Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition Markers Research Articles

HHLA2 deficiency inhibits pancreatic cancer progression and THP-1 macrophage M2 polarization via EGFR/MAPK/ERK and mTOR/AKT pathway

BackgroundHuman endogenous retrovirus subfamily H long terminal repeat associating protein 2, (HHLA2), a member of B7 family, exhibits heightened expression in various malignant tumors. However, the exact functions of HHLA2 in pancreatic cancer (PC) remain incompletely elucidated.MethodsWe initially conducted an analysis of the B7 family members’ expression pattern in pancreatic tumor samples and adjacent normal tissues using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Subsequently, immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR and western blot methods were used to assess HHLA2 expression levels in PC tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, after silencing HHLA2 in PC cell lines, cell migration and proliferation of PC cells were detected by wound healing and CCK-8 assays, and cell invasion of PC cells was detected by transwell assays. We also investigated the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and levels of EGFR, MEK, ERK1/2, mTOR and AKT via western blot analysis. Finally, the correlation between HHLA2 expression and immune infiltration was further explored.ResultsSilencing of HHLA2 resulted in the inhibition of PC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, potentially through the suppression of the EGFR/MAPK/ERK and mTOR/AKT signaling pathway. Additionally, silencing HHLA2 led to the inhibition of M2-type polarization of tumor associated macrophages (TAMs).ConclusionThe knockdown of HHLA2 was observed to inhibit the migration and invasion of PC cells through the regulation of the EMT process and EGFR/MAPK/ERK and mTOR/AKT pathway. Furthermore, silencing HHLA2 was found to modulate M2 polarization of TAMs. These finding suggest that HHLA2 could be a promising therapeutic target for Pancreatic cancer.

Association between the expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers and oncologic outcomes of colorectal cancer

BackgroundEpithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key step in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) that confers metastatic capabilities to cancer cells. The present study aimed to assess the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression and impact of EMT markers, including E-cadherin, Vimentin, β-catenin, and SMAD4, on the oncologic outcomes of CRC.MethodsThis was a retrospective review of 118 CRC patients. Tissue slides were retrieved from the slide archive and five tissue microarray construction blocks were constructed. IHC for E-cadherin, Vimentin, β-catenin, and SMAD4 was done. The main outcome was the association between abnormal marker expression and overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS).ResultsAdenocarcinomas accounted for 71.2% of tumors, whereas 25.4% and 3.4% were mucinous and signet ring cell carcinomas. The rates of lymphovascular invasion and perineural invasion were 72.9% and 20.3%, respectively. There was a positive, significant correlation, and association between the four markers. Abnormal expression of E-cadherin was associated with significantly lower OS (p < 0.0001) and similar DFS (p = 0.06). Abnormal Vimentin expression was associated with a significantly higher rate of distant metastasis (p = 0.005) and significantly lower OS and DFS (p < 0.0001). Abnormal expression of β-catenin was associated with significantly lower OS (p < 0.0001) and similar DFS (p = 0.15). Abnormal expression of SMAD4 was associated with significantly lower OS and DFS (p < 0.0001). Abnormal expression of all four markers was associated with a higher disease recurrence, lower OS, and lower DFS.ConclusionAbnormal expression of each marker was associated with lower OS, whereas abnormal expression of Vimentin and SMAD4 only was associated with lower DFS.

Extracellular matrix markerLAMC2 targets ZEB1 to promote TNBC malignancy via up-regulating CD44/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous and aggressive disease characterized by a high risk of mortality and poor prognosis. It has been reported that Laminin γ2 (LAMC2) is highly expressed in a variety of tumors, and its high expression is correlated with cancer development and progression. However, the function and mechanism by which LAMC2 influences TNBC remain unclear. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining were used to examine the expression level of LAMC2 in TNBC. Subsequently, cell viability assay, wound healing and transwell assay were performed to detect the function of LAMC2 in cell proliferation and migration. A xenograft mouse model was used to assess tumorigenic function of LAMC2 in vivo. Luciferase reporter assay and western blot were performed to unravel the underlying mechanism. In this study, we found that higher expression of LAMC2 significantly correlated with poor survival in the TNBC cohort. Functional characterization showed that LAMC2 promoted cell proliferation and migration capacity of TNBC cell lines via up-regulating CD44. Moreover, LAMC2 exerted oncogenic roles in TNBC through modulating the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. Luciferasereporterassay verified that LAMC2 targeted ZEB1to promote its transcription.Interestingly, LAMC2 regulated cell migration in TNBC via STAT3 signaling pathway. LAMC2 targeted ZEB1 via activating CD44/STAT3 signaling pathway to promote TNBC proliferation and migration, suggesting that LAMC2 could be a potential therapeutic target in TNBC patients.

Macrophage-Induced Carboxypeptidase A4 Promotes the Progression of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer.

Background: The density of tumor-associated macrophages in the tumor microenvironment of anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is associated with poor prognosis. However, the crosstalk between macrophages and ATC cells is poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the impact of macrophages on cancer cell phenotypes. We found a new mediator between M2 macrophages and ATC cells through proteomics analysis. Methods: The role of macrophages in proliferation, migration, and invasion of ATC cells was evaluated using coculture assay and conditioned medium (CM). Secretory factors in the CM from single or coculture were identified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry proteomics analysis. We evaluated the role of the secretory factor in proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells. In vivo xenograft model was used to evaluate the effect of the factor. Results: M2 macrophages significantly increased the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ATC cells, whereas M1 macrophages decreased the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ATC cells. Based on proteomic analysis of CM, we identify carboxypeptidase A4 (CPA4) as a mediator of the crosstalk between macrophages and ATC cells. CPA4 was only detected in the coculture media of M2 macrophage/8505C, and its expression in cancer cells increased by M2 macrophage. The expression of CPA4 protein was significantly higher in human thyroid cancers, particularly in ATCs, than normal and benign tissues. A bioinformatics analysis of public data revealed that CPA4 expression was associated with poor prognosis and dedifferentiation of thyroid cancer. Knockdown of CPA4 suppressed proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion of ATC cells, consistent with the decrease of STAT3, ERK, and AKT/mTOR phosphorylation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker expression. In addition, the increased expression of CPA4 in cancer cells by M2 macrophage stimulation induced the polarization of macrophages to the M2 phenotype, which formed a positive feedback loop. Xenograft tumors did not develop after CPA4 knockdown. Conclusions: Our data suggest that CPA4 stimulates the progression of thyroid cancer by mediating between M2 macrophages and ATC cells. CPA4 can be a new therapeutic target for the treatment of patients with ATC.

SOAT1 regulates cholesterol metabolism to induce EMT in hepatocellular carcinoma

Cholesterol metabolism reprogramming is one of the significant characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cholesterol increases the risk of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer. Sterol O-acyltransferases 1 (SOAT1) maintains the cholesterol homeostasis. However, the exact mechanistic contribution of SOAT1 to EMT in HCC remains unclear. Here we demonstrated that SOAT1 positively related to poor prognosis of HCC, EMT markers and promoted cell migration and invasion in vitro, which was mediated by the increased cholesterol in plasmalemma and cholesterol esters accumulation. Furthermore, we reported that SOAT1 disrupted cholesterol metabolism homeostasis to accelerate tumorigenesis and development in HCC xenograft and NAFLD-HCC. Also, we detected that nootkatone, a sesquiterpene ketone, inhibited EMT by targeting SOAT1 in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our finding indicated that SOAT1 promotes EMT and contributes to hepatocarcinogenesis by increasing cholesterol esterification, which is suppressed efficiently by nootkatone. This study demonstrated that SOAT1 is a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in NAFLD-HCC and SOAT1-targeting inhibitors are expected to be the potential new therapeutic treatment for HCC.

Regulation of cellular and molecular markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition by Brazilin in breast cancer cells.

Breast cancer is the most common invasive neoplasm and the leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. The main cause of mortality in cancer patients is invasion and metastasis, where the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial player in these processes. Pharmacological therapy has plants as its primary source, including isoflavonoids. Brazilin is an isoflavonoid isolated from Haematoxilum brasiletto that has shown antiproliferative activity in several cancer cell lines. In this study, we evaluated the effect of Brazilin on canonical markers of EMT such as E-cadherin, vimentin, Twist, and matrix metalloproteases (MMPs). By Western blot, we evaluated E-cadherin, vimentin, and Twist expression and the subcellular localization by immunofluorescence. Using gelatin zymography, we determined the levels of secretion of MMPs. We used Transwell chambers coated with matrigel to determine the in vitro invasion of breast cancer cells treated with Brazilin. Interestingly, our results show that Brazilin increases 50% in E-cadherin expression and decreases 50% in vimentin and Twist expression, MMPs, and cell invasion in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) MDA-MB-231 and to a lesser extend in MCF7 ER+ breast cancer cells. Together, these findings position Brazilin as a new molecule with great potential for use as complementary or alternative treatment in breast cancer therapy in the future.

PITPNA-AS1 Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Migration in Ovarian Cancer by Regulating the MIR-223-3p/RHOB Axis.

Ovarian cancer is a fatal gynecologic malignancy. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has been verified to serve as key regulator in ovarian cancer tumorigenesis. The aim of the study was to study the functions and mechanism of lncRNA PITPNA-AS1 in ovarian cancer cellular process. Clinical ovarian cancer samples were collected and stored at an academic medical center. Cellular fractionation assays and fluorescence in situ hybridization were conducted to locate PITPNA-AS1 in OC cells. TUNEL staining, colony-forming assays, and Transwell assays were performed for evaluating cell apoptosis as well as proliferative and migratory abilities. Western blot was conducted for quantifying protein levels of epithelialmesenchymal transition markers. The binding relation between genes was verified by RNA pulldown, RNA immunoprecipitation, and luciferase reporter assays. Gene expression levels in ovarian cancer tissues and cells were subjected to RT-qPCR. PITPNA-AS1 level was downregulated in ovarian cancer samples and cells. PITPNA-AS1 overexpression contributed to the accelerated ovarian cancer cell apoptosis and inhibited cell migration, proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition process. In addition, PITPNA-AS1 interacted with miR-223-3p to regulate RHOB. RHOB knockdown partially counteracted the repressive impact of PITPNA-AS1 on ovarian cancer cell activities. PITPNA-AS1 inhibited ovarian cancer cellular behaviors by targeting miR-223-3p and regulating RHOB.

Circulating Tumor Cell Phenotype Detection and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Tracking Based on Dual Biomarker Co-Recognition in an Integrated PDMS Chip.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are widely considered as a reliable and promising class of markers in the field of liquid biopsy. As CTCs undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), phenotype detection of heterogeneous CTCs based on EMT markers is of great significance. In this report, an integrated analytical strategy that can simultaneously capture and differentially detect epithelial- and mesenchymal-expressed CTCs in bloods of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLS) patients is proposed. First, a commercial biomimetic polycarbonate (PCTE) microfiltration membrane is employed as the capture interface for heterogenous CTCs. Meanwhile, differential detection of the captured CTCs is realized by preparing two distinct CdTe quantum dots (QDs) with red and green emissions, attached with EpCAM and Vimentin aptamers, respectively. For combined analysis, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chip with simple structure is designed, which integrates the membrane capture and QDs-based phenotype detection of CTCs. This chip not only implements the analysis of the number of CTCs down to 2 cellsmL-1, but enables EMT process tracking according to the specific signals of the two QDs. Finally, this method is successfully applied to inspect the correlations of numbers or proportions of heterogenous CTCs in 94 NSCLS patients with disease stage and whether there is distant metastasis.

NANOG regulate the JAK/STAT3 pathway to promote trophoblast cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) through protein interaction with CDK1.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are a common pregnancy disease. NANOG and Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) are essential for regulating the function of cell proliferation and apoptosis. However, the mechanism of action in HDP is yet unclear. The microarray dataset GSE6573 was downloaded from the GEO database. Emt-related gene set was downloaded from Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition gene database 2.0 were screened differentially expressed genes by bioinformatics analysis. Pathway Commons and Scansite 4.0 databases were used to predict the interaction between proteins. Placental tissue samples were collected from HDP patients and patients with uneventful pregnancies. RT-qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of NANOG, CDK1, MMP-2, MMP-9, EMT markers and the JAK/STAT3 pathway proteins. Transfection NANOG overexpression/knockdown, and CDK1 knockdown into the human chorionic trophoblast cells (HTR-8/Svneo). CCK-8, Transwell and Wound-healing assay were used to evaluate cell proliferation, invasion and migration. CO-IP and GST pull-down assays were used to confirm the protein interaction. A total obtained seven EMT-related differentially expressed genes, wherein NANOG, NODAL and LIN28A had protein interaction. In the HDP patients' tissue found that NANOG and CDK1 had lower expression. NANOG overexpression promoted HTR-8/Svneo proliferation, migration and EMT, while NANOG knockdown had the opposite effect. Further a protein interaction between STAT3 and CDK1 with NANOG. NANOG overexpression downregulated the JAK/STAT3 pathway to promote HTR-8/Svneo proliferation, migration and EMT, which was reversed by CDK1 knockdown. NANOG downregulated the JAK/STAT3 pathway to promote trophoblast cell proliferation, migration and EMT through protein interaction with CDK1.

Negative regulation of SH2B3 by SMYD5 controls epithelial-mesenchymal transition in lung cancer

The main cause of death in lung cancer patients is metastasis. Thus, efforts to suppress micrometastasis or distant metastasis in lung cancer, identify therapeutic targets and develop related drugs are ongoing. In this study, we identified SMYD5 as a novel metastasis regulator in lung cancer and found that SMYD5 was overexpressed in lung cancer based on both RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis results derived from the TCGA portal and immunohistochemical analysis results; knockdown of SMYD5 inhibited cell migration and invasion by changing EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition) markers and MMP9 expression in NCI-H1299 and H1703 cell lines. Additionally, SMYD5 knockdown increased SH2B3 expression by decreasing the level of H4K20 trimethylation. Furthermore, in an in vitro EMT system using TGF-β treatment, SMYD5 knockdown resulted in reduced cell migration and invasion in the highly invasive NCI-H1299 and H1703 cell lines. Based on these findings, we propose that SMYD5 could serve as a potential therapeutic target for lung cancer treatment and that cotreatment with an SMYD5 inhibitor and chemotherapy may enhance the therapeutic effect of lung cancer treatment.

The Impact of Inadequate Exposure to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors on the Development of Resistance in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) inevitably develop resistance through several biological mechanisms. However, little is known on the molecular mechanisms underlying acquired resistance to suboptimal EGFR-TKI doses, due to pharmacodynamics leading to inadequate drug exposure. To evaluate the effects of suboptimal EGFR-TKI exposure on resistance in NSCLC, we obtained HCC827 and PC9 cell lines resistant to suboptimal fixed and intermittent doses of gefitinib and compared them to cells exposed to higher doses of the drug. We analyzed the differences in terms of EGFR signaling activation and the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, whole transcriptomes byRNA sequencing, and cell motility. We observed that the exposure to low doses of gefitinib more frequently induced a partial EMT associated with an induced migratory ability, and an enhanced transcription of cancer stem cell markers, particularly in the HCC827 gefitinib-resistant cells. Finally, the HCC827 gefitinib-resistant cells showed increased secretion of the EMT inducer transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, whose inhibition was able to partially restore gefitinib sensitivity. These data provide evidence that different levels of exposure to EGFR-TKIs in tumor masses might promote different mechanisms of acquired resistance.

LncRNA DDX11-AS1 promotes cell growth, migration and invasion through regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer.

This study aimed to investigate the expression of long non-coding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA) DDX11 antisense RNA 1 (DDX11-AS1) in breast cancer (BC) tissues and cells and investigate its biological function and potential molecular mechanism through in vitro experiments. Tissue specimens were obtained from 44 BC patients. TRIzol method was used to extract RNAs from the tissues. The relative expression of DDX11-AS1 in BC tissues and the expression of DDX11-AS1 in BC cells were detected via quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The effect of DDX11-AS1 on the proliferation ability of BC cells was detected via cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Flow cytometry was adopted to study the effect of DDX11-AS1 on the distribution of BC cell cycle. Transwell assays were performed to analyze the effects of DDX11-AS1 on the migration and invasion abilities of BC cells. Finally, after interfering with the expression of DDX11-AS1 in BC cells, changes in the expressions of molecular markers for epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were detected via Western blotting. According to the results of qRT-PCR, the expression of DDX11-AS1 was up-regulated in 38 out of 44 cases of BC tissues compared with that in the para-carcinoma tissues, and the expression of DDX11-AS1 in BC cells was up-regulated as well. After interference with the expression of DDX11-AS1 in BC cells, it was found via CCK-8 assay that the proliferation ability of BC cells was restrained, flow cytometry results showed that the BC cell cycle was arrested at G1/G0 phase, and the results of transwell assays revealed that the cell invasion and migration abilities were suppressed in experimental group compared with those in control group. According to the results of Western blotting, after interfering with the expression of DDX11-AS1 in BC cells, there were changes in the expressions of molecular markers for EMT. In BC, the expression of lncRNA DDX11-AS1 is up-regulated, which promotes the proliferation, migration and invasion of BC cells by regulating EMT.

Coupling of the expression of proliferation and epithelialmesenchymal transition markers with the histidine-rich glycoprotein HRG mRNA expression in breast diseases

Non-malignant breast diseases (NMBD) may increase the risk of developing a malignant neoplasm. Therefore, it seems relevant to search for criteria for cell malignancy in NMBD. Aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between expression of proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) mRNA in breast diseases. Material and methods. In breast biopsy specimens of 37 patients with invasive carcinoma of a non-specific type (ICNT) and 17 patients with NMBD expression of proliferation markers (Ki-67, cyclin D1 (CCND1)) and EMT markers (E-cadherin (CDH1), type II collagen (CII) and β1-integrin (CD29)) was determined immunohistochemically. HRG mRNA expression was estimated using real time PCR. Results. HRG mRNA expression was detected in 91.9 % cases (34 of 37) in ICNT, 82.4 % (14 of 17) in NMBD and in the latter case was inversely related to the expression of CDH1, CD29 and Ki-67. A direct relationship has been established between the presence of Ki-67 and CCND1, CII, between CCND1 and CD29 in NMBD. In patients with ICNT, a direct correlation was found between the HRG mRNA expression and the presence of CII, and an inverse correlation between the number of cells containing CII and CD29. It was found that in ICNT and NMBD with the presence of HRG mRNA expression, the CDH1 expression is less than in its absence. Conclusions. Indicators of HRG mRNA expression in NMBD, combined with the assessment of proliferation and EMT markers, can be useful in developing criteria for cell malignancy in benign breast diseases.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition dysregulation in prostate cancer: Insights from molecular unraveling and epidemiological analyses in Tunisia, North Africa.

The progression of prostate cancer (PCa) has been linked worldwide, including in African populations, to the dysregulation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). To clarify the connection among EMT markers, clinicopathological parameters, and epidemiological factors, we analyzed 35 PCa specimens from patients in Tunisia, a country in North Africa, arranged by stages. We also carried out extensive molecular and epidemiological analyses. Significant dysregulation of EMT genes was found, with an overexpression of ZEB-1, Twist, Snail-1, and Vimentin (p<0.05) and underexpression of E-cadherin and β-catenin (p<0.05). Positive correlations were observed between transcription factors and the mesenchymal marker Vimentin (p<0.001, r=0.574; p=0.029, r=0.411; and p<0.001; r=0.506) according to Spearman correlation analyses, whereas negative correlations were found between epithelial markers (E-cadherin, β-catenin) and Vimentin (p<0.05; r<0). Higher PSA, Gleason scores, and metastasis were all correlated with the dysregulation of EMT (p<0.05). Notably, there was a positive correlation between higher consumption of tobacco (≥20 Packets per year) and Vimentin expression (p<0.001, r=0.854), suggesting a relationship between smoking and EMT activation in the Tunisian population. Moreover, Twist showed a positive correlation with diabetes (p<0.001, r=0.385), whereas no significant correlations were found between EMT markers and comorbidities such as hypertension and coronary insufficiency. These results demonstrate the intricate connection between molecular changes, epidemiological factors, and disease progression, and they emphasize the crucial role that EMT plays in promoting PCa aggressiveness in African populations, particularly in Tunisia. In summary, understanding these correlations could help develop focused treatment plans and enhance patient outcomes for PCa management in African settings.

Modulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition by gemcitabine: Targeting ionizing radiation-induced cellular senescence in lung cancer cell

Ionizing radiation, a standard therapeutic approach for lung cancer, often leads to cellular senescence and the induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), posing significant challenges in treatment efficacy and cancer progression. Overcoming these obstacles is crucial for enhancing therapeutic outcomes in lung cancer management. This study investigates the effects of ionizing radiation and gemcitabine on lung cancer cells, with a focus on induced senescence, EMT, and apoptosis. Human-derived A549, PC-9, and mouse-derived Lewis lung carcinoma cells exposed to 10 Gy X-ray irradiation exhibited senescence, as indicated by morphological changes, β-galactosidase staining, and cell cycle arrest through the p53-p21 pathway. Ionizing radiation also promoted EMT via TGFβ/SMAD signaling, evidenced by increased TGFβ1 levels, altered EMT marker expressions, and enhanced cell migration. Gemcitabine, a first-line lung cancer treatment, was shown to enhance apoptosis in senescent cells caused by radiation. It inhibited cell proliferation, induced mitochondrial damage, and triggered caspase-mediated apoptosis, thus mitigating EMT in vitro. Furthermore, in vivo studies using a lung cancer mouse model revealed that gemcitabine, combined with radiation, significantly reduced tumor volume and weight, extended survival, and suppressed malignancy indices in irradiated tumors. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that gemcitabine enhances the therapeutic efficacy against radiation-resistant lung cancer cells, both by inducing apoptosis in senescent cells and inhibiting EMT, offering potential improvements in lung cancer treatment strategies.

ATF3 characterizes aggressive drug-tolerant persister cells in HGSOC

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) represents the most common and lethal subtype of ovarian cancer. Despite initial response to platinum-based standard therapy, patients commonly suffer from relapse that likely originates from drug-tolerant persister (DTP) cells. We generated isogenic clones of treatment-naïve and cisplatin-tolerant persister HGSOC cells. In addition, single-cell RNA sequencing of barcoded cells was performed in a xenograft model with HGSOC cell lines after platinum-based therapy. Published single-cell RNA-sequencing data from neo-adjuvant and non-treated HGSOC patients and patient data from TCGA were analyzed. DTP-derived cells exhibited morphological alterations and upregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. An aggressive subpopulation of DTP-derived cells showed high expression of the stress marker ATF3. Knockdown of ATF3 enhanced the sensitivity of aggressive DTP-derived cells to cisplatin-induced cell death, implying a role for ATF3 stress response in promoting a drug tolerant persister cell state. Furthermore, single cell lineage tracing to detect transcriptional changes in a HGSOC cell line-derived xenograft relapse model showed that cells derived from relapsed solid tumors express increased levels of EMT and multiple endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers, including ATF3. Single cell RNA sequencing of epithelial cells from four HGSOC patients also identified a small cell population resembling DTP cells in all samples. Moreover, analysis of TCGA data from 259 HGSOC patients revealed a significant progression-free survival advantage for patients with low expression of the ATF3-associated partial EMT genes. These findings suggest that increased ATF3 expression together with partial EMT promote the development of aggressive DTP, and thereby relapse in HGSOC patients.

Prognostic biomarker NRG2 correlates with autophagy and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition in breast cancer.

Breast cancer (BRCA) is a leading cause of death in women worldwide, accounting for 31% of female cancer. Autophagy plays a crucial role in cancer progression, however, the function of autophagy-related gene neuroregulatory protein 2 (NRG2) in BRCA and its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, the expression of the NRG2 gene in BRCA was significantly down-regulated compared with the normal controls. The low expression level of NRG2 was related to poor survival rate of BRCA. The receiver operating characteristic curve of NRG2 showed a good diagnostic value for distinguishing BRCA from normal tissues (AUC=0.932). GO-KEGG analysis and GSEA enrichment analysis showed that NRG2 and its regulated genes were enriched in autophagy-related and immune-related pathways, and NRG2 was positively correlated with a number of immune cells and immune checkpoint genes. In addition, knockdown of NRG2 significantly promoted the proliferation, invasion and migration of BRCA cells. The autophagy marker, LC3-II and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker, vimentin were increased, while P62 and E-cadherin were decreased in response to NRG2 depletion. The findings of the present study demonstrated that NRG2 acts as a tumor suppressor factor that contributes to the immune escape and anti-tumor immunity inhibition by regulating the pathological process of autophagy and EMT, suggesting that NRG2 could be used as a prognostic biomarker and clinical target for BRCA therapy.

Vitamin A Status Modulates Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in the Lung: The Role of Furin.

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) induced TGF-β hyperactivation and reduced expression of cell adhesion proteins in the lung, suggesting that the disruption of retinoic acid (RA) signaling leads to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). To elucidate the role of lung vitamin A status in EMT, several EMT markers and the expression of the proprotein convertase furin, which activates TGF-β, were analyzed in two experimental models. Our in vivo model included control rats, VAD rats, and both control rats and VAD rats, treated with RA. For the in vitro studies, human bronchoalveolar epithelial cells treated with RA were used. Our data show that EMT and furin are induced in VAD rats. Furthermore, furin expression continues to increase much more markedly after treatment of VAD rats with RA. In control rats and cell lines, an acute RA treatment induced a significant increase in furin expression, concomitant with changes in EMT markers. A ChIP assay demonstrated that RA directly regulates furin transcription. These results emphasize the importance of maintaining vitamin A levels within the physiological range since both levels below and above this range can cause adverse effects that, paradoxically, could be similar. The role of furin in EMT is discussed.

Abstract P24: Elucidating the Mechanism of Action of Lenvatinib in Estrogen Receptor-Positive (ER+) Breast Cancer

Abstract Background: ER+ breast cancer is the most common subtype of breast cancer. Although most patients respond initially to endocrine therapy (ET), endocrine resistance inevitably develops, leading to disease progression. Lenvatinib, a multi-kinase inhibitor, demonstrated clinical benefit in the treatment of patients with advanced ER+ breast cancer who have progressed on ET in a phase Ib/II clinical trial from our group. Our study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanism of action of lenvatinib in ER+ breast cancer. Methods: A cell viability assay was performed to assess the sensitivity of four ER+ cell lines to lenvatinib. Western blot was used to elucidate its effect on downstream pathway signalling, and cell cycle arrest investigated through flow cytometry. A series of functional assays, including BrdU, colony formation and wound-healing assays assessed proliferative, clonogenic and migratory activity respectively. The effect of lenvatinib on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was analysed using RT-qPCR, and compared with siRNA knockdown (KD) of Fgfr1 and Fgfr2. Results: ER+ cell lines demonstrated sensitivity to lenvatinib in the micromolar range. Western blot showed downregulation of FGFR1, FGFR2, pERK and pAKT expression post-treatment. Lenvatinib was found to induce a G1 phase arrest, suppressed cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, and diminished both the clonogenic ability and migratory activity of ER+ cells. Lenvatinib treatment reduced expression of Fgfr1, Fgfr2 and the mesenchymal markers N-cad and Fibronectin, while increasing the expression of the epithelial markers E-cad and Claudin-1, indicating potential inhibition of EMT. A similar change in EMT marker expression was observed in Fgfr1 KD but not Fgfr2 KD cells. Conclusion: Lenvatinib demonstrated potent anti-cancer activity and induction of G1 phase arrest, leading to decreased cell proliferation, reduction of clonogenic ability and cell migration. EMT inhibition was also observed, possibly through the FGFR1 signalling pathway. Citation Format: Natasha Gandasasmita, Gauri Vaidya, Arpita Datta, Charlie Marvalim, Joline Si Jing Lim, Soo Chin Lee. Elucidating the Mechanism of Action of Lenvatinib in Estrogen Receptor-Positive (ER+) Breast Cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of Frontiers in Cancer Science; 2023 Nov 6-8; Singapore. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(8_Suppl):Abstract nr P24.

Imaging and molecular features of adenomyosis after menopause

ObjectivesTo explore the imaging features and the molecular characterization of adenomyosis after menopause. Study designAn observational cross-sectional study was performed in a group of postmenopausal patients undergoing a transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) (n = 468). Among those presenting the US criteria for adenomyosis, also confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), previous menstrual symptoms, gynecological and obstetric history were reviewed. In a subgroup undergoing hysterectomy, uterine specimens were analyzed by histology and expression of genes implicated in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, inflammation and fibrosis, including the sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) pathway, was evaluated and compared to matched non-menopausal adenomyosis specimens. Main outcome measuresDirect and indirect US features of adenomyosis according to Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment at TVUS. Molecular characterization of postmenopausal versus pre-menopausal adenomyosis samples. ResultsAccording to TVUS and MRI, adenomyosis was identified in 49 patients (10.4 %). On US, diffuse adenomyosis was the most common phenotype, whereas internal adenomyosis with diffuse pattern and asymmetric type was the most prevalent on MRI. Molecular analysis showed that adenomyosis lesions express markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, inflammation and fibrosis also in postmenopausal women. By comparing the results with those from pre-menopausal samples, the expression of α smooth muscle actin (αSMA), a marker of fibrosis, was significantly greater after menopause, and altered S1P catabolism and signaling were observed. ConclusionsAdenomyosis may be identified in postmenopausal women by imaging, either TVUS or MRI, and fibrosis is one of the key features on molecular analysis.