Proliferation Of Human Colorectal Cancer Cells Research Articles

Brexpiprazole Prevents the Malignant Progression of Human Colorectal Cancer Cells and Increases Its Sensitivity to EGFR Inhibition.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity. A study proved that brexpiprazole, as a novel dopamine receptor partial agonist, can also prevent CRC cell proliferation. Therefore, clarifying the molecular mechanism of brexpiprazole is vital to developing a novel therapeutic strategy for CRC. The effect of brexpiprazole on human colorectal cancer cell proliferation was measured with Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) kits. Cell migration capability was measured using wound healing and transwell. Cell apoptosis was evaluated with a flow cytometer. Western blots and immunohistochemical staining were used to evaluate protein expression. The effects observed in vitro were also confirmed in xenograft models. Brexpiprazole remarkably inhibited the proliferation, suppressed the migration ability, and induced apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells. Mechanism study showed that brexpiprazole exerted these effects by inhibiting the EGFR pathway. Brexpiprazole enhanced HCT116 cells' sensitivity to cetuximab, and a combination of brexpiprazole and cetuximab inhibited xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Our finding suggested that brexpiprazole inhibits proliferation, promotes apoptosis, and enhances CRC cells' sensitivity to cetuximab by regulating the EGFR pathway and it might be an efficacious treatment strategy for CRC.

Nuclear pore protein POM121 regulates subcellular localization and transcriptional activity of PPARγ

Manipulation of the subcellular localization of transcription factors by preventing their shuttling via the nuclear pore complex (NPC) emerges as a novel therapeutic strategy against cancer. One transmembrane component of the NPC is POM121, encoded by a tandem gene locus POM121A/C on chromosome 7. Overexpression of POM121 is associated with metabolic diseases (e.g., diabetes) and unfavorable clinical outcome in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) is a transcription factor with anti-diabetic and anti-tumoral efficacy. It is inhibited by export from the nucleus to the cytosol via the RAS-RAF-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling pathway, a major oncogenic driver of CRC. We therefore hypothesized that POM121 participates in the transport of PPARγ across the NPC to regulate its transcriptional activity on genes involved in metabolic and tumor control. We found that POM121A/C mRNA was enriched and POM121 protein co-expressed with PPARγ in tissues from CRC patients conferring poor prognosis. Its interactome was predicted to include proteins responsible for tumor metabolism and immunity, and in-silico modeling provided insights into potential 3D structures of POM121. A peptide region downstream of the nuclear localization sequence (NLS) of POM121 was identified as a cytoplasmic interactor of PPARγ. POM121 positivity correlated with the cytoplasmic localization of PPARγ in patients with KRAS mutant CRC. In contrast, POM121A/C silencing by CRISPR/Cas9 sgRNA or siRNA enforced nuclear accumulation of PPARγ and activated PPARγ target genes promoting lipid metabolism and cell cycle arrest resulting in reduced proliferation of human CRC cells. Our data suggest the POM121-PPARγ axis as a potential drugable target in CRC.

Ononitol Monohydrate-A Glycoside Potentially Inhibit HT-115 Human Colorectal Cancer Cell Proliferation through COX-2/PGE-2 Inflammatory Axis Regulations.

We aimed to inhibit HT-115 human colorectal cancer cell proliferation using ononitol monohydrate (OMH), a bioactive principle isolated from Cassia tora (L.). The cytotoxicity of OMH has been assayed using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide), cell and nuclear morphology, and apoptosis mechanisms have been analyzed using real-time PCR. Higher doses of OMH potentially inhibit 84% of HT-115 cell viability; we observed that the IC50 level was 3.2 µM in 24 h and 1.5 µM in 48 h. The treatment with 3.2 µM of OMH for 48 h characteristically showed 64% apoptotic cells and 3% necrotic cells, confirmed by propidium iodide and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/ErBr) staining. We found the overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE-2) in the control HT-115 cells, which was directly associated with colorectal tumorigenesis. However, 3.2 µM of OMH treatment to HT-115 cells for 48 h significantly reduced inflammatory genes, such as TNF-α/IL-1β and COX-2/PGE-2. The downregulation of COX-2 and PGE-2 was more significant with the 3.2 µM dose when compared to the 1.5 µM dose of OMH. Additionally, the protein levels of COX-2 and PGE-2 were decreased in the 3.2 µM OMH-treated cells compared to the control. We found significantly (p ≤ 0.01) increased mRNA expression levels of tumor-suppressor genes, such as pRb2, Cdkn1a, p53, and caspase-3, and decreased Bcl-2, mdm2, and PCNA after 48 h was confirmed with apoptotic stimulation. In conclusion, the antiproliferative effect of OMH via the early suppression of protumorigenic inflammatory agents TNF-α/IL-1β, COX-2/PGE-2 expression, and the increased expression levels of tumor-suppressor genes Cdkn1a and pRb2, which enhanced the activation of Bax and p53.

Carnosine suppresses human colorectal cancer cell proliferation by inducing necroptosis and autophagy and reducing angiogenesis.

Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is found in beef and fish. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of carnosine on the cell proliferation of human colorectal cancer cells. After human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells were treated carnosine for 72 or 96 h, the cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, angiogenesis and the expression of related regulatory molecules were detected using MTT assays, fluorescence image analysis and RT-qPCR in this study. Treatment of HCT-116 cells with 5, 10 or 15 mM carnosine for 72 or 96 h significantly decreased cell viability (P<0.05). The mRNA expression of β-catenin and transcription factor 4 (Tcf-4) was significantly reduced by 15–23% and 11–80%, respectively (P<0.05). When HCT-116 cells were treated with 15 mM carnosine, the mRNA levels of 1A/1B-light chain 3 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase were significantly increased by 235% and 249%, respectively (P<0.05). The mRNA level of Beclin-1 and autophagy levels were significantly increased by 137–141% in HCT-116 cells treated with 5, 10 or 15 mM carnosine (P<0.05). Carnosine (15 mM) also increased reactive oxygen species levels and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein mRNA expression and depleted ATP levels (P<0.05). The angiogenesis-regulating molecules vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor receptor and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α were all significantly decreased by 10 or 15 mM carnosine treatment. These results showed that carnosine could suppress human colorectal cell proliferation by reducing β-catenin/Tcf-4 signaling, inducing autophagy and necroptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis. It was demonstrated that carnosine is a potential compound from dietary food for the future clinical treatment and/or prevention of colorectal cancer.

SLCO1B3 promotes colorectal cancer tumorigenesis and metastasis through STAT3.

Solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1B3 (SLCO1B3) is a gene that encodes an organic anion-transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1B3, a membrane-bound multi-specific transporter in hepatocytes. SLCO1B3 was first reported in hepatocytes. Later, it was found that its expression is higher in colorectal cancer (CRC) than in the adjacent normal tissue. However, the role of SLCO1B3 in CRC is not well elucidated. In this study, the correlation between SLCO1B3 and the overall survival (OS) of CRC patients was evaluated using data from the GEO database. This study evaluated the relationship between SLCO1B3 and the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of CRC patients. The effects of SLCO1B3 knockdown, on human CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and CRC tumorigenesis and metastasis in vivo were also examined. In addition, next-generation sequencing was used to identify SLCO1B3 mediators. The results confirmed the association between SLCO1B3 and poor OS of CRC patients, and SLCO1B3 was identified as the top hub gene associated with the OS. The study showed that high SLCO1B3 expression was associated with poor tumor differentiation, advanced disease stage, tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, and poor OS. Next-generation sequencing revealed that SLCO1B3 knockdown affected the expression of several genes involved in cancer invasion, metastasis, and DNA repair. Moreover, the western blot analysis showed that SLCO1B3 knockdown downregulated p-STAT3, MMP-2, and MMP-9. In summary, we demonstrated that SLCO1B3 acts as a novel carcinogen in the CRC that drives the CRC tumorigenesis and metastasis. SLCO1B3 inhibitors, alone or in combination with current drugs, may have therapeutic benefits in CRC.

A Truncated NRIP1 Mutant Amplifies Microsatellite Instability of Colorectal Cancer by Regulating MSH2/MSH6 Expression, and Is a Prognostic Marker of Stage III Tumors.

Simple SummaryThe alteration of mismatch repair (MMR) genes leads to microsatellite instability and plays a key role in colorectal cancer (CRC) pathogenesis and prognosis. The transcription factor NRIP1 is involved in intestinal tumorigenesis and is a good prognostic marker in CRC. In this study, we demonstrate that NRIP1 induces MSH2 and MSH6 MMR gene transcription and reduces microsatellite instability. A dominant-negative truncated NRIP1 mutant amplifies the MMR-deficient phenotype and appears as a key player in MSI-driven tumorigenesis since it significantly correlates with a short overall survival of patients with advanced CRC, especially MLH1-deficient ones.Microsatellite instability (MSI) is related to the alteration of mismatch repair (MMR) genes and plays a key role in colorectal cancer (CRC) pathogenesis. We previously reported that the transcription factor Nuclear Receptor Interacting Protein 1 (NRIP1) is involved in sporadic intestinal tumorigenesis. The aim of this study was to decipher its role in MSI CRC. By using different mouse models and engineered cell lines, we demonstrated that NRIP1 increased MSH2 and MSH6 MMR gene transcription and mRNA/protein levels. In human CRC cells, NRIP1 expression was associated with decreased MSI and the hypermutator phenotype, and with resistance to chemotherapy drugs. Using a cohort of 194 CRC patients, we detected in 22% of the cases a MSI-induced frameshift mutation in the NRIP1 coding sequence. This genetic alteration generates a truncated protein with a dominant negative activity that increased human CRC cell proliferation and impaired the regulation of MSH2 and MSH6 gene expression. Moreover, the NRIP1 mutant correlated with a decreased overall survival of patients with advanced CRC, especially when MLH1-deficient. By decreasing the expression of MSH2 and MSH6 gene expression, the NRIP1 variant may amplify MLH1-dependent CRC progression and behave as a new prognostic marker of advanced MSI CRC.

TMEM180 contributes to SW480 human colorectal cancer cell proliferation through intra-cellular metabolic pathways

TMEM180, a novel colon cancer–specific protein with a 12-transmembrane topology, is upregulated at low oxygen. Previously, we established a humanized monoclonal antibody against TMEM180 aimed at clinical trials. Prior to such trials, it is necessary to clarify the function of TMEM180 in cancer. To compare SW480 human colon cancer cells and their TMEM180-knockdown derivatives, we analyzed proliferation and oxygen consumption, and also performed phosphorylation proteomics, metabolomics, and next-generation sequencing (NGS). The preliminary results revealed that TMEM180 appeared to promote the growth of colon cancer but had almost no effect on oxygen consumption or expression of phosphorylated proteins. By contrast, glycolysis differed dramatically between SW480 and TMEM180-knockdown cells. The NGS analysis revealed that TMEM180 promotes enzyme expression in nitric oxide (NO) synthesis system, suggesting that it promotes glucose and glutamine metabolism, thereby contributing to cancer growth. Overall, the results of this study warrant further basic studies of TMEM180 molecule.

Discovery of small molecule acting as multitarget inhibitor of colorectal cancer by simultaneous blocking of the key COX-2, 5-LOX and PIM-1 kinase enzymes

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second cause of cancer death worldwide. Inhibitors of COX-2, 5-LOX and PIM-1 kinase were very effective in the treatment and prevention of CRC in mouse models in vivo. Furthermore, thymol was confirmed to inhibit CRC cell proliferation in cancer cell lines and inhibitory activity against COX-2 and 5-LOX. On the other hand, 4-thiazolidinone pharmacophore was incorporated in the structures of various reported COX-2, 5-LOX and PIM kinase inhibitors. Consequently, the aim of the present investigation was to combat CRC by synthesis and biological evaluation of new thymol – 4-thiazolidinone hybrids as multitarget anticancer agents that could inhibit the key COX-2, 5-LOX and PIM-1 kinase enzymes simultaneously. Compounds 5a-d and 5g displayed inhibitory activity against COX-2 nearly equal to Celecoxib with high selectivity index (SI). Moreover, compounds 5b-e showed 5-LOX inhibitory activity nearly equal to the reference Quercetin while compounds 5a, 5f and 5g elicited inhibitory activity slightly lower than Quercetin. Furthermore, in vivo formalin-induced paw edema test revealed that, compounds 5a, 5c, 5f and 5g showed higher % inhibition than Celecoxib and compounds 5a, 5f and 5g showed higher % inhibition than Diclofenac sodium. In addition, compounds 5a-c, 5e-g showed in vivo superior gastrointestinal safety profile as Celecoxib in fasted rats. Besides, compounds 5d, 5e and 5g exhibited the highest activity against human CRC cell lines (Caco-2 and HCT-116) at doses less than their EC100 on normal human cells. Furthermore, compounds 5e and 5g induced apoptosis-dependent death by above 50% in the treated CRC cell lines. Moreover, compounds 5e and 5g induced caspase activation by >50% in human CRC. Also, compounds 5d, 5e and 5g showed in vitro inhibitory activity against both PIM-1\\2 kinases comparable to the reference Staurosporine. In silico docking studies were concordant with the biological results. In conclusion, compound 5g, of simple chemical structure, achieved the target goal of inhibiting three targets leading to inhibition of human CRC cell proliferation. It inhibited the target key enzymes COX-2, 5-LOX and PIM-1\\2 kinase in vitro. Besides, it revealed in vitro inhibition of cell proliferation in cancer cell lines via activation of caspase 3\\7 dependent-apoptosis in human CRC cell lines. In addition, it elicited in vivo anti-inflammatory activity in formalin-induced paw edema test and in vivo oral safety in gastric ulcerogenic activity test.

Lycorine inhibits cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and primarily exerts invitro cytostatic effects in human colorectal cancer via activating the ROS/p38 and AKT signaling pathways.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a life-threatening malignant tumor of the digestive tract. Diverse gene mutations and complicated alterations to the signaling pathways in CRC lead to heterogeneity in response to chemotherapy. Moreover, anticancer drugs for CRC chemotherapy are limited due to adverse events. Therefore, developing more effective, tolerable and safe drugs for the treatment of CRC is important. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of lycorine on human CRC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, as well as the underlying molecular mechanism. The crystal violet staining and MTT assay results demonstrated that lycorine suppressed cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner in the three CRC cell lines, HCT116, LoVo and SW480. Similarly, verified by performing wound healing and Transwell assays, lycorine significantly inhibited HCT116 and LoVo cell migration and invasion in vitro compared with the control group. In LoVo cells, the protein expression levels of matrix metallopeptidases, snail family transcriptional repressor 1, Vimentin and N-cadherin were significantly downregulated, whereas the protein expression levels of E-cadherin were significantly upregulated by lycorine treatment compared with the control group. The Hoechst 33258 staining and flow cytometry assay results indicated that lycorine mediated its cytostatic effect on CRC cells potentially via inducing cell cycle arrest, but not apoptosis. Compared with the control group, lycorine significantly induced HCT116 cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, but significantly induced LoVo cell cycle arrest at the S and G2/M phases. Furthermore, lycorine significantly downregulated the protein expression levels of cyclin D1 and cyclin E1, but significantly increased p21 and Smad4 protein expression levels in HCT116 and LoVo cells compared with the control group. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement results also indicated that compared with the control group, lycorine significantly induced ROS accumulation, and increased phosphorylated-p38 expression levels and AKT phosphorylation. Collectively, the present study suggested that lycorine might induce cell cycle arrest and exert cytostatic effects potentially via activating ROS/p38 and AKT signaling pathways in CRC cells.

Melatonin inhibits proliferation and viability and promotes apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells via upregulation of the microRNA-34a/449a cluster.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has a significant burden on healthcare systems worldwide, and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates in patients. In 2020, the estimated new cases of colon cancer in the United States are 78,300 in men and 69,650 in women. Thus, developing effective and novel alternative agents and adjuvants with reduced side effects is important to reduce the lethality of the disease and improve the quality of life of patients. Melatonin, a pineal hormone that possesses numerous physiological functions, including anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities, can be found in various tissues, including the gastrointestinal tract. Melatonin exerts anticarcinogenic effects via various mechanisms; however, the identified underlying molecular mechanisms do not explain the full breadth of anti-CRC effects mediated by melatonin. MicroRNAs (miRs) serve critical roles in tumorigenesis, however, whether melatonin can inhibit CRC by regulating miRs is not completely understood. In the present study, the roles and mechanism underlying melatonin in CRC were investigated. The proliferation of human CRC cells was tested by CCK8, EDU and colony formation assay. The apoptosis of cancer cells was detected by flow cytometry and western blotting. A xenograft mouse model was constructed and the proliferation and apoptosis of tumor tissue was detected by Ki-67 and TUNEL staining assay respectively. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting were performed to measure the regulation of miRs on mRNA, and the dual-luciferase report analysis experiment was used to verify the direct target genes of miRs. Compared with the control group, melatonin inhibited viability and proliferation, and induced apoptosis in CRC cells. Additionally, the effect of melatonin in a xenograft mouse model was assessed. Compared with the control group, melatonin significantly enhanced the expression levels of the miR-34a/449a cluster, reduced CRC cell proliferation and viability, and increased CRC cell apoptosis. Finally, the dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated that Bcl-2 and Notch1 were the target mRNAs of the miR-34a/449a cluster. To the best of our knowledge, the present study was the first to suggest that melatonin inhibited proliferation and viability, and promoted apoptosis in CRC cells via upregulating the expression of the miR-34a/449a cluster in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, melatonin may serve as a potential therapeutic for CRC.

Ribosome assembly factor URB1 contributes to colorectal cancer proliferation through transcriptional activation of ATF4.

Ribosome assembly factor URB1 is essential for ribosome biogenesis. However, its latent role in cancer remains unclear. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas database and clinical tissue microarray staining showed that URB1 expression was upregulated in colorectal cancer (CRC) and prominently related to clinicopathological characteristics. Silencing of URB1 hampered human CRC cell proliferation and growth in vitro and in vivo. Microarray screening, ingenuity pathway analysis, and JASPAR assessment indicated that activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and X‐box binding protein 1 (XBP1) are potential downstream targets of URB1 and could transcriptionally interact through direct binding. Silencing of URB1 significantly decreased ATF4 and cyclin A2 (CCNA2) expression in vivo and in vitro. Restoration of ATF4 effectively reversed the malignant proliferation phenotype of URB1‐silenced CRC cells. Dual‐luciferase reporter and ChIP assays indicated that XBP1 transcriptionally activated ATF4 by binding with its promoter region. X‐box binding protein 1 colocalized with ATF4 in the nuclei of RKO cells, and ATF4 mRNA expression was positively regulated by XBP1. This study shows that URB1 contributes to oncogenesis and CRC growth through XBP1‐mediated transcriptional activation of ATF4. Therefore, URB1 could be a potential therapeutic target for CRC.

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Potential Bioactive Benzo-, Pyrido- or Pyrazino-thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidin-4-amine Analogs of MPC-6827.

Efficient microwave-assisted chemical processes were applied to the synthesis of an array of novel N-(4-methoxyphenylamino)-2-methyl benzo-, pyrido- or pyrazino-thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidin-4-amine derivatives. These heteroaromatic systems were envisioned as potent bioisosteric analogues of MPC-6827, an anticancer agent previously developed until phase II clinical studies. A brief evaluation and comparison of their antiproliferative activity on HT-29 and Caco-2, two human colorectal cancer cell lines, were also reported. At the tested concentrations (5 and 10 µM), thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidin-4-amines 4a and 4c exhibited an inhibitory effect similar to MPC-6827 on human colorectal cancer cell proliferation.

Hsa_circ_0038646 promotes cell proliferation and migration in colorectal cancer via miR-331-3p/GRIK3.

Increasing evidence supports the essential roles of circular RNAs (circRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) in different types of human cancer. For example, hsa_circ_0137008 functions as a sponge for mi-338-5p and inhibits the malignant phenotype in colorectal cancer. Furthermore, hsa_circ_RNA_0011780 downregulates FBXW7 by targeting miR-554a and suppressing the progression of non-small cell lung cancer. Thus far, only a single report has identified that the miRNA miR-331-3p exerts a pivotal effect on human colorectal cancer (CRC) evolution. However, both the up- and downstream regulatory mechanisms of miR-331-3p are unclear. In the present study, it was predicted via bioinformatics analysis that the circRNA, hsa_circ_0038646, and the glutamate receptor ionotropic kainate 3 (GRIK3) gene contain binding sites that can interact with miR-331-3p. Thus, hsa_circ_0038646/miR-331-3p/GRIK3 may be a novel therapeutic pathway for CRC. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting analyses were performed, as well as cell proliferation, luciferase reporter and Transwell migration assays. Hsa_circ_0038646 was overexpressed in both CRC cells and tissues, and this aberrant expression was positively related with increasing tumor grade. Knockdown of hsa_circ_0038646 significantly weakened human CRC cell proliferation and migration. It was shown that hsa_circ_0038646 can sponge miR-331-3p to suppress its expression, and that suppression of miR-331-3p can reverse the effects of hsa_circ_0038646 inhibition in CRC cells. It was determined that GRIK3 is a downstream target of miR-331-3p, and that hsa_circ_0038646 could increase the levels of GRIK3 by suppressing miR-331-3p in CRC cells. Restoring GRIK3 expression rescued the weakened CRC cell proliferation and migration following hsa_circ_0038646 knockdown. The present study indicated that hsa_circ_0038646 functions as a tumor promoter in CRC by increasing GRIK3 expression via sponging of miR-331-3p. The hsa_circ_0038646/miR-331-3p/GRIK3 axis may be a novel therapeutic and diagnostic target of CRC.

DNA Methyltransferase 1 Affects Proliferation and Migration of Colorectal Cancer Cells by Regulating Ras Association Domain Family 1 Methylation

The effects of DNMT1 on human colorectal cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis as well as the possible underlying mechanisms were investigated. SW480 cells were treated with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-AZA-CdR. qRT-PCR was used to analyze mRNA expression, whereas protein expression was evaluated by western blotting. Cell growth, migration, and invasion were measured by MTT, transwell migration, and wound healing assays, respectively. Cell morphology was observed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E) staining. 5-AZA-CdR treatment inhibited DNMT1 expression in colorectal cancer cells. Further, low expression of DNMT1 regulated RASSF1A-mediated inhibition of CyclinD1 expression, as well as colon cancer cell morphology, proliferation, and migration via RASSF1A methylation. Our results provide a basis for therapeutic strategies based on DNMT1 and RASSF1A for colorectal cancer.

Hydrogen sulfide donor GYY4137 suppresses proliferation of human colorectal cancer Caco-2 cells by inducing both cell cycle arrest and cell death

Conflicting data regarding the ability of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which reaches high levels in the large intestine owing to biosynthesis in the intestinal cells and intestinal bacteria, to promote or inhibit colorectal cancer cell proliferation have been reported recently. In the present study, the effect of H2S on the proliferation of the human colorectal cancer cell line Caco-2 was examined by using the H2S donor GYY4137. At concentrations of 0.5 mM and 1.0 mM, GYY4137 significantly inhibited Caco-2 cell viability. Cell cycle analysis, and apoptosis and necrosis detection revealed that the anti-proliferative effect of GYY4137 was partially attributable to the induction of S-G2/M cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and necrosis. These results suggest that H2S has the potential to suppress human colorectal cancer cell proliferation by influencing both cell cycle and cell death.

MTERFD1 promotes cell growth and irradiation resistance in colorectal cancer by upregulating interleukin-6 and interleukin-11.

The role of the novel oncogene, mitochondrial transcription termination factor (MTERFD1), in human colorectal cancer (CRC) is unclear. Here, we report the role MTERFD1 in CRC. We conducted plasmid construction and transfection analyses, cell proliferation assays, apoptosis detection assays, ELISA, western blotting, and qRT-PCR using cell culture applications. MTERFD1 was upregulated in human and chemically induced mouse CRC tissues. In vitro functional assays showed that MTERFD1 overexpression promoted human CRC cell proliferation, whereas knockdown of endogenous MTERFD1 significantly enhanced apoptosis in these cells. MTERFD1 expression was positively linked to irradiation resistance in CRC cells. Furthermore, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-11 were identified as the effector molecules of MTERFD1 in its oncogenic role and irradiation resistance in CRC cells. Our results demonstrated that MTERFD1 played an oncogenic role in CRC development and enhanced irradiation resistance by regulating IL-6 and IL-11 in CRC cells. MTERFD1 may serve as a potential prognostic and therapeutic marker for radiotherapy in CRC.

MiR-522-3p Promotes Tumorigenesis in Human Colorectal Cancer via Targeting Bloom Syndrome Protein.

miR-522-3p is known to degrade bloom syndrome protein (BLM) and enhance expression of other proto-oncogenes, leading to tumorigenesis. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of miR-522-3p in human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Expressions of miR-522-3p in CRC and adjacent tissues, as well as in normal human colon epithelial cell line (FHC) and five CRC cell lines, were detected. Human CRC cell lines, HCT-116 and HT29, were transfected with miR-522-3p mimic, inhibitor, or scrambled controls. Then cell viability, apoptosis, cell cycle progression, and the expressions of c-myc, cyclin E, CDK2, and BLM were assessed. It was found that miR-522-3p was highly expressed in CRC tissues when compared to adjacent nontumor tissues and was highly expressed in CRC cell lines when compared to FHC cells. miR-522-3p overexpression promoted cell viability, reduced apoptotic cell rate, arrested more cells in the S phase, and upregulated c-myc, cyclin E, and CDK2 expression. BLM was a target gene of miR-522-3p, and miR-522-3p suppression did not exert antiproliferative and proapoptotic activities when BLM was silenced. These findings demonstrate that miR-522-3p upregulation negatively regulates the expression of BLM, with upregulation of c-myc, CDK2, and cyclin E, and thereby promoting the proliferation of human CRC cells.

Effect of microRNA-371-5p on human colorectal cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis

Objective To observe the effect of microRNA (miRNA, miR)-371-5p on human colorectal cancer LoVo and SW620 cell proliferation and apoptosis. Methods Constructed miR-371-5p overexpression lentivirus vector and stable gene silencing miR-371-5p vector [miR-371-5p/short hairpin RNA (shRNA)], and were transfected into LoVo and SW620 cells. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) detected the expression of miR-371-5p, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation assay, soft agar colony formation assay, flow cytometry detected the proliferation and apoptosis of LoVo and SW620 cells. Results The expression of miR-371-5p in LoVo and SW620 cells transfected miR-371-5p (14.25±0.25, 10.01±0.19) were higher than that of negative control group and blank control group (1.03±0.02, 1.04±0.03; 1.00±0.00, 1.00±0.00; F=21.426, 8.957, P=0.000, 0.003), The expression of miR-371-5p in LoVo and SW620 cells transfected miR-371-5p/shRNA (0.08±0.00, 0.11±0.01) were lower than that of negative control group and blank control group cells (0.97±0.02, 1.04±0.03; 1.00±0.00, 1.00±0.00; F=15.231, 8.537, P=0.000, 0.005). After LoVo and SW620 cells transfected 3 d and 7 d, the proliferation of miR-371-5p transfected cell was lower than that of negative control group and blank control group (F=5.932, 19.324, 7.256, 35.846, P=0.003, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000); the proliferation of transfected miR-371-5p/shRNA cell was higher than that of negative control group and blank control group (F=37.342, 43.254, 43.242, 105.231, P=0.003, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000). The cell clone number of miR-371-5p transfected LoVo and SW620 were lower than that of negative control group and blank control group cells (F=5.432, 4.023, P=0.004, 0.022); the cell clone number of miR-371-5p/shRNA transfected LoVo and SW620 were higherthan that of negative control group and blank control group cells (F=3.976, 4.732, P=0.015, 0.011). The cell colony number of miR-371-5p transfected LoVo and SW620 were lower than that of negative control group and blank control group cells (F=5.647, 4.023, P=0.007, 0.015); the cell colony number of miR-371-5p/shRNA transfected LoVo and SW620 were higher than that of negative control group and blank control group cells (F=4.231, 4.231, P=0.012, 0.013). The difference of cell apoptosis rate between miR-371-5p transfected cells, miR-371-5p/shRNA transfected cells and the negative control group and blank control group were no statistically significant (F=0.883, 1.017, 1.165, 0.954, P=0.742, 0.474, 0.483, 0.621). Conclusion MiR-371-5p can inhibite the proliferation of colorectal cancer LoVo and SW620 cells, has little effect on apoptosis. Key words: MicroRNA-371-5p; Colorectal cancer; Proliferation; Apoptosis

Inhibitory potential of anthocyanin-rich purple and red corn extracts on human colorectal cancer cell proliferation in vitro

Anthocyanin-rich foods have shown potential health benefits. The objective was to evaluate the anti-proliferative effect of anthocyanin-rich purple and red corn on HCT-116 and HT-29 human colorectal cancer cells. IC50 values ranged from 1.1 to 6.3mg/mL, suggesting the corn extracts exhibited anti-proliferative effects on colon cancer cells; the red corn had the highest potential. All extracts increased apoptotic cells and impacted markers of apoptosis (BAX, Bcl-2, cytochrome c, TRAILR2/D5). Angiogenesis markers were also affected; a decreased expression of VEGF resulted with all corn extracts. Red corn significantly reduced other important markers of angiogenesis like Tie-2. Free binding energy of anthocyanins to tyrosine kinases was estimated at −7.86 and −7.76kcal/mol for cyanidin-3-glucoside with a non-receptor tyrosine kinase and peonidin with a receptor tyrosine kinase, respectively. The results indicate that anthocyanin-rich purple and red corn can potentially inhibit human colon cancer cell proliferation through promoting apoptosis and suppressing angiogenesis.

Gab3 is required for human colorectal cancer cell proliferation

Here, we focused on the potential function of Gab3, an uncommon Gab family protein, in human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. We found that Gab3 was only expressed in human colon cancer tissues as well as in established (HCT-116 and HT-29 lines) and primary human CRC cells. It was however absent in normal human colon cancer tissues and in FHC colon epithelial cells. Knockdown of Gab3 by targeted-shRNAs inhibited proliferation of the CRC cells. Reversely, exogenous over-expression of Gab3 promoted CRC cell proliferation. At the signaling level, Gab3 co-precipitated with p85 and SHP2 in CRC cells, which was required for subsequent Akt and Erk activation. Gab3 shRNA knockdown inhibited Akt and Erk activation, yet Gab3 over-expression augmented it. In vivo, HCT-116 xenograft tumor growth in severe combined immune deficient (SCID) mice was suppressed following expressing Gab3 shRNAs. Meanwhile, Akt and Erk activation in Gab3 shRNA-expressing tumors was also largely inhibited. Together, our results suggest that Gab3 expression in CRC cells is important for Akt-Erk activation and cell proliferation.