Effects of anlotinib on the malignant phenotype of glioma cells by mediating NF-κB signaling pathway / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of anlotinib on the malignant phenotype of glioma cells by regulating the nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway. METHODS Human glioma T98G cells were cultured in vitro， and 5-fluorouracil was used as positive control to investigate the effects of different concentrations of anlotinib （5， 10， 20 μmol/L） on the ability of proliferation， adhesion， migration and invasion， the expressions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT） related proteins [E-cadherin， N-cadherin， vimentin and fibronectin （FN）]. NF- κB signaling pathway inhibitor （BAY 11-7082） and activator （prostratin） were additionally used to verify the possible mechanism of the above effects of anlotinib. RESULTS Anlotinib with 5， 10， 20 μmol/L could significantly decrease the activity of cell proliferation （except for 5 μmol/L anlotinib group）， migration rate， and the number of adherent cells and invasive cells， could significantly up-regulate the expression of E-cadherin protein while down-regulate the expressions of N-cadherin， vimentin and FN protein （P＜0.05）； the effect of 20 μmol/L anlotinib was similar to that of positive control （P＞0.05）. Compared with 10 μmol/L anlotinib， pathway inhibitor could significantly decrease the ability of proliferation， adhesion， migration and invasion， and the expressions of N-cadherin， vimentin， FN and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 protein， while could significantly up-regulate the expression of E-cadherin protein （P＜0.05）； above indexes were reversed significantly by pathway activator （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Anlotinib may inhibit the proliferation， adhesion， migration and invasion of human glioma T98G cells， which may be associated with the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway， thus inhibiting cell EMT-like processes.

Effect of Qianyang Yuyin Granules on Mesenchymal Transdifferentiation of Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells Induced by TGF-β1 / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveBy observing the effect of Qianyang Yuyin granules on the phenotype of renal tubule epithelial cells， the intervention of Qianyang Yuyin granule on renal interstitial fibrosis was investigated. MethodThe renal tubular epithelial cells （HK-2） were treated with different concentrations of transforming growth factor （TGF）-β1 （5， 10， 15， 20， 25 μg·L-1） for 24 hours， and cell morphology and growth state were observed with an inverted phase contrast microscope. The 20 μg·L-1 was selected as the most appropriate concentration of TGF-β1 according to Western blot results for subsequent experiments. HK-2 cells were divided into six groups： blank group， TGF-β1 group （concentration of 20 μg·L-1）， low， medium， and high dose Qianyang Yuyin granule groups （concentration of 0.5， 1， 2 g·L-1）， and valsartan group （1 × 10-5 mol·L-1）. The cell activity was measured by cell proliferation and cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8）. The cell migration ability was detected by scratch test. The Transwell method was used to detect the invasiveness of cells. Western blot was used to detect levels of fibronectin （FN）， E-cadherin， α-smooth muscle activator （α-SMA）， Vimentin， collagen type Ⅰ（Col Ⅰ）， collagen type Ⅳ（Col Ⅳ）， and other related proteins. ResultTGF-β1 stimulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT） in renal tubular epithelial cells was time- and concentration-dependent. Compared with the blank group， higher concentration in the TGF-β1 group indicates longer intervention time and more obvious long spindle change of cells， and the migration and invasion ability of the cells was significantly enhanced. The protein expression level of FN， α-SMA， Vimentin， Col Ⅰ， and Col Ⅳ increased significantly （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while the expression level of E-cadherin protein decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with the TGF-β1 group， Qianyang Yuyin granule groups could maintain normal cell morphology， and the migration and invasion ability of the cells was inhibited. The protein expression level of FN， α-SMA， Vimentin， Col Ⅰ， and Col Ⅳ decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the expression of E-cadherin protein was significantly restored （P<0.05）. ConclusionQianyang Yuyin granule can reverse TGF-β1-induced interstitial transformation of renal tubular epithelial cells by reducing the phenotypic expression of mesenchymal cells and increasing the phenotypic expression of epithelial cells.

Alteración en la integridad de la membrana basal en agrandamiento gingival inducido por tratamiento ortodóncico

Introducción: El agrandamiento gingival inducido por tratamiento de ortodoncia es un aumento progresivo, localizado o generalizado del tejido gingival. Objetivo: Determinar aspectos morfológicos en la membrana basal del tejido gingival de pacientes con agrandamiento gingival inducido por tratamiento de ortodoncia. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, donde se analizaron tejidos gingivales de pacientes con agrandamiento gingival inducido por tratamiento de ortodoncia (grupo test: n=5) e individuos sanos (grupo control: n=5) mediante análisis histológicos e inmunohistoquímico con anticuerpo policlonal anti-citoqueratina 14. Las interrupciones de la membrana basal grado 1 y grado 2 fueron identificadas. Fue utilizado el programa estadístico R versión 4.0.2 para Windows. Se declaró significancia si p <0,05. Resultados: Se constató la presencia de rupturas de la membrana basal en todos los pacientes del grupo test. Estos individuos presentaron una mayor cantidad de cambios morfológicos en el tejido gingival. Exponiendo así, valores estadísticamente significativos de rupturas de la membrana basal (Grado I) y rupturas rodeadas de células epiteliales y/o fibroblastos gingivales (Grado II) en comparación con el grupo control (p <0,001). Conclusión: El tejido epitelial de pacientes con agrandamiento gingival inducido por tratamiento de ortodoncia presenta una evidente pérdida en la integridad de la membrana basal. Estas discontinuidades sugieren un aumento considerable de la plasticidad del epitelio en pacientes con agrandamiento gingival inducido por tratamiento de ortodoncia.

Introduction: Orthodontic treatment-induced gingival enlargement is a progressive, localized or generalized increase in gingival tissue. Objective: To determine morphologic aspects in the basal membrane of the gingival tissue in patients with orthodontic treatment-induced gingival enlargement. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out, in which gingival tissues of patients with orthodontic treatment-induced gingival enlargement (test group: n=5) and healthy individuals (control group: n=5) were analyzed by histological and immunohistochemical analysis with the polyclonal antibody anticytokeratin 14. Grade 1 and grade 2 disrupted basal membrane were identified. The statistical program R (version 4.0.2) for Windows was used. Significance was declared if p was greater than 0.05. Results: The presence of disrupted basal membranes was observed in all the patients from the test group. These individuals presented a greater number of morphological changes in the gingival tissue. Compared to the control group (p < 0.001), statistically significant values were observed for cases of disrupted basal membrane (grade I) and disruptions surrounded by epithelial cells or gingival fibroblasts (grade II). Conclusion: The epithelial tissue of patients with orthodontic treatment-induced gingival enlargement shows an evident loss of the basal membrane integrity. These discontinuities are suggestive of a considerable increase in epithelial plasticity in patients with orthodontic treatment-induced gingival enlargement.

Imunoexpressão de clic4, α-sma, e-caderina e vimentina em lesões odontogênicas epitelias benígnas / Immunoexpression of clic4, α-sma, e-cadherin and vimentin in benign epithelial odontogenic lesions

As lesões odontogênicas epiteliais benignas constituem um grupo heterogêneo de lesões. A proteína CLIC4 atua na regulação dos processos de parada de crescimento e apoptose, participando também do processo de transdiferenciação dos fibroblastos em miofibroblastos que passam a expressar α-SMA. Além disso, a expressão de CLIC4 pode interferir no processo de transição epitélio-mesenquima (TEM) em neoplasias. Este trabalho avaliou a imunoexpressão de CLIC4, α-SMA, E-caderina e Vimentina em ameloblastomas (AM) (n = 16), ceratocistos odontogênicos (n = 20) e tumores odontogênicos adenomatóides (TOA) (n = 8). A análise da expressão imunoistoquímica das proteínas CLIC4, E-caderina e vimentina no componente epitelial das lesões e de CLIC4 e α-SMA no tecido conjuntivo foi realizada de forma semi-quantitativa por um avaliador previamente calibrado. A expressão no componente epitelial de CLIC4 foi analisada separadamente no núcleo e no citoplasma, bem como a marcação de E-caderina que foi avaliada na membrana e no citoplasma. As comparações dos percentuais de imunorreatividade em relação aos grupos estudados foram realizadas por meio dos testes não paramétricos de Kruskal-Wallis e Mann-Whitney. Possíveis correlações entre a expressão de CLIC4, α-SMA, E-caderina e Vimentina foram avaliadas por meio do teste de correlação de Spearman. O nível de significância foi estabelecido em 5% (p < 0,05). Foram observados diferentes padrões de marcação entre os grupos analisados, observando-se que a imunoexpressão exclusivamente citoplasmática da CLIC4 no componente epitelial dos AM (p < 0,001) e TOA (p < 0,001) foi significativamente superior a dos CO, não demonstrarando significância estatística entre os AM e TOA. A imunoexpressão (nuclear e citoplasmática) da CLIC4 no revestimento epitelial CO foi significativamente superior à encontrada no componente epitelial dos AM (p < 0,001) e dos TOA (p < 0,001). A imunoexpressão estromal de CLIC4 foi significativamente superior nos AM (p = 0,009) e CO (p = 0,004) quando comparados aos TOA. A imunoexpressao de α-SMA significativamente maior em AM (p = 0,016) e CO (p = 0,034) quando comparados aos TOA. Para a imunoexpressão membranar da E-caderina em CO foi significativamente superior em comparação à encontrada nos AM (p = 0,009) e nos TOA (p = 0,024). Foi observada maior imunoexpressão de E-caderina (membranar e citoplasmática) nos COs, quando comparados aos AM (p < 0,001) e aos TOAs (p < 0,001). A expressão de Ecaderina citoplasmática foi significativamente maior nos AM e TOA (p < 0,001) quando comparados aos CO. Observou-se diferença estatisticamente significativa na imunoexpressão de vimentina entre os casos de AM e os casos de TOA (p = 0,038) e CO (p < 0,001), bem como entre o TOA e CO (p < 0,001). As correlações testadas entre os escores das proteínas estudadas evidenciou que no grupo dos AM foi possível evidenciar moderada correlação positiva e estatisticamente significativa (r = 0,527; p = 0,036) entre a expressão citoplasmática da CLIC4 e a expressão citoplasmática da E-caderina. Também foi verificada fraca correlação negativa e estatisticamente significativa (r = -0,499; p = 0,049) entre a expressão núcleo-citoplasmática da CLIC4 e a expressão citoplasmática da E-caderina nos AM. Além disso, uma moderada correlação positiva e estatisticamente significativa entre a expressão estromal da CLIC4 e a expressão da α-SMA nos AM (r = 0,648; p = 0,007) e nos CO (r = 0,541; p = 0,014). Foi observada forte correlação negativa e estatisticamente significativa (r = -0,813; p < 0,001) entre a expressão da E-caderina e a expressão da vimentina nos AM. Os resultados deste estudo sugerem um potencial envolvimento de CLIC4 no processo de transdiferenciação de miofibroblastos, e que a presença destas células é mais frequentemente associada a lesões de comportamento biológico mais agressivo como os AM e CO, além de uma possível atuação desta proteína na regulação do ciclo celular e na TEM nas lesões estudadas (AU).

Benign epithelial odontogenic lesions constitute a heterogeneous group of lesions. the CLIC4 protein acts in the regulation of growth arrest and apoptosis processes, also participating in the process of transdifferentiation of fibroblasts Into myofibroblasts that begin to express α-SMA. Furthermore, CLIC4 expression can interfere with the epithelialmesenchymal transition (EMT) process in neoplasms. This work evaluated the immunoexpression of CLIC4, α-SMA, e-cadherin and vimentin in ameloblastomas (AM) (n = 16), odontogenic keratocysts (OK) (n = 20) and adenomatoid odontogenic tumors (AOT) (n = 8). The analysis of the immunohistochemical expression of the proteins CLIC4, ecadherin and vimentin in the epithelial component of the lesions and of CLIC4 and α-SMA in the connective tissue was carried out in a semi-quantitative way by a previously calibrated evaluator. Expression in the epithelial component of CLIC4 was analyzed separately in the nucleus and cytoplasm, as well as e-cadherin labeling, which was evaluated in the membrane and cytoplasm. Comparisons of the percentages of immunoreactivity in relation to the studied groups were carried out using the nonparametric kruskal-wallis and mann-whitney tests. Possible correlations between the expression of CLIC4, α-SMA, e-cadherin and vimentin were evaluated using the spearman correlation test. The significance level was set at 5% (p < 0.05). Different staining patterns were observed between the groups analyzed, observing that the exclusively cytoplasmic immunoexpression of CLIC4 in the epithelial component of AM (p < 0.001) and AOT (p < 0.001) was significantly higher than that of OK, not demonstrating statistical significance between the AM and AOT. The immunoexpression (nuclear and cytoplasmic) of CLIC4 in the co epithelial lining was significantly higher than that found in the epithelial component of AM (p < 0.001) and AOT (p < 0.001). Stromal CLIC4 immunoexpression was significantly higher in AM (p = 0.009) and OK (p = 0.004) when compared to AOT. The immunoexpression of α-SMA is significantly higher in AM (p = 0.016) and OK (p = 0.034) when compared to AOT. For e-cadherin membrane immunoexpression in co was significantly higher compared to that found in AM (p = 0.009) and AOT (p = 0.024). Greater immunoexpression of e-cadherin (membrane and cytoplasmic) was observed in OK, when compared to AM (p < 0.001) and AOT (p < 0.001). Cytoplasmic ecadherin expression was significantly higher in AM and AOT (p < 0.001) when compared to OK. A statistically significant difference in vimentin immunoexpression was observed between cases of AM and cases of AOT (p = 0.038) and OK (p < 0.001), as well as between AOT and OK (p < 0.001). The correlations tested between the scores of the proteins studied showed that in the am group it was possible to demonstrate a moderate positive and statistically significant correlation (r = 0.527; p = 0.036) between the cytoplasmic expression of clic4 and the cytoplasmic expression of e-cadherin. A weak and statistically significant negative correlation (r = -0.499; p = 0.049) was also found between the nucleus-cytoplasmic expression of clic4 and the cytoplasmic expression of e- cadherin in AM. Furthermore, a moderate positive and statistically significant correlation between the stromal expression of CLIC4 and the expression of α-SMA in AM (r = 0.648; p = 0.007) and OK (r = 0.541; p = 0.014). Additionally, a strong negative and statistically significant correlation (r = -0.813; p < 0.001) was observed between the expression of ecadherin and the expression of vimentin in AM. The results of this study suggest a potential involvement of CLIC4 in the myofibroblast transdifferentiation process, and that the presence of these cells is more frequently associated with lesions with more aggressive biological behavior such as AM and OK, in addition to a possible role of this protein in the regulation of cell cycle and EMT in the lesions studied (AU).

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.

Evaluation of tumor budding and its correlation with histomorphological prognostic markers in oral squamous cell carcinoma and its association with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process

Objective: To evaluate the association of tumor budding (TB) with prognostic histomorphological parameters in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and to investigate the correlation of TB intensity with epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Material and Method: A total of 200 cases diagnosed as OSCC were selected and their TB status was reviewed using Hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) and Immunohistochemistry (IHC). Correlation with histomorphological prognostic parameters was done. Also, IHC for Vimentin and E-cadherin was performed to look for EMT. Results: On H and E examination, TB was observed in 154/200 (77%). About 88/154 (57.14%) cases showed a high TB (>5 TB/10 hpf) which increased to 100/154 (64.9%) cases on IHC staining. The intensity of TB was significantly associated with tumor grade and depth of invasion. It was also significantly associated with reduced expression for E-Cadherin and upregulation of Vimentin establishing a pathogenetic correlation between the TB and EMT. Conclusion: Therefore, our results suggest that TB is associated with poor prognosis and histologically represents EMT in OSCC which further adds to the aggressiveness of the tumor.

Overexpression of CLEC5A inhibits cell proliferation and metastasis and reverses epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effects of CLEC5A expression level on cell proliferation, migration and invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and explore the role of CLEC5A in the tumorigenesis and progression of HCC.@*METHODS@#The expression level of CLEC5A was detected in 50 pairs of HCC and adjacent tissues using immunohistochemical staining, and its association with clinicopathological parameters of HCC patients was analyzed. Cultured HCC cell line SK-HEP-1 was transfected with a lentiviral vector overexpressing CLEC5A, and the transfection efficiency was verified using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blotting. The changes in proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of the transfected cells were analyzed using CCK-8, 5-ethynyl-29-deoxyuridine (EdU) and Transwell assays, and EMT of the cells was determined using Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#The protein expression level of CLEC5A was significantly lower in HCC tissues than in the adjacent tissues (P < 0.001). The expression level of CLEC5A was significantly correlated with tumor size (P=0.008), tumor number (P=0.010), histological differentiation (P=0.016), microvascular invasion (P=0.024) and BCLC stage (P=0.040). In SK-HEP-1 cells, overexpression of CLEC5A obviously inhibited the cell proliferation, migration and invasion and reversed EMT phenotype of the cells.@*CONCLUSION@#CLEC5A is a potential HCC suppressor gene and may serve as a promising therapeutic target for HCC.

Identification of key molecules in miRNA-mRNA regulatory network associated with high-grade serous ovarian cancer recurrence using bioinformatic analysis / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the correlation of the potential functional microRNA (miRNA)-mRNA regulatory network with recurrence of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) and its biological significance.@*METHODS@#This study was performed based on the data of 354 patients with HGSOC from the Cancer Genome Atlas database. In these patients, HGSOC was divided into different subtypes based on the pathways identified by GO analysis, and the correlations of the subtypes with HGSOC recurrence and differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs were assessed. Two relapse-related datasets were identified using the Gene Set Enrichment (GSE) database, from which the differentially expressed miRNAs were identified by intersection with the TCGA data. The target genes of these miRNAs were predicted using miRWalk 2.0 database, and these common differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs were used to construct the key miRNA-mRNA network associated with HGSOC recurrence. The expression of miR-506-3p and SNAI2 in two ovarian cancer cell lines was detected using RT-qPCR and Western blotting, and their targeted binding was verified using a double luciferase assay. The effect of miR-506-3p expression modulation on ovarian cancer cell migration was detected using scratch assay and Transwell assay.@*RESULTS@#We screened 303 GO terms of HGSOC-related pathways and identified two HGSOC subtypes (C1 and C2). The subtype C1 was associated with a significantly higher recurrence rate than C2. The differentially expressed genes between C1 and C2 subtypes were mainly enriched in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Five miRNAs were identified as potential regulators of EMT, and a total of 41 target genes were found to be involved in the differential expressions of EMT pathway between C1 and C2 subtypes. The key miRNA-mRNA network associated with HGSOC recurrence was constructed based on these 5 miRNAs and 41 mRNAs. MiR-506-3p was confirmed to bind to SNAI2, and up-regulation of miR-506-3p significantly inhibited SNAI2 expression and reduced migration and invasion of SKOV3 and CAOV3 cells (P < 0.05), while miR-506-3p knockdown produced the opposite effects (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#MiR-506-3p and SNAI2 are the key molecules associated with HGSOC recurrence. MiR-506-3p may affect EMT of ovarian cancer cells by regulating cell migration and invasion via SNAI2, and its expression level has predictive value for HGSOC recurrence.

Effects of miR-9-5p on the migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition process in cervical squamous cell carcinoma / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Cervical squamous cell carcinoma is the most common cancer in female reproductive system. This study aims to explore the effect of microRNA-9-5p (miR-9-5p) on the migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of cervical squamous cells.@*METHODS@#Bioinformatics were used to predict the miRNAs that could bind to E-cadherin (E-cad). The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to analyze and extract significantly differentially expressed miRNAs from part of cervical squamous cell carcinoma tissues and normal cervical tissues, and miR-9-5p was selected as the main research target. The translated regions (UTR) of wild-type E-cad (E-cad-WT 3'-UTR) or the 3'-UTR of mutant E-cad (E-Cad-MUT 3'-UTR) was transfected with miR-9-5p mimic normal control (NC), and miR-9-5p mimic was co-transfected human embryonic kidney cells (293T). The relationship between miR-9-5p and E-cad was detected by double luciferase assay. The expression of miR-9-5p in normal cervical epithelial cell lines (H8) and cervical squamous cell lines (C33A, siha, caski and Me180) were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Then, the experiments were divided into groups as follows: a block control group, an overexpression control group (mimic-NC group), a miR-95p overexpression group (mimic group), an inhibitory expression control group (inhibitor-NC group), and a miR-9-5p inhibitory expression group (inhibitor group). The changes of migration ability were detected by scratch assay. Transwell invasion assay was used to analyze the changes of invasion ability, and the mRNA and protein changes of E-cad and vimentin were detected by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#MiR-9-5p had a targeting binding relationship with E-cad. Compared with the normal cervical tissue H8 cell line, the miR-9-5p was highly expressed in cervical cancer cell lines (C33A, siha, caski and Me180) (all P<0.05). The luciferase activity of E-cad-MUT was increased compared with that of E-cad-WT in miR-9-5p mimic cells (P<0.05). Compared with the blank control group, the protein and mRNA expressions of E-cad were decreased in the miR-9-5p mimic group (both P<0.05), which were increased in the miR-9-5p inhibitor group (both P<0.05). Compared with H8 cell line, the miR-9-5p was highly expressed in the cervical squamous cell lines (all P<0.05). Compared with the mimic-NC group, the distance of wound healing, the number of caski and Me180 cells invaded below the membrane, and the mRNA and protein expressions of vimentin were all increased in the miR-9-5p mimic group (all P<0.05), while the mRNA and protein of E-cad were decreased (both P<0.05). Compared with the inhibitor-NC group, the distance of wound healing, the number of caski and Me180 cells invading the membrane, and the mRNA and protein expressions of vimentin were decreased in the miR-9-5p inhibitor group (all P<0.05), but the mRNA and protein expressions of E-cad were increased (both P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The miR-9-5p is highly expressed in cervical squamous cell carcinoma, which can increase the migration and invasion ability, and promote the EMT process of cancer cells.

The mechanism of S100A7 inducing the migration and invasion in cervical cancer cells / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of S100A7 inducing the migration and invasion in cervical cancers. Methods: Tissue samples of 5 cases of cervical squamous cell carcinoma and 3 cases of adenocarcinoma were collected from May 2007 to December 2007 in the Department of Gynecology of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the expression of S100A7 in cervical carcinoma tissues. S100A7-overexpressing HeLa and C33A cells were established with lentiviral systems as the experimental group. Immunofluorescence assay was performed to observe the cell morphology. Transwell assay was taken to detect the effect of S100A7-overexpression on the migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells. Reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to examine the mRNA expressions of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin and fibronectin. The expression of extracellular S100A7 in conditioned medium of cervical cancer cell was detected by western blot. Conditioned medium was added into Transwell lower compartment to detect cell motility. Exosomes were isolated and extracted from the culture supernatant of cervical cancer cell, the expressions of S100A7, CD81 and TSG101 were detected by western blot. Transwell assay was taken to detect the effect of exosomes on the migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells. Results: S100A7 expression was positively expressed in cervical squamous carcinoma and negative expression in adenocarcinoma. Stable S100A7-overexpressing HeLa and C33A cells were successfully constructed. C33A cells in the experimental group were spindle shaped while those in the control group tended to be polygonal epithelioid cells. The number of S100A7-overexpressed HeLa cells passing through the Transwell membrane assay was increased significantly in migration and invasion assay (152.00±39.22 vs 105.13±15.75, P<0.05; 115.38±34.57 vs 79.50±13.68, P<0.05). RT-qPCR indicated that the mRNA expressions of E-cadherin in S100A7-overexpressed HeLa and C33A cells decreased (P<0.05) while the mRNA expressions of N-cadherin and fibronectin in HeLa cells and fibronectin in C33A cells increased (P<0.05). Western blot showed that extracellular S100A7 was detected in culture supernatant of cervical cancer cells. HeLa cells of the experimental group passing through transwell membrane in migration and invasion assays were increased significantly (192.60±24.41 vs 98.80±47.24, P<0.05; 105.40±27.38 vs 84.50±13.51, P<0.05) when the conditional medium was added into the lower compartment of Transwell. Exosomes from C33A cell culture supernatant were extracted successfully, and S100A7 expression was positive. The number of transmembrane C33A cells incubated with exosomes extracted from cells of the experimental group was increased significantly (251.00±49.82 vs 143.00±30.85, P<0.05; 524.60±52.74 vs 389.00±63.23, P<0.05). Conclusion: S100A7 may promote the migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells by epithelial-mesenchymal transition and exosome secretion.

Effects of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu Decoction （茵芪三黄解毒汤） on Liver Hardness and Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in Hepatic Fibrosis Model Mice / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of compound Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu Decoction （茵芪三黄解毒汤， YSJD） against the progression of hepatic fibrosis （HF）. MethodsThirty-eight C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into blank group， model group， silybin group and low-， medium- and high-dose YSJD groups， with eight mice in the model group and six mice each in other groups. Except for the blank group， all mice were injected intraperitoneally with 10% carbon tetrachloride （CCl4） to establish a HF model， twice a week for 8 weeks. The drug intervention started one week after the first modeling； the low-， medium- and high-dose YSJD groups were given 8.325， 16.65 and 33.3 g/（kg·d） of YSJD suspension by gavage， respectively， while the silybin group was given 55 mg/（kg·d） of silybin suspension by gavage， and the blank group and the model group were given 0.2 ml normal saline by gavage， all for 8 weeks. The liver hardness of living mice was observed using a small animal ultrasound detector， and grey-scale ultrasound was recorded. The liver tissue was observed by Sirius scarlet staining， and the proportion of collagen fiber deposition was calculated. Liver function indicators including alanine aminotransferase （ALT） and aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， and serum laminin （LN）， hyaluronic acid （HA）， pre-collagen type III （PCIII） and collagen type IV （CIV） were also detected. The protein expression of transforming growth factor β1 （TGF-β1）， Vimentin， E-cadherin， α smooth muscle actin （α-SMA） in liver tissue were detected. ResultsCompared to the blank group， the model group showed increased gray value， collagen deposition，serum ALT， AST， HA， LN and PCIII levels， decreased expression of E-cadherin， and increased expression of N-cadherin，α-SMA，Vimentin and TGF-β1 in liver tissues （P＜0.05）. Compared to the model group， the ultrasonic gray value and the proportion of collagen fiber deposition in liver of silybin group and YSJD medium- and high-dose groups decreased， and the serum ALT， AST， LN， HA and PCⅢ levels decreased. Compared to the model group， the expression of E-cadherin in liver tissues of silybin group and all three YSJD groups increased， while the expressions of N-cadherin， Vimentin， TGF-β1 and α-SMA decreased （P＜0.05）， and among them， most improvements were seen in the medium-dose YSJD group （P＜0.05）. ConclusionThe effect of YSJD on significantly reducing the extent of HF in mice caused by CCl4 may be related to its ability to regulate liver hardness and inhibit the occurrence of epithelial mesenchymal transition in mice.

The role and treatment strategy of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF) is one of the most serious late complications after nuclear radiation accident, bone marrow transplantation pretreatment and thoracic tumor radiotherapy. The formation process of RIPF is complicated and the pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Recent studies have shown that radiation-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lung epithelial cells is an indispensable segment of RIPF. This article reviews the role of radiation-induced lung EMT in the occurrence and development of RIPF and related drugs with EMT as a potential therapeutic target, providing ideas for the development of therapeutic drugs for RIPF in the future.

Research progress of tripartite motif-containing protein 28 in tumors / 中国医师杂志

Tripartite motif-containing protein 28 is a kind of macromolecular protein with E3 ubiquitin ligase, which belongs to an important member of the TRIM protein family. As a new molecular biomarker, it has attracted wide attention. TRIM28 is highly expressed in many kinds of malignant tumors, which is closely related to clinicopathological features, and is also involved in biological behaviors such as proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of tumor cells. TRIM28 may be a potential marker and therapeutic target for clinical diagnosis and prognosis of tumors. This study reviews the structure and biological function of TRIM28, its relationship with malignant tumors and the molecular mechanism of signal transduction pathway.

Regulatory effect of miR-210 in hypoxia-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition of pancreatic cancer PANC1 cells / 中华胰腺病杂志

Objective:To explore the regulatory role of miR-210 in hypoxia-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of pancreatic cancer PANC1 cells.Methods:PANC1 cells cultured in normoxia and hypoxia were established in normoxia group and hypoxia group. Recombinant plasmid carrrying miR-210 mimics and miR-210 antagomirs were constructed. The recombinant plasmids were transfected with PANC1 cells cultured in normoxia and hypoxia by liposome method to establish cell lines of miR-210 overexpression (miR-210 mimics normoxia group) and miR-210 expression inhibition (miR-210 antagomirs hypoxia group). The blank plasmids were transfected to establish blank plasmid normoxia group and blank plasmid hypoxia group. Relative expression levels of miR-210 for PANC1 cells were determined by qRT-PCR in each group. Western blot was used to measure the expressions of HIF-1α, NF-κB and EMT related protein such as E-cadherin, β-catenin, vimentin and N-cadherin. Cell relative viability under gemcitabine and in vitro cell invasion ability were detected by CCK8 and Transwell chamber experiments, respectively. Results:The relative expressions of miR-210 in hypoxia group and miR-210 mimics normoxia group were significantly higher than those in normoxia group and blank plasmid normoxia group. However, there were significantly lower in miR-210 antagomirs hypoxia group than those in blank plasmid hypoxia group. The expression levels of HIF-1α, NF-κB and mesenchymal cell markers such as vimentin and N-cadherin in hypoxia group were significantly higher than those in normoxia group (0.74±0.06 vs 0.40±0.05, 1.58±0.16 vs 1.09±0.13, 0.46±0.04 vs 0.17±0.02, 1.27±0.07 vs 0.40±0.03) and the epithelial cell markers such as E-cadherin and β-catenin were significantly lower (0.40±0.07 vs 0.77±0.10, 0.35±0.02 vs 0.94±0.08). The expression levels of HIF-1α, NF-κB, vimentin and N-cadherin in miR-210 mimics normoxia group were significantly higher than those in blank plasmid normoxia group (0.91±0.08 vs 0.40±0.06, 1.52±0.17 vs 1.05±0.14, 0.82±0.06 vs 0.66±0.07, 0.76±0.04 vs 0.46±0.03) and E-cadherin and β-catenin were significantly lower (0.38±0.07 vs 0.65±0.09, 0.50±0.03 vs 0.94±0.08). The expression levels of HIF-1α, NF-κB, vimentin and N-cadherin in miR-210 antagomirs hypoxia group were significantly lower than those in blank plasmid hypoxia group (0.31±0.05 vs 0.55±0.06, 0.68±0.05 vs 1.11±0.13, 0.41±0.03 vs 0.74±0.07, 0.69±0.06 vs 0.78±0.05), while E-cadherin and β-catenin were significantly higher (0.72±0.13 vs 0.50±0.07, 0.71±0.04 vs 0.54±0.05). All the differences among the groups were statistically significant (all P value <0.05). Under gemcitabine, the relative viability of PANC1 cells in hypoxia group and miR-210 mimics normoxia group were significantly higher than those in normoxia group and blank plasmid normoxia group at 48 h (1.10±0.10 vs 0.76±0.05, 1.46±0.11 vs 1.12±0.09) and 72 h (1.12±0.13 vs 0.76±0.05, 1.54±0.13 vs 1.12±0.09) accordingly. However, there were significantly lower in miR-210 antagomirs hypoxia group than those in blank plasmid hypoxia group at 48 and 72 h (0.75±0.09 vs 1.10±0.10, 1.19±0.12 vs 1.46±0.11). All the differences among the groups were statistically significant (all P value <0.05). The number of transmembrane cells in hypoxia group and miR-210 mimics normoxia group was significantly higher than those in normoxia group and blank plasmid normoxia group, respectively (417.50±81.22 vs 228.30±47.71, 371.30±72.81 vs 245.00±33.62 per high field), while those in miR-210 antagomirs hypoxia group was significantly lower than those in blank plasmid hypoxia group (228.30±54.01 vs 433.30±65.63 per high field). All the differences among the groups were statistically significant (all P value <0.05). Conclusions:miR-210 could weaken the sensitivity to gemcitabine and promote the invasion of PANC1 cells by regulating the occurrence of the hypoxia-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Regulation of tumor suppressor microRNA-218 on malignant progression and cancer stem cell properties of prostate cancer / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the role of microRNA-218 (miR-218) in regulating prostate cancer (PCa) cell stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). 【Methods】 PCa cell line stably overexpressing miR-218 was constructed with lentivirus transfection. The expression of miR-218 was detected with real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR). The migration ability was detected with Transwell assay. The expression of EMT related proteins were detected with Western blot. The properties of cells were determined with colony formation and tumor sphere formation assays. 【Results】 The results of q-PCR showed that the mRNA level of miR-218 was significantly lower in PCa cell lines LNCaP and C4-2 than in BPH-1. Transwell assay showed that miR-218 inhibited the migration of PCa cells. Western blot showed that the expression of EMT related proteins were inhibited by miR-218. Colony formation and tumor sphere formation assays showed that overexpression of miR-218 significantly inhibited the properties of cells. 【Conclusion】 The expression of miR-218 is downregulated in PCa cell lines. miR-28 can inhibit cell migration, EMT and cancer stem cell properties.

Effects of live attenuated measles vaccine Hu191 strain on epithelial mesenchymal transition,proliferation and migration of 4T1 breast cancer cells / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To investigate the effects of live attenuated measles vaccine Hu191 strain(MV-Hu191)on epithelial mesenchymal transition(EMT),proliferation and migration of 4T1 breast cancer cells.MethodsCCK-8 and clone formation assay were used to analyze the effect of MV-Hu191 on the proliferation of 4T1 cells;The effect of MV-Hu191 on 4T1cell migration was analyzed by cell scratch test;The expression of EMT pathway proteins(MMP-2,MMP-9,E-cadherin)in4T1 cells was detected by Western blot;4T1 tumor-bearing mouse model was established in female BALB/c mice. The model mice were divided into control group(PBS),MV-Hu191(1 × 106TCID50)group and paclitaxel group(15 mg/kg),with 10 mice in each group,and injected into tumor at the dosage of 100 μL every 2 d for 5 times. At 28 d after administration,the effects of MV-Hu191 on survival time,tumorigenicity and metastasis in vivo were observed;The pathological characteristics of lung tissue and tumor tissue were observed by HE staining under microscope;The expression of EMT pathway proteins(MMP-2,MMP-9 and E-cadherin)in tumor tissue was detected by immunohistochemical staining.Results The results of in vitro experiment showed that,compared with the control group,MV-Hu191 inhibited the proliferation and migration of 4T1 cells(F = 2. 811 and 13. 535,P = 0. 001 and 0. 002,respectively),down regulated the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9(F = 45. 433 and 9. 744,P = 0. 011 and 0. 038,respectively),and up regulated the expression of Ecadherin(F = 7. 001,P = 0. 032);The results of in vivo experiment showed that MV-Hu191 significantly prolonged the survival time of tumor-bearing mice,and decreased the tumor quality(F = 8. 301,P = 0. 003)and the number of pulmonary nodules metastasis compared with the control group(F = 33. 792,P = 0. 000);MV-Hu191 treated tumor tissue gap was small,the cells were round,and the alveolar contour was clearly visible;The expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in MVHu191 treated tumor tissue decreased significantly(F = 6. 705 and 9. 047,P = 0. 028 and 0. 023,respectively),while the expression of E-cadherin increased significantly(F = 3. 468,P = 0. 039).ConclusionMV-Hu191 signi-ficantly inhibits the proliferation and migration of 4T1 breast cancer cells,antagonizes the tumorigenicity and lung meta-stasis of 4T1 tumorbearing mice,and prolongs the survival time of mice. The possible mechanism of MV-Hu191 against breast cancer is closely related to the regulation of EMT pathway protein expression.

Long noncoding RNA MRAK088388 is involved in the progression of childhood allergic asthma via miR-30a/ATG5 axis / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To investigate the association between the long-stranded non-coding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA) MRAK088388 and allergic asthma in children. 【Methods】 A total of 15 healthy children and 15 children with asthma were monitored for disease progression over a 2-year period. Blood samples were collected from patients during the chronic phase of the disease for lncRNA/mRNA expression microarray analysis. Competing endogenous RNA networks (MRAK088388/miR-30a/ATG5) were identified by bioinformatics analysis. In vitro cultured bronchial epithelial (16HBE) cells were used to quantify gene and associated protein expression levels by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and protein blotting, respectively. Cell Counting Kit-8 and transwell assays were used to assess the proliferation and migration of 16HBE cells and verify the effects of MRAK088388, miR-30a and ATG5 on asthma. 【Results】 Six lncRNA-miRNA-mRNAs were identified by correlation analysis. By qRT-PCR analysis, MRAK088388/miR-30a/ATG5 was selected to construct the ceRNA network in this study. mRAK088388 and ATG5 expressions were high in the peripheral blood of children with asthma, while the expression of miR-30a was low (P<0.05). The expression level of E-cadherin was significantly higher in 16HBE cells after si-MRAK088388+TGF-β1 group, while the expression levels of Vimentin and α-SMA were significantly lower (P<0.05), indicating that knockdown of MRAK088388 inhibited the epithelial mesenchymal transition in 16HBE cells. Compared with si-NC+ TGF-β1 group, the cell morphology of si-MRAK088388+TGF-β1 group was similar to that of the control group, indicating that MRAK088388 knockdown attenuated TGF-β1-induced cell morphological changes; in addition, MRAK088388 knockdown inhibited TGF-β1-induced proliferation and migration of 16HBE cells. MRAK088388 was confirmed by qPCR and protein blotting to promote the progression of childhood asthma by targeting the miR-30a/ATG5 axis. 【Conclusion】 Childhood asthma is associated with the MRAK088388/miR-30a/ATG5 axis, and MRAK088388 is involved in the process of childhood allergic asthma by negatively regulating miR-30a expression and regulating elevated ATG5 expression levels to affect bronchial epithelial cell mesenchymal transition, proliferation, and migration.

Study on the role of CCL19 and AKT signaling pathway in the development of lung cancer / 中国职业医学

Objective To investigate the role of chemokine ligand 19 (CCL19) and protein kinase-B (AKT) signaling pathway in lung cancer development. Methods The human lung adenocarcinoma cell line, A549 cells, in logarithmic growth phase were randomly divided into five groups： blank control group, solvent control group, CCL19 treatment group, AKT inhibition group, and antibody neutralization group. The blank control group received no treatment. The other four groups were treated with dimethyl sulfoxide, CCL19, MK-2206 (AKT inhibitor), and a combination of CCL19 and MK-2206, respectively. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, while cell migration and invasion capabilities were evaluated using the cell scratch and transwell assays. The relative expression levels of Pan-AKT, p-AKT (Ser473), p-AKT (Thr308), E-cadherin (E-cad), N-cadherin (N-cad), and Snail proteins in A549 cells were detected using Western blotting. Lung cancer tissue samples from 60 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were collected, and the expression of CCL19 and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) proteins in the specimens was examined using immunohistochemistry. Results The survival rate of A549 cells in the AKT inhibition group and antibody neutralization group was lower than that in blank control group, solvent control group, and CCL19 treatment group (all P<0.05). The cell scratch assay result showed that the cell migration rate of the CCL19 treatment group was higher at 36.0 and 48.0 hours than those of the blank control group, solvent control group, AKT inhibition group, and neutralizing antibody group (all P<0.05). The Transwell assay result showed that the invasion amount of A549 cells in the AKT inhibition group was less than that in the CCL19 treatment group (P<0.05). Compared with the blank control group, the relative expression of E-cad protein in the CCL19 treatment group decreased, while the relative expression of p-AKT (Ser473), p-AKT (Thr308), N-cad and Snail proteins increased (all P<0.05). The relative expression of p-AKT (Ser473), p-AKT (Thr308), N-cad, and Snail proteins in A549 cells decreased (all P<0.05), and relative expression of E-cad protein increased (all P<0.05) in the AKT inhibition group and antibody neutralization group compared with the blank control group, solvent control group, and CCL19 treatment group. There was no significant difference in the expression of CCL19 and MMP9 in lung cancer tissues of NSCLC patients in Xuanwei City, Gejiu City, and other regions (all P>0.05). The expression of CCL19 and MMP9 in NSCLC patients with lymph node metastasis was higher than in patients without lymph node metastasis (all P<0.01). Conclusion CCL19 can promote the invasion and metastasis of lung cancer cells and induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Its expression level is related to lymph node metastasis in NSCLC patients. The AKT signaling pathway may be an important mechanism underlying lung cancer development.

Effect of miR-524-5p on Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition in Esophageal Cancer Cells by Regulating HEG1 Expression / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To investigate the mechanism and the effect of miR-524-5p regulating HEG1 expression on the proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of esophageal cancer cells. Methods The expression levels of miR-524-5p and HEG1 mRNA in esophageal cancer cells and normal esophageal epithelial cells were detected by qRT-PCR. KYSE30 cells were divided into miR-524-5p mimic group, miR-524-5p NC group, miR-524-5p mimic+pcDNA3.1 group, and miR-524-5p mimic+pcDNA3.1-HEG1 group. Non-transfected cells were set as the normal control group (group Control). CCK-8 method was applied to detect the proliferation ability of KYSE30 cells. Western blot analysis was conducted to detect the expression of proteins related to EMT, invasion, and migration and the HEG1 protein. Scratch and Transwell assays were applied to detect the migration and invasion abilities of KYSE30 cells. A dual-luciferase reporter gene was used to examine the targeting relationship between miR-524-5p and HEG1. Results miR-524-5p was lowly expressed in four esophageal cancer cell lines, namely, TE-1, KYSE30, KYSE150, and NEC (P < 0.05). KYSE30 cells with the lowest expression level were selected for subsequent experiments. HEG1 mRNA was highly expressed in four esophageal cancer cell lines (P < 0.05). The GEPIA database showed that HEG1 was highly expressed in esophageal cancer tumor tissues (P < 0.05). KYSE30 cells in the miR-524-5p mimic group had lower proliferation ability, colony formation number, mesenchymal marker protein expression, and migration and invasion abilities and upregulated epithelial marker protein E-cadherin level than cells in the miR-524-5p NC group (P < 0.05). The miR-524-5p mimic+pcDNA3.1-HEG1 group significantly reversed the inhibitory effect of overexpression of miR-524-5p on the proliferation, epithelial–mesenchymal transformation, invasion, and metastasis of KYSE30 cells (P < 0.05). The luciferase activity of cells in the miR-524-5p mimic and WT-HEG1 co-transfection groups was lower than that in the miR-524-5p NC and WT-HEG1 co-transfection groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion miR-524-5p is lowly expressed in EC cells and tissues. The overexpression of miR-524-5p can negatively regulate the expression of HEG1 in esophageal cancer cell line (KYSE30 cells) and reduce the proliferation, EMT process, and invasion and migration abilities of KYSE30 cells.

Drug Repurposing of Clinically Approved Drugs to Target Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition Using Molecular Docking Approach

@#Introduction: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process of epithelial transformation into mesenchymal cells. It is also a process that contributes to the progression of fibrosis and cancer metastasis. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), as a potent inducer of EMT, has therefore became a potential therapeutic target. However, clinical developments of TGF-β inhibitors have been un-successful due to safety risks. Hence, drug repurposing of existing safe-to-use drugs could over-come this issue. Methods: In this study, the TGF-β receptor type 1 (ALK5) was selected as the target protein. Molecular docking was performed using known ALK5 inhibitors as positive controls. Clinical drugs with similar binding affinity and amino acid interaction were selected for in vitro experimental validation. Results: ALK5 inhibitor demonstrated binding affinities ranging from -11.2 to -9.5 kcal/mol. Analysis of amino acid interaction revealed that Val219, Ala230, Lys232, and Leu340 amino acid residues are crucial for binding. Subsequent screening of clinically approved drugs against ALK5 showed top five potential drugs (ergotamine, telmisartan, saquinavir, indinavir, and nelfinavir). The selected drugs were tested in TGF-β1-induced normal human bronchial epithelial cell line, BEAS-2B. Western blot analysis showed that the drugs did not exhibit inhibitory effects on the downregulation of epithelial proteins (E-cadherin) and upregulation of mesenchymal proteins (vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin). Conclusion: Based on these experimental outcome, it is postulated that the results from molecular docking were false positives. The tested drugs in this study could serve as negative controls in future screening against ALK5 protein.