bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data from B7-H1 Overexpression Regulates Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition and Accelerates Carcinogenesis in Skin
Authors: Cao Yujia , Zhang Lu , Kamimura Yosuke , Ritprajak Patcharee , Hashiguchi Masaaki , Hirose Sachiko , Azuma Miyuki
Published: March 2023

Abstract
B7-H1 (CD274) is a T-cell coinhibitory molecule that is also often induced on human carcinoma cells, where its expression has been implicated in immune escape. Under inflammatory conditions, B7-H1 is also inducible in normal epithelial cells but little is known about its involvement in conversion of normal cells to tumor cells. Here, we show that skin-specific expression of B7-H1 accelerates inflammatory carcinogenesis in a methylcholantrene (MCA)-induced model of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Inflammatory responses induced by MCA or phorbol ester TPA were clearly inhibited in B7-H1 transgenic mice (B7-H1tg mice). Antibody-mediated blockade of either B7-H1 or the related molecule PD-1 revealed that their ability to limit inflammation relied on ligand interactions made by B7-H1 or PD-1. Skin keratinocytes derived from B7-H1tg mice exhibited constitutive reduction of E-cadherin, and SCC induced in B7-H1tg mice also showed loss of E-cadherin along with elevated expression of the transcription factors Slug and Twist that drive epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our results indicate that upregulation of B7-H1 in skin epithelial cells promotes EMT and accelerates carcinogenesis, revealing insights into the significance of B7-H1 overexpression on solid tumor cells and hinting at a close relationship between EMT and immune escape signaling pathways in cancer. Cancer Res; 71(4); 1235–43. ©2010 AACR.
Data from miR-218 Suppresses Nasopharyngeal Cancer Progression through Downregulation of Survivin and the SLIT2-ROBO1 Pathway
Authors: Alajez Nehad M. , Lenarduzzi Michelle , Ito Emma , Hui Angela B.Y. , Shi Wei , Bruce Jeff , Yue Shijun , Huang Shao H. , Xu Wei , Waldron John , O'Sullivan Brian , Liu Fei-Fei
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Nasopharayngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an Epstein–Barr virus–associated malignancy most common in East Asia and Africa. Here we report frequent downregulation of the microRNA miR-218 in primary NPC tissues and cell lines where it plays a critical role in NPC progression. Suppression of miR-218 was associated with epigenetic silencing of SLIT2 and SLIT3, ligands of ROBO receptors that have been previously implicated in tumor angiogenesis. Exogenous expression of miR-218 caused significant toxicity in NPC cells in vitro and delayed tumor growth in vivo. We used an integrated trimodality approach to identify targets of miR-218 in NPC, cervical, and breast cell lines. Direct interaction between miR-218 and the 3′-untranslated regions (UTR) of mRNAs encoding ROBO1, survivin (BIRC5), and connexin43 (GJA1) was validated in a luciferase-based transcription reporter assay. Mechanistic investigations revealed a negative feedback loop wherein miR-218 regulates NPC cell migration via the SLIT-ROBO pathway. Pleotropic effects of miR-218 on NPC survival and migration were rescued by enforced expression of miR-218–resistant, engineered isoforms of survivin and ROBO1, respectively. In clinical specimens of NPC (n = 71), ROBO1 overexpression was significantly associated with worse overall (P = 0.04, HR = 2.4) and nodal relapse-free survival (P = 0.008, HR = 6.0). Our findings define an integrative tumor suppressor function for miR-218 in NPC and further suggest that restoring miR-218 expression in NPC might be useful for its clinical management. Cancer Res; 71(6); 2381–91. ©2011 AACR.
Data from Hypoxia Predicts Aggressive Growth and Spontaneous Metastasis Formation from Orthotopically Grown Primary Xenografts of Human Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Chang Qing , Jurisica Igor , Do Trevor , Hedley David W.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Hypoxia in solid tumors is associated with treatment resistance and increased metastatic potential. Although hypoxia has been reported in pancreatic cancer patients, there is little direct evidence that this contributes to their overall poor prognosis. To address this, we examined the associations between hypoxia and biological aggression in a series of patient-derived xenografts grown orthotopically. Early passage xenografts were established from 16 patients undergoing surgery for pancreatic cancer and maintained in the pancreas of immune-deprived mice. Hypoxic cells were labeled using the 2-nitroimidazole probe EF5 and stained for immunofluorescence microscopy of tissue sections or as cell suspensions for flow cytometry. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) uptake, microvessel density, cleaved caspase-3, and the differentiation markers E-cadherin, cytokeratin 19, and vimentin were analyzed in relation to hypoxia. Orthotopic implants closely resembled the histology of the original surgical samples. The 16 primary xenografts showed a wide range in their growth rates and metastatic potential, reminiscent of the spectrum of behavior seen in the clinic. EF5 labeling, tumor growth rates, and metastatic patterns were highly consistent within replicates, indicating a significant transmissible (genetic or epigenetic) component. Hypoxia was highly correlated with rapid tumor growth, increased BrdUrd uptake, and with spontaneous metastasis formation. mRNA expression analysis showed increased expression of genes involved in cell survival and proliferation in the hypoxic models. The results suggest that hypoxia is a major adverse prognostic factor in pancreatic cancer patients and support the introduction of techniques to measure hypoxia directly in patients and the development of treatment protocols to target hypoxia. Cancer Res; 71(8); 3110–20. ©2011 AACR.
Data from Hepatitis B Virus Large Surface Antigen Promotes Liver Carcinogenesis by Activating the Src/PI3K/Akt Pathway
Authors: Liu Haiou , Xu Jiejie , Zhou Lei , Yun Xiaojing , Chen Lin , Wang Shanshan , Sun Linlin , Wen Yumei , Gu Jianxin
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Of the three envelope glycoproteins encoded by hepatitis B virus (HBV) that are collectively referred to as HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), the large HBsAg (LHBs) glycoprotein is expressed preferentially in HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. LHBs can act as an oncogene in transgenic mice, but how it contributes functionally to hepatocarcinogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we determined the molecular and functional roles of LHBs during HBV-associated hepatocarcinogenesis. LHBs increased tumor formation of hepatoma cells. Moreover, expression of LHBs but not other HBV envelope glycoproteins specifically promoted proliferation of hepatoma and hepatic cells in vitro. Mechanistic investigations revealed that these effects were caused by activation of the Src/PI3K/Akt pathway through proximal stimulation of PKCα/Raf1 signaling by LHBs. Proliferation induced by stable LHBs expression was associated with increased G1–S cell-cycle progression and apoptosis resistance mediated by Src kinase activation, as established in hepatocellular carcinoma clinical specimens. Importantly, LHBs-induced cellular proliferation and tumor formation were reversed by administration of the Src inhibitor saracatinib. Together, our findings suggest that LHBs promotes tumorigenesis of hepatoma cells by triggering a PKCα/Raf1 to Src/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, revealing novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of HBV-associated hepatocarcinogenesis. Cancer Res; 71(24); 7547–57. ©2011 AACR.
Data from Human Nuclease/Helicase DNA2 Alleviates Replication Stress by Promoting DNA End Resection
Authors: Peng Guang , Dai Hui , Zhang Wei , Hsieh Hui-Ju , Pan Mei-Ren , Park Yun-Yong , Tsai Robert Yu-Lin , Bedrosian Isabelle , Lee Ju-Seog , Ira Grzegorz , Lin Shiaw-Yih
Published: March 2023

Abstract
In precancerous and cancerous lesions, excessive growth signals resulting from activation of oncogenes or loss of tumor suppressor genes lead to intensive replication stress, which is recognized by a high level of replication-associated DNA double-strand breaks (DSB). However, the molecular mechanism by which cells alleviate excessive replication stress remains unclear. In this study, we report that the human nuclease/helicase DNA2 facilitates homologous recombination to repair replication-associated DNA DSBs, thereby providing cells with survival advantages under conditions of replication stress. The nuclease activity of DNA2 was required for DSB end resection, which allowed subsequent recruitment of RPA and RAD51 to repair DSBs and restart replication. More importantly, DNA2 expression was significantly increased in human cancers and its expression correlated with patient outcome. Our findings therefore indicate that enhanced activity of DSB resection likely constitutes one mechanism whereby precancerous and cancerous cells might alleviate replication stress. Cancer Res; 72(11); 2802–13. ©2012 AACR.
Data from Lung Cancer Diagnosis from Proteomic Analysis of Preinvasive Lesions
Authors: Rahman S.M. Jamshedur , Gonzalez Adriana L. , Li Ming , Seeley Erin H. , Zimmerman Lisa J. , Zhang Xueqiong J. , Manier M. Lisa , Olson Sandra J. , Shah Ronak N. , Miller Alison N. , Putnam Joe B. , Miller York E. , Franklin Wilbur A. , Blot William J. , Carbone David P. , Shyr Yu , Caprioli Richard M. , Massion Pierre P.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Early detection may help improve survival from lung cancer. In this study, our goal was to derive and validate a signature from the proteomic analysis of bronchial lesions that could predict the diagnosis of lung cancer. Using previously published studies of bronchial tissues, we selected a signature of nine matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS) mass-to-charge ratio features to build a prediction model diagnostic of lung cancer. The model was based on MALDI MS signal intensity (MALDI score) from bronchial tissue specimens from our 2005 published cohort of 51 patients. The performance of the prediction model in identifying lung cancer was tested in an independent cohort of bronchial specimens from 60 patients. The probability of having lung cancer based on the proteomic analysis of the bronchial specimens was characterized by an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.77 (95% CI 0.66–0.88) in this validation cohort. Eight of the nine features were identified and validated by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. These results show that proteomic analysis of endobronchial lesions may facilitate the diagnosis of lung cancer and the monitoring of high-risk individuals for lung cancer in surveillance and chemoprevention trials. Cancer Res; 71(8); 3009–17. ©2011 AACR.
Data from Antiangiogenic and Antimetastatic Activity of JAK Inhibitor AZD1480
Authors: Xin Hong , Herrmann Andreas , Reckamp Karen , Zhang Wang , Pal Sumanta , Hedvat Michael , Zhang Chunyan , Liang Wei , Scuto Anna , Weng Shaobu , Morosini Deborah , Cao Zhu A. , Zinda Michael , Figlin Robert , Huszar Dennis , Jove Richard , Yu Hua
Published: March 2023

Abstract
STAT3 has important functions in both tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment to facilitate cancer progression. The STAT regulatory kinase Janus-activated kinase (JAK) has been strongly implicated in promoting oncogenesis of various solid tumors, including the use of JAK kinase inhibitors such as AZD1480. However, direct evidence that JAK drives STAT3 function and cancer pathogenesis at the level of the tumor microenvironment is yet to be established clearly. In this study, we show that AZD1480 inhibits STAT3 in tumor-associated myeloid cells, reducing their number and inhibiting tumor metastasis. Myeloid cell–mediated angiogenesis was also diminished by AZD1480, with additional direct inhibition of endothelial cell function in vitro and in vivo. AZD1480 blocked lung infiltration of myeloid cells and formation of pulmonary metastases in both mouse syngeneic experimental and spontaneous metastatic models. Furthermore, AZD1480 reduced angiogenesis and metastasis in a human xenograft tumor model. Although the effects of AZD1480 on the tumor microenvironment were important for the observed antiangiogenic activity, constitutive activation of STAT3 in tumor cells themselves could block these antiangiogenic effects, showing the complexity of the JAK/STAT signaling network in tumor progression. Together, our results indicated that AZD1480 can effectively inhibit tumor angiogenesis and metastasis mediated by STAT3 in stromal cells as well as tumor cells. Cancer Res; 71(21); 6601–10. ©2011 AACR.
Data from 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine Is Strongly Depleted in Human Cancers but Its Levels Do Not Correlate with IDH1 Mutations
Authors: Jin Seung-Gi , Jiang Yong , Qiu Runxiang , Rauch Tibor A. , Wang Yinsheng , Schackert Gabriele , Krex Dietmar , Lu Qiang , Pfeifer Gerd P.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The base 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) was recently identified as an oxidation product of 5-methylcytosine in mammalian DNA. Here, using sensitive and quantitative methods to assess levels of 5-hydroxymethyl-2′-deoxycytidine (5hmdC) and 5-methyl-2′-deoxycytidine (5mdC) in genomic DNA, we investigated whether levels of 5hmC can distinguish normal tissue from tumor tissue. In squamous cell lung cancers, levels of 5hmdC were depleted substantially with up to 5-fold reduction compared with normal lung tissue. In brain tumors, 5hmdC showed an even more drastic reduction with levels up to more than 30-fold lower than in normal brain, but 5hmdC levels were independent of mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase-1. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis indicated that 5hmC is remarkably depleted in many types of human cancer. Importantly, an inverse relationship between 5hmC levels and cell proliferation was observed with lack of 5hmC in proliferating cells. The data therefore suggest that 5hmdC is strongly depleted in human malignant tumors, a finding that adds another layer of complexity to the aberrant epigenome found in cancer tissue. In addition, a lack of 5hmC may become a useful biomarker for cancer diagnosis. Cancer Res; 71(24); 7360–5. ©2011 AACR.
Data from Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer Using Differentially Expressed Genes in Stroma
Authors: Jia Zhenyu , Wang Yipeng , Sawyers Anne , Yao Huazhen , Rahmatpanah Farahnaz , Xia Xiao-Qin , Xu Qiang , Pio Rebecca , Turan Tolga , Koziol James A. , Goodison Steve , Carpenter Philip , Wang-Rodriguez Jessica , Simoneau Anne , Meyskens Frank , Sutton Manuel , Lernhardt Waldemar , Beach Thomas , Monforte Joseph , McClelland Michael , Mercola Dan
Published: March 2023

Abstract
More than one million prostate biopsies are performed in the United States every year. A failure to find cancer is not definitive in a significant percentage of patients due to the presence of equivocal structures or continuing clinical suspicion. We have identified gene expression changes in stroma that can detect tumor nearby. We compared gene expression profiles of 13 biopsies containing stroma near tumor and 15 biopsies from volunteers without prostate cancer. About 3,800 significant expression changes were found and thereafter filtered using independent expression profiles to eliminate possible age-related genes and genes expressed at detectable levels in tumor cells. A stroma-specific classifier for nearby tumor was constructed on the basis of 114 candidate genes and tested on 364 independent samples including 243 tumor-bearing samples and 121 nontumor samples (normal biopsies, normal autopsies, remote stroma, as well as stroma within a few millimeters of tumor). The classifier predicted the tumor status of patients using tumor-free samples with an average accuracy of 97% (sensitivity = 98% and specificity = 88%) whereas classifiers trained with sets of 100 randomly generated genes had no diagnostic value. These results indicate that the prostate cancer microenvironment exhibits reproducible changes useful for categorizing the presence of tumor in patients when a prostate sample is derived from near the tumor but does not contain any recognizable tumor. Cancer Res; 71(7); 2476–87. ©2011 AACR.
Data from A Kinome-Wide Screen Identifies the Insulin/IGF-I Receptor Pathway as a Mechanism of Escape from Hormone Dependence in Breast Cancer
Authors: Fox Emily M. , Miller Todd W. , Balko Justin M. , Kuba Maria G. , Sánchez Violeta , Smith R. Adam , Liu Shuying , González-Angulo Ana María , Mills Gordon B. , Ye Fei , Shyr Yu , Manning H. Charles , Buck Elizabeth , Arteaga Carlos L.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Estrogen receptor α (ER)–positive breast cancers adapt to hormone deprivation and become resistant to antiestrogens. In this study, we sought to identify kinases essential for growth of ER+ breast cancer cells resistant to long-term estrogen deprivation (LTED). A kinome-wide siRNA screen showed that the insulin receptor (InsR) is required for growth of MCF-7/LTED cells. Knockdown of InsR and/or insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) inhibited growth of 3 of 4 LTED cell lines. Inhibition of InsR and IGF-IR with the dual tyrosine kinase inhibitor OSI-906 prevented the emergence of hormone-independent cells and tumors in vivo, inhibited parental and LTED cell growth and PI3K/AKT signaling, and suppressed growth of established MCF-7 xenografts in ovariectomized mice, whereas treatment with the neutralizing IGF-IR monoclonal antibody MAB391 was ineffective. Combined treatment with OSI-906 and the ER downregulator fulvestrant more effectively suppressed hormone-independent tumor growth than either drug alone. Finally, an insulin/IGF-I gene expression signature predicted recurrence-free survival in patients with ER+ breast cancer treated with the antiestrogen tamoxifen. We conclude that therapeutic targeting of both InsR and IGF-IR should be more effective than targeting IGF-IR alone in abrogating resistance to endocrine therapy in breast cancer. Cancer Res; 71(21); 6773–84. ©2011 AACR.
Data from Lactoferrin–Endothelin-1 Axis Contributes to the Development and Invasiveness of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Phenotypes
Authors: Ha Ngoc-Han , Nair Vasudha S. , Reddy Divijendra Natha Sirigiri , Mudvari Prakriti , Ohshiro Kazufumi , Ghanta Krishna Sumanth , Pakala Suresh B. , Li Da-Qiang , Costa Luis , Lipton Allan , Badwe Rajendra A. , Fuqua Suzanne , Wallon Margaretha , Prendergast George C. , Kumar Rakesh
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by the lack of expression of estrogen receptor-α (ER-α), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2). However, pathways responsible for downregulation of therapeutic receptors, as well as subsequent aggressiveness, remain unknown. In this study, we discovered that lactoferrin (Lf) efficiently downregulates levels of ER-α, PR, and HER-2 in a proteasome-dependent manner in breast cancer cells, and it accounts for the loss of responsiveness to ER- or HER-2–targeted therapies. Furthermore, we found that lactoferrin increases migration and invasiveness of both non-TNBC and TNBC cell lines. We discovered that lactoferrin directly stimulates the transcription of endothelin-1 (ET-1), a secreted proinvasive polypeptide that acts through a specific receptor, ET(A)R, leading to secretion of the bioactive ET-1 peptide. Interestingly, a therapeutic ET-1 receptor-antagonist blocked lactoferrin-dependent motility and invasiveness of breast cancer cells. The physiologic significance of this newly discovered Lf–ET-1 axis in the manifestation of TNBC phenotypes is revealed by elevated plasma and tissue lactoferrin and ET-1 levels in patients with TNBC compared with those in ER+ cases. These findings describe the first physiologically relevant polypeptide as a functional determinant in downregulating all three therapeutic receptors in breast cancer, which uses another secreted ET-1 system to confer invasiveness. Results presented in this article provide proof-of-principle evidence in support of the therapeutic effectiveness of ET-1 receptor antagonist to completely block the lactoferrin-induced motility and invasiveness of the TNBC as well as non-TNBC cells, and thus, open a remarkable opportunity to treat TNBC by targeting the Lf–ET-1 axis using an approved developmental drug. Cancer Res; 71(23); 7259–69. ©2011 AACR.
Data from Human CD59 Inhibitor Sensitizes Rituximab-Resistant Lymphoma Cells to Complement-Mediated Cytolysis
Authors: Hu Weiguo , Ge Xiaowen , You Tao , Xu Ting , Zhang Jinyan , Wu Gongxiong , Peng Zhihai , Chorev Michael , Aktas Bertal H. , Halperin Jose A. , Brown Jennifer R. , Qin Xuebin
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Rituximab efficacy in cancer therapy depends in part on induction of complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). Human CD59 (hCD59) is a key complement regulatory protein that restricts the formation of the membrane attack complex, thereby inhibiting induction of CDC. hCD59 is highly expressed in B-cell non–Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), and upregulation of hCD59 is an important determinant of the sensitivity of NHL cells to rituximab treatment. Here, we report that the potent hCD59 inhibitor rILYd4 enhances CDC in vitro and in vivo, thereby sensitizing rituximab-resistant lymphoma cells and primary chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells (CLL) to rituximab treatment. By defining pharmcokinetic/pharmacodynamic profiles of rILYd4 in mice, we showed that by itself rILYd4 does not adversely mediate in vivo hemolysis of hCD59-expressing erythrocytes. Increasing expression levels of the complement regulators CD59 and CD55 in rituximab-resistant cells occur due to selection of preexisting clones rather than de novo induction of these proteins. Moreover, lymphoma cells overexpressing CD59 were directly responsible for the resistance to rituximab-mediated CDC therapy. Our results rationalize the use of rILYd4 as a therapeutic adjuvant for rituximab treatment of rituximab-resistant lymphoma and CLL. Furthermore, they suggest that preemptive elimination of CD59-overexpressing subpopulations along with rituximab treatment may be a useful approach to ablate or conquer rituximab resistance. Cancer Res; 71(6); 2298–307. ©2011 AACR.
Data from TNF-α Promotes c-REL/ΔNp63α Interaction and TAp73 Dissociation from Key Genes That Mediate Growth Arrest and Apoptosis in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Lu Hai , Yang Xinping , Duggal Praveen , Allen Clint T. , Yan Bin , Cohen Jonah , Nottingham Liesl , Romano Rose-Anne , Sinha Satrajit , King Kathryn E. , Weinberg Wendy C. , Chen Zhong , Van Waes Carter
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Inflammation-induced activation of proto-oncogenic NF-κB/REL and dysfunction of tumor suppressor TP53/p63/p73 family transcription factors are key events in cancer progression. How inflammatory signaling coordinates dysregulation of these two transcription factor families during oncogenesis remains incompletely understood. Here, we observed that oncoprotein c-REL and tumor suppressor TAp73 are coexpressed and complex with ΔNp63α in the nucleus of a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines with mutant (mt)TP53. TNF-α, a proinflammatory cytokine, promoted c-REL nuclear translocation, c-REL/ΔNp63α interaction, and dissociation of TAp73 from ΔNp63α and the nucleus to the cytoplasm, whereas c-REL siRNA knockdown attenuated this effect. Overexpression of c-REL or a c-REL κB-site DNA-binding mutant enhanced protein interaction with ΔNp63α and TAp73 dissociation, implicating c-REL/ΔNp63α-specific interactions in these effects. We discovered that TNF-α or genetic alteration of c-REL expression inversely modulates ΔNp63α/TAp73 interactions on distinct p63 DNA-binding sites, including those for key growth arrest and apoptotic genes p21WAF1, NOXA, and PUMA. Functionally, c-REL repressed these genes and the antiproliferative effects of TNF-α or TAp73. Conversely, c-REL siRNA depletion enhanced TAp73 promoter interaction and expression of genes mediating growth arrest and apoptosis. Similar to TNF-α–treated HNSCC lines, human HNSCC tumors and hyperplastic squamous epithelia of transgenic mice overexpressing ΔNp63α that exhibit inflammation also show increased nuclear c-REL/ΔNp63α and cytoplasmic TAp73 localization. These findings unveil a novel and reversible dynamic mechanism whereby proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α–induced c-REL/ΔNp63α interactions inactivate tumor suppressor TAp73 function, promoting TNF-α resistance and cell survival in cancers with mtTP53. Cancer Res; 71(21); 6867–77. ©2011 AACR.
Data from Adipokines Linking Obesity with Colorectal Cancer Risk in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Ho Gloria Y.F. , Wang Tao , Gunter Marc J. , Strickler Howard D. , Cushman Mary , Kaplan Robert C. , Wassertheil-Smoller Sylvia , Xue Xiaonan , Rajpathak Swapnil N. , Chlebowski Rowan T. , Vitolins Mara Z. , Scherer Philipp E. , Rohan Thomas E.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Mechanistic associations between obesity and colorectal cancer remain unclear. In this study, we investigated whether adipokines are risk factors for colorectal cancer and whether they may mediate its association with obesity. In a case–cohort study nested within the Women's Health Initiative cohort of postmenopausal women, baseline plasma samples from 457 colorectal cancer cases and 841 subcohort subjects were assayed for seven adipokines—adiponectin, leptin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), resistin, hepatocyte growth factor, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and TNF-α. Serum insulin and estradiol values measured previously were also available for data analysis. After adjusting for age, race, smoking, colonoscopy history, and estrogen level, a low level of anti-inflammatory adiponectin and high levels of proinflammatory leptin, PAI-1, and IL-6 were associated with increased colorectal cancer risk, though only leptin remained significant after further adjustment for insulin [HRs comparing extreme quartiles (HRQ4–Q1), 1.84; 95% CI, 1.17–2.90]. Mediation analyses showed that leptin and insulin partially explained the association between waist circumference and colorectal cancer and attenuated it by 25% and 37%, respectively, with insulin being a significant mediator (P = 0.041). Our findings support the conclusion that adipokines involved in inflammation are associated with colorectal cancer risk, but that their effects may be mediated mostly by insulin, with leptin exerting an independent effect. Hyperinsulinemia and hyperleptinemia may therefore partially explain the adiposity association with colorectal cancer in postmenopausal women. Cancer Res; 72(12); 3029–37. ©2012 AACR.
Data from 6-Thioguanine Reactivates Epigenetically Silenced Genes in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells by Facilitating Proteasome-mediated Degradation of DNMT1
Authors: Yuan Bifeng , Zhang Jing , Wang Hongxia , Xiong Lei , Cai Qian , Wang Tina , Jacobsen Steven , Pradhan Sriharsa , Wang Yinsheng
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Thiopurines including 6-thioguanine (SG), 6-mercaptopurine, and azathioprine are effective anticancer agents with remarkable success in clinical practice, especially in effective treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). SG is understood to act as a DNA hypomethylating agent in ALL cells, however, the underlying mechanism leading to global cytosine demethylation remains unclear. Here we report that SG treatment results in reactivation of epigenetically silenced genes in T leukemia cells. Bisulfite genomic sequencing revealed that SG treatment universally elicited demethylation in the promoters and/or first exons of the genes that were reactivated. SG treatment also attenuated the expression of histone lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1), thereby stimulating lysine methylation of the DNA methylase DNMT1 and triggering its degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasomal pathway. Taken together, our findings reveal a previously uncharacterized but vital mechanistic link between SG treatment and DNA hypomethylation. Cancer Res; 71(5); 1904–11. ©2011 AACR.
Data from STAT3 Is Necessary for Proliferation and Survival in Colon Cancer–Initiating Cells
Authors: Lin Li , Liu Aiguo , Peng Zhengang , Lin Huey-Jen , Li Pui-Kai , Li Chenglong , Lin Jiayuh
Published: March 2023

Abstract
STAT3 is constitutively activated in colon cancer but its contributions in cancer-initiating cells have not been explored. In this study, we characterized STAT3 in aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)-positive (ALDH+) and CD133-positive (CD133+) subpopulations of human colon tumor cells that exhibited more potent tumor-initiating ability than ALDH−/CD133− cells in tumor xenograft assays in mice. We found that ALDH+/CD133+ cells expressed higher levels of the active phosphorylated form of STAT3 than either ALDH−/CD133− or unfractionated colon cancer cells. STAT3 inhibition by RNA interference–mediated knockdown or small-molecule inhibitors LLL12 or Stattic blocked downstream target gene expression, cell viability, and tumorsphere-forming capacity in cancer-initiating cells. Similarly, treatment of mouse tumor xenografts with STAT3 short hairpin RNA (shRNA), interleukin 6 shRNA, or LLL12 inhibited tumor growth. Our results establish that STAT3 is constitutively activated in colon cancer–initiating cells and that these cells are sensitive to STAT3 inhibition. These findings establish a powerful rationale to develop STAT3 inhibitory strategies for treating advanced colorectal cancers. Cancer Res; 71(23); 7226–37. ©2011 AACR.
Data from CARM1 Is an Important Determinant of ERα-Dependent Breast Cancer Cell Differentiation and Proliferation in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Al-Dhaheri Mariam , Wu Jiacai , Skliris Georgios P. , Li Jun , Higashimato Ken , Wang Yidan , White Kevin P. , Lambert Paul , Zhu Yuerong , Murphy Leigh , Xu Wei
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Breast cancers with estrogen receptor α (ERα) expression are often more differentiated histologically than ERα-negative tumors, but the reasons for this difference are poorly understood. One possible explanation is that transcriptional cofactors associated with ERα determine the expression of genes which promote a more differentiated phenotype. In this study, we identify one such cofactor as coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1 (CARM1), a unique coactivator of ERα that can simultaneously block cell proliferation and induce differentiation through global regulation of ERα-regulated genes. CARM1 was evidenced as an ERα coactivator in cell-based assays, gene expression microarrays, and mouse xenograft models. In human breast tumors, CARM1 expression positively correlated with ERα levels in ER-positive tumors but was inversely correlated with tumor grade. Our findings suggest that coexpression of CARM1 and ERα may provide a better biomarker of well-differentiated breast cancer. Furthermore, our findings define an important functional role of this histone arginine methyltransferase in reprogramming ERα-regulated cellular processes, implicating CARM1 as a putative epigenetic target in ER-positive breast cancers. Cancer Res; 71(6); 2118–28. ©2011 AACR.
Data from Hypoxia Induces Escape from Innate Immunity in Cancer Cells via Increased Expression of ADAM10: Role of Nitric Oxide
Authors: Barsoum Ivraym B. , Hamilton Thomas K. , Li Xin , Cotechini Tiziana , Miles Ellen A. , Siemens D. Robert , Graham Charles H.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
One key to malignant progression is the acquired ability of tumor cells to escape immune-mediated lysis. Whereas tumor hypoxia is known to play a causal role in cancer metastasis and resistance to therapy, the link between hypoxia and immune escape in cancer remains poorly understood. Here, we show that hypoxia induces tumor cell resistance to lysis mediated by immune effectors and that this resistance to lysis occurs via a hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1)–dependent pathway linked to increased expression of the metalloproteinase ADAM10. This enzyme is required for the hypoxia-induced shedding of MHC class I chain–related molecule A (MICA), a ligand that triggers the cytolytic action of immune effectors, from the surface of tumor cells. Indeed, our findings show a mechanistic link between hypoxia-induced accumulation of the α-subunit of HIF-1 (HIF-1α), increased expression of ADAM10, and decreased surface MICA levels leading to tumor cell resistance to lysis mediated by innate immune effectors. Nitric oxide mimetic agents interfered with the hypoxia-induced accumulation of HIF-1α and with the hypoxia-induced upregulation of ADAM10 expression required for decreased surface MICA expression and resistance to lysis. Furthermore, treatment of tumor-bearing mice with nitroglycerin, a nitric oxide mimetic, attenuated tumor growth by a mechanism that relied upon innate immune effector cells. Together, these findings reveal a novel mechanism by which the hypoxic tumor microenvironment contributes to immune escape in cancer, lending support to potential immunotherapeutic strategies involving the use of nitric oxide mimetics. Cancer Res; 71(24); 7433–41. ©2011 AACR.
Data from MicroRNA-616 Induces Androgen-Independent Growth of Prostate Cancer Cells by Suppressing Expression of Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor TFPI-2
Authors: Ma Stephanie , Chan Yuen Piu , Kwan Pak Shing , Lee Terence K. , Yan Mingxia , Tang Kwan Ho , Ling Ming Tat , Vielkind Juergen R. , Guan Xin-Yuan , Chan Kwok Wah
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Expression of microRNA genes is profoundly altered in cancer but their role in the development of androgen-independent prostate cancer has received limited attention as yet. In this study, we report a functional impact in prostate cancer cells for overexpression of the microRNA miR-616, which occurred consistently in cells that were androgen-independent (AI) versus androgen-dependent (AD). miR-616 overexpression was confirmed in malignant prostate tissues as opposed to benign prostate specimens. Stable miR-616 overexpression in LNCaP cells by a lentiviral-based approach stimulated AI prostate cancer cell proliferation in vitro whereas concomitantly reducing androgen-induced cell growth. More importantly, miR-616 overexpressing LNCaP cells overcame castration resistance as shown by an enhanced ability to proliferate in vivo after bilateral orchiectomy. Conversely, antagonizing miR-616 in AI prostate cancer cells yielded opposite effects. Microarray profiling and bioinformatics analysis identified the tissue factor pathway inhibitor TFPI-2 mRNA as a candidate downstream target of miR-616. In support of this candidacy, we documented interactions between miR-616 and the 3′UTR of TFPI-2 and determined TFPI-2 expression to be inversely correlated to miR-616 in a series of prostate cell lines and clinical specimens. Notably, reexpression of TFPI-2 in LNCaP cells with stable miR-616 overexpression rescued the AD phenotype, as shown by a restoration of androgen dependence and cell growth inhibition. Taken together, our findings define a functional involvement for miR-616 and TFPI-2 in the development and maintenance of androgen-independent prostate cancer. Cancer Res; 71(2); 583–92. ©2011 AACR.
Data from Targets of the Tumor Suppressor miR-200 in Regulation of the Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer
Authors: Schliekelman Mark J. , Gibbons Don L. , Faca Vitor M. , Creighton Chad J. , Rizvi Zain H. , Zhang Qing , Wong Chee-Hong , Wang Hong , Ungewiss Christin , Ahn Young-Ho , Shin Dong-Hoon , Kurie Jonathan M. , Hanash Samir M.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The microRNA-200 (miR-200) family restricts epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis in tumor cell lines derived from mice that develop metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. To determine the mechanisms responsible for EMT and metastasis regulated by this microRNA, we conducted a global liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry analysis to compare metastatic and nonmetastatic murine lung adenocarcinoma cells which had undergone EMT because of loss of miR-200. An analysis of syngeneic tumors generated by these cells identified multiple novel proteins linked to metastasis. In particular, the analysis of conditioned media, cell surface proteins, and whole-cell lysates from metastatic and nonmetastatic cells revealed large-scale modifications in the tumor microenvironment. Specific increases were documented in extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, peptidases, and changes in distribution of cell adhesion proteins in the metastatic cell lines. Integrating proteomic data from three subproteomes, we defined constituents of a multilayer protein network that both regulated and mediated the effects of TGFβ. Lastly, we identified ECM proteins and peptidases that were directly regulated by miR-200. Taken together, our results reveal how expression of miR-200 alters the tumor microenvironment to inhibit the processes of EMT and metastasis. Cancer Res; 71(24); 7670–82. ©2011 AACR.
Data from SMAC Mimetic (JP1201) Sensitizes Non–Small Cell Lung Cancers to Multiple Chemotherapy Agents in an IAP-Dependent but TNF-α–Independent Manner
Authors: Greer Rachel M. , Peyton Michael , Larsen Jill E. , Girard Luc , Xie Yang , Gazdar Adi F. , Harran Patrick , Wang Lai , Brekken Rolf A. , Wang Xiaodong , Minna John D.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAP) are key regulators of apoptosis and are inhibited by the second mitocondrial activator of caspases (SMAC). Previously, a small subset of TNF-α–expressing non–small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) was found to be sensitive to SMAC mimetics alone. In this study, we determined if a SMAC mimetic (JP1201) could sensitize nonresponsive NSCLC cell lines to standard chemotherapy. We found that JP1201 sensitized NSCLCs to doxorubicin, erlotinib, gemcitabine, paclitaxel, vinorelbine, and the combination of carboplatin with paclitaxel in a synergistic manner at clinically achievable drug concentrations. Sensitization did not occur with platinum alone. Furthermore, sensitization was specific for tumor compared with normal lung epithelial cells, increased in NSCLCs harvested after chemotherapy treatment, and did not induce TNF-α secretion. Sensitization also was enhanced in vivo with increased tumor inhibition and increased survival of mice carrying xenografts. These effects were accompanied by caspase 3, 4, and 9 activation, indicating that both mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptotic pathways are activated by the combination of vinorelbine and JP1201. Chemotherapies that induce cell death through the mitochondrial pathway required only inhibition of X-linked IAP (XIAP) for sensitization, whereas chemotherapies that induce cell death through multiple apoptotic pathways required inhibition of cIAP1, cIAP2, and XIAP. Therefore, the data suggest that IAP-targeted therapy using a SMAC mimetic provides a new therapeutic strategy for synergistic sensitization of NSCLCs to standard chemotherapy agents, which seems to occur independently of TNF-α secretion. Cancer Res; 71(24); 7640–8. ©2011 AACR.
Data from Gastrointestinal Adenocarcinomas of the Esophagus, Stomach, and Colon Exhibit Distinct Patterns of Genome Instability and Oncogenesis
Authors: Dulak Austin M. , Schumacher Steven E. , van Lieshout Jasper , Imamura Yu , Fox Cameron , Shim Byoungyong , Ramos Alex H. , Saksena Gordon , Baca Sylvan C. , Baselga Jose , Tabernero Josep , Barretina Jordi , Enzinger Peter C. , Corso Giovanni , Roviello Franco , Lin Lin , Bandla Santhoshi , Luketich James D. , Pennathur Arjun , Meyerson Matthew , Ogino Shuji , Shivdasani Ramesh A. , Beer David G. , Godfrey Tony E. , Beroukhim Rameen , Bass Adam J.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
A more detailed understanding of the somatic genetic events that drive gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas is necessary to improve diagnosis and therapy. Using data from high-density genomic profiling arrays, we conducted an analysis of somatic copy-number aberrations in 486 gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas including 296 esophageal and gastric cancers. Focal amplifications were substantially more prevalent in gastric/esophageal adenocarcinomas than colorectal tumors. We identified 64 regions of significant recurrent amplification and deletion, some shared and others unique to the adenocarcinoma types examined. Amplified genes were noted in 37% of gastric/esophageal tumors, including in therapeutically targetable kinases such as ERBB2, FGFR1, FGFR2, EGFR, and MET, suggesting the potential use of genomic amplifications as biomarkers to guide therapy of gastric and esophageal cancers where targeted therapeutics have been less developed compared with colorectal cancers. Amplified loci implicated genes with known involvement in carcinogenesis but also pointed to regions harboring potentially novel cancer genes, including a recurrent deletion found in 15% of esophageal tumors where the Runt transcription factor subunit RUNX1 was implicated, including by functional experiments in tissue culture. Together, our results defined genomic features that were common and distinct to various gut-derived adenocarcinomas, potentially informing novel opportunities for targeted therapeutic interventions. Cancer Res; 72(17); 4383–93. ©2012 AACR.
Data from Estrogen Promotes ER-Negative Tumor Growth and Angiogenesis through Mobilization of Bone Marrow–Derived Monocytes
Authors: Iyer Vandana , Klebba Ina , McCready Jessica , Arendt Lisa M. , Betancur-Boissel Monica , Wu Meng-Fen , Zhang Xiaomei , Lewis Michael T. , Kuperwasser Charlotte
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Estrogen has a central role in the genesis and progression of breast cancers whether they are positive or negative for the estrogen receptor (ER). While therapies that disrupt estrogen biosynthesis or ER activity can treat these diseases in postmenopausal women, in younger women where ovarian function remains intact, these anti-estrogen therapies are not as effective. Moreover, emerging clinical evidence suggests that estrogen may promote other cancers. Thus, circulating estrogens may participate in cancer pathogenesis in ways that are not yet understood. In this study, we show that estrogen can promote the outgrowth of murine xenograft tumors established from patient-derived ER-negative breast cancer cells by influencing the mobilization and recruitment of a proangiogenic population of bone marrow–derived myeloid cells. ERα expression was necessary and sufficient in the bone marrow–derived cells themselves to promote tumor formation in response to estrogen. Our findings reveal a novel way in which estrogen promotes tumor formation, with implications for the development and application of anti-estrogen therapies to treat cancer in premenopausal women. Cancer Res; 72(11); 2705–13. ©2012 AACR.
Data from Oncogenicity of the Developmental Transcription Factor Sox9
Authors: Matheu Ander , Collado Manuel , Wise Clare , Manterola Lorea , Cekaite Lina , Tye Angela J. , Canamero Marta , Bujanda Luis , Schedl Andreas , Cheah Kathryn S.E. , Skotheim Rolf I. , Lothe Ragnhild A. , López de Munain Adolfo , Briscoe James , Serrano Manuel , Lovell-Badge Robin
Published: March 2023

Abstract
SOX9 [sex-determining region Y (SRY)-box 9 protein], a high mobility group box transcription factor, plays critical roles during embryogenesis and its activity is required for development, differentiation, and lineage commitment in various tissues including the intestinal epithelium. Here, we present functional and clinical data of a broadly important role for SOX9 in tumorigenesis. SOX9 was overexpressed in a wide range of human cancers, where its expression correlated with malignant character and progression. Gain of SOX9 copy number is detected in some primary colorectal cancers. SOX9 exhibited several pro-oncogenic properties, including the ability to promote proliferation, inhibit senescence, and collaborate with other oncogenes in neoplastic transformation. In primary mouse embryo fibroblasts and colorectal cancer cells, SOX9 expression facilitated tumor growth and progression whereas its inactivation reduced tumorigenicity. Mechanistically, we have found that Sox9 directly binds and activates the promoter of the polycomb Bmi1, whose upregulation represses the tumor suppressor Ink4a/Arf locus. In agreement with this, human colorectal cancers showed a positive correlation between expression levels of SOX9 and BMI1 and a negative correlation between SOX9 and ARF in clinical samples. Taken together, our findings provide direct mechanistic evidence of the involvement of SOX9 in neoplastic pathobiology, particularly, in colorectal cancer. Cancer Res; 72(5); 1301–15. ©2012 AACR.
Data from MTA1 Promotes STAT3 Transcription and Pulmonary Metastasis in Breast Cancer
Authors: Pakala Suresh B. , Rayala Suresh K. , Wang Rui-An , Ohshiro Kazufumi , Mudvari Prakriti , Reddy Sirigiri Divijendra Natha , Zheng Yi , Pires Ricardo , Casimiro Sandra , Pillai M. Radhakrishna , Costa Luis , Kumar Rakesh
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Overexpression of the prometastatic chromatin modifier protein metastasis tumor antigen 1 (MTA1) in human cancer contributes to tumor aggressiveness, but the role of endogenous MTA1 in cancer has not been explored. Here, we report the effects of selective genetic depletion of MTA1 in a physiologically relevant spontaneous mouse model of breast cancer pulmonary metastasis. We found that MTA1 acts as a mandatory modifier of breast-to-lung metastasis without effects on primary tumor formation. The underlying mechanism involved MTA1-dependent stimulation of STAT3 transcription through action on the MTA1/STAT3/Pol II coactivator complex, and, in turn, on the expression and functions of STAT3 target genes including Twist1. Accordingly, we documented a positive correlation between levels of MTA1 and STAT3 in publicly available breast cancer data sets. Together, our findings reveal an essential modifying role of the physiologic level of MTA1 in supporting pulmonary metastasis of breast cancer. Cancer Res; 73(12); 3761–70. ©2013 AACR.
Data from Pak1 Kinase Links ErbB2 to β-Catenin in Transformation of Breast Epithelial Cells
Authors: Arias-Romero Luis E. , Villamar-Cruz Olga , Huang Min , Hoeflich Klaus P. , Chernoff Jonathan
Published: March 2023

Abstract
p21-Activated kinase-1 (Pak1) is frequently upregulated in human breast cancer and is required for transformation of mammary epithelial cells by ErbB2. Here, we show that loss of Pak1, but not the closely related Pak2, leads to diminished expression of β-catenin and its target genes. In MMTV-ErbB2 transgenic mice, loss of Pak1 prolonged survival, and mammary tissues of such mice showed loss of β-catenin. Expression of a β-catenin mutant bearing a phospho-mimetic mutation at Ser 675, a specific Pak1 phosphorylation site, restored transformation to ErbB2-positive, Pak1-deficient mammary epithelial cells. Mice bearing xenografts of ErbB2-positive breast cancer cells showed tumor regression when treated with small-molecule inhibitors of Pak or β-catenin, and combined inhibition by both agents was synergistic. These data delineate a signaling pathway from ErbB2 to Pak to β-catenin that is required for efficient transformation of mammary epithelial cells, and suggest new therapeutic strategies in ErbB2-positive breast cancer. Cancer Res; 73(12); 3671–82. ©2013 AACR.