Quantitative In Vivo Genetic Analysis Reveals Novel Genetic Determinants of Tumor Initiation, Overall Growth, and Exceptional Growth in KRAS-Driven Lung Cancer

Lung cancer has long been recognized as an important world heath concern due to its high incidence and death rate. The failure of treatment strategies, as well as the regrowth of the disease driven by cancer stem cells (CSCs) residing in the tumor, lead to the urgent need for a novel CSC-targeting therapy. Here, we utilized proteome alteration analysis and ectopic tumor xenografts to gain insight on how gigantol, a bibenzyl compound from orchid species, could attenuate CSCs and reduce tumor integrity. The proteomics revealed that gigantol affected several functional proteins influencing the properties of CSCs, especially cell proliferation and survival. Importantly, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and JAK/STAT related pathways were found to be suppressed by gigantol, while the JNK signal was enhanced. The in vivo nude mice model confirmed that pretreatment of the cells with gigantol prior to a tumor becoming established could decrease the cell division and tumor maintenance. The results indicated that gigantol decreased the relative tumor weight with dramatically reduced tumor cell proliferation, as indicated by Ki-67 labeling. Although gigantol only slightly altered the epithelial-to-mesenchymal and angiogenesis statuses, the gigantol-treated group showed a dramatic loss of tumor integrity as compared with the well-grown tumor mass of the untreated control. This study reveals the effects of gigantol on tumor initiation, growth, and maintain in the scope that the cells at the first step of tumor initiation have lesser CSC property than the control untreated cells. This study reveals novel insights into the anti-tumor mechanisms of gigantol focused on CSC targeting and destabilizing tumor integrity via suppression of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and JAK/STAT pathways. This data supports the potential of gigantol to be further developed as a drug for lung cancer.

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Faculty Opinions recommendation of Genetic analysis of basophil function in vivo.

Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature ◽

10.3410/f.10427956.11257054 ◽

2011 ◽

Author(s):

Shinsuke Taki

Keyword(s):

Genetic Analysis

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Identification of a new GLDC gene alternative splicing variant and its protumorigenic roles in lung cancer

Future Oncology ◽

10.2217/fon-2019-0403 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 15 (36) ◽

pp. 4127-4139 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yingli Yuan ◽

Luguo Sun ◽

Xu Wang ◽

Jingxian Chen ◽

Mingnan Jia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Cell Proliferation ◽

Colony Formation ◽

Lactate Production ◽

Cellular Transformation ◽

Lung Cancer Cell Line ◽

Stem Cell Marker ◽

Brdu Incorporation ◽

Clinical Samples

Aim: To clarify the regulatory roles of GLDCV1, the first identified truncated glycine decarboxylase (GLDC), on cancer stem cells and tumorigenesis. Materials & methods: RT-PCR or RT-qPCR, immunoblotting and immunohistochemical staining were applied to assess gene expression. MTT, BrdU incorporation and colony formation assays were used to examine cell proliferation capacity. Soft agar colony formation and in vivo transplantation were applied to evaluate cellular transformation and tumorigenesis. Results & conclusion: Expression of GLDCV1 or GLDC was enhanced in non-small-cell lung cancer cell line and clinical samples. GLDCV1 overexpression induced MRC5 cell proliferation, transformation and tumorigenesis. Additionally, GLDCV1 increased lactate production and cancer stem cell marker expression and activated ERK and P38 pathways. Our study gained deeper insight into GLDC oncogene.

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USP9X-mediated KDM4C deubiquitination promotes lung cancer radioresistance by epigenetically inducing TGF-β2 transcription

Cell Death and Differentiation ◽

10.1038/s41418-021-00740-z ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Xiaohua Jie ◽

William Pat Fong ◽

Rui Zhou ◽

Ye Zhao ◽

Yingchao Zhao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Affinity Purification ◽

Smad Signaling ◽

Lung Cancer Patients ◽

Lysine Specific Demethylase ◽

Underlying Mechanisms ◽

H3k9me3 Level ◽

Critical Binding

AbstractRadioresistance is regarded as the main barrier to effective radiotherapy in lung cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms of radioresistance remain elusive. Here, we show that lysine-specific demethylase 4C (KDM4C) is overexpressed and correlated with poor prognosis in lung cancer patients. We provide evidence that genetical or pharmacological inhibition of KDM4C impairs tumorigenesis and radioresistance in lung cancer in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we uncover that KDM4C upregulates TGF-β2 expression by directly reducing H3K9me3 level at the TGF-β2 promoter and then activates Smad/ATM/Chk2 signaling to confer radioresistance in lung cancer. Using tandem affinity purification technology, we further identify deubiquitinase USP9X as a critical binding partner that deubiquitinates and stabilizes KDM4C. More importantly, depletion of USP9X impairs TGF-β2/Smad signaling and radioresistance by destabilizing KDM4C in lung cancer cells. Thus, our findings demonstrate that USP9X-mediated KDM4C deubiquitination activates TGF-β2/Smad signaling to promote radioresistance, suggesting that targeting KDM4C may be a promising radiosensitization strategy in the treatment of lung cancer.

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MSCs-engineered biomimetic PMAA nanomedicines for multiple bioimaging-guided and photothermal-enhanced radiotherapy of NSCLC

Journal of Nanobiotechnology ◽

10.1186/s12951-021-00823-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yipengchen Yin ◽

Yongjing Li ◽

Sheng Wang ◽

Ziliang Dong ◽

Chao Liang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Cell Membranes ◽

Imaging System ◽

Fluorescence Signal ◽

Bimodal Imaging ◽

Red Blood Cell Membranes ◽

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽

Tumor Accumulation

Abstract Background The recently developed biomimetic strategy is one of the mostly effective strategies for improving the theranostic efficacy of diverse nanomedicines, because nanoparticles coated with cell membranes can disguise as “self”, evade the surveillance of the immune system, and accumulate to the tumor sites actively. Results Herein, we utilized mesenchymal stem cell memabranes (MSCs) to coat polymethacrylic acid (PMAA) nanoparticles loaded with Fe(III) and cypate—an derivative of indocyanine green to fabricate Cyp-PMAA-Fe@MSCs, which featured high stability, desirable tumor-accumulation and intriguing photothermal conversion efficiency both in vitro and in vivo for the treatment of lung cancer. After intravenous administration of Cyp-PMAA-Fe@MSCs and Cyp-PMAA-Fe@RBCs (RBCs, red blood cell membranes) separately into tumor-bearing mice, the fluorescence signal in the MSCs group was 21% stronger than that in the RBCs group at the tumor sites in an in vivo fluorescence imaging system. Correspondingly, the T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal at the tumor site decreased 30% after intravenous injection of Cyp-PMAA-Fe@MSCs. Importantly, the constructed Cyp-PMAA-Fe@MSCs exhibited strong photothermal hyperthermia effect both in vitro and in vivo when exposed to 808 nm laser irradiation, thus it could be used for photothermal therapy. Furthermore, tumors on mice treated with phototermal therapy and radiotherapy shrank 32% more than those treated with only radiotherapy. Conclusions These results proved that Cyp-PMAA-Fe@MSCs could realize fluorescence/MRI bimodal imaging, while be used in phototermal-therapy-enhanced radiotherapy, providing desirable nanoplatforms for tumor diagnosis and precise treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.

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Circular RNA FLNA acts as a sponge of miR-486-3p in promoting lung cancer progression via regulating XRCC1 and CYP1A1

Cancer Gene Therapy ◽

10.1038/s41417-021-00293-w ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jiongwei Pan ◽

Gang Huang ◽

Zhangyong Yin ◽

Xiaoping Cai ◽

Enhui Gong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Cancer Cell ◽

Cancer Progression ◽

Lung Cancer Cells ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Migration And Invasion ◽

Related Factors

AbstractSignificantly high-expressed circFLNA has been found in various cancer cell lines, but not in lung cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the role of circFLNA in the progression of lung cancer. The target gene of circFLNA was determined by bioinformatics and luciferase reporter assay. Viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion of the transfected cells were detected by CCK-8, colony formation, wound-healing, and transwell assays, respectively. A mouse subcutaneous xenotransplanted tumor model was established, and the expressions of circFLNA, miR-486-3p, XRCC1, CYP1A1, and related genes in the cancer cells and tissues were detected by RT-qPCR, Western blot, or immunohistochemistry. The current study found that miR-486-3p was low-expressed in lung cancer. MiR-486-3p, which has been found to target XRCC1 and CYP1A1, was regulated by circFLNA. CircFLNA was located in the cytoplasm and had a high expression in lung cancer cells. Cancer cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion were promoted by overexpressed circFLNA, XRCC1, and CYP1A1 but inhibited by miR-486-3p mimic and circFLNA knockdown. The weight of the xenotransplanted tumor was increased by circFLNA overexpression yet reduced by miR-486-3p mimic. Furthermore, miR-486-3p mimic reversed the effect of circFLNA overexpression on promoting lung cancer cells and tumors and regulating the expressions of miR-486-3p, XRCC1, CYP1A1, and metastasis/apoptosis/proliferation-related factors. However, overexpressed XRCC1 and CYP1A1 reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-486-3p mimic on cancer cells and tumors. In conclusion, circFLNA acted as a sponge of miR-486-3p to promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo by regulating XRCC1 and CYP1A1.

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Inhibition of yes-associated protein suppresses migration, invasion, and metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer in vitro and in vivo

Clinical and Experimental Medicine ◽

10.1007/s10238-021-00738-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Tomoya Takeda ◽

Masanobu Tsubaki ◽

Shuji Genno ◽

Takuya Matsuda ◽

Yuuta Yamamoto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Small Cell Lung Cancer ◽

Cell Lung Cancer ◽

Small Cell ◽

Invasion And Metastasis ◽

Small Cell Lung

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POU2F2 promotes the proliferation and motility of lung cancer cells by activating AGO1

BMC Pulmonary Medicine ◽

10.1186/s12890-021-01476-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ronggang Luo ◽

Yi Zhuo ◽

Quan Du ◽

Rendong Xiao

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Tumor Growth ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Cancer Progression ◽

Human Lung ◽

Lung Cancer Cells ◽

Human Lung Cancer ◽

Cancer Tissues

Abstract Background To detect and investigate the expression of POU domain class 2 transcription factor 2 (POU2F2) in human lung cancer tissues, its role in lung cancer progression, and the potential mechanisms. Methods Immunohistochemical (IHC) assays were conducted to assess the expression of POU2F2 in human lung cancer tissues. Immunoblot assays were performed to assess the expression levels of POU2F2 in human lung cancer tissues and cell lines. CCK-8, colony formation, and transwell-migration/invasion assays were conducted to detect the effects of POU2F2 and AGO1 on the proliferaion and motility of A549 and H1299 cells in vitro. CHIP and luciferase assays were performed for the mechanism study. A tumor xenotransplantation model was used to detect the effects of POU2F2 on tumor growth in vivo. Results We found POU2F2 was highly expressed in human lung cancer tissues and cell lines, and associated with the lung cancer patients’ prognosis and clinical features. POU2F2 promoted the proliferation, and motility of lung cancer cells via targeting AGO1 in vitro. Additionally, POU2F2 promoted tumor growth of lung cancer cells via AGO1 in vivo. Conclusion We found POU2F2 was highly expressed in lung cancer cells and confirmed the involvement of POU2F2 in lung cancer progression, and thought POU2F2 could act as a potential therapeutic target for lung cancer.

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Knockdown CYP2S1 inhibits lung cancer cells proliferation and migration

Cancer Biomarkers ◽

10.3233/cbm-210189 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Huan Guo ◽

Baozhen Zeng ◽

Liqiong Wang ◽

Chunlei Ge ◽

Xianglin Zuo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Cell Proliferation ◽

Cell Growth ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Lung Cancer Cells ◽

Invasion And Migration ◽

And Migration

BACKGROUND: The incidence of lung cancer in Yunnan area ranks firstly in the world and underlying molecular mechanisms of lung cancer in Yunnan region are still unclear. We screened a novel potential oncogene CYP2S1 used mRNA microassay and bioinformation database. The function of CYP2S1 in lung cancer has not been reported. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the functions of CYP2S1 in lung cancer. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry and Real-time PCR were used to verify the expression of CYP2S1. Colony formation and Transwell assays were used to determine cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Xenograft assays were used to detected cell growth in vivo. RESULTS: CYP2S1 is significantly up-regulated in lung cancer tissues and cells. Knockdown CYP2S1 in lung cancer cells resulted in decrease cell proliferation, invasion and migration in vitro. Animal experiments showed downregulation of CYP2S1 inhibited lung cancer cell growth in vivo. GSEA analysis suggested that CYP2S1 played functions by regulating E2F targets and G2M checkpoint pathway which involved in cell cycle. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that patients with high CYP2S1 had markedly shorter event overall survival (OS) time. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that CYP2S1 exerts tumor suppressor function in lung cancer. The high expression of CYP2S1 is an unfavorable prognostic marker for patient survival.

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