Mechanisms of myeloid-derived suppressor cell-mediated immunosuppression in colorectal cancer and related therapies

Severe immunosuppression is a hallmark of colorectal cancer(CRC).Myeloid-derived suppressor cells(MDSCs),one of the most abundant components of the tumor stroma,play an important role in the invasion,metastasis,and immune escape of CRC.MDSCs create an immunosuppressive microenvironment by inhibiting the proliferation and activation of immunoreactive cells,including T and natural killer cells,as well as by inducing the proliferation of immunosuppressive cells,such as regulatory T cells and tumor-associated macrophages,which,in turn,promote the growth of cancer cells.Thus,MDSCs are key contributors to the emergence of an immunosup-pressive microenvironment in CRC and play an important role in the breakdown of antitumor immunity.In this narrative review,we explore the mechanisms through which MDSCs contribute to the immunosuppressive microenvironment,the current therapeutic approaches and technologies targeting MDSCs,and the therapeutic potential of modulating MDSCs in CRC treatment.This study provides ideas and methods to enhance survival rates in patients with CRC.

Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase is a potential tumor suppressor and predictive marker for hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a major cause of cancer mortality worldwide,and metastasis is the main cause of early recurrence and poor prognosis.However,the mechanism of metastasis remains poorly understood.AIM To determine the possible mechanism affecting HCC metastasis and provide a possible theoretical basis for HCC treatment.METHODS The candidate molecule lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase(LCAT)was screened by gene microarray and bioinformatics analysis.The expression levels of LCAT in clinical cohort samples was detected by quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.The proliferation,migration,invasion and tumor-forming ability were measured by Cell Counting Kit-8,Transwell cell migration,invasion,and clonal formation assays,respectively.Tumor formation was detected in nude mice after LCAT gene knockdown or overexpression.The immunohistochemistry for Ki67,E-cadherin,N-cadherin,matrix metalloproteinase 9 and vascular endothelial growth factor were performed in liver tissues to assess the effect of LCAT on HCC.Gene set enrichment analysis(GSEA)on various gene signatures were analyzed with GSEA version 3.0.Three machine-learning algorithms(random forest,support vector machine,and logistic regression)were applied to predict HCC metastasis in The Cancer Genome Atlas and GEO databases.RESULTS LCAT was identified as a novel gene relating to HCC metastasis by using gene microarray in HCC tissues.LCAT was significantly downregulated in HCC tissues,which is correlated with recurrence,metastasis and poor outcome of HCC patients.Functional analysis indicated that LCAT inhibited HCC cell proliferation,migration and invasion both in vitro and in vivo.Clinicopathological data showed that LCAT was negatively associated with HCC size and metastasis(HCC size≤3 cm vs 3-9 cm,P<0.001;3-9 cm vs>9 cm,P<0.01;metastatic-free HCC vs extrahepatic metastatic HCC,P<0.05).LCAT suppressed the growth,migration and invasion of HCC cell lines via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling.Our results indicated that the logistic regression model based on LCAT,TNM stage and the serum level of α-fetoprotein in HCC patients could effectively predict high metastatic risk HCC patients.CONCLUSION LCAT is downregulated at translational and protein levels in HCC and might inhibit tumor metastasis via attenuating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling.LCAT is a prognostic marker and potential therapeutic target for HCC.

Mobilization of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells is regulated by PTH1R activation in bone marrow stromal cells

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells(MDSCs)are bone marrow(BM)-derived immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment,but the mechanism of MDSC mobilization from the BM remains unclear.We investigated how BM stromal cell activation by PTH1R contributes to MDSC mobilization.PTH1R activation by parathyroid hormone(PTH)or PTH-related peptide(PTHrP),a tumor-derived counterpart,mobilized monocytic(M-)MDSCs from murine BM without increasing immunosuppressive activity.In vitro cell-binding assays demonstrated thatα4β1 integrin and vascular cell adhesion molecule(VCAM)-1,expressed on M-MDSCs and osteoblasts,respectively,are key to M-MDSC binding to osteoblasts.Upon PTH1R activation,osteoblasts express VEGF-A and IL6,leading to Src family kinase phosphorylation in M-MDSCs.Src inhibitors suppressed PTHrP-induced MDSC mobilization,and Src activation in M-MDSCs upregulated two proteases,ADAM-17 and MMP7,leading to VCAM1 shedding and subsequent disruption of M-MDSC tethering to osteoblasts.Collectively,our data provide the molecular mechanism of M-MDSC mobilization in the bones of tumor hosts.

RASAL2 acts as a tumor suppressor in cervical cancer cells

This study was designed to investigate the roles of RASAL2 in cervical cancer(CC).Methods:Fifty-four CC tissues and 33 adjacent tissues were obtained from CC patients admitted to our hospital between March 2012 and June 2014.Real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were performed to analyze the expression of RASAL2 mRNA and protein in these tissues,CC cell lines,and normal cervical cells.Over-expression and silencing of RASAL2 were induced after transfection,and the migration,invasion,and proliferation of the CC cell lines were examined.Results:RASAL2 mRNA and protein expressions were significantly down-regulated in CC tissues and cell lines than in adjacent tissues and normal cervical cells,respectively.While low RASAL2 expression correlated with advanced stage and metastasis of CC,its over-expression significantly inhibited proliferation and metastasis of CC cells and induced apoptosis.Under in vitro conditions,silencing of RASAL2 expression could significantly increase the proliferation,invasion,and migration of CC cells.Conclusion:RASAL2 functioned as a tumor suppressor in CC,and was down-regulated in CC tissue samples and cell lines.

Comprehensive analysis of cell-extracellular matrix protein Ras suppressor-1 in function and prognosis of gastrointestinal cancers

BACKGROUND Ras suppressor 1(RSU1),a highly conserved protein,plays an important role in actin cytoskeleton remodeling and cell-extracellular matrix adhesion.Aberration of RSU1 activity can cause changes in cell adhesion and migration,thereby enhancing tumor proliferation and metastasis.However,the correlation between RSU1 and gastrointestinal cancers(GICs),as well as its prognostic role related to tumor-infiltrating immune cells(TIICs)remains unclear.AIM To shows RSU1 plays a potential promoting role in facilitating tumor immune escape in GIC.METHODS Differential expression of RSU1 in different tumors and their corresponding normal tissues was evaluated by exploring the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis(GEPIA)dataset.The correlation between RSU1 expression and prognosis of GIC cancer patients was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier plotter.Then,RSU1-correlated genes were screened and functionally characterized via enrichment analysis.The correlation between RSU1 and TIICs was further characterized using the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource(TIMER).In addition,the correlation between RSU1 and immune cell surface molecules was also analyzed by TIMER.RESULTS High RSU1 expression was associated with poor overall survival of gastric cancer patients,exhibiting a hazard ratio(HR)=1.36,first progression HR=1.53,and post progression survival HR=1.6.Specifically,high RSU1 Levels were associated with prognosis of gastric cancer in females,T4 and N3 stages,and Her-2-negative subtypes.Regarding immune-infiltrating cells,RSU1 expression level was positively correlated with infiltration of CD4+T cells,macrophages,neutrophils,and dendritic cells(DCs)in colorectal adenocarcinoma and stomach adenocarcinoma.RSU1 expression was also predicted to be strongly correlated with immune marker sets in M2 macrophage,DCs and T cell exhaustion in GICs.CONCLUSION In gastrointestinal cancers,RSU1 is increased in tumor tissues,and predicts poor survival of patients.Increased RSU1 may be involved in promoting macrophage polarization,DC infiltration,and T cell exhaustion,inducing tumor immune escape and the development of tumors in GICs.We suggest that RSU1 is a promising prognostic biomarker reflecting immune infiltration level of GICs,as well as a potential therapeutic target for precision treatment through improving the immune response.

Characterization of six tumorsuppressor genes and microsatellite instability in hepatocellular carcinomain southern African blacks

AIM To analyse cumulative loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of chromosomal regions and tumor suppressor genes in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) from 20 southern African blacks. METHODS p53, RB1, BRCA1, BRCA2, WT1 and E cadherin genes were analysed for LOH, and p53 gene was also analysed for the codon 249 mutation, in tumor and adjacent non tumorous liver tissues using molecular techniques and 10 polymorphic microsatellite markers. RESULTS p53 codon 249 mutation was found in 25% of the subjects, as was expected, because many patients were from Mozambique, a country with high aflatoxin B 1 exposure. LOH was found at the RB1, BRCA2 and WT1 loci in 20%(4/*!20) of the HCCs, supporting a possible role of these genes in HCC. No LOH was evident in any of the remaining genes. Reports of mutations of p53 and RB1 genes in combination, described in other populations, were not confirmed in this study. Change in microsatellite repeat number was noted at 9/*!10 microsatellite loci in different HCCs, and changes at two or more loci were detected in 15%(3/*!20) of subjects. CONCLUSION We propose that microsatellite/genomic instability may play a role in the pathogenesis of a subset of HCCs in black Africans.

Effect of 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine on the P16 tumor suppressor gene in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2

INTRODUCTIONHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the mostcommon human malignancies worldwide[1,2], and isclosely associated with infection of HBV and HCVand contamination of aflatoxin B1[3-6]. Althoughthe molecular mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesisremain poorly understood, an increasing number ofgenetic abnormalities have been recognized[7-10],for example, the p16 gene[11,12] the p53gene[13-18], the E-cadherin gene[19], and the c-mycgene[20].

mi R-382 functions as a tumor suppressor against esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

AIM To explore the effect of mi R-382 on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC) in vitro and its possible molecular mechanism.METHODS Eca109 cells derived from human ESCC and Het-1A cells derived from human normal esophageal epithelium were used. Lentivirus-mediated mi R-382 was overexpressed in Eca109 cells. The effect of mi R-382 on cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT and colony formation assay. For cell cycle analysis, cells were fixed and stained for 30 min with propidium iodide(PI) staining buffer containing 10 mg/m L PI and 100 mg/m L RNase A, and analyzed by BD FACSCalibur? flow cytometer. For cell apoptosis assay, cells were stained with an Annexin V-FITC/PI Apoptosis Detection Kit according to the manufacturer's instructions and analyzed by a dual-laser flow cytometer. Cell invasion and migration abilities were determined through use of transwell chambers, non-coated or pre-coated with matrigel. Levels of proteins related to cell growth and migration were examined by western blotting.RESULTS Endogenous mi R-382 was down-regulated in Eca109 cells compared with Het-1A. Introduction of mi R-382 not only significantly inhibited proliferation and colony formation, but also arrested cell cycle at the G2/M phase, as well as promoted apoptosis and autophagy in Eca109 cells. Migration, invasion and epithelialmesenchymal transition of Eca109 cells were suppressed by overexpressing mi R-382. Western blotting results showed that mi R-382 inhibited the phosphorylation of m TOR and 4E-BP1. CONCLUSION mi R-382 functions as a tumor suppressor against ESCC development and metastasis, and could be considered as a potential drug source for the treatment of ESCC patients.

Tumor suppressor role of mi R-133a in gastric cancer by repressing IGF1R

AIM:To investigate the function and mechanism of mi R-133a in gastric cancer(GC)and its relationship with clinicopathological characteristics of GC.METHODS:A total of 105 GC patients who underwent surgical resection as primary treatment were selected for this study.Real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain(q RT-PCR)was used to examine the expression levels of mi R-133a in human GC and adjacent non-tumor tissues,as well as in GC cell lines(SGC-7901,BGC-823,MGC-803,and AGS)and a human gastric mucosal epithelial cell line(GES-1).The biological role of mi RNA(mi R)-133a was assessed in the GC cell lines using MTT,apoptosis,migration and invasion,and colony formation assays,and xenograft tumorigenesis.q RT-PCR and western blot analyses were used to evaluate the potential target gene expression of mi R-133a.Pearson’s correlation was calculated to evaluate the correlation between mi R-133a and insulinlike growth factor 1 receptor(IGF1R)expression.The regulation of IGF1R by mi R-133a was verified using the luciferase reporter assay.RESULTS:In 80%of the 105 GC patients,the mean expression of mi R-133a was significantly downregulated in tumor tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues(1.215±0.1477 vs 3.093±0.4104,P<0.0001).Downregulation of mi R-133a was significantly correlated with the degree of differentiation(P=0.01),local invasion(P=0.001)and TNM stage(P=0.02)in GC patients.Compared with a control construct,forced expression of mi R-133a in GC cell lines inhibited proliferation(0.4787±0.0219 vs 0.7050±0.0147,P=0.0013 in SGC-7901 cells;and 0.5448±0.0085vs 0.7270±0.0084,P=0.001 in MGC-803 cells);migration(0.6333±0.0233 vs 1.037±0.0584,P=0.003 in SGC-7901 cells;0.6126±0.0311 vs 1.024±0.0456,P=0.0017 in MGC-803 cells);and invasion(0.613±0.0399 vs 1.033±0.0278,P=0.0013 in SGC-7901 cells;0.7433±0.0221 vs 1.017±0.0311,P=0.002 in MGC-803 cells).It also induced apoptosis(18.19%±0.2483%vs 5.887%±0.3837%,P<0.0001 in SGC-7901 cells;22.69%±0.7846%vs9.347%±0.3012%,P<0.0001 in MGC-803 cells).Furthermore,mi R-133a inhibited tumor growth and xenograft tumorigenesis of SGC-7901 cells in vivo.In addition,we identified IGF1R as a regulatory target of mi R-133a in GC.CONCLUSION:This study suggests that mi R-133a is downregulated in GC and functions as a tumor suppressor in vitro and in vivo partly by repressing IGF1R.

Circulating myeloid-derived suppressor cells in patients with pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND： Myeloid-derived suppressor cells （MDSCs） are heterogeneous cell types that suppress T-cell responses in cancer patients and animal models, some MDSC subpopulations are increased in patients with pancreatic cancer. The present study was to investigate a specific subset of MDSCs in patients with pancreatic cancer and the mechanism of MDSCs increase in these patients. METHODS： Myeloid cells from whole blood were collected from 37 patients with pancreatic cancer, 17 with cholangiocarcinoma, and 47 healthy controls. Four pancreatic cancer cell lines were co- cultured with normal peripheral blood mononudear cells （PBMCs） to test the effect of tumor cells on the conversion of PBMCs to MDSCs. Levels of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor （GM-CSF） and arginase activity in the plasma of cancer patients were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS： CD14＋/CD11b＋/HLA-DR MDSCs were increased in patients with pancreatic or bile duct cancer compared with those in healthy controls, and this increase was correlated with clinical cancer stage. Pancreatic cancer cell lines induced PBMCs to MDSCs in a dose-dependent manner. GM-CSF and arginase activity levels were significantly increased in the se rum of patients with pancreatic cancer. CONCLUSIONS： MDSCs were tumor related： tumor cells induced PBMCs to MDSCs in a dose-dependent manner and circulating CD14＋/CD11b＋/HLA-DR- MDSCs in pancreatic cancer patients were positively correlated with tumor burden. MDSCs might be useful markers for pancreatic cancer detection and progression.

Alteration of tumor suppressor gene p16 and Rb in gastric cancinogesis

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Non-transmissible Sendai virus vector encoding c-myc suppressor FBP-interacting repressor for cancer therapy

AIM:To investigate a novel therapeutic strategy to target and suppress c-myc in human cancers using far up stream element(FUSE)-binding protein-interacting repressor(FIR).METHODS:Endogenous c-Myc suppression and apoptosis induction by a transient FIR-expressing vector was examined in vivo via a HA-tagged FIR(HA-FIR)expression vector.A fusion gene-deficient,non-transmissible,Sendai virus(SeV)vector encoding FIR cDNA,SeV/dF/FIR,was prepared.SeV/dF/FIR was examined for its gene transduction efficiency,viral dose dependency of antitumor effect and apoptosis induction in HeLa(cervical squamous cell carcinoma)cells and SW480(colon adenocarcinoma)cells.Antitumor efficacy in a mouse xenograft model was also examined.The molecular mechanism of the anti-tumor effect and c-Myc suppression by SeV/dF/FIR was examined using Spliceostatin A(SSA),a SAP155 inhibitor,or SAP155siRNA which induce c-Myc by increasing FIR△exon2 in HeLa cells.RESULTS:FIR was found to repress c-myc transcription and in turn the overexpression of FIR drove apoptosis through c-myc suppression.Thus,FIR expressing vectors are potentially applicable for cancer therapy.FIR is alternatively spliced by SAP155 in cancer cells lacking the transcriptional repression domain within exon 2(FIR△exon2),counteracting FIR for c-Myc protein expression.Furthermore,FIR forms a complex with SAP155 and inhibits mutual well-established functions.Thus,both the valuable effects and side effects of exogenous FIR stimuli should be tested for future clinical application.SeV/dF/FIR,a cytoplasmic RNA virus,was successfully prepared and showed highly efficient gene transduction in in vivo experiments.Furthermore,in nude mouse tumor xenograft models,SeV/dF/FIR displayed high antitumor efficiency against human cancer cells.SeV/dF/FIR suppressed SSA-activated c-Myc.SAP155 siRNA,potentially produces FIR△exon2,and led to c-Myc overexpression with phosphorylation at Ser62.HA-FIR suppressed endogenous c-Myc expression and induced apoptosis in HeLa and SW480 cells.A c-myc transcriptional suppressor FIR expressing SeV/dF/FIR showed high gene transduction efficiency with significant antitumor effects and apoptosis induction in HeLa and SW480 cells.CONCLUSION:SeV/dF/FIR showed strong tumor growth suppression with no significant side effects in an animal xenograft model,thus SeV/dF/FIR is potentially applicable for future clinical cancer treatment.

Mapping of metastasis suppressor genes for prostate cancer by microcell-mediated chromosome transfer

Aim: To identify the metastasis suppressor genes for prostate cancer. Methods: A copy of human chromosomeswas introduced into the highly metastatic Dunning R-3327 rat prostate cancer cells by the use of microcell-mediatedchromosome transfer. Relationships between the size of human chromosomes introduced into microcell hybrid clonesand the number of lung metastases produced by the clones were analyzed to determine which part of human chromo-somes contained the metastasis suppressor gene (s) for prostate cancer. To determine portions of human chromosomesintroduced, G-banding chromosomal analysis, fluorescence in sim hybridization analysis, and polymerase chain reac-tion analysis were performed. Results: Each of microcell hybrid clones containing human chromosomes 7, 8, 10,11, 12, or 17 showed decreased ability to metastasize to the lung without any loss of tumorigenicity. This demonstratesthat these human chromosomes contain metastasis suppressor genes for prostate cancer. Spontaneous deletion of portionsof human chromosomes was observed in the human chromosome 7, 10, 11, 12, and 17 studies. In the human chromo-some 8 study, irradiated microcell-mediated chromosome transfer was performed to enrich chromosomal arm deletionsof human chromosome 8. Molecular and cytogenetic analyses of microcell hybrid clones demonstrated that metastasissuppressor genes on human chromosomes were located on 7q21-22, 7q31.2-32, 8p21-12, 10q11-22, 11p13-11.2,12p11-q13, 12q24-ter, and 17pter-q23. KAII and MKK4/SEKI were identified as metastasis suppressor genes from11p11. 2 and 17p12, respectively. Conclusion: This assay system is useful to identify metastasis suppressor gene(s) for prostate cancer.

Cyclooxygenase-2 Blockade Inhibits Accumulation and Function of Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cells and Restores T Cell Response after Traumatic Stress

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells （MDSCs） play a crucial role in T cell dysfunction, which is related to poor outcome in patients with severe trauma. Cyclooxygenase-2 （Cox-2） contributes to immune disorder in trauma and infection via production of prostaglandin E2. However, the role of Cox-2 in the accumulation and function of MDSCs after traumatic stress has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we treated murine trauma model with NS398, a selective Cox-2 inhibitor. Then the percentages of CD1 lb＋/Gr-l＋ cells, proliferation and apoptosis of CD4＋ T cells were determined. Ar- ginase activity and arginase-1 （Arg-1） protein expression of splenic CDllb＋/Gr-I＋ cells, and de- layed-type hypersensitivity （DTH） response were analyzed. The results showed that Cox-2 blockade significantly decreased the percentages of CD1 lb＋/Gr-l＋ cells in the spleen and bone marrow 48 and 72 h after traumatic stress. NS398 inhibited arginase activity and down-regulated the Arg-1 expression of splenic CD1 lb＋/Gr-l＋ ceils. Moreover, NS398 could promote proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of CD4＋ T cells. It also restored DTH response of traumatic mice. Taken together, our data revealed that Cox-2 might play a pivotal role in the accumulation and function of MDSC after traumatic stress.

UvSMEK1,a Suppressor of MEK Null,Regulates Pathogenicity,Conidiation and Conidial Germination in Rice False Smut Fungus Ustilaginoidea virens

Rice false smut,which is caused by Ustilaginoidea virens,is an emerging disease of rice spikelets in rice-growing areas worldwide.However,the infection mechanism of U.virens on rice spikelets is still unclear.Here,we characterized a suppressor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase or ERK kinase(MEK)null(UvSMEKI)in U.virens that is conserved among filamentous fungi.Compared with wild type U.virens strain P-1,UvSMEKI deletion mutants were defective in pathogenicity and conidial germination.In addition,conidiation of UvSMEKI deletion mutants was significantly reduced on yeast extract tryptone(YT)plates,but inc「eased in YT broth compared with the wild type.Compared with UvSMEKI expression level during the vegetative mycelia and conidiation stages,UvSMEKI dramatically increased during infection of rice florets.Surprisingly,the UvSMEKI deletion mutants exhibited higher tolerance to H_(2)O_(2) and NaCl.In summary,presented evidence suggested that UvSMEKI positively regulated pathogenicity,conidial germination and conidiation in YT broth,and negatively regulated conidiation on YT medium and tolerance to oxidative and osmotic stresses.The results enhanee our understanding of the regulatory mechanism of pathogenicity of U.virens,and present a potential molecular target for blocking rice infection by U.virens.

Relationship between hepatitis B virus associated primary hepatocellular carcinoma and alteration of tumor suppressor gene p53

Objective: To explore the changes and significance of tumor suppressor gene p53 in primary hepatocellu-lar carcinoma (PHC ) with hepatitis B virus (HBV ) infection. Methods: Tumor tissues and surrounding nontumortissues of sixteen PHC cases were studied by Southern hybridization to detect the state of HBV-DNA in tissues, byimmunohistochemical staining to determine HBsAg, HBxAg and p53 protein, and by PCR directed sequencing toanalyse the point mutation of p53 gene exons 5 to 8. Results: Among the 16 cases. 13 cases were HBV-DNA posi-tive, 10 tumor cases and 13 nontumor tissues cases HBxAg positive, and 9 cases posltive for p53 protein. The se-quencing of p53 gene point mutation was found in 5 cases, only one of which was sited at codon 249 G to T. Con-clusion: The mutation of p53 gene codon 249 is infrequent in HBV related PHC,indicating the accumulation of p53protein in cells may be associated with expression of HBxAg. HBxAg binding to p53 protein and inactivation of p53function play important roles in the development of PHC.

Emerging roles of myeloid derived suppressor cells in hepatic inflammation and fibrosis

Myeloid derived suppressor cells(MDSC) are a heterogeneous population of immune cells that are potent suppressors of immune responses. MDSC emerge in various compartments in the body, such as blood, bonemarrow or spleen, especially in conditions of cancer, infections or inflammation. MDSC usually express CD11 b, CD33, and low levels of human leukocyte antigen-DR in humans or CD11 b and Gr1(Ly6C/G) in mice, and they can be further divided into granulocytic or monocytic MDSC. The liver is an important organ for MDSC induction and accumulation in hepatic as well as extrahepatic diseases. Different hepatic cells, especially hepatic stellate cells, as well as liver-derived soluble factors, including hepatocyte growth factor and acute phase proteins(SAA, KC), can promote the differentiation of MDSC from myeloid cells. Importantly, hepatic myeloid cells like neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages fulfill essential roles in acute and chronic liver diseases. Recent data from patients with liver diseases and animal models linked MDSC to the pathogenesis of hepatic inflammation, fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). In settings of acute hepatitis, MDSC can limit immunogenic T cell responses and subsequent tissue injury. In patients with chronic hepatitis C, MDSC increase and may favor viral persistence. Animal models of chronic liver injury, however, have not yet conclusively clarified the involvement of MDSC for hepatic fibrosis. In human HCC and mouse models of liver cancer, MDSC are induced in the tumor environment and suppress anti-tumoral immune responses. Thus, the liver is a primary site of MDSC in vivo, and modulating MDSC functionality might represent a promising novel therapeutic target for liver diseases.

Hepatocellular carcinoma mouse models:Hepatitis B virusassociatedhepatocarcinogenesis and haploinsufficienttumor suppressor genes

The multifactorial and multistage pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)has fascinated a wide spectrum of scientists for decades.While a number of major risk factors have been identified,their mechanistic roles in hepatocarcinogenesis still need to be elucidated.Many tumor suppressor genes(TSGs)have been identified as being involved in HCC.These TSGs can be classified into two groups depending on the situation with respect to allelic mutation/loss in the tumors:the recessive TSGs with two required mutated alleles and the haploinsufficient TSGs with one required mutated allele.Hepatitis B virus(HBV)is one of the most important risk factors associated with HCC.Although mice cannot be infected with HBV due to the narrow host range of HBV and the lack of a proper receptor,one advantage of mouse models for HBV/HCC research is the numerous and powerfulgenetic tools that help investigate the phenotypic effects of viral proteins and allow the dissection of the dose-dependent action of TSGs.Here,we mainly focus on the application of mouse models in relation to HBV-associated HCC and on TSGs that act either in a recessive or in a haploinsufficient manner.Discoveries obtained using mouse models will have a great impact on HCC translational medicine.

Identification of a potential tumor suppressor gene, UBL3, in non-small cell lung cancer

Objective: Oncogenes have been shown to be drivers of non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC), yet the tumor suppressing genes involved in lung carcinogenesis remain to be systematically investigated. This study aimed to identify tumor suppressing ubiquitin pathway genes(UPGs) that were critical to lung tumorigenesis.Methods: The 696 UPGs were silenced by an siRNA screening in NSCLC cells;the potential tumor suppressing UPGs were analyzed, and their clinical significance was investigated.Results: We reported that silencing of 11 UPGs resulted in enhanced proliferation of NSCLC cells, and four UPGs(UBL3, TRIM22, UBE2 G2, and MARCH1) were significantly downregulated in tumor samples compared to that in normal lung tissues and their expression levels were positively associated with overall survival(OS) of NSCLC patients. Among these genes, UBL3 was the most significant one. UBL3 expression was decreased in tumor samples compared to that in paired normal lung tissues in 59/86(68.6%) NSCLCs, was correlated with TNM stage and sex of NSCLC patients, and was significantly higher in non-smoking patients than in smoking patients. Silencing UBL3 accelerated cell proliferation and ectopic expression of UBL3 suppressed NSCLC in vitro and in vivo.Conclusions: These results showed that UBL3 represented a tumor suppressor in NSCLC and may have potential for use in therapeutics and for the prediction of clinical outcome of patients.

Interference of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in MHCC97H cells

AIM:To investigate the role of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) silencing in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) involved in a human hepatocellular carcinoma MHCC97H cell line.METHODS:MHCC97H cells were transiently transfected with SOCS3 small-interfering RNA (siRNA).Morphological changes of the transfected cells were observed under microscope.Expressions of E-cadherin,Vimentinand α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were identified with immunofluorescence.Furthermore,protein expressions and mRNA levels of characteristic markers of EMT (E-cadherin,Vimentin,α-SMA and Snail) were detected by Western blotting,quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels in the supernatant were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS:The transfected cells with SOCS3 siRNA showed a morphological alteration from a typical cobblestone morphology to mesenchymal spindle-shaped and fusiform features.SOCS3 siRNA lessened immunofluorescent expression of E-cadherin,but elicited immunofluorescent expressions of Vimentin and α-SMA in MHCC97H cells.More importantly,compared with the negative control,depletion of SOCS3 resulted in the decrease of the epithelial marker E-cadherin (P < 0.05),and the increase of the mesenchymal markers Vimentin and α-SMA and the transcription factor Snail in MHCC97H cells (P < 0.05).Moreover,compared with the negative control,SOCS3 siRNA evidently enhanced TGF-β1 secretion in MHCC97H cells (200.20 ± 29.02 pg/mL vs 490.20 ± 92.43 pg/mL,P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:SOCS3 silencing is able to promote EMT in MHCC97H cells via changing the phenotypic characteristics and modulating the characteristic markers.