Integrated analysis of microRNA-target interactions with clinical outcomes for cancers

Background

Clinical statement alone is not enough to predict the progression of disease. Instead, the gene expression profiles have been widely used to forecast clinical outcomes. Many genes related to survival have been identified, and recently miRNA expression signatures predicting patient survival have been also investigated for several cancers. However, miRNAs and their target genes associated with clinical outcomes have remained largely unexplored.

Methods

Here, we demonstrate a survival analysis based on the regulatory relationships of miRNAs and their target genes. The patient survivals for the two major cancers, ovarian cancer and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), are investigated through the integrated analysis of miRNA-mRNA interaction pairs.

Results

We found that there is a larger survival difference between two patient groups with an inversely correlated expression profile of miRNA and mRNA. It supports the idea that signatures of miRNAs and their targets related to cancer progression can be detected via this approach.

Conclusions

This integrated analysis can help to discover coordinated expression signatures of miRNAs and their target mRNAs that can be employed for therapeutics in human cancers.

     

Identification of glioblastoma gene prognosis modules based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis

Background

Glioblastoma multiforme, the most prevalent and aggressive brain tumour, has a poor prognosis. The molecular mechanisms underlying gliomagenesis remain poorly understood. Therefore, molecular research, including various markers, is necessary to understand the occurrence and development of glioma.

Method

Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to construct a gene co-expression network in TCGA glioblastoma samples. Gene ontology (GO) and pathway-enrichment analysis were used to identify significance of gene modules. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to predict outcome of glioblastoma patients.

Results

We performed weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and identified a gene module (yellow module) related to the survival time of TCGA glioblastoma samples. Then, 228 hub genes were calculated based on gene significance (GS) and module significance (MS). Four genes (OSMR + SOX21?+?MED10?+?PTPRN) were selected to construct a Cox proportional hazards regression model with high accuracy (AUC?=?0.905). The prognostic value of the Cox proportional hazards regression model was also confirmed in GSE16011 dataset (GBM: n?=?156).

Conclusion

We developed a promising mRNA signature for estimating overall survival in glioblastoma patients.

     

Metabolic response of porcine colon explants to in vitro infection by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brachyspira hyodysenteriae</Emphasis>: a leap into disease pathophysiology

Introduction

Swine dysentery caused by Brachyspira hyodysenteriae is a production limiting disease in pig farming. Currently antimicrobial therapy is the only treatment and control method available.

Objective

The aim of this study was to characterize the metabolic response of porcine colon explants to infection by B. hyodysenteriae.

Methods

Porcine colon explants exposed to B. hyodysenteriae were analyzed for histopathological, metabolic and pro-inflammatory gene expression changes.

Results

Significant epithelial necrosis, increased levels of l-citrulline and IL-1α were observed on explants infected with B. hyodysenteriae.

Conclusions

The spirochete induces necrosis in vitro likely through an inflammatory process mediated by IL-1α and NO.

     

Glioblastoma multiforme presenting as postpartum depression: a case report

Background

Alterations of mental status are characteristic of psychiatric disorders but may also result from a multitude of organic causes. Generally, physical examination and blood analysis are a part of basic psychiatric differential diagnostics, whereas more sophisticated procedures (for example, brain imaging) are applied only in cases with pathologic diagnostic findings. Our report challenges this approach by describing a case of glioblastoma multiforme presenting as postpartum depression without abnormalities in basic differential diagnostics.

Case presentation

A 28-year-old white woman who had been in outpatient treatment for postpartum depression was taken to the psychiatric emergency room. The psychopathological assessment, however, showed mild disorientation and severe deficits of long-term memory. Moreover, she complained of stabbing, bilateral headaches, but results of her physical examination and blood analysis were unremarkable. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was performed, which showed a contrast-enhanced mass lesion in the left frontal lobe. The patient underwent urgent tumor resection, and histologic results revealed an IDH-mutant glioblastoma multiforme. The patient was discharged with a substantially improved psychopathology and without neurological deficits.

Conclusions

This report adds to the evidence that postpartum depression may have organic causes in some cases, a fact that needs to be considered in the clinical setting. Atypical neurocognitive findings in a psychiatric interview may alone justify brain imaging, despite normal physical examination and blood analysis results.

     

Study of the tumor microenvironment during breast cancer progression

Background

Different cells and mediators in the tumor microenvironment play important roles in the progression of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the composition of the microenvironment during tumor progression in order to discover new related biomarkers and potentials for targeted therapy.

Methods

In this study, breast cancer biopsies from four different stages, and control breast biopsies were collected. Then, the mRNA expression of several markers related to different CD4⁺ T cell subsets including regulatory T cells (Treg), T helper (Th) type 1, 2 and 17 were determined. In addition, we investigated the expression of two inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and inflammatory mediators including FASL, IDO, SOCS1, VEGF, and CCR7.

Results

The results showed that the expression of Th1 and Th17 genes was decreased in tumor tissues compared to control tissues. In addition, we found that the gene expression related to these two cell subsets decreased during cancer progression. Moreover, the expression level of TNF-α increased with tumor progression.

Conclusion

We conclude that the expression of genes related to immune response and inflammation is different between tumor tissues and control tissues. In addition, this difference was perpetuated through the different stages of cancer.

     

Postoperative extracranial metastasis from glioblastoma: a case report and review of the literature

Background

Glioblastoma is the most common primary malignant brain tumor. Extraneural metastases are rarely reported in the literature.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 38-year-old patient who was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2015. Four months after surgery, local relapse was found and the patient received a second surgery. After another 4 months, we found a hard mass in the right posterior neck when she admitted to our department for fourth cycle of adjuvant chemotherapy. Immunohistochemical investigation supported the diagnosis of glioblastoma metastases to the neck after resection of the right neck mass. A few days later, spinal vertebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed multiple metastases in the thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and bilateral iliac bones.

Conclusions

Glioblastoma is the most common primary malignant brain tumor. Whole tumor resection and early radiotherapy and chemotherapy can delay recurrence and prolong survival. Extracranial metastases are extremely rare. We report this case with the aim of bringing attention to extracranial metastasis of brain glioma.

     

A review of metabolism-associated biomarkers in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment

Introduction

Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Early detection has proven essential to extend survival. Genomic and proteomic advances have provided impetus to the effort dedicated to detect and diagnose the disease at an earlier stage. Recently, the study of metabolites associated with tumor formation and progression has inaugurated the era of cancer metabolomics to aid in this effort.

Objectives

This review summarizes recent work regarding novel metabolites with the potential to serve as biomarkers for early lung tumor detection, evaluation of disease progression, and prediction of patient outcomes.

Method

We compare the metabolite profiling of cancer patients with that of healthy individuals, and the metabolites identified in tissue and biofluid samples and their usefulness as lung cancer biomarkers. We discuss metabolite alterations in tumor versus paired non-tumor lung tissues, as well as metabolite alterations in different stages of lung cancers and their usefulness as indicators of disease progression and overall survival. We evaluate metabolite dysregulation in different types of lung cancers, and those associated with lung cancer versus other lung diseases. We also examine metabolite differences between lung cancer patients and smokers/risk-factor individuals.

Result

Although an extensive list of metabolites has been evaluated to distinguish between these cases, refinement of methods is further required for adequate patient diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion

We conclude that with technological advancement, metabolomics may be able to replace more invasive and costly diagnostic procedures while also providing the means to more effectively tailor treatment to patient-specific tumors.

     

Intratumoral anti-HuD immunotoxin therapy for small cell lung cancer and neuroblastoma

Background

Most patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) or neuroblastoma (NB) already show clinically detectable metastases at diagnosis and have an extremely poor prognosis even when treated with combined modalities. The HuD-antigen is a neuronal RNA-binding protein that is expressed in 100% of SCLC tumor cells and over 50% of neuroblastoma cells. The correlation between high titers of circulating anti-HuD antibodies in patients and spontaneous tumor remission suggests that the HuD-antigen might be a potential molecular target for immunotherapy.

Methods

We have constructed a new antibody-toxin compound (called BW-2) by assembling a mouse anti-human-HuD monoclonal antibody onto streptavidin/saporin complexes.

Results

We found that the immunotoxin BW-2 specifically killed HuD-positive human SCLC and NB cancer cells at very low concentrations in vitro. Moreover, intratumoral immunotoxin therapy in a nude mouse model of human SCLC (n?=?6) significantly reduced local tumor progression without causing toxicity. When the same intratumoral immunotoxin protocol was applied to an immunocompetent A/J mouse model of NB, significant inhibition of local tumor growth was also observed. In neuroblastoma allografted A/J mice (n?=?5) treated twice with intratumoral immunotoxin, significant tumor regression occurred in over 80% of the animals and their duration of tumor response was significantly prolonged.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that anti-HuD based immunotoxin therapy may prove to be an effective alternative treatment for patients with SCLC and NB.

     

The D Domain of LRRC4 anchors ERK1/2 in the cytoplasm and competitively inhibits MEK/ERK activation in glioma cells

Background

As a well-characterized key player in various signal transduction networks, extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) has been widely implicated in the development of many malignancies. We previously found that Leucine-rich repeat containing 4 (LRRC4) was a tumor suppressor and a negative regulator of the ERK/MAPK pathway in glioma tumorigenesis. However, the precise molecular role of LRRC4 in ERK signal transmission is unclear.

Methods

The interaction between LRRC4 and ERK1/2 was assessed by co-immunoprecipitation and GST pull-down assays in vivo and in vitro. We also investigated the interaction of LRRC4 and ERK1/2 and the role of the D domain in ERK activation in glioma cells.

Results

Here, we showed that LRRC4 and ERK1/2 interact via the D domain and CD domain, respectively. Following EGF stimuli, the D domain of LRRC4 anchors ERK1/2 in the cytoplasm and abrogates ERK1/2 activation and nuclear translocation. In glioblastoma cells, ectopic LRRC4 expression competitively inhibited the interaction of endogenous mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) and ERK1/2. Mutation of the D domain decreased the LRRC4-mediated inhibition of MAPK signaling and its anti-proliferation and anti-invasion roles.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that the D domain of LRRC4 anchors ERK1/2 in the cytoplasm and competitively inhibits MEK/ERK activation in glioma cells. These findings identify a new mechanism underlying glioblastoma progression and suggest a novel therapeutic strategy by restoring the activity of LRRC4 to decrease MAPK cascade activation.

     

Metastatic tumor cells – genotypes and phenotypes

Background

Metastasis is the primary cause of mortality in cancer patients. Therefore, elucidating the genetics and epigenetics of metastatic tumor cells and the mechanisms by which tumor cells acquire metastatic properties constitute significant challenges in cancer research.

Objective

To summarize the current understandings of the specific genotype and phenotype of the metastatic tumor cells.

Method and Result

In-depth genetic analysis of tumor cells, especially with advances in the next-generation sequencing, have revealed insights of the genotypes of metastatic tumor cells. Also, studies have shown that the cancer stem cell (CSC) and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotypes are associated with the metastatic cascade.

Conclusion

In this review, we will discuss recent advances in the field by focusing on the genomic instability and phenotypic dynamics of metastatic tumor cells.

     

TIPE2 acts as a biomarker for tumor aggressiveness and suppresses cell invasiveness in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC)

Background

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-induced protein 8-like 2 (TIPE2 or TNFAIP8L2) is a newly described negative immune regulator and is closely associated with various tumors. However, the expression and roles of TIPE2 in PTC is unknown.

Results

In the present study, TIPE2 upregulation in PTC tissues was found to be negatively associated with tumor size, capsule infiltration, peripheral infiltration and tumor T stage, which could be used to predict tumor invasiveness. TIPE2 overexpression significantly suppressed the viability, proliferation, migration and invasion of PTC cells. Moreover, TIPE2 suppressed tumor invasiveness by inhibiting Rac1, leading to decreased expression of uPA and MMP9.

Conclusions

These results indicate that TIPE2 is a potential biomarker for predicting tumor aggressiveness and suppresses tumor invasiveness in a Rac1-dependent manner.

     

Optimization of fecal sample preparation for untargeted LC-HRMS based metabolomics

Introduction

Collecting feces is easy. It offers direct outcome to endogenous and microbial metabolites.

Objectives

In a context of lack of consensus about fecal sample preparation, especially in animal species, we developed a robust protocol allowing untargeted LC-HRMS fingerprinting.

Methods

The conditions of extraction (quantity, preparation, solvents, dilutions) were investigated in bovine feces.

Results

A rapid and simple protocol involving feces extraction with methanol (1/3, M/V) followed by centrifugation and a step filtration (10 kDa) was developed.

Conclusion

The workflow generated repeatable and informative fingerprints for robust metabolome characterization.

     

The clinicopathological significance of angiogenesis in hindgut neuroendocrine tumors obtained via an endoscopic procedure

Background

As the World Health Organization grading system for gastroenteropancreatic-neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) may not always correlate with tumor progression, it is imperative that other independent predictors of tumor progression be established. To identify such predictors, we conducted a retrospective histopathological study of hindgut NETs, obtained from endoscopic procedures, and used statistical analyses to evaluate predictive factors.

Methods

We first obtained clinicopathological data of cases of hindgut NETs. Tissue sections from tumor samples were prepared and subjected to pathological examination. In particular, we calculated the microvessel density (MVD) and lymphatic microvessel density (LMVD) values, and performed appropriate statistical analyses.

Results

A total of 42 cases of hindgut NETs were selected for the study, 41 from the rectum and 1 from the sigmoid colon. Based on the Ki-67 labeling index, 34 cases were classified as NET G1 tumors and 8 as NET G2 tumors. MVD values ranged from 1.4/mm² to 73.9/mm² and LMVD values from 0/mm² to 22.9/mm². MVD and LMVD were identified as risk factors for venous and lymphatic invasion of hindgut NETs. Moreover, MVD positively correlated with the maximum diameter of the tumor.

Conclusions

Tumor progression of NETs may cause angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, via an unknown mechanism, as well as lymphovascular invasion. Angiogenesis likely plays an important role in occurrence and progression in the initial phase of hindgut NETs.

     

Analysis of Axin2 expression and function in murine models for pancreatic cancer

Background

The involvement of Wnt in carcinogenesis and progression of pancreatic cancer is currently intensely discussed. We evaluated activation of the Wnt signaling pathway by using a Wnt reporter mouse strain expressing β-galactosidase under the control of the Axin2 promotor during pancreatitis induced formation of precancerous lesions. We also evaluated activation of Wnt signaling during interaction of pancreatic cancer with the tumor stroma.

Results

Activation of Wnt signaling was observed during acinar-to-ductal metaplasia after chronic as well as acute pancreatitis. Activation of Wnt signaling was also noticed during growth of pancreatic cancer in an orthotopic syngeneic pancreas cancer model. Activation of Wnt signaling was, however, not observed in carcinoma associated fibroblasts, but was detected in few cell clusters inside the tumor. Genetic ablation of Axin2 significantly reduced body weight without having a major impact on blood glucose concentration. However, ablation of Axin2 had no influence on the observed β-galactosidase positive cell clusters or on tumor weight.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that the Wnt signaling pathway is activated during acinar-to-ductal metaplasia after injury to the pancreas. However these data do not support a major role of Wnt signaling or of Axin2 in carcinoma associated fibroblasts and tumor growth.

     

Models of cell signaling uncover molecular mechanisms of high-risk neuroblastoma and predict disease outcome

Background

Despite the progress in neuroblastoma therapies the mortality of high-risk patients is still high (40–50%) and the molecular basis of the disease remains poorly known. Recently, a mathematical model was used to demonstrate that the network regulating stress signaling by the c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway played a crucial role in survival of patients with neuroblastoma irrespective of their MYCN amplification status. This demonstrates the enormous potential of computational models of biological modules for the discovery of underlying molecular mechanisms of diseases.

Results

Since signaling is known to be highly relevant in cancer, we have used a computational model of the whole cell signaling network to understand the molecular determinants of bad prognostic in neuroblastoma. Our model produced a comprehensive view of the molecular mechanisms of neuroblastoma tumorigenesis and progression.

Conclusion

We have also shown how the activity of signaling circuits can be considered a reliable model-based prognostic biomarker.

Reviewers

This article was reviewed by Tim Beissbarth, Wenzhong Xiao and Joanna Polanska. For the full reviews, please go to the Reviewers’ comments section.

     

WNT and NOTCH signaling pathways as activators for epidermal growth factor receptor in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Background

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the most common histological type of esophageal cancer, with a poor prognosis. Deregulation of WNT and NOTCH signaling pathways is important in ESCC progression, which can be due to either malfunction of their components or crosstalk with other pathways. Therefore, identification of new crosstalk between such pathways may be effective to introduce new strategies for targeted therapy of cancer. A correlation study was performed to assess the probable interaction between growth factor receptors and WNT/NOTCH pathways via the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Musashi1 (MSI1), respectively.

Methods

Levels of MSI1/EGFR mRNA expression in tumor tissues from 48 ESCC patients were compared to their corresponding normal tissues using real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

There was a significant correlation between EGFR and MSI1 expression (p?=?0.05). Moreover, there was a significant correlation between EGFR/MSI1 expression and grade of tumor differentiation (p?=?0.02).

Conclusion

This study confirms a direct correlation between MSI1 and EGFR and may support the important role of MSI1 in activation of EGFR through NOTCH/WNT pathways in ESCC.

     

High salt and fat intake,inflammation, and risk of cancer

Background

Inflammatory conditions are involved in the pathophysiology of cancer. Recent findings have revealed that excessive salt and fat intake is involved in the development of severe inflammatory reactions.

Methods

literature search was performed on various online databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar) regarding the roles of high salt and fat intake in the induction of inflammatory reactions and their roles in the etiopathogenesis of cancer.

Results

The results indicate that high salt and fat intake can induce severe inflammatory conditions. However, various inflammatory conditions have been strongly linked to the development of cancer. Hence, high salt and fat intake might be involved in the pathogenesis of cancer progression via putative mechanisms related to inflammatory reactions.

Conclusion

Reducing salt and fat intake may decrease the risk of cancer.