Number Of Invasive Cells Research Articles

EXTH-04. COMBINATION OF BEVACIZUMAB ENHANCES THE ANTI-TUMOR EFFICACY OF AD-SGE-REIC FOR GLIOMA

Abstract Reduced expression in immortalized cells/Dickkopf-3 (REIC/Dkk-3) is a tumor suppressor gene and its overexpression has been shown to exert anti-tumor effects as a therapeutic target gene in many human cancers. Recently, we revealed the anti-glioma effects of an adenoviral vector carrying REIC/Dkk-3 with the super gene expression system (Ad-SGE-REIC) and conducted the phase Ⅰ/Ⅱ a clinical trial for recurrent malignant glioma (jRCT2063190013). Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatments such as bevacizumab have demonstrated convincing therapeutic efficacy in patients with glioma. In this study, we examined the effects of Ad-SGE-REIC on glioma treated with bevacizumab in vitro and in vivo. Ad-SGE-REIC treatment resulted in a significant reduction in the number of invasion cells treated with bevacizumab. Western blot analyses revealed the increased expression of several endoplasmic reticulum stress markers in cells treated with both bevacizumab and Ad-SGE-REIC, as well as decreased β-catenin protein levels. In glioma-bearing mouse models, survival was extended in the combination therapy group. These results suggest that the combination therapy of Ad-SGE-REIC and bevacizumab showed anti-glioma effects by suppressing the angiogenesis and invasion of tumor cells. Combined Ad-SGE-REIC and bevacizumab might be a promising strategy for the treatment of malignant glioma.

Myristicin Inhibit Invasion and Migration of Melanoma Cells through Suppression of MMP2 and MMP9 Gene Expression

Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer, having a high mortality rate. This cancer has an aggressive nature, is highly invasive, and has the tendency to metastasize. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are essential in that process, especially MMP2 and MMP9. Their expression is upregulated during metastasis progression. Myristicin is one example of a compound that can be utilized to target MMP 2 and MMP 9 in melanoma. This research concerns the activity of myristicin to inhibit melanoma cell invasion and migration by suppressing MMP2 and MMP9 gene expression. The MTT assay in this study demonstrated that myristicin exhibited strong cytotoxic activity against melanoma cells. This compound works in a dose-dependent manner by inhibiting cell migration and invasion. The invasion test was performed using the transwell assay, whereas the migration test was performed using the wound healing assay. The invasion assay results were consistent with MMP2 and MMP9 gene expression. These two genes were analyzed using the RT-qPCR technique. It has been demonstrated that low gene expression in melanoma cells inhibits cell invasion. In contrast, higher MMP2 and MMP9 gene expression was associated with an increase in the number of invasive cells on average. However, MMP2 and MMP9 in excessive expression and uncontrolled activity impair the ability of melanoma cells to form a monolayer sheet to cover wound gaps. This condition significantly reduced the migration rate and percentage of wound closure.

Inhibitory Effects of Propolis Flavonoids on Migration and Invasion of Laryngeal Cancer Cell and Analysis of Related Signal Pathways

Laryngeal cancer (LGC) is a malignant tumor that occurs in the larynx, and it is mainly treated through chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. Nevertheless, the five-year survival rate for patients is poor. Bee propolis contains various bioactive compounds and abundant anti-tumor active ingredients. Nevertheless, research on the use of propolis extracts for the treatment of LGC is relatively limited. This research aimed to demonstrate the inhibitory effects of ethanol extracts of propolis on migration (Mig) and invasion (Inv ) of LGC cells, as well as the related signaling pathways. The effects of graded ethanol extraction of propolis on the proliferation (Pro), Inv, Mig, apoptosis (Apo), and related signaling pathways of Hep-2 cells were analyzed. Propolis was extracted using ethanol (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) for the graded extraction of crude propolis. The flavonoid content and yield of the extracts were determined. The effects of various concentrations of propolis flavonoids on the clearance of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, O2- radicals, and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) radicals were evaluated, as well as their effects on the Pro inhibition of normal human pancreatic ductal epithelial (hTERT-HPNE) cells. Hep-2 cells of LGC were cultured using media containing 0, 25, 50, and 100 μmol/L propolis flavonoids. The cell Pro activity, Inv, Mig, Apo, and expression of PI3K/Akt pathway-related proteins were evaluated using CCK-8 assay, Transwell chamber assay, acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) double staining method, and Western blotting, respectively. It was revealed that extraction with 50% ethanol solution yielded a higher content and yield of flavonoids, which were 51.20% and 7.42%, respectively. As the concentration of propolis flavonoids increased, the clearance rates of DPPH, O2-, and ABTS radicals, as well as the inhibition of hTERT-HPNE Pro, gradually increased. The maximum clearance rates were 84.1%, 26.6%, and 92.3%, respectively, while the maximum cell Pro inhibition rate was only 8.6%. Relative to the 0 μmol/L propolis flavonoid treatment group, the Hep-2 cells treated with 25, 50, and 100 μmol/L propolis flavonoids exhibited decreased cell Pro activity, reduced number of invasive and migratory cells, increased Apo rate, decreased PI3K and p-Akt proteins, and demonstrated a concentration-dependent effect (P < 0.05). In summary, the extraction with 50% ethanol solution resulted in a higher yield of flavonoids. Propolis flavonoids demonstrated marked antioxidant activity and did not cause damage to normal hTERT-HPNE cells. They exhibited inhibitory effects on the Pro, Inv, and Mig of Hep-2 cells in LGC, and promoted cell Apo. These effects may be associated with PI3K/Akt signaling inhibition.

Proof of concept that melanoma nuclear count compares favourably with the benchmark histological prognostic feature, Breslow thickness.

Breslow thickness (BT) is the most important histological prognostic feature for melanoma prognosis, but it only captures tumour size in one dimension. Adding a further measurement in a different axis has been shown to improve prognostic value. It seems reasonable that further prognostic value could be obtained by estimating the number of invasive melanoma cells using nuclear count. The aim of this study was to show proof of concept that nuclear count has prognostic value independent of BT. Melanoma cell nuclei were labelled with SRY-related HMG-box 10 (SOX10) protein, the sections scanned and StarDist machine-learning algorithm used to count nuclei in 102 cases of primary cutaneous melanoma. Prognostic value was assessed using survival analyses. Nuclear count correlated strongly with T category, BT and calculated tumour area (each P < 0.001), suggesting that it was a valid marker of melanoma burden. Nuclear count was a predictor for overall survival in univariable analysis [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.25, confidence interval (CI) = 1.66-3.06, P < 0.001] and multivariable analysis (HR = 2.60, CI = 1.59-4.24, P < 0.001). BT and ulceration were significant in univariable analyses, but not in multivariable models with nuclear count. Models containing nuclear count showed the best fit. Similar results were seen for melanoma-specific and metastasis-free survival. Nuclear count was able to stratify melanomas within a given T stage. This study demonstrated proof of concept that counting melanoma nuclei may be an improved measure of invasive tumour burden compared to BT. Future studies will need to refine methods of nuclear detection and also to confirm its prognostic value.

XRCC2 knockdown effectively sensitizes esophageal cancer to albumin-paclitaxel in vitro and in vivo.

Esophageal cancer (EC), a prevalent malignancy, has a high incidence and mortality. X-ray repair cross complementing 2 (XRCC2) functions on DNA damage and repair that works the progression of various cancers. Nevertheless, the role and mechanism of XRCC2 remain unknown in EC. The XRCC2 expression was examined by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot. The function of XRCC2 in EC were investigated through cell counting kit-8, colony formation, transwell, flow cytometry, chromatin immunoprecipitation, luciferase, and western blot experiments. Besides, the role of XRCC2 in EC was assessed by western blot and immunohistochemistry experiments after nude mice were injected with EC109 cells and treated with nab-paclitaxel. The XRCC2 expression was upregulated in EC. Knockdown of XRCC2 diminished cell viability, and the number of colonies, migration cells and invasion cells of KYSE150 and EC109 cells. Silencing of XRCC2 diminished the cell viability of both two cells with a lower IC50, whereas boosted the apoptosis rate of both cells with the treatment of albumin-paclitaxel. All these outcomes were reverse with the upregulation of XRCC2 in both two cells. Mechanically, XRCC2 was transcriptionally regulated by specificity protein 1 (SP1), and silencing of SP1 inhibited the cell growth of EC. In vivo, transfection of shXRCC2 with or without albumin-paclitaxel treatment both decreased the tumor size and weight, as well as the expression of XRCC2 and Ki-67 in xenografted mice. XRCC2 transcriptionally regulated by SP2 promoted proliferation, migration, invasion, and chemoresistance of EC cells.

GTSE1 promotes nasopharyngeal carcinoma proliferation and angiogenesis by upregulating STMN1

BackgroundNasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor with poor survival rate. G2 and S phase-expressed‐1 (GTSE1) takes part in the progression of diverse tumors as an oncogene, but its role and potential mechanism in NPC remain unknown.MethodsThe GTSE1 expression was analyzed by western blot in NPC tissues and cells. Knock-down experiments were conducted to determine the function of GTSE1 in NPC by cell counting kit-8, the 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation experiment, cell scratch wound-healing experiment, transwell assays, tube forming experiment and western blot. In addition, the in vivo role of GTSE1 was addressed in tumor-bearing mice.ResultsThe expression of was increased in NPC. Silencing of GTSE1 suppressed cell viability, the percent of EdU positive cells, and the number of invasion cells and tubes, but enhanced the scratch ratio in NPC cells. Mechanically, downregulation of GTSE1 decreased the expressions of FOXM1 and STMN1, which were restored with the upregulation of FOXM1. Increased expression of STMN1 reversed the effects of the GTSE1 silencing on proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis of NPC cells. Furthermore, knockdown of GTSE1 repressed the tumor volume and tumor weight of xenografted mice.ConclusionGTSE1 was highly expressed in NPC, and silencing of GTSE1 ameliorated the malignant processes of NPC cells by upregulating STMN1, suggesting a possible therapeutical target for NPC.

Overexpression of CXCL17 increases migration and invasion of A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells.

Lung cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed malignancies and is a widespread disease that affects millions of individuals globally. CXCL17 is a member of the CXC chemokine family that attracts myeloid cells and is associated with the mucosa. CXCL17 can both support and suppress tumor growth in certain types of cancer. A549 LUAD cells were transfected with N-Terminal p3XFLAG-CMV or N-Terminal p3XFLAG-CMV-CXCL17 to establish stably transfected CXCL17-overexpressing cells. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) were performed to verify the levels of CXCL17 mRNA and of CXCL17 protein concentration of stably transfected A549 cells respectively. Wound healing, CCK8, and matrigel invasion assays were performed to assess the effect of CXCL17 overexpression on migration, proliferation, and invasion of A549 cells. When compared to control groups, proliferative capacity of A549 cells were unaffected by CXCL17 overexpression; however, the wound area in the CXCL17 overexpression group had dramatically decreased after 48h. Similarly, the number of invasion cells was significantly higher in the CXCL17-overexpressing group than in the control ones after 48h. CXCL17 overexpression significantly increased the ability of A549 cells to migrate and invade, without affecting their proliferative abilities.

Allicin inhibits the biological activities of cervical cancer cells by suppressing circEIF4G2.

Allicin is a safe herbal extract believed to have antitumor effects, which, however, remain unclear. The aim of the present work was to discuss Allicin antitumor effects on cervical cancer using cell experiments. Using Hela and Siha to our research objectives in our study, first step, difference concentration of Allicin (20, 40, and 80 μM) treated Hela and Siha cell lines, and next step, discuss circEIF4G2 effects in Allicin antitumor effects in Hela and Siha cell lines; the cell proliferation and EdU-positive cell number by CCK-8 and EdU staining; cell apoptosis rate by flow cytometry; invasion cell number by transwell assay; wound healing rate by wound healing assay; and relative mRNA and protein levels using qRT-PCR and WB assay. With Allicin supplement, the cell proliferation and EdU-positive cell number were significantly depressed with cell apoptosis rate significantly increasing; invasion cell number and wound healing rate significantly suppressed with circEIF4G2 mRNA expression significantly down-regulation (p < .05, respectively). However, there was no significant difference among Allicin, si-circEIF4G2, and Allicin+si-circEIF4G2 in cell biological activities including cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration, and relative gene and protein expression. Allicin depresses biological activities of cervical cancer cells through down-regulating circEIF4G2/HOXA1/AKT/mTOR.

Rapamycin enhances inhibitory effect of RSL3 on proliferation, invasion and migration of testicular cancer I-10 cells in vitro

To investigate the effect of rapamycin for enhancing the inhibitory effect of RSL3 on proliferation, invasion and migration of testicular cancer I-10 cells in vitro. I-10 cells treated with 0-16 μmol/L RSL3 (Type Ⅱ) either alone or in combination with 16 μmol/L rapamycin (RAPA) were examined for changes in proliferation using MTT assay and colonyforming assay, and the changes in cell migration and invasion abilities were detected with wounding-healing assay and Transwell assay. The changes in the levels of lipid reactive oxygen species in the treated cells were detected using flow cytometry. GSH and MDA contents in the cells were detected using commercial detection kits, and GPX4 protein expression level was determined with Western blotting. The cytotoxic effect of RSL3 increased dose-dependently in I-10 cells, and the combined treatment with rapamycin further enhanced its cytotoxicity. Treatment of I-10 cells with RSL3 alone significantly decreased cell colony numbers (P < 0.05), wounding-healing rates (P < 0.01), and invasion and migration cell numbers (P < 0.05), increased lipid reactive oxygen species level and MDA content (P < 0.05), and lowered GSH content and expression level of GPX4 protein in the cells (P < 0.01). The inhibitory effects of RSL3 were significantly enhanced by co-treatment of the cells with rapamycin (P < 0.05 or 0.01). Rapamycin enhances the inhibitory effect of RSL3 on proliferation, invasion and migration of I-10 cells by enhancing RSL3-mediated cell ferroptosis.

Investigating the Combinational Effect of Micellar Curcumin and Metformin on the Invasion of PC3 Prostate Cancer Cell Line

Introduction: Adverse side effects, non-specific function, and increasing tolerability of tumor cells to chemotherapy demand therapeutic strategies with fewer side effects and better efficacy. Curcumin and metformin have been shown to have anticancer properties, according to emerging research. Therefore, micellar curcumin and metformin were combined and analyzed on cancer cell line PC3. Material and Methods: Cell viability after drug treatment, individually and in combination, was evaluated using an MTT assay. In order to determine the type of interaction between micellar curcumin and metformin, the median-effect method was employed. Subsequently, the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 of cells treated with single drugs and a synergistic combination of compounds was assessed using Gelatin Zymography test. Moreover, evaluating the number of invasive cells under treatment with drugs alone and in combination through matrigel invasion assay. Results: The results demonstrated that the cell proliferation treated with micellar curcumin and metformin alone and in combination decreased significantly (P&lt;0.05) during 24 and 48 h. Besides, co-treatment of compounds showed synergy within 48 h. Although all the cells treated, whether with single drugs or the synergistic combination of both, showed a decline in expressing MMP-2, MMP-9, and the number of migrated cells, the maximum reduction was seen when micellar curcumin and metformin were combined. Conclusion: This study showed that metformin and micellar curcumin together have a synergistic effect on cell proliferation inhibition in the PC3 cell line. Metformin and micellar curcumin were more effective as a combination in decreasing the PC3 cell line invasion by reducing MMP-2 and MMP-9.

Effects of miR-143 on the migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells by regulating MMP-13 expression

To explore the effect of miR-143 regulating matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-13 expression on migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. The mouse osteosarcoma cell line 143B cells were cultured in 96-well plates, and blank group, negative group, positive group, and intervention group were set up. Then, the blank group did no treatment 50 μg miR-143 mimic was added to positive group, negative group added equal mimic NC (control sequence of miR-143 mimic), the intervention group was added 50 μg miR-143 mimic and 10 μg MMP-13 protein, all groups continued to culture for 3 to 6 hours, and finally the serum was aspirated to treat for half an hour. The protein expressions of miR-143 and MMP-13 in each group were measured by fluorescence quantitative PCR experiment and Western blot experiment, respectively, and the invasion and migration abilities of cells were measured by Transwell and scratch experiments. The expression of MMP-13 protein in the positive group and the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the blank group, and the positive group was lower than the intervention group (P<0.05);The mean numbers of invasive cells in blank group, negative group, positive group and intervention group were (1 000.01±44.77), (959.25±46.32), (245.04±4.33), (634.06±33.78) cells/field, respectively;the scratch healing rate of the positive group and the intervention group was significantly lower than that of the blank group, and the positive group was lower than the intervention group (P<0.05). MMP-13 is a target of miR-143, which can reduce the migration and invasion ability of osteosarcoma cells by inhibiting the expression of MMP-13.

Effects of sirtuin 1 deficiency on trophoblasts and its implications in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia

Background Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is mainly localised in syncytiotrophoblasts and cytotrophoblasts, and is involved in pregnancy regulation. However, data on the association between SIRT1 and pre-eclampsia (PE) remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the role of SIRT1 in PE pathophysiology. Methods Placental SIRT1 expression, as well as serum SIRT1, placental growth factor (PlGF), and soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) levels, were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in 40 healthy pregnant women (NP group) and 40 women with severe PE (PE group). Additionally, the effects of SIRT1 on the migration, invasion, PlGF, and sFlt-1 secretion of HTR-8/SVneo cells were analysed. Results SIRT1 expression was significantly reduced in the placenta of patients with severe PE compared with that in healthy pregnant women. Compared with the NP group, serum SIRT1 and PlGF expression was significantly lower in the PE group; however, the expression of serum sFlt-1 was significantly higher in the PE group. Correlation analysis showed that in the PE group, placental SIRT1 protein levels positively correlated with serum PlGF levels (r = 0.468, P = .002) and negatively correlated with serum sFlt-1 levels (r = −0.542, P < .001). Cells with downregulated SIRT1 had a significantly shorter migration distance and a prominently reduced number of invasive cells compared with the corresponding negative control group, suggesting that SIRT1 deficiency may inhibit the migration and invasive ability of HTR-8/SVneo cells. The opposite results were observed after transfection with lentivirus overexpressing SIRT1. Compared with the corresponding controls, cells with downregulated SIRT1 had significantly reduced PlGF levels and significantly increased sFlt-1 levels in the cell culture supernatants, whereas SIRT1 overexpression produced the opposite results. Conclusions SIRT1 deficiency may contribute to the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia by reducing trophoblastic migration, invasion, and PlGF secretion and increasing sFlt-1 secretion.

Cyclin A1 affects the invasion, metastasis, and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective: To investigate the effect of cyclin A1 on the invasion, metastasis, and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the expressional condition of cyclin A1 in HCC and paraffin-embedded non-tumor adjacent tissues. Kaplan-Meier method was used for the survival analysis of patients with HCC. Western blot (WB) was used to detect the expression of cyclin A1 in HCCLM3 and QGY-7703 cells. Scratch wound healing assay, transwell migration, and invasion assay were used to detect the effect of cyclin A1 overexpression on cell migration and invasion ability. WB was used to detect changes in the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2, MMP9, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) after overexpression of cyclin A1. Measurement data were compared using a t-test and analysis of variance. Count data was measured using χ (2) test and the Log-rank method was performed for survival analysis. Results: Cyclin A1 expression rates were higher in the tissues of HCC patients with recurrent metastasis than in the tissues of patients without recurrent metastasis (60.42% vs. 46.81%, χ (2) = 4.711, P < 0.05). The overall postoperative survival time (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were shorter in patients with high cyclin A1 expression than those with low cyclin A1 expression (45.9 months vs. 53.1 months; 42.9 months vs. 51.3 months, and P < 0.01). The postoperative OS and DFS were shorter in patients with high cyclin A1 expression and recurrent metastasis than those with low cyclin A1 expression without recurrent metastasis (31.7 months vs. 43.9 months; 18.0 months vs. 31.5 months, and P < 0.05). HCCLM3 and QGY-7703 cells were higher in the cyclin A1-pEX group than in the empty vector (vector) group (1.56 ± 0.06 vs. 0.18 ± 0.01, t = 18.75, P < 0.001; 1.31 ± 0.05 vs.0.37 ± 0.02, t = 15.17, P < 0.001). The migrated distances of HCCLM3 cells in the cyclin A1-pEX group and the vector group were (536.7 ± 14.5) μm and (327.3 ± 9.3) μm, t = 11.84, P < 0.05, respectively, while the migrated distances of QGY-7703 cells in the two groups were (916.7 ± 35.3) μm and (320.0 ± 20.8) μm, t = 13.54, P < 0.01. The migrated numbers of HCCLM3 cells in the cyclin A1-pEX group and vector group were (37.3 ± 2.4) and (7.0 ± 1.2), t = 12.67, P < 0.001, and the number of invasive cells was (73.7 ± 4.1) and (12.6 ± 1.5), t = 12.36, P < 0.001, respectively. The migrated numbers of QGY-7703 cells in the two groups were (153.3 ± 6.0) and (17.7 ± 3.7), t = 17.59, P < 0.001, and the number of invasive cells was (45.0 ± 2.9) and (9.3 ± 1.5), t = 10.66, P < 0.001, respectively. The expression levels of MMP2, MMP9, and VEGF in HCCLM3 and QGY-7703 cells were significantly higher in the cyclin A1-pEX group than those in the vector group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Cyclin A1 plays an important role in HCC invasion and metastasis, but HCC patients with high cyclin A1 expression have a poor prognosis. Hence, cyclin A1 has high guiding significance for evaluating patient prognosis.

Sanggenon C inhibits proliferation of breast cancer cells and reduces HIF-1α/VEGF pathway activity under hypoxia conditions

Purpose: To evaluate the function and mechanism of sanggenon C (SC) on breast cancer (BC) cells.Methods: The effect of SC on malignant processes of BC was studied through cell counting kit-8, colony formation, flow cytometry, Transwell, wound-healing and western blot experiments. Besides, the related mechanism of action was explored using western blot assay.Results: SC reduced the cell viability of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells with half-maximal concentration of (IC50) value of 17.09 and 17.32 μM, respectively. SC also decreased the area ratio of colonies in the plate, but increased the apoptosis and G0/G1 phase arrest in both cell lines. Furthermore, SC decreased the number of invasion cells, but elevated the relative wound width of both cells. Moreover, SC treatment neutralized the hypoxia-induced level of HIF-1α/VEGF signaling.Conclusion: SC suppresses proliferation, mobility and invasion, but induces apoptosis and G0/G1 phase arrest in BC cells, as well as deceased HIF-1α/VEGF pathway activity under hypoxia conditions. The findings of this study reveal that SC is a potential agent for BC management.

A Method by which circUBR1 Controls the Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of HSC3 Cells

This work investigates the effects of circUBR1 and the underlying mechanisms on the growth, migration and penetration of HSC3 cells derived from oral squamous carcinoma. The expression levels of circUBR1, miR-216a-3p and HSC3 were assessed in tissues from oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and adjacent tissues.&#x0D; Based on the transfection targets, the cells were divided into four groups: si-NC, si-circUBR1, miR-NC, miR-216a-3p, si-circUBR1+anti-miR-NC and si-circUBR1+anti-miR-216a-3p. The cell viability, scratch healing rate, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, number of cell clones formed, and number of invasion cells were significantly lower in the miR-216a-3p group compared to the miR-NC group (p&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Moreover, when comparing the si-circUBR1+anti-miR-NC group to the si-circUBR1+anti-miR-216a-3p group, the cell viability, scratch healing rate, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, number of cell clones formed, and number of invasion cells were significantly higher in the si-circUBR1+anti-miR-216a-3p group (p&lt;0.05). This suggests that disrupting circUBR1 expression leads to up-regulation of miR-216a-3p, resulting in reduced proliferation, clone formation, migration, and invasion of OSCC cells.

Doublecortin-like kinase 1 activates Hippo pathway to promote migration, invasion and proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells

Objective: To explore the mechanism of Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) in promoting cell migration, invasion and proliferation in pancreatic cancer. Methods: The correlation between DCLK1 and Hippo pathway was analyzed using TCGA and GTEx databases and confirmed by fluorescence staining of pancreatic cancer tissue microarrays. At the cellular level, immunofluorescence staining of cell crawls and western blot assays were performed to clarify whether DCLK1 regulates yes associated protein1 (YAP1), a downstream effector of the Hippo pathway. Reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to analyze the expressions of YAP1 binding transcription factor TEA-DNA binding proteins (TEAD) and downstream malignant behavior-promoting molecules CYR61, EDN1, AREG, and CTGF. Transwell test of the DCLK1-overexpressing cells treated with the Hippo pathway inhibitor Verteporfin was used to examine whether the malignant behavior-promoting ability was blocked. Analysis of changes in the proliferation index of experimental cells used real-time label-free cells. Results: TCGA combined with GTEx data analysis showed that the expressions of DCLK1 and YAP1 molecules in pancreatic cancer tissues were significantly higher than those in adjacent tissues (P<0.05). Moreover, DCLK1was positively correlated with the expressions of many effectors in the Hippo pathway, including LATS1 (r=0.53, P<0.001), LATS2 (r=0.34, P<0.001), MOB1B (r=0.40, P<0.001). In addition, the tissue microarray of pancreatic cancer patients was stained with multicolor fluorescence, indicated that the high expression of DCLK1 in pancreatic cancer patients was accompanied by the up-regulated expression of YAP1. The expression of DCLK1 in pancreatic cancer cell lines was analyzed by the CCLE database. The results showed that the expression of DCLK1 in AsPC-1 and PANC-1 cells was low. Thus, we overexpressed DCLK1 in AsPC-1 and PANC-1 cell lines and found that DCLK1 overexpression in pancreatic cancer cell lines promoted YAP1 expression and accessible to the nucleus. In addition, DCLK1 up-regulated the expression of YAP1 binding transcription factor TEAD and increased the mRNA expression levels of downstream malignant behavior-promoting molecules. Finally, Verteporfin, an inhibitor of the Hippo pathway, could antagonize the cell's malignant behavior-promoting ability mediated by high expression of DCLK1. We found that the number of migrated cells with DCLK1 overexpressing AsPC-1 group was 68.33±7.09, which was significantly higher than 22.00±4.58 of DCLK1 overexpressing cells treated with Verteporfin (P<0.05). Similarly, the migration number of PANC-1 cells overexpressing DCLK1 was 65.66±8.73, which was significantly higher than 37.00±6.00 of the control group and 32.33±9.61 of Hippo pathway inhibitor-treated group (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the number of invasive cells in the DCLK1-overexpressed group was significantly higher than that in the DCLK1 wild-type group cells, while the Verteporfin-treated DCLK1-overexpressed cells showed a significant decrease. In addition, we monitored the cell proliferation index using the real-time cellular analysis (RTCA) assay, and the proliferation index of DCLK1-overexpressed AsPC-1 cells was 0.66±0.04, which was significantly higher than 0.38±0.01 of DCLK1 wild-type AsPC-1 cells (P<0.05) as well as 0.05±0.03 of DCLK1-overexpressed AsPC1 cells treated with Verteporfin (P<0.05). PANC-1 cells showed the same pattern, with a proliferation index of 0.77±0.04 for DCLK1-overexpressed PANC-1 cells, significantly higher than DCLK1-overexpressed PANC1 cells after Verteporfin treatment (0.14±0.05, P<0.05). Conclusion: The expression of DCLK1 is remarkably associated with the Hippo pathway, it promotes the migration, invasion, and proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells by activating the Hippo pathway.

Prognostic value and mechanism of long non-coding RNA DLEU1 in osteosarcoma

To investigate the prognostic value and mechanism of long non-coding RNA DLEU1(LncRNA DLEU1) in osteosarcoma. The tissue samples and clinical data of 86 patients with osteosarcoma treated by orthopaedic surgery in our hospital from January 2012 to December 2014 were retrospectively collected. The expression of LncRNA DLEU1 in pathological tissues was detected by qRT-PCR, then the patients were divided into high and low expression of LncRNA DLEU1 groups. Osteosarcoma cell line HOS was divided into two groups, down-regulated expression group (si-DLEU1 group) and negative control group (si-NC group). LncRNA DLEU1 siRNA and negative control sequence were transfected by Lipofectamine 3000. Chi-square test was used to analyze the relationship between the expression of LncRNA DLEU1 and the clinicopathological factors of osteosarcoma. Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare the difference of the overall survival rate of osteosarcoma patients between the high and low expression groups of LncRNA DLEU1. The risk factors affecting the overall survival rate of osteosarcoma were analyzed by single factor and multifactor analysis. The number of invasive cells in the two groups was determined and compared by Transwell assay. The expression of LncRNA DLEU1 in osteosarcoma tissue was higher than that in adjacent tissues (P<0.001). The expression of LncRNA DLEU1 in human osteosarcoma cell lines (MG-63, U-2 OS, and HOS) was significantly higher than that in human osteoblast line hFOB 1.19 (P<0.001). The expression of LncRNA DLEU1 was significantly correlated with Enneking stage (P<0.001), distant metastasis (P=0.016), and histological grade (P=0.028). The 1-year overall survival rate of the LncRNA DLEU1 high expression group was significantly higher than that of the low expression group (90.7% vs 60.5%, P<0.001). The 5-year overall survival rate of the LncRNA DLEU1 high expression group was significantly higher than that of the low expression group (32.6% vs 11.6%, P<0.001). Univariate analysis showed that Enneking stage (P<0.001), tumor size (P=0.043), distant metastasis (P<0.001), histological grade (P<0.001), and expression of LncRNA DLEU1 (P<0.001) were risk factors for overall survival of osteosarcoma patients. Multivariate analysis showed that high expression of LncRNA DLEU1 [HR=1.948, 95% CI(1.141, 3.641), P=0.012] and distant metastasis[HR=4.108, 95% CI(2.169, 7.780), P<0.001] were independent risk factors for overall survival of osteosarcoma patients. The number of invasive cells in si-DLEU1 group was significantly lesser than that in si-NC group(139±13 vs 357±31, P<0.001). High expression of LncRNA DLEU1 is a molecular marker affecting the prognosis of osteosarcoma patients. Downregulation of LncRNA DLEU1 can inhibit the invasion of osteosarcoma cells.

Knocking down NSUN5 inhibits the development of clear cell renal cell carcinoma by inhibiting the p53 pathway

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common solid renal tumor. NSUN5, a gene encoding cytosine-5 RNA methyltransferase, has rarely been reported associated with cancer. A bioinformatics analysis revealed that NSUN5 was overexpressed in ccRCC. Gene Ontology and gene set variation analyses showed that NSUN5 was associated with tumor immunity in ccRCC. The effect of immunosuppressive treatment was superior in the low-risk group compared to the high-risk group, and higher stromal score in the high-risk group relative to the low-risk group. A drug sensitivity analysis revealed that the high-risk group was more sensitive to 5-fluorouracil, mitomycin C, methotrexate, and 17-AAG, whereas the low-risk group was more sensitive to crizotinib, sorafenib, foretinib, and ivozanib. NSUN5 knockout decreased ccRCC cell proliferation. The migration speed and number of invasive cells further decreased. The percentage of apoptotic cells increased. In NSUN5-knockout cells, the levels of BAX, caspase-8, caspase-9, and p53 increased significantly, whereas those of Bcl2, CCND1, CCND3, and MMP9 decreased significantly. NSUN5 is highly expressed in ccRCC and inhibits cancer cell invasion, proliferation, and migration while promoting apoptosis by activating the p53 signaling pathway. This study provides insights into the mechanisms of action of NSUN5 in urological tumors and may contribute to improving ccRCC treatment options.

HMGB1-mediated-TLR4/MyD88 signaling regulates cell proliferation, migration and invasion in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Purpose: To study the effect of high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1)-mediated toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). &#x0D; Methods: Cell viability was determined using CCK-8 test and colony formation assay, while cell migration and invasion were assessed by Transwell assay. Western blotting was used to determine protein and mRNA expression levels. The effect of TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway on proliferation of ESCC cells was investigated via in vitro knockdown of HMGB1. &#x0D; Results: Data from in vitro experiments indicated that HMGB1 knockdown significantly decreased the proliferation, migration, and invasion of EC9706 cells in siHMGB1 group, when compared with siNC group (number of invasive cells in siHMGB1 vs. corresponding number in siNC: 26.7 ± 4.5 vs. 68.7 ± 2.5; p &lt; 0.01), and also decreased proliferation, migration and invasion of TE-9 cells in siHMB1, relative to siNC group (number of invasive cells in siHMGB1 vs. corresponding number in siNC: 29.3 ± 3.5 vs. 55.7 ± 3.1; p &lt; 0.01). Moreover, MGB1 knockdown via siTLR4 transfection significantly down-regulated the expressions of TLR4/MyD88 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), but over-expression of TLR4 reversed the inhibition by HMGB1 knockdown on ESCC cells (p &lt; 0.01). &#x0D; Conclusion: These findings suggest that HMGB1-mediated TLR4/MyD88 signal pathway is a potential treatment route for ESCC.

Hsa_circ_0000670 promoted the progression of gastric cancer through the miR-515-5p/SIX1 molecular axis

Objective: To explore whether hsa_circ_0000670 promotes the progression of gastric cancer by regulating the miR-515-5p/SIX1 molecular axis. Methods: The gastric cancer and adjacent normal tissues of 35 gastric cancer patients admitted to Rugao Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University from 2014 to 2015 were collected. The expression levels of circ_0000670, miR-515-5p and Sine oculis homeobox 1 (SIX1) in gastric cancer tissues and cells were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot. The correlations between circ_0000670 and miR-515-5p, miR-515-5p and SIX1, circ_0000670 and SIX1 were analyzed by the Pearson method. Patients were divided into low circ_0000670 expression group (17 cases) and high circ_0000670 expression group (18 cases) based on the median of circ_0000670 expression level, and Kaplan-Meier was used to analyze the 5-year survival of patients. Cell proliferation was assessed via clone formation assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. Wound healing and Transwell assays were used to detect cell migration and invasion ability. The targeting relationship between miR-515-5p and circ_0000670 or SIX1 was confirmed by the dual luciferase reporter assay. Nude mice were injected into HGC-27 cells transfected with sh-NC or sh-circ_0000670, and the volume and weight of the transplanted tumor were measured, also, the levels of circ_0000670, miR-515-5p and SIX1 in the transplanted tumor tissue were detected. Results: The expression levels of circ_0000670 and SIX1 in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the expression levels of miR-515-5p were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The survival rate of patients in the low circ_0000670 expression group (82.4%) was significantly higher than that in the high circ_0000670 expression group (28.7%, P=0.034). Circ_0000670 was negatively correlated with miR-515-5p (r=-0.846, P<0.001), and miR-515-5p was negatively correlated with SIX1 (r=-0.615, P<0.001), but circ_0000670 was positively correlated with SIX1 (r=0.814, P<0.001). Transfection of si-circ_0000670 or miR-515-5p mimic could significantly reduce the number of clone-forming cells, migration distance, migration and invasion cells (P<0.05), and increase the ratio of G(0)/G(1) phase cells, apoptosis rate and the protein level of E-cadherin (P<0.05), decreased the proportion of S-phase cells and the protein level of Vimentin (P<0.05). The dual luciferase report assay confirmed that circ_0000670 could target miR-515-5p, and miR-515-5p could bind to SIX1. Co-transfection of si-circ_0000670 and miR-515-5p inhibitor could significantly attenuate the effects of si-circ_0000670 on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle and apoptosis (P<0.05). Co-transfection of miR-515-5p mimic and pcDNA-SIX1 could significantly reduce the effects of miR-515-5p mimic on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle and apoptosis (P<0.05). Compared with the sh-NC group [volume=(596.20±125.46) mm(3) and weight=(538.00±114.39) g], the volume and weight of transplanted tumors in the sh-circ_0000670 group [volume=(299.20±47.58) mm 3 and weight=(289.80±48.73 g)] were significantly reduced (P<0.05), the expression levels of circ_0000670 and SIX1 were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the expression level of miR-515-5p was significantly increased (P<0.05). Conclusion: Knockdown of circ_0000670 could inhibit cell proliferation, migration, invasion of gastric cancer cells, induce cell cycle arrest in G(0)/G(1) phase and promote cell apoptosis by regulating the miR-515-5p/SIX1 axis.