Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0027627 (metastases)
 103,950 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Genetic variation at the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) is an important risk factor for developing ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in humans. The underlying mechanisms by which the MC1R defends against UV-induced skin cancer are not known. We used neonatal mouse skin (which, like human skin, contains a mixture of melanocytes and keratinocytes) to study how pigment cells and Mc1r genotype affect the genome-level response to UV radiation. Animals without viable melanocytes (Kit(W-v)/Kit(W-v)) or animals lacking a functional Mc1r (Mc1r(e)/Mc1r(e)) were exposed to sunburn-level doses of UVB radiation, and the patterns of large-scale gene expression in the basal epidermis were compared to each other and to nonmutant animals. Our analysis revealed discrete Kit- and Mc1r-dependent UVB transcriptional responses in the basal epidermis. The Kit-dependent UVB response was characterized largely by an enrichment of oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress genes, highlighting a distinctive role for pigmented melanocytes in mediating antioxidant defenses against genotoxic stresses within the basal epidermal environment. By contrast, the Mc1r-dependent UVB response contained an abundance of genes associated with regulating the cell cycle and oncogenesis. To test the clinical relevance of these observations, we analyzed publicly available data sets for primary melanoma and melanoma metastases and found that the set of genes specific for the Mc1r-dependent UVB response was able to differentiate between different clinical subtypes. Our analysis also revealed that the classes of genes induced by UVB differ from those repressed by UVB with regard to their biological functions, their overall number, and their size. The findings described here offer new insights into the transcriptional nature of the UV response in the skin and provide a molecular framework for the underlying mechanisms by which melanocytes and the Mc1r independently mediate and afford protection against UV radiation.
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PMID:Distinct pigmentary and melanocortin 1 receptor-dependent components of cutaneous defense against ultraviolet radiation. 1722 61

Metastatic cancer cells increase glucose consumption and metabolism via glycolysis, producing large quantities of lactate. Recent work has shown that lactate efflux is mediated by monocarboxylate transporters (MCT), which are composed of a catalytic unit (MCT) and an accessory subunit (CD147), comprising the functional lactate transporter. CD147, an extracellular matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inducer, is highly expressed in metastatic cancer cells. Because aerobic glycolysis is a hallmark of metastatic cancer, we examined whether increases in CD147 expression were linked to MCT expression in MDA-MB-231, a highly metastatic breast cancer cell line. MCT4 mRNA and protein expression were increased in MDA-MB-231 cells compared with cells derived from normal mammary tissue. MCT4 colocalized with CD147 in the plasma membrane and in membrane blebs shed from the cell surface. Small interfering RNA-mediated silencing of MCT4 impaired the maturation and trafficking of CD147 to the cell surface, resulting in accumulation of CD147 in the endoplasmic reticulum. Silencing MCT4 also resulted in fewer membrane blebs and decreased migration of MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro. Knockdown of CD147 resulted in loss of MCT4 in the plasma membrane and accumulation of the transporter in endolysosomes. These studies establish for the first time that increased expression of CD147 in metastatic cancer cells is coupled to the up-regulation of MCT4. The synergistic activities of the MCT/CD147 complex could facilitate migration of tumor cells by CD147-mediated MMP induction and lactate-stimulated angiogenesis and hyaluronan production. These data provide a molecular link between two hallmarks of metastatic cancer: the glycolytic switch and increased expression of CD147.
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PMID:Monocarboxylate transporter 4 regulates maturation and trafficking of CD147 to the plasma membrane in the metastatic breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. 1748 29

Metastasis is the primary cause of mortality from cancer, but the mechanisms leading to metastasis are poorly understood. In particular, relatively little is known about metastasis in cancers of mesenchymal origins, which are known as sarcomas. Approximately ten proteins have been characterized as 'metastasis suppressors', but how these proteins function and are regulated is, in general, not well understood. Gp78 (also known as AMFR or RNF45) is a RING finger E3 ubiquitin ligase that is integral to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and involved in ER-associated degradation (ERAD) of diverse substrates. Here we report that expression of gp78 has a causal role in the metastasis of an aggressive human sarcoma and that this prometastatic activity requires the E3 activity of gp78. Further, gp78 associates with and targets the transmembrane metastasis suppressor, KAI1 (also known as CD82), for degradation. Suppression of gp78 increases KAI1 abundance and reduces the metastatic potential of tumor cells, an effect that is largely blocked by concomitant suppression of KAI1. An inverse relationship between these proteins was confirmed in a human sarcoma tissue microarray. Whereas most previous efforts have focused on genetic mechanisms for the loss of metastasis suppressor genes, our results provide new evidence for post-translational downregulation of a metastasis suppressor by its ubiquitin ligase, resulting in abrogation of its metastasis-suppressing effects.
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PMID:The ubiquitin ligase gp78 promotes sarcoma metastasis by targeting KAI1 for degradation. 1803 95

Most tumors grow in immunocompetent hosts despite expressing NKG2D ligands (NKG2DLs) such as the MHC class I chain-related genes A and B (MICA/B). However, their participation in tumor cell evasion is still not completely understood. Here we demonstrate that several human melanomas (cell lines and freshly isolated metastases) do not express MICA on the cell surface but have intracellular deposits of this NKG2DL. Susceptibility to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity correlated with the ratio of NKG2DLs to HLA class I molecules but not with the amounts of MICA on the cell surface of tumor cells. Transfection-mediated overexpression of MICA restored cell surface expression and resulted in an increased in vitro cytotoxicity and IFN-gamma secretion by human NK cells. In xenografted nude mice, these melanomas exhibited a delayed growth and extensive in vivo apoptosis. Retardation of tumor growth was due to NK cell-mediated antitumor activity against MICA-transfected tumors, given that this effect was not observed in NK cell-depleted mice. Also, mouse NK cells killed MICA-overexpressing melanomas in vitro. A mechanistic analysis revealed the retention of MICA in the endoplasmic reticulum, an effect that was associated with accumulation of endoH-sensitive (immature) forms of MICA, retrograde transport to the cytoplasm, and degradation by the proteasome. Our study identifies a novel strategy developed by melanoma cells to evade NK cell-mediated immune surveillance based on the intracellular sequestration of immature forms of MICA in the endoplasmic reticulum. Furthermore, this tumor immune escape strategy can be overcome by gene therapy approaches aimed at overexpressing MICA on tumor cells.
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PMID:Intracellular retention of the NKG2D ligand MHC class I chain-related gene A in human melanomas confers immune privilege and prevents NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. 1835 83

Heat-shock proteins (HSPs) derived from tumors are capable of eliciting an anticancer immune response by facilitating antigen cross-presentation in antigen-presenting cells (APCs). This process involves the ability of such chaperones to bind tumor antigens and facilitate their uptake by APCs. Recent evidence reveals that HSP-tumor antigen complexes bind cell surface proteins on APCs that mediate complex internalization and antigen-processing events, as well as inducing an innate immune response. Binding of HSPs to surface receptors is, thus, an imposing gateway to the induction of tumor-specific immune responses. Extensive studies in animals have indicated the usefulness of such HSP-based immunotherapy in killing established tumors and causing tumor regression. Currently, one HSP, the endoplasmic reticulum stress-response protein Gp96 is undergoing clinical trials for cancer treatment and has yielded promising results, including the induction of anti-tumor immunity and some benefit for patients when administered as part of a multidose regimen. Future advances in HSP-based immunotherapy will be aided by an understanding of the mechanisms by which HSP-peptide complexes induce innate and adaptive immunity to tumor cells and target the killing of primary and metastatic cancer cells.
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PMID:Heat-shock proteins in cancer vaccines: agents of antigen cross-presentation. 1876 51

Like tumor metastases, endometriotic implants require neovascularization to proliferate and invade into ectopic sites within the host. Endometrial tissue, with its robust stem cell populations and remarkable regenerative capabilities, is a rich source of proangiogenic factors. Among the most potent and extensively studied of these proteins, vascular endothelial growth factor has emerged as a critical vasculogenic regulator in endometriosis. Accordingly, angiogenesis of the nascent endometriotic lesion has become an attractive target for novel medical therapeutics and strategies to inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor action. Vascular endothelial growth factor gene regulation in endometrial and endometriosis cells by nuclear receptors, other transcription factors, and also by infiltrating immune cells is emphasized. New data showing that oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress increase vascular endothelial growth factor expression are provided. Finally, we review the clinical implications of angiogenesis in this condition and propose potential antiangiogenic therapies that may become useful in the control or eradication of endometriotic lesions.
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PMID:Mechanistic and therapeutic implications of angiogenesis in endometriosis. 1900 53

Accumulation of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) induces the unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR promotes cell survival by adjusting ER protein folding capacity but if homeostasis cannot be re-established, apoptosis is induced. The execution of life/death decisions is regulated by the three UPR branches (IRE1, PERK, ATF6) and their downstream effectors. Events that offset the balance of the UPR branches can have devastating consequences, and UPR misregulation has been correlated with various diseases, including metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. In cancer, upregulation of the UPR is thought to provide a growth advantage to tumor cells. In contrast to this prevailing view, we report here an analysis of data obtained by others indicating that all three UPR branches appear selectively down-regulated in mouse models of prostate tumorigenesis.
Cancer Metastasis Rev 2009 Jun
PMID:The unfolded protein response during prostate cancer development. 1917 82

Olfactory neuroblastoma is an uncommon neuroectodermal tumor of the sinonasal tract. It represents 2% to 3% of sinonasal neoplasms. Most olfactory neuroblastoma behave locally aggressive with 30% recurrence rates. A subset metastasizes to lymph nodes and/or distant sites. Grading of olfactory neuroblastoma involves a combination of factors with low-grade tumors having better survival than high-grade tumors. The grade does not always predict prognosis, however, as metastases can be seen in all grades of olfactory neuroblastoma. Trk-A, Trk-B, and p75NRT are neurotrophin receptors associated with numerous solid malignancies, particularly pediatric neuroblastoma. GRP78 is an endoplasmic reticulum protein, associated with differentiation of neuroblastic cells. Trk-A, p75NRT, and GRP78 overexpression are favorable prognostic factors in pediatric neuroblastoma, whereas Trk-B is associated with a poorer prognosis in these tumors. Olfactory neuroblastoma is clinically distinct from pediatric neuroblastoma but shares some histological features. Trk-A and p75NRT have been demonstrated in olfactory neuroblastoma previously. Trk-B and GRP78 have not been investigated in olfactory neuroblastoma. None of these markers have been correlated with grade or outcome in olfactory neuroblastoma. To investigate the role of Trk-A, Trk-B, p75NRT, and GRP78, a series of 20 olfactory neuroblastomas was stained with these antibodies. Trk-A and Trk-B stained most cases of olfactory neuroblastoma (90% and 85%). GRP78 stained most cases (90%), although weakly. P75NRT demonstrated focal membranous staining in a sustentacular pattern (60%). None of these markers correlated with Hyams grade. None of these markers definitively correlated with patient outcome. Neurotrophin receptors do not appear to have a prognostic role; however, Trk's may play an oncogenic role in olfactory neuroblastoma.
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PMID:Expression patterns of Trk-A, Trk-B, GRP78, and p75NRT in olfactory neuroblastoma. 1938 45

Swainsonine, an extract from Astragalus membranaceus, is known for its anti-cancer effects and could prevent metastases. In order to investigate the effects and mechanisms of swainsonine in C6 glioma cells, we carry out correlated experiments in vitro and in vivo. After treatment with swainsonine, the effective dose and IC(50) value of swainsonine in the C6 glioma cell were examined using the MTT assay. Cell cycle distribution and apoptotic rates were analyzed using FCM and [Ca(2+)](i) was measured by LSCM. Expressions of p16 and p53 protein were evaluated by immunocytochemical methods. Simultaneously, glioma-bearing rats were administered swainsonine at doses of 2, 4 and 8 mg/kg body wt. The inhibition rate was calculated and pathological sections were observed. The results indicated that the growth of C6 glioma cells is inhibited by swainsonine in vitro, with an IC(50) value within 24h of 0.05 microg/ml. Increases in swainsonine correlate with S phase percentages of 11.3%, 11.6% and 12.4%, respectively. Moreover, the expression of apoptosis inhibiting p53 and p16 protein decreases gradually. Tumor weight in vivo decreased clearly and HE dyeing of tumor tissue showed gray, its texture was soft, with necrosis and hemorrhagic concentrated inward. Swainsonine could inhibit the proliferation of C6 glioma cells in vitro and the growth of C6 glioma in vivo. The mechanisms of swainsonine-induced apoptosis may relate with the expression of apoptosis-related genes and overloading-[Ca(2+)](i)-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress.
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PMID:Suppressive effects of swainsonine on C6 glioma cell in vitro and in vivo. 1942 71

Derlin-1 (Derl-1) is a transporter protein for the export of misfolded proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and an inhibitor of ER stress-induced apoptosis. There is greater expression of Derl-1 mRNA in laser microdissected lymph node metastases of mammary adenocarcinomas than in non-neoplastic mammary gland tissue from the same dog. The aim of the present study was to immunohistochemically assess Derl-1 protein expression in neoplastic and non-neoplastic canine mammary tissues. Samples of primary mammary adenocarcinomas were collected from 54 dogs in addition to the nodal metastases of these tumours and intralymphatic neoplastic cells. Non-neoplastic mammary gland tissue was taken from the same animals. Samples of mammary adenomas were collected from a further 44 dogs in addition to non-neoplastic mammary gland from the same animals. There were significant (P < or = 0.05) differences in Derl-1 expression between the different mammary tissues. Weak Derl-1 expression was found in non-neoplastic gland and mammary adenomas, moderate expression in adenocarcinomas, moderate to marked expression in lymph node metastases and marked expression in intralymphatic tumour cells. Neoplastic mammary gland cells therefore appear to have an increased stress-associated unfolded protein response, and this is highest in intralymphatic tumour cells. Weak Derl-1 protein expression was also found in vascular endothelial cells and fibrocytes and occasionally in lymphatic lining cells.
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PMID:Increased Derlin-1 expression in metastases of canine mammary adenocarcinomas. 1963 87


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