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Background: Lung cancer remains the foremost reason of cancer‐related mortality, with invasion and metastasis profoundly influencing patient prognosis. N‐acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) catalyzes the exclusive N (4)‐acetylcytidine (ac4C) modification in eukaryotic RNA. NAT10 dysregulation is linked to various diseases, yet its role in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) invasion and metastasis remains unclear. Our study delves into the clinical significance and functional aspects of NAT10 in NSCLC. Methods: We investigated NAT10's clinical relevance using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and a group of 98 NSCLC patients. Employing WB, qRT‐PCR, and IHC analyses, we assessed NAT10 expression in NSCLC tissues, bronchial epithelial cells (BECs), NSCLC cell lines, and mouse xenografts. Further, knockdown and overexpression techniques (siRNA, shRNA, and plasmid) were employed to evaluate NAT10's effects. A series of assays were carried out, including CCK‐8, colony formation, wound healing, and transwell assays, to elucidate NAT10's role in proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Additionally, we utilized lung cancer patient‐derived 3D organoids, mouse xenograft models, and Remodelin (NAT10 inhibitor) to corroborate these findings. Results: Our investigations revealed high NAT10 expression in NSCLC tissues, cell lines and mouse xenograft models. High NAT10 level correlated with advanced T stage, lymph node metastasis and poor overall survive. NAT10 knockdown curtailed proliferation, invasion, and migration, whereas NAT10 overexpression yielded contrary effects. Furthermore, diminished NAT10 levels correlated with increased E‐cadherin level whereas decreased N‐cadherin and vimentin expressions, while heightened NAT10 expression displayed contrasting results. Notably, Remodelin efficiently attenuated NSCLC proliferation, invasion, and migration by inhibiting NAT10 through the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway. Conclusions: Our data underscore NAT10 as a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC, presenting avenues for targeted intervention against lung cancer through NAT10 inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cisplatin is a chemotherapy drug that causes a plethora of DNA lesions and inhibits DNA transcription and replication, resulting in the induction of apoptosis in cancer cells. However, over time, patients develop resistance to cisplatin due to repeated treatment and thus the treatment efficacy is limited. Therefore, identifying an alternative therapeutic strategy combining cisplatin treatment along with targeting factors that drive cisplatin resistance is needed. CRISPR/Cas9 system-based genome-wide screening for the deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) subfamily identified USP28 as a potential DUB that governs cisplatin resistance. USP28 regulates the protein level of microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase 1 (MAST1), a common kinase whose expression is elevated in several cisplatin-resistant cancer cells. The expression level and protein turnover of MAST1 is a major factor driving cisplatin resistance in many cancer types. Here we report that the USP28 interacts and extends the half-life of MAST1 protein by its deubiquitinating activity. The expression pattern of USP28 and MAST1 showed a positive correlation across a panel of tested cancer cell lines and human clinical tissues. Additionally, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knockout of USP28 in A549 and NCI-H1299 cells blocked MAST1-driven cisplatin resistance, resulting in suppressed cell proliferation, colony formation ability, migration and invasion in vitro. Finally, loss of USP28 destabilized MAST1 protein and attenuated tumor growth by sensitizing cells to cisplatin treatment in mouse xenograft model. We envision that targeting the USP28-MAST1 axis along with cisplatin treatment might be an alternative therapeutic strategy to overcome cisplatin resistance in cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Lung cancer remains the foremost reason of cancer‐related mortality, with invasion and metastasis profoundly influencing patient prognosis. N‐acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) catalyzes the exclusive N (4)‐acetylcytidine (ac4C) modification in eukaryotic RNA. NAT10 dysregulation is linked to various diseases, yet its role in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) invasion and metastasis remains unclear. Our study delves into the clinical significance and functional aspects of NAT10 in NSCLC. Methods We investigated NAT10's clinical relevance using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and a group of 98 NSCLC patients. Employing WB, qRT‐PCR, and IHC analyses, we assessed NAT10 expression in NSCLC tissues, bronchial epithelial cells (BECs), NSCLC cell lines, and mouse xenografts. Further, knockdown and overexpression techniques (siRNA, shRNA, and plasmid) were employed to evaluate NAT10's effects. A series of assays were carried out, including CCK‐8, colony formation, wound healing, and transwell assays, to elucidate NAT10's role in proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Additionally, we utilized lung cancer patient‐derived 3D organoids, mouse xenograft models, and Remodelin (NAT10 inhibitor) to corroborate these findings. Results Our investigations revealed high NAT10 expression in NSCLC tissues, cell lines and mouse xenograft models. High NAT10 level correlated with advanced T stage, lymph node metastasis and poor overall survive. NAT10 knockdown curtailed proliferation, invasion, and migration, whereas NAT10 overexpression yielded contrary effects. Furthermore, diminished NAT10 levels correlated with increased E‐cadherin level whereas decreased N‐cadherin and vimentin expressions, while heightened NAT10 expression displayed contrasting results. Notably, Remodelin efficiently attenuated NSCLC proliferation, invasion, and migration by inhibiting NAT10 through the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway. Conclusions Our data underscore NAT10 as a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC, presenting avenues for targeted intervention against lung cancer through NAT10 inhibition.

Simple Summary: The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) is a highly vascularized membrane found in avian eggs. Tumor cell lines can be grown on the CAM, which allows for the further analyses of the tumor grafts afterwards. We investigated the biological and growth characteristics of two breast cancer cell lines that resemble two biologically different breast cancer subgroups. Known biological features of the more aggressive breast cancer cell line were clearly confirmed in vitro and in the CAM model. Furthermore, the tissue-based pathological variables assessed in the CAM model were similar to those of the mouse xenografts and human patient tumor tissue. We suggest this in vivo model to be a reliable alternative for breast cancer research to reduce murine animal experiments. The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay is an alternative in vivo model that allows for minimally invasive research of cancer biology. Using the CAM assay, we investigated phenotypical and functional characteristics (tumor grade, mitosis rate, tumor budding, hormone receptor (HR) and HER2 status, Ki-67 proliferation index) of two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, which resemble the HR+ (luminal) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subgroups, respectively. Moreover, the CAM results were directly compared with murine MCF-7- and MDA-MB-231-derived xenografts and human patient TNBC tissue. Known phenotypical and biological features of the aggressive triple-negative breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) were confirmed in the CAM assay, and mouse xenografts. Furthermore, the histomorphological and immunohistochemical variables assessed in the CAM model were similar to those in human patient tumor tissue. Given the confirmation of the classical biological and growth properties of breast cancer cell lines in the CAM model, we suggest this in vivo model to be a reliable alternative test system for breast cancer research to reduce murine animal experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoinitiators are utilized in the production of a wide range of commonly used products. However, some photoinitiators exert toxic effects. We previously demonstrated the endocrine-disrupting effects of photoinitiators in vitro. The present study investigated the estrogenic activities of three photoinitiators: 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone (1-HCHPK), methyl 2-benzoylbenzoate (MBB), and 2-methyl-4′-(methylthio)-2-morpholinopropiophenone (MTMP), which were subcutaneously injected into mouse xenografts with MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The results obtained showed that 1-HCHPK, MBB, and MTMP promoted breast tumor growth in these xenografts. A pretreatment with the estrogen receptor antagonist tamoxifen blocked the tumor growth-promoting effects of each photoinitiator. Collectively, the present results suggest that the three photoinitiators exhibit estrogenic agonist activities in vivo. Furthermore, as a factor for breast tumor growth, these photoinitiators potentially have estrogenic properties in vivo.

The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay is an alternative in vivo model that allows for minimally invasive research of cancer biology. Using the CAM assay, we investigated phenotypical and functional characteristics (tumor grade, mitosis rate, tumor budding, hormone receptor (HR) and HER2 status, Ki-67 proliferation index) of two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, which resemble the HR+ (luminal) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subgroups, respectively. Moreover, the CAM results were directly compared with murine MCF-7- and MDA-MB-231-derived xenografts and human patient TNBC tissue. Known phenotypical and biological features of the aggressive triple-negative breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) were confirmed in the CAM assay, and mouse xenografts. Furthermore, the histomorphological and immunohistochemical variables assessed in the CAM model were similar to those in human patient tumor tissue. Given the confirmation of the classical biological and growth properties of breast cancer cell lines in the CAM model, we suggest this in vivo model to be a reliable alternative test system for breast cancer research to reduce murine animal experiments.

Estrogen receptor (ER)-negative cancers have a poor prognosis, and few targeted therapies are available for their treatment. Our previous analyses have identified potential kinase targets critical for the growth of ER-negative, progesterone receptor (PR)-negative and HER2-negative, or "triple-negative" breast cancer (TNBC). Because phosphatases regulate the function of kinase signaling pathways, in this study, we investigated whether phosphatases are also differentially expressed in ER-negative compared to those in ER-positive breast cancers. We compared RNA expression in 98 human breast cancers (56 ER-positive and 42 ER-negative) to identify phosphatases differentially expressed in ER-negative compared to those in ER-positive breast cancers. We then examined the effects of one selected phosphatase, dual specificity phosphatase 4 (DUSP4), on proliferation, cell growth, migration and invasion, and on signaling pathways using protein microarray analyses of 172 proteins, including phosphoproteins. We identified 48 phosphatase genes are significantly differentially expressed in ER-negative compared to those in ER-positive breast tumors. We discovered that 31 phosphatases were more highly expressed, while 11 were underexpressed specifically in ER-negative breast cancers. The DUSP4 gene is underexpressed in ER-negative breast cancer and is deleted in approximately 50 % of breast cancers. Induced DUSP4 expression suppresses both in vitro and in vivo growths of breast cancer cells. Our studies show that induced DUSP4 expression blocks the cell cycle at the G1/S checkpoint; inhibits ERK1/2, p38, JNK1, RB, and NFkB p65 phosphorylation; and inhibits invasiveness of TNBC cells. These results suggest that that DUSP4 is a critical regulator of the growth and invasion of triple-negative breast cancer cells.

Natural killer (NK) cells are an attractive cell population for immunotherapy. Adoptive transfer of NK cells has been tested in multiple clinical trials including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and ovarian cancer, although limitations do exist especially for treatment of solid tumors. In order to overcome these limitations, mouse xenograft models are needed for evaluation of various NK cell populations, as well as routes of NK cell administration. Here, we describe the methods used for the establishment of an intraperitoneal (ip) ovarian cancer mouse xenograft model with ip delivery of NK cells. This model has been successfully employed with multiple ovarian cell lines and could be applied to other tumor models where the tumor's primary location is in the peritoneal cavity. It is also compatible with multiple routes of NK cell administration. Bioluminescent imaging for monitoring tumor formation and response provides for easy visualization of NK cell tumor inhibition. This xenograft model is superior to other models because the tumor is implanted into the same physiological space where ovarian cancer is found, which allows for improved mimicking of actual disease.

In gene therapy, delivery vectors are a key component for successful gene delivery and safety, based on which adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) gained popularity in particular for the liver, but also for other organs. Traditionally, rodents have been used as animal models to develop and optimize treatments, but species and organ specific tropism of AAV desire large animal models more closely related to humans for preclinical in-depth studies. Relevant AAV variants with the potential for clinical translation in liver gene therapy were previously evolved in vivo in a xenogeneic mouse model transplanted with human hepatocytes. Here, we selected and evaluated efficient AAV capsids using chimeric mice with a >90% xenografted pig hepatocytes. The pig is a valuable preclinical model for therapy studies due to its anatomic and immunological similarities to humans. Using a DNA-barcoded recombinant AAV library containing 47 different capsids and subsequent Illumina sequencing of barcodes in the AAV vector genome DNA and transcripts in the porcine hepatocytes, we found the AAVLK03 and AAVrh20 capsid to be the most efficient delivery vectors regarding transgene expression in porcine hepatocytes. In attempting to validate these findings with primary porcine hepatocytes, we observed capsid-specific differences in cell entry and transgene expression efficiency where the AAV2, AAVAnc80, and AAVDJ capsids showed superior efficiency to AAVLK03 and AAVrh20. This work highlights intricacies of in vitro testing with primary hepatocytes and the requirements for suitable pre-clinical animal models but suggests the chimeric mouse to be a valuable model to predict AAV capsids to transduce porcine hepatocytes efficiently., Competing Interests: Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests.

[Display omitted] Synthesis and biological evaluation of a small, focused library of 1,3-disubstituted-1,2,4-triazin-6-ones for in vitro inhibitory activity against androgen-receptor-dependent (22Rv1) and androgen-receptor independent (PC3) castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) cells led to highly active compounds with in vitro IC 50 values against 22Rv1 cells of <200 nM, and with apparent selectivity for this cell type over PC3 cells. From metabolic/PK evaluations of these compounds, a 3–benzyl-1–(2,4-dichlorobenzyl) derivative had superior properties and showed considerably stronger activity, by nearly an order of magnitude, against AR–dependent LNCaP and C4–2B cells compared to AR–independent DU145 cells. This lead compound decreased AR expression in a dose and time dependent manner and displayed promising therapeutic effects in a 22Rv1 CRPC xenograft mouse model. Computational target prediction and subsequent docking studies suggested three potential known prostate cancer targets: p38a MAPK, TGF-β1, and HGFR/c–Met, with the latter case of c–Met appearing stronger, owing to close structural similarity of the lead compound to known pyridazin-3-one derivatives with potent c-Met inhibitory activity. RNA-seq analysis showed dramatic reduction of AR signalling pathway and/or target genes by the lead compound, subsequently confirmed by quantitative PCR analysis. The lead compound was highly inhibitory against HGF, the c–Met ligand, which fitted well with the computational target prediction and docking studies. These results suggest that this compound could be a promising starting point for the development of an effective therapy for the treatment of CRPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marcus Stapf, Ulf Teichgräber, Ingrid Hilger Department of Experimental Radiology, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany Abstract: Heat-based approaches have been considered as promising tools due to their ability to directly eradicate tumor cells and/or increase the sensitivity of tumors to radiation- or chemotherapy. In particular, the heating of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) via an alternating magnetic field can provide a handy alternative for a localized tumor treatment. To amplify the efficacy of magnetically induced thermal treatments, we elucidated the superior tumor-destructive effect of methotrexate-coupled MNPs (MTX/MNPs) in combination with magnetic heating (nanochemothermia) over the thermal treatment alone. Our studies in a murine bladder xenograft model revealed the enormous potential of nanochemothermia for a localized and relapse-free destruction of tumors which was superior to the thermal treatment alone. Nanochemothermia remarkably fostered the reduction of tumor volume. It impaired proapoptotic signaling (eg, p-p53), cell survival (eg, p-ERK1/2), and cell cycle (cyclins) pathways. Additionally, heat shock proteins (eg, HSP70) were remarkably affected. Moreover, nanochemothermia impaired the induction of angiogenic signaling by decreasing, for example, the levels of VEGF-R1 and MMP9, although an increasing tumor hypoxia was indicated by elevated Hif-1α levels. In contrast, tumor cells were able to recover after the thermal treatments alone. In conclusion, nanochemothermia on the basis of MTX/MNPs was superior to the thermal treatment due to a modification of cellular pathways, particularly those associated with the cellular survival and tumor vasculature. This allowed very efficient and relapse-free destruction of tumors. Keywords: bladder cancer, magnetic heating, magnetic nanoparticles, methotrexate, hyperthermia, mouse xenograft

Summary: The high fatality and morbidity of pancreatic cancer have remained almost unchanged over the last decades and new clinical therapeutic tools are urgently needed. We determined the cytotoxic activity of aminosteroid derivatives RM-133 (androstane) and RM-581 (estrane) in three human pancreatic cancer cell lines (BxPC3, Hs766T and PANC-1). In PANC-1, a similar level of antiproliferative activity was observed for RM-581 and RM-133 (IC50 = 3.9 and 4.3 μM, respectively), but RM-581 provided a higher selectivity index (SI = 12.8) for cancer cells over normal pancreatic cells than RM-133 (SI = 2.8). We also confirmed that RM-581 induces the same ER stress-apoptosis markers (BIP, CHOP and HERP) than RM-133 in PANC-1 cells, pointing out to a similar mechanism of action. Finally, these relevant in vitro results have been successfully translated in vivo by testing RM-581 using different doses (10–60 mg/kg/day) and modes of administration in PANC-1 xenograft models, which have led to tumor regression without any sign of toxicity in mice (animal weight, behavior and histology). Interestingly, RM-581 fully reduced the pancreatic tumor growth when administered orally in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overactivation of the Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway is implicated in many cancers. In this study, we demonstrate that the small molecule RITA, a p53 activator, effectively downregulates HH signaling in human medulloblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma cells irrespective of p53. This is mediated by a ROS-independent activation of the MAP kinase JNK. We also show that in vitro RITA sensitized cells to the GLI antagonist GANT61, as co-administration of the two drugs had more pronounced effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis. In vivo administration of RITA or GANT61 suppressed rhabdomyosarcoma xenograft growth in nude mice; however, co-administration did not further enhance tumor suppression, even though cell proliferation was decreased. RITA was more potent than GANT61 in downregulating HH target gene expression; surprisingly, this suppressive effect was almost completely eliminated when the two drugs were administered together. Notably, RNA-seq demonstrated a broader response of pathways involved in cancer cell growth in the combination treatment, providing a plausible interpretation for tumor reduction in the absence of HH signaling downregulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modulation of mitochondrial functions is important for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Mitochondria essentially depend on the import of RNAs and proteins encoded by the nuclear genome. MicroRNAs encoded in the nucleus can translocate to mitochondria and target the genome, affecting mitochondrial function. Here, we analyzed the role of miR-4485 in the regulation of mitochondrial functions. We showed that miR-4485 translocated to mitochondria where its levels varied in response to different stress conditions. A direct binding of miR-4485 to mitochondrial 16S rRNA was demonstrated. MiR-4485 regulated the processing of pre-rRNA at the 16S rRNA-ND1 junction and the translation of downstream transcripts. MiR-4485 modulated mitochondrial complex I activity, the production of ATP, ROS levels, caspase-3/7 activation, and apoptosis. Transfection of a miR-4485 mimic downregulated the expression of regulatory glycolytic pathway genes and reduced the clonogenic ability of breast cancer cells. Ectopic expression of miR-4485 in MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma cells decreased the tumorigenicity in a nude mouse xenograft model. Furthermore, levels of both precursor and mature miR-4485 are decreased in tumor tissue of breast cancer patients. We conclude that the mitochondria-targeted miR-4485 may act as a tumor suppressor in breast carcinoma cells by negatively regulating mitochondrial RNA processing and mitochondrial functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a promising class of anticancer agents which have undergone substantial development over the past decade and are now achieving clinical success. The development of novel site-specific conjugation technologies enables the systematic study of architectural features within the antibody conjugated drug linker that may affect overall therapeutic indices. Here we describe the results of a systematic study investigating the impact of drug-linker design on the in vivo properties of a series of homogeneous ADCs with a conserved site of conjugation, a monodisperse drug loading, a lysosomal release functionality and monomethyl auristatin E as a cytotoxic payload. The ADCs, which differed only in the relative position of certain drug-linker elements within the reagent, were first evaluated in vitro using anti-proliferation assays and in vivo using mouse pharmacokinetics (PK). Regardless of the position of a discrete polymer unit, the ADCs showed comparable in vitro potencies, but the in vivo PK properties varied widely. The best performing drug-linker design was further used to prepare ADCs with different drug loadings of 4, 6 and 8 drugs per antibody and compared to Adcetris® in a Karpas-299 mouse xenograft model. The most efficacious ADC showed complete tumor regression and 10/10 tumor free survivors at a single 0.5 mg/kg dose. This study revealed drug-linker design as a critical parameter in ADC development, with the potential to enhance ADC in vivo potency for producing more efficacious ADCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are currently exploited as gene delivery systems for transient in situ expression of cancer therapeutics. As an alternative to the prevailing viral expression, we here describe a murine MSC line stably expressing a therapeutic protein for up to 42 passages, yet fully maintaining MSC features. Because of superior antitumoral activity of hexavalent TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) formats and the advantage of a tumor-targeted action, we choose expression of a dimeric EGFR-specific diabody single-chain TRAIL (Db-scTRAIL) as a model. The bioactivity of Db-scTRAIL produced from an isolated clone (MSC.TRAIL) was revealed from cell death induction in Colo205 cells treated with either culture supernatants from or cocultured with MSC.TRAIL. In vivo, therapeutic activity of MSC.TRAIL was shown upon peritumoral injection in a Colo205 xenograft tumor model. Best antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo was observed upon combined treatment of MSC.TRAIL with bortezomib. Importantly, in vivo combination treatment did not cause apparent hepatotoxicity, weight loss, or behavioral changes. The development of well characterized stocks of stable drug-producing human MSC lines has the potential to establish standardized protocols of cell-based therapy broadly applicable in cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutations in codon 132 of isocitrate dehydrogenase ( IDH) 1 are frequent in diffuse glioma, acute myeloid leukemia, chondrosarcoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. These mutations result in a neomorphic enzyme specificity which leads to a dramatic increase of intracellular d-2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG) in tumor cells. Therefore, mutant IDH1 protein is a highly attractive target for inhibitory drugs. Here, we describe the development and properties of BAY 1436032, a pan-inhibitor of IDH1 protein with different codon 132 mutations. BAY 1436032 strongly reduces 2-HG levels in cells carrying IDH1-R132H, -R132C, -R132G, -R132S and -R132L mutations. Cells not carrying IDH mutations were unaffected. BAY 1436032 did not exhibit toxicity in vitro or in vivo. The pharmacokinetic properties of BAY 1436032 allow for oral administration. In two independent experiments, BAY 1436032 has been shown to significantly prolong survival of mice intracerebrally transplanted with human astrocytoma carrying the IDH1R132H mutation. In conclusion, we developed a pan-inhibitor targeting tumors with different IDH1R132 mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of stem cells inhuman cancer, including colon cancer. Pitavastatin is approved for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and has also been shown to inhibit stem cell proliferation in preliminary in vitro studies. This study was done to investigate the effects of pitavastatin on human colon carcinoma stem cells (coCSCs) in vitro and in mouse tumor xenografts in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines, SW480 and SW620, were cultured to the spheroid formation. The effects of pitavastatin on colon cancer stem cells were studied using the colorimetric MTT cell proliferation assay; quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the expression of cell cycle genes, OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG; Western blots were performed to measure MDR1. Mice were injected subcutaneously with SW480 cells; the growth of these tumor xenografts was studied using volumetric analysis following pitavastatin treatment. RESULTS: Specific cell culture medium provided conditions that resulted in the expression of colon cancer stem cell markers when compared with normal cultured cells. Colon cancer stem cells were inhibited by pitavastatin treatment. Pitavastatin reduced the expression of stem cell markers of colon cancer stem cells and induced the cell apoptosis. Pitavastatin inhibited the growth of mouse tumor xenografts. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this preliminary study have demonstrated a potential role for pitavastatin in the inhibition of stem cell proliferation in colon carcinoma. Further studies are recommended to determine the mechanism of these effects on colon carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most fatal of gynecological malignancies with a high rate of recurrence. We aimed to evaluate the expression of solute carrier family 6, member 12 (SLC6A12) and methylation of its promoter CpG sites in a xenograft mouse model of metastatic OC, and to investigate the regulatory mechanisms that promote aggressive properties during OC progression. Materials and Methods: Expression of SLC6A12 mRNA was determined by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and DNA methylation status of its promoter CpGs was detected by quantitative methylation-specific PCR. The metastatic potential of SLC6A12 was evaluated by in vitro migration/invasion transwell assays. Gene expression and DNA methylation of SLC6A12 and clinical outcomes were further investigated from publicly available databases from curatedOvarianData and The Cancer Genome Atlas. Results: SLC6A12 expression was 8.1-14.0-fold upregulated and its DNA methylation of promoter CpG sites was 41-62% decreased in tumor metastases. After treatment with DNA methyltransferase inhibitor and/or histone deacetylase inhibitor, the expression of SLC6A12 was profoundly enhanced (~8.0-fold), strongly supporting DNA methylation-dependent epigenetic regulation of SLC6A12. Overexpression of SLC6A12 led to increased migration and invasion of ovarian carcinoma cells in vitro, approximately 2.0-fold and 3.3-fold, respectively. The meta-analysis showed that high expression of SLC6A12 was significantly associated with poor overall survival [hazard ratio (HR)=1.07, p value=0.016] and that low DNA methylation levels of SLC6A12 at specific promoter CpG site negatively affected patient survival. Conclusion: Our findings provide novel evidence for the biological and clinical significance of SLC6A12 as a metastasis-promoting gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of 1-benzyloxy-5-phenyltetrazole derivatives and similar compounds were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro inhibitory activity against androgen-receptor-dependent (22Rv1) and androgen-receptor independent (PC3) prostate cancer cells. The most active compounds had in vitro IC 50 values against 22Rv1 cells of <50 nM and showed apparent selectivity for this cell type over PC3 cells; however, these active compounds had short half-lives when incubated with mouse liver microsomes and/or when plasma concentration was monitored during in vivo pharmacokinetic studies in mice or rats. Importantly, lead compound 1 exhibited promising inhibitory effects on cell proliferation, expression of AR and its splicing variant AR-v7 as well as AR regulated target genes in 22Rv1 cells, which are so called castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) cells, and a 22Rv1 CRPC xenograft tumour model in mice. Structural changes which omitted the N–O-benzyl moiety led to dramatic or total loss of activity and S-benzylation of a cysteine derivative, as a surrogate for in vivo S-nucleophiles, by representative highly active compounds, suggested a possible chemical reactivity basis for this "activity cliff" and poor pharmacokinetic profile. However, representative highly active compounds did not inhibit a cysteine protease, indicating that the mode of activity is unlikely to be protein modification by S-benzylation. Despite our efforts to elucidate the mode of action, the mechanism remains unclear. [Display omitted] • 1-Benzyloxy-5-phenyltetrazoles with potent in vitro activity against 22Rv1 prostate cancer cells (IC 50 < 50 nM). • Inhibitory effects on expression of AR, splicing variant AR-v7, and AR regulated target genes. • Significant activity in a 22Rv1 CRPC xenograft tumour model in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer is the deadliest of all human cancers worldwide. The role of microRNA (miR)-383 has been controversial in the initiation and progression of different cancers. We aimed to investigate the function of miR-383 in human lung cancer both in vitro and in vivo. MicroRNA-383 levels were analyzed in noncancerous versus cancerous human lung tissues and in normal versus lung cancer cell lines. Effect of miR-383 on cell migration and invasion was examined in vitro and on tumor growth by using a xenograft mouse model in vivo. Potential mRNA target of miR-383 was predicted, and underlying mechanism was explored as well. MicroRNA-383 was downregulated in lung cancer tissue and cell lines. Expression of miR-383 inhibited migration and invasion of human lung cancer cell lines in vitro and tumorigenesis of lung cancer xenografts in vivo. MicroRNA-383 directly targeted 3′ untranslated region of endothelial PAS domain-containing protein 1 (EPAS1) messenger RNA and inhibited both its mRNA and protein expressions. Reintroduction of EPAS1 could bypass the inhibition by miR-383 on tumorigenesis of human lung cancer cell lines. MicroRNA-383 is a tumor suppressor in human lung cancer by inhibiting EPAS1, both of which could serve as potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of lung cancer. Significance of the study MicroRNA-383 is a tumor suppressor in human lung cancer, which functions to inhibit tumorigenesis of lung cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. This inhibitory effect is mediated by direct targeting of EPAS1 mRNA and subsequent repressing of its expression. Both microRNA-383 and EPAS1 could serve as potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the antitumor activity of physcion8-O-β-glucopyranoside (PSG) against cervical cancer, as well as its mechanisms. Methods: The anti-proliferative effects of PSG on HeLa cells were determined by CCK-8 assay and the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were calculated. Subsequently, a mouse xenograft model of HeLa cell line was established to investigate the antitumor effect of PSG in vivo. Furthermore, cell apoptosis was investigated by fluorescence microscopy via DAPI staining, and other mechanisms were determined by Western blot assay. Results: In vitro, PSG exhibited significant anti-proliferative effect on HeLa cells (p <0.05) in concentration-and time-dependent manners, with an IC50 value of 41.34 μg/mL. In vivo, PSG also had significant anti-tumor activity in nude mouse xenograft model (p < 0.05), inhibiting tumor growth. Furthermore, the results showed that treatment with PSG (20, 40 and 60 μg/mL) for 24 h resulted in significantly increased apoptosis in HeLa cells (p < 0.05). Additionally, Western blot analysis revealed that after exposure to 20, 40 and 60 μg/mL of PSG for 24 h, protein expressions of C-caspase-3, Ccaspase-9 and Bax were markedly up-regulated (p < 0.05) while Bcl-2 was significantly down-regulated (p < 0.05). These results confirmed that PSG inhibited HeLa cell growth by inducing mitochondriamediated apoptosis via up-regulation of caspase-3 and caspase-9 and Bax, and down-regulation of Bcl-2. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that PSG possesses notable anti-tumor activity against cervical cancer and that the mechanisms involve induction of apoptosis by mitochondria-mediated signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inherent or acquired drug resistance is a major contributor to epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) mortality. Novel drugs or drug combinations that produce EOC cell death or resensitize drug resistant cells to standard chemotherapy may improve patient treatment. After conducting drug tolerability studies for the multikinase inhibitors dorsomorphin (DM) and it is structural analogue LDN-193189 (LDN), these drugs were tested in a mouse intraperitoneal xenograft model of EOC. DM significantly increased survival, whereas LDN showed a trend toward increased survival. In vitro experiments using cisplatin (CP)-resistant EOC cell lines, A2780-cp or SKOV3, we determined that pretreatment or cotreatment with DM or LDN resensitized cells to the killing effect of CP or carboplatin (CB). DM was capable of blocking EOC cell cycle and migration, whereas LDN produced a less pronounced effect on cell cycle and no effect on migration. Subsequent analyses using primary human EOC cell samples or additional established EOC cells lines showed that DM or LDN induced a dose-dependent autophagic or cell death response, respectively. DM induced a characteristic morphological change with the appearance of numerous LC3B-containing acidic vacuoles and an increase in LC3BII levels. This was coincident with a decrease in cell growth and the altered cell cycle consistent with DM-induced cytostasis. By contrast, LDN produced a caspase 3-independent, reactive oxygen species-dependent cell death. Overall, DM and LDN possess drug characteristics suitable for adjuvant agents used to treat chemotherapy-sensitive and -resistant EOC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Both genetic and epigenetic alterations can lead to abnormal expression of metastasis-regulating genes in tumor cells. Recent studies suggest that aberrant epigenetic alterations, followed by differential gene expression, leads to an aggressive cancer cell phenotype. We examined epigenetically regulated genes that are involved in ovarian cancer metastasis. Materials and Methods: We developed SK-OV-3 human ovarian carcinoma cell xenografts in mice. We compared the mRNA expression and DNA methylation profiles of metastatic tissues to those of the original SK-OV-3 cell line. Results: Metastatic implants showed increased mRNA expression of the carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9) gene and hypomethylation at CpG sites in the CA9 promoter. Treatment of wild-type SK-OV-3 cells with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine reduced methylation of the CA9 promoter and increased CA9 mRNA expression. Eight CpGs, which were located at positions -197, -74, -19, -6, +4, +13, +40, and +86, relative to the transcription start site, were hypomethylated in metastatic tumor implants, compared to that of wild-type SK-OV-3. Overexpression of CA9 induced an aggressive phenotype, including increased invasiveness and migration, in SK-OV-3 cells. Conclusion: Alterations in the DNA methylation profile of the CA9 promoter were correlated with a more aggressive phenotype in ovarian cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]