Investigation the effects of vitreous humor on proliferation and dedifferentiation of differentiated NTERA2 cells / Investigar os efeitos do humor vítreo na proliferação e desdiferenciação de células NTERA2 diferenciadas

Abstract Mammals have a limited capacity to regenerate their tissues and organs. One of the mechanisms associated with natural regeneration is dedifferentiation. Several small molecules such as vitamin C and growth factors could improve reprogramming efficiency. In this study, the NTERA2-D1 (NT2) cells were induced towards differentiation (NT2-RA) with 10-5 M retinoic acid (RA) for three days and then subjected to various amounts of vitreous humor (VH). Results show that the growth rate of these cells was reduced, while this rate was partly restored upon treatment with VH (NT2-RA-VH). Cell cycle analysis with PI method also showed that the numbers of cells at the S phase of the cell cycle in these cells were increased. The levels of SSEA3 and TRA-1-81 antigens in NT2-RA were dropped but they increased in NT2- RA-VH to a level similar to the NT2 cells. The level of SSEA1 had an opposite pattern. Expression of OCT4 gene dropped after RA treatment, but it was recovered in NT2-RA-VH cells. In conclusion, we suggest VH as a potent mixture for improving the cellular reprogramming leading to dedifferentiation.

Resumo Os mamíferos têm uma capacidade limitada de regenerar seus tecidos e órgãos. Um dos mecanismos associados à regeneração natural é a desdiferenciação. Várias moléculas pequenas, como vitamina C e fatores de crescimento, podem melhorar a eficiência da reprogramação. Neste estudo, as células NTERA2-D1 (NT2) foram induzidas à diferenciação (NT2-RA) com ácido retinóico (RA) 10-5 M por três dias e depois submetidas a várias quantidades de humor vítreo (VH). Os resultados mostram que a taxa de crescimento dessas células foi reduzida, enquanto essa taxa foi parcialmente restaurada após o tratamento com VH (NT2-RA-VH). A análise do ciclo celular com o método PI também mostrou que o número de células na fase S do ciclo celular nessas células estava aumentado. Os níveis de antígenos SSEA3 e TRA-1-81 em NT2-RA diminuíram, mas aumentaram em NT2-RA-VH a um nível semelhante ao das células NT2. O nível de SSEA1 teve um padrão oposto. A expressão do gene OCT4 diminuiu após o tratamento com AR, mas foi recuperado em células NT2-RA-VH. Em conclusão, sugerimos o VH como uma mistura potente para melhorar a reprogramação celular levando à desdiferenciação.

Protective Autophagy in 5-Fluorouracil-Resistant Colorectal Cancer Cells and ERK-RSK-ABCG2 Linkage / Autofagia Protectora en Células de Cáncer Colorrectal Resistentes al 5-Fluorouracilo y Enlace ERK-RSK-ABCG2

SUMMARY: To evaluate the anti-cancer effects of yeast extract on resistant cells, autophagy and necroptosis were investigated in 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-resistant colorectal cancer cells. Further underlying characteristics on drug resistance were evaluated, focused on ERK-RSK-ABCG2 linkage. SNU-C5 and 5-FU resistant SNU-C5 (SNU-C5/5-FUR) colorectal cancer cells were adopted for cell viability assay and Western blotting to examine the anti-cancer effects of yeast extract. Yeast extract induced autophagy in SNU-C5 cells with increased Atg7, Atg12-5 complex, Atg16L1, and LC3 activation (LC3-II/LC3-I), but little effects in SNU-C5/5-FUR cells with increased Atg12-5 complex and Atg16L1. Both colorectal cancer cells did not show necroptosis after yeast extract treatment. Based on increased ABCG2 and RSK expression after yeast extract treatment, drug resistance mechanisms were further evaluated. As compared to wild type, SNU-C5/5-FUR cells showed more ABCG2 expression, less RSK expression, and less phosphorylation of ERK. ABCG2 inhibitor, Ko143, treatment induces following changes: 1) more sensitivity at 500 mM 5-FU, 2) augmented proliferation, and 3) less phosphorylation of ERK. These results suggest that protective autophagy in SNU-C5/5-FUR cells with increased ABCG2 expression might be candidate mechanisms for drug resistance. As the ERK responses were different from each stimulus, the feasible mechanisms among ERK-RSK-ABCG2 should be further investigated in 5-FU-resistant CRC cells.

Para evaluar los efectos anticancerígenos del extracto de levadura en células resistentes, se investigaron la autofagia y la necroptosis en células de cáncer colorrectal resistentes al 5-fluorouracilo (5-FU). Además se evaluaron otras características subyacentes de la resistencia a los medicamentos centrándose en el enlace ERK-RSK-ABCG2. Se usaron células de cáncer colorrectal SNU-C5 (SNU-C5/5-FUR) resistentes a SNU-C5 y 5- FU para el ensayo de viabilidad celular y la transferencia Western para examinar los efectos anticancerígenos del extracto de levadura. El extracto de levadura indujo autofagia en células SNU-C5 con mayor activación de Atg7, complejo Atg12-5, Atg16L1 y LC3 (LC3-II/LC3-I), pero pocos efectos en células SNU-C5/5-FUR con aumento de Atg12-5 complejo y Atg16L1. Ambas células de cáncer colorrectal no mostraron necroptosis después del tratamiento con extracto de levadura. Se evaluaron los mecanismos de resistencia a los medicamentos. en base al aumento de la expresión de ABCG2 y RSK después del tratamiento con extracto de levadura.En comparación con las de tipo salvaje, las células SNU-C5/5-FUR mostraron más expresión de ABCG2, menos expresión de RSK y menos fosforilación de ERK. El tratamiento con inhibidor de ABCG2, Ko143, induce los siguientes cambios: 1) más sensibilidad a 5-FU 500 mM, 2) proliferación aumentada y 3) menos fosforilación de ERK. Estos resultados sugieren que la autofagia protectora en células SNU-C5/5-FUR con mayor expresión de ABCG2 podría ser un mecanismo candidato para la resistencia a los medicamentos. Como las respuestas de ERK fueron diferentes de cada estímulo, los mecanismos factibles entre ERK-RSK- ABCG2 deberían investigarse más a fondo en células CCR resistentes a 5-FU.

An epidermal growth factor motif of developmental endothelial locus 1 protein inhibits efficient angiogenesis in explanted squamous cell carcinoma in vivo

ABSTRACT Background: Cancer gene therapy using a nonviral vector is expected to be repeatable, safe, and inexpensive, and to have long-term effectiveness. Gene therapy using the E3 and C1 (E3C1) domain of developmental endothelial locus-1 (Del1) has been shown to improve prognosis in a mouse transplanted tumor model. Objective: In this study, we examined how this treatment affects angiogenesis in mouse transplanted tumors. Materials and methods: Mouse transplanted tumors (SCCKN human squamous carcinoma cell line) were injected locally with a nonviral plasmid vector encoding E3C1 weekly. Histochemical analysis of the transplanted tumors was then performed to assess the effects of E3C1 on prognosis. Results: All mice in the control group had died or reached an endpoint within 39 days. In contrast, one of ten mice in the E3C1 group had died by day 39, and eight of ten had died or reached an endpoint by day 120 (p < 0.01). Enhanced apoptosis in tumor stroma was seen on histochemical analyses, as was inhibited tumor angiogenesis in E3C1-treated mice. In addition, western blot analysis showed decreases in active Notch and HEY1 proteins. Conclusion: These findings indicate that cancer gene therapy using a nonviral vector encoding E3C1 significantly improved life-span by inhibiting tumor angiogenesis. (REV INVEST CLIN. 2021;73(1):39-51)

Estudo imuno-histoquímico e in vitro de proteínas do sistema ativador de plasminogênio em carcinomas de células escamosas de língua oral / Immunohistochemical and in vitro study of plasminogen activator system proteins in oral tongue squamous cell carcinomas

O carcinoma de células escamosas (CCE) é a neoplasia maligna mais frequente da cavidade oral e apresenta prognóstico desfavorável. Assim sendo, pesquisas têm buscado esclarecer o papel de biomarcadores no comportamento biológico do CCE oral. Nesta perspectiva, destacam-se o ativador de plasminogênio tipo uroquinase (uPA) e seu receptor (uPAR), além do inibidor do ativador de plasminogênio-1 (PAI-1). O presente trabalho analisou, por meio de imuno-histoquímica, a expressão das proteínas uPA, uPAR e PAI-1 no CCE de língua oral (CCELO) e sua relação com parâmetros clinicopatológicos. Este experimento também avaliou os efeitos in vitro da proteína recombinante humana PAI-1 (rhPAI-1) na linhagem celular SCC25, derivada de CCELO. A imunoexpressão de uPA, uPAR e PAI-1 foi analisada em 60 casos de CCELO, de forma semiquantitativa, nas células neoplásicas do front de invasão tumoral. Visando a associação dos achados imuno-histoquímicos com variáveis clinicopatológicas e taxas de sobrevida, os casos foram classificados nas categorias baixa expressão (≤50% das células positivas) e alta expressão (>50% das células positivas). No experimento in vitro, foram analisados os seguintes grupos: G0 (controle; células cultivadas na ausência de rhPAI-1), G10 (células tratadas com rhPAI-1 a 10 nM) e G20 (células tratadas com rhPAI-1 a 20 nM). Diferenças entre estes grupos foram investigadas através dos ensaios: viabilidade celular (Alamar Blue), ciclo celular (marcação com iodeto de propídio, PI), apoptose/necrose (marcação com Anexina V e PI), atividade migratória (Wound healing) e invasão celular (Transwell). A análise imuno-histoquímica revelou alta expressão do uPA na maioria dos CCELOs, mas sem relações significativas com parâmetros clinicopatológicos. As expressões do uPAR e do PAI-1, em nível membranar, foram associadas a recidivas locais (p=0,019) e ao elevado tumor budding (p=0,046), respectivamente. A expressão membranar do PAI-1 também apresentou associação significativa com o alto escore de risco histopatológico (p=0,043). A análise estatística evidenciou ausência de associações significativas entre as variáveis imunohistoquímicas (uPA, uPAR e PAI-1) e indicadores de prognóstico do CCELO (sobrevida específica e sobrevida livre da doença). No estudo in vitro, decorridas 24 horas da administração da rhPAI-1, os grupos G10 e G20 exibiram maior viabilidade celular em comparação ao grupo controle (p=0,020), assim como aumento da progressão para a fase S do ciclo celular (p=0,024). No que concerne aos percentuais de células apoptóticas e necróticas, não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os grupos. Nos grupos celulares cultivados na presença da rhPAI1, também foi constatado aumento da atividade migratória (p=0,039) e do potencial de invasão (p=0,039), respectivamente, nos intervalos de 24 horas e 72 horas. Os achados deste estudo sugerem o envolvimento das proteínas uPA, uPAR e PAI-1 na patogênese do CCELO. Entretanto, a expressão destes biomarcadores pode não estar relacionada com a sobrevida dos pacientes. Os resultados in vitro demonstram que o PAI-1 exerce efeitos estimulatórios na proliferação, migração e invasão celular, podendo assim contribuir para a agressividade biológica do CCELO (AU).

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most frequent malignant neoplasm of the oral cavity and has an unfavorable prognosis. Thus, studies have sought to clarify the role of biomarkers in the biological behavior of oral SCC. Within this context, urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR), as well as plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), are particularly interesting. The present study analyzed, by means of immunohistochemistry, the expressions of uPA, uPAR and PAI-1 in oral tongue SCC (OTSCC) and their relationship with clinicopathological parameters. This experiment also evaluated the in vitro effects of recombinant human PAI-1 (rhPAI-1) on the OTSCC-derived cell line SCC-25. The immunoexpression of uPA, uPAR and PAI-1 was analyzed semiquantitatively in neoplastic cells of the invasion front of 60 OTSCC cases. Aiming to determine the association between immunohistochemical findings, clinicopathological variables and survival rates, the cases were classified as low expression (≤50% of positive cells) and high expression (>50% of positive cells). The following groups were analyzed in the in vitro experiment: G0 (control; cells cultured in the absence of rhPAI-1), G10 (cells treated with 10 nM rhPAI-1), and G20 (cells treated with 20 nM rhPAI-1). Differences between these groups were investigated using the following assays: cell viability (Alamar Blue), cell cycle (staining with propidium iodide, PI), apoptosis/necrosis (staining with Annexin V and PI), migratory activity (Wound healing), and cell invasion (Transwell). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed high expression of uPA in most OTSCC cases, but there were no significant associations with clinicopathological parameters. The high membrane expression of uPAR and PAI-1 was associated with local recurrence (p=0.019) and high tumor budding (p=0.046), respectively. Membrane expression of PAI-1 also presented a significant association with high-risk cases (p=0,043). Statistical analysis demonstrated no significant associations between the immunohistochemical variables (uPA, uPAR and PAI-1) and prognostic indicators of OTSCC (disease-specific and disease-free survival). In the in vitro experiment, 24 hours after administration of rhPAI-1, G10 and G20 exhibited greater cell viability compared to the control group (p=0.02), as well as increased progression to the S phase of the cell cycle (p=0.024). There were no significant differences in the percentages of apoptotic or necrotic cells between groups. In the groups cultured in the presence of rhPAI-1, migratory activity (p=0.039) and invasion potential (p=0.039) were found to be increased after 24 and 72 hours, respectively. The findings of this study suggest the involvement of uPA, uPAR and PAI-1 in the pathogenesis of OTSCC. Nevertheless, the expression of these biomarkers may not be related to survival of patients. The in vitro results suggest that PAI-1 exerts stimulatory effects on cell proliferation, migration and invasion and may therefore contribute to the biological aggressiveness of OTSCC (AU).

Functional and genomic characterization of three novel cell lines derived from a metastatic gallbladder cancer tumor

BACKGROUND: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most common tumor of the biliary tract. The incidence of GBC shows a large geographic variability, being particularly frequent in Native American populations. In Chile, GBC represents the second cause of cancer-related death among women. We describe here the establishment of three novel cell lines derived from the ascitic fluid of a Chilean GBC patient, who presented 46% European, 36% Mapuche, 12% Aymara and 6% African ancestry. RESULTS: After immunocytochemical staining of the primary cell culture, we isolated and comprehensively characterized three independent clones (PUC-GBC1, PUC-GBC2 and PUC-GBC3) by short tandem repeat DNA profiling and RNA sequencing as well as karyotype, doubling time, chemosensitivity, in vitro migration capability and in vivo tumorigenicity assay. Primary culture cells showed high expression of CK7, CK19, CA 19-9, MUC1 and MUC16, and negative expression of mesothelial markers. The three isolated clones displayed an epithelial phenotype and an abnormal structure and number of chromosomes. RNA sequencing confirmed the increased expression of cytokeratin and mucin genes, and also of TP53 and ERBB2 with some differences among the three cells lines, and revealed a novel exonic mutation in NF1. The PUC-GBC3 clone was the most aggressive according to histopathological features and the tumorigenic capacity in NSG mice. CONCLUSIONS: The first cell lines established from a Chilean GBC patient represent a new model for studying GBC in patients of Native American descent.

Deriving primary cancer cell cultures for personalized therapy

ABSTRACT Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the world, accounting for one out of six deaths. Consequently, there is an urgent need for new and more effective therapeutic options as well as drug screening methods. Immortal, “stable” cancer cell lines have been employed since the past century to assess drug response but face several disadvantages. They often accumulate new genetic aberrations due to long-term culture and lack the indisputable heterogeneity of solid tumors, therefore, compromising the recapitulation of molecular features from parental tumors. Primary cancer cells have emerged as an attractive alternative to commercial cell lines since they can preserve such properties more closely. Here, we provide an overview of the basic concepts underlying generation and characterization of primary cell cultures from tumor samples. We emphasize the advantages and disadvantages of using these types of cancer cell cultures, and we make a comparison with other types of cultures used for personalized therapy. Finally, we consider the use of primary cancer cell cultures in personalized therapy as a means to improve drug response prediction and therapeutic outcomes.

In vitro Antiproliferative activity of Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) leaves essential oil / Actividad antiproliferativa in vitro de aceite esencial de hojas de Melissa officinalis L (Lamiaceae)

In the present study, we investigated the antiproliferative activity of essential oil from leaves of Melissa officinalis L. grown in Southern Bosnia and Herzegovina. In vitro evaluation of antiproliferative activity of the M. officinalis essential oil was carried out on three human tumor cell lines: MCF-7, NCI-H460 and MOLT-4 by MTT assay. M. officinalis essential oil was characterized by high percentage of monoterpenes (77,5%), followed by the sesquiterpene fraction (14,5%) and aliphatic compounds (2,2%). The main constituents of the essential oil of M. officinalis are citral (47,2%), caryophyllene oxide (10,2%), citronellal (5,4%), geraniol (6,6%), geranyl acetate (4,1%) and ß- caryophyllene (3,8%). The essential oil showed significant antiproliferative activity against three cancer cell lines, MOLT-4, MCF-7, and NCI-H460 cells, with GI50 values of <5, 6±2 and 31±17 µg/mL, respectively. The results revealed that M. officinalis L. essential oil has a potential as anticancer therapeutic agent.

En el presente estudio, investigamos la actividad antiproliferativa del aceite esencial de las hojas de Melissa officinalis L. cultivadas en el sur de Bosnia y Herzegovina. La evaluación in vitro de la actividad antiproliferativa del aceite esencial de M. officinalis se llevó a cabo en tres líneas celulares de tumores humanos: MCF-7, NCI-H460 y MOLT-4 utilizando el ensayo de MTT. El aceite esencial de M. officinalis se caracterizó por un alto porcentaje de monoterpenos (77,5%), seguido de la fracción sesquiterpénica (14,5%) y compuestos alifáticos (2,2%). Los principales constituyentes del aceite esencial de M. officinalis fueron citral (47,2%), óxido de cariofileno (10,2%), citronelal (5,4%), geraniol (6,6%), acetato de geranilo (4, 1%), y ß-cariofileno (3,8%). El aceite esencial mostró una actividad antiproliferativa significativa contra las líneas celulares de cáncer MOLT-4, MCF-7 y NCI-H460, con valores GI50 de <5, 6±2 y 31±17 µg/mL, respectivamente. Los resultados revelaron que el aceite esencial de M. officinalis L. tiene potencial como agente terapéutico contra el cáncer.

Enhanced production of prodigiosin by Serratia marcescens FZSF02 in the form of pigment pellets

Background: Prodigiosin has been demonstrated to be an important candidate in investigating anticancer drugs and in many other applications in recent years. However, industrial production of prodigiosin has not been achieved. In this study, we found a prodigiosin-producing strain, Serratia marcescens FZSF02, and its fermentation strategies were studied to achieve the maximum yield of prodigiosin. Results: When the culture medium consisted of 16.97 g/L of peanut powder, 16.02 g/L of beef extract, and 11.29 mL/L of olive oil, prodigiosin reached a yield of 13.622 ± 236 mg/L after culturing at 26 °C for 72 h. Furthermore, when 10 mL/L olive oil was added to the fermentation broth at the 24th hour of fermentation, the maximum prodigiosin production of 15,420.9 mg/L was obtained, which was 9.3-fold higher than the initial level before medium optimization. More than 60% of the prodigiosin produced with this optimized fermentation strategy was in the form of pigment pellets. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on this phenomenon of pigment pellet formation, which made it much easier to extract prodigiosin at low cost. Prodigiosin was then purified and identified by absorption spectroscopy, HPLC, and LCMS. Purified prodigiosin obtained in this study showed anticancer activity in separate experiments on several human cell cultures: A549, K562, HL60, HepG2, and HCT116. Conclusions: This is a promising strain for producing prodigiosin. The prodigiosin has potential in anticancer medicine studies.

Effect of Denticleless E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase on Proliferation and Colone Formation of Multiple Myeloma Cells / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To determine the effect of denticleless E3 ubiquitin protein ligase(DTL)on the proliferation and clone formation of multiple myeloma(MM)cells and investigate the related mechanism. Methods Mononuclear cells were extracted from 34 MM patients.Mononuclear cells harvested from 14 healthy volunteers were used as controls.Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the change of DTL at mRNA level.Furthermore,12 MM patients and 2 controls were selected,in whom the change of DTL at protein level was detected by Western blot.Human MM cell line RPMI8226 was divided into control(CON)group and DTL-short hairpin RNA(DTL-shRNA)group,which was infected with the CON and DTL-shRNA virus,respectively,for 48 hours.The infection efficiency was detected by using flow cytometry,the knock-down efficiencies at mRNA and protein levels were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot,the change of cell counts in the next 0,24,48,72,96 hours were measured with CCK8 assay.The CON and DTL-shRNA cells were cultured in semisolid medium.Ten days later,inverted phase microscopy was used to measure the number of colones that contain more than 50 cells,annexin V/propidium iodide double staining to detect apoptosis,and propidium iodide staning to detect cell cycle.Finally,Western blot was empoyed to detect the phosphorylation of P65 and inhibitory subunit-κBα(IκBα)in nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)pathway and electrophoretic mobility shift assay(EMSA)to detect the NF-κB transcriptional ability. Results The DTL expression was(1.00±0.12)and(9.36±3.71),respectively in the bone marrow mononuclear cells of healthy volunteers and in the CD138+cells of MM patients(t=3.65,P=0.0024).DTL was also highly expressed in MM CD138+positive cells at protein level.After RPMI8226 was infected by CON and DTL-shRNA virus for 48 hours,green fluorescent protein-positive cells accounted for more than 90%.The relative expression of DTL was(1.00±0.01)and(0.21±0.04)(t=33.19,P<0.0001)at mRNA level and(0.52±0.13)and(0.11±0.02)at protein level(t=5.399,P=0.0057).CCK8 revealed that CON and DTL-shRNA cells proliferated by(1.00±0.03)vs.(1.00±0.02),(2.19±0.28)vs.(1.47±0.13),(3.50±0.14)vs.(2.24±0.19),(5.43±0.41)vs.(3.08±0.14),(7.42±0.17)vs.(4.29±013)after 0,24,48,72,and 96 hours(F=24.58,P=0.001).The number of colone containing more than 50 cells was in 76±4 in CON group and 0 in DTL-shRNA group(P<0.01).The proportion of G1 stage cells was(28.61±8.64)% in CON group and(57.25±10.37)% in DTL-shRNA group(t=3.675,P=0.0213).The proportion of annexin V+in CON and DTL-shRNA groups was(3.21±0.89)% vs.(34.71±18.68)%(t=2.895,P=0.0443).After RPMI8226 was infected with CON or DTL-shRNA virus for 48 hours,the relative expression of phosphorylation P65 was(1.52±0.14)vs.(0.82±0.11)(t=6.81,P=0.0024),the P65 relative expression was(0.25±0.04)vs.(0.24±0.08)(t=0.19,P=0.85),the CON and DTL-shRNA phosphorylation-IκBα relative expression was(0.19±0.03)vs.(0.13±0.02)(t=2.882,P=0.0449),and the IκBα was(0.22±0.05)vs.(1.01±0.06)(t=17.52,P<0.0001).Detection of the transcriptional ability of DTL-shRNA NF-κB by EMSA further confirmed the down-regulation of DTL suppressed the NF-κB transcriptional ability. Conclusions DTL is highly expressed in MM cells,and down-regulation of DTL suppresses the cell proliferation,inhibit the colony formation,and induce cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.The effect of DTL on the biological functions of MM cells is related to the change of NF-κB pathway.

Ginsenoside Rg_1 induces leukemia stem cell senescence via SIRT1/TSC_2 signal axis / 中国中药杂志

The aim of this paper was to investigate the effect of SIRT1/TSC_2 signal axis on leukemia stem cell senescence induced by ginsenoside Rg_1. CD34~+CD38~- leukemia stem cells(CD34~+CD38~-LSCs) was isolated by magnetic cell sorting(MACS) and divided into two groups. The control group cells were routinely cultured, 40 μmol·L~(-1) ginsenoside Rg_1 was added to the control group for co-culture in Rg_1 group. The effect of Rg_l to induce CD34~+CD38~-LSCs senescence were evaluated by senescence-associated β-Galactosidase(SA-β-Gal) staining, cell cycle assay, CCK-8 and Colony-Assay. The expression of senescence associated SIRT1, TSC_2 mRNA and protein was examined by Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(FQ-PCR) and Western blot. The results showed that the CD34~+CD38~-LSCs could effectively be isolated by MACS, and the purity of CD34~+CD38~-LSCs is up to(95.86±3.04)%. Compared with the control group, the percentage of positive cells expressed SA-β-Gal in the Rg_1 group is increased, the senescence morphological changes were observed in the CD34~+CD38~-LSCs in the Rg_1 group. The proliferation inhibition rate and the number of cells entered G_0/G_1 phase in the Rg_1 group were increased, but the colony-formed ability was decreased, Rg_1 could significantly inhibit the proliferation and self-renewal ability of CD34~+CD38~-LSCs. The expression of SIRT1 and TSC_2 mRNA and protein were down regulated in the Rg_1 group compared with the control group. Our research implied that Rg_1 may induce the senescence of CD34~+CD38~-LSCs and SIRT1/TSC_2 signal axis plays a significant role in this process.

The Zuo Jin Wan Formula increases chemosensitivity of human primary gastric cancer cells by AKT mediated mitochondrial translocation of cofilin-1 / 中国天然药物

Resistance to cisplatin (DDP)-based chemotherapy is a major cause of treatment failure in human gastric cancer (GC). It is necessary to identify the drugs to re-sensitize GC cells to DDP. In our previous research, Zuo Jin Wan Formula (ZJW) has been proved could increase the mitochondrial apoptosis via cofilin-1 in a immortalized cell line, SGC-7901/DDP. Due to the immortalized cells may still difficult highly recapitulate the important molecular events in vivo, primary GC cells model derived from clinical patient was constructed in the present study to further evaluate the effect of ZJW and the underlying molecular mechanism. Immunofluorescent staining was used to indentify primary cultured human GC cells. Western blotting was carried out to detect the protein expression. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to evaluate cell proliferation. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to assess cell apoptosis. ZJW inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in primary DDP-resistant GC cells. Notably, the apoptosis in GC cells was mediated by inducing cofilin-1 mitochondrial translocation, down-regulating Bcl-2 and up-regulating Bax expression. Surprisingly, the level of p-AKT protein was higher in DDP-resistant GC cells than that of the DDP-sensitive GC cells, and the activation of AKT could attenuate ZJW-induced sensitivity to DDP. These data revealed that ZJW can increase the chemosensitivity in DDP-resistant primary GC cells by inducing mitochondrial apoptosis and AKT inactivation. The combining chemotherapy with ZJW may be an effective therapeutic strategy for GC chemoresistance patients.

Efeito Antiproliferativo do Zoledronato em Linhagens Celulares Tumorais / Antiproliferative Effect of Zoledronate on Tumor Cell Lines / Efecto Antiproliferativo del Zoledronato en Linajes Celulares Tumorales

Introdução: Bisfosfonatos são fármacos utilizados para o tratamento de enfermidades ósseas, como a osteoporose e metástases ósseas, em razão do seu mecanismo de ação, que consiste na diminuição do processo de reabsorção do osso. Outros estudos verificaram que bisfosfonatos de alta potência, como o zoledronato, poderiam auxiliar no tratamento de outras enfermidades malignas por causa da promoção de um efeito antiproliferativo. Objetivo: Este estudo in vitro objetivou avaliar a atividade antiproliferativa de zoledronato em diferentes linhagens de células tumorais. Método: Nove linhagens humanas (U251; MCF7; NCI/ADR-RES; 786-0; NCI-H460; PC-3; OVCAR-3; HT29; K-562 e HaCaT) foram submetidas ao tratamento com as concentrações de 0,12; 1,2; 12 e 120 µM de zoledronato e tiveram sua atividade proliferativa avaliada após 48 horas, utilizando-se o corante sulforrodamina B. Resultados: Verificou-se que as concentrações de 12 µM e 120 µM de zoledronato foram eficazes para a redução em 50% e 100%, respectivamente, da proliferação das células 786-0 (carcinoma renal). A maior concentração de zoledronato (120 µM) promoveu um efeito citostático (redução da proliferação celular em 50%) para as células HaCaT (queratinócito humano não tumoral), HT-29 (carcinoma de cólon), NCI-ADR/ RES (adenocarcinoma de ovário com fenótipo de multirresistência) e NCI-H460 (carcinoma pulmonar). Conclusão: Esses resultados sugerem um promissor efeito auxiliar do zoledronato para o tratamento de alguns tipos de tumores; estudos complementares in vitro e in vivo são necessários para a validação dessa hipótese.

Introduction: Bisphosphonates are used in the treatment of bone diseases such as osteoporosis and bone metastases, because of their ability to inhibit bone resorption. There is evidence that high-potency bisphosphonates, such as zoledronate, are useful in the treatment of other malignancies because they have an antiproliferative effect. Objective:To evaluate the antiproliferative activity of zoledronate in different tumor cell lines. Method: This was an in vitro study in which nine human cell lines (U251, MCF7, NCI/ ADR-RES, 786-0, NCI-H460, PC-3, OVCAR-3, HT29, K-562, and HaCaT) were treated with of 0.12, 1.2, 12, and 120 µM of zoledronate, their proliferative activity being evaluated 48 h later with sulforhodamine B assay. Results: At the 12 µM and 120 µM doses, zoledronate effectively reduced the proliferation of 786-0 (renal carcinoma) cells by 50% and 100%, respectively. At the highest concentration (120 µM), zoledronate had a cytostatic effect (50% reduction in cell proliferation) on HaCaT (non-tumor human keratinocyte), HT-29 (colon carcinoma), NCI-ADR/ RES (multidrug-resistant ovarian adenocarcinoma), and NCI-H460 (lung carcinoma) cells. Conclusion: These results suggest a promising auxiliary effect of zoledronate for the treatment of some tumors. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed in order to test that hypothesis.

Introducción: Los bisfosfonatos son fármacos utilizados para el tratamiento de enfermedades óseas, como la osteoporosis y metástasis óseas debido a su mecanismo de acción, que consiste en la disminución del proceso de reabsorción del hueso. Otros estudios observaron que los bisfosfonatos de alta potencia, como el zoledronato, podrían ayudar en el tratamiento de otras enfermedades malignas debido a la promoción de un efecto antiproliferativo. Objetivo: Este estudio in vitro objetivó evaluar la actividad antiproliferativa de zoledronato en diferentes linajes de células tumorales. Método: Los nueve humano linajes (U251, MCF7, NCI / ADR-RES, 786-0, NCI-H460, PC-3, OVCAR-3, HT29, K-562 and HaCaT) se sometieron al tratamiento con las concentraciones de 0,12; 1,2; 12 y 120 µM de zoledronato y tuvieron su actividad proliferativa evaluada después de 48 horas utilizando el colorante sulforrodamina B. Resultados: Se comprobó que las concentraciones de 12 µM y 120 µM de zoledronato fueron efectivas para reducir en un 50% y un 100%, respectivamente, de la proliferación de las células 786-0 (carcinoma renal). La mayor concentración de zoledronato (120 µM) promovió un efecto citostático (reducción de la proliferación celular en un 50%) para las células HaCaT (queratinocito humano no tumoral), HT-29 (carcinoma de colon), NCI-ADR/RES (adenocarcinoma de ovário con fenótipo de multirresistencia) y NCI-H460 (carcinoma pulmonar). Conclusión: Estos resultados sugieren un prometedor efecto auxiliar del zoledronato para el tratamiento de algunos tumores; se requieren más estudios in vitro e in vivo para validar esta hipótesis

ERK phosphorylation functions in invadopodia formation in tongue cancer cells in a novel silicate fibre-based 3D cell culture system / 国际口腔科学杂志·英文版

To screen for additional treatment targets against tongue cancer, we evaluated the contributions of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK), AKT and ezrin in cancer development. Immunohistochemical staining showed that ERK and ezrin expressions were significantly higher in invasive squamous cell carcinoma than in carcinoma in situ. To investigate the roles of ERK and ezrin in cancer development, we used the non-woven silica fibre sheet Cellbed with a structure resembling the loose connective tissue morphology in a novel 3D culture system. We confirmed that the 3D system using Cellbed accurately mimicked cancer cell morphology in vivo. Furthermore, cell projections were much more apparent in 3D-cultured tongue cancer cell lines than in 2D cultures. Typically, under conventional 2D culture conditions, F-actin and cortactin are colocalized in the form of puncta within cells. However, in the 3D-cultured cells, colocalization was mainly observed at the cell margins, including the projections. Projections containing F-actin and cortactin colocalization were predicted to be invadopodia. Although suppressing ezrin expression with small interfering RNA transfection caused no marked changes in morphology, cell projection formation was decreased, and the tumour thickness in vertical sections after 3D culture was markedly decreased after suppressing ERK activity because both the invasion ability and proliferation were inhibited. An association between cortactin activation as well as ERK activity and invadopodia formation was detected. Our novel 3D culture systems using Cellbed™ are simple and useful for in vitro studies before conducting animal experiments. ERK contributes to tongue cancer development by increasing both cancer cell proliferation and migration via cortactin activation.

Hypertonia-linked protein Trak1 functions with mitofusins to promote mitochondrial tethering and fusion

Hypertonia is a neurological dysfunction associated with a number of central nervous system disorders, including cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease, dystonia, and epilepsy. Genetic studies have identified a homozygous truncation mutation in Trak1 that causes hypertonia in mice. Moreover, elevated Trak1 protein expression is associated with several types of cancers and variants in Trak1 are linked to childhood absence epilepsy in humans. Despite the importance of Trak1 in health and disease, the mechanisms of Trak1 action remain unclear and the pathogenic effects of Trak1 mutation are unknown. Here we report that Trak1 has a crucial function in regulation of mitochondrial fusion. Depletion of Trak1 inhibits mitochondrial fusion, resulting in mitochondrial fragmentation, whereas overexpression of Trak1 elongates and enlarges mitochondria. Our analyses revealed that Trak1 interacts and colocalizes with mitofusins on the outer mitochondrial membrane and functions with mitofusins to promote mitochondrial tethering and fusion. Furthermore, Trak1 is required for stress-induced mitochondrial hyperfusion and pro-survival response. We found that hypertonia-associated mutation impairs Trak1 mitochondrial localization and its ability to facilitate mitochondrial tethering and fusion. Our findings uncover a novel function of Trak1 as a regulator of mitochondrial fusion and provide evidence linking dysregulated mitochondrial dynamics to hypertonia pathogenesis.

Effective and persistent antitumor activity of HER2-directed CAR-T cells against gastric cancer cells in vitro and xenotransplanted tumors in vivo

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) proteins are overexpressed in a high proportion of gastric cancer (GC) cases and affect the maintenance of cancer stem cell (CSC) subpopulations, which are used as targets for the clinical treatment of patients with HER2-positive GC. Despite improvements in survival, numerous HER2-positive patients fail treatment with trastuzumab, highlighting the need for more effective therapies. In this study, we generated a novel type of genetically modified human T cells, expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), and targeting the GC cell antigen HER2, which harbors the CD137 and CD3ζ moieties. Our findings show that the expanded CAR-T cells, expressing an increased central memory phenotype, were activated by the specific recognition of HER2 antigens in an MHC-independent manner, and effectively killed patient-derived HER2-positive GC cells. In HER2-positive xenograft tumors, CAR-T cells exhibited considerably enhanced tumor inhibition ability, long-term survival, and homing to targets, compared with those of non-transduced T cells. The sphere-forming ability and in vivo tumorigenicity of patient-derived gastric cancer stem-like cells, expressing HER2 and the CD44 protein, were also inhibited. Our results support the future development and clinical application of this adoptive immunotherapy in patients with HER2-positive advanced GC.

BRD4 interacts with PML/RARα in acute promyelocytic leukemia / 医学前沿

Bromodomain-containing 4 (BRD4) has been considered as an important requirement for disease maintenance and an attractive therapeutic target for cancer therapy. This protein can be targeted by JQ1, a selective small-molecule inhibitor. However, few studies have investigated whether BRD4 influenced acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), and whether BRD4 had interaction with promyelocytic leukemia-retinoic acid receptor α (PML/RARα) fusion protein to some extent. Results from cell viability assay, cell cycle analysis, and Annexin-V/PI analysis indicated that JQ1 inhibited the growth of NB4 cells, an APL-derived cell line, and induced NB4 cell cycle arrest at G1 and apoptosis. Then, we used co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) assay and immunoblot to demonstrate the endogenous interaction of BRD4 and PML/RARα in NB4 cells. Moreover, downregulation of PML/RARα at the mRNA and protein levels was observed upon JQ1 treatment. Furthermore, results from the RT-qPCR, ChIP-qPCR, and re-ChIP-qPCR assays showed that BRD4 and PML/RARα co-existed on the same regulatory regions of their target genes. Hence, we showed a new discovery of the interaction of BRD4 and PML/RARα, as well as the decline of PML/RARα expression, under JQ1 treatment.

YWHAZ Binds to TRIM21 but Is Not Involved in TRIM21-stimulated Osteosarcoma Cell Proliferation / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Osteosarcoma is the most common type of malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents. The role of E3 ligases in tumorigenesis is currently a focus in tumor research. In the present study, we investigated the role of the E3 ligase tripartite motif 21 (TRIM21) in osteosarcoma cell proliferation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays were used to assess osteosarcoma cell viability. U2-OS cells stably carrying a recombinant lentivirus expressing tetracycline-regulated TRIM21 were screened. Co-immunoprecipitation was coupled with LCMS/MS analysis to identify novel interacting partners of TRIM21. Co-immunoprecipitation and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BIFC) were performed to validate the interactions between TRIM21 and its novel partner YWHAZ. A TRIM21-ΔRING construct was generated to test the effects of TRIM21 ligase activity on YWHAZ.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>TRIM21 positively regulated osteosarcoma cell proliferation. Overexpression of TRIM21 enhanced osteosarcoma cell tolerance toward various stresses. YWHAZ protein was identified as a novel interacting partner of TRIM21 and its expression levels were negatively regulated by TRIM21. The RING domain of TRIM21 was required for TRIM21 negative regulation of YWHAZ expression. However, overexpression of YWHAZ did not affect positive regulation of osteosarcoma cell proliferation by TRIM21.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our results further clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma.</p>

Inhibitory effect of andrographolide on angiogenesis induced by the supernatant from cultured tumor cells / 中南大学学报(医学版)

To determine the effect of andrographolide (Andro) on angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).
 Methods: HUVECs were treated with different concentrations of Andro and the cell viability was detected with Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). HUVECs were treated with half lethal dose (IC50) of Andro. Matrigel was used to make capillary formation of HUVECs and the effect of Andro on capillary formation was evaluated by calculating the percentage of capillary formation. Moreover, the effects of Andro and the supernatant from cultured A549 tumor cells on capillary formation were evaluated by calculating the percentage of capillary formation. The effect of Andro on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) was determined with Western blot.
 Results: The cell viability of HUVECs decreased with the increase of Andro concentrations. IC50 was 20 μmol/L. The capillary formation of HUVECs was inhibited when treated with 20 μmol/L Andro for 24 hours. Moreover, Andro was able to antagonize the promotion of the capillary formation induced by the supernatant from cultured tumor cells. Andro could suppress the expression of MMP-9 and antagonize the capillary formation.
 Conclusion: Andro inhibits the capillary formation of HUVECs and can antagonize the promotion of angiogenesis induced by the supernatant from cultured tumor cells.

Long Non-Coding RNA TUG1 Promotes Proliferation and Inhibits Apoptosis of Osteosarcoma Cells by Sponging miR-132-3p and Upregulating SOX4 Expression

PURPOSE: Long non-coding RNA taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) is reported to be a vital regulator of the progression of various cancers. This study aimed to explore the exact roles and molecular mechanisms of TUG1 in osteosarcoma (OS) development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Real-time quantitative PCR was applied to detect the expressions of TUG1 and microRNA-132-3p (miR-132-3p) in OS tissues and cells. Western blot was performed to measure protein levels of sex determining region Y-box 4 (SOX4). Cell viability was assessed using XTT assay. Cell apoptosis was evaluated using flow cytometry and caspase-3 activity detection assays. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter experiments were employed to confirm relationships among TUG1, miR-132-3p, and SOX4. RESULTS: TUG1 was highly expressed in human OS tissues, OS cell lines, and primary OS cells. TUG1 knockdown hindered proliferation and induced apoptosis in human OS cell lines and primary OS cells. Moreover, TUG1 inhibited miR-132-3p expression by direct interaction, and introduction of miR-132-3p inhibitor partly abrogated the effect of TUG1 knockdown on the proliferation and apoptosis of OS cells. Furthermore, SOX4 was validated as a target of miR-132-3p. Further functional analyses revealed that miR-132-3p inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of OS cells, while this effect was greatly abated following SOX4 overexpression. Moreover, TUG1 knockdown suppressed proliferation and promoted apoptosis by upregulating miR-132-3p and downregulating SOX4 in primary OS cells. CONCLUSION: TUG1 facilitated proliferation and suppressed apoptosis by regulating the miR-132-3p/SOX4 axis in human OS cell lines and primary OS cells. This finding provides a potential target for OS therapy.

MicroRNA-1247 inhibits cell proliferation by directly targeting ZNF346 in childhood neuroblastoma

BACKGROUND: Neuroblastoma (NB) represents the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. Accumulating evidence shows that microRNAs (miRs) play an important role in the carcinogenesis of NB. Here, we investigated the biological function of miR-1247 in NB in vitro. METHODS/RESULTS: We found miR-1247 was downregulated in NB tissues and cells using quantitative PCR analysis. Gain- and loss-of-function studies demonstrated that miR-1247 significantly suppressed cell proliferation and induced cell cycle G0/G1 phase arrest and cell apoptosis of NB cells in vitro by using MTT, colony formation assay and Flow cytometry analysis. Luciferase assay suggested ZNF346 was the target of miR-1247 and its expression could be down-regulated by miR-1247 overexpression using Western blotting. Furthermore, downregulation of ZNF346 by siRNA performed similar effects with overexpression of miR-1247 in NB cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested miR-1247 directly targeted to repress ZNF346 expression, thus suppressing the progression of NB, which might be a novel therapeutic target against NB.