scholarly journals Multicellular Ovarian Cancer Model for Evaluation of Nanovector Delivery in Ascites and Metastatic Environments

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 1891
Author(s):  
Stephen J. Winter ◽  
Hunter A. Miller ◽  
Jill M. Steinbach-Rankins
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Tissue Hypoxia ◽  
Ovarian Cancer Cells ◽  
Cell Growth And Migration ◽  
Hypoxic Conditions ◽  
Stromal Microenvironment ◽  
And Migration

A novel multicellular model composed of epithelial ovarian cancer and fibroblast cells was developed as an in vitro platform to evaluate nanovector delivery and ultimately aid the development of targeted therapies. We hypothesized that the inclusion of peptide-based scaffold (PuraMatrix) in the spheroid matrix, to represent in vivo tumor microenvironment alterations along with metastatic site conditions, would enhance spheroid cell growth and migration and alter nanovector transport. The model was evaluated by comparing the growth and migration of ovarian cancer cells exposed to stromal cell activation and tissue hypoxia. Fibroblast activation was achieved via the TGF-β1 mediated pathway and tissue hypoxia via 3D spheroids incubated in hypoxia. Surface-modified nanovector transport was assessed via fluorescence and confocal microscopy. Consistent with previous in vivo observations in ascites and at distal metastases, spheroids exposed to activated stromal microenvironment were denser, more contractile and with more migratory cells than nonactivated counterparts. The hypoxic conditions resulted in negative radial spheroid growth over 5 d compared to a radial increase in normoxia. Nanovector penetration attenuated in PuraMatrix regardless of surface modification due to a denser environment. This platform may serve to evaluate nanovector transport based on ovarian ascites and metastatic environments, and longer term, it provide a means to evaluate nanotherapeutic efficacy.

scholarly journals STK3 Suppresses Ovarian Cancer Progression by Activating NF-κB Signaling to Recruit CD8+ T-Cells

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Xiangyu Wang ◽  
Fengmian Wang ◽  
Zhi-Gang Zhang ◽  
Xiao-Mei Yang ◽  
Rong Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
T Cells ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Cd8 T Cells ◽  
Gene Set Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Ovarian Cancer Cells ◽  
And Migration

Serine/threonine protein kinase-3 (STK3) is a critical molecule of the Hippo pathway but little is known about its biological functions in the ovarian cancer development. We demonstrated the roles of STK3 in ovarian cancer. Existing databases were used to study the expression profile of STK3. STK3 was significantly downregulated in OC patients, and the low STK3 expression was correlated with a poor prognosis. In vitro cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration assays, and in vivo subcutaneous xenograft tumor models were used to determine the roles of STK3. The overexpression of STK3 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of ovarian cancer cells in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Bisulfite sequencing PCR analysis was performed to validate the methylation of STK3 in ovarian cancer. RNA sequencing and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were used to compare the transcriptome changes in the STK3 overexpression ovarian cancer and control cells. The signaling pathway was analyzed by western blotting. STK3 promoted the migration of CD8+ T-cells by activating nuclear transcription factor κB (NF-κB) signaling. STK3 is a potential predictor of OC. It plays an important role in suppressing tumor growth of ovarian cancer and in chemotaxis of CD8+ T-cells.

scholarly journals METTL3 promotes the initiation and metastasis of ovarian cancer by inhibiting CCNG2 expression via promoting the maturation of pri-microRNA-1246

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuehan Bi ◽  
Xiao Lv ◽  
Dajiang Liu ◽  
Hongtao Guo ◽  
Guang Yao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
High Expression ◽  
Ovarian Cancer Cells ◽  
Inadequate Knowledge ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Cancer Tissues

AbstractOvarian cancer is a common gynecological malignant tumor with a high mortality rate and poor prognosis. There is inadequate knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying ovarian cancer. We examined the expression of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) in tumor specimens using RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis, and tested the methylation of METTL3 by MSP. Levels of METTL3, miR-1246, pri-miR-1246 and CCNG2 were then analyzed and their effects on cell biological processes were also investigated, using in vivo assay to validate the in vitro findings. METTL3 showed hypomethylation and high expression in ovarian cancer tissues and cells. Hypomethylation of METTL3 was pronounced in ovarian cancer samples, which was negatively associated with patient survival. Decreased METTL3 inhibited the proliferation and migration of ovarian cancer cells and promoted apoptosis, while METTL3 overexpression exerted opposite effects. Mechanistically, METTL3 aggravated ovarian cancer by targeting miR-1246, while miR-1246 targeted and inhibited CCNG2 expression. High expression of METTL3 downregulated CCNG2, promoted the metabolism and growth of transplanted tumors in nude mice, and inhibited apoptosis. The current study highlights the promoting role of METTL3 in the development of ovarian cancer, and presents new targets for its treatment.

scholarly journals WISP2 promotes cell proliferation via targeting ERK and YAP in ovarian cancer cells

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zi-Qing Shi ◽  
Zi-Yan Chen ◽  
Yao Han ◽  
Heng-Yan Zhu ◽  
Meng-Dan Lyu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Ovarian Cancer Cells ◽  
Extracellular Signal ◽  
And Migration

Abstract Background: Wnt-inducible signaling pathway protein 2 (WISP2) is a wnt1-induced signaling pathway protein 2. Although studies indicate that WISP2 may promote the development of various tumors, its role in ovarian cancer remains unclear. The objective of the current study was to analyze the effects of WISP2 on the proliferation and migration of ovarian cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.Results: Immunohistochemistry and western blotting indicated that WISP2 was highly expressed in various ovarian cancer tissues and cell lines，but weakly expressed in normal ovary tissue. WISP2 deletion inhibited cell growth, clone formation, and migration of ovarian cancer cells while promoting cell apoptosis and affecting the cell cycle. This growth inhibitory effect caused by WISP2 loss is due to the inhibition of phosphorylated extracellular signal-related kinase (p-ERK)1/2, as well as CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (CEBPα) and CEPBβ. In addition, WISP2 deletion also activated the Yes-associated protein (YAP).Conclusion: WISP2 deletion inhibits ovarian cancer cell proliferation by affecting ERK signaling pathways.

scholarly journals WISP2 promotes cell proliferation via targeting ERK and YAP in ovarian cancer cells

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zi-Qing Shi ◽  
Zi-Yan Chen ◽  
Yao Han ◽  
Heng-Yan Zhu ◽  
Meng-Dan Lyu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Ovarian Cancer Cells ◽  
Growth Inhibitory ◽  
Extracellular Signal ◽  
And Migration

Abstract Background Wnt inducible signaling protein 2 (WISP2) is a wnt1-induced signaling pathway protein 2. Although studies indicate that WISP2 may promote the development of various tumors, its role in ovarian cancer remains unclear. The objective of the current study was to analyze the effects of WISP2 on proliferation and migration of ovarian cancer cells in vitro and in vivo . Results Immunohistochemistry and western blot results indicated that WISP2 was highly expressed in various ovarian tissues and cell lines. WISP2 deletion inhibited cell growth, clone formation, and migration of ovarian cancer cells. WISP2 deletion promoted cell apoptosis and affected the cell cycle. This growth inhibitory effect caused by WISP2 loss is due to the inhibition of extracellular signal-related kinase (p-ERK)1/2, as well as CEBPα and CEBPβ. In addition, WISP2 deletion also activated the Yes-associated protein (YAP). Conclusion WISP2 deletion inhibits ovarian cancer cell proliferation by affecting ERK signaling pathways.

scholarly journals microRNA-4488 in extracellular vesicles derived from marrow mesenchymal stem cells suppresses ABHD8 to inhibit ovarian cancer progression

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Chang ◽  
Junying Zhou ◽  
Wanjia Tian ◽  
Mengyu Chen ◽  
Ruixia Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Ovarian Cancer Cells ◽  
Invasion And Migration ◽  
And Migration

Abstract Background Extracellular vesicle (EV) that delivered microRNAs (miRNAs) have been found as the important biomarkers participating in the pathological mechanism of ovarian cancer. Consequently, this study sought to examine the underlying mechanism of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived EVs containing miR-4488 in ovarian cancer. Methods The normal ovarian tissues and ovarian cancer tissues were extracted, and the information of MSC-EV miRNA was obtained by Bioinformatics analysis. RT-qPCR and western blot analysis were applied to detect miR-4488 and α/β-hydrolase domain-containing (ABHD)8 expression followed by determination of relationship between miR-4488 and ABHD8 by dual-luciferase reporter assay. After transfection with different plasmids and treatment with DMSO or GW4869 (inhibitor of EV), the regulatory roles of MSC-EV-miR-4488 in invasion, proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of cancer cells were explored. Besides, xenograft tumor in nude mice was conducted to explore the role of miR-4488 and ABHD8 in ovarian cancer in vivo. Results miR-4488 was poorly expressed and ABHD8 was highly expressed in ovarian cancer cells and tissues. ABHD8 was a target gene of miR-4488 while the knockdown of ABHD8 resulted in the suppression of proliferation, invasion, and migration while promoting the apoptosis of cancer cells. Functionally, MSC-EV-derived miR-4488 inhibited the expression of ABHD8. Additionally, miR-4488 over-expressed in MSC-EVs inhibited the cell proliferation, invasion, and migration through down-regulation of ABHD8 expression. At last, these in vitro findings were also confirmed in vivo. Conclusion To summarize, miR-4488 overexpressed in MSC-EVs suppressed ABHD8 expression to inhibit the cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, thus suppressing ovarian cancer.

Knockout of Ajuba Attenuates the Growth and Migration of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

2020 ◽  
Vol 160 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 650-658
Author(s):  
Yichen Le ◽  
Yi He ◽  
Meirong Bai ◽  
Ying Wang ◽  
Jiaxue Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Cell Growth ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Normal Liver ◽  
Cell Growth And Migration ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Hcc Cells

Ajuba has been found to be mutated or aberrantly regulated in several human cancers and plays important roles in cancer progression via different signaling pathways. However, little is known about the role of Ajuba in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we found an upregulation of Ajuba expression in HCC tissues compared with normal liver tissues, while a poor prognosis was observed in HCC patients with high Ajuba expression. Knockout of Ajuba in HCC cells inhibited cell growth in vitro and in vivo, suppressed cell migration, and enhanced the cell apoptosis under stress. Moreover, re-expression of Ajuba in Ajuba-deficient cells could restore the phenotype of Ajuba-deficient cells. In conclusion, these results indicate that Ajuba is upregulated in HCC and promotes cell growth and migration of HCC cells, suggesting that Ajuba could possibly be a new target for HCC diagnosis and treatment.

scholarly journals SMYD3 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by methylating S1PR1 promoters

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Heyun Zhang ◽  
Zhangyu Zheng ◽  
Rongqin Zhang ◽  
Yongcong Yan ◽  
Yaorong Peng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Histone Methylation ◽  
Cell Growth And Migration ◽  
Histone 3 ◽  
Sphingosine 1 Phosphate ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Proliferation And Migration

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. SET and MYND domain-containing protein 3 (SMYD3) has been shown to promote the progression of various types of human cancers, including liver cancer; however, the detailed molecular mechanism is still largely unknown. Here, we report that SMYD3 expression in HCC is an independent prognostic factor for survival and promotes the proliferation and migration of HCC cells. We observed that SMYD3 upregulated sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) promoter activity by methylating histone 3 (H3K4me3). S1PR1 was expressed at high levels in HCC samples, and high S1PR1 expression was associated with shorter survival. S1PR1 expression was also positively correlated with SMYD3 expression in HCC samples. We confirmed that SMYD3 promotes HCC cell growth and migration in vitro and in vivo by upregulating S1PR1 expression. Further investigations revealed that SMYD3 affects critical signaling pathways associated with the progression of HCC through S1PR1. These findings strongly suggest that SMYD3 has a crucial function in HCC progression that is partially mediated by histone methylation at the downstream gene S1PR1, which affects key signaling pathways associated with carcinogenesis and the progression of HCC.

scholarly journals Plasma cells shape the mesenchymal identity of ovarian cancers through transfer of exosome-derived microRNAs

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. eabb0737
Author(s):  
Zhengnan Yang ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Linjie Zhao ◽  
Xin Wang ◽  
Ryan C. Gimple ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Plasma Cell ◽  
Plasma Cells ◽  
Ovarian Cancer Cells ◽  
Mesenchymal Phenotype ◽  
Ovarian Cancers ◽  
Novel Approach

Ovarian cancer represents a highly lethal disease that poses a substantial burden for females, with four main molecular subtypes carrying distinct clinical outcomes. Here, we demonstrated that plasma cells, a subset of antibody-producing B cells, were enriched in the mesenchymal subtype of high-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSCs). Plasma cell abundance correlated with the density of mesenchymal cells in clinical specimens of HGSCs. Coculture of nonmesenchymal ovarian cancer cells and plasma cells induced a mesenchymal phenotype of tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. Phenotypic switch was mediated by the transfer of plasma cell–derived exosomes containing miR-330-3p into nonmesenchymal ovarian cancer cells. Exosome-derived miR-330-3p increased expression of junctional adhesion molecule B in a noncanonical fashion. Depletion of plasma cells by bortezomib reversed the mesenchymal characteristics of ovarian cancer and inhibited in vivo tumor growth. Collectively, our work suggests targeting plasma cells may be a novel approach for ovarian cancer therapy.

scholarly journals Imaging-Guided Therapy Simultaneously Targeting HER2 and EpCAM with Trastuzumab and EpCAM-Directed Toxin Provides Additive Effect in Ovarian Cancer Model

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 3939
Author(s):  
Tianqi Xu ◽  
Anzhelika Vorobyeva ◽  
Alexey Schulga ◽  
Elena Konovalova ◽  
Olga Vorontsova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Growth Factor Receptor ◽  
Repeated Administration ◽  
Ovarian Cancer Cells ◽  
Her2 Positive ◽  
Efficient Treatment ◽  
Pseudomonas Exotoxin A ◽  
Epidermal Growth

Efficient treatment of disseminated ovarian cancer (OC) is challenging due to its heterogeneity and chemoresistance. Overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) in approx. 30% and 70% of ovarian cancers, respectively, allows for co-targeted treatment. The clinical efficacy of the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab in patients with HER2-positive breast, gastric and gastroesophageal cancers makes it readily available as the HER2-targeting component. As the EpCAM-targeting component, we investigated the designed ankyrin repeat protein (DARPin) Ec1 fused to a truncated variant of Pseudomonas exotoxin A with reduced immunogenicity and low general toxicity (LoPE). Ec1-LoPE was radiolabeled, evaluated in ovarian cancer cells in vitro and its biodistribution and tumor-targeting properties were studied in vivo. The therapeutic efficacy of Ec1-LoPE alone and in combination with trastuzumab was studied in mice bearing EpCAM- and HER2-expressing SKOV3 xenografts. SPECT/CT imaging enabled visualization of EpCAM and HER2 expression in the tumors. Co-treatment using Ec1-LoPE and trastuzumab was more effective at reducing tumor growth and prolonged the median survival of mice compared with mice in the control and monotherapy groups. Repeated administration of Ec1-LoPE was well tolerated without signs of hepatic or kidney toxicity. Co-treatment with trastuzumab and Ec1-LoPE might be a potential therapeutic strategy for HER2- and EpCAM-positive OC.

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