Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT Introduction Osteosarcoma, a highly aggressive bone cancer primarily affecting children and young adults, remains a significant challenge in clinical oncology. Metastasis stands as the primary cause of mortality in osteosarcoma patients. However, the mechanisms driving this process remain incompletely understood. Clarifying the molecular pathways involved in metastasis is essential for enhancing patient prognoses and facilitating the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. Methods RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq) analysis was employed to compare three conditions, hFOB1.19 versus Saos‐2, hFOB1.19 versus SJSA‐1, and Saos‐2 versus SJSA‐1, involving non‐cancer osteoblasts (hFOB1.19) and highly metastatic osteosarcoma cell lines (Saos‐2 and SJSA‐1). Additionally, ENA datasets of RNA‐Seq from osteosarcoma biopsies were included. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and analyzed through enrichment pathway analysis and protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks. Additionally, for gene candidates, a biochemical evaluation was performed. Results DEGs associated with biological functions pertinent to migration, invasion, and metastasis in osteosarcoma were identified. Notably, matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) emerged as a promising candidate. Both canonical or full‐length (FL‐mmp‐2) and N‐terminal truncated (NTT‐mmp‐2) isoforms were discerned in biopsies. Moreover, MMP‐2's activity was characterized in cell lines. Additionally, mRNA expression of voltage‐gated sodium channels (NaVs) and voltage‐gated potassium channels (KVs) was detected, and their functional expression was validated using patch clamp techniques. Evaluation of cell line migration and invasion capacities revealed their reduction in the presence of ion channel blockers (TTX and TEA) and MMP inhibitor (GM6001). Conclusions The gene functional enrichment analysis of DEGs enabled the identification of interaction networks in osteosarcoma, thereby revealing potential biomarkers. Moreover, the elucidated co‐participation of TTX‐sensitive NaVs and MMP‐2 in facilitating migration and invasion suggests their suitability as novel prognostic biomarkers for osteosarcoma. Additionally, this study introduces a model delineating the potential interaction mechanism among ion channels, MMP‐2, and other crucial factors in the metastatic cascade of osteosarcoma.
Source: Cancer Medicine
DOI: 10.1002/cam4.70391
Authors: Nidia Ednita Beltrán‐Hernández, Luis Cardenas, Verónica Jimenez‐Jacinto, Leticia Vega‐Alvarado, Heriberto Manuel Rivera
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $4,700
Awards: G4174194602, G7830471356
OpenAlex ID: W4408414717