scholarly journals Hybrid E/M Phenotype(s) and Stemness: A Mechanistic Connection Embedded in Network Topology

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 60
Author(s):  
Satwik Pasani ◽  
Sarthak Sahoo ◽  
Mohit Kumar Jolly
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Tumor Initiation ◽  
Modeling Framework ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Network Modules

Metastasis remains an unsolved clinical challenge. Two crucial features of metastasizing cancer cells are (a) their ability to dynamically move along the epithelial–hybrid–mesenchymal spectrum and (b) their tumor initiation potential or stemness. With increasing functional characterization of hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) phenotypes along the spectrum, recent in vitro and in vivo studies have suggested an increasing association of hybrid E/M phenotypes with stemness. However, the mechanistic underpinnings enabling this association remain unclear. Here, we develop a mechanism-based mathematical modeling framework that interrogates the emergent nonlinear dynamics of the coupled network modules regulating E/M plasticity (miR-200/ZEB) and stemness (LIN28/let-7). Simulating the dynamics of this coupled network across a large ensemble of parameter sets, we observe that hybrid E/M phenotype(s) are more likely to acquire stemness relative to “pure” epithelial or mesenchymal states. We also integrate multiple “phenotypic stability factors” (PSFs) that have been shown to stabilize hybrid E/M phenotypes both in silico and in vitro—such as OVOL1/2, GRHL2, and NRF2—with this network, and demonstrate that the enrichment of hybrid E/M phenotype(s) with stemness is largely conserved in the presence of these PSFs. Thus, our results offer mechanistic insights into recent experimental observations of hybrid E/M phenotype(s) that are essential for tumor initiation and highlight how this feature is embedded in the underlying topology of interconnected EMT (Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition) and stemness networks.

scholarly journals Hybrid E/M phenotype(s) and stemness: a mechanistic connection embedded in network topology

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satwik Pasani ◽  
Sarthak Sahoo ◽  
Mohit Kumar Jolly
Keyword(s):  
Network Topology ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Tumor Initiation ◽  
Phenotypic Stability ◽  
Modeling Framework ◽  
Clinical Challenge ◽  
Network Modules

AbstractMetastasis remains an unsolved clinical challenge. Two crucial features of metastasizing cancer cells are a) their ability to dynamically move along the epithelial-hybrid-mesenchymal spectrum and b) their tumor-initiation potential or stemness. With increasing functional characterization of hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) phenotypes along the spectrum, recent in vitro and in vivo studies have suggested an increasing association of hybrid E/M phenotypes with stemness. However, the mechanistic underpinnings enabling this association remain unclear. Here, we develop a mechanism-based mathematical modeling framework that interrogates the emergent nonlinear dynamics of the coupled network modules regulating E/M plasticity (miR-200/ZEB) and stemness (LIN28/let-7). Simulating the dynamics of this coupled network across a large ensemble of parameter sets, we observe that hybrid E/M phenotype(s) are more likely to acquire stemness relative to ‘pure’ epithelial or mesenchymal states. We also integrate multiple ‘phenotypic stability factors’ (PSFs) that have been shown to stabilize hybrid E/M phenotypes both in silico and in vitro – such as OVOL1/2, GRHL2, and NRF2 – with this network, and demonstrate that the enrichment of hybrid E/M phenotype(s) with stemness is largely conserved in the presence of these PSFs. Thus, our results offer mechanistic insights into recent experimental observations of hybrid E/M phenotype(s) being essential for tumor-initiation and highlight how this feature is embedded in the underlying topology of interconnected EMT and stemness networks.

scholarly journals Pleckstrin-2 as a Prognostic Factor and Mediator of Gastric Cancer Progression

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Jun Wang ◽  
Zhigang He ◽  
Bo Sun ◽  
Wenhai Huang ◽  
Jianbin Xiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gastric Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Vimentin Expression ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Gastric Cancer Patients

Pleckstrin-2 (PLEK2) is a crucial mediator of cytoskeletal reorganization. However, the potential roles of PLEK2 in gastric cancer are still unknown. PLEK2 expression in gastric cancer was examined by western blotting and real-time PCR. Survival analysis was utilized to test the clinical impacts of the levels of PLEK2 in gastric cancer patients. In vitro and in vivo studies were used to estimate the potential roles played by PLEK2 in modulating gastric cancer proliferation, self-renewal, and tumourigenicity. Bioinformatics approaches were used to monitor the effect of PLEK2 on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signalling pathways. PLEK2 expression was significantly upregulated in gastric cancer as compared with nontumour samples. Kaplan-Meier plotter analysis revealed that gastric cancer patients with higher PLEK2 levels had substantially poorer overall survival compared with gastric cancer patients with lower PLEK2 levels. The upregulation or downregulation of PLEK2 in gastric cancer cell lines effectively enhanced or inhibited cell proliferation and proinvasive behaviour, respectively. Additionally, we also found that PLEK2 enhanced EMT through downregulating E-cadherin expression and upregulating Vimentin expression. Our findings demonstrated that PLEK2 plays a potential role in gastric cancer and may be a novel therapeutic target for gastric cancer.

scholarly journals MiR-543 Promotes Proliferation and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Prostate Cancer via Targeting RKIP

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 1135-1146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Du ◽  
Xiu-heng Liu ◽  
Heng-cheng Zhu ◽  
Lei Wang ◽  
Jin-zhuo Ning ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Prostate Cancer Cell ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Proliferation And Metastasis

Background/Aims: MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) have emerged as important post-transcriptional regulators in various cancers. miR-543 has been reported to play critical roles in hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal cancer, however, the role of miR-543 in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer has not been fully understood. Methods: Expression of miR-543 and Raf Kinase Inhibitory Protein (RKIP) in clinical prostate cancer specimens, two prostate cancer cell lines, namely LNCAP and C4-2B, were determined. The effects of miR-543 on proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells were also investigated with both in vitro and in vivo studies. Results: miR-543 was found to be negatively correlated with RKIP expression in clinical tumor samples and was significantly upregulated in metastatic prostate cancer cell line C4-2B compared with parental LNCAP cells. Further studies identified RKIP as a direct target of miR-543. Overexpression of miR-543 downregulated RKIP expression and promoted the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells, whereas knockdown of miR-543 increased expression of RKIP and suppressed the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that miR-543 promotes the proliferation and metastasis of prostate cancer via targeting RKIP.

scholarly journals LECT 2 Antagonizes FOXM1 Signaling via Inhibiting MET to Retard PDAC Progression

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Li ◽  
Pingping Lin ◽  
Ye Tao ◽  
Xin Jiang ◽  
Ting Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Ductal Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Pathologic Features ◽  
Novel Biomarkers

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal cancers with minimally effective treatments, highlighting the importance of developing novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Here, we disclosed the mechanisms that leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin-2 (LECT2) modulates PDAC development using in vitro and in vivo models. LECT2 is downregulated in metastatic PDACs compared with the primary tumor, and its expression is correlated with multiple clinical pathologic features and prognosis. The absence promotes multiple malignant behaviors, including cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration, and invasion. In vivo studies showed that LECT2 overexpression inhibits tumor growth and lung metastasis. Mechanistically, LECT2 inhibits FOXM1 signaling by targeting HGF/MET to retard PDAC progression, revealing LECT2 as a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for PDAC in the future.

scholarly journals In Vitro and In Vivo Nutraceutical Characterization of Two Chickpea Accessions: Differential Effects on Hepatic Lipid Over-Accumulation

Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariangela Centrone ◽  
Patrizia Gena ◽  
Marianna Ranieri ◽  
Annarita Di Mise ◽  
Mariagrazia D’Agostino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Fat Composition ◽  
Nuclear Factor Kappa Beta ◽  
Vitro Model ◽  
Nutraceutical Properties

Dietary habits are crucially important to prevent the development of lifestyle-associated diseases. Diets supplemented with chickpeas have numerous benefits and are known to improve body fat composition. The present study was undertaken to characterize two genetically and phenotypically distinct accessions, MG_13 and PI358934, selected from a global chickpea collection. Rat hepatoma FaO cells treated with a mixture of free fatty acids (FFAs) (O/P) were used as an in vitro model of hepatic steatosis. In parallel, a high-fat diet (HFD) animal model was also established. In vitro and in vivo studies revealed that both chickpea accessions showed a significant antioxidant ability. However, only MG_13 reduced the lipid over-accumulation in steatotic FaO cells and in the liver of HFD fed mice. Moreover, mice fed with HFD + MG_13 displayed a lower level of glycemia and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) than HFD mice. Interestingly, exposure to MG_13 prevented the phosphorylation of the inflammatory nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-kB) which is upregulated during HFD and known to be linked to obesity. To conclude, the comparison of the two distinct chickpea accessions revealed a beneficial effect only for the MG_13. These findings highlight the importance of studies addressing the functional characterization of chickpea biodiversity and nutraceutical properties.

scholarly journals Pathophysiology of Lung Disease and Wound Repair in Cystic Fibrosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 155-188
Author(s):  
Massimo Conese ◽  
Sante Di Gioia
Keyword(s):  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Lung Disease ◽  
Wound Repair ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Molecular Events

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive, life-threatening condition affecting many organs and tissues, the lung disease being the chief cause of morbidity and mortality. Mutations affecting the CF Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene determine the expression of a dysfunctional protein that, in turn, triggers a pathophysiological cascade, leading to airway epithelium injury and remodeling. In vitro and in vivo studies point to a dysregulated regeneration and wound repair in CF airways, to be traced back to epithelial CFTR lack/dysfunction. Subsequent altered ion/fluid fluxes and/or signaling result in reduced cell migration and proliferation. Furthermore, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition appears to be partially triggered in CF, contributing to wound closure alteration. Finally, we pose our attention to diverse approaches to tackle this defect, discussing the therapeutic role of protease inhibitors, CFTR modulators and mesenchymal stem cells. Although the pathophysiology of wound repair in CF has been disclosed in some mechanisms, further studies are warranted to understand the cellular and molecular events in more details and to better address therapeutic interventions.

scholarly journals Botanical from Piper capense Fruit Can Help to Combat the Melanoma as Demonstrated by In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Brice E. N. Wamba ◽  
Paramita Ghosh ◽  
Armelle T. Mbaveng ◽  
Sayantan Bhattacharya ◽  
Mitra Debarpan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Blot ◽  
Melanoma Cell ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Vasculogenic Mimicry ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition

Piper capense belongs to Piperaceae family and has long been used as a traditional medicine to treat various diseases in several parts of Africa. The present study aims to investigate the effect of Piper capense fruit extract (PCFE) alone and in combination with dacarbazine on metastatic melanoma cell line B16-F10 and in vivo in C57BL/6J mice. Cytotoxic effects of PCFE alone and in association with dacarbazine on B16-F10 cells were studied by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and colony formation assay. Wound healing assay, immunofluorescence staining, and western blot analysis were performed to evaluate the individual and combined effect of PCFE and dacarbazine on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). For in vivo studies, C57BL/6J mice were subcutaneously injected with B16-F10 cells (5 × 105 cells/mL), and the effect of PCFE and dacarbazine was studied on tumor development. The alteration of EMT was evaluated by targeting E-cadherin, vimentin, and CD133 in PCFE alone and in combination with dacarbazine-treated tumor tissues by western blot analysis. Phytochemical screening of PCFE reveals the presence of certain secondary metabolites. Our results showed that PCFE alone and in association with dacarbazine has a good activity in preventing B16-F10 melanoma cell progression and clonogenicity. This extract also regulated EMT. In vivo results showed that PCFE (100 mg/kg body weight) reduced tumor size in C57BL/6J mice along with the decrease in the expression of vasculogenic mimicry (VM) tubes as well as an improvement in the qualitative and quantitative expression of markers involved in EMT. Our study suggests that PCFE may be useful for managing the growth and metastasis of melanoma.

Magnesium Chloride is an Effective Therapeutic Agent for Prostate Cancer

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julianna Maria Santos ◽  
Fazle Hussain
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Magnesium Chloride ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Chromatin Condensation ◽  
Myosin Ii ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Migration Speed ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition

Background: Reduced levels of magnesium can cause several diseases and increase cancer risk. Motivated by magnesium chloride’s (MgCl2) non-toxicity, physiological importance, and beneficial clinical applications, we studied its action mechanism and possible mechanical, molecular, and physiological effects in prostate cancer with different metastatic potentials.Methods: We examined the effects of MgCl2, after 24 and 48 hours, on apoptosis, cell migration, expression of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, and V-H+-ATPase, myosin II (NMII) and the transcription factor NF Kappa B (NFkB) expressions.Results: MgCl2 induces apoptosis, and significantly decreases migration speed in cancer cells with different metastatic potentials.  MgCl2 reduces the expression of V-H+-ATPase and myosin II that facilitates invasion and metastasis, suppresses the expression of vimentin and increases expression of E-cadherin, suggesting a role of MgCl2 in reversing the EMT. MgCl2 also significantly increases the chromatin condensation and decreases NFkB expression.Conclusions: These results suggest a promising preventive and therapeutic role of MgCl2 for prostate cancer. Further studies should explore extending MgCl2 therapy to in vivo studies and other cancer types.Keywords: Magnesium chloride, prostate cancer, migration speed, V-H+-ATPase, and EMT.

scholarly journals Functional identification of ygiP as a positive regulator of the ttdA-ttdB-ygjE operon

Microbiology ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 152 (7) ◽  
pp. 2129-2135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taku Oshima ◽  
Francis Biville
Keyword(s):  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Anaerobic Growth ◽  
Functional Identification ◽  
New Members ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Inner Membrane Protein ◽  
Tartrate Dehydratase

Functional characterization of unknown genes is currently a major task in biology. The search for gene function involves a combination of various in silico, in vitro and in vivo approaches. Available knowledge from the study of more than 21 LysR-type regulators in Escherichia coli has facilitated the classification of new members of the family. From sequence similarities and its location on the E. coli chromosome, it is suggested that ygiP encodes a lysR regulator controlling the expression of a neighbouring operon; this operon encodes the two subunits of tartrate dehydratase (TtdA, TtdB) and YgiE, an integral inner-membrane protein possibly involved in tartrate uptake. Expression of tartrate dehydratase, which converts tartrate to oxaloacetate, is required for anaerobic growth on glycerol as carbon source in the presence of tartrate. Here, it has been demonstrated that disruption of ygiP, ttdA or ygjE abolishes tartrate-dependent anaerobic growth on glycerol. It has also been shown that tartrate-dependent induction of the ttdA-ttdB-ygjE operon requires a functional YgiP.

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