tRF-3013b inhibits gallbladder cancer proliferation by targeting TPRG1L

Background

tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) are newly discovered noncoding RNAs and regulate tumor progression via diverse molecular mechanisms. However, the expression and biofunction of tRFs in gallbladder cancer (GBC) have not been reported yet.

Methods

The expression of tRFs in GBC was detected by tRF and tiRNA sequencing in GBC tissues and adjacent tissues. The biological function of tRFs was investigated by cell proliferation assay, clonal formation assay, cell cycle assay, and xenotransplantation model in GBC cell lines. The molecular mechanism was discovered and verified by transcriptome sequencing, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), target gene site prediction, and RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP).

Results

tRF-3013b was significantly downregulated in GBC compared with para-cancer tissues. Decreased expression of tRF-3013b in GBC patients was correlated with poor overall survival. Dicer regulated the production of tRF-3013b, and its expression was positively correlated with tRF-3013b in GBC tissues. Functional experiments demonstrated that tRF-3013b inhibited GBC cell proliferation and induced cell-cycle arrest. Mechanically, tRF-3013b exerted RNA silencing effect on TPRG1L by binding to AGO3, and then inhibited NF-κB. TPRG1L overexpression could rescue the effects of tRF-3013b on GBC cell proliferation.

Conclusions

This study indicated that Dicer-induced tRF-3013b inhibited GBC proliferation by targeting TPRG1L and repressed NF-κB, pointing to tRF-3013b as a novel potential therapeutic target of GBC.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s11658-022-00398-6.

Fibrinogen promotes gallbladder cancer cell metastasis and extravasation by inducing ICAM1 expression

Fibrinogen plays an important role in tumor progression. Here, we explored the role of fibrinogen in gallbladder cancer (GBC) metastasis. The plasma fibrinogen level in M1 GBC patients was higher than in M0 GBC patients, indicating that fibrinogen may participate in GBC metastasis. Treatment of GBC cell lines with fibrinogen promoted metastasis and induced the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1). ICAM1 overexpression promoted metastasis and knockdown inhibited it. The cell adhesion and transendothelial migration of GBC cells were enhanced by fibrinogen treatment and ICAM1 overexpression. In addition, the medium of fibrinogen-treated and overexpression-ICAM1 NOZ cells exhibited enhanced macrophages recruitment. This may work in concert to promote angiogenesis. Immunohistochemistry results on clinical specimens showed that higher fibrinogen levels, higher ICAM1 expression, higher blood vessel density, and higher macrophage levels were present simultaneously. Collectively, this study indicates fibrinogen promotes metastasis and extravasation by inducing ICAM1 expression to enhance tumor cell migration, cell adhesion, transendothelial migration and promote angiogenesis and increase vascular endothelial permeability.

Rac GTPase activating protein 1 promotes gallbladder cancer via binding DNA ligase 3 to reduce apoptosis

Rac GTPase activating protein 1 (RACGAP1) has been characterized in the pathogenesis and progression of several malignancies, however, little is known regarding its role in the development of gallbladder cancer (GBC). This investigation seeks to describe the role of RACGAP1 and its associated molecular mechanisms in GBC. It was found that RACGAP1 was highly expressed in human GBC tissues, which was associated to poorer overall survival (OS). Gene knockdown of RACGAP1 hindered tumor cell proliferation and survival both in vitro and in vivo. We further identified that RACGAP1 was involved in DNA repair through its binding with DNA ligase 3 (LIG3), a crucial component of the alternative-non-homologous end joining (Alt-NHEJ) pathway. RACGAP1 regulated LIG3 expression independent of RhoA activity. RACGAP1 knockdown resulted in LIG3-dependent repair dysfunction, accumulated DNA damage and Poly(ADP-ribosyl) modification (PARylation) enhancement, leading to increased apoptosis and suppressed cell growth. We conclude that RACGAP1 exerts a tumor-promoting role via binding LIG3 to reduce apoptosis and facilitate cell growth in GBC, pointing to RACGAP1 as a potential therapeutic target for GBC.

Protocol for a gallbladder cancer registry study in China: the Chinese Research Group of Gallbladder Cancer (CRGGC) study

INTRODUCTION

Gallbladder cancer (GBC), the sixth most common gastrointestinal tract cancer, poses a significant disease burden in China. However, no national representative data are available on the clinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis of GBC in the Chinese population.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The Chinese Research Group of Gallbladder Cancer (CRGGC) study is a multicentre retrospective registry cohort study. Clinically diagnosed patient with GBC will be identified from 1 January 2008 to December, 2019, by reviewing the electronic medical records from 76 tertiary and secondary hospitals across 28 provinces in China. Patients with pathological and radiological diagnoses of malignancy, including cancer in situ, from the gallbladder and cystic duct are eligible, according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 2019 guidelines. Patients will be excluded if GBC is the secondary diagnosis in the discharge summary. The demographic characteristics, medical history, physical examination results, surgery information, pathological data, laboratory examination results and radiology reports will be collected in a standardised case report form. By May 2021, approximately 6000 patient with GBC will be included. The clinical follow-up data will be updated until 5 years after the last admission for GBC of each patient. The study aimed (1) to depict the clinical characteristics, including demographics, pathology, treatment and prognosis of patient with GBC in China; (2) to evaluate the adherence to clinical guidelines of GBC and (3) to improve clinical practice for diagnosing and treating GBC and provide references for policy-makers.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The protocol of the CRGGC has been approved by the Committee for Ethics of Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SHEC-C-2019-085). All results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04140552, Pre-results.

A metagenomic study of biliary microbiome change along the cholecystitis-carcinoma sequence

Background

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most common cancer type of the biliary tract, and an association has been found between chronic calculous cholecystitis (CCC) and an increased incidence of GBC mortality. An understanding of the relationship between CCC and its carcinogenesis may enable us to prevent and cure GBC. In this study, we attempted to explore changes in the microbiome profile that take place during the transition from chronic cholecystitis mucosa to malignant lesions.

Results

Seven paired human GBC and CCC samples were provided by patients who had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy or radical cholecystectomy. Mucosal DNA extraction and metagenomic sequencing were performed to evaluate changes in the microbiota between the two groups. We found that GBC patients and CCC patients shared similar stable and permanent dominant species and showed apparent differences in their biliary microbial composition and gene function. Peptostreptococcus stomatis and Enterococcus faecium may potentially play a role in GBC progression. In addition, the metagenomic species profiles, co‐abundance and co‐exclusion correlations, and CAZyme prevalence showed significant differences between the CCC and GBC groups.

Conclusion

Our data suggested that changes in the microbiota between CCC and GBC may help deepen our understanding of the complex spectrum of different microbiotas involved in the development of GBC. Although the cohort size was small, this study has presented the first evidence of the existence of an altered biliary microbiota in GBC, which is clearly different from that in CCC patients.

MicroRNA-1275 inhibits cell migration and invasion in gastric cancer by regulating vimentin and E-cadherin via JAZF1

Background

Emerging evidence has shown that miR-1275 plays a critical role in tumour metastasis and the progression of various types of cancer. In this study, we analysed the role and mechanism of miR-1275 in the progression and prognosis of gastric cancer (GC).

Methods

Target genes of miR-1275 were identified and verified by luciferase assay and Western blotting. The function of miR-1275 in invasion and metastasis was analysed in vitro and in vivo in nude mice. The signal pathway regulated by miR-1275 was examined by qRT-PCR, Western blotting and chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses. The expression of miR-1275and JAZF1 were measured in specimens of GC and adjacent non cancerous tissues.

Results

We identified JAZF1 as a direct miR-1275 target. miR-1275 supresses migration and invasion of GC cells in vitro and in vivo, which was restored by JAZF1 overexpression. Moreover, JAZF1 was recognized as a direct regulator of Vimentin. Knocking-down miR-1275 or overexpressing JAZF1 resulted in upregulation of Vimentin but downregulation of E-cadherin. Meanwhile, we validated in 120 GC patients specimens that low miR-1275expression and high JAZF1 mRNA expression levels were closely associated with lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis. The expression of JAZF1 in protein level displayed the correlations with Vimentin but inversely with E-cadherin.

Conclusions

Increased miR-1275 expression inhibited GC metastasis by regulating vimentin/E-cadherin via direct suppression of JAZF1expression, suggesting that miR-1275 is a tumour-suppressor miRNA with the potential as a prognostic biomarker or therapeutic target in GC.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-019-5929-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

[Mycophenolate mofetil versus cyclosporine A in children with primary refractory nephrotic syndrome]

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil versus cyclosporine A in treating children with primary refractory nephrotic syndrome. Methods: Conducted a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial in 62 pediatric patients (including 44 boys and 18 girls), age ranged from 2.1 to 17.0 years; 32 cases presented with frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome (FRNS) and 30 cases presented with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS), who were admitted to department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics from October 2013 to October 2015. The patients received either mycophenolate mofetil (20-30)mg/(kg·d) or cyclosporine A (3-5)mg/(kg·d) randomly, on the basis of prednisone treatment. Follow-up interview was conducted regularly for at least one year. Efficacy rate, relapse rate, time required for induction of remission, relapse-free period and prednisone dosage were compared between the two groups. Results: (1) Renal histologic examination, which was available for 17 patients, revealed minimal change disease in 8 patients, mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MsPGN) in five, membranous nephropathy in two, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in two. (2) Comparison of mycophenolate mofetil versus cyclosporine A in children with FRNS: There were 14 patients with FRNS in mycophenolate mofetil group and 18 patients with FRNS in cyclosporine A group respectively. The relapse rate (episodes/year) in cyclosporine A group was lower than that of mycophenolate mofetil group (1.0 (0.0, 1.0) vs. 1.0 (1.0, 3.0), Z=-2.405, P=0.016). The relapse-free period (months) in cyclosporine A group was longer than that of mycophenolate mofetil group (10.0 (5.7, 12.1) vs. 5.0 (1.0, 11.0), Z=-1.984, P=0.047). No significant difference in dosage of prednisone was found between cyclosporine A and mycophenolate mofetil groups when followed up for 1 year. (3) Comparison of mycophenolate mofetil versus cyclosporine A in children with SRNS: The efficacy rate was 6/14 in mycophenolate mofetil group and 13/16 in cyclosporine A group. The complete remission rate was 4/14 in mycophenolate mofetil group and 12/16 in cyclosporine A group (P<0.05). The time (months) required for induction of remission in cyclosporine A group was significantly shorter than that of mycophenolate mofetil group (1.0 (1.0, 2.0) vs. 3.0 (2.5, 4.0), Z=-2.529, P=0.011). No significant differences were found between the two groups with respect to relapse-free period and relapse rate. (4) Except that one patient developed hypertensive encephalopathy in cyclosporine A group, no other serious adverse events were recorded. There were no significant differences between two groups with respect to adverse events. Conclusion: Our results indicated that both mycophenolate mofetil and cyclosporine A were effective in the treatment of children with refractory nephrotic syndrome. Cyclosporine A was superior to mycophenolate mofetil in preventing relapses in patients with FRNS and inducing complete remission in patients with SRNS. Although most patients were able to tolerate mycophenolate mofetil and cyclosporine A, but the toxicity and safety of cyclosporine A should be monitored closely.

[A retrospective study on nutritional status and growth and development of 37 children with chronic kidney disease stage 3 to 5]

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively analyze the nutritional status and growth and development situation of the children with chronic kidney disease stage 3 to 5 when they were diagnosed at the first visit.

METHOD

After searching for the data of all the hospitalized cases during January 2007 to September 2015 in the Department of Nephrology of Children's Hospital Affiliated to the Capital Institute of Pediatrics from the medical record system, data of 37 cases with complete clinical data were collected; all these cases were diagnosed as chronic kidney disease stage 3 to 5 according to the diagnostic criteria.We recorded these children's age, height, weight, body mass index, albumin, blood lipids and acidosis situation when they were first diagnosed, and then, analyzed and summarized their nutritional status and growth and development situation.

RESULT

In these 37 cases, 24 cases were boys and 13 cases were girls; 23 cases (62%) were shorter than the third percentile of age-sex-specific height; 18 cases (49%) exhibited lower weight than the third percentile of age-sex-specific weight; 5 cases (13.5%) showed lower BMI than the third percentile of height-age BMI, and 5 cases (13.5%) had obesity. The level of albumin was (37.0±8.7) g/L, and no statistically significant difference was observed within each stage. In all of these cases, 10 cases were hypoalbuminemia (27%), and the difference of its frequency between stage 3-4 and stage 5 was not statistically significant. Triglyceride was (2.2±1.1) mmol/L. The mean level was higher than the normal range, but with no statistically significant difference within each stage; 21 cases (62%) were diagnosed as hypertriglyceridemia, which were more frequent compared with the occurrence of the hypercholesterolemia (32%), the high low density lipoprotein (26%) and the low high density lipoprotein(12%). And the occurrence of decompensated metabolic acidosis in stage 5 (69%) was significantly higher than that in stage 3-4 (38%) (P=0.036 6, <0.05).

CONCLUSION

Growth retardation is highly prevalent among the children with chronic kidney disease stage 3 to 5. It would become more frequent and more serious as the stage worsening. Both underweight and obesity could be observed in this kind of children. Low serum albumin level is not a sensitive indicator of malnutrition in these children. The mean value of triglyceride in the children with chronic kidney disease was higher than the normal range. And hypertriglyceridemia is the most common abnormal lipid metabolism in our study.

Characterization of the Microbial Communities in the Ant Lion Euroleon coreanus (Okamoto) (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae)

Euroleon coreanus (Okamoto) is widely distributed in China, and the larval stage can be treated as traditional Chinese medicine. However, the host-bacterium relationship remains unexplored, as there is a lack of knowledge on the microbial community of ant lions. Hence, in the current study, we explored the microbial community of the larval ant lion E. coreanus using Illumina MiSeq sequencing. Results indicated that a total of 10 phyla, 126 genera, and 145 species were characterized from the second instars of E. coreanus, and most of the microbes were classified in the phylum Proteobacteria. Cronobacter muytjensii was the most abundant species characterized in the whole body and gut of E. coreanus, and the unclassified species in the genera Brevundimonas and Lactobacillus were relatively more abundant in the head and carcass. In addition, no Wolbachia-like bacteria were detected, whereas bacteria like Francisella tularensis subsp. Holarctica OSU18 and unclassified Rickettsiella were first identified in ant lion E. coreanus.

A novel PI3K/AKT signaling axis mediates Nectin-4-induced gallbladder cancer cell proliferation, metastasis and tumor growth

Nectin-4 is a Ca(2+)-independent immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecule which has diverse functions in cell-cell adhesion via homophilic and heterophilic interactions. Cell-cell adhesive processes are central to cell polarization, differentiation, proliferation, survival and movement. Here we report that Nectin-4 is substantially overexpressed in gallbladder cancer (GBC), the most common biliary tract malignancy with a high risk of local tumor spread and invasion. Further, Nectin-4 high expression in GBC patients was associated with pathologic T stage and lymph node metastasis status, and the expression level of the downstream target Rac1 and poor prognoses were also correlated with Nectin-4. Ectopic expression of Nectin-4 promoted GBC cell growth, motility and tumor growth in a mouse model. The depletion of Nectin-4 inhibited GBC cell proliferation and migration both in cell culture and in mice. Our data suggest that activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway was involved in the oncogenic function of Nectin-4 to activate Rac1 in GBC. Inhibition of PI3K/AKT with LY294002 and/or Rac1 with NSC23766 impaired Nectin-4-mediated GBC cell proliferation and motility. We hypothesize that Nectin-4 is critical for GBC progression via PI3K/AKT pathway activation of Rac1. Nectin-4 may be a novel prognostic factor and therapeutic target in GBC patients.

Prohibitin overexpression predicts poor prognosis and promotes cell proliferation and invasion through ERK pathway activation in gallbladder cancer

Background

Prohibitin (PHB), a pleiotropic protein overexpressed in several tumor types, has been implicated in the regulation of cell proliferation, invasive migration and survival. However, PHB expression and its biological function in gallbladder cancer (GBC) remain largely unknown.

Methods

PHB and p-ERK protein expressions were determined in human GBC tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The effects of PHB knockdown on GBC cell proliferation and invasiveness were evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) cell viability, cell cycle analysis, transwell invasion and gelatin zymography assays. Subcutaneous xenograft and tail vein-lung metastasis tumor models in nude mice were employed to further substantiate the role of PHB in GBC progression.

Results

PHB protein was overexpressed in GBC tissues and was significantly associated with histological grade, tumor stage and perineural invasion. Furthermore, PHB expression was negatively associated with overall survival in GBC patients. In vitro experimental studies demonstrated that the downregulation of PHB expression by lentivirus-mediated shRNA interference not only inhibited the ERK pathway activation but also reduced the proliferative and invasive capacities of GBC cells.

Moreover, PD0325901, a specific inhibitor of MEK, markedly impaired PHB- mediated phosphorylation of ERK protein. IHC statistical analyses further validated that PHB expression was positively correlated with ERK protein phosphorylation levels in GBC tissue samples. In vivo, PHB depletion also resulted in dramatic reductions in the growth and metastasis of GBC cells.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that PHB overexpression predicts poor survival in GBC patients. PHB could serve as a novel prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for GBCs.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13046-016-0346-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

LASP-1 induces proliferation, metastasis and cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase in gallbladder cancer by down-regulating S100P via the PI3K/AKT pathway

LASP-1 is an actin-binding protein that regulates cytoskeletal dynamics and cell migration. LASP-1 was previously identified in a cDNA library from metastatic breast cancer samples. This protein has since been detected in multiple human cancers, including liver cancer, gastric cancer and pancreatic cancer. S100P is a small calcium-binding protein in the S100 protein family that regulates cellular, physiological and pathological processes in various cancers. However, the clinical significance of LASP-1 and S100P expression in gallbladder cancer (GBC) is not yet clear. In our study, we focused on the clinical significance, biological function and mechanism of LASP-1 in gallbladder cancer and detected LASP-1 and S100P overexpression in GBC tissues. The expression of LASP-1 was significantly correlated with poor prognosis in GBC patients (P < 0.05). Furthermore, down-regulation of LASP-1 expression resulted in the obvious inhibition of proliferation and migration and caused cell cycle arrest by down-regulating S100P via the PI3K/AKT pathway; in mice, tumor volume was significantly decreased. In conclusion, LASP-1 may act as an oncogene to regulate the expression of S100P to influence cellular functions in GBC. LASP-1 could serve as a genetic treatment target in GBC patients.

Magnolol inhibits growth of gallbladder cancer cells through the p53 pathway

Magnolol, the major active compound found in Magnolia officinalis has a wide range of clinical applications due to its anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation effects. This study investigated the effects of magnolol on the growth of human gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) cell lines. The results indicated that magnolol could significantly inhibit the growth of GBC cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Magnolol also blocked cell cycle progression at G0 /G1 phase and induced mitochondrial-related apoptosis by upregulating p53 and p21 protein levels and by downregulating cyclin D1, CDC25A, and Cdk2 protein levels. When cells were pretreated with a p53 inhibitor (pifithrin-a), followed by magnolol treatment, pifithrin-a blocked magnolol-induced apoptosis and G0 /G1 arrest. In vivo, magnolol suppressed tumor growth and activated the same mechanisms as were activated in vitro. In conclusion, our study is the first to report that magnolol has an inhibitory effect on the growth of GBC cells and that this compound may have potential as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of GBC.

Zinc finger X-chromosomal protein (ZFX) is a significant prognostic indicator and promotes cellular malignant potential in gallbladder cancer

The Zinc finger X-chromosomal protein (ZFX), a novel member of the Krueppel C2H2-type zinc finger protein family, has been implicated in multiple human cancers. However, the clinical significance of ZFX expression in gallbladder cancer (GBC) remains largely unknown. In this study, we focused on the clinical significance, biological function and mechanism of ZFX in GBC, and found that ZFX protein overexpression was frequently detected in GBC tissues. The expression of ZFX was significantly correlated with histological grade, perineural invasion, and margin status and lead to a significantly poorer prognosis in GBC patients(P <0.001). Furthermore, knockdown of ZFX result in significant inhibition of proliferation, migration, invasion and cause cell cycle arrest in GBC-SD cells, while over-expression of ZFX in NOZ shows the opposite results. Activation of PI3K/AKT pathway maybe the potential mechanism behind these effects. In conclusion, ZFX may serve as a oncogene and could be used as a potential prognostic marker and genetic treatment target for GBC patients.

Stillbirth: Genome-wide copy number variation profiling in archived placental umbilical cord samples with pathologic and clinical correlation

INTRODUCTION

Stillbirth remains a devastating health issue with 26,000 stillbirths occurring annually in the United States. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) umbilical cord samples are available for many stillbirths. Our aim was to validate the use of these samples in identifying genetic variations in stillbirth through microarray analysis.

METHODS

This is a retrospective case-control study from a single institution of stillbirths ≥ 23 weeks gestational age and control liveborn infants. Fetal genomic DNA was extracted from FFPE umbilical cord samples of stillborn and control placentas, and genotyping was performed using the Illumina HumanOmniExpresss-12v1 Beadchip. Array results were verified with qPCR.

RESULTS

31 case-specific CNVs (17 deletions and 14 amplifications) with an average size of 294 kb for amplifications and 74 kb for deletions were identified among 94 FFPE samples (86 cases; 8 controls). In total 38 (44%) of the stillbirth samples had a CNV detected. Validation of a subset of microarray findings with qPCR confirmed deletions on 1p (2 cases), 11q (4 cases) and amplifications on 18 (1 case). Placental underperfusion changes were seen in stillborns with deletions on 1p, a region containing complement regulatory genes which have been shown to play a role in preeclampsia.

DISCUSSION

This study validated the use of archived FFPE umbilical cord samples for genome-wide copy number profiling in stillbirths, and demonstrates specific CNV deletions and amplifications. Microarray analysis in an expanded cohort of stillbirth FFPE samples has the potential to identify biomarkers involved in stillbirth pathogenesis.

Flagellin-PAc Fusion Protein Inhibits Progression of Established Caries

Dental caries remains one of the most common infectious diseases of humankind, which develops slowly throughout life, affecting children, adolescents, and adults. A vaccine against caries is urgently needed. We previously developed recombinant flagellin as a mucosal adjuvant for anti-Streptococcus mutans vaccines by nasal immunization. Furthermore, we demonstrated a fusion protein strategy that combined flagellin and the target surface adhesion protein (PAc) in a single construct. This construct enhanced specific IgA responses in oral fluids and provided improved prophylactic protection against caries. In the present study, we observed prolonged progression of dental caries in rats after S. mutans Ingbritt challenge. In addition, we observed a therapeutic effect of the flagellin-PAc fusion protein (KF-rPAc) against dental caries as a mucosal vaccine with a new immunization protocol. The present study demonstrated that KF-rPAc by nasal immunization can promote PAc-specific systemic and mucosal antibody responses and inhibit dental caries progression efficiently after the implant of S. mutans into the oral cavity of the rats. The rats immunized with KF-rPAc exhibited 53.9% caries reduction compared with the sham-immunized rats. Our data support the concept of administration of KF-rPAc to humans after infection and even caries that has begun to alleviate caries progression. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that KF-rPAc could be used as an anticaries therapeutic mucosal vaccine.

Epigenomic profiling in visceral white adipose tissue of offspring of mice exposed to late gestational sleep fragmentation

BACKGROUND

Sleep fragmentation during late gestation (LG-SF) is one of the major perturbations associated with sleep apnea and other sleep disorders during pregnancy. We have previously shown that LG-SF induces metabolic dysfunction in offspring mice during adulthood.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effects of late LG-SF on metabolic homeostasis in offspring and to determine the effects of LG-SF on the epigenome of visceral white adipose tissue (VWAT) in the offspring.

METHODS

Time-pregnant mice were exposed to LG-SF or sleep control during LG (LG-SC) conditions during the last 6 days of gestation. At 24 weeks of age, lipid profiles and metabolic parameters were assessed in the offspring. We performed large-scale DNA methylation analyses using methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP) coupled with microarrays (MeDIP-chip) in VWAT of 24-week-old LG-SF and LG-SC offspring (n=8 mice per group). Univariate multiple-testing adjusted statistical analyses were applied to identify differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between the groups. DMRs were mapped to their corresponding genes, and tested for potential overlaps with biological pathways and gene networks.

RESULTS

We detected significant increases in body weight (31.7 vs 28.8 g; P=0.001), visceral (642.1 vs 497.0 mg; P=0.002) and subcutaneous (293.1 vs 250.1 mg; P=0.001) fat mass, plasma cholesterol (110.6 vs 87.6 mg dl(-1); P=0.001), triglycerides (87.3 vs 84.1 mg dl(-1); P=0.003) and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance values (8.1 vs 6.1; P=0.007) in the LG-SF group. MeDIP analyses revealed that 2148 DMRs (LG-SF vs LG-SC; P<0.0001, model-based analysis of tilling-arrays algorithm). A large proportion of the DMR-associated genes have reported functions that are altered in obesity and metabolic syndrome, such as Cartpt, Akt2, Apoe, Insr1 and so on. Overrepresented pathways and gene networks were related to metabolic regulation and inflammatory response.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show a major role for epigenomic regulation of pathways associated with the metabolic processes and inflammatory responses in VWAT. LG-SF-induced epigenetic alterations may underlie increases in the susceptibility to obesity and metabolic syndrome in the offspring.

Fibronectin promotes cell proliferation and invasion through mTOR signaling pathway activation in gallbladder cancer

Fibronectin (FN), a heterodimeric glycoprotein overexpressed in several types of tumors, has been implicated in cancer progression via the activation of integrin-mediated pro-oncogenic pathways. The FN level in human bile fluid is dramatically increased in malignant biliary diseases; however, FN expression and its biological functions in gallbladder cancer (GBC) remain unknown. In this study, we found that FN was overexpressed in GBC tissues and was associated with a worse prognosis in GBC patients. In vitro experimental studies indicated that exogenous FN significantly enhanced cell proliferation, invasion and active MMP-9 secretion in human GBC cell lines (GBC-SD and NOZ). Moreover, the key kinases of the mTOR signaling pathway, including FAK, Akt, mTOR and 4E-BP1, were markedly activated in a time-dependent manner in FN-treated GBC-SD and NOZ cells. The IHC statistical analyses validated that FN expression was positively correlated with the phosphorylation levels of the 4E-BP1 protein in GBC tissues. Furthermore, rapamycin, a specific inhibitor of mTOR, almost completely blocked FN-induced phosphorylation of 4E-BP1 and also partially abrogated the stimulatory effects of FN on GBC cell proliferation and invasion. In vivo, FN treatment significantly promoted the proliferation and metastasis of GBC cells and markedly activated Akt/mTOR/4E-BP1 signaling cascade. These findings demonstrate that FN may play a critical role in the modulation of cell proliferation and invasion via mTOR signaling pathway activation during GBC progression.

Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) promotes human gallbladder tumor growth via activation of the AXL/MAPK pathway

The transcriptional coactivator Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), a key regulator of cell proliferation and organ size in vertebrates, has been implicated in various malignancies. However, little is known about the expression and biological function of YAP1 in human gallbladder cancer (GBC). In this study we examined the clinical significance and biological functions of YAP1 in GBC and found that nuclear YAP1 and its target gene AXL were overexpressed in GBC tissues. We also observed a significant correlation between high YAP1 and AXL expression levels and worse prognosis. The depletion of YAP1 using lentivirus shRNAs significantly inhibited cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest in S phase in concordance with the decrease of CDK2, CDC25A, and cyclin A, and resulted in increased cell apoptosis and invasive repression in GBC cell lines in vitro. Furthermore, knockdown of YAP1 also inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Additionally, we demonstrated that the activation of the AXL/MAPK pathway was involved in the oncogenic functions of YAP1 in GBC. These results demonstrated that YAP1 is a putative oncogene and represents a prognostic marker and potentially a novel therapeutic target for GBC.

[Anti-tumor effect of 5-FU-PLLA-CNTs on human gastric carcinoma cell lines in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To prepare cisPLLAtin-loaded polylactic acid/cnts, and to study the anti-tumor effect of 5-FU-PLLA-CNTs on human gastric carcinoma cell lines(MGC803 and MNK45).

METHODS

5-FU-PLLA-CNTs were prepared with ultrasound emulsification. The morphology of 5-FU-PLLA-CNTs was determined by scanning electron microscope(SEM), and its drug loading and drug release curve in vitro were detected by UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer. Cells were divided into experiment, positive control and negative control groups. CCK8 method was used to test the cytotoxic effect of 5-FU-PLLA-CNTs in different concentrations on MGC803 and MNK45 cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was employed to measure the apoptotic rate of MGC803 and MNK45 cells before and after the intervention of 5-FU-PLLA-CNTs.

RESULTS

Deep layer film of 5-FU-PLLA-CNTs was successfully established, whose drug-load rate was(4.54±0.43)%, entrapment rate was(21.56±2.36)%. In vitro release test showed release rate within 24 h of 5-FU-PLLA-CNTs was 23.9% in a as lowly increasing manner, and accumulating release rate was 85.3% at day 31. CCk8 experiment revealed, as compared to control group, 5-FU-PLLA-CNTs significantly inhibited the proliferation of two cell lines in dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. The best 5-FU-PLLA-CNTs concentration of inhibition for human gastric cancer cell lines was 1 mg/well. Flow cytometry indicated the apoptotic rate of MGC803 and MNK45 cells in experiment group treated by 1 mg/well 5-FU-PLLA-CNTs significantly increased as compared to negative control group (P<0.05), while the difference was not significant as compared to positive control group (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The 5-FU-PLLA-CNTs has good drug sustained-release capacity, and can significantly kill and inhibit the proliferation of MGC803 and MNK45 cell lines.

Oridonin induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of gallbladder cancer cells via the mitochondrial pathway

Background

Gallbladder cancer is the most frequent malignancy of the bile duct with high aggressive and extremely poor prognosis. The main objective of the paper was to investigate the inhibitory effects of oridonin, a diterpenoid isolated from Rabdosia rubescens, on gallbladder cancer both in vitro and in vivo and to explore the mechanisms underlying oridonin-induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.

Methods

The anti-tumor activity of oridonin on SGC996 and NOZ cells was assessed by the MTT and colony forming assays. Cell cycle changes were detected by flow cytometric analysis. Apoptosis was detected by annexin V/PI double-staining and Hoechst 33342 staining assays. Loss of mitochondrial membrane potential was observed by Rhodamine 123 staining. The in vivo efficacy of oridonin was evaluated using a NOZ xenograft model in athymic nude mice. The expression of cell cycle- and apoptosis-related proteins in vitro and in vivo was analyzed by western blot analysis. Activation of caspases (caspase-3, -8 and -9) was measured by caspases activity assay.

Results

Oridonin induced potent growth inhibition, S-phase arrest, apoptosis, and colony-forming inhibition in SGC996 and NOZ cells in a dose-dependent manner. Intraperitoneal injection of oridonin (5, 10, or 15 mg/kg) for 3 weeks significantly inhibited the growth of NOZ xenografts in athymic nude mice. We demonstrated that oridonin regulated cell cycle-related proteins in response to S-phase arrest by western blot analysis. In contrast, we observed inhibition of NF-κB nuclear translocation and an increase Bax/Bcl-2 ratio accompanied by activated caspase-3, caspase-9 and PARP-1 cleavage after treatment with oridonin, which indicate that the mitochondrial pathway is involved in oridonin-mediated apoptosis.

Conclusions

Oridonin possesses potent anti-gallbladder cancer activities that correlate with regulation of the mitochondrial pathway, which is critical for apoptosis and S-phase arrest. Therefore, oridonin has potential as a novel anti-tumor therapy for the treatment of gallbladder cancer.

Resolvin D1 improves survival in experimental sepsis through reducing bacterial load and preventing excessive activation of inflammatory response

Sepsis is characterized as an uncontrolled inflammatory response. Spite et al. (Nature 461(7268):1287-1291, 2009) had demonstrated that resolvin D2, which is derived from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), improves survival in cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-initiated sepsis and enhances bacterial clearance without immune suppression. Resolvin D1, which is also derived from DHA and homologous with resolvin D2, is an endogenous anti-inflammatory and proresolving lipid molecule. We sought to investigate the effects of resolvin D1 on sepsis and to explore the mechanism of action. Six-to-eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups: the sham group underwent the sham operation followed by tail vein injection of vehicle (0.1 % ethanol); the CLP group received vehicle (0.1 % ethanol) after CLP; the resolvin D1 group received resolvin D1 (100 ng) after CLP. Blood, peritoneal lavage fluid, and organs of mice were harvested 24 h after treatment for cytokine analysis, cell counts, bacterial cultures, histopathological studies, and apoptosis quantification. Compared with the vehicle control group, the survival rate and bacterial clearance of mice with sepsis induced by CLP were improved after resolvin D1 treatment, but the numbers of neutrophils in peritoneal lavage fluid, the inflammatory cytokines, the phosphorylation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) (P65) pathway, and the apoptosis rate of CD3(+) T lymphocytes of the thymus were suppressed. Resolvin D1 treatment improved survival in mice with sepsis induced by CLP, enhanced organism bacterial clearance, suppressed the increase of the numbers of neutrophils in peritoneal lavage fluid, reduced the release of inflammatory cytokines, and decreased the apoptosis rate of CD3(+) T lymphocytes of the thymus. These results suggest that resolvin D1 may attenuate the degree of inflammatory reaction in sepsis caused by CLP, without harming the host defense response.

Prognostic significance of nemo-like kinase (NLK) expression in patients with gallbladder cancer

Nemo-like kinase (NLK), a serine/threonine protein kinase, has been implicated in tumor development and progression, and plays an important role in diverse signaling pathways by phosphorylating a variety of transcription factors. Recent studies demonstrated that altered expression of NLK was observed in various types of human cancers. However, the clinical significance of NLK expression in gallbladder cancer (GBC) remains largely unknown. In this study, we focused on the clinical significance of NLK in GBC, and found that nuclear NLK protein overexpression was frequently detected in GBC tissues. The overexpression of NLK was significantly correlated with histological grade, TNM stage, and perineural invasion. The results of Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that a high expression level of NLK resulted in a significantly poorer prognosis of GBC patients (P = 0.002). Furthermore, multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that high NLK expression was an independent prognostic factor for GBC patients (HR = 3.077). In conclusion, overexpression of NLK is closely related to progression of GBC, and NLK could be used as a potential prognostic marker for GBC patients.

[Allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for 3 patients with beta-thalassemia major and 1 patient with congenital idiopathic haemolytic anemia]

OBJECTIVE

To examine the feasibility of allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (Allo-PBSCT) for the hereditary haemolytic anemia (HHA).

METHODS

Allo-PBSCTs were performed on 3 patients with beta-thalassemia major and 1 patient with congenital idiopathic haemolytic anemia by the HLA-identical siblings' donors or 1 locus-mismatch parent. The harvested stem cell contained nucleated cells (4.7-14.4) X 10(8)/kg recipient weight, CD(34) (+) CD(38)(-) cells(4.8-32.9) X 10(6)/kg and colony-forming-unit-granulocyte-macrophages (CFU-GM)(3.22-9.8) X 10(5)/kg. The conditioning regimen consisted of busulfan, cyclophosphamide, melphalan, thiotepa, fludarabine and antithymocyte globulin (ATG).

RESULTS

All patients were engrafted and accomplished with the acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD). A patient had the controlled chronic GVHD. Three patients are survivals with ex-anemia; their Hb levels have been maintaining normality without transfusion. One died of the hepatic veno-occlusive disease.

CONCLUSION

Allo-PBSCT is an effective and a new way to treat beta-thalassemia major and congenital idiopathic haemolytic anemia.

[Umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) in thalassemia children]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of allo-UCBT in thalassemia children.

METHODS

Five patients with beta-thalassemia major (genotypes were homozygote of beta41-42, beta654 and double heterozygosities of beta41-42/beta654, beta41-42/-28, beta654/-28, respectively) were treated by allo-UCBT. The median age was 3 year and ten month old (31/2 - 7 2/12). Four donor-recipient pairs were HLA-identical and one 1 locus mismatch. The patients received a median UCB nucleated cells (NC) of 5.5 x 10(7)/kg body weight [range (4.7 - 7.7) x 10(7)/kg] and CD(34)(+)CD(38)(-) cells 2.8 x 10(5)/kg [range (0.6 - 4.5) x 10(5)/kg] and CFU-GM 1.09 x 10(5)/kg [range (0.24 - 230.00) x 10(5)/kg]. The conditioning regimen consisted ofbusalphan 16 - 20 mg/kg, cyclophosphamide 180 - 200 mg/kg, horse antithymocyte globulin (ATG) 90 mg/kg or rabbit anti-lymphocyte globulin (ALG) 25 mg/kg and melphalan of 90 mg/m(2) was added to four cases. Cyclosporine A (CsA) alone was administered in 3 cases, and a combination of CsA and methotrexate in the other 2 cases.

RESULTS

Four cases were engrafted, but one rejected and recurred thalassemia state at day 60 past UCBT. One case had autologous reconstitution. The reconstitutions were found in all patients with neutrophils 0.5 x 10(9)/L at day 19 (14 - 22), platelets > 20 x 10(9)/L at day 37 (21 - 63). Two cases developed grade I and II acute GVHD respectively. None developed chronic GVHD. Three patients survived disease-freely (survival with ex-thalassemia state). The median follow-up was 18 months, the probability of survival was 100%.

CONCLUSION

Allo-UCBT could reconstitute hematopoiesis with low frequency and mild grade of GVHD. It is an effective treatment for thalassemia.

Ovarian epithelial cell lineage-specific gene expression using the promoter of a retrovirus-like element

We have isolated 462 bp of sequence termed ovarian-specific promoter 1 (OSP-1) that is part of a retrovirus-like element specifically expressed in the rat ovary. We have evaluated the ability of OSP-1 to activate gene expression in normal and neoplastic cell lines derived from the ovaries of rats and women. We have found that there was marked specificity in the ability of OSP-1 to drive reporter gene expression in an ovarian epithelial cell lineage manner. The expression of herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) under OSP-1 control was sufficiently ovarian cancer cell line specific to render ganciclovir approximately 50-fold more toxic in the A2780 human ovarian cancer cell line compared with clones of the HCT-116 and HT-29 colon cancer cell lines. Furthermore, ganciclovir had marked antitumor efficacy in vivo in severe combined immunodeficient mice bearing A2780OSP-1-HSV-TK as a s.c. xenograft. We suggest that these data support the use of OSP-1 as a tool to provide specificity to the gene therapy of ovarian cancer and to drive ovarian-specific oncogene expression for the creation of transgenic mouse models of ovarian cancer.

Use of a surrogate marker (human secreted alkaline phosphatase) to monitor in vivo tumor growth and anticancer drug efficacy in ovarian cancer xenografts

OBJECTIVES

A limitation to preclinical evaluation of possible anticancer therapy is the objective assessment of efficacy, especially in the presence of small tumor burden or inaccessible disease. This study is designed to test whether human secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) could be used as a soluble marker for in vivo tumor burden.

METHODS

A SEAP expression construct under control of the CMV promoter was created. The SEAP activity in the conditioned medium was evaluated at 24 h and 48 h after the A2780 cell line was transiently transfected with the SEAP vector using Superfect reagent. Stable transfection of A2780 was accomplished by selection of transfectants in G418. SEAP activity of the stable transfectant was determined in conditioned medium and its relationship to tumor cell number was examined. A highly expressing stable transfectant was implanted into immunocompromised mice (2 x 10(6) subcutaneously and 5 x 10(6) intraperitoneally) and peripheral blood was obtained by orbital puncture every 5 days. The relationship between blood SEAP activity and tumor burden was studied. The usefulness of this marker in preclinical assessment of anticancer drug efficacy was evaluated by studying the plasma SEAP activity in xenografted mice treated or not treated with paclitaxel.

RESULTS

After transient transfection of the A2780 cell line (5 x 10(5)) with the plasmid, SEAP activity was found in the medium at 24 h (482.0 +/- 2.0 ng/ml) and 48 h (1296.0 +/- 1.0 ng/ml). The in vitro study using a stable transfectant demonstrated that SEAP activity was linearly related to cell numbers (r = 0.99). The in vivo study demonstrated that SEAP was detectable in plasma one day postinjection, long before measurable tumor or detectable intraperitoneal tumor was present. Once detectable SC tumor was present, the SEAP activity correlated well with tumor volume (r = 0. 94-0.97). The plasma SEAP level was reduced after xenografted mice were treated with paclitaxel (20 mg/kg, weekly x5) compared with untreated mice in both SC and IP tumor models (P = 0.05, P = 0.025, respectively).

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that the plasma SEAP activity can be used as an alternative to survival or tumor measurement in evaluating anticancer agents for efficacy, especially in the case of minimal or inaccessible disease.

LOT1 is a growth suppressor gene down-regulated by the epidermal growth factor receptor ligands and encodes a nuclear zinc-finger protein

We previously reported cloning the rLot1 gene, and its human homolog (hLOT1), through analysis of differential gene expression in normal and malignant rat ovarian surface epithelial cells. Both human and rat ovarian carcinoma cell lines exhibited lost or decreased expression of this gene. Interestingly, the LOT1 gene localized at band q25 of human chromosome 6 which is a frequent site for LOH in many solid tumors including ovarian cancer. In this report we have further characterized the potential role of LOT1 in malignant transformation and developed evidence that the gene is a novel target of growth factor signaling pathway. Assays using transient transfections showed that LOT1 is a nuclear protein and may act as a transcription factor. In vitro and in vivo studies involving ovarian cancer cell lines revealed that expression of LOT1 is directly associated with inhibition of cellular proliferation and induction of morphological transformations. Additionally, we show that in normal rat ovarian surface epithelial cells Lot1 gene expression is responsive to growth factor stimulation. Its mRNA is strongly down-regulated by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligands, namely EGF and TGF-alpha. Blocking the ligand-activated EGFR signal transduction pathway by the specific EGF receptor inhibitor, tyrphostin AG1478, and the MEK inhibitor, PD098059, restores the normal level of Lot1 gene expression. It appears that the regulation of Lot1 gene is unique to these ligands, as well as the growth promoting agent TPA, since other factors either did not affect Lot1 expression, or the effect was modest and transient. Altogether, the results suggest that Lot1 expression is primarily mediated via EGF receptor or a related pathway and it may regulate the growth promoting signals as a zinc-finger motif containing nuclear transcription factor.

[Magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis and staging of endometrial carcinoma]

The value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis and staging of endometrial carcinoma was studied in 43 cases of clinically suspected endometrial carcinoma and 7 normal women. All of the 43 cases showed abnormal endometria measured by MRI, among which were pathologically proven 40 cases of endometrial carcinoma, 2 cases of endometrial polyps and 1 case of adenomyosis. This suggested that MRI showed a high susceptibility in the diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma, and a lack of specificity. MRI could predict myometrial invasion, its accuracy being verified by surgico-pathological findings in 11 of 13 cases. MRI staging was correct in 10 of the 13 primarily operated cases, and only half of the clinical staging was in conformity with surgical staging. The results suggest that MRI is useful in the staging of endometrial carcinoma and therefore is of value in the choice of treatment planning, although it is not yet an ideal diagnostic aid to detect small metastatic pelvic lesions.