Relationship of E-cadherin, Beta-catenin, N-cadherin, ZEB1 and ?SMA as Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition markers with prognostic factors in early and advanced stage laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas

Aims: To investigate the relationship between E-cadherin, beta-catenin, N-cadherin, ZEB1, and ?SMA as epithelial-mesenchymal transformation markers with tumor stage, lymph node metastasis (LNM), and overall survival (OS) in laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (LSCC). Materials and Methods: A total of 100 cases diagnosed with LSCC were included in the study. Data about the lymphovascular invasion (LVI), perineural invasion (PNI), necrosis, and LNM were recorded by evaluating hematoxylin-eosin–stained slides. Markers of E-cadherin, beta-catenin, N-cadherin, ZEB1, and ?SMA were applied to the sections prepared from paraffin blocks of tumor samples. Results: Ninety-five male and five female patients were included in the study, and 38 of them exited. A significant relationship was observed between OS with advanced tumor stage, presence of LNM and PNI. A significant relationship was found between increased tumor Zeb1 expression and advanced tumor stage. In univariate and multivariate analyses, a significant negative relationship with OS, and increased Zeb1 expression in tumor and tumor stroma was seen. Any relationship was not observed between E-cadherin, beta-catenin, N-cadherin, and ?SMA and OS. Conclusion: Among the EMT markers, we evaluated in our study, it was seen that Zeb1, which is an EMT transcription factor, is associated with tumor stage, LNM, and OS. Remarkably, Zeb1 expression observed in tumor stroma was also significant for OS. Any similar data reported for LSCCs have not been encountered in the literature, and it was thought that it would be appropriate to support our findings with further studies to be performed on this subject.

Immunohistochemical appraisal of epithelial mesenchymal transition type III in gall bladder cancer

Background: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the heart of invasion. EMT associated with cancer progression and metastasis is known as type III EMT. Beta-catenin, E-cadherin, and MMP9 markers of EMT are routinely employed for diagnostic purposes. Aims: We employed these markers to study EMT by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in gall bladder cancer (GBC) with respect to depth of tumor invasion, clinical outcome, and disease-free survival. Settings and Design: This was a prospective case-control study. Material and Methods: Seventy gall bladders were included (50 GBC and 20 CC). After detailed histology, immunoexpression was studied in terms of percentage and strength of expression. Statistics Analysis Used: Expression was compared between CC and GBC by Student t test and analysis of variance. Kaplan–Meier was used for survival analysis, and the extent of agreement (“Kappa”) was calculated. Results and Conclusions: The age of incidence of GBC was 49.40 (+11.6) years with female predominance (F:M = 4:1). In 88% (44/50) of GBC, the fundus was involved. Moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma was most frequent [54%; 27/50]. Significant downregulation of E-cadherin (P = 0.022) and beta-catenin (P < 0.001) and upregulation in MMP9 (P < 0.001) were seen in GBC with respect to CC with significant association among them. MMP9 expression was significantly associated with higher tumor stage but with chemotherapeutic response. Our results display that epithelial-mesenchymal transition type III plays a role in GBC invasion. MMP9 overexpression and loss of membranous beta-catenin may be considered a marker for poor clinical outcomes and advanced disease.

RNF43 inhibits PD-L1 expression via β-catenin in melanoma cells and promotes CD8 + T cell-mediated anti-tumor immune reaction / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To investigate the regulatory effects of ring finger protein 43 (RNF43) on CD8 + T cell-mediated anti-tumor immune reaction in melanoma. Methods:RNF43 gene was over-expressed and knockdown in mouse melanoma cells line B16-OVA by lentivirus infection; In vivo proliferation of mouse melanoma cells line B16-OVA in the Lv-Ctrl-OE, Lv-RNF43-OE, Lv-Ctrl-KD and Lv-RNF43-KD groups was detected by subcutaneous tumorigenesis assay in mice, and the expression levels of CD8 + T cells perforin and interferon γ (IFN-γ) in tumor immune microenvironment of melanoma were detected by flow cytometry; The expression levels of β-catenin and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) mRNA in cells were detected by quantitative real-time PCR assay; The effect of RNF43 on the transcriptional regulation of PD-L1 was detected by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Results:Stable RNF43 over-expressing and RNF43 knockdown mouse melanoma cells lines Lv-RNF43-OE and Lv-RNF43-KD were successfully constructed. The results of subcutaneous tumorigenesis experiment in mice showed that the tumor mass of the Lv-RNF43-OE group was (0.08±0.06) g, which was significantly smaller than that of the Lv-Ctrl-OE group [ (1.04±0.52) g], with a statistically significant difference ( t=3.71, P=0.032) ; The tumor mass of Lv-RNF43-KD group was (1.94±0.29) g, with no statistically significant difference ( t=-1.70, P=0.164) compared with that of the Lv-Ctrl-KD group (1.15±0.74) g. The flow cytometry results showed that the fluorescence intensity of CD8 + T cell perforin in the Lv-RNF43-OE group was 9 034 ± 2 628, which was significantly higher than that in the Lv-Ctrl-OE group (3 847 ±1 637), with a statistically significant difference ( t=-3.35, P=0.015) ; The fluorescence intensity of CD8 + T cell perforin in the Lv-RNF43-KD group was 966±247, which was significantly lower than that in the Lv-Ctrl-KD group (2 226±646), with a statistically significant difference ( t=3.16, P=0.034) ; The fluorescence intensity of IFN-γ of CD8 + T cell in the Lv-RNF43-OE group was 2 422±429, which was significantly higher than that of 1 688±324 in the Lv-Ctrl-OE group, with a statistically significant difference ( t=-2.73, P=0.034) ; The fluorescence intensity of IFN-γ of CD8 + T cell in the Lv-RNF43-KD group was 614 (454, 863), with a statistically significant difference ( Z=-1.96, P=0.050) compared with 1 159 (1 152, 2 068) in the Lv-Ctrl-KD group. The results of quantitative real-time PCR showed that the relative expression level of β-catenin mRNA in the Lv-RNF43-OE group was 0.67±0.16, which was significantly lower than that of 1.00±0.11 in the Lv-Ctrl-OE group, with a statistically significant difference ( t=2.98, P=0.041) ; The relative expression level of PD-L1 mRNA in the Lv-RNF43-OE group was 0.32±0.09, which was significantly lower than that of 1.00±0.09 in the Lv-Ctrl-OE group, with a statistically significant difference ( t=9.13, P=0.001). The results of the dual-luciferase reporter gene assay showed that the PD-L1 promoter luciferase activity in the pCMV6-NC, RNF43, RNF43+β-catenin and β-catenin groups were 1.00±0.00, 0.84±0.00, 1.49±0.00 and 1.57±0.03 ( F=2 218.33, P<0.001). Further pairwise comparison showed that compared with the pCMV6-NC group, PD-L1 promoter luciferase activity was significantly lower in the RNF43 group ( P<0.001) and significantly higher in the RNF43+β-catenin and β-catenin groups ( P<0.001; P=0.003) ; compared with the RNF43 group, PD-L1 promoter luciferase activity was significantly higher in the RNF43+β-catenin group ( P<0.001) . Conclusion:RNF43 may reduce the expression of PD-L1 mRNA in melanoma by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin and promote CD8 + T cell-mediated anti-tumor immune reaction.

Effect of aluminum exposure on abnormal phosphorylationof tau protein in PC12 cells of rats / 预防医学

Objective @#To investigate the effect of aluminum exposure on expression of miR-497-5p, wingless murine breast cancer virus integration site family member 3a (Wnt3a), β-catenin protein, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) protein and tau protein in rat adrenal pheochromocytoma PC12 cells, so as to provide insight into unraveling the mechanisms underlying aluminum exposure-induced abnormal phosphorylation of tau protein.@* Methods@# PC12 cells were exposed to Al(mal)3 at concentrations of 0, 100, 200, 400 μmol/L for 24 h. The viability of PC12 cells was measured using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The relative expression of miR-497-5p and Wnt3a was detected using a real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assay, and the expression of Wnt3a, β-catenin, GSK-3β, P-GSK-3β (Ser9), tau and p-tau (Ser396) proteins were determined using Western blotting. @*Results @#The viability of PC12 cells appeared a tendency towards a decline with the increase of aluminum dose (Ftrend=323.473, P=0.001). RT-qPCR assay detected that the relative miR-497-5p expression appeared a tendency towards a rise with the increase of aluminum dose (Ftrend=14.888, P=0.031), and the relative Wnt3a expression appeared a tendency towards a decline with the increase of aluminum dose (Ftrend=165.934, P<0.001). The miR-497-5p expression negatively correlated with the relative Wnt3a expression (r=-0.693, P=0.012). The expression of Wnt3a (Ftrend=357.656, P=0.001), β-catenin (Ftrend=208.750, P=0.001) and p-GSK-3β (Ser9) proteins (Ftrend=512.583, P<0.001) appeared a tendency towards a decline with the increase of aluminum dose, and the expression of GSK-3β (Ftrend=39.965, P<0.001), tau (Ftrend=277.929, P=0.006) and p-tau (Ser396) proteins (Ftrend=96.247, P=0.002) appeared a tendency towards a rise with the increase of aluminum dose. @*Conclusion@# Up-regulation of miR-497-5p and GSK-3β expression and down-regulation of Wnt3a and β-catenin expression may be a mechanism underlying aluminum exposure-induced abnormal phosphorylation of tau protein.

The study on the repair effect of Dipsacus saponins Ⅵ on tibial fracture model rats based on Wnt/β-catenin pathway / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To observe the repair effect and possible mechanism of Dipsacus saponins Ⅵ on tibial fracture model rats.Methods:Thirty Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into model group, intervention group, and combination group, with 10 rats in each group, to establish a tibial fracture rat model using the sawing method. On the second day after surgery, the intervention group was intraperitoneally injected with 10 mg/kg of Chuanduduan saponin Ⅵ; The combination group received intraperitoneal injection of Dipsacus saponins Ⅵ 10 mg/kg and XAV939 1 mg/animal; The model group was intraperitoneally injected with 0.2 ml of physiological saline solution and 0.2 ml of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) solution; Once a day, continuous intervention for 14 days. After 2 to 4 weeks of intervention, Micro CT scan and X-ray scan were used to observe the fracture healing status; After 4 weeks of intervention, the wet weight of the tibia was detected; Hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of callus tissue; The Western blot method was used to detect the expression level of callus tissue β- catenin (β-catenin), p-β-catenin, glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3 β) and Runt related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) protein.Results:After 2 and 4 weeks of intervention, the bone volume fraction (BV/TV), number of trabeculae (Tb.N), Lane Sandhu score, and callus volume in the intervention group were higher than those in the model group (all P<0.05); After 2 and 4 weeks of intervention, the BV/TV, Tb.N, Lane Sandhu score, and callus volume in the combined group were lower than those in the intervention group (all P<0.05). The wet weight of the tibia in the intervention group was higher than that in the model group at 4 weeks after intervention ( P<0.05); The wet weight of the tibia in the combined group was lower than that in the intervention group ( P<0.05). The HE staining results showed that the model group had fibrous tissue hyperplasia and more bone trabeculae, but the maturity was not high and the thickening was not significant; The intervention group formed more bony callus, with orderly arrangement of bone trabeculae, partially mature, and obvious mineralization, consistent with the direction of stress; The combined group formed more cartilaginous and fibrous callus, with more mineralization at the edge of the cartilaginous callus and the formation of bone trabeculae. Abundant capillaries can be observed in the gaps. The expression level of Runx2 and p-β-catenin/β-catenin protein in callus tissue of the intervention group was higher than that of the model group, the protein expression GSK-3 β level was lower than that of the model group (all P<0.05); The expression level of Runx2 and p-β-catenin/β-catenin protein in the callus tissue of the combined group was lower than that of the intervention group; the protein expression level of GSK-3β was higher than that of the intervention group (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Dipsacus saponins Ⅵ can effectively promote fracture repair in tibial fracture model rats; It is possible to plays a role by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Alteraciones genéticas en la vía canónica Wnt/β-catenina en cáncer colorrectal

El objetivo de esta revisión es comprender la complejidad de la vía de señalización canónica Wnt/β-catenina (VSC-WβC) en el cáncer colorrectal (CCR): funcionamiento, principales mutaciones y nuevas moléculas terapéuticas en investigación. Se buscaron los artículos médicos más relevantes del tema en PubMed, Scopus y SciELO. VSC-WβC controla importantes fenómenos biológicos celulares; las alteraciones genéticas de esta vía contribuyen significativamente al CCR. La VSC-WβC se activa por la unión del ligando Wnt con el receptor Frizzled y la proteína relacionada al receptor 5 o 6 de la lipoproteína de baja densidad (LRP5/6); este complejo ternario en la membrana extracelular activa a las quinasas que inducen la fosforilación del dominio intracelular de LRP5/6 e inicia la cascada de señalización celular. La VSC-WβC está alterada en más del 90 % de todos los CCR, y es el gen de la poliposis coli adenomatosa, uno de los componentes con mayores transgresiones en este tipo de cáncer. La VSC-WβC es un blanco importante en la investigación de los nuevos tratamientos del cáncer, en los últimos años; varios inhibidores de la vía se han desarrollado para el tratamiento de CCR (anticuerpos monoclonales, proteínas inhibidoras, pequeñas moléculas selectivas y otras familias innovadoras), la mayoría de ellos en etapas preclínicas. En conclusión, el CCR está asociado con mutaciones en VSC-WβC, cuya activación continua otorga a las células cancerosas propiedades de crecimiento autorrenovables y se asocia con la resistencia al tratamiento del CCR. Existe una activa investigación de nuevas moléculas innovadoras que modulan esta vía de señalización; sin embargo, ninguna ha sido aprobada para uso comercial hasta la fecha.

The goal of this study is to better understand the complexity of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin (C-WNT) signaling pathway in colorectal cancer (CRC): how it works, its key mutations and the novel therapeutic compounds under development. PubMed, Scopus and SciELO were used to find the most relevant medical literature on the issue. The C-WNT signaling pathway regulates essential cellular biological processes: genetic changes in this pathway are significant contributors to CRC. The Wnt ligand binding to the Frizzled receptor and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 or 6 (LRP5/6) stimulates the C-WNT signaling pathway; this extracellular membrane ternary complex activates kinases that promote phosphorylation of the intracellular domain of LRP5/6 and starts the cell signaling cascade. The C-WNT signaling pathway is changed in more than 90 % of all CRCs, with the adenomatous polyposis coli gene showing the great majority of mutations in this type of cancer. In recent years, the C-WNT signaling pathway has been an important target for researching new cancer treatments; various inhibitors of the pathway (monoclonal antibodies, inhibitory proteins, selective small compounds and other novel families) have been developed for the treatment of CRC, being the majority of them still in preclinical phases. In conclusion, CRC is related to mutations in the C-WNT signaling pathway, whose persistent activation provides cancer cells with self-renewing growth capabilities and is linked to treatment resistance in CRC. There is active research on novel and innovative compounds that affect this signaling pathway; however, none has received commercial approval so far.

Serum long-noncoding RNA H19 and beta-catenin as biomarkers for early diagnosis of colorectal cancer in egyptian patients: a case control study

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death; however, its early detection can improve the survival. Colonic polyps are considered one of the CRC's major risk factors. Throughout many biological processes and malignancies, the non-coding RNAs have essential functions. Certain long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), including H19, were supposed to be CRC possible biomarkers. Also, H19 has been reported to play a role in regulating the activity of beta-catenin, a protein that regulates cell-to-cell adhesion, as well as gene transcription. The current work aimed to investigate the potential significance of LncRNA H19 relative serum expression level by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) and beta-catenin by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as noninvasive biomarkers to discriminate between colorectal cancer and colonic polyps. The statistical analysis of the studied factors revealed that the serum expression of H19 and beta-catenin in cancer cases were substantially greater than colonic polyp cases and normal control. Conclusion: The relative expressions of H19 and beta-catenin in the serum can significantly discriminate patients with CRC from those with polyp and normal controls, which could help when screening for CRC. (AU)

Musashi RNA-binding protein 2 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma growth through the Wnt/β-catenin / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the mechanism that how Musashi RNA-binding protein 2 (MSI2) regulates HCC growth.Methods:Short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was transfected to inhibit MSI2 expression, and cells were divided into transfection control plasmid (sh-Ctrl) group and sh-MSI2 group. In the MSI2 overexpression experiment, cells were divided into control group (Vector group, transfected with blank plasmid Vector) and overexpression group (MSI2 group, transfected with MSI2 recombinant plasmid). Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 and plate cloning assays. Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of β-catenin, transcription factor 7 (TCF7) and lymphoid enhancer factor 1 (LEF1) after MSI2 intervention. In the Rescue recovery experiment, cells were divided into MSI2+ sh-Ctrl group (transfected with MSI2 recombinant plasmid and sh-Ctrl plasmid at the same time) and MSI2+ sh-β-catenin group (transfected with MSI2 recombinant plasmid and sh-β-catenin plasmid at the same time). On the basis of overexpression of MSI2, β-catenin was knocked down to detect the proliferation ability of HCC cells.Results:The proliferation rates of HepG2 and MHCC97H cells in the sh-MSI2 group were lower than those in the sh-Ctrl group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). The proliferation rates of SMMC-7721 cells and MHCC97L cells in the MSI2 group were higher than those in the Vector group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). The results of the clone formation experiment showed that compared with the sh-Ctrl group, the number of HepG2 cell clones in the sh-MSI2 group [(129.7±6.5) vs. (286.0±12.8)] and the number of MHCC97H cell clones [(134.0±6.7) vs. (248.0±14.1)] were reduced, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05); compared with the Vector group, the number of SMMC-7721 cell clones [(242.0±5.6) vs. (135.3±8.7)] and MHCC97L cell clones [(308.0±9.0) vs. (149.7±5.9)] in the MIS2 group were increased, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of β-catenin, TCF7 and LEF1 in HepG2 and MHCC97H cells in the sh-MSI2 group were lower than those in the sh-Ctrl group, and the differences between groups were statistically significant ( P<0.05). In contrast, compared with the Vector group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of β-catenin, TCF7 and LEF1 in SMMC-7721 and MHCC97L cells in the MSI2 group were all increased, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Compared with the MSI2+ sh-Ctrl group, the cell proliferation ability of the MSI2+ sh-β-catenin group was decreased, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Plate cloning experiments showed that the number of cell clones in the MSI2+ sh-β-catenin group was less than that in the MSI2+ sh-Ctrl group [(138.3±7.0) vs. (246.3±8.0), P=0.028]. Conclusion:MSI2 promotes HCC cell proliferation through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, leading to tumor progression.

Pancreatic solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis / Neoplasia sólida pseudopapilífera pancreática em pacientes com polipose adenomatosa familiar

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas is an uncommon pancreatic tumor, which is more frequent in young adult women. Familial adenomatous polyposis is a genetic condition associated with colorectal cancer that also increases the risk of developing other tumors as well. AIM: The aim of this study was to discuss the association of familial adenomatous polyposis with solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas, which is very rare. METHODS: We report two cases of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis who developed solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas of the pancreas and were submitted to laparoscopic pancreatic resections with splenic preservation (one male and one female). RESULTS: ß-catenin and Wnt signaling pathways have been found to play an important role in the tumorigenesis of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas, and their constitutive activation due to adenomatous polyposis coli gene inactivation in familial adenomatous polyposis may explain the relationship between familial adenomatous polyposis and solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas. CONCLUSION: Colonic resection must be prioritized, and a minimally invasive approach is preferred to minimize the risk of developing desmoid tumor. Pancreatic resection usually does not require extensive lymphadenectomy for solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas, and splenic preservation is feasible.

RESUMO RACIONAL: A neoplasia sólida pseudopapilífera do pâncreas é um tumor pancreático incomum, mais frequente em mulheres jovens. A polipose adenomatosa familiar, por sua vez, é uma condição genética associada a câncer colorretal e que também aumenta o risco de desenvolvimento de outros tumores. OBJETIVOS: Discutir a associação entre polipose adenomatosa familiar e neoplasia sólida pseudopapilífera, que é bastante rara. MÉTODOS: Reportamos dois casos de pacientes com polipose adenomatosa familiar, um homem e uma mulher, que desenvolveram neoplasia sólida pseudopapilífera do pâncreas e foram submetidos a ressecção laparoscópica com preservação esplênica. RESULTADOS: As vias de sinalização da ß-catenina e Wnt tem um papel importante na tumorigênese da neoplasia sólida pseudopapilífera, e sua ativação constitutiva devido a inativação do gene adenomatous polyposis coli na polipose adenomatosa familiar pode explicar a relação entre polipose adenomatosa familiar e neoplasia sólida pseudopapilífera. CONCLUSÕES: A ressecção do cólon deve ser priorizada, com preferência pela abordagem minimamente invasiva para minimizar o risco de desenvolvimento de tumor desmoide. A ressecção pancreática geralmente não requer linfadenectomia extensa para neoplasia sólida pseudopapilífera, portanto, a preservação esplênica é factível.

Exploration of the effect of EphB2 inhibitors on cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and their mechanisms of action based on Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To screen small-molecule inhibitors of tyrosine kinase receptor B2 (EphB2) by using a molecular docking method, and to investigate their effect on cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) and possible mechanisms of action.Methods:The three-dimensional structure of EphB2 protein and its ligand binding sites were predicted by using the docking tool Schrodinger, and high-throughput virtual screening of EphB2 inhibitors was carried out by molecular docking. The anti-CSCC effect and mechanism of action of the screened EphB2 inhibitors kaempferitrin and aloe-emodin (AE) were verified in in vitro and in vivo experiments. In the in vitro experiments, human CSCC cell lines A431 and SCL-1, as well as the human immortalized keratinocyte HaCaT, were all divided into blank control group, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group, AE group and kaempferitrin group. Methyl thiazol tetrazolium (MTT) assay (AE at concentrations of 20, 40, 80, 160 μmol/L, kaempferitrin at concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50, 100 μmol/L), scratch and Transwell assays (AE at a fixed concentration of 80 μmol/L, kaempferitrin at a fixed concentration of 50 μmol/L) were performed to analyze the effect of EphB2 inhibitors on the proliferation, migration and invasion of CSCC cells. In the in vivo experiments, specific pathogen-free BALB/c female nude mice were subcutaneously injected with 0.2 ml of A431 cell suspension. After tumor growth, 24 tumor-bearing mice were randomly and equally divided into 4 groups: AE group and kaempferitrin group intraperitoneally injected with 20 mg·kg -1·d -1 AE and 25 mg·kg -1·d -1 kaempferitrin respectively, blank control group and DMSO group intraperitoneally injected with the same volume of sodium chloride physiological solution and DMSO respectively; the tumor size and body weight of nude mice were measured weekly; after consecutive treatment for 28 days, transplanted tumors were resected from the nude mice for hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and real-time fluorescence-based quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis were performed to analyze the effect of AE and kaempferitrin on the mRNA and protein expression of E-cadherin, vimentin, glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β), phosphorylated GSK-3β (p-GSK-3β) and β-catenin respectively. One-way analysis of variance and t test were used for comparisons between groups. Results:Two small-molecule compounds AA-504/20999031 (kaempferitrin) and AA-466/21162055 (AE) with high inhibitory activity against EphB2 were screened out. MTT assay showed that both AE and kaempferitrin exhibited strong cytotoxicity to SCL-1 and A431 cells compared with HaCaT cells, and their toxicity increased with the increase of their concentration ( F = 17.95, 11.34, respectively, both P < 0.001) ; after 48-hour treatment, the 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) of AE against SCL-1 and A431 cells were 124.59 and 80.85 μmol/L respectively, and the IC50s of kaempferitrin against SCL-1 and A431 cells were 119.64 and 64.96 μmol/L respectively. Scratch assay showed that the migration distance of A431 cells was significantly shorter in the AE group and kaempferitrin group (36.7 ± 1.0 μm, 44.7 ± 3.5 μm, respectively) than in the DMSO group (88.1 ± 1.4 μm, F = 52.34, P < 0.001), while there was no significant difference in the migration distance of HaCaT cells among the above groups ( F = 1.73, P = 0.238). Transwell assay showed that the number of A431 cells crossing the Transwell membrane significantly decreased in the AE group and kaempferitrin group (145.0 ± 2.5, 94.7 ± 4.1, respectively) compared with the DMSO group (195.3 ± 5.7, F = 72.85, P < 0.001), while neither AE nor kaempferitrin showed significant inhibitory effects of on the number of HaCaT cells crossing the Transwell membrane ( F = 3.91, P = 0.055). The animal experiment revealed significantly decreased volumes of transplanted tumors in nude mice in the AE group and kaempferitrin group (407.42 ± 70.37 mm 3, 368.77 ± 62.7 mm 3, respectively) compared with the DMSO group (841.88 ± 84.63 mm 3, F = 73.78, P < 0.001). HE staining confirmed that AE and kaempferitrin could improve pathological changes of transplanted tumors. qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that AE and kaempferitrin significantly up-regulated the mRNA and protein expression of E-cadherin and p-GSK-3β in tumor tissues (all P < 0.001), and down-regulated the mRNA and protein expression of vimentin, β-catenin and GSK-3β (all P < 0.001) . Conclusion:The small-molecule inhibitors screened by molecular docking can form a stable complex with EphB2, and inhibit the progression of CSCC by affecting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma with nodular fasciitis-like stroma: a rare variant

Papillary thyroid carcinoma with desmoid-type fibromatosis (PTC-DTF) or nodular fasciitis-like stroma (PTC-NFS) is a rare morphological variant of PTC with a favorable prognosis. There is a paucity of molecular data regarding this entity. We present the case of a 20-year-old female who presented with a palpable mass over the anterior aspect of the neck for the past 3-4 months, which was diagnosed as PTC-NFS. Ultrasonogram of the neck revealed a bulky left lobe of thyroid that contained a well-defined heterogenous lesion measuring around 24 × 26 × 36 mm with involvement of the adjacent isthmus. She underwent a total thyroidectomy with central compartment lymph node dissection. Histological examination revealed a biphasic tumor with epithelial and stromal components resembling nodular fasciitis. Two dissected lymph nodes showed metastasis of the epithelial component only. On immunohistochemistry, BRAF mutant protein expression was evident in the epithelial component only, while β-catenin was negative in both the components. The histopathological diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma with nodular fasciitis-like stroma was offered. Sanger sequencing revealed a BRAFV600E (c.1799T>A, Val600Glu) mutation. Post-operatively, no residual tumor was detected on ultrasound and radioiodine scans. The patient was doing well at follow-up of 9 months. PTC-NFS/DTF is a histological variant of PTC with a favorable prognosis. Our index case was associated with the BRAF mutation, which was restricted to the epithelial component. Thorough sampling of the excised specimen is essential in order not to miss the epithelial component, which, in most reported cases (including ours) appears to be small.

Effect of ulinastatin on hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury in infantile rats: relationship with Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of ulinastatin on hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury (ALI) and its relationship with Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in infantile rats.Methods:A total of 36 clean-grade Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 14 days, weighing 40-50 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=12 each): control group (C group), hyperoxia-induced ALI group (ALI group) and ulinastatin group (UTI group). Hyperoxia-induced ALI was induced by inhaling oxygen at concentration greater than 90% for 72 h. At 1 day after the model was established successfully, ulinastatin 50 000 U/kg was injected intraperitoneally daily at the same time for 3 consecutive days in group UTI, while the equal volume of normal saline was injected intraperitoneally at the same time point in C and ALI groups.The animals were sacrificed at 4 days after the model was established successfully, the lung tissues were taken for determination of the wet/dry weight ratio (W/D ratio), for microscopic examination of the pathological changes which were scored, for measurement of interleukin-6 (IL-6) IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and for detection of the expression of phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase (p-GSK-3β), Wnt3a and β-catenin by Western blot, and ultrastructure was examined with with an electron microscope. Results:Compared with C group, W/D ratio and lung injury score were significantly increased, the contents of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α were increased, and the expression of p-GSK-3β, Wnt3a and β-catenin were up-regulated in lung tissues in group ALI ( P<0.05). Compared with group ALI, W/D ratio and lung injury score were significantly decreased, the contents of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α were decreased, and the expression of p-GSK-3β, Wnt3a and β-catenin were down-regulated in lung tissues in group UTI ( P<0.05). The ultrastructure injury in group UTI was reduced as compared with group ALI. Conclusion:The mechanism by which ulinastatin can alleviate hyperoxia-induced ALI is related to inhibiting the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and decreasing inflammatory response in infantile rats.

Application of β-catenin, Cyclin D1 and DKK1 in pathologically aided diagnosis of breast cancer / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To detect the expression differences of Wnt signaling pathway related molecules β-catenin, Cyclin D1 and Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) in breast disease tissues, and to explore their application value in pathologically aided diagnosis of breast cancer.Methods:From January 2008 to August 2019, 90 cases of breast tissue specimens in the Cancer Center of Guangzhou Medical University were collected, including 30 cases of breast hyperplasia, 30 cases of breast intraductal carcinoma and 30 cases of breast invasive ductal carcinoma. The expressions of β-catenin, Cyclin D1 and DKK1 in breast tissue of each group were detected by immunohistochemistry. Oncomine database and KM plotter database were used to analyze the expression differences of β-catenin, Cyclin D1 and DKK1 in breast cancer and normal breast tissues and their relationships with survival prognosis of patients with breast cancer, and to verify the results of immunohistochemistry. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the efficacies of each molecule in pathologically aided diagnosis.Results:There were statistically significant differences in β-catenin, Cyclin D1 and DKK1 expressions among breast hyperplasia, breast intraductal carcinoma and breast invasive ductal carcinoma ( χ2=7.766, P=0.021; χ2=24.133, P<0.001; χ2=11.585, P=0.003). The expression of β-catenin in breast invasive ductal carcinoma group was significantly higher than that in breast intraductal carcinoma group and breast hyperplasia group ( Z=-2.367, P=0.018; Z=-2.462, P=0.014). The expression of Cyclin D1 in breast invasive ductal carcinoma group and breast intraductal carcinoma group was significantly higher than that in breast hyperplasia group ( Z=-4.166, P<0.001; Z=-4.174, P<0.001). The expression of DKK1 in breast invasive ductal carcinoma group and breast intraductal carcinoma group was significantly higher than that in breast hyperplasia group ( Z=-3.090, P=0.002; Z=-2.923, P=0.003). The results of bioinformatics analysis showed that compared with normal breast tissue, the expression of β-catenin mRNA in invasive breast cancer tissue increased by 2.33 times ( t=15.242, P<0.001), the expression of Cyclin D1 mRNA in breast intraductal carcinoma tissue increased by 6.64 times ( t=7.152, P=0.006), while the expression of DKK1 mRNA in normal breat tissue was 3.41 times higher than that in invasive breast cancer tissue, with no statistically significant difference ( t=-13.193, P>0.999). The median survival time of breast cancer patients in Cyclin D1 high expression group was 173.2 months, which was shorter than 228.9 months in low expression group ( P<0.001). The upper quartile survival time of breast cancer patients in DKK1 high expression group was 55.1 months, which was longer than 40.4 months in low expression group ( P<0.001). The breast invasive ductal carcinoma and breast intraductal carcinoma were combined into tumor group, the sum of the immunohistochemistry scores of β-catenin and Cyclin D1 minus the immunohistochemistry score of DKK1 was used as the combined scoring scheme 1, and the sum of β-catenin and Cyclin D1 immunohistochemistry score was used as the combined scoring scheme 2. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of β-catenin, Cyclin D1, combined scoring scheme 1 and combined scoring scheme 2 for pathologically aided diagnosis of breast cancer were 0.65 ( P=0.080), 0.81 ( P<0.001), 0.70 ( P=0.023) and 0.78 ( P=0.001), respectively. The AUC of Cyclin D1 and combined scoring scheme 2 were ≥0.7, which had good value in pathologically aided diagnosis. Conclusion:Wnt signaling pathway related molecules Cyclin D1 and Cyclin D1 combined with β-catenin detection has a good value in the pathologically aided diagnosis of breast cancer.

Research progress of regulation relationship between aerobic glycolysis and Wnt/β-catenin pathway in breast cancer / 国际外科学杂志

Breast cancer as one of the common malignant tumors in women, has received widespread attention. Aerobic glycolysis is the main metabolic pathway of breast cancer cells, and its key enzymes play an important role in the metabolism of cancer cells. The key enzymes of glycolysis are regulated by the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Abnormal activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway regulates downstream target genes, thereby affecting the activities of key glycolysis enzymes. Glycolysis and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway play an important role in the occurrence and development of breast cancer, but the specific regulatory relationship between the two has not been studied in depth. Therefore, this article summarizes the regulation relationship between aerobic glycolysis and Wnt/β-catenin pathway in order to explore new strategies for breast cancer treatment.

Association of different patterns of expression of beta-catenin and cyclin D1 with pathogenesis of breast carcinoma

Background: Beta-catenin and cyclin D1 have attracted considerable attention in recent studies as potential proto-oncogenes in many human cancers especially colonic cancer. Beta-catenin plays multiple roles within the cell such as canonical Wnt signaling where cyclin D1 has been identified as one of its target genes. The role of beta-catenin and cyclin D1 in breast cancer has been evaluated in many studies but not established yet. Materials and Methods: The expression of beta-catenin and cyclin D1 was evaluated in 82 cases of breast carcinoma (BCa) and 32 cases of ductal carcinoma in situ(DCIS) by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Their relationship with clinicopathological features was also investigated. Statistical analysis was done to establish an association. Results: Abnormal expression of beta-catenin (ABE) was seen in 80.2% cases of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and 47% cases of DCIS, while the cyclin D1 positive expression rate was 60.9% and 50%, respectively. In the cases showing ABE, cyclin D1 positivity was 88.1%. ABE showed significant association with high-grade BCa. The most common pattern of ABE was loss of membrane with nuclear positivity which is associated with worst prognosis. In addition, ABE in cases of BCa and DCIS showed concordant patterns. Conclusion: Therefore, an association exists between ABE and cyclin D1 in BCa and its precursor lesions implying that Wnt/beta-catenin oncogenic pathway may have a definite role in breast carcinogenesis and can be used for targeted therapy. Also, different patterns of beta-catenin expression may have prognostic and predictive value.

Are cdx2, beta-catenin and wnt immunomarchers useful for evaluating the chance of disease progression or evolution to death in patients with colorectal cancer? / Os imunomarcadores cdx2, beta-catenina e wnt são úteis para avaliar a chance de progressão de doença ou a evolução para óbito em pacientes com câncer colorretal?

ABSTRACT Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of cancer in the world. Over time, intestinal epithelial cells undergo mutations that may lead to proliferative advantage and the emergence of cancer. Mutations in the beta-catenin pathway are amongst those described in the development of CRC. Aim: To verify the existence of a relation between the presence of Wnt3, beta-catenin and CDX2 in colorectal cancer samples and clinical outcomes such as disease progression or death. Method: Wnt3a, beta-catenin and CDX2 immunohistochemistry was performed on CRC tissue microarray samples (n=122), and analysis regarding the relation between biomarker expression and disease progression or death was performed. Results: No significant difference was found between the presence or absence of CDX2, beta-catenin or Wnt3a expression and clinical stage, tumor grade, disease progression or death. Conclusion: CDX2, beta-catenin and Wnt3a are not useful to predict prognosis in patients with CRC.

RESUMO Racional: O câncer colorretal (CCR) é um dos tipos mais comuns no mundo. As células epiteliais intestinais podem sofrer mutações que ocasionam vantagem proliferativa e culminam com o surgimento do câncer. Mutações da via da beta-catenina foram descritas entre as que podem ocasioná-lo. Objetivo: Verificar a existência de relação entre a expressão de Wnt3, beta-catenina e CDX2 em amostras de câncer colorretal com os eventos clínicos progressão de doença e óbito. Método: Foi realizada análise imunoistoquímica de Wnt3a, beta-catenina e CDX2 em blocos multiamostrais de CRC (n=122), e avaliada a relação entre a expressão dos biomarcadores e os desfechos progressão de doença e óbito. Resultados: Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre a expressão ou ausência de CDX2, beta-catenina ou Wnt3a e estádio clínico, grau de diferenciação tumoral, presença de progressão de doença ou evolução ao óbito. Conclusão: Os marcadores CDX2, beta-catenina e Wnt3a não são úteis para predizer prognóstico em pacientes com CCR.

Inhibitory Effect of Cardamonin on Human Osteosarcoma Cells and Its Underlying Mechanism / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVEP: To analyze and confirm the inhibitory effect of cardamonin(CAR) on human osteosarcoma(OS) cells and its related mechanism. METHODS: Human osteosarcoma cells were treated with 0, 4, 12, 16 μmol•L-1 CAR and 0.08% DMSO, respectively. Cell proliferation was detected by crystal violet staining and MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by Hoechst staining and flow cytometry(FCM). Cell migration ability was detected by scratch healing test. Cell invasion ability was detected by Transwell method. Western blot detects changes in cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion-associated proteins and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins. RESULTS: CAR inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. CAR inhibits the expression of PCNA, MMP-7 and vimentin. CAR inhibits the expression of Bcl-2, promotes the expression of apoptotic markers caspase 3 and cleaved-caspase 3. CAR inhibits the expression of the key molecule β-catenin of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and its downstream target molecules cyclin D1 and c-Myc. CONCLUSION: CAR can inhibit the proliferation, invasion and migration of osteosarcoma cells, but promote its apoptosis. Its molecular mechanism may be related to the interference of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway activation.

Microrna-27a knockdown inhibits proliferation and metastasis in renal cell carcinoma through wnt/p-catenin signaling pathway / 中国药理学通报

Aim To explore the role of miR-27a on the proliferation and metastasis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and its mechanism. Methods The expression of miR-27a in RCC cancer tissues, para-carcinoma tissues, RCC cells (Caki-1, 786-0 and ACHN) and normal renal tubular epithelial cells ( HK2) were detected by RT-qPCR. After miR-27a-inhibitor transfect-ed into 786-0 and ACHN cells, cell proliferation was measured by CCK-8 assay; cell colony formation was detected by colony formation assay; cell migration and invasion were detected by cell wound healing assay and Transwell assay, respectively; the pretein expression of P-catenin was detected by Western blot. After trans-fected miR-27a inhibitor into ACHN cells then treated with LiCl (Wnt/p-catenin signal agonist), cell proliferation , migration and invasion were detected. Results The expression of miR-27a in RCC cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in para-carcinoma tissues, and increased with stage progression. Compared with HK-2 cells, the expression levels of miR-27a in RCC cells were elevated. After transfection with miR-27a inhibitor, the cell colony formation, cell prolifera-tion, invasion and migration ability of 786-0 and ACHN cells were significantly reduced. MiR-27a in-i hibitor reduced the expression of p-catenin in ACHN cells. LiCl promoted the proliferation, invasion and migration ability of ACHN cells transfected with miR-27a inhibitor. Conclusions MiR-27a is highly expressed in RCC cancer tissues and RCC cells, and knockdown of miR-27a inhibits proliferation and metastasis in RCC cells through Wnt/p-catenin signaling pathway.

Effects of DACT2 on epithelial mesenchymal transition of glioma cells and its potential mechanism / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective: To investigate the effects and potential mechanism of tumor suppressor dishevelled-binding antagonist of beta-catenin 2 (DACT2) on epithelial-mesenchymal transition of glioma cells. Methods: The expressions of DACT2 in glioma cells U87, U251, A172 and SHG44 were detected by RT-PCR after 5-Aza treatment. The methylation status of DACT2 promoter was detected by methylation specific PCR (MSP). Western blot was used to detect the expression of DACT2 protein. U87 cells overexpressing DACT2 were constructed and verified by Western blot. Transwell assay was used to detect cell migratory and invasive ability. The protein levels of E-cadherin, Vimentin, MMP2 and Wnt/β-cadherin pathway proteins, i.e., active-β-cadherin, p-β-cadherin and total β-cadherin, in cells were detected by Western blot. Results: DACT2 expression was observed in all these cells after 5-Aza treatment; untreated U87 and U251 cells did not express DACT2 while A172 and SHG44 cells showed weak expression. The DACT2 promoter was completely methylated in U87 and U251 cells, and partially methylated in A172 and SHG44 cells. The level of DACT2 in U87 and U251 cells was lower than that in A172 and SHG44 cells (P<0.05). After transfection of pcDNA3.1-DACT2, the expression of DACT2 in U87 cells increased significantly (P<0.05), U87 cells overexpressing DACT2 were successfully constructed. Overexpression of DACT2 could significantly inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition, invasion and migration of U87 cells and block Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation (P<0.05). Conclusion: The DACT2 promoter in glioma cells is highly methylated, and the exogenous overexpression of DACT2 can promote the epithelial mesenchymal transition, invasion and migration of U87 cells. The underling mechanism may be related to the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway by DACT2.

Implication of BRAF V600E and CTNNB1 gene mutations in the pathological classification of craniopharyngioma / 中华病理学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the clinicopathological significance of BRAF V600E and CTNNB1 gene mutations in adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas (ACP) and papillary craniopharyngiomas (PCP).@*Methods@#The retrospective study included a total of 67 craniopharyngiomas diagnosed from October 2009 to August 2018 at Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University. The immunohistochemical staining for β-catenin and BRAF V600E expression, Sanger sequencing of exon 3 of CTNNB1, BRAF mutation analysis by scorpions amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) fluorescence quantitative PCR were performed. Univariate survival analysis was used to correlate with tumor recurrence.@*Results@#Of the 67 patients, 53 were ACPs and 14 were PCPs. Four patients underwent multiple operations and one of them presented with malignant transformation into squamous cell carcinoma. Histologically, ACPs were characterized by whorl-like cell clusters, peripheral palisaded layer, stellate reticulum, finger-shaped protrusions, ghost cells and wet keratinous substances. While PCPs usually consisted of mature squamous epithelium associated with fibrovascular stroma resulting in papillary appearance. The nuclear immunopositivity for β-catenin was observed in 73.6% (39/53) of ACPs, and it was absent in PCPs (0/14). The nuclear translocation of β-catenin usually presented at whorl-like structures or around ghost cells. Of all the cases, mutations analysis in exon 3 of β-catenin gene CTNNB1 were successful in 46 cases and 42.1% (16/38) of ACP showed CTNNB1 gene mutation, while none of the PCPs harbored CTNNB1 gene mutation (0/8). The cytoplasmic immunopositivity for BRAF V600E mutant protein was found in all PCPs (14/14) and negative in all ACPs (0/53). ARMS-PCR results showed that BRAF V600E mutations were observed in 13/14 of PCPs but not seen in ACPs (0/53). Follow-up data were available in 35 patients with duration of 2 to 120 months. Ten patients experienced recurrences after the first surgery. Upon univariate survival analysis, only subtotal excision was found to be associated with increased recurrence (P=0.032), while pathological type, postoperative radiotherapy and CTNNB1 gene mutation were not (P>0.05).@*Conclusions@#There is significant difference in the expression of BRAF V600E and CTNNB1 genes between ACP and PCP, and their immunohistochemical and molecular detection therefore can be used in the diagnosis and differential diagnoses of craniopharyngiomas.