Prognostic significance of STAT3 gene expression in patients with glioblastoma tumors: a study from Western India.

OBJECTIVE: Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), a devastating the most common primary malignant intracranial brain tumors. In India, the incidence of this malignancy is escalating, however, there are very few studies on this tumor entity from Indian population. The present study sought to investigate the prevalence and prognostic significance of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) gene expression in GBM patients from Western India. METHOD: STAT3 gene expression using real-time PCR was detected in total 55 GBM patients. The impact of STAT3 aberrant expression on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall (OS) was analysed using univariate and multivariate survival analysis. The data were analysed using SPSS statistical software and p value ≤0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: The aberrant STAT3 expression was found in 85% (47/55) of patients with -1.12 fold change down-regulation in 49% (23/47) and 3.36 fold change up-regulation was noted in 51% (24/47) of patients. In wild type IDH tumors (n=30), down regulation and up regulation of STAT3 was noted in 63% and 27% of patients, respectively, whereas, for IDH mutant GBM tumors (n=25), the incidence of low expression and high expression of STAT3 was noted in 16% and 68% of patients, respectively. Thus, we found that incidence of STAT3 down regulation was significantly high in patients with IDH wild type tumors, whereas, in IDH mutant GBM tumors, the incidence of up-regulated STAT3 was significantly high (P=0.021, χ2=12.81, r=+0.310). In Kaplan-Meier univariate survival analysis, a part from age (P=0.006), tumor location (P=0.025), and KPS score (P=0.002), co-detection of STAT3 up regulation and presence of IDH mutation (P=0.030) remained significant prognostic factors for PFS and OS. In multivariate survival analysis also, co-detection of STAT3 high expression and presence of IDH mutation remained independent prognosticators for PFS (HR=6.45, 95% CI=1.32-31.40, P=0.021) and OS (HR=8.69, 95% CI=1.66-45.51, P=0.010). CONCLUSION: For GBM tumors, STAT3 up-regulation and presence of IDH mutations together predicts better survival. This reflects unique molecular etiology for GBM patients. Therefore, they would be useful in the future for targeted therapy and for clinicians they would be useful for better patient management. However, study on a larger sample size is required for validation.

Curcumol Attenuates Endometriosis by Inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway.

BACKGROUND Curcumol is a hydrogenated austenitic compound with hemiketal. In this study we evaluated the effects of curcumol on local inflammatory response, cell proliferation, and metastasis in endometriosis, and elucidated the underlying mechanisms. MATERIAL AND METHODS Ectopic endometrial stromal cells were treated with increasing doses of curcumol. The MTT assay was used to assess cell viability. FITC-labeled annexin-V/PI double-staining method and flow cytometry were used to determine cell apoptosis. Cell migration was evaluated using a wound healing assay. ELISA kits were used to detect the levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-1ß. Western blot assay was used to examine the phosphorylation degree of JAK2 and STAT3 and the expression of Bax, Bcl2, and caspase-3 proteins. Autologous endometrial transplantation was used to establish a rat model to assess the anti-EMS effect of curcumol in vivo. RESULTS Curcumol can inhibit the proliferation of ectopic endometrial stromal cells, promote cell apoptosis, and weaken cell migration ability. Curcumol can reduce the expression of Bax and caspase-3 protein and increase the expression of Bcl2 protein. Curcumol also can inhibit the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis cytokines (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1ß, by ectopic endometrial stromal cells. In addition, curcumol can also inhibit the phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3. In vivo experiments also proved that curcumol could inhibit the growth of ectopic lesions in EMS model rats. CONCLUSIONS Curcumol can inhibit the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, reduce the inflammatory cytokines secreted by ectopic endometrial stromal cells, inhibit cell proliferation and migration, and reduce the volume of ectopic lesions.

STAT3 is over-activated within CD163pos bone marrow macrophages in both Multiple Myeloma and the benign pre-condition MGUS.

Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) support cancer cell survival and suppress anti-tumour immunity. Tumour infiltration by CD163pos TAMs is associated with poor outcome in several human malignancies, including multiple myeloma (MM). Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is over-activated in human cancers, and specifically within TAMs activation of STAT3 may induce an immunosuppressive (M2-like) phenotype. Therefore, STAT3-inhibition in TAMs may be a future therapeutic strategy.We investigated TAM markers CD163, CD206, and activated STAT3 (pSTAT3) in patients with MGUS (n = 32) and MM (n = 45), as well as healthy controls (HCs, n = 13).Blood levels of the macrophage biomarkers sCD163 and sCD206, and circulating cytokines, as well as bone marrow mRNA expression of CD163 and CD206, were generally increased in MGUS and MM patients, compared to HCs, but to highly similar levels. By immunohistochemistry, bone marrow levels of pSTAT3 were increased specifically within CD163pos cells in both MGUS and MM patients.In conclusion, macrophage-related inflammatory changes, including activation of STAT3, were present already at the MGUS stage, at similar levels as in MM. Specific increase in pSTAT3 levels within CD163pos cells supports that the CD163 scavenger receptor may be a useful target for future delivery of STAT3-inhibitory drugs to TAMs in MM patients.

Circ-E2F3 promotes cervical cancer progression by inhibiting microRNA-296-5p and increasing STAT3 nuclear translocation.

Circular RNA E2F transcription factor 3 (circ-E2F3) has been demonstrated to be differentially expressed in some diseases and cancers. However, the role of circ-E2F3 in cervical cancer (CC) progression remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism of circ-E2F3 regulation of CC progression. Circ-E2F3 expression was determined in CC samples, and its correlation with the clinicopathological characteristics of CC patients and cell biological processes was examined. The interaction among circ-E2F3, microRNA-296-5p (miR-296-5p), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was analyzed by dual luciferase reporter gene and fluorescence in situ hybridization assays. Circ-E2F3-depleted CaSki cells were implanted into nude mice to verify the function of circ-E2F3 in vivo. Circ-E2F3 was upregulated in both CC tissues and cell lines, and this correlated with the clinicopathological features and poor prognosis of CC patients. Moreover, circ-E2F3 promoted the proliferation, invasion, and migration of CC cells and tumor growth in vivo. It was also observed that circ-E2F3 promoted the nuclear translocation of STAT3 through inhibition of miR-296-5p, thus affecting the expression of cyclin D1. Taken together, the key findings of our study demonstrate that circ-E2F3 induces inhibition of miR-296-5p, which triggers activation and nuclear translocation of STAT3 that then upregulates cyclin D1 expression.

DDR1 contributes to kidney inflammation and fibrosis by promoting the phosphorylation of BCR and STAT3.

Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1), a receptor tyrosine kinase activated by collagen, contributes to chronic kidney disease. However, its role in acute kidney injury and subsequent development of kidney fibrosis is not clear. Thus, we performed a model of severe ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury that progressed to kidney fibrosis in WT and Ddr1-null mice. We showed that Ddr1-null mice had reduced acute tubular injury, inflammation, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis with overall decreased renal monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) levels and STAT3 activation. We identified breakpoint cluster region (BCR) protein as a phosphorylated target of DDR1 that controls MCP-1 production in renal proximal tubule epithelial cells. DDR1-induced BCR phosphorylation or BCR downregulation increased MCP-1 secretion, suggesting that BCR negatively regulates the levels of MCP-1. Mechanistically, phosphorylation or downregulation of BCR increased ß-catenin activity and in turn MCP-1 production. Finally, we showed that DDR1-mediated STAT3 activation was required to stimulate the secretion of TGF-ß. Thus, DDR1 contributes to acute and chronic kidney injury by regulating BCR and STAT3 phosphorylation and in turn the production of MCP-1 and TGF-ß. These findings identify DDR1 an attractive therapeutic target for ameliorating both proinflammatory and profibrotic signaling in kidney disease.

Tumor necrosis factor-α induced protein 8 (TNFAIP8/TIPE) family is differentially expressed in oral cancer and regulates tumorigenesis through Akt/mTOR/STAT3 signaling cascade.

BACKGROUND: Highest incidence of oral cancer is reported in India with reduced survival rate in the advanced stages due to lack of effective biomarkers. Therefore, it is essential to develop novel biomarkers for the better management of this disease. In the current study, TNFAIP8/TIPE protein family comprising of four proteins is explored for its role in oral cancer. METHODS: IHC analysis of oral cancer TMA and Western blot analysis of tobacco treated oral cancer cells were performed to determine the differential expression of TIPE proteins in oral cancer. Further, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing was done to generate TIPE proteins' knockouts and MTT, colony formation, wound healing, cell cycle and Western blot analysis were performed to determine the effect of gene knockouts on various cancer hallmarks and the associated molecular targets of TIPE proteins. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: IHC results revealed that expression of TIPE, TIPE2 and TIPE3 were upregulated and TIPE1 was downregulated in oral cancer tissues compared to normal tissues. Similar results were observed upon treating oral cancer cells with tobacco carcinogens. Furthermore, knockout of TIPE or TIPE2 or TIPE3 significantly reduced the survival, proliferation, colony formation and migration of oral cancer cells whereas knockout of TIPE1 had an opposite effect. Further, TIPE, TIPE2 and TIPE3 knockout-mediated inhibition of proliferation was associated with inhibition of cell cycle progression at S or G2/M phases, and downregulation of proteins involved in cancer progression. We found that TIPE, TIPE1 and TIPE2 proteins regulate oral cancer progression through modulation of Akt/mTOR signaling cascade, whereas TIPE3 acts through an Akt-independent mTOR/STAT3 pathway. CONCLUSION: Collectively, the TIPE proteins were proved to play significant roles in the progression of oral cancer thus warranting research and clinic attention for their therapeutic and prognostic values and raising the importance of specific targeting of TIPE proteins in cancer treatment.

CD11c+CD163+ Cells and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) Expression Are Common in Melanoma Leptomeningeal Disease.

Leptomeningeal disease (LMD) in melanoma patients is associated with significant neurological sequela and has a dismal outcome, with survival measured typically in weeks. Despite the therapeutic benefit of targeted therapies and immunotherapies for Stage IV melanoma, patients with LMD do not typically benefit. A deeper understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) of LMD may provide more appropriate therapeutic selection. A retrospective analysis of subjects who underwent surgical resection with LMD (n=8) were profiled with seven color multiplex staining to evaluate the expression of the global immune suppressive hub - the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and for the presence of CD3+ T cells, CD68+ monocyte-derived cells, CD163+ immune suppressive macrophages, and CD11c+ cells [potential dendritic cells (DCs)] in association with the melanoma tumor marker S100B and DAPI for cellular nuclear identification. High-resolution cellular imaging and quantification was conducted using the Akoya Vectra Polaris. CD11c+ cells predominate in the TME (10% of total cells), along with immunosuppressive macrophages (2%). Another potential subset of DCs co-expressing CD11c+ and the CD163+ immunosuppressive marker is frequently present (8/8 of specimens, 8%). Occasional CD3+ T cells are identified, especially in the stroma of the tumor (p=0.039). pSTAT3 nuclear expression is heterogeneous in the various immune cell populations. Occasional immune cluster interactions can be seen in the stroma and on the edge. In conclusion, the TME of LMD is largely devoid of CD3+ T cells but is enriched in immune suppression and innate immunity.

Intrauterine hyperglycemia induces liver inflammation in mouse male offspring.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common complication of pregnancy characterized by intrauterine hyperglycemia, which is often associated with a high risk of obesity and diabetes in the offspring. In this study, we established a GDM mouse model by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin to investigate the immuno-inflammatory responses in the liver of adult offspring. Glucose tolerance test (GTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were employed to evaluate the glucose tolerance status. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to examine the histological changes in the liver. Quantitative real-timePCR (qRT-PCR) was applied to examine the mRNA expression of immune factors. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses were used to examine the expression of target protein. Additionally, cell experiments were performed to validate the in vivo results. Compared to the control group, the area of fat vacuoles and the number of lymphocyte cells were significantly higher in the 20 weeks-old offspring of GDM mice. The elevated mRNA level of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-33 and immune receptors CD3 and CD36 were found in the liver of F1-GDM. The protein level of IL-6r and the phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3 were significantly up-regulated. Moreover, the mRNA level of IL-6, IL-1ß and IL-33 and the phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3 were also up-regulated in the hepatocyte treated with high concentration of glucose. Our results suggest that intrauterine hyperglycemia is associated with increased inflammation in the liver of adult male offspring.

PIKE-A promotes glioblastoma growth by driving PPP flux through increasing G6PD expression mediated by phosphorylation of STAT3.

Reprogramming of energy metabolism is a hallmarkofcancer, and the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) is a major glucose metabolic pathway important for meeting the cellular demands of biosynthesis and anti-oxidant defense. Our previous study showed that phosphoinositide 3-kinase enhancer-activating Akt (PIKE-A) plays an important role in glioblastoma cell survival and growth under cellular energy stress condition. However, the crucial functions of PIKE-A in cancer energy metabolism are poorly understood.In the present study, we show that PIKE-A promotes DNA biosynthesis, NADPH production and inhibits reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, leading to increasing proliferation and growth of glioblastoma cell and suppressing cellular senescence. Mechanistically, PIKE-A binds to STAT3 and stimulates its phosphorylation mediated by tyrosine kinase Fyn, which enhances transcription of the rate-limitting enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) in the PPP. Finally, targeting PIKE-A-G6PD axis sensitizes glioblastoma to temozolomide (TMZ)treatment. This study reveals that STAT3 is a novel binding partner of PIKE-A which recruits Fyn to phosphorylate STAT3, contributing to the expression of G6PD, leading to promoting tumor growth and suppressing cellular senescence. Thus, the PIKE-A/STAT3/G6PD axis strongly links the PPP to carcinogenesis and may become a promising cancer therapeutic target.

Revisiting bupropion anti-inflammatory action: involvement of the TLR2/TLR4 and JAK2/STAT3.

There are accumulating reports regarding poor response to common antidepressant therapy. Antidepressant resistance is often linked to inflammatory system activation and patients displaying inflammation prior to the treatment are less responsive to antidepressants. We hypothesized that the inefficacy of antidepressant therapy in some patients may be attributable to the drugs' inflammatory mode of action, which has been overlooked because of their substantial therapeutic benefit. Bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant that is often used to treat seasonal affective disorders as well. Nevertheless, research suggests that bupropion causes inflammation and worsens depressive symptoms. Therefore, we investigated the impact of bupropion on cytokines of innate and adaptive immunity, as well as immune signaling pathways. We treated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with different doses of bupropion. Pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-17, and IL-10] were assessed at both transcriptional and translational levels as well as the involvement of JAK2 /STAT3, TLR2, and TLR4 signaling in this process. Bupropion reduced IL-17A, TNFα, and IL-1ß protein levels in the cultures. Nonetheless, bupropion increased IL-1ß (P < 0.0001), TNFα (P < 0.0001), and IL-17A (P < 0.05) mRNA levels. Treatment enhanced both IL-10 concentration (P < 0.0001) and gene expression (P < 0.0001). TLR2 (P < 0.0001), TLR4 (P < 0.0001), JAK2 (P < 0.0001), and STAT3 (P < 0.0001) gene expression also rose in response to bupropion. The findings imply that bupropion, particularly 50 µM and 100 µM, has pro-inflammatory effects and should be co-administered with anti-inflammatory medications, at least in patients with inflammatory conditions.

Red nucleus IL-33 facilitates the early development of mononeuropathic pain in male rats by inducing TNF-α through activating ERK, p38 MAPK, and JAK2/STAT3.

BACKGROUND: Our recent studies have identified that the red nucleus (RN) dual-directionally modulates the development and maintenance of mononeuropathic pain through secreting proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Here, we further explored the action of red nucleus IL-33 in the early development of mononeuropathic pain. METHODS: In this study, male rats with spared nerve injury (SNI) were used as mononeuropathic pain model. Immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and behavioral testing were used to assess the expressions, cellular distributions, and actions of red nucleus IL-33 and its related downstream signaling molecules. RESULTS: IL-33 and its receptor ST2 were constitutively expressed in the RN in naive rats. After SNI, both IL-33 and ST2 were upregulated significantly at 3 days and peaked at 1 week post-injury, especially in RN neurons, oligodendrocytes, and microglia. Blockade of red nucleus IL-33 with anti-IL-33 neutralizing antibody attenuated SNI-induced mononeuropathic pain, while intrarubral administration of exogenous IL-33 evoked mechanical hypersensitivity in naive rats. Red nucleus IL-33 generated an algesic effect in the early development of SNI-induced mononeuropathic pain through activating NF-κB, ERK, p38 MAPK, and JAK2/STAT3, suppression of NF-κB, ERK, p38 MAPK, and JAK2/STAT3 with corresponding inhibitors markedly attenuated SNI-induced mononeuropathic pain or IL-33-evoked mechanical hypersensitivity in naive rats. Red nucleus IL-33 contributed to SNI-induced mononeuropathic pain by stimulating TNF-α expression, which could be abolished by administration of inhibitors against ERK, p38 MAPK, and JAK2/STAT3, but not NF-κB. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that red nucleus IL-33 facilitates the early development of mononeuropathic pain through activating NF-κB, ERK, p38 MAPK, and JAK2/STAT3. IL-33 mediates algesic effect partly by inducing TNF-α through activating ERK, p38 MAPK and JAK2/STAT3.

Sodium Lactate Accelerates M2 Macrophage Polarization and Improves Cardiac Function after Myocardial Infarction in Mice.

BACKGROUND: After myocardial infarction, anti-inflammatory macrophages perform key homeostatic functions that facilitate cardiac recovery and remodeling. Several studies have shown that lactate may serve as a modifier that influences phenotype of macrophage. However, the therapeutic role of sodium lactate in myocardial infarction (MI) is unclear. METHODS: MI was established by permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery followed by injection of saline or sodium lactate. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography. The cardiac fibrosis area was assessed by Masson trichrome staining. Macrophage phenotype was detected via qPCR, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence. Signaling proteins were measured by Western blotting. RESULTS: Sodium lactate treatment following MI improved cardiac performance, enhanced anti-inflammatory macrophage proportion, reduced cardiac myocytes apoptosis, and increased neovascularization. Flow-cytometric analysis results reported that sodium lactate repressed the number of the IL-6+, IL-12+, and TNF-α+ macrophages among LPS-stimulated bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and increased the mRNA levels of Arg-1, YM1, TGF-ß, and IL-10. Mechanistic studies revealed that sodium lactate enhanced the expression of P-STAT3. Furthermore, a STAT3 inhibitor eliminated sodium lactate-mediated promotion macrophage polarization. CONCLUSION: Sodium lactate facilitates anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage polarization and protects against MI by regulating P-STAT3.

Overexpression of ribophorin II is required for viability of nasopharyngeal cancer cells by regulating JAK1/STAT3 activation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to elucidate the role of ribophorin II (RPN2) in nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) cell survival and death. RPN2 expression was upregulated in 22 human NPC specimens and 5-8F and CNE1 cells compared with that in adjacent normal tissues and normal nasopharyngeal NP69 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CCK-8 and colony formation assays indicated that the silencing of RPN2 hindered the proliferation and growth of 5-8F and CNE1 cells. RESULTS: RPN2 expression was upregulated in 22 human NPC specimens as well as in 5-8F and CNE1 cells compared with that in adjacent normal tissues and NP69 cells. CCK-8 and colony formation assays indicated that the silencing of RPN2 reduced the proliferation and growth of 5-8F and CNE1 cells. Annexin V/PI flow cytometry and Bcl-2/Bax analysis showed that RPN2 silencing led to increased apoptosis. Moreover, JAK1 was found to interact with RPN2, and total JAK1, STAT3, and phosphorylated STAT3 levels were dramatically decreased in cells with RPN2 silencing. Furthermore, the nuclear localization of STAT3 was blocked by the silencing of RPN2. The administration of the STAT3 activator colivelin could offset the inhibitory effect of RPN2 silencing on the survival and apoptosis of NPC cells. CONCLUSION: RPN2 is upregulated in NPC tissues or cells, and RPN2 silencing repressed NPC cell proliferation and elicited apoptosis. RPN2 overexpression is possibly associated with JAK1/STAT3 silencing and activation. Finally, RPN2 represents a promising target for NPC treatment.

Hemistepsin a Induces Apoptosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Downregulating STAT3.

Hemistepta lyrata (Bunge) Bunge is a biennial medicinal plant possessing beneficial effects including anti-inflammation, and hemistepsin A (HsA) isolated from H. lyrata has been known as a hepatoprotective sesquiterpene lactone. In this report, we explored the cytotoxic effects of H. lyrata on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and investigated the associated bioactive compounds and their relevant mechanisms. From the viability results of HCC cells treated with various H. lyrata extracts, HsA was identified as the major compound contributing to the H. lyrata-mediated cytotoxicity. HsA increased expression of cleaved PARP and cells with Sub-G1 phase, Annexin V binding, and TUNEL staining, which imply HsA induces apoptosis. In addition, HsA provoked oxidative stress by decreasing the reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio and accumulating reactive oxygen species and glutathione-protein adducts. Moreover, HsA inhibited the transactivation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) by its dephosphorylation at Y705 and glutathione conjugation. Stable expression of a constitutive active mutant of STAT3 prevented the reduction of cell viability by HsA. Finally, HsA enhanced the sensitivity of sorafenib-mediated cytotoxicity by exaggerating oxidative stress and Y705 dephosphorylation of STAT3. Therefore, HsA will be a promising candidate to induce apoptosis of HCC cells via downregulating STAT3 and sensitizing conventional chemotherapeutic agents.

Inhibition of miR-144/199 promote myeloma pathogenesis via upregulation of versican and FAK/STAT3 signaling.

The continuous rise in relapse rate and mortality for multiple myeloma (MM) demands an effective treatment option. The microRNAs are emerging nowadays for their promising therapeutic potential. Earlier, we reported involvement of Versican (VCAN) in myeloma pathogenesis which could be inhibited by miR-144 and miR-199 in stroma. However, there is dearth of literature showcasing the direct effect of these miRs in association with VCAN in MM. Expression of miR-144 and miR-199 was determined in myeloma cell lines (RPMI8226 & U266). These miRs were inhibited by small oligos to elucidate changes in expression of VCAN along with variation in parameters such as proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion in vitro. Moreover, effect on certain downstream signaling cascades was also evaluated. Lastly, interaction of miRs with VCAN was assessed by reporter luciferase assay. microRNAs expression were found significantly elevated in myeloma cells in comparison to stromal levels reported previously. The antagomirs-mediated inhibition of miR-144 and miR-199 significantly induced VCAN expression in myeloma cells along with alteration in myeloma-associated parameters in favor of myeloma pathogenesis with downstream activation of FAK/STAT3 signaling. Interestingly, miR-144 found to have direct binding with VCAN 3' UTR while miR-199 possess different mechanism. The inhibition of miR-144 and miR-199 contributed in myeloma progression via upregulation of VCAN in vitro affirming the translational significance of VCAN and associated microRNAs in MM. These miRs, hence might be employed for targeting VCAN and might emerge as an effective therapy for the better outcome of MM in clinical settings in future.

Extracellular CIRP Activates the IL-6Rα/STAT3/Cdk5 Pathway in Neurons.

Extracellular cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (eCIRP) stimulates microglial inflammation causing neuronal damage during ischemic stroke and is a critical mediator of alcohol-induced cognitive impairment. However, the precise role of eCIRP in mediating neuroinflammation remains unknown. In this study, we report that eCIRP activates neurotoxic cyclin-dependent kinase-5 (Cdk5)/p25 through the induction of IL-6Rα/STAT3 pathway in neurons. Amyloid ß (Aß)-mediated neuronal stress, which is associated with Alzheimer's disease, increased the levels of eCIRP released from BV2 microglial cells. The released eCIRP levels from BV2 cells increased 3.2-fold upon stimulation with conditioned medium from Neuro-2a (N2a) cells containing Aß compared to control N2a supernatant in a time-dependent manner. Stimulation of N2a cells and primary neurons with eCIRP upregulated the neuronal Cdk5 activator p25 expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. eCIRP directly induced neuronal STAT3 phosphorylation and p25 increase via its novel receptor IL-6Rα. Next, we showed using surface plasmon resonance that eCIRP-derived peptide C23 inhibited the binding of eCIRP to IL-6Rα at 25 µM, with a 40-fold increase in equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) value (from 8.08 × 10-8 M to 3.43 × 10-6 M), and completely abrogated the binding at 50 µM. Finally, C23 reversed the eCIRP-induced increase in neuronal STAT3 phosphorylation and p25 levels. In conclusion, the current study demonstrates that the upregulation of neuronal IL-6Rα/STAT3/Cdk5 pathway is a key mechanism of eCIRP's role in neuroinflammation and that C23 as a potent inhibitor of this pathway has translational potential in neurodegenerative pathologies controlled by eCIRP.

Characterization and clinical significance of the CADM1/HER2/STAT3 axis in serous ovarian tumors.

ABSTRACT: The subtypes of serous ovarian tumors (SOTs), including benign serous cystadenoma, serous borderline tumor (SBT), low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (LGSC), and high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC), remain poorly understood. Herein, we aimed to characterize the cell adhesion molecule 1 (CADM1)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) axis and identify its clinical significance in patients with serous cystadenoma, SBT, LGSC, and HGSC.The immunohistochemical expression of CADM1, HER2, and STAT3 was assessed in 180 SOT specimens, and its association with clinical data was determined.High levels of CADM1 expression were detected in 100% of serous cystadenomas and 83.33% of SBTs, while a loss of CADM1 expression was observed in 44% of LGSCs and 72.5% of HGSCs. Relative to the levels in benign cystadenomas and SBTs, higher levels of HER2 and STAT3 expression were observed in LGSCs and aggressive HGSCs. Furthermore, the expression profile of the CADM1/HER2/STAT3 axis was significantly associated with histologic type, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, and lymph node metastasis in patients with SOT.Our study identified the changes in the CADM1/HER2/STAT3 axis that were closely associated with the clinical behavior of SOTs. These molecular data may provide new insights into SOT carcinogenesis and aid in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with SOT.

Potassium bromate-induced cell model of age-related macular degeneration in vitro.

Age­related macular degeneration (AMD) progression occurs due to oxidative stress in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. To develop a new model of AMD, the present study investigated the effects of potassium bromate (KBrO3) on ARPE­19 cells. Incubation with KBrO3 for 24 h significantly decreased ARPE­19 cell viability in a concentration­dependent manner compared with the control group. The MTT and lactate dehydrogenase assay results indicated that KBrO3 induced cell apoptosis. Compared with the control group, KBrO3 treatment significantly decreased the Bcl2/Bax ratio, as determined via western blotting, and caspase­3 mRNA expression levels. Fluorescence microscopy indicated the increased ROS levels in cells treated with KBrO3. Endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, were significantly inhibited by KBrO3 compared with the control group. Moreover, the antioxidants tiron and phloroglucinol inhibited KBrO3­mediated effects on ARPE­19 cells in a dose­dependent manner. Additionally, GPR109A is the binding site of 4­hydroxynonenal (4­HNE). KBrO3 displayed cytotoxic effects in 293 cells, which naturally lack the GPR109A gene, but these effects were not observed in 4­HNE­treated 293 cells, suggesting that KBrO3 induced apoptosis without increasing endogenous 4­HNE levels in cells. Moreover, the results suggested that KBrO3­induced oxidative stress may activate STAT3 to increase VEGF expression in ARPE­19 cells. Collectively, the results of the present study supported the potential use of KBrO3 to induce an in vitro model of AMD in ARPE­19 cells.

LncRNA ZFAS1 inhibits triple-negative breast cancer by targeting STAT3.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive subtype of breast cancer with fewer treatment options than other types of invasive breast cancer due to the loss of the estrogen, progesterone receptors and low levels of the HER2 protein, resulting in a poor prognosis for these patients. Here, we found that the expression of the lncRNA, ZFAS1, was significantly downregulated (∼3.0-fold) in blood samples of TNBC patients (n=40) compared to matched healthy controls (n=40). Functionally, silencing of ZFAS1 promoted cell proliferation and colonization of human MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells by inhibiting the expression levels of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors p21 (CDKN1A) and p27 (CDKN1B) compared to the scrambled siRNA control cells. Further, we found that downregulation of ZFAS1 led to decreased protein levels of the epithelial markers, E-cadherin, Claudin-1, and Zo-1, with increased protein levels of the mesenchymal markers, Slug and ZEB1. In addition, by utilizing the bioinformatic tools such as RAID v2.0 (RNA Interactome Database Version 2.0), AnnoLnc (Annotate human lncRNA database), and GEPIA (Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis), we identified a strong negative correlation between ZFAS1 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) gene expression (R = -0.11, p-value = 0.0002). Further, we observed that decreased ZFAS1 expression significantly (p < 0.05) increased STAT3 and phosphorylated STAT3 (at Ser727 residue) protein levels in TNBC cells. The composite data indicate that ZFAS1 may function as a tumor-suppressor lncRNA with potential as a diagnostic/prognostic marker and may offer a new target for the treatment of TNBC patients.

IL-6/STAT3-mediated autophagy participates in the development of age-related glomerulosclerosis.

The standard of age-related glomerulosclerosis is unclear. Both signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and autophagy are involved in age-related kidney disease. Therefore, we aimed to explore the standard, as well as the potential mechanism(s). A total of 44 patients who underwent radical nephrectomy were enrolled. Pearson analysis was performed to investigate the parameters with ages. The patients were divided into the young- and aged-kidney groups. Kidney morphological changes were evaluated by histology staining, senescence was evaluated by senescence-associated-ß-galactosidase (SA-ß-gal) staining, and autophagosome was measured by transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, Western blot and/or immunohistochemistry were accomplished to assess the expression of p16, STAT3, and glycoprotein130 (GP130) and autophagy-related proteins. Furthermore, human glomerular mesangial cells were administrated with tocilizumab (TCZ) and/or IL-6, and then the above indexes were tested again. Sclerotic glomerular density and glomerular sclerosis rate were significantly higher in individuals more than 40 years old, and they were strongly correlated with ages. Moreover, the expression of p16, STAT3, GP130, and p62 was significantly increased, while LC3II and autophagosome were statistically decreased in the aged-kidney. Glomeruli were hardly to stain with SA-ß-gal. For the in vitro experiments, we observed that IL-6 significantly increased p16, STAT3, GP130, and p62, induced higher SA-ß-gal staining, while downregulated LC3II and autophagosome. Furthermore, TCZ statistically reversed the effects of IL-6 on the above expression of proteins. Glomerular sclerosis rate might be one standard for natural renal aging, and IL-6/STAT3-mediated autophagy may participate in the development of age-related glomerulosclerosis.