miR-1304 targets KLK11 to regulate gastric cancer cell proliferation through the mTOR signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Gastric cancer (GC) is prevalent worldwide but has a dismal prognosis, and its molecular and pathogenic pathways remain unknown. Kallikrein 11 (KLK11) has a reduced expression in GC and may be a promising biomarker. METHOD: Herein, the function of KLK11 in GC and its regulatory mechanism was studied. Gene sequencing and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were used to determine the expression of KLK11 in GC and precancerous lesions. Cell function tests and flow cytometry were conducted to determine the proliferative capacity and cell cycle of GC cells, respectively. A luciferase reporter test confirmed the interaction between RNA molecules. The mTOR/4E-BP1 signaling pathway was analyzed using western blotting. RESULT: KLK11 has a suppressed expression in GC samples. KLK11 decreased the proliferative capacity of GC cells, by inhibiting the degree of mTOR/4E-BP1 phosphorylation. In contrast, miR-1304 increased GC cell proliferation by inhibiting KLK11. Moreover, KLK11 was able to limit in vivo GC cell proliferation. CONCLUSION: These findings reveal a promising strategy to prevent and treat GC by targeting the KLK11-mediated mTOR/4E-BP1 cascade.

Single-cell N6-methyladenosine-related genes function within the tumor microenvironment to affect the prognosis and treatment sensitivity in patients with gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) ranks fifth for morbidity and third for mortality worldwide. The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mRNA methylation is crucial in cancer biology and progression. However, the relationship between m6A methylation and gastric tumor microenvironment (TME) remains to be elucidated. METHODS: We combined single-cell and bulk transcriptome analyses to explore the roles of m6A-related genes (MRG) in gastric TME. RESULTS: Nine TME cell subtypes were identified from 23 samples. Fibroblasts were further grouped into four subclusters according to different cell markers. M6A-mediated fibroblasts may guide extensive intracellular communications in the gastric TME. The m6A-related genes score (MRGs) was output based on six differentially expressed single-cell m6A-related genes (SCMRDEGs), including GHRL, COL4A1, CAV1, GJA1, TIMP1, and IGFBP3. The protein expression level was assessed by immunohistochemistry. We identified the prognostic value of MRGs and constructed a nomogram model to predict GC patients' overall survival. MRGs may affect treatment sensitivity in GC patients. CONCLUSION: Our study visualized the cellular heterogeneity of TME at the single-cell level, revealed the association between m6A mRNA modification and intracellular communication, clarified MRGs as an independent risk factor of prognosis, and provided a reference for follow-up treatment.

Prognosis prediction in esophageal signet-ring-cell carcinoma: a competing risk analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to construct and validate a competing risk nomogram model to predict 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) for patients with esophageal signet-ring-cell carcinoma. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with esophageal signet-ring-cell carcinoma (ESRCC) between 2010 and 2015 were abstracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. We performed the competing risk model to select significant variables to build a competing risk nomogram, which was used to estimate 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year CSS probability. The C-index, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration plot, Brier score, and decision curve analysis were performed in the internal validation. RESULTS: A total of 564 patients with esophageal signet-ring-cell carcinoma fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The competing risk nomogram identified 4 prognostic variables, involving the gender, lung metastases, liver metastases, and receiving surgery. The C indexes of nomogram were 0.61, 0.75, and 0.70, respectively for 5-year, 3-year, and 1-year CSS prediction. The calibration plots displayed high consistency. The Brier scores and decision curve analysis respectively favored good prediction ability and clinical utility of the nomogram. CONCLUSIONS: A competing risk nomogram for esophageal signet-ring-cell carcinoma was successfully constructed and internally validated. This model is expected to predict 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year CSS, and help oncologists and pathologists in clinical decision making and health care management for esophageal signet-ring-cell carcinoma patients.

Sintilimab Plus Chemotherapy for Unresectable Gastric or Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer: The ORIENT-16 Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancers are diagnosed in more than 1 million people worldwide annually, and few effective treatments are available. Sintilimab, a recombinant human IgG4 monoclonal antibody that binds to programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), in combination with chemotherapy, has demonstrated promising efficacy. Objective: To compare overall survival of patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancers who were treated with sintilimab with chemotherapy vs placebo with chemotherapy. Also compared were a subset of patients with a PD ligand 1 (PD-L1) combined positive score (CPS) of 5 or more (range, 1-100). Design, Setting, and Participants: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 clinical trial conducted at 62 hospitals in China that enrolled 650 patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma between January 3, 2019, and August 5, 2020. Final follow-up occurred on June 20, 2021. Interventions: Patients were randomized 1:1 to either sintilimab (n = 327) or placebo (n = 323) combined with capecitabine and oxaliplatin (the XELOX regimen) every 3 weeks for a maximum of 6 cycles. Maintenance therapy with sintilimab or placebo plus capecitabine continued for up to 2 years. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was overall survival time from randomization. Results: Of the 650 patients (mean age, 59 years; 483 [74.3%] men), 327 were randomized to sintilimab plus chemotherapy and 323 to placebo plus chemotherapy. Among the randomized patients, 397 (61.1%) had tumors with a PD-L1 CPS of 5 or more; 563 (86.6%) discontinued study treatment and 388 (59.7%) died; 1 patient (<0.1%) was lost to follow-up. Among all randomized patients, sintilimab improved overall survival compared with placebo (median, 15.2 vs 12.3 months; stratified hazard ratio [HR], 0.77 [95% CI, 0.63-0.94]; P = .009). Among patients with a CPS of 5 or more, sintilimab improved overall survival compared with placebo (median, 18.4 vs 12.9 months; HR, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.50-0.86]; P = .002). The most common grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events were decreased platelet count (sintilimab, 24.7% vs placebo, 21.3%), decreased neutrophil count (sintilimab, 20.1% vs placebo, 18.8%), and anemia (sintilimab, 12.5% vs placebo, 8.8%). Conclusions and Relevance: Among patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma treated with first-line chemotherapy, sintilimab significantly improved overall survival for all patients and for patients with a CPS of 5 or more compared with placebo. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03745170.

Peritumoral B cells drive proangiogenic responses in HMGB1-enriched esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Several B-cell subsets with distinct functions and polarized cytokine profiles that extend beyond antibody production have been reported in different cancers. Here we have demonstrated that proliferating B cells were predominantly found in the peritumoral region of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). These B cells were enriched in tumor nests with high expression of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). High densities of peritumoral proliferating B cells and concomitantly high intratumoral HMGB1 expression showed improved prognostic significance, surpassing prognostic stratification of ESCC patients based on HMGB1 positivity alone. This striking association led us to set up models to test whether cancer-derived HMGB1 could shape tumor microenvironment via modulation on B cells. Overexpression of HMGB1 in ESCC cell lines (KYSE510 and EC18) enhanced proliferation and migration of B cells. Transcriptomic analysis showed that migratory B cells exhibited high enrichment of proangiogenic genes. VEGF expression in proliferating B cells was induced upon co-culture of HMGB1-overexpressing tumor cells and B cells. Secretome array profiling of conditioned media (CM) from the co-culture revealed rich expression of proangiogenic proteins. Consequently, incubation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells with CM promoted angiogenesis in tube formation and migration assays. HMGB1 inhibitor, glycyrrhizin, abolishes all the observed proangiogenic phenotypes. Finally, co-injection of B cells and CM with HMGB1-overexpressing tumor cells, but not with glycyrrhizin, significantly enhanced tumor growth associated with increased microvascular density in ESCC xenograft mice model. Our results indicate that cancer-derived HMGB1 elevates angiogenesis in ESCC by shifting the balance toward proangiogenic signals in proliferating B cells.

Sintilimab plus a bevacizumab biosimilar (IBI305) versus sorafenib in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (ORIENT-32): a randomised, open-label, phase 2-3 study.

BACKGROUND: China has a high burden of hepatocellular carcinoma, and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the main causative factor. Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma have a poor prognosis and a substantial unmet clinical need. The phase 2-3 ORIENT-32 study aimed to assess sintilimab (a PD-1 inhibitor) plus IBI305, a bevacizumab biosimilar, versus sorafenib as a first-line treatment for unresectable HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: This randomised, open-label, phase 2-3 study was done at 50 clinical sites in China. Patients aged 18 years or older with histologically or cytologically diagnosed or clinically confirmed unresectable or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma, no previous systemic treatment, and a baseline Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 or 1 were eligible for inclusion. In the phase 2 part of the study, patients received intravenous sintilimab (200 mg every 3 weeks) plus intravenous IBI305 (15 mg/kg every 3 weeks). In the phase 3 part, patients were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive either sintilimab plus IBI305 (sintilimab-bevacizumab biosimilar group) or sorafenib (400 mg orally twice daily; sorafenib group), until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Randomisation was done using permuted block randomisation, with a block size of six, via an interactive web response system, and stratified by macrovascular invasion or extrahepatic metastasis, baseline α-fetoprotein, and ECOG performance status. The primary endpoint of the phase 2 part of the study was safety, assessed in all patients who received at least one dose of study drug. The co-primary endpoints of the phase 3 part of the study were overall survival and independent radiological review committee (IRRC)-assessed progression-free survival according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 in the intention-to-treat population. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03794440. The study is closed to new participants and follow-up is ongoing for long-term outcomes. FINDINGS: Between Feb 11, 2019 and Jan 15, 2020, we enrolled 595 patients: 24 were enrolled directly into the phase 2 safety run-in and 571 were randomly assigned to sintilimab-bevacizumab biosimilar (n=380) or sorafenib (n=191). In the phase 2 part of the trial, 24 patients received at least one dose of the study drug, with an objective response rate of 25·0% (95% CI 9·8-46·7). Based on the preliminary safety and activity data of the phase 2 part, in which grade 3 or worse treatment-related adverse events occurred in seven (29%) of 24 patients, the randomised phase 3 part was started. At data cutoff (Aug 15, 2020), the median follow-up was 10·0 months (IQR 8·5-11·7) in the sintilimab-bevacizumab biosimilar group and 10·0 months (8·4-11·7) in the sorafenib group. Patients in the sintilimab-bevacizumab biosimilar group had a significantly longer IRRC-assessed median progression-free survival (4·6 months [95% CI 4·1-5·7]) than did patients in the sorafenib group (2·8 months [2·7-3·2]; stratified hazard ratio [HR] 0·56, 95% CI 0·46-0·70; p<0·0001). In the first interim analysis of overall survival, sintilimab-bevacizumab biosimilar showed a significantly longer overall survival than did sorafenib (median not reached [95% CI not reached-not reached] vs 10·4 months [8·5-not reached]; HR 0·57, 95% CI 0·43-0·75; p<0·0001). The most common grade 3-4 treatment-emergent adverse events were hypertension (55 [14%] of 380 patients in the sintilimab-bevacizumab biosimilar group vs 11 [6%] of 185 patients in the sorafenib group) and palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome (none vs 22 [12%]). 123 (32%) patients in the sintilimab-bevacizumab biosimilar group and 36 (19%) patients in the sorafenib group had serious adverse events. Treatment-related adverse events that led to death occurred in six (2%) patients in the sintilimab-bevacizumab biosimilar group (one patient with abnormal liver function, one patient with both hepatic failure and gastrointestinal haemorrhage, one patient with interstitial lung disease, one patient with both hepatic faliure and hyperkalemia, one patient with upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage, and one patient with intestinal volvulus) and two (1%) patients in the sorafenib group (one patient with gastrointestinal haemorrhage and one patient with death of unknown cause). INTERPRETATION: Sintilimab plus IBI305 showed a significant overall survival and progression-free survival benefit versus sorafenib in the first-line setting for Chinese patients with unresectable, HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma, with an acceptable safety profile. This combination regimen could provide a novel treatment option for such patients. FUNDING: Innovent Biologics. TRANSLATION: For the Chinese translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Circ-SFMBT2 drives the malignant phenotypes of esophageal cancer by the miR-107-dependent regulation of SLC1A5.

BACKGROUND: Increasing studies focused on the regulatory roles of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in diverse cancers. This study was to evaluate the function and mechanism of circRNA Scm-like with four malignant brain tumor domains 2 (circ-SFMBT2) in esophageal cancer (EC). METHODS: The circ-SFMBT2, microRNA-107 (miR-107) and solute-linked carrier family A1 member 5 (SLC1A5) levels were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation was evaluated by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-y1)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, colony formation assay and EdU assay. Cell apoptosis and invasion were detected by flow cytometry and transwell assay. Glutamine metabolism was assessed by the corresponding kits for glutamine consumption, α-ketoglutarate production and glutamate production. Western blot was used for protein quantification. The binding analysis was performed using dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and pull-down assays. The functional research of circ-SFMBT2 in vivo was performed by xenograft tumor assay. Exosomes were identified by morphological observation and protein detection. RESULTS: Circ-SFMBT2 was overexpressed in EC samples and cells. Circ-SFMBT2 downregulation inhibited EC cell proliferation, invasion and glutamine metabolism. Circ-SFMBT2 targeted miR-107 and the regulation of circ-SFMBT2 was achieved by sponging miR-107. SLC1A5 was a target of miR-107, and it worked as an oncogene in EC cells. MiR-107 retarded the EC progression by downregulating SLC1A5. Circ-SFMBT2 could affect the SLC1A5 expression by targeting miR-107. Circ-SFMBT2 regulated EC progression in vivo by miR-107/SLC1A5 axis. Circ-SFMBT2 was transferred by exosomes in EC cells. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that circ-SFMBT2 upregulated the SLC1A5 expression to promote the malignant development of EC by serving as a miR-107 sponge.

RNA editing of SLC22A3 drives early tumor invasion and metastasis in familial esophageal cancer.

Like many complex human diseases, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is known to cluster in families. Familial ESCC cases often show early onset and worse prognosis than the sporadic cases. However, the molecular genetic basis underlying the development of familial ESCC is mostly unknown. We reported that SLC22A3 is significantly down-regulated in nontumor esophageal tissues from patients with familial ESCC compared with tissues from patients with sporadic ESCCs. A-to-I RNA editing of the SLC22A3 gene results in its reduced expression in the nontumor esophageal tissues of familial ESCCs and is significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis. The RNA-editing enzyme ADAR2, a familial ESCC susceptibility gene identified by our post hoc genome-wide association study, is positively correlated with the editing level of SLC22A3 Moreover, functional studies showed that SLC22A3 is a metastasis suppressor in ESCC, and deregulation of SLC22A3 facilitates cell invasion and filopodia formation by reducing its direct association with α-actinin-4 (ACTN4), leading to the increased actin-binding activity of ACTN4 in normal esophageal cells. Collectively, we now show that A-to-I RNA editing of SLC22A3 contributes to the early development and progression of familial esophageal cancer in high-risk individuals.

Small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 promotes development and progression of colorectal cancer through negative regulation of miR-137.

Small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1) is critical in the progression of cancers. However, the mechanism by which SNHG1 regulates the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. Expressions of SNHG1 and miR-137 in CRC tissues and cell lines were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. A luciferase reporter gene assay was conducted to investigate miR-137 target. Additionally, RNA pull-down assay was performed to explore the physical association between miR-137, SNHG1, and RNA induced silencing complex (RISC). Cell cycling and invasion were examined by flow cytometry (FCM) and transwell assays. The in vivo carcinogenic activity of SNHG1 was examined using murine xenograft models. Expression of RICTOR, serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT), serum and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1), p70S6K1, and LC3II/LC3I ratio was examined by Western blot analysis. SNHG1 upregulation was observed in CRC tissues and cell lines, which was associated with the lymph node metastasis, advanced TNM stage and poorer prognosis. SNHG1 increased RICTOR level in CRC via sponging miR-137. In addition, SNHG1 silencing inhibited CRC cell proliferation and migration in vitro and in vivo. SNHG1 regulated RICTOR expression by sponging miR-137 and promoted tumorgenesis in CRC.

Discovery of a novel dipeptidyl boronic acid proteasome inhibitor for the treatment of multiple myeloma and triple-negative breast cancer.

A series of novel dipeptidyl boronic acid compounds were designed, synthesized and biologically investigated for the inhibition of the ß5 subunit of 20S proteasome and several compounds showed high activities with IC50 values of less than 10 nM. Some of these compounds potently inhibited the multiple myeloma (MM) cancer cell lines with IC50 values of less than 10 nM. It was reported that the inhibition of both ß2 and ß5 subunits strongly increased the cytotoxicity of proteasome inhibitors in solid tumor cells, so some of the compounds were evaluated for the inhibition of the ß2 subunit and the solid tumor triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. The results showed that three compounds were active for both the ß2 subunit and the triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. The in vivo pharmacokinetic results showed that compound 8t had good biological parameters for both ig and iv administrations. An in vivo pharmacodynamic experiment showed that compound 8t inhibited the ß5 subunit in whole blood more greatly than the marketed MLN9708 with the same dose at different time periods. A pathological analysis indicated that the injection of compound 8t in the tumor of a triple-negative breast cancer xenograft mice model led to tumor cell necrosis, nucleus condensation, deep staining, cell fragmentation, dissolution and neutrophil infiltration compared with the control group. The data in hand showed that compound 8t might be an effective candidate for the treatment of both MM and triple-negative breast cancer.

Discovery of a new class of valosine containing protein (VCP/P97) inhibitors for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.

Valosine containing protein (VCP/p97) is a member of the AAA ATPase family involved in several essential cellular functions and plays an important role in the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of misfolded proteins. P97 has a significant role in maintaining the cellular protein homeostasis for tumor cell growth and survival and has been found overexpressed in many tumor types. No new molecule entities based on p97 target were approved in clinic. Herein, a series of novel pyrimidine structures as p97 inhibitors were designed and synthesized. After enzymatic evaluations, structure-activity relationships (SAR) were discussed in detailed. Among the screened compounds, derivative 35 showed excellent enzymatic inhibitory activity (IC50, 36 nM). The cellular inhibition results showed that compound 35 had good antiproliferative activity against the non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells (IC50, 1.61 µM). Liver microsome stability showed that the half-life of compound 35 in human liver microsome was 42.3 min, which was more stable than the control CB-5083 (25.8 min). The in vivo pharmacokinetic results showed that the elimination phase half-lives of compound 35 were 4.57 h for ig and 3.64 h for iv, respectively and the oral bioavailability was only 4.5%. These results indicated that compound 35 could be effective for intravenous treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.

Synchronous occurrence of hereditary gastric adenocarcinoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and esophageal small cell and squamous carcinoma in situ: an extremely rare case report.

BACKGROUND: Hereditary diffuse gastric carcinoma (HDGC) accounts for 1-3% of all gastric carcinomas. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract but they comprise fewer than 1% of all GI malignancies. Small-cell carcinoma (SmCC) is a rare histological type of esophageal carcinoma, accounting for 0.4% to 2.8% of all esophageal tumors. Co-occurrence of SmCC with esophageal tumors caused by squamous carcinoma is also very uncommon. Although multiple primary malignancies are no longer rare in clinical practice, the simultaneous appearance of HDGC, GIST, esophageal small cell and squamous carcinoma in situ is extremely rare and very few cases have been reported. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 53 year-old woman with synchronous occurrence of four malignancies including HDGC, GIST, esophageal small cell- and local squamous carcinoma in situ. A total gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with oxaliplatin and paclitaxel liposome were performed. After a 1-year follow-up, this patient was still in good condition with no evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSION: This is the unique case that describes the co-existence of the aforementioned four types of neoplasm. This case demonstrates that a diagnosis of gastric cancer does not preclude the presence of other malignancies and every case should be thoroughly analyzed to avoid missing other problems, which may worsen the prognosis.

Neuropilin-2 promotes tumourigenicity and metastasis in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma through ERK-MAPK-ETV4-MMP-E-cadherin deregulation.

Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the most common histological subtype of oesophageal cancer. The disease is particularly prevalent in southern China. The incidence of the disease is on the rise and its overall survival rate remains dismal. Identification and characterization of better molecular markers for early detection and therapeutic targeting are urgently needed. Here, we report levels of transmembrane and soluble neuropilin-2 (NRP2) to be significantly up-regulated in ESCC, and to correlate positively with advanced tumour stage, lymph node metastasis, less favourable R category and worse overall patient survival. NRP2 up-regulation in ESCC was in part a result of gene amplification at chromosome 2q. NRP2 overexpression promoted clonogenicity, angiogenesis and metastasis in ESCC in vitro, while NRP2 silencing by lentiviral knockdown or neutralizing antibody resulted in a contrary effect. This observation was extended in vivo in animal models of subcutaneous tumourigenicity and tail vein metastasis. Mechanistically, overexpression of NRP2 induced expression of ERK MAP kinase and the transcription factor ETV4, leading to enhanced MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity and, as a consequence, suppression of E-cadherin. In summary, NRP2 promotes tumourigenesis and metastasis in ESCC through deregulation of ERK-MAPK-ETV4-MMP-E-cadherin signalling. NRP2 represents a potential diagnostic or prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for ESCC. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PSCA acts as a tumor suppressor by facilitating the nuclear translocation of RB1CC1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is an aggressive malignancy; its mechanisms of development and progression are poorly understood. By high-throughput transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) profiling of three pairs of primary ESCCs and their corresponding non-tumorous tissues, we identified that prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA), a gene that encodes a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein, is significantly downregulated in ESCC. Here, we reported decreased expression of PSCA in 188/218 (86.2%) of primary ESCC cases and was negatively regulated by its transcription factor sex-determining region Y-box5 that was significantly associated with the poor differentiation (P = 0.003), increased lymph node metastasis (P < 0.0001), advanced stage (P = 0.007), and disease-specific survival (P < 0.0001), but not associated with the recently reported transcrible rs2294008 (C > T) polymorphism in ESCC. Functional studies showed that PSCA could arrest cell cycle progression and promote cell differentiation independent of the start codon polymorphism. Further mechanistic studies revealed that retinoblastoma 1-inducible coiled-coil 1 (RB1CC1), a key signaling node to regulate cellular proliferation and differentiation, interacted specifically with PSCA in ESCC cells. Binding of PSCA and RB1CC1 in cytoplasm resulted in stabilization and translocation of RB1CC1 into nucleus, thereby activating key factors involved in cell cycle arrest and differentiation. Collectively, our data provide a novel molecular mechanism for the tumor suppressor role of PSCA and may help design effective therapy targeting PSCA-RB1CC1 pathway to control esophageal cancer growth and differentiation.

Rapid and efficient enantioseparation of (S)-amlodipine by surface-imprinted core-shell polymer microspheres.

We present a protocol for the preparation of surface-imprinted polymer microspheres by core-shell precipitation polymerization for the enantioseparation of (S)-amlodipine. In this work, submicron mesoporous silica microspheres were prepared with gemini cationic surfactant as soft template. Molecularly imprinted polymers were coated on the silica supports with a low level of crosslinking, and the thickness of the thin-walled imprinted shell was about 45 nm. The material showed fast binding kinetics for (S)-amlodipine (within only 20 min for complete equilibrium), and the saturation adsorption capacity reached 309.2 mg/g, indicating the good accessibility of binding sites and improved mass transfer for target molecule. The imprinted microspheres exhibited an appreciable enantiomeric excess of (S)-amlodipine of 11.3% when used as a glass chromatography column for the enantioseparation of (S)-amlodipine from amlodipine besylate without extra chiral additives. The surface-imprinted materials display potentially amplification for industrial enantioseparation of (S)-amlodipine.

Increased expression of EIF5A2, via hypoxia or gene amplification, contributes to metastasis and angiogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Solid tumors often become hypoxic, leading to activation of hypoxia-response genes. We investigated the effects of overexpression of the hypoxia response genes eIF5A2 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). METHODS: We used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry analyses to compare expression of eIF5A2 between paired ESCC samples and nontumor esophageal tissues, and fluorescence in situ hybridization to detect gene copy-number alterations. Luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were used to study interactions between eIF5A2 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1α). We determined the effects of eIF5A2 overexpression and knockdown in ESCC cell lines and growth of ESCC xenograft tumors in nude mice. RESULTS: Levels of eIF5A2 messenger RNA and protein were increased in >40% of ESCC samples compared with matched nontumor tissues, along with levels of HIF1α and vascular endothelial growth factor. Increased levels of EIF5A2 were significantly associated with ESCC metastasis to lymph nodes (P < .001) and tissue invasion (P = .037), and shorter survival times of patients (P < .001). Amplification of eIF5A2 was detected in 35.14% of ESCC samples that overexpressed eIF5A2. Hypoxia increased expression of eIF5A2 4- to 8-fold in ESCC cell lines; we observed bidirectional regulation between eIF5A2 and HIF1α. Transient transfection of ESCC cell lines with eIF5A2 increased their migratory and invasive abilities and markers of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and eIF5A2 knockdown or HIFα inhibition reduced these. In mice, xenograft tumors grown from ESCC cells that expressed eIF5A2 formed tumors more rapidly than cells that expressed only vector (controls); they also expressed higher levels of HIF1α and vascular endothelial growth factor, and formed more microvessels than controls. Knockdown of eIF5A2 in ESCC cells with interfering RNAs reduced their growth as xenograft tumors in mice, particularly when mice were given docetaxel or cisplatin. CONCLUSIONS: eIF5A2 is overexpressed by gene amplification or hypoxia in ESCCs, and associated with up-regulation of HIF1α, metastasis, and shorter survival times of patients. Increased expression of eIF5A2 increases metastasis and angiogenesis in ESCC via the HIF1α-mediated signaling pathway.

Downregulation of LGI1 promotes tumor metastasis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Here, we report the characterization of a candidate tumor suppressor gene leucine-rich glioma inactivated 1 (LGI1) in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Downregulation of LGI1 has been detected in approximately 50% of primary ESCCs, which was significantly associated with advanced clinical stage (P < 0.001), lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001), tumor invasion (P = 0.009) and poor disease-specific survival (P < 0.001). Functional studies found that LGI1 could inhibit cell growth, clonogenicity, cell motility and tumor formation in nude mice. Mechanistic investigations suggested that LGI1 acted through extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) signaling to downregulate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 expression and subsequently suppressed tumor metastasis. Taken together, our study revealed that LGI1 plays an important tumor suppressive role in the development and progression of ESCC, with possible application in clinics as a biomarker and a potential new therapeutic target.

[Expression and significance of bone sialoprotein(BSP) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the roll of bone sialoprotein (BSP), a secreted glycoprotein, found in mineralized tissues in the development and progression of human esophageal squamous cell carcimoma (ESCC), and explore its association with clinicopathological characteristics and five-year survival of the patients. METHODS: The expression of BSP was determined in 211 primary ESCC tumors and their paired nontumorous tissues using tissue-array, RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Primary ESCC tissues showed a significantly higher expression rate of BSP mRNA than their paired nontumorous tissues (93.8% vs. 16.6%, P < 0.001), the same with BSP protein (56.9% vs. 31.3%, P < 0.001). The expression rate of BSP protein was correlated to lymph node metastasis and TNM stage (P < 0.05). The 5-year survival rate of BSP protein-positive ESCC patients was significantly lower than that of BSP protein-negative ESCC patients (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that tumor differentiation, TNM staging and BSP protein expression were independent factors affecting the prognosis of ESCC patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The abnormal expression of BSP may play a significant role in the malignant progression and prognosis of ESCC, and BSP might be a marker reflecting the biologial behavior of ESCC.

Crosstalk between the nervous system and tumor microenvironment: Functional aspects and potential therapeutic strategies.

Recent advancements in understanding the tumor microenvironment (TME) have highlighted the critical role of the nervous system in cancer progression. This review comprehensively examines how the nervous system influences various aspects of tumorigenesis, including growth, motility, immune response, angiogenesis, and the behavior of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). We delineate the neurodevelopmental mechanisms associated with cancer, such as the secretion of neurotrophins and exosomes by cancer cells. Furthermore, we explore the emerging therapeutic strategy of targeting nerves associated with tumors. Evidence supporting this approach includes studies demonstrating direct tumor growth inhibition, enhanced efficacy of immunotherapy when combined with nervous system-modulating drugs, and the suppression of tumor blood vessel formation through nerve targeting. Finally, we discuss the current challenges in this field and emphasize the need for further exploration within cancer neuroscience.

Integrated analysis of ferroptosis and stemness based on single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing data provide insights into the prognosis and treatment of esophageal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a significant role in the recurrence and drug resistance of esophageal carcinoma (ESCA). Ferroptosis is a promising anticancer therapeutic strategy that effectively targets CSCs exhibiting high tumorigenicity and treatment resistance. However, there is a lack of research on the combined role of ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) and stemness signature in the prognosis of ESCA. METHODS: The cellular compositions were characterized using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from 18 untreated ESCA samples. 50 ferroptosis-related stemness genes (FRSGs) were identified by integrating FRGs with stemness-related genes (SRGs), and then the cells were grouped by AUCell analysis. Next, functional enrichment, intercellular communication, and trajectory analyses were performed to characterize the different groups of cells. Subsequently, the stem-ferr-index was calculated using machine learning algorithms based on the expression profiles of the identified risk genes. Additionally, therapeutic drugs were predicted by analyzing the GDSC2 database. Finally, the expression and functional roles of the identified marker genes were validated through in vitro experiments. RESULTS: The analysis of scRNA-seq data demonstrates the diversity and cellular heterogeneity of ESCA. Then, we identified 50 FRSGs and classified cells into high or low ferroptosis score stemness cells accordingly. Functional enrichment analysis conducted on the differentially up-regulated genes between these groups revealed predominant enrichment in pathways associated with intercellular communication and cell differentiation. Subsequently, we identified 9 risk genes and developed a prognostic signature, termed stem_ferr_index, based on these identified risk genes. We found that the stem-ferr-index was correlated with the clinical characteristics of patients, and patients with high stem-ferr-index had poor prognosis. Furthermore, we identified four drugs (Navitoclax, Foretinib, Axitinib, and Talazoparib) with potential efficacy targeting patients with a high stem_ferr_index. Additionally, we delineated two marker genes (STMN1 and SLC2A1). Particularly noteworthy, SLC2A1 exhibited elevated expression levels in ESCA tissues and cells. We provided evidence suggesting that SLC2A1 could influence the migration, invasion, and stemness of ESCA cells, and it was associated with sensitivity to Foretinib. CONCLUSION: This study constructed a novel ferroptosis-related stemness signature, identified two marker genes for ESCA, and provided valuable insights for developing more effective therapeutic targets targeting ESCA CSCs in the future.