LOXL2-mediated chromatin compaction is required to maintain the oncogenic properties of triple-negative breast cancer cells

Oxidation of histone H3 at lysine 4 (H3K4ox) is catalyzed by lysyl oxidase homolog 2 (LOXL2). This histone modification is enriched in heterochromatin in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells and has been linked to the maintenance of compacted chromatin. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this maintenance is still unknown. Here, we show that LOXL2 interacts with RuvB-Like 1 (RUVBL1), RuvB-Like 2 (RUVBL2), Actin-like protein 6A (ACTL6A), and DNA methyltransferase 1associated protein 1 (DMAP1), a complex involved in the incorporation of the histone variant H2A.Z. Our experiments indicate that this interaction and the active form of RUVBL2 are required to maintain LOXL2-dependent chromatin compaction. Genome-wide experiments showed that H2A.Z, RUVBL2, and H3K4ox colocalize in heterochromatin regions. In the absence of LOXL2 or RUVBL2, global levels of the heterochromatin histone mark H3K9me3 were strongly reduced, and the ATAC-seq signal in the H3K9me3 regions was increased. Finally, we observed that the interplay between these series of events is required to maintain H3K4ox-enriched heterochromatin regions, which in turn is key for maintaining the oncogenic properties of the TNBC cell line tested (MDA-MB-231).

LOX, but not LOXL2, promotes bone metastasis formation and bone destruction in triple-negative breast cancer

The primary function of the lysyl oxidase (LOX) family, including LOX and its paralogue LOX-like (LOXL)-2, is to catalyze the covalent crosslinking of collagen and elastin in the extracellular matrix. LOX and LOXL2 are also facilitating breast cancer invasion and metastatic spread to visceral organs (lungs, liver) in vivo. Conversely, the contribution of LOX and LOXL2 to breast cancer bone metastasis remains scant. Here, using gene overexpression or silencing strategies, we investigated the role of LOX and LOXL2 on the formation of metastatic osteolytic lesions in animal models of triple negative breast cancer. In vivo, the extent of radiographic metastatic osteolytic lesions in animals injected with LOX-overexpressing [LOX(+)] tumor cells was 3-fold higher than that observed in animals bearing tumors silenced for LOX [LOX(-)]. By contrast, the extent of osteolytic lesions between LOXL2(+) and LOXL2(-) tumor-bearing animals did not differ, and was comparable to that observed with LOX(-) tumor-bearing animals. In situ, TRAP staining of bone tissue sections from the hind limbs of LOX(+) tumor-bearing animals was substantially increased compared to LOX(-), LOXL2(+) and LOXL2(-)-tumor-bearing animals, which was indicative of enhanced active-osteoclast resorption. In vitro, tumor-secreted LOX increased osteoclast differentiation induced by RANKL, whereas LOXL2 seemed to counteract LOX's pro-osteoclastic activity. Furthermore, LOX (but not LOXL2) overexpression in tumor cells induced a robust production of IL-6, the latter being a pro-osteoclastic cytokine. Based on these findings, we propose a model in which LOX and IL-6 secreted from tumor cells act in concert to enhance osteoclast-mediated bone resorption that, in turn, promotes metastatic bone destruction in vivo.

Dysregulation of extracellular matrix and Lysyl Oxidase in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV skin fibroblasts

BACKGROUND

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome Type IV (aka Vascular Ehlers Danlos, or vEDS) is a dominantly inherited mutation in the Collagen 3A1 gene (COL3A1). The disease is characterized by tissue friability and age-related susceptibility to arterial aneurysm, dissection and rupture as well as uterine and bowl tears. These clinical manifestations result in major surgical intervention and decreased life expectancy. Understanding how mutations in COL3A1 impact the structure and function of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is important to managing the disease and finding treatments.

RESULTS

Skin fibroblasts from vEDS subjects heterozygous for the p.G588S pathogenic variant in the COL3A1 gene and a normal individual were cultured and studied. Proteomics analysis identified dozens of upregulated proteins related to extracellular matrix dysregulation that is characteristic of fibrosis. Gene expression libraries from cultured primary fibroblasts were screened for messenger RNA (mRNA) markers of ECM degradation. The proteomics and targeted gene expression array results were largely consistent with dysregulation of the extracellular matrix in vEDS. The data show upregulation of multiple Collagen proteins and genes, other ECM components, and enzymes related to ECM processing and turn-over. vEDS fibroblasts expressed significantly more cross linked C-Telopeptide of Collagen III (CTXIII) than normal fibroblasts, indicative of Collagen III degradation and turn-over. Further, the expression and activity of Lysyl Oxidase (LOX), an enzyme that initiates covalent cross-linking of soluble collagen and elastin into protease resistant fibers, is elevated in vEDS fibroblasts compared to normal fibroblasts.

CONCLUSION

Together, these findings suggest dysregulated ECM deposition and processing, reminiscent of a state of fibrosis. Therapeutics that target the dysregulated ECM proteins or help replace damaged tissue may improve clinical outcomes.

The role of LOXL2 induced by glucose metabolism-activated NF-κB in maintaining drug resistance through EMT and cancer stemness in gemcitabine-resistant PDAC

Gemcitabine is considered a standard treatment for pancreatic cancer, but developing drug resistance greatly limits the effectiveness of chemotherapy and increases the rate of recurrence. Lysyl oxide-like 2 (LOXL2) is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer and is involved in carcinogenesis and EMT regulation. However, studies on the role of LOXL2 in drug resistance are limited. Here, we investigated the mechanism of LOXL2 induction and the effect of LOXL2 on EMT and CSC in gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer. Glucose metabolism was activated in gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cells, and NF-κB signaling was regulated accordingly. Activated NF-κB directly induces transcription by binding to the promoters of LOXL2 and ZEB1. The EMT process was significantly inhibited by the coregulation of ZEB1 and LOXL2. In addition, LOXL2 inhibition reduced the expression of cancer stemness markers and stemness by regulating MAPK signaling activity. LOXL2 inhibits tumor growth of gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cells and increases the sensitivity to gemcitabine in mouse models. KEY MESSAGES: We identified a specific mechanism for inducing LOXL2 overexpression in gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer. Taken together, our results suggest LOXL2 has an important regulatory role in maintaining gemcitabine resistance and may be an effective therapeutic target to treat pancreatic cancer.

Extracellular Hsp90 Binds to and Aligns Collagen-1 to Enhance Breast Cancer Cell Invasiveness

Cancer cell-secreted eHsp90 binds and activates proteins in the tumor microenvironment crucial in cancer invasion. Therefore, targeting eHsp90 could inhibit invasion, preventing metastasis-the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Previous eHsp90 studies have solely focused on its role in cancer invasion through the 2D basement membrane (BM), a form of extracellular matrix (ECM) that lines the epithelial compartment. However, its role in cancer invasion through the 3D Interstitial Matrix (IM), an ECM beyond the BM, remains unexplored. Using a Collagen-1 binding assay and second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging, we demonstrate that eHsp90 directly binds and aligns Collagen-1 fibers, the primary component of IM. Furthermore, we show that eHsp90 enhances Collagen-1 invasion of breast cancer cells in the Transwell assay. Using Hsp90 conformation mutants and inhibitors, we established that the Hsp90 dimer binds to Collagen-1 via its N-domain. We also demonstrated that while Collagen-1 binding and alignment are not influenced by Hsp90's ATPase activity attributed to the N-domain, its open conformation is crucial for increasing Collagen-1 alignment and promoting breast cancer cell invasion. These findings unveil a novel role for eHsp90 in invasion through the IM and offer valuable mechanistic insights into potential therapeutic approaches for inhibiting Hsp90 to suppress invasion and metastasis.

LOXL2 in Cancer: A Two-Decade Perspective

Lysyl Oxidase Like 2 (LOXL2) belongs to the lysyl oxidase (LOX) family, which comprises five lysine tyrosylquinone (LTQ)-dependent copper amine oxidases in humans. In 2003, LOXL2 was first identified as a promoter of tumour progression and, over the course of two decades, numerous studies have firmly established its involvement in multiple cancers. Extensive research with large cohorts of human tumour samples has demonstrated that dysregulated LOXL2 expression is strongly associated with poor prognosis in patients. Moreover, investigations have revealed the association of LOXL2 with various targets affecting diverse aspects of tumour progression. Additionally, the discovery of a complex network of signalling factors acting at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational levels has provided insights into the mechanisms underlying the aberrant expression of LOXL2 in tumours. Furthermore, the development of genetically modified mouse models with silenced or overexpressed LOXL2 has enabled in-depth exploration of its in vivo role in various cancer models. Given the significant role of LOXL2 in numerous cancers, extensive efforts are underway to identify specific inhibitors that could potentially improve patient prognosis. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of two decades of research on the role of LOXL2 in cancer.

Development of an in vivo murine model of perineural invasion and spread of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Introduction

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (cSCCHN) can metastasize by invading nerves and spread toward the central nervous system. This metastatic process is called perineural invasion (PNI) and spread (PNS). An in vivo sciatic nerve mouse model is used for cSCCHN PNI/PNS. Here we describe a complementary whisker pad model which allows for molecular studies investigating drivers of PNI/PNS in the head and neck environment.

Methods

A431 cells were injected into the whisker pads of BALB/c Foxn1nu and NSG-A2 mice. Tumor progression was monitored by bioluminescence imaging and primary tumor resection was performed. PNI was detected by H&E and IHC. Tumor growth and PNI were assessed with inducible ablation of LOXL2.

Results

The rate of PNI development in mice was 10%-28.6%. Tumors exhibited PNI/PNS reminiscent of the morphology seen in the human disease. Our model's utility was demonstrated with inducible ablation of LOXL2 reducing primary tumor growth and PNI.

Discussion

This model consists in a feasible way to test molecular characteristics and potential therapies, offers to close a gap in the described in vivo methods for PNI/PNS of cSCCHN and has uses in concert with the established sciatic nerve model.

Lysyl oxidase like-2 in fibrosis and cardiovascular disease

Fibrosis is an important and essential reparative response to injury that, if left uncontrolled, results in the excessive synthesis, deposition, remodeling, and stiffening of the extracellular matrix, which is deleterious to organ function. Thus, the sustained activation of enzymes that catalyze matrix remodeling and cross linking is a fundamental step in the pathology of fibrotic diseases. Recent studies have implicated the amine oxidase lysyl oxidase like-2 (LOXL2) in this process and established significantly elevated expression of LOXL2 as a key component of profibrotic conditions in several organ systems. Understanding the relationship between LOXL2 and fibrosis as well as the mechanisms behind these relationships can offer significant insights for developing novel therapies. Here, we summarize the key findings that demonstrate the link between LOXL2 and fibrosis and inflammation, examine current therapeutics targeting LOXL2 for the treatment of fibrosis, and discuss future directions for experiments and biomedical engineering.

Multiple Roles of LOXL2 in the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Potential for Therapeutic Targeting

LOXL2, a copper-dependent amine oxidase, has emerged as a promising therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Increased LOXL2 expression in HCC has been linked with an aggressive phenotype and represents a poor prognostic factor. Here, we focus on the mechanisms through which LOXL2 orchestrates multiple oncogenic functions in HCC development. We performed a review of the current knowledge on the roles LOXL2 performs in the modulation of the HCC tumor microenvironment, formation of premetastatic niches, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. We also highlighted the complex interplay between LOXL2 and hypoxia, angiogenesis, and vasculogenic mimicry in HCC. At the end of the review, we summarize the current LOXL2 inhibitors and discuss their potential in HCC precision treatment.

Homozygous LOXL2 variant in individuals affected by non-syndromic occipital encephalocele

BACKGROUND

Occipital encephaloceles is a rare congenital defect in which meninges and the brain protrude out as a sac-like structure through opening in the skull. The condition can result in neurologic complications as well as structural abnormalities of the skull. To the best of our knowledge, no genetic variant has been identified as an underlying cause of non-syndromic occipital encephaloceles.

METHODS

In this study, I report a family with 2 individuals having large occipital encephalocele. Clinical and radiological examination did not reveal any other neurological or skeletal manifestations in both affected individuals.

RESULTS

Exome sequencing detected the previously unreported homozygous single nucleotide duplication (NM_002318.3:c.64dupC) in LOXL2 gene. This is a nonsense variant (NP_002309.1:p.Leu22Profs*7) leading to a premature truncation and loss-of-function of the lysyl oxidase-like 2 protein. The variant is segregating in an autosomal recessive manner in a family. Both parents are heterozygous carriers for the variant while unaffected sibs have wild type sequence.

CONCLUSION

We hypothesize that LOXL2 is a potential candidate gene for occipital encephalocele due to the established role of LOXL3, a close paralog of LOXL2, in craniofacial development. This case illustrates the power of exome sequencing to establish genetic diagnosis and expands the spectrum of genetic defects in occipital encephalocele and related disorders.

Levoleucovorin inhibits LOXL2 (lysyl oxidase like-2) to control breast cancer proliferation: a repurposing approach

Lysyl oxidase like-2 (LOXL2) belongs to copper dependent amine oxidase from the lysyl oxidase family and is associated with breast cancer metastasis This study used multi-stage computational screening and in vitro validations to repurpose FDA approved drugs targeting LOXL2 to control breast cancer progression.Molecular modeling techniques and high-throughput virtual-screening technique was employed to screen FDA-approved drug library for its avid binding to LOXL2.hLOXL2, MDA-MB231 and MCF 7 cells were used for in vitro.Collectively, this repurposing study identified levoleucovorin to bind the active site of LOXL2 protein to inhibit its activity. Further validation of levoleucovorin against LOXL2 activity is warranted toward repurposing levoleucovorin as a therapeutic agent for treating breast cancer patients. validations.Computational modeling of LOXL2 identified putative druggable region at the active site of LOXL2 protein. High-throughput virtual screening predicted levoleucovorin as a best lead drug candidate to have a favorable binding affinity for LOXL2 at its active site. Molecular dynamic simulation predicts levoleucovorin to bind stably and avidly to LOXL2 with favorable interactions. In vitro validations show levoleucovorin significantly inhibited hLOXL2 with and IC50 value of 68.81 μM. Levoleucovorin controlled cell proliferations in MDM-MB 231 and MCF-7 cells with GI50 values of 55.91 μM and 79.20 μM respectively. Further, a dose dependent inhibition of cancer cell migration was noted along with apoptosis induction in these cells with levoleucovorin treatment.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomal miR-27b-3p alleviates liver fibrosis via downregulating YAP/LOXL2 pathway

Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) is an extracellular copper-dependent enzyme that plays a central role in fibrosis by catalyzing the crosslinking and deposition of collagen. Therapeutic LOXL2 inhibition has been shown to suppress liver fibrosis progression and promote its reversal. This study investigates the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of human umbilical cord-derived exosomes (MSC-ex) in LOXL2 inhibition of liver fibrosis. MSC-ex, nonselective LOX inhibitor β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), or PBS were administered into carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced fibrotic livers. Serum LOXL2 and collagen crosslinking were assessed histologically and biochemically. MSC-ex's mechanisms on LOXL2 regulation were investigated in human hepatic stellate cell line LX-2. We found that systemic administration of MSC-ex significantly reduced LOXL2 expression and collagen crosslinking, delaying the progression of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Mechanically, RNA-sequencing and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) indicated that miR-27b-3p was enriched in MSC-ex and exosomal miR-27b-3p repressed Yes-associated protein (YAP) expression by targeting its 3' untranslated region in LX-2. LOXL2 was identified as a novel downstream target gene of YAP, and YAP bound to the LOXL2 promoter to positively regulate transcription. Additionally, the miR-27b-3p inhibitor abrogated the anti-LOXL2 abilities of MSC-ex and diminished the antifibrotic efficacy. miR-27b-3p overexpression promoted MSC-ex mediated YAP/LOXL2 inhibition. Thus, MSC-ex may suppress LOXL2 expression through exosomal miR-27b-3p mediated YAP down-regulation. The findings here may improve our understanding of MSC-ex in liver fibrosis alleviation and provide new opportunities for clinical treatment.

New Functions of Intracellular LOXL2: Modulation of RNA-Binding Proteins

Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) was initially described as an extracellular enzyme involved in extracellular matrix remodeling. Nevertheless, numerous recent reports have implicated intracellular LOXL2 in a wide variety of processes that impact on gene transcription, development, differentiation, proliferation, migration, cell adhesion, and angiogenesis, suggesting multiple different functions for this protein. In addition, increasing knowledge about LOXL2 points to a role in several types of human cancer. Moreover, LOXL2 is able to induce the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process-the first step in the metastatic cascade. To uncover the underlying mechanisms of the great variety of functions of intracellular LOXL2, we carried out an analysis of LOXL2's nuclear interactome. This study reveals the interaction of LOXL2 with numerous RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) involved in several aspects of RNA metabolism. Gene expression profile analysis of cells silenced for LOXL2, combined with in silico identification of RBPs' targets, points to six RBPs as candidates to be substrates of LOXL2's action, and that deserve a more mechanistic analysis in the future. The results presented here allow us to hypothesize novel LOXL2 functions that might help to comprehend its multifaceted role in the tumorigenic process.

Cigarette Smoke Enhances the Malignant Phenotype of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Cells by Disrupting a Repressive Regulatory Interaction Between miR-145 and LOXL2

Although linked to esophageal carcinogenesis, the mechanisms by which cigarette smoke mediates initiation and progression of esophageal adenocarcinomas (EAC) have not been fully elucidated. In this study, immortalized esophageal epithelial cells and EAC cells (EACCs) were cultured with or without cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) under relevant exposure conditions. Endogenous levels of microRNA (miR)-145 and lysyl-likeoxidase 2 (LOXL2) were inversely correlated in EAC lines/tumors compared with that in immortalized cells/normal mucosa. The CSC repressed miR-145 and upregulated LOXL2 in immortalized esophageal epithelial cells and EACCs. Knockdown or constitutive overexpression of miR-145 activated or depleted LOXL2, respectively, which enhanced or reduced proliferation, invasion, and tumorigenicity of EACC, respectively. LOXL2 was identified as a novel target of miR-145 as well as a negative regulator of this miR in EAC lines/Barrett's epithelia. Mechanistically, CSC induced recruitment of SP1 to the LOXL2 promoter; LOXL2 upregulation coincided with LOXL2 enrichment and concomitant reduction of H3K4me3 levels within the promoter of miR143HG (host gene for miR-145). Mithramycin downregulated LOXL2 and restored miR-145 expression in EACC and abrogated LOXL2-mediated repression of miR-145 by CSC. These findings implicate cigarette smoke in the pathogenesis of EAC and demonstrate that oncogenic miR-145-LOXL2 axis dysregulation is potentially druggable for the treatment and possible prevention of these malignancies.

Phosphorylation of AKT by lysyl oxidase-like 2 activates the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to promote proliferation, invasion and metastasis in esophageal squamous carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common and aggressive malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract for which therapeutic options are scarce. This study screens for LOXL2, a key gene in ESCC, and explains the molecular mechanism by which it promotes the progression of ESCC.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expression level of LOXL2 in ESCC tissues and paraneoplastic tissues. CCK-8 and Transwell assays were performed to assess the effects of LOXL2 knockdown and overexpression on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion ability of ESCC cells. High-throughput sequencing analysis screens for molecular mechanisms of action by which LOXL2 promotes ESCC progression. Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to determine the expression levels of relevant markers.

RESULTS

LOXL2 is positively expressed in ESCC and highly correlated with poor prognosis. Silencing LOXL2 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasive ability of ESCC cells, whereas overexpression showed the opposite phenotype. High-throughput sequencing suggested that LOXL2-associated differentially expressed genes were highly enriched in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In vitro cellular assays confirmed that silencing LOXL2 significantly reduced PI3K, p-AKT^Thr308 and p-AKT^Ser473 gene and protein expression levels, while overexpression increased all three gene and protein levels, while AKT gene and protein expression levels were not significantly different.

CONCLUSION

This study found that LOXL2 may regulate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and exert protumor effects on ESCC cells through phosphorylation of AKT. LOXL2 may be a key clinical warning biomarker or therapeutic target for ESCC.

LOXL2 reduces 5-FU sensitivity through the Hedgehog/BCL2 signaling pathway in colorectal cancer

Elevated expression of lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) contributes to the malignant tumor progression in multiple cancers. However, the role of LOXL2 in the 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) resistance of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects of LOXL2 on 5-FU sensitivity in CRC. The mRNA and protein levels of LOXL2 were explored in public databases by bioinformatics, validated in clinical tissues using immunohistochemistry, and detected in 5-FU treated cell lines. The 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) values were quantified based on the cell viability at different concentrations of 5-FU with CCK-8 assays. Colony formation and flow cytometry assays were performed to measure the proliferation and apoptosis rates. Gene set enrichment and correlation analyses were conducted to identify the probable mechanism of LOXL2 in TCGA samples. Critical molecules of the Hedgehog signaling pathway and anti-apoptotic BCL2 in protein levels were detected with Western blotting. It concluded that LOXL2 was up-regulated and positively linked to the unfavorable prognosis of CRC patients. The LOXL2 expression increased with the rising 5-FU concentrations, especially at 20 and 40 μM. Elevated LOXL2 promoted the resistance to 5-FU, augmented the proliferation, and inhibited 5-FU-induced apoptosis of CRC cells. LOXL2 activated the Hedgehog signaling pathway by promoting the expression of SMO, GLI1, and GLI2, leading to the upregulation of downstream target gene BCL2 in CRC cells. Moreover, the Hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitor cyclopamine blocked the BCL2 upregulation mediated by LOXL2. This study has demonstrated that LOXL2 can reduce 5-FU sensitivity through the Hedgehog/BCL2 signaling pathway in CRC.

AKT-driven epithelial-mesenchymal transition is affected by copper bioavailability in HER2 negative breast cancer cells via a LOXL2-independent mechanism

BACKGROUND

The main mechanism underlying cancer dissemination is the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). This process is orchestrated by cytokines like TGFβ, involving "non-canonical" AKT- or STAT3-driven pathways. Recently, the alteration of copper homeostasis seems involved in the onset and progression of cancer.

METHODS

We expose different breast cancer cell lines, including two triple negative (TNBC) ones, an HER2 enriched and one cell line representative of the Luminal A molecular subtype, to short- or long-term copper-chelation by triethylenetetramine (TRIEN). We analyse changes in the expression of EMT markers (E-cadherin, fibronectin, vimentin and αSMA), in the levels and activity of extracellular matrix components (LOXL2, fibronectin and MMP2/9) and of copper homeostasis markers by Western blot analyses, immunofluorescence, enzyme activity assays and RT-qPCR. Boyden Chamber and wound healing assays revealed the impact of copper chelation on cell migration. Additionally, we explored whether perturbation of copper homeostasis affects EMT prompted by TGFβ. Metabolomic and lipidomic analyses were applied to search the effects of copper chelation on the metabolism of breast cancer cells. Finally, bioinformatics analysis of data on breast cancer patients obtained from different databases was employed to correlate changes in kinases and copper markers with patients' survival.

RESULTS

Remarkably, only HER2 negative breast cancer cells differently responded to short- or long-term exposure to TRIEN, initially becoming more aggressive but, upon prolonged exposure, retrieving epithelial features, reducing their invasiveness. This phenomenon may be related to the different impact of the short and prolonged activation of the AKT kinase and to the repression of STAT3 signalling. Bioinformatics analyses confirmed the positive correlation of breast cancer patients' survival with AKT activation and up-regulation of CCS. Eventually, metabolomics studies demonstrate a prevalence of glycolysis over mitochondrial energetic metabolism and of lipidome changes in TNBC cells upon TRIEN treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide evidence of a pivotal role of copper in AKT-driven EMT activation, acting independently of HER2 in TNBC cells and via a profound change in their metabolism. Our results support the use of copper-chelators as an adjuvant therapeutic strategy for TNBC.

Dihydroartemisinin Potentiates VEGFR-TKIs Antitumorigenic Effect on Osteosarcoma by Regulating Loxl2/VEGFA Expression and Lipid Metabolism Pathway

Anti-angiogenesis therapy has shown significant anti-tumor effects against a variety of cancers. But resistance to antiangiogenic drugs, intrinsic and evasive, is frequently found in patients during treatment. Here, we report that dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a derivative of the Chinese medicine artemisinin, enhances antiangiogenic drug-induced cytotoxicity in osteosarcoma (OS) cells. Proteomics analysis revealed that DHA treatment significantly affected the activity of the collagen-modifying enzyme lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2), a regulatory gene associated with poor prognosis of OS. Furthermore, we found that DHA reduced the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA) by downregulating LOXL2. This mechanism was confirmed by QRT-PCR, western blot, and ELISA assays. Correspondingly, vector-enforced expression of LOXL2 markedly reduced VEGFA secretion. Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that the lipid metabolism that confers antiangiogenic drug resistance, was also interfered with by DHA. Thus, DHA not only exerts antitumor effects in OS cells directly but also synergizes with the antiangiogenic drug by regulating vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) expression and lipid metabolism.

Don inhibits cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via miR-195-5p/LOXL2 axis

Background

Scutellaria barbata D. Don (SB) is a widely used herbal medicine in China, with various pharmacological effects such as anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, and anti-cancer. This work is aimed to investigate the tumor-suppressive effect of SB in cervical cancer (CC) and to identify its underlying mechanisms.

Methods and materials

CC cell lines (HeLa and HT-3) were treated with different concentrations of SB chloroform extract (ECSB) (0, 0.2, 0.5 mg/ml). MiR-195-5p and LOXL2 mRNA expression in CC cell lines and tissue samples was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cell counting kit-8 experiment was utilized to examine cell viability; TUNEL assay and Transwell experiment was executed to examine cell apoptosis, migration, and invasion. Western blotting experiments were implemented to detect LOXL2 protein expression. Bioinformatics and dual-luciferase reporter gene experiment were executed to examine the binding relationship between miR-195-5p and LOXL2.

Results

ECSB repressed the viability, migration, and invasion of HeLa and HT-3 cells, and promoted cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. MiR-195-5p was remarkably under-expressed in CC tissues and cells, and ECSB up-regulated miR-195-5p expression. MiR-195-5p inhibitors partially counteracted the suppressive effects of ECSB on the malignant phenotypes of HeLa and HT-3 cells. LOXL2 was a downstream target of miR-195-5p, and ECSB up-modulated LOXL2 expression by specifically repressing miR-195-5p.

Conclusion

SB restrains CC cell proliferation and metastasis and promotes cell apoptosis via miR-195-5p/LOXL2, which may be a potential therapeutic agent for CC treatment.

Lysyl oxidase family gene polymorphisms and risk of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a case-control study

Background

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a devastating disease caused by intracranial aneurysm (IA) rupture. Lysyl oxidase (LOX) family genes (LOX-like [LOXL] 1-4) have roles in collagen cross-linking in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and may be associated with IA rupture. We aimed to explore the association between LOX polymorphisms and the risk of aSAH.

Methods

This case-control study included 2 cohorts: 133 single ruptured and 115 unruptured IA patients, and 65 multiple ruptured and 71 unruptured IA patients. Genotyping of 27 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in LOX was performed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the SNPs of LOX and the risk of aSAH.

Results

LOX rs1800449 and LOXL4 rs3793692 were positively associated with the risk of single IA rupture in the recessive model (OR =5.66, 2.06; 95% CI =1.22–26.24, 1.11–3.82, respectively) and LOX rs10519694 demonstrated a protective effect on single IA rupture (dominant model: OR =0.42, 95% CI =0.21–0.83; recessive model: OR =0.16, 95% CI =0.04–0.65; additive model: OR =0.46, 95% CI =0.28–0.78). LOXL1 rs2165241, LOXL2 rs1063582, and LOXL3 rs17010021 showed risk effects on multiple IAs rupture. LOXL3 rs17010022 showed a protective effect on multiple IAs ruptures (dominant model: OR =0.41, 95% CI =0.21–0.82; additive model: OR =0.51, 95% CI =0.30–0.85).

Conclusions

LOX and LOXL4 may be susceptibility genes for single IA rupture, whereas LOXL1-3 may have a role in susceptibility to multiple IAs ruptures in the Chinese population, suggesting that LOX family genes may be associated with aSAH.

GDNF Promotes Astrocyte Abnormal Proliferation and Migration Through the GFRα1/RET/MAPK/pCREB/LOXL2 Signaling Axis

Glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a powerful astroglioma (AG) proliferation and migration factor that is highly expressed in AG cells derived from astrocytes. However, it is still unclear whether high levels of GDNF promote AG occurrence or if they are secondary to AG formation. We previously reported that high concentrations of GDNF (200 and 500 ng/mL) can inhibit DNA damage-induced rat primary astrocytes (RA) apoptosis, suggesting that high concentrations of GDNF may be involved in the malignant transformation of astrocytes to AG cells. Here we show that 200 ng/mL GDNF significantly increased the proliferation and migration ability of RA cells and human primary astrocytes (HA). This treatment also induced RA cells to highly express Pgf, Itgb2, Ibsp, Loxl2, Lif, Cxcl10, Serpine1, and other genes that enhance AG proliferation and migration. LOXL2 is an important AG occurrence and development promotion factor and was highly expressed in AG tissues and cells. High concentrations of GDNF promote LOXL2 expression and secretion in RA cells through GDNF family receptor alpha-1(GFRα1)/rearranged during transfection proto-oncogene (RET)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/phosphorylated cyclic AMP response element binding protein (pCREB) signaling. GDNF-induced LOXL2 significantly promotes RA and HA cell proliferation and migration, and increases the expression of Ccl2, Gbp5, MMP11, TNN, and other genes that regulate the extracellular microenvironment in RA cells. Our results demonstrate that high concentrations of GDNF activate LOXL2 expression and secretion via the GFRα1/RET/MAPK/pCREB signal axis, which leads to remodeling of the astrocyte extracellular microenvironment through molecules such as Ccl2, Gbp5, MMP11, TNN. This ultimately results in abnormal astrocyte proliferation and migration. Collectively, these findings suggest that high GDNF concentrations may promote the malignant transformation of astrocytes to AG cells.

Long noncoding RNA HCP5 promotes osteosarcoma cell proliferation, invasion, and migration via the miR-29b-3p-LOXL2 axis

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the second most common primary malignant bone tumors in adolescents that causes cancer-related deaths. Previous studies have confirmed the promoting role of lncRNA HCP5 in the development of OS, but the specific mechanism is still not well understood. MiRNA levels were measured via RT-qPCR and protein expression was detected via western blotting. Cell proliferation was analyzed by CCK-8 assays and colony formations assay were conducted to measure colony formation ability. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to detect the targeting relationship between HCP5 and miR-29b-3p, and between miR-29b-3p and LOXL2. Wound healing assays and Transwell assays were conducted to verify the migration and invasion abilities of OS cells. Correlations between the levels of HCP5 and miR-29b-3p, and between miR-29b-3p and LOXL2 were determined by Pearson correlation coefficient analysis. MiR-29b-3p expression was decreased and HCP5 and LOXL2 levels were increased in OS tissues and cell lines. MiR-29b-3p could directly act on LOXL2 and knockdown of LOXL2 restrained the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OS cells. Moreover, transfection with sh-HCP5-1 and sh-HCP5-2 suppressed the malignant biological behavior of OS cells. HCP5 directly targeted miR-29b-3p, and promoted OS proliferation, migration, and invasion via the miR-29b-3p/LOXL2 axis. The lncRNA HCP5 may upregulate LOXL2 expression by targeting miR-29b-3p, thereby promoting OS proliferation, migration, and invasion.

Effect of LOXL2 on metastasis through remodeling of the cell surface matrix in non-small cell lung cancer cells

Lung cancer is the prominent cause of cancer-associated death primarily because of distant metastatic disease. The metastatic potential of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is associated with tumor cell aggregation. However, the systemic mechanotransduction mechanism by which tumor cells dynamically aggregate and disseminate is poorly understood, especially in NSCLC. In this study, we examine whether the cell surface matrix plays an important role in metastasis. We used poly-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-based 3D spheroid formation methods to mimic in vivo metastatic lesions. Supra-structural analysis of human NSCLC A549 cells stained with ruthenium red for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that glycocalyx surrounding the cell surface in 2D culture decreases in 3D culture. Comprehensive gene expression analysis revealed that the genes associated with cell adhesion were distinctly enriched in A549 cell spheroids. Of these, downregulation of the tumor metastatic microenvironment facilitator LOXL2, a copper-dependent enzyme catalyzing posttranslational oxidative deamination of peptidyl lysine, was of special interest. Knockdown of LOXL2 thickened the cell surface matrix in 2D culture and impaired compact aggregate formation in 3D culture. Moreover, A549 cell spheroids with endogenous overexpression of LOXL2 increased their dissemination on basement extracellular matrix Matrigel. Overall, these data imply that cell detachment-downregulated LOXL2 contributes to cell surface matrix remodeling, leading to collective dissemination of free-floating aggregates.

Lysyl oxidase-like 2 inhibitor rescues D-galactose-induced skeletal muscle fibrosis

Aging-related sarcopenia is currently the most common sarcopenia. The main manifestations are skeletal muscle atrophy, replacement of muscle fibers with fat and fibrous tissue. Excessive fibrosis can impair muscle regeneration and function. Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) has previously been reported to be involved in the development of various tissue fibrosis. Here, we investigated the effects of LOXL2 inhibitor on D-galactose (D-gal)-induced skeletal muscle fibroblast cells and mice. Our molecular and physiological studies show that treatment with LOXL2 inhibitor can alleviate senescence, fibrosis, and increased production of reactive oxygen species in fibroblasts caused by D-gal. These effects are related to the inhibition of the TGF-β1/p38 MAPK pathway. Furthermore, in vivo, mice treatment with LOXL2 inhibitor reduced D-gal-induced skeletal muscle fibrosis, partially enhanced skeletal muscle mass and strength and reduced redox balance disorder. Taken together, these data indicate the possibility of using LOXL2 inhibitors to prevent aging-related sarcopenia, especially with significant fibrosis.

LOXL2 small molecule inhibitor restrains malignant transformation of cervical cancer cells by repressing LOXL2-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)

Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) is a member of the lysine oxidase (LOX) family. Although its overexpression is known to play pivotal roles in carcinogenesis, its involvement in cervical cancer remains undefined. Here, we comprehensively explored the expression level and functional mechanism of LOXL2 in cervical cancer using bioinformatics and experimental methods. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that LOXL2 was significantly upregulated in cervical cancer compared to normal tissues. Enrichment analysis showed that most positively or negatively correlated genes of LOXL2 were correlated with extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Further experiments confirmed that overexpression of LOXL2 greatly enhanced the malignant transformation abilities (e.g., proliferation, invasion, and migration) of cervical cancer cells via mediation of EMT. Furthermore, the small molecule inhibitor of LOXL2 ((2-Chloropyridin-4-yl) methanamine hydrochloride) significantly decreased the invasive ability of cervical cancer by reversing the process of LOXL2-induced EMT. In summary, LOXL2 may be a promising diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker for cervical cancer, and its small molecule inhibitor may be an effective anti-tumor drug.

Atorvastatin attenuates pulmonary fibrosis in mice and human lung fibroblasts, by the regulation of myofibroblast differentiation and apoptosis

Statins have anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects in addition to cholesterol-lowering effect. We aimed to investigate the effect of atorvastatin (ATR) in fibrotic mouse lung and human lung fibroblasts (MRC5s). Pulmonary fibrosis was induced by a single dose of bleomycin by intratracheal instillation in adult mice. ATR was administered (20 mg/kg ip) to mice with healthy and pulmonary fibrosis for 10 days from Day 7 of the experiment. Mice were dissected on the 21st day. The levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), pSMAD2/3, LOXL2, and p-Src were determined by Western blot analysis in the lungs. Furthermore, a group of MRC5 was differentiated into myofibroblasts by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). Another group of MRC5s was treated with 10 µM ATR at 24 h after TGF-β stimulation. Cells were collected at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h. The effects of ATR on myofibroblast differentiation, apoptosis, and TGF-β and Wnt/β-catenin signaling activations were examined by Western blot analysis and flow cytometry in MRC5s. ATR attenuated pulmonary fibrosis by regulating myofibroblast differentiation and interstitial accumulation of collagen, by acting on LOXL2, p-Src, and pSMAD2/3 in mice lungs. Additionally, it blocked myofibroblast differentiation via reduced TGF-β and Wnt/β-catenin signaling and decreased α-SMA in MRC5s stimulated with TGF-β. Moreover, ATR caused myofibroblast apoptosis via caspase-3 activation. ATR treatment attenuates pulmonary fibrosis in mice treated with bleomycin. It also inhibits fibroblast/myofibroblast activation, by both reducing myofibroblasts differentiation and inducing myofibroblast apoptosis.

Depletion of LOXL2 improves respiratory capacity: From air-breathing fish to mammal under hypoxia

Air-breathing fish are fascinating because of their ability to survive under hypoxia for a long time by using air-breathing organs (ABOs). Fish ABOs are thought to resemble the mammal lung all along. However, the link between the two has not been studied in depth. Here, we reported a markedly improved respiratory capacity in mice under hypoxia by inhibiting lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2), inspired from the intestinal air-breathing of loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus). Moreover, a posterior intestine (an ABO) transcriptome analysis revealed that the deletion of Loxl2b obviously inhibited PI3K-AKT and TGF-β signaling, meanwhile, induced VEGF signaling, which could cause vasodilation and angiogenesis to improve the air-breathing ability of loach. The same phenomenon was found in LOXL2-inhibition mice under hypoxia, which significantly prolonged their living period relative to wild-type (WT) mice. In addition, compared with WT loach, Loxl2b^-/- loach presented enhanced anaerobic metabolism, which could also make itself to better survive in hypoxic environment. This should be the magic of air-breathing fish! Supplied from air-breathing fish, this study provides a novel means of improving respiratory capacity in mammal under hypoxia.

LncRNA KCNQ1OT1-mediated cervical cancer progression by sponging miR-1270 as a ceRNA of LOXL2 through PI3k/Akt pathway

BACKGROUND

Dysregulated noncoding RNAs participated in progressions of cervical cancer.

PURPOSE

To verify impacts of KCNQ1OT1 on modulating progressions of cervical cancer cells.

METHOD

Expressions of KCNQ1OT1, miR-1270, and LOXL2 were analyzed through RT-qPCR and protein expressions of LOXL2, p-AKT, and AKT were validated using western blot. Bindings of miR-1270 with KCNQ1OT1 or LOXL2 were verified using luciferase reporter assay. CCK-8 and flow cytometry evaluated cell viability and apoptosis, respectively. The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway suppressor, LY294002, was applied to treat the cells and the changes of KCNQ1OT1 expression and LOXL2, p-AKT, and AKT protein expressions were examined.

RESULTS

KCNQ1OT1 expression was the highest in HeLa cells but lowest in SiHa cells whose upregulation improved the viability but inhibited the apoptosis in SiHa cells while knockdown of KCNQ1OT1 caused opposite results in HeLa cells. MiR-1270 was sponged and negatively modulated by KCNQ1OT1. MiR-1270 mimics caused low viability and high apoptosis of SiHa cells but miR-1270 inhibitor reverse its roles in HeLa cells. LOXL2, the target of miR-1270, positively interplayed with KCNQ1OT1 but had negative interaction with miR-1270. LOXL2 overexpression promoted viability and decreased apoptosis of SiHa cells but knockdown of LOXL2 restored its effects in HeLa cells. Moreover, LOXL2 and phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT) protein expressions were downregulated by suppressed KCNQ1OT1 and LOXL2 and miR-1270 mimics but promoted by overexpressed KCNQ1OT1 and LOXL2 and miR-1270 inhibitor. Additionally, LY294002 treatment caused low KCNQ1OT1 RNA expression and decreased LOXL2 and p-AKT protein expressions.

CONCLUSION

KCNQ1OT1/miR-1270/LOXL2 axis modulated viability and apoptosis of cervical cancer cells.

Deubiquitinase ZRANB1 drives hepatocellular carcinoma progression through SP1-LOXL2 axis

Deubiquitinase (DUB) zinc finger RANBP2-type containing 1 (ZRANB1) has been reported to have a close relationship with cancers. However, its underlying role and molecular mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain elusive. In this study, we demonstrated that ZRANB1 was highly expressed in HCC tissues. Additionally, ZRANB1 overexpression was correlated with poorer survival and ZRANB1 could be an independent predictor of poor prognosis for HCC patients. Through gain- and loss-of-function assays, we examined the oncogenic role of ZRANB1 in regulating HCC cell growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. To identify the downstream targets of ZRANB1 in regulating HCC tumorigenesis, we performed RNA-seq and demonstrated that Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) was the most significantly downregulated gene after ZRANB1 knockdown. Furthermore, the scatter plots indicated a significant positive correlation between ZRANB1 and LOXL2 expression in clinical HCC specimens. We also demonstrated that ZRANB1 knockdown downregulated the expression of LOXL2 and suppressed HCC growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. The effects of ZRANB1 knockdown were reversed by LOXL2 overexpression. More importantly, ZRANB1 regulated LOXL2 through specificity protein 1 (SP1) and SP1 overexpression rescued the suppression of HCC growth and metastasis induced by ZRANB1 knockdown. Mechanistically, ZRANB1 bound with SP1 directly and stabilized the SP1 protein by deubiquitinating it. The expression patterns of ZRANB1, SP1 and LOXL2 were evaluated in HCC patients. In summary, our research highlights a novel role of ZRANB1 in the tumorigenesis of HCC and suggests a new candidate prognostic biomarker for HCC treatment.

Circular RNA circ_0000228 promotes the malignancy of cervical cancer via microRNA-195-5p/ lysyl oxidase-like protein 2 axis

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of novel non-coding RNAs that are vital in modulating gene expression and biological processes. Nevertheless, in cervical cancer (CC), the role of circRNA is much less investigated. In this work, circ_0000228 expression in CC is measured and circ_0000228's function and related mechanism are investigated. Quantitative real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was utilized to examine the expression levels of circ_0000228, microRNA-195-5p (miR-195-5p) and lysyl oxidase-like protein 2 (LOXL2). Western blotting was employed to examine LOXL2 protein expression in CC cell lines. CC cell lines with circ_0000228 knockdown were constructed, and the CCK-8 experiment and Transwell experiment were executed to investigate the effect of circ_0000228 on the malignant characteristics of CC cells. Furthermore, a dual-luciferase reporter gene experiment was applied to validate the targeting relationship between circ_0000228 and miR-195-5p, miR-195-5p and LOXL2. In this study, we demonstrated that circ_0000228 showed a remarkable up-modulation in CC tissues and cell lines. Circ_0000228 knockdown repressed the growth and metastatic potential of CC cells. Mechanistically, circ_0000228 facilitated CC progression through sponging miR-195-5p and up-modulating LOXL2 expression. We conclude that circ_0000228 is an oncogenic circRNA, which participates in promoting CC progression via regulating the miR-195-5p/LOXL2 axis.

Revisiting an Expression Dataset of Discordant Inflammatory Bowel Disease Twin Pairs Using a Mutation Burden Test Reveals CYP2C18 as a Novel Marker

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression features of discordant inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) twin pairs to identify novel molecular features and markers. We collected an expression dataset of discordant twin pairs with ulcerative colitis and performed integrative analysis to identify the genetic-independent expression features. Through deconvolution of the immune cell populations and tissue expression specificity, we refined the candidate genes for susceptibility to ulcerative colitis. We found that dysregulated immune systems and NOD-related pathways were enriched in the expression network of the discordant IBD twin pairs. Among the identified factors were significantly increased proportions of immune cells, including megakaryocytes, neutrophils, natural killer T cells, and lymphatic endothelial cells. The differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in a gene set associated with cortical and medullary thymocytes. Finally, by combining these expression features with genetic resources, we identified some candidate genes with potential to serve as novel markers of ulcerative colitis, such as CYP2C18. Ulcerative colitis is a subtype of inflammatory bowel disease and a polygenic disorder. Through integrative analysis, we identified some genes, such as CYP2C18, that are involved in the pathogenesis of IBD as well as some candidate therapeutic targets, such as LOXL2.

Novel mechanism for OSM-promoted extracellular matrix remodeling in breast cancer: LOXL2 upregulation and subsequent ECM alignment

BACKGROUND

Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is a serious problem for patients as it metastasizes, decreasing 5-year patient survival from > 95 to ~ 27%. The breast tumor microenvironment (TME) is often saturated with proinflammatory cytokines, such as oncostatin M (OSM), which promote epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions (EMT) in IDC and increased metastasis. The extracellular matrix (ECM) also plays an important role in promoting invasive and metastatic potential of IDC. Specifically, the reorganization and alignment of collagen fibers in stromal ECM leads to directed tumor cell motility, which promotes metastasis. Lysyl oxidase like-2 (LOXL2) catalyzes ECM remodeling by crosslinking of collagen I in the ECM. We propose a novel mechanism whereby OSM induces LOXL2 expression, mediating stromal ECM remodeling of the breast TME.

METHODS

Bioinformatics was utilized to determine survival and gene correlation in patients. IDC cell lines were treated with OSM (also IL-6, LIF, and IL-1β) and analyzed for LOXL2 expression by qRT-PCR and immunolabelling techniques. Collagen I contraction assays, 3D invasion assays, and confocal microscopy were performed with and without LOXL2 inhibition to determine the impact of OSM-induced LOXL2 on the ECM.

RESULTS

Our studies demonstrate that IDC patients with high LOXL2 and OSM co-expression had worse rates of metastasis-free survival than those with high levels of either, individually, and LOXL2 expression is positively correlated to OSM/OSM receptor (OSMR) expression in IDC patients. Furthermore, human IDC cells treated with OSM resulted in a significant increase in LOXL2 mRNA, which led to upregulated protein expression of secreted, glycosylated, and enzymatically active LOXL2. The expression of LOXL2 in IDC cells did not affect OSM-promoted EMT, and LOXL2 was localized to the cytoplasm and/or secreted. OSM-induced LOXL2 promoted an increase in ECM collagen I fiber crosslinking, which led to significant fiber alignment between cells and increased IDC cell invasion.

CONCLUSIONS

Aligned collagen fibers in the ECM provide pathways for tumor cells to migrate more easily through the stroma to nearby vasculature and tissue. These results provide a new paradigm through which proinflammatory cytokine OSM promotes tumor progression. Understanding the nuances in IDC metastasis will lead to better potential therapeutics to combat against the possibility.

Elevated LOXL2 expression by LINC01347/miR-328-5p axis contributes to 5-FU chemotherapy resistance of colorectal cancer

Chemotherapy resistance after curative surgery is a major contributor to the mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC). Detailed mechanism studies of specific molecular alterations are critical to improving the available therapies for long-term disease administration. We explored the functional role of LINC01347 in chemotherapy resistance of CRC. Elevated LINC01347 expression was correlated with CRC disease progression during chemotherapy treatment. However, the functional role of LINC01347 and mechanism remained undefined. In this study, we demonstrated that elevated LINC01347 expression was correlated with late clinical stage and poor prognosis in CRC tumor tissues with TCGA data. Exogenous LINC01347 expression promoted cell proliferation and 5-FU resistance of CRC cells, while LINC01347 knockdown attenuated cell growth and 5-FU resistance in vitro and in vivo. Molecular analysis indicated that LINC01347 participated in the transcriptional regulation of LOXL2 by sponging miR-328-5p. LOXL2 knockdown impaired the LINC01347 overexpression induced 5-FU resistance in CRC cells. The clinical analysis supported miR-328-5p/LOXL2 as a candidate biomarker for chemotherapy resistance of CRC patients. Our study provided a molecular basis for the development of 5-FU based chemotherapy resistance in CRC by LINC01347/miR-328/LOXL2 axis. We identified LINC01347 as a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target against 5-FU based chemotherapy resistance of CRC.

The pathological significance of LOXL2 in pre-metastatic niche formation of HCC and its related molecular mechanism

OBJECTIVE

The mechanisms underlying the contribution of primary tumour to pre-metastatic niche formation remains largely unknown in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We previously reported that the released LOXL2 from HCC cells under higher stiffness stimulation facilitated the formation of lung pre-metastatic niche. Here, we further clarified the pathological role of LOXL2 in promoting lung pre-metastatic niche formation and lung metastasis occurrence in HCC and its relevant molecular mechanism.

METHODS

Using two different animal models and an in vitro system of mechanically tuneable gel mirroring lung tissue stiffness, we explored the underlying mechanism of LOXL2 in pre-metastatic niche formation.

RESULTS

We applied tail vein injection of CM-LV-LOXL2-OEsimulating tumour-released soluble factors to induce lung pre-metastatic niche formation and found that the injected LOXL2 remarkably enhanced CD11b+/CD45+ bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) recruitment and fibronectin expression in lung. Subsequently, LOXL2-overexpressed xenograft HCC models validated that tumour-secreted LOXL2 significantly promoted the occurrence of pulmonary metastasis. In vitro, LOXL2 and LOXL2-caused matrix stiffening not only obviously upregulated the expressions of MMP9 and fibronectin in lung fibroblasts, but also evidently increased the number of adherent HCC cells and the expression of chemokine CXCL12. The activation of PI3K-AKT pathway mediated LOXL2-upregulated fibronectin. HCC patients in High-LOXL2 group had higher ratio of tumour recurrence than HCC patients in Low-LOXL2 group, supporting a significance of LOXL2 in HCC progression and unfavourable outcome.

CONCLUSION

Primary tumour-released LOXL2 promotes lung pre-metastatic niche formation and lung metastasis occurrence. LOXL2-caused matrix stiffening synergistically regulates lung pre-metastatic niche formation. Targeting LOXL2-induced lung pre-metastatic niche may be a novel intervention approach against HCC metastasis.

A Theoretical Approach to Coupling the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) to Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Stiffness via LOXL2

Simple Summary

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process in cancer progression through which cells weaken their cell-cell adhesion and gain mobility and invasive traits. Besides chemical signaling, recent studies have established the connection of EMT to mechanical microenvironment, such as the stiffness of extracellular matrix (ECM). LOXL2 is representative of a family of enzymes that promotes fiber cross-linking in ECM. With increased cross-linking comes increased stiffness, which induces EMT that can, in turn, elevate LOXL2 levels. As such, a positive feedback loop among EMT, LOXL2, and ECM stiffness can be formed. We built a mathematical model on a core biochemical reaction network featuring this feedback loop, and showed how strongly it drives EMT. We also illustrated mechanistically how cross-linking connects with stiffness, using a mechanical model of collagen (a major component of ECM). Using this theoretical framework, we demonstrated the heterogeneity of LOXL2/stiffness and its implications on migrating cancer cells that could seed metastasis, the growth of secondary malignant tumors. This framework can inspire experimental studies of more fine-grained mechanotransduction and biomechanical heterogeneity in cancers.

Abstract

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a critical role in cancer progression, being responsible in many cases for the onset of the metastatic cascade and being integral in the ability of cells to resist drug treatment. Most studies of EMT focus on its induction via chemical signals such as TGF-β or Notch ligands, but it has become increasingly clear that biomechanical features of the microenvironment such as extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness can be equally important. Here, we introduce a coupled feedback loop connecting stiffness to the EMT transcription factor ZEB1, which acts via increasing the secretion of LOXL2 that leads to increased cross-linking of collagen fibers in the ECM. This increased cross-linking can effectively increase ECM stiffness and increase ZEB1 levels, thus setting a positive feedback loop between ZEB1 and ECM stiffness. To investigate the impact of this non-cell-autonomous effect, we introduce a computational approach capable of connecting LOXL2 concentration to increased stiffness and thereby to higher ZEB1 levels. Our results indicate that this positive feedback loop, once activated, can effectively lock the cells in a mesenchymal state. The spatial-temporal heterogeneity of the LOXL2 concentration and thus the mechanical stiffness also has direct implications for migrating cells that attempt to escape the primary tumor.

Redox Potentials of Disulfide Bonds in LOXL2 Studied by Nonequilibrium Alchemical Simulation

Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) is a metalloenzyme that catalyzes the oxidative deamination ε-amino group of lysine. It is found that LOXL2 is a promotor for the metastasis and invasion of cancer cells. Disulfide bonds are important components in LOXL2, and they play a stabilizing role for protein structure or a functional role for regulating protein bioactivity. The redox potential of disulfide bond is one important property to determine the functional role of disulfide bond. In this study, we have calculated the reduction potential of all the disulfide bonds in LOXL2 by non-equilibrium alchemical simulations. Our results show that seven of seventeen disulfide bonds have high redox potentials between -182 and -298 mV and could have a functional role, viz., Cys573-Cys625, Cys579-Cys695, Cys657-Cys673, and Cys663-Cys685 in the catalytic domain, Cys351-Cys414, Cys464-Cys530, and Cys477-Cys543 in the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) domains. The disulfide bond of Cys351-Cys414 is predicted to play an allosteric function role, which could affect the metastasis and invasion of cancer cells. Other functional bonds have a catalytic role related to enzyme activity. The rest of disulfide bonds are predicted to play a structural role. Our study provides an important insight for the classification of disulfide bonds in LOXL2 and can be utilized for the drug design that targets the cysteine residues in LOXL2.

ZEB1 promotes colorectal cancer cell invasion and disease progression by enhanced LOXL2 transcription

Disease progression after curative surgery is still the main challenge for colorectal cancer (CRC). Identifying biomarkers and precise mechanisms in CRC disease progression is necessary for therapeutic improvement. As a transcription factor, ZEB1 promotes malignancy, but the precise mechanism by which ZEB1-dependent transcriptional regulation remains largely undefined. In this study, the transcriptional regulation of lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) by ZEB1 in CRC was investigated. Our data show that ZEB1 enhanced LOXL2 transcription through direct binding to its promoter. The gain of function assays of ZEB1 showed increased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The inhibition of LOXL2 impaired the invasion and migratory ability of CRC cells, but had no effect on cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Immunohistochemical staining of tumor tissues indicated that elevated ZEB1/LOXL2 expression was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis and TNM stage. More importantly, elevated ZEB1/LOXL2 expression was an independent prognostic factor in CRC patients. These findings provide a molecular basis for the promotion of an invasive cancer phenotype by ZEB1-LOXL2 overexpression. Our results identify ZEB1/LOXL2 as a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target against progression of CRC.

Polymorphisms in Lysyl Oxidase Family Genes Are Associated With Intracranial Aneurysm Susceptibility in a Chinese Population

PURPOSE

Intracranial aneurysms (IA) comprise a multifactorial disease with unclear physiological mechanisms. The lysyl oxidase (LOX) family genes (LOX, LOX-like 1-4) plays important roles in extracellular matrix (ECM) reconstruction and has been investigated in terms of susceptibility to IA in a few populations. We aimed to determine whether polymorphisms in LOX family genes are associated with susceptibility to IA in a Chinese population.

METHODS

This case-control study included 384 patients with IA and 384 healthy individuals without IA (controls). We genotyped 27 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of LOX family genes using the Sequenom MassARRAY^® platform. These SNPs were adjusted for known risk factors and then, odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were evaluated using binary logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The result showed that LOX rs10519694 was associated with the risk of IA in recessive (OR, 3.88; 95% CI, 1.12-13.47) and additive (OR, 1.56; 95%CI, 1.05-2.34) models. Stratified analyses illustrated that LOX rs10519694 was associated with the risk of single IA in the recessive (OR, 3.95; 95%CI, 1.04-15.11) and additive (OR, 1.64; 95%CI, 1.04-2.56) models. The LOXL2 rs1010156 polymorphism was associated with multiple IA in the dominant model (OR, 1.92; 95%CI, 1.02-3.62). No associations were observed between SNPs of LOXL1, LOXL3, and LOXL4 and risk of IA.

CONCLUSION

LOX and LOXL2 polymorphisms were associated with risk of single IA and multiple IA in a Chinese population, suggesting potential roles of these genes in IA. The effects of these genes on IA require further investigation.

The Interactome of Cancer-Related Lysyl Oxidase and Lysyl Oxidase-Like Proteins

The members of the lysyl oxidase (LOX) family are amine oxidases, which initiate the covalent cross-linking of the extracellular matrix (ECM), regulate ECM stiffness, and contribute to cancer progression. The aim of this study was to build the first draft of the interactome of the five members of the LOX family in order to determine its molecular functions, the biological and signaling pathways mediating these functions, the biological processes it is involved in, and if and how it is rewired in cancer. In vitro binding assays, based on surface plasmon resonance and bio-layer interferometry, combined with queries of interaction databases and interaction datasets, were used to retrieve interaction data. The interactome was then analyzed using computational tools. We identified 31 new interactions and 14 new partners of LOXL2, including the α5β1 integrin, and built an interactome comprising 320 proteins, 5 glycosaminoglycans, and 399 interactions. This network participates in ECM organization, degradation and cross-linking, cell-ECM interactions mediated by non-integrin and integrin receptors, protein folding and chaperone activity, organ and blood vessel development, cellular response to stress, and signal transduction. We showed that this network is rewired in colorectal carcinoma, leading to a switch from ECM organization to protein folding and chaperone activity.

LOXL2 in cancer: regulation, downstream effectors and novel roles

Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) is a copper and lysine tyrosyl-quinone (LTQ)-dependent amine oxidase belonging to the lysyl oxidase (LOX) family, the canonical function of which is to catalyze the crosslinking of elastin and collagen in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Many studies have revealed that the aberrant expression of LOXL2 in multiple cancers is associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, poor prognosis, chemoradiotherapy resistance, and tumor progression. LOXL2 is regulated in many ways, such as transcriptional regulation, alternative splicing, microRNA regulation, posttranslational modification, and cleavage. Beyond affecting the extracellular environment, various intracellular roles, such as oxidation and deacetylation activities in the nucleus, have been reported for LOXL2. Additionally, LOXL2 contributes to tumor cell invasion by promoting cytoskeletal reorganization. Targeting LOXL2 has become a potential therapeutic strategy to combat many types of cancers. Here, we provide an overview of the regulation and downstream effectors of LOXL2 and discuss the intracellular role of LOXL2 in cancer.

Matrix stiffness-mediated effects on macrophages polarization and their LOXL2 expression

Previously, we reported that the secreted lysyl oxidase like 2 (LOXL2) from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells under higher stiffness stimulation contributed to the formation of lung premetastatic niche. To further clarify whether matrix stiffness also alters LOXL2 expression in other cells within tumor microenvironment, we developed a gel-based culture system combined with a model of macrophage polarization to evaluate the effects of matrix stiffness on the polarization of M2 macrophages and their LOXL2 expression. THP-1 cells cultured on 6KPa, 10KPa, and 16KPa stiffness substrates were first incubated with 100nM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) for 24 hours and subsequently treated with 20nM interleukin-4 (IL-4) and 20nM interleukin-13 (IL-13) for 48 hours. The polarization states of M2 macrophages under different stiffness stimulation were comparatively analyzed, and their LOXL2 expressions as well as the underlying molecular mechanism were further explored. Our results demonstrated that increased matrix stiffness remarkably strengthened M2 macrophage polarization and promoted their LOXL2 expression. Activation of integrin β5-FAK-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathway participated in matrix stiffness-mediated HIF-1α upregulation, and HIF-1α upregulation resulted in a significant improvement in LOXL2 expression. Additionally, M2 macrophage polarization state and LOXL2 expression in HCC tissues with COL1^High /LOX^High were consistent with the results in vitro, further confirming the regulation roles of matrix stiffness in macrophage polarization and LOXL2 expression. The findings about LOXL2 upregulation in the polarized macrophages under higher stiffness stimulation will be helpful to better understand the underlying mechanism of matrix stiffness-induced premetastatic niche formation in HCC.

Reaction mechanism of lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) studied by computational methods

Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) is a copper-dependent amine oxidase that catalyzes the oxidative deamination of the ε-amino group of lysines/hydroxylysines on substrate proteins (collagen and elastin) to form aldehyde groups. The generated aldehyde groups are of significance in crosslinking with the adjacent aldehyde or ε-amino group on proteins in extracellular matrix. In this paper, we have studied the reaction mechanism of LOXL2 by means of quantum mechanics (QM) and combined QM and molecular mechanics (QM/MM) methods. This study is divided into two parts, i.e. the biosynthesis of lysine tyrosylquinone (LTQ) cofactor and oxidative deamination of ε-amino group of lysine by LTQ. For the former part, the reaction is driven by a large exothermicity of about 284 kJ/mol. Dopaquinone radical (DPQr) is suggested to be an intermediate state in this reaction. In addition, His652 residue is predicted to serve as proton acceptor. The rate-determining step for the biosynthesis of LTQ is found to be hydrogen-atom abstraction from the benzene ring on substrate by Cu²⁺-hydroxide, which is a proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) process with an energy barrier of 84 kJ/mol. For the latter part, the reaction is exothermic by about 145 kJ/mol, and the copper ion is proposed to play a role of redox catalyst in the last step to generate the product of aldehyde. However, the copper ion might not be indispensable for the latter part, which is consistent with the previous study.

Comprehensive analysis on the expression levels and prognostic values of LOX family genes in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma

BACKGROUNDS

Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is a major pathological type of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and the prognosis of advanced KIRC patients is often unsatisfactory. Some lysine oxidase (LOX) family genes have been proven to be upregulated in some malignancies and play pivotal roles in the carcinogenesis. However, their roles in KIRC remain unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Here, we used some online databases (eg, ONCOMINE, GEPIA, UALCAN, c-BioPortal, Human Protein Altas) to comprehensively explored the expression levels and the prognostic values of LOX family genes in KIRC using bioinformatic methods.

RESULTS

The results revealed that lysyl oxidase (LOX) and lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) were significantly overexpressed in KIRC at the level of mRNA expression, protein expression, and RCC cell lines. Further analysis demonstrated that higher mRNA expression of LOX and LOXL2 were significantly correlated with poor survival, tumor grade, individual cancer stages, and nodal metastasis status. DNA copy number amplifications and mRNA upregulation, DNA deep deletion, and mRNA upregulation were the main genetic mutations of LOX and LOXL2, respectively. Prognostic analysis showed that the altered group had significantly poorer overall survival (OS) compared to the unaltered group (p = .0387). Co-expression analysis showed CP, PLOD2, and COL5A1 were significantly correlated with LOX, and COL1A2 was positively correlated with LOXL2. Further analysis confirmed that these co-expressed genes were significantly upregulated and predicted unfavorable prognosis in KIRC.

CONCLUSION

Multi-level analysis demonstrated that LOX and LOXL2 were significantly upregulated and predicted poor survival in KIRC, which may apply as promising biomarkers for diagnosis and therapy of KIRC in the future.

B lymphocytes contribute to stromal reaction in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by a prominent stromal reaction that has been variably implicated in both tumor growth and tumor suppression. B-lymphocytes have been recently implicated in PDAC progression but their contribution to the characteristic stromal desmoplasia has never been assessed before. In the present work, we aimed to verify whether B-lymphocytes contribute to stromal cell activation in PDAC. CD19⁺ B-lymphocytes purified from peripheral blood of patients with PDAC were cultivated in the presence of human pancreatic fibroblasts and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Released pro-fibrotic soluble factors and collagen production were assessed by ELISA and Luminex assays. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to assess fibroblast activation in the presence of B cells. The expression of selected pro-fibrotic and inflammatory molecules was confirmed on PDAC tissue sections by multi-color immunofluorescence studies. We herein demonstrate that B-cells from PDAC patients (i) produce the pro-fibrotic molecule PDGF-B and stimulate collagen production by fibroblasts; (ii) express enzymes implicated in extracellular matrix remodeling including LOXL2; and (iii) produce the chemotactic factors CCL-4, CCL-5, and CCL-11. In addition we demonstrate that circulating plasmablasts are expanded in the peripheral blood of patients with PDAC, stimulate collagen production by fibroblasts, and infiltrate pancreatic lesions. Our results indicate that PDAC is characterized by perturbations of the B-cell compartment with expansion of B-lymphocyte subsets that directly contribute to the stromal reaction observed at disease site. These findings provide an additional rationale for modulating B-cell activity in patients with pancreatic cancer.

LOXL2 from human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells accelerates wound epithelialization by promoting differentiation and migration of keratinocytes

In this study, we identified wound healing-related proteins secreted by human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) and human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs). We observed increased migration and reduced proliferation and differentiation when keratinocytes were co-cultured in media conditioned by hAECs (hAECs-CM) and hAMSCs (hAMSCs-CM). Label-free mass spectrometry and bioinformatic analyses of the hAECs-CM and hAMSCs-CM proteome revealed several proteins associated with wound healing, angiogenesis, cellular differentiation, immune response and cell motility. The levels of the proteins related to wound healing, including CTHRC1, LOXL2 and LGALS1, were significantly higher in hAMSCs-CM than hAECs-CM. LOXL2 significantly enhanced in vitro keratinocyte migration and differentiation compared to CTHRC1 and LGALS1. Moreover, LOXL2 enhanced keratinocyte migration and differentiation by activating the JNK signaling pathway. We observed significant reduction in the in vitro migration and differentiation of keratinocytes when co-cultured with medium conditioned by LOXL2-silenced hAMSCs and when treated with 10 μM SP600125, a specific JNK inhibitor. Treatment with hAMSCs-CM and LOXL2 significantly accelerated wound healing in the murine skin wound model. These findings show that LOXL2 promotes wound healing by inducing keratinocyte migration and differentiation via a JNK signaling pathway.

LOXL2 Expression Status Is Correlated With Molecular Characterizations of Cervical Carcinoma and Associated With Poor Cancer Survival via Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) Phenotype

As molecular analyses based on high-throughput sequencing have developed, the molecular classification of cancer has facilitated clinical work. The aim of the present study was to identify a new potential therapeutic target for cervical carcinoma by molecular analyses. We firstly tested the LOXL2 expression pattern in 50 paired normal cervix and cervical carcinoma via qPCR and immunohistochemistry, and the LOXL2 expression pattern was found to be in accordance with public datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Then, we comprehensively rewired the 176 cervical carcinoma samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), subsequently clustered the samples into two groups corresponding to LOXL2 expression to determined the associations between LOXL2 expression status and molecular characterizations of cervical carcinoma. In vitro assays for further verifying the correlations in SiHa-shLOXL2 and HeLa-shLOXL2 cell lines. In this study, we found that LOXL2 highly expressed in carcinoma tissue, with 14 CpG islands of LOXL2 promoter that were significantly and negatively associated with its expression in cervical carcinoma. And there were notable correlations among LOXL2 expression status and molecular characterizations of cervical carcinoma, including diagnostic age, HPV A7 types, mRNA molecular clusters, miRNA molecular clusters, and DNA methylation molecular clusters et al. In addition, high LOXL2 expression was negatively correlated with lower tumor mutation density, especially in EP300, ERBB2, EGFR and NOTCH2, and was negatively correlated with lower expression of APOBEC3 family genes, such as APOBEC3A, APOBEC3B, APOBEC3D, and APOBEC3G. Furthermore, high LOXL2 expression was associated with poor overall (OS) and poor disease-free survival (DFS) in cervical carcinoma, and was associated with higher epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) score, enrichment of extracellular matrix (ECM) signaling, the phenotype that was found to be associated with poor prognosis in cervical carcinoma from TCGA. Conversely, the ability of cell proliferation and cell migration were reversed in LOXL2 knock-down cervical cell lines via regulating the genes' expression of EMT phenotype in vitro. Overall, we demonstrated the correlation between LOXL2 expression status and cancer molecular characterizations of cervical carcinoma, and identified LOXL2 may serve as a therapeutic target for such carcinoma.

LOXL2 promotes oncogenic progression in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma independently of its catalytic activity

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue malignancy in childhood and adolescence. Patients with the most aggressive histological variant have an unfavorable prognosis due to a high metastasis incidence. Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) is a lysyl oxidase, member of a family of extracellular matrix (ECM) crosslinking enzymes that recently have emerged as important regulators of tumor progression and metastasis. We report that LOXL2 is overexpressed in RMS, suggesting a potential role for LOXL2 in RMS oncogenic progression. Consistently, transient and stable LOXL2 knockdown decreased cell migratory and invasive capabilities in two ARMS cell lines. Furthermore, introduction of LOXL2 in RMS non-expressing cells using wild type or mutated (catalytically inactive) constructs resulted in increased cell migration, cell invasion and number and incidence of spontaneous lung metastasis in vivo, independently of its catalytic activity. To further study the molecular mechanism associated with LOXL2 expression, a pull-down assay on LOXL2-transfected cells was performed and analyzed by mass spectrometry. The intermediated filament protein vimentin was validated as a LOXL2-interactor. Thus, our results suggest an oncogenic role of LOXL2 in RMS by regulating cytoskeleton dynamics and cell motility capabilities.

Withaferin A reverses bile duct ligation-induced liver fibrosis by modulating extracellular matrix deposition: Role of LOXL2/Snail1, vimentin, and NFκB signaling

Herein, we studied the effect of Withaferin A (WFA) in reversing bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced liver fibrosis. BDL was performed on C57BL/6J mice and 2 days later, WFA (1 and 3 mg/kg) was administered for 12 days. Estimation of liver enzymes and assays for lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, and nitrite levels were performed. Picrosirius red, Masson's trichrome, and H&E staining were performed to study histological changes. WFA proved to be a holistic intervention for the attenuation and reversal of liver fibrosis. Reduction in inflammatory stimulus and oxidative stress restored the levels of stress-related chaperone Hsp70 (p < .001 vs. BDL) in WFA treated groups. We found 3.59-fold (p < .001) and 1.37-fold (p < .01) reduction in the expression of lysyl oxidase like2 (LOXL2) and Snail1, respectively, in WFA-treated animals as compared with BDL animals. These reductions led to 1.9-fold (p < .001) elevation in levels of E-cadherin signifying the reversal of epithelial to mesenchymal transition by WFA. Further, the reduction in LOXL2 levels enhanced the susceptibility of fibrotic scar toward degradation. The picrosirius red and Masson's trichrome staining done on liver tissue sections supported the above results. We, for the first time, report the role of WFA in modulating the expression of LOXL2 and Snail1 in addition to vimentin inhibition and regulation of NFκB signaling for the treatment of liver fibrosis.