RETRACTED ARTICLE: Platelet-derived growth factor-D contributes to aggressiveness of breast cancer cells by up-regulating Notch and NF-κB signaling pathways

Platelet-derived growth factor-D (PDGF-D) has been linked with several human malignancies; however, its role in breast cancer progression is not known. We found that PDGF-D expressing breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and SUM-149 are more invasive compared to cell lines with little or no expression of PDGF-D such as MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7 cells. Over-expression of PDGF-D in PDGF-D low expressing MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7 cells by cDNA transfection showed increased cell proliferation while silencing the expression of PDGF-D by siRNA in PDGF-D high expressing MDA-MB-231 and SUM-149 cells showed decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. Moreover, PDGF-D over-expression was positively correlated with the expression of Notch-1 and Jagged-1, and the expression of mesenchymal markers (Vimentin and ZEB-2) with concomitant decreased expression of epithelial marker E-cadherin. Since NF-κB activation plays a crucial role in Notch signaling as well as in epithelial–mesenchymal transition and tumor aggressiveness, we determined the DNA binding activity of NF-κB and our findings are consistent showing that PDGF-D over-expression led to increased DNA binding activity of NF-κB while it was found to be decreased by inactivation of PDGF-D. These results were also consistent with the expression and activity of MMP-9 and VEGF, as well as invasive characteristics. Further, forced expression of Notch-1/Jagged-1 by cDNA transfection de-repressed the effects of PDGF-D silencing on NF-κB activity and invasion. From these results, we conclude that PDGF-D plays an important role in breast tumor aggressiveness and this process is mechanistically linked with the activation of Notch and NF-κB signaling.     

Hypoxia regulates stemness of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells

Human breast cancers include cancer stem cell populations as well as non-tumorigenic cancer cells. Breast cancer stem cells possess self-renewal capability and thus are the root cause of recurrence and metastasis of malignant tumors. Hypoxia is a fundamental pathological feature of solid tumor tissues and exerts a wide range of effects on the biological behavior of cancer cells. However, there is little information on the role of hypoxia in modulating the stemness of breast cancer cells. In the present study, we cultured MDA-MB-231 cells in a hypoxic gas mixture to simulate the hypoxic environment in tissues and to determine how hypoxia conditions could affect the cell proliferation, apoptosis, cytotoxicity, and colony-forming ability. Expression of the stem cell phenotype CD24^?CD44⁺ESA⁺ was analyzed to assess the effects of hypoxia on stemness transformation in MDA-MB-231 cells. Our results found that the cell toxicity of MDA-MB-231 cells was not affected by hypoxia. Hypoxia could slightly inhibit the growth of MDA-MB-231 cells, but the inhibitory effect is not significant when compared with normoxic control. Moreover, hypoxia significantly blocked the apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells (P < 0.05). The proportion of CD24^?CD44⁺ESA⁺ cells in MDA-MB-231 cells was increased greatly after they were treated with hypoxia, and cell colony-formation rate of MDA-MB-231 cells also increased significantly in hypoxia-treated cells. These results encourage the exploration of hypoxia as a mechanism which might not be underestimated in chemo-resistant breast cancer treatment.     

Lung-Derived Factors Mediate Breast Cancer Cell Migration through CD44 Receptor-Ligand Interactions in a Novel Ex Vivo System for Analysis of Organ-Specific Soluble Proteins

Breast cancer preferentially metastasizes to lung, lymph node, liver, bone, and brain. However, it is unclear whether properties of cancer cells, properties of organ microenvironments, or a combination of both is responsible for this observed organ tropism. We hypothesized that breast cancer cells exhibit distinctive migration/growth patterns in organ microenvironments that mirror common clinical sites of breast cancer metastasis and that receptor-ligand interactions between breast cancer cells and soluble organ-derived factors mediate this behavior. Using an ex vivo model system composed of organ-conditioned media (CM), human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, SUM149, and SUM159) displayed cell line-specific and organ-specific patterns of migration/proliferation that corresponded to their in vivo metastatic behavior. Notably, exposure to lung-CM increased migration of all cell lines and increased proliferation in two of four lines (P < .05). Several cluster of differentiation (CD) 44 ligands including osteopontin (OPN) and L-selectin (SELL) were identified in lung-CM by protein arrays. Immunodepletion of SELL decreased migration of MDA-MB-231 cells, whereas depletion of OPN decreased both migration and proliferation. Pretreatment of cells with a CD44-blocking antibody abrogated migration effects (P < .05). “Stemlike” breast cancer cells with high aldehyde dehydrogenase and CD44 (ALDH^hiCD44⁺) responded in a distinct chemotactic manner toward organ-CM, preferentially migrating toward lung-CM through CD44 receptor-ligand interactions (P < .05). In contrast, organ-specific changes in migration were not observed for ALDH^lowCD44^- cells. Our data suggest that interactions between CD44⁺ breast cancer cells and soluble factors present in the lung microenvironment may play an important role in determining organotropic metastatic behavior.     

Expression and regulatory function of miRNA-182 in triple-negative breast cancer cells through its targeting of profilin 1

We aimed to evaluate the expression of microRNA-182 (miR-182) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tissues and the TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231 and to investigate the effects of mirR-182 on the cellular behavior of MDA-MB-231 and the expression of the target gene profilin 1 (PFN1), thus providing new methods and new strategies for the treatment of TNBC. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was utilized to evaluate the expression of miR-182 in TNBC tissues, relatively normal tissues adjacent to TNBC and the TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231. Forty-eight hours after the MDA-MB-231 cells were transfected with the miR-182 inhibitor, qRT-PCR was utilized to detect the changes in miR-182 expression levels, and an MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay was utilized to determine the effects of miR-182 on cell viability. Flow cytometry was adopted to determine whether miR-182 affects the proliferation rates and apoptosis levels of the MDA-MB-231 cells. The transwell migration assay method was used to investigate the effects of miR-182 on the migration of the MDA-MB-231 cells. A luciferase reporter gene system was applied to validate that PFN1 was the target gene of miR-182. Western blot was used to measure the effects of miR-182 on the PFN1 protein expression levels in the cells. qRT-PCR results showed that compared with the relatively normal tissues adjacent to TNBC, miR-182 expression was significantly increased in the TNBC tissues and the MDA-MB-231 cells (p?<?0.01). Compared with the control group, MDA-MB-231 cells transfected with the miR-182 inhibitor and incubated for 48 h showed significantly decreased miR-182 expression (p?<?0.01). The results of an MTT assay showed that inhibition of miR-182 in MDA-MB-231 cells led to significantly reduced cell viability (p?<?0.05). Flow cytometry analysis indicated that inhibition of miR-182 expression resulted in significantly decreased cell proliferation (p?<?0.05) and significantly increased levels of apoptosis (p?<?0.05). The results of a transwell migration assay showed that after inhibited of miR-182 expression, the number of cells passing through the transwell membranes was significantly decreased (p?<?0.05). The results from a luciferase reporter gene system showed that compared with the control group, the relative luciferase activity of the group transfected with the miR-182 inhibitor was significantly increased (p?<?0.05). Western blot analysis showed that compared with the control group, PFN1 protein expression levels were significantly increased in the MDA-MB-231 cells transfected with the miR-182 inhibitor and incubated for 48 h (p?<?0.05). In conclusion, miR-182 is upregulated in TNBC tissues and cells. It promotes the proliferation and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells and could negatively regulate PFN1 protein expression. Treatment strategies utilizing inhibition of miR-182 expression or overexpression of the PFN1 gene might benefit patients with TNBC.     

c-Met蛋白在CCL5诱导的乳腺癌MDA-MB-231细胞迁移中的作用

目的:探讨c-Met蛋白在CC型趋化因子5(CCL5)诱导的乳腺癌MDA-MB-231细胞迁移中的作用.方法:Western-Blot检测乳腺癌MDA-MB-231细胞表面CCL5受体(CCR5)的表达情况;Transwell法检测CCL5诱导的MDA-MB-231细胞迁移能力的变化;Western-Blot检测CCL5刺激后MDA-MB-231细胞c-Met及磷酸化c-Met(p-Met)的表达.结果:乳腺癌MDA-MB-231细胞表面高表达CCR5蛋白;CCL5增强MDA-MB-231细胞的迁移能力,沉默CCR5基因后抑制了CCR5蛋白表达,MDA-MB-231细胞迁移能力降低;MDA-MB-231细胞表达的p-Met水平在CCL5刺激10 min后明显升高.结论:CCL5/CCR5信号通路可以促进乳腺癌MDA-MB-231细胞的迁移能力,c-Met蛋白参与CCL5诱导的乳腺癌MDA-MB-231细胞迁移.     

siRNA-mediated knock-down of DFF45 amplifies doxorubicin therapeutic effects in breast cancer cells

Purpose

RNA interference (RNAi) has become a promising tool for cancer therapy. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) can synergistically enhance the cell killing effects of drugs used in cancer treatment. Here we examined the effects of siRNA-mediated DNA fragmentation factor 45 (DFF45) gene silencing on breast cancer cell viability, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in the presence and absence of doxorubicin.

Methods

We designed three siRNAs, which target different regions of the DFF45 mRNA. Gene silencing was confirmed by real time RT-PCR and Western blot analyses. The impact of DFF45 siRNA, doxorubicin, and their combination on the viability, cell cycle and apoptosis of T-47D and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were determined by MTT, PI staining, annexin V binding, caspase-3 activity, DNA laddering, and chromatin condensation assays.

Results

Based on flow cytometric analyses, we found that silencing of DFF45 alone had little effect on apoptosis, especially in T-47D cells. However, when used in combination with doxorubicin (0.33 μM) a significant increase (P?<?0.05) in apoptosis was observed in T-47D and MDA-MB-231 cells, i.e., ~2.5- and 3-fold, respectively. Caspase-3 activity, chromatin condensation, as well as DNA laddering supported increased apoptosis in the combinatorial treatment. Cell cycle arrest in both cell lines occurred at lower levels after siRNA + doxorubicin treatment compared to doxorubicin only.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that DFF45 gene silencing, when applied in combination with doxorubicin, may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of breast cancer.     

维生素E琥珀酸酯诱导HER-2过表达乳腺癌细胞凋亡机制的研究

目的:探讨维生素E琥珀酸酯(vitamin E succinate,VES)对HER-2过表达乳腺癌细胞的生长抑制和诱导凋亡作用。方法:MTT法测定VES对乳腺癌MDA-MB-231和MDA-MB-453细胞增殖的抑制作用，应用Western blot法筛选HER-2过表达乳腺癌细胞系，同时检测VES处理后GSK-3、NF-κBp65、caspase 9蛋白在乳腺癌MDA-MB-231和MDA-MB-453细胞中的表达水平，划痕实验与侵袭实验观察VES对乳腺癌细胞体外迁移能力的影响，流式细胞术检测VES对乳腺癌细胞凋亡的作用。结果:VES处理后GSK-3、NF-κBp65、caspase 9蛋白在乳腺癌MDA-MB-453细胞中的表达明显高于在乳腺癌MDA-MB-231细胞中的表达，VES作用于HER-2低表达乳腺癌细胞使其迁移及侵袭能力明显增强，却能够抑制HER-2高表达乳腺癌细胞的迁移及侵袭。VES以直接杀伤方式作用MDA-MB-231细胞，而对MDA-MB-453则以诱导细胞凋亡方式杀伤，VES使HER-2高表达乳腺癌MDA-MB-453细胞发生G1/G0期阻滞。结论:VES促进乳腺癌细胞凋亡是通过影响多条信号传导途径完成的，VES作用于不同HER-2表达乳腺癌细胞其迁移及侵袭能力明显不同，其机制与细胞表面蛋白表达有关。     

Zoledronic acid induces apoptosis and changes the TRAIL/OPG ratio in breast cancer cells

Breast cancer has a propensity to metastasize to bone, thus causing pathological fractures. Bisphosphonates are established drugs in the treatment of bone metastasis that inhibit osteoclast activity and interrupt the vicious cycle of osteoclast–tumor cell interactions. We evaluated the direct effects of zoledronic acid on estrogen receptor (ER)-negative MDA-MB-231 and ER-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells. While zoledronic acid (100 μM) inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation after 72 h, and induced apoptosis via activation of caspase-3 and -7, it had only minor effects on MCF-7 cells. In addition, zoledronic acid induced apoptosis by up-regulating TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) in MDA-MB-231 cells (p < 0.01), but had no effect on the expression of its decoy receptor osteoprotegerin (OPG). In MCF-7 cells, both cytokines were suppressed by zoledronic acid. In conclusion, zoledronic acid enhanced the TRAIL-to-OPG ratio in TRAIL-sensitive MDA-MB-231 cells, indicating that the TRAIL/OPG cytokine system is a bisphosphonate-responsive target in breast cancer.     

Polo-Like Kinase 1 Regulates Chromosomal Instability and Paclitaxel Resistance in Breast Cancer Cells

PurposeChromosomal instability (CIN) contributes to intercellular genetic heterogeneity and has been implicated in paclitaxel (PTX) resistance in breast cancer. In this study, we explored polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) as an important regulator of mitotic integrity and as a useful predictive biomarker for PTX resistance in breast cancer.MethodsWe performed PTX resistance screening using the human kinome CRISPR/Cas9 library in breast cancer cells. In vitro cell proliferation and apoptosis assays and in vivo xenograft experiments were performed to determine the effects of PLK1 on breast cancer cells. Immunofluorescence microscopy was used to measure the degree of multipolar cell division.ResultsKinome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screening identified various kinases involved in PTX resistance in breast cancer cells; among these, PLK1 was chosen for further experiments. PLK1 knockdown inhibited the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, PLK1 silencing sensitized breast cancer cells and mouse xenograft tumor models to PTX cytotoxicity. Silencing of PLK1 induced the formation of multipolar spindles and increased the percentage of multipolar cells. In addition, PLK1 silencing resulted in the downregulation of BubR1 and Mad2 in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, PLK1 upregulation in primary breast cancer was associated with decreased overall patient survival based on the analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas and Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium databases.ConclusionPLK1 plays an important role in PTX resistance by regulating CIN in breast cancer cells. Targeting PLK1 may be an effective treatment strategy for PTX-resistant breast cancers.     

VEGF EXPRESSION IS INHIBITED BY APIGENIN IN HUMAN BREAST CANCER CELLS

Objective： To study the effects of apigenin on vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） in human breast cancer cells （MDA-MB-231. Methods： MTT assay was used to detect the cell proliferation inhibitory effect of apigenin on MDA-MB-231 cell. ELISA was used to determine the protein level of VEGF secreted by MDA-MB-231 cells. RT-PCR was used to detect mRNA levels of VEGF in MDA-MB-231 cells. The protein levels of HIF-1α, p-AKT, p-ERK1/2, and p53 were detected by Western Blotting. Results： Apigenin did not inhibit the cell viability of MDA-MB-231 cell. Apigenin reduced the secretion and mRNA levels of VEGF in MDA-MB-231 cells. Additionally, apigenin decreased the expressions of HIF-1α, p-AKT and p-ERK1/2, but induced the expression of p53. Conclusion： Apigenin can inhibit VEGF expression in human breast cancer cells, and this may be achieved through decreasing HIF-1α.     

基因芯片技术筛查并鉴定乳腺癌细胞中MAGE-A11的相关基因

目的：应用高通量基因芯片技术筛查乳腺癌细胞中黑色素瘤相关抗原（melanoma antigen,MAGE）-A11 的相关基因,并从数量和功能两方面加以验证。方法：采用基因芯片技术筛选乳腺癌MCF-7、MDA-MB-231 和BT-549 中MAGE-A11 下游靶基因的mRNA的差异表达,对有代表性的基因进行了聚类分析,并利用qRT-PCR进行验证。以CCK-8 法、细胞划痕实验和Transwell实验检测MAGE-A11 对乳腺癌细胞中增殖、迁移和侵袭功能的影响。结果：3 种乳腺癌细胞过表达MAGE-A11 导致1 608个下游基因差异表达,主要涉及蛋白泛素化、细胞增殖和凋亡、肿瘤侵袭和转移。基因芯片中典型高表达的ZNF-451、CENPTJ、CDK13、API5 和LMO7 在qRT-PCR 在验证结果中也显著高于对照组（P<0.01）,低表达的SHPRH、PML、MARK2、LIMA1 和ANGPTL4也显著低于对照组（P<0.01）。转染MAGE-A11 组的乳腺癌细胞MCF-7、MDA-MB-231 和BT-549 72 h 的增殖能力较对照组明显增强（均P<0.01）,培养48 h 后与对照组相比,转染MAGE-A11 的3 种细胞划痕出现明显愈合（P<0.05 或P<0.01）,穿膜数较对照组明显增多（均P<0.01）。结论：在MCF-7、MDA-MB-231 和BT-549 三种乳腺癌细胞中筛查到涉及蛋白泛素化、细胞增殖和凋亡、肿瘤侵袭和迁移等生物功能众多的表达差异基因,对其中10 种典型差异基因从数量和功能两方面进行验证,并得到初步确认。     

BTG2 inhibits the proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells

The purposes of this study were to investigate the effects of B cell translocation gene 2 (BTG2) on the proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion of triple-negative breast cancer and to provide an experimental basis for the future treatment of human triple-negative breast cancer. A pcDNA3.1-BTG2 eukaryotic expression vector was constructed and transfected into the MDA-MB-231 human triple-negative breast cancer cell line using lipofection. Then, relevant changes in the biological characteristics of the BTG2-expressing cell line were analyzed using MTT (tetrazolium blue), flow cytometry, and Transwell invasion chamber assays. Additionally, the effects of BTG2 expression on cyclin D1, caspase 3, and matrix metalloproteinases 1/2 (MMP-1/-2) expression were analyzed. Cell proliferation was significantly lower in the pcDNA3.1-BTG2-transfected group compared to the empty vector and blank control groups (p?<?0.05). There was no significant difference between the empty vector and blank control groups. FCM results demonstrated that there were significantly more cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle and fewer S phase cells in the pcDNA3.1-BTG2 group than in the empty vector and blank control groups (p?<?0.05). Additionally, the proportion of cells that migrated across the membrane was significantly lower in the pcDNA3.1-BTG2 group than in the empty vector and blank control groups (p?<?0.05). Cyclin D1 and MMP-1/-2 expression were significantly lower in MDA-MB-231 cells transfected with pcDNA3.1-BTG2 as compared to the empty vector and blank control groups (p?<?0.05). Caspase 3 expression was significantly higher in MDA-MB-231 cells from the pcDNA3.1-BTG2 group compared to the empty vector and blank control groups (p?<?0.05). In conclusion, BTG2 may inhibit MDA-MB-231 proliferation and promote apoptosis. Additionally, BTG2 may also inhibit the invasion of MDA-MB-231 human triple-negative breast cancer cells.     

沉默LncRNA WT1-AS对三阴性乳腺癌细胞MDA-MB-231侵袭和迁移的影响

目的 探讨LncRNA WT1-AS对三阴性乳腺癌细胞MDA-MB-231侵袭和迁移的影响.方法 qRT-PCR检测WT1-AS在三阴性乳腺癌细胞中的表达及基因沉默的效率;Transwell实验检测WT1-AS对MDA-MB-231细胞侵袭能力的影响;划痕实验检测WT1-AS对MDA-MB-231细胞迁移能力的影响;W...     

miR-4728-3p通过PI3K/AKT信号通路调控DOT1L基因抑制乳腺癌细胞增殖、侵袭和迁移

目的:探讨miR-4728-3p通过调控类端粒沉默干扰体-1(disruptor of telomeric silencing 1-like,DOT1L)基因对乳腺癌细胞增殖、侵袭和迁移的影响。方法:使用乳腺癌细胞MCF-7、MDA-MB-231及人正常乳腺细胞MCF-10A。转染MCF-7和MDA-MB-231细胞随机分为NC组(转染miR-4728-3p-NC)和敲低组(转染miR-4728-3p-inhibitor)。利用RT-qPCR技术检测不同的细胞中miR-4728-3p和DOT1L的表达量改变情况。集落克隆形成实验和EDU实验可以同时检测体内各个细胞异常增殖的情况;TUNEL荧光标记检测法和流式细胞术实验可以同时检测不同组癌细胞的凋亡变化;划痕实验和Transwell实验可以同时检测到在各个细胞内因不同处理而可能产生的细胞迁移率和侵袭力的改变;Western blot检测与细胞凋亡状态相关细胞蛋白以及与细胞通路凋亡相关细胞蛋白p-AKT和p-PI3K相对表达的含量。结果:在乳腺癌细胞MCF-7、MDA-MB-231以及SKBR3中发现miR-4728-3p和DOT1L的表达高于人正常乳腺细胞MCF-10A(P＜0.05)。转染细胞miR-4728-3p后,与NC组细胞进行实验比较,发现敲低组细胞中miR-4728-3p和DOT1L的表达量明显降低,且敲低组细胞的增殖能力明显减弱,细胞凋亡率明显升高,细胞迁移能力大大降低。敲低组的细胞凋亡活性蛋白相对表达明显发生变化。其中p-AKT与p-PI3K蛋白均被抑制激活。RT-qPCR和Western blot实验验证DOT1L是miR-4728-3p的下游靶向基因。结论:敲低miR-4728-3p可以下调DOT1L的表达从而促进乳腺癌细胞凋亡,抑制乳腺癌细胞增殖,同时使乳腺癌细胞侵袭和迁移能力减弱。     

藏红花素对乳腺癌血管生成作用的实验研究

目的 探讨藏红花素（Crocin）对乳腺癌血管生成作用及可能机制。方法 MTT法检测Crocin对人乳腺癌细胞MDA-MB-231及人脐静脉内皮细胞（HUVEC）的增殖抑制作用,并筛选出合适的Crocin浓度;流式细胞术检测Crocin对MDA-MB-231细胞凋亡和周期的影响;Transwell及小管形成实验检测Crocin对HUVEC细胞迁移和小管形成的抑制作用;构建乳腺癌MDA-MB-231裸鼠移植瘤模型,给予7次Crocin（5 mg/ml）治疗,免疫组化检测Crocin治疗后裸鼠移植瘤组织中CD34及Ki-67的表达。结果 MTT法检测显示,Crocin对乳腺癌细胞MDA-MB-231有显著的增殖抑制作用（P＜0.05）,其48 h的半数抑制浓度（IC50）为5.0 mg／ml;而Crocin作用24 h时对HUVEC细胞有轻度增殖抑制作用,但不呈剂量依赖性,当Crocin作用48 h和72 h时,其增殖抑制作用明显增加,呈剂量依赖性,其48 h的IC50为5.97 mg／ml。流式细胞仪检测显示,Crocin可诱导MDA-MB-231细胞凋亡（P＜0.05）,还可诱导细胞阻滞于G2／M期,呈剂量依赖性（P＜0.05）。Transwell及小管形成实验显示,Crocin可抑制HUVEC细胞迁移（P＜0.05）和小管形成（P＜0.05）,均呈剂量依赖性。裸鼠皮下移植瘤实验显示,Crocin 5.0 mg／ml治疗后,治疗组较空白对照组移植瘤生长缓慢。空白对照组与治疗组CD34表达量分别为26.00±2.65和14.67±4.16（P＜0.05）,Ki-67表达量分别为502.67±88.48和262.67±75.08,差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。结论 Crocin具有一定的抗血管生成作用,可能与其可以在体内抑制肿瘤细胞增殖、降低微血管密度,在体外可抑制血管内皮细胞增殖、迁移和小管形成的作用相关,具体的分子机制还有待进一步研究。     

FRZB is Regulated by the Transcription Factor EGR1 and Inhibits the Growth and Invasion of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells by Regulating the JAK/STAT3 Pathway

BackgroundTo explore the expression of frizzled related protein (FRZB) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and role of FRZB in TNBC cell growth and invasion.MethodsBreast cancer clinical data were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas. FRZB and early growth response 1 (EGR1) mRNA levels in TNBC were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. FRZB protein level was measured by immunohistochemistry and western blot. Proliferation, migration, and invasion of TNBC cells were detected by colony formation, wound healing, and transwell assay, respectively. The protein levels of EGR1, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Snail, p-JAK1/JAK1, p-JAK2/JAK2, and p-STAT3/STAT3 were measured by western blot. JASPAR was used to predict the binding site of FRZB and EGR1. The binding ability of FRZB and EGR1 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay.ResultsFRZB was low expressed in TNBC tissues and cells. Silencing FRZB promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT and activated JAK/STAT pathway in MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 cells, but overexpression of FRZB acted opposite effects in MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 cells. EGR1 was low expressed in TNBC samples and positively correlated with FRZB. Moreover, EGR1 could recover the promotion of silencing FRZB on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and JAK/STAT pathway in MDA-MB-468 cells, but silencing EGR1 led to the opposite results in MDA-MB-231 cells.ConclusionFRZB was low expressed in TNBC and was regulated by EGR1, and FRZB inhibited TNBC cell growth and invasion by regulating the JAK/STAT3 pathway.     

环加氧酶-2 通过调控EMT促进乳腺癌MDA-MB-231 细胞的迁移和侵袭

[摘要] 目的：探讨环加氧酶-2（COX-2）在乳腺癌转移中的作用及其可能的机制。方法：收集从2015 年10 月至2018 年4 月在云南省肿瘤医院接受乳腺切除术的患者中获得的原发乳腺癌组织和脑转移乳腺癌组织临床病理样本共45 例,其中原发30 例、脑转移15 例。采用qPCR检测COX-2 在原位乳腺癌和脑转移乳腺癌组织中的表达。将COX-2 过表达重组病毒（LV6-COX2）或敲减COX-2 重组病毒（LV3-COX2 shRNA1、LV3-COX2 shRNA2）感染人乳腺癌MDA-MB-231 细胞并获得稳转细胞株后,CCK-8法检测COX-2 表达对MDA-MB-231 细胞增殖的影响,划痕实验和Transwell 法检测对MDA-MB-231 细胞迁移和侵袭的影响。qPCR和WB实验分析各组细胞中COX-2 mRNA和蛋白的表达水平,qPCR检测COX-2 表达对MDA-MB-231 细胞内EMT相关基因表达的影响。结果：COX-2 表达水平在脑转移乳腺癌患者组织中显著高于原位乳腺癌组织（P<0.01）;并且与乳腺癌患者肿瘤TMN分期有关。成功构建稳定过表达/敲减COX-2 的MDA-MB-231 细胞株。过表达COX-2 促进MDA-MB-231 细胞的迁移和侵袭（均P<0.01）,同时显著提高MMP2、MMP1、N-cadherin 和vimentin 的表达（均P<0.01）,但对细胞增殖无明显影响;而沉默COX-2 则有相反的作用,且可促进细胞增殖（P<0.05）。结论：COX-2 在脑转移乳腺癌组织中高表达,其可能通过调控EMT过程促进乳腺癌MDA-MB-231 细胞的迁移和侵袭。     

Breast Cancer Cell Colonization of the Human Bone Marrow Adipose Tissue Niche

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Bone is a preferred site of breast cancer metastasis, suggesting the presence of tissue-specific features that attract and promote the outgrowth of breast cancer cells. We sought to identify parameters of human bone tissue associated with breast cancer cell osteotropism and colonization in the metastatic niche. METHODS: Migration and colonization patterns of MDA-MB-231-fLuc-EGFP (luciferase-enhanced green fluorescence protein) and MCF-7-fLuc-EGFP breast cancer cells were studied in co-culture with cancellous bone tissue fragments isolated from 14 hip arthroplasties. Breast cancer cell migration into tissues and toward tissue-conditioned medium was measured in Transwell migration chambers using bioluminescence imaging and analyzed as a function of secreted factors measured by multiplex immunoassay. Patterns of breast cancer cell colonization were evaluated with fluorescence microscopy and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Enhanced MDA-MB-231-fLuc-EGFP breast cancer cell migration to bone-conditioned versus control medium was observed in 12/14 specimens (P = .0014) and correlated significantly with increasing levels of the adipokines/cytokines leptin (P = .006) and IL-1β (P = .001) in univariate and multivariate regression analyses. Fluorescence microscopy and immunohistochemistry of fragments underscored the extreme adiposity of adult human bone tissues and revealed extensive breast cancer cell colonization within the marrow adipose tissue compartment. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that breast cancer cells migrate to human bone tissue-conditioned medium in association with increasing levels of leptin and IL-1β, and colonize the bone marrow adipose tissue compartment of cultured fragments. Bone marrow adipose tissue and its molecular signals may be important but understudied components of the breast cancer metastatic niche.     

miR-199a-3p在乳腺癌中的表达及其作用

背景与目的：多种微小RNA(microRNA,miRNA)在乳腺癌中异常表达,在乳腺癌的发生、发展中起重要作用。miRNA可能是治疗乳腺癌的新靶点。该研究旨在探讨miR-199a-3p在乳腺癌中的表达水平,及其对乳腺癌癌细胞增殖和凋亡的影响。方法：运用实时定量聚合酶链式反应(quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,QRT-PCR)检测乳腺癌患者癌组织、癌旁正常组织、人乳腺癌细胞和人乳腺细胞中miRNA-199a-3p的表达水平,miR-199a-3p mimic(或inhibitor)转染乳腺癌细胞MDA-MB-231过表达(或沉默)miR-199a-3p的表达后,通过MTT法检测细胞增殖能力,Hoechst染色法和caspase-3活力测试检测细胞凋亡情况。结果：相对癌旁正常组织和人正常乳腺细胞,miR-199a-3p在乳腺癌患者癌组织和人乳腺癌细胞中表达下调。在MDA-MB-231中转染miR-199a-3p mimic过表达miR-199a-3p可抑制细胞增殖,促进其凋亡;在MDA-MB-231中转染miR-199a-3p inhibitor沉默miR-199a-3p可促进细胞增殖,抑制其凋亡。结论：miR-199a-3p在乳腺癌中表达下调,并通过调节乳腺癌细胞增殖和凋亡发挥抑癌作用。     

Mus81基因沉默对MDA-MB-231乳腺癌细胞增殖、凋亡及裸鼠成瘤能力的影响北大核心

目的:分析甲磺酸盐及紫外线敏感性81号基因(Mus81)在乳腺癌组织中的表达水平,观察Mus81基因敲减对三阴性乳腺癌细胞MDA-MB-231增殖、凋亡和裸鼠移植瘤形成能力的影响。方法:从TCGA数据库下载乳腺癌样本基因表达数据,应用perl及R软件整理数据筛选出每个样本Mus81基因表达量。通过慢病毒介导的小干扰RNA(short interfering RNA,siRNA)技术构建Mus81基因敲减的MDA-MB-231乳腺癌细胞系(即Mus81敲减组)和阴性对照组MDA-MB-231乳腺癌细胞系,以实时定量PCR法检测Mus81基因的敲减效率,再以MTT检测实验、克隆形成实验、细胞流式检测及实时定量PCR法检测两组MDA-MB-231细胞的生长、增殖、细胞周期分布、凋亡水平及Mus81下游基因表达水平。最后,向BALB/c裸鼠右侧腋下注射Mus81基因敲减组和阴性对照组MDA-MB-231乳腺癌细胞,观察Mus81基因沉默对MDA-MB-231细胞在裸鼠中成瘤能力的影响。结果:Mus81基因在乳腺癌组织中的平均表达量明显高于癌旁组织(P<0.05)。Mus81基因敲减组MDA-MB-231细胞中Mus81基因的表达水平明显低于阴性对照组(P<0.05),Mus81基因的敲减效率达70.7%。较之阴性对照组,Mus81基因敲减组MDA-MB-231细胞的生长速度明显减缓(P<0.05);形成的细胞克隆数也明显下降(P<0.05);细胞凋亡水平、G2/M期细胞比例则明显升高(P<0.05)。STC2等Mus81下游基因的表达水平在两组MDA-MB-231细胞间也有明显差异(P<0.05)。裸鼠成瘤实验显示,Mus81基因敲减组形成的裸鼠瘤体体积和重量均明显低于阴性对照组(P<0.05)。结论:Mus81基因在乳腺癌组织中的表达明显升高,且可能通过调控STC2等下游基因的表达促进三阴性乳腺癌细胞的生长增殖及裸鼠体内成瘤能力并抑制其凋亡,提示其可能是一个潜在的乳腺癌治疗靶点。