Eriocitrin inhibits proliferation and migration of lung adenocarcinoma cells by regulating epithelial mesenchymal transition

Objective:To investigate the effects of Eriocitrin on the proliferation and migration of Lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD)cells A549 and H1299,and the mechanism of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition(EMT).Methods:The effects of different Eriocitrin on the proliferation of LUAD cells A549 and H1299 were examined by CCK8 method.EMT-associated epithelial calmodulin(E-cadherin and N-cadherin),vimentin,ferroptosis-associated protein SLC7A11,GPX4,FTH were detected by Western Blot and expression of mRNA of EMT marker molecules E-cadherin,N-cadherin,Snail were detected by qRT-PCR.Effects of saccharomyces cerevisiae suberin on ferroptosis in LUAD cells as observed by lipid reactive oxygen species(ROS)assay.Results:Eriocitrin could significantly inhibit the proliferative behavior of LUAD cells A549 and H1299 and showed a certain dose-and time-dependence.Compared with the control group,different concentrations of Eriocitrin could significantly reduce the scratch healing rate after 24 and 48 h of action,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.01).The expression of ROS is increased,EMT-related protein E-cadherin was increased in LUAD cells A549 and H1299 compared with the control group after the intervention with Eriocitrin.N-cadherin and Vimentin expression was decreased.E-cadherin mRNA expression was increased,and N-cadherin,Snail mRNA expression was decreased,expression of ferroptosis-associated protein SLC7A11,GPX4,FTH was decreased,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:Eriocitrin may inhibit the proliferation and migration of LUAD cells by regulating the EMT pathway and has potential application in LUAD prevention and adjuvant chemotherapy.

MiR-200c suppresses the migration of retinoblastoma cells by reversing epithelial mesenchymal transition

AIM： To analyze the relationship between clinical features and epithelial mesenchymal transition （EMT） in retinoblastoma （RB）, further to investigate whether miR-200c regulates the EMT and migration of RB cells. METHODS： Expression of EMT-related markers and tumor- related factors were detected by immuno-histochemistry analysis in RB tissue from 29 cases. Correlations between their expression and clinical characteristics were analyzed. The regulation effects of miR-200c on EMT-related markers, tumor-related factors were observed in mRNA level and protein level by real-time polymerase chain reaction （PCR） and Western blot, respectively, in Y79 and Weri-rbl cells. Its effects on migration force of these RB cell lines were also detected with Transwell test. RESULTS： Lower expression of E-cadherin was present in the cases with malignant prognosis. MiR-200c promoted the expression of E-cadherin and decreased the expression of Vimentin and N-cadherin in Y79 and Weri-rbl cells. Migration force of RB cells could be inhibited by miR-200c. CONCLUSION： EMT might be associated with bad prognosis in RB. MiR-200c suppresses the migration of retinoblastomatous cells by reverse EMT.

Effects of exogenous recombinant human bone morphogenic protein-7 on the corneal epithelial mesenchymal transition and fibrosis

AIM：To evaluate the effect of exogenous recombinant human bone morphogenic protein-7（rhBMP-7）on transforming growth factor-β（TGF-β）-induced epithelial mesenchymal cell transition（EMT）and assessed its antifibrotic effect via topical application.METHODS：The cytotoxic effect of rhBMP-7 was evaluated and the EMT of human corneal epithelial cells（HECEs）was induced by TGF-β. HECEs were then cultured in the presence of rhBMP-7 and/or hyaluronic acid（HA）. EMT markers,fibronectin,E-cadherin,α-smooth muscle actin（α-SMA）,and matrix metaloproteinase-9（MMP-9）,were evaluated. The level of corneal fibrosis and the reepithelization rate were evaluated using a rabbit keratectomy model. Expression of α-SMA in keratocytes were quantified following treatment with different concentrations of rhBMP-7.RESULTS：Treatment with rhBMP-7 attenuated TGF-β-induced EMT in HECEs. It significantly attenuated fibronectin secretion（31.6%; P〈0.05）,the α-SMA protein level（72.2%; P〈0.01）,and MMP-9 expression（23.6%,P〈0.05）in HECEs compared with cells grown in the presence of TGF-β alone. E-cadherin expression was significantly enhanced（289.7%; P〈0.01）in the presence of rhBMP-7. Topical application of rhBMP-7 combined with 0.1% HA significantly reduced the amount of α-SMA~＋ cells by 43.18%（P〈0.05）at a concentration of 2.5 μg/mL and by 47.73%（P〈0.05）at 25 μg/mL,compared with the control group,without disturbing corneal reepithelization.CONCLUSION：rhBMP-7 attenuates TGF-β-induced EMT in vitro,and topical application of rhBMP-7 reduces keratocyte myodifferentiation during the early wound healing stages in vivo without hindering reepithelization. Topical rhBMP-7 application as biological eye drops seems to be feasible in diseases involving TGF-β-related corneal fibrosis with corneal reepithelization disorders.

Effect of atractylenolide Ⅲ on zearalenone-induced Snail1-mediated epithelial–mesenchymal transition in porcine intestinal epithelium

Background The intestinal epithelium performs essential physiological functions,such as nutrient absorption,and acts as a barrier to prevent the entry of harmful substances.Mycotoxins are prevalent contaminants found in ani-mal feed that exert harmful effects on the health of livestock.Zearalenone(ZEA)is produced by the Fusarium genus and induces gastrointestinal dysfunction and disrupts the health and immune system of animals.Here,we evaluated the molecular mechanisms that regulate the effects of ZEA on the porcine intestinal epithelium.Results Treatment of IPEC-J2 cells with ZEA decreased the expression of E-cadherin and increased the expression of Snai1 and Vimentin,which induced Snail1-mediated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EMT).In addition,ZEA induces Snail-mediated EMT through the activation of TGF-βsignaling.The treatment of IPEC-J2 cells with atractyle-nolideⅢ,which were exposed to ZEA,alleviated EMT.Conclusions Our findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of ZEA toxicity in porcine intestinal epi-thelial cells and ways to mitigate it.

Analysis of Differential Gene Expression and Core Canonical Pathways Involved in the Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis

Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is a malignant form of cancer with very high mortality and morbidity. Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) is the most common pathophysiological change observed in cancer cells of epithelial origin that promotes metastasis, drug resistance and cancer stem cell formation. Since the information regarding differential gene expression in TNBC cells and cell signaling events leading to EMT is limited, this investigation was done by comparing transcriptomic data generated by RNA isolation and sequencing of a EMT model TNBC cell line in comparison to regular TNBC cells. RNA sequencing and Ingenuity Pathway Software Analysis (IPA) of the transcriptomic data revealed several upregulated and downregulated gene expressions along with novel core canonical pathways including Sirtuin signaling, Oxidative Phosphorylation and Mitochondrial dysfunction events involved in EMT changes of the TNBC cells.

Brucine Suppresses Breast Cancer Metastasis via Inhibiting Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition and Matrix Metalloproteinases Expressions

Objective： To examine the effect of brucine on the migration, invasion, adhesion and expressions of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition （EMT） markers and matrix metalloproteinases （MMPs） in the highly metastatic breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and Hs578-T. Methods： MDA-MB-231 and Hs578-T cells were divided to 4 groups： the control group （0.1% DMSO）, and 25, 50 and 100 μmol/L brucine groups. The cell viability was determined using a CellTiter-Glo？ luminescent cell viability. The scratch wound healing assay and tanswell migration assay were used to determine the migration ability of these cells treated by different concentrations of brucine. The proliferation rate, invasive potential and adhesive ability were respectively performed by colony formation assay, transwell invasion assay and adhension assay. The protein and mRNA expressions of EMT biomarkers, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were investigated by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Results： Compared with the control group, brucine had little effect on cell viability or proliferation （P〉0.05）, but led to a dose-dependent decrease on migration, invasion, adhension of MDA-MB-231 and Hs578-T cells （P〈0.01）. Furthermore, brucine increased the protein and mRNA levels of EMT markers such as E-cadherin and β-catenin in MDA-MB-231 and Hs578-T cells, and decreased the protein and mRNA levels of mesenychmal markers such as vimentin and fibronectin, as well as the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 （all P〈0.01）. Conclusion： Brucine inhibited triple negative breast cancer cells metastasis potentially through EMT reversion and MMP-2 and MMP-9 inhibition.

Type 2 epithelial mesenchymal transition in vivo： truth or pitfalls？

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT） is a process by which fully differentiated epithelial cells undergo a phenotypic conversion and assume a mesenchymal cell phenotype, including elongated morphology, enhanced migratory and invasiveness capacity, and greatly increased production of extracellular matrix （ECM） components. The EMTs associated with wound healing, tissue regeneration, and organ fibrosis are termed as type 2 EMT. Over the past two decades, emerging evidence suggested that injured epithelial cells, via type 2 EMT, may serve as important sources of fibroblasts and contribute to organ fibrosis, such as kidney, liver, lung and eyes. There is perhaps no doubt that adult epithelial cells can undergo EMT in vitro in response to transforming growth factor （TGF）-131 and other inflammatory or pro-fibrotic stimuli. However, whether type 2 EMT really occurs in vivo, whethers it is actually a source of functional and activated interstitial fibroblasts and whether it contributes to tissue fibrosis have already been the subjects of heated debate. In this review, we will describe the main features of EMT, the major findings of type 2 EMT in vitro, the evidences for and against type 2 EMT in vivo and discuss the heterogeneity and pitfalls of the techniques used to detect EMT during fibrotic diseases. We suggest that in order to ascertain the existence of type 2 EMT in vivo, different proper phenotype markers of epithelial and mesenchymal cells should be jointly used and cell lineage tracking techniques should be standardized and avoid false positives. Finally, we believe that if EMT really occurs and contributes to tissue fibrosis, efforts should be made to block or reverse EMT to attenuate fibrotic process.

Human lens epithelial cell apoptosis and epithelial to mesenchymal transition in femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery

AIM： To evaluate human lens epithelium cell apoptosis and epithelial to mesenchymal transition （EMT） induced by femtosecond laser in femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery （FLACS）. METHODS： Sixty cataract patients with N2 to N3 stage according to the LOCS III were enrolled in this study and divided into three groups randomly： FLACSl group （cataract surgery by FLACS with LenSx）, FLACS2 group （cataract surgery by FLACS with LensAR） and manual group （cataract surgery by phacoemulsification）. Patients in two FLACS groups performed anterior capsulotomy by LenSx or LensAR laser system. Patients in the manual group were performed continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis （CCC） manually. The anterior capsules were fixed right after moved out of eye. Hematoxylin-eosine staining, immunofluorescence staining and real-time PCR were performed in order to observe human lens epithelium cells changes after cataract surgery. RESULTS： The capsule cutting edge was shown irregularity and roughness in two FLACS groups and smooth edge in manual capsulotomy by pathologic staining. Irregularities of the cell configuration with partly swollen and destroyed nuclei were observed in two FLACS groups. Femtosecond laser could induce a significantly higher cell apoptosis in human lens epithelium cell than manually performed CCC （P〈0.05）. Lens epithelium cells apoptosis were correlated with femtosecond laser duration according to Pearson correlation analysis. Decreased N-cadherin expression, alpha-SMA and FSP-1 level in two FLACS groups showed the inhibition of cell EMT. CONCLUSION： Femtosecond laser may affect the apoptosis and EMT of lens epithelium cells which are under the peeled central lens capsule.

Low Trichorhinophalangeal Syndrome 1 Gene Transcript Levels in Basal-like Breast Cancer Associate with Mesenchymal-to-epithelial Transition

Objective To investigate trichorhinophalangeal syndrome 1 gene （TRPS-1） expression patterns in different subtypes of breast cancer and its correlations with other genes and survival using microarray data sets. Methods The transcripts of TRPS-1 and its role in survival in breast cancer were analyzed using published microarray data sets-Netherlands Cancer Institute （NKI） cohort and Wang cohort.

Cullin 4A is associated with epithelial to mesenchymal transition and poor prognosis in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

AIM To explore the functional role of cullin 4A(CUL4A), a core subunit of E3 ubiquitin ligase, in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma(PHCC).METHODS The expression of CUL4 A in PHCC cell lines was evaluated by Western blot and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry(IHC) was adopted to investigate the relationship between CUL4 A expression and clinicopathological characteristics of PHCC. Univariate analysis and multivariate regression analysis were performed to analyze the risk factors related to overall survival(OS) and progression-free survival(PFS) of PHCC patients. Wound healing, Transwell and Matrigel assays were utilized to explore the function of CUL4 A in PHCC metastasis. Furthermore, expression of epithelial to mesenchymal transition(EMT) markers was verified in cells with CUL4 A knockdown or overexpression. The relationship between CUL4 A expression and E-cadherin expression was also analyzed by IHC assay. Finally, the role of ZEB1 in regulating CUL4 A mediated PHCC was detected by IHC, Western blot, Transwell and Matrigel assays.RESULTS CUL4 A overexpression was detected in PHCC cell lines and clinical specimens. Clinicopathological analysis revealed a close correlation between CUL4 A overexpression and tumour differentiation, T, N and TNM stages in PHCC. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that high CUL4 A expression was correlated with poor OS and PFS of PHCC patients. Univariate analysis identified the following four parameters as risk factors related to OS rate of PHCC: T, N, TNM stages and high CUL4 A expression; as well as three related to PFS: N stage, TNM stage and high CUL4 A expression. Further multivariate logistic regression analysis identified high CUL4 A expression as the only independent prognostic factor for PHCC. Moreover, CUL4 A silencing in PHCC cell lines dramatically inhibited metastasis and the EMT. Conversely, CUL4 A overexpression promoted these processes. Mechanistically, ZEB1 was discovered to regulate the function of CUL4 A in promoting the EMT and metastasis.CONCLUSION CUL4 A is an independent prognostic factor for PHCC, and it can promote the EMT by regulating ZEB1 expression. CUL4 A may be a potential therapeutic target for PHCC.

Targeting tight junctions during epithelial to mesenchymal transition in human pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer continues to be a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide and there is an urgent need to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to reduce the mortality of patients with this disease. In pancreatic cancer, some tight junction proteins, including claudins, are abnormally regulated and therefore are promising molecular targets for diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. Claudin-4 and-18 are overexpressed in human pancreatic cancer and its precursor lesions. Claudin-4 is a high affinity receptor of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin(CPE). The cytotoxic effects of CPE and monoclonal antibodies against claudin-4 are useful as novel therapeutic tools for pancreatic cancer. Claudin-18 could be a putative marker and therapeutic target with prognostic implications for patients with pancreatic cancer. Claudin-1,-7, tricellulin and marvelD3 are involved in epithelial to mesenchymal transition(EMT) of pancreatic cancer cells and thus might be useful as biomarkers during disease. Protein kinase C is closely related to EMT of pancreatic cancer and regulates tight junctions of normal human pancreatic duct epithelial cells and the cancer cells. This review focuses on the regulation of tight junctions via protein kinase C during EMT in human pancreatic cancer for the purpose of developing new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for pancreatic cancer.

Development and validation of an epithelial–mesenchymal transition-related gene signature for predicting prognosis

BACKGROUND Currently,there are many therapeutic methods for lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD),but the 5-year survival rate is still only 15%at later stages.Epithelial–mesenchymal transition(EMT)has been shown to be closely associated with local dissemination and subsequent metastasis of solid tumors.However,the role of EMT in the occurrence and development of LUAD remains unclear.AIM To further elucidate the value of EMT-related genes in LUAD prognosis.METHODS Univariate,least absolute shrinkage and selection operator,and multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied to establish and validate a new EMT-related gene signature for predicting LUAD prognosis.The risk model was evaluated by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis,principal component analysis,and functional enrichment analysis and was used for nomogram construction.The potential structures of drugs to which LUAD is sensitive were discussed with respect to EMT-related genes in this model.RESULTS Thirty-three differentially expressed genes related to EMT were found to be highly associated with overall survival(OS)by using univariate Cox regression analysis(log2FC≥1,false discovery rate<0.001).A prognostic signature of 7EMT-associated genes was developed to divide patients into two risk groups by high or low risk scores.Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that the OS of patients in the high-risk group was significantly poorer than that of patients in the low-risk group(P<0.05).Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the risk score was an independent risk factor for OS(HR>1,P<0.05).The results of receiver operator characteristic curve analysis suggested that the 7-gene signature had a perfect ability to predict prognosis(all area under the curves>0.5).CONCLUSION The EMT-associated gene signature classifier could be used as a feasible indicator for predicting OS.

Relationship between epithelial to mesenchymaltransition and chemoresistance of lung cancer

Objective： The aim of this study was to explore the correlation between epithelial to mesenchymal transition （EMT） and chemoresistance of non-small-cell lung cancer （NSCLC）. Methods： In vitro, the drug resistance index of cisplatin resistant lung adenocarcinoma cell line （A549/DDP） was detected by CCK-8 assay; the morphological change between A549/ DDP cells and lung adenocarcinoma cells （A549） was observed by phase contrast microscope; expression of EMT markers （including E-cadherin and vimentin） and resistance protein, excision repair cross-complementing 1 （ERCC1） was detected by immunocytochemistry. The expression of E-cadherin, vimentin and ERCC1 was investigated by immunohistochemistry in 120 cases of NSCLC, half of that were treated with pre-operative neoadjuvant chemotherapy （neoadjuvant chemotherapy group）, and the other underwent surgery alone （simple surgery group）. Results： There was a significant difference between the ICso （half maximal inhibitory concentration） of A549/DDP cells （5.20） and A549 cells （1.88） （P 〈 0.05）, and the drug resistance index of A549/DDP cells was 2.77. Compared with A549 cells, A549/DDP cells increased expression of ERCC1 （P 〈 0.05）. Moreover, A549/DDP cells showed morphological and phenotypic changes consistent with EMT： with spindle-shaped morphology, and decreased expression of E-cadherin and increased expression of vimentin. Immunohistochemistry showed significant positive correlation between the expression of ERCCI and vimentin （r = 0.496, 0.332, P 〈 0.05）, and significant negative correlation between the ERCCI and E-cadherin （r = -0.403, -0.295, P 〈 0.05） in neoadjuvant chemotherapy group and simple surgery group. In addition, compared with simple surgery group, the expression of ERCC1 （P = 0.003） and vimentin （P = 0.004） was significantly increased, and the expression of E-cadherin was decreased in neoadjuvant chemotherapy group （P = 0.032）. Cenclusion： A549/DDP cells acquired cisplatin-resistance and occurred EMT simultaneously; the phenomenon of chemoresistance and EMT was caused more easily in neoadjuvant chemotherapy group. As such, we further confirmed the close correlation between chemoresistance and EMT of NSCLC, and provided theoretical basis for the targeting therapy with EMT regulatory factor for chemoresistant NSCLC patients.

Upfront Docetaxel with LH-RH Antagonist for Metastatic Hormone Sensitive Prostate Cancer Considering Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition

Objective: Upfront docetaxel use for hormone naïve advanced prostate cancer is reported that it successfully delayed the progression to hormone refractory stage, though the adequate methodology to obtain the maximum effect is unclear. We investigated these issues from our experiences of upfront docetaxel use with LH-RH antagonist for metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer, aiming at the prevention of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) for apoptosis tolerance. Patients and Methods: Of 31 stage IV new prostate cancer patients treated with upfront docetaxel and LH-RH antagonist (Degarelix), 25 patients who could be followed more than 12 months (mean 36.2 months) were analyzed. Docetaxel was used two to three courses basically 75 mg/m2 dose initializing two weeks after the induction of first Degarelix. Results: The clinical course was divided clearly to two groups according to prostate specific antigen (PSA) values. Of 25 patients, 12 patient’s PSA did not decrease below 0.1 ng/ml within 6 months (group A) and gradually rose afterwards. PSA in another 13 patients (group B) decreased below 0.1 within 6 months and kept below 0.1 during the follow up period. Although statistically not significant, the initial group A’s PSA was higher than group B’s (average 1308 and 353 ng/ml), however, number of metastasis, Gleason sum, and bone metastatic extent of disease showed no difference between them. Among group B patients, 7 cases had only upfront docetaxel and hormonal therapy, and some of these patients showed only atrophic gland and fibrotic tissue at second prostate biopsy (specimens after more than two years of therapy), suggesting complete response. Conclusion: Our study suggested that PSA value at 6 months may predict the outcome of whole therapy. Patients showing PSA less than 0.1 ng/ml at 6 months and requiring no therapy other than docetaxel and hormone may be induced to complete response. Upfront docetaxel with LH-RH antagonist may prevent EMT for obtaining apoptosis tolerance, in case the patient does not have the castration-resistant clone at the beginning of the therapy (group B).

Hepatocyte growth factor promotes retinal pigment epithelium cell activity through MET/AKT signaling pathway

AIM:To explore the effects of hepatocyte growth factor(HGF)on retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)cell behaviors.METHODS:The human adult retinal pigment epithelial cell line-19(ARPE-19)were treated by HGF or mesenchymalepithelial transition factor(MET)inhibitor SU11274 in vitro.Cell viability was detected by a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay.Cell proliferation and motility was detected by a bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assay and a wound healing assay,respectively.The expression levels of MET,phosphorylated MET,protein kinase B(AKT),and phosphorylated AKT proteins were determined by Western blot assay.The MET and phosphorylated MET proteins were also determined by immunofluorescence assay.RESULTS:HGF increased ARPE-19 cells’viability,proliferation and migration,and induced an increase of phosphorylated MET and phosphorylated AKT proteins.SU11274 significantly reduced cell viability,proliferation,and migration and decreased the expression of MET and AKT proteins.SU11274 suppressed HGF-induced increase of viability,proliferation,and migration in ARPE-19 cells.Additionally,SU11274 also blocked HGF-induced phosphorylation of MET and AKT proteins.CONCLUSION:HGF enhances cellular viability,proliferation,and migration in RPE cells through the MET/AKT signaling pathway,whereas this enhancement is suppressed by the MET inhibitor SU11274.HGF-induced MET/AKT signaling might be a vital contributor of RPE cells survival.

WNT5A drives interleukin-6-dependent epithelial-mesenchymal transition via the JAK/STAT pathway in keloid pathogenesis

Background:Keloid scarring is a fibroproliferative disease caused by aberrant genetic activation with an unclear underlying mechanism.Genetic predisposition,aberrant cellular responses to environmental factors,increased inflammatory cytokines and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)phenomena are known as major contributors.In this study,we aimed to identify the molecular drivers that initiate keloid pathogenesis.Methods:Bulk tissue RNA sequencing analyses of keloid and normal tissues along with ex vivo and in vitro tests were performed to identify the contributing genes to keloid pathogenesis.An animal model of inflammatory keloid scarring was reproduced by replication of a skin fibrosis model with intradermal bleomycin injection in C57BL/6 mice.Results:Gene set enrichment analysis revealed upregulation of Wnt family member 5A(WNT5A)expression and genes associated with EMT in keloid tissues.Consistently,human keloid tissues and the bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis animal model showed significantly increased expression ofWNT5A and EMT markers.Increased activation of the interleukin(IL)-6/Janus kinase(JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription(STAT)pathway and subsequent elevation of EMT markerswas also observed in keratinocytes co-cultured withWNT5A-activated fibroblasts or keloid fibroblasts.Furthermore,WNT5A silencing and the blockage of IL-6 secretion via neutralizing IL-6 antibody reversed hyperactivation of the STAT pathway and EMT markers in keratinocytes.Lastly,STAT3 silencing significantly reduced the EMT-like phenotypes in both keratinocytes and IL-6-stimulated keratinocytes.Conclusions:Intercellular communication via the WNT5A and STAT pathways possibly underlies a partial mechanism of EMT-like phenomena in keloid pathogenesis.IL-6 secreted from WNT5A-activated fibroblasts or keloid fibroblasts activates the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in adjacent keratinocytes which in turn express EMT markers.A better understanding of keloid development and the role of WNT5A in EMT will promote the development of next-generation targeted treatments for keloid scars.

Blocking Posttranslational Core Fucosylation Ameliorates Rat Peritoneal Mesothelial Cell Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

Background：Core fucosylation （CF）,catalyzed by α-1,6 fucosyltransferase （Fut8） in mammals,plays an important role in pathological processes through posttranslational modification of key signaling receptor proteins,including transforming growth factor （TGF）-β receptors and platelet-derived growth factor （PDGF） receptors.However,its effect on peritoneal fibrosis is unknown.Here,we investigated its influence on epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT） of rat peritoneal mesothelial cells （PMCs） in vitro induced by a high-glucose （HG） culture solution.Methods：Rat PMCs were first cultured in a HG （2.5%） culture solution to observe the CF expression level （fluorescein isothiocyanate-lens culinaris agglutinin）,we next established a knockdown model of rat PMCs in vitro with Fut8 small interfering RNA （siRNA） to observe whether inhibiting CF decreases the messenger RNA （mRNA） expression and protein expression of Fut8 and reverses EMT status.Rat PMCs were randomly divided into control group,mock group （transfected with scrambled siRNA）,Fut8 siRNA group,HG group,HG ＋ mock group,and HG ＋ Fut8 siRNA group.Finally,we examined the activation of TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling and PDGF/extracellular signal-regulated kinase （ERK） signaling to observe the influence of CF on them.Results：CF,Fut8 mRNA,and protein expression were all significantly upregulated in HG-induced EMT model than those in the control rat PMCs （P 〈 0.05）.Fut8 siRNA successfully blocked CF of TGF-β receptors and PDGF receptors and attenuated the EMT status （E-cadherin and α-SMA and phenotypic changes） in HG-induced rat PMCs.In TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling,Fut8 siRNA did not suppress the protein expression of TGF-3 receptors and Smad2/3;however,it significantly suppressed the phosphowlation of Smad2/3 （relative expression folds of HG ＋ Fut8 group vs.HG group：7.6 ± 0.4 vs.15.1 ± 0.6,respectively,P 〈 0.05）.In PDGF/ERK signaling,Fut8 siRNA did not suppress the protein expression of PDGF receptors and ERK,but it significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK （relative expression folds of HG ＋ Fut8 group vs.HG group：8.7 ± 0.9 vs.15.6 ± 1.2,respectively,P 〈 0.05）.Blocking CF inactivated the activities of TGF-β and PDGF signaling pathways,and subsequently blocked EMT.Conclusions：These results demonstrate that CF contributes to rat PMC EMT.and that blocking it attenuates EMT.CF regulation is a potential therapeutic target of peritoneal fibrosis.

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition in the progression of tubulointerstitial fibrosis

Objective To review the mechanisms of epithelial to mesenchymal transition （EMT） and its role in the progression of tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Data sources The data used in this review were obtained mainly from the studies of EMT reported from 2000-2006. Study selection Relevant articles on studies of EMT in tubulointerstitial fibrosis were selected. Data were mainly extracted from the 45 articles listed in the reference section of this review. Results The process of EMT has gained wide recognition as candidate mechanism in progression of chronic fibrotic disorders. New markers were identified and facilitate the observation of EMT. EMT is regulated by many factors through activation of kinase-dependent signaling cascades. Recent findings suggest that EMT is a reversible process, which can be controlled by factors for their epithelial inducing activities. Conclusion Remarkable progresses of EMT research have been made recently. Preventing or reversing EMT is a promising strategy against renal fibrosis.

SOX4 contributes to TGF-β-induced epithelialemesenchymal transition and stem cell characteristics of gastric cancer cells

SOX4 is highly expressed in gastric cancer(GC)and is associated with tumor grade,metastasis and prognosis,however the mechanism is not clear.We report herein that SOX4 was upregulated and overexpression of SOX4 was associated with increased expression of the markers of Epithelialemesenchymal transition(EMT)and stemness in clinic patient samples.In vitro,overexpression of SOX4 promoted the invasion as showed by Transwell assay and stemness of GC cells as assessed by sphere formation assay,which was suppressed by silencing SOX4 with shRNA.Further studies showed that SOX4 up-regulated the expression of EMT transcription factors Twist1,snail1 and zeb1 and stemness transcription factors SOX2 and OCT4,and promoted the nuclear translocation of β-catenin.Moreover,we revealed that TGF-β treatment significantly up-regulated the expression of SOX4 and silencing SOX4 reversed TGF-β induced invasion and sphere formation ability of GC cells.Finally,we showed that SOX4 promoted the lung metastasis and tumor formation ability of gastric cancer cells in nude mice.Our results suggest that SOX4 is a target TGF-β signaling and mediates TGF-β-induced EMT and stem cell characteristics of GC cells,revealing a novel role of TGF-β/SOX4 axis in the regulation of malignant behavior of GC.

Effect of Cx32 over‑expression on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Huh7 and its mechanism

Objective: To explore the effect of connexin 32 (Cx32) on the cell proliferation, migration, invasion of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line Huh7 and its mechanism. Methods: Firstly, bioinformatics techniques were used to analyze the difference in expression of Cx32 between HCC tissues and normal liver tissues, and the relationship between Cx32 expression and important clinicopathological features of HCC was also explored. Subsequently, Cx32 expression in HCC cell lines and normal hepatic epithelial cell line was detected in vitro. Huh7 cell line with stable over⁃expression of Cx32 was further established, and the change in cell proliferation ability was measured by MTT assay, changes in migration and invasion capacities were detected by wound⁃healing assay and transwell assay, on this cell line. Finally, western blot and immunofluorescence (IF) were used to investigate the alterations of expression of epithelial⁃mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. Results: Bioinformatics analyses showed that Cx32 mRNA and protein expression levels in HCC tissues were lower than those in normal liver tissues, and the mRNA expression level of Cx32 was negatively correlated with T stage, histological grade and clinical stage of HCC patients (all P<0.05). Results of in vitro experiments revealed Cx32 protein expression in different HCC cell lines was down⁃regulated compared to that in normal hepatic epithelial cell line LO2. Cx32 stably over⁃expressed (Cx32 OE) Huh7 cell line was successfully constructed by lentivirus infection and showed high expression of Cx32 protein in the cell line. Compared to the control group and (or) the negative control (NC) group, the Cx32 OE group exhibited decreased OD490 value, wound healing rate and invasive cell number (all P<0.05). Furthermore, an increase in the expression of epithelial marker E⁃cadherin, and a decrease in the expression of mesenchymal markers Snail and Vimentin, were observed in Cx32⁃OE Huh7 cell line. Conclusion: Cx32 is low expressed in HCC tissues and cells, while the proliferation, migration and invasion ability of Huh7 cells can be inhibited by over⁃expression of Cx32, of which the underlying mechanism may be related to the inhibition of EMT process.