The extent of retraction clefts correlates with lymphatic vessel density and VEGF-C expression and predicts nodal metastasis and poor prognosis in early-stage breast carcinoma

Although the earliest feature of disseminated disease in breast cancer is regional lymph node involvement, little is known about the mechanisms whereby cancer cells interact with lymphatic endothelial cells and enter the lymphatic system. We have previously reported that the extensive presence of retraction clefts in breast carcinomas highly significantly correlates with lymphatic tumor spread and predicts poor outcome, suggesting that retraction clefts are not just fixation artifacts, but real potential spaces that are exaggerated by tissue processing and may reflect an early stage of lymphatic invasion. In this study, we examined the correlation between the extent of retraction clefts and lymphangiogenesis, as assessed by lymphatic vessel density and vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) expression in a series of 256 early-stage breast carcinomas. The presence and extent of retraction clefts around tumor cell nests was determined by review of all hematoxylin- and eosin-stained tumor sections. Lymphatic vessels were detected by podoplanin immunohistochemistry and lymphatic vessel density was measured using the hot-spot method. The expression of VEGF-C in the tumor cells was determined by immunohistochemistry and analyzed semiquantitatively on a four-tiered scale. High levels of retraction clefts, peritumor lymphatic vessel density and VEGF-C expression at the invasive edge in breast carcinomas significantly correlated with tumor size, histological grade, lymphatic invasion and nodal metastasis. Breast carcinomas showing extensive retraction clefts (>20% of tumor volume) were found to have significantly higher lymphatic vessel density and VEGF-C expression levels compared to tumors without this feature. High retraction clefts, peritumor lymphatic vessel density and VEGF-C expression predicted poor outcome in breast carcinomas. Our results support the hypothesis that retraction clefts are real potential spaces that may represent 'pre-lymphatic spaces' facilitating initial lymphatic invasion and that growth factors secreted by the tumor cells may stimulate tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis by promoting the endothelialization of these 'pre-lymphatic channels'.     

血管内皮生长因子C及其受体3在非小细胞肺癌组织中的表达及意义

目的　探讨血管内皮生长因子C(VEGF C)和受体 (VEGFR) 3在人非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)组织中的表达及其与微血管、微淋巴管形成、淋巴转移、预后之间的关系。方法　对 76例人NSCLC及相应癌旁组织行VEGF C、VEGFR 3及CD34免疫组织化学染色链霉素抗生物素蛋白 过氧化物酶 (SP)法检测 ,进行淋巴管密度计数、微血管密度 (MVD)计数 ,并结合临床和病理资料进行分析。结果　NSCLC中 ,VEGF C的表达与肺癌分化程度负相关 (P =0 0 0 9)。VEGF C和VEGFR 3的表达水平与淋巴结转移呈正相关 (分别P =0 0 0 8,P =0 0 13) ,与淋巴浸润呈正相关 (分别P =0 0 2 7,P =0 0 2 0 )。VEGF C的表达与VEGFR 3在肺癌细胞中的表达呈正相关 (P =0 0 0 9)。VEGF C与淋巴管密度 (P =0 0 0 6 )、MVD(P =0 0 4 6 )呈正相关。淋巴管密度与淋巴结转移 (P =0 0 10 )、淋巴浸润 (P =0 0 19)、TNM分期 (P =0 0 15 )呈正相关 ,MVD与血行转移 (P <0 0 0 1)、TNM分期 (P <0 0 0 1)呈正相关。VEGF C阳性表达与生存时间、5年生存率呈负相关 (P <0 0 0 1)。结论　NSCLC中 ,VEGF C通过自分泌方式作用于受体VEGFR 3,促进肺癌组织生长 ,抑制分化。VEGF C促使肺癌内淋巴管形成 ,促进肺癌淋巴结转移。VEGF C和VEGFR 3表达增高、淋巴管密度增加     

Knockdown of BDNF suppressed invasion of HepG2 and HCCLM3 cells, a mechanism associated with inactivation of RhoA or Rac1 and actin skeleton disorganization

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its primary receptor tropomysin-related kinase B (TrkB) mediate critical signalings for supporting survival and growth of neurons. Even though we have previously confirmed that more expressions of BDNF and TrkB were closely correlated with multiple and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the exact mechanisms underlying have not been investigated. The expressions of BDNF and TrkB were examined by western blot and BDNF secretion was evaluated by ELISA in human HCC cell lines of HepG2 and HCCLM3 with high metastatic potential. BDNF knockdown was performed by specific BDNF-siRNA transfection in HCC cells, actin cytoskeleton was shown by FITC-phalloidin staining and the activations of RhoA, Rac1 or Cdc42 were determined using western blot. Cell apoptosis and invasion were examined by flow cytometry and transwell assay, respectively. More expressions of BDNF and TrkB were found in HCCLM3 than in HepG2 cells. Inhibited expression of BDNF by specific siRNA showed impaired actin polymerization and decreased activations of RhoA or Rac1 in both HepG2 and HCCLM3 cells. BDNF knockdown also induced apoptosis and suppressed invasion of both HepG2 and HCCLM3 cells. Our results suggested a role of BDNF/TrkB in confering HCCLM3 cells advantage of metastasis, and BDNF knockdown inhibited cell invasion probably through the blocked actin polymerization and the correlated inactivation of RhoA or Rac1. Aiming at BDNF/TrkB signaling interruption may be an effective strategy to prevent HCC progression.     

Modification of the primary tumor microenvironment by transforming growth factor alpha-epidermal growth factor receptor signaling promotes metastasis in an orthotopic colon cancer model

The transforming growth factor alpha (TGFalpha)/epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway appears to play a critical role in colon cancer progression, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to metastasis remain unknown. KM12C colon cancer cell clones expressing high (C9) or negligible (C10) levels of TGFalpha were implanted into the cecal walls of nude mice. C9 tumors formed autocrine and paracrine EGFR networks, whereas C10 tumors were unable to signal through EGFR. The tumor microenvironment of C9, but not C10, contained cells enriched in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) A, interleukin-8, and matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9 and had a high vascular surface area. C9 tumors recruited a macrophage population that co-expressed F4/80 and lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronic acid receptor and produced VEGFC. The mean lymphatic density of C9 tumors was threefold higher than that of C10 tumors. C9, but not C10, tumor cells metastasized to regional lymph nodes in all mice and to the liver in 5 of 10 mice. Forced expression of TGFalpha in C10 tumor cells led to the generation of autocrine and paracrine EGFR signaling, macrophage recruitment, enhanced blood and lymphatic vascular surface areas, and increased lymphatic metastasis. Collectively, these data show that activation of TGFalpha-EGFR signaling in colon cancer cells creates a microenvironment that is conducive for metastasis, providing a rationale for efforts to inhibit EGFR signaling in TGFalpha-positive colon cancers.     

MicroRNA-34a inhibits tumor invasion and metastasis in gastric cancer by targeting Tgif2

To study how miR-34a acts as a tumor suppressor in inhibiting the invasion and metastasis of the gastric cancer cells. First, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot analysis were used to analyze the expression of miR-34a and Tgif2 in gastric cancer tissues and the adjacent normal tissues. Next, gastric cancer cells were transfected with miR-34a mimic and Tgif2 siRNA, respectively. After transfection, real-time PCR and western blot analysis were used to detect the relative Tgif2 expression level. Cell proliferation was monitored by the colorimetric water-soluble tetrazolium salt and apoptosis analysis was performed with Annexin-V-FITC Apoptosis Detection Kit I. The expression of miR-34a in the adjacent non-tumor tissues was higher than that in gastric cancer tissues, but Tgif2 was opposite. In gastric cancer cells transfected with miR-34a mimic/Tgif siRNA, Tgif2 expression was remarkably down-regulated. Cells transfected with miR-34a mimic/Tgif2 siRNA grew more slowly than the control groups. The percentage of apoptotic cells in gastric cancer cells transfected with miR-34a mimic/Tgif siRNA was much higher compared to the controls. Therefore, we concluded that miR-34a could inhibit tumor invasion and metastasis in gastric cancer by targeting Tgif2 and may be a novel therapeutic candidate for gastric cancer.     

敲减NOB1基因表达对人结肠癌SW480细胞药物敏感性及侵袭和迁移能力的影响

目的:探讨通过小干扰RNA(small interfering RNA, siRNA)技术敲减NOB1基因表达对人结肠癌SW480细胞活力、药物敏感性、凋亡、细胞周期及侵袭和迁移能力的影响。方法:利用脂质体Lipofectamine 3000将NOB1 siRNA转染至SW480细胞,采用real-time PCR和Western blot检测转染后SW480细胞中NOB1 mRNA和蛋白表达的变化;采用MTT法检测敲减NOB1基因表达后SW480细胞活力及其对不同化疗药物(顺铂、5-氟尿嘧啶、奥沙利铂和卡培他滨)敏感性的变化;流式细胞术检测敲减NOB1基因表达对SW480细胞凋亡和周期的影响;Transwell方法检测敲减NOB1基因表达对结肠癌SW480细胞侵袭和迁移能力的影响。结果:转染NOB1 siRNA后,SW480细胞中NOB1的mRNA和蛋白表达水平明显降低(P0.05);与对照组和阴性对照siRNA组相比,NOB1 siRNA转染组的SW480细胞在24～72 h的细胞活力显著降低,顺铂、5-氟尿嘧啶、奥沙利铂和卡培他滨对该细胞的半数抑制浓度均显著降低,细胞凋亡率显著增加,细胞周期受到阻滞,细胞侵袭和迁移能力显著降低(P0.05)。结论:NOB1 siRNA转染能够抑制结肠癌SW480细胞活力及侵袭和转移能力,并增强细胞对药物的敏感性,促进细胞凋亡。NOB1能够成为结肠癌诊断和治疗的新靶点。     

Intratumoral Lymphatics and Lymphatic Vessel Invasion Detected by D2‐40 Are Essential for Lymph Node Metastasis in Bladder Transitional Cell Carcinoma

Bladder cancer is frequently associated with regional lymph node metastasis at the time of diagnosis or after initial treatment, and lymph node metastasis is crucial for clinical therapeutic strategies. Lymphangiogenesis, detected by antibodies specific for lymphatic endothelial cells, is correlated with cancer spread, but the mechanisms that underlie lymphatic spread and the role of lymphangiogenesis in cancer metastasis has been less clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐D expression, intratumoral lymphatics, and lymphatic invasion associated with lymph node metastasis as well as the prognostic analysis in patients with bladder transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). The VEGF‐D expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 72 specimens, and tumoral lymphatic vessels were measured by D2‐40. Counts of lymph vessels were taken in intratumoral and peritumoral areas. Survival analyses and their independent roles were investigated using univariate and multivariate analysis models. The high expression of VEGF‐D was closely associated with the intratumoral lymphatic vessels, tumoral lymphatic invasion, and lymph node metastasis as well as a shorter overall survival. Higher lymphatic vessel density, intratumoral lymphatics, and lymphatic invasion showed a significant association with lymph node metastasis. Univariate analysis indicated that VEGF‐D, intratumoral lymphatics, and lymphatic invasion were associated with overall survival, but they were not independent prognostic factors for bladder TCC in multivariate analysis. We conclude that VEGF‐D plays an essential role in tumoral lymphangiogenesis. Intratumoral lymphatics and lymphatic invasion are important predictive factors of pelvic lymph node metastasis in patients with bladder cancer. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Src activity alters α3 integrin expression in colon tumor cells

Src kinase has been linked to increased motility in the progression and metastasis of human colon cancer, although the mechanisms are not fully understood. Integrins are involved in metastasis by mediating attachment and migration of cells, as well as through transducing signals. This study examines the link between Src and integrin activity in the metastatic process in colon cancer cells. To determine Src involvement in integrin expression, the human colon cancer cell line, HCT116, was transfected with an activated Src construct and assayed for its ability to attach to and migrate across collagen and laminin. These cells attached more readily and migrated less rapidly on the extracellular matrix (ECM) than did cells transfected with empty vector. Examination of integrin levels showed a decrease in the α3 subunit in Src transfected cells as well as decreased cell surface localization of α3 integrin. The downregulation of α3 integrin was reversed by inhibition of Src and by inhibition of MAP kinase. Inhibition of α3 integrin using shRNA resulted in decreased MMP7 secretion, a possible cause of decreased invasion with low α3 integrin expression. This study shows that Src overexpression downregulates α3 integrin total protein expression and localization to the cell surface of HCT116 colon cancer cells. This indicates that Src activity may enhance metastasis by altering α3 integrin expression.     

Expression of VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D as Significant Markers for Assessment of Lymphangiogenesis and Lymph Node Metastasis in Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐C and VEGF‐D induce lymphangiogenesis through activation of VEGF receptor 3 (VEGFR‐3) and have been implicated in tumor spread to the lymphatic system. Lymph node dissemination critically determines clinical outcome and therapeutic options of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the relationship of VEGF‐C, VEGF‐D, and lymph node metastasis in cancers, including NSCLC, is still controversial. To evaluate the relationship between lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis, the expression of VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D in NSCLC tumors were detected by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (QRT‐PCR). QRT‐PCR revealed that in marginal region VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D mRNA was significantly higher than in tumor center, and VEGF‐D mRNA was also higher than that in peritumoral lung tissue. Immunohistochemically, we observed the same heterogeneous expression of VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D proteins. The group with high expression of VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D in marginal region had a higher incidence of lymph node metastasis compared with the group with low expression. Furthermore, the group with high expression of VEGF‐D in marginal region had a higher incidence of lymphatic invasion. The group with high peritumoral lymphatic vessel density (LVD) had higher expression of VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D mRNA compared with the group with low peritumoral LVD. Our studies suggested that the expression of VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D at invasive edge was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis or lymphatic invasion in patients with NSCLC and may be involved in regulation of lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis in NSCLC. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

The cancer stem cell marker CD133 has high prognostic impact but unknown functional relevance for the metastasis of human colon cancer

In colon cancer, CD133 has recently been used to enrich for a subset of tumour cells with tumour‐initiating capabilities and was therefore suggested to mark colon cancer stem cells. However, this molecule has surprisingly been shown to lack functional importance for tumour initiation itself. Herein, we investigated whether CD133 may be relevant for colon cancer metastasis in patients, and as metastasis requires several additional biological characteristics besides tumour initiation, we examined the effects of knocking down CD133 expression in colon cancer cell lines on proliferation, migration, invasion, and colony formation. We demonstrate that high CD133 expression correlates strongly with synchronous liver metastasis in a matched case–control collection, while siRNA‐mediated knock down of this factor has no significant effect on the mentioned biological characteristics. Thus, we conclude that CD133 expression is a marker with high prognostic impact for colon cancer, while it seems to have no obvious functional role as a driving force of this malignancy. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

BHD基因在人肺腺癌A549细胞的表达及其对A549细胞转移能力的影响

目的 了解BHD基因在肺癌细胞中的表达部位及其在影响肺癌细胞转移、运动方面的作用. 方法 制备BHD真核表达质粒,转染肺腺癌细胞,用免疫荧光法检测Folliculin蛋白在肺癌细胞中的表达位置;筛选sRNAi片段,选取有效抑制片段转入肺癌细胞,与转入BHD质粒的肺癌细胞对比,用Transwell实验了解BHD基因对肺癌细胞运动方面的影响. 结果 转入BHD质粒后,A549细胞质内出现明显的Folliculin蛋白表达,Transwell实验显示,转入BHD质粒能抑制A549细胞的侵袭能力,而转入BHD siRNA片段的A549细胞运动迁移能力升高.结论 BHD表达产物Folliculin蛋白在肺癌细胞的胞质内表达,BHD可能是肺癌转移抑制基因.     

Trefoil factor-3 expression in human colon cancer liver metastasis

Deaths from colorectal cancer are often due to liver metastasis. Trefoil factor-3 (TFF3) is expressed by normal intestinal epithelial cells and its expression is maintained throughout the colon adenoma-carcinoma sequence. Our previous work demonstrated a correlation between TFF3 expression and metastatic potential in an animal model of colon cancer. The aim of this study was to determine whether TFF3 is expressed in human colon cancer liver metastasis (CCLM) and whether inhibiting TFF3 expression in colon cancer cells would alter their invasive potential in vitro. Human CCLMs were analyzed at the mRNA and protein level for TFF3 expression. Two highly metastatic rat colon cancer cell lines that either natively express TFF3 (LN cells) or were transfected with TFF3 (LPCRI-2 cells), were treated with two rat TFF3 siRNA constructs (si78 and si365), and analyzed in an in vitro invasion assay. At the mRNA and protein level, TFF3 was expressed in 17/17 (100%) CCLMs and 10/11 (91%) primary colon cancers, but not in normal liver tissue. By real time PCR, TFF3 expression was markedly inhibited by both siRNA constructs in LN and LPCRI-2 cells. The si365 and si78 constructs inhibited invasion by 44% and 53%, respectively, in LN cells, and by 74% and 50%, respectively, in LPCRI-2 cells. These results provide further evidence that TFF3 contributes to the malignant behavior of colon cancer cells. These observations may have relevance for designing new diagnostic and treatment approaches to colorectal cancer.     

Inducible nitric oxide synthase expression correlates with angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and poor prognosis in gastric cancer patients

Increased nitric oxide synthase expression plays a key role in tumor progression. To examine inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and its correlation with clinical variables, such as tumor progression, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and prognosis in gastric cancer, we studied inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in gastric cancer samples from 211 patients with 5-year follow-up. CD105 and D2-40 were adopted as biomarkers for tumor angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, respectively. Inducible nitric oxide synthase staining was mainly found in the cytoplasm of gastric cancer tumor cells. Positive inducible nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity was seen in 54.03% of gastric cancer specimens, which was correlated with lymph node metastasis, vascular invasion, distant metastasis, and TNM stage. Compared with inducible nitric oxide synthase negative patients, inducible nitric oxide synthase-positive patients had significantly shorter survival times and higher microvessel density and lymphatic vessel density. Intratumor and peritumor blood microvessel density and lymphatic vessel density correlated with inducible nitric oxide synthase expression (Spearman ρ test, P < .05). We conclude that inducible nitric oxide synthase expression correlates with lymph node metastasis, vascular invasion, distant metastasis, TNM stage, and poor survival rate in gastric cancer. We propose that synthesized inducible nitric oxide synthase increases angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis thus promotes tumor progression. Inducible nitric oxide synthase expression may be a good biomarker for poor prognosis in gastric cancer.     

FHL2 expression in peritumoural fibroblasts correlates with lymphatic metastasis in sporadic but not in HNPCC-associated colon cancer

Four and a half LIM domain protein-2 (FHL2) is a component of the focal adhesion structures and has been suggested to have an important role in cancer progression. This study analyses the role of FHL2 in peritumoural fibroblasts of sporadic and hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). Tissue specimens of 48 sporadic and 49 hereditary colon cancers, respectively, were stained immunohistochemically for FHL2, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 ligand and α-SMA. Myofibroblasts at the tumour invasion front co-expressed α-SMA and FHL2. Sporadic colon cancer but not HNPCC cases showed a correlation between TGF-β1 expression of the invading tumour cells and FHL2 staining of peritumoural myofibroblasts. Overexpression of FHL2 in peritumoural myofibroblasts correlated to lymphatic metastasis in sporadic colon cancer but not in HNPCC. In cultured mouse fibroblasts, TGF-β1 treatment induced myofibroblast differentiation, stimulated FHL2 protein expression and elevated number of migratory cells in transwell motility assays, suggesting that FHL2 is regulated downstream of TGF-β. Physical contact of colon cancer cells and myofibroblasts via FHL2-positive focal adhesions was detected in human colon carcinoma tissue and in co-culture assays using sporadic as well as HNPCC-derived tumour cell lines. Our data provide strong evidence for an important role of FHL2 in the progression of colon cancers. Tumour-secreted TGF-β1 stimulates FHL2 protein expression in peritumoural fibroblasts, probably facilitating the invasion of tumour glands into the surrounding tissue by enhanced myofibroblast migration and tight connection of fibroblasts to tumour cells via focal adhesions. These findings are absent in HNPCC-associated colon cancers in vivo and may contribute to a less invasive and more protruding tumour margin of microsatellite instable carcinomas.     

Tiam1 regulates cell adhesion, migration and apoptosis in colon tumor cells

The guanine nucleotide exchange factor Tiam1 regulates numerous biologic properties including migration and invasion. We demonstrated previously that colon tumor cells biologically selected for increased migration were increased in Tiam1 expression. Cells selected for increased Tiam1 expression or that ectopically overexpress Tiam1 were increased in metastatic potential. Here, we demonstrate that Tiam1 regulates additional functions associated with metastasis, including reduced cellular adhesion and resistance to anoikis. Tiam1 effects on cellular migration are mediated through its downstream substrate, Rac. Increased Tiam1 expression also leads to anoikis-resistance, whereas decreasing Tiam1 expression by siRNA sensitizes cells to this form of apoptosis; however, Tiam1’s regulation of anoikis is Rac-independent. Staurosporine sensitivity is also Rac-independent, suggesting Tiam1’s effects on apoptosis require other effectors. As many of the observed phenotypes are characteristic of a transition of transformed epithelial cells to a mesenchymal-like phenotype, we also examined biochemical properties associated with an EMT. We demonstrate an increase in vimentin expression in cell lines that overexpress Tiam1 and have a more metastatic phenotype. Concomitant with this increase, we observe a decrease in E-cadherin expression in these cells. Lastly, we stained a panel of human colorectal specimens and adjacent normal tissue, and demonstrate that Tiam1 is overexpressed in a subset of human colorectal tumors. In summary, in colon tumor cells, Tiam1 affects multiple properties associated with acquisition of the metastatic phenotype, and may represent a marker of colon tumor progression and metastasis in a subset of tumors.     

ATAD2对人胶质瘤细胞系转移及上皮间质转换的影响

目的探讨三磷酸腺苷酶家族蛋白2(ATAD2)对人胶质瘤细胞的影响。方法用real-time PCR及Western blot检测ATAD2在人胶质瘤细胞系U87MG、U251和正常人星形胶质细胞的表达。U87MG和U251分为对照组(control)、脂质体对照组(mock)、ATAD2 siRNA(转染特异性siRNA)和ATAD2 overexpression(过表达ATAD2)4组,MTT法、Transwell实验观察细胞增殖和侵袭迁移。Western blot检测上皮间质转换标志蛋白上皮钙黏素、神经钙黏素和波形蛋白的表达。结果 U87MG和U251细胞ATAD2高表达。与对照相比,ATAD2 siRNA抑制U87MG和U251细胞增殖、侵袭、迁移、神经钙黏素及波形蛋白表达,促进上皮钙黏素表达(P0.05);ATAD2 overexpression促进细胞增殖、侵袭、迁移、神经钙黏素和波形蛋白表达,降低上皮钙黏素表达(P0.05)。结论 ATAD2可能通过调节上皮间充质转换进程参与人胶质瘤细胞转移。     

Impact of insulin-like growth factor receptor-I function on angiogenesis,growth, and metastasis of colon cancer

Insulin-like growth factors and their principal receptor, IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR), are frequently expressed in human colon cancers and play a role in preventing apoptosis, enhancing cell proliferation, and inducing expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The role of IGF-IR in regulating angiogenesis and metastases of human colon cancer has not been elucidated. To determine the in vitro and in vivo effects of IGF-IR in human colon cancer growth and angiogenesis, human KM12L4 colon cancer cells were transfected with a truncated dominant-negative form of IGF-IR (IGF-IR dom-neg). IGF-IR dom-neg-transfected cells demonstrated markedly decreased constitutive expression of VEGF mRNA and protein. Subcutaneous injections of IGF-IR dom-neg-transfected cells in nude mice led to significantly decreased tumor growth (p < 0.05) that was associated with decreased tumor cell proliferation, VEGF expression, and vessel count and with increased tumor cell apoptosis (p < 0.05 for all parameters compared with controls). In addition, pericyte coverage of endothelial cells was significantly decreased in tumors from IGF-IR dom-neg-transfected cells. Following this observation, we demonstrated in vitro that vascular smooth muscle cells migrated significantly less in conditioned medium derived from IGF-IR dom-neg-transfected cells compared with medium from control cells. After splenic injections, IGF-IR dom-neg transfectants failed to produce liver metastases, in contrast to parental cells and mock transfectants (p < 0.05). In addition, IGF-IR dom-neg-transfected cells failed to form liver tumors after direct injection into the liver. These studies demonstrate that the IGF-IR plays an important role in multiple mechanisms that mediate the growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis of human colon cancer. IGF-IR is a valid target for the therapy of human colon cancer.     

Catenin‐δ1, negatively regulated by miR‐145, promotes tumour aggressiveness in gastric cancer

Increasing evidence supports the association of catenin‐δ1 (CTNND1, p120ctn) with tumour development and progression. However, the mechanism and clinical significance of CTNND1 deregulation in gastric cancer remain unknown. The expression level and cellular localization of CTNND1 were determined by immunohistochemistry in 126 human gastric cancer and 50 non‐tumourous tissues. The cellular localization of CTNND1 and epithelial cadherin (E‐cadherin) were detected by immunofluorescence. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion assays were performed to assess the effect of CTNND1 cDNA or CTNND1 siRNA transfection on gastric cancer cells. Luciferase assay, western blot analysis and in vivo assays were used to determine whether CTNND1 could be regulated by miR‐145. The results demonstrate that the cytoplasmic localization of CTNND1 protein, rather than expression level, was indicative of higher clinical stage, positive lymph node metastasis and poorer prognosis in gastric cancers. CTNND1 could promote gastric cancer cell migration and invasion with little effect on cellular proliferation and apoptosis. CTNND1 was proved to be a direct target gene for miR‐145. Besides suppressing cytoplasmic CTNND1 expression, miR‐145 could recover the membranous localization of CTNND1 and E‐cadherin. We conclude that cytoplasmic CTNND1 can serve as an independent prognostic factor for patients with gastric cancers. MiR‐145 inhibits invasion of gastric cancer cells not only by down‐regulating cytoplasmic CTNND1 expression but also by inducing the translocation of CTNND1 and E‐cadherin from the cytoplasm to the cell membrane through down‐regulating N‐cadherin. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.