Effects of Grain Boundary Misorientation Angle on the Mechanical Behavior of Al Bicrystals.

This research article explores the effect of grain boundary (GB) misorientation on the mechanical behavior of aluminum (Al) bicrystals by means of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The effect of GB misorientation on the mechanical properties, fracture resistance, and crack propagation are evaluated under monotonic and cyclic load conditions. The J-integral and the crack tip opening displacement (CTOD) are assessed to establish the effect of the GB misorientation angle on the fracture resistance. The simulations reveal that the misorientation angle plays a significant role in the mechanical response of Al bicrystals. The results also evidence a gradual change in the mechanical behavior from brittle to ductile as the misorientation angle is increased.

Mechanisms of Regulation of the CHRDL1 Gene by the TWIST2 and ADD1/SREBP1c Transcription Factors.

Setleis syndrome (SS) is a rare focal facial dermal dysplasia caused by recessive mutations in the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor, TWIST2. Expression microarray analysis showed that the chordin-like 1 (CHRDL1) gene is up-regulated in dermal fibroblasts from three SS patients with the Q119X TWIST2 mutation. METHODS: Putative TWIST binding sites were found in the upstream region of the CHRDL1 gene and examined by electrophoretic mobility shift (EMSA) and reporter gene assays. RESULTS: EMSAs showed specific binding of TWIST1 and TWIST2 homodimers, as well as heterodimers with E12, to the more distal E-boxes. An adjoining E-box was bound by ADD1/SREBP1c. EMSA analysis suggested that TWIST2 and ADD1/SREBP1c could compete for binding. Luciferase (luc) reporter assays revealed that the CHRDL1 gene upstream region drives its expression and ADD1/SREBP1c increased it 2.6 times over basal levels. TWIST2, but not the TWIST2-Q119X mutant, blocked activation by ADD1/SREBP1c, but overexpression of TWIST2-Q119X increased luc gene expression. In addition, EMSA competition assays showed that TWIST2, but not TWIST1, competes with ADD1/SREBP1c for DNA binding to the same site. CONCLUSIONS: Formation of an inactive complex between the TWIST2 Q119X and Q65X mutant proteins and ADD1/SREBP1c may prevent repressor binding and allow the binding of other regulators to activate CHRDL1 gene expression.

Basin Entropy and Shearless Barrier Breakup in Open Non-Twist Hamiltonian Systems.

We consider open non-twist Hamiltonian systems represented by an area-preserving two-dimensional map describing incompressible planar flows in the reference frame of a propagating wave, and possessing exits through which map orbits can escape. The corresponding escape basins have a fractal nature that can be revealed by the so-called basin entropy, a novel concept developed to quantify final-state uncertainty in dynamical systems. Since the map considered violates locally the twist condition, there is a shearless barrier that prevents global chaotic transport. In this paper, we show that it is possible to determine the shearless barrier breakup by considering the variation in the escape basin entropy with a tunable parameter.

Overexpression of lncRNA-MEG3 inhibits endometrial cell proliferation and invasion via miR-21-5p/DNMT3B/Twist.

Recent studies have found that lncRNA-MEG3(MEG3) plays an important role in the development of EMs (Endometriosis), but the specific mechanism needs to be further explored. This study aimed to investigate the effect of MEG3 on the proliferation, invasion of EMs cells. The authors used RT-qPCR to detect the expression of MEG3 and miR-21-5p in EMs tissues and hESCs cells, MTT and Transwell to detect cell proliferation and invasion, western blotting assay to detect the expression of DNMT3B and Twist, MSP to detect the methylation of Twist. The present study's detection results showed that MEG3 was lowly expressed in EMs tissues and hESCs cells, and overexpression of MEG3 could down-regulate miR-21-5p and inhibit endometrial cell proliferation and invasion. In addition, overexpression of MEG3 upregulated the expression of DNMT3B and promoted the methylation of TWIST. In conclusion, the present findings suggest that MEG3 is downregulated in EMs tissues, and overexpression of MEG3 can promote the activity of DNA methyltransferase DNMT3B by downregulating miR-21-5p, thereby promoting the methylation of Twist, downregulating Twist level to inhibits hESCs cells proliferation and invasion.

Overexpression of lncRNA-MEG3 inhibits endometrial cell proliferation and invasion via miR-21-5p/DNMT3B/Twist

Abstract Recent studies have found that lncRNA-MEG3(MEG3) plays an important role in the development of EMs (Endometriosis), but the specific mechanism needs to be further explored. This study aimed to investigate the effect of MEG3 on the proliferation, invasion of EMs cells. The authors used RT-qPCR to detect the expression of MEG3 and miR-21-5p in EMs tissues and hESCs cells, MTT and Transwell to detect cell proliferation and invasion, western blotting assay to detect the expression of DNMT3B and Twist, MSP to detect the methylation of Twist. The present study's detection results showed that MEG3 was lowly expressed in EMs tissues and hESCs cells, and overexpression of MEG3 could down-regulate miR-21-5p and inhibit endometrial cell proliferation and invasion. In addition, overexpression of MEG3 upregulated the expression of DNMT3B and promoted the methylation of TWIST. In conclusion, the present findings suggest that MEG3 is downregulated in EMs tissues, and overexpression of MEG3 can promote the activity of DNA methyltransferase DNMT3B by downregulating miR-21-5p, thereby promoting the methylation of Twist, downregulating Twist level to inhibits hESCs cells proliferation and invasion.

Estudo da imunoexpressão de proteínas envolvidas na transição epitélio-mesênquima em tumores de glândula salivar / Study of the immunoexpression of proteins involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in salivary gland tumors

Os tumores de glândula salivar (TGS) apresentam notável complexidade clínica e biológica, razão para a qual muitos estudos investigam os eventos envolvidos na sua progressão. Uma das dinâmicas envolvidas na invasão tumoral de diversos tipos de carcinomas é a transição epitélio-mesênquima (TEM). Neste processo, as células epiteliais sofrem transição para um estado mesenquimal móvel, favorecendo a invasão e metástase. Sendo assim, esta pesquisa analisou a expressão imuno-histoquímica de E-caderina, Twist1, Snail1, α-SMA, metaloproteinases de matriz 9 (MMP-9) e Vimentina (VM) em 90 casos de TGS, correlacionando-os entre si e com parâmetros clinicopatológicos. Foram selecionados 20 casos de Adenoma pleomórfico (AP), 20 casos de Carcinoma mucoepidermoide (CME), 20 casos de Carcinoma adenoide cístico (CAC), 10 casos de Adenocarcinoma polimorfo (ACP), 10 casos de Carcinoma epitelial-mioepitelial (CEME) e 10 casos de Carcinoma ex-adenoma pleomórfico (CexAP). A análise de E-caderina, Twist1, Snail1 foi realizada em parênquima tumoral sendo observado o percentual de células positivas (PP), com escores variando de 0 a 4, e a intensidade de expressão (IE), cujos escores variaram de 0 a 3. A avaliação de MMP-9 foi realizada em parênquima e estroma tumoral, também avaliando-se a PP e a IE, ambos baseados em escores que variaram de 0 a 3. A marcação para α-SMA e VM foi analisada em região de estroma tumoral. Células positivas para α-SMA foram contabilizadas em 10 campos, obtendo-se, então a média. A VM foi avaliada de forma qualitativa, utilizando-se 4 escores de acordo com a IE e se a marcação é difusa ou focal. Os dados obtidos foram analisados no software Statistical Package for Social Science, GraphPad Prism e STATA. O nível de significância de 5% foi adotado para os testes estatísticos. Foi verificada menor imunomarcação de E-caderina nos APs em relação às neoplasias malignas de glândula salivar (NMGS). Observou-se baixa imunoexpressão de Twist1 e Snail1 em APs. Em relação a expressão nuclear do Twist1, constatou-se maior expressão nas neoplasias malignas quando comparadas aos APs. Ainda, Twist1 em núcleo foi correlacionado à expressão citoplasmática de E-caderina nas NMGS. No que concerne aos parâmetros clinicopatológicos, esta proteína se relacionou estatisticamente com maiores chances de óbito. Foi evidenciada baixa imunoexpressão de Snail1 entre as NMGS. No entanto, na análise dos CACs, foi verificada maior expressão nuclear na variante sólida em relação às demais. A expressão de MMP-9 em parênquima demonstrou correlação positiva com Twist1 citoplasmático e Snail1nuclear nas NMGS. A MMP-9 também apresentou correlação positiva na comparação da sua imunoexpressão em região de parênquima e de estroma. A VM se apresentou como um biomarcador a ser considerado na avaliação clínica dos pacientes, já que esta apresentou relação significativa com tamanho do tumor (T3-T4) e maior frequência de óbito. Ademais, a alta expressão desta proteína se apresentou como um fator preditivo independente para piores taxas de sobrevida global (SG). A avaliação dos demais fatores clinicopatológicos apresentou estágios clínicos avançados como indicador de valor prognóstico independente para menores taxas de SG, enquanto que para a sobrevida livre da doença, estes foram a localização em glândula salivar menor e presença de metástase à distância. Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que o processo de TEM pode estar relacionado ao estágio de diferenciação celular em APs e à progressão tumoral nas NMGS. Ressalta-se, também, maior participação de Twist1 e MMP-9 no cenário da TEM em tumores malignos de glândula salivar, além da possibilidade de utilização da VM como indicador de valor prognóstico (AU).

Salivary gland tumors (SGTs) present remarkable clinical and biological complexity; therefore, many studies investigate the events involved in their progression. One of the dynamics involved in the tumor invasion of different types of carcinomas is the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this process, epithelial cells undergo a transition to a mobile mesenchymal state, favoring invasion and metastasis. Therefore, this research analyzed the immunohistochemical expression of E-cadherin, Twist1, Snail1, α-SMA, vimentin (VM) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in 90 SGTs cases; correlations among the biomarkers, as well as between the biomarkers and clinicopathological parameters were made. We selected 20 cases of pleomorphic adenoma (PA), 20 cases of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), 20 cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), 10 cases of polymorphous adenocarcinoma (PAC), 10 cases of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) and 10 cases of carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA). E-cadherin, Twist1, and Snail1 were analyzed in tumor parenchyma, observing the percentage of positive cells (PP) using scores ranging from 0 to 4, and the expression intensity (EI), whose scores were ranged from 0 to 3. The evaluation of MMP-9 was performed in tumor parenchyma and stroma, also evaluating PP and IE, both based on scores that ranged from 0 to 3. The labeling for α-SMA and VM was analyzed in stromal cells. Positive cells for α-SMA were counted in 10 fields and the mean was calculated. VM was evaluated qualitatively, using 4 scores according to EI and whether the labeling was diffuse or focal. Obtained data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science, GraphPad Prism, and STATA software. The significance level of 5% was adopted for the statistical tests. Patients were mostly female, with a mean age of 49.8 years; the major salivary glands were the most affected anatomical site, mainly the parotid gland. A lower E-cadherin immunostaining was verified in PAs in comparison to malignant neoplasms of salivary glands (MNSGs). Low immunoexpression of Twist1 and Snail1 was observed in PAs. Regarding the nuclear expression of Twist1, it was found greater expression in malignant neoplasms than in PAs. Furthermore, Twist1 in the nucleus was correlated with cytoplasmic expression of E-cadherin in MNSGs. Regarding clinicopathological parameters, this protein was statistically related to higher chances of death. Low immunoexpression of Snail1 was evidenced among the MNSGs. However, in the analysis of CACs, greater nuclear expression was observed in the solid variant compared to the others. Expression of MMP-9 in parenchyma showed a positive correlation with cytoplasmic Twist1 and Snail1nuclear in MNSGs. MMP-9 also showed a positive correlation when comparing its immunoexpression in the parenchyma and the stroma. VM was presented as a biomarker to be considered in the clinical evaluation of patients since it showed a significant correlation between greater tumor size and a higher frequency of death. Furthermore, the high expression of this protein appeared as an independent predictive factor for worse overall survival (OS) rates. The evaluation of the rest of the clinicopathological factors showed advanced clinical stages as an indicator of independent prognostic value for lower rates of OS. For disease-free survival, these indicators were the location in the minor salivary gland and the presence of distant metastasis. Our results suggest that the EMT may be related to myoepithelial differentiation in PAs and tumor progression in MNSGs. Also, Twist1 and MMP-9 appear to play a greater role in the scenario of EMT in MNSGs; finally, VM might be used as a prognostic value indicator (AU).

Autophagy deficiency promotes lung metastasis of prostate cancer via stabilization of TWIST1.

PURPOSE: The role of autophagy in prostate cancer metastasis remains controversial, and the effects of the autophagy-related gene ATG5 on prostate cancer metastasis are poorly understood. This study aims to explore the effects of ATG5 on prostate cancer metastasis and its molecular mechanism. METHODS: The metastatic characteristics of LNCaP and DU145 cells were assessed by NOD/SCID mouse experiments, western blot, transwell assay, and wound-healing assay. Double membrane autophagic vesicle observation and the adenovirus-expressing mCherry-GFP-LC3B fusion protein were used to assess the autophagic characteristics of LNCaP and DU145 cells. The role of p62 in the accumulation of TWIST1 was confirmed by western blot under different conditions. The lentivirus particles of shATG5, NOD/SCID mice experiments, western blot, transwell assay, and wound-healing assay were used to confirm the role of ATG5 in TWIST1 accumulation and prostate cancer cell metastasis. RESULTS: We identified a stabilizing effect of p62 on TWIST1 in the autophagic regulation of EMT and prostate cancer metastasis. The loss of ATG5 in DU145 cells resulted in autophagy deficiency and p62 accumulation, which stabilized TWIST1 and increased the TWIST1 level in prostate cancer cells, and eventually promoted EMT and metastasis. In comparison, LNCaP cells with regular ATG5 expression and autophagy status retained remarkable epithelial cell characteristics and had limited metastatic characteristics. Similar results were also found in wild-type LNCaP cells and LNCaP cells with stable ATG5 interference. CONCLUSIONS: Our research revealed ATG5-mediated autophagy as a key mechanism that controls the metastasis of prostate cancer by regulating p62 abundance and TWIST1 stabilization.

Twist1 Influences the Expression of Leading Members of the IL-17 Signaling Pathway in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Cells.

Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous disease composed of multiple subtypes with different molecular characteristics and clinical outcomes. The metastatic process in BC depends on the transcription factors (TFs) related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), including the master regulator Twist1. However, its role beyond EMT in BC subtypes remains unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the role of Twist1, beyond EMT, in the molecular subtypes of BC. In patients, we observed the overexpression of TWIST1 in the HER2+ group. The silencing of TWIST1 in HER2+ BC cells resulted in the upregulation of 138 genes and the downregulation of 174 genes compared to control cells in a microarray assay. In silico analysis revealed correlations between Twist1 and important biological processes such as the Th17-mediated immune response, suggesting that Twist1 could be relevant for IL-17 signaling in HER2+ BC. IL-17 signaling was then examined, and it was shown that TWIST1 knockdown caused the downregulation of leading members of IL-17 signaling pathway. Taken together, our findings suggest that Twist1 plays a role on IL-17 signaling in HER2+ BC.

Síndrome de Saethre-Chotzen: a propósito de un caso / Saethre-Chotzen syndrome: a case report

El síndrome de Saethre-Chotzen es un síndrome malformativo craneofacial caracterizado por una sinostosis de las suturas coronales y alteraciones de extremidades. Tiene una prevalencia de 1 de cada 25 000-50 000 recién nacidos vivos. Se presenta el caso de un neonato sin antecedentes de interés con alteraciones craneofaciales al nacer. Ante los rasgos fenotípicos del paciente, se realizó una tomografía axial computada craneal, que mostró la fusión parcial de la sutura coronal y evidenció la presencia de huesos wormianos en localización metópica y lambdoidea derecha. Con la sospecha clínica de síndrome malformativo craneofacial, se solicitó análisis del exoma dirigido, que confirmó que el paciente era portador heterocigoto de la variante patogénica c.415C>A, que inducía un cambio de prolina a treonina en la posición 139 del gen TWIST1, responsable del síndrome. La presencia de huesos wormianos, hallazgo no descrito hasta ahora en la literatura, amplía la variabilidad fenotípica conocida de este síndrome.

The Saethre-Chotzen syndrome is a craniofacial malformation syndrome characterized by synostosis of coronal sutures and limb anomalies. The estimated prevalence of this syndrome is 1 in 25 000-50 000 live births. We present a case report of a neonate, without relevant family history, who presented craniofacial alterations at birth. Given the phenotypic features, a cranial computed tomography scan was performed, showing partial fusion of the coronal suture, evidencing the presence of wormian bones in the metopic and right lambdoid location. With the clinical suspicion of craniofacial malformation syndrome, an analysis of the directed exome was requested confirming that the patient is a heterozygous carrier of the pathogenic variant c.415C>A, which induces a change of proline to threonine at position 139 of the TWIST1 gene, responsible for Saethre-Chotzen syndrome.The presence of wormian bones, a finding not described so far in the literature, extends the well-known phenotypic variability of this syndrome.

[Saethre-Chotzen syndrome: a case report]. / Síndrome de Saethre-Chotzen: a propósito de un caso.

The Saethre-Chotzen syndrome is a craniofacial malformation syndrome characterized by synostosis of coronal sutures and limb anomalies. The estimated prevalence of this syndrome is 1 in 25 000-50 000 live births. We present a case report of a neonate, without relevant family history, who presented craniofacial alterations at birth. Given the phenotypic features, a cranial computed tomography scan was performed, showing partial fusion of the coronal suture, evidencing the presence Síndrome de Saethre-Chotzen: a propósito de un caso Saethre-Chotzen syndrome: a case report of wormian bones in the metopic and right lambdoid location. With the clinical suspicion of craniofacial malformation syndrome, an analysis of the directed exome was requested confirming that the patient is a heterozygous carrier of the pathogenic variant c.415C>A, which induces a change of proline to threonine at position 139 of the TWIST1 gene, responsible for Saethre-Chotzen syndrome. The presence of wormian bones, a finding not described so far in the literature, extends the well-known phenotypic variability of this syndrome.

El síndrome de Saethre-Chotzen es un síndrome malformativo craneofacial caracterizado por una sinostosis de las suturas coronales y alteraciones de extremidades. Tiene una prevalencia de 1 de cada 25 000-50 000 recién nacidos vivos. Se presenta el caso de un neonato sin antecedentes de interés con alteraciones craneofaciales al nacer. Ante los rasgos fenotípicos del paciente, se realizó una tomografía axial computada craneal, que mostró la fusión parcial de la sutura coronal y evidenció la presencia de huesos wormianos en localización metópica y lambdoidea derecha. Con la sospecha clínica de síndrome malformativo craneofacial, se solicitó análisis del exoma dirigido, que confirmó que el paciente era portador heterocigoto de la variante patogénica c.415C>A, que inducía un cambio de prolina a treonina en la posición 139 del gen TWIST1, responsable del síndrome. La presencia de huesos wormianos, hallazgo no descrito hasta ahora en la literatura, amplía la variabilidad fenotípica conocida de este síndrome.

Expression Profiling Identifies TWIST2 Target Genes in Setleis Syndrome Patient Fibroblast and Lymphoblast Cells.

Background: Setleis syndrome (SS) is a focal facial dermal dysplasia presenting with bilateral temporal skin lesions, eyelash abnormalities and absent meibomian glands. SS is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the TWIST2 gene, which codes for a transcription factor of the bHLH family known to be involved in skin and facial development. Methods: We obtained gene expression profiles by microarray analyses from control and SS patient primary skin fibroblast and lymphoblastoid cell lines. Results: Out of 983 differentially regulated genes in fibroblasts (fold change ≥ 2.0), 479 were down-regulated and 509 were up-regulated, while in lymphoblasts, 1248 genes were down-regulated and 73 up-regulated. RT-PCR reactions confirmed altered expression of selected genes. Conclusions: TWIST2 is described as a repressor, but expression profiling suggests an important role in gene activation as well, as evidenced by the number of genes that are down-regulated, with a much higher proportion of down-regulated genes found in lymphoblastoid cells from an SS patient. As expected, both types of cell types showed dysregulation of cytokine genes. These results identify potential TWIST2 target genes in two important cell types relevant to rare disorders caused by mutations in this bHLH gene.

TWIST1 upregulation affects E-cadherin expression in brain metastases.

PURPOSE: E-cadherin is a calcium-dependent glycoprotein whose main role is cell-cell adhesion. Its transcriptional repressor TWIST1 is a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) protein that participates in gastrulation and formation of mesodermal tissues during embryogenesis. In adult tissues, the high expression of TWIST1 induces the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-a process in which cells become motile and able to metastasize. In this paper, we investigated the involvement of E-cadherin and TWIST1 in the carcinogenesis of brain metastases originating from two different primary sites-breast and lung. METHODS: The localization and expression of E-cadherin and its transcriptional repressor TWIST1 were investigated using a DAB-labeled streptavidin-horseradish peroxidase immunohistochemical reaction and specific monoclonal antibodies against TWIST1 and E-cadherin. Image J software was used for semi-quantitative analysis while H-score served for statistical evaluations. RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of E-cadherin was downregulated in 85.7% of brain metastases, while at the same time, 82.2% of them showed upregulated TWIST1. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant negative correlation between expressions of TWIST1 and E-cadherin (p = 0.001). When the brain metastases expression levels were compared to primary breast tumors in corresponding patients, E-cadherin showed higher expression in primary pairs compared to corresponding metastases. Consistent to its role, TWIST1 was downregulated in all primary tumor samples in comparison to corresponding metastases pairs (p = 0.034). CONCLUSION: This research provides valuable data regarding molecular events involving two EMT key components that could give directions for new possibilities for brain metastases diagnosis and treatment.

The combination of mammaglobin A and TWIST-1 increases detection of circulating tumor cells in breast cancer / A combinação de mamaglobina A e TWIST-1 aumenta a detecção de células tumorais circulantes no câncer de mama

ABSTRACT Objectives: Breast cancer cells that are released into the bloodstream are called circulating tumor cells (CTCs). CTCs can express different genes, like TWIST-1 and mammaglobin A (MGA). The aims of this study were to analyze the expression of TWIST-1 and MGA in the blood of breast cancer patients to detect CTCs and to assess the association between the presence of CTCs and prognostic parameters of breast cancer. Methods: Prospective study. Total ribonucleic acid (RNA) from blood mononucleated cells was obtained from breast cancer patients (n = 36; age: 51.5 ± 12.5 years) and healthy donors (n = 14; age: 49.4 ± 9.4 years). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to analyze the expression of TWIST-1 and MGA. Results: Patient carcinomas - ductal (86.7%), other types (13.3%). MGA gene expression was not detected in the donors' samples, while it was detected in 14% of the patient samples. Overexpression of TWIST-1 gene was observed in 17% of the patient samples. The combined analysis of both markers allowed the detection of CTCs in 27.8% of the samples, resulting in a significant (p < 0.05) sensitivity increase of detection. No significant associations (p > 0.05) were found between expression of the analyzed genes and the breast cancer prognostic factors. Conclusion: Combined analysis of TWIST-1 and MGA increased the sensitivity of CTCs detection compared to the single analysis of each gene. The detection of CTCs was not associated with known prognostic factors, suggesting that it is able to provide clinical information in addition to routine breast cancer clinicopathological parameters.

RESUMEN Objetivos: Las células de cáncer de mama liberadas al torrente sanguíneo se llaman células tumorales circulantes (CTCs). Las CTCs pueden expresar diferentes genes, como TWIST-1 y mamaglobina A (MGA). Los objetivos de este estudio fueron analizar la expresión de TWIST-1 y MGA en la sangre de pacientes con cáncer de mama (CM) para detectar CTCs y evaluar la asociación entre la presencia de CTCs y los parámetros pronósticos del CM. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo. Se obtuvo el ácido ribonucleico (ARN) de las células mononucleadas en la sangre de pacientes con CM (n = 36, edad: 51,5 ± 12,5 años) y donantes sanas (n = 14; edad: 49,4 ± 9,4 años). Se realizó reacción en cadena de la polimerasa en tiempo real (RT-PCR) para analizar la expresión de TWIST-1 y MGA. Resultados: Carcinoma ductal (86,7%), otros tipos (13,3%). No se detectó la expresión del gen MGA en las muestras de las donantes, pero en el 14% de las muestras de las pacientes. Se observó elevada expresión de TWIST-1 en el 17% de las muestras de pacientes con CM. El análisis combinado de ambos marcadores permitió detección de CTCs en el 27,8% de las muestras, resultando en un aumento significativo (p < 0,05) en la sensibilidad de detección. No se encontraron asociaciones significativas (p > 0,05) entre la expresión de los genes y los factores pronósticos. Conclusión: El análisis combinado de TWIST-1 y MGA aumentó la sensibilidad de detección de CTCs en comparación con el análisis de cada gen. La detección de CTCs no se asoció a factores pronósticos conocidos, sugiriendo que podría ofrecer informaciones clínicas adicionales a los parámetros clínico-patológicos de rutina del CM.

RESUMO Objetivos: As células cancerígenas da mama liberadas na corrente sanguínea são chamadas de células tumorais circulantes (CTCs). As CTCs podem expressar diferentes genes, como TWIST-1 e mamaglobina A (MGA). Os objetivos deste estudo foram analisar a expressão de TWIST-1 e MGA no sangue de pacientes com câncer da mama (CM) para detectar CTCs e avaliar a associação entre a presença de CTCs e os parâmetros prognósticos do CM. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo. O ácido ribonucleico (RNA) das células mononucleadas no sangue foi obtido de pacientes com CM (n = 36, idade: 51,5 ± 12,5 anos) e doadoras saudáveis (n = 14; idade: 49,4 ± 9,4 anos). Reação da cadeia da polimerase em tempo real (RT-PCR) foi realizada para analisar a expressão de TWIST-1 e MGA. Resultados: Carcinoma ductal (86,7%), outros tipos (13,3%). A expressão do gene MGA não foi detectada nas amostras das doadoras, mas foi observada em 14% das amostras das pacientes. Superexpressão de TWIST-1 foi observada em 17% das amostras dos indivíduos com CM. A análise combinada de ambos os marcadores permitiu a detecção de CTCs em 27,8% das amostras, resultando em um aumento significativo (p < 0,05) na sensibilidade da detecção. Associações significativas (p > 0,05) entre a expressão dos genes e os fatores prognósticos não foram encontradas. Conclusão: A análise combinada de TWIST-1 e MGA aumentou a sensibilidade da detecção de CTCs em comparação com a análise de cada gene. A detecção de CTCs não foi associada a fatores prognósticos conhecidos, sugerindo que ela pode fornecer informações clínicas adicionais aos parâmetros clinicopatológicos de rotina do CM.

Role of twist and podoplanin in partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract The aim of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of podoplanin (PDPN) and Twist immunoexpressions in lower lip and oral tongue squamous cell carcinomas (LLSCC and OTSCC, respectively). PDPN and Twist immunoexpressions were semi-quantitatively evaluated by analyzing the invasion front, the compressive areas, the large islands and nests and dissociated cells of the chosen carcinomas. Their statistical associations and correlations with clinical-pathological characteristics were verified by the Mann-Whitney and Spearman's test. Twist expression was low in both carcinomas, with <25% labeling on the invasive front. Significant differences were observed for LLSCC (p=0.032) and OTSCC (p=0.025) regarding PDPN immunoexpression in relation to the worst invasion patterns determined by a histological malignancy gradation system. Statistically significant negative correlations between PDPN membrane expression and general (r=-0.356, p=0.024) and cytoplasmic Twist expressions (r=-0.336; p=0.034) in LLSCC were also observed. Twist and PDPN are suggested to be associated to a more aggressive invasion pattern in both LLSCC and OTSCC cases but not related to the different biological behaviors on these anatomical sites. Also, it was seen that PDPN membrane expression is inversely related to general and cytoplasmic Twist expression in LLSCC cases.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma análise comparativa das imunoexpressões de podoplanina (PDPN) e Twist em carcinomas de células escamosas de lábio inferior e língua oral (CCELI e CCELO, respectivamente). As imunoexpressões de PDPN e Twist foram avaliadas semi-quantitativamente através da análise do front invasivo, das áreas compressivas, das grandes ilhas e ninhos e das células dissociadas dos carcinomas escolhidos. Suas associações estatísticas e correlações com características clínico-patológicas foram verificadas pelos testes de Mann-Whitney e Spearman. A expressão de Twist foi baixa nos dois carcinomas, com marcação <25% no front invasivo. Diferenças significativas foram observadas para CCELI (p=0,032) e CCELO (p=0,025) em relação à imunoexpressão de PDPN em relação aos piores padrões de invasão determinados por um sistema de gradação histológica de malignidade. Também foram observadas correlações negativas estatisticamente significantes entre a expressão membranar de PDPN e as expressões geral (r=-0,356, p=0,024) e citoplasmática do Twist (r=-0,336; p=0,034) no CCELI. Sugere-se que o Twist e o PDPN estejam associados a um padrão de invasão mais agressivo nos casos de CCELI e CCELO, mas não relacionados aos diferentes comportamentos biológicos nesses sítios anatômicos. Também foi observado que a expressão membranar de PDPN está inversamente relacionada à expressão geral e citoplasmática de Twist em casos de CCELI.

The Impact of the Gastric Twist on Esophagitis Progression After Sleeve Gastrectomy: Mid-Term Endoscopic Findings.

PURPOSE: To determine the real influence of the gastric twist on the progression of esophagitis after SG, evaluating pre- and late post-operative endoscopic findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively included 459 patients submitted to SG between 2009 and 2019. The sample comprised patients who performed esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) at the pre-operative and late post-operative periods. RESULTS: Patients were mainly female (85.6%), with a mean age of 40.4 years. Mean follow-up time was 20.8 months. In the pre-operative period, 1.1% of patients had non-erosive esophagitis, 24.2% of patients had grade A erosive esophagitis, and 1.5% of patients had grade B. In the post-operative evaluation, 3.3% had non-erosive esophagitis, 14.8% presented grade A erosive esophagitis, 8.9% had grade B, and 1.3% had grade C esophagitis. There were no cases of Barrett's esophagus. Forty-nine patients (10.7%) presented gastric twist. Comparing patients with and without gastric twist, it was possible to observe that the gastric twist group presented a higher incidence of grade C esophagitis (4.0% × 1.0%), p = 0.017. The correlation between the occurrence of gastric twist and esophagitis progression showed a prevalence ratio of 1.36 (95% CI 0.82-2.25). CONCLUSIONS: SG is responsible for an increase in the prevalence of erosive esophagitis, and the occurrence of gastric twist definitely plays a role on it, expressing a risk of 36% for esophagitis progression and being related to a higher incidence of severe esophagitis.

Clinical study and some molecular features of Mexican patients with syndromic craniosynostosis.

BACKGROUND: Craniosynostosis is one of the major genetic disorders affecting 1 in 2,100-2,500 live newborn children. Environmental and genetic factors are involved in the manifestation of this disease. The suggested genetic causes of craniosynostosis are pathogenic variants in FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3, and TWIST1 genes. METHODS: In order to describe their major clinical characteristics and the presence of pathogenic variants, a sample of 36 Mexican patients with craniosynostosis diagnosed as: Crouzon (OMIM 123,500), Pfeiffer (OMIM 101,600), Apert (OMIM 101,200), Saethre-Chotzen (OMIM 101,400), and Muenke (OMIM 602,849) was analyzed. RESULTS: In addition to craniosynostosis, most of the patients presented hypertelorism, midface hypoplasia, and abnormalities in hands and feet. To detect the pathogenic variants p.Pro252Arg FGFR1 (OMIM 136,350), p.Ser252Trp, p.Pro253Arg FGFR2 (OMIM 176,943), p.Pro250Arg, FGFR3 (OMIM 134,934), and p.Gln119Pro TWIST1 (OMIM 601,622), PCR amplification and restriction enzyme digestion were performed. Four and two patients with Apert presented the pathogenic variants p.Ser252Trp and p.Pro253Arg in FGFR2, respectively (with a frequency of 11.1% and 5.5%). The p.Pro250Arg pathogenic variant of FGFR3 was found in a patient with Muenke (with a frequency of 2.8%). The above percentages were calculated with the total number of patients. CONCLUSION: The contribution of this work is discreet, since only 4 genes were analyzed and sample size is small. However, this strategy could be improved by sequencing the FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3, and TWIST1 genes, to determine different pathogenic variants. On the other hand, it would be important to include other genes, such as TCF12 (OMIM 600,480), MSX2 (OMIM 123,101), RAB23 (OMIM 606,144), and EFNB1 (OMIM 300,035), to determine their participation in craniosynostosis in the Mexican population.

Performance of the TWIST Score in Patients with Testicular Torsion that Present to the Emergency Department / Desempeño del puntaje TWIST en pacientes con torsión testicular que se presentan al Departamento de Emergencias

Objective Testicular torsion (TT) is an emergency with an incidence of 1:1,500 in patients < 18 years old. Irreversible changes in the testicular parenchyma may happen. The Testicular Workup for Ischemia and Suspected Torsion (TWIST) questionnaire evaluates signs and symptoms to determine the risk of TT and improve the time of management. The aim of the present study was to compare the intraoperative findings of patients with TT with the result of the preoperative TWIST questionnaire. Methods A cohort of 33 pediatric patients that consulted to the emergency room was evaluated. The TWIST questionnaire was applied in the first approach. Imaging studies, time to the operating room (OR) and intraoperative findings were evaluated. Theoretical and real findings were compared. Results The median age was 13 years old (interquartile range [IQR] 10­15 years old). Edema and scrotal inflammation was the most frequent finding (42.4%), followed by testicular induration (21.2%), nausea and vomiting (15.2%), and horizontal testicle and absence of cremasteric reflex (9.1%). The TWIST stratification was 3% high-risk, 18.2% intermediate-risk and 78.8% low-risk. Testicular Doppler ultrasound was performed in 93.9% of the patients: vascular congestion was found in 21.9%. A total of 30.3% of the kids were taken to surgery after 163 minutes (±116.5). Intraoperative diagnosis of TT was confirmed in the high-risk patient, in 33.3% of the intermediate-risk, and in 50% of the low-risk. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed an accuracy of 60% (p = 0.602). Conclusions The TWIST questionnaire in the first approach allows to take the high-risk patients im

Objetivo La torsión testicular (TT) es una emergencia con incidencia de 1:1.500 en pacientes menores de 18 años. Pueden ocurrir cambios irreversibles en el parénquima testicular. El cuestionario TWIST evalúa signos y síntomas para determinar el riesgo de TT y mejorar los tiempos de atención. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar los hallazgos intraoperatorios de los pacientes con el resultado del TWIST preoperatorio. Métodos Se evaluó una cohorte de 33 pacientes pediátricos que consultaron al Departamento de Emergencias. Se aplicó el cuestionario TWIST en la primera aproximación. Estudios imagenológicos, tiempo de entrada a salas de cirugía y hallazgos intraoperatorios también fueron evaluados. Se compararon los hallazgos teóricos y reales. Resultados La mediana de edad fue de 13 años (rango intercuartil [RIQ]: 10­15). Edema e inflamación escrotal fueron los hallazgos principales, (42,4%) seguidos de induración testicular (21,2%), náusea y vómito (15,2%), y testículo horizontal y ausencia del reflejo cremastérico (9,1%). Estratificación TWIST: 3% alto riesgo, 18,2% intermedio, y 78,8% bajo. Se realizó Doppler testicular en 93,9% de los pacientes: se encontró congestión vascular en 21,9%. Se operaron 30,3% de niños tras 163 minutos (± 116,5). En el intraoperatorio se confirmó TT en el paciente de alto riesgo, en 33,3% de intermedio, y en 50% de bajo riesgo. La curva de característica operativa del receptor (COR) evidencia una exactitud de 60% (p = 0.602). Conclusiones El cuestionario TWIST en la primera aproximación es útil para operar inmediatamente pacientes de alto riesgo. Sin embargo, no ofrece un alto nivel de confianza para el diagnóstico de TT en pacientes de intermedio y bajo riesgo.

Over-expression of both VEGF-C and Twist predicts poor prognosis in human breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis is an indispensable step in the growth and invasiveness of breast cancers involving a series of exquisite molecular steps. Pro-angiogenic factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), have been recognized as pivotal therapeutic targets in the treatment of breast cancer. More recently, a highly conserved transcription factor Twist has been reported to be involved in tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. METHODS: The expression of VEGF-C and Twist was immunohistochemically determined in tissue samples of primary tumors from 408 patients undergoing curative surgical resection for breast cancer. The correlations of VEGF-C and Twist expressions with clinicopathologic parameters as well as survival outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 408 patients evaluated, approximately 70% had high expression of VEGF-C which was significantly associated with advanced tumor stages (P = 0.019). Similarly, VEGF-C expression was associated with the proliferation index Ki67, N3 lymph node metastasis, and D2-40-positive lymphatic vessel invasion (LVI) in a univariate analysis. Furthermore, patients with high expressions of VEGF-C and Twist (V + T+) had significantly increased lymph node metastasis, higher clinical stage, and worse disease-free survival, DFS (P = 0.001) and overall survival, OS (P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that co-expression of VEGF-C and Twist was associated with larger tumor size, higher numbers of lymph node involvement, D2-40-positive LVI, higher risk of distant metastasis, and worse DFS or OS in breast cancer patients.

Polymorphisms in TWIST1 and ZEB1 Are Associated with Prognosis of Gastric Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program has been linked as a driver of metastatic dissemination by conferring migratory and invasive capacity to cancer cells. Gastric cancer (GC) patients with tumors expressing altered levels of EMT markers have low survival. This study aimed to assess if polymorphisms of CDH1, TWIST1, SNAIL2, ZEB1 and ZEB2 genes are associated with survival in GC patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 153 individuals with diagnosis of GC were recruited in Santiago, Chile. All patients were genotyped using Infinium Global Screening Array (GSA). Twenty Tag SNPs of the studied genes were retrieved. RESULTS: Three SNPs were associated with survival: rs2526614 (TWIST1) (genotype CA + AA, adjusted HR=0.58, 95%CI=0.37-0.93), rs6953766 (TWIST1) (genotype GG, crude HR=2.02, 95%CI=1.06-3.82, adjusted HR=2.14, 95%CI=1.07-4.25), and rs431073 (ZEB1) (genotype AC + CC, crude HR=1.62, 95%CI=1.01-2.59, adjusted HR=1.96, 95%CI=1.18-3.25). CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study proposing a role of these SNPs in cancer prognosis. Their use as prognostic markers of GC survival warrants further investigation.

A Novel TP53 Mutation Associated with TWIST1 and SIP1 Expression in an Aggressive Adrenocortical Carcinoma.

Adrenocortical carcinomas (ACC) are very rare tumors related to TP53 mutations mostly in childhood onset cases. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) transcription factors TWIST1 and Smad interacting protein 1 (SIP1) are related to poorer outcomes in other malignancies, but their role in ACC is unknown. We describe a case of an advanced metastatic ACC (Weiss-score of 9) in a patient at age 76. After primary tumor resection, mitotane therapy was started as palliation to low-volume liver metastasis. After a 2-year period of stable disease, the patient died due to brain metastasis. Somatic gene sequencing revealed a novel TP53 mutation in DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded tissue, a deletion of 8bp in exon 8 (c.811_818del8; GAGGTGCG/-) in homo or hemizygosis causing a subsequent frameshift and premature stop codon at position 302. Immunohistochemistry of P53 and p-Ser-15 P53 showed absent tumoral staining. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis showed an increased expression of the mesenchymal markers vimentin and fibronectin. At last, EMT transcription factors TWIST1 and SIP1 were also overexpressed in tumoral cells. This case report describes an aggressive ACC with not only a novel somatic mutation, but also a novel International Agency for Research on Cancer database 8 base-pair deletion in TP53 exon 8. In addition, the expression of EMT inducers TWIST1 and SIP1 have been reported for the first time in an ACC case. Further investigation is needed to clarify the biologic significance of this new TP53 mutation and its role in the EMT process.