Frequent Intraluminal Growth of Large Muscular Veins in Surgically Resected Colorectal Cancer Tissues: A 3-Dimensional Pathologic Reconstruction Study.

Although venous invasion (VI) is common in colorectal cancers (CRCs) and is associated with distant metastasis, the 3-dimensional (3D) microscopic features and associated mechanisms of VI are not well elucidated. To characterize the patterns of VI, 103 tissue slabs were harvested from surgically resected CRCs with ≥pT2. They were cleared using the modified immunolabeling-enabled 3D imaging of solvent-cleared organs method, labeled with multicolor fluorescent antibodies, including antibodies against cytokeratin 19, desmin, CD31, and E-cadherin, and visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy. VI was classified as intravasation, intraluminal growth, and/or extravasation, and 2-dimensional and 3D microscopic features were compared. VI was detected more frequently in 3D (56/103 [54.4%]) than in conventional 2-dimensional hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides (33/103 [32%]; P < .001). When VI was present, it was most commonly in the form of intraluminal growth (51/56), followed by extravasation (13/56) and intravasation (5/56). The mean length of intraluminal growth was 334.0 ± 212.4 µm. Neoplastic cell projections extended from cancer cell clusters in the connective tissue surrounding veins, penetrated the smooth muscle layer, and then grew into and filled the venous lumen. E-cadherin expression changed at each invasion phase; intact E-cadherin expression was observed in the cancer cells in the venous walls, but its expression was lost in small clusters of intraluminal neoplastic cells. In addition, reexpression of E-cadherin was observed when cancer cells formed well-oriented tubular structures and accumulated and grew along the luminal side of the venous wall. In contrast, singly scattered cancer cells and cancer cells with poorly defined tubular structures showed loss of E-cadherin expression. E-cadherin expression was intact in the large cohesive clusters of extravasated cancer cells. However, singly scattered cells and smaller projections of neoplastic cells in the stroma outward of venous wall showed a loss of E-cadherin expression. In conclusion, VI was observed in more than half of the CRCs analyzed by 3D histopathologic image reconstruction. Once inside a vein, neoplastic cells can grow intraluminally. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition is not maintained during VI of CRCs.

SOXE group transcription factors regulates the expression of FoxG1 during inner ear development.

The transcription factor FOXG1 plays an important role in inner ear development; however, the cis-regulatory mechanisms controlling the inner-ear-specific expression of FOXG1 are poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to identify the element that specifically regulates FoxG1 expression in the otic vesicle, which develops into the inner ear, through comparative genome analysis between vertebrate species and chromatin immunoprecipitation. The cis-regulatory element (E2) identified showed high evolutionary conservation among vertebrates in the genomic DNA of FoxG1 spanning approximately 3 Mbp. We identified core sequences important for the activity of the otic-vesicle-specific enhancer through in vitro and in vivo reporter assays for various E2 enhancer mutants and determined the consensus sequence for SOX DNA binding. In addition, SoxE, a subfamily of the Sox family, was simultaneously expressed in the otic vesicles of developing embryos and showed a similar protein expression pattern as that of FoxG1. Furthermore, SOXE transcription factors induced specific transcriptional activity through the FoxG1 Otic enhancer (E2b). These findings suggest that the interaction between the otic enhancer of FoxG1 and SOXE transcription factor, in which the otic expression of FoxG1 is evolutionarily well-conserved, is important during early development of the inner ear, a sensory organ important for survival in nature.

Pharmacological inhibition of androgen receptor expression induces cell death in prostate cancer cells.

The androgen receptor (AR) plays an important role in the pathogenesis and development of prostate cancer (PCa). Mostly, PCa progresses to androgen-independent PCa, which has activated AR signaling from androgen-dependent PCa. Thus, inhibition of AR signaling may be an important therapeutic target in androgen-dependent and castration-resistant PCa. In this study, we determined the anticancer effect of a newly found natural compound, sakurasosaponin (S-saponin), using androgen-dependent and castration-resistant PCa cell lines. S-saponin induces mitochondrial-mediated cell death in both androgen-dependent (LNCaP) and castration-resistant (22Rv1 and C4-2) PCa cells, via AR expression. S-saponin treatment induces a decrease in AR expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner and a potent decrease in the expression of its target genes, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA), transmembrane protease, serin 2 (TMPRSS2), and NK3 homeobox 1 (NKX3.1). Furthermore, S-saponin treatment decreases B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xL) and mitochondrial membrane potential, thereby increasing the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol. Moreover, Bcl-xL inhibition and subsequent mitochondria-mediated cell death caused by S-saponin were reversed by Bcl-xL or AR overexpression. Interestingly, S-saponin-mediated cell death was significantly reduced by a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, N-acetylcystein. Animal xenograft experiments showed that S-saponin treatment significantly reduced tumor growth of AR-positive 22Rv1 xenografts but not AR-negative PC-3 xenografts. Taken together, for the first time, our results revealed that S-saponin induces mitochondrial-mediated cell death in androgen-dependent and castration-resistant cells through regulation of AR mechanisms, including downregulation of Bcl-xL expression and induction of ROS stress by decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential.

Cux2 expression regulated by Lhx2 in the upper layer neurons of the developing cortex.

The laminar structure, a unique feature of the mammalian cerebrum, is formed by a number of genes in a highly complex process. The pyramidal neurons that make up each layer of the cerebrum are functionally characterized by specific gene expressions. In particular, Cux1 and Cux2, which are specifically expressed in layer II-IV neurons, are known to regulate dendritic branching, spine morphology, and synapse formation. However, it is still unknown how their expression is regulated transcriptionally. Here we constructed Cux2-mCherry transgenic mice that reproduce the cortical layer II-IV-specific expression of Cux2, a member of the Cut/Cux/CDP family, using BAC transgenesis and a variety of coordinated cortical layer markers that are known to date. Our immunohistochemistry analysis shows that mCherry was expressed in cortical layer II-IV and the corpus callosum in the same way as endogenous Cux2 without ectopic expression. We also identified a region of 220 bp that is highly conserved in mammals and controls specific cerebral expression of Cux2, using comparative genome analysis and in vivo reporter assays. Furthermore, we confirm that Lhx2, whose expression in cortical layer II-IV is similar to that of the Cux2 enhancer, can act as a transcriptional activator. These results suggest that cortical layer II-IV expression of Cux2 can be regulated by the interaction of Cux2-E1 and Lhx2, and that their failure to co-regulate is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.

Modulation of Mitochondrial ERß Expression Inhibits Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Tumor Progression by Activating Mitochondrial Function.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Breast cancer is a clinically and molecularly heterogeneous disease. Patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have poorer outcomes than those with other breast cancer subtypes due to lack of effective molecular targets for therapy. The present study aimed to the identification of estrogen receptor (ER)ß as a novel mitochondrial target in TNBC cells, together with underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Expression of ERß in clinical breast samples were examined by qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Subcellular distribution and binding of ERß-Grp75 was determined by confocal microscopic analysis, co-immunoprecipitation experiments, and limited-detergent extraction of subcellular organelles. The effect of mitocondrial ERß(mitoERß) overexpression on cell proliferation and cell cycle distribution were assessed CCK-8 assays and FACS. Mitochondrial ROS, membrane potential, and Ca²âº level were measured using the specific fluorescent probes Mito-Sox, TMRE, and Rhod-2AM. The tumorigenic effect of mitoERß overexpression was assessed using an anchorage-independent growth assay, sphere formation and a mouse orthotopic xenograft model. RESULTS: ERß expression was lower in tumor tissue than in adjacent normal tissue of patients with breast cancer, and low levels of mitochondrial ERß (mitoERß) also were associated with increased tumor recurrence after surgery. Overexpression of mitoERß inhibited the proliferation of TNBC cells and tumor masses in an animal model. Moreover, overexpression of mitoERß increased ATP production in TNBC cells and normal breast MCF10A cells, with the latter completely reversed by mitoERß knockdown in MCF10A cells. Grp75 was found to positively regulate ERß translocation into mitochondria via a direct interaction. Coimmunoprecipitation and subcellular fractionation experiments revealed that ERß-Grp75 complex is stable in mitochondria. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the up-regulation of mitoERß in TNBC cells ensures proper mitochondrial transcription, activating the OXPHOS system to produce ATP. Studying the effects of mitoERß on mitochondrial activity and specific mitochondrial gene expression in breast cancer might help predict tumor recurrence, inform clinical decision-making, and identify novel drug targets in the treatment of TNBC.

CCN3 secretion is regulated by palmitoylation via ZDHHC22.

Normal extracellular secretion of nephroblastoma overexpressed (NOV, also known as CCN3) is important for the adhesion, migration, and differentiation of cells. In previous studies, we have shown that the intracellular accumulation of CCN3 inhibits the growth of prominent neurons. Increased intracellular CCN3 can be induced through various processes, such as transcription, detoxification, and posttranslational modification. In general, posttranslational modifications are very important for protein secretion. However, it is unclear whether posttranslational modification is necessary for CCN3 secretion. In this study, we have conducted mutational analysis of CCN3 to demonstrate that its thrombospondin type-1 (TSP1) domain is important for CCN3 secretion and intracellular function. Point mutation analysis confirmed that CCN3 secretion was inhibited by cysteine (C)241 mutation, and overexpression of CCN3-C241A inhibited neuronal axonal growth in vivo. Furthermore, we demonstrated that palmitoylation is important for the extracellular secretion of CCN3 and that zinc finger DHHC-type containing 22 (ZDHHC22), a palmityoltransferase, can interact with CCN3. Taken together, our results suggest that palmitoylation by ZDHHC22 at C241 in the CCN3 TSP1 domain may be required for the secretion of CCN3. Aberrant palmitoylation induces intracellular accumulation of CCN3, inhibiting neuronal axon growth.

Upregulation of annexin A1 expression by butyrate in human melanoma cells induces invasion by inhibiting E-cadherin expression.

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical step in the metastasis of epithelial cancer cells. Butyrate, which is produced from dietary fiber by colonic bacterial fermentation, has been reported to influence EMT. However, some studies have reported that butyrate promotes EMT, while others have reported an inhibitory effect. To clarify these controversial results, it is necessary to elucidate the mechanism by which butyrate can influence EMT. In this study, we examined the potential role of annexin A1 (ANXA1), which was previously reported to promote EMT in breast cancer cells, as a mediator of EMT regulation by butyrate. We found that ANXA1 mRNA and protein were expressed in highly invasive melanoma cell lines (A2058 and A375), but not in SK-MEL-5 cells, which are less invasive. We also showed that butyrate induced ANXA1 mRNA and protein expression and promoted EMT-related cell invasion in SK-MEL-5 cells. Downregulation of ANXA1 expression using specific small interfering RNAs in butyrate-treated SK-MEL-5 cells resulted in increased expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and decreased cell invasion. Moreover, overexpressing ANXA1 decreased the expression of the E-cadherin. Collectively, these results indicate that butyrate induces the expression of ANXA1 in human melanoma cells, which then promotes invasion through activating the EMT signaling pathway.

Neuroprotective actions of PIKE-L by inhibition of SET proteolytic degradation by asparagine endopeptidase.

Ischemia and seizure cause excessive neuronal excitation that is associated with brain acidosis and neuronal cell death. However, the molecular mechanism of acidification-triggered neuronal injury is incompletely understood. Here, we show that asparagine endopeptidase (AEP) is activated under acidic condition, cuts SET, an inhibitor of DNase, and triggers DNA damage in brain, which is inhibited by PIKE-L. SET, a substrate of caspases, was cleaved by acidic cytosolic extract independent of caspase activation. Fractionation of the acidic cellular extract yielded AEP that is required for SET cleavage. We found that kainate provoked AEP activation and SET cleavage at N175, triggering DNA nicking in wild-type, but not AEP null, mice. PIKE-L strongly bound SET and prevented its degradation by AEP, leading to resistance of neuronal cell death. Moreover, AEP also mediated stroke-provoked SET cleavage and cell death in brain. Thus, AEP might be one of the proteinases activated by acidosis triggering neuronal injury during neuroexcitotoxicity or ischemia.

Glaucine inhibits breast cancer cell migration and invasion by inhibiting MMP-9 gene expression through the suppression of NF-κB activation.

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) plays a central role in the invasion and metastasis of various types of cancer cells. Here, we demonstrate that glaucine, an alkaloid isolated from the plant Corydalis turtschaninovii tuber (Papaveraceae), can inhibit the migration and invasion of human breast cancer cells. We further show that glaucine significantly blocks phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced MMP-9 expression and activity in a dose-dependent manner. Results from reporter gene and electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that glaucine inhibits MMP-9 expression by suppressing activation of the nuclear transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Moreover, glaucine attenuates PMA-induced IκBα degradation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Finally, we also found that glaucine inhibits invasion and MMP-9 expression in the highly metastatic MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. Taken together, our findings indicate that the MMP-9 inhibitory activity of glaucine and its abilities to attenuate IκBα and NF-κB activities may be therapeutically useful as a novel means of controlling breast cancer growth and invasiveness.

The role of heat shock protein 90 in migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells in the development of atherosclerosis.

The molecular chaperone heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is overexpressed in plaques of atherosclerosis patients, and is associated with plaque instability. However, the role of HSP90 in atherosclerosis remains unclear. The present study investigated the effects of HSP90 inhibition on migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and involvement in atherosclerosis. To examine the role of HSP90 in VSMC migration, VSMCs were treated with the specific HSP90 inhibitors, 17-N-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG) and STA-9090. Results of a chemotaxis assay showed that the HSP90 inhibitors suppress migration of VSMCs. HSP90 inhibition also prevented invasion and sprout formation of VSMCs via inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-2 proteolytic activity. Results of a flow cytometric analysis showed that HSP90 inhibition induces cell cycle arrest via regulation of cyclin D3, PCNA and pRb. To investigate the role of HSP90 in the development of atherosclerosis, low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) deficient mice were fed with a high cholesterol diet for 4weeks and treated with 17-AAG for 8weeks. HSP90 inhibition suppressed migration of VSMCs into atherosclerotic plaque lesions in high cholesterol diet-stimulated LDLR(-/-) mice. Inhibition of HSP90 attenuates formation of atherosclerotic plaques via suppression of VSMC migration and proliferation, indicating that HSP90 inhibitors can be used as therapeutic agents for atherosclerosis and in stent restenosis.

Akt phosphorylation regulates the tumour-suppressor merlin through ubiquitination and degradation.

The neurofibromatosis-2 (NF2) tumour-suppressor gene encodes an intracellular membrane-associated protein, called merlin, whose growth-suppressive function is dependent on its ability to form interactions through its intramolecular amino-terminal domain (NTD) and carboxy-terminal domain (CTD). Merlin phosphorylation plays a critical part in dictating merlin NTD/CTD interactions as well as in controlling binding to its effector proteins. Merlin is partially regulated by phosphorylation of Ser 518, such that hyperphosphorylated merlin is inactive and fails to form productive intramolecular and intermolecular interactions. Here, we show that the protein kinase Akt directly binds to and phosphorylates merlin on residues Thr 230 and Ser 315, which abolishes merlin NTD/CTD interactions and binding to merlin's effector protein PIKE-L and other binding partners. Furthermore, Akt-mediated phosphorylation leads to merlin degradation by ubiquitination. These studies demonstrate that Akt-mediated merlin phosphorylation regulates the function of merlin in the absence of an inactivating mutation.

Sodium meta-arsenite induces reactive oxygen species-dependent apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy in both androgen-sensitive and androgen-insensitive prostate cancer cells.

Sodium meta-arsenite (NaAsO2), a novel compound synthesized by Komipham International Co. Ltd, is an orally bioavailable, water-soluble trivalent arsenical that has shown potent cytotoxic activity in human solid cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, and is currently undergoing phase I/II clinical trials for the treatment of prostate cancer. In this study, mechanisms of cell death induced by sodium meta-arsenite were investigated. Sodium meta-arsenite reduced cell viability and increased the sub-G1 population in cell cycle analysis in both androgen-sensitive LNCaP and androgen-insensitive CWR22RV1 cells. The apoptosis induced by sodium meta-arsenite was associated with cleavage of caspases 3, 8, and 9, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and increased annexin V-positive cells, and was inhibited by the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-fmk. Sodium meta-arsenite also increased the level of the autophagy marker microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)-II and the number of autophagic vacuoles as shown by electron microscopy. Both the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine and the necrosis inhibitor necrostatin-1 blocked cell death induced by sodium meta-arsenite. Moreover, sodium meta-arsenite led to the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), a ROS scavenger, decreased sodium meta-arsenite-induced levels of cleaved PARP and LC3-II. Propidium iodide (PI) staining also showed that NAC restored membrane integrity, damaged by sodium meta-arsenite. Therefore, these results suggest that sodium meta-arsenite induces apoptotic, necrotic, and autophagic cell death through intracellular ROS accumulation in both androgen-sensitive and androgen-insensitive prostate cancer cells and may be used as a new anticancer drug for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Protein kinase A phosphorylates NCoR to enhance its nuclear translocation and repressive function in human prostate cancer cells.

Protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylates diverse protein substrates to modulate their function. In this study, we found that PKA specifically phosphorylates the RD1 (repression domain 1) domain of nuclear receptor corepressor (NCoR). We demonstrated that the Serine-70 of NCoR is identified the critical amino acid for PKA-dependent NCoR phosphorylation. Importantly, we found that PKA-dependent phosphorylation enhances the nuclear translocation of NCoR. More importantly, the activation of PKA enhanced the repressive activity of NCoR in a reporter assay and potentiated the antagonist activity in the androgen receptor (AR)-mediated transcription. Taken together, these results uncover a regulatory mechanism by which PKA positively modulates NCoR function in transcriptional regulation in prostate cancer.

Celastrol inhibits TGF-ß1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition by inhibiting Snail and regulating E-cadherin expression.

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a pivotal event in the invasive and metastatic potentials of cancer progression. Celastrol inhibits the proliferation of a variety of tumor cells including leukemia, glioma, prostate, and breast cancer; however, the possible role of celastrol in the EMT is unclear. We investigated the effect of celastrol on the EMT. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-ß1) induced EMT-like morphologic changes and upregulation of Snail expression. The downregulation of E-cadherin expression and upregulation of Snail in Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) and A549 cell lines show that TGF-ß1-mediated the EMT in epithelial cells; however, celastrol markedly inhibited TGF-ß1-induced morphologic changes, Snail upregulation, and E-cadherin expression. Migration and invasion assays revealed that celastrol completely inhibited TGF-ß1-mediated cellular migration in both cell lines. These findings indicate that celastrol downregulates Snail expression, thereby inhibiting TGF-ß1-induced EMT in MDCK and A549 cells. Thus, our findings provide new evidence that celastrol suppresses lung cancer invasion and migration by inhibiting TGF-ß1-induced EMT.

N-acetylserotonin activates TrkB receptor in a circadian rhythm.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a cognate ligand for the TrkB receptor. BDNF and serotonin often function in a cooperative manner to regulate neuronal plasticity, neurogenesis, and neuronal survival. Here we show that NAS (N-acetylserotonin) swiftly activates TrkB in a circadian manner and exhibits antidepressant effect in a TrkB-dependent manner. NAS, a precursor of melatonin, is acetylated from serotonin by AANAT (arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase). NAS rapidly activates TrkB, but not TrkA or TrkC, in a neurotrophin- and MT3 receptor-independent manner. Administration of NAS activates TrkB in BDNF knockout mice. Furthermore, NAS, but not melatonin, displays a robust antidepressant-like behavioral effect in a TrkB-dependent way. Endogenous TrkB is activated in wild-type C3H/f(+/+) mice but not in AANAT-mutated C57BL/6J mice, in a circadian rhythm; TrkB activation is high at night in the dark and low during the day. Hence, our findings support that NAS is more than a melatonin precursor, and that it can potently activate TrkB receptor.

Prelimbic cortical BDNF is required for memory of learned fear but not extinction or innate fear.

In the medial prefrontal cortex, the prelimbic area is emerging as a major modulator of fear behavior, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Using a selective neocortical knockout mouse, virally mediated prelimbic cortical-specific gene deletion, and pharmacological rescue with a TrkB agonist, we examined the role of a primary candidate mechanism, BDNF, in conditioned fear. We found consistently robust deficits in consolidation of cued fear but no effects on acquisition, expression of unlearned fear, sensorimotor function, and spatial learning. This deficit in learned fear in the BDNF knockout mice was rescued with systemic administration of a TrkB receptor agonist, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone. These data indicate that prelimbic BDNF is critical for consolidation of learned fear memories, but it is not required for innate fear or extinction of fear. Moreover, use of site-specific, inducible BDNF deletions shows a powerful mechanism that may further our understanding of the pathophysiology of fear-related disorders.

A selective TrkB agonist with potent neurotrophic activities by 7,8-dihydroxyflavone.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a cognate ligand for the tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) receptor, mediates neuronal survival, differentiation, synaptic plasticity, and neurogenesis. However, BDNF has a poor pharmacokinetic profile that limits its therapeutic potential. Here we report the identification of 7,8-dihydroxyflavone as a bioactive high-affinity TrkB agonist that provokes receptor dimerization and autophosphorylation and activation of downstream signaling. 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone protected wild-type, but not TrkB-deficient, neurons from apoptosis. Administration of 7,8-dihydroxyflavone to mice activated TrkB in the brain, inhibited kainic acid-induced toxicity, decreased infarct volumes in stroke in a TrkB-dependent manner, and was neuroprotective in an animal model of Parkinson disease. Thus, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone imitates BDNF and acts as a robust TrkB agonist, providing a powerful therapeutic tool for the treatment of various neurological diseases.

FOXJ3 Regulates Cell Proliferation and Motility Through Modulating Snail Expression in Breast Cancer Cells.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite various therapeutic strategies, its impact on the survival rate and quality of life of patients remains limited. The Forkhead Box J3 (FOXJ3) transcription factor has been implicated in various cancers, including lung cancer, tongue squamous cell carcinoma, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer. However, the role of FOXJ3 in breast cancer has not been elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the role of FOXJ3 in breast cancer development, migration, and invasion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: FOXJ3 expression was analyzed in patient tissues and breast cancer cell lines. Loss-of-function and gain-of-function studies were performed using MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 cell lines, respectively. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion assays were conducted, and the effects of FOXJ3 on Snail expression were examined. RESULTS: FOXJ3 is over-expressed in breast cancer tissues compared to normal counterparts and in various breast cancer cell lines. By modulating FOXJ3 expression in breast cancer cell lines, we observed its influence on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Microarray analysis and subsequent validation showed that FOXJ3 modulates Snail expression, a well-known transcription factor involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition. CONCLUSION: FOXJ3 plays a role in cell proliferation, migration, and the regulation of Snail expression and may be a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment.

Sakurasosaponin inhibits lung cancer cell proliferation by inducing autophagy via AMPK activation.

Sakurasosaponin (S-saponin; PubChem ID: 3085160), a recently identified saponin from the roots of Primula sieboldii, has shown potential anticancer properties against various types of cancer. In the present study, the effects of S-saponin on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell proliferation and the underlying mechanisms, were investigated. The effect of S-saponin on cell proliferation and cell death were assessed CCK-8, clonogenic assay, western blotting and Annexin V/PI double staining. S-saponin-induced autophagy was determined by confocal microscopic analysis and immunoblotting. S-saponin inhibited the proliferation of A549 and H1299 NSCLC cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner, without inducing apoptosis. S-saponin treatment induced autophagy in these cells, as evidenced by the increased LC3-II levels and GFP-LC3 puncta formation. It activated the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway, which is crucial for autophagy induction. Inhibition of AMPK with Compound C or siRNA-mediated knockdown of AMPK abrogated S-saponin-induced autophagy and partially rescued cell proliferation. Therefore, S-saponin exerts anti-proliferative effects on NSCLC cells through autophagy induction via AMPK activation. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of S-saponin in NSCLC cells could provide insights for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for NSCLC.

The N-terminal fragment from caspase-cleaved serine/arginine protein-specific kinase2 (SRPK2) translocates into the nucleus and promotes apoptosis.

SRPK2 belongs to a family of serine/arginine (SR) protein-specific kinases (SRPKs), which phosphorylate SR domain-containing proteins in the nuclear speckles and mediate the pre-mRNA splicing. Previous studies have shown that SRPK2 plays a pivotal role in cell proliferation and apoptosis. However, how SRPK2 is regulated during the apoptosis is unclear. Here, we show that SRPK2 is cleaved by caspases at Asp-139 and -403 residues. Its N terminus cleaved product translocates into the nucleus and promotes VP16-induced apoptosis. Akt phosphorylation of SRPK2 prevents its apoptotic cleavage by caspases. 14-3-3ß, the binding partner of Akt-phosphorylated SRPK2, further protects it from degradation. Hence, our results suggest that the N-terminal domain of SRPK2 cleaved by caspases translocates into the nucleus, where it promotes chromatin condensation and apoptotic cell death.