miR-888: A Novel Cancer-Testis Antigen that Targets the Progesterone Receptor in Endometrial Cancer

Cancer-testis (CT) antigens are a large family of genes that are selectively expressed in human testis germ cells, overexpressed in a variety of tumors and predominantly located on the X chromosome. To date, all known CT antigens are protein-coding genes. Here, we identify miR-888 as the first miRNA with features characteristic of a CT antigen. In a panel of 21 normal human tissues, miR-888 expression was high in testes and minimal or absent in all other examined tissues. In situ hybridization localized miR-888 expression specifically to the early stages of sperm development within the testes. Using The Cancer Genome Atlas database, we discovered that miR-888 was predominately expressed in endometrial tumors, with a significant association to high-grade tumors and increased percent invasion. In a separate panel of endometrial tumor specimens, we validated overexpression of miR-888 by real-time polymerase chain reaction. In addition, miR-888 expression was highest in endometrial carcinosarcoma, a rare and aggressive type of endometrial tumor. Moreover, we identified the progesterone receptor (PR), a potent endometrial tumor suppressor, as a direct target of miR-888. These data define miR-888 as the first miRNA CT antigen and a potential mediator of an aggressive endometrial tumor phenotype through down-regulation of PR.     

High Progesterone Receptor Expression in Prostate Cancer Is Associated with Clinical Failure

BackgroundProstate cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease and one of the leading causes of mortality in developed countries. Specific prognostic and predictive markers for prostate cancer patients are still lacking. A causal relationship between androgens and the development of prostate cancer is generally considered biologically plausible, but androgens are not the sole effector in the complexity of prostate carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of progesterone receptor in tumor tissue of T1-3N0 prostate cancer patients undergoing prostatectomy.MethodsTissue microarrays from 535 patients with prostate cancer were constructed. Duplicate cores of tumor cells and tumor stromal tissue from each resected specimen were extracted. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the in-situ expression of progesterone receptor.ResultsIn univariate analyses, high tumor cell density (p = 0.006) and high tumor stromal cell density level (p = 0.045) of progesterone receptor were both significantly associated with tumor progression and clinical failure. In multivariate analysis, progesterone receptor expression in tumor cells was an independent negative prognostic factor for clinical failure (HR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.2–5.2, p = 0.012).ConclusionHigh progesterone receptor density in tumor cells of the prostate cancer tumor is an independent negative prognostic factor for clinical failure.     

Breast Cancer Incidence in Black and White Women Stratified by Estrogen and Progesterone Receptor Statuses

Background

There is increasing evidence that breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease presented by different phenotypes and that white women have a higher breast cancer incidence rate, whereas black women have a higher mortality rate. It is also well known that white women have lower incidence rates than black women until approximately age 40, when rate curves cross over and white women have higher rates. The goal of this study was to validate the risk of white and black women to breast cancer phenotypes, stratified by statuses of the estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors.

Methodology/Principal Findings

SEER17 data were fractioned by receptor status into [ER+, PR+], [ER−, PR−], [ER+, PR−], and [ER−, PR+] phenotypes. It was shown that in black women compared to white women, cumulative age-specific incidence rates are: (i) smaller for the [ER+, PR+] phenotype; (ii) larger for the [ER−, PR−] and [ER−, PR+] phenotypes; and (iii) almost equal for the [ER+, PR−] phenotype. Clemmesen''s Hook, an undulation unique to women''s breast cancer age-specific incidence rate curves, is shown here to exist in both races only for the [ER+, PR+] phenotype. It was also shown that for all phenotypes, rate curves have additional undulations and that age-specific incidence rates are nearly proportional in all age intervals.

Conclusions/Significance

For black and white women, risk for the [ER+, PR+], [ER−, PR−] and [ER−, PR+] phenotypes are race dependent, while risk for the [ER+, PR−] phenotype is almost independent of race. The processes of carcinogenesis in aging, leading to the development of each of the considered breast cancer phenotypes, are similar in these racial groups. Undulations exhibited on the curves of age-specific incidence rates of the considered breast cancer phenotypes point to the presence of several subtypes (to be determined) of each of these phenotypes.     

子宫内膜癌组织中生长抑素受体、VEGF的表达及其与血管形成的关系

目的探讨生长抑素受体（somatostatin receptor,SSTR）、血管内皮生长因子（vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF）在子宫内膜癌组织中的表达及其与肿瘤血管形成的关系。方法应用免疫组织化学方法检测60例子宫内膜癌组织中SSTR各亚型、VEGF及CD34标记的微血管密度（microvessel denisity,MVD）的表达情况,探讨其与子宫内膜癌临床病理学特征及肿瘤血管形成的关系。结果在60例子宫内膜癌组织中,SSTR各亚型（SSTR1、SSTR2、SSTR3、SSTR4及SSTR5）的阳性表达率分别为70．0％,15．0％。21．7％,23．3％及18．3％;SSTR3、SSTR4在中高分化组表达阳性率明显高于低分化组（P〈0．05）。VEGF的阳性表达率为83．3％,VEGF在低分化组表达阳性率明显高于中高分化组、深肌层浸润组表达阳性率明显高于浅肌层浸润组、FIGO分期≥II期组表达阳性率明显高于I期组（P〈0．05）。子宫内膜癌组MVD（44．85±15．78）明显高于正常子宫内膜组MVD（18．96±4．30）（P〈0．01）。SSTR5的表达与VEGF呈负相关,VEGF阳性表达组子宫内膜癌组织MVD高于VEGF阴性组。结论联合检测SSTR和VEGF对子宫内膜癌预后的评估有一定临床意义。生长抑素类似物（somatostatin analogs,SSTA）可能为子宫内膜癌的诊治提供新的靶点。     

表观遗传学与子宫内膜癌的研究进展

长期以来人们一直认为基因突变或缺失参与肿瘤的形成,近年来越来越多证据表明,表观遗传修饰在肿瘤进展中同样具有非常重要的作用。DNA甲基化、组蛋白修饰及microRNA表达调控等表观遗传机制是子宫内膜癌发生、发展的重要原因之一。表观遗传学的研究进展不仅有助于子宫内膜癌的早期诊断,对分子靶向治疗子宫内膜癌亦显示出良好的应用前景。     

Eight Functional Polymorphisms in the Estrogen Receptor 1 Gene and Endometrial Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis

Background and Objective

Emerging evidence indicates that common functional polymorphisms in the estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) gene may have an impact on an individual’s susceptibility to endometrial cancer, but individually published results are inconclusive. The aim of this meta-analysis is to derive a more precise estimation of the associations between eight polymorphisms in the ESR1 gene and endometrial cancer risk.

Methods

A literature search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and China Biology Medicine (CBM) databases was conducted on publications published before November 1^st, 2012. Crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Statistical analyses were performed using the STATA 12.0 software.

Results

Thirteen case-control studies were included with a total of 7,649 endometrial cancer cases and 16,855 healthy controls. When all the eligible studies were pooled into the meta-analysis, the results indicated that PvuII (C>T) polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer, especially among Caucasian populations. There were also significant associations between rs3020314 (C>T) polymorphism and an increased risk of endometrial cancer. Furthermore, rs2234670 (S/L) polymorphism may decrease the risk of endometrial cancer. However, no statistically significant associations were found in XbaI (A>G), Codon 325 (C>G), Codon 243 (C>T), VNTR (S/L) and rs2046210 (G>A) polymorphisms.

Conclusion

The current meta-analysis suggests that PvuII (C>T) and rs3020314 (C>T) polymorphisms may be risk factors for endometrial cancer, especially among Caucasian populations.     

雌激素受体α基因多态性及其表达与子宫内膜增生的关系

目的:探讨子宫内膜增生症雌激素受体α(estrogen receptorα,ERα)基因多态性及其与表达的关系.方法:选择江西地区150例子宫内膜增生症患者为实验组,100例子宫内膜正常妇女为对照组.应用分子生物学的方法分析ERα基因Xba Ⅰ和PvuⅡ限制性片段长度多态性,通过逆转录-多聚酶链反应(RT-PCR)和Western blot方法分析ERα表达.结果:(1)X等位基因频率的变化与子宫内膜增生程度具有相关性P＜0.01,不典型增生组中XX型频率是正常组的4倍.随着子宫内膜增生程度的增加,P等位基因频率减少,人群中PP基因型频率逐渐减少;(2)单纯性增生、复杂性增生ERαmRNA和蛋白表达均比正常组高(P＜0.01),而不典型增生ERαmRNA和蛋白质表达均比单纯增生、复杂增生低(P＜0.01).结论:ERα基因多态性与子宫内膜增生发生及增生程度存在相关性.ERα表达的下调与子宫内膜不典型增生的发生有关.     

p53和VEGF蛋白表达与子宫内膜癌的关系

目的：检测子宫内膜癌组织中血管内皮生长因子与突变型抑癌基因p53的表达情况,以探讨其在子宫内膜癌发生转移中的作用。方法：应用免疫组化S．P法检测45例子宫内膜癌及10例正常子宫内膜组织中VEGF和突变型p53的表达及其相关性,分析其与各临床病理参数之间的关系。结果：子宫内膜癌组织中VEGF及突变型p53蛋白表达阳性率均高于正常子宫内膜,两者呈显著正相关（P〈0．01）。两者阳性表达率均与临床分期、组织分化程度、淋巴结转移（P〈0．05）有关,VEGF阳性表达率与肌层浸润深度无明显相关性（P〉0．05）,而突变型p53表达则与肌层浸润深度有关（P〈0.05）。结论：VEGF和突变型p53与子宫内膜癌的发生、侵袭、转移和预后相关。     

Expression of Vimentin and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor In Effusions From Patients With Breast Cancer; Correlation With Oestrogen and Progesterone Receptor Status

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr) status and the vimentin (V) status of malignant cells in pleural fluids from patients with breast cancer were determined using an immunoperoxidase labelling technique. the results were correlated with the oestrogen receptor (ER) and the progesterone receptor (PR) status of the primary tumour and with disease-free survival time of the patient. A negative correlation between EGFr and V status and hormone receptor status was found. the longest mean survival time occurred in patients with negative EGFr and V status and positive hormone receptor (ER and PR) status. the shortest mean survival time occurred in patients with positive EGFr and V and negative ER and PR status. Le récepteur du facteur de croissance de l'epiderme (EGFr) et la vimentine (V) ont étéétudiées par une technique d'immunopéroxydase, au niveau des cellules malignes des épanchements pleuraux de malades traités pour cancer du sein. Les résultats ont été corrélés avec les récepteurs d'oestrogènes (ER) et de progestérone (PR) et avec la durée de survie sans récidive. Une corrélation négative est trouvée entre le récepteur de l'EGF, la vimentine et le taux des récepteur hormonaux. La survie moyenne la plus longue est observée chez des patientes négatives pour le récepteur de l'EGF et pour la vimentine et positives pour les récepteurs hormonaux (ER et PR). La plus courte survie est associée a la positivité du récepteur de l'EGF et de la vimentine et à la négativité de ER et PR. In Pleuraergüssen von Patientinnen mit Mammakarzinom wurden der Rezeptor für den epidermalen Wachstums-faktor (EGF) sowie Vimentin mit der Immunperoxydase- Technik untersucht. Die Ergebnisse wurden mit dem Vorliegen von Östrogen- und Progesteronrezeptoren im Tumor sowie dem rezidivfreien Intervall der Patientinnen korreliert. Eine negative Korrelation bestand zwischen EGF-Rezeptor und Vimentin. Die längste durchschnittliche Überlebenszeit wurde dagegen bei Patientinnen mit negativem Ergebnis für den EGF-Rezeptor und Vimentin jedoch positiven Hormonrezeptoren gefunden. Die kürzeste überlebenszeit lag bei Patientinnen mit positivem Rezeptor- und Vimentinnachweis und Fehlen der Hormonrezeptoren vor.     

Ulipristal Acetate Inhibits Progesterone Receptor Isoform A-Mediated Human Breast Cancer Proliferation and BCl2-L1 Expression

The progesterone receptor (PR) with its isoforms and ligands are involved in breast tumorigenesis and prognosis. We aimed at analyzing the respective contribution of PR isoforms, PRA and PRB, in breast cancer cell proliferation in a new estrogen-independent cell based-model, allowing independent PR isoforms analysis. We used the bi-inducible human breast cancer cell system MDA-iPRAB. We studied the effects and molecular mechanisms of action of progesterone (P4) and ulipristal acetate (UPA), a new selective progesterone receptor modulator, alone or in combination. P4 significantly stimulated MDA-iPRA expressing cells proliferation. This was associated with P4-stimulated expression of the anti-apoptotic factor BCL₂-L₁ and enhanced recruitment of PRA, SRC-1 and RNA Pol II onto the +58 kb PR binding motif of the BCL ₂ -L ₁ gene. UPA decreased cell proliferation and repressed BCL_2-L₁ expression in the presence of PRA, correlating with PRA and SRC1 but not RNA Pol II recruitment. These results bring new information on the mechanism of action of PR ligands in controlling breast cancer cell proliferation through PRA in an estrogen independent model. Evaluation of PR isoforms ratio, as well as molecular signature studies based on PRA target genes could be proposed to facilitate personalized breast cancer therapy. In this context, UPA could be of interest in endocrine therapy. Further confirmation in the clinical setting is required.     

诺如病毒爆发与HBGAs受体关系的研究

目的:研究诺如病毒爆发与HBGAs受体的关系.方法:选择2010年1月-2011年12月两年期间诺如病毒爆发的患者60例,作为实验组,同时,随机选择同期健康志愿者60例,作为对照组.收集患者和志愿者唾液,采用凝集抑制实验法检测唾液中HBGAS血型物质;用EIA法检测NoV-VLP与HBGAs的结合特性;比较不同型别诺如病毒爆发在实验组和对照组中HBGAs分布差异.结果:在感染诺如病毒的患者中,并无患者是唾液非分泌型,提示非分泌型HBGAs受体不与G Ⅱ 24型诺如病毒毒株结合与OD450值测定结果一致.其中检出分泌型中A型1例(1.67％),B型48例(80.00％),O型3例(5.00％),AB型2例(13.33％),60例患者的检测结果与其本身的血型相一致.无论是分泌型还是非分泌型的分布比例,两组存在明显的差异(P＜0.05),具有统计学意义.结论:B型患者为诺如病毒感染的高度敏感人群,提示在我国人群的感染类型多以分泌型B型人群为主.     

雌激素、孕激素对雌激素受体、孕激素受体阴性子宫内膜腺癌细胞系JEC裸鼠皮下移植瘤生长的影响

目的探讨一定浓度雌激素(E2)及孕激素(P)对雌激素受体(ER)和孕激素受体(PR)阴性的子宫内膜腺癌细胞系JEC裸鼠移植瘤的影响。方法选用人子宫内膜腺癌细胞系JEC为研究对象,Balb/c.nu裸鼠皮下注射8×105个/0.2mLJEC细胞,分别注射E2、P及NS连续一周,观察肿瘤的生长及病理学变化情况。结果各组肿瘤体积、瘤体重量及瘤细胞核的积分光密度值依次为E2组>NS组>P组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论 ER和PR阴性的JEC细胞生长可受到雌激素和孕激素的调控,一定浓度的雌激素能促进瘤体的生长,而孕激素则对瘤体的生长有抑制效应。     

An Inverse Relationship between Liver Arginase Activity and Urea Excretion in Rats

Liver arginase activity in rats fed graded levels of diammonium citrate in high and low casein diets, was measured with simultaneous determination of urea excretion. The arginase activity changed inversely with the urea excretion.

Moreover, when the amino acid balance was quantitatively changed by varying threonine level alone, a similar relationship between total liver arginase activity and urea excretion was again observed.

From these results, the early teleological assumptions are most unlikely in that liver arginase activity increases with the decrease in dietary protein quality and that the change in activity can be used as an index of dietary protein quality.     

Genetic Susceptibility Factors on Genes Involved in the Steroid Hormone Biosynthesis Pathway and Progesterone Receptor for Gastric Cancer Risk

Background

The objective of the study was to investigate the role of genes (HSD3B1, CYP17A1, CYP19A1, HSD17B2, HSD17B1) involved in the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway and progesterone receptor (PGR) in the etiology of gastric cancer in a population-based two-phase genetic association study.

Methods

In the discovery phase, 108 candidate SNPs in the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway related genes and PGR were analyzed in 76 gastric cancer cases and 322 controls in the Korean Multi-Center Cancer Cohort. Statistically significant SNPs identified in the discovery phase were re-evaluated in an extended set of 386 cases and 348 controls. Pooled- and meta-analyses were conducted to summarize the results.

Results

Of the 108 SNPs in steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway related genes and PGR analyzed in the discovery phase, 23 SNPs in PGR in the recessive model and 10 SNPs in CYP19A1 in the recessive or additive models were significantly associated with increased gastric cancer risk (p<0.05). The minor allele frequencies of the SNPs in both the discovery and extension phases were not statistically different. Pooled- and meta-analyses showed CYP19A1 rs1004982, rs16964228, and rs1902580 had an increased risk for gastric cancer (pooled OR [95% CI] = 1.22 [1.01–1.48], 1.31 [1.03–1.66], 3.03 [1.12–8.18], respectively). In contrast, all PGR SNPs were not statistically significantly associated with gastric cancer risk.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest CYP19A1 that codes aromatase may play an important role in the association of gastric cancer risk and be a genetic marker for gastric cancer susceptibility.     

昼夜节律与肿瘤的相关研究进展

所有生物体内都存在着调节自身的生物钟,昼夜节律的存在是生物钟功能的主要体现.昼夜节律与肿瘤的发生、发展、转移和预后密切相关,且很可能与肿瘤对抗癌药物的耐受性及有效性有关.研究其与肿瘤的相关性,能够更好的帮助我们预防、诊断和治疗恶性肿瘤.     

Estrogen,Progesterone and Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian carcinoma (OCa) continues to be the leading cause of death due to gynecologic malignancies and the vast majority of OCa is derived from the ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) and its cystic derivatives. Epidemiological evidence strongly suggests that steroid hormones, primarily estrogens and progesterone, are implicated in ovarian carcinogenesis. However, it has proved difficult to fully understand their mechanisms of action on the tumorigenic process. New convincing data have indicated that estrogens favor neoplastic transformation of the OSE while progesterone offers protection against OCa development. Specifically, estrogens, particularly those present in ovulatory follicles, are both genotoxic and mitogenic to OSE cells. In contrast, pregnancy-equivalent levels progesterone are highly effective as apoptosis inducers for OSE and OCa cells. In this regard, high-dose progestin may exert an exfoliation effect and rid an aged OSE of pre-malignant cells. A limited number of clinical studies has demonstrated efficacies of antiestrogens, aromatase inhibitors, and progestins alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs in the treatment of OCa. As a result of increased life expectancy in most countries, the number of women taking hormone replacement therapies (HRT) continues to grow. Thus, knowledge of the mechanism of action of steroid hormones on the OSE and OCa is of paramount significance to HRT risk assessment and to the development of novel therapies for the prevention and treatment of OCa.