aneuploidy caused by abnormal chromosome segregation during early embryo development leads to embryonic death or congenital malformation. Centromere protein F (CENPF) is a member of centromere protein family that regulates chromosome segregation during mitosis. However, its necessity in early embryo development has not been fully investigated. In this study, expression and function of CENPF was investigated in mouse early embryogenesis. Detection of CENPF expression and localization revealed a cytoplasm, spindle and nuclear membrane related dynamic pattern throughout mitotic progression. Farnesyltransferase inhibitor (FTI) was employed to inhibit CENPF farnesylation in zygotes. The results showed that CENPF degradation was inhibited and its specific localization on nuclear membranes in morula and blastocyst vanished after FTI treatment. Also, CAAX motif mutation leads to failure of CENPF-C630 localization in morula and blastocyst. These results indicate that farnesylation plays a key role during CENPF degradation and localization in early embryos. To further assess CENPF function in parthenogenetic or fertilized embryos development, morpholino (MO) and Trim-Away were used to disturb CENPF function. CENPF knockdown in Metaphase II (MII) oocytes, zygotes or embryos with MO approach resulted in failure to develop into morulae and blastocysts, revealing its indispensable role in both parthenogenetic and fertilized embryos. Disturbing of CENPF with Trim-Away approach in zygotes resulted in impaired development of 2-cell and 4-cell, but did not affect the morula and blastocyst formation because of the recovered expression of CENPF. Taken together, our data suggest CENPF plays an important role during early embryonic development in mice. Abbreviation: CENPF: centromere protein F; MO: morpholino; FTI: Farnesyltransferase inhibitor; CENPE: centromere protein E; IVF: in vitro fertilization; MII: metaphase II; SAC: spindle assembly checkpoint; Mad1: mitotic arrest deficient 1; BUB1: budding uninhibited by benzimidazole 1; BUBR1: BUB1 mitotic checkpoint serine/threonine kinase B; Cdc20: cell division cycle 20.

Lymphoid-specific helicase promotes the growth and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma by transcriptional regulation of centromere protein F expression

Lymphoid‐specific helicase (LSH) is overexpressed in tumor tissues and its overexpression is associated with poor prognosis in several cancers. However, the role and molecular mechanism of LSH in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains largely unknown. Herein, we report that LSH was overexpressed in tumor tissues of HCC, and overexpression of LSH was associated with poor prognosis from a public HCC database, and validated by clinical samples from our department. Ectopic LSH expression promoted the growth of HCC cells in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, LSH overexpression promoted tumor growth by activating transcription of centromere protein F (CENPF). Clinically, overexpression of LSH and/or CENPF correlated with shorter overall survival and higher cumulative recurrence rates of HCC. In conclusion, LSH promotes tumor growth of HCC through transcriptional regulation of CENPF expression. Therefore, LSH may be a novel predictor for prognosis and a potential therapeutic target for HCC.

Downregulation of CENPF Remodels Prostate Cancer Cells and Alters Cellular Metabolism

Metabolic alterations in prostate cancer (PC) are associated with progression and aggressiveness. However, the underlying mechanisms behind PC metabolic functions are unknown. The authors' group recently reported on the important role of centromere protein F (CENPF), a protein associated with the centromere-kinetochore complex and chromosomal segregation during mitosis, in PC MRI visibility. This study focuses on discerning the role of CENPF in metabolic perturbation in human PC3 cells. A series of bioinformatics analyses shows that CENPF is one gene that is strongly associated with aggressive PC and that its expression is positively correlated with metastasis. By identifying and reconstructing the CENPF network, additional associations with lipid regulation are found. Further untargeted metabolomics analysis using gas chromatography-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry reveals that silencing of CENPF alters the global metabolic profiles of PC cells and inhibits cell proliferation, which suggests that CENPF may be a critical regulator of PC metabolism. These findings provide useful scientific insights that can be applied in future studies investigating potential targets for PC treatment.

Co-expression Network Analysis Identifies Four Hub Genes Associated With Prognosis in Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Background: Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are heterogeneous tumors derived from mesenchymal cells that differentiate into soft tissues. The prognosis of patients who present with an STS is influenced by the regulation of a complex gene network. Methods: Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to identify gene modules associated with STS (Samples = 156). Results: Among the 11 modules identified, the black and blue modules were highly correlated with STS. However, using preservation analysis, the black module demonstrated low preservation, therefore the blue module was chosen as the module of interest. Furthermore, a total of 20 network hub genes were identified in the blue module, 12 of which were also hub nodes in the protein-protein interaction network of the module genes. Following additional verification, 4 of 12 genes (RRM2, BUB1B, CENPF, and KIF20A) demonstrated poorer overall survival and disease-free survival rate in the test datasets. In addition, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) demonstrated that samples with a high level of blue module eigengene (ME) were enriched in cell cycle and metabolism associated signaling pathways. Conclusion: In summary, co-expression network analysis identified four hub genes associated with prognosis for STS, which may diminish the prognosis by influencing cell cycle and metabolism associated signaling pathways.

Whole Genome Sequencing of a Vietnamese Family from a Dioxin Contamination Hotspot Reveals Novel Variants in the Son with Undiagnosed Intellectual Disability

Although it has been a half-century since dioxin-contaminated herbicides were used to defoliate the landscape during the Vietnam War, dioxin contamination “hotspots” still remain in Vietnam. Environmental and health impacts of these hotspots need to be evaluated. Intellectual disability (ID) is one of the diseases found in the children of people exposed to the herbicides. This study aims to identify genetic alterations of a patient whose family lived in a dioxin hotspot. The patient’s father had a highly elevated dioxin concentration. He was affected with undiagnosed moderate ID. To analyze de novo mutations and genetic variations, and to identify causal gene(s) for ID, we performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) of the proband and his parents. Two de novo missense mutations were detected, each one in ETS2 and ZNF408 genes, respectively. Compound heterozygosity was identified in CENPF and TTN genes. Existing knowledge on the genes and bioinformatics analyses suggest that EST2, ZNF408, and CENPF might be promising candidates for ID causative genes.

Upregulation of centromere protein F is linked to aggressive prostate cancers

Background

Centromere protein F (CENPF) is a key component of the kinetochore complex and plays a crucial role in chromosome segregation and cell cycle progression. Recent work suggests that CENPF upregulation is linked to aggressive tumor features in a variety of malignancies including prostate cancer.

Materials and methods

Using a highly annotated tissue microarray, we analyzed CENPF protein expression from a cohort of 8,298 prostatectomized patients by immunohistochemistry to study its effect on prostate-specific antigen recurrence-free survival.

Results

CENPF overexpression was found in 53% of cancers, and was linked to higher Gleason grade, advanced pathological tumor stage, accelerated cell proliferation, and lymph node metastasis (p<0.0001, each). A comparison with other key molecular features accessible through the microarray revealed strong associations between CENPF overexpression and presence of erythroblast transformation-specific (ETS)-related gene (ERG) fusion as well as phosphatase and tensin homolog deletion (p<0.0001, each). CENPF overexpression was linked to early biochemical recurrence. A subset analysis revealed that this was driven by the ERG-negative subset (p<0.0001). This was independent of established preoperative and postoperative prognostic parameters in multivariate analyses.

Conclusion

The results of our study identify CENPF overexpression as an important mechanism and a potential biomarker for prostate cancer aggressiveness.

Strømme Syndrome Is a Ciliary Disorder Caused by Mutations in CENPF

Strømme syndrome was first described by Strømme et al. (1993) in siblings presenting with "apple peel" type intestinal atresia, ocular anomalies and microcephaly. The etiology remains unknown to date. We describe the long-term clinical follow-up data for the original pair of siblings as well as two previously unreported siblings with a severe phenotype overlapping that of the Strømme syndrome including fetal autopsy results. Using family-based whole-exome sequencing, we identified truncating mutations in the centrosome gene CENPF in the two nonconsanguineous Caucasian sibling pairs. Compound heterozygous inheritance was confirmed in both families. Recently, mutations in this gene were shown to cause a fetal lethal phenotype, the phenotype and functional data being compatible with a human ciliopathy [Waters et al., 2015]. We show for the first time that Strømme syndrome is an autosomal-recessive disease caused by mutations in CENPF that can result in a wide phenotypic spectrum.

The kinetochore protein, CENPF, is mutated in human ciliopathy and microcephaly phenotypes

Background

Mutations in microtubule-regulating genes are associated with disorders of neuronal migration and microcephaly. Regulation of centriole length has been shown to underlie the pathogenesis of certain ciliopathy phenotypes. Using a next-generation sequencing approach, we identified mutations in a novel centriolar disease gene in a kindred with an embryonic lethal ciliopathy phenotype and in a patient with primary microcephaly.

Methods and results

Whole exome sequencing data from a non-consanguineous Caucasian kindred exhibiting mid-gestation lethality and ciliopathic malformations revealed two novel non-synonymous variants in CENPF, a microtubule-regulating gene. All four affected fetuses showed segregation for two mutated alleles [IVS5-2A>C, predicted to abolish the consensus splice-acceptor site from exon 6; c.1744G>T, p.E582X]. In a second unrelated patient exhibiting microcephaly, we identified two CENPF mutations [c.1744G>T, p.E582X; c.8692 C>T, p.R2898X] by whole exome sequencing. We found that CENP-F colocalised with Ninein at the subdistal appendages of the mother centriole in mouse inner medullary collecting duct cells. Intraflagellar transport protein-88 (IFT-88) colocalised with CENP-F along the ciliary axonemes of renal epithelial cells in age-matched control human fetuses but did not in truncated cilia of mutant CENPF kidneys. Pairwise co-immunoprecipitation assays of mitotic and serum-starved HEKT293 cells confirmed that IFT88 precipitates with endogenous CENP-F.

Conclusions

Our data identify CENPF as a new centriolar disease gene implicated in severe human ciliopathy and microcephaly related phenotypes. CENP-F has a novel putative function in ciliogenesis and cortical neurogenesis.

Rab5a is required for spindle length control and kinetochore-microtubule attachment during meiosis in oocytes

Rab GTPases are highly conserved components of vesicle trafficking pathways. Rab5, as a master regulator of endocytic trafficking, has been shown to function in membrane tethering and docking. However, the function of Rab5 in meiosis has not been addressed. Here, we report elongated spindles and misaligned chromosomes, with kinetochore-microtubule misattachments, on specific depletion of Rab5a in mouse oocytes. Moreover, the localization and levels of centromere protein F (CENPF), a component of the nuclear matrix, are severely reduced at kinetochores in metaphase oocytes following Rab5a knockdown. Consistent with this finding, nuclear lamina disassembly in the transition from prophase arrest to meiosis I is also impaired in Rab5a-depleted oocytes. Notably, oocyte-specific ablation of CENPF phenocopies the meiotic defects resulting from Rab5a knockdown. In summary, our data support a model where Rab5a-positive vesicles, likely through interaction with nuclear lamina, modulate CENPF localization and levels at centromeres, consequently ensuring proper spindle length and kinetochore-microtubule attachment in meiotic oocytes.

Characterization of the oncogenic function of centromere protein F in hepatocellular carcinoma

Centromere protein F (CENPF) is an essential nuclear protein associated with the centromere-kinetochore complex and plays a critical role in chromosome segregation during mitosis. Up-regulation of CENPF expression has previously been detected in several solid tumors. In this study, we aim to study the expression and functional role of CENPF in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We found CENPF was frequently overexpressed in HCC as compared with non-tumor tissue. Up-regulated CENPF expression in HCC was positively correlated with serum AFP, venous invasion, advanced differentiation stage and a shorter overall survival. Cox regression analysis found that overexpression of CENPF was an independent prognosis factor in HCC. Functional studies found that silencing CENPF could decrease the ability of the cells to proliferate, form colonies and induce tumor formation in nude mice. Silencing CENPF also resulted in the cell cycle arrest at G2/M checkpoint by down-regulating cell cycle proteins cdc2 and cyclin B1. Our data suggest that CENPF is frequently overexpressed in HCC and plays a critical role in driving HCC tumorigenesis.