scholarly journals DGCR8/miR-106 Axis Enhances Radiosensitivity of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas by Downregulating RUNX3

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunlin Zhang ◽  
Hangqi Chen ◽  
Zeyi Deng ◽  
Dan Long ◽  
Li Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Expression ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Squamous Cell ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Cell Counting ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Luciferase Reporter Gene ◽  
Hpv E7

Purpose: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most prevalent malignant tumor worldwide, and the radiotherapy effect is strongly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Therefore, the aim of our study was to analyze the mechanism of HPV E7 and its effects on radiosensitivity in HNSCC cells.Methods: The mRNA expression of DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 8 (DGCR8), has-miR-106a, and Runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) was examined by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). The protein expression of DGCR8, E7, RUNX3, caspase-3/cleaved caspase-3, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)/cleaved PARP, and γH2AX was measured by Western blot. The expression level of DGCR8 was measured by immunofluorescence assay. Starbase database (http://starbase.sysu.edu.cn/) was used to analyze the correlation between has-miR-106a-5p and DGCR8. TargetScan database (http://www.targetscan.org/vert_72/) was adopted to calculate the prediction of binding sites. Radiosensitivity was evaluated through clone formation assays and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays.Results: In our study, we found that the mRNA and protein expression levels of HPV E7 and DGCR8 in HPV-positive HNSCC cells were higher than those in HPV-negative cells. The expression of DGCR8 was increased in FaDu and UM-SCC-4 with E7 overexpression, while the expression of DGCR8 was decreased in UM-SCC-47 and UPCI-SCC-090 with E7 silence. The miR-106a expression was increased after DGCR8 overexpression in FaDu and UM-SCC-4. However, the miR-106a expression was decreased in UM-SCC-47 and UPCI-SCC-090 with E7 silence. In radiation conditions, clone formation assays found that less clones formed in FaDu and UM-SCC-4 cells subsequent to silencing DGCR8 or miR-106a than that in the control group, and more clones were formed in UM-SCC-47 and UPCI-SCC-090 cells overexpressing DGCR8 or miR-106a than that in the control group. Luciferase reporter gene assays verified that miR-106a targeted the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of RUNX3 mRNA. MiR-106a overexpression resulted in a decrease in RUNX3 expression, and miR-106a silence increased RUNX3 expression. Rescue experiments conducted with miR-106a inhibitor restored radiation resistance and reduced DNA damage in radiation condition.Conclusions: Our study indicated that HPV E7 activated DGCR8/miR-106a/RUNX3 axis to enhance radiation sensitivity and provided directions for targeted therapeutic interventions.

Investigation of Targeting Relationship between Micro-Rna-22 and Vegfr3 in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zheng Dong ◽  
Qing-Hua Xu ◽  
Yuan-Bin Zhu ◽  
Yong-Feng Wang ◽  
Jie Xiong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor ◽  
Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Squamous Cell ◽  
Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Luciferase Reporter Gene ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

Aims : The present study explored the clinical significance of microRNA-22 (miR-22) expression in lung squamous cell carcinoma and to explore the targeting relationship with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3). Methods: A total of 49 patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma who underwent surgical treatment was selected. The expression of miR-22 was detected by fluorescence quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), the expression of VEGFR3 was detected by Western blotting assays, and D240 labeled microlymphatic vessels density (MLVD) was detected immunohistochemistry (IHC). Lung squamous cell carcinoma cell line SK-MES-1 was selected and the targeting relationship between miR-22 and VEGFR3 was analyzed by double luciferase reporter gene assay. Western blotting assays were used to detect the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-D (VEGF-D) and D240 in the blank control group, empty vector transfection group, miR-22 transfection group, miR-22 and VEGFR3 co-transfection group. Results: The expression range of miR-22 in lung squamous cell carcinoma was 0.8-3.5. The expression of miR-22 in lung squamous cell carcinoma was significantly different by tumor maximum diameter, lymph node metastasis, vascular invasion and TNM stage. The expression of miR-22 was linked to survival time. There was a negative correlation between miR-22 and VEGFR3, miR-22 and MLVD. Double luciferase reporter gene assays showed that miR-22 reduced the luciferase activity of pGL3-VEGFR3-WT transfected cells. Compared with the control group, the expression of VEGF-D and D2-40 in the miR-22 transfection group was significantly decreased. However, VEGF-D and D240 in the miR-22 and VEGFR3 cotransfection group reversed the changes. Conclusion: We assumed that the abnormal expression of miR-22 in lung squamous cell carcinoma may be involved in the development and progression of lung squamous cell carcinoma. MiR-22 negatively regulated the target gene VEGFR3 to mediate lymphangiogenesis. The expression of miR-22 may also be linked to the prognosis of the disease.

scholarly journals The effect of miR-23b-3p on growth hormone in pituitary cells of Yanbian yellow cattle

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiuxiu Ji ◽  
Angang Lou ◽  
Rui Zhang ◽  
Taihua Jin ◽  
Siyu Xiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Expression ◽  
Expression Level ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Pituitary Cells ◽  
Mrna Transcription ◽  
Luciferase Reporter Gene ◽  
Protein Expression Level ◽  
Yellow Cattle ◽  
Reporter Gene System

Abstract Background There is a relationship between miR-23b-3p and GH in pituitary of Yanbian yellow cattle. However, the specific mechanism of the effect of miR-23b-3p on GH in pituitary of Yanbian yellow cattle is still unclear.This study aimed to evaluate the effect of miR-23b-3p on growth hormone (GH) in pituitary cells of Yanbian yellow cattle. Methods The primary culture of Yanbian yellow cattle pituitary cells was carried out, and mimics (miR-23b-3p-mi group), mimics reference substance (NC group), inhibitor (miR-23b-3p-in group) and inhibitor reference substance (iNC group) of miR-23b-3p were transfected into the established pituitary primary cells. After 48 h, the cells were collected and the total RNA and protein were extracted.The mRNA transcription and protein expression level of GH and miR-23b-3p target genes were detected by real time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blot, respectively. The target relationship of miR-23b-3p was validated by double luciferase reporter gene system. Results Compared with the NC control group, GH mRNA transcription and protein expression level in pituitary cells of Yanbian yellow cattle was significantly decreased by adding miR-23b-3p minics ( P <0.01), while compared with the iNC control group, GH mRNA transcription and protein expression level were significantly increased by adding miR-23b-3p inhibitor( P <0.05). The result of bioinformatics analysis and double luciferase reporter gene system validation proved that miR-23b-3p targeted 3'UTR of pituitary specific transcription factor 1 (POU1F1). Compared with the NC control group, POU1F1 mRNA transcription and protein expression level were significantly inhibited by the addition of miR-23b-3p minics ( P <0.01), while compared with the iNC control group, POU1F1 mRNA transcription and protein expression level were significantly increased by the addition of miR-23b-3p inhibitor ( P <0.01). Conclusions miR-23b-3p could regulate GH in pituitary cells by regulating POU1F1 gene.

MicroRNA-126-5p Regulates Proliferation and Apoptosis of IL-22-Stimulated Human Keratinocytes Through Regulating Caspase 1

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1010-1016
Author(s):  
Weifeng Zha ◽  
Bo Guo ◽  
Shuyue Chen ◽  
Junwei Lu ◽  
Yunyun Shan
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Cell Model ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Hacat Cells ◽  
Luciferase Reporter Gene ◽  
Proliferation And Apoptosis

Objective: The study was aimed to explore the roles of miR-126-5p in psoriasis and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: In vitro cell model of psoriasis was established by IL-22 induction. CASP1, the target gene of miR-126-5p, was predicted by TargetScan and verified through the dual luciferase reporter gene system. qRT-PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression of miR-126-5p and CASP1 in IL-22 stimulated HaCaT cells. The protein expression of CASP1, cleaved-caspase3 and caspase3 were measured by Western blot analysis. MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis were performed to detect the cell proliferation and apoptosis. A Caspase3 Activity Assay kit was used to detect the activity of Caspase3. Results: miR-126-5p was high expressed in IL-22 stimulated HaCaT cells compared with normal HaCaT cells. We predicted and verified that CASP1 was a direct target of miR-126-5p, and the mRNA and protein expression of CASP1 were reduced in IL-22 stimulated HaCaT cells compared with the normal HaCaT cells. miR-126-5p inhibitor and CASP1-siRNA significantly decreased the expression of miR-126-5p and CASP1 in HaCaT cells respectively. miR-126-5p inhibitor up-regulated the expression of CASP1 in HaCaT cells, and the effect was reversed by the transfection with CASP1-siRNA. In comparison with the control group, miR-126-5p inhibitor decreased the cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and improved the activity of Caspase3, enhanced cleaved-caspase3/caspase3 ratio in IL-22 stimulated HaCaT cells, and all the effects were reversed by down-regulating CASP1. Conclusion: We demonstrated that miR-126-5p inhibitor played a protective role in psoriasis by targeting CASP1, evidenced by inhibiting IL-22-induced HaCaT cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis.

scholarly journals miR-18a-5p Facilitates Malignant Progression of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells via Modulating SORBS2

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Qian Chen ◽  
Jing Xu ◽  
Mingzhen Zhu
Keyword(s):  
Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Squamous Cell ◽  
Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Luciferase Reporter Gene ◽  
Gene Assay ◽  
The Impact

This study attempted to investigate possible molecular mechanism and role of miR-18a-5p in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Differential miRNAs and their possible targets were analyzed through TCGA database. By conducting qRT-PCR, miR-18a-5p was tested to be increased and SORBS2 was assessed to be downregulated in HNSCC cells. CCK-8, Transwell, and flow cytometry assays disclosed that miR-18a-5p facilitated HNSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and repressed cell apoptosis. By dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, it was verified that miR-18a-5p had binding sites into SORBS2. Rescue experiments displayed that forced expression of SORBS2 restored the impact of miR-18a-5p overexpression on HNSCC cells. Collectively, our research preliminarily identified the promotion effect of miR-18a-5p/SORBS2 axis on malignant phenotypes of HNSCC cells. Our findings may provide a preclinical reference for HNSCC treatment.

scholarly journals HPV16 E6 enhances the radiosensitivity in HPV-positive human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by regulating the miR-27a-3p/SMG1 axis

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Long ◽  
Li Xu ◽  
Zeyi Deng ◽  
Dandan Guo ◽  
Yangchun Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Squamous Cell ◽  
Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Tunel Staining ◽  
Cancer Type ◽  
Luciferase Reporter Gene ◽  
Hpv16 E6

Abstract Background Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the 6th most common malignant cancer type worldwide. Radiosensitivity has been shown to be significantly increased in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive HNSCC compared with HPV-negative patients. However, the clinical significance of HPV and its regulatory mechanisms in HNSCC are largely unknown. The aim of our study was to explore the regulatory mechanism of miR-27a-3p in the radiosensitivity of HPV-positive HNSCC cells. Methods E6-overexpressing and E6-knockdown HNSCC cell lines were generated and the transfection efficiencies were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blotting. The expression of miR-27a-3p and DiGeorge syndrome critical region 8 (DGCR8) was examined by RT-qPCR after transfection with E6 overexpressing plasmid or E6 siRNA. The effects of miR-27a-3p on the radiosensitivity of HNSCC cells were explored by a colony formation and TUNEL staining assays. Bioinformatic tools and luciferase reporter assays were used to identify that SMG1 is the direct target of miR-27a-3p. Furthermore, the effect of E6 overexpression on the regulation of the miR-27a-3p/SMG1 axis was investigated. Results In our study, we found overexpression of HPV E6 upregulated the expression of DGCR8 and miR-27a-3p in HNSCC cells. We next confirmed that DGCR8 positively regulated the expression of miR-27a-3p in HNSCC cells. The luciferase reporter gene results verified that miR-27a-3p targeted the 3’UTR of SMG1 mRNA. MiR-27a-3p mimics transfection resulted in a decrease in SMG1 expression and miR-27a-3p inhibitor transfection increased SMG1 expression. Apoptotic activity of HNSCC cells was significantly increased in miR-27a-3p mimics HNSCC cells compared with control HNSCC cells. After treatment with 4 Gy irradiation, UM-SCC47 cells transfected with miR-27a-3p inhibitor or SMG1 overexpressing plasmid formed more colonies than the corresponding control cells. Furthermore, the rescue experiments demonstrated that HPV16 E6 improved the radiosensitivity of HNSCC cells by targeting miR-27a-3p/SMG1. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that HPV16 E6 activated the DGCR8/miR-27a-3p/SMG1 axis to enhance the radiosensitivity. Our findings might provide a novel therapeutic target to improve the response of HNSCC to radiotherapy.

scholarly journals Blockade of LINC01605-enriched exosome generation in M2 macrophages impairs M2 macrophage-induced proliferation, migration, and invasion of human dermal fibroblasts

2021 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 205873842110167
Author(s):  
Zhensen Zhu ◽  
Bo Chen ◽  
Liang Peng ◽  
Songying Gao ◽  
Jingdong Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Noncoding Rna ◽  
Dermal Fibroblast ◽  
Dermal Fibroblasts ◽  
Cell Counting ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
M2 Macrophage ◽  
M2 Macrophages ◽  
Luciferase Reporter Gene ◽  
Gene Assay

Activated M2 macrophages are involved in hypertrophic scar (HS) formation via manipulating the differentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts having the proliferative capacity and biological function. However, the function of exosomes derived from M2 macrophages in HS formation is unclear. Thus, this study aims to investigate the role of exosomes derived by M2 in the formation of HS. To understand the effect of exosomes derived from M2 macrophages on formation of HS, M2 macrophages were co-cultured with human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was performed to evaluate HDF proliferation. To evaluate the migration and invasion of HDFs, wound-healing and transwell invasion assays were performed, respectively. To investigate the interaction between LINC01605 and miR-493-3p, a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was adopted; consequently, an interaction between miR-493-3p and AKT1 was detected. Our results demonstrated that exosomes derived from M2 macrophages promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HDFs. Additionally, we found that long noncoding RNA LINC01605, enriched in exosomes derived from M2 macrophages, promoted fibrosis of HDFs and that GW4869, an inhibitor of exosomes, could revert this effect. Mechanistically, LINC01605 promoted fibrosis of HDFs by directly inhibiting the secretion of miR-493-3p, and miR-493-3p down-regulated the expression of AKT1. Exosomes derived from M2 macrophages promote the proliferation and migration of HDFs by transmitting LINC01605, which may activate the AKT signaling pathway by sponging miR-493-3p. Our results provide a novel approach and basis for further investigation of the function of M2 macrophages in HS formation.

scholarly journals MiR-206 regulates the progression of osteoporosis via targeting HDAC4

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhiyuan Lu ◽  
Dawei Wang ◽  
Xuming Wang ◽  
Jilong Zou ◽  
Jiabing Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Cell Apoptosis ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Expression Level ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Luciferase Reporter Gene ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Gene Assay

Abstract Background More and more studies have confirmed that miRNAs play an important role in maintaining bone remodeling and bone metabolism. This study investigated the expression level of miR-206 in the serum of osteoporosis (OP) patients and explored the effect and mechanism of miR-206 on the occurrence and development of osteoporosis. Methods 120 postmenopausal women were recruited, including 63 cases with OP and 57 women without OP. The levels of miR-206 were determined by qRT-PCR technology. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation of miR-206 with bone mineral density (BMD). An ROC curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of miR-206 in osteoporosis. The effects of miR-206 on cell proliferation and cell apoptosis of hFOBs were measured by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Luciferase reporter gene assay was used to confirm the interaction of miR-206 and the 3′UTR of HDAC4. Results Serum miR-206 had low expression level in osteoporosis patient group compared with control group. The expression level of serum miR-206 had diagnostic value for osteoporosis, and the serum miR-206 levels were positively correlated with BMD. The down-regulated miR-206 could inhibit cell proliferation and promote cell apoptosis. Luciferase analysis indicated that HDAC4 was the target gene of miR-206. Conclusions MiR-206 could be used as a new potential diagnostic biomarker for osteoporosis, and in in vitro cell experiments, miR-206 may regulate osteoblast cell proliferation and apoptosis by targeting HDAC4.

scholarly journals Mechanism of MicroRNA-375 Promoter Methylation in Promoting Ovarian Cancer Cell Malignancy

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 153303382098011
Author(s):  
Junjun Shu ◽  
Ling Xiao ◽  
Sanhua Yan ◽  
Boqun Fan ◽  
Xia Zou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Cell Invasion ◽  
Promoter Methylation ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Luciferase Reporter Gene ◽  
Gene Assay ◽  
Cell Malignancy

Objective: Ovarian cancer (OC) ranks one of the most prevalent fatal tumors of female genital organs. Aberrant promoter methylation triggers changes of microRNA (miR)-375 in OC. Our study aimed to evaluate the mechanism of methylated miR-375 promoter region in OC cell malignancy and to seek the possible treatment for OC. Methods: miR-375 promoter methylation level in OC tissues and cells was detected. miR-375 expression in OC tissues and cell lines was compared with that in demethylated cells. Role of miR-375 in OC progression was measured. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was utilized to verify the targeting relationship between miR-375 and Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1). Then, Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related protein expression was tested. Moreover, xenograft transplantation was applied to confirm the in vitro experiments. Results: Highly methylated miR-375 was seen in OC tissues and cell lines, while its expression was decreased as the promoter methylation increased. Demethylation in OC cells brought miR-375 back to normal level, with obviously declined cell invasion, migration and viability and improved apoptosis. Additionally, miR-375 targeted YAP1 to regulate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway protein expression. Overexpressed YAP1 reversed the protein expression, promoted cell invasion, migration and viability while reduced cell apoptosis. Overexpressed miR-375 in vivo inhibited OC progression. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that demethylated miR-375 inhibited OC growth by targeting YAP1 and downregulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. This investigation may offer novel insight for OC treatment.

scholarly journals Comparison of Bax and Caspase-3 Protein Expression in Liver Cells following UVB Irradiation for 7 days and Treatment of Pimpinella alpina Molk during 7 and 15 days

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 296-303
Author(s):  
Eni Widayati ◽  
Taufiqurrachman Nasihun ◽  
Azizah Hikma Savitri ◽  
Nurina Tyagita
Keyword(s):  
Protein Expression ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
Liver Cells ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Control Group Design ◽  
Uvb Irradiation ◽  
The Difference

Objective: The effect of Pimpinela alpina Molk (PaM) on decrease in Bax and Caspase-3 protein expression in liver cells apoptosis have been proven. However, the difference result between 7 and 15 days treatment duration of PaM need to be confirmed. This study aimed to confirm that treatment of PaM during 15 days is more effective decreasing Bax and Caspase-3 protein expression in liver cells following UVB irradiation. Methods: In the post test only control group design, 35 Sprague Dawley male rats, 300 gram body weight were divided into two arms, consisting of three groups respectively. First arm comprise Neg-7, PaM7-100, and PaM7-150. Second arm comprise Neg-15, PaM15-100, and PaM15-150. Nor-G was added as normal control neither exposed to UVB nor PaM treatment. In negative group was only radiated to UVB and PaM groups were exposed to UVB and treatment with 100, and 150 mg PaM per oral for 7 and 15 days respectively. At day 8 (first arm) and 16 (second arm), liver organ was taken and Bax and Caspase-3 protein expression assessed by Immunohistochemical staining method. Result: Post Hoc LSD analysis indicated that Bax and Caspase-3 protein expression in PaM15-100 and PaM15-150 was significant lower compared to that of Nor-G, PaM7-100, and PaM7-150, p < 0.05. Conclusion: Ttreatment of PaM with doses 100 and 150 mg for 15 days was better in decreasing Bax and Caspase-3 protein expression of liver cells following UVB irradiation. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.19(2) 2020 p.296-303

scholarly journals Expression of the Extracellular Sulfatase SULF2 Affects Survival of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Yang ◽  
Jaeil Ahn ◽  
Rekha Raghunathan ◽  
Bhaskar V. Kallakury ◽  
Bruce Davidson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Squamous Cell ◽  
Hpv Infection ◽  
Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Tumor Tissues ◽  
Significant Difference

Sulfation of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) regulates signaling of growth factor receptors via specific interactions with the sulfate groups. 6-O-Sulfation of HSPG is an impactful modification regulated by the activities of dedicated extracellular endosulfatases. Specifically, extracellular sulfatase Sulf-2 (SULF2) removes 6-O-sulfate from HS chains, modulates affinity of carrier HSPG to their ligands, and thereby influences activity of the downstream signaling pathway. In this study, we explored the effect of SULF2 expression on HSPG sulfation and its relationship to clinical outcomes of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We found a significant overexpression of SULF2 in HNSCC tumor tissues which differs by tumor location and etiology. Expression of SULF2 mRNA in tumors associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection was two-fold lower than in tumors associated with a history of tobacco and alcohol consumption. High SULF2 mRNA expression is significantly correlated with poor progression-free interval and overall survival of patients (n = 499). Among all HS-related enzymes, SULF2 expression had the highest hazard ratio in overall survival after adjusting for clinical characteristics. SULF2 protein expression (n = 124), determined by immunohistochemical analysis, showed a similar trend. The content of 6-O-sulfated HSPG, measured by staining with the HS3A8 antibody, was higher in adjacent mucosa compared to tumor tissue but revealed no difference based on SULF2 staining. LC-MS/MS analysis showed low abundance of N-sulfation and O-sulfation in HS but no significant difference between SULF2-positive and SULF2-negative tumors. Levels of enzymes modifying 6-O-sulfation, measured by RT-qPCR in HNSCC tumor tissues, suggest that HSPG sulfation is carried out by the co-regulated activities of multiple genes. Imbalance of the HS modifying enzymes in HNSCC tumors modifies the overall sulfation pattern, but the alteration of 6-O-sulfate is likely non-uniform and occurs in specific domains of the HS chains. These findings demonstrate that SULF2 expression correlates with survival of HNSCC patients and could potentially serve as a prognostic factor or target of therapeutic interventions.

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