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Histology and Histopathology Jun 2024Gastric cancer represents an aggressive malignancy and a leading contributor to cancer death. Ephrin-A4 (EFNA4) has been proposed to be related to the immune...
Gastric cancer represents an aggressive malignancy and a leading contributor to cancer death. Ephrin-A4 (EFNA4) has been proposed to be related to the immune microenvironment and prognosis of gastric cancer. This study was undertaken to discuss the participation and mechanism of EFNA4 in the development of gastric cancer. RT-qPCR and western blot examined EFNA4 and Pygopus2 (Pygo2) expression in gastric cancer cells. After transfection of EFNA4 interference plasmids or co-transfection of EFNA4 interference plasmids and Pygo2 overexpression plasmids, cell proliferation was detected by the CCK-8 method and EDU staining. Wound healing, Transwell, TUNEL, and endothelial cell tube formation assays detected cell migration, invasion, apoptosis, and angiogenesis, respectively. Western blot examined the expression of metastasis-, apoptosis-, angiogenesis-, and Wnt signaling-associated proteins. Cell stemness was estimated by the sphere formation assay, RT-qPCR, and western blot. Through the experimental data, it was noticed that EFNA4 expression was increased in gastric cancer cells. Knockdown of EFNA4 suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis as well as stemness while aggravating the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells. Also, EFNA4 depletion reduced Pygo2 protein expression and then inactivated Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Further elevation of Pygo2 reversed the impacts of EFNA4 silencing on Wnt/β-catenin signaling, cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, angiogenesis as well as stemness in gastric cancer. Accordingly, the knockdown of EFNA4 might downregulate Pygo2 and inactivate Wnt/β-catenin signaling to exert protective effects against gastric cancer.
PubMed: 38953488
DOI: 10.14670/HH-18-779 -
Journal of Cellular and Molecular... Jul 2024In recent years, inflammatory disorders have emerged as a significant concern for human health. Through ongoing research on anti-inflammatory agents, alpinetin has shown...
In recent years, inflammatory disorders have emerged as a significant concern for human health. Through ongoing research on anti-inflammatory agents, alpinetin has shown promising anti-inflammatory properties, including involvement in epigenetic modification pathways. As a crucial regulator of epigenetic modifications, Mecp2 may play a role in modulating the epigenetic effects of alpinetin, potentially impacting its anti-inflammatory properties. To test this hypothesis, two key components, p65 (a member of NF-KB family) and p300 (a type of co-activator), were screened by the expression profiling microarray, which exhibited a strong correlation with the intensity of LPS stimulation in mouse macrophages. Meanwhile, alpinetin demonstrates the anti-inflammatory properties through its ability to disrupt the synthesis of p65 and its interaction with promoters of inflammatory genes, yet it did not exhibit similar effects on p300. Additionally, Mecp2 can inhibit the binding of p300 by attaching to the methylated inflammatory gene promoter induced by alpinetin, leading to obstacles in promoter acetylation and subsequently impacting the binding of p65, ultimately enhancing the anti-inflammatory capabilities of alpinetin. Similarly, in a sepsis mouse model, it was observed that homozygotes overexpressing Mecp2 showed a greater reduction in organ damage and improved survival rates compared to heterozygotes when administered by alpinetin. However, blocking the expression of DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) resulted in the loss of Mecp2's anti-inflammatory assistance. In conclusion, Mecp2 may augment the anti-inflammatory effects of alpinetin through epigenetic 'crosstalk', highlighting the potential efficacy of a combined therapeutic strategy involving Mecp2 and alpinetin for anti-inflammatory intervention.
Topics: Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2; Animals; Flavanones; Epigenesis, Genetic; Mice; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Promoter Regions, Genetic; RAW 264.7 Cells; DNA Methylation; Lipopolysaccharides; Transcription Factor RelA; Sepsis; Macrophages; Inflammation; DNA Methyltransferase 3A; Male; E1A-Associated p300 Protein; Disease Models, Animal; Mice, Inbred C57BL; DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases
PubMed: 38953409
DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18510 -
Advanced Science (Weinheim,... Jul 2024Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is overexpressed in multiple cancers and critical for their immune escape. It has previously shown that the nuclear coactivator SRC-1...
Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is overexpressed in multiple cancers and critical for their immune escape. It has previously shown that the nuclear coactivator SRC-1 promoted colorectal cancer (CRC) progression by enhancing CRC cell viability, yet its role in CRC immune escape is unclear. Here, we demonstrate that SRC-1 is positively correlated with PD-L1 in human CRC specimens. SRC-1 deficiency significantly inhibits PD-L1 expression in CRC cells and retards murine CRC growth in subcutaneous grafts by enhancing CRC immune escape via increasing tumor infiltration of CD8 T cells. Genetic ablation of SRC-1 in mice also decreases PD-L1 expression in AOM/DSS-induced murine CRC. These results suggest that tumor-derived SRC-1 promotes CRC immune escape by enhancing PD-L1 expression. Mechanistically, SRC-1 activated JAK-STAT signaling by inhibiting SOCS1 expression and coactivated STAT3 and IRF1 to enhance PD-L1 transcription as well as stabilized PD-L1 protein by inhibiting proteasome-dependent degradation mediated by speckle type POZ protein (SPOP). Pharmacological inhibition of SRC-1 improved the antitumor effect of PD-L1 antibody in both subcutaneous graft and AOM/DSS-induced murine CRC models. Taken together, these findings highlight a crucial role of SRC-1 in regulating PD-L1 expression and targeting SRC-1 in combination with PD-L1 antibody immunotherapy may be an attractive strategy for CRC treatment.
PubMed: 38953362
DOI: 10.1002/advs.202310037 -
PeerJ 2024Ovarian cancer is an aggressive malignancy with high mortality known for its considerable metastatic potential. This study aimed to explore the expression and functional...
BACKGROUND
Ovarian cancer is an aggressive malignancy with high mortality known for its considerable metastatic potential. This study aimed to explore the expression and functional role of Unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 2 (ULK2) in the progression of ovarian cancer.
METHODS
ULK2 expression patterns in ovarian cancer tissues as well as benign tumor control samples obtained from our institution were evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Cell counting kit 8 and Transwell assays were applied to assess the effects of ULK2 overexpression on cell proliferation, migration and invasion, respectively. RNA sequencing was performed to explore potential mechanisms of action of ULK2 beyond its classical autophagy modulation.
RESULTS
Our experiments showed significant downregulation of ULK2 in ovarian cancer tissues. Importantly, low expression of ULK2 was markedly correlated with decreased overall survival. functional studies further demonstrated that overexpression of ULK2 significantly suppressed tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. RNA sequencing analysis revealed a potential regulatory role of ULK2 in the insulin signaling pathway through upregulation of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP3) in ovarian cancer cells.
CONCLUSIONS
In summary, the collective data indicated that ULK2 acted as a tumor suppressor in ovarian cancer by upregulating the expression of IGFBP3. Our study underscores the potential utility of ULK2 as a valuable prognostic marker for ovarian cancer.
Topics: Humans; Female; Cell Movement; Ovarian Neoplasms; Cell Line, Tumor; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Cell Proliferation; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3; Autophagy-Related Protein-1 Homolog; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Up-Regulation; Signal Transduction; Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
PubMed: 38952983
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17628 -
PeerJ 2024Andrographolide (Andro), an extract of (Burm.f.) Wall. ex Nees (Acanthaceae), possesses diverse biologically active properties. However, the precise mechanisms and...
BACKGROUND
Andrographolide (Andro), an extract of (Burm.f.) Wall. ex Nees (Acanthaceae), possesses diverse biologically active properties. However, the precise mechanisms and effects of Andro on pancreatic cancer (PC) remain unclear.
METHODS
The cytotoxic potential of Andro and underlying mechanism towards PC cells was investigated through experiments and a xenograft mouse model. PC cells were first subjected to varying concentrations of Andro. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) was assessed using flow cytometry and DCFH-DA staining. The apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry. Additionally, western blot was applied to evaluate the expression levels of cleaved-caspase-3, DJ-1, LC3-I, LC3-II, and p62. To further elucidate the involvement of ROS accumulation and autophagy, we employed N-acetylcysteine as a scavenger of ROS and 3-Methyladenine as an inhibitor of autophagy.
RESULTS
Andro demonstrated potent anti-proliferative effects on PC cells and induced apoptosis, both and . The cytotoxicity of Andro on PC cells was counteracted by DJ-1 overexpression. The reduction in DJ-1 expression caused by Andro led to ROS accumulation, subsequently inhibiting the growth of PC cells. Furthermore, Andro stimulated cytoprotective autophagy, thus weakening the antitumor effect. Pharmacological blockade of autophagy further enhanced the antitumor efficacy of Andro.
CONCLUSION
Our study indicated that ROS accumulation induced by the DJ-1 reduction played a key role in Andro-mediated PC cell inhibition. Furthermore, the protective autophagy induced by the Andro in PC cells is a mechanism that needs to be addressed in future studies.
Topics: Reactive Oxygen Species; Diterpenes; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Autophagy; Protein Deglycase DJ-1; Animals; Humans; Mice; Cell Line, Tumor; Apoptosis; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays; Mice, Nude
PubMed: 38952980
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17619 -
PeerJ 2024Mitochondrial creatine kinase (MtCK) plays a pivotal role in cellular energy metabolism, exhibiting enhanced expression in various tumors, including colorectal cancer...
BACKGROUND
Mitochondrial creatine kinase (MtCK) plays a pivotal role in cellular energy metabolism, exhibiting enhanced expression in various tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Creatine kinase mitochondrial 2 (CKMT2) is a subtype of MtCK; however, its clinical significance, biological functions, and underlying molecular mechanisms in CRC remain elusive.
METHODS
We employed immunohistochemical staining to discern the expression of CKMT2 in CRC and adjacent nontumor tissues of patients. The correlation between CKMT2 levels and clinical pathological factors was assessed. Additionally, we evaluated the association between CKMT2 and the prognosis of CRC patients using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression analysis. Meanwhile, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of in different CRC cell lines. Finally, we explored the biological functions and potential molecular mechanisms of CKMT2 in CRC cells through various techniques, including qRT-PCR, cell culture, cell transfection, western blot, Transwell chamber assays, flow cytometry, and co-immunoprecipitation.
RESULTS
We found that CKMT2 was significantly overexpressed in CRC tissues compared with adjacent nontumor tissues. The expression of CKMT2 is correlated with pathological types, tumor size, distant metastasis, and survival in CRC patients. Importantly, CKMT2 emerged as an independent prognostic factor through Cox regression analysis. Experimental downregulation of expression in CRC cell lines inhibited the migration and promoted apoptosis of these cells. Furthermore, we identified a novel role for CKMT2 in promoting aerobic glycolysis in CRC cells through interaction with lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB).
CONCLUSION
In this study, we found the elevated expression of CKMT2 in CRC, and it was a robust prognostic indicator in CRC patients. CKMT2 regulates glucose metabolism amplifying the Warburg effect through interaction with LDHB, which promotes the growth and progression of CRC. These insights unveil a novel regulatory mechanism by which CKMT2 influences CRC and provide promising targets for future CRC therapeutic interventions.
Topics: Humans; Colorectal Neoplasms; Warburg Effect, Oncologic; Male; Female; Cell Line, Tumor; Prognosis; Creatine Kinase, Mitochondrial Form; Disease Progression; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Middle Aged; Cell Proliferation; Apoptosis; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
PubMed: 38952967
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17672 -
Heliyon Jun 2024DIP2B is related to cancer progression. This study investigated the roles and pathways of DIP2B in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).
Downregulation of DIP2B as a prognostic marker inhibited cancer proliferation and migration and was associated with immune infiltration in lung adenocarcinoma via CCND1 and MMP2.
BACKGROUND
DIP2B is related to cancer progression. This study investigated the roles and pathways of DIP2B in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).
METHODS
DIP2B expression and the relationship between survival time of cancer patients and DIP2B expression were analyzed. The relationship between DIP2B expression and survival time in LUAD patients was evaluated by a meta-analysis. Cox and survival analyses were used to evaluate the prognostic factors and construct a prognostic nomogram. The mechanisms and effects of DIP2B and the relationship between DIP2B expression and the immune microenvironment were investigated using bioinformatics, CCK-8, western blotting, and transwell experiments.
RESULTS
DIP2B was overexpressed in LUAD tissues. DIP2B overexpression was associated with shorter prognosis and was an unfavorable risk factor for prognosis in LUAD patients. DIP2B co-expressed genes were involved in cell division, DNA repair, cell cycle, and others. Inhibition of DIP2B expression could downregulate the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LUAD A549 and H1299 cells, which was related to the decrease in CCND1 and MMP2 protein expression. BRCA1 overexpression was associated with short prognosis, and the nomogram formed by DIP2B and BRCA1 was associated with a poor prognosis in LUAD patients. DIP2B expression correlated with immune cells (such as CD8 T cells, Tcm, and iDCs) and cell markers.
CONCLUSION
DIP2B is a potential biomarker of poor prognosis and the immune microenvironment in LUAD. Inhibition of DIP2B expression downregulated cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, which might be related to the decrease in CCND1 and MMP2 protein expression. DIP2B-related nomograms might be useful tools for predicting the prognosis of LUAD patients.
PubMed: 38952374
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32025 -
Heliyon Jun 2024Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is a serious public health issue due to high incidence and mortality rate. This study aimed to identify possible tumor antigens and...
BACKGROUND
Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is a serious public health issue due to high incidence and mortality rate. This study aimed to identify possible tumor antigens and necroptosis subtypes of COAD for the development of mRNA vaccines and the selection of appropriate patients for precision therapy.
METHODS
Gene expression profiles and clinical information for COAD were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus, respectively. We comprehensively studied the alterations in necroptosis-related genes (NRGs) using cBioPortal, and screened the hub NRGs associated with the prognosis of patients with COAD using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2. Consensuses clustering analysis was performed to identify necroptosis subtypes. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify the co-expression modules of the NRGs. The necroptosis landscape of COAD was assessed using graph learning-based dimensionality reduction. Finally, a drug sensitivity analysis of the two necroptosis subtypes was performed.
FINDINGS
Two tumor antigens, BLC-2-associated X protein (BAX) and interleukin 1 beta (IL1B) were identified based on their associations with prognosis of patients and antigen presenting cell infiltration. Two necroptosis subtypes (N1 and N2) were distinguished in patients with COAD, and they were characterized by their differential survival status and molecular expression levels of immune checkpoint proteins and immunogenetic cell death modulators. Furthermore, the necroptosis landscape of COAD indicated that individual patients had obvious heterogeneity. Co-expression modules were identified using WGCNA, and the hub NRGs were found to be involved in various immune processes. Drug sensitivity analysis indicated that there were significant differences in drug sensitivity between the N1 and N2 subtypes. Cell experiments suggested that both overexpression of BAX and IL1B promoted necroptosis of COAD cells and enhanced the cytotoxicity of CD8 T cells.
INTERPRETATION
BAX and IL1B are potential antigens for the development of anti-COAD mRNA vaccines, specifically for patients with the N2 subtype. Consequently, this study will guide the development of more effective immunotherapeutic approaches and the identification of appropriate patients.
PubMed: 38952359
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32531 -
Journal of Experimental & Clinical... Jul 2024Leukocyte Ig-like receptor B family 4 (LILRB4) as an immune checkpoint on myeloid cells is a potential target for tumor therapy. Extensive osteolytic bone lesion is the...
BACKGROUND
Leukocyte Ig-like receptor B family 4 (LILRB4) as an immune checkpoint on myeloid cells is a potential target for tumor therapy. Extensive osteolytic bone lesion is the most characteristic feature of multiple myeloma. It is unclear whether ectopic LILRB4 on multiple myeloma regulates bone lesion.
METHODS
The conditioned medium (CM) from LILRB4-WT and -KO cells was used to analyze the effects of LILRB4 on osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Xenograft, syngeneic and patient derived xenograft models were constructed, and micro-CT, H&E staining were used to observe the bone lesion. RNA-seq, cytokine array, qPCR, the activity of luciferase, Co-IP and western blotting were used to clarify the mechanism by which LILRB4 mediated bone damage in multiple myeloma.
RESULTS
We comprehensively analyzed the expression of LILRB4 in various tumor tissue arrays, and found that LILRB4 was highly expressed in multiple myeloma samples. The patient's imaging data showed that the higher the expression level of LILRB4, the more serious the bone lesion in patients with multiple myeloma. The conditioned medium from LILRB4-WT not -KO cells could significantly promote the differentiation and maturation of osteoclasts. Xenograft, syngeneic and patient derived xenograft models furtherly confirmed that LILRB4 could mediate bone lesion of multiple myeloma. Next, cytokine array was performed to identify the differentially expressed cytokines, and RELT was identified and regulated by LILRB4. The overexpression or exogenous RELT could regenerate the bone damage in LILRB4-KO cells in vitro and in vivo. The deletion of LILRB4, anti-LILRB4 alone or in combination with bortezomib could significantly delay the progression of bone lesion of multiple myeloma.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings indicated that LILRB4 promoted the bone lesion by promoting the differentiation and mature of osteoclasts through secreting RELT, and blocking LILRB4 singling pathway could inhibit the bone lesion.
Topics: Multiple Myeloma; Humans; Mice; Animals; Signal Transduction; Receptors, Immunologic; NF-kappa B; Membrane Glycoproteins; Cell Line, Tumor; Osteoclasts; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
PubMed: 38951916
DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03110-y -
Biotechnology For Biofuels and... Jun 2024Research on protein production holds significant importance in the advancement of food technology, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and bioenergy. Aspergillus niger stands...
BACKGROUND
Research on protein production holds significant importance in the advancement of food technology, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and bioenergy. Aspergillus niger stands out as an ideal microbial cell factory for the production of food-grade proteins, owing to its robust protein secretion capacity and excellent safety profile. However, the extensive oxidative folding of proteins within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) triggers ER stress, consequently leading to protein misfolding reactions. This stressful phenomenon results in the accelerated generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby inducing oxidative stress. The accumulation of ROS can adversely affect intracellular DNA, proteins, and lipids.
RESULT
In this study, we enhanced the detoxification of ROS in A. niger (SH-1) by integrating multiple modules, including the NADPH regeneration engineering module, the glutaredoxin system, the GSH synthesis engineering module, and the transcription factor module. We assessed the intracellular ROS levels, growth under stress conditions, protein production levels, and intracellular GSH content. Our findings revealed that the overexpression of Glr1 in the glutaredoxin system exhibited significant efficacy across various parameters. Specifically, it reduced the intracellular ROS levels in A. niger by 50%, boosted glucoamylase enzyme activity by 243%, and increased total protein secretion by 88%.
CONCLUSION
The results indicate that moderate modulation of intracellular redox conditions can enhance overall protein output. In conclusion, we present a strategy for augmenting protein production in A. niger and propose a potential approach for optimizing microbial protein production system.
PubMed: 38951910
DOI: 10.1186/s13068-024-02542-0