Establishment and characterization of DPC-X4: a novel mixed-type ampullary cancer cell line.

Mixed-type ampullary cancer is a distinct subtype of ampullary cancer that manifests a merging of the biological characteristics of both intestinal and pancreaticobiliary subtypes. The absence of established cell lines specific to this subtype has resulted in a concomitant scarcity of research on its tumorigenic mechanisms and the development of novel therapeutic modalities. The present study achieved the successful establishment of a novel mixed-type ampullary cancer cell line, designated DPC-X4 through primary culture techniques. Subsequent analyses pertaining to phenotypic characteristics, molecular profiling, biomarker identification, and histological features validated the DPC-X4 cell line as a potent model for delineating the pathogenesis of mixed-type ampullary cancer and facilitating the development of new pharmacological agents. This newly established cell line was subjected to continuous cultivation for 1 year, with stable passaging for over 50 generations. Notably, the DPC-X4 cell line manifested typical morphological features associated with epithelial tumors. Furthermore, the population doubling time for the DPC-X4 cell line was determined at 70 h. Short tandem repeat (STR) analysis confirmed that the DPC-X4 cell line exhibited a high genetic concordance with the primary tumor from the patient. Karyotypic profiling indicated an abnormal sub-triploid karyotype, with representative karyotypes of 57, XXY inv (9), 14p + , 15p + , der (17), + mar. The DPC-X4 cell line demonstrated a high capacity for efficient organoid formation under suspension culture conditions. In addition, the subcutaneous inoculation of DPC-X4 cells into NXG mice led to the formation of xenografted tumors. The results of drug sensitivity testing indicated that DPC-X4 cells were sensitive to paclitaxel and resistant to oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and gemcitabine. Immunohistochemistry revealed positive expression of CK7, CK19, and CK20 in DPC-X4 cells, while CDX2 demonstrated negative expression. In addition, positive expression of E-cadherin and vimentin was identified in DPC-X4 cells, with a proliferation index indicated by Ki-67 at 70%. The findings of our study establish DPC-X4 as a novel mixed-type ampullary cancer cell line, which can serve as a potential experimental model for exploring the pathogenesis of ampullary cancer and the development of therapeutic drugs.

Decoupling control of radial 4 degree of freedom system of magnetic-liquid double suspension bearing based on generalized extended state observer.

As the novel suspension bearing, Magnetic-Liquid Double Suspension Bearing (MLDSB) is mainly supported by magnetic suspension and supplemented by a liquid hydrostatic bearing. Due to its great bearing capacity and stiffness, rapid response, great active control, and so on, MLDSB is suitable for medium speed heavy loads and has a large carrying capacity and high operating stability. In addition, the radial inertia coupling and gyroscopic coupling between radial 4-DOF control channels can reduce control precision, operation stability, and reliability of MLDSB. Therefore, a mathematical model of radial 4-DOF rotor-dynamics of MLDSB is established in this paper, and the inherent coupling mechanism is explored. Taking inertial coupling, gyroscopic coupling, and external disturbance loads as lumped disturbances, a decoupled controller based on Generalized Extended State Observer (GESO) is established. The influence of the GESO controller on the decoupling and control performance of radial 4-DOF control channels is simulated. The results indicate that the decoupling effect of the GESO controller is great. Under the action of step signal, the steady displacement, maximum displacement, adjustment time, and peak time of the rotor after decoupling are all reduced, among which the steady displacement and maximum displacement are the most obvious. Under the sinusoidal signal, the steady displacement and maximum displacement are reduced by 90%, which can effectively avoid the "gap-impact" fault. Under the pulse signal, the steady displacement, maximum displacement, adjustment time, and peak time are all reduced, among which the maximum displacement is the most obvious. The research in this paper can provide a theoretical reference for the stable support and decoupling control of MLDSB.

Establishment and characterization of a new human ampullary carcinoma cell line, DPC-X1.

BACKGROUND: An in-depth study of the pathogenesis and biological characteristics of ampullary carcinoma is necessary to identify appropriate treatment strategies. To date, only eight ampullary cancer cell lines have been reported, and a mixed-type ampullary carcinoma cell line has not yet been reported. AIM: To establish a stable mixed-type ampullary carcinoma cell line originating from Chinese. METHODS: Fresh ampullary cancer tissue samples were used for primary culture and subculture. The cell line was evaluated by cell proliferation assays, clonal formation assays, karyotype analysis, short tandem repeat (STR) analysis and transmission electron microscopy. Drug resistances against oxaliplatin, paclitaxel, gemcitabine and 5-FU were evaluated by cell counting kit-8 assay. Subcutaneous injection 1 × 106 cells to three BALB/c nude mice for xenograft studies. The hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to detect the pathological status of the cell line. The expression of biomarkers cytokeratin 7 (CK7), cytokeratin 20 (CK20), cytokeratin low molecular weight (CKL), Ki67 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were determined by immunocytochemistry assay. RESULTS: DPC-X1 was continuously cultivated for over a year and stably passaged for more than 80 generations; its population doubling time was 48 h. STR analysis demonstrated that the characteristics of DPC-X1 were highly consistent with those of the patient's primary tumor. Furthermore, karyotype analysis revealed its abnormal sub-tetraploid karyotype. DPC-X1 could efficiently form organoids in suspension culture. Under the transmission electron microscope, microvilli and pseudopods were observed on the cell surface, and desmosomes were visible between the cells. DPC-X1 cells inoculated into BALB/C nude mice quickly formed transplanted tumors, with a tumor formation rate of 100%. Their pathological characteristics were similar to those of the primary tumor. Moreover, DPC-X1 was sensitive to oxaliplatin and paclitaxel and resistant to gemcitabine and 5-FU. Immunohistochemistry showed that the DPC-X1 cells were strongly positive for CK7, CK20, and CKL; the Ki67 was 50%, and CEA was focally expressed. CONCLUSION: Here, we have constructed a mixed-type ampullary carcinoma cell line that can be used as an effective model for studying the pathogenesis of ampullary carcinoma and drug development.

Establishment and characterization of a new intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cell line, ICC-X3.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is an aggressive cancer of the biliary tract that is prone to recurrence and metastasis and is characterized by poor sensitivity to chemotherapy and overall prognosis. To address this challenge, the establishment of suitable preclinical models is critical. In this study, we successfully established a new ICC cell line, named ICC-X3, from the satellite lesions of one ICC patient. The cell line was characterized with respect to phenotypic, molecular, biomarker, functional and histological properties. STR confirmed that ICC-X3 was highly consistent with primary tumor tissue. ICC-X3 cells positively expressed CK7, CK19, E-cadherin, vimentin, and Ki67. ICC-X3 was all resistant to gemcitabine, paclitaxel, 5-FU, and oxaliplatin. The cell line was able to rapidly form xenograft tumors which were highly similar to the primary tumor. The missense mutation of TP53 exon was detected in ICC-X3 cells. ICC-X3 can be used as a good experimental model to study the progression, metastasis, and drug resistance of ICC.

Establishment and characterization of a new Chinese hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, Hep-X1.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly aggressive and heterogeneous disease. Cell lines are commonly employed as in vitro models for cell type studies. However, the success rate of HCC primary culture establishment is low. In this study, we successfully established a liver cancer cell line, Hep-X1. Primary culture and passage of surgically removed tissues were used to establish hepatoma cell lines. Morphological examination, short tandem repeat (STR) analysis, immunohistochemical staining, doubling time, karyotype analysis, plate tumor formation experiments, organoid culture, and in vivo tumor formation investigations in animals were used to identify the cell lines. A novel liver cancer cell line, Hep-X1, was established based on morphology, immunophenotype, cytogenetics, and STR analysis. The novel cell line can be a valuable model for studying primary liver cancer.

Targeting cancer drug resistance utilizing organoid technology.

Cancer organoids generated from 3D in vitro cell cultures have contributed to the study of drug resistance. Maintenance of genomic and transcriptomic similarity between organoids and parental cancer allows organoids to have the ability of accurate prediction in drug resistance testing. Protocols of establishing therapy-sensitive and therapy-resistant organoids are concluded in two aspects, which are generated directly from respective patients' cancer and by induction of anti-cancer drug. Genomic and transcriptomic analyses and gene editing have been applied to organoid studies to identify key targets in drug resistance and FGFR3, KHDRBS3, lnc-RP11-536 K7.3 and FBN1 were found to be key targets. Furthermore, mechanisms contributing to resistance have been identified, including metabolic adaptation, activation of DNA damage response, defects in apoptosis, reduced cellular senescence, cellular plasticity, subpopulation interactions and gene fusions. Additionally, cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been verified to be involved in drug resistance utilizing organoid technology. Reversal of drug resistance can be achieved by targeting key genes and CSCs in cancer organoids. In this review, we summarize applications of organoids to cancer drug resistance research, indicating prospects and limitations.

Establishment and characterization of a new intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cell line derived from a Chinese patient.

Patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) require chemotherapy due to late detection, rapid disease progression, and low surgical resection rate. Tumor cell lines are extremely important in cancer research for drug discovery and development. Here, we established and characterized a new intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cell line, ICC-X1. STR testing confirmed the absence of cross-contamination and high similarity to the original tissue. ICC-X1 exhibited typical epithelial morphology and formed tumor spheres in the suspension culture. The population doubling time was approximately 48 h. The cell line had a complex hypotriploid karyotype. The cell line exhibited a strong migration ability in vitro and cell inoculation into BALB/c nude mice led to the formation of xenografts. Additionally, ICC-X1 cells were sensitive to gemcitabine and paclitaxel but resistant to 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin. RNA sequencing revealed that the upregulated cancer-related genes were mainly enriched in several signaling pathways, including the TNF signaling pathway, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, and NF-κB signaling pathway. The downregulated cancer-related genes were mainly enriched in the Rap1 signaling pathway and Hippo signaling pathway among other pathways. In conclusion, we have created a new ICC cell line derived from Chinese patients. This cell line can be used as a preclinical model to study ICC, specifically tumor metastasis and drug resistance mechanisms.

Establishment of gastric cancer organoid and its application in individualized therapy.

The application of cancer organoids is of great value in individualized therapy as an embodiment of the tumor of a patient, a gastric cancer organoid model was established and its application in individualized drug screening was explored. The primary tumor tissues of 3 patients with gastric cancer who underwent primary surgery at the Fourth Department of General Surgery of the First Hospital of Lanzhou University (Lanzhou, China) between July and August 2021 were selected and digested with mixed enzymes to prepare cell suspensions. Of these, two were cultured by mixing with Matrigel, while the cells from the third patient were placed in a 24-well ultra-low adhesion plate for suspension organoid culture. After intensive organoid growth, they were digested, passaged, cryopreserved and thawed for further analyses. The formation of gastric cancer organoids was observed under an inverted microscope. One case was selected, and organoids were compared with the original tumor tissue via H&E and immunohistochemical staining to evaluate the consistency of the two. Finally, paclitaxel, oxaliplatin and fluorouracil were administered to the organoids to verify the value of screening individualized drugs. It was indicated that the passage and cryopreservation of gastric cancer organoids were successfully established in all three cases. The H&E and immunohistochemical staining results suggested that the structure and protein expression of the organoids were highly similar to those of the source tumor tissue. The use of established gastric cancer organoids for individualized chemotherapy drug screening is of high clinical value. Gastric cancer organoids with high similarity to the original tissue may be successfully constructed by the suspension growth culture method. The established organoids may serve as an effective model for individualized drug screening.

Integrated bioinformatics analysis of potential biomarkers for pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer, particularly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), is an aggressive malignancy associated with a low 5-year survival rate. Poor outcomes associated with PDA are attributable to late detection and inoperability. Most patients with PDA are diagnosed with locally advanced and metastatic disease. Such cases are primarily treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Because of the lack of effective molecular targets, early diagnosis and successful therapies are limited. The purpose of this study was to screen key candidate genes for PDA using a bioinformatic approach and to research their potential functional, pathway mechanisms associated with PDA progression. It may help to understand the role of associated genes in the development and progression of PDA and identify relevant molecular markers with value for early diagnosis and targeted therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To identify novel genes associated with carcinogenesis and progression of PDA, we analyzed the microarray datasets GSE62165, GSE125158, and GSE71989 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) was used for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using STRING, and module analysis was performed using Cytoscape. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) was used to evaluate the differential expression of hub genes in patients with PDA. In addition, we verified the expression of these genes in PDA cell lines and normal pancreatic epithelial cells. RESULTS: A total of 202 DEGs were identified and these were found to be enriched for various functions and pathways, including cell adhesion, leukocyte migration, extracellular matrix organization, extracellular region, collagen trimer, membrane raft, fibronectin-binding, integrin binding, protein digestion, and absorption, and focal adhesion. Among these DEGs, 12 hub genes with high degrees of connectivity were selected. Survival analysis showed that the hub genes (HMMR, CEP55, CDK1, UHRF1, ASPM, RAD51AP1, DLGAP5, KIF11, SHCBP1, PBK, and HMGB2) may be involved in the tumorigenesis and development of PDA, highlighting their potential as diagnostic and therapeutic factors in PDA. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the DEGs and hub genes identified in the present study not only contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the carcinogenesis and progression of PDA but may also serve as potential new biomarkers and targets for PDA.

Clinical Outcomes of Proximal Gastrectomy versus Total Gastrectomy for Proximal Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The extent of optimal gastric resection for proximal gastric cancer (PGC) continues to remain controversial, and a final consensus is yet to be met. The current study aimed to compare the perioperative outcomes, postoperative complications, and overall survival (OS) of proximal gastrectomy (PG) versus total gastrectomy (TG) in the treatment of PGC through a meta-analysis. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for articles published in English since database establishment to October 2019. Evaluated endpoints were perioperative outcomes, postoperative complications, and long-term survival outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 2,896 patients in 25 full-text articles were included, of which one was a prospective randomized study, one was a clinical phase III trial, and the rest were retrospective comparative studies. The PG group showed a higher incidence of anastomotic stenosis (OR = 2.21 [95% CI: 1.08-4.50]; p = 0.03) and reflux symptoms (OR = 3.33 [95% CI: 1.85-5.99]; p < 0.001) when compared with the TG group, while no difference was found in PG patients with double-tract reconstruction (DTR). The retrieved lymph nodes were clearly more in the TG group (WMD = -10.46 [95% CI: -12.76 to -8.17]; p < 0.001). The PG group was associated with a better 5-year OS relative to TG with 11 included studies (OR = 1.35 [95% CI: 1.03-1.77]; p = 0.03). After stratification for early gastric cancer and PG with DTR groups, however, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups (OR = 1.35 [95% CI: 0.59-2.45]; p = 0.62). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, PG was associated with a visible improved long-term survival outcome for all irrespective of tumor stage, while a similar 5-year OS for only early gastric cancer patients between the 2 groups. Future randomized clinical trials of esophagojejunostomy techniques, such as DTR following PG, are expected to prevent postoperative complications and assist surgeons in the choice of surgical approach for PGC patients.

UBR5 oncogene as an indicator of poor prognosis in gastric cancer.

The human ubiquitin protein ligase E3 component N-recognin 5 (UBR5) gene, which is localized to chromosome 8q22, encodes an ~10 kb mRNA and a >300 kDa protein, which can be detected in a number of cell types. UBR5 is implicated in several types of cancer, including ovarian cancer, gallbladder cancer and lymphoma; however, its role in gastric cancer is not completely understood. In the present study, the expression levels of UBR5 in human gastric cancer tissues and cell lines were examined via immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analysis and western blotting. Furthermore, the association between UBR5 expression and clinicopathological characteristics, as well as the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer, were examined. In addition, the role of UBR5 in gastric cancer cell proliferation, invasion and migration was investigated by conducting MTS, Transwell and wound healing assays, respectively. The results indicated that the mRNA and protein expression levels of UBR5 were significantly increased in gastric cancer tissues compared with para-carcinoma tissues. High UBR5 expression levels were significantly associated with larger tumor size, advanced TNM stage and lymph node metastasis. In addition, high UBR5 expression indicated a poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer. Furthermore, in vitro experiments demonstrated that UBR5 knockdown was associated with reduced HGC-27 gastric cancer cell proliferation, invasion and migration compared with the small interfering RNA control group. Therefore, the results indicated that UBR5 may serve a key role in gastric cancer, indicating that UBR5 may also serve as an important prognostic biomarker.