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antibodies against foxc2  (Bioss)


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    Structured Review

    Bioss antibodies against foxc2
    Spatial transcriptomics reveals the significant association of the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation with VM in renal cell carcinoma. (A),(B) Single‐cell data analysis demonstrates marked activation of VM pathways in the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation, significantly higher than in other subpopulations. (C) Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) indicates significant enrichment of tube formation‐related pathways in the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation. (D) Spatial mapping and region‐specific analysis for 10 ccRCC patients. For each patient, the spatial analysis is comprised of four panels: the upper left section displays the dimensionality reduction and clustering results of spatial spots (Seurat_clusters), the identification of Tumor_region and Normal_region (Spatial_region), and the spatial enrichment patterns of <t>FOXC2_Regulon,</t> EMT, VM, and Epithelial_s4; the lower left panel includes a DotPlot showing the expression of key ccRCC marker genes (EPCAM, SLC17A3, NDUFA4L2, PAX8) across different spatial spot clusters, alongside violin plots depicting the distribution of Epithelial_s4 and Epithelial_other scores from RCTD deconvolution within these clusters; the right section visualizes the correlation matrices of pathway scores among spatial spots within the defined Tumor_region and Normal_region. (E) A heatmap demonstrating that the enrichment scores for <t>FOXC2_Regulon,</t> EMT, VM, and Epithelial_s4 are significantly higher in the Tumor_region compared to the Normal_region. (F) Correlation analysis of FOXC2_Regulon, EMT, VM, Epithelial_s4, and Epithelial_other was performed separately in the Tumor_region and Normal_region after merging spatial spots data from all 10 patients. (G)–(I) Patient‐level analysis of pathway co‐activation. The average activation scores for FOXC2_Regulon, EMT, and VM were calculated per patient within the Tumor_region and Normal_region, respectively. Their associations are displayed as Pearson correlation scatter plots. The correlation strength for each pair of pathways is markedly higher in the Tumor_region than in the Normal_region.
    Antibodies Against Foxc2, supplied by Bioss, used in various techniques. Bioz Stars score: 93/100, based on 3 PubMed citations. ZERO BIAS - scores, article reviews, protocol conditions and more
    https://www.bioz.com/product/antibodies+against+foxc2/pmc13067797-123-15-19?v=Bioss
    Average 93 stars, based on 3 article reviews
    antibodies against foxc2 - by Bioz Stars, 2026-08
    93/100 stars

    Images

    1) Product Images from "The FOXC2‐LAMA4 Axis Orchestrates Vasculogenic Mimicry and Immunosuppressive Niche Formation to Drive Metastatic Cascade in Renal Cell Carcinoma"

    Article Title: The FOXC2‐LAMA4 Axis Orchestrates Vasculogenic Mimicry and Immunosuppressive Niche Formation to Drive Metastatic Cascade in Renal Cell Carcinoma

    Journal: Advanced Science

    doi: 10.1002/advs.202516382

    Spatial transcriptomics reveals the significant association of the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation with VM in renal cell carcinoma. (A),(B) Single‐cell data analysis demonstrates marked activation of VM pathways in the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation, significantly higher than in other subpopulations. (C) Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) indicates significant enrichment of tube formation‐related pathways in the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation. (D) Spatial mapping and region‐specific analysis for 10 ccRCC patients. For each patient, the spatial analysis is comprised of four panels: the upper left section displays the dimensionality reduction and clustering results of spatial spots (Seurat_clusters), the identification of Tumor_region and Normal_region (Spatial_region), and the spatial enrichment patterns of FOXC2_Regulon, EMT, VM, and Epithelial_s4; the lower left panel includes a DotPlot showing the expression of key ccRCC marker genes (EPCAM, SLC17A3, NDUFA4L2, PAX8) across different spatial spot clusters, alongside violin plots depicting the distribution of Epithelial_s4 and Epithelial_other scores from RCTD deconvolution within these clusters; the right section visualizes the correlation matrices of pathway scores among spatial spots within the defined Tumor_region and Normal_region. (E) A heatmap demonstrating that the enrichment scores for FOXC2_Regulon, EMT, VM, and Epithelial_s4 are significantly higher in the Tumor_region compared to the Normal_region. (F) Correlation analysis of FOXC2_Regulon, EMT, VM, Epithelial_s4, and Epithelial_other was performed separately in the Tumor_region and Normal_region after merging spatial spots data from all 10 patients. (G)–(I) Patient‐level analysis of pathway co‐activation. The average activation scores for FOXC2_Regulon, EMT, and VM were calculated per patient within the Tumor_region and Normal_region, respectively. Their associations are displayed as Pearson correlation scatter plots. The correlation strength for each pair of pathways is markedly higher in the Tumor_region than in the Normal_region.
    Figure Legend Snippet: Spatial transcriptomics reveals the significant association of the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation with VM in renal cell carcinoma. (A),(B) Single‐cell data analysis demonstrates marked activation of VM pathways in the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation, significantly higher than in other subpopulations. (C) Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) indicates significant enrichment of tube formation‐related pathways in the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation. (D) Spatial mapping and region‐specific analysis for 10 ccRCC patients. For each patient, the spatial analysis is comprised of four panels: the upper left section displays the dimensionality reduction and clustering results of spatial spots (Seurat_clusters), the identification of Tumor_region and Normal_region (Spatial_region), and the spatial enrichment patterns of FOXC2_Regulon, EMT, VM, and Epithelial_s4; the lower left panel includes a DotPlot showing the expression of key ccRCC marker genes (EPCAM, SLC17A3, NDUFA4L2, PAX8) across different spatial spot clusters, alongside violin plots depicting the distribution of Epithelial_s4 and Epithelial_other scores from RCTD deconvolution within these clusters; the right section visualizes the correlation matrices of pathway scores among spatial spots within the defined Tumor_region and Normal_region. (E) A heatmap demonstrating that the enrichment scores for FOXC2_Regulon, EMT, VM, and Epithelial_s4 are significantly higher in the Tumor_region compared to the Normal_region. (F) Correlation analysis of FOXC2_Regulon, EMT, VM, Epithelial_s4, and Epithelial_other was performed separately in the Tumor_region and Normal_region after merging spatial spots data from all 10 patients. (G)–(I) Patient‐level analysis of pathway co‐activation. The average activation scores for FOXC2_Regulon, EMT, and VM were calculated per patient within the Tumor_region and Normal_region, respectively. Their associations are displayed as Pearson correlation scatter plots. The correlation strength for each pair of pathways is markedly higher in the Tumor_region than in the Normal_region.

    Techniques Used: Spatial Transcriptomics, Single Cell, Activation Assay, Expressing, Marker

    Multi‐dimensional analyses identify FOXC2 as the key transcription factor in the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation. (A) Integration of scRNA‐seq data into pseudobulk metacells via neighboring cell clustering to mitigate sparsity in the single‐cell matrix. Clustering results align with those from the original single‐cell data. (B),(C) scWGCNA analysis identifies 14 gene modules, with the salmon module showing significant correlation with the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation (cor = 0.67, p < 0.001). (D) GO and KEGG analyses reveal that the salmon module is enriched in biological processes such as tube formation and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). (E) Co‐expression network of the salmon gene module. (F) Volcano plot of differentially expressed genes between Epithelial_s4 and other tumor subpopulations, highlighting FOXC2 as significantly upregulated in Epithelial_s4. (G) pySCENIC heatmap of highly activated transcription factors across tumor subpopulations, with FOXC2 being the most activated in Epithelial_s4. (H) pySCENIC analysis demonstrates specific activation of the transcription factor FOXC2 in the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation. (I) Transcription factor activity and gene expression levels of FOXC2 are significantly elevated in Epithelial_s4. (J) TCGA data confirm higher FOXC2 expression levels in renal carcinoma.
    Figure Legend Snippet: Multi‐dimensional analyses identify FOXC2 as the key transcription factor in the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation. (A) Integration of scRNA‐seq data into pseudobulk metacells via neighboring cell clustering to mitigate sparsity in the single‐cell matrix. Clustering results align with those from the original single‐cell data. (B),(C) scWGCNA analysis identifies 14 gene modules, with the salmon module showing significant correlation with the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation (cor = 0.67, p < 0.001). (D) GO and KEGG analyses reveal that the salmon module is enriched in biological processes such as tube formation and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). (E) Co‐expression network of the salmon gene module. (F) Volcano plot of differentially expressed genes between Epithelial_s4 and other tumor subpopulations, highlighting FOXC2 as significantly upregulated in Epithelial_s4. (G) pySCENIC heatmap of highly activated transcription factors across tumor subpopulations, with FOXC2 being the most activated in Epithelial_s4. (H) pySCENIC analysis demonstrates specific activation of the transcription factor FOXC2 in the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation. (I) Transcription factor activity and gene expression levels of FOXC2 are significantly elevated in Epithelial_s4. (J) TCGA data confirm higher FOXC2 expression levels in renal carcinoma.

    Techniques Used: Single Cell, Expressing, Activation Assay, Activity Assay, Gene Expression

    Experimental evidence elucidates the role of FOXC2 in regulating EMT and VM processes in ccRCC. (A) IHC analysis and quantitative comparison of FOXC2 protein expression in primary (n=16) vs. metastatic (n=15) ccRCC tissues ( ** p < 0.01; original magnification ×200). (B) Establishment of FOXC2 knockdown models in 786‐O and OSCR‐2 cell lines, with Western blot validation of knockdown efficiency (sh‐Ctrl vs. sh‐FOXC2). (C) qPCR analysis of FOXC2 knockout effects on mRNA levels of EMT‐related genes (FOXC2, E‐cadherin, N‐cadherin, Vimentin, FN1, Slug, and α‐SMA) (n=3; ns p > 0.05, * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001). (D) Western blot analysis of core EMT markers (FOXC2, E‐cadherin, N‐cadherin, Vimentin) in wild‐type (WT), control (sh‐Ctrl), and FOXC2‐knockdown (sh‐FOXC2) groups. (E),(F) Transwell invasion assays showing suppressed invasive capacity of ccRCC cells upon sh‐FOXC2 group (n=3; *** p < 0.001). (G),(H) Wound healing assays confirming significantly reduced migration ability in sh‐FOXC2 group (n=3; ** p < 0.001). (I) Representative images of tube formation assays performed with 786‐O cells embedded in Matrigel. Cells were transfected with control shRNA (sh‐Ctrl), FOXC2‐targeting shRNA (sh‐FOXC2), or subjected to a rescue treatment with FOXC2 overexpression in the knockdown background (sh‐FOXC2 OE‐FOXC2). The number of tubes was quantified (ns: not significant, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001). (J) Western blot analysis of FOXC2 and VE‐cadherin across three groups. (K) Serial section staining of metastatic vs. primary ccRCC tissues: FOXC2 IHC and CD31/PAS double staining illustrating vasculogenic mimicry distribution (original magnification ×200).
    Figure Legend Snippet: Experimental evidence elucidates the role of FOXC2 in regulating EMT and VM processes in ccRCC. (A) IHC analysis and quantitative comparison of FOXC2 protein expression in primary (n=16) vs. metastatic (n=15) ccRCC tissues ( ** p < 0.01; original magnification ×200). (B) Establishment of FOXC2 knockdown models in 786‐O and OSCR‐2 cell lines, with Western blot validation of knockdown efficiency (sh‐Ctrl vs. sh‐FOXC2). (C) qPCR analysis of FOXC2 knockout effects on mRNA levels of EMT‐related genes (FOXC2, E‐cadherin, N‐cadherin, Vimentin, FN1, Slug, and α‐SMA) (n=3; ns p > 0.05, * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001). (D) Western blot analysis of core EMT markers (FOXC2, E‐cadherin, N‐cadherin, Vimentin) in wild‐type (WT), control (sh‐Ctrl), and FOXC2‐knockdown (sh‐FOXC2) groups. (E),(F) Transwell invasion assays showing suppressed invasive capacity of ccRCC cells upon sh‐FOXC2 group (n=3; *** p < 0.001). (G),(H) Wound healing assays confirming significantly reduced migration ability in sh‐FOXC2 group (n=3; ** p < 0.001). (I) Representative images of tube formation assays performed with 786‐O cells embedded in Matrigel. Cells were transfected with control shRNA (sh‐Ctrl), FOXC2‐targeting shRNA (sh‐FOXC2), or subjected to a rescue treatment with FOXC2 overexpression in the knockdown background (sh‐FOXC2 OE‐FOXC2). The number of tubes was quantified (ns: not significant, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001). (J) Western blot analysis of FOXC2 and VE‐cadherin across three groups. (K) Serial section staining of metastatic vs. primary ccRCC tissues: FOXC2 IHC and CD31/PAS double staining illustrating vasculogenic mimicry distribution (original magnification ×200).

    Techniques Used: Comparison, Expressing, Knockdown, Western Blot, Biomarker Discovery, Knock-Out, Control, Migration, Transfection, shRNA, Over Expression, Staining, Double Staining

    Multi‐omics sequencing identifies LAMA4 as a key downstream effector of FOXC2. (A) Genome‐wide binding signal heatmap of FOXC2 CUT&Tag sequencing in 786‐O cells (FOXC2 vs. IgG). (B) Distribution of FOXC2 binding peaks across the genome and motif analysis of its promoter‐bound sequences in 786‐O cells. (C) Venn diagram intersecting differentially expressed genes (log2FC > 1) upon FOXC2 knockdown, FOXC2‐bound downstream genes, and Epithelial_s4 subpopulation‐enriched genes, identifying LAMA4 and VAV3 as potential FOXC2 transcriptional targets. (D) GO/KEGG functional enrichment analysis of genes with FOXC2 binding peaks from CUT&Tag sequencing. (E) GO/KEGG functional enrichment analysis of RNA‐seq differentially expressed genes in FOXC2 knockdown vs. control groups. (F) CUT&Tag sequencing reveals a specific FOXC2 binding site (highlighted in dark yellow) within the upstream promoter region of the LAMA4 gene. (G) RNA‐seq data from 786‐O cells validate LAMA4 as a FOXC2‐regulated differentially expressed gene. (H) TCGA‐KIRC dataset analysis demonstrates a significant positive correlation between FOXC2 and LAMA4 mRNA expression (R = 0.527, ** p < 0.01). (I)–(K) scRNA data show significant co‐expression of FOXC2 and LAMA4 in the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation. (L) scRNA data from 12 ccRCC patients confirm a robust expression correlation between tumor cell‐derived FOXC2 and LAMA4 (R = 0.630, * p < 0.05). (M) Western blot analysis of FOXC2 and LAMA4 protein levels in paired tumor and adjacent normal tissues from ccRCC patients. (N) Positive correlation between FOXC2 and LAMA4 protein expression. Protein levels were quantified by western blot (n=9; * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01). A significant correlation was found by Spearman analysis (R = 0.717, p = 0.037).
    Figure Legend Snippet: Multi‐omics sequencing identifies LAMA4 as a key downstream effector of FOXC2. (A) Genome‐wide binding signal heatmap of FOXC2 CUT&Tag sequencing in 786‐O cells (FOXC2 vs. IgG). (B) Distribution of FOXC2 binding peaks across the genome and motif analysis of its promoter‐bound sequences in 786‐O cells. (C) Venn diagram intersecting differentially expressed genes (log2FC > 1) upon FOXC2 knockdown, FOXC2‐bound downstream genes, and Epithelial_s4 subpopulation‐enriched genes, identifying LAMA4 and VAV3 as potential FOXC2 transcriptional targets. (D) GO/KEGG functional enrichment analysis of genes with FOXC2 binding peaks from CUT&Tag sequencing. (E) GO/KEGG functional enrichment analysis of RNA‐seq differentially expressed genes in FOXC2 knockdown vs. control groups. (F) CUT&Tag sequencing reveals a specific FOXC2 binding site (highlighted in dark yellow) within the upstream promoter region of the LAMA4 gene. (G) RNA‐seq data from 786‐O cells validate LAMA4 as a FOXC2‐regulated differentially expressed gene. (H) TCGA‐KIRC dataset analysis demonstrates a significant positive correlation between FOXC2 and LAMA4 mRNA expression (R = 0.527, ** p < 0.01). (I)–(K) scRNA data show significant co‐expression of FOXC2 and LAMA4 in the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation. (L) scRNA data from 12 ccRCC patients confirm a robust expression correlation between tumor cell‐derived FOXC2 and LAMA4 (R = 0.630, * p < 0.05). (M) Western blot analysis of FOXC2 and LAMA4 protein levels in paired tumor and adjacent normal tissues from ccRCC patients. (N) Positive correlation between FOXC2 and LAMA4 protein expression. Protein levels were quantified by western blot (n=9; * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01). A significant correlation was found by Spearman analysis (R = 0.717, p = 0.037).

    Techniques Used: Biomarker Discovery, Sequencing, Genome Wide, Binding Assay, Knockdown, Functional Assay, RNA Sequencing, Control, Expressing, Derivative Assay, Western Blot

    FOXC2 promotes VM in ccRCC cells by transcriptionally regulating LAMA4. (A) Western blot analysis of LAMA4 protein expression upon FOXC2 knockdown. (B) qPCR detection of LAMA4 mRNA levels following FOXC2 knockdown (n=3; ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001). (C) Western blot analysis of FOXC2, LAMA4, VE‑cadherin, and the EMT markers E‑cadherin, N‑cadherin, and Vimentin in FOXC2‑overexpressing (OE‐ FOXC2) and LAMA4‑knockdown (sh‐LAMA4) cell models. (D) Tube formation assays demonstrate that FOXC2 overexpression significantly enhances VM capacity in renal cancer cells, while LAMA4 knockdown partially reverses this effect (n=3; *** p < 0.001). (E) Transwell invasion assays reveal that FOXC2 overexpression promotes cancer cell invasion, which is suppressed by LAMA4 knockdown (n=3; ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001). (F) Wound healing assays confirm that FOXC2 overexpression increases cell migration, an effect attenuated by LAMA4 knockdown (n=3; *** p < 0.001). 0.001). (G) Statistical analysis was performed on the following metrics: tube formation (number of tubes, branches, junctions, meshes, and total length), wound healing (wound healing percentage), and Transwell (number of migrated cells). ns: not significant, * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001. (H) Luciferase reporter assays using LAMA4 promoter truncations transfected into renal cancer cells. FOXC2 regulates promoter activity across distinct LAMA4 promoter regions (n=3; ns p > 0.05, *** p < 0.001). (I) ChIP with FOXC2 antibody followed by qPCR amplification of LAMA4 promoter fragments (site1–site4) (n=3; ns p > 0.05, ** p < 0.01). (J) Luciferase assays comparing wild‐type and site2‐mutated LAMA4 promoter activity in renal cancer cells. FOXC2 selectively regulates wild‐type promoter activity (n=3; ns p > 0.05, *** p < 0.001).
    Figure Legend Snippet: FOXC2 promotes VM in ccRCC cells by transcriptionally regulating LAMA4. (A) Western blot analysis of LAMA4 protein expression upon FOXC2 knockdown. (B) qPCR detection of LAMA4 mRNA levels following FOXC2 knockdown (n=3; ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001). (C) Western blot analysis of FOXC2, LAMA4, VE‑cadherin, and the EMT markers E‑cadherin, N‑cadherin, and Vimentin in FOXC2‑overexpressing (OE‐ FOXC2) and LAMA4‑knockdown (sh‐LAMA4) cell models. (D) Tube formation assays demonstrate that FOXC2 overexpression significantly enhances VM capacity in renal cancer cells, while LAMA4 knockdown partially reverses this effect (n=3; *** p < 0.001). (E) Transwell invasion assays reveal that FOXC2 overexpression promotes cancer cell invasion, which is suppressed by LAMA4 knockdown (n=3; ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001). (F) Wound healing assays confirm that FOXC2 overexpression increases cell migration, an effect attenuated by LAMA4 knockdown (n=3; *** p < 0.001). 0.001). (G) Statistical analysis was performed on the following metrics: tube formation (number of tubes, branches, junctions, meshes, and total length), wound healing (wound healing percentage), and Transwell (number of migrated cells). ns: not significant, * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001. (H) Luciferase reporter assays using LAMA4 promoter truncations transfected into renal cancer cells. FOXC2 regulates promoter activity across distinct LAMA4 promoter regions (n=3; ns p > 0.05, *** p < 0.001). (I) ChIP with FOXC2 antibody followed by qPCR amplification of LAMA4 promoter fragments (site1–site4) (n=3; ns p > 0.05, ** p < 0.01). (J) Luciferase assays comparing wild‐type and site2‐mutated LAMA4 promoter activity in renal cancer cells. FOXC2 selectively regulates wild‐type promoter activity (n=3; ns p > 0.05, *** p < 0.001).

    Techniques Used: Western Blot, Expressing, Knockdown, Over Expression, Migration, Luciferase, Transfection, Activity Assay, Amplification

    FOXC2‐LAMA4 remodels the metastatic microenvironment by promoting TREM2 + CD206 + MAM polarization in pulmonary metastases. (A) Experimental design and grouping for orthotopic renal carcinoma xenografts. (B) In vivo imaging system dynamically monitors renal orthotopic tumor growth (days 7, 14, 21, 28) and lung metastasis formation (terminal imaging at day 28) across groups. (C) Comparison of renal tumor volumes at the experimental endpoint among groups. (D) Lung metastasis imaging and H&E staining validation in the Foxc2 overexpression group (Foxc2 OE Lama4 NC ) vs. Foxc2 overexpression + LAMA4 knockdown group (Foxc2 OE Lama4 KD ). (E) Dimensionality reduction and cell type annotation of scRNA data from lung tissues of Foxc2 OE Lama4 NC and Foxc2 OE Lama4 KD mice. (F) Heatmap of MAMs signature genes showing upregulated immunosuppressive markers (e.g., Trem2, Arg1) (log2FC >1, * p < 0.05). (G) Tissue preference analysis (R/oe score) highlights significant enrichment of MAMs (red arrow) in the Foxc2 OE Lama4 NC group. (H),(I) Flow cytometry analysis of the effect of LAMA4 on inducing immunosuppressive polarization. Shown is the MFI of CD206 (H) within the CD68 + population for human THP1‑derived macrophages and (I) within the CD11b + F4/80 + population for mouse BMDMs following treatment with LAMA4. Untreated cells and IL‑4‑treated cells served as negative and positive controls, respectively (n = 3, **** p < 0.0001). (J) scRNA data from ccRCC lung metastases show high LAMA4 expression and elevated Trem2 + macrophage markers (TREM2, C1QC, APOE, CD163) in GPNMB‐Hi and FOLR2‐Hi macrophages. (K) scRNA of murine lung metastases: Macrophages in the oeFoxc2 ncLama4 group exhibit higher M2 markers, while T cells display pronounced exhaustion markers. (L),(M) Flow cytometry analysis of immune cell phenotypes in lung metastases from the orthotopic kidney cancer model. (L) Proportion of exhausted (CD8a + PD‑1 + ) CD8 + T cells. (M) MFI of TREM2 on macrophages. Comparisons are between the FOXC2 OE LAMA4 NC and FOXC2 OE LAMA4 KD groups (n = 5). ( ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001).
    Figure Legend Snippet: FOXC2‐LAMA4 remodels the metastatic microenvironment by promoting TREM2 + CD206 + MAM polarization in pulmonary metastases. (A) Experimental design and grouping for orthotopic renal carcinoma xenografts. (B) In vivo imaging system dynamically monitors renal orthotopic tumor growth (days 7, 14, 21, 28) and lung metastasis formation (terminal imaging at day 28) across groups. (C) Comparison of renal tumor volumes at the experimental endpoint among groups. (D) Lung metastasis imaging and H&E staining validation in the Foxc2 overexpression group (Foxc2 OE Lama4 NC ) vs. Foxc2 overexpression + LAMA4 knockdown group (Foxc2 OE Lama4 KD ). (E) Dimensionality reduction and cell type annotation of scRNA data from lung tissues of Foxc2 OE Lama4 NC and Foxc2 OE Lama4 KD mice. (F) Heatmap of MAMs signature genes showing upregulated immunosuppressive markers (e.g., Trem2, Arg1) (log2FC >1, * p < 0.05). (G) Tissue preference analysis (R/oe score) highlights significant enrichment of MAMs (red arrow) in the Foxc2 OE Lama4 NC group. (H),(I) Flow cytometry analysis of the effect of LAMA4 on inducing immunosuppressive polarization. Shown is the MFI of CD206 (H) within the CD68 + population for human THP1‑derived macrophages and (I) within the CD11b + F4/80 + population for mouse BMDMs following treatment with LAMA4. Untreated cells and IL‑4‑treated cells served as negative and positive controls, respectively (n = 3, **** p < 0.0001). (J) scRNA data from ccRCC lung metastases show high LAMA4 expression and elevated Trem2 + macrophage markers (TREM2, C1QC, APOE, CD163) in GPNMB‐Hi and FOLR2‐Hi macrophages. (K) scRNA of murine lung metastases: Macrophages in the oeFoxc2 ncLama4 group exhibit higher M2 markers, while T cells display pronounced exhaustion markers. (L),(M) Flow cytometry analysis of immune cell phenotypes in lung metastases from the orthotopic kidney cancer model. (L) Proportion of exhausted (CD8a + PD‑1 + ) CD8 + T cells. (M) MFI of TREM2 on macrophages. Comparisons are between the FOXC2 OE LAMA4 NC and FOXC2 OE LAMA4 KD groups (n = 5). ( ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001).

    Techniques Used: In Vivo Imaging, Imaging, Comparison, Staining, Biomarker Discovery, Over Expression, Knockdown, Flow Cytometry, Expressing

    LAMA4‐ITGA6 binding activates STAT6 phosphorylation to drive GATA3‐dependent TREM2 + CD206 + MAM polarization, promoting metastatic outgrowth. (A) Schematic representation of the experimental setup to investigate the role of LAMA4 in macrophage polarization. THP‐1 cells were treated with PMA to differentiate into macrophages, followed by stimulation with LAMA4 (5 ng/mL). (B) Volcano plot comparing gene expression profiles between control and LAMA4‐treated THP‐1 macrophages. Red dots indicate upregulated genes; blue dots indicate downregulated genes. GATA3 was highly expressed in the LAMA4 treatment group. (C) Heatmap showing DEGs between control and LAMA4‐treated THP‐1 macrophages. Upregulated and downregulated genes are represented in red and blue, respectively. CXCL2, CXCL1, and TNF (inflammatory factors) exhibited elevated expression in controls, whereas ARG1, GATA3, and HES3 (immunosuppressive markers) showed significant upregulation in LAMA4‐treated macrophages. (D) GSEA demonstrating LAMA4‐mediated upregulation of the Fatty Acid Metabolic signaling pathway and downregulation of the TNF/NF‐κB signaling signaling pathway. (E) Pseudotime trajectory constructed by Monocle revealed that MAMs are derived from monocytes/macrophages (Mono/Mac) in mouse lung metastatic niches. (F) SCENIC analysis revealed heightened Gata3 regulon activity score (Gata3 RAS) enriched in MAMs, with concurrent elevation of Gata3 activity in Mono/Mac from oeFOXC2_ncLama4 mice group. (G) Cell‐cell communication analysis indicated that tumor cells in the oeFOXC2_ncLama4 group release enhanced LAMININ signals, which significantly activate downstream pathways in monocytes/macrophages (Mono/Mac), suggesting LAMA4‐mediated LAMININ signaling drives Mono/Mac differentiation into MAMs via specific receptor engagement. (H) Western blot analysis confirmed significant downregulation of GATA3 protein following siRNA‐mediated silencing, with concomitant reduction in TREM2 and CD206 expression. (I) Western blot analysis demonstrated that escalating LAMA4 concentrations (0, 1, 5, 25 ng/mL) induced progressive upregulation of immunosuppressive markers CD206 and TREM2 in macrophages. (J) Molecular docking of human and murine LAMA4 with ITGA6 reveals conserved binding capacity. Structures depict ITGA6 (cyan cartoon; extracellular domain in yellow) and LAMA4 (blue cartoon). (K) Comparative analysis of Itga6 expression in Mono/Mac and MAM populations within lung metastases revealed significantly elevated levels in oeFoxc2_ncLama4 vs. oeFoxc2_kdLama4 cohorts, suggesting enhanced responsiveness to LAMA4‐mediated signaling. (L) Validation of the interaction between LAMA4 and ITGA6. Lysates from co‐cultures of 786‐O renal carcinoma cells and THP‐1 macrophages were subjected to Co‐IP using an anti‐LAMA4 antibody, followed by immunoblotting with an anti‐ITGA6 antibody to confirm their direct binding.(M) FOXC2 knockdown attenuates the LAMA4‐ITGA6 interaction. Co‐IP was performed on lysates from co‐cultures of THP‐1 macrophages with 786‐O cells stably expressing either sh‐Ctrl or sh‐FOXC2, using an anti‐LAMA4 antibody. Western blot analysis for ITGA6 shows reduced complex formation upon FOXC2 knockdown. (N) STAT6‐neutralizing antibody (anti‐ ITGA6 Ab, 5 µg/mL) treatment significantly blocked LAMA4 (25 ng/mL)‐induced upregulation of p‐STAT6, GATA3, TREM2, and CD206 proteins in Western blot analysis. (O) In vivo imaging of orthotopic Renca‐luciferase Foxc2‐overexpressing (Renca‐luc Foxc2 oe ) renal tumors in BALB/c mice treated with ITGA6‐neutralizing antibody (10 mg/kg, i.v., weekly) vs. Rat‐IgG control, showing differential tumor progression and metastatic burden at days 7, 14, and 28 post‐implantations.
    Figure Legend Snippet: LAMA4‐ITGA6 binding activates STAT6 phosphorylation to drive GATA3‐dependent TREM2 + CD206 + MAM polarization, promoting metastatic outgrowth. (A) Schematic representation of the experimental setup to investigate the role of LAMA4 in macrophage polarization. THP‐1 cells were treated with PMA to differentiate into macrophages, followed by stimulation with LAMA4 (5 ng/mL). (B) Volcano plot comparing gene expression profiles between control and LAMA4‐treated THP‐1 macrophages. Red dots indicate upregulated genes; blue dots indicate downregulated genes. GATA3 was highly expressed in the LAMA4 treatment group. (C) Heatmap showing DEGs between control and LAMA4‐treated THP‐1 macrophages. Upregulated and downregulated genes are represented in red and blue, respectively. CXCL2, CXCL1, and TNF (inflammatory factors) exhibited elevated expression in controls, whereas ARG1, GATA3, and HES3 (immunosuppressive markers) showed significant upregulation in LAMA4‐treated macrophages. (D) GSEA demonstrating LAMA4‐mediated upregulation of the Fatty Acid Metabolic signaling pathway and downregulation of the TNF/NF‐κB signaling signaling pathway. (E) Pseudotime trajectory constructed by Monocle revealed that MAMs are derived from monocytes/macrophages (Mono/Mac) in mouse lung metastatic niches. (F) SCENIC analysis revealed heightened Gata3 regulon activity score (Gata3 RAS) enriched in MAMs, with concurrent elevation of Gata3 activity in Mono/Mac from oeFOXC2_ncLama4 mice group. (G) Cell‐cell communication analysis indicated that tumor cells in the oeFOXC2_ncLama4 group release enhanced LAMININ signals, which significantly activate downstream pathways in monocytes/macrophages (Mono/Mac), suggesting LAMA4‐mediated LAMININ signaling drives Mono/Mac differentiation into MAMs via specific receptor engagement. (H) Western blot analysis confirmed significant downregulation of GATA3 protein following siRNA‐mediated silencing, with concomitant reduction in TREM2 and CD206 expression. (I) Western blot analysis demonstrated that escalating LAMA4 concentrations (0, 1, 5, 25 ng/mL) induced progressive upregulation of immunosuppressive markers CD206 and TREM2 in macrophages. (J) Molecular docking of human and murine LAMA4 with ITGA6 reveals conserved binding capacity. Structures depict ITGA6 (cyan cartoon; extracellular domain in yellow) and LAMA4 (blue cartoon). (K) Comparative analysis of Itga6 expression in Mono/Mac and MAM populations within lung metastases revealed significantly elevated levels in oeFoxc2_ncLama4 vs. oeFoxc2_kdLama4 cohorts, suggesting enhanced responsiveness to LAMA4‐mediated signaling. (L) Validation of the interaction between LAMA4 and ITGA6. Lysates from co‐cultures of 786‐O renal carcinoma cells and THP‐1 macrophages were subjected to Co‐IP using an anti‐LAMA4 antibody, followed by immunoblotting with an anti‐ITGA6 antibody to confirm their direct binding.(M) FOXC2 knockdown attenuates the LAMA4‐ITGA6 interaction. Co‐IP was performed on lysates from co‐cultures of THP‐1 macrophages with 786‐O cells stably expressing either sh‐Ctrl or sh‐FOXC2, using an anti‐LAMA4 antibody. Western blot analysis for ITGA6 shows reduced complex formation upon FOXC2 knockdown. (N) STAT6‐neutralizing antibody (anti‐ ITGA6 Ab, 5 µg/mL) treatment significantly blocked LAMA4 (25 ng/mL)‐induced upregulation of p‐STAT6, GATA3, TREM2, and CD206 proteins in Western blot analysis. (O) In vivo imaging of orthotopic Renca‐luciferase Foxc2‐overexpressing (Renca‐luc Foxc2 oe ) renal tumors in BALB/c mice treated with ITGA6‐neutralizing antibody (10 mg/kg, i.v., weekly) vs. Rat‐IgG control, showing differential tumor progression and metastatic burden at days 7, 14, and 28 post‐implantations.

    Techniques Used: Binding Assay, Phospho-proteomics, Gene Expression, Control, Expressing, Construct, Derivative Assay, Activity Assay, Western Blot, Biomarker Discovery, Co-Immunoprecipitation Assay, Knockdown, Stable Transfection, In Vivo Imaging, Luciferase



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    Spatial transcriptomics reveals the significant association of the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation with VM in renal cell carcinoma. (A),(B) Single‐cell data analysis demonstrates marked activation of VM pathways in the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation, significantly higher than in other subpopulations. (C) Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) indicates significant enrichment of tube formation‐related pathways in the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation. (D) Spatial mapping and region‐specific analysis for 10 ccRCC patients. For each patient, the spatial analysis is comprised of four panels: the upper left section displays the dimensionality reduction and clustering results of spatial spots (Seurat_clusters), the identification of Tumor_region and Normal_region (Spatial_region), and the spatial enrichment patterns of FOXC2_Regulon, EMT, VM, and Epithelial_s4; the lower left panel includes a DotPlot showing the expression of key ccRCC marker genes (EPCAM, SLC17A3, NDUFA4L2, PAX8) across different spatial spot clusters, alongside violin plots depicting the distribution of Epithelial_s4 and Epithelial_other scores from RCTD deconvolution within these clusters; the right section visualizes the correlation matrices of pathway scores among spatial spots within the defined Tumor_region and Normal_region. (E) A heatmap demonstrating that the enrichment scores for FOXC2_Regulon, EMT, VM, and Epithelial_s4 are significantly higher in the Tumor_region compared to the Normal_region. (F) Correlation analysis of FOXC2_Regulon, EMT, VM, Epithelial_s4, and Epithelial_other was performed separately in the Tumor_region and Normal_region after merging spatial spots data from all 10 patients. (G)–(I) Patient‐level analysis of pathway co‐activation. The average activation scores for FOXC2_Regulon, EMT, and VM were calculated per patient within the Tumor_region and Normal_region, respectively. Their associations are displayed as Pearson correlation scatter plots. The correlation strength for each pair of pathways is markedly higher in the Tumor_region than in the Normal_region.

    Journal: Advanced Science

    Article Title: The FOXC2‐LAMA4 Axis Orchestrates Vasculogenic Mimicry and Immunosuppressive Niche Formation to Drive Metastatic Cascade in Renal Cell Carcinoma

    doi: 10.1002/advs.202516382

    Figure Lengend Snippet: Spatial transcriptomics reveals the significant association of the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation with VM in renal cell carcinoma. (A),(B) Single‐cell data analysis demonstrates marked activation of VM pathways in the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation, significantly higher than in other subpopulations. (C) Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) indicates significant enrichment of tube formation‐related pathways in the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation. (D) Spatial mapping and region‐specific analysis for 10 ccRCC patients. For each patient, the spatial analysis is comprised of four panels: the upper left section displays the dimensionality reduction and clustering results of spatial spots (Seurat_clusters), the identification of Tumor_region and Normal_region (Spatial_region), and the spatial enrichment patterns of FOXC2_Regulon, EMT, VM, and Epithelial_s4; the lower left panel includes a DotPlot showing the expression of key ccRCC marker genes (EPCAM, SLC17A3, NDUFA4L2, PAX8) across different spatial spot clusters, alongside violin plots depicting the distribution of Epithelial_s4 and Epithelial_other scores from RCTD deconvolution within these clusters; the right section visualizes the correlation matrices of pathway scores among spatial spots within the defined Tumor_region and Normal_region. (E) A heatmap demonstrating that the enrichment scores for FOXC2_Regulon, EMT, VM, and Epithelial_s4 are significantly higher in the Tumor_region compared to the Normal_region. (F) Correlation analysis of FOXC2_Regulon, EMT, VM, Epithelial_s4, and Epithelial_other was performed separately in the Tumor_region and Normal_region after merging spatial spots data from all 10 patients. (G)–(I) Patient‐level analysis of pathway co‐activation. The average activation scores for FOXC2_Regulon, EMT, and VM were calculated per patient within the Tumor_region and Normal_region, respectively. Their associations are displayed as Pearson correlation scatter plots. The correlation strength for each pair of pathways is markedly higher in the Tumor_region than in the Normal_region.

    Article Snippet: The sections were blocked with serum for 1 h and then incubated overnight with primary antibodies against FOXC2 (1:200; Bioss, bs‐8730R) and CD31 (1:200; Cohesion Biosciences, CPA9724) at 4°C.

    Techniques: Spatial Transcriptomics, Single Cell, Activation Assay, Expressing, Marker

    Multi‐dimensional analyses identify FOXC2 as the key transcription factor in the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation. (A) Integration of scRNA‐seq data into pseudobulk metacells via neighboring cell clustering to mitigate sparsity in the single‐cell matrix. Clustering results align with those from the original single‐cell data. (B),(C) scWGCNA analysis identifies 14 gene modules, with the salmon module showing significant correlation with the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation (cor = 0.67, p < 0.001). (D) GO and KEGG analyses reveal that the salmon module is enriched in biological processes such as tube formation and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). (E) Co‐expression network of the salmon gene module. (F) Volcano plot of differentially expressed genes between Epithelial_s4 and other tumor subpopulations, highlighting FOXC2 as significantly upregulated in Epithelial_s4. (G) pySCENIC heatmap of highly activated transcription factors across tumor subpopulations, with FOXC2 being the most activated in Epithelial_s4. (H) pySCENIC analysis demonstrates specific activation of the transcription factor FOXC2 in the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation. (I) Transcription factor activity and gene expression levels of FOXC2 are significantly elevated in Epithelial_s4. (J) TCGA data confirm higher FOXC2 expression levels in renal carcinoma.

    Journal: Advanced Science

    Article Title: The FOXC2‐LAMA4 Axis Orchestrates Vasculogenic Mimicry and Immunosuppressive Niche Formation to Drive Metastatic Cascade in Renal Cell Carcinoma

    doi: 10.1002/advs.202516382

    Figure Lengend Snippet: Multi‐dimensional analyses identify FOXC2 as the key transcription factor in the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation. (A) Integration of scRNA‐seq data into pseudobulk metacells via neighboring cell clustering to mitigate sparsity in the single‐cell matrix. Clustering results align with those from the original single‐cell data. (B),(C) scWGCNA analysis identifies 14 gene modules, with the salmon module showing significant correlation with the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation (cor = 0.67, p < 0.001). (D) GO and KEGG analyses reveal that the salmon module is enriched in biological processes such as tube formation and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). (E) Co‐expression network of the salmon gene module. (F) Volcano plot of differentially expressed genes between Epithelial_s4 and other tumor subpopulations, highlighting FOXC2 as significantly upregulated in Epithelial_s4. (G) pySCENIC heatmap of highly activated transcription factors across tumor subpopulations, with FOXC2 being the most activated in Epithelial_s4. (H) pySCENIC analysis demonstrates specific activation of the transcription factor FOXC2 in the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation. (I) Transcription factor activity and gene expression levels of FOXC2 are significantly elevated in Epithelial_s4. (J) TCGA data confirm higher FOXC2 expression levels in renal carcinoma.

    Article Snippet: The sections were blocked with serum for 1 h and then incubated overnight with primary antibodies against FOXC2 (1:200; Bioss, bs‐8730R) and CD31 (1:200; Cohesion Biosciences, CPA9724) at 4°C.

    Techniques: Single Cell, Expressing, Activation Assay, Activity Assay, Gene Expression

    Experimental evidence elucidates the role of FOXC2 in regulating EMT and VM processes in ccRCC. (A) IHC analysis and quantitative comparison of FOXC2 protein expression in primary (n=16) vs. metastatic (n=15) ccRCC tissues ( ** p < 0.01; original magnification ×200). (B) Establishment of FOXC2 knockdown models in 786‐O and OSCR‐2 cell lines, with Western blot validation of knockdown efficiency (sh‐Ctrl vs. sh‐FOXC2). (C) qPCR analysis of FOXC2 knockout effects on mRNA levels of EMT‐related genes (FOXC2, E‐cadherin, N‐cadherin, Vimentin, FN1, Slug, and α‐SMA) (n=3; ns p > 0.05, * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001). (D) Western blot analysis of core EMT markers (FOXC2, E‐cadherin, N‐cadherin, Vimentin) in wild‐type (WT), control (sh‐Ctrl), and FOXC2‐knockdown (sh‐FOXC2) groups. (E),(F) Transwell invasion assays showing suppressed invasive capacity of ccRCC cells upon sh‐FOXC2 group (n=3; *** p < 0.001). (G),(H) Wound healing assays confirming significantly reduced migration ability in sh‐FOXC2 group (n=3; ** p < 0.001). (I) Representative images of tube formation assays performed with 786‐O cells embedded in Matrigel. Cells were transfected with control shRNA (sh‐Ctrl), FOXC2‐targeting shRNA (sh‐FOXC2), or subjected to a rescue treatment with FOXC2 overexpression in the knockdown background (sh‐FOXC2 OE‐FOXC2). The number of tubes was quantified (ns: not significant, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001). (J) Western blot analysis of FOXC2 and VE‐cadherin across three groups. (K) Serial section staining of metastatic vs. primary ccRCC tissues: FOXC2 IHC and CD31/PAS double staining illustrating vasculogenic mimicry distribution (original magnification ×200).

    Journal: Advanced Science

    Article Title: The FOXC2‐LAMA4 Axis Orchestrates Vasculogenic Mimicry and Immunosuppressive Niche Formation to Drive Metastatic Cascade in Renal Cell Carcinoma

    doi: 10.1002/advs.202516382

    Figure Lengend Snippet: Experimental evidence elucidates the role of FOXC2 in regulating EMT and VM processes in ccRCC. (A) IHC analysis and quantitative comparison of FOXC2 protein expression in primary (n=16) vs. metastatic (n=15) ccRCC tissues ( ** p < 0.01; original magnification ×200). (B) Establishment of FOXC2 knockdown models in 786‐O and OSCR‐2 cell lines, with Western blot validation of knockdown efficiency (sh‐Ctrl vs. sh‐FOXC2). (C) qPCR analysis of FOXC2 knockout effects on mRNA levels of EMT‐related genes (FOXC2, E‐cadherin, N‐cadherin, Vimentin, FN1, Slug, and α‐SMA) (n=3; ns p > 0.05, * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001). (D) Western blot analysis of core EMT markers (FOXC2, E‐cadherin, N‐cadherin, Vimentin) in wild‐type (WT), control (sh‐Ctrl), and FOXC2‐knockdown (sh‐FOXC2) groups. (E),(F) Transwell invasion assays showing suppressed invasive capacity of ccRCC cells upon sh‐FOXC2 group (n=3; *** p < 0.001). (G),(H) Wound healing assays confirming significantly reduced migration ability in sh‐FOXC2 group (n=3; ** p < 0.001). (I) Representative images of tube formation assays performed with 786‐O cells embedded in Matrigel. Cells were transfected with control shRNA (sh‐Ctrl), FOXC2‐targeting shRNA (sh‐FOXC2), or subjected to a rescue treatment with FOXC2 overexpression in the knockdown background (sh‐FOXC2 OE‐FOXC2). The number of tubes was quantified (ns: not significant, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001). (J) Western blot analysis of FOXC2 and VE‐cadherin across three groups. (K) Serial section staining of metastatic vs. primary ccRCC tissues: FOXC2 IHC and CD31/PAS double staining illustrating vasculogenic mimicry distribution (original magnification ×200).

    Article Snippet: The sections were blocked with serum for 1 h and then incubated overnight with primary antibodies against FOXC2 (1:200; Bioss, bs‐8730R) and CD31 (1:200; Cohesion Biosciences, CPA9724) at 4°C.

    Techniques: Comparison, Expressing, Knockdown, Western Blot, Biomarker Discovery, Knock-Out, Control, Migration, Transfection, shRNA, Over Expression, Staining, Double Staining

    Multi‐omics sequencing identifies LAMA4 as a key downstream effector of FOXC2. (A) Genome‐wide binding signal heatmap of FOXC2 CUT&Tag sequencing in 786‐O cells (FOXC2 vs. IgG). (B) Distribution of FOXC2 binding peaks across the genome and motif analysis of its promoter‐bound sequences in 786‐O cells. (C) Venn diagram intersecting differentially expressed genes (log2FC > 1) upon FOXC2 knockdown, FOXC2‐bound downstream genes, and Epithelial_s4 subpopulation‐enriched genes, identifying LAMA4 and VAV3 as potential FOXC2 transcriptional targets. (D) GO/KEGG functional enrichment analysis of genes with FOXC2 binding peaks from CUT&Tag sequencing. (E) GO/KEGG functional enrichment analysis of RNA‐seq differentially expressed genes in FOXC2 knockdown vs. control groups. (F) CUT&Tag sequencing reveals a specific FOXC2 binding site (highlighted in dark yellow) within the upstream promoter region of the LAMA4 gene. (G) RNA‐seq data from 786‐O cells validate LAMA4 as a FOXC2‐regulated differentially expressed gene. (H) TCGA‐KIRC dataset analysis demonstrates a significant positive correlation between FOXC2 and LAMA4 mRNA expression (R = 0.527, ** p < 0.01). (I)–(K) scRNA data show significant co‐expression of FOXC2 and LAMA4 in the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation. (L) scRNA data from 12 ccRCC patients confirm a robust expression correlation between tumor cell‐derived FOXC2 and LAMA4 (R = 0.630, * p < 0.05). (M) Western blot analysis of FOXC2 and LAMA4 protein levels in paired tumor and adjacent normal tissues from ccRCC patients. (N) Positive correlation between FOXC2 and LAMA4 protein expression. Protein levels were quantified by western blot (n=9; * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01). A significant correlation was found by Spearman analysis (R = 0.717, p = 0.037).

    Journal: Advanced Science

    Article Title: The FOXC2‐LAMA4 Axis Orchestrates Vasculogenic Mimicry and Immunosuppressive Niche Formation to Drive Metastatic Cascade in Renal Cell Carcinoma

    doi: 10.1002/advs.202516382

    Figure Lengend Snippet: Multi‐omics sequencing identifies LAMA4 as a key downstream effector of FOXC2. (A) Genome‐wide binding signal heatmap of FOXC2 CUT&Tag sequencing in 786‐O cells (FOXC2 vs. IgG). (B) Distribution of FOXC2 binding peaks across the genome and motif analysis of its promoter‐bound sequences in 786‐O cells. (C) Venn diagram intersecting differentially expressed genes (log2FC > 1) upon FOXC2 knockdown, FOXC2‐bound downstream genes, and Epithelial_s4 subpopulation‐enriched genes, identifying LAMA4 and VAV3 as potential FOXC2 transcriptional targets. (D) GO/KEGG functional enrichment analysis of genes with FOXC2 binding peaks from CUT&Tag sequencing. (E) GO/KEGG functional enrichment analysis of RNA‐seq differentially expressed genes in FOXC2 knockdown vs. control groups. (F) CUT&Tag sequencing reveals a specific FOXC2 binding site (highlighted in dark yellow) within the upstream promoter region of the LAMA4 gene. (G) RNA‐seq data from 786‐O cells validate LAMA4 as a FOXC2‐regulated differentially expressed gene. (H) TCGA‐KIRC dataset analysis demonstrates a significant positive correlation between FOXC2 and LAMA4 mRNA expression (R = 0.527, ** p < 0.01). (I)–(K) scRNA data show significant co‐expression of FOXC2 and LAMA4 in the Epithelial_s4 subpopulation. (L) scRNA data from 12 ccRCC patients confirm a robust expression correlation between tumor cell‐derived FOXC2 and LAMA4 (R = 0.630, * p < 0.05). (M) Western blot analysis of FOXC2 and LAMA4 protein levels in paired tumor and adjacent normal tissues from ccRCC patients. (N) Positive correlation between FOXC2 and LAMA4 protein expression. Protein levels were quantified by western blot (n=9; * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01). A significant correlation was found by Spearman analysis (R = 0.717, p = 0.037).

    Article Snippet: The sections were blocked with serum for 1 h and then incubated overnight with primary antibodies against FOXC2 (1:200; Bioss, bs‐8730R) and CD31 (1:200; Cohesion Biosciences, CPA9724) at 4°C.

    Techniques: Biomarker Discovery, Sequencing, Genome Wide, Binding Assay, Knockdown, Functional Assay, RNA Sequencing, Control, Expressing, Derivative Assay, Western Blot

    FOXC2 promotes VM in ccRCC cells by transcriptionally regulating LAMA4. (A) Western blot analysis of LAMA4 protein expression upon FOXC2 knockdown. (B) qPCR detection of LAMA4 mRNA levels following FOXC2 knockdown (n=3; ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001). (C) Western blot analysis of FOXC2, LAMA4, VE‑cadherin, and the EMT markers E‑cadherin, N‑cadherin, and Vimentin in FOXC2‑overexpressing (OE‐ FOXC2) and LAMA4‑knockdown (sh‐LAMA4) cell models. (D) Tube formation assays demonstrate that FOXC2 overexpression significantly enhances VM capacity in renal cancer cells, while LAMA4 knockdown partially reverses this effect (n=3; *** p < 0.001). (E) Transwell invasion assays reveal that FOXC2 overexpression promotes cancer cell invasion, which is suppressed by LAMA4 knockdown (n=3; ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001). (F) Wound healing assays confirm that FOXC2 overexpression increases cell migration, an effect attenuated by LAMA4 knockdown (n=3; *** p < 0.001). 0.001). (G) Statistical analysis was performed on the following metrics: tube formation (number of tubes, branches, junctions, meshes, and total length), wound healing (wound healing percentage), and Transwell (number of migrated cells). ns: not significant, * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001. (H) Luciferase reporter assays using LAMA4 promoter truncations transfected into renal cancer cells. FOXC2 regulates promoter activity across distinct LAMA4 promoter regions (n=3; ns p > 0.05, *** p < 0.001). (I) ChIP with FOXC2 antibody followed by qPCR amplification of LAMA4 promoter fragments (site1–site4) (n=3; ns p > 0.05, ** p < 0.01). (J) Luciferase assays comparing wild‐type and site2‐mutated LAMA4 promoter activity in renal cancer cells. FOXC2 selectively regulates wild‐type promoter activity (n=3; ns p > 0.05, *** p < 0.001).

    Journal: Advanced Science

    Article Title: The FOXC2‐LAMA4 Axis Orchestrates Vasculogenic Mimicry and Immunosuppressive Niche Formation to Drive Metastatic Cascade in Renal Cell Carcinoma

    doi: 10.1002/advs.202516382

    Figure Lengend Snippet: FOXC2 promotes VM in ccRCC cells by transcriptionally regulating LAMA4. (A) Western blot analysis of LAMA4 protein expression upon FOXC2 knockdown. (B) qPCR detection of LAMA4 mRNA levels following FOXC2 knockdown (n=3; ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001). (C) Western blot analysis of FOXC2, LAMA4, VE‑cadherin, and the EMT markers E‑cadherin, N‑cadherin, and Vimentin in FOXC2‑overexpressing (OE‐ FOXC2) and LAMA4‑knockdown (sh‐LAMA4) cell models. (D) Tube formation assays demonstrate that FOXC2 overexpression significantly enhances VM capacity in renal cancer cells, while LAMA4 knockdown partially reverses this effect (n=3; *** p < 0.001). (E) Transwell invasion assays reveal that FOXC2 overexpression promotes cancer cell invasion, which is suppressed by LAMA4 knockdown (n=3; ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001). (F) Wound healing assays confirm that FOXC2 overexpression increases cell migration, an effect attenuated by LAMA4 knockdown (n=3; *** p < 0.001). 0.001). (G) Statistical analysis was performed on the following metrics: tube formation (number of tubes, branches, junctions, meshes, and total length), wound healing (wound healing percentage), and Transwell (number of migrated cells). ns: not significant, * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001. (H) Luciferase reporter assays using LAMA4 promoter truncations transfected into renal cancer cells. FOXC2 regulates promoter activity across distinct LAMA4 promoter regions (n=3; ns p > 0.05, *** p < 0.001). (I) ChIP with FOXC2 antibody followed by qPCR amplification of LAMA4 promoter fragments (site1–site4) (n=3; ns p > 0.05, ** p < 0.01). (J) Luciferase assays comparing wild‐type and site2‐mutated LAMA4 promoter activity in renal cancer cells. FOXC2 selectively regulates wild‐type promoter activity (n=3; ns p > 0.05, *** p < 0.001).

    Article Snippet: The sections were blocked with serum for 1 h and then incubated overnight with primary antibodies against FOXC2 (1:200; Bioss, bs‐8730R) and CD31 (1:200; Cohesion Biosciences, CPA9724) at 4°C.

    Techniques: Western Blot, Expressing, Knockdown, Over Expression, Migration, Luciferase, Transfection, Activity Assay, Amplification

    FOXC2‐LAMA4 remodels the metastatic microenvironment by promoting TREM2 + CD206 + MAM polarization in pulmonary metastases. (A) Experimental design and grouping for orthotopic renal carcinoma xenografts. (B) In vivo imaging system dynamically monitors renal orthotopic tumor growth (days 7, 14, 21, 28) and lung metastasis formation (terminal imaging at day 28) across groups. (C) Comparison of renal tumor volumes at the experimental endpoint among groups. (D) Lung metastasis imaging and H&E staining validation in the Foxc2 overexpression group (Foxc2 OE Lama4 NC ) vs. Foxc2 overexpression + LAMA4 knockdown group (Foxc2 OE Lama4 KD ). (E) Dimensionality reduction and cell type annotation of scRNA data from lung tissues of Foxc2 OE Lama4 NC and Foxc2 OE Lama4 KD mice. (F) Heatmap of MAMs signature genes showing upregulated immunosuppressive markers (e.g., Trem2, Arg1) (log2FC >1, * p < 0.05). (G) Tissue preference analysis (R/oe score) highlights significant enrichment of MAMs (red arrow) in the Foxc2 OE Lama4 NC group. (H),(I) Flow cytometry analysis of the effect of LAMA4 on inducing immunosuppressive polarization. Shown is the MFI of CD206 (H) within the CD68 + population for human THP1‑derived macrophages and (I) within the CD11b + F4/80 + population for mouse BMDMs following treatment with LAMA4. Untreated cells and IL‑4‑treated cells served as negative and positive controls, respectively (n = 3, **** p < 0.0001). (J) scRNA data from ccRCC lung metastases show high LAMA4 expression and elevated Trem2 + macrophage markers (TREM2, C1QC, APOE, CD163) in GPNMB‐Hi and FOLR2‐Hi macrophages. (K) scRNA of murine lung metastases: Macrophages in the oeFoxc2 ncLama4 group exhibit higher M2 markers, while T cells display pronounced exhaustion markers. (L),(M) Flow cytometry analysis of immune cell phenotypes in lung metastases from the orthotopic kidney cancer model. (L) Proportion of exhausted (CD8a + PD‑1 + ) CD8 + T cells. (M) MFI of TREM2 on macrophages. Comparisons are between the FOXC2 OE LAMA4 NC and FOXC2 OE LAMA4 KD groups (n = 5). ( ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001).

    Journal: Advanced Science

    Article Title: The FOXC2‐LAMA4 Axis Orchestrates Vasculogenic Mimicry and Immunosuppressive Niche Formation to Drive Metastatic Cascade in Renal Cell Carcinoma

    doi: 10.1002/advs.202516382

    Figure Lengend Snippet: FOXC2‐LAMA4 remodels the metastatic microenvironment by promoting TREM2 + CD206 + MAM polarization in pulmonary metastases. (A) Experimental design and grouping for orthotopic renal carcinoma xenografts. (B) In vivo imaging system dynamically monitors renal orthotopic tumor growth (days 7, 14, 21, 28) and lung metastasis formation (terminal imaging at day 28) across groups. (C) Comparison of renal tumor volumes at the experimental endpoint among groups. (D) Lung metastasis imaging and H&E staining validation in the Foxc2 overexpression group (Foxc2 OE Lama4 NC ) vs. Foxc2 overexpression + LAMA4 knockdown group (Foxc2 OE Lama4 KD ). (E) Dimensionality reduction and cell type annotation of scRNA data from lung tissues of Foxc2 OE Lama4 NC and Foxc2 OE Lama4 KD mice. (F) Heatmap of MAMs signature genes showing upregulated immunosuppressive markers (e.g., Trem2, Arg1) (log2FC >1, * p < 0.05). (G) Tissue preference analysis (R/oe score) highlights significant enrichment of MAMs (red arrow) in the Foxc2 OE Lama4 NC group. (H),(I) Flow cytometry analysis of the effect of LAMA4 on inducing immunosuppressive polarization. Shown is the MFI of CD206 (H) within the CD68 + population for human THP1‑derived macrophages and (I) within the CD11b + F4/80 + population for mouse BMDMs following treatment with LAMA4. Untreated cells and IL‑4‑treated cells served as negative and positive controls, respectively (n = 3, **** p < 0.0001). (J) scRNA data from ccRCC lung metastases show high LAMA4 expression and elevated Trem2 + macrophage markers (TREM2, C1QC, APOE, CD163) in GPNMB‐Hi and FOLR2‐Hi macrophages. (K) scRNA of murine lung metastases: Macrophages in the oeFoxc2 ncLama4 group exhibit higher M2 markers, while T cells display pronounced exhaustion markers. (L),(M) Flow cytometry analysis of immune cell phenotypes in lung metastases from the orthotopic kidney cancer model. (L) Proportion of exhausted (CD8a + PD‑1 + ) CD8 + T cells. (M) MFI of TREM2 on macrophages. Comparisons are between the FOXC2 OE LAMA4 NC and FOXC2 OE LAMA4 KD groups (n = 5). ( ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001).

    Article Snippet: The sections were blocked with serum for 1 h and then incubated overnight with primary antibodies against FOXC2 (1:200; Bioss, bs‐8730R) and CD31 (1:200; Cohesion Biosciences, CPA9724) at 4°C.

    Techniques: In Vivo Imaging, Imaging, Comparison, Staining, Biomarker Discovery, Over Expression, Knockdown, Flow Cytometry, Expressing

    LAMA4‐ITGA6 binding activates STAT6 phosphorylation to drive GATA3‐dependent TREM2 + CD206 + MAM polarization, promoting metastatic outgrowth. (A) Schematic representation of the experimental setup to investigate the role of LAMA4 in macrophage polarization. THP‐1 cells were treated with PMA to differentiate into macrophages, followed by stimulation with LAMA4 (5 ng/mL). (B) Volcano plot comparing gene expression profiles between control and LAMA4‐treated THP‐1 macrophages. Red dots indicate upregulated genes; blue dots indicate downregulated genes. GATA3 was highly expressed in the LAMA4 treatment group. (C) Heatmap showing DEGs between control and LAMA4‐treated THP‐1 macrophages. Upregulated and downregulated genes are represented in red and blue, respectively. CXCL2, CXCL1, and TNF (inflammatory factors) exhibited elevated expression in controls, whereas ARG1, GATA3, and HES3 (immunosuppressive markers) showed significant upregulation in LAMA4‐treated macrophages. (D) GSEA demonstrating LAMA4‐mediated upregulation of the Fatty Acid Metabolic signaling pathway and downregulation of the TNF/NF‐κB signaling signaling pathway. (E) Pseudotime trajectory constructed by Monocle revealed that MAMs are derived from monocytes/macrophages (Mono/Mac) in mouse lung metastatic niches. (F) SCENIC analysis revealed heightened Gata3 regulon activity score (Gata3 RAS) enriched in MAMs, with concurrent elevation of Gata3 activity in Mono/Mac from oeFOXC2_ncLama4 mice group. (G) Cell‐cell communication analysis indicated that tumor cells in the oeFOXC2_ncLama4 group release enhanced LAMININ signals, which significantly activate downstream pathways in monocytes/macrophages (Mono/Mac), suggesting LAMA4‐mediated LAMININ signaling drives Mono/Mac differentiation into MAMs via specific receptor engagement. (H) Western blot analysis confirmed significant downregulation of GATA3 protein following siRNA‐mediated silencing, with concomitant reduction in TREM2 and CD206 expression. (I) Western blot analysis demonstrated that escalating LAMA4 concentrations (0, 1, 5, 25 ng/mL) induced progressive upregulation of immunosuppressive markers CD206 and TREM2 in macrophages. (J) Molecular docking of human and murine LAMA4 with ITGA6 reveals conserved binding capacity. Structures depict ITGA6 (cyan cartoon; extracellular domain in yellow) and LAMA4 (blue cartoon). (K) Comparative analysis of Itga6 expression in Mono/Mac and MAM populations within lung metastases revealed significantly elevated levels in oeFoxc2_ncLama4 vs. oeFoxc2_kdLama4 cohorts, suggesting enhanced responsiveness to LAMA4‐mediated signaling. (L) Validation of the interaction between LAMA4 and ITGA6. Lysates from co‐cultures of 786‐O renal carcinoma cells and THP‐1 macrophages were subjected to Co‐IP using an anti‐LAMA4 antibody, followed by immunoblotting with an anti‐ITGA6 antibody to confirm their direct binding.(M) FOXC2 knockdown attenuates the LAMA4‐ITGA6 interaction. Co‐IP was performed on lysates from co‐cultures of THP‐1 macrophages with 786‐O cells stably expressing either sh‐Ctrl or sh‐FOXC2, using an anti‐LAMA4 antibody. Western blot analysis for ITGA6 shows reduced complex formation upon FOXC2 knockdown. (N) STAT6‐neutralizing antibody (anti‐ ITGA6 Ab, 5 µg/mL) treatment significantly blocked LAMA4 (25 ng/mL)‐induced upregulation of p‐STAT6, GATA3, TREM2, and CD206 proteins in Western blot analysis. (O) In vivo imaging of orthotopic Renca‐luciferase Foxc2‐overexpressing (Renca‐luc Foxc2 oe ) renal tumors in BALB/c mice treated with ITGA6‐neutralizing antibody (10 mg/kg, i.v., weekly) vs. Rat‐IgG control, showing differential tumor progression and metastatic burden at days 7, 14, and 28 post‐implantations.

    Journal: Advanced Science

    Article Title: The FOXC2‐LAMA4 Axis Orchestrates Vasculogenic Mimicry and Immunosuppressive Niche Formation to Drive Metastatic Cascade in Renal Cell Carcinoma

    doi: 10.1002/advs.202516382

    Figure Lengend Snippet: LAMA4‐ITGA6 binding activates STAT6 phosphorylation to drive GATA3‐dependent TREM2 + CD206 + MAM polarization, promoting metastatic outgrowth. (A) Schematic representation of the experimental setup to investigate the role of LAMA4 in macrophage polarization. THP‐1 cells were treated with PMA to differentiate into macrophages, followed by stimulation with LAMA4 (5 ng/mL). (B) Volcano plot comparing gene expression profiles between control and LAMA4‐treated THP‐1 macrophages. Red dots indicate upregulated genes; blue dots indicate downregulated genes. GATA3 was highly expressed in the LAMA4 treatment group. (C) Heatmap showing DEGs between control and LAMA4‐treated THP‐1 macrophages. Upregulated and downregulated genes are represented in red and blue, respectively. CXCL2, CXCL1, and TNF (inflammatory factors) exhibited elevated expression in controls, whereas ARG1, GATA3, and HES3 (immunosuppressive markers) showed significant upregulation in LAMA4‐treated macrophages. (D) GSEA demonstrating LAMA4‐mediated upregulation of the Fatty Acid Metabolic signaling pathway and downregulation of the TNF/NF‐κB signaling signaling pathway. (E) Pseudotime trajectory constructed by Monocle revealed that MAMs are derived from monocytes/macrophages (Mono/Mac) in mouse lung metastatic niches. (F) SCENIC analysis revealed heightened Gata3 regulon activity score (Gata3 RAS) enriched in MAMs, with concurrent elevation of Gata3 activity in Mono/Mac from oeFOXC2_ncLama4 mice group. (G) Cell‐cell communication analysis indicated that tumor cells in the oeFOXC2_ncLama4 group release enhanced LAMININ signals, which significantly activate downstream pathways in monocytes/macrophages (Mono/Mac), suggesting LAMA4‐mediated LAMININ signaling drives Mono/Mac differentiation into MAMs via specific receptor engagement. (H) Western blot analysis confirmed significant downregulation of GATA3 protein following siRNA‐mediated silencing, with concomitant reduction in TREM2 and CD206 expression. (I) Western blot analysis demonstrated that escalating LAMA4 concentrations (0, 1, 5, 25 ng/mL) induced progressive upregulation of immunosuppressive markers CD206 and TREM2 in macrophages. (J) Molecular docking of human and murine LAMA4 with ITGA6 reveals conserved binding capacity. Structures depict ITGA6 (cyan cartoon; extracellular domain in yellow) and LAMA4 (blue cartoon). (K) Comparative analysis of Itga6 expression in Mono/Mac and MAM populations within lung metastases revealed significantly elevated levels in oeFoxc2_ncLama4 vs. oeFoxc2_kdLama4 cohorts, suggesting enhanced responsiveness to LAMA4‐mediated signaling. (L) Validation of the interaction between LAMA4 and ITGA6. Lysates from co‐cultures of 786‐O renal carcinoma cells and THP‐1 macrophages were subjected to Co‐IP using an anti‐LAMA4 antibody, followed by immunoblotting with an anti‐ITGA6 antibody to confirm their direct binding.(M) FOXC2 knockdown attenuates the LAMA4‐ITGA6 interaction. Co‐IP was performed on lysates from co‐cultures of THP‐1 macrophages with 786‐O cells stably expressing either sh‐Ctrl or sh‐FOXC2, using an anti‐LAMA4 antibody. Western blot analysis for ITGA6 shows reduced complex formation upon FOXC2 knockdown. (N) STAT6‐neutralizing antibody (anti‐ ITGA6 Ab, 5 µg/mL) treatment significantly blocked LAMA4 (25 ng/mL)‐induced upregulation of p‐STAT6, GATA3, TREM2, and CD206 proteins in Western blot analysis. (O) In vivo imaging of orthotopic Renca‐luciferase Foxc2‐overexpressing (Renca‐luc Foxc2 oe ) renal tumors in BALB/c mice treated with ITGA6‐neutralizing antibody (10 mg/kg, i.v., weekly) vs. Rat‐IgG control, showing differential tumor progression and metastatic burden at days 7, 14, and 28 post‐implantations.

    Article Snippet: The sections were blocked with serum for 1 h and then incubated overnight with primary antibodies against FOXC2 (1:200; Bioss, bs‐8730R) and CD31 (1:200; Cohesion Biosciences, CPA9724) at 4°C.

    Techniques: Binding Assay, Phospho-proteomics, Gene Expression, Control, Expressing, Construct, Derivative Assay, Activity Assay, Western Blot, Biomarker Discovery, Co-Immunoprecipitation Assay, Knockdown, Stable Transfection, In Vivo Imaging, Luciferase

    FENDRR-regulated FOXC2 overexpression promotes GC drug resistance (A) qRT-PCR analysis of FENDRR, FOXF1, FOXL1 and FOXC2 expression in SGC7901/ADR cells infected with FENDRR shRNA or negative controls. (B) Western blot analysis of FOXC2 expression in SGC7901/ADR and SGC7901/VCR cells infected with FENDRR shRNA and in SGC7901 cells transfected with FENDRR vectors and the corresponding negative controls. (C) Expression levels of FENDRR in the nucleus and cytoplasm of the indicated cells was measured by qPCR. U1 and GAPDH were used as nuclear and cytoplasmic controls, respectively. (D) HEK-293 cells were transfected with FOXC2 luciferase reporter constructs and FENDRR-expressing vectors or shRNA and the corresponding negative controls. Luciferase activity values were measured and analyzed. Luciferase values are normalized to empty vector control values. (E) Survival of indicated cells after step-up concentration of ADR treatment for 72 h was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. (F, G) Colony formation assay with the indicated cells treated with ADR (F) and the apoptotic rate of the indicated cells treated with 5-FU (G) are shown. (H, I) Colony formation assay (H) and apoptosis assay (I) of SGC7901/ADR and SGC7901/VCR cells infected with LV-shFENDRR with FOXC2 vector or control vector after ADR and 5-FU treatment, respectively. (J) LV-shFOXC2-infected cells were transplanted into the right flank of nude mice, and the corresponding control cells were transplanted into the left side. Left, representative images of tumors formed in nude mice (n=5) after ADR treatment are shown, scale bar, 1 cm. Middle, the tumor volumes of different groups were measured at the indicated time points. Right, the tumor weights of different groups measured after tumor isolation. (K) Quantification of the Ki67-positive staining of cells in xenografts from nude mice. ** P < 0.01, * P < 0.05, N.S. , not significant ( P > 0.05), error bars, s.d.

    Journal: Frontiers in Oncology

    Article Title: The FENDRR/FOXC2 Axis Contributes to Multidrug Resistance in Gastric Cancer and Correlates With Poor Prognosis

    doi: 10.3389/fonc.2021.634579

    Figure Lengend Snippet: FENDRR-regulated FOXC2 overexpression promotes GC drug resistance (A) qRT-PCR analysis of FENDRR, FOXF1, FOXL1 and FOXC2 expression in SGC7901/ADR cells infected with FENDRR shRNA or negative controls. (B) Western blot analysis of FOXC2 expression in SGC7901/ADR and SGC7901/VCR cells infected with FENDRR shRNA and in SGC7901 cells transfected with FENDRR vectors and the corresponding negative controls. (C) Expression levels of FENDRR in the nucleus and cytoplasm of the indicated cells was measured by qPCR. U1 and GAPDH were used as nuclear and cytoplasmic controls, respectively. (D) HEK-293 cells were transfected with FOXC2 luciferase reporter constructs and FENDRR-expressing vectors or shRNA and the corresponding negative controls. Luciferase activity values were measured and analyzed. Luciferase values are normalized to empty vector control values. (E) Survival of indicated cells after step-up concentration of ADR treatment for 72 h was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. (F, G) Colony formation assay with the indicated cells treated with ADR (F) and the apoptotic rate of the indicated cells treated with 5-FU (G) are shown. (H, I) Colony formation assay (H) and apoptosis assay (I) of SGC7901/ADR and SGC7901/VCR cells infected with LV-shFENDRR with FOXC2 vector or control vector after ADR and 5-FU treatment, respectively. (J) LV-shFOXC2-infected cells were transplanted into the right flank of nude mice, and the corresponding control cells were transplanted into the left side. Left, representative images of tumors formed in nude mice (n=5) after ADR treatment are shown, scale bar, 1 cm. Middle, the tumor volumes of different groups were measured at the indicated time points. Right, the tumor weights of different groups measured after tumor isolation. (K) Quantification of the Ki67-positive staining of cells in xenografts from nude mice. ** P < 0.01, * P < 0.05, N.S. , not significant ( P > 0.05), error bars, s.d.

    Article Snippet: Briefly, tissue sections were deparaffinized, subjected to antigen retrieval and endogenous peroxidase inactivation, and incubated with primary antibodies against FOXC2 (R&D Systems, AF6989) and Ki-67 (Abcam, ab15580).

    Techniques: Over Expression, Quantitative RT-PCR, Expressing, Infection, shRNA, Western Blot, Transfection, Luciferase, Construct, Activity Assay, Plasmid Preparation, Control, Concentration Assay, CCK-8 Assay, Colony Assay, Apoptosis Assay, Isolation, Staining

    FENDRR increases FOXC2 expression by competitively binding miR-4700-3p (A) Prediction of the potential miRNAs targeting both FENDRR and FOXC2 with two independent miRNA target databases. (B) qRT-PCR analysis of miR-4700-3p expression in the indicated cells. (C) The expression of miR-4700-3p following the downregulation or upregulation of FENDRR expression in the indicated cells. (D) Western blot analysis of FOXC2 expression in SGC7901/ADR and SGC7901/VCR cells transfected with miR-4700-3p mimics or inhibitors and the corresponding negative controls. (E, F) Predicted potential binding sites of miR-4700-3p to FENDRR and FOXC2 are shown (upper panel). The wild-type (wt) and mutant (mut) miR-4700-3p target sequences of FENDRR (E) and FOXC2 (F) were fused to a luciferase reporter and cotransfected into HEK-293 cells with miR-4700-3p mimics or a negative control. Luciferase activity values were measured and normalized to empty vector control values. (G, H) Western blot analysis of FOXC2 expression in the indicated cells. ** P < 0.01, * P < 0.05, N.S. , not significant ( P > 0.05), error bars, s.d.

    Journal: Frontiers in Oncology

    Article Title: The FENDRR/FOXC2 Axis Contributes to Multidrug Resistance in Gastric Cancer and Correlates With Poor Prognosis

    doi: 10.3389/fonc.2021.634579

    Figure Lengend Snippet: FENDRR increases FOXC2 expression by competitively binding miR-4700-3p (A) Prediction of the potential miRNAs targeting both FENDRR and FOXC2 with two independent miRNA target databases. (B) qRT-PCR analysis of miR-4700-3p expression in the indicated cells. (C) The expression of miR-4700-3p following the downregulation or upregulation of FENDRR expression in the indicated cells. (D) Western blot analysis of FOXC2 expression in SGC7901/ADR and SGC7901/VCR cells transfected with miR-4700-3p mimics or inhibitors and the corresponding negative controls. (E, F) Predicted potential binding sites of miR-4700-3p to FENDRR and FOXC2 are shown (upper panel). The wild-type (wt) and mutant (mut) miR-4700-3p target sequences of FENDRR (E) and FOXC2 (F) were fused to a luciferase reporter and cotransfected into HEK-293 cells with miR-4700-3p mimics or a negative control. Luciferase activity values were measured and normalized to empty vector control values. (G, H) Western blot analysis of FOXC2 expression in the indicated cells. ** P < 0.01, * P < 0.05, N.S. , not significant ( P > 0.05), error bars, s.d.

    Article Snippet: Briefly, tissue sections were deparaffinized, subjected to antigen retrieval and endogenous peroxidase inactivation, and incubated with primary antibodies against FOXC2 (R&D Systems, AF6989) and Ki-67 (Abcam, ab15580).

    Techniques: Expressing, Binding Assay, Quantitative RT-PCR, Western Blot, Transfection, Mutagenesis, Luciferase, Negative Control, Activity Assay, Plasmid Preparation, Control

    miR-4700-3p suppresses drug resistance in GC (A, B) Survival of SGC7901/ADR and SGC7901/VCR cells transfected with miR-4700-3p mimics (A) and SGC7901 cells transfected with miR-4700-3p inhibitors or the corresponding negative controls was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay after step-up concentration of ADR and 5-FU treatment for 72 h. (C, D) The apoptotic rate of the indicated cells treated with 5-FU was shown. (E, F) SGC7901/ADR and SGC7901/VCR cells were cotransfected with miR-4700-3p, FOXC2 vector or their negative controls. Cell survival (E) and apoptosis rate (F) of the indicated cells treated with ADR or 5-FU, respectively, was evaluated. (G) Representative data extracted from TCGA datasets showing correlation between FENDRR (left) and FOXC2 (right) expression with miR-4700-3p expression in GC tissues (n=100). (H) Kaplan-Meier analysis of the correlation between miR-4700-3p expression and overall survival in GC patients included in the TCGA datasets (n=100). ** P < 0.01, * P < 0.05, error bars, s.d.

    Journal: Frontiers in Oncology

    Article Title: The FENDRR/FOXC2 Axis Contributes to Multidrug Resistance in Gastric Cancer and Correlates With Poor Prognosis

    doi: 10.3389/fonc.2021.634579

    Figure Lengend Snippet: miR-4700-3p suppresses drug resistance in GC (A, B) Survival of SGC7901/ADR and SGC7901/VCR cells transfected with miR-4700-3p mimics (A) and SGC7901 cells transfected with miR-4700-3p inhibitors or the corresponding negative controls was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay after step-up concentration of ADR and 5-FU treatment for 72 h. (C, D) The apoptotic rate of the indicated cells treated with 5-FU was shown. (E, F) SGC7901/ADR and SGC7901/VCR cells were cotransfected with miR-4700-3p, FOXC2 vector or their negative controls. Cell survival (E) and apoptosis rate (F) of the indicated cells treated with ADR or 5-FU, respectively, was evaluated. (G) Representative data extracted from TCGA datasets showing correlation between FENDRR (left) and FOXC2 (right) expression with miR-4700-3p expression in GC tissues (n=100). (H) Kaplan-Meier analysis of the correlation between miR-4700-3p expression and overall survival in GC patients included in the TCGA datasets (n=100). ** P < 0.01, * P < 0.05, error bars, s.d.

    Article Snippet: Briefly, tissue sections were deparaffinized, subjected to antigen retrieval and endogenous peroxidase inactivation, and incubated with primary antibodies against FOXC2 (R&D Systems, AF6989) and Ki-67 (Abcam, ab15580).

    Techniques: Transfection, CCK-8 Assay, Concentration Assay, Plasmid Preparation, Expressing

    Positive correlation between FENDRR and FOXC2 expression in human GC tissue samples (A) Representative images of FENDRR and FOXC2 expression in 80 paired GC and adjacent normal tissue samples detected by FISH and IHC, respectively (left). Scale bar, 200 μm (low magnification) or 50 μm (high magnification). Analysis of immunohistochemical staining for FOXC2 in 80 paired CRC specimens and matched adjacent normal tissue samples (right). (B) Correlation between the expression of FENDRR and FOXC2 in 80 GC patients. (C) Kaplan-Meier analysis of the correlation between FOXC2 expression and overall survival in patients with GC. * P < 0.05, error bars, s.d.

    Journal: Frontiers in Oncology

    Article Title: The FENDRR/FOXC2 Axis Contributes to Multidrug Resistance in Gastric Cancer and Correlates With Poor Prognosis

    doi: 10.3389/fonc.2021.634579

    Figure Lengend Snippet: Positive correlation between FENDRR and FOXC2 expression in human GC tissue samples (A) Representative images of FENDRR and FOXC2 expression in 80 paired GC and adjacent normal tissue samples detected by FISH and IHC, respectively (left). Scale bar, 200 μm (low magnification) or 50 μm (high magnification). Analysis of immunohistochemical staining for FOXC2 in 80 paired CRC specimens and matched adjacent normal tissue samples (right). (B) Correlation between the expression of FENDRR and FOXC2 in 80 GC patients. (C) Kaplan-Meier analysis of the correlation between FOXC2 expression and overall survival in patients with GC. * P < 0.05, error bars, s.d.

    Article Snippet: Briefly, tissue sections were deparaffinized, subjected to antigen retrieval and endogenous peroxidase inactivation, and incubated with primary antibodies against FOXC2 (R&D Systems, AF6989) and Ki-67 (Abcam, ab15580).

    Techniques: Expressing, Immunohistochemical staining, Staining

    Correlation of  FOXC2  expression and patients’ clinicopathological variables in GC tissues.

    Journal: Frontiers in Oncology

    Article Title: The FENDRR/FOXC2 Axis Contributes to Multidrug Resistance in Gastric Cancer and Correlates With Poor Prognosis

    doi: 10.3389/fonc.2021.634579

    Figure Lengend Snippet: Correlation of FOXC2 expression and patients’ clinicopathological variables in GC tissues.

    Article Snippet: Briefly, tissue sections were deparaffinized, subjected to antigen retrieval and endogenous peroxidase inactivation, and incubated with primary antibodies against FOXC2 (R&D Systems, AF6989) and Ki-67 (Abcam, ab15580).

    Techniques: Expressing

    Immunostaining for AGGF1 (angiogenic factor with G-patch and FHA domain 1), FOXC2 (forkhead box C2), and E-cad (E-cadherin) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and control tissue. A, Positive AGGF1 in the cytoplasm of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissue (40 magnification) B, Positive AGGF1 in the cytoplasm of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissue (40 magnification); C, Negative AGGF1 in the control tissue (100 magnification), C: Negative AGGF1 in the control tissue; D, Positive FOXC2 in the cytoplasm of cancer cells (40 magnification); E, Positive FOXC2 in the cytoplasm of cancer cells (400 magnification); F, Negative FOXC2 in the control tissues (100 magnification); G, Positive E-cad in the cytoplasm and membrane of cancer tissue (40 magnification), H, Positive E-cad in the cytoplasm and membrane of cancer tissue (400 magnification); I, Positive E-cad in the cytoplasm and membrane of control cells (400 magnification).

    Journal: Medicine

    Article Title: The expression of AGGF1, FOXC2, and E-cadherin in esophageal carcinoma and their clinical significance

    doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000022173

    Figure Lengend Snippet: Immunostaining for AGGF1 (angiogenic factor with G-patch and FHA domain 1), FOXC2 (forkhead box C2), and E-cad (E-cadherin) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and control tissue. A, Positive AGGF1 in the cytoplasm of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissue (40 magnification) B, Positive AGGF1 in the cytoplasm of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissue (40 magnification); C, Negative AGGF1 in the control tissue (100 magnification), C: Negative AGGF1 in the control tissue; D, Positive FOXC2 in the cytoplasm of cancer cells (40 magnification); E, Positive FOXC2 in the cytoplasm of cancer cells (400 magnification); F, Negative FOXC2 in the control tissues (100 magnification); G, Positive E-cad in the cytoplasm and membrane of cancer tissue (40 magnification), H, Positive E-cad in the cytoplasm and membrane of cancer tissue (400 magnification); I, Positive E-cad in the cytoplasm and membrane of control cells (400 magnification).

    Article Snippet: Then several washes with PBS, all slices were blocked with goat serum at room temperature for 20 minutes, incubated with rabbit polyclonal antibody against human AGGF1 and FOXC2 (AGGF1: DF12109; FOXC2: DF3252; Affinity Biosciences, Co., Ltd., Cincinnati, OH), mouse monoclonal antibody against human E-cad (E-cad: MX020; Fuzhou Maixin Biotechnology Development Co., Ltd., China) at 4°C overnight.

    Techniques: Immunostaining, Control, Membrane

    Journal: Medicine

    Article Title: The expression of AGGF1, FOXC2, and E-cadherin in esophageal carcinoma and their clinical significance

    doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000022173

    Figure Lengend Snippet: The associations between expression of angiogenic factor with G-patch and FHA domain 1, forkhead box C2, and E-cadherin and clinicopathological characteristics of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

    Article Snippet: Then several washes with PBS, all slices were blocked with goat serum at room temperature for 20 minutes, incubated with rabbit polyclonal antibody against human AGGF1 and FOXC2 (AGGF1: DF12109; FOXC2: DF3252; Affinity Biosciences, Co., Ltd., Cincinnati, OH), mouse monoclonal antibody against human E-cad (E-cad: MX020; Fuzhou Maixin Biotechnology Development Co., Ltd., China) at 4°C overnight.

    Techniques: Expressing

    Kaplan–Meier analysis curve of the survival rate of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The y-axis means the percentage of patients; the x-axis means their survival in months. A, OS (overall survival) analysis of all patients in relation to AGGF1 (angiogenic factor with G-patch and FHA domain 1) (log-rank = 39.498, P < .001); B, OS analysis of all patients in relation to FOXC2 (forkhead box C2) expression (log-rank = 52.947, P < .001); C, OS analysis of all patients in relation to E-cad (E-cadherin) expression (log-rank = 55.268, P < .001); A, B, and C analyses, the green line represents patients with positive AGGF1, or FOXC2, or E-cad; the blue line representing the negative AGGF1, or FOXC2, or E-cad group. D, OS survival of all patients in relation to the combination of E-cad, AGGF1, and FOXC2 expression (log-rank = 85.730, P < .001). The green line represents negative E-cad and positive AGGF1, FOXC2, and the blue line represents positive E-cad and negative AGGF1, FOXC2. The brown line represents other positive or negative proteins (log-rank = 71.262, P < .001).

    Journal: Medicine

    Article Title: The expression of AGGF1, FOXC2, and E-cadherin in esophageal carcinoma and their clinical significance

    doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000022173

    Figure Lengend Snippet: Kaplan–Meier analysis curve of the survival rate of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The y-axis means the percentage of patients; the x-axis means their survival in months. A, OS (overall survival) analysis of all patients in relation to AGGF1 (angiogenic factor with G-patch and FHA domain 1) (log-rank = 39.498, P < .001); B, OS analysis of all patients in relation to FOXC2 (forkhead box C2) expression (log-rank = 52.947, P < .001); C, OS analysis of all patients in relation to E-cad (E-cadherin) expression (log-rank = 55.268, P < .001); A, B, and C analyses, the green line represents patients with positive AGGF1, or FOXC2, or E-cad; the blue line representing the negative AGGF1, or FOXC2, or E-cad group. D, OS survival of all patients in relation to the combination of E-cad, AGGF1, and FOXC2 expression (log-rank = 85.730, P < .001). The green line represents negative E-cad and positive AGGF1, FOXC2, and the blue line represents positive E-cad and negative AGGF1, FOXC2. The brown line represents other positive or negative proteins (log-rank = 71.262, P < .001).

    Article Snippet: Then several washes with PBS, all slices were blocked with goat serum at room temperature for 20 minutes, incubated with rabbit polyclonal antibody against human AGGF1 and FOXC2 (AGGF1: DF12109; FOXC2: DF3252; Affinity Biosciences, Co., Ltd., Cincinnati, OH), mouse monoclonal antibody against human E-cad (E-cad: MX020; Fuzhou Maixin Biotechnology Development Co., Ltd., China) at 4°C overnight.

    Techniques: Expressing

    a FOXC2-AS1 expression was examined in 66 CRC and 15 adjacent normal tissues by qRT-PCR method. b FOXC2-AS1 expression in CRC with metastasis and nonmetastatic tumor tissues. c FOXC2-AS1 expression was classified into high and low groups according to the median expression level in CRC tissues. d The overall survival of CRC patients was assessed using Kaplan–Meier analysis. f FOXC2-AS1 expression in GEO data (GSE75050). * P < 0.05, ** P < 0.01.

    Journal: Cell Death & Disease

    Article Title: LncRNA FOXC2-AS1 enhances FOXC2 mRNA stability to promote colorectal cancer progression via activation of Ca 2+ -FAK signal pathway

    doi: 10.1038/s41419-020-2633-7

    Figure Lengend Snippet: a FOXC2-AS1 expression was examined in 66 CRC and 15 adjacent normal tissues by qRT-PCR method. b FOXC2-AS1 expression in CRC with metastasis and nonmetastatic tumor tissues. c FOXC2-AS1 expression was classified into high and low groups according to the median expression level in CRC tissues. d The overall survival of CRC patients was assessed using Kaplan–Meier analysis. f FOXC2-AS1 expression in GEO data (GSE75050). * P < 0.05, ** P < 0.01.

    Article Snippet: After blocking by 5% nonfat dry milk, the membrane was incubated with primary antibodies against FOXC2 (1:800, CST), p-FAK (Try397) (1:800, CST), p-FAK (Try407) (1:1000, Abcam), p-FAK (Try576/577) (1:1000, CST), FAK (1:1000, CST), p-Src (Try416) (1:1000, CST), Src (1:1000, CST), p-Paxillin (Try118) (1:500, Abcam), and Paxillin (1:1000, Abcam), overnight at 4 °C.

    Techniques: Expressing, Quantitative RT-PCR

    The association between  FOXC2-AS1  expression and clinical pathology features.

    Journal: Cell Death & Disease

    Article Title: LncRNA FOXC2-AS1 enhances FOXC2 mRNA stability to promote colorectal cancer progression via activation of Ca 2+ -FAK signal pathway

    doi: 10.1038/s41419-020-2633-7

    Figure Lengend Snippet: The association between FOXC2-AS1 expression and clinical pathology features.

    Article Snippet: After blocking by 5% nonfat dry milk, the membrane was incubated with primary antibodies against FOXC2 (1:800, CST), p-FAK (Try397) (1:800, CST), p-FAK (Try407) (1:1000, Abcam), p-FAK (Try576/577) (1:1000, CST), FAK (1:1000, CST), p-Src (Try416) (1:1000, CST), Src (1:1000, CST), p-Paxillin (Try118) (1:500, Abcam), and Paxillin (1:1000, Abcam), overnight at 4 °C.

    Techniques: Expressing

    a The endogenous expression of FOXC2-AS1 was examined in CRC cell lines (HCT116, HT-29, SW620, and LoVo) and normal colonic cell line NCM460. b Knockdown efficiency was examined by qRT-PCR in SW620 and LoVo cells. MTT ( c ) and clone-formation assays ( d ) were used to examine the effect of FOXC2-AS1 depletion on CRC cell proliferation and growth. e Representative images of xenograft tumors produced by FOXC2-AS1-silenced LoVo cells or control cells in nude mice. The effect of FOXC2-AS1 knockdown on tumor growth ( f ) and weight ( g ) in in vivo tumor xenograft experiments. * P < 0.05.

    Journal: Cell Death & Disease

    Article Title: LncRNA FOXC2-AS1 enhances FOXC2 mRNA stability to promote colorectal cancer progression via activation of Ca 2+ -FAK signal pathway

    doi: 10.1038/s41419-020-2633-7

    Figure Lengend Snippet: a The endogenous expression of FOXC2-AS1 was examined in CRC cell lines (HCT116, HT-29, SW620, and LoVo) and normal colonic cell line NCM460. b Knockdown efficiency was examined by qRT-PCR in SW620 and LoVo cells. MTT ( c ) and clone-formation assays ( d ) were used to examine the effect of FOXC2-AS1 depletion on CRC cell proliferation and growth. e Representative images of xenograft tumors produced by FOXC2-AS1-silenced LoVo cells or control cells in nude mice. The effect of FOXC2-AS1 knockdown on tumor growth ( f ) and weight ( g ) in in vivo tumor xenograft experiments. * P < 0.05.

    Article Snippet: After blocking by 5% nonfat dry milk, the membrane was incubated with primary antibodies against FOXC2 (1:800, CST), p-FAK (Try397) (1:800, CST), p-FAK (Try407) (1:1000, Abcam), p-FAK (Try576/577) (1:1000, CST), FAK (1:1000, CST), p-Src (Try416) (1:1000, CST), Src (1:1000, CST), p-Paxillin (Try118) (1:500, Abcam), and Paxillin (1:1000, Abcam), overnight at 4 °C.

    Techniques: Expressing, Knockdown, Quantitative RT-PCR, Produced, Control, In Vivo

    FOXC2-AS1 knockdown significantly suppressed CRC cell migration and invasion, as detected by wound healing ( a ) and Transwell assay ( b ). The data statistics of wound-healing assay ( c ) and Transwell assay. d The effect of FOXC2-AS1 on CRC liver metastasis in vivo, the metastatic nodules in liver tissue were detected by HE staining ( e ), and data statistics of metastatic nodules ( f ). Scale bars = 100 μm * P < 0.05, ** P < 0.01.

    Journal: Cell Death & Disease

    Article Title: LncRNA FOXC2-AS1 enhances FOXC2 mRNA stability to promote colorectal cancer progression via activation of Ca 2+ -FAK signal pathway

    doi: 10.1038/s41419-020-2633-7

    Figure Lengend Snippet: FOXC2-AS1 knockdown significantly suppressed CRC cell migration and invasion, as detected by wound healing ( a ) and Transwell assay ( b ). The data statistics of wound-healing assay ( c ) and Transwell assay. d The effect of FOXC2-AS1 on CRC liver metastasis in vivo, the metastatic nodules in liver tissue were detected by HE staining ( e ), and data statistics of metastatic nodules ( f ). Scale bars = 100 μm * P < 0.05, ** P < 0.01.

    Article Snippet: After blocking by 5% nonfat dry milk, the membrane was incubated with primary antibodies against FOXC2 (1:800, CST), p-FAK (Try397) (1:800, CST), p-FAK (Try407) (1:1000, Abcam), p-FAK (Try576/577) (1:1000, CST), FAK (1:1000, CST), p-Src (Try416) (1:1000, CST), Src (1:1000, CST), p-Paxillin (Try118) (1:500, Abcam), and Paxillin (1:1000, Abcam), overnight at 4 °C.

    Techniques: Knockdown, Migration, Transwell Assay, Wound Healing Assay, In Vivo, Staining

    a The relative expression of FOXC2-AS1 in the cytoplasm and nucleus of SW480 and LoVo cells. FISH detection was used to investigate the location of FOXC2-AS1 in cells ( b ) and tissues ( c ). Scale bars = 100 μm. d The expression of FOXC2 was examined in 66 CRC and 15 adjacent normal tissues. e The expression relationship between FOXC2-AS1 and FOXC2 was analyzed in 66 CRC tissues. FOXC2 expression was examined in FOXC2-AS1-silenced SW480 and LoVo cells by qRT-PCR method ( f ) and Western blot ( g ). h qRT-PCR detected the levels of nascent FOXC2 pre-mRNA with Click-iT Nascent RNA Capture Kit in FOXC2-AS1-silenced and control cells. i qRT-PCR investigated FOXC2 mRNA stability in FOXC2-AS1-silenced and control cells treated with the transcriptional inhibitor actinomycin D (50 ng/ml) for different times. j Schematic diagram of FOXC2-AS1 and FOXC2 gene locus and structure. The red grid represents the completely complementary region. The number represents the length of exon or intron. k qRT-PCR was conducted to analyze RNase protection experiment. β-actin was used as a negative control, while PDCD4-AS1 was used as a positive control. l qRT-PCR was performed to assess the interaction between FOXC2 and biotin-labeled FOXC2-AS1 after RNA pull-down assay. * P < 0.05, *** P < 0.001, N.S. indicates not statistically different.

    Journal: Cell Death & Disease

    Article Title: LncRNA FOXC2-AS1 enhances FOXC2 mRNA stability to promote colorectal cancer progression via activation of Ca 2+ -FAK signal pathway

    doi: 10.1038/s41419-020-2633-7

    Figure Lengend Snippet: a The relative expression of FOXC2-AS1 in the cytoplasm and nucleus of SW480 and LoVo cells. FISH detection was used to investigate the location of FOXC2-AS1 in cells ( b ) and tissues ( c ). Scale bars = 100 μm. d The expression of FOXC2 was examined in 66 CRC and 15 adjacent normal tissues. e The expression relationship between FOXC2-AS1 and FOXC2 was analyzed in 66 CRC tissues. FOXC2 expression was examined in FOXC2-AS1-silenced SW480 and LoVo cells by qRT-PCR method ( f ) and Western blot ( g ). h qRT-PCR detected the levels of nascent FOXC2 pre-mRNA with Click-iT Nascent RNA Capture Kit in FOXC2-AS1-silenced and control cells. i qRT-PCR investigated FOXC2 mRNA stability in FOXC2-AS1-silenced and control cells treated with the transcriptional inhibitor actinomycin D (50 ng/ml) for different times. j Schematic diagram of FOXC2-AS1 and FOXC2 gene locus and structure. The red grid represents the completely complementary region. The number represents the length of exon or intron. k qRT-PCR was conducted to analyze RNase protection experiment. β-actin was used as a negative control, while PDCD4-AS1 was used as a positive control. l qRT-PCR was performed to assess the interaction between FOXC2 and biotin-labeled FOXC2-AS1 after RNA pull-down assay. * P < 0.05, *** P < 0.001, N.S. indicates not statistically different.

    Article Snippet: After blocking by 5% nonfat dry milk, the membrane was incubated with primary antibodies against FOXC2 (1:800, CST), p-FAK (Try397) (1:800, CST), p-FAK (Try407) (1:1000, Abcam), p-FAK (Try576/577) (1:1000, CST), FAK (1:1000, CST), p-Src (Try416) (1:1000, CST), Src (1:1000, CST), p-Paxillin (Try118) (1:500, Abcam), and Paxillin (1:1000, Abcam), overnight at 4 °C.

    Techniques: Expressing, Quantitative RT-PCR, Western Blot, Control, Negative Control, Positive Control, Labeling, Pull Down Assay

    a FOXC2 was elevated in FOXC2-AS1-depleting cells through transfecting FOXC2-overexpressed plasmids. MTT ( b ) and clone-formation assays ( c ) showed that ectopic expression of FOXC2 or ATP treatment could remarkably attenuate the inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and growth induced by FOXC2-AS1 depletion. Wound healing ( d ) and Transwell assay ( e ) showed that exogenously expressed FOXC2 or ATP treatment can obviously alleviate the impeded effects on CRC cell migration and invasion induced by FOXC2-AS1 depletion. Scale bars = 100 μm. * P < 0.05, ** P < 0.01.

    Journal: Cell Death & Disease

    Article Title: LncRNA FOXC2-AS1 enhances FOXC2 mRNA stability to promote colorectal cancer progression via activation of Ca 2+ -FAK signal pathway

    doi: 10.1038/s41419-020-2633-7

    Figure Lengend Snippet: a FOXC2 was elevated in FOXC2-AS1-depleting cells through transfecting FOXC2-overexpressed plasmids. MTT ( b ) and clone-formation assays ( c ) showed that ectopic expression of FOXC2 or ATP treatment could remarkably attenuate the inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and growth induced by FOXC2-AS1 depletion. Wound healing ( d ) and Transwell assay ( e ) showed that exogenously expressed FOXC2 or ATP treatment can obviously alleviate the impeded effects on CRC cell migration and invasion induced by FOXC2-AS1 depletion. Scale bars = 100 μm. * P < 0.05, ** P < 0.01.

    Article Snippet: After blocking by 5% nonfat dry milk, the membrane was incubated with primary antibodies against FOXC2 (1:800, CST), p-FAK (Try397) (1:800, CST), p-FAK (Try407) (1:1000, Abcam), p-FAK (Try576/577) (1:1000, CST), FAK (1:1000, CST), p-Src (Try416) (1:1000, CST), Src (1:1000, CST), p-Paxillin (Try118) (1:500, Abcam), and Paxillin (1:1000, Abcam), overnight at 4 °C.

    Techniques: Expressing, Transwell Assay, Migration

    a GESA analysis found that FOXC2 expression was positively correlated with calcium signaling pathway and focal adhesion. b , c FOXC2 expression or ATP treatment could mitigate the reduced intracellular Ca 2+ level in FOXC2-AS1-silenced SW620 and LoVo cells; ( d ) data statistics of Ca 2+ level. * P < 0.05, ** P < 0.01.

    Journal: Cell Death & Disease

    Article Title: LncRNA FOXC2-AS1 enhances FOXC2 mRNA stability to promote colorectal cancer progression via activation of Ca 2+ -FAK signal pathway

    doi: 10.1038/s41419-020-2633-7

    Figure Lengend Snippet: a GESA analysis found that FOXC2 expression was positively correlated with calcium signaling pathway and focal adhesion. b , c FOXC2 expression or ATP treatment could mitigate the reduced intracellular Ca 2+ level in FOXC2-AS1-silenced SW620 and LoVo cells; ( d ) data statistics of Ca 2+ level. * P < 0.05, ** P < 0.01.

    Article Snippet: After blocking by 5% nonfat dry milk, the membrane was incubated with primary antibodies against FOXC2 (1:800, CST), p-FAK (Try397) (1:800, CST), p-FAK (Try407) (1:1000, Abcam), p-FAK (Try576/577) (1:1000, CST), FAK (1:1000, CST), p-Src (Try416) (1:1000, CST), Src (1:1000, CST), p-Paxillin (Try118) (1:500, Abcam), and Paxillin (1:1000, Abcam), overnight at 4 °C.

    Techniques: Expressing

    a Focal adhesions were analyzed by co-localization of paxillin (green) and F actin (stained with phalloidin, red) in SW620 and LoVo cells. Scale bars = 50 μm. b Quantification of membrane-localized paxillin in each cell. ( c ) Western blot detected the expression of FAK signaling proteins in FOXC2-AS1-silenced, +FOXC2-overexpressed, and ATP-treated SW620 and LoVo cells. In all, 1 indicates the relative expression of p-FAK(Y394)/FAK, 2 indicates the relative expression of p-FAK(Y407)/FAK, 3 indicates the relative expression of p-FAK(Y576/577)/FAK, 4 indicates the relative expression of p-Src(Y394)/Src, and 5 indicates the relative expression of p-Paxillin(Y118)/Paxillin K. * P < 0.05, ** P < 0.01, ** P < 0.001.

    Journal: Cell Death & Disease

    Article Title: LncRNA FOXC2-AS1 enhances FOXC2 mRNA stability to promote colorectal cancer progression via activation of Ca 2+ -FAK signal pathway

    doi: 10.1038/s41419-020-2633-7

    Figure Lengend Snippet: a Focal adhesions were analyzed by co-localization of paxillin (green) and F actin (stained with phalloidin, red) in SW620 and LoVo cells. Scale bars = 50 μm. b Quantification of membrane-localized paxillin in each cell. ( c ) Western blot detected the expression of FAK signaling proteins in FOXC2-AS1-silenced, +FOXC2-overexpressed, and ATP-treated SW620 and LoVo cells. In all, 1 indicates the relative expression of p-FAK(Y394)/FAK, 2 indicates the relative expression of p-FAK(Y407)/FAK, 3 indicates the relative expression of p-FAK(Y576/577)/FAK, 4 indicates the relative expression of p-Src(Y394)/Src, and 5 indicates the relative expression of p-Paxillin(Y118)/Paxillin K. * P < 0.05, ** P < 0.01, ** P < 0.001.

    Article Snippet: After blocking by 5% nonfat dry milk, the membrane was incubated with primary antibodies against FOXC2 (1:800, CST), p-FAK (Try397) (1:800, CST), p-FAK (Try407) (1:1000, Abcam), p-FAK (Try576/577) (1:1000, CST), FAK (1:1000, CST), p-Src (Try416) (1:1000, CST), Src (1:1000, CST), p-Paxillin (Try118) (1:500, Abcam), and Paxillin (1:1000, Abcam), overnight at 4 °C.

    Techniques: Staining, Membrane, Western Blot, Expressing

    The effect of FOXC2 dysregulation on the sensitivity of HCT116 and HCT116/OXA cells to OXA. ( A ) The mRNA and protein levels of FOXC2 in HCT116 and HCT116/OXA cell lines were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. GAPDH was used as the internal control. The differences in FOXC2 expression levels among different groups were tested by one-way ANOVA. All values represent the average of three independent experiments (mean ± SD). ( B ) mRNA and protein levels of FOXC2 in HCT116-FOXC2 cells. ( C ) CCK-8 assays were used to analyze the effects of FOXC2 overexpression on the IC50 values of HCT116. ( D ) qRT-PCR and Western blot detection of FOXC2 mRNA and protein expression after FOXC2 knockdown in HCT116/OXA cells. ( E ) The influence of FOXC2 knockdown on the sensitivity of HCT116/OXA cells to OXA was assessed by CCK-8 assays. ( F ) HCT116/OXA sh-control cells or sh-FOXC2 cells were subcutaneously injected into the left flank regions of nude mice (n = 5 in each group). Four weeks after subcutaneous implantation and OXA treatment, the tumors were removed from the mice. ( G ) The tumor weights were calculated using a precision electronic balance (p < 0.001). ( H ) The average tumor volumes in each group were measured by the following formula: V (cm 3 ) = (L ×W 2 ) ×0.5 (L: tumor length, W: tumor width) (p < 0.001). The data are shown as the mean tumor volumes ± SDs. ( I ) HE and immunohistochemical staining of FOXC2 and Ki67 expression in subcutaneously implanted tumors (scale bars = 100μm). The data are from three independent experiments. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001.

    Journal: OncoTargets and therapy

    Article Title: FOXC2 Promotes Oxaliplatin Resistance by Inducing Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition via MAPK/ERK Signaling in Colorectal Cancer

    doi: 10.2147/OTT.S241367

    Figure Lengend Snippet: The effect of FOXC2 dysregulation on the sensitivity of HCT116 and HCT116/OXA cells to OXA. ( A ) The mRNA and protein levels of FOXC2 in HCT116 and HCT116/OXA cell lines were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. GAPDH was used as the internal control. The differences in FOXC2 expression levels among different groups were tested by one-way ANOVA. All values represent the average of three independent experiments (mean ± SD). ( B ) mRNA and protein levels of FOXC2 in HCT116-FOXC2 cells. ( C ) CCK-8 assays were used to analyze the effects of FOXC2 overexpression on the IC50 values of HCT116. ( D ) qRT-PCR and Western blot detection of FOXC2 mRNA and protein expression after FOXC2 knockdown in HCT116/OXA cells. ( E ) The influence of FOXC2 knockdown on the sensitivity of HCT116/OXA cells to OXA was assessed by CCK-8 assays. ( F ) HCT116/OXA sh-control cells or sh-FOXC2 cells were subcutaneously injected into the left flank regions of nude mice (n = 5 in each group). Four weeks after subcutaneous implantation and OXA treatment, the tumors were removed from the mice. ( G ) The tumor weights were calculated using a precision electronic balance (p < 0.001). ( H ) The average tumor volumes in each group were measured by the following formula: V (cm 3 ) = (L ×W 2 ) ×0.5 (L: tumor length, W: tumor width) (p < 0.001). The data are shown as the mean tumor volumes ± SDs. ( I ) HE and immunohistochemical staining of FOXC2 and Ki67 expression in subcutaneously implanted tumors (scale bars = 100μm). The data are from three independent experiments. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001.

    Article Snippet: Four-micron-thick sections were stained with antibodies against FOXC2 (1:200, Abcam), Ki67 (1:200, Abcam), E-cadherin (1:300, Abcam) and Vimentin (1:500, Abcam).

    Techniques: Quantitative RT-PCR, Western Blot, Expressing, CCK-8 Assay, Over Expression, Injection, Immunohistochemical staining, Staining

    FOXC2 affected the oxaliplatin resistance of human colorectal cancer cells via the induction of EMT progression. ( A ) Morphological changes in OXA-resistant HCT116/OXA cells: elongated spindle-like mesenchymal morphology (scale bars = 50μm). ( B ) The mRNA expression of E-cadherin, Vimentin and Snail in HCT116-FOXC2 cells and control cells were determined by qRT-PCR. The data are presented as the means ± SDs. ( C ) Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression levels of E-cadherin, Vimentin and Snail in HCT116 and HCT116-FOXC2 cells. ( D & E ) Knockdown of FOXC2 in HCT116/OXA cells led to downregulation of Vimentin and Snail, while E-cadherin was upregulated both at the mRNA and protein levels. ( F ) Vimentin and E-cadherin expression in sh-FOXC2 tumors and sh-control tumors was visualized using immunohistochemical staining (scale bars =100μm). The data are presented as the means ± SDs of three independent experiments. **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001.

    Journal: OncoTargets and therapy

    Article Title: FOXC2 Promotes Oxaliplatin Resistance by Inducing Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition via MAPK/ERK Signaling in Colorectal Cancer

    doi: 10.2147/OTT.S241367

    Figure Lengend Snippet: FOXC2 affected the oxaliplatin resistance of human colorectal cancer cells via the induction of EMT progression. ( A ) Morphological changes in OXA-resistant HCT116/OXA cells: elongated spindle-like mesenchymal morphology (scale bars = 50μm). ( B ) The mRNA expression of E-cadherin, Vimentin and Snail in HCT116-FOXC2 cells and control cells were determined by qRT-PCR. The data are presented as the means ± SDs. ( C ) Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression levels of E-cadherin, Vimentin and Snail in HCT116 and HCT116-FOXC2 cells. ( D & E ) Knockdown of FOXC2 in HCT116/OXA cells led to downregulation of Vimentin and Snail, while E-cadherin was upregulated both at the mRNA and protein levels. ( F ) Vimentin and E-cadherin expression in sh-FOXC2 tumors and sh-control tumors was visualized using immunohistochemical staining (scale bars =100μm). The data are presented as the means ± SDs of three independent experiments. **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001.

    Article Snippet: Four-micron-thick sections were stained with antibodies against FOXC2 (1:200, Abcam), Ki67 (1:200, Abcam), E-cadherin (1:300, Abcam) and Vimentin (1:500, Abcam).

    Techniques: Expressing, Quantitative RT-PCR, Western Blot, Immunohistochemical staining, Staining

    Activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway was involved in FOXC2-regulated oxaliplatin resistance. ( A ) The ERK1/2 and phospho-ERK1/2 levels after FOXC2 silencing in OXA-resistant HCT116/OXA cells were determined by Western blotting. ( B ) Western blotting detection of E-cadherin, Vimentin, ERK1/2 and phospho-ERK1/2 proteins in HCT116/FOXC2 cells after MAPK/ERK kinase inhibitor SCH772984 treatment. GAPDH served as an internal control. ( C ) MAPK/ERK kinase inhibitor SCH772984 could reduce the IC 50 of OXA in HCT116/FOXC2 cells (p < 0.05). IC50 values of HCT116/FOXC2 group: 13.65 ± 0.92μM, HCT116/FOXC2+ SCH772984 group: 25.85 ± 3.09μM. All values stand for the average of three independent experiments (means ± SDs). *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001.

    Journal: OncoTargets and therapy

    Article Title: FOXC2 Promotes Oxaliplatin Resistance by Inducing Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition via MAPK/ERK Signaling in Colorectal Cancer

    doi: 10.2147/OTT.S241367

    Figure Lengend Snippet: Activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway was involved in FOXC2-regulated oxaliplatin resistance. ( A ) The ERK1/2 and phospho-ERK1/2 levels after FOXC2 silencing in OXA-resistant HCT116/OXA cells were determined by Western blotting. ( B ) Western blotting detection of E-cadherin, Vimentin, ERK1/2 and phospho-ERK1/2 proteins in HCT116/FOXC2 cells after MAPK/ERK kinase inhibitor SCH772984 treatment. GAPDH served as an internal control. ( C ) MAPK/ERK kinase inhibitor SCH772984 could reduce the IC 50 of OXA in HCT116/FOXC2 cells (p < 0.05). IC50 values of HCT116/FOXC2 group: 13.65 ± 0.92μM, HCT116/FOXC2+ SCH772984 group: 25.85 ± 3.09μM. All values stand for the average of three independent experiments (means ± SDs). *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001.

    Article Snippet: Four-micron-thick sections were stained with antibodies against FOXC2 (1:200, Abcam), Ki67 (1:200, Abcam), E-cadherin (1:300, Abcam) and Vimentin (1:500, Abcam).

    Techniques: Activation Assay, Western Blot