Role of Protein Kinase C in Advanced Glycation End Products-induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Renal Proximal Tubular Epithelial Cells

The role of protein kinase C （PKC） activation in advanced glycation end products （AGEs）-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in renal proximal tubular epithelial cells was investigated. HKC cells were divided into three groups： normal group, AGE-BSA group （100 mg/L AGE-BSA） and AGE-BSA＋PKC inhibitor （10 μmol/L chelerythrine chloride） group. PKC activity was measured by PKC assay kit. The expression of Vimentin, and phosphorylated β-catenin was detected by using Western blotting, and the content of TGF-β1 was examined by ELISA method. The intracellular disposition of Vimentin was observed by fluorescence microscopy. As compared with normal group, PKC activity was increased significantly in AGE-BSA group. The expression of Vimentin, phosphorylated β-catenin, and TGF-β1 was enhanced significantly in AGE-BSA group. The expression of Vimentin, phosphorylated β-catenin, and TGF-β1 was significantly blocked by chelerythrine chloride. High expression of Vimentin, phosphorylated β-catenin, and TGF-β1 induced by AGE-BSA may be mediated via the activation of PKC signal transduction pathway.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition mediated tumourigenesis in the gastrointestinal tract

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a highly conserved process that has been well characterised in embryogenesis. Studies have shown that the aberrant activation of EMT in adult epithelia can promote tumour metastasis by repressing cell adhesion molecules,including epithelial (E)-cadherin. Reduced intracellular adhesion may allow tumour cells to disseminate and spread throughout the body. A number of transcription proteins of the Snail superfamily have been implicated in EMT. These proteins have been shown to be over-expressed in advanced gastrointestinal (GI) tumours including oesophageal adenocarcinomas,colorectal carcinomas,gastric and pancreatic cancers,with a concomitant reduction in the expression of E-cadherin. Regulators of EMT may provide novel clinical targets to detect GI cancers early,so that cancers previously associated with a poor prognosis such as pancreatic cancer can be diagnosed before they become inoperable. Furthermore,pharmacological therapies designed to inhibit these proteins will aim to prevent local and distant tumour invasion.

The role of mechanical stretch and TGF-β2 in epithelial-mesenchymal transition of retinal pigment epithelial cells

AIM: To explore the effects and mechanisms of mechanical stress and transforming growth factor-beta2(TGF-β2) on epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) in cultured human retinal pigment epithelial(RPE) cells. METHODS: Human RPE cells were inoculated on BioF ex 6-well plates and RPE cells received 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 mild stretch injuries delivered 3h apart after 24h of culture. The device of mechanical stress parameters were set to sine wave, frequency 1 Hz, stretch strength 20%. For treatment with TGF-β2, when the inoculated RPE cells in 6-well plates were around 60% confluent, serum was reduced to 0 for 12h and recombinant human TGF-β2(0, 1, 5, 10 ng/mL)was added for 48h. α-SMA, Vimentin and N-Cadherin, fibronectin proteins expressions were detected by Western blotting, confocal cell immunofluorescence and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(q RT-PCR). Then we detected the change of mi RNA-29b and ascertained the changes of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-serine threonine protein kinase(PI3K/Akt) pathway after RPE cells were stretched by the device of mechanical stress and induced by TGF-β2 by Western blotting, confocal cell immunofluorescence and qR T-PCR. RESULTS: Mechanical stress induce EMT and activate the PI3K/Akt pathway in ways that lead to the EMT process. TGF-β2 induce RPE cells EMT and in a certain range and TGF-β2 decrease the miR NA-29b expression in RPE cells, and the inhibitory effect is more obvious with the increase of TGF-β2 concentration. CONCLUSION: Our findings are crucial steps in determining the critical roles of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and mi RNA-29b in pathogenesis of proliferative vitreoretinopathy(PVR) which may be a potential target for preventing or treating PVR.

EDIL3 depletion suppress epithelial-mesenchymal transition of lens epithelial cells via transforming growth factor β pathway

AIM： To study the effect of discoidin I-like domaincontaining protein 3（EDIL3） depletion on the proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition（EMT） in human lens epithelial cells（LECs）. METHODS： RNA interference was used to inhibit the expression of EDIL3 in human LECs in vitro. The morphology of cells was observed using an inverted microscope. Cell proliferation was assessed using Ed U kit. Cell migration was investigated using Transwell chamber and EMT of LECs was assessed using confocal microscope and Western blotting. The transforming growth factor β（TGFβ） pathway was investigated using Western blotting. RESULTS： The data showed that silencing EDIL3 expression changed LECs morphology and suppressed LECs proliferation（P〈0.05） and migration（P〈0.01）. Furthermore, the result of Western blotting showed that EDIL3 depletion reduced the expression of α-smooth muscle actin（α-SMA）（P〈0.001） and vimentin（P〈0.01）, while increased the expression of E-cadherin（P〈0.001）. EDIL3 depletion could suppress the phosphorylation of Smad2（P〈0.01） and Smad3（P〈0.01） and the activation of exracellular signal regulated kinase（ERK）（P〈0.05）. CONCLUSION： The findings indicate that EDIL3 might participate in the proliferation and EMT in LECs via TGFβ pathway and may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of posterior capsule opacification.

aponin Ⅰ from Shuitianqi(Rhizoma Schizocapasae Plantagineae) inhibits metastasis by negatively regulating the transforming growth factor-β1/Smad7 network and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the intrahepatic metastasis Bagg's Albino/c mouse model

OBJECTIVE:To examine the influence of SaponinⅠfrom Shuitianqi(Rhizoma Schizocapasae Plantagineae)(SSPHⅠ)on hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)metastasis,and to elucidate the underlying mechanism.METHODS:The intrahepatic metastasis Bagg's Albino/c(BALB/c)mouse model was established with human hepatocellular carcinomas(HepG2)cells,then treated with normal saline(once per day),cisplatin(2 mg/kg,once every 2 d),and SSPHⅠ(25,50,and 75 mg/kg,once per day).Then,we assessed alterations in the hepatic pathology and target protein expressions in the intrahepatic metastasis BALB/c mouse model using a series of molecular biology techniques.RESULTS:Based on our analysis,SSPHⅠsignificantly alleviated hepatocyte necrosis and tumor cells infiltration.Moreover,SSPHⅠsuppressed extracellular matrix(ECM)degradation and angiogenesis via a decrease in matrix etalloproteinase-2(MMP-2),MMP-9,CD31,CD34,and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)levels.Furthermore,SSPHⅠrepressed invasion and metastasis by suppressing the transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)/Smad7 axis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT),as evidenced by the scarce TGF-β1,Ncadherin,and Vimentin expressions,and elevated Smad7 and E-cadherin expressions.CONCLUSION:The SSPHⅠ-mediated negative regulation of the TGF-β1/Smad7 axis and EMT are critical for the inhibition of HCC invasion and metastasis.

Neural Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein(N-WASP)promotes distant metastasis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma via activation of LOXL2

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)is one of the most aggressive solid malignancies.A specific mechanism of its metastasis has not been established.In this study,we investigated whether Neural Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein(N-WASP)plays a role in distant metastasis of PDAC.We found that N-WASP is markedly expressed in clinical patients with PDAC.Clinical analysis showed a notably more distant metastatic pattern in the N-WASP-high group compared to the N-WASP-low group.N-WASP was noted to be a novel mediator of epithelialmesenchymal transition(EMT)via gene expression profile studies.Knockdown of N-WASP in pancreatic cancer cells significantly inhibited cell invasion,migration,and EMT.We also observed positive association of lysyl oxidase-like 2(LOXL2)and focal adhesion kinase(FAK)with the N-WASP-mediated response,wherein EMT and invadopodia function were modulated.Both N-WASP and LOXL2 depletion significantly reduced the incidence of liver and lung metastatic lesions in orthotopic mouse models of pancreatic cancer.These results elucidate a novel role for N-WASP signaling associated with LOXL2 in EMT and invadopodia function,with respect to regulation of intercellular communication in tumor cells for promoting pancreatic cancer metastasis.These findings may aid in the development of therapeutic strategies against pancreatic cancer.

Yes-associated protein at the intersection of liver cell fate determination

A recent publication highlights the importance of high yes-associated protein(YAP) expressing cells in liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy.Although the names of the cell populations described in these articles [hybrid periportal hepatocytes(HybHP) or epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)-reprogrammed hepatocytes] are not identical, they all express high levels of YAP.We hypothesize that the HybHP and EMT-reprogrammed hepatocytes might be a similar cell population. Hippo signaling is the primary pathway that regulates YAP activity. According to the contribution of these two types of cells to liver regeneration and the high YAP expression, Hippo-YAP signaling activation may be a common regulatory pathway experienced by cells undergoing dedifferentiation and reactivating proliferative activity during liver regeneration.Although no evidence has shown that HybHP cells contribute to hepatocellular carcinoma in mouse models, we can not rule out the possibility that these highly regenerative cells can further develop into tumor cells when they acquire mutations caused by viral infection or other risk factors like alcohol. The detailed mechanistic insight of the regulation of YAP expression and activity in HybHP(or other types of cells contributing to liver regeneration) is unknown. We hypothesize that liver regeneration under various conditions will eventually lead to divergent consequences, likely due to the duration of YAP activation regulated by Hippo-large tumor suppressor 1 and 2 pathway in a context-and cell typedependent manner.

Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine(SPARC)induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition,enhancing migration and invasion,and is associated with high Gleason score in prostate cancer

Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine(SPARC)is a matricellular protein highly expressed in bone tissue that acts as achemoattractant factor promoting the arrival of prostate cancer(PCa)cells to the bone marrow.However,the contribution of SPARCduring the early stages of tumor progression remains unclear.In this study,we show that SPARC is highly expressed in PCa tissueswith a higher Gleason score.Through stable knockdown and overexpression of SPARC in PC3 and LNCaP cells,respectively,here wedem on strate that en doge nous SPARC induces the epithelial-mesenchymal tran sition(EMT),decreasing E-cadheri n and cytokeratin18 and increasing N-cadheri n and vime ntin.Moreover,SPARC in duces the expression of EMT regulatory tran scription factors Snailfamily transcriptional repressor 1(Snail),Snail family transcriptional repressor 2(Slug),and zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1(Zeb1).In addition,SPARC knockdown in PC3 cells decreases migration and invasion in vitro,without modifying cell proliferation.Our results indicate that SPARC might facilitate tumor progression by modifying the cellular phenotype in cancer cells.

MiR-3653 blocks autophagy to inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells by targeting the autophagy-regulatory genes ATG12 and AMBRA1

Background:Metastasis is the main cause of tumor-associated death and mainly responsible for treatment failure of breast cancer.Autophagy accelerates tumor metastasis.In our work,we aimed to investigate the possibility of microRNAs(miRNAs)which participate in the regulation of autophagy to inhibit tumor metastasis.Methods:MiRNA array and comprehensive analysis were performed to identify miRNAs which participated in the regulation of autophagy to inhibit tumor metastasis.The expression levels of miR-3653 in breast cancer tissues and cells were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.In vivo and in vitro assays were conducted to determine the function of miR-3653.The target genes of miR-3653 were detected by a dual luciferase reporter activity assay and Western blot.The relationship between miR-3653 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)was assessed by Western blot.Student’s t-test was used to analyze the difference between any two groups,and the difference among multiple groups was analyzed with one-way analysis of variance and a Bonferroni post hoc test.Results:miR-3653 was downregulated in breast cancer cells with high metastatic ability,and high expression of miR-3653 blocked autophagic flux in breast cancer cells.Clinically,low expression of miR-3653 in breast cancer tissues(0.054±0.013 vs.0.131±0.028,t=2.475,P=0.014)was positively correlated with lymph node metastasis(0.015±0.004 vs.0.078±0.020,t=2.319,P=0.023)and poor prognosis(P<0.001).miR-3653 ameliorated the malignant phenotypes of breast cancer cells,including proliferation,migration(MDA-MB-231:0.353±0.013 vs.1.000±0.038,t=16.290,P<0.001;MDA-MB-468:0.200±0.014 vs.1.000±0.043,t=17.530,P<0.001),invasion(MDA-MB-231:0.723±0.056 vs.1.000±0.035,t=4.223,P=0.013;MDA-MB-468:0.222±0.016 vs.1.000±0.019,t=31.050,P<0.001),and colony formation(MDA-MB-231:0.472±0.022 vs.1.000±0.022,t=16.620,P<0.001;MDA-MB-468:0.650±0.040 vs.1.000±0.098,t=3.297,P=0.030).The autophagy-associated genes autophagy-related gene 12(ATG12)and activating molecule in beclin 1-regulated autophagy protein 1(AMBRA1)are target genes of miR-3653.Further studies showed that miR-3653 inhibited EMT by targeting ATG12 and AMBRA1.Conclusions:Our findings suggested that miR-3653 inhibits the autophagy process by targeting ATG12 and AMBRA1,thereby inhibiting EMT,and provided a new idea and target for the metastasis of breast cancer.

Yes相关蛋白(YAP)通过激活PI3K/AKT通路促进皮肤鳞状细胞癌细胞侵袭和迁移

目的探讨Yes相关蛋白(YAP)在皮肤鳞状细胞癌(cSCC)中表达及与cSCC侵袭和迁移中的作用。方法通过免疫组织化学染色法检测cSCC、鲍温病(BD)、癌旁正常皮肤组织中YAP的表达水平,并分析与临床病理参数之间的关系;利用慢病毒转染构建YAP基因敲低的A431稳定细胞株,利用四甲基罗丹明标记的鬼笔环肽检测A431细胞微丝分布和数量,Transwell TM实验检测细胞侵袭能力,划痕实验检测A431细胞的迁移能力;免疫荧光细胞化学染色法观察敲低YAP后上皮间质转化(EMT)相关标志物上皮钙黏素(E-cadherin)、锌指转录因子Snail的表达;Western blot法检测E-cadherin、Snail、β-catenin、磷脂酰肌醇3激酶(PI3K)、蛋白激酶B(AKT)、磷酸化的蛋白激酶B(p-AKT)、核糖体蛋白S6(S6)、磷酸化S6(p-S6)、4E结合蛋白1(4EBP1)、磷酸化的4EBP1(p-4EBP1)的表达。结果YAP在cSCC和BD中表达显著高于癌旁正常皮肤组织;cSCC中YAP高表达与肿瘤大小、分化程度、侵袭程度密切相关,与患者的性别、年龄、发病部位、形态类型、是否神经脉管侵犯不相关;敲低A431细胞中YAP后,肿瘤细胞的侵袭、迁移能力降低,细胞微丝变细、伪足变少;E-cadherin表达增加,Snail和β-catenin蛋白表达降低,p-AKT、p-S6及p-4EBP1蛋白表达降低。结论YAP在cSCC中高表达,YAP激活PI3K/AKT信号通路促进cSCC的侵袭、迁移及EMT过程。

Inhibition of Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer Cell Migration by Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 1-small Hairpin RNA Through Inhibiting Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition,Extracellular Matrix Degradation, and Src Phosphorylation In Vitro

Background：Protein arginine methyltransferases 1 （PRMT1） is over-expressed in a variety of cancers,including lung cancer,and is correlated with a poor prognosis of tumor development.This study aimed to investigate the role of PRMT1 in nonsmall cell lung cancer （NSCLC） migration in vitro.Methods：In this study,PRMT1 expression in the NSCLC cell line A549 was silenced using lentiviral vector-mediated short hairpin RNAs.Cell migration was measured using both scratch wound healing and transwell cell migration assays.The mRNA expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase 2 （MMP-2） and tissue inhibitor ofmetalloproteinase 1,2 （TIMP l,2） were measured using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.The expression levels of protein markers for epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT） （E-cadherin,N-cadherin）,focal adhesion kinase （FAK）,Src,AKT,and their corresponding phosphorylated states were detected by Western blot.Results：Cell migration was significantly inhibited in the PRMT1 silenced group compared to the control group.The mRNA expression of MMP-2 decreased while TIMP 1 and TIMP2 increased significantly.E-cadherin mRNA expression also increased while N-cadherin decreased.Only phosphorylated Src levels decreased in the silenced group while FAK or AKT remained unchanged.Conclusions：PRMT1-small hairpin RNA inhibits the migration abilities of NSCLC A549 cells by inhibiting EMT,extracellular matrix degradation,and Src phosphorylation in vitro.

lncRNA HAGLR促卵巢癌细胞生长和上皮-间充质转化的机制研究

目的研究长链非编码RNA同源盒D基因簇反义生长相关长链非编码RNA(lncRNA HAGLR)通过调控核苷酸结合寡聚化结构域样受体家族pyrin结构域蛋白3(NLRP3)炎症小体对卵巢癌细胞生长和上皮-间充质转化(EMT)的调控作用。方法培养卵巢正常细胞IOSE-80(IOSE-80组)以及卵巢癌细胞A2780(A2780组)。然后将A2780随机分为lncRNA HAGLR沉默组(siHAGLR组)、沉默阴性对照组(siNC组)、siHAGLR联合NLRP3抑制剂MCC950处理组(siHAGLR+MCC950组)。qRT-PCR法检测lncRNA HAGLR的表达。Western blot检测NLRP3炎症小体相关蛋白NLRP3、caspase-1、ASC和EMT相关蛋白Vimentin、Snail1、α-SMA、Twist1的表达。CCK-8法检测A2780细胞的增殖活性。Transwell法检测A2780细胞的迁移和侵袭能力。细胞克隆形成实验检测A2780细胞的生长能力。TUNEL染色检测A2780细胞的凋亡。结果与IOSE-80组相比,A2780组lncRNA HAGLR、Vimentin、Snail1、α-SMA、Twist1表达均上调(P<0.05),但NLRP3、caspase-1、ASC的表达均下调(P<0.05)。与siNC组相比,siHAGLR组的lncRNA HAGLR、Vimentin、Snail1、α-SMA、Twist1表达均下调(P<0.05),但NLRP3、caspase-1、ASC的表达均上调(P<0.05),细胞增殖率、细胞克隆数以及迁移和侵袭数均明显减少(P<0.05),细胞凋亡数则增加(P<0.05)。与siHAGLR组相比,siHAGLR+MCC950组的lncRNA HAGLR表达无明显变化(P>0.05),而Vimentin、Snail1、α-SMA、Twist1表达均上调(P<0.05),但NLRP3、caspase-1、ASC的表达均下调(P<0.05),细胞增殖率、细胞克隆数以及迁移和侵袭数均显著增加(P<0.05),细胞凋亡数则减少(P<0.05)。结论lncRNA HAGLR通过抑制NLRP3炎症小体促进卵巢癌细胞的生长和EMT。

舒洛地特失活YAP减轻大鼠动静脉瘘新生内膜增生

目的研究舒洛地特(sulodexide,SDX)对慢性肾脏疾病(chronic kidney disease,CKD)大鼠动静脉瘘(arteriovenous fistula,AVF)新生内膜增生的作用及调节机制。方法选取体质量(300±50)g雄性大鼠18只,随机分为3组(n=6):AVF组,对正常大鼠进行AVF手术;慢性肾病组(CKD+AVF),大鼠经诱导慢性肾病后进行AVF手术+生理盐水灌胃2月;舒洛地特组(CKD+AVF+SDX),大鼠经诱导慢性肾病后进行AVF手术+8 mg/(kg·d)SDX灌胃2月。HE染色检测血管内膜增生程度,免疫荧光检测Hippo信号通路相关分子YAP、pYAP、YAP下游靶蛋白间充质细胞标志分子(connective tissue growth factor,CTGF)表达情况。以不同浓度SDX(0、2.5、5、10、20、40μg/mL)处理人脐静脉细胞融合细胞(EAHy926),并以2.5μg/mL SDX分别处理细胞24、48、72 h,用CCK-8法检测细胞存活率。进一步利用CKD大鼠血清处理细胞,并在此基础上用SDX及YAP阻断剂维替泊芬处理,通过Western blot实验检测YAP、pYAP、CTGF及内皮细胞标志分子CD31表达。结果HE染色及免疫荧光结果表明,与AVF组大鼠相比,慢性肾病组大鼠瘘口处内膜严重增生(P<0.05),pYAP表达微弱而CTGF表达增强,舒洛地特组经SDX灌胃处理后内膜增生减轻,pYAP表达增强,CTGF表达水平降低(P<0.05)。CCK-8结果表明,随SDX浓度及处理时间的增加,细胞存活率降低(P<0.05)。Western blot结果发现,SDX促进EAHy926细胞pYAP及CD31的表达,抑制了CTGF的表达(P<0.05),与维替泊芬处理效果一致。结论舒洛地特通过阻止CKD引起的YAP激活,减轻了AVF血管内膜增生。

敲低TROAP基因对胆管癌细胞系增殖和迁移能力的影响

目的:探究Trophinin相关蛋白(Trophinin-associated protein,TROAP)基因沉默对人胆管癌细胞系RBE细胞增殖和迁移能力的影响。方法:培养人胆管癌细胞系RBE,并对其分别转染阴性对照序列和TROAP干扰序列,分别命名为si-NC组和siTROAP组。采用细胞计数试剂盒(CCK-8)和平板克隆形成实验检测细胞增殖能力;流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡率;细胞划痕实验和Transwell法检测细胞迁移和侵袭能力;蛋白质印迹实验(Western blot)检测RBE细胞中上皮间充质化(EMT)相关蛋白E-cadherin、N-cadherin,PCNA以及凋亡相关蛋白Bcl-2、Bax和caspase-3的相对表达量。结果:与si-NC组细胞相比,si-TROAP组细胞增殖率降低,克隆个数降低,细胞凋亡率升高,迁移和侵袭能力降低(P<0.05)。与si-NC组细胞相比,si-TROAP组细胞E-cadherin蛋白相对表达水平升高,N-cadherin蛋白相对表达水平降低,Bax和caspase-3蛋白相对表达水平升高,Bcl-2和PCNA蛋白相对表达水平降低(P<0.05)。结论:TROAP基因是RBE细胞潜在的致癌基因,TROAP基因沉默可降低人胆管癌细胞系RBE细胞增殖和迁移能力,并通过缓解上皮间质转化来发挥效应。

Inhibition of EGFR attenuates EGF-induced activation of retinal pigment epithelium cell via EGFR/AKT signaling pathway

AIM:To explore the effect of epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)inhibition by erlotinib and EGFR siRNA on epidermal growth factor(EGF)-induced activation of retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)cells.METHODS:Human RPE cell line(ARPE-19 cells)was activated by 100 ng/mL EGF.Erlotinib and EGFR siRNA were used to intervene EGF treatment.Cellular viability,proliferation,and migration were detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT)assay,bromodeoxyuridine(BrdU)staining assay and wound healing assay,respectively.EGFR/protein kinase B(AKT)pathway proteins and N-cadherin,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),and vimentin were tested by Western blot assay.EGFR was also determined by immunofluorescence staining.RESULTS:EGF treatment for 24h induced a significant increase of ARPE-19 cells’viability,proliferation and migration,phosphorylation of EGFR/AKT proteins,and decreased total EGFR expression.Erlotinib suppressed ARPE-19 cells’viability,proliferation and migration through down regulating total EGFR and AKT protein expressions.Erlotinib also inhibited EGF-induced an increase of proliferative and migrative ability in ARPE-19 cells and clearly suppressed EGF-induced EGFR/AKT proteins phosphorylation and decreased expression of N-cadherin,α-SMA,and vimentin proteins.Similarly,EGFR inhibition by EGFR siRNA significantly affected EGF-induced an increase of cell proliferation,viability,and migration,phosphorylation of EGFR/AKT proteins,and up-regulation of N-cadherin,α-SMA,and vimentin proteins.CONCLUSION:Erlotinib and EGFR-knockdown suppress EGF-induced cell viability,proliferation,and migration via EGFR/AKT pathway in RPE cells.EGFR inhibition may be a possible therapeutic approach for proliferative vitreoretinopathy(PVR).

膜相关环指蛋白7在上皮性卵巢癌组织和细胞中的表达及作用机制研究

目的:探究膜相关环指蛋白7(MARCH7)在上皮性卵巢癌(EOC)组织和细胞中的表达及作用机制。方法:选取就诊且经手术治疗的患者32例,包括EOC患者16例和卵巢组织正常患者16例,收集EOC患者和卵巢组织正常患者的卵巢组织标本,采用实时荧光定量PCR(RT-qPCR)检测MARCH7 mRNA表达水平。构建过/低表达MARCH7的上皮性卵巢癌细胞(SKOV3、CAOV3)后,采用Transwell实验观察MARCH7对EOC细胞迁移和侵袭能力的影响,采用Western blot检测过/低表达MARCH7的EOC细胞上皮-间质转化(EMT)相关蛋白E-钙粘蛋白(E-cadherin)、N-钙粘蛋白(N-cadherin)、锌指转录因子1(Snail1)、锌指转录因子2(Slug)蛋白表达。结果:卵巢癌组织MARCH7 mRNA表达水平高于正常卵巢组(P<0.05)。在SKOV3和CAOV3细胞中,正常对照组与低表达对照组和过表达对照组细胞迁移和侵袭能力,以及MARCH7和EMT相关蛋白E-cadherin、N-cadherin、Snail1和Slug蛋白表达比较无统计学差异(均P>0.05);与低表达对照组比较,沉默MARCH7的细胞迁移和侵袭能力降低,E-cadherin蛋白表达升高,N-cadherin、Snail1和Slug蛋白表达降低(均P<0.01);与过表达对照组比较,过表达MARCH7的细胞迁移和侵袭能力升高,E-cadherin蛋白表达降低,N-cadherin、Snail1和Slug蛋白表达升高(均P<0.01)。结论:MARCH7在EOC组织和细胞中呈高表达,可能通过促进EOC细胞的EMT过程,增强EOC细胞的侵袭和迁移能力。

S100A8 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis under TGF-β/USF2 axis in colorectal cancer

Background:The transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)pathway plays a pivotal role in inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT),which is a key step in cancer invasion and metastasis.However,the regulatory mechanism of TGF-βin inducing EMT in colorectal cancer(CRC)has not been fully elucidated.In previous studies,it was found that S100A8 may regulate EMT.This study aimed to clarify the role of S100A8 in TGF-β-induced EMT and explore the underlying mechanism in CRC.Methods:S100A8 and upstream transcription factor 2(USF2)expression was detected by immunohistochemistry in 412 CRC tissues.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed.In vitro,Western blot,and migration and invasion assays were performed to investigate the effects of S100A8 and USF2 on TGF-β-induced EMT.Mouse metastasis models were used to determine in vivo metastasis ability.Luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay were used to explore the role of USF2 on S100A8 transcription.Results:During TGF-β-induced EMT in CRC cells,S100A8 and the transcription factor USF2 were upregulated.S100A8 promoted cell migration and invasion and EMT.USF2 transcriptionally regulated S100A8 expression by directly binding to its promoter region.Furthermore,TGF-βenhanced the USF2/S100A8 signaling axis of CRC cells whereas extracellular S100A8 inhibited the USF2/S100A8 axis of CRC cells.S100A8 expression in tumor cells was associated with poor overall survival in CRC.USF2 expression was positively related to S100A8 expression in tumor cells but negatively related to S100A8-positive stromal cells.Conclusions:TGF-βwas found to promote EMT and metastasis through the USF2/S100A8 axis in CRC while extracellular S100A8 suppressed the USF2/S100A8 axis.USF2 was identified as an important switch on the intracellular and extracellular S100A8 feedback loop.

Wulong Xiaozheng Wan medicated serum inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human gastric carcinoma cell line BGC823 by modulation of transforming growth factor-β1/Smad signaling

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effect of Wulong Xiaozheng Wan medicated serum on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of BGC823 cell induced by transforming growth factor-β,(TGF-β,) and to explore its mechanism.METHODS:EMT model of BGC823 was stimulated by TGF-β1.Wulong Xiaozheng Wan medicated serum and LY-364947 were used as intervention.The proliferation and adhesion of BGC823 were detected by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide and flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis.The invasion and migration were detected by Transwell.The level of matrix metalloproteins was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The expressions of related proteins and mRNA of EMT marker and TGF-β1/Smad signal pathway were detected by Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS:Compared with the TGF-β1 group,Wulong Xiaozheng Wan medicated serum could inhibit the ability of proliferation,heterogeneous adhesion,invasion,and migration.It also promotes apoptosis and homotypic adhesion in BGC823,with a dose-dependent manner.Meanwhile,Wulong Xiaozheng Wan medicated serum could regulate the expression of related proteins and mRNA of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway,and inhibit the expressions of EMT transcription factors and EMT markers.CONCLUSION:Wulong Xiaozheng Wan medicated serum inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition by down-regulated the expression of TβRI and the activation of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.

抑制lncR-HOXA-AS3表达的人前列腺癌细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭能力及EMT相关蛋白表达变化

目的观察抑制长链非编码RNA(long non-coding RNA,lncR)HOXA-AS3表达的人前列腺癌(prostate cancer,PCa)细胞系LNCaP增殖、迁移、侵袭能力及上皮间质转化(epithelial-mesenchymal transition,EMT)相关蛋白的表达变化。方法本研究受试细胞为人PCa细胞系LNCaP。将对数生长期LNCaP细胞分为2组,分别转染lncRHOXA-AS3沉默质粒si-HOXA-AS3(观察组)和阴性对照质粒si-NC(对照组),转染48 h时采用qRT-PCR法检测lncR-HOXA-AS3,分别于转染24、48、72 h时采用CCK8实验测算细胞增殖活性(光密度OD值),转染48 h时采用细胞划痕实验观察细胞迁移能力,转染48 h时采用Transwell实验观察细胞侵袭能力,转染48 h时采用WESTERN Blotting法检测两组EMT相关蛋白E-钙黏蛋白(E-cadherin)、波形蛋白(Vimentin)、纤维连接蛋白(Fibronectin)。结果与RWPE-1相比,DU-145、LNCaP、C4-2B中lncR-HOXA-AS3相对表达量均升高(P均<0.05)。与对照组相比,转染48 h时观察组细胞lncR-HOXA-AS3相对表达量降低(P<0.05)。与对照组比较,转染24、48、72 h时观察组细胞OD值降低(P均<0.05)。与对照组比较,转染48 h时观察组划痕愈合率小、侵袭穿膜细胞数目少(P均<0.05)。与对照组比较,转染48 h时观察组LNCaP细胞E-cadherin蛋白相对表达量升高,Vimentin、Fibronectin蛋白相对表达量表达降低(P均<0.05)。结论沉默lncR-HOXA-AS3表达能抑制LNCaP细胞的增殖、迁移及侵袭,其机制可能为lncRHOXA-AS3促进LNCaP细胞E-cadherin蛋白表达、抑制Vimentin及Fibronectin蛋白表达。

靶向成纤维细胞活化蛋白通过影响肿瘤相关成纤维细胞的外泌体抑制内皮细胞间质转化

目的探讨特异性抑制成纤维细胞活化蛋白(fibroblast activation protein,FAP)是否能够通过影响肿瘤相关成纤维细胞(cancer-associated fibroblasts,CAFs)的外泌体(exosomes,exo)抑制内皮细胞间质转化(endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition,EndMT)并探究其机制。方法提取原代CAFs和癌旁成纤维细胞(peri-tumor fibroblasts,PTFs),收集CAFs-exo和PTFs-exo,特异性FAP抑制剂(3.3 nmol·L^(-1)SP13786)处理CAFs 24 h后收集的外泌体命名为Anti-FAP-exo。将内皮细胞HMEC-1分别以等体积的RPMI 1640、PTFs-exo、CAFs-exo及Anti-FAP-exo孵育并命名为control组、PTF组、CAF组及Anti-FAP组。划痕实验、Transwell侵袭实验、血管生成实验检测各组HMEC-1细胞的迁移、侵袭及血管生成能力;免疫荧光、免疫组化和Western blot检测EndMT相关蛋白表达水平。结果CAF组HMEC-1细胞的迁移、侵袭及血管生成能力较PTF组明显增强,Anti-FAP组HMEC-1细胞迁移、侵袭及血管生成能力较CAF组明显减弱,与PTF组比较无差异。与PTF组相比,CAF组HMEC-1细胞高表达α-SMA、SM22α、p-Stat3和Snail,低表达CD31和VE-cadherin;与CAF组相比,Anti-FAP组HMEC-1低表达α-SMA、SM22α、p-Stat3和Snail,高表达CD31和VE-cadherin。结论特异性抑制FAP会通过影响CAFs外泌体间接抑制血管内皮细胞的迁移侵袭与成管能力,Stat3-Snail-EndMT可能是其潜在机制。