STAT3 Target Research Articles

Screening and Identification of Antidepressant Active Ingredients from Puerariae Radix Extract and Study on Its Mechanism.

Objective. Depression is a common mental disease with long course and high recurrence rate. Previous studies showed that Puerariae Radix and its extracts have powerful antidepressant effects in recent years. The study proposed an integrated strategy, combining network pharmacology and molecular pharmacology experiment to investigate the mechanisms of the antidepressant active ingredients from Puerariae Radix. Methods. TCMSP database, GeneCards database, Venny 2.1, UniProt database, STRING database, Cytoscape 3.7.2, and Metascape database were used to screen the active chemical components, antidepressant-related genes, and core targets, convert the abbreviated gene names in batch, search and predict the interaction between proteins, and construct the PPI network of Puerariae Radix. KEGG pathway and GO biological process enrichment and biological annotation were used to select antidepressant core gene targets. The MTT method was used to detect the effect of puerarin on the damage of PC12 cells induced by corticosterone. The DCFH-DA probe and ROS assay kit were utilized to detect the production of ROS in PC12 cells. PI/Annexin V was used to detect the apoptotic rate of puerarin on PC12 cells. Western blotting was used to verify the regulation of puerarin on the key targets of AKT1, FOS, CASP3, STAT3, and TNF-α in PC12 cells. Results and Conclusion. Eight main active components, 64 potential antidepressant gene targets, and 15 core antidepressant gene targets were obtained. 35 signaling pathways and 52 biological processes related to antidepressant effect of Puerariae Radix were identified. Puerarin was the active ingredient derived from Puerariae Radix which exhibited the antidepression effect by improving the viability of cell, reducing cell apoptosis, regulating ROS production, increasing protein expressions of AKT1 and FOS, and reducing protein expressions of CASP3, STAT3, and TNF-α. The study revealed the pharmacodynamic material basis and possible antidepressant mechanism of Puerariae Radix and provided new theoretical basis and ideas for antidepressant research.

Mechanism of Sang-Ju-Yin on Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Based on Network Pharmacology

<i>Objective</i>: Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is an acute infectious disease caused by enterovirus 71 (EV71), Coxsackie virus A16 (CA16) and other enteroviruses. For the treatment of HFMD, there are no recognized specific treatment drugs. In recent years, with the continuous development of traditional Chinese medicine, the clinical use of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of HFMD reports is increasing. At present, traditional Chinese medicine is mainly used to disperse wind and heat, clear heat and detoxify, clearing damp and dispel evil, but most of them do not know the exact mechanism of treatment. In this paper, the network pharmacology method was adopted to analyze the main active components and action targets of Sang-Ju-Yin (SJY) and to construct corresponding pathways, and to explore the mechanism of action of SJY in the treatment of HFMD. <i>Methods</i>: The active components of SJY were collected and potential targets were searched by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). GeneCards platform was used to find disease targets, and a protein interaction network (PPI) was constructed using the STRING platform. Cytoscape 3.6.0 software was used to screen out the key targets. The enrichment analysis of KEGG pathway and gene function analysis (go) was carried out by R language bioconducor package. <i>Results</i>: There were 151 main active components such as quercetin, luteolin and wogonin, and 15 intersection targets were obtained after 78 targets and 100 hand foot mouth disease targets intersected. Key pathways such as TNF signaling pathway, measures and influenza A were obtained by KEGG analysis. <i>Conclusions</i>: The main active components of SJY are quercetin, luteolin, wogonin, kaempferol, aloe emodin, Licochalcone A. It mainly regulates AKT1, Bax, IKBKB, IL-6, STAT3 and other targets, regulates TNF, influenza A and other signaling pathways to inhibit inflammatory response and regulate immune function, so as to achieve the purpose of treating hand foot mouth disease.

Long non-coding RNA TINCR promotes hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation and invasion via STAT3 signaling by direct interacting with T-cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (TCPTP)

ABSTRACT The long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in modulating numerous important cancer phenotypes via formation of RNA-protein complex. TINCR (terminal differentiation-induced lncRNA) modulates cancer cell behavior in many human malignancies, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, we proposed to investigate the underlying mechanism by which TINCR regulates HCC progression via formation of RNA-protein. RNA pulldown, LC-MS/MS, bioinformatics analysis, and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were employed to identify TINCR-interacting protein TCPTP in HCC cells. The siRNAs for TINCR and TCPTP were transfected into HCC cells. The plasmids encoding full length or the 1–360 nt deletion of TINCR were generated and applied to cell transfection. The CCK-8, colony formation, EdU, wound healing along with transwell assays were employed to examine cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and infiltration. Real-time PCR, as well as western blot assays were employed to assess the levels of STAT3 phosphorylation and its target genes. We identified 1–360 nt region of TINCR, which directly bound with the phosphatase domain of TCPTP to inhibit its tyrosine phosphatase activity. Then, the results showed that the increasing of cell growth, migration, infiltration, and the reducing of apoptosis in TINCR-knockdown HCC cells was remarkably reversed with TCPTP silence. Additionally, Δ1-360 TINCR overexpression did not affect HCC cell growth, apoptosis, migration, infiltration, and STAT3 target genes expression. Our data revealed that TINCR directly bound TCPTP and suppressed the dephosphorylation of STAT3, thus promoting STAT3 activation and its downstream target genes in HCC progression and tumorigenicity. Highlights LncRNA TINCR interacted with protein TCPTP LncRNA TINCR maintained STAT3 phosphorylation LncRNA TINCR affected STAT3 signaling in HCC Abbreviations: lncRNAs: long non-coding RNAs; TINCR: terminal differentiation-induced lncRNA; TCPTP: T cell protein tyrosine phosphatase; siRNA: small-interfering RNA; HCC: hepatocellular carcinoma; nt: nucleotide; LC-MS/MS: Liquid Chromatography - Tandem Mass Spectrometry; RIP: RNA immunoprecipitation; ANOVA: analysis of variance; EdU: 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine; real-time PCR: real-time polymerase chain reaction; CCK-8: cell counting kit-8; aa: amino acids; STAT3: signal transducer and activator of transcription 3

Transcriptome profiling reveals Silibinin dose-dependent response network in non-small lung cancer cells.

Silibinin (SIL), a natural flavonolignan from the milk thistle (Silybum marianum), is known to exhibit remarkable hepatoprotective, antineoplastic and EMT inhibiting effects in different cancer cells by targeting multiple molecular targets and pathways. However, the predominant majority of previous studies investigated effects of this phytocompound in a one particular cell line. Here, we carry out a systematic analysis of dose-dependent viability response to SIL in five non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) lines that gradually differ with respect to their intrinsic EMT stage. By correlating gene expression profiles of NSCLC cell lines with the pattern of their SIL IC50 response, a group of cell cycle, survival and stress responsive genes, including some prominent targets of STAT3 (BIRC5, FOXM1, BRCA1), was identified. The relevancy of these computationally selected genes to SIL viability response of NSCLC cells was confirmed by the transient knockdown test. In contrast to other EMT-inhibiting compounds, no correlation between the SIL IC50 and the intrinsic EMT stage of NSCLC cells was observed. Our experimental results show that SIL viability response of differently constituted NSCLC cells is linked to a subnetwork of tightly interconnected genes whose transcriptomic pattern can be used as a benchmark for assessment of individual SIL sensitivity instead of the conventional EMT signature. Insights gained in this study pave the way for optimization of customized adjuvant therapy of malignancies using Silibinin.

G-CSF Receptor Deletion Amplifies Cortical Bone Dysfunction in Mice With STAT3 Hyperactivation in Osteocytes.

Bone strength is determined by the structure and composition of its thickened outer shell (cortical bone), yet the mechanisms controlling cortical consolidation are poorly understood. Cortical bone maturation depends on SOCS3-mediated suppression of IL-6 cytokine-induced STAT3 phosphorylation in osteocytes, the cellular network embedded in bone matrix. Because SOCS3 also suppresses granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor receptor (G-CSFR) signaling, we here tested whether global G-CSFR (Csf3r) ablation altereed bone structure in male and female mice lacking SOCS3 in osteocytes, (Dmp1Cre :Socs3f/f mice). Dmp1Cre :Socs3f/f :Csf3r-/- mice were generated by crossing Dmp1Cre :Socs3f/f mice with Csf3r-/- mice. Although G-CSFR is not expressed in osteocytes, Csf3r deletion further delayed cortical consolidation in Dmp1Cre :Socs3f/f mice. Micro-CT images revealed extensive, highly porous low-density bone, with little true cortex in the diaphysis, even at 26 weeks of age; including more low-density bone and less high-density bone in Dmp1Cre :Socs3f/f :Csf3r-/- mice than controls. By histology, the area where cortical bone would normally be found contained immature compressed trabecular bone in Dmp1Cre :Socs3f/f :Csf3r-/- mice and greater than normal levels of intracortical osteoclasts, extensive new woven bone formation, and the presence of more intracortical blood vessels than the already high levels observed in Dmp1Cre :Socs3f/f controls. qRT-PCR of cortical bone from Dmp1Cre :Socs3f/f :Csf3r-/- mice also showed more than a doubling of mRNA levels for osteoclasts, osteoblasts, RANKL, and angiogenesis markers. The further delay in cortical bone maturation was associated with significantly more phospho-STAT1 and phospho-STAT3-positive osteocytes, and a threefold increase in STAT1 and STAT3 target gene mRNA levels, suggesting G-CSFR deletion further increases STAT signaling beyond that of Dmp1Cre :Socs3f/f bone. G-CSFR deficiency therefore promotes STAT1/3 signaling in osteocytes, and when SOCS3 negative feedback is absent, elevated local angiogenesis, bone resorption, and bone formation delays cortical bone consolidation. This points to a critical role of G-CSF in replacing condensed trabecular bone with lamellar bone during cortical bone formation. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Gracillin shows potent efficacy against colorectal cancer through inhibiting the STAT3 pathway.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) accounts for about 10% of all annually diagnosed cancers and cancer‐related deaths worldwide. STAT3 plays a vital role in the occurrence and development of tumours. Gracillin has shown a significant antitumour activity in tumours, but its mechanism remains unknown. The human CRC cell lines HCT116, RKO, and SW480 and immunodeficient mice were used as models to study the effects of gracillin on cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis. These were evaluated by cell viability, colony formation, wound‐healing migration and cell apoptosis assays. Luciferase reporter assay, and immunostaining and western blot analyses were used to explore the specific mechanism through which gracillin exerts its effects. Gracillin significantly reduces viability and migration and stimulates apoptosis in human CRC cells. It also significantly inhibits tumour growth with no apparent physiological toxicity in animal model experiments. Moreover, gracillin is found to inhibit STAT3 phosphorylation and STAT3 target gene products. In addition, gracillin inhibits IL6‐induced nuclear translocation of P‐STAT3. Gracillin shows potent efficacy against CRC by inhibiting the STAT3 pathway. It should be further explored as a unique STAT3 inhibitor for the treatment of CRC.

Gp130 Cytokines Activate Novel Signaling Pathways and Alter Bone Dissemination in ER+ Breast Cancer Cells.

Breast cancer cells frequently home to the bone marrow, where they encounter signals that promote survival and quiescence or stimulate their proliferation. The interleukin-6 (IL-6) cytokines signal through the co-receptor glycoprotein130 (gp130) and are abundantly secreted within the bone microenvironment. Breast cancer cell expression of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) receptor (LIFR)/STAT3 signaling promotes tumor dormancy in the bone, but it is unclear which, if any of the cytokines that signal through LIFR, including LIF, oncostatin M (OSM), and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), promote tumor dormancy and which signaling pathways are induced. We first confirmed that LIF, OSM, and CNTF and their receptor components were expressed across a panel of breast cancer cell lines, although expression was lower in estrogen receptor-negative (ER- ) bone metastatic clones compared with parental cell lines. In estrogen receptor-positive (ER+ ) cells, OSM robustly stimulated phosphorylation of known gp130 signaling targets STAT3, ERK, and AKT, while CNTF activated STAT3 signaling. In ER- breast cancer cells, OSM alone stimulated AKT and ERK signaling. Overexpression of OSM, but not CNTF, reduced dormancy gene expression and increased ER+ breast cancer bone dissemination. Reverse-phase protein array revealed distinct and overlapping pathways stimulated by OSM, LIF, and CNTF with known roles in breast cancer progression and metastasis. In breast cancer patients, downregulation of the cytokines or receptors was associated with reduced relapse-free survival, but OSM was significantly elevated in patients with invasive disease and distant metastasis. Together these data indicate that the gp130 cytokines induce multiple signaling cascades in breast cancer cells, with a potential pro-tumorigenic role for OSM and pro-dormancy role for CNTF. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Ikaros antagonizes DNA binding by STAT5 in pre-B cells.

The IKZF1 gene, which encodes the Ikaros transcription factor, is frequently deleted or mutated in patients with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemias that express oncogenes, like BCR-ABL, which activate the JAK-STAT5 pathway. Ikaros functionally antagonizes the transcriptional programs downstream of IL-7/STAT5 during B cell development, as well as STAT5 activity in leukemic cells. However, the mechanisms by which Ikaros interferes with STAT5 function is unknown. We studied the genomic distribution of Ikaros and STAT5 on chromatin in a murine pre-B cell line, and found that both proteins colocalize on >60% of STAT5 target regions. Strikingly, Ikaros activity leads to widespread loss of STAT5 binding at most of its genomic targets within two hours of Ikaros induction, suggesting a direct mechanism. Ikaros did not alter the level of total or phosphorylated STAT5 proteins, nor did it associate with STAT5. Using sequences from the Cish, Socs2 and Bcl6 genes that Ikaros and STAT5 target, we show that both proteins bind overlapping sequences at GGAA motifs. Our results demonstrate that Ikaros antagonizes STAT5 DNA binding, in part by competing for common target sequences. Our study has implications for understanding the functions of Ikaros and STAT5 in B cell development and transformation.

MiRNA-532-5p Regulates CUMS-Induced Depression-Like Behaviors and Modulates LPS-Induced Proinflammatory Cytokine Signaling by Targeting STAT3.

BackgroundIt is known that miR-532-5p is critical for neuronal differentiation. However, the role of miR-532-5p in depression remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of miR-532-5p in major depressive disorder (MDD).MethodsThe depression mice model was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and confirmed by forced swimming test (FST) and sucrose preference test (SPT). The role of miR-532-5p in MDD was detected by tail suspension test (TST), FST, SPT and SIT. QRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-139-5p in hippocampus and BV-2 microglia of mice. ELISA and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS), proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and MCP-1) and transcriptional activator 3 (STAT3). Luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the downstream target genes of miR-532-5p.ResultsMiR-532-5p was significantly reduced in the hippocampus of mice treated with CUMS. Overexpression of miR-532-5p significantly reduced CUMS-induced depression-like behaviors and suppressed the expression of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α and MCP-1. MiR-532-5p directly targeted signal transducers and STAT3 in BV2 cells. In addition, overexpression of miR-532-5p restrained the raise of inducible NOS and IL-6, IL-1 β, TNF-α and MCP-1 in LPS-exposed BV2 cells.ConclusionThis study indicates that miR-532-5p plays an important role in CUMS-induced depression-like behaviors by targeting STAT3, and miR-532-5p may be a potential target for MDD therapy.

Response to radiotherapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is enhanced by inhibition of myeloid-derived suppressor cells using STAT3 anti-sense oligonucleotide.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a heterogeneous tumor microenvironment (TME) comprised of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumor-associated macrophages, neutrophils, regulatory T cells, and myofibroblasts. The precise mechanisms that regulate the composition of the TME and how they contribute to radiotherapy (RT) response remain poorly understood. In this study, we analyze changes in immune cell populations and circulating chemokines in patient samples and animal models of pancreatic cancer to characterize the immune response to radiotherapy. Further, we identify STAT3 as a key mediator of immunosuppression post-RT. We found granulocytic MDSCs (G-MDSCs) and neutrophils to be increased in response to RT in murine and human PDAC samples. We also found that RT-induced STAT3 phosphorylation correlated with increased MDSC infiltration and proliferation. Targeting STAT3 using an anti-sense oligonucleotide in combination with RT circumvented RT-induced MDSC infiltration, enhanced the proportion of effector T cells, and improved response to RT. In addition, STAT3 inhibition contributed to the remodeling of the PDAC extracellular matrix when combined with RT, resulting in decreased collagen deposition and fibrotic tissue formation. Collectively, our data provide evidence that targeting STAT3 in combination with RT can mitigate the pro-tumorigenic effects of RT and improve tumor response.

Enhanced anti-tumor effects of the PD-1 blockade combined with a highly absorptive form of curcumin targeting STAT3.

PD‐1/PD‐L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors are promising cancer immunotherapies however responses are still limited and the development of more effective combination immunotherapy is needed. We previously reported that STAT3 activation in cancer cells and immune cells was involved in immune‐resistant mechanisms. In this study, we evaluated the effect of highly absorptive forms of curcumin extracts and synthetic curcumin on anti‐tumor T cell responses. The curcumin po administration resulted in the significant augmentation of in vivo induction of tumor antigen‐specific T cells through restoration of dendritic cells (DCs) by inhibiting directly STAT3 in DCs and indirectly via reduced IL‐6 production from STAT3 activated cancer cells in 2 syngeneic MC38 and CT26 murine tumor models. Curcumin also showed direct DC enhancing activity and enhanced T cell induction for the immunized antigens in non‐tumor‐bearing mice and human hosts. Curcumin restored DC functions in xenogeneic nude mouse model implanted with high IL‐6‐producing human clear cell ovarian cancer cells. The combination of curcumin and PD‐1/PD‐L1 Abs demonstrated a synergistic anti‐tumor activity in MC38 murine tumor models. These results indicated that curcumin augments the induction of tumor antigen‐specific T cells by restoring the T cell stimulatory activity of DCs targeting activated STAT3 in both cancer cells and immune cells. Combination immunotherapy with curcumin and PD‐1/PD‐L1 Ab is an attractive strategy in the development of effective immunotherapy against various cancers.

STAT3-BDNF-TrkB signalling promotes alveolar epithelial regeneration after lung injury.

Alveolar epithelial regeneration is essential for recovery from devastating lung diseases. This process occurs when type II alveolar pneumocytes (AT2 cells) proliferate and transdifferentiate into type I alveolar pneumocytes (AT1 cells). We used genome-wide analysis of chromatin accessibility and gene expression following acute lung injury to elucidate repair mechanisms. AT2 chromatin accessibility changed substantially following injury to reveal STAT3 binding motifs adjacent to genes that regulate essential regenerative pathways. Single-cell transcriptome analysis identified brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) as a STAT3 target gene with newly accessible chromatin in a unique population of regenerating AT2 cells. Furthermore, the BDNF receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) was enriched on mesenchymal alveolar niche cells (MANCs). Loss or blockade of AT2-specific Stat3, Bdnf or mesenchyme-specific TrkB compromised repair and reduced Fgf7 expression by niche cells. A TrkB agonist improved outcomes in vivo following lung injury. These data highlight the biological and therapeutic importance of the STAT3-BDNF-TrkB axis in orchestrating alveolar epithelial regeneration.

Novel 1,3,4-oxadiazole Targets STAT3 Signaling to Induce Antitumor Effect in Lung Cancer.

Lung cancer is the leading type of malignancy in terms of occurrence and mortality in the global context. STAT3 is an oncogenic transcription factor that is persistently activated in many types of human malignancies, including lung cancer. In the present report, new oxadiazole conjugated indazoles were synthesized and examined for their anticancer potential in a panel of cancer cell lines. Among the new compounds, 2-(3-(6-chloro-5-methylpyridin-3-yl)phenyl)-5-(1-methyl-1H-indazol-3-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (CHK9) showed consistently good cytotoxicity towards lung cancer cells with IC50 values ranging between 4.8–5.1 µM. The proapoptotic effect of CHK9 was further demonstrated by Annexin-FITC staining and TUNEL assay. In addition, the effect of CHK9 on the activation of STAT3 in lung cancer cells was examined. CHK9 reduced the phosphorylation of STAT3Y705 in a dose-dependent manner. CHK9 had no effect on the activation and expression of JAK2 and STAT5. It also reduced the STAT3-dependent luciferase reporter gene expression. CHK9 increased the expression of proapoptotic (p53 and Bax) proteins and decreased the expression of the antiapoptotic (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, BID, and ICAM-1) proteins. CHK9 displayed a significant reduction in the number of tumor nodules in the in vivo lung cancer model with suppression of STAT3 activation in tumor tissues. CHK9 did not show substantial toxicity in the normal murine model. Overall, CHK9 inhibits the growth of lung cancer cells and tumors by interfering with the STAT3 signaling pathway.

Inhibition of the Activity of Cyclophilin A Impedes Prolactin Receptor-Mediated Signaling, Mammary Tumorigenesis, and Metastases

SummaryProlactin (PRL) and its receptor (PRLr) play important roles in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Cyclophilin A (CypA) is a cis-trans peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPI) that is constitutively associated with the PRLr and facilitates the activation of the tyrosine kinase Jak2. Treatment with the non-immunosuppressive prolyl isomerase inhibitor NIM811 or CypA short hairpin RNA inhibited PRL-stimulated signaling, breast cancer cell growth, and migration. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that NIM811 inhibited two-thirds of the top 50 PRL-induced genes and a reduction in gene pathways associated with cancer cell signaling. In vivo treatment of NIM811 in a TNBC xenograft lessened primary tumor growth and induced central tumor necrosis. Deletion of CypA in the MMTV-PyMT mouse model demonstrated inhibition of tumorigenesis with significant reduction in lung and lymph node metastasis. The regulation of PRLr/Jak2-mediated biology by NIM811 demonstrates that a non-immunosuppressive prolyl isomerase inhibitor can function as a potential breast cancer therapeutic.

The NKL-code for innate lymphoid cells reveals deregulated expression of NKL homeobox genes HHEX and HLX in anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL).

NKL homeobox genes encode developmental transcription factors and display an NKL-code according to their physiological expression pattern in hematopoiesis. Here, we analyzed public transcriptome data from primary innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) for NKL homeobox gene activities and found that ILC3 expressed exclusively HHEX while in ILC1 and ILC2 these genes were silenced. Deregulation of the NKL-code promotes hematopoietic malignancies, including anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) which reportedly may derive from ILC3. Accordingly, we analyzed NKL homeobox gene activities in ALCL cell lines and investigated their role in this malignancy. Transcriptome analyses demonstrated low expression levels of HHEX but powerfully activated HLX. Forced expression of HHEX in ALCL cell lines induced genes involved in apoptosis and ILC3 differentiation, indicating tumor suppressor activity. ALCL associated NPM1-ALK and JAK-STAT3-signalling drove enhanced expression of HLX while discounting HHEX. Genomic profiling revealed copy number gains at the loci of HLX and STAT3 in addition to genes encoding both STAT3 regulators (AURKA, BCL3, JAK3, KPNB1, NAMPT, NFAT5, PIM3, ROCK1, SIX1, TPX2, WWOX) and targets (BATF3, IRF4, miR135b, miR21, RORC). Transcriptome data of ALCL cell lines showed absence of STAT3 mutations while MGA was mutated and downregulated, encoding a novel potential STAT3 repressor. Furthermore, enhanced IL17F-signalling activated HLX while TGFbeta-signalling inhibited HHEX expression. Taken together, our data extend the scope of the NKL-code for ILCs and spotlight aberrant expression of NKL homeobox gene HLX in ALCL. HLX represents a direct target of ALCL hallmark factor STAT3 and deregulates cell survival and differentiation in this malignancy.

Abstract 6077: The role of STAT3 and Snai2 in ovarian cancer metastasis

Abstract Ovarian cancer remains a deadly disease due in part to ovarian cancer metastasis. Recent work has demonstrated that ovarian cancer forms clusters of cells (spheroids) that attach to the peritoneum by clearing the mesothelial cell layer and then invade the underlying matrix to metastasize. Understanding the key pathways and downstream transcription factors that are driving ovarian cancer metastasis may allow us to develop new therapies to treat metastatic ovarian cancer. Importantly, we have found that the STAT3 transcription factor is necessary for mesothelial clearance by ovarian spheroids. To identify key downstream STAT3 target genes involved in ovarian cancer metastasis, we analyzed publicly available STAT3 chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-seq datasets for genes associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. One of the genes that we identified was the transcriptional modulator Snai2 (Slug). To verify that Snai2 was downstream of STAT3, we transfected ovarian cancer cells with siRNA to STAT3 and analyzed Snai2 gene expression. We found reduced expression of Snai2 with siRNA to STAT3 suggesting that STAT3 upregulates Snai2 expression. To determine the effects of Snai2 on mesothelial clearance by ovarian spheroids, we transfected ovarian cancer cells with siRNA to Snai2 or control, generated spheroids, and performed a mesothelial clearance assay. We found that reduced expression of Snai2 decreased the ability of the ovarian cancer cells to clear the mesothelial cell layer suggesting that Snai2 plays an important role in the early stages of ovarian cancer metastasis. Recognizing that Snai2 is a transcriptional modulator, we were interested in determining if Snai2 affected STAT3 activity. Analysis of available Snai2 ChIP-seq data identified three putative Snai2 binding sites associated with the STAT3 gene, suggesting that Snai2 may also regulate STAT3 gene expression. To determine if Snai2 affects STAT3 gene expression, ovarian cancer cells were transfected with siRNA to Snai2 and STAT3 mRNA expression was analyzed. From this, we found that reducing Snai2 expression also reduced STAT3 expression. Taken together, our data suggests that STAT3 and Snai2 form a feedforward loop promoting upregulation of each other and together they promote the early stages of ovarian cancer metastasis. Therefore, developing an inhibitor to one of these transcription factors would affect both proteins and may be beneficial to prevent or treat metastatic ovarian cancer. Citation Format: David F. Walker, Sarah J. Lacroix, Yuri Makar, Sarah R. Walker. The role of STAT3 and Snai2 in ovarian cancer metastasis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 6077.

3123 – STAT3 INHIBITION IS A SYNTHETIC LETHAL VULNERABILITY FOR SPLICING FACTOR-MUTATED HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELLS

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) sustain adult hematopoiesis, and their malfunction causes blood disorders including myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Mutations in pre-mRNA splicing machinery predominate in MDS, however the mechanism of action remains unclear. We discovered a selective dependency of HSPCs defective in Splicing Factor 3B, subunit 1 (SF3B1), the top mutated splicing factor in MDS. Using loss-of-function sf3b1 mutant zebrafish, we showed that impaired splicing hindered HSPC specification. RNA-sequencing of kdrl:gfp+ endothelial cells from sf3b1 mutants and siblings revealed ∼900 mis-spliced genes including Stat3 pathway components. Stat3 target genes were significantly downregulated in sf3b1 mutants, demonstrating decreased Stat3 function. Constitutively active Stat3 overexpression partially suppressed the sf3b1 mutant HSPC defect. Morpholino-induced stat3 mis-splicing or pharmacological Stat3 inhibition with STATTIC significantly decreased HSPCs in sf3b1 heterozygotes but had no effect in wild-type embryos, demonstrating synthetic lethality. Similarly, we demonstrated that murine Sf3b1+/K700E mutant HSPCs were more susceptible to eradication by STATTIC treatment than wild-type cells both in vivo and ex vivo. Moreover, primary MDS patient cells with SF3B1 mutations produced fewer hematopoietic colonies with STATTIC treatment versus controls, further demonstrating conservation of the SF3B1-STAT3 interaction. Using zebrafish, murine and human models, we also showed this STAT3 synthetic lethal interaction was evident in other MDS-associated splicing factor mutants, but not mutants for the epigenetic regulator TET2. Our findings demonstrate a conserved and selective synthetic lethal interaction between STAT3 function and splicing factor defects that is a novel vulnerability for splicing factor mutant HSPCs with important implications for MDS treatment.

Targeting Stat3 signaling impairs the progression of bladder cancer in a mouse model.

Bladder cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed malignancy in men worldwide and has one of the highest recurrence rates of all cancers. This cancer type is unique because chronic inflammation caused by Schistosoma haematobium can cause bladder cancer, while inflammation induced by Bacillus Calmette Guerin is the therapeutic cornerstone for this cancer type. Activation of proinflammatory IL-6/Stat3 axis promotes the development of different cancers by acting on cancer cells as well as by modulating cancer microenvironment. Using a genetic and pharmacological approach in a mouse model, we demonstrated the importance of IL-6 and Stat3 signaling in bladder cancer. Our findings show that pharmacological inhibition of Stat3 with WP1066 effectively delays progression and invasiveness of bladder cancer in N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine-induced mouse model. Moreover, either IL-6 blockade or Stat3 inhibition sensitized bladder cancer to anti-PD-L1 immune therapy. Taken together, our study demonstrates an important role of IL-6/Stat3 signaling in bladder cancer and creates a rationale for testing the therapeutic potential of Stat3 inhibitors in human MIBC both alone or in combination with anti-PD-L1 and anti-IL-6 therapy.

Abstract B14: Atovaquone targets STAT3 in ovarian cancer spheroids

Abstract Ovarian cancer remains a deadly disease for countless women. Recent evidence demonstrates that ovarian cancer cell clusters, spheroids, are important in promoting ovarian recurrence and metastasis. Often these spheroids are resistant to therapy. Therefore, we were interested in identifying drugs that could target ovarian cancer spheroids. To do this, we wanted to identify pathways that were activated in cells growing in three-dimensional (3D) clusters. Analysis of gene expression from 2D and 3D growing cells identified STAT3 as a pathway enriched in 3D growing cells. STAT3 is a transcription factor that is activated by tyrosine phosphorylation. In ovarian cancer cells, activation usually occurs from interleukin 6 (IL-6) binding to the IL-6 receptor and recruiting the signal transducer molecule (GP130, IL6ST). This activates Jak kinases that then tyrosine phosphorylates STAT3. Once activated, STAT3 dimerizes, translocates into the nucleus, and regulates the expression of target genes. Using shRNA targeting STAT3 and the upstream signaling molecule, GP130, we found that reduction of both STAT3 and its upstream signaling molecule GP130 reduced the growth of spheroids. This suggested that targeting STAT3 or an upstream signaling molecule might be a viable treatment option. Atovaquone, used normally for the treatment of malaria or the prevention of pneumocystis pneumonia, inhibits STAT3 activation by inhibiting the expression of GP130 on the cell surface. Therefore, we hypothesized that atovaquone would have efficacy in ovarian cancer spheroids. Treatment of ovarian spheroids with atovaquone reduced their growth and viability. Importantly, atovaquone inhibited STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation and target gene expression, demonstrating that atovaquone is inhibiting STAT3 in ovarian spheroids. Preliminary data suggest that overexpression of STAT3 partially rescues the effects of atovaquone on spheroid growth. As spheroids are also involved in ovarian cancer metastasis, we are currently assessing the effects of atovaquone on spheroid-mediated ovarian cancer metastasis. Taken together, our data suggest that atovaquone may be a beneficial treatment for ovarian cancer patients. Citation Format: Kayli E. Neil, Sarah J. Lacroix, David F. Walker, Suhu Liu, David A. Frank, Sarah R. Walker. Atovaquone targets STAT3 in ovarian cancer spheroids [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 13-16, 2019; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(13_Suppl):Abstract nr B14.

&lt;p&gt;miR-125a Restrains Cell Migration and Invasion by Targeting STAT3 in Gastric Cancer Cells [Retraction]&lt;/p&gt;

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.2147/OTT.S168454.].