β1 integrin-mediated mast cell immune-surveillance of blood vessel content

BACKGROUND

Immunoglobulin E, IgE)-mediated degranulation of mast cells, MCs) provides rapid protection against environmental hazards, including animal venoms. A fraction of tissue-resident MCs intimately associates with blood vessels. These perivascular MCs were reported to extend projections into the vessel lumen and to be the first MCs to acquire intravenously injected IgE, suggesting that IgE loading of MCs depends on their vascular association.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to elucidate the molecular basis of the MC-blood vessel interaction and to determine its relevance for IgE-mediated immune responses.

METHODS

We selectively inactivated the Itgb1 gene, encoding the β1 chain of integrin adhesion molecules, ITGB1; in MCs by conditional gene targeting in mice. We analyzed skin MCs for blood vessel association, surface IgE density, capability to bind circulating antibody specific for MC surface molecules, as well as in vivo responses to antigen administered via different routes.

RESULTS

Lack of ITGB1 expression severely compromised MC blood vessel association. ITGB1-deficient MCs showed normal densities of surface IgE but reduced binding of intravenously injected antibodies. While their capacity to degranulate in response to IgE ligation in vivo was unimpaired, anaphylactic responses to antigen circulating in the vasculature were largely abolished.

CONCLUSION

ITGB1-mediated association of MCs with blood vessels is key for MC immune-surveillance of blood vessel content, but is dispensable for slow steady-state loading of endogenous IgE onto tissue-resident MCs.

Substrate Selection Criteria in Regulated Intramembrane Proteolysis

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia encountered in an aging population. Characteristic amyloid deposits of Aβ peptides in the brain are generated through cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by γ-secretase, an intramembrane protease. Cryo-EM structures of substrate γ-secretase complexes revealed details of the process, but how substrates are recognized and enter the catalytic site is still largely ignored. γ-Secretase cleaves a diverse range of substrate sequences without a common consensus sequence, but strikingly, single point mutations within the transmembrane domain (TMD) of specific substrates may greatly affect cleavage efficiencies. Previously, conformational flexibility was hypothesized to be the main criterion for substrate selection. Here we review the 3D structure and dynamics of several γ-secretase substrate TMDs and compare them with mutants shown to affect the cleavage efficiency. In addition, we present structural and dynamic data on ITGB1, a known nonsubstrate of γ-secretase. A comparison of biophysical details between these TMDs and changes generated by introducing crucial mutations allowed us to unravel common principles that differ between substrates and nonsubstrates. We identified three motifs in the investigated substrates: a highly flexible transmembrane domain, a destabilization of the cleavage region, and a basic signature at the end of the transmembrane helix. None of these appears to be exclusive. While conformational flexibility on its own may increase cleavage efficiency in well-known substrates like APP or Notch1, our data suggest that the three motifs seem to be rather variably combined to determine whether a transmembrane helix is efficiently recognized as a γ-secretase substrate.

Exosomes derived from ITGB1 modified Telocytes alleviates LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress through YAP1/ROS axis

Aims

Previous studies have demonstrated a significant upregulation of Integrin Beta 1 (ITGB1) in Telocytes. This study aims to explore the roles and underlying mechanisms of ITGB1 in inflammation and oxidative stress following Lipo-polysaccharide (LPS) administration in Telocytes.

Methods

We observed an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, accompanied by a reduction in ITGB1 levels post-LPS treatment.

Results

Notably, inhibiting ROS synthesis markedly reduced LPS-induced ITGB1 expression. Additionally, ectopic ITGB1 expression mitigated LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress, evident through decreased levels of pro-inflammatory markers such as Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein (MCP)-1. Depletion of endothelial Yes-Associated Protein 1 (YAP1) notably diminished the levels of inflammatory markers and ROS production. Furthermore, exosomes secreted by ITGB1-modified Telocytes promoted Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) proliferation and inhibited apoptosis. In vivo experiments revealed that exosomes from ITGB1-modified Telocytes modulated functional and structural changes, as well as inflammatory responses in Acute Lung Injury (ALI).

Conclusion

These findings highlight the critical role of the YAP1/ROS axis in LPS-induced Telocyte injuries, underlining the therapeutic potential of targeting ITGB1 for mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress in these cells.

Salidroside promotes pro-angiogenesis and repair of blood brain barrier via Notch/ITGB1 signal path in CSVD Model

INTRODUCTION

Salidroside (SAL), extracted from Rhodiola rosea, has been widely used in coronary heart disease and myocardial ischemia for decades. Previous studies have demonstrated that SAL could reduce arteriosclerosis, and thus combat ischemic brain damage. However, the in-depth function of the salidroside in Cerebral Small Vascular Disease (CSVD) has not been discovered, and related molecular mechanism is still unclear.

OBJECTIVES

The present study aims to explore the effects of salidroside in angiogenesis as well as repair of blood brain barrier (BBB) and its possible mechanisms.

METHODS

We established a rat model of SHR via 2-vessel gradual occlusion (SHR-2VGO) to mimic the CSVD. Subsequently, the MRI, pathomorphism, as well as Morriss water maze test were conducted to determine CSVD-related indicators. 8 weeks post-surgery, animals were randomly administered SAL, DAPT, ATN161 or saline.The aim was to explore the protective effects of SAL in CSVD as well as its possible mechanism.

RESULTS

Here we found that SAL could attenuate cerebral hypoperfusion-induced BBB disruption, promote the pro-angiogenesis through enhancing the cell budding. Further investigations demonstrated that SAL could significantly increase the expression of Notch1, Hes1, Hes5, and ITGB1. In addition, we confirmed that SAL could activate Notch signal path, and then up-regulate ITGB1 to promote pro-angiogenesis and thus protect BBB from disruption.

CONCLUSION

The aforementioned findings demonstrated that SAL could protect BBB integrity through Notch-ITGB1 signaling path in CSVD, which indicated that SAL could be a potential medicine candidate for CSVD treatment.

Comprehensive pan-carcinoma analysis of ITGB1 distortion and its potential clinical significance for cancer immunity

The human protein-coding gene ITGB1 (Integrin 1), also known as CD29, has a length of 58048 base pairs. The Integrin family's most prevalent subunit, it participates in the transmission of numerous intracellular signaling pathways. A thorough examination of ITGB1's functions in human malignancies, however, is inadequate and many of their relationships to the onset and development of human cancers remain unknown. In this work, we examined ITGB1's role in 33 human cancers. Finally, a multi-platform analysis revealed that three of the 33 malignancies had significantly altered ITGB1 expression in tumor tissues in comparison to normal tissues. In addition, it was discovered through survival analysis that ITGB1 was a stand-alone prognostic factor in a number of cancers. ITGB1 expression was linked to immune cell infiltration in colon cancer, according to an investigation of immune infiltration in pan-cancer. In the gene co-expression research, ITGB1 showed a positive connection with the majority of the cell proliferation and EMT indicators, indicating that ITGB1 may have an essential function in controlling cancer metastasis and proliferation. Our pan-cancer analysis of ITGB1 gives evidence in favor of a further investigation into its oncogenic function in various cancer types.

Autophagy Proteins and clinical data reveal the prognosis of polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the significance of autophagy proteins and their association with clinical data on pregnancy loss in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), while also constructing predictive models.

METHODS

This study was a secondary analysis. we collected endometrial samples from 33 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and 7 patients with successful pregnancy control women at the Reproductive Center of the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University between September 2019 and September 2020. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was employed to identify expressed proteins in the endometrium of 40 patients. R was use to identify differential expression proteins(DEPs). Subsequently, Metascape was utilized for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Multivariate Cox analysis was performed to analyze autophagy proteins associated with reproductive outcomes, while logistic regression was used for analyzing clinical data. Linear correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between autophagy proteins and clinical data. We established prognostic models and constructed the nomograms based on proteome data and clinical data respectively. The performance of the prognostic model was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and decision curve analysis (DCA).

RESULTS

A total of 5331 proteins were identified, with 450 proteins exhibiting significant differential expression between the PCOS and control groups. A prognostic model for autophagy protein was developed based on three autophagy proteins (ARSA, ITGB1, and GABARAPL2). Additionally, another prognostic model for clinical data was established using insulin, TSH, TPOAB, and VD3. Our findings revealed a significant positive correlation between insulin and ARSA (R = 0.49), as well as ITGB1 (R = 0.3). Conversely, TSH exhibited a negative correlation with both ARSA (-0.33) and ITGB1 (R = -0.26).

CONCLUSION

Our research could effectively predict the occurrence of pregnancy loss in PCOS patients and provide a basis for subsequent research.

RUNX1/miR-429 feedback loop promotes growth, metastasis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in oral squamous cell carcinoma by targeting ITGB1

This study aimed to explore the role of miR-429 on the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). OSCC cell lines were transfected with miR-429 mimic, pcDNA3.1-RUNX1, or pcDNA3.1-ITGB1, and their cell viability, apoptosis, migration, and invasion abilities were analyzed by cell counting, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling staining, wound healing, and transwell assays, respectively. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull-down, and ChIP were used to assess the regulation of miR-429, RUNX1, and ITGB1 expression in OSCC. Lastly, the biological role of the RUNX1/miR-429 feedback loop was explored in nude mice. The results revealed that miR-429 level was down-regulated, while RUNX1 and ITGB1 levels were up-regulated in OSCC tissues and that miR-429 was negatively correlated with RUNX1 and ITGB1 in OSCC tissues. Transfection of miR-429 mimic suppressed OSCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, we found that miR-429 participated in OSCC progression by directly targeting ITGB1. Additionally, we found that RUNX1 negatively regulated miR-429 expression by binding to its promoter. Our results also revealed that the RUNX1/miR-429 feedback loop regulated ITGB1 expression and that RUNX1 overexpression rescued the inhibitory effects of miR-429 mimic on OSCC cells. In addition, miR-429 mimic significantly suppressed tumor growth, inflammatory cell infiltration, EMT, and ITGB1 expression in vivo, which were inhibited by RUNX1 overexpression. Altogether, these results indicate that the RUNX1/miR-429 feedback loop promoted growth, metastasis, and EMT in OSCC by targeting ITGB1.

Cancer-associated fibroblast-derived extracellular vesicles promote lymph node metastases in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma by encapsulating ITGB1 and BMI1

BACKGROUND

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been revealed to facilitate the development of oral squamous cavity cell carcinoma (OCSCC), while its supporting role in lymph node metastases is under continuous investigation. This study aimed to examine the function of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF)-derived EVs (CAF-EVs) during lymph node metastasis in OCSCC and the mechanisms.

METHODS

CAF were isolated from OCSCC tissues of patients, and CAF-EVs were extracted and identified. EdU, colony formation, wound healing, and Transwell assays were performed. The OCSCC cells before and after CAF-EVs treatment were injected into mice to probe the effects of CAF-EVs on tumor growth and lymph node metastasis, respectively. The effect of CAF-EVs treatment on transcriptome changes in OCSCC cells was analyzed. Clinical data of patients with OCSCC were analyzed to determine the prognostic significance of the selected genes. Finally, loss-of-function assays were conducted to corroborate the involvement of polycomb complex protein BMI-1 (BMI1) and integrin beta1 (ITGB1).

RESULTS

CAF-EVs promoted the malignant behavior of OCSCC cells and accelerated tumor growth and lymph node metastasis in mice. CAF-EVs significantly increased the expression of BMI1 and ITGB1, and the expression of BMI1 and ITGB1 was negatively correlated with the overall survival and relapse-free survival of OCSCC patients. Knockdown of BMI1 or ITGB1 in OCSCC cells abated the promoting effects of CAF-EVs in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSION

CAF-EVs elicited the metastasis-promoting properties in OCSCC by elevating BMI1 and ITGB1, suggesting that BMI1 and ITGB1 could be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for OCSCC.

B4GALNT1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma stemness and progression via integrin α2β1-mediated FAK and AKT activation

Background & Aims

β-1,4-N-Acetyl-galactosaminyltransferase 1 (B4GALNT1) has been reported to contribute to the development of human malignancies. However, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains uncharacterised. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role of B4GALNT1 in HCC stemness and progression.

Methods

Immunohistochemical staining was used to evaluate B4GALNT1 expression in HCC tissues and adjacent normal liver tissues. Flow cytometry analysis and sphere formation analysis were performed to investigate the role of B4GALNT1 in HCC stemness. Colony formation, Incucyte, wound-healing, Transwell migration, and invasion assays, and an animal model were used to study the role of B4GALNT1 in HCC progression. RNA-sequencing and co-immunoprecipitation were used to investigate the downstream targets of B4GALNT1.

Results

B4GALNT1 was upregulated in HCC and associated with poor clinical outcome of patients with the disease. Moreover, B4GALNT1 promoted HCC stemness, migration, invasion, and growth. Mechanistically, B4GALNT1 not only promoted the expression of the integrin α2β1 ligand THBS4, but also directly interacted with the β subunit of integrin α2β1 ITGB1 to inhibit its ubiquitin-independent proteasomal degradation, resulting in activation of FAK and AKT. Ophiopogonin D inhibited HCC stemness and progression by reducing ITGB1 and THBS4 expression and inhibiting FAK and AKT activation.

Conclusions

Our study suggests the B4GALNT1/integrin α2β1/FAK/PI3K/AKT axis as a therapeutic target for the inhibition of HCC stemness and tumour progression.

Impact and implications

The role and regulatory mechanism of B4GALNT1 in HCC have not been studied previously. Here, we reveal that B4GALNT1 has a crucial role in HCC stemness and progression by activating the integrin α2β1/FAK/PI3K/AKT axis, providing a potential target for HCC therapy. In addition, we find Ophiopogonin D as a potential therapeutic drug for patients with HCC.

ITGB1 alleviates osteoarthritis by inhibiting cartilage inflammation and apoptosis via activating cAMP pathway

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to screen novel biomarkers for osteoarthritis (OA) using bioinformatic methods and explore its regulatory mechanism in OA development.

METHODS

Differentially expressed genes were screened out from GSE98918 and GSE82107 datasets. Protein-protein interaction network and enrichment analysis were employed to search for hub gene and regulatory pathway. Hematoxylin-eosin, Safranin O-Fast green staining, and immunohistochemistry were performed to assess pathological damage. TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Real-time quantitative PCR was applied to verify expression of hub genes in OA model. The expression of key protein and pathway proteins was determined by western blot. Furthermore, Cell Counting Kit-8 and flow cytometry were conducted to explore the role of hub gene in chondrocytes.

RESULTS

We identified 6 hub genes of OA, including ITGB1, COL5A1, COL1A1, THBS2, LAMA1, and COL12A1, with high prediction value. ITGB1 was screened as a pivotal regulator of OA and cAMP pathway was selected as the key regulatory pathway. ITGB1 was down-regulated in OA model. ITGB1 overexpression attenuated pathological damage and apoptosis in OA rats with the reduced levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. ITGB1 overexpression activated cAMP pathway in vivo and vitro models. In vitro model, ITGB1 overexpression promoted cell viability, while inhibited apoptosis. ITGB1 overexpression also caused a decrease of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 concentrations. cAMP pathway inhibitor reversed the positive effect of ITGB1 on OA cell model.

CONCLUSION

ITGB1 is a novel biomarker for OA, which inhibits OA development by activating the cAMP pathway.

Evaluation of ITGB1 expression as a predictor of the therapeutic effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (CC) is a disease with high incidence and mortality rate. Immunotherapy is an important method for gastric cancer while lack of effective predictor. Integrins play an important role in the development. We aimed to explore the predictive value of β1 integrin (ITGB1) as a predictor of immunnotherapy in gastric cancer.

METHODS

Differential expression analysis was conducted using the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) 2.0 and GEO databases. GEPIA data were used to evaluate the prognostic value of ITGB1 in gastric cancer (GC). Transcriptomic and clinical data of GC and normal tissues were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, and the TIMER database was used to evaluate the association between ITGB1 and immune infiltration. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the prognostic value of ITGB1. To verify ITGB1 expression at the protein level, immunohistochemical staining was conducted. In addition, to analyze the correlation of ITGB1 with PD-1 and PD-L1, we examined levels of PD-1 and PD-L1 by IHC and determined the predictive value of ITGB1 for anti-PD-1 therapy in GC by ROC curve analysis.

RESULTS

Compared with normal tissues, analysis of GEPIA and data at protein levels showed significantly higher expression of ITGB1 in GC. In addition, higher expression of ITGB1 was associated with worse pathological G-staging and tumor T-staging, which suggested that ITGB1 is a risk factor for poor prognosis in GC. The level of ITGB1 expression was positively correlated with CD8 + T cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells. ITGB1 expression was also correlated with PD-L1 expression, and this was further verified at the protein level by immunohistochemical analysis. The area under the ROC curve was 0.808.

CONCLUSION

ITGB1 may be a promising prognostic biomarker and effective predictor for anti-PD-1 therapy in GC.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Retrospectively registered.

USP51/PD-L1/ITGB1-deployed juxtacrine interaction plays a cell-intrinsic role in promoting chemoresistant phenotypes in non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) has been demonstrated to facilitate tumor progression and therapeutic resistance in an immune-independent manner. Nevertheless, the function and underlying signaling network(s) of cancer cell-intrinsic PD-L1 action remain largely unknown. Herein, we sought to better understand how ubiquitin-specific peptidase 51 (USP51)/PD-L1/integrin beta-1 (ITGB1) signaling performs a cell-intrinsic role in mediating chemotherapeutic resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

Western blotting and flow cytometry were employed for PD-L1 detection in NSCLC cell lines. Coimmunoprecipitation and pulldown analyses, protein deubiquitination assay, tissue microarray, bioinformatic analysis and molecular biology methods were then used to determine the significance of PD-L1 in NSCLC chemoresistance and associated signaling pathways in several different cell lines, mouse models and patient tissue samples. Ubiquitin-7-amido-4-methylcoumarin (Ub-AMC)-based deubiquitinase activity, cellular thermal shift and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analyses were performed to investigate the activity of USP51 inhibitors.

RESULTS

We provided evidence that cancer cell-intrinsic PD-L1 conferred the development of chemoresistance by directly binding to its membrane-bound receptor ITGB1 in NSCLC. At the molecular level, PD-L1/ITGB1 interaction subsequently activated the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) axis to elicit poor response to chemotherapy. We further determined USP51 as a bona fide deubiquitinase that targeted the deubiquitination and stabilization of the PD-L1 protein in chemoresistant NSCLC cells. Clinically, we found a significant direct relationship between the USP51, PD-L1 and ITGB1 contents in NSCLC patients with chemoresistant potency. The elevated USP51, PD-L1 and ITGB1 levels were strongly associated with worse patient prognosis. Of note, we identified that a flavonoid compound dihydromyricetin (DHM) acted as a potential USP51 inhibitor and rendered NSCLC cells more sensitive to chemotherapy by targeting USP51-dependent PD-L1 ubiquitination and degradation in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, our results demonstrated that the USP51/PD-L1/ITGB1 network potentially contributes to the malignant progression and therapeutic resistance in NSCLC. This knowledge is beneficial to the future design of advanced cancer therapy.

Psoralidin inhibits osteosarcoma growth and metastasis by downregulating ITGB1 expression via the FAK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

Psoralea corylifolia is a medicinal leguminous plant that has long been used to treat various diseases. Psoralidin (PSO) is the main extract compound of P. corylifolia and exhibits antibacterial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other pharmacological activities. PSO has demonstrated inhibitory effects in several cancers; however, its inhibitory effect on osteosarcoma has not been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of PSO on osteosarcoma and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

Crystal violet, cell counting kit-8 (CCK8), and 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining assays were used to assess the inhibitory effect of PSO on the proliferation of 143B and MG63 osteosarcoma cells. Wound healing and Transwell assays were conducted to evaluate the effects of PSO on osteosarcoma cell migration and invasion. The cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed using flow cytometry. To determine the possible molecular mechanisms, RNA-sequencing was performed and protein expression was analyzed by western blotting. The inhibitory effect of PSO on osteosarcoma in vivo was analyzed using a mouse model of orthotopic osteosarcoma and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

PSO inhibited osteosarcoma cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner, inhibited cell migration and invasion, and induced cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. Mechanistically, PSO treatment significantly inhibited the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathways by downregulating ITGB1 expression in both MG63 and 143B cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that PSO restrained osteosarcoma growth in vivo.

CONCLUSION

PSO may suppress osteosarcoma via the FAK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways by downregulating ITGB1 expression.

CD248 promotes migration and metastasis of osteosarcoma through ITGB1-mediated FAK-paxillin pathway activation

BACKGROUND

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common malignant bone tumor with a high incidence in children and adolescents. Frequent tumor metastasis and high postoperative recurrence are the most common challenges in OS. However, detailed mechanism is largely unknown.

METHODS

We examined the expression of CD248 in OS tissue microarrays by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. We studied the biological function of CD248 in cell proliferation, invasion and migration of OS cells by CCK8 assay, transwell and wound healing assay. We also studied its function in the metastasis of OS in vivo. At last, we explored the potential mechanism how CD248 promotes OS metastasis by using RNA-seq, western blot, immunofluorescence staining and co-immunoprecipitation using CD248 knockdown OS cells.

RESULTS

CD248 was highly expressed in OS tissues and its high expression was correlated with pulmonary metastasis of OS. Knockdown of CD248 in OS cells significantly inhibited cell migration, invasion and metastasis, while had no obvious effect on cell proliferation. Lung metastasis in nude mice was significantly inhibited when CD248 was knocked down. Mechanistically, we found that CD248 could promote the interaction between ITGB1 and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins like CYR61 and FN, which activated the FAK-paxillin pathway to promote the formation of focal adhesion and metastasis of OS.

CONCLUSION

Our data showed that high CD248 expression is correlated with the metastatic potential of OS. CD248 may promote migration and metastasis through enhancing the interaction between ITGB1 and certain ECM proteins. Therefore, CD248 is a potential marker for diagnosis and effective target for the treatment of metastatic OS.

Propofol-mediated circ_0000735 downregulation restrains tumor growth by decreasing integrin-β1 expression in non-small cell lung cancer

Propofol, an intravenous anesthetic agent, exerts an anti-tumor peculiarity in multifarious tumors. Circular RNA hsa_circ_0000735 (circ_0000735) is involved in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether propofol can curb NSCLC progression via regulating circ_0000735 expression. Cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion were detected using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, flow cytometry, and transwell assays. Evaluation of protein levels was performed using western blotting or immunohistochemistry. Detection of circ_0000735 in tissue samples and cells was carried out using a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The molecular mechanisms associated with circ_0000735 were predicted by bioinformatics analysis and verified by dual-luciferase reporter assays. The relationship between propofol and circ_0000735 in vivo was verified by xenograft models. The results showed that circ_0000735 was overexpressed in NSCLC samples and cells. Propofol treatment overtly decreased circ_0000735 expression in NSCLC cells and repressed NSCLC cell viability, proliferation, invasion, and facilitated NSCLC cell apoptosis, but these effects mediated by propofol were counteracted by circ_0000735 overexpression. Circ_0000735 functioned as a miR-153-3p sponge and regulated integrin-β1 (ITGB1) expression via adsorbing miR-153-3p. ITGB1 overexpression reversed circ_0000735 silencing-mediated effects on NSCLC cell viability, proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis. In conclusion, propofol restrained NSCLC growth by downregulating circ_0000735, which functioned as a miR-153-3p sponge and regulated ITGB1 expression via adsorbing miR-153-3p. This study provides evidence to support that propofol curbs NSCLC progression by regulating circRNA expression.

ALKBH5 activates FAK signaling through m6A demethylation in ITGB1 mRNA and enhances tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis in ovarian cancer

Background: Lymph node (LN) metastasis is common in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and is associated with poor prognosis. Tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis is the first stage of LN metastasis. Research on lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastases can help develop new anti-LN-targeted therapies. Aberrant N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications have been reported to be linked to LN metastasis in several cancers, however, their role in EOC lymphangiogenesis and LN metastasis remains unclear. Methods: m6A levels in EOC tissues with or without LN metastases were evaluated by dot blot analysis. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunofluorescence were used to examine the expression of m6A-related enzymes. Additionally, in vitro and in vivo functional studies were performed to discover the importance of the AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5) gene in EOC lymphatic metastasis. To identify the downstream target genes regulated by ALKBH5, we performed RNA pulldown, RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation-quantitative PCR, co-immunoprecipitation, m6A-modified RNA immunoprecipitation-quantitative PCR, and luciferase reporter assays. Results: m6A modification was reduced in ovarian cancers with LN metastases. ALKBH5 overexpression increased tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis and LN metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. ALKBH5 overexpression also reversed the m6A modification in ITGB1 mRNA and suppressed the YTHDF2 protein-mediated m6A-dependent ITGB1 mRNA degradation, which resulted in increased expression of ITGB1 and phosphorylation of the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Src proto-oncogene proteins, thereby increasing LN metastasis. Furthermore, hypoxia induced the expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha, which increased ALKBH5 expression and enhanced LN metastasis in EOC. Conclusions: The ALKBH5/m6A-ITGB1/FAK signalling axis is important in ovarian cancer lymphangiogenesis and LN metastasis. Antibodies that block ITGB1 and FAK kinase-inhibitors are promising anti-metastatic agents.

ITGB1 as a prognostic biomarker correlated with immune suppression in gastric cancer

INTRODUCTION

Gastric cancer is one of the common malignant tumors with a high incidence and mortality in China. Prognostic biomarkers and potential predictors of the treatment efficacy of gastric cancer urgently need to be identified. Integrin-β (ITGB) is a superfamily of integrins and is involved in cell adhesion, tissue repair, immune response, and tumor metastasis.

METHODS

We analyzed ITGB1 expression in our hospital samples of the gastric cancer cohort. And the public data of The Cancer Genome Atlas stomach adenocarcinoma (TCGA-STAD), The Asian Cancer Research Group (ACRG)/GSE62254, and GSE15459 data sets were analyzed by using the bioinformatic methods. The relationships between ITGB1 expression and clinicopathological features, patient prognosis, activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and tumor immunosuppressive factors were also explored.

RESULTS

The positive rate of ITGB1 expression in the Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center gastric cancer tumor tissues was 61.4% (258/420) and correlated with deep invasion (p = 0.017), an advanced clinical stage (p = 0.011), and a poor prognosis (p < 0.05). The TCGA-STAD/ACRG/GSE15459 cohorts also showed similar results. ITGB1 is one of the upstream molecules of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and is correlated with tumor immune suppression. In gastric cancer, we found a correlation between ITGB1 expression and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activity. In the TCGA-STAD/ACRG/GSE15459 cohorts, ITGB1 expression was positively associated with immunosuppressive factors and negatively associated with immunoactive factors. Patients with low ITGB1 expression exhibited a significantly high immunotherapy response ratio according to an analysis of tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE), which may indicate that ITGB1 is a potential predictor of immunotherapy efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

ITGB1 affects the prognosis in gastric cancer patients and plays a core role in immune suppression in gastric cancer.

KLF14 targets ITGB1 to inhibit the progression of cervical cancer via the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway

Our study aimed to determine whether Krüppel-like factor 14 (KLF14) inhibits the proliferation and promotes the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells through integrin β1 (ITGB1). Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the expression of KLF14. The effect of KLF14 on the proliferation of cervical cancer cells was verified by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, colony formation assays and in vivo experiments. The effect of KLF14 on cervical cancer cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The targeting relationship between KLF14 and ITGB1 was evaluated by Western blotting and a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Moreover, Flow cytometry was performed to verify the relationship between KLF14 and ITGB1 on the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells. Additionally, Western blot analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between KLF14 and ITGB1 on the expression of downstream related molecules. As a result, the expression of KLF14 in cervical cancer tissues was lower than that in paracancerous tissues. KLF14 inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis in cervical cancer cells. Mechanistically, ITGB1 expression was significantly downregulated in KLF14-overexpressing cervical cancer cells. At the same time, we found that the effects of KLF14 and ITGB1 on apoptosis of cervical cancer cells could be mutually affected. KLF14 directly targeted ITGB1 to regulate its downstream PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. In summary, KLF14 inhibits the progression of cervical cancer by targeting ITGB1 via the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway.

Yin Yang 1 regulates ITGAV and ITGB1, contributing to improved prognosis of colorectal cancer

Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is a multifunctional transcription factor with critical roles in carcinogenesis and metastasis. However, its biological role and clinical impact in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear. In the present study, the function and underlying molecular mechanisms of YY1 in CRC progression were investigated. The immunohistochemistry (IHC) of 143 CRC tissues revealed a significant correlation of low YY1 expression with aggressive clinicopathological features, increased metastasis and recurrence and poor patient survival. Multivariate analysis identified low YY1 expression as an independent poor prognostic factor. Subsequently, the IHC of 66 paired CRC primary tumor and liver metastasis tissues revealed that low YY1 expression in the primary CRC was significantly associated with multiple liver metastases, major hepatectomy, extrahepatic metastasis and poor prognosis. In vitro experiments revealed that YY1 knockdown promoted the migration and invasion of CRC cells. To examine the downstream genes of YY1, a cDNA microarray assay was conducted and the differentially expressed genes between the YY1‑knockdown and control cells were compared. Integrin alpha V (ITGAV) and integrin beta 1 (ITGB1) were identified as upregulated hub genes using gene enrichment analysis and protein‑protein interaction analyses. Western blotting and IHC confirmed YY1 expression to be negatively correlated with ITGAV and ITGB1 expression. In summary, it was revealed that YY1, as a tumor‑suppressor in CRC, contributes to the survival of patients with CRC. Low YY1 expression was associated with the poor prognosis of the patients with primary CRC and liver metastases. YY1 suppressed the expression of ITGAV and ITGB1, and this transcriptional regulation may lead to the suppression of CRC cell migration and invasion.

LncRNA LINC00115 facilitates lung cancer progression through miR-607/ITGB1 pathway

Dysregulated long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have potential roles in various cancer types. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression and the underlying role of long intergenic nonprotein coding RNA 115 (LINC00115) in lung cancer. The relative expression of LINC00115 and miR-607 in tumor tissues and cells was detected by real-time PCR. After overexpression or knockdown of LINC00115 expression in tumor cells, the changes in the proliferation, migration, and invasion capacities were detected via Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and transwell assays. The interplay among LINC00115, miR-607, and integrin β1 (ITGB1) was confirmed by bioinformatics analyses and luciferase reporter assay. In addition, tumor cells with LINC00115 knockdown were injected into nude mice to investigate the effect of LINC00115 on tumorigenesis in vivo. LINC00115 was highly expressed in tumor tissues and cells. LINC00115 promoted the malignant properties of tumor cells. Investigation to its molecular mechanism revealed that LINC00115 functioned as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA), regulating the expression of ITGB1 by sponging miR-607 to affect tumor growth. The LINC00115/miR-607/ITGB1 signaling axis might be a novel therapeutic target in lung cancer.

Invasive phenotype in triple negative breast cancer is inhibited by blocking SIN3A-PF1 interaction through KLF9 mediated repression of ITGA6 and ITGB1

•

We show that the PAH2 domain of SIN3A is a target when it is inhibited from binding to PF1 results in inhibition of invasive phenotype in TNBC.

•

Epigenetic repression of integrins expression and downstream pathways results from enhanced binding of KLF9 /SIN3A repressor complex to their promoters.

•

Genome wide transcriptomic analysis showed downregulation of multiple invasion related genes. Tumor growth and lung metastasis were markedly decreased in vivo.

•

Our studies highlight that PF1 might serve as a gatekeeper for trafficking SID protein binding to PAH2 of SIN3A and has functional role in presentation of different regulatory complexes.

•

Blocking the function of PAH2 offers a promising targeted therapy approach for inhibiting the invasive phenotype in TNBC.

SIN3A, a scaffold protein has regulatory functions in tumor biology. Through its Paired amphipathic helix (PAH2) domain, SIN3A interacts with PHF12 (PF1), a protein with SIN3 interaction domain (SID) that forms a complex with MRG15 and KDM5A/B. These components are often overexpressed in cancer. In the present study, we evaluated the role of SIN3A and its interacting partner PF1 in mediating inhibition of tumor growth and invasion in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). We found profound inhibition of invasion, migration, and induction of cellular senescence by specific disruption of the PF1/SIN3A PAH2 domain interaction in TNBC cells expressing PF1-SID transcript or peptide treatment. Genome-wide transcriptomic analysis by RNA-seq revealed that PF1-SID downregulates several gene sets and pathways linked to invasion and migration. Integrin α6 (ITGA6) and integrin ß1 (ITGB1) and their downstream target proteins were downregulated in PF1-SID cells. We further determined increased presence of SIN3A and transcriptional repressor, KLF9, on promoters of ITGA6 and ITGB1 in PF1-SID cells. Knockdown of KLF9 leads to re-expression of ITGA6 and ITGB1 and restoration of the invasive phenotype, functionally linking KLF9 to this process. Overall, these data demonstrate that specific disruption of PF1/SIN3A, inhibits tumor growth, migration, and invasion. Also, PF1-SID not only inhibits tumor growth by senescence induction and reduced proliferation, but it also targets cancer stem cell gene expression and blocks mammosphere formation. Overall, these data demonstrate a mechanism whereby invasion and metastasis of TNBC can be suppressed by inhibiting SIN3A-PF1 interaction and enhancing KLF9 mediated suppression of ITGA6 and ITGB1.

Identification of the Recombinant Plasmodium vivax Surface-Related Antigen as a Possible Immune Evasion Factor Against Human Splenic Fibroblasts by Targeting ITGB1

Plasmodium vivax–infected erythrocytes can enter the spleen and evade spleen clearance to establish chronic infections. However, the mechanism underlying P. vivax immune evasion in the spleen is still unclear. Human splenic fibroblasts (HSF), also known as barrier cells, play an essential role in the immune function of spleen. A hypothesis holds that P. vivax—infected erythrocytes induce spleen structural remodeling to form barrier cells. Subsequently, these infected erythrocytes can selectively cytoadhere to these barrier cells to escape spleen clearance. In this work, we found that P. vivax surface-related antigen (PvSRA; PlasmoDB ID: PVX_084970), an exported protein on infected erythrocyte membrane, could bind with HSF. Considering the above hypothesis, we speculated that PvSRA might be involved in P. vivax immune evasion by changing HSF cell performance. To investigate this speculation, RNA sequencing, protein microarray, and bioinformatics analysis technologies were applied, and in vitro validations were further performed. The results showed that the recombinant PvSRA attracted HSF migration and interacted with HSF by targeting integrin β1 (ITGB1) along with changes in HSF cell performance, such as focal adhesion, extracellular matrix, actin cytoskeleton, and cell cycle. This study indicated that PvSRA might indeed participate in the immune evasion of P. vivax in the spleen by changing HSF function through PvSRA–ITGB1 axis.

LncRNA SOCS2-AS1 promotes the progression of glioma via regulating ITGB1 expression

BACKGROUND

Accumulating evidence has underscored the important role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the development and progression of glioma. However, the role of lncRNA SOCS2-AS1 in glioma is largely unknown.

METHODS

lncRNA SOCS2-AS1 silencing was achieved by specific siRNAs. Proliferation of glioma cell line after lncRNA SOCS2-AS1 silencing was examined by MTT assay, Transwell assay was used to confirm changes of invasion and migration of glioma cells, and study the molecular mechanism of lncRNA SOCS2-AS1 by RT-qPCR and bioinformatics analysis.

RESULTS

We identified that lncRNA SOCS2-AS1 was significantly upregulated in glioma, and its overexpression was closely related with malignant clinical features and poor prognosis. To explore the cellular function of SOCS2-AS1, we performed loss-of function assays in two glioma cells. We demonstrated that SOCS2-AS1 knockdown repressed glioma cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Mechanistically, SOCS2-AS1 expression was positively correlated with the expression levels of core factors ITGB1 of ECM-receptor interaction signaling pathway in glioma. Moreover, SOCS2-AS1 knockdown suppressed ITGB1 expression in glioma cells. Finally, rescue assays were carried out to determine that ITGB1 involved in SOCS2-AS1-mediated glioma cell proliferation, migration and invasion.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provided the first evidence suggested that SOCS2-AS1 promoted the progression of glioma via upregulating ITGB1 expression.

Silencing of Long Non-coding RNA TTN-AS1 Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression by the MicroRNA-134/ITGB1 Axis

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) causes considerable mortality worldwide. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) TTN-AS1 has been recently identified as an oncogene in several cancers, but its role in HCC and the molecules remain largely unknown.

AIMS

The study aims to probe the function of lncRNA TTN-AS1 in HCC progression and the molecules involved.

METHODS

Differentially expressed lncRNAs between HCC and the adjacent normal tissues were analyzed using a microarray. TTN-AS1 expression in HCC and normal tissues and cells was determined. Targeting relationships between TTN-AS1 and miR-134 and between miR-134 and ITGB1 were validated. Artificial up-regulation or down-regulation of TTN-AS1, miR-134 and ITGB1 was introduced in HCC cells to probe their effects on the biological behaviors of HCC cells. Xenograft tumors were induced in nude mice for in vivo experiments.

RESULTS

TTN-AS1 and ITGB1 were highly expressed, while miR-134 was poorly expressed in HCC tissues. TTN-AS1 enforced ITGB1 expression through sequestering miR-134. Silencing of TTN-AS1 or over-expression of miR-134 inhibited proliferation, invasion, migration, and resistance to death of Huh7 cells. Following miR-134 silencing, further down-regulation of ITGB1 suppressed the malignant behaviors of HUH7 cells. The similar results were reproduced in vivo.

CONCLUSION

The current study provided evidence that TTN-AS1 might promote HCC progression through sponging miR-134 and the following ITGB1 up-regulation. TTN-AS1 may serve as a potential target for HCC treatment.

Anticancer roles of let-7f-1-3p in non-small cell lung cancer via direct targeting of integrin β1

Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, with the highest mortality rate worldwide. MicroRNAs play notable roles in the chemotherapeutic effects of anticancer drugs. The present study used reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, western blotting and cell migration and invasion assays to reveal the role of let-7f-1-3p in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and explore the effect of let-7f-1-3p on doxorubicin (DOX) treatment. It was demonstrated that the levels of let-7f-1-3p in carcinoma tissues were lower compared with those in paracarcinoma tissues. Thus, let-7f-1-3p may act as a suppressor gene. The present study also explored the role of let-7f-1-3p in A549 and NCI-H1975 cells. Results revealed that let-7f-1-3p could inhibit the viability, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells and induce their apoptosis. Integrin β1 acted as a target gene regulated by let-7f-1-3p. This suggested that let-7f-1-3p could enhance DOX-inhibited cell viability, migration and invasion in vitro. Overall, the present study demonstrated that let-7f-1-3p may act as a target for drug design and lung cancer therapy.

N6-Methyladenosine RNA Demethylase FTO Promotes Gastric Cancer Metastasis by Down-Regulating the m6A Methylation of ITGB1

Abnormal RNA m6A methylation is known to lead to the occurrence and progression of multiple cancers including gastric cancer (GC). However, the integrative effects of all m6A methylation regulators on GC prognosis are unclear. Our research aimed to globally analyze the prognosis values of all 33 m6A RNA methylation regulators in GC by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Among all 33 m6A RNA methylation regulators, fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO), an m6A demethylase, was identified as a key prognostic risk factor on overall survival (OS) of GC patients. It was found that FTO could promote GC cell migration and invasion abilities, and we predicted that ITGB1 was a demethylated target of FTO. Knockdown (KD) of FTO significantly down-regulated ITGB1 expression at both mRNA and protein levels and augmented ITGB1 mRNA m6A modification level. Moreover, overexpression (OE) of ITGB1 could partially reverse FTO-KD-inhibited migration and invasion of GC cells. Our study found that FTO was an independent risk factor for overall survival (OS) of GC patients and FTO could promote GC metastasis by upregulating the expression of Integrin β1(ITGB1) via decreasing its m6A level. These results indicated that FTO can be a potent GC biomarker for prognosis prediction as well as a potential target in GC treatment.

KAT1 triggers YTHDF2-mediated ITGB1 mRNA instability to alleviate the progression of diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major complication of diabetes and a leading cause of blindness and visual impairment. This study focuses on the function of lysine acetyltransferase 1 (KAT1) in the progression of DR and the epigenetic mechanism. A mouse model with DR was induced by streptozotocin (STZ). Abundantly expressed genes in STZ-induced mice were analyzed. KAT1 was found to be significantly downregulated in the retinal tissues of model mice. Retinal microvascular endothelial cells (RMECs) and retinal Müller cells (rMCs) were cultured in high-glucose medium for in vitro studies. Upregulation of KAT1 suppressed inflammation, neovascularization, and vascular leakage in mouse retinal tissues, and it reduced the activity and inflammatory responses in rMCs, as well as the proliferation and metastatic potential of RMECs. KAT1 activated the transcription activity of YTHDF2 through histone acetylation of the promoter, and YTHDF2 triggered the instability of ITGB1 mRNA to induce mRNA degradation in an m6A manner. The activities of rMCs and RMECs were increased by sh-YTHDF2 but suppressed by sh-ITGB1. The FAK/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was suppressed upon ITGB1 silencing. Collectively, this study demonstrated that KAT1 triggers YTHDF2-mediated ITGB1 mRNA instability to alleviate the progression of DR.

Molecular Pathogenesis and Regulation of the miR-29-3p-Family: Involvement of ITGA6 and ITGB1 in Intra-Hepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Simple Summary

Even today, there are no effective targeted therapies for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) patients. Clarifying the molecular pathogenesis of ICC will contribute to the development of treatment strategies for this disease. In this study, we searched for the role of the miR-29-3p-family and its association with oncogenic pathway. Interestingly, aberrant expression of ITGA6 and ITGB1 was directly regulated by the miR-29-3p-family which are involved in multiple oncogenic pathways in ICC, and enhanced malignant transformation of ICC cells. Furthermore, SP1 which is a transcriptional activator of ITGA6/ITGB1, is regulated by the miR-29-3p-family. These molecules may be novel therapeutic targets for ICC.

Abstract

The aggressive nature of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) renders it a particularly lethal solid tumor. Searching for therapeutic targets for ICC is an essential challenge in the development of an effective treatment strategy. Our previous studies showed that the miR-29-3p-family members (miR-29a-3p, miR-29b-3p and miR-29c-3p) are key tumor-suppressive microRNAs that control many oncogenic genes/pathways in several cancers. In this study, we searched for therapeutic targets for ICC using the miR-29-3p-family as a starting point. Our functional studies of cell proliferation, migration and invasion confirmed that the miR-29-3p-family act as tumor-suppressors in ICC cells. Moreover, in silico analysis revealed that “focal adhesion”, “ECM-receptor”, “endocytosis”, “PI3K-Akt signaling” and “Hippo signaling” were involved in oncogenic pathways in ICC cells. Our analysis focused on the genes for integrin-α6 (ITGA6) and integrin-β1 (ITGB1), which are involved in multiple pathways. Overexpression of ITGA6 and ITGB1 enhanced malignant transformation of ICC cells. Both ITGA6 and ITGB1 were directly regulated by the miR-29-3p-family in ICC cells. Interestingly, expression of ITGA6/ITGB1 was positively controlled by the transcription factor SP1, and SP1 was negatively controlled by the miR-29-3p-family. Downregulation of the miR-29-3p-family enhanced SP1-mediated ITGA6/ITGB1 expression in ICC cells. MicroRNA-based exploration is an attractive strategy for identifying therapeutic targets for ICC.

The Transmembrane Mucin MUC1 Facilitates β1-Integrin-Mediated Bacterial Invasion

At the intestinal host-microbe interface, the transmembrane mucin MUC1 can function as a physical barrier as well as a receptor for bacteria. MUC1 also influences epithelial cell morphology and receptor function. Various bacterial pathogens can exploit integrins to infect eukaryotic cells. It is yet unclear whether MUC1 influences the interaction of bacteria with integrins. We used Escherichia coli expressing the invasin (inv) protein of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (E. coli inv) to assess the effects of MUC1 on β1 integrin (ITGB1)-mediated bacterial invasion. Our results show that expression of full-length MUC1 does not yield a physical barrier but slightly enhances E. coli inv uptake. Enzymatic removal of the MUC1 extracellular domain (ED) using a secreted protease of C1 esterase inhibitor (StcE) of pathogenic Escherichia coli had no additional effect on E. coli inv invasion. In contrast, expression of a truncated MUC1 that lacks the cytoplasmic tail (CT) reduced bacterial entry substantially. Substitution of tyrosine residues in the MUC1 CT also reduced bacterial uptake, while deletion of the C-terminal half of the cytoplasmic tail only had a minor effect, pointing to a regulatory role of tyrosine phosphorylation and the N-terminal region of the MUC1 CT in integrin-mediated uptake process. Unexpectedly, StcE removal of the ED in MUC1-ΔCT cells reversed the block in bacterial invasion. Together, these findings indicate that MUC1 can facilitate β1-integrin-mediated bacterial invasion by a concerted action of the large glycosylated extracellular domain and the membrane-juxtaposed cytoplasmic tail region.IMPORTANCE Bacteria can exploit membrane receptor integrins for cellular invasion, either by direct binding of bacterial adhesins or utilizing extracellular matrix components. MUC1 is a large transmembrane glycoprotein expressed by most epithelial cells that can have direct defensive or receptor functions at the host-microbe interface and is involved in facilitating integrin clustering. We investigated the role of epithelial MUC1 on β1 integrin-mediated bacterial invasion. We discovered that MUC1 does not act as a barrier but facilitates bacterial entry through β1 integrins. This process involves a concerted action of the MUC1 O-glycosylated extracellular domain and cytoplasmic tail. Our findings add a new dimension to the complexity of bacterial invasion mechanisms and provide novel insights into the distinct functions of MUC1 domains at the host-microbe interface.

Hepatitis B Virus X Protein (HBx) Suppresses Transcription Factor EB (TFEB) Resulting in Stabilization of Integrin Beta 1 (ITGB1) in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major etiological risk for the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and HBV X protein (HBx) is essential for oncogenic transformation. It is not known that if HBx can sabotage the lysosomal system for transformation and tumorigenesis, or its mechanism if it does have an effect. Examining clinical data, we observed that the downregulation of lysosomal components and transcription factor EB (TFEB) was associated with a poor prognosis of HCC patients. In HCC cells, we found that expression of HBx suppressed TFEB, impaired biogenesis of autophagic-lysosome, and promoted cellular dissemination. HBx mediated downregulation of TFEB led to impairment of autophagic/lysosomal biogenesis and flux, and consequently, accumulation of integrin beta 1 (ITGB1) for motility of HCC cells. Conversely, TFEB, in a steady-state condition, through induction of lysosomal biogenesis restrained ITGB1 levels and limited mobility of HCC cells. Specifically, overexpression of TFEB upregulated and activated the cysteine proteases including cathepsin L (CTSL) to degrade ITGB1. Conversely, expression of cystatin A (CSTA) or cystatin B (CSTB), the cellular inhibitors of lysosomal cysteine proteinases, spared ITGB1 from degradation and promoted dissemination of HCC cells. Taken together, this study suggests a potential mechanism for HBV-mediated malignancy, showing that HBx mediated downregulation of TFEB leads to accumulation of ITGB1 for HCC cell migration.

Curcumin suppresses the malignancy of non-small cell lung cancer by modulating the circ-PRKCA/miR-384/ITGB1 pathway

BACKGROUND

Curcumin exerts a suppressive effect in tumor growth by acting as a modulator of multiple molecular targets. Circular RNA hsa_circ_0007580 (circ-PRKCA) accelerates the tumorigenesis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, whether curcumin can regulate circ-PRKCA to inhibit NSCLC progression is unclear.

METHODS

Cell viability, colony formation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were analyzed using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), plate clone, flow cytometry, or transwell assay. Expression of circ-PRKCA, microRNA (miR)-384, and ITGB1 mRNA (integrin subunit beta 1) mRNA were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Curcumin repressed NSCLC growth through regulating circ-PRKCA expression was validated by xenograft assay. The targeting relationship between circ-PRKCA or ITGB1 and miR-384 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The level of ITGB1 protein was measured by western blotting.

RESULTS

Circ-PRKCA and ITGB1 expression were elevated in NSCLC tissues and cells, but miR-384 had an opposing tendency. After curcumin treatment, the expression tendency of circ-PRKCA, miR-384, and ITGB1 in NSCLC cells was overturned. Furthermore, curcumin impeded viability, colony formation, migration, invasion, and accelerated apoptosis of NSCLC cells, but these impacts were partially reversed by circ-PRKCA elevation, miR-384 downregulation, or ITGB1 overexpression. Also, the inhibitory effect of curcumin on xenograft tumor was further enhanced after circ-PRKCA knockdown. Notably, circ-PRKCA regulated ITGB1 expression through sponging miR-384 in curcumin-treated NSCLC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Curcumin inhibited NSCLC growth through downregulating circ-PRKCA, which regulated ITGB1 expression by adsorbing miR-384. This study provided a new mechanism to understand how curcumin inhibited the progression of NSCLC.

Novel Long Noncoding RNA 005620 Induces Epirubicin Resistance in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by Regulating ITGB1 Expression

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is often treated with anthracyclines (e.g., epirubicin or doxorubicin), but very little is known about anthracycline resistance, especially epirubicin resistance in TNBC. To identify novel long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) involved in epirubicin resistance in TNBC, we established a new TNBC MDA-MB-231 cell line that was resistant to epirubicin (Epi-R). A total of 12 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified using RNA sequencing analysis of Epi-R cells. Among these lncRNAs, we found a novel intronic lncRNA, lnc005620, was highly expressed in Epi-R cells and human TNBC tissues. Further gain- and loss-of-function studies demonstrated that lnc005620 played an oncogenic role and partially abrogated the effects of epirubicin on TNBC cells. Using iTRAQ proteomics analysis, we found that three members of the integrin family, integrin β4, integrin β1 and integrin α6, were all upregulated in Epi-R MDA-MB-231 cells. Integrin β1, encoded by the ITGB1 gene, was validated to be a downstream target of lnc005620 in Epi-R MDA-MB-231 cells. Our study demonstrates that novel lnc005620 promotes TNBC progression and chemoresistance to epirubicin via integrin β1 both in vitro and in vivo and provides a promising therapeutic target for TNBC patients in terms of enhancing the benefits of epirubicin treatment.

ITGB1 enhances the Radioresistance of human Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cells by modulating the DNA damage response and YAP1-induced Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition

Objectives: Radiotherapy has played a limited role in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) due to the risk of tumour radioresistance. We previously established the radioresistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line H460R. In this study, we identified differentially expressed genes between these radioresistant H460R cells and their radiosensitive parent line. We further evaluated the role of a differentially expressed gene, ITGB1, in NSCLC cell radioresistance and as a potential target for improving radiosensitivity.

Materials and Methods: The radiosensitivity of NSCLC cells was evaluated by flow cytometry, colony formation assays, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. Bioinformatics assay was used to identify the effect of ITGB1 and YAP1 expression in NSCLC tissues.

Results: ITGB1 mRNA and protein expression levels were higher in H460R than in the parental H460 cells. We observed lower clonogenic survival and cell viability and a higher rate of apoptosis of ITGB1-knockdown A549 and H460R cells than of wild type cells post-irradiation. Transfection with an ITGB1 short hairpin (sh) RNA enhanced radiation-induced DNA damage and G2/M phase arrest. Moreover, ITGB1 induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of NSCLC cells. Silencing ITGB1 suppressed the expression and intracellular translocation of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), a downstream effector of ITGB1.

Conclusions: ITGB1 may induce radioresistance via affecting DNA repair and YAP1-induced EMT. Taken together, our data suggest that ITGB1 is an attractive therapeutic target to overcome NSCLC cell radioresistance.

Convection-Enhanced Delivery of a First-in-Class Anti-β1 Integrin Antibody for the Treatment of High-Grade Glioma Utilizing Real-Time Imaging

Introduction: OS2966 is a first-in-class, humanized and de-immunized monoclonal antibody which targets the adhesion receptor subunit, CD29/β1 integrin. CD29 expression is highly upregulated in glioblastoma and has been shown to drive tumor progression, invasion, and resistance to multiple modalities of therapy. Here, we present a novel Phase I clinical trial design addressing several factors plaguing effective treatment of high-grade gliomas (HGG). Study Design: This 2-part, ascending-dose, Phase I clinical trial will enroll patients with recurrent/progressive HGG requiring a clinically indicated resection. In Study Part 1, patients will undergo stereotactic tumor biopsy followed by placement of a purpose-built catheter which will be used for the intratumoral, convection-enhanced delivery (CED) of OS2966. Gadolinium contrast will be added to OS2966 before each infusion, enabling the real-time visualization of therapeutic distribution via MRI. Subsequently, patients will undergo their clinically indicated tumor resection followed by CED of OS2966 to the surrounding tumor-infiltrated brain. Matched pre- and post-infusion tumor specimens will be utilized for biomarker development and validation of target engagement by receptor occupancy. Dose escalation will be achieved using a unique concentration-based accelerated titration design. Discussion: The present study design leverages multiple innovations including: (1) the latest CED technology, (2) 2-part design including neoadjuvant intratumoral administration, (3) a first-in-class investigational therapeutic, and (4) concentration-based dosing. Trial registration: A U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Investigational New Drug application (IND) for the above protocol is now active.

Ropivacaine inhibits the proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer cells through ITGB1

To study whether ropivacaine inhibits the proliferation and migration of colon cancer cells through ITGB1 (Integrin beta-1). First, the effect of ropivacaine on cell proliferation and migration was detected by MTT and Transwell. DAPI staining, annexin V staining and Western blot were used to detect the expression of apoptosis-related proteins to investigate the effect of ropivacaine on cell apoptosis. Using bioinformatics software to predict the potential drug targets of ropivacaine. RT-PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence verify the distribution and expression of the drug target ITGB1, and detect its downstream-related proteins to further prove that ropivacaine affects colon cancer cells by acting on ITGB1 protein. 1. Ropivacaine significantly inhibited the proliferation of colon cancer cells and promoted their apoptosis 2. Ropivacaine could interact with ITGB1 protein, and inhibited the expression of ITGB1 protein in colon cancer cells, thereby affecting its downstream signaling pathway. Ropivacaine regulates the function of colon cancer cells by targeting the expression of ITGB1 protein and affecting the activation of its downstream signaling pathways.

Abbreviation: Integrin beta-1 (ITGB1); 3-(45)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-35-di- phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT); 4. 6-diamimo-2-phenyl indole (DAPI); Reverse transcrption PCR (RT-PCR); Colorectal cancer (CRC); Local anesthetics (LA); voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC); dulbecco s modifed eade medium (DMEM); propidium iodide (PI); dodecyl sulf ate, sodium salt-Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE); Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF); BCL2 associated X (Bax); Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK); extracellular signal-regulated kmase (ERK); alpha serme threcnime-proteim kinase (AKT); Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH); Tris-buffered salme with 0.1% Tween 20 (TBST); Similarty ensemble approach (SEA)

Activin A increases human trophoblast invasion by upregulating integrin β1 through ALK4

Activin A promotes human trophoblast invasion during the first trimester of pregnancy and is associated with preeclampsia and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PE/PIH) in naturally conceived pregnancies. However, whether integrin β1 mediates activin A-increased trophoblast invasion remains unknown and the evidence is limited regarding the predictive value of activin A for PE/PIH in women receiving in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Here, we studied the role and underlying molecular mechanisms of integrin β1 in activin A-promoted invasion in immortalized (HTR8/SVneo) and primary human extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells. A nest case-control study was designed to investigate the predictive/diagnostic value of activin A in IVF pregnancies. Results showed that integrin β1 expression increased after activin A treatment and knockdown of integrin β1 significantly decreased both basal and activin A-increased HTR8/SVneo cell invasion. SB431542 (TGF-β type I receptors inhibitor) abolished activin A-induced SMAD2/SMAD3 phosphorylation and integrin β1 overexpression. Activin A-upregulated integrin β1 expression was attenuated after the depletion of ALK4 or SMAD4 in both HTR8/SVneo and primary EVT cells. Furthermore, we found similar first-trimester activin A levels in IVF patients with or without subsequent PE/PIH. These results reveal that integrin β1 mediates activin A-promoted trophoblast invasion through ALK4-activated SMAD2/3-SMAD4 pathway, and the predictive/diagnostic value of first-trimester maternal serum activin A for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy might be different in IVF population.

ITGB1 promotes the chondrogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells by activating the ERK signaling

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADSC) with a high capacity of chondrogenic differentiation was a promising candidate for cartilage defect treatment. This study's objective is to study the roles of integrin β1 (ITGB1) in regulating ADSC chondrogenic differentiations as well as the underlying mechanisms. The identity of ADSC was confirmed by flow cytometry. ITGB1 gene was overexpressed in human ADSC (hADSC) by transfection with LV003-recombinant plasmids. Gene mRNA and protein levels were examined using quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. Differentially expressed mRNAs and proteins were characterized by next-generation RNA sequencing and label-free quantitative proteomics, respectively. ERK signaling and AKT signaling in hADSCs were inhibited by treating with SCH772984 and GSK690693, respectively. ITGB1 gene overexpression substantially increased collagen type II alpha 1 chain (COL2A1), aggrecan (ACAN), and SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9) expression but suppressed collagen type I alpha 1 chain (COL1A1) expression in hADSCs. Next-generation RNA sequencing identified a total of 246 genes differentially expressed in hADSCs by ITGB1 overexpression, such as 183 upregulated and 63 downregulated genes. Label-free proteomics characterized 34 proteins differentially expressed in ITGB1-overexpressing hADSCs. Differentially expressed genes and proteins were enriched by different biological processes such as cell adhesion and differentiation and numerous signaling pathways such as the ERK signaling pathway. ERK inhibitor treatment caused substantially enhanced chondrogenic differentiation in ITGB1-overexpressing hADSCs. ITGB1 promoted the chondrogenic differentiation of human ADSCs via the activation of the ERK signaling pathway.

MiR-760 enhances sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine through modulating Integrin β1

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the most lethal tumor type among human diseases, with low survival rate. The investigation of potent molecular mechanisms involved in PC is still obscure owing to its drug resistance. The purpose of the present study is to disclose the underlying mechanism participating in PC progression and drug therapy, reversing the unpromising treatment outcome. In our research, microRNA-760 (miR-760) was first revealed to be lowly expressed in PC cells. And up-regulation of miR-760 could further suppress PC cell proliferation and boost cell apoptosis, as well as improve gemcitabine sensitivity of PC cells through gain-of-function assays. Besides, RNA-binding protein (RBP) MOV10 interacted with and stabilized Integrin β1 (ITGB1). Furtherly, miR-760 was proved to target Moloney leukemia virus 10 (MOV10) mRNA to decrease MOV10 protein expression, thus promoting the destabilization of ITGB1. At last, rescue experiments validated that up-regulation of ITGB1 remedied the miR-760 overexpression-caused inhibition on biological activities and gemcitabine resistance of PC cells. To summarize, the current inspection demonstrated that miR-760 enhances sensitivity of PC cells to gemcitabine through modulating MOV10-stablized ITGB1, highlighting the role of miR-760/MOV10/ITGB1 pathway in the drug therapy for PC patients.

GOLPH3 silencing inhibits adhesion of glioma U251 cells by regulating ITGB1 degradation under serum starvation

GOLPH3, an oncoprotein, plays crucial roles in tumor etiology. Compelling evidences have demonstrated that GOLPH3 contributes to regulate tumor cell growth, migration and invasion under normal nutrient condition. However, the oncogenic activity of GOLPH3 under serum starvation remains largely unknown. In this study, we reported that GOLPH3 depletion led to marked reduction in adhesion of glioma U251 cells, particularly under serum deprivation. We found that silencing of GOLPH3 expression reduced the protein amount of ITGB1 only in serum-free medium. Further insights into the mechanism between GOLPH3 and ITGB1, we applied proteasome or lysosome inhibitor to block the degradation of ITGB1, and identified GOLPH3 silencing can prompt ITGB1 lysosomal degradation under serum starvation. Finally, we found the reductions in glioma cell adhesion and ITGB1 protein amount could be rescued by ITGB1 overexpression. Taken together, these results show that GOLPH3 contributes to the adhesion of glioma cells by regulating the lysosomal degradation of ITGB1 under serum starvation.

SPARCL1 Influences Bovine Skeletal Muscle-Derived Satellite Cell Migration and Differentiation through an ITGB1-Mediated Signaling Pathway

Simple Summary

It is known that cell migration and differentiation have a very important yet simple basis for muscle development and muscle disease treatment. Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine like 1 (SPARCL1), one of the components of extracellular matrix, has been proved to regulate bovine skeletal muscle-derived satellite cell differentiation. However, the exact mechanism is not yet clear. This study reveals that SPARCL1 promotes muscle-derived satellite cell early differentiation through integrin β1, thereby providing a new insight into the role of SPARCL1 in muscle development.

Abstract

As an extracellular matrix protein, secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC)-like 1 (SPARCL1) is involved in various cell functions. It was previously implicated in bovine skeletal muscle-derived satellite cell (MDSC) differentiation; however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In this study, immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry revealed that integrin β1 (ITGB1) combines with SPARCL1. Further, co-immunoprecipitation demonstrated that SPARCL1 interacts with ITGB1. Cell scratch assays explored the influence of SPARCL1 on MDSC migration through ITGB1. In addition, desmin staining for myotube fusion rate and MyoD protein expression results showed that SPARCL1 promotes MDSC early differentiation through ITGB1. Furthermore, Western blotting results demonstrated that SPARCL1 regulates the expression of p-FAK, p-paxillin, vinculin, Cdc42, and Arp2/3 through ITGB1. These findings indicate that SPARCL1 may influence bovine MDSC migration and differentiation through an ITGB1-mediated cell signaling pathway. Herein, we elucidated the mechanism through which SPARCL1 affects MDSC differentiation. Our results provide insight into the molecular mechanism of muscle development and may in the future facilitate skeletal muscle regeneration and treatment.

Maspin suppresses cell invasion and migration in gastric cancer through inhibiting EMT and angiogenesis via ITGB1/FAK pathway

This study aims to investigate how Maspin affects the EMT and angiogenesis of gastric cancer (GC) cells via ITGB1/FAK pathway. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expressions of Maspin, ITGB1, FAK, E-cadherin, Vimentin, D2-40, and CD34 in GC and adjacent normal tissues from 160 patients. Then, the human GC cells with different degree of differentiation were transfected with Maspin CRISPR activation plasmid, ITGB1 siRNA and/or Maspin siRNA, followed by the following experiments, including qRT-PCR, western blotting, tube formation assay, Transwell assay and wound healing. GC tumor tissues manifested decreased Maspin with the activated ITGB1/FAK pathway. In tumor tissues, Maspin was negatively correlated with the expressions of ITGB1 and FAK, as well as Lauren's classification, differentiation degree, and TNM stage. Besides, Maspin was negatively related with lymphatic vessel density (LVD) and microvessel density (MVD), Vimentin and VEGF, but was positive correlated with E-cadherin. Maspin expression decreased, but ITGB1 and p-FAK expressions increased gradually in MKN-28 (well differentiated), SGC-7901 (moderate differentiated), and MKN-45 (poorly differentiated). Maspin CRISPR and ITGB1 siRNA increased E-cadherin with the decreased Vimentin, VEGF and bFGF, and the reductions of tube length. In comparison with the ITGB1 siRNA group, cells in the Maspin siRNA + ITGB1 siRNA group presented the more evident EMT and angiogenesis. Furthermore, ITGB1 siRNA reduced the malignancies of GC cells, which could be restored by Maspin siRNA. Maspin was downregulated in GC tissues, which could inhibit the EMT and angiogenesis by blocking the ITGB1/FAK pathway, thereby decreasing cell invasion and migration of GC.

MicroRNA-374b mediates the initiation of non-small cell lung cancer by regulating ITGB1 and p53 expressions

Background

Previous studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the pathogenesis of human cancers. This study aims to clarify the role of miR‐374b in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

In this study, RT‐qPCR and western blot analysis were used to measure mRNA and protein expression. The regulatory mechanism of miR‐374b/ITGB1 was investigated by dual‐luciferase reporter, CCK‐8, and transwell assays.

Results

MiR‐374b expression was reduced in NSCLC tissues and associated with lymph node metastasis, tumor stage and prognosis in NSCLC patients. Functionally, overexpression of miR‐374b inhibited cell viability and metastasis in NSCLC. In addition, miR‐374b blocked EMT and promoted p53 expression in NSCLC. MiR‐374b was found to directly target ITGB1. Furthermore, upregulation of ITGB1 weakened the antitumor effect of miR‐374b in NSCLC.

Conclusions

MiR‐374b inhibits the tumorigenesis of NSCLC by downregulating ITGB1 and upregulating p53.

METTL3 enhances cell adhesion through stabilizing integrin β1 mRNA via an m6A-HuR-dependent mechanism in prostatic carcinoma

Bone metastasis is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with prostate cancer (PCa). However, the underlying mechanism of bone-specific metastasis remain vague. Recently, with the deep research of N6-methyladenine (m6A) mRNA methylation, many studies directly focus on the role of m6A modification in human diseases, especially in cancers. Here we found that methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) expression is higher in PCa than in normal prostate tissues, especially in PCa with bone metastasis. High METTL3 expression was positively correlated with advanced progression and a poor prognosis of PCa. Functional assays demonstrated that METTL3 regulates the expression of Integrin β1 (ITGB1) through m6A-HuR-dependent mechanism, which affects the binding of ITGB1 to Collagen I and tumor cell motility, so as to promote the bone metastasis of PCa. The findings of this study reveal a novel mechanism of PCa osteotropism and suggest METTL3 as a therapeutic target for PCa bone metastasis.

Hsa_circ_CSPP1/MiR-361-5p/ITGB1 Regulates Proliferation and Migration of Cervical Cancer (CC) by Modulating the PI3K-Akt Signaling Pathway

This study aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanism of circular RNA CSPP1 (hsa_circ_CSPP1) in cervical cancer. Based on GEO database, differentially expressed circRNAs and mRNAs related to cervical cancer were screened out by R software. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and Gene Ontology (GO) term analysis were performed to analyze the functional and pathway enrichment of identified DEGs. In addition, Cytoscape software was used to build interaction network of DEGs. The mRNA expressions were examined by qRT-PCR. Western blot was conducted to view the expression of proteins. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were respectively evaluated using CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, whereas cell migration abilities were detected by Transwell assay. The relationship among factors was validated by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. The influence in cervical tumor growth was further verified through nude mouse model in vivo. Hsa_circ_CSPP1 and ITGB1 were high-expressed in cervical cancer, while miR-361-5p was low-expressed. Hsa_circ_CSPP1 knockdown or miR-361-5p overexpression could suppress cervical cancer cell proliferation and migration, whereas promoted cell apoptosis. In addition, further experiments demonstrated that both hsa_circ_CSPP1 and ITGB1 mRNA were targets of miR-361-5p. Repressing hsa_circ_CSPP1 restrained cell viability and mobility and induced apoptosis through sponging miR-361-5p. Meanwhile, miR-361-5p also inhibited cervical cancer tumorigenesis via downregulation of ITGB1. Knockdown of hsa_circ_CSPP1 impeded tumor growth through suppressing the expression of downstream gene ITGB1, PI3K, and Akt. Circular RNA hsa_circ_CSPP1 regulates cell migration and proliferation in cervical cancer through miR-361-5p/ITGB1 in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.

Roles of transforming growth factor-β and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase isoforms in integrin β1-mediated bio-behaviors of mouse lung telocytes

Background

Telocytes (TCs) have the capacity of cell–cell communication with adjacent cells within the tissue, contributing to tissue repair and recovery from injury. The present study aims at investigating the molecular mechanisms by which the TGFβ1-ITGB1-PI3K signal pathways regulate TC cycle and proliferation.

Methods

Gene expression of integrin (ITG) family were measured in mouse primary TCs to compare with other cells. TC proliferation, movement, cell cycle, and PI3K isoform protein genes were assayed in ITGB1-negative or positive mouse lung TCs treated with the inhibition of PI3Kp110α, PI3Kα/δ, PKCβ, or GSK3, followed by TGFβ1 treatment.

Results

We found the characters and interactions of ITG or PKC family member networks in primary mouse lung TCs, different from other cells in the lung tissue. The deletion of ITGB1 changed TCs sensitivity to treatment with multifunctional cytokines or signal pathway inhibitors. The compensatory mechanisms occur among TGFβ1-induced PI3Kp110α, PI3Kα/δ, PKCβ, or GSK3 when ITGB1 gene was deleted, leading to alterations of TC cell cycle and proliferation. Of those PI3K isoform protein genes, mRNA expression of PIK3CG altered with ITGB1-negative TC cycle and proliferation.

Conclusion

TCs have strong capacity of proliferation through the compensatory signaling mechanisms and contribute to the development of drug resistance due to alterations of TC sensitivity.

Long Noncoding RNA UCA1 Accelerates Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cell Progression By Modulating miR-124-3p/ITGB1 Axis

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common malignant cancer that is distributed particularly in Southeastern Asia. Previous studies have manifested that long noncoding RNA urothelial carcinoma associated 1 (UCA1) was involved in NPC tumorigenesis and metastasis. However, the biological mechanism of UCA1 for NPC cell progression requires further investigation.

Methods

The expression levels of UCA1, miR-124-3p, integrin beta-1 (ITGB1) were detected by qRT-PCR. Protein expression of ITGB1 was determined by Western blot assay. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were evaluated by CCK8 and transwell assay, respectively. The interaction between miR-124-3p and UCA1 or ITGB1 was determined by luciferase reporter system, RIP and RNA pull-down assay. Mice model was established by subcutaneously injecting SUNE1 cells stably transfected with sh-UCA1 and sh-NC.

Results

The expression of UCA1 was up-regulated in NPC tissues and cells. However, UCA1 knockdown hindered NPC cell growth, migration and invasion. In addition, the interaction between miR-124-3p and UCA1 or ITGB1 was confirmed by luciferase reporter system, RIP and RNA pull-down assay. Besides, miR-124-3p inhibitor abrogated UCA1 silencing-mediated suppression on cell progression in NPC. Moreover, UCA1 accelerated NPC cell progression through modulating ITGB1 via sponging miR-124-3p. In vivo experiments revealed the interference of UCA1-inhibited tumor growth by regulating miR-124-3p/ITGB1 axis.

Conclusion

UCA1 acts as an oncogene to promote NPC cell proliferation by up-regulating ITGB1 through suppressing miR-124-3p in vitro and in vivo, providing a potential target for NPC diagnosis and treatment.

FRK suppresses human glioma growth by inhibiting ITGB1/FAK signaling

Fyn-related kinase (FRK), a member of the Src-related tyrosine kinase family, functions as a tumor suppressor in several malignancies. We previously showed that FRK overexpression inhibited the growth of glioma cells. However, it is unknown whether FRK is equally effective against intracranial glioma in vivo, and the mechanism by which FRK influences glioma cell growth remains unclear. In this study, we found that tumor volume was reduced by about one-third in mice with FRK overexpression, which showed improved survival relative to controls. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that FRK overexpression inhibited glioma cell proliferation and induced their apoptosis. Importantly, in vitro we further found that FRK decreased the expression of integrin subunit β1 (ITGB1) at both the mRNA and protein levels. FRK also inhibited transactivation by ITGB1, resulting in the suppression of its target proteins AKT and focal adhesion kinase (FAK). ITGB1 overexpression promoted glioma cell growth and partially reduced FRK-induced growth suppression. These results indicate that FRK inhibits human glioma growth via regulating ITGB1/FAK signaling and provide a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of glioma.

EPC-derived exosomes promote osteoclastogenesis through LncRNA-MALAT1

Bone repair involves bone resorption through osteoclastogenesis and the stimulation of neovascularization and osteogenesis by endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). However, the role of EPCs in osteoclastogenesis is unclear. In this study, we assess the effects of EPC-derived exosomes on the migration and osteoclastic differentiation of primary mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) in vitro using immunofluorescence, western blotting, RT-PCR and Transwell assays. We also evaluated the effects of EPC-derived exosomes on the homing and osteoclastic differentiation of transplanted BMMs in a mouse bone fracture model in vivo. We found that EPCs cultured with BMMs secreted exosomes into the medium and, compared with EPCs, exosomes had a higher expression level of LncRNA-MALAT1. We confirmed that LncRNA-MALAT1 directly binds to miR-124 to negatively control miR-124 activity. Moreover, overexpression of miR-124 could reverse the migration and osteoclastic differentiation of BMMs induced by EPC-derived exosomes. A dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated that the integrin ITGB1 is the target of miR-124. Mice treated with EPC-derived exosome-BMM co-transplantations exhibited increased neovascularization at the fracture site and enhanced fracture healing compared with those treated with BMMs alone. Overall, our results suggest that EPC-derived exosomes can promote bone repair by enhancing recruitment and differentiation of osteoclast precursors through LncRNA-MALAT1.

β1 Integrin is essential for fascin-mediated breast cancer stem cell function and disease progression

Breast cancer remains the second cause of tumor‐related mortality in women worldwide mainly due to chemoresistance and metastasis. The chemoresistance and metastasis are attributed to a rare subpopulation with enriched stem‐like characteristics, thus called Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs). We have previously reported aberrant expression of the actin‐bundling protein (fascin) in breast cancer cells, which enhances their chemoresistance, metastasis and enriches CSC population. The intracellular mechanisms that link fascin with its downstream effectors are not fully elucidated. Here, loss and gain of function approaches in two different breast cancer models were used to understand how fascin promotes disease progression. Importantly, findings were aligned with expression data from actual breast cancer patients. Expression profiling of a large breast cancer dataset (TCGA, 530 patients) showed statistically significant correlation between fascin expression and a key adherence molecule, β1 integrin (ITGB1). In vitro manipulation of fascin expression in breast cancer cells exhibited its direct effect on ITGB1 expression. Fascin‐mediated regulation of ITGB1 was critical for several breast cancer cell functions including adhesion to different extracellular matrix, self‐renewability and chemoresistance. Importantly, there was a significant relationship between fascin and ITGB1 co‐expression and short disease‐free as well as overall survival in chemo‐treated breast cancer patients. This novel role of fascin effect on ITGB1 expression and its outcome on cell self‐renewability and chemoresistance strongly encourages for dual targeting of fascin‐ITGB1 axis as a therapeutic approach to halt breast cancer progression and eradicate it from the root.

What's new?

Residual cancer stem cells (CSCs) have the ability to regrow tumors and to metastasize to distant organs, resulting in disease relapse and increased cancer mortality. In breast cancer, CSC populations are enriched by aberrant expression of the actin‐bundling protein fascin, induction of which is also associated with chemoresistance and metastasis. In this study, fascin was found to upregulate β1 integrin (ITGB1) expression, an effect that proved critical to breast cancer cell adhesion and self‐renewal. Coexpression of fascin and ITGB1 was associated with decreased survival in chemotherapy‐treated breast cancer patients. The findings identify the fascin‐ITGB1 axis as a potential therapeutic target.

Prognostic signature associated with radioresistance in head and neck cancer via transcriptomic and bioinformatic analyses

Background

Radiotherapy is an indispensable treatment modality in head and neck cancer (HNC), while radioresistance is the major cause of treatment failure. The aim of this study is to identify a prognostic molecular signature associated with radio-resistance in HNC for further clinical applications.

Methods

Affymetrix cDNA microarrays were used to globally survey different transcriptomes between HNC cell lines and isogenic radioresistant sublines. The KEGG and Partek bioinformatic analytical methods were used to assess functional pathways associated with radioresistance. The SurvExpress web tool was applied to study the clinical association between gene expression profiles and patient survival using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) dataset (n = 283). The Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were further validated after retrieving clinical data from the TCGA-HNSCC dataset (n = 502) via the Genomic Data Commons (GDC)-Data-Portal of National Cancer Institute. A panel maker molecule was generated to assess the efficacy of prognostic prediction for radiotherapy in HNC patients.

Results

In total, the expression of 255 molecules was found to be significantly altered in the radioresistant cell sublines, with 155 molecules up-regulated 100 down-regulated. Four core functional pathways were identified to enrich the up-regulated genes and were significantly associated with a worse prognosis in HNC patients, as the modulation of cellular focal adhesion, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, the HIF-1 signaling pathway, and the regulation of stem cell pluripotency. Total of 16 up-regulated genes in the 4 core pathways were defined, and 11 over-expressed molecules showed correlated with poor survival (TCGA-HNSCC dataset, n = 283). Among these, 4 molecules were independently validated as key molecules associated with poor survival in HNC patients receiving radiotherapy (TCGA-HNSCC dataset, n = 502), as IGF1R (p = 0.0454, HR = 1.43), LAMC2 (p = 0.0235, HR = 1.50), ITGB1 (p = 0.0336, HR = 1.46), and IL-6 (p = 0.0033, HR = 1.68). Furthermore, the combined use of these 4 markers product an excellent result to predict worse radiotherapeutic outcome in HNC (p < 0.0001, HR = 2.44).

Conclusions

Four core functional pathways and 4 key molecular markers significantly contributed to radioresistance in HNC. These molecular signatures may be used as a predictive biomarker panel, which can be further applied in personalized radiotherapy or as radio-sensitizing targets to treat refractory HNC.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-5243-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.