Project description:Tumor-associated macrophages enhance the malignant phenotypes of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells. We have previously identified several factors associated with ESCC progression using an indirect co-culture assay between ESCC cells and macrophages. Here, we newly established a direct co-culture assay between ESCC cells and macrophages which is closer to the actual cancer microenvironment than an indirect co-culture assay. To investigate the gene expression changes by co-culture with macrophages, we performed cDNA microarray analysis between mono-cultured and co-cultured ESCC cells with macrophages. We found that the expression of S100 calcium binding protein A8 and A9 (S100A8 and S100A9) was enhanced in co-cultured ESCC cells with macrophages. S100A8 and S100A9 commonly exist stable and function as a heterodimer (S100A8/A9). S100A8/A9 is widely known as an inflammation marker. It also contributes to the enhancement of malignant phenotypes in several cancers. S100A8/A9 enhances the migration and invasion of ESCC cells by activating Akt and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. The higher expression levels of S100A8/A9 were associated with poor prognosis in ESCC patients. These results suggest that S100A8/A9 contributes to the progression of ESCC.
Project description:Studies using bone marrow chimeric mice revealed that S100A8/A9 expression on myeloid cells is essential for development of colon tumors. Our results thus reveal a novel role for myeloid-derived S100A8/A9 in activating specific downstream genes associated with tumorigenesis and in promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Subconfluent cultures of MC38 cells were serum-starved for 16 hrs and activated with 10ug/mL S100A8/A9 for 6 hrs. Total RNA was extracted from unactivated or activated cells. 2 replicates each per stimulated cells, unstimulated cells, and control cells.
Project description:THP-1 monocytes were differentiated, via PMA treatment, to macrophages. THP-1 macrophages were then treated with a mixed-oxysterol treatment (7-ketocholesterol and 7beta-hydroxycholesterol) for 24 hours. The mixed-oxysterol treatment was mixed to a ratio that represents the cytotoxic oxysterol content of human atherosclerotic plaque. Control and treated macrophages were analysed using both 2-DE with peptide mass-fingerprinting and tandem-mass spectrometry.
Project description:Lipid laden macrophages (LLM) can often be found in the airway and may indicate aspiration secondary to gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR). GOR is often associated chronic inflammatory airways diseases. We therefore sought to determine whether lipid droplets from undigested or partially digested food had an effect on macrophage gene expression leading to bronchial inflammation. To test this, we generated an in vitro model using differentiated THP-1 cells which were treated with a high fat liquid feed. Gene expression, using the Agilent G4851C (v3) array, in phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) differentiated THP-1 cells was compared to undifferentiated cells and lipid treated differentiated THP-1 cells.
Project description:Macrophages play a key role in both innate and adaptive immunity, but our knowledge on the changes in transcription regulation that occurs during their differentiation from monocytes is still limited. In this study, we used a meta-analysis followed by a systems biology approach for the identification of differentially expressed genes between monocytes and macrophages and possible regulators of these changes in transcription. Based on the pattern of gene expression change, transcription regulator analysis predicted a decrease in Enhancer of Zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a histone 3 lysine 27 methyl transferase, activity after differentiation of monocytes into macrophages. This inhibition was validated by a significant decrease in trimethylated H3K27 during differentiation of both human primary monocytes into macrophages and the THP-1 cell line into macrophage-like cells. Overexpressing EZH2 during differentiation of monocytes and THP-1 cells obstructs cellular adhesion, thus preventing the first step in differentiation. Another facet of macrophage differentiation is the cessation of proliferation, and inhibition of EZH2 by the small molecule inhibitor GSK126 in THP-1 cells indeed impedes proliferation. This study shows an important part for epigenetic changes during monocyte differentiation. It highlights the role of EZH2 activity behind the changes needed in adhesion and proliferation mechanisms for macrophage formation. THP-1s were differentiated into macrophage like cells by PMA stimulation.
Project description:To explore the potential functions of ASAP2 in macrophage, we established ASAP2 stable knockdown THP-1 cells and differentiated them into macrophages with PMA (50 ng/ml, 48 hours). Then we performed RNA-sequencing on the macrophages derived from THP-1 with (shASAP2) or without ASAP2 knockdown (shNC) to analyze the enriched functions by ASAP2-correlated genes and differentially expressed genes.
Project description:In an inducible model of human breast cellular transformation, we map genome-wide chromatin binding of S100A8, S100A9 and Pol II. We show that the calcium-dependent cytokines S100A8 and S100A9 are recruited to numerous promoters and enhancers. This recruitment is associated with multiple DNA sequence motifs recognized by DNA-binding transcription factors that are linked to transcriptional activation and are important for transformation. Nuclear-specific expression of S100A8/A9 promotes oncogenic transcription and leads to enhanced breast transformation phenotype. These results suggest that, in addition to its classical cytokine function, S100A8/A9 can act as a transcriptional co-activator.
Project description:Studies using bone marrow chimeric mice revealed that S100A8/A9 expression on myeloid cells is essential for development of colon tumors. Our results thus reveal a novel role for myeloid-derived S100A8/A9 in activating specific downstream genes associated with tumorigenesis and in promoting tumor growth and metastasis.