Search

Gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Conventional chemotherapy has been proven useful to only a portion of the patients. Previous developed targeted drugs are more effective and tolerable than conventional drugs. Thus the development of novel drugs targeting markers is an urgent task and the main direction for future research. Ethaselen, an inhibitor of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), has been considered an important anticancer target drug. Previous studies show that it is effective on treating many kinds of cancers. In this paper, we examined that ethaselen effectively inhibited the growth of gastric cancer cells and promoted apoptosis. Organoids were cultured from patient-derived cells in a three-dimension form which are widely used in cancer research to help us understand cancer cells behavior at the sub-organ level and develop novel drugs. We established a drug testing and screening system using GC-derived organoids by recapitulating tumor microenvironment. We confirmed that the TrxR-targeting ethaselen could be a novel and effective drug for gastric cancer treatment.

Background: Drug resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs or targeted medicines is an obstacle encountered in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the mechanisms of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) on the drug resistance in NSCLC are rarely reported. In this paper, the comprehensive expression profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs in drug-resistant NSCLC cells were obtained by RNA sequencing. Methods: The dysregulated lncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs in drug-resistant NSCLC cell lines were identified by RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics methods. Results: A total of 39 dysregulated lncRNAs and 650 dysregulated mRNAs were identified between drug-resistant NSCLC cell lines and their parental cell lines. Additionally, 33 lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA pathways in the ceRNA network in drug-resistant NSCLC were constructed through bioinformatics methods and ceRNA regulatory rules. These comprised 12 dysregulated lncRNAs, five dysregulated miRNAs, and eight dysregulated mRNAs. In addition, lncRNA ATP2B1/miR-222-5p/TAB2 and lncRNA HUWE1/miR-222-5p/TAB2 were identified as potential ceRNA networks involved in drug resistance to NSCLC. Conclusions: The current study provides a promising therapeutic strategy against the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA regulatory network for NSCLC treatment and deepens our comprehension of the ceRNA regulatory mechanisms related to drug resistance to NSCLC.

Purpose: Recent studies have indicated that Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) is related to invasion, migration and metastasis of gastric cancer cells (GCCs). However, the function of PTX3 in stemness and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) polarization in GC has not yet been revealed. Here, we investigated the role of PTX3 in TAMs polarization and stemness in gastric cancer (GC), and further explored the effect of PTX3 on milky spot metastasis of gastric cancer. Methods: PTX3 expression in human gastric cancer tissues was examined with immunohistochemistry (IHC). The influence on stemness of gastric cancer cells was examined by sphere formation assay and western blot. qRT-PCR, IHC and flow cytometry were used to evaluate M1/M2 macrophage signatures. The effects of PTX3 on TAM polarization and milky spots were investigated in vitro and in vivo. The possible mechanism of PTX3 on targeted cytokines and pathway were analyzed by qRT-PCR and western blot. Results: We found that PTX3 was low expressed in gastric carcinoma tissues and associated with stemness and polarization of macrophages. The upregulation of PTX3 inhibited the stemness of GCCs. Furthermore, PTX3 suppressed the polarization of M2 macrophages in the milky spots in vivo and in vitro and inhibited the metastasis of GC into milky spots. PTX3 restrained the expression of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-10 via the inhibition of phosphorylation of the c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2) in GCCs. Conclusion: These results revealed a novel mechanism of PTX3 in GC, which may participate in the development and metastasis of GC by affecting stemness and macrophage polarization. PTX3 should be considered as a crucial biomarker and may be potentially used in targeted therapy in GC progression.

Rationale: Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) recruited into breast tumors regulate the behavior of tumor cells via various mechanisms and affect clinical outcomes. Although signaling molecules, such as transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), are known to transmit signals between BM-MSCs and breast tumor cells for recruiting BM-MSCs, it is unclear which specific intrinsic molecules involved in cell motility mediate the migration of BM-MSCs into breast tumor. It is also unclear as to how specific intrinsic molecules contribute to the migration. Methods: Conditioned medium (CM) from breast tumor cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) that simulates breast tumor secreting TGF-β was used to examine the migration of BM-MSCs into breast tumors. A three-dimensional migration assay was performed to investigate the collective migration of BM-MSCs, maintaining cell-cell adhesion, toward breast tumor cells. Results: N-cadherin formed adherens junction-like structures on the intercellular borders of BM-MSCs, and TGF-β increased the expression of N-cadherin on these borders. Knockdown of Smad4 impaired the TGF-β-mediated increase in N-cadherin expression in BM-MSCs, but inhibitors of non-canonical TGF-β pathways, such as extracellular signal-regulated kinases, Akt, and p38, did not affect it. siRNA-mediated knockdown of N-cadherin and Smad4 impaired the migration of BM-MSCs in response to TGF-β. Conditioned medium from breast tumor cells also enhanced the expression of N-cadherin in BM-MSCs, but inactivation of TGF-β type 1 receptor (TGFBR1) with SB505124 and TGFBR1 knockdown abolished the increase in N-cadherin expression. BM-MSCs collectively migrated toward CM from MDA-MB-231 in vitro while maintaining cell-cell adhesion through N-cadherin. Knockdown of N-cadherin abolished the migration of BM-MSCs toward the CM from breast tumor cells. Conclusion: In the present study, we identified N-cadherin, an intrinsic transmembrane molecule in adherens junction-like structures, on BM-MSCs as a mediator for the migration of these cells toward breast tumor. The expression of N-cadherin increases on the intercellular borders of BM-MSCs through the TGF-β canonical signaling and they collectively migrate in response to breast tumor cells expressing TGF-β via N-cadherin-dependent cell-cell adhesion. We, herein, introduce a novel promising strategy for controlling and re-engineering the breast tumor microenvironment.

Primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSLs) often present a unique histopathological feature of aggregative perivascular tumor cells (APVT). Our previous studies showed that patients of PCNSL with APVTs exhibited poor long-term outcomes and increased expression of the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) factor X-box-binding protein (XBP1). However, very little is known about molecular mechanism of the APVT formation in PCNSLs. The aim of this study is to determine if hypoxia-induced ERS is related to the APVT formation in PCNSLs. In this study, cell culture was used to observe the interplay between diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) tumor cells and human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) in different oxygen conditions. The expression of XBP1, CXCR and CD44 was manipulated by molecular cloning and siRNA technology. Mouse in vivo experiments and clinical studies were conducted to confirm our hypothesis. Our results showed that activated B-cell type-DLBCL cells easily migrated and invaded, and expressed high levels of XBP1 and stromal molecules CXCR4 and CD44 during hypoxia-induced ERS and dithiothreitol unfolded protein response (UPR). The gene upregulation (using overexpression vector) and downregulation (siRNA gene knock-out) in cultured cells and in mouse models further confirmed a close relation of the expression of XBP1, CXCR4, and CD44 with APVT formation, which is coincided with our clinical observation that increased expression of XBP1, CXCR4, and CD44 in the APVT cells in PCNSLs were associated with poor clinical outcomes. The results suggest that hypoxia-induced ERS and UPR might be associated with APVTs formation in PCNSL and its poor clinical outcomes. The results will help us better understand the progression of PCNSL with APVTs feature in daily pathological work and could be valuable for future target treatment of PCNSLs.

Objectives: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer membrane vesicles that are present in various bodily fluids and have been implicated in autoimmune disease pathogenesis. Type I interferons (IFN), specifically IFN-β, are uniquely elevated in dermatomyositis (DM). The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) works as a critical nucleic acid sensor and adaptor in type I IFN signaling with possible implications in autoimmune diseases such as DM. In the current study, we investigated whether circulating EVs contribute to proinflammatory effects in DM, whether these proinflammatory responses are mediated by the STING signaling pathway, and if so, by what mechanism STING is activated. Methods: We collected and characterized EVs from plasma of healthy controls (HC) and DM patients; analyzed their abilities to trigger proinflammatory cytokines release by ELISA, and explored STING signaling pathway activation using immunoblot and immunofluorescent staining. STING signaling pathway inhibitors and RNAi were used to further investigate whether STING was involved in EVs-triggered proinflammatory response. DNase/lipid destabilizing agent was utilized to digest EVs and their captured DNA contents to evaluate how EVs triggered STING-mediated proinflammatory response in DM. Results: EVs isolated from DM plasma triggered proinflammatory cytokines including type I IFN release with STING signaling pathway activation. The activated STING pathway was preferentially mediated by dsDNA captured by EVs. Suppression of STING or its downstream signaling proteins attenuated the EVs-mediated proinflammatory response. Conclusions: Plasma-derived, DNA containing-EVs induced STING-mediated proinflammatory effects in DM. Targeting the STING pathway may be a potential therapeutic approach for DM.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) is one type of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) which have many roles in biological processes, as well as modulation intracellular gene expression modulation. Nonethless, the roles along with expression status of the most circRNAs in NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer) remain unknown. Herein, we conducted a high-throughput microarray sequencing to identify abnormal expressed circRNAs. Circ0101675 was found upregulated in NSCLC cell lines and tissues. We carried out colony formation, transwell, CCK-8, and animal assays to investigate the functions of circ0101675. Silence of circ0101675 inhibited the migration and proliferation of NSCLC. To elucidate the mechanism, RNA immunoprecipitation assays along with luciferase enzyme reporter assays were further employed to explore the cross-talk between circ0101675 and other molecules. We discovered that circ0101675 facilitates the malignant process of growth and migration via sponging miR-1278 and upregulating WNT3A/5A expression. In conclusion, we revelaed the vital role of circ0101675-miR-1278-WNT3A/5A signaling in NSCLC progression via the competing endogenous RNAs mechanism. Therefore, circ0101675 can be used as a new and useful biomarker for monitoring and treating NSCLC.

Simultaneous targeting of both the tumor microenvironment and cancer cells by a single nanomedicine has not been reported to date. Here, we report the dual properties of zero-valent-iron nanoparticle (ZVI-NP) to induce cancer-specific cytotoxicity and anti-cancer immunity. Methods: Cancer-specific cytotoxicity induced by ZVI-NP was determined by MTT assay. Mitochondria functional assay, immunofluorescence staining, Western blot, RT-qPCR, and ChIP-qPCR assays were used to dissect the mechanism underlying ZVI-NP-induced ferroptotic cancer cell death. The therapeutic potential of ZVI-NP was evaluated in immunocompetent mice and humanized mice. Immune cell profiles of allografts and ex vivo cultured immune cells were examined by flow cytometry analysis, RT-qPCR assay, and immunofluorescence. Results: ZVI-NP caused mitochondria dysfunction, intracellular oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation, leading to ferroptotic death of lung cancer cells. Degradation of NRF2 by GSK3/β-TrCP through AMPK/mTOR activation was enhanced in such cancer-specific ferroptosis. In addition, ZVI-NP attenuated self-renewal ability of cancer and downregulated angiogenesis-related genes. Importantly, ZVI-NP augmented anti-tumor immunity by shifting pro-tumor M2 macrophages to anti-tumor M1, decreasing the population of regulatory T cells, downregulating PD-1 and CTLA4 in CD8+ T cells to potentiate their cytolytic activity against cancer cells, while attenuating PD-L1 expression in cancer cells in vitro and in tumor-bearing immunocompetent mice. In particular, ZVI-NPs preferentially accumulated in tumor and lung tissues, leading to prominent suppression of tumor growth and metastasis. Conclusions: This dual-functional nanomedicine established an effective strategy to synergistically induce ferroptotic cancer cell death and reprogram the immunosuppressive microenvironment, which highlights the potential of ZVI-NP as an advanced integrated anti-cancer strategy.

Purpose: Clinical success of cancer therapy is severely limited by drug resistance, attributed in large part to the loss of function of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs). Developing effective strategies to treat those tumors is challenging, but urgently needed in clinic. Experimental Design: MYOCD is a clinically relevant TSG in lung cancer patients. Our in vitro and in vivo data confirm its tumor suppressive function. Further analysis reveals that MYOCD potently inhibits stemness of lung cancer stem cells. Mechanistically, MYOCD localizes to TGFBR2 promoter region and thereby recruits PRMT5/MEP50 complex to epigenetically silence its transcription. Conclusions: NSCLC cells deficient of MYOCD are particularly sensitive to TGFBR kinase inhibitor (TGFBRi). TGFBRi and stemness inhibitor synergize with existing drugs to treat MYOCD deficient lung cancers. Our current work shows that loss of function of MYOCD creates Achilles' heels in lung cancer cells, which might be exploited in clinic.

Rationale: Differential activation of macrophages correlates closely with tumor progression, and the epigenetic factor lysine demethylase 6B (KDM6B, previously named JMJD3) mediates the regulation of macrophage polarization through an unknown mechanism. Methods: We developed a suspension coculture system comprising breast cancer cells and macrophages and used RT-qPCR and western blotting to measure KDM6B expression. Bioinformatics and luciferase reporter assays were used to identify candidate microRNAs of cancer cells responsible for the downregulation of KDM6B. To determine if exosomes mediated the transfer of miR-138-5p between cancer cells to macrophages, we treated macrophages with exosomes collected from the conditioned medium of cancer cells. The effects of exosomal miR-138-5p on macrophage polarization were measured using RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. We employed a mouse model of breast cancer, metastatic to the lung, to evaluate the effects on tumor metastasis of macrophages treated with miR-138-5p-enriched exosomes. To develop a diagnostic evaluation index, the levels of exosomal miR-138-5p in samples from patients with breast cancer were compared to those of controls. Results: Coculture of breast cancer cells led to downregulation of KDM6B expression in macrophages. Cancer cell-derived exosomal miR-138-5p inhibited M1 polarization and promoted M2 polarization through inhibition of KDM6B expression in macrophages. Macrophages treated with exosomal miR-138-5p promoted lung metastasis, and the level of circulating exosomal miR-138-5p positively correlated with the progression of breast cancer. Conclusion: Our data suggest that miR-138-5p was delivered from breast cancer cells to tumor-associated macrophages via exosomes to downregulate KDM6B expression, inhibit M1 polarization, and stimulate M2 polarization. Therefore, exosomal miR-138-5p represents a promising prognostic marker and target for the treatment of breast cancer.

Background: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a common malignant tumor of the urinary system. The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) plays an important role in the generation, metabolism and survival of tumor. We are aimed to make a comprehensive exploration of the UPS's role in ccRCC with bioinformatic tools, which may contribute to the understanding of UPS in ccRCC, and give insight for further research. Methods: The UPS-related genes (UPSs) were collected by an integrative approach. The expression and clinical data were downloaded from TCGA database. R soft was used to perform the differentially expressed UPSs analysis, functional enrichment analysis. We also estimated prognostic value of each UPS with the help of GEPIA database. Two predicting models were constructed with the differentially expressed UPSs and prognosis-related genes, respectively. The correlations of risk score with clinical characteristics were also evaluated. Data of GSE29609 cohort were obtained from GEO database to validate the prognostic models. Results: We finally identified 91 differentially expressed UPSs, 48 prognosis related genes among them, and constructed a prognostic model with 18 UPSs successfully, the AUC was 0.760. With the help of GEPIA, we found 391 prognosis-related UPSs, accounting for 57.84% of all UPSs. Another prognostic model was constructed with 28 prognosis-related genes of them, and with a better AUC of 0.825. Additionally, our models can also stratify patients into high and low risk groups accurately in GSE29609 cohort. Similar prognostic values of our models were observed in the validated GSE29609 cohort. Conclusions: UPS is dysregulated in ccRCC. UPS related genes have significant prognostic value in ccRCC. Models constructed with UPSs are effective and applicable. An abnormal ubiquitin proteasome system should play an important role in ccRCC and be worthy of further study.

Background: Increased IL-6 level, M2 macrophages and PD-1+CD8+ T cells in tumor microenvironments (TME) have been identified to correlate with resistance to checkpoint blockade immunotherapy, yet the mechanism remains poorly understood. Rab small GTPase-mediated trafficking of cytokines is critical in immuno-modulation. We have previously reported dysregulation of Rab37 in lung cancer cells, whereas the roles of Rab37 in tumor-infiltrating immune cells and cancer immunotherapy are unclear. Methods: The tumor growth of the syngeneic mouse allograft in wild type or Rab37 knockout mice was analyzed. Imaging analyses and vesicle isolation were conducted to determine Rab37-mediated IL-6 secretion. STAT3 binding sites at PD-1 promoter in T cells were identified by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the protein level of Rab37, IL-6 and PD-1 and localization of the tumor-infiltrating immune cells in allografts from mice or tumor specimens from lung cancer patients. Results: We revealed that Rab37 regulates the secretion of IL-6 in a GTPase-dependent manner in macrophages to trigger M2 polarization. Macrophage-derived IL-6 promotes STAT3-dependent PD-1 mRNA expression in CD8+ T cells. Clinically, tumors with high stromal Rab37 and IL-6 expression coincide with tumor infiltrating M2-macrophages and PD1+CD8+ T cells that predicts poor prognosis in lung cancer patients. In addition, lung cancer patients with an increase in plasma IL-6 level are found to be associated with immunotherapeutic resistance. Importantly, combined blockade of IL-6 and CTLA-4 improves survival of tumor-bearing mice by reducing infiltration of PD1+CD8+ T cells and M2 macrophages in TME. Conclusions: Rab37/IL-6 trafficking pathway links with IL-6/STAT3/PD-1 transcription regulation to foster an immunosuppressive TME and combined IL-6/CTLA-4 blockade therapy exerts potent anti-tumor efficacy.

Rationale: With over seven million infections and $25 billion treatment cost, chronic ischemic wounds are one of the most serious complications in the United States. The controlled release of bioactive factor enriched exosome from finbrin gel was a promising strategy to promote wound healing. Methods: To address this unsolved problem, we developed clinical-grade platelets exosome product (PEP), which was incorporate with injectable surgical fibrin sealant (TISSEEL), to promote chronic wound healing and complete skin regeneration. The PEP characterization stimulated cellular activities and in vivo rabbit ischemic wound healing capacity of TISSEEL-PEP were performed and analyzed. Results: PEP, enriched with transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), possessed exosomal characteristics including exosome size, morphology, and typical markers including CD63, CD9, and ALG-2-interacting protein X (Alix). In vitro, PEP significantly promoted cell proliferation, migration, tube formation, as well as skin organoid formation. Topical treatment of ischemic wounds with TISSEEL-PEP promoted full-thickness healing with the reacquisition of hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Superior to untreated and TISSEEL-only treated controls, TISSEEL-PEP drove cutaneous healing associated with collagen synthesis and restoration of dermal architecture. Furthermore, PEP promoted epithelial and vascular cell activity enhancing angiogenesis to restore blood flow and mature skin function. Transcriptome deconvolution of TISSEEL-PEP versus TISSEEL-only treated wounds prioritized regenerative pathways encompassing neovascularization, matrix remodeling and tissue growth. Conclusion: This room-temperature stable, lyophilized exosome product is thus capable of delivering a bioactive transforming growth factor beta to drive regenerative events.

BACKGROUND: Previous metabolomics studies have found differences in metabolic characteristics between the healthy and ESCC patients. However, few of these studies concerned the whole process of the progression of ESCC. This study aims to explore serum metabolites associated with the progression of ESCC. METHODS: Serum samples from 653 participants (305 normal, 77 esophagitis, 228 LGD, and 43 HGD/ESCC) were examined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadruple time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF/MS). Principal component analysis (PCA) was first applied to obtain an overview of the clustering trend for the multidimensional data. Fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering was then used to screen metabolites with a changing tendency in the progression of ESCC. Univariate ordinal logistic regression analysis and multiple ordinal logistic regression analysis were applied to evaluate the association of metabolites with the risk of ESCC progression, and adjusted for age, gender, BMI, tobacco smoking, and alcohol drinking status. RESULTS: After FCM clustering analysis, a total of 38 metabolites exhibiting changing tendency among normal, esophagitis, LGD, and HGD/ESCC patients. Final results showed 15 metabolites associated with the progression of ESCC. Ten metabolites (dopamine, L-histidine, 5-hydroxyindoleacetate, L-tryptophan, 2'-O-methylcytidine, PC (14:0/0:0), PC (O-16:1/0:0), PE (18:0/0:0), PC (16:1/0:0), PC (18:2/0:0)) were associated with decreased risk of developing ESCC. Five metabolites (hypoxanthine, inosine, carnitine (14:1), glycochenodeoxycholate, PC (P-18:0/18:3)) were associated with increased risk of developing ESCC. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated that serum metabolites are associated with the progression of ESCC. These metabolites are capable of potential biomarkers for the risk prediction and early detection of ESCC.

SH2 domain containing tyrosine phosphatase 2 (Shp2; PTPN11) regulates several intracellular pathways downstream of multiple growth factor receptors. Our studies implicate that Shp2 interacts with Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) protein in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and negatively regulates BDNF/TrkB signaling. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of shp2 silencing in the RGCs in glaucomatous conditions. Methods: Shp2 was silenced in the Cav-1 deficient mice and the age matched wildtype littermates using adeno-associated viral (AAV) constructs. Shp2 expression modulation was performed in an acute and a chronic mouse model of experimental glaucoma. AAV2 expressing Shp2 eGFP-shRNA under a strong synthetic CAG promoter was administered intravitreally in the animals' eyes. The contralateral eye received AAV-eGFP-scramble-shRNA as control. Animals with Shp2 downregulation were subjected to either microbead injections or acute ocular hypertension experimental paradigm. Changes in inner retinal function were evaluated by measuring positive scotopic threshold response (pSTR) while structural and biochemical alterations were evaluated through H&E staining, western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis of the retinal tissues. Results: A greater loss of pSTR amplitudes was observed in the WT mice compared to Cav-1-/- retinas in both the models. Silencing of Shp2 phosphatase imparted protection against inner retinal function loss in chronic glaucoma model in WT mice. The functional rescue also translated to structural preservation of ganglion cell layer in the chronic glaucoma condition in WT mice which was not evident in Cav-1-/- mice retinas. Conclusions: This study indicates that protective effects of Shp2 ablation under chronic experimental glaucoma conditions are dependent on Cav-1 in the retina, suggesting in vivo interactions between the two proteins.

Objectives: Sorafenib is the only FDA-approved first-line target drug for HCC patients. However, sorafenib merely confers 3-5 months of survival benefit with less than 30% of HCC patients sensitive to sorafenib therapy. Thus, it's necessary to develop a sensitizer for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to sorafenib. Methods: The principal component analysis, gene ontology, and KEGG analysis are utilized following RNA-sequencing. The mass spectrometry analysis following immunoprecipitation is performed to discover the phosphatase targets. Most importantly, both the cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) and the patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse model are used to determine the effect of 3-HAA on sorafenib-resistant HCC in vivo. Results: In nude mice carrying HCC xenograft, tumor growth is inhibited by sorafenib or 3-HAA alone. When used in combination, the treatment particularly prevents the xenograft from growing. Combined treatment also suppresses the growth of sorafenib-resistant (≥30mg/kg) PDXs. In a set of mechanistic experiments, we find enhanced AKT activation and decreased apoptotic cells in de novo and acquired sorafenib-resistant HCC cells and tissues. 3-HAA decreases AKT phosphorylation and increases the apoptosis of HCC in both cultured cells and mouse xenografts by upregulation of phosphatases PPP1R15A/DUSP6. PPP1R15A/PPP1α directly reduces Akt phosphorylation while DUSP6 decreases Akt activity through inhibiting PDK1. The AKT activator abolishes 3-HAA inhibition of HCC growth in vitro and in mice. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that 3-HAA sensitizes HCC cells to sorafenib by upregulation of phosphatases, suggesting it as a promising molecule for HCC therapy.

Angiogenesis is a critical step in repair of tissue injury. The pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) recognize pathogen and damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) during injury and achieve host defense directly. However, the role of NLR family CARD domain containing 5 (NLRC5), an important member of PPRs, beyond host defense in angiogenesis during tissue repair remains unknown. Methods: In vitro, western blot and real-time PCR (RT-PCR) were used to detect the expression of NLRC5 in endothelial cells (ECs). Immunofluorescence microscopy was used to reveal the subcellular location of NLRC5 in ECs. Cell proliferation, wound healing, tube formation assays of ECs were performed to study the role of NLRC5 in angiogenesis. By using Tie2Cre-NLRC5flox/flox mice and bone marrow transplantation studies, we defined an EC-specific role for NLRC5 in angiogenesis. Mechanistically, co-immunoprecipitation studies and RNA sequencing indicated that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was the target of NLRC5 in the nucleus. And Co-IP was used to verify the specific domain of NLRC5 binding with STAT3. ChIP assay determined the genes regulated by interaction of STAT3 and NLRC5. Results: Knockdown of NLRC5 in vitro or in vivo inhibited pathological angiogenesis, but had no effect on physiological angiogenesis. NLRC5 was also identified to bind to STAT3 in the nucleus required the integrated death-domain and nucleotide-binding domain (DD+NACHT domain) of NLRC5. And the interaction of STAT3 and NLRC5 could enhance the transcription of angiopoietin-2 (Ang2) and cyclin D1 (CCND1) to participate in angiogenesis. Conclusions: In the ischemic microenvironment, NLRC5 protein accumulates in the nucleus of ECs and enhances STAT3 transcriptional activity for angiogenesis. These findings establish NLRC5 as a novel modulator of VEGFA signaling, providing a new target for angiogenic therapy to foster tissue regeneration.

Background and Objective: Epigenetic alterations are common events in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), and protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) is an important epigenetic regulator in cancers. However, its role in ccRCC remains unclear. Methods: We investigated PRMT1 expression level and its correlations to clinicopathological factors and prognosis in ccRCC patients based on ccRCC tissue microarrays (TMAs). Genetic knockdown and pharmacological inhibition using a novel PRMT1 inhibitor DCPT1061 were performed to investigate the functional role of PRMT1 in ccRCC proliferation. Besides, we confirmed the antitumor effect of PRMT1 inhibitor DCPT1061 in ccRCC cell-derived tumor xenograft (CDX) models as well as patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) models. Results: We found PRMT1 expression was remarkably upregulated in tumor tissues and associated with poor pathologic characters and outcomes of ccRCC patients. Furthermore, genetic knockdown and pharmacological inhibition of PRMT1 by a novel potent inhibitor DCPT1061 dramatically induced G1 cell cycle arrest and suppressed ccRCC cell growth. Mechanistically, RNA sequencing and further validation identified Lipocalin2 (LCN2), a secreted glycoprotein implicated in tumorigenesis, as a crucial regulator of ccRCC growth and functional downstream effector of PRMT1. Epigenetic silencing of LCN2 autocrine secretion by PRMT1 deficiency decreased downstream p-AKT, leading to reduced p-RB and cell growth arrest through the neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin receptor (NGALR). Moreover, PRMT1 inhibition by DCPT1061 not only inhibited tumor growth but also sensitized ccRCC to sunitinib treatment in vivo by attenuating sunitinib-induced upregulation of LCN2-AKT-RB signaling. Conclusion: Taken together, our study revealed a PRMT1-dependent epigenetic mechanism in the control of ccRCC tumor growth and drug resistance, indicating PRMT1 may serve as a promising target for therapeutic intervention in ccRCC patients.

Targeting the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) - in particular, the proteasome complex - has emerged as an attractive novel cancer therapy. While several proteasome inhibitors have been successfully approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of hematological malignancies, the clinical efficacy of these inhibitors is unexpectedly lower in the treatment of solid tumors due to the functional and structural heterogeneity of proteasomes in solid tumors. There are ongoing trials to examine the effectiveness of compound and novel proteasome inhibitors that can target solid tumors either alone or in combination with conventional chemotherapeutic agents. The modest therapeutic efficacy of proteasome inhibitors such as bortezomib in solid malignancies demands further research to clarify the exact effects of these proteasome inhibitors on different proteasomes present in cancer cells. The structural, cellular localization and functional analysis of the proteasome complexes in solid tumors originated from different tissues provides new insights into the diversity of proteasomes' responses to inhibitors. In this study, we used an optimized iodixanol gradient ultracentrifugation to purify a native form of proteasome complexes with their intact associated protein partners enriched within distinct cellular compartments. It is therefore possible to isolate proteasome subcomplexes with far greater resolution than sucrose or glycerol fractionations. We have identified differences in the catalytic activities, subcellular distribution, and inhibitor sensitivity of cytoplasmic proteasomes isolated from human colon, breast, and pancreatic cancer cell lines. Our developed techniques and generated results will serve as a valuable guideline for investigators developing a new generation of proteasome inhibitors as an effective targeted therapy for solid tumors.

Background: Tumor-infiltrating immune cells are closely associated with tumor occurrence and progression. The present study explored the potential mechanism of tumor-infiltrating plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) mediating the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods: pDC distribution was detected by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. chemotaxis cytokine receptor-4/7 (CXCR-4/7) expression was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Cell proliferation and migration were measured by CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing and transwell assay. ELISA and western blotting were used to investigate cytokines secretion and NF-κB pathway activity. Results: Tumor-infiltrating pDC in OSCC was significantly increased and associated with tumor size, lymph node (LN) metastasis (P

Mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes (MSC-exos) have attracted great interest as a cell-free therapy for acute kidney injury (AKI). However, the in vivo biodistribution of MSC-exos in ischemic AKI has not been established. The potential of MSC-exos in promoting tubular repair and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Methods: Transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and western blotting were used to characterize the properties of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSCs) derived exosomes. The biodistribution of MSC-exos in murine ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) induced AKI was imaged by the IVIS spectrum imaging system. The therapeutic efficacy of MSC-exos was investigated in renal I/R injury. The cell cycle arrest, proliferation and apoptosis of tubular epithelial cells (TECs) were evaluated in vivo and in HK-2 cells. The exosomal miRNAs of MSC-exos were profiled by high-throughput miRNA sequencing. One of the most enriched miRNA in MSC-exos was knockdown by transfecting miRNA inhibitor to hucMSCs. Then we investigated whether this candidate miRNA was involved in MSC-exos-mediated tubular repair. Results: Ex vivo imaging showed that MSC-exos was efficiently homing to the ischemic kidney and predominantly accumulated in proximal tubules by virtue of the VLA-4 and LFA-1 on MSC-exos surface. MSC-exos alleviated murine ischemic AKI and decreased the renal tubules injury in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, MSC-exos significantly attenuated the cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of TECs both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, miR-125b-5p, which was highly enriched in MSC-exos, repressed the protein expression of p53 in TECs, leading to not only the up-regulation of CDK1 and Cyclin B1 to rescue G2/M arrest, but also the modulation of Bcl-2 and Bax to inhibit TEC apoptosis. Finally, inhibiting miR-125b-5p could mitigate the protective effects of MSC-exos in I/R mice. Conclusion: MSC-exos exhibit preferential tropism to injured kidney and localize to proximal tubules in ischemic AKI. We demonstrate that MSC-exos ameliorate ischemic AKI and promote tubular repair by targeting the cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of TECs through miR-125b-5p/p53 pathway. This study provides a novel insight into the role of MSC-exos in renal tubule repair and highlights the potential of MSC-exos as a promising therapeutic strategy for AKI.

Background: Abnormal expression of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) is closely related to tumorigenesis, progression, and prognosis. This study performed systematic bioinformatic analysis of RBPs abnormally expressed in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to screen prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets. Methods: First, the gene expression data from COAD samples were used to screen out differentially expressed RBPs for functional enrichment analysis and to visualize interaction relationships. Second, RBPs that were significantly related to prognosis were screened through univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis to construct a prognostic model. The prediction performance of the prognostic model was evaluated by survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. It addition, it was verified in the test cohort. The Human Protein Atlas (HPA) online database was used to verify the expression levels of RBPs in the prognostic model. Results: The study identified 181 differentially expressed RBPs and analyzed their interaction and functional enrichment, which were mainly related to non-coding RNA processing, ribosome biogenesis, RNA metabolic processes, RNA phosphodiester bond hydrolysis, and alternative mRNA splicing. Five RBPs related to prognosis were used to construct a prognostic model, and its predictive ability was verified by the test cohort. ROC curve analysis showed that the prognostic model had good sensitivity and specificity. Independent prognostic analysis showed that risk scores could be used as independent prognostic factors for COAD. Conclusion: This study constructed a reliable prognostic model by analyzing COAD differentially expressed RBPs, facilitating the screening of COAD prognostic markers and therapeutic targets.

BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) is currently the third leading cause for cancer-related mortality. Cancer stem cells have been implicated in colorectal tumor growth, but their specific role in tumor biology, including metastasis, is still uncertain.MethodsIncreased expression of L1CAM, CXCR4 and NODAL was identified in tumor section of patients with CRC and in Patients-derived-organoids (PDOs). The expression of L1CAM, CXCR4 and NODAL was evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. The effects of the L1CAM, CXCR4 and NODAL on tumor growth, proliferation, migration, invasion, colony-formation ability, metastasis and chemoresistance were investigated both in vitro and in vivo.Results We found that human colorectal cancer tissue contains cancer stem cells defined by L1CAMhigh/CXCR4high expression that is activated by Nodal in hypoxic microenvironment. This L1CAMhigh/CXCR4high population is tumorigenic, highly resistant to standard chemotherapy, and determines the metastatic phenotype of the individual tumor. Depletion of the L1CAMhigh/CXCR4high population drastically reduces the tumorigenic potential and the metastatic phenotype of colorectal tumors.ConclusionIn conclusion, we demonstrated that a subpopulation of migrating L1CAMhigh/CXCR4high is essential for tumor progression. Together, these findings suggest that strategies aimed at modulating the Nodal signaling could have important clinical applications to inhibit colorectal cancer-derived metastasis.

Although a small number of cardiomyocytes may reenter the cell cycle after injury, the adult mammalian heart is incapable of a robust cardiomyocyte proliferation. Periostin, a secreted extracellular matrix protein, has been implicated as a regulator of cardiomyocyte proliferation; however, this role remains controversial. Alternative splicing of the human periostin gene results in 6 isoforms lacking sequences between exons 17 and 21, in addition to full-length periostin. We previously showed that exosomes (Exo) secreted by human cardiac explant-derived progenitor cells (CPC) carried periostin. Here, we aimed to investigate their cell cycle activity. Methods: CPC were derived as the cellular outgrowth of ex vivo cultured cardiac atrial explants. Exo were purified from CPC conditioned medium using size exclusion chromatography. Exosomal periostin was analyzed by Western blotting using a pair of antibodies (one raised against aa 537-836, and one raised against amino acids mapping at exon 17 of human periostin), by ELISA, and by cryo-EM with immune-gold labeling. Cell cycle activity was assessed in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, in human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPS)-derived cardiomyocytes, and in adult rat cardiomyocytes after myocardial infarction. The role of periostin in cell cycle activity was investigated by transfecting donor CPC with a siRNA against this protein. Results: Periostin expression in CPC-secreted exosomes was detected using the antibody raised against aa 537-836 of the human protein, but not with the exon 17-specific antibody, consistent with an isoform lacking exon 17. Periostin was visualized on vesicle surfaces by cryo-EM and immune-gold labeling. CPC-derived exosomes induced cell proliferation in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes both in vitro and in vivo, in human iPS-derived cardiomyocytes, and in adult rat cardiomyocytes after myocardial infarction. Exo promoted phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), actin polymerization, and nuclear translocation of Yes-associated protein (YAP) in cardiomyocytes. Knocking down of periostin or YAP, or blocking FAK phosphorylation with PF-573228 nullified Exo-induced proliferation. A truncated human periostin peptide (aa 22-669), but not recombinant human full-length periostin, mimicked the pro-proliferative activity of exosomes. Conclusions: Our results show, for the first time, that CPC-secreted exosomes promote cardiomyocyte cell cycle-reentry via a short periostin isoform expressed on their surfaces, whereas recombinant full-length periostin does not. These findings highlight isoform-specific roles of periostin in cardiomyocyte proliferation.

Purpose: Advanced prostate cancer (PCa) has limited treatment regimens and shows low response to chemotherapy and immunotherapy, leading to poor prognosis. Histone modification is a vital mechanism of gene expression and a promising therapy target. In this study, we characterized WD repeat domain 5 (WDR5), a regulator of histone modification, and explored its potential therapeutic value in PCa. Experimental Design: We characterized specific regulators of histone modification, based on TCGA data. The expression and clinical features of WDR5 were analyzed in two dependent cohorts. The functional role of WDR5 was further investigated with siRNA and OICR-9429, a small molecular antagonist of WDR5, in vitro and in vivo. The mechanism of WDR5 was explored by RNA-sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Results: WDR5 was overexpressed in PCa and associated with advanced clinicopathological features, and predicted poor prognosis. Both inhibition of WDR5 by siRNA and OICR-9429 could reduce proliferation, and increase apoptosis and chemosensitivity to cisplatin in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, targeting WDR5 by siRNA and OICR-9429 could block IFN-γ-induced PD-L1 expression in PCa cells. Mechanistically, we clarified that some cell cycle, anti-apoptosis, DNA repair and immune related genes, including AURKA, CCNB1, E2F1, PLK1, BIRC5, XRCC2 and PD-L1, were directly regulated by WDR5 and OICR-9429 in H3K4me3 and c-Myc dependent manner. Conclusions: These data revealed that targeting WDR5 suppressed proliferation, enhanced apoptosis, chemosensitivity to cisplatin and immunotherapy in PCa. Therefore, our findings provide insight into OICR-9429 is a multi-potency and promising therapy drug, which improves the antitumor effect of cisplatin or immunotherapy in PCa.

Purpose: Tumor metastasis seriously affects the survival of patients. In recent years, some studies confirmed that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) played an essential role in tumor progression. A few studies reported that LINC01296 acted as an oncogenic regulator of cancer. However, its in-depth specific biological mechanism in tumor metastasis is still unknown. Methods: Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed to detect the expression of LINC01296 and miR-141-3p in NSCLC, CRC tissues and cell lines, and the dual luciferase report was used to evaluate the relationship between LINC01296, miR-141-3p and ZEB1/ZEB2 relationship. Western blot experiments are used to detect changes in protein levels. Transwell and wound healing measures migration and invasion capabilities. Results: In this study, we used non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) as the research objects, LINC01296 was found to be highly expressed in NSCLC and CRC tissues and positively related to poor prognosis. We also demonstrated LINC01296 regulated NSCLC and CRC invasion and metastasis by modulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by up-regulating ZEB1 and ZEB2. Consequently, LINC01296 acted as a sponge of miR-141-3p, which negatively regulates EMT process. Conclusions: The report revealed a new mechanism by which LINC01296 regulates the EMT process through miR-141-3p/ZEB1-ZEB2 axis and affects cancer metastasis.

Rationale: Accumulated evidence indicates that environmental plasticizers are a threat to human and animal fertility. Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a plasticizer to which humans are exposed daily, can trigger reproductive toxicity by acting as an endocrine-disrupting chemical. In mammals, the female primordial follicle pool forms the lifetime available ovarian reserve, which does not undergo regeneration once it is established during the fetal and neonatal period. It is therefore critical to examine the toxicity of DEHP regarding the establishment of the ovarian reserve as it has not been well investigated. Methods: The ovarian cells of postnatal pups, following maternal DEHP exposure, were prepared for single cell-RNA sequencing, and the effects of DEHP on primordial follicle formation were revealed using gene differential expression analysis and single-cell developmental trajectory. In addition, further biochemical experiments, including immunohistochemical staining, apoptosis detection, and Western blotting, were performed to verify the dataset results. Results: Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we revealed the gene expression dynamics of female germ cells and granulosa cells following exposure to DEHP in mice. Regarding germ cells: DEHP impeded the progression of follicle assembly and interfered with their developmental status, while key genes such as Lhx8, Figla, and others, strongly evidenced the reduction. As for granulosa cells: DEHP likely inhibited their proliferative activity, and activated the regulation of cell death. Furthermore, the interaction between ovarian cells mediated by transforming growth factor-beta signaling, was disrupted by DEHP exposure, since the expression of GDF9, BMPR1A, and SMAD3 was affected. In addition, DNA damage and apoptosis were elevated in germ cells and/or somatic cells. Conclusion: These findings offer substantial novel insights into the reproductive toxicity of DEHP exposure during murine germ cell cyst breakdown and primordial follicle formation. These results may enhance the understanding of DEHP exposure on reproductive health.

Background: The genomic spectrum of biliary tract carcinoma (BTC) has been characterized and is associated with distinct anatomic and etiologic subtypes, yet limited studies have linked genomic alterations with personalized therapies in BTC patients. Methods: This study analyzed 803 patients with BTC:164 with gallbladder cancer, 475 with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and 164 with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. We determined genomic alterations, mutational signatures related to etiology and histopathology and prognostic biomarkers. Personalized targeted therapies for patients harboring potentially actionable targets (PATs) were investigated. Results: The median tumor mutation burden (TMB) was 1.23 Mut/Mb, with 4.1% of patients having hypermutated BTCs. Unlike the results obtained from the Western population, the most frequently altered cancer-related genes in our cohort included TP53 (53%), KRAS (26%), ARID1A (18%), LRP1B (14%) and CDKN2A (14%). Germline mutations occurred mostly in DNA damage repair genes. Notably, 35.8% of the ICCs harbored aristolochic acid related signatures and an elevated TMB. TP53 and KRAS mutations and amplified 7q31.2 were demonstrated to negatively affect patient prognosis. Moreover, 19 genes were proposed to be PATs in BTCs, with 25.4% of patients harboring these PATs. Forty-six patients received PAT-matched targeted therapies, achieving a 26.1% objective response rate; the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.0 months, with 56.8% of patients obtaining PFS benefits. Conclusions: Extensive genomic diversity and heterogeneity were observed among BTC patients, with contributions according to potential etiology exposures, anatomical subtypes and clinicopathological characteristics. We also demonstrated that patients with refractory BTCs who have PATs can derive considerable benefit from receiving a matched therapy, initiating further prospective clinical trials guided by molecular profiling among this aggressive cancer.

Rationale: Estrogen-dependent cancers (e.g., breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers) are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in women worldwide. Recently, exosomes released by tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells have been under the spotlight in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Our study aims at elucidating the underlying mechanisms of the crosstalk between estrogen signaling and CD8+ T cells, and possible intervention values in uterine corpus endometrial cancer (UCEC). Methods: Micro RNA-seq was conducted to screen differentially expressed micro RNA in UCEC. Bioinformatic analysis was processed to predict the target of miR-765. RNA silencing or overexpressing and pharmacologic inhibitors were used to assess the functions of ERβ/miR-765/PLP2/Notch axis in UCEC cell proliferation and invasion in vivo and in vitro. In vivo imaging was performed to evaluate the metastasis of tumor in mice. Combined fluorescent in situ hybridization for miR-765 and immunofluorescent labeling for CD8 was carried out to prove the co-localization between miR-765 and CD8+ T cells. Exosomes derived from CD45RO-CD8+ T cells were isolated to detect the regulatory effects on UCEC. Results: miR-765 is characterized as the most downregulated miRNA in UCEC, and there is a negative correlation between miR-765 and Proteolipid protein 2 (PLP2) in UCEC lesion. Estrogen significantly down-regulates miR-765 level, and facilitates the development of UCEC by estrogen receptor (ER) β. Mechanistically, this process is mediated through the miRNAs (e.g., miR-3584-5p, miR-7-5p, miR-150-5p, and miR-124-3p) cluster-controlled regulation of the PLP2, which further regulates Ki-67 and multiple epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related molecules (e.g, E-cadherin and Vimentin) in a Notch signaling pathway-dependent manner. Interestingly, the selective ER degrader Fulvestrant alleviates estrogen-mediated miR-765/PLP2 expression regulation and UCEC development in ERβ-dependent and -independent manners. Additionally, CD45RO-CD8+ T cell-derived exosomes release more miR-765 than that from CD45RO+CD8+ T cells. In therapeutic studies, these exosomes limit estrogen-driven disease development via regulation of the miR-765/PLP2 axis. Conclusions: This observation reveals novel molecular mechanisms underlying estrogen signaling and CD8+ T cell-released exosomes in UCEC development, and provides a potential therapeutic strategy for UCEC patients with aberrant ERβ/miR-765/PLP2/Notch signaling axis.

Background: Elderly patients with Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) are frequently under-represented in clinical trials, which leads to the unclear management of ICC in elderly patients. This study aimed to describe treatment patterns and establish a reliable nomogram in elderly ICC patients. Methods: Based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, we conducted a retrospective analysis of 1651 elderly patients (≥65 years) diagnosed with ICC between 2004 and 2016. Results: For the whole study population, 29.3% received only chemotherapy, 26.7% no tumor-directed therapy, 19.1% surgery alone, 17.5% radiotherapy, and 7.4% surgery plus chemotherapy. Compared with the age group of 65-74 years, patients aged ≥75 years were less likely to accept treatment. Among patients 66-74 years of age, surgery alone resulted in a median overall survival (OS) of 30 months, surgery combined with chemotherapy 26 months, radiotherapy 17 months, chemotherapy alone 10 months and no therapy 3 months; while among patients ≥75 years of age, the median OS was 21, 25, 14, 9 and 4, respectively. Moreover, independent prognostic indicators including age, gender, grade, tumor size, T stage, N stage, M stage, and treatment were incorporated to construct a nomogram. The C-indexes of the OS nomogram were 0.725 and 0.724 for the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Importantly, the predictive model harbored a better discriminative power than the American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM staging system. Conclusion: Active treatment should not be abandoned among all the elderly patients with ICC. The validated nomogram provided an effective and practical tool to accurately evaluate prognosis and to guide personalized treatment for elderly ICC patients.

Accumulating evidence suggests that lncRNAs (long non-coding RNAs) function as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes in ccRCC (clear cell renal cell carcinoma). Although VHL (Von Hippel-Lindau) gene inactivation is by far the most common carcinogenic driving event in ccRCC, the roles of VHL-related lncRNAs in ccRCC remain unknown. In this study, using RNA-seq and clinical data in TCGA-KIRC (the Cancer Genome Atlas-Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma), we identified VHL-related lncRNAs through WGCNA (Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis), correlation analysis and catRAPID algorithm, and explored their clinical characteristics in ccRCC. Results showed that 10 lncRNAs (AC112220.2, AL391121.1, USP46-AS1, AL450326.1, MID1IP1-AS1, SUCLG2-AS1, RAP2C-AS1, FGD5-AS1, AC018647.2 and AC015922.2) were identified as VHL-related lncRNAs, and they were down-regulated in ccRCC tissues. Survival analysis results indicated that high expression groups of AC112220.2, AL391121.1, USP46-AS1, AL450326.1, SUCLG2-AS1, RAP2C-AS1, FGD5-AS1, AC018647.2 and AC015922.2 had significantly longer OS (Overall Survival) than their respective low expression groups. Meanwhile high AC112220.2, USP46-AS1, AL450326.1, SUCLG2-AS1, FGD5-AS1, AC018647.2 and AC015922.2 expression groups had remarkably longer DFS (Disease Free Survival) than their respective low expression groups. Besides, FGD5-AS1 and AL391121.1 expression were decreased in VHL mutant tissues compared with VHL non-mutant tissues. Moreover, high expression group of FGD5-AS1 had significantly longer OS and DFS than their respective low expression groups in VHL mutant ccRCC. In addition, we found that DNA hypermethylation may also play an important role in decreased FGD5-AS1 expression. Furthermore, we validated the expression of FGD5-AS1 in VHL mutant and non-mutant ccRCC tissues and cell lines. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that lncRNA FGD5-AS1 was significantly associated with VHL and can serve as a novel biomarker of ccRCC.

Dual-phenotype hepatocellular carcinoma (DPHCC) expresses both hepatocyte and cholangiocyte markers, and is characterized by high recurrence and low survival rates. The underlying molecular mechanisms of DPHCC pathogenesis are unclear. We performed whole exome sequencing and RNA sequencing of three subtypes of HCC (10 DPHCC, 10 CK19-positive HCC, and 14 CK19-negative HCC), followed by integrated bioinformatics analysis, including somatic mutation analysis, mutation signal analysis, differential gene expression analysis, and pathway enrichment analysis. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were applied for exploring survival related characteristics. We found that mutated genes in DPHCC patients were associated with carcinogenesis and immunity, and the up-regulated genes were mainly enriched in transcription-related and cancer-related pathways, and the down-regulated genes were mainly enriched in immune-related pathways. CXCL9 was selected as the hub gene, which is associated with immune cells and survival prognosis. Our results showed that low CXCL9 expression was significantly associated with poor prognosis, and its expression was significantly reduced in DPHCC samples. In conclusion, we explored the molecular mechanisms governing DPHCC development and progression and identified CXCL9, which influences the immune microenvironment and prognosis of DPHCC and might be new clinically significant biomarkers for predicting prognosis.

Alternative splicing (AS), as an effective and universal mechanism of transcriptional regulation, is involved in the development and progression of cancer. Therefore, systematic analysis of alternative splicing in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is warranted. The corresponding clinical information of the RNA-Seq data and PAAD cohort was downloaded from the TCGA data portal. Then, a java application, SpliceSeq, was used to evaluate the RNA splicing pattern and calculate the splicing percentage index (PSI). Differentially expressed AS events (DEAS) were identified based on PSI values between PAAD cancer samples and normal samples of adjacent tissues. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to assess the association between DEAS and patient clinical characteristics. Unsupervised cluster analysis used to reveal four clusters with different survival patterns. At the same time, GEO and TCGA combined with GTEx to verify the differential expression of AS gene and splicing factor. After rigorous filtering, a total of 45,313 AS events were identified, 1,546 of which were differentially expressed AS events. Nineteen DEAS were found to be associated with OS with a five-year overall survival rate of 0.946. And the subtype clusters results indicate that there are differences in the nature of individual AS that affect clinical outcomes. Results also identified 15 splicing factors associated with the prognosis of PAAD. And the splicing factors ESRP1 and RBM5 played an important role in the PAAD-associated AS events. The PAAD-associated AS events, splicing networks, and clusters identified in this study are valuable for deciphering the underlying mechanisms of AS in PAAD and may facilitate the establishment of therapeutic goals for further validation.

Background: Amino-terminal enhancer of split (AES) has been identified as a tumor and metastasis suppressor in some cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC), but very little is known about the regulation of AES expression. Methods: Bioinformatics analysis was used to investigate the expression patterns of AES, CK1δ and CK1e. The co-immunoprecipitation, GST pull-down, Western Blot, real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry were performed to study the mechanism underlying the regulation of AES expression by CK1δ/e. The biological function was assessed by in vitro colony formation, transwell, sphere formation, tumor organoids, in vivo tumor metastasis model and patient-derived colorectal tumor xenografts (PDTX) model. Results: A strong inverse relationship was observed between the expression of AES and the expression of CK1δ/e. Mechanically, AES could interact with CK1δ/e and SKP2 using its Q domain. SKP2 mediated the ubiquitination and degradation of AES in a CK1δ/e-dependent manner. CK1δ/e phosphorylated AES at Ser121 and accelerated the SKP2-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of AES. In colon cancer cells, CK1δ/e antagonized the effect of wild-type AES but not that of its mutant (S121A) on Wnt and Notch signaling, leading to an increase in the expression of Wnt target genes and Notch target genes. By downregulating the expression of AES, CK1δ/e enhanced anchorage-independent growth, migration, invasion and sphere formation in colon cancer cells. CK1δ/e also promoted the growth of APCmin/+ colorectal tumor organoids and liver metastasis in colon cancer mouse models through the regulation of AES degradation. Furthermore, CK1 inhibitor SR3029 treatment suppressed tumor growth via stabilizing AES in APCmin/+ colorectal tumor organoids and patient-derived colorectal tumor xenografts (PDTX). Conclusions: Our results revealed that the CK1δ/e-AES axis is important for CRC tumorigenesis and metastasis, and targeted inhibition of this axis may be a potential therapeutic strategy for CRC.

Rationale: Abnormal autophagic death of endothelial cells is detrimental to plaque structure as endothelial loss promotes lesional thrombosis. As emerging functional biomarkers, circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in various diseases, including cardiovascular. This study is aimed to determine the role of hsa_circ_0030042 in abnormal endothelial cell autophagy and plaque stability. Methods: circRNA sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction were performed to detect hsa_circ_0030042 expression in coronary heart disease (CHD) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Transfection of stubRFP-sensGFP-LC3 adenovirus, flow cytometry, and electron microscopy were used to identify the role of hsa_circ_0030042 in ox-LDL‒induced abnormal autophagy in vitro. Bioinformatic analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence assay and other in vitro experiments were performed to elucidate the mechanism underlying hsa_circ_0030042-mediated regulation of autophagy. To evaluate the role of hsa_circ_0030042 in atherosclerotic plaques and endothelial function, we measured the carotid artery tension and performed histopathology and immunohistochemistry analysis. Results: hsa_circ_0030042 was significantly downregulated in CHD, while upon overexpression, it acted as an endogenous eukaryotic initiation factor 4A-III (eIF4A3) sponge to inhibit ox-LDL-induced abnormal autophagy of HUVECs and maintain plaque stability in vivo. Furthermore, hsa_circ_0030042 influenced autophagy by sponging eIF4A3 and blocking its recruitment to beclin1 and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) mRNA, while hsa_circ_0030042-induced inhibition of beclin1 and FOXO1 was counteracted by eIF4A3 overexpression or decreased hsa_circ_0030042 binding. In high-fat-diet fed ApoE-/- mice, hsa_circ_0030042 also ameliorated plaque stability and counteracted eIF4A3-induced plaque instability. Conclusions: These results demonstrate a novel pathway involving hsa_circ_0030042, eIF4A3, FOXO1, and beclin1; hence, modulating their levels may be a potential therapeutic strategy against CHD.

Rationale: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious clinical emergency with an acute onset, rapid progression, and poor prognosis. Recent evidence suggests that AKI is accompanied by significant metabolic abnormalities, including alterations in lipid metabolism. However, the specific changes in lipids in AKI, and their role and regulation mechanisms are currently unclear. Methods: Quantitative metabolomics was performed in AKI models to reveal the differences of lipid metabolism-related products. Regulated pathway was detected by western blot, qRT-PCR, immunoblot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Results: The present study systematically analyzes the changes in lipid composition in AKI for the first time and find that the degree of lipid accumulation was highly correlated with uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). Importantly, relieving lipid accumulation in AKI by upregulating UCP1 can significantly inhibit the progression of AKI through promoting AMPK/ULK1/autophagy pathway. Conclusions: The present findings suggest that lipid accumulation in AKI is directly regulated by UCP1, which can activate cell autophagy and thus significantly inhibit disease progression. It will provide new ideas and targets for the treatment of AKI.

Background: Oncolytic adenovirus-mediated gene therapy is an emerging strategy for cancer treatment. However, oncolytic adenoviruses are mainly administered locally at tumor site. Intravenous administration of oncolytic adenovirus for cancer gene therapy is a problem that needs to be solved urgently. Methods: We constructed recombinant oncolytic adenovirus KGHV500 carrying anti-p21Ras scFv and employed CIK cells to deliver KGHV500. TUNEL, wound healing, MTT, and Transwell invasion assays were used to determine the anti-tumor efficacy of KGHV500 on liver cancer cells in vitro. Nude mouse xenograft model was used to examine the anti-tumor efficacy of CIK cells combined with KGHV500 in vivo. Furthermore, KGHV500 accumulation in different organs was detected to assess the safety. Results: KGHV500 inhibited the migration, proliferation, invasion, and induced the apoptosis of liver cancer cells. CIK cells carrying KGHV500 reached tumor site and exerted much better anti-tumor efficacy than CIK cells or KGHV500 alone in nude mouse xenograft model. Moreover, we detected KGHV500 and anti-p21Ras scFv in different organs of nude mice, with little effects on the organs. Conclusions: We develop a novel strategy for the treatment of Ras-driven liver cancer by combining CIK cells with oncolytic adenovirus expressing anti-p21Ras scFv. Intravenous injection of CIK cells carrying KGHV500 in vivo significantly inhibits tumor growth, has little effect on normal organs, and is relatively safe.

DNA hypermethylation in a promoter region causes gene silencing via epigenetic changes. We have previously reported that early B cell factor 1 (EBF1) was down-regulated in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) tissues and related to tumor progression. Thus, we hypothesized that the DNA hypermethylation of EBF1 promoter would suppress EBF1 expression in CCA and induce its progression. In this study, the DNA methylation status of EBF1 and mRNA expression levels were analyzed in CCA and normal bile duct (NBD) tissues using a publicly available database of genome-wide association data. The results showed that the DNA methylation of EBF1 promoter region was significantly increased in CCA tissues compared with those of NBD. The degree of methylation was negatively correlated with EBF1 mRNA expression levels. Using methylation-specific PCR technique, the DNA methylation rates of EBF1 promoter region were investigated in CCA tissues (n=72). CCA patients with high methylation rates of EBF1 promoter region in the tumor tissues (54/72) had a poor prognosis. Higher methylation rates of EBF1 promoter region have shown in all CCA cell lines than that of an immortal cholangiocyte cell line (MMNK1). Upon treatment with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-Aza-dC, increased EBF1 expression levels and reduced DNA methylation rates were observed in CCA cells. Moreover, restoration of EBF1 expression in CCA cells led to inhibition of cell growth, migration and invasion. In addition, RNA sequencing analysis suggested that EBF1 is involved in suppression of numerous pathways in cancer. Taken together, DNA hypermethylation in the EBF1 promoter region suppresses EBF1 expression and induces CCA progression with aggressive clinical outcomes.

Rationale: The onset of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and in vivo persistence of anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells after infusion correlate with clinical responsiveness. However, there are no known baseline biomarkers that can predict the prognosis of patients with B-lineage non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). The aim of this study was to identify blood cell populations associated with beneficial outcomes in B-NHL patients administered CAR-T cell immunotherapies. Methods: We enumerated peripheral blood and CAR-T cells by retrospectively analyzing three CAR-T cell trials involving 65 B-NHL patients. We used a preclinical model to elucidate the eosinophil mechanism in CAR-T cell therapy. Results: During an observation period up to 30 mo, B-NHL patients with higher baseline eosinophil counts had higher objective response rates than those with low eosinophil counts. Higher baseline eosinophil counts were also significantly associated with durable progression-free survival (PFS). The predictive significance of baseline eosinophil counts was validated in two independent cohorts. A preclinical model showed that eosinophil depletion impairs the intratumoral infiltration of transferred CAR-T cells and reduces CAR-T cell antitumor efficacy. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that peripheral eosinophils could serve as stratification biomarkers and a recruitment machinery to facilitate anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy in B-NHL patients.

Background: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are principal constituents of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and play a critical role in tumor progression. The CXCL12/CXCR4 axis regulates multiple facets of the TME. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between CXCL12 expression in CAFs and the malignant progression of gastric cancer (GC). Methods: In the GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) database, we performed transcriptome analysis on paired gastric cancer RNA sequencing samples, and scRNA analysis was performed on advanced malignant GC samples from the scRNA sequencing data set. Fibroblast cells were co-cultured with GC cells, and invasion, migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) were determined. After blocking the expression of fibroblast CXCL12, cells were co-cultured with a GC cell line. Detection of GC cell line invasion, migration, EMT and CXCR4, Wnt5a and β-Catenin expression levels was performed. Primary CAFs and gastric normal fibroblasts were isolated and CXCL12 mRNA and protein expression were determined. In addition, a cohort of 285 GC cases was established, protein expression was evaluated immunohistochemically, and prognostic results were analyzed. Results: GC transcriptome analysis suggested that cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and the Wnt signaling pathway in GC tissues were significantly up-regulated. scRNA analysis of advanced malignant GC samples showed that severe intestinal metaplasia (SIM) in GC specimens of different malignant grades had obvious fibroblast clusters compared to non-atrophic gastritis (NAG) and early gastric cancer (EGC). In the SIM group, fibroblast cluster, CXCL12, CXCR4, and Wnt5a were overexpressed. Co-culturing with fibroblast cells significantly increased the invasion, migration, and EMT of GC cells, and blocking CXCL12 in CAFs disturbed the expression of Wnt5a and β-catenin. In our cohort of GC patients, high CXCL12 expression in CAFs significantly correlated with histological grade (P = 0.012) and TNM stage (P = 0.014), as well as with poor overall survival (p = 0.0107). Conclusion: High expression of CXCL12 in CAFs in a GC microenvironment can affect the migration, invasion, and EMT of GC cells. Furthermore, it can cause poor prognosis in patients with GC.

Background: Tumor mutation burden (TMB) has emerged as an important predictive factor for drug resistance in cancers; however, the specific mechanism underlying TMB function in melanoma remains elusive. Methods: Data on somatic mutations, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), miRNA sequencing (miRNA-seq), and clinical characteristics for 472 melanoma patients were extracted from the TCGA cohort. RNA-seq data of melanoma cell lines were obtained from the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia, and sensitivity of cell lines to therapeutic agents is available in the Cancer Therapeutics Response Portal. TMB was calculated based on somatic mutation data. Differentially expressed gene analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, protein-protein interaction networks, Minimal Common Oncology Data Elements, and survival analysis were leveraged to determine TMB-related hub genes. Competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks were constructed to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying hub gene function. The influence of key genes on drug sensitivity was analyzed to investigate their clinical significance. Results: Elevated TMB levels were significantly correlated with improved survival outcomes. In addition, six tumor-infiltrating immune cells, including naive B cells, regulatory T cells, memory resting CD4 T cells, memory B cells, activated mast cells, and resting NK cells, were significantly overexpressed in the low-TMB group relative to the high-TMB group. Furthermore, we identified FLNC, NEXN, and TNNT3 as TMB-related hub genes, and constructed their ceRNA networks, including five miRNAs (has-miR-590-3p, has-miR-374b-5p, has-miR-3127-5p, has-miR-1913, and has-miR-1291) and 31 lncRNAs (FAM66C, MIAT, NR2F2AS1, etc.). Finally, we observed that TMB-related genes were associated with distinct therapeutic responses to AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors. Conclusions: We identified three TMB-associated key genes, established their ceRNA networks, and investigated their influence on therapeutic responses, which could provide insights into future precision medicine.

Prolactin binding to the prolactin receptor exerts pleiotropic biological effects in vertebrates. The prolactin receptor (PRLR) has multiple isoforms due to alternative splicing. The biological roles and related signaling of the long isoform (PRLR-LF) have been fully elucidated. However, little is known about the short isoform (PRLR-SF), particularly in cancer development and metabolic reprogramming, a core hallmark of cancer. Here, we reveal the role and underlying mechanism of PRLR-SF in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Methods: A human PDAC tissue array was used to investigate the clinical relevance of PRLR in PDAC. The in vivo implications of PRLR-SF in PDAC were examined in a subcutaneous xenograft model and an orthotopic xenograft model. Immunohistochemistry was performed on tumor tissue obtained from genetically engineered KPC (KrasG12D/+; Trp53R172H/+; Pdx1-Cre) mice with spontaneous tumors. 13C-labeled metabolite measures, LC-MS, EdU incorporation assays and seahorse analyses were used to identify the effects of PRLR-SF on the pentose phosphate pathway and glycolysis. We identified the molecular mechanisms by immunofluorescence, coimmunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation and promoter luciferase activity. Public databases (TCGA, GEO and GTEx) were used to analyze the expression and survival correlations of the related genes. Results: We demonstrated that PRLR-SF is predominantly expressed in spontaneously forming pancreatic tumors of genetically engineered KPC mice and human PDAC cell lines. PRLR-SF inhibits the proliferation of PDAC cells (AsPC-1 and BxPC-3) in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. We showed that PRLR-SF reduces the expression of genes in the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and nucleotide biosynthesis by activating Hippo signaling. TEAD1, a downstream transcription factor of Hippo signaling, directly regulates the expression of G6PD and TKT, which are PPP rate-limiting enzymes. Moreover, NEK9 directly interacts with PRLR-SF and is the intermediator between PRLR and the Hippo pathway. The PRLR expression level is negatively correlated with overall survival and TNM stage in PDAC patients. Additionally, pregnancy and lactation increase the ratio of PRLR-SF:PRLR-LF in the pancreas of wild-type mice and subcutaneous PDAC xenograft tumors. Conclusion: Our characterization of the relationship between PRLR-SF signaling, the NEK9-Hippo pathway, PPP and nucleotide synthesis explains a mechanism for the correlation between PRLR-SF and metabolic reprogramming in PDAC progression. Strategies to alter this pathway might be developed for the treatment or prevention of pancreatic cancer.

Objective: To identify critical roles played by NEK2 in prolactinomas and to clarify the corresponding underlying mechanisms. Methods: We performed RNA-seq on MMQ cell lines treated with the dopamine receptor agonist cabergoline (CAB) to identify genes involved in prolactinoma progression and dopamine receptor-agonist (DA) sensitivity. NEK2 was then selected for further study. The expression of NEK2 was examined using quantitative real-time PCR, western immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry - both in pituitary adenomas (PA) and in normal pituitary tissue. We used gain-of-function and loss-of-function assays to explore the biologic roles of NEK2 in cell growth in vivo and in vitro. Co-immunoprecipitation was also used to detect the binding between NEK2 and USP7. Results: Herein, we reported that NEK2 was upregulated in prolactinomas, particularly dopamine-resistant prolactinomas. NEK2 overexpression significantly promoted pituitary tumor GH3 and MMQ cell proliferation, and it impaired cellular sensitivity to CAB. Conversely, knockdown of NEK2 inhibited GH3 and MMQ cell growth, and sensitized the cells to CAB. Mechanistically, NEK2 regulated cell proliferation via the Wnt-signaling pathway; and in addition, we demonstrated that USP7 interacted with, deubiquitylated, and stabilized NEK2. Conclusions: Collectively, our results suggest that NEK2 might be a potential therapeutic target for prolactinoma.

The epicardium plays an important role in cardiomyogenesis during development, while it becomes quiescent in adult heart during homeostasis. This study investigates the efficiency of thymosin β4 (Tβ4) release with RPRHQGVM conjugated to the C-terminus of RADA16-I (RADA-RPR), the functionalized self-assembling peptide (SAP), to activate the epicardium and repairing the infarcted myocardium. Methods: The functionalized SAP was constituted with self-assembling motif, Tβ4-binding site, and cell adhesive ligand. Myocardial infarction (MI) models of the transgenic mice were established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. At one week after intramyocardial injection of Tβ4-conjugated SAP, the activation of the epicardium was assessed. At four weeks after implantation, the migration and differentiation of epicardium-derived cells (EPDCs) as well as angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and myocardial regeneration were examined. Results: We found that the designer RADA-RPR bound Tβ4 and adhered to EPDCs and that Tβ4 released from the functionalized SAP could effectively activate the epicardium and induce EPDCs to differentiate towards cardiovascular cells as well as lymphatic endothelial cells. Moreover, SAP-released Tβ4 (SAP-Tβ4) promoted proliferation of cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and myocardial regeneration were enhanced in the MI models at 4 weeks after delivery of SAP-Tβ4 along with attenuation of adverse myocardial remodeling and significantly improved cardiac function. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that sustained release of Tβ4 from the functionalized SAP can activate the epicardium and effectively enhance the repair of infarcted myocardium. We believe the delivery of SAP-Tβ4 may be a promising strategy for MI therapy.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the third most frequent malignancy within urological oncology. Understanding mechanisms of chemoresistance in RCC cell is important for therapy and drug development. We established cisplatin (CDDP) resistant RCC cells by treating cells with increasing concentrations of CDDP. Nodal, an important embryonic morphogen, was increased in RCC/CDDP cells. Targeted inhibition of Nodal via its siRNA or neutralization antibody restored sensitivity of RCC resistant cells to CDDP treatment. It was due to that si-Nodal can decrease expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp, encoded by ABCB1), one important ATP-binding cassette (ABC) membrane transporter for drug efflux. si-Nodal can decrease the transcription and promoter activity of ABCB1. Mechanistically, si-Nodal can decrease the phosphorylation of p65, which can bind to the promoter of ABCB1 and then trigger its transcription. Further, CDDP treatment decreased the expression of Nodal in culture medium of RCC cells. Collectively, we found that Nodal can regulate chemoresistance of RCC cells via regulating transcription of ABCB1.

Objective: The present study aimed to determine the prognostic value of HOXA cluster antisense RNA2 (HOXA-AS2) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and to explore its potential molecular mechanisms. We also screening of potential drugs targeting HOXA-AS2 in AML. Methods: The level 3 raw genome-wide RNA sequencing dataset of AML was download from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Data Portal, and the potential molecular mechanisms and drugs prediction of HOXA-AS2 in AML were explored using multiple bioinformatics analysis approaches. Results: TCGA AML cohort dataset indicated that HOXA-AS2 was significantly up-regulated in AML bone marrow tissues, and high HOXA-AS2 expression was related to poor overall survival (log-rank P=0.0284, hazard ratio 1.640, 95% confidence interval 1.046-2.573). Functional enrichment of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) suggested that the difference in prognosis between AML patients with high- and low-HOXA-AS2 expression may be due to differences in biological processes and pathways, including cell adhesion, angiogenesis, mitogen-activated protein kinase, cell differentiation, and other biological processes, and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase-protein kinase B and Wnt signaling pathways. We also screened out three potential HOXA-AS2-targeted therapeutic drugs for AML, megestrol, carmustine, and cefoxitin, based on these DEGs. Functional enrichment analysis of HOXA-AS2-co-expressed genes revealed that HOXA-AS2 may act a part in AML by regulating nuclear factor-κB transcription factor activity, DNA methylation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, cell migration, Toll-like receptor 4, and Wnt signaling pathways. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that HOXA-AS2 is up-regulated in the bone marrow in patients with AML, and may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker for AML.

Objective: The research paid close attention to the function of lncRNA-related endogenous competitive RNAs (ceRNAs) network in endometrial cancer (EC). Methods: 45 primary endometrial cancer tissues (EC) and 45 normal endometrium (NE) were included in the research. The online software StarbaseV2.0 was made use of forecasting the lncRNA which most likely contained microRNA-200c-3p combining sites and could interact with microRNA-200c-3p. Subsequently, we chose lncRNAs which were consistent with the characteristics of polyadenylation of lncRNAs and lower expression in EC than that of NE. After that, lncRNAs, which were related with the microRNA-200c-3p-noxa network, were identified. Results: Rp11-379k17.4, a new gene related to endometrial cancer, was identified as noncoding RNA. It was a more effective ceRNA associated with the microRNA-200c-3p-noxa network. Conclusion: LncRNAs possess microRNA response elements (MREs) and give scope to significant roles in the post-transcriptional mechanism in EC.

Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) infection of macrophage induces NLRC4 inflammasome-mediated production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β. Post-translational modifications on NLRC4 are critical for its activation. Sirtuin3 (SIRT3) is the most thoroughly studied mitochondrial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) -dependent deacetylase. We wondered whether SIRT3 mediated-deacetylation could take part in NLRC4 inflammasome activation. Methods: We initially tested IL-1β production and pyroptosis after cytosolic transfection of flagellin or S. typhimurium infection in wild type and SIRT3-deficient primary peritoneal macrophages via immunoblotting and ELISA assay. These results were confirmed in SIRT3-deficient immortalized bone marrow derived macrophages (iBMDMs) which were generated by CRISPR-Cas9 technology. In addition, in vivo experiments were conducted to confirm the role of SIRT3 in S. typhimurium-induced cytokines production. Then NLRC4 assembly was analyzed by immune-fluorescence assay and ASC oligomerization assay. Immunoblotting, ELISA and flow cytometry were performed to clarify the role of SIRT3 in NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasomes activation. To further investigate the mechanism of SIRT3 in NLRC4 activation, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), we did immunoblot, cellular fractionation and in-vitro deacetylation assay. Finally, to clarify the acetylation sites of NLRC4, we performed liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and immunoblotting analysis. Results: SIRT3 deficiency led to significantly impaired NLRC4 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, SIRT3 promotes NLRC4 inflammasome assembly by inducing more ASC speck formation and ASC oligomerization. However, SIRT3 is dispensable for NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasome activation. Moreover, SIRT3 interacts with and deacetylates NLRC4 to promote its activation. Finally, we proved that deacetylation of NLRC4 at Lys71 or Lys272 could promote its activation. Conclusions: Our study reveals that SIRT3 mediated-deacetylation of NLRC4 is pivotal for NLRC4 activation and the acetylation switch of NLRC4 may aid the clearance of S. typhimurium infection.

Chemotherapeutic multidrug resistance (MDR) is the major hindrance for clinical therapy of colorectal cancer (CRC). Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) with selective cytotoxicity might overcome MDR of CRC cells. Unfortunately, cross-resistance to TRAIL has been detected in many CRC cells, suggesting the need to combine TRAIL with sensitizers to combat refractory CRC. Our purpose is to explore the potential of combination therapy of TRAIL and tumor-cell targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT) in combating CRC with both chemotherapeutic MDR and TRAIL resistance. Methods: Tumor cell-targeted PDT was performed using a Ze-IR700 photosensitizer with high affinity for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The impact of PDT on the gene expression of CRC cells was revealed by RNA sequencing. The synergistic antitumor effect of long-acting TRAIL and PDT was evaluated in mice bearing tumor grafts of CRC cells with both chemotherapeutic MDR and TRAIL resistance. Results: Chemotherapeutic MDR and TRAIL resistance are common in CRC cells. Pretreatment of CRC cells with tumor cell-targeted PDT significantly (10-60 times) increased the sensitivity of these CRC cells to TRAIL by upregulating death receptors. Combination therapy, but not monotherapy, of long-acting TRAIL and PDT greatly induced apoptosis of CRC cells, thus efficiently eradicated large (~150 mm3) CRC tumor xenografts in mice. Conclusions: Tumor cell-targeted PDT extensively sensitizes CRC cells to TRAIL. Combination therapy of long-acting TRAIL and PDT is promising to combat CRC with both chemotherapeutic MDR and TRAIL resistance, which might be developed as a novel strategy for precision therapy of refractory CRC.

Inflammatory cytokines produced by muscularis macrophages largely contribute to the pathological signs of postoperative ileus (POI). Electroacupuncture (EA) can suppress inflammation, mainly or partly via activation of vagal efferent. The goal of this study was to investigate the mechanisms by which EA stimulation at an hindlimb region ameliorates inflammation in POI. Methods: Intestinal motility and inflammation were examined after 24 h after intestinal manipulation (IM)-induced POI in mice. Local immune response in the intestinal muscularis, expression of macrophages, α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were determined by flow cytometry, Western Blot, qPCR and immunofluorescence. The effects of α7nAChR antagonists (methyllycaconitine and α-bungarotoxin) and JAK2/STAT3 inhibitors (AG490 and WP1066) were also administered in a subset of mice prior to EA. In the parasympathetic pathways, intestinal motility and inflammation were determined after cervical vagotomy and sub-diaphragmatic vagotomy. The expression of gamma absorptiometry aminobutyric acid (GABAA) receptor in dorsal motor nucleus of vagal (DMV) cholinergic neurons was assessed by immunofluorescence and the response to DMV microinjection of bicuculine (antagonist of GABAA receptor) or muscimol (agonist of GABAA receptor) were assessed. Results: EA suppressed intestinal inflammation and promoted gastrointestinal motility. Mechanistically, EA activated the α7nAChR-mediated JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in macrophages which reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that hindlimb region stimulation drove vagal efferent output by inhibiting the expression of GABAA receptor in DMV to ameliorate inflammation. Conclusions: The present study revealed that EA of hindlimb regions inhibited the expression of GABAA receptor in DMV neurons, whose excited vagal nerve, in turn suppressed IM-induced inflammation via activation of α7nAChR-mediated JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.