Altered splicing pattern of TACC1 mRNA in gastric cancer
Abstract Transforming acidic coiled-coil ( TACC ) proteins are centrosome and microtubule-associated proteins that are essential for mitotic spindle function. We identified TACC1 as an immunogenic protein and a potential tumor antigen by applying serological identification of antigens by recombinant expression cloning (SEREX) technique to screen a gastric cancer cDNA library. The 5′RLM-RACE and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed at least six different transcript variants of TACC1 with variable transcription start sites and alternative exon usage (designated TACC1-A–TACC1-F ). All transcripts differ in their 5′ ends but share an identical 3′ region encoding coi…
Early detection of gastric cancer beyond endoscopy - new methods
Early detection of gastric cancer is remaining a challenge. This review summarizes current knowledge on non-invasive methods that could be used for the purpose. The role of traditional cancer markers such as CEA, CA 72-4, CA 19-9, CA 15-3, and CA 12-5 lies mainly in therapy monitoring than early detection. Most extensive studied biomarkers (pepsinogens, ABC method) are aiming at the detection of precancerous lesions with modest sensitivity for cancer. Tests based on the detection of cancer-specific methylation patterns (PanSeer), circulating proteins and mutations in circulating tumour DNA (CancerSEEK), as well as miRNA panels have demonstrated promising results bringing those closer to pra…
Effect of colorectal cancer-derived extracellular vesicles on the immunophenotype and cytokine secretion profile of monocytes and macrophages.
Abstract. Background Macrophages are one of the most important players in the tumor microenvironment. The polarization status of tumor associated macrophages into a pro-inflammatory type M1 or anti-inflammatory type M2 may influence cancer progression and patient survival. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound vesicles containing different biomolecules that are involved in cell to cell signal transfer. Accumulating evidence suggests that cancer-derived EVs are taken up by macrophages and modulate their phenotype and cytokine profile. However, the interactions of cancer-derived EVs with monocytes and macrophages at various differentiation and polarization states are poorly understo…
Characterisation of tumour-associated antigens in colon cancer.
In order to search for clinically relevant cancer-associated genes and to define further the spectrum of immunogenic proteins, we applied SEREX (serological identification of antigens by recombinant expression cloning) to analyse genes expressed in colon adenocarcinoma. Eight different serum-reactive cDNA clones were isolated by immunoscreening from a colon cancer-derived cDNA expression library. mRNA expression studies showed that 2 of them, RHAMM and AD034, have a differential tissue distribution, and that 3 genes, NAP1L1, RHAMM and AD034, are overexpressed in tumours in comparison with the adjacent non-cancerous tissues. 5' RLM-RACE analysis of AD034, a sequence with a tyrosine kinase mo…
Molecular characterisation and expression analysis of SEREX-defined antigen NUCB2 in gastric epithelium, gastritis and gastric cancer.
NUCB2 is an EF-hand Ca2+ binding protein that has been implicated in various physiological processes like calcium homeostasis, hypothalamic regulation of feeding and TNF receptor shedding. In our previous study we identified NUCB2 as a potential tumour antigen eliciting autoantibody responses in 5.4% of gastric cancer patients but not in the healthy individuals.The current study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying NUCB2 immunogenicity and to gain an insight into the physiological functions of NUCB2 in the stomach. mRNA expression analysis demonstrated that NUCB2 is ubiquitously expressed in normal tissues, including lymphoid tissues, and downregulated in gastric tumours wh…
Miniature diamond-anvil cells for FTIR-microspectroscopy of small quantities of biosamples.
Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy techniques and data analyses have become widely available, are easy to use, and are convenient for studies of various biosamples, especially in biomedical science. Yet, cultivation of cells and purification of cell components are costly, often methodically challenging, and time and labor consuming. Therefore, reduction of the sample amount is of high value. Here we propose a novel method for the analysis of small quantities of biosamples by FTIR-microscopy of dry films using a diamond-anvil cell (DAC). This approach allows us to decrease the sample volume at least a hundred times compared to that for a high-throughput screening device (HTS-XT, …
High expression of GLI1 is associated with better survival in advanced SCLC
Aim Aberrant Sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway signaling has been described in small cell lung cancer (SCLC), as well discrepancies, when analyzing expression of pathway components in SCLC cell lines vs tumor biopsies. Shh key component GLI1 was evaluated in advanced SCLC and data correlated with patient survival. Materials and methods GLI1 expression was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in pre-treatment fresh frozen tumor biopsies of 12 advanced SCLC patients and mRNA level of GLI1 was compared in short-term vs long-term survivor's samples (stratified by median survival, independent samples t-test). Results Expression of GLI1 mRNA was significantly higher in long-ter…
Effects of Kaempferol and Myricetin on Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression and Nitric Oxide Production in Rats
Abstract: When administered as drugs or consumed as food components, polyphenolic compounds synthesized in plants interfere with intracellular signal transduction pathways, including pathways of nitric oxide synthase expression. However, effects of these compounds in vivo do not always correlate with nitric oxide synthase-inhibiting activities revealed in experiments with cultured cells. The initial goal of this work was to compare effects of flavonoids kaempferol and myricetin on inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA and protein expression monitored by real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry and to evaluate the impact of these effects on nitric oxide production in rat organs measured by …
FT-IR spectroscopy studies of the breast cancer cell composition changes induced by Au-BSA nanoclusters
Antigen specificity and clinical significance of IgG and IgA autoantibodies produced in situby tumor-infiltrating b cells in breast cancer
An important role for tumor infiltrating B lymphocytes (TIL-B) in the immune response to cancer is emerging; however, very little is known about the antigen specificity of antibodies produced in situ. The presence of IgA antibodies in the tumor microenvironment has been noted although their biological functions and clinical significance are unknown. This study used a 91-antigen microarray to examine the IgG and IgA autoantibody repertoires in breast cancer (BC). Tumor and adjacent breast tissue supernatants and plasma from BC patients together with normal breast tissue supernatants and plasma from healthy controls (patients undergoing mammary reduction and healthy blood donors) were analyze…
Exercise-Induced Extracellular Vesicles Delay the Progression of Prostate Cancer
Increasing evidence suggests that regular physical exercise not only reduces the risk of cancer but also improves functional capacity, treatment efficacy and disease outcome in cancer patients. At least partially, these effects are mediated by the secretome of the tissues responding to exercise. The secreted molecules can be released in a carrier-free form or enclosed into extracellular vesicles (EVs). Several recent studies have shown that EVs are actively released into circulation during physical exercise. Here, we for the first time investigated the effects of exercise-induced EVs on the progression of cancer in an F344 rat model of metastatic prostate cancer. Although we did not observe…
Germinal Centers Determine the Prognostic Relevance of Tertiary Lymphoid Structures and Are Impaired by Corticosteroids in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
Abstract In solid tumors, the presence of lymph node–like structures called tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) is associated with improved patient survival. However, little is known about how TLS develop in cancer, how their function affects survival, and whether they are affected by cancer therapy. In this study, we used multispectral microscopy, quantitative pathology, and gene expression profiling to analyze TLS formation in human lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and in an experimental model of lung TLS induction. We identified a niche of CXCL13+ perivascular and CXCL12+LTB+ and PD-L1+ epithelial cells supporting TLS formation. We also characterized sequential stages of TLS maturation…
Extracellular vesicles as a novel source of biomarkers in liquid biopsies for monitoring cancer progression and drug resistance
Cancer-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been detected in the bloodstream and other biofluids of cancer patients. They carry various tumor-derived molecules such as mutated DNA and RNA fragments, oncoproteins as well as miRNA and protein signatures associated with various phenotypes. The molecular cargo of EVs partially reflects the intracellular status of their cellular origin, however various sorting mechanisms lead to the enrichment or depletion of EVs in specific nucleic acids, proteins or lipids. It is becoming increasingly clear that cancer-derived EVs act in a paracrine and systemic manner to promote cancer progression by transferring aggressive phenotypic traits and drug-res…
Identification of Metastasis Associated Antigen 1 (MTA1) by Serological Screening of Prostate Cancer cDNA Libraries
Over the past 10 years the serological analysis of recombinant cDNA expression libraries (SEREX) has proved to be an effective method for the identification of tumour antigens. In the present study, two prostate cancer libraries were constructed and screened using autologous sera. Fifty five genes were isolated, including 46 known genes and 9 previously uncharacterised genes. Among the known genes, a metastasis-associated gene, MTA1, previously identified by differential cDNA hybridisation, was preferentially expressed in a panel of malignant tissues compared with normal tissues, as analysed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). MTA1 transcripts were observed to be ov…
Tumor-associated autoantibody signature for the early detection of gastric cancer
Autoantibodies against tumor-associated antigens are very attractive biomarkers for the development of noninvasive serological tests for the early detection of cancer because of their specificity and stability in the sera. In our study, we applied T7 phage display-based serological analysis of recombinant cDNA expression libraries technique to identify a representative set of antigens eliciting humoral responses in patients with gastric cancer (GC), produced phage-antigen microarrays and exploited them for the survey of autoantibody repertoire in patients with GC and inflammatory diseases. We developed procedures for data normalization and cutoff determination to define sero-positive signal…
Biological properties of extracellular vesicles and their physiological functions
The authors wish to thank Dr R Simpson and Dr D Taylor for critical reading of the manuscript and acknowledge the Horizon 2020 European Cooperation in Science and Technology programme and its support of our European Network on Microvesicles and Exosomes in Health & Disease (ME-HaD; BM1202 www.cost.eu/COST_Actions/bmbs/Actions/BM1202). In the past decade, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been recognized as potent vehicles of intercellular communication, both in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. This is due to their capacity to transfer proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, thereby influencing various physiological and pathological functions of both recipient and parent cells. While intensive invest…
Proteome Analysis of Colorectal Cancer Cell Line SW480 Released Extracellular Vesicles
The detection and profiling of disease-specific extracellular vesicles (EVs) from body fluids has been challenging research area during recent years. However, the question – can EVs surface proteins be exploited as a credible tool for early cancer diagnosis – is still not answered. Objective of the current study was to find out whether hypoxia induces differences in protein profiles of EVs released from hypoxic human colorectal cancer cells SW480 (EVHyp) and EVs released from these cells grown in normoxic conditions – EVNorm. Obtained results show differences in EVs surface protein samples. Some protein fragments were found only or mostly in EVHyp surface protein samples. Finding of one or …
Evaluation of T7 and lambda phage display systems for survey of autoantibody profiles in cancer patients.
In the current study we attempted to evaluate the suitability of T7 Select 10-3b and lambdaKM8 phage display systems for the identification of antigens eliciting B cell responses in cancer patients and the production of phage-displayed antigen microarrays that could be exploited for the monitoring of autoantibody profiles. Members of 15 tumour-associated antigen (TAA) families were cloned into both phage display vectors and the TAA mini-libraries were immunoscreened with 22 melanoma patients' sera resulting in the detection of reactivity against members of 5 antigen families in both systems, yet with variable sensitivity. T7 phage display system showed greater sensitivity for the detection …
Colorectal Cancer Cell Line SW480 and SW620 Released Extravascular Vesicles: Focus on Hypoxia-induced Surface Proteome Changes
Background/aim Extravascular vesicle (EV) proteome closely reflects the proteome of the cell of origin. Therefore, cancer cell-derived EV proteomic analysis could help in identifying cancer biomarkers. This study's goal was to investigate hypoxia-induced proteomic changes in EV released from hypoxic human isogenic non-metastatic colorectal cancer cells SW480 and metastatic colorectal cancer cells SW620. Materials and methods EV were characterized by western blot, transmission electron microscopy, proteomic analysis using liquid chromatography time-of-flight-mass spectrometry and quantified by an label-free intensity-based absolute quantitation (iBAQ) approach. Results A total of 16 proteins…
Effects of Lycopene, Indole-3-Carbinol, and Luteolin on Nitric Oxide Production and iNOS Expression are Organ-Specific in Rats
Effects of Lycopene, Indole-3-Carbinol, and Luteolin on Nitric Oxide Production and iNOS Expression are Organ-Specific in RatsNatural compounds are known to modify NO content in tissues; however, the biological activity of polyphenol-rich food often does not correspond to the effects of individual polyphenols on NO synthase activity. The aim of this study was to see how natural compounds luteolin, indole-3-carbinol, and lycopene modify NO production in rat tissues and change the expression of the iNOS gene and protein. Indole-3-carbinol produced multiple effects on the NO level; it significantly decreased NO concentration in blood, lungs, and skeletal muscles and increased it in the liver. …
Survey of autoantibody responses against tumor-associated antigens in thyroid cancer
Background Autoantibodies against tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) have been shown to serve as highly specific serological biomarkers for the diagnosis of various solid cancers. Although the autoimmunity against thyroid tissue specific antigens has been studied extensively, so far, the autoantibody responses against common TAAs such as cancer-testis antigens (CTAs), mutated or differentiation antigens have not been comprehensively analyzed in patients with thyroid cancer. Objective The current study aims to characterize the frequency of autoantibody responses against common TAAs in patients with thyroid cancer and benign thyroid nodules. Methods A phage-displayed antigen microarray comprisi…
Effects of Indole-3-Carbinol and Flavonoids Administered Separately and in Combination on Nitric Oxide Production and iNOS Expression in Rats
Beneficial effects of natural compounds are often attributed to modulation of NO production; however effects produced by plant extracts do not correlate with effects of purified components. The goal of our work was to study ability of flavonoids and indole-3-carbinol, as well as their combinations to modify NO production, iNOS gene and protein expression in rat tissues. Baicalein and luteolin decreased NO concentration in both intact and LPS-treated animals. Baicalein decreased iNOS gene expression. Luteolin decreased NO production in the liver and heart and number of iNOS-positive cells in the liver of LPS-treated animals. Combination of the two substances did not decrease the NO synthesis…
Early and strong antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 predict disease severity in COVID-19 patients
Abstract Background Antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 is a valuable biomarker for the assessment of the spread of the virus in a population and evaluation of the vaccine candidates. Recent data suggest that antibody levels also may have a prognostic significance in COVID-19. Most of the serological studies so far rely on testing antibodies against spike (S) or nucleocapsid (N) protein, however antibodies can be directed against other structural and nonstructural proteins of the virus, whereas their frequency, biological and clinical significance is unknown. Methods A novel antigen array comprising 30 SARS-CoV-2 antigens or their fragments was developed and used to examine IgG, IgA, IgE and Ig…
Diagnostic, prognostic and predictive value of cell-free miRNAs in prostate cancer: a systematic review
Prostate cancer, the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in males worldwide, is estimated to be diagnosed in 1.1 million men per year. Introduction of PSA testing substantially improved early detection of prostate cancer, however it also led to overdiagnosis and subsequent overtreatment of patients with an indolent disease. Treatment outcome and management of prostate cancer could be improved by the development of non-invasive biomarker assays that aid in increasing the sensitivity and specificity of prostate cancer screening, help to distinguish aggressive from indolent disease and guide therapeutic decisions. Prostate cancer cells release miRNAs into the bloodstream, where they exist …
Validity of multiplex biomarker model of 6 genes for the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules
Abstract Background Currently the cytological examination of fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies is the standard technique for the pre-operative differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules. However, the results may be non-informative in ~20% of cases due to an inadequate sampling and the lack of highly specific, measurable cytological criteria, therefore ancillary biomarkers that could aid in these cases are clearly needed. The aim of our study was to evaluate the mRNA expression levels of 8 candidate marker genes as the diagnostic biomarkers for the discrimination of benign and malignant thyroid nodules and to find a combination of biomarkers with the highest diagnostic value. Materials an…
Biodistribution, Uptake and Effects Caused by Cancer-derived Extracellular Vesicles
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have recently emerged as important mediators of intercellular communication. They are released in the extracellular space by a variety of normal and cancerous cell types and have been found in all human body fluids. Cancer-derived EVs have been shown to carry lipids, proteins, mRNAs, non-coding and structural RNAs and even extra-chromosomal DNA, which can be taken up by recipient cells and trigger diverse physiological and pathological responses. An increasing body of evidence suggests that cancer-derived EVs mediate paracrine signalling between cancer cells. This leads to the increased invasiveness, proliferation rate and chemoresistance, as well as the acquisi…
The Prevalence of Cancer-Associated Autoantibodies in Patients with Gastric Cancer and Progressive Grades of Premalignant Lesions.
Abstract Background: Serum autoantibodies against tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) are detectable in early-stage gastric cancer patients; however, the time point during cancerogenesis when they appear in circulation is still obscure. Methods: In this study, we developed a recombinant antigen microarray and analyzed the prevalence of autoantibodies against 102 TAAs in 829 gastric cancer patients and 929 healthy controls from Caucasian and Asian populations, as well as 100 patients with chronic atrophic gastritis and 775 individuals staged according to different grades of intestinal metaplasia. Results: Six antigens, including CTAG1B/CTAG2, DDX53, IGF2BP2, TP53, and MAGEA3, were predominantly…
Detection of circulating miRNAs: comparative analysis of extracellular vesicle-incorporated miRNAs and cell-free miRNAs in whole plasma of prostate cancer patients.
Abstract Background Circulating cell-free miRNAs have emerged as promising minimally-invasive biomarkers for early detection, prognosis and monitoring of cancer. They can exist in the bloodstream incorporated into extracellular vesicles (EVs) and ribonucleoprotein complexes. However, it is still debated if EVs contain biologically meaningful amounts of miRNAs and may provide a better source of miRNA biomarkers than whole plasma. The aim of this study was to systematically compare the diagnostic potential of prostate cancer-associated miRNAs in whole plasma and in plasma EVs. Methods RNA was isolated from whole plasma and plasma EV samples from a well characterised cohort of 50 patient with …
A novel 3D heterotypic spheroid model for studying extracellular vesicle-mediated tumour and immune cell communication
Cancer-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as important mediators of tumour-host interactions, and they have been shown to exert various functional effects in immune cells. In most of the studies on human immune cells, EVs have been isolated from cancer cell culture medium or patients' body fluids and added to the immune cell cultures. In such a setting, the physiological relevance of the chosen EV concentration is unknown and the EV isolation method and the timing of EV administration may bias the results. In the current study we aimed to develop an experimental cell culture model to study EV-mediated effects in human T and B cells at conditions mimicking the tumour microenvi…
Alterations of pre-mRNA splicing in cancer
Recent genomewide analyses of alternative splicing (AS) indicate that up to 70% of human genes may have alternative splice forms, suggesting that AS together with various posttranslational modifications plays a major role in the production of proteome complexity. Splice-site selection under normal physiological conditions is regulated in the developmental stage in a tissue type-specific manner by changing the concentrations and the activity of splicing regulatory proteins. Whereas spliceosomal errors resulting in the production of aberrant transcripts rarely occur in normal cells, they seem to be an intrinsic property of cancer cells. Changes in splice-site selection have been observed in v…