Role of octamer transcription factor 4 in proliferation,migration,drug sensitivity,and stemness maintenance of pancreatic cancer cells

BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer(PC)is one of the most aggressive malignancies characterized by rapid progression and poor prognosis.The involvement of cancer stem cells(CSCs)and Octamer transcription factor 4(OCT4)in PC pathobiology is being increasingly recognized.AIM To investigate the role of OCT4 in pancreatic CSCs and its effect on PC cell prolif-eration,migration,drug sensitivity,and stemness maintenance.METHODS We analyzed OCT4 and CD133 expression in PC tissues and cell lines.BxPC-3 cells were used to assess the effects of OCT4 modulation on cellular behavior.Proliferation,migration,and stemness of BxPC-3 cells were evaluated,and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway was examined to gain mechanistic insights.RESULTS OCT4 and CD133 were significantly overexpressed in PC tissues.OCT4 mo-dulation altered BxPC-3 cell proliferation,invasion,and stemness,with OCT4 overexpression(OV-OCT4)enhancing these properties and OCT4 interference decreasing them.OV-OCT4 activated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway,which correlated with an increase in PC stem cells(PCSC).CONCLUSION OCT4 plays a crucial role in PCSCs by influencing the aggressiveness and drug resistance of PC cells,thus presenting itself as a potential therapeutic target.

Absent in melanoma 2 attenuates proliferation and migration and promotes apoptosis of human colorectal cancer cells by activating P38MAPK signaling pathway

Colorectal cancer(CRC)stands among the top prevalent cancers worldwide and holds a prominent position as a major contributor to cancer-related mortality globally.Absent in melanoma 2(AIM2),a constituent of the interferoninducible hematopoietic interferon-inducible nuclear antigens with 200 amino acid repeats protein family,contributes to both cancer progression and inflammasome activation.Despite this understanding,the precise biological functions and molecular mechanisms governed by AIM2 in CRC remain elusive.Consequently,this study endeavors to assess AIM2’s expression levels,explore its potential antitumor effects,elucidate associated cancer-related processes,and decipher the underlying signaling pathways in CRC.Our findings showed a reduced AIM2 expression in most CRC cell lines.Elevation of AIM2 levels suppressed CRC cell proliferation and migration,altered cell cycle by inhibiting G1/S transition,and induced cell apoptosis.Further research uncovered the participation of P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(P38MAPK)in AIM2-mediated modulation of CRC cell apoptosis and proliferation.Altogether,our achievements distinctly underscored AIM2’s antitumor role in CRC.AIM2 overexpression inhibited proliferation and migration and induced apoptosis of CRC cells via activating P38MAPK signaling pathway,indicating AIM2 as a prospective and novel therapeutic target for CRC.

Tankyrase 2 as a therapeutic target in non-small cell lung cancer: Implications for apoptosis and migration

This letter addresses Wang and Zhang's investigation into the role of tankyrase 2(TNKS2)as a pivotal driver of malignancy in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)through mechanisms including apoptosis inhibition,enhanced cellular migration,andβ-catenin pathway activation.Their study in NSCLC cell lines demonstrates that TNKS2 overexpression stabilizesβ-catenin,subsequently triggering onco-genic gene expression and facilitating cellular migration-key attributes of meta-static potential.These insights position TNKS2 as a compelling target for therapy and a potential prognostic marker in NSCLC.Nevertheless,translating these in vitro findings to clinical practice requires validation in in vivo models.Addi-tionally,further research should investigate TNKS2 expression in patient samples and assess its implications in therapy resistance and combination treatment strategies.

Novel miRNA, miR-sc14, promotes Schwann cell proliferation and migration

MicroRNAs refer to a class of endogenous,short non-coding RNAs that mediate numerous biological functions.MicroRNAs regulate various physiological and pathological activities of peripheral nerves,including peripheral nerve repair and regeneration.Previously,using a rat sciatic nerve injury model,we identified many functionally annotated novel microRNAs,including miR-sc14.Here,we used real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to examine miR-sc14 expression in rat sciatic nerve stumps.Our results show that miRsc14 is noticeably altered following sciatic nerve injury,being up-regulated at 1 day and diminished at 7 days.EdU and transwell chamber assay results showed that miR-sc14 mimic promoted proliferation and migration of Schwann cells,while miR-sc14 inhiThe study was approved by the Jiangsu Provincial Laboratory Animal Management Committee,China on March 4,2015(approval No.20150304-004).bitor suppressed their proliferation and migration.Additionally,bioinformatic analysis examined potential target genes of miR-sc14,and found that fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 might be a potential target gene.Specifically,our results show changes of miR-sc14 expression in the sciatic nerve of rats at different time points after nerve injury.Appropriately,up-regulation of miR-sc14 promoted proliferation and migration of Schwann cells.Consequently,miR-sc14 may be an intervention target to promote repair of peripheral nerve injury.The study was approved by the Jiangsu Provincial Laboratory Animal Management Committee,China on March 4,2015(approval No.20150304-004).

Lithium promotes proliferation and suppresses migration of Schwann cells

Schwann cell proliferation,migration and remyelination of regenerating axons contribute to regeneration after peripheral nervous system injury.Lithium promotes remyelination by Schwann cells and improves peripheral nerve regeneration.However,whether lithium modulates other phenotypes of Schwann cells,especially their proliferation and migration remains elusive.In the current study,primary Schwann cells from rat sciatic nerve stumps were cultured and exposed to 0,5,10,15,or 30 mM lithium chloride(LiCl)for 24 hours.The effects of LiCl on Schwann cell proliferation and migration were examined using the Cell Counting Kit-8,5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine,Transwell and wound healing assays.Cell Counting Kit-8 and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine assays showed that 5,10,15,and 30 mM LiCl significantly increased the viability and proliferation rate of Schwann cells.Transwell-based migration assays and wound healing assays showed that 10,15,and 30 mM LiCl suppressed the migratory ability of Schwann cells.Furthermore,the effects of LiCl on the proliferation and migration phenotypes of Schwann cells were mostly dose-dependent.These data indicate that lithium treatment significantly promotes the proliferation and inhibits the migratory ability of Schwann cells.This conclusion will inform strategies to promote the repair and regeneration of peripheral nerves.All of the animal experiments in this study were ethically approved by the Administration Committee of Experimental Animal Center of Nantong University,China(approval No.20170320-017)on March 2,2017.

Inhibitory Effects of Rap1GAP Overexpression on Proliferation and Migration of Endothelial Cells via ERK and Akt Pathways

Rapl is expressed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HUVECs）. Rapl-GTPase activating protein （RaplGAP）, with its specific target, Rapl, has been shown to be important in the regulation of many physiological and certain pathological processes. In this study, we investigated the effect of RaplGAP expression on endothelial cell function, or, more specifically, proliferation and migration of endothelial cells. HUVECs were transfected with pcDNA3.1 （empty vector）, pcDNA3.1 containing Flag-tagged-RaplGAP or Myc-tagged-RaplN17. The proliferation, migration and tube formation were examined and compared among the 3 groups. Expression of Rapl, RaplGAP, extracellular signal-regulated kinase （ERK）, phospho-ERK, Akt, phosphor-Akt was detected by Western blotting. The results showed that the proliferation, migration and tube formation were significantly reduced in RaplGAP- and RaplN17-transfected HUVECs as compared with empty vector-transfected control. These changes were coincident with increased expression of Rap 1GAP and decreased expression of activated Rap l, phospho-ERK and -Akt. After treatment of Rap l GAP-transfected HUVECs with a stimulator of Rapl guanine-nucleotide-exchange factor （RaplGEF） 8CPT-2＇OMe-cAMP, it was found that Rapl activity was decreased as compared with empty vector-transfected control. Pretreatment of HU- VECs with an ERK inhibitor PD98059 or a PI3K inhibitor LY294002 prior to stimulation not only blocked 8CPT-2＇OMe-cAMP-induced phosphorylation of ERK and Akt, but also significantly reduced cell proliferation and migration. Finally, we examined the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） on HUVECs overexpressing RaplGAP. VEGF-stimulated Rapl activity, phosphorylation of ERK and Akt, cyclin D1 expression and cell proliferation were repressed in HUVECs overexpressing RaplGAP as compared to empty vector-transfected Control. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that RaplGAP/Rapl and their downstream effectors regulate proliferation and migration of HUVECs via ERK and Akt pathways.

Increased levels of miR-3099 induced by peripheral nerve injury promote Schwann cell proliferation and migration

MicroRNAs(miRNAs) can regulate the modulation of the phenotype of Schwann cells. Numerous novel miRNAs have been discovered and identified in rat sciatic nerve segments, including miR-3099. In the current study, miR-3099 expression levels following peripheral nerve injury were measured in the proximal stumps of rat sciatic nerves after surgical crush. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to determine miR-3099 expression in the crushed nerve segment at 0, 1, 4, 7, and 14 days post sciatic nerve injury, which was consistent with Solexa sequencing outcomes. Expression of miR-3099 was up-regulated following peripheral nerve injury. EdU and transwell chamber assays were used to observe the effect of miR-3099 on Schwann cell proliferation and migration. The results showed that increased miR-3099 expression promoted the proliferation and migration of Schwann cells. However, reduced miR-3099 expression suppressed the proliferation and migration of Schwann cells. The potential target genes of miR-3099 were also investigated by bioinformatic tools and high-throughput outcomes. miR-3099 targets genes Aqp4, St8 sia2, Tnfsf15, and Zbtb16 and affects the proliferation and migration of Schwann cells. This study examined the levels of miR-3099 at different time points following peripheral nerve injury. Our results confirmed that increased miR-3099 level induced by peripheral nerve injury can promote the proliferation and migration of Schwann cells.

Infection of Schistosomiasis japanicum is likely to enhance proliferation and migration of human breast cancer cells:mechanism of action of differential expression of MMP2 and MMP9

Objective:To study whether the infection of Schistosomiasis japanicum(S.japanicum) is related to enhanced proliferation and migration of cancer cells,and the molecular mechanism pertains to cancer cell metastasis in human host.Methods:The gene of S.japanicum glutathione transferase(sjGST) cloned from 5.japanicum was expressed,purified and applied in a series of assays to explore the effect of sjGST on proliferation and migration of MDA-MB-435S,and the expression of MMP2 and MMP9.Immunofluorescence assay for the binding of sjGST to MDA-MB-435S was also carried out.Results:Results showed that sjGST enhanced proliferation and migration in human breast cancer cell MDA-MB-435S signifycantly at 50-200 nM,but did not enhance them in human lung cancer cell A549.Immunofluorescence assay for the binding of sjGST to MDA-MB-435S and A549 showed that GST was readily hound to the breast cancer cells,but showed almost no binding to human lung cancer cells.The assays for gelatinase activity showed that both MMP2 and MMP9 activities were increased significantly in the presence of sjGST(50-200 nM) in MDA-MB-435S, but they were not significant in A549.Conclusions:Our current results show strongly that S. japanicum GST binds to MDA-MB-435S probably via its i'eceptor,and enhances proliferation and migration of the cancer cells by up-regulatory expression of MMP2 and MMP9.

Effect of S1P5 on proliferation and migration of human esophageal cancer cells

AIM:To investigate the sphingosine 1phosphate (S1P) receptor expression profile in human esophageal cancer cells and the effects of S1P5 on proliferation and migration of human esophageal cancer cells. METHODS: S1P receptor expression profile in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line Eca109 was detected by semiquantitative reverse trans cription polymerase chain reaction. Eca109 cells were stably transfected with S1P5EGFP or controlEGFP constructs. The relation between the responses of cell proliferationand migration to S1P and S1P5 expres sion was evaluated by 3(4,5dimethylthiazol2yl)2,5diphenyl tetrazolium bromide and migration assay, respectively. RESULTS: Both normal human esophageal mucosal epithelium and Eca109 cells expressed S1P1, S1P2, S1P3 and S1P5, respectively. Esophageal mucosal epithelium expressed S1P5 at a higher level than Eca109 cell line. S1P5 overexpressing Eca109 cells displayed spindle cell morphology with elongated and extended filopodialike projections. The proliferation response of S1P5transfected Eca109 cells was lower than that of control vectortransfected cells with or without S1P stimulation (P < 0.05 or 0.01). S1P significantly inhibited the migration of S1P5transfected Eca109 cells (P < 0.001). However, without S1P in transwell lower chamber, the number of migrated S1P5transfected Eca109 cells was greater than that of control vectortransfected Eca109 cells (P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: S1P binding to S1P5 inhibits the proliferation and migration of S1P5transfected Eca109 cells. Esophageal cancer cells may downregulate the expression of S1P5 to escape the inhibitory effect.

GRK2 overexpression inhibits IGF1-induced proliferation and migration of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells by down-regulating EGR1

OBJECTIVE To investigate the role and mechanism of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2(GRK2)involving in hepatocel ular carcinoma(HCC)progression.METHODS Cel Counting Kit 8 and tumor colony formation assay were designed to detect HCC cell proliferation,wound healing assay was to detect HCC migration.The correlation between GRK2 and early growth response-1(EGR1)were detected by RT-PCR and real-time PCR assays.Co-immunoprecipitation and Western blot assay were adopted to detect the relationship between GRK2and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor(IGF-1R)signaling pathway.RESULTS In this study we find that GRK2plays an inhibition role in IGF1-induced HCC cell proliferation and migration.Overexpression of GRK2 causes a decrease in EGR1 expression,while knockdown of GRK2 leads to the dramatically increase in EGR1 expression in the treatment of IGF1.Through co-immunoprecipitation and Western blot assay,we confirm that GRK2can interact with IGF-1R and inhibiting IGF1-induced activation of IGF1R signaling pathway.Silencing EGR1attenuates GRK2 overexpression-caused inhibition of cell proliferation,tumor colony number and migrationactivity,while overexpressing of EGR1 restores the antiproliferative and migratory effect by GRK2 overexpression in HCCLM3 cells.CONCLUSION Taken together,these results suggest that GRK2 may inhibit IGF1-induced HCC cell growth and migration through down-regulation of EGR1 and indicate that enforced GRK2 may offer a potential therapeutic approach against HCC.

Effects of Exogenous Sonic Hedgehog Peptide on Proliferation, Adhesion, Migration of Endothelial Progenitor Cells from Peripheral Blood

Summary： In order to study the effects of exogenous sonic hedgehog （shh） peptide on proliferation, adhesion, migration of endothelial progenitor cells （EPCs） from rat peripheral blood, the mononuclear cells were collected from rat peripheral blood by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation. EPCs were iso- lated with adherence screening method and cultured in M199 culture medium with the supplement of VEGF and bFGF. The immunohistochemical staining was used to identify cell markers such as CD133 and VEGFR-2. EPCs were stimulated with exogenous shh peptide of different final concentrations （0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 μg/mL）. The proliferation, adhesion and migration of EPCs were detected by MTT chromom- etry, adhesion test and transwell system, respectively. The results of this study showed that, after 7 days of culture, cells formed clusters, assuming typical cobbles-tone pattern under microscope. After 2 weeks of culture, cells were arranged in cord-like fashion and sometimes grew like ＂micro-vessels＂. Immuno- histochemical staining showed that the cultured cells were positive for both CD133 and VEGFR-2. The proliferation, adhesion and migration of EPCs could be promoted by endogenous shh peptide at concen- trations from 0.1 μg/mL to 10 μg/mL in a concentration-dependent manner. The findings indicate that exogenous shh peptide can enhance EPCs proliferation, adhesion, and migration, which may have a po- tential value for clinical application.

Effect of human autologous serum and fetal bovine serum on human corneal epithelial cell viability,migration and proliferation in vitro

AIM： To analyze the concentration-dependent effects of autologous serum （AS） and fetal bovine serum （FBS） on human corneal epithelial cell （HCEC） viability, migration and proliferation. METHODS： AS was prepared from 13 patients with non- healing epithelial defects Dulbecco＇s modified eagle medium/ Ham＇s F12 （DMEM/F12） with 5% FBS, 0.5% dimethyl sulphoxide （DMSO）, 10 ng/mL human epidermal growth factor, 1% insulin-transferrin-selenium, then were incubated in serum media： DMEM/F12 supplemented by 5%, 10%, 15% or 30% AS or FBS. HCEC viability was analyzed using cell proliferation kit XTI＇, migration using a wound healing assay, proliferation by the cell proliferation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） BrdU kit. Statistical analysis was performed using the generalized linear model, the values at 30% AS or 30% FBS were used as the baselines. RESULTS： HCEC viability was the highest at 30% AS or 15% FBS and the lowest at 10% AS or 30% FBS application. HCEC migration was the quickest through 30% AS or 30% FBS and the slowest through 5% AS or 5% FBS concentrations. Proliferation was the most increased through 15% AS or 5% FBS and the least increased through 30% AS or 30% FBS concentrations. HCEC viability at 10% and 15% AS was significantly worse （P=0.001, P=0.023） compared to baseline and significantly better at 15% FBS （P=0.003） concentrations. HCEC migration was significantly worse （P〈0.007） and HCEC proliferation significantly better （P〈0.001） in all concentration groups compared to baseline. CONCLUSION： For the best viability of HCEC 30% AS or 15% FBS, for HCEC migration 30% AS or 30% FBS, for proliferation 15% AS or 5% FBS should be used. Therefore, we suggest the use of 30% AS in clinical practice.

Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate blocks PDGF-induced proliferation and migration of rat pancreatic stellate cells

AIM: To clarify the effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced proliferation and migration of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). METHODS: PSCs were isolated from rat pancreas tissue and used in their culture-activated, myofibroblast-like phenotype. Cell proliferation was assessed by measuring the incorporation of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine. Cell migration was assessed using modified Boyden chambers. Cyclin D1, p21waf1, and p27kip1 expression and phosphorylation of PDGF β-receptor, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and Akt were examined by Western blotting. Activation of phospha-tidylinositol 3-kinase was examined by kinase assay using phosphatidylinositol as a substrate. Cell cycle was assessed by flow cytometry after staining with propidium iodide. RESULTS: EGCG at non-cytotoxic concentrations inhibited PDGF-induced proliferation and migration. This effect was associated with the inhibition of cell cycle progression beyond the G1 phase, decreased cyclin Dl and increased p27kip1 expression. EGCG inhibited tyrosine phosphorylation of PDGF p-receptor and downstream activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/ Akt pathways. CONCLUSION: EGCG inhibited PDGFBB-induced proliferation and migration of PSCs through the inhibition of PDGFmediated signaling pathways.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor regulates proliferation of gastric cancer cells via the PI3K/Akt pathway

AIM:To investigate the effects of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) on proliferation of human gastric cancer MGC-803 cells and expression of cyclin D1 and p27Kip1 in them,and further determine whether the effects are related to the PI3K/Akt signal transduction pathway. METHODS:Gastric cancer MGC-803 cells were cultured and then treated with 50 μg/L recombinant human MIF (rhMIF) with and without a PI3K inhibitor,LY294002 (25 μmol/L). MTT assay was used to detect the prolifer-ation of MGC-803 cells. Cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry. Expression of cyclin D1 and p27Kip1 mRNA was by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Protein expression of phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt),Akt,cyclin D1 and p27Kip1 was examined by immunocyto-chemistry and Western blotting. RESULTS:rhMIF signifi cantly stimulated the prolifera-tion of MGC-803 cells and cell cycle progression from G1 phase to S phase in a concentration-and time-de-pendent manner. After the MGC-803 cells were treated with rhMIF for 24 h,the expression of cyclin D1 was signifi cantly up-regulated compared with the cells not treated with rhMIF at both mRNA and protein levels(0.97 ± 0.02 vs 0.74 ± 0.01,P = 0.002; 0.98 ± 0.05 vs 0.69 ± 0.04,P = 0.003). The p27Kip1 was down-regulated but only statistically significant at the protein level. rhMIF significantly increased the expression of p-Akt,which reached the peak at 30 min,but did not affect the expression of Akt. However,LY294002 inhibited all the effects of rhMIF.CONCLUSION:Macrophage MIF increases the proliferation of gastric cancer cells,induces the expression of cyclin D1 at the transcriptional level and inhibits the expression of p27Kip1 at the post-transcriptional level via the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Effects of resveratrol on ARPE-19 cell proliferation and migration via regulating the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, P21,P27 and p38MAPK/MMP-9

AIM： To explore whether resveratrol （Res） can inhibit human retinal pigment epithelial cell （ARPE-19 cell） proliferation and migration, and to research the molecular mechanisms.METHODS： ARPE-19 cells were pretreated with various concentrations at 0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 300 μmol/L of Res, and with 0 μmol/L Res as the control for 24, 48 and 72h. The cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration were measured with cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8）, flow cytometry, and wound-healing and Transwell assays, respectively. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen （PCNA）, P21 and P27, as well as matrix metalloproteinase-9 （MMP-9） and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases （p38MAPK） was identified by Western blot.RESULTS： Cell proliferation was effectively inhibited by Res （P〈0.05）. When pretreated with Res, cells arrested in S-phase increased remarkably （P〈0.05）, but the apoptosis ratios showed no significant difference between the treatment and control groups （P〉0.05）. Cell migration was suppressed by Res both in wound-healing assay and Transwell migration assay （P〈0.05）. Decreases of PCNA, MMP-9 and p38MAPK, as well as increases of P21 and P27 were detected by Western blot （P〈0.05）. CONCLUSION： Res can inhibit APRE-19 cell proliferation and migration in a concentration-dependent manner with up-regulation of the expression of P21 and P27, and down-regulation of PCNA, MMP-9 and p38MAPK.

Glycation of high-density lipoprotein triggers oxidative stress and promotes the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells

Background In type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM）, high-density lipoprotein （HDL） impairs its anti-atherogenic properties and even develops to a pro-inflammatory and pro-atherogenic phenotype because of abnormal compositions and modifications. In this study, we ex- amined the effects and the related mechanisms of glycation of HDL on the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells （VSMCs）. Methods ＆ Results Glycated HDL （G-HDL） was modified with D-glucose （25 mmol/L） in vitro. Diabetic HDL （D-HDL） was isolated from T2DM patients. Rat VSMCs were isolated from the thoracic aortas. Human VSMCs were obtained from ScienCell Research Laboratories. Alpha-actin was detected through immunofiuorescence. VSMC proliferation was assayed by Cell Count. VSMC migration was determined by transwell chamber and scratch-wound assay. Intracellular reactive oxygen species （ROS） was detected based on ROS-medi- ated 2＇,7＇-dichlorofluorescein （DCFH-DA） fluorescence. Compared to native HDL （N-HDL）, G-HDL remarkably promoted VSMC prolif- eration and migration in the dose and time-dependent manners. In addition, G-HDL enhanced ROS generation in VSMCs. However, the ROS scavenger, N-acetylcysteine, efficiently decreased ROS production and subsequently inhibited the proliferation of VSMCs induced by G-HDL. Similarly, D-HDL from T2DM patients also promoted ROS release and VSMC proliferation and migration. Conclusions HDL either glycated in vitro or isolated from T2DM patients triggered VSMC proliferation, migration, and oxidative stress. These results might partly interpret the higher morbidity of cardiovascular disease in T2DM patients.

TATA-box-binding protein-associated factor 15 is a novel biomarker that promotes cell proliferation and migration in gastrointestinal stromal tumor

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST)is a common neoplasm with high rates of recurrence and metastasis,and its therapeutic efficacy is still not ideal.There is an unmet need to find new molecular therapeutic targets for GIST.TATA-boxbinding protein-associated factor 15(TAF15)contributes to the progress of various tumors,while the role and molecular mechanism of TAF15 in GIST progression are still unknown.AIM To explore new molecular therapeutic targets for GIST and understand the biological role and underlying mechanisms of TAF15 in GIST progression.METHODS Proteomic analysis was performed to explore the differentially expressed proteins in GIST.Western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis were used to verify the expression level of TAF15 in GIST tissues and cell lines.Cell counting kit-8,colony formation,wound-healing and transwell assay were executed to detect the ability of TAF15 on cell proliferation,migration and invasion.A xenograft mouse model was applied to explore the role of TAF15 in the progression of GIST.Western blotting was used to detect the phosphorylation level and total level of RAF1,MEK and ERK1/2.RESULTS A total of 1669 proteins were identified as differentially expressed proteins with 762 upregulated and 907 downregulated in GIST.TAF15 was selected for the further study because of its important role in cell proliferation and migration.TAF15 was significantly over expressed in GIST tissues and cell lines.Overexpression of TAF15 was associated with larger tumor size and higher risk stage of GIST.TAF15 knockdown significantly inhibited the cell proliferation and migration of GIST in vitro and suppressed tumor growth in vivo.Moreover,the inhibition of TAF15 expression significantly decreased the phosphorylation level of RAF1,MEK and ERK1/2 in GIST cells and xenograft tissues,while the total RAF1,MEK and ERK1/2 had no significant change.CONCLUSION TAF15 is over expressed in GIST tissues and cell lines.Overexpression of TAF15 was associated with a poor prognosis of GIST patients.TAF15 promotes cell proliferation and migration in GIST via the activation of the RAF1/MEK/ERK signaling pathway.Thus,TAF15 is expected to be a novel latent molecular biomarker or therapeutic target of GIST.

Inhibition of Pim-1 attenuates the proliferation and migration in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells

Objective:To explore the role of proto-oncogene Pim-1 in the proliferation and migration of nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) cells.Methods:Pim-1 expressions in NPC cell lines CNE1,CNE1-GL,CNE-2Z and C666-1 were examined by KT-PCR,western blotting and immunoflucesence,respectively.After CNE1,CNE1-GL and C666-1 cells were treated with different concentrations of Pim-1 special inhibitor,quercelagetin,the cell viability,colony formation rate and migration ability were analyzed.Results:Pim-1 expression was negative in well-differentiated CNE1 cells,whereas expressed weakly positive in poor-differentiated CNE-2Z cells and strongly positive in undifferentiated C666-1 cells.Interestingly,CNE1-GL cells that derived from CNE1 transfected with an Epstein Barr virus latent membrane protein-1 over-expression plasmid displayed stronger expression of Pim-1.Treatment of CNE1-GL and C666-1 cells with quercelagetin significantly decreased the cell viability,colony formation rate and migration ability but not the CNE1 cells.Conclusions:These findings suggest that Pim-1 overexpression contributes to NPC proliferation and migration,and targeting Pim-1 may be a potential treatment for anti-Pim-1-expressed NPCs.

Long noncoding RNA Pvt1 promotes the proliferation and migration of Schwann cells by sponging microRNA-214 and targeting c-Jun following peripheral nerve injury

Research has shown that long-chain noncoding RNAs(lncRNAs) are involved in the regulation of a variety of biological processes, including peripheral nerve regeneration, in part by acting as competing endogenous RNAs. c-Jun plays a key role in the repair of peripheral nerve injury. However, the precise underlying mechanism of c-Jun remains unclear. In this study, we performed microarray and bioinformatics analysis of mouse crush-injured sciatic nerves and found that the lncRNA Pvt1 was overexpressed in Schwann cells after peripheral nerve injury. Mechanistic studies revealed that Pvt1 increased c-Jun expression through sponging miRNA-214. We overexpressed Pvt1 in Schwann cells cultured in vitro and found that the proliferation and migration of Schwann cells were enhanced, and overexpression of miRNA-214 counteracted the effects of Pvt1 overexpression on Schwann cell proliferation and migration. We conducted in vivo analyses and injected Schwann cells overexpressing Pvt1 into injured sciatic nerves of mice. Schwann cells overexpressing Pvt1 enhanced the regeneration of injured sciatic nerves following peripheral nerve injury and the locomotor function of mice was improved. Our findings reveal the role of lncRNAs in the repair of peripheral nerve injury and highlight lncRNA Pvt1 as a novel potential treatment target for peripheral nerve injury.

Carboxypeptidase A6 Promotes the Proliferation and Migration of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Up-regulating AKT Signaling Pathway

Summary:Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)has a poor treatment prognosis and high mortality worldwide.Understanding the molecular mechanism underlying HCC development would benefit the identification of diagnostic biomarkers and the improvement of the treatment strategies.The expression of carboxypeptidase A6(CPA6)has been reported in epilepsy and febrile seizures rather than in any type of cancers.However,the function of CPA6 expression in HCC is not yet understood.In this study,we aimed to investigate the clinicopathological significance of the expression of CPA6 in HCC and the underlying mechanisms.We observed that the expression of the CPA6 protein was increased significantly in HCC tissues than in paracancerous tissues.To explore its function in HCC,both gain-and loss-of-function studies demonstrated that CPA6 played a vital role in promoting HCC growth and metastasis.When knocking down CPA6 with shRNA,HCC cell proliferation and migration could be suppressed.Meanwhile,CPA6 overexpression could promote proliferation and migration of HLF cells.Moreover,CPA6 could activate AKT serine/threonine kinase(AKT)signaling pathway as confirmed by Western blotting.In conclusion,our study revealed that CPA6 could promote HCC cell proliferation and migration via AKT-mediated signaling pathway.These findings suggest that CPA6 is a promising diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target to improve the prognosis of HCC.