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At least 1,765 records · Page 98

Expression of high mobility group box 1 in inflamed dental pulp and its chemotactic effect on dental pulp cells

Highlights: • HMGB1 translocated from nucleus to cytoplasm during dental pulp inflammation. • HMGB1and its receptor RAGE were up-regulated in hDPCs under LPS stimulation. • HMGB1 enhanced hDPCs migration and induces cytoskeleton reorganization. • HMGB1 may play a critical role in dental pulp repair during inflamed state. - Abstract: High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) is a chromatin protein which can be released extracellularly, eliciting a pro-inflammatory response and promoting tissue repair process. This study aimed to examine the expression and distribution of HMGB1 and its receptor RAGE in inflamed dental pulp tissues, and to assess its effects on proliferation, migration and cytoskeleton of cultured human dental pulp cells (DPCs). Our data demonstrated that cytoplasmic expression of HMGB1 was observed in inflamed pulp tissues, while HMGB1 expression was confined in the nuclei in healthy dental pulp. The mRNA expression of HMGB1 and RAGE were significantly increased in inflamed pulps. In in vitro cultured DPCs, expression of HMGB1 in both protein and mRNA level was up-regulated after treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Exogenous HMGB1 enhanced DPCs migration in a dose-dependent manner and induced the reorganization of f-actin in DPCs. Our results suggests that HMGB1 are not only involved in the process of dental pulp inflammation, but also play an important role in the recruitment of dental pulp stem cells, promoting pulp repair and regeneration.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

The MUC1 oncomucin regulates pancreatic cancer cell biological properties and chemoresistance. Implication of p42–44 MAPK, Akt, Bcl-2 and MMP13 pathways

Highlights: • Loss of MUC1 decreases proliferation and tumor growth via β-catenin and p42–44 MAPK. • Inhibition of MUC1 decreases cell migration and invasion through MMP13. • Loss of MUC1 decreases survival and increases apoptosis via Akt and Bcl-2 pathways. • Loss of MUC1 sensitizes cells to gemcitabine and 5-Fluorouracil chemotherapeutic drugs. - Abstract: MUC1 is an oncogenic mucin overexpressed in several epithelial cancers, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, and is considered as a potent target for cancer therapy. To this aim, we undertook to study MUC1 biological effects on pancreatic cancer cells and identify pathways mediating these effects. Our in vitro experiments indicate that inhibiting MUC1 expression decreases cell proliferation, cell migration and invasion, cell survival and increases cell apoptosis. Moreover, lack of MUC1 in these cells profoundly altered their sensitivity to gemcitabine and 5-Fluorouracil chemotherapeutic drugs. In vivo MUC1-KD cell xenografts in SCID mice grew slower. Altogether, we show that MUC1 oncogenic mucin alters proliferation, migration, and invasion properties of pancreatic cancer cells and that these effects are mediated by p42–44 MAPK, Akt, Bcl-2 and MMP13 pathways.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

miR-1271 promotes non-small-cell lung cancer cell proliferation and invasion via targeting HOXA5

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNAs (∼22 nt) that play important roles in the pathogenesis of human diseases by negatively regulating numerous target genes at posttranscriptional level. However, the role of microRNAs in lung cancer, particularly non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), has remained elusive. In this study, two microRNAs, miR-1271 and miR-628, and their predicted target genes were identified differentially expressed in NSCLC by analyzing the miRNA and mRNA expression data from NSCLC tissues and their matching normal controls. miR-1271 and its target gene HOXA5 were selected for further investigation. CCK-8 proliferation assay showed that the cell proliferation was promoted by miR-1271 in NSCLC cells, while miR-1271 inhibitor could significantly inhibited the proliferation of NSCLC cells. Interestingly, migration and invasion assay indicated that overexpression of miR-1271 could significantly promoted the migration and invasion of NSCLC cells, whereas miR-1271 inhibitor could inhibited both cell migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. Western blot showed that miR-1271 suppressed the protein level of HOXA5, and luciferase assays confirmed that miR-1271 directly bound to the 3'untranslated region of HOXA5. This study indicated indicate that miR-1271 regulates NSCLC cell proliferation and invasion, via the down-regulation of HOXA5. Thus, miR-1271 may represent a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC intervention. - Highlights: • Overexpression of miR-1271 promoted proliferation and invasion of NSCLC cells. • miR-1271 inhibitor inhibited the proliferation and invasion of NSCLC cells. • miR-1271 targets 3′ UTR of HOXA5 in NSCLC cells. • miR-1271 negatively regulates HOXA5 in NSCLC cells.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Metformin inhibits the proliferation of human prostate cancer PC-3 cells via the downregulation of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor

Metformin is a biguanide drug that is widely used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Recent studies have shown that metformin inhibits cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo. The anti-tumor mechanisms of metformin include activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase/mTOR pathway and direct inhibition of insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-mediated cellular proliferation. However, the anti-tumor mechanism in prostate cancer remains unclear. Because activation of the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) is required for prostate cell proliferation, IGF-1R inhibitors may be of therapeutic value. Accordingly, we examined the effects of metformin on IGF-1R signaling in prostate cancer cells. Metformin significantly inhibited PC-3 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. IGF-1R mRNA expression decreased significantly after 48 h of treatment, and IGF-1R protein expression decreased in a similar manner. IGF-1R knockdown by siRNA transfection led to inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion of PC-3 cells. IGF-1 activated both ERK1/2 and Akt, but these effects were attenuated by metformin treatment. In addition, intraperitoneal treatment with metformin significantly reduced tumor growth and IGF-1R mRNA expression in PC-3 xenografts. Our results suggest that metformin is a potent inhibitor of the IGF-1/IGF-1R system and may be beneficial in prostate cancer treatment. - Highlights: • Metformin inhibited PC-3 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. • Metformin decreased IGF-1R mRNA and protein expressions in PC-3 cells. • Metformin inhibited IGF-1 induced ERK and Akt phosphorylations in PC-3 cells. • Metformin treatment inhibited PC-3 cell growth and IGF-1R expression in vivo. • Metformin may be a potent inhibitor of the IGF-1/IGF-1R signaling.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Effects of Wnt-10b on proliferation and differentiation of murine melanoma cells

In spite of the strong expression of Wnt-10b in melanomas, its role in melanoma cells has not been elucidated. In the present study, the biological effects of Wnt-10b on murine B16F10 (B16) melanoma cells were investigated using conditioned medium from Wnt-10b-producing COS cells (Wnt-CM). After 2 days of culture in the presence of Wnt-CM, proliferation of B16 melanoma cells was inhibited, whereas tyrosinase activity was increased. An in vitro wound healing assay demonstrated that migration of melanoma cells to the wound area was inhibited with the addition of Wnt-CM. Furthermore, evaluation of cellular senescence revealed prominent induction of SA-β-gal-positive senescent cells in cultures with Wnt-CM. Finally, the growth of B16 melanoma cell aggregates in collagen 3D-gel cultures was markedly suppressed in the presence of Wnt-CM. These results suggest that Wnt-10b represses tumor cell properties, such as proliferation and migration of B16 melanoma cells, driving them toward a more differentiated state along a melanocyte lineage. - Highlights: • Wnt-10b inhibited proliferation and migration of melanoma cells. • Wnt-10b induced tyrosinase activity and senescence of melanoma cells. • Wnt-10b suppressed growth of cell aggregates in collagen 3D-gel cultures. • Wnt-10b represses tumor cell properties, driving them toward a more differentiated state along a melanocyte lineage.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Infantile hemangioma-derived stem cells and endothelial cells are inhibited by class 3 semaphorins

Class 3 semaphorins were discovered as a family of axon guidance molecules, but are now known to be involved in diverse biologic processes. In this study, we investigated the anti-angiogenic potential of SEMA3E and SEMA3F (SEMA3E&F) in infantile hemangioma (IH). IH is a common vascular tumor that involves both vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Our lab has identified and isolated hemangioma stem cells (HemSC), glucose transporter 1 positive (GLUT1{sup +}) endothelial cells (designated as GLUT1{sup sel} cells) based on anti-GLUT1 magnetic beads selection and GLUT1-negative endothelial cells (named HemEC). We have shown that these types of cells play important roles in hemangiogenesis. We report here that SEMA3E inhibited HemEC migration and proliferation while SEMA3F was able to suppress the migration and proliferation in all three types of cells. Confocal microscopy showed that stress fibers in HemEC were reduced by SEMA3E&F and that stress fibers in HemSC were decreased by SEMA3F, which led to cytoskeletal collapse and loss of cell motility in both cell types. Additionally, SEMA3E&F were able to inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced sprouts in all three types of cells. Further, SEMA3E&F reduced the level of p-VEGFR2 and its downstream p-ERK in HemEC. These results demonstrate that SEMA3E&F inhibit IH cell proliferation and suppress the angiogenic activities of migration and sprout formation. SEMA3E&F may have therapeutic potential to treat or prevent growth of highly proliferative IH. - Highlights: • SEMA3E&F reduce actin stress fibers and induce cytoskeletal collapse in HemEC. • SEMA3E&F inhibit angiogenic activities of HemEC. • SEMA3E&F can interrupt the VEGF-A-VEGFR2-ERK signaling pathway in HemEC. • Plexin D1 and NRP2 are induced during HemSC/GLUT1{sup sel}-to-EC differentiation.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Thrombospondin-1, -2 and -5 have differential effects on vascular smooth muscle cell physiology

Introduction: The thrombospondins (TSPs) are matricellular proteins that exert multifunctional effects by binding cytokines, cell-surface receptors and other proteins. TSPs play important roles in vascular pathobiology and are all expressed in arterial lesions. The differential effects of TSP-1, -2, and -5 represent a gap in knowledge in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) physiology. Our objective is to determine if structural differences of the TSPs imparted different effects on VSMC functions critical to the formation of neointimal hyperplasia. We hypothesize that TSP-1 and -2 induce similar patterns of migration, proliferation and gene expression, while the effects of TSP-5 are different. Methods: Human aortic VSMC chemotaxis was tested for TSP-2 and TSP-5 (1–40 μg/mL), and compared to TSP-1 and serum-free media (SFM) using a modified Boyden chamber. Next, VSMCs were exposed to TSP-1, TSP-2 or TSP-5 (0.2–40 μg/mL). Proliferation was assessed by MTS assay. Finally, VSMCs were exposed to TSP-1, TSP-2, TSP-5 or SFM for 3, 6 or 24 h. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed on 96 genes using a microfluidic card. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA or t-test, with p < 0.05 being significant. Results: TSP-1, TSP-2 and TSP-5 at 20 μg/mL all induce chemotaxis 3.1 fold compared to serum-free media. TSP-1 and TSP-2 induced proliferation 53% and 54% respectively, whereas TSP-5 did not. In the gene analysis, overall, cardiovascular system development and function is the canonical pathway most influenced by TSP treatment, and includes multiple growth factors, cytokines and proteases implicated in cellular migration, proliferation, vasculogenesis, apoptosis and inflammation pathways. Conclusions and relevance: The results of this study indicate TSP-1, -2, and -5 play active roles in VSMC physiology and gene expression. Similarly to TSP-1, VSMC chemotaxis to TSP-2 and -5 is dose-dependent. TSP-1 and -2 induces VSMC proliferation, but TSP-5 does not, likely due conservation of N-terminal domains in TSP-1 and -2. In addition, TSP-1, -2 and -5 significantly affect VSMC gene expression; however, little overlap exists in the specific genes altered. This study further delineates TSP-1, -2 and -5's contributions to processes related to VSMC physiology. - Highlights: • We examined the effects of three different thrombospondins on smooth muscle cells. • Thrombospondins −1, −2, −5 all increase smooth muscle cell migration. • Thrombospondins −1 and −2, but not −5, increase smooth muscle cell proliferation. • All three thrombospondins exhibit temporally distinct patterns of gene expression. • Thrombospondins −1 and −2 display distinct patterns of gene expression.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

miR-409-3p suppresses breast cancer cell growth and invasion by targeting Akt1

Altered levels and functions of microRNAs (miRNAs) are correlated with carcinogenesis. While miR-409-3p has been shown to play important roles in several cancer types, its function in the context of breast cancer (BC) remains unknown. In this study, miR-409-3p was significantly downregulated in BC tissues and cell lines, compared with the corresponding control counterparts. Overexpression of miR-409-3p inhibited BC cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Notably, miR-409-3p induced downregulation of Akt1 protein through binding to its 3′ untranslated region (UTR). Conversely, restoring Akt1 expression rescued the suppressive effects of miR-409-3p. Our data collectively indicate that miR-409-3p functions as a tumor suppressor in BC through downregulating Akt1, supporting the targeting of the novel miR-409-3p/Akt1 axis as a potentially effective therapeutic approach for BC. - Highlights: • miR-409-3p inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion of BC cells. • miR-409-3p suppresses tumor growth in nude mice. • Akt1 is a direct downstream target of miR-409-3p. • Ectopic expression of Akt1 reverses the effects of miR-409-3p on cell proliferation, migration and invasion.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Aldose reductase mediates retinal microglia activation

Retinal microglia (RMG) are one of the major immune cells in charge of surveillance of inflammatory responses in the eye. In the absence of an inflammatory stimulus, RMG reside predominately in the ganglion layer and inner or outer plexiform layers. However, under stress RMG become activated and migrate into the inner nuclear layer (INL) or outer nuclear layer (ONL). Activated RMG in cell culture secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines in a manner sensitive to downregulation by aldose reductase inhibitors. In this study, we utilized CX3CR1{sup GFP} mice carrying AR mutant alleles to evaluate the role of AR on RMG activation and migration in vivo. When tested on an AR{sup WT} background, IP injection of LPS induced RMG activation and migration into the INL and ONL. However, this phenomenon was largely prevented by AR inhibitors or in AR null mice, or was exacerbated in transgenic mice that over-express AR. LPS-induced increases in ocular levels of TNF-α and CX3CL-1 in WT mice were substantially lower in AR null mice or were reduced by AR inhibitor treatment. These studies demonstrate that AR expression in RMG may contribute to the proinflammatory phenotypes common to various eye diseases such as uveitis and diabetic retinopathy. - Highlights: • AR inhibition prevents retinal microglial activation. • Endotoxin-induced ocular cytokine production is reduced in AR null mice. • Overexpression of AR spontaneously induces retinal microglial activation.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Inhibition of VEGF-dependent angiogenesis by the anti-CD82 monoclonal antibody 4F9 through regulation of lipid raft microdomains

CD82 (also known as KAI1) belongs to the tetraspanin superfamily of type III transmembrane proteins, and is involved in regulating cell adhesion, migration and proliferation. In contrast to these well-established roles of CD82 in tumor biology, its function in endothelial cell (EC) activity and tumor angiogenesis is yet to be determined. In this study, we show that suppression of CD82 negatively regulates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced angiogenesis. Moreover, we demonstrate that the anti-CD82 mAb 4F9 effectively inhibits phosphorylation of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2), which is the principal mediator of the VEGF-induced angiogenic signaling process in tumor angiogenesis, by regulating the organization of the lipid raft microdomain signaling platform in human EC. Our present work therefore suggests that CD82 on EC is a potential target for anti-angiogenic therapy in VEGFR2-dependent tumor angiogenesis. -- Highlights: •Knockdown of CD82 decreases EC migration, proliferation and angiogenesis. •Anti-CD82 mAb 4F9 inhibits EC migration, proliferation and angiogenesis. •4F9 inhibits VEGFR2 phosphorylation via control of CD82 distribution in lipid rafts.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Alpha B-crystallin promotes the invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer via epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Alpha B-crystallin (CRYAB, HSPB5) is a protein that was first discovered in the lens of the eye. It is a member of the small heat-shock protein family (sHsps). CRYAB functions primarily as a molecular chaperone to prevent the aggregation and degradation of damaged unfolded proteins due to cellular damage resulting from heat shock, radiation, oxidative stress, and other insults, thereby promoting cell survival and preventing apoptosis. In recent years, the role of CRYAB in tumorigenesis, tumor invasion, and metastasis has received increasing attention. CRYAB is highly expressed in a variety of cancers, including breast cancer, head and neck cancer, and kidney cancer, and is likely associated with the prognosis of cancer. However, few studies have examined CRYAB in colorectal cancer (CRC). To study the effect of CRYAB on CRC, we transfected the CRC cell line SW480, which expresses high levels of CRYAB, with a lentiviral vector that inhibits CRYAB expression. The messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of CRYAB was examined in the transfected SW480 cells (Si-CRYAB) using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blotting (WB) assays. Moreover, a growth curve was plotted to examine the proliferation of Si-CRYAB cells, and transwell assays were used to examine the migration of Si-CRYAB cells. Apoptosis and the cell cycle were examined in Si-CRYAB cells using flow cytometry (FCM), and the tumorigenic capability of Si-CRYAB cells was assessed in a nude mouse tumor model. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to examine CRYAB protein expression and the markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), such as E-cadherin, fibronectin, vimentin, and slug, in tumor tissues from nude mice and clinical invasive CRC and hepatic metastasis specimens. The qPCR and WB results showed that CRYAB was downregulated at the protein and mRNA level in Si-CRYAB cells, and the growth curve indicated that the proliferation of Si-CRYAB cells was reduced. Moreover, Si-CRYAB cells exhibited reduced migration capability in the transwell assay as well as increased apoptosis and G1 arrest in the FCM assay. The tumorigenesis study in nude mice showed that Si-CRYAB cells formed smaller tumors, indicating decreased tumorigenic capability. IHC results showed reduced CRYAB expression and lower levels of EMT in Si-CRYAB cells, whereas clinical specimens of invasive CRC and hepatic metastases exhibited elevated CRYAB expression and enhanced levels of EMT. These results demonstrated that CRYAB promoted the invasion and metastasis of CRC tumor cells via EMT. - Highlights: • The CRC cell line SW480 experssed high levels of CRYAB. • Inhibition of CRYAB induced apoptosis and G1 arrest. • Inhibition of CRYAB exhibited decreased migration and tumorigenesis in nude mice. • CRYAB promoted CRC invasion and metastasis probably via EMT.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

β-elemene inhibits tumor-promoting effect of M2 macrophages in lung cancer

Macrophages in tumor are mostly M2-polarized and have been reported to promote tumorigenesis, which are also defined as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). β-elemene has therapeutic effects against several cancers, however, it remains unknown whether β-elemene could inhibit cancer by targeting TAMs. Herein, we examined the effect of β-elemene on macrophages to elucidate a novel mechanism of β-elemene in tumor therapy. We showed that the conditioned medium of M2 macrophages promoted lung cancer cells to migration, invasion and epithelial mesenchymal transition, which could be inhibited by β-elemene. Moreover, β-elemene regulated the polarization of macrophages from M2 to M1. β-elemene also inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion of lung cancer cells and enhanced its radiosensitivity. These results indicate β-elemene suppresses lung cancer by regulating both macrophages and lung cancer cells, it is a promising drug for combination with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. - Highlights: • β-elemene inhibits M2 macrophages induced migration and invasion of cancer cells. • β-elemene inhibits M2 macrophages induced EMT in lung cancer cells. • β-elemene transforms macrophages from M2 to M1 phenotype. • This study reveals a novel anti-tumor mechanism of β-elemene.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Upregulated long non-coding RNA LOC90784 promotes cell proliferation and invasion and is associated with poor clinical features in HCC

A growing amount of literature has indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important factors in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. However, the significance of lncRNAs in the progression and prognosis of liver cancer is largely unknown. In the present study, upregulated lncRNA LOC90784 was identified through integrative analysis of (GSE58043) and (GSE55191). Furthermore, associations between LOC90784 expression and the clinicopathological characteristics of patients were analyzed with a validated cohort 1 and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort 2. We investigated the mechanisms by which this highly expressed lncRNA promotes HCC proliferation, invasion and migration via qRT-PCR, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) staining, siRNA transfection, cell proliferation assays, Transwell and colony formation assays, flow cytometry analysis and Western blot. The results showed that LOC90784 expression levels were significantly higher in HCC cell lines and tissues and mainly localized in the cytoplasm. Knockdown of lncRNA LOC90784 expression inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by promoting Bax and repressing CDK4 and Cyclin D1 protein expression; it also inhibited invasion and migration by repressing MMP2 and MMP9 expression in HCC cells. LOC90784 overexpression was associated with poor clinical features in the two cohorts and poor overall survival rates in HCC patients with clear resection margins (R0) in cohort 2. These results indicated that LOC90784 upregulation may be a critical oncogene and potential new biomarker in HCC. - Highlights: • LncRNA LOC90784 was overexpressed in HCC tissues and cell lines. • Highly expressed lncRNA LOC90784 was associated with poor clinical features in HCC. • Knockdown of lncRNA LOC90784 expression inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. • Knockdown of lncRNA LOC90784 expression inhibited invasion and migration.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

MicroRNA-193-5p modulates angiogenesis through IGF2 in type 2 diabetic cardiomyopathy

Background: Patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy are often associated with increasing risk of heart failure. In this work, we used animal model to characterize the angiogenic effect of microRNA-193-5p, miR-193-5p in type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats' myocardial microvascular endothelial cells, MMEC(GK). Methods: MiR-193-5p in MMEC(GK) was compared to its expression in Wistar rat MMEC. In MMEC(GK), miR-193-5p was downregulated through viral infection. Its angiogenic effects on MMEC(GK) migration and proliferation were assessed by transwell and MTT assays, respectively. Downstream target of miR-193-5p, insulin growth factor 2 (IGF2), was assessed by dual-luciferase activity, qRT-PCR and western blot assays, respectively. In miR-193-5p-downregulated MMEC(GK), IGF2 was further de-regulated to assess its mechanism in miR-193-5p-downreuglation induced angiogenic regulation. Results: MiR-193-5p is overexpressed in MMEC(GK). Its downregulation has significantly angiogenic effect by inducing migration and proliferation in MMEC(GK). IGF2 was demonstrated to be directly regulated by miR-193-5p in MMEC(GK). In addition, IGF2 inhibition in miR-193-5p-downregulated MMEC(GK)’s severely hindered cell migration and proliferation. Conclusion: MiR-193-5p is an active angiogenic factor in diabetic cardiomyopathy, possibly through inverse regulation on its downstream IGF2 gene.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Catalpol suppresses osteosarcoma cell proliferation through blocking epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inducing apoptosis

Highlights: • Catalpol inhibits cell viability and EMT in osteosarcoma cell lines. • Catalpol induces apoptosis in osteosarcoma cell lines by Bcl-2/Caspase-8 signaling. • Catalpol induces ROS generation and suppresses STAT3 pathway activation. • Catalpol is able to suppresses osteosarcoma growth in vivo. Catalpol, an iridoid glucoside compound, is reported to possess diverse pharmacological actions. However, its effects on osteosarcoma are little to be known. In the present study, we showed that catalpol could strongly suppress osteosarcoma progression. Catalpol dose-dependently reduced the cancer cell viability. The migration of osteosarcoma cells was also consistently suppressed by catalpol treatment using the wound healing and transwell migration analysis. Catalpol reduced the expressions of Kras, receptor for activated C-kinase 1(RACK1) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 in a dose-dependent manner, revealing the blockage of migration. Moreover, both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis were triggered by catalpol, as evidenced by improved cleaved Caspase-8/-9/-3 and Poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Release of Cyto-c in cytoplasm and Bax up-regulation in total cells were observed in catalpol-treated cells, while mitochondrial Cyto-c and cellular Bcl-2 were down-regulated by catalpol. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was also involved in catalpol-induced cell death. Further, ROS scavenger, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), impeded catalpol-caused apoptosis. And suppression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3/Janus kinase 2 gene/Src (STAT3/JAK2/Src) was involved in catalpol-induced cell death. In vivo, catalpol showed effective ability to reduce the tumor growth. Our results illustrated that catalpol might be considered as a promising pharmacological agent to suppress osteosarcoma.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Semi-synthetic salinomycin analogs exert cytotoxic activity against human colorectal cancer stem cells

Highlights: • Salinomycin analogs show increased activity against colorectal cancer cells. • Low micromolar concentrations result in inhibition of proliferation and migration. • High micromolar concentrations induce apoptotic cell death. • Salinomycin analogs show cancer stem cell specifity. Salinomycin, a polyether antibiotic, is a well-known inhibitor of human cancer stem cells. Chemical modification of the allylic C20 hydroxyl of salinomycin has enabled access to synthetic analogs that display increased cytotoxic activity compared to the native structure. The aim of this study was to investigate the activity of a cohort of C20-O-acyl analogs of salinomycin on human colorectal cancer cell lines in vitro. Two human colorectal cancer cell lines (SW480 and SW620) were exposed to three C20-O-acylated analogs and salinomycin. The impact of salinomycin and its analogs on tumor cell number, migration, cell death, and cancer stem cell specifity was analyzed. Exposure of human colorectal cancer cells to the C20-O-acylated analogs of salinomycin resulted in reduced tumor cell number and impaired tumor cell migration at lower concentrations than salinomycin. When used at higher (micromolar) concentrations, these effects were accompanied by induction of apoptotic cell death. Salinomycin analogs further expose improved activity against cancer stem cells compared to salinomycin.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

SETDB1-mediated FosB regulation via ERK2 is associated with an increase in cell invasiveness during anticancer drug treatment of A549 human lung cancer cells

Highlights: • SETDB1 directly regulates FosB expression during doxorubicin treatment. • PD98059 restores the expression of SETDB1 and FosB by doxorubicin treatment. • SETDB1-mediated FosB regulation through ERK2 is responsible for cell survival. • Ectopic FosB expression increases transforming and migration activity. • ERK2-SETDB1-FosB pathway has an anti-therapeutic regulatory mechanism during anticancer drug treatment. We have determined a functional link to the inverse expression of SETDB1 and FosB following anticancer drug treatment. Doxorubicin treatment caused decreased SETDB1 expression and FosB overexpression both at the mRNA and protein levels. The decreased HMTase activity of SETDB1 coincided with altered occupancy across the promoter region of the FosB gene. SETDB1 overexpression decreased the luciferase reporter activity containing the FosB promoter region, but siSETDB1 increased the luciferase reporter activity, suggesting that SETDB1 directly and negatively regulated FosB expression. In addition, MEK inhibitor (PD98059) blocked the SETDB1 regulation of the FosB promoter activity via ERK2 activation during doxorubicin treatment. A microscopic analysis reveals that FosB expression was observed in living cells in spite of doxorubicin treatment. Ectopic FosB/ΔFosB expression increased the number of colonies and the migration of A549 cells compared to that in control. These results suggest that the ERK2-SETDB1-FosB signaling pathway might have an anti-therapeutic regulatory mechanism that increases the transformation and migration activity of cancer cells during anticancer drug treatment.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

LncRNA TP73-AS1 predicts the prognosis of bladder cancer patients and functions as a suppressor for bladder cancer by EMT pathway

Highlights: • LncRNA TP73-AS1 is identified with downregulation in bladder cancer tissues and cell lines. • Patients with low TP73-AS1 have shorter overall survival and progression-free survival. • Overexpression of TP73-AS1 can inhibit cell growth, migration, and invasion in vitro study. • Overexpression of TP73-AS1 inhibits metastasis of bladder cancer cell through inactivating EMT pathway. • We firstly reported the tumor suppressor function of TP73-AS1 in bladder cancer. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified to have more and more important roles in tumorigenesis and may be novel biomarker for cancer therapy. LncRNA TP73-AS1 is a novel identified lncRNA that has been demonstrated to be increased in several cancers, however, its function in bladder cancer remains unknown. The aim of this work was to examine the expression and role of lncRNA TP73-AS1 in bladder cancer. The expression levels of lncRNA TP73-AS1 in bladder cancer tissues and cell lines were determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and its clinical significance was assessed by statistical analysis. Moreover, by gain-of-function assay, the effect of TP73-AS1 on proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, migration and invasion was examined in bladder cancer cells. We identified that the expression level of TP73-AS1 was significantly down-regulated in bladder cancer tissues and cells compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis found that patients with low TP73-AS1 expression level had shorter overall survival and progression-free survival than those with high TP73-AS1 expression. Moreover, we showed that overexpression of TP73-AS1 could inhibit cell growth, arrest cell cycle, reduce cell migration and invasion, and promote cell apotosis in vitro study. In addition, overexpression of TP73-AS1 diminished epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through inhibiting the expression of vimentin, snail, MMP-2, and MMP-9 and upregulating the expression levels of E-cadherin. Collectively, our findings for the first time elucidated that lncRNA TP73-AS1 may serve as a tumor suppressor participated in bladder cancer progression, which provided a promising therapy strategy for patients with bladder cancer.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗