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Background: Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) have a poor prognosis. BTCs are characterized by a prominent desmoplastic reaction which possibly contributes to the aggressive phenotype of this tumor. The desmoplastic reaction includes excessive production and deposition of extracellular matrix proteins such as periostin, secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), thrombospondin-1, as well as accumulation of α-smooth muscle actin-positive cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune cells, secreting growth factors and cytokines including transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. In the present study, we investigated the expression of SPARC in BTC as well as its possible regulation by TGF-β., Methods: Expression levels of Sparc, TGF-β1 and its receptor ALK5 were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR in 6 biliary tract cell lines as well as 1 immortalized cholangiocyte cell line (MMNK-1). RNAs from tumor samples of 7 biliary tract cancer patients were analyzed for expression of Sparc, TGF-β type II receptor (TbRII) as well as Twist and ZO-1. MMNK-1 cells were stimulated with TGF-β for 24 h, and Sparc, ZO-1 and E-Cadherin expressions were determined. The presence of SPARC protein was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in tumor specimens from 10 patients., Results: When comparing basal Sparc transcript levels in diverse BTC cell lines to MMNK-1 cells, we found that it was strongly downregulated in all cancer cell lines. The remaining expression levels were higher in highly differentiated cell lines (CCSW1, MZChA1, MZChA2 and TFK-1) than in less differentiated and undifferentiated ones (BDC, SKChA1). Expression of Sparc in BTC patient samples showed a significant positive correlation with expression of the epithelial marker ZO-1. In contrast, the mesenchymal marker Twist and the TbRII showed a trend of negative correlation with expression of Sparc in these samples. TGF-β exposure significantly downregulated Sparc expression in MMNK-1 cholangiocytes in vitro in parallel to downregulation of epithelial markers (E-Cadherin and ZO-1). Finally, SPARC immunostaining was performed in 10 patient samples, and the correlation between absence of SPARC and survival times was analyzed., Conclusions: These data imply that a decrease in SPARC expression is correlated with dedifferentiation of BTC cells resulting in enhanced EMT being possibly mediated by TGF-β. Thereby SPARC levels might be a marker for individual prognosis of a patient, and strategies aiming at inhibition of SPARC downregulation might have potential for new future therapies., (© 2019 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background: Colorectal cancers (CRCs) develop through the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. In addition to the well-characterized adenoma-carcinoma sequence, the serrated neoplasia pathway is now recognized as an alternative pathway for CRC development., Summary: Through analysis of the colonoscopic, pathological, and molecular features of colorectal tumors, we identified a novel microsurface structure characteristic of serrated lesions. The Type II-Open (Type II-O) pit pattern is highly specific to sessile serrated adenoma/polyps (SSA/Ps), and Type-II-O-positive tumors frequently exhibit v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF) mutation and 5'-C-phosphate-G-3' (CpG) island hypermethylation. By screening DNA methylation associated with the development of serrated lesions, we detected methylation of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC)-related modular calcium binding 1 (SMOC1) in traditional serrated adenomas (TSAs). Epigenetic silencing of SMOC1 is prevalent among TSAs but it is rarely observed in SSA/Ps, which suggests SMOC1 could be a useful diagnostic marker of serrated lesions. We also searched for epigenetic alterations associated with the growth pattern of colorectal tumors and found that methylation of neurotensin receptor 1 is associated with lateral and non-invasive tumor growth. Key Message: Through the summarized studies, we have been able to identify novel morphological and molecular features that could contribute to a better understanding of colorectal tumors and to improved clinical diagnosis., (© 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Sparc (osteonectin) is a multifunctional matricellular glycoprotein expressed by many differentiated cells. Members of this family mediate cell-matrix interactions rather than acting as structural components of the extracellular matrix (ECM); therefore, they can influence many remodelling events, including haematopoiesis. We have investigated the role of sparc in embryonic haematopoiesis using a morpholino antisense oligonucleotide-based knockdown approach. Knockdown of sparc function resulted in specific erythroid progenitor cell differentiation defects that were highlighted by changes in gene expression and morphology, which could be rescued by injection of sparc mRNA. Furthermore, a comparison of blood phenotypes of sparc and fgfs knockdowns with similar defects and the sparc rescue of the fgf21 blood phenotype places sparc downstream of fgf21 in the genetic network regulating haematopoiesis in zebrafish. These results establish a role for an ECM protein (Sparc) as an important regulator of embryonic haematopoiesis during early development in zebrafish., (Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

A computer image analysis of immunostained extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins (collagen types I, II, III and V, fibronectin and tenascin) in hypertrophic layers in the mandibular condyle and temporal bone of human fetuses, which ranged in gestational age from 12 to 32 weeks, was performed. The percentage of cells positive for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) increased in almost the same manner in each region. The level of PCNA was markedly elevated at 16 weeks. The percentage of PCNA-positive cells was low in temporal bone and in the bone-forming layer of the mandibular condyle at 24 weeks. Specific concentration patterns of proteins in the ECM were found at each stage of development. The extent of accumulation of fibrillar collagen and of fibronectin differed, while those of other proteins in the ECM, such as tenascin, osteocalcin and osteonectin, were similar at the two sites.