scholarly journals MORC2 Enhances Tumor Growth by Promoting Angiogenesis and Tumor-Associated Macrophage Recruitment via Wnt/β-Catenin in Lung Cancer

2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 1679-1694 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meihan Liu ◽  
Xiaochun Sun ◽  
Shaomin  Shi

Background/Aims: In this study, we aimed to investigate how MORC family CW-type zinc finger 2 (MORC2) affects tumor progression of lung cancer. Methods: The MORC2 level was analyzed by real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in normal control tissues and lung cancers. LL/2 cells overexpressing MORC2 were used to study how MORC2 expression influences lung cancer progression. The effects of MORC2 on cell viability, migration and invasion were assessed by MTT assay, Western blotting, and transwell assays, respectively. Afterwards, the effects of MORC2 on the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway were explored by Western blotting. The effects of MORC2 on tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) were determined by immunofluorescence (IF) staining, real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting. Results: Our results showed that MORC2 was upregulated in lung cancers relative to adjacent tissues. The results also demonstrated that MORC2 promoted lung cancer tumor growth in vivo. Additionally, MORC2 overexpression stimulated the upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), driving angiogenesis. MORC2 overexpression in LL/2 also increased the amount of aldehyde dehydrogenase-1 (ALDH1) protein, indicating that MORC2 increased cancer stem cell features. We further determined that MORC2 activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in lung cancer cells. Upregulation of macrophage-recruiting genes including VEGF and Macrophage-specific colony stimulating factor (CSF-1) recruits TAMs to the tumor site, which has the net effect of promoting additional tumor growth and metastasis. Conclusion: Our data suggest that MORC2 overexpression can drive lung cancer growth by stimulating the recruitment of TAMs in addition to angiogenesis and that activation of Wnt/β-signaling may be a key pathway underlying this phenotype that is amenable to pharmacological intervention.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wang Sheng ◽  
Weixi Guo ◽  
Fang Lu ◽  
Hongming Liu ◽  
Rongmu Xia ◽  
...  

Lung cancer (LC) is a malignant tumor with the highest incidence and mortality rates worldwide. Linc00284, a long non-coding RNA, is a newly discovered regulator of LC. This study aimed to explore the role of Linc00284 in LC progression. Gene expression levels were detected by RT-qPCR and/or western blot analysis. Cell migratory and invasive capabilities were measured by wound healing and transwell assays. Subcutaneous xenograft models were constructed to examine tumor growth of LC cells. Data showed that Linc00284 was significantly upregulated in LC tissues compared to adjacent normal lung tissues and predicted poor prognosis in patients with LC. In vitro, Linc00284 was highly expressed in LC cells and was mainly localized in the cytoplasm. Mechanistically, Linc00284 directly bound to miR-205-3p, leading to the upregulation of c-Met expression. A significant negative correlation was observed between Linc00284 and miR-205-3p expression levels, and the Linc00284 level was positively correlated with the c-Met expression. Linc00284/miR-205-3p/c-Met regulatory axis promotes LC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, the in vivo results indicated that Linc00284 knockdown markedly suppressed tumor growth. Taken together, these data suggest that Linc00284 facilitates LC progression by targeting the miR-205-3p/c-Met axis, which may be a potential target for LC treatment.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiming Shen ◽  
Zhe Xu ◽  
Guanghao Sun ◽  
Haoyou Wang ◽  
Lin Zhang

AbstractLong noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are critical players during cancer progression. Nevertheless, the effect of most lncRNAs in lung cancer (LC) remains unclear. We aimed to explore the role of LINC01342 in LC development through the microRNA-508-5p (miR-508-5p)/cysteine-rich secretory protein 3 (CRISP3) axis. LINC01342, miR-508-5p, and CRISP3 expression in clinical samples and cell lines were determined, and their correlations in LC were analyzed. The prognostic role of LINC01342 in LC patients was evaluated. LC cells were screened and, respectively, transfected to alter the expression of LINC01342, miR-508-5p, and CRISP3. Then, proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of transfected LC cells were determined, and the in vivo tumor growth was observed as well. Binding relationships between LINC01342 and miR-508-5p, and between miR-508-5p and CRISP3 were identified. LINC01342 and CRISP3 were upregulated and miR-508-5p was downregulated in LC tissues and cells. High LINC01342 expression indicated a poor prognosis of LC patients. The LINC01342/CRISP3 silencing or miR-508-5p elevation inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of LC cells and promoted LC cell apoptosis, and also suppressed the in vivo tumor growth. LINC01342 bound to miR-508-5p and miR-508-5p targeted CRISP3. LINC01342 plays a prognostic role in LC and LINC01342 silencing upregulates miR-508-5p to inhibit the progression of LC by reducing CRISP3.


Author(s):  
Jiongwei Pan ◽  
Gang Huang ◽  
Zhangyong Yin ◽  
Xiaoping Cai ◽  
Enhui Gong ◽  
...  

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronggang Luo ◽  
Yi Zhuo ◽  
Quan Du ◽  
Rendong Xiao

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.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatrice Parma ◽  
Vignesh Ramesh ◽  
Paradesi Naidu Gollavilli ◽  
Aarif Siddiqui ◽  
Luisa Pinna ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTThe identification of novel targets is of paramount importance to develop more effective drugs and improve the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Since cells alter their metabolic rewiring during tumorigenesis and along cancer progression, targeting key metabolic players and metabolism-associated proteins represents a valuable approach with a high therapeutic potential. Metabolic fitness relies on the functionality of heat shock proteins (HSPs), molecular chaperones that facilitate the correct folding of metabolism enzymes and their assembly in macromolecular structures. Here, we show HSPD1 (HSP60) as a survival gene ubiquitously expressed in NSCLC and associated with poor patients’ prognosis. HSPD1 knockdown or its chemical disruption by the small molecule KHS101 induces a drastic breakdown of oxidative phosphorylation, and suppresses cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. By combining drug profiling with transcriptomics and through a whole-genome CRISPR/Cas9 screen, we demonstrate that HSPD1-targeted anti-cancer effects are dependent on OXPHOS and validated molecular determinants of KHS101 sensitivity, in particular, the creatine-transporter SLC6A8 and the subunit of the cytochrome c oxidase complex COX5B. These results highlight mitochondrial metabolism as an attractive target and HSPD1 as a potential theranostic marker for developing therapies to combat NCSLC.SignificanceHSPD1 elimination or disruption interferes with NSCLC metabolic activity causing a strong OXPHOS-dependent energetic breakdown, which the cancer cells fail to overcome, highlighting HSPD1 as a potential theranostic marker for improving lung cancer therapy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Gaozhong Sun ◽  
Kewei Ni

Objective. The purpose of this study was to describe the role of Cavin3 in the progression of lung cancer and its underlying mechanism. Methods. Totally, 200 cases of lung cancer tissues and corresponding paracancer tissues were collected. Cavin3 expression in samples was determined by qRT-PCR, and the correlation with lung cancer stages as well as prognosis was statistically analyzed combined with matched clinical information. To investigate the mechanism of Cavin3 in lung cancer progression, firstly, Cavin3 was detected in lung cancer cell lines A549, PC9, and H520. Then, cells with stable Cavin3 overexpression and Cavin3 knockout were established to determine the effect of Cavin3 overexpression on the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. Subsequently, cells were harvested for cell proliferation, migration, and invasion assays in vitro, as well as nude mouse transplantation tumor experiment in vivo. Results. Cavin3 was seen to be highly expressed in cancer tissues. Statistical analysis with matched clinical data showed that Cavin3 as a prognostic indicator of lung cancer had important clinical value. In addition, it could be found that high expression of Cavin3 was able to promote cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and also potentiate tumor formation in vivo. Conclusion. Cavin3 was highly expressed in lung cancer, and it was capable to promote cell proliferation, invasion, and migration.


2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 198
Author(s):  
C. Ahn ◽  
D. Lee ◽  
E.-B. Jeung

Tight junctions (TJ) are composed of a branching network of sealing strands. TJ regulate paracellular conductance and ionic selectivity. TJ components include the peripheral protein ZO-1, junctional adhesion molecules (JAM) and the integral proteins such as occludin and claudin. Claudins are a family of proteins that are the most important components in the tight junctions. The established paracellular transport barriers that control transportation of molecules within intercellular space. The present study focused on the expression of claudin, suggesting as major working molecules in the paracellular transport system. To study the regulation and roles of claudin family, we examined expression of mouse placental claudin family. Fifteen pregnant C57/BL6 mice were used in this study and TJ proteins including Claudin-1 to Claudin-24 expressions by real-time RT–PCR and Western blotting. The mice were divided into 3 groups depending on the gestational day (on Days 12, 16, and 20 of gestation).The localization of TJ proteins were examined by immunohistochemistry. After we identified the fluctuation of claudin expression during pregnancy, we assumed that the hormones are one regulator for claudin family. Therefore, we performed an in vivo study with hormone receptor antagonists (ICI 182, 780, and RU-486) for examining hormonal effect on claudin expression in the placenta. Forty-nine mice were divided into 7 groups. The changes of claudin expression were examined with real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting. In the transcription levels, Claudin-1, claudin-2, claudin-4, and Claudin-5 expression levels were relatively high compared to others in the claudin family in all periods of the pregnancy. The claudin-4 expression, which reduces permeability of ions, increased over a period of time. However, caludin-5 expression that is the responsive protein for a decrease in paracellular conductance, were decreased. Claudin-1 and -4 have been known as responsive genes for a decrease in paracellular conductance. On the other hand, claudin 2 and 5 have been known as increasing paracellular conductance. In addition, immunohistochemistry was performed to identify their localization for inferring permeability in placenta. In summary, we analysed the claudin expressions and presented possible important claudins among its family. Furthermore, their localization was also examined in the mouse placenta. In addition, the regulation of critically expressed claudins by pregnancy-associated hormones, E2 and P4, was examined. These results may provide functional and structural roles of claudins and their involvement in the maternal-fetal interaction and in the transportation of placental materials.


2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 1694-1702 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsin-Han Chang ◽  
Yu-Chen Cheng ◽  
Wen-Chiuan Tsai ◽  
Min-Jen Tsao ◽  
Ying Chen

Background/Aims: Glioblastoma, also known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is a fast-growing type of tumor that is the most aggressive brain malignancy in adults. According to GEO profile analysis, patients with high transient receptor potential canonical 3 (TRPC3) expression have poor survival rates. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of Ethyl-1-(4-(2,3,3-trichloroacrylamide)phenyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylate (Pyr3), a selective TRPC3 channel blocker, on the proliferation and migration of human glioblastoma cells. Methods: We first analyzed the TRPC3 mRNA expression in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Then, TRPC3 protein expression was analyzed by Western blotting in three human GBM cell lines. The survival rate was measured by sulforhodamine B. JC1 staining was used to analyze the mitochondria membrane potential by flow cytometric analysis. Besides, the migration and invasion were evaluated by wound healing and Transwell assays. Annexin V and 7-aminoactinomycin D staining was used to monitor the apoptosis by flow cytometric analysis. The expression of apoptotic-related and migration-related proteins after Pyr3 treatment was detected by Western blotting. In addition, an orthotropic xenograft mouse model was used to assay the effect of Pyr3 in the in vivo study. Results: Basis on the results of bioinformatics study, glioma patients with higher TRPC3 expression had a shorter survival time than those with lower TRPC3 expression. GBM cell proliferation was decreased by Pyr3 treatment. The migration and invasion abilities of glioma cells were also inhibited via focal adhesion kinase and myosin light chain dephosphorization after Pyr3 treatment. Moreover, Pyr3 induced caspase-dependent apoptosis and mitochondria membrane potential imbalance in the GBM cells. In a xenograft animal model, Pyr3 in combination with temozolomide (TMZ) inhibited GBM tumor growth. Conclusion: Pyr3 inhibited GBM tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Pyr3-TMZ combination therapy could be used to treat glioblastoma in the future.


2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lili Mi ◽  
Lianhui Lei ◽  
Xiaolei Yin ◽  
Ning Li ◽  
Jianfei Shi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Gastric cancer (GC) remains one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that circRNAs serve as critical roles in human cancer, including GC. In the present study, we focused on the detailed function and mechanism of circ_0000144 on GC progression. Methods: The levels of circ_0000144, miR-623 and G-protein-coupled receptor, family C, group 5, member A (GPRC5A) were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Targeted relationships among circ_0000144, miR-623 and GPRC5A were confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. Cell proliferation, colony formation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), colony formation, flow cytometry and transwell assays. Measurement of glutamine and α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) levels was performed using a corresponding assay kit. GPRC5A protein expression was detected using Western blot. In vivo assays were used to explore the impact of circ_0000144 on tumor growth. Results: Our data indicated that circ_0000144 was up-regulated and miR-623 was down-regulated in GC tissues and cells. Circ_0000144 interacted with miR-623 through directly binding to miR-623. Moreover, the knockdown of circ_0000144 weakened GC cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion and glutaminolysis and accelerated cell apoptosis by up-regulating miR-623. GPRC5A was a direct target of miR-623 and circ_0000144 protected against GPRC5A repression through sponging miR-623. Furthermore, miR-623-mediated regulation on GC cell progression was reversed by the stored expression of GPRC5A. Additionally, circ_0000144 depletion inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Conclusion: Our study indicated that circ-0000144 knockdown repressed GC progression at least partly by regulating GPRC5A expression via sponging miR-623, illumining a novel therapeutic target for GC treatment.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document