Metabolic Reprogramming in Cancer Cells: Emerging Molecular Mechanisms and Novel Therapeutic Approaches

Predictors of Radiation Resistance and Novel Radiation Sensitizers in Head and Neck Cancers: Advancing Radiotherapy Efficacy

Radiation resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), driven by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, poses a significant challenge in radiation oncology. The key contributors are tumor hypoxia, cancer stem cells, cell cycle checkpoint activation, and DNA repair processes (homologous recombination and non-homologous end-joining). Genetic modifications such as TP53 mutations, KRAS mutations, EGFR overexpression, and abnormalities in DNA repair proteins like BRCA1/2 additionally affect radiation sensitivity. Novel radiosensitizers targeting these pathways demonstrate the potential to overcome resistance. Hypoxia-activated drugs and gold nanoparticles enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy and facilitate targeted distribution. Integrating immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors, with radiation therapy, enhances anti-tumor responses and reduces resistance. Epigenetic alterations, such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation, significantly influence radiation response, with the potential for sensitization through histone deacetylase inhibitors and non-coding RNA regulators. Metabolic changes linked to glucose, lipid, and glutamine metabolism influence radiosensitivity, uncovering new targets for radiosensitization. Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated malignancies exhibit increased radiosensitivity relative to other tumors due to impaired DNA repair mechanisms and heightened immunogenicity. Furthermore, understanding the interplay between HPV oncoproteins and p53 functionality can enhance treatment strategies for HPV-related cancers. Using DNA damage response inhibitors (PARP, ATM/ATR), cell cycle checkpoint inhibitors (WEE1, CHK1/2), and hypoxia-targeted agents as radiosensitizing strategies exhibit considerable promise. Immunomodulatory approaches, including PD-1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors in conjunction with radiation, enhance anti-tumor immunity. Future directions emphasize personalized radiation therapy using genetics, sophisticated medication delivery systems, adaptive radiotherapy, and real-time monitoring. These integrated strategies seek to diminish radiation resistance and improve therapeutic efficacy in HNSCC.

YY1-induced transcription of AKR1C3 activates the Hedgehog signalling pathway to enhance lenalidomide resistance and glycolytic activity in multiple myeloma cells

Lenalidomide (LEN) is a mainstay for treating multiple myeloma (MM), but its efficacy is often limited by resistance. We investigated the interaction between aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C3 (AKR1C3) and Yin Yang 1 (YY1) and their roles in LEN resistance. We induced LEN-resistant MM cell lines (H929R and U266R). Loss- or gain-of-function assays of AKR1C3 and YY1 were used to analyse the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values, cell senescence, DNA damage, and glycolytic activity under LEN treatment. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to determine the interaction between YY1 and AKR1C3. As results, AKR1C3 and YY1 were upregulated in H929R and U266R cells. AKR1C3 silencing decreased the LEN's IC50, slowed cell growth, enhanced senescence and DNA damage, reduced metabolic reprogramming. YY1 activated the transcription of AKR1C3 by binding to its promoter region. Similarly, silencing YY1 enhanced LEN sensitivity, suppressed glycolysis, and was counteracted by AKR1C3 overexpression. Mechanistically, YY1-AKR1C3 activated the Hedgehog pathway; fluticasone reversed the effects of AKR1C3 silencing on LEN resistance and glycolysis in H929R and U266R cells. Overall, YY1 activates AKR1C3 transcription and the Hedgehog pathway to increase LEN resistance and glycolytic activity in MM cells.

Revolutionary Cancer Therapy for Personalization and Improved Efficacy: Strategies to Overcome Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy

Cancer remains a significant public health issue worldwide, standing as a primary contributor to global mortality, accounting for approximately 10 million fatalities in 2020 [...].

Metformin and glioma: Targeting metabolic dysregulation for enhanced therapeutic outcomes

Glioma, a highly aggressive form of brain cancer, continues to pose significant therapeutic challenges in the field of medicine. Its invasive nature and resistance to traditional treatments make it particularly difficult to combat. This review examines the potential of metformin, a commonly prescribed antidiabetic medication, as a promising new treatment option for glioma. The potential of metformin to target crucial metabolic pathways in cancer cells presents an encouraging approach to improve therapeutic outcomes. The review explores the complexities of metabolic reprogramming in glioma and metformin's role in inhibiting these metabolic pathways. Preclinical studies demonstrate metformin's efficacy in reducing tumor growth and enhancing the sensitivity of glioma cells to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Furthermore, clinical studies highlight metformin's potential in improving progression-free survival and overall survival rates in glioma patients. The review also addresses the synergistic effects of combining metformin with other therapeutic agents, such as temozolomide and radiotherapy, to overcome drug resistance and improve treatment efficacy. Despite the promising findings, the review acknowledges the need for further clinical trials to establish optimal dosing regimens, understand the molecular mechanisms underlying metformin's antitumor effects, and identify patient populations that would benefit the most from metformin-based therapies. Additionally, the potential side effects and the long-term impact of metformin on Glioma patients require careful evaluation. In conclusion, this review underscores the potential of metformin as a repurposed drug in glioma treatment, emphasizing its multifaceted role in targeting metabolic dysregulation. Metformin holds promise as part of a combination therapy approach to improve the therapeutic landscape of glioma and offers hope for better patient outcomes.

The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in Colorectal Cancer Initiation and Progression: Perspectives on Theranostic Approaches

Altered levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are recognized as one of the key factors in mediating tumor cell survival in the tissue microenvironment, where they play a role in the initiation, progression and recurrence/relapse of colorectal cancer (CRC). Tumor cells can adapt to oxidative stress (OS) using genetic or metabolic reprogramming in the long or short term. In addition, tumor cells defend themselves through positive regulation of antioxidant molecules, enhancing ROS-driven proliferation. Balanced oxidative eustress levels can influence chemotherapy resistance, allowing tumor cells to survive treatment. Secondary effects of chemotherapy include increased ROS production and redox stress, which can kill cancer cells and eliminate drug resistance. Anticancer treatments based on manipulating ROS levels could represent the gold standard in CRC therapy. Therefore, exploring the modulation of the response to OS in deregulated signaling pathways may lead to the development of new personalized CRC treatments to overcome therapy resistance. In this review, we explore the role of ROS in the initiation and progression of CRC and their diagnostic implications as biomarkers of disease. Furthermore, we focused on the involvement of ROS in different CRC therapeutic options, such as surgery, radiotherapy, theranostic imaging, chemotherapy and immunotherapy and other precision medicine approaches.

Metabolic signature of renal cell carcinoma tumours and its correlation with the urinary metabolome

INTRODUCTION

Despite considerable advances in cancer research, the increasing prevalence and high mortality rate of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remain a significant challenge. A more detailed comprehension of the distinctive metabolic characteristics of ccRCC is vital to enhance diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic strategies.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the metabolic signatures of ccRCC tumours and, for the first time, their correlation with the urinary metabolome of the same patients.

METHODS

We applied a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-based metabolomic approach to analyse matched tissue and urine samples from a cohort of 18 ccRCC patients and urine samples from 18 cancer-free controls. Multivariate and univariate statistical methods, as well as pathway and correlation analyses, were performed to assess metabolic dysregulations and correlations between tissue and urine.

RESULTS

The results showed a ccRCC metabolic signature characterized by reprogramming in amino acid, energy, and sugar and inositol phosphate metabolisms. Our study identified, for the first time, significantly decreased levels of asparagine, proline, gluconate, 3-aminoisobutanoate, 4-aminobutanoate and urea in ccRCC tumours, highlighting the involvement of arginine biosynthesis, β-alanine metabolism and purine and pyrimidine metabolism in ccRCC. The correlations between tissue and urine metabolomes provide evidence for the potential usefulness of urinary metabolites in understanding systemic metabolic changes driven by RCC tumours.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings significantly advance our understanding of metabolic reprogramming in ccRCC and the systemic metabolic changes associated with the disease. Future research is needed to validate these findings in larger cohorts and to determine their potential implications for diagnosis and targeted therapies.

Metabolic crossroads: unravelling immune cell dynamics in gastrointestinal cancer drug resistance

Metabolic reprogramming within the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical role in driving drug resistance in gastrointestinal cancers (GI), particularly through the pathways of fatty acid oxidation and glycolysis. Cancer cells often rewire their metabolism to sustain growth and reshape the TME, creating conditions such as nutrient depletion, hypoxia, and acidity that impair antitumor immune responses. Immune cells within the TME also undergo metabolic alterations, frequently adopting immunosuppressive phenotypes that promote tumor progression and reduce the efficacy of therapies. The competition for essential nutrients, particularly glucose, between cancer and immune cells compromises the antitumor functions of effector immune cells, such as T cells. Additionally, metabolic by-products like lactate and kynurenine further suppress immune activity and promote immunosuppressive populations, including regulatory T cells and M2 macrophages. Targeting metabolic pathways such as fatty acid oxidation and glycolysis presents new opportunities to overcome drug resistance and improve therapeutic outcomes in GI cancers. Modulating these key pathways has the potential to reinvigorate exhausted immune cells, shift immunosuppressive cells toward antitumor phenotypes, and enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapies and other treatments. Future strategies will require continued research into TME metabolism, the development of novel metabolic inhibitors, and clinical trials evaluating combination therapies. Identifying and validating metabolic biomarkers will also be crucial for patient stratification and treatment monitoring. Insights into metabolic reprogramming in GI cancers may have broader implications across multiple cancer types, offering new avenues for improving cancer treatment.

NOX4 modulates breast cancer progression through cancer cell metabolic reprogramming and CD8+ T cell antitumor activity

Introduction

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. Although NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) has been implicated in various oncogenic processes, its exact function in breast cancer progression, metabolic reprogramming, and immune modulation remains unclear.

Methods

We used murine 4T1 and EO771 breast cancer models to generate NOX4 knockout (KO) cell lines via CRISPR/Cas9. In vitro assays (cell proliferation, colony formation, wound healing, and Seahorse metabolic analyses) and in vivo orthotopic tumor studies assessed the impact of NOX4 loss. Transcriptomic changes were identified through RNA sequencing and gene set enrichment analysis. We performed MYC knockdown in NOX4 KO cells to investigate its mechanistic role. Flow cytometry characterized tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Finally, NOX4-overexpressing cells were tested for survival benefit and response to dual-checkpoint immunotherapy (anti-PD-1/anti-CTLA-4).

Results

NOX4 deletion accelerated tumor growth in vivo and enhanced proliferation, colony formation, and migratory capacity in vitro. Metabolic profiling showed that NOX4 KO cells had elevated glycolysis and fatty acid oxidation, along with increased mitochondrial mass. Transcriptomic and enrichment analyses revealed MYC pathway activation in NOX4 KO cells; suppressing MYC reversed these hyperproliferative and metabolic changes. Immunologically, NOX4 KO reduced CD8+ T cell infiltration and function, partially due to lowered CCL11/CCL5 levels, while PD-L1 expression was upregulated. In contrast, NOX4 overexpression improved survival in mice and synergized with checkpoint blockade, demonstrating a positive effect on anti-tumor immunity.

Discussion

These findings show that NOX4 constrains breast cancer aggressiveness by limiting MYC-driven metabolic adaptations and supporting CD8+ T cell-mediated immunity. Loss of NOX4 promotes a more malignant phenotype and dampens T cell responses, whereas its overexpression prolongs survival and enhances checkpoint inhibitor efficacy. Therapeutically targeting the NOX4-MYC axis and leveraging NOX4's immunomodulatory capacity could offer promising strategies for breast cancer management.

Exploring glycolytic enzymes in disease: potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in neurodegeneration, cancer and parasitic infections

Glycolysis, present in most organisms, is evolutionarily one of the oldest metabolic pathways. It has great relevance at a physiological level because it is responsible for generating ATP in the cell through the conversion of glucose into pyruvate and reducing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) (that may be fed into the electron chain in the mitochondria to produce additional ATP by oxidative phosphorylation), as well as for producing intermediates that can serve as substrates for other metabolic processes. Glycolysis takes place through 10 consecutive chemical reactions, each of which is catalysed by a specific enzyme. Although energy transduction by glucose metabolism is the main function of this pathway, involvement in virulence, growth, pathogen-host interactions, immunomodulation and adaptation to environmental conditions are other functions attributed to this metabolic pathway. In humans, where glycolysis occurs mainly in the cytosol, the mislocalization of some glycolytic enzymes in various other subcellular locations, as well as alterations in their expression and regulation, has been associated with the development and progression of various diseases. In this review, we describe the role of glycolytic enzymes in the pathogenesis of diseases of clinical interest. In addition, the potential role of these enzymes as targets for drug development and their potential for use as diagnostic and prognostic markers of some pathologies are also discussed.

Unraveling molecular interconnections and identifying potential therapeutic targets of significance in obesity-cancer link

Obesity, a global health concern, is associated with severe health issues like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory complications. It also increases the risk of various cancers, including melanoma, endometrial, prostate, pancreatic, esophageal adenocarcinoma, colorectal carcinoma, renal adenocarcinoma, and pre-and post-menopausal breast cancer. Obesity-induced cellular changes, such as impaired CD8+ T cell function, dyslipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, insulin resistance, mild hyperglycemia, and fluctuating levels of leptin, resistin, adiponectin, and IL-6, contribute to cancer development by promoting inflammation and creating a tumor-promoting microenvironment rich in adipocytes. Adipocytes release leptin, a pro-inflammatory substance that stimulates cancer cell proliferation, inflammation, and invasion, altering the tumor cell metabolic pathway. Adiponectin, an insulin-sensitizing adipokine, is typically downregulated in obese individuals. It has antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and antiangiogenic properties, making it a potential cancer treatment. This narrative review offers a comprehensive examination of the molecular interconnections between obesity and cancer, drawing on an extensive, though non-systematic, survey of the recent literature. This approach allows us to integrate and synthesize findings from various studies, offering a cohesive perspective on emerging themes and potential therapeutic targets. The review explores the metabolic disturbances, cellular alterations, inflammatory responses, and shifts in the tumor microenvironment that contribute to the obesity-cancer link. Finally, it discusses potential therapeutic strategies aimed at disrupting these connections, offering valuable insights into future research directions and the development of targeted interventions.

Role of solute carrier transporters in ovarian cancer (Review)

Solute carrier (SLC) transporters are involved in various biological processes associated with metabolic reprogramming and cancer, supporting the increased requirement of nutrients and energy. Over the past decade, there have been significant advancements in understanding the expression and function of SLCs in ovarian cancer (OC). This gynecological condition has a high mortality rate and limited treatment options; thus, early diagnosis remains a target clinically. OC exhibits complexity and heterogeneity, resulting in different clinical characteristics, resistance to chemotherapy drugs and poor prognosis. Additionally, SLCs have a different expression pattern between healthy and tumor tissue, and consequently, their inhibition or activation could modify signaling pathways involved in the tumor growth process, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis and drug accumulation. The present review aims to consolidate current data to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential importance of SLCs in OC. Additionally, it seeks to offer guidance for further research on utilizing SLCs as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Bacterial small molecule metabolites implicated in gastrointestinal cancer development

Numerous associations have been identified between cancer and the composition and function of the human microbiome. As cancer remains the second leading global cause of mortality, investigating the carcinogenic contributions of microbiome members could advance our understanding of cancer risk and support potential therapeutic interventions. Although fluctuations in bacterial species have been associated with cancer progression, studying their small molecule metabolites offers one avenue to establish support for causal relationships and the molecular mechanisms governing host-microorganism interactions. In this Review, we explore the expanding repertoire of small molecule metabolites and their mechanisms implicated in the risk of developing gastrointestinal cancers.

Telomerase in cancer- ongoing quest and future discoveries

Telomerase, constituted by the dynamic duo of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), the catalytic entity, and an integral RNA component (TERC), is predominantly suppressed in differentiated human cells due to postnatal transcriptional repression of the TERT gene. Dysregulation of telomerase significantly contributes to cancer development via telomere-dependent and independent mechanisms. Telomerase activity is often elevated in advanced cancers, with TERT reactivation and upregulation of TERC observed in early tumorigenesis. Beyond their primary function of telomere maintenance, TERT and TERC exhibit multifaceted roles in regulating gene expression, signal transduction pathways, and cellular metabolism. The presence of the enzymatic component TERT in both the nucleus and mitochondria underscores its non-canonical roles. Cell death is prevented in TERT-upregulated cells regardless of the DNA damage events and safeguards mitochondrial DNA from oxidative damage. This highlights its protective role in cancer cells where it intersects with glucose metabolism and epigenetic regulation, shaping tumor phenotypes. Oncogenic viruses exploit various strategies to manipulate telomerase activity, aiding cancer progression. The perpetual cell proliferation facilitated by telomerase is a hallmark of cancer, making it an attractive therapeutic target. Inhibitors targeting the catalytic subunit of telomerase, nutraceutical-based compounds, and telomerase-based vaccines represent promising avenues for cancer therapy. Considering the pivotal roles played by the complete enzyme telomerase and TERT component in cancer initiation, substantial endeavors have been dedicated to unravel the mechanisms driving telomerase activation and TERT induction. This review also explores how computational modeling can be leveraged to uncover new insights in telomere research, and efficient targeted therapies.

A review of the pathogenesis of mitochondria in breast cancer and progress of targeting mitochondria for breast cancer treatment

With breast cancer being the most common tumor among women in the world today, it is also the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Standard treatments include chemotherapy, surgery, endocrine therapy, and targeted therapy. However, the heterogeneity, drug resistance, and poor prognosis of breast cancer highlight an urgent need for further exploration of its underlying mechanisms. Mitochondria, highly dynamic intracellular organelles, play a pivotal role in maintaining cellular energy metabolism. Altered mitochondrial function plays a critical role in various diseases, and recent studies have elucidated its pathophysiological mechanisms in breast carcinogenesis. This review explores the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in breast cancer pathogenesis and assesses potential mitochondria-targeted therapies.

Hypoxia-Induced Reactive Oxygen Species: Their Role in Cancer Resistance and Emerging Therapies to Overcome It

Normal tissues typically maintain partial oxygen pressure within a range of 3-10% oxygen, ensuring homeostasis through a well-regulated oxygen supply and responsive vascular network. However, in solid tumors, rapid growth often outpaces angiogenesis, creating a hypoxic microenvironment that fosters tumor progression, altered metabolism and resistance to therapy. Hypoxic tumor regions experience uneven oxygen distribution with severe hypoxia in the core due to poor vascularization and high metabolic oxygen consumption. Cancer cells adapt to these conditions through metabolic shifts, predominantly relying on glycolysis, and by upregulating antioxidant defenses to mitigate reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced oxidative damage. Hypoxia-induced ROS, resulting from mitochondrial dysfunction and enzyme activation, exacerbates genomic instability, tumor aggressiveness, and therapy resistance. Overcoming hypoxia-induced ROS cancer resistance requires a multifaceted approach that targets various aspects of tumor biology. Emerging therapeutic strategies target hypoxia-induced resistance, focusing on hypoxia-inducible factors, ROS levels, and tumor microenvironment subpopulations. Combining innovative therapies with existing treatments holds promise for improving cancer outcomes and overcoming resistance mechanisms.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the tumor microenvironment and their targeting in cancer therapy

The advent of immunotherapy represents a significant breakthrough in cancer treatment, with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting PD-1 and CTLA-4 demonstrating remarkable therapeutic efficacy. However, patient responses to immunotherapy vary significantly, with immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment (TME) being a critical factor influencing this variability. Immunosuppression plays a pivotal role in regulating cancer progression, metastasis, and reducing the success rates of immunotherapy. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), due to their potent immunosuppressive capabilities, emerged as major negative regulators within the TME, facilitating tumor immune evasion by modulating various immune cells. In addition to their immunosuppressive functions, MDSCs also promote tumor growth and metastasis through non-immunological mechanisms, such as angiogenesis and the formation of pre-metastatic niches. Consequently, MDSCs in the TME are key regulators of cancer immune responses and potential therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. This review describes the origins and phenotypes of MDSCs, their biological roles in tumor progression, and regulatory mechanisms, with a focus on current therapeutic approaches targeting tumor-associated MDSCs. Furthermore, the synergistic effects of targeting MDSCs in combination with immunotherapy are explored, aiming to provide new insights and directions for cancer therapy.

Thymoquinone and Metabolic Reprogramming in Breast Cancer: A New Dimension From Proteomic Analysis

Thymoquinone (TQ) has shown antitumorigenic effects in breast cancer; however, its detailed impact on cell signaling mechanisms requires further investigation. This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms behind TQ's antiproliferative effects in breast cancer by analyzing proteome-level changes. MCF-7 cells were treated with 15 µM TQ, the inhibitory concentration (IC50), for 48 h. Proteins from treated and untreated (control) groups were isolated and subjected to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) proteomic analysis. Identified proteins were functionally annotated, with hub proteins identified using Cytoscape software, and verification conducted through Western blot analysis. Label-free quantitation identified 629 master proteins, with 104 upregulated and 477 downregulated in TQ-treated samples compared to controls. Among these, 150 proteins showed dramatic regulation, including 11 upregulated and 139 downregulated proteins, with ribosomal proteins emerging as central. The heatmap demonstrated robust clustering of replicates. Functional annotations indicated that TQ significantly impacts crucial mechanisms such as carbon metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, protein synthesis, and the citrate cycle, essential for metabolic reprogramming. This study identifies novel molecular targets associated with metabolic reprogramming, previously underexplored in TQ's effects, highlighting their pivotal role in TQ's anticancer mechanisms in breast cancer. These findings could lay the groundwork for developing future TQ-based therapies.

Metabolic Reprogramming in Cancer: Implications for Immunosuppressive Microenvironment

Cancer is a complex and heterogeneous disease characterised by uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation. One hallmark of cancer cells is their ability to undergo metabolic reprogramming, which allows them to sustain their rapid growth and survival. This metabolic reprogramming creates an immunosuppressive microenvironment that facilitates tumour progression and evasion of the immune system. In this article, we review the mechanisms underlying metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells and discuss how these metabolic alterations contribute to the establishment of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. We also explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer cells to enhance immune-mediated anti-tumour responses. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02044861, NCT03163667, NCT04265534, NCT02071927, NCT02903914, NCT03314935, NCT03361228, NCT03048500, NCT03311308, NCT03800602, NCT04414540, NCT02771626, NCT03994744, NCT03229278, NCT04899921.

Ovarian tumor microenvironment contributes to tumor progression and chemoresistance

Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest gynecologic cancers affecting the female reproductive tract. This is largely attributed to frequent recurrence and development of resistance to the platinum-based drugs cisplatin and carboplatin. One of the major contributing factors to increased cancer progression and resistance to chemotherapy is the tumor microenvironment (TME). Extracellular signaling from cells within the microenvironment heavily influences progression and drug resistance in ovarian cancer. This is frequently done through metabolic reprogramming, the process where cancer cells switch between biochemical pathways to increase their chances of survival and proliferation. Here, we focus on how crosstalk between components of the TME and the tumor promotes resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy. We highlight the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts, immune cells, adipocytes, and endothelial cells in ovarian tumor progression, invasion, metastasis, and chemoresistance. We also highlight recent advancements in targeting components of the TME as a novel therapeutic avenue to combat chemoresistance in ovarian cancer.

Novel Spatial Approaches to Dissect the Lung Cancer Immune Microenvironment

Lung cancer is a deadly disease with the highest rates of mortality. Over recent decades, a better understanding of the biological mechanisms implicated in its pathogenesis has led to the development of targeted therapies and immunotherapy, resulting in improvements in patient outcomes. To better understand lung cancer tumor biology and advance towards precision oncology, a comprehensive tumor profile is necessary. In recent years, novel in situ spatial multiomics approaches have emerged offering a more detailed view of the spatial location of tumor and tumor microenvironment cells, identifying their unique composition and functional status. In this sense, novel multiomics platforms have been developed to evaluate tumor heterogeneity, gene expression, metabolic reprogramming, signaling pathway activation, cell-cell interactions, and immune cell programs. In lung cancer research, several studies have used these spatial technologies to locate cells and associated them with histological features that are relevant to the pathogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma. These advancements may unveil further molecular and immune mechanisms in tumor biology that will lead to the discovery of biomarkers for treatment prediction and prognosis. In this review, we provide an overview of more widely used and emerging pathology-based approaches for spatial immune profiling in lung cancer and how they enhance our understanding of tumor biology and immune response.

The evolution of cancer immunotherapy: a comprehensive review of its history and current perspectives

Cancer immunotherapy uses the body's immune system to combat cancer, marking a significant advancement in treatment. This review traces its evolution from the late 19th century to its current status. It began with William Coley's pioneering work using bacterial toxins to stimulate the immune system against cancer cells, establishing the foundational concept of immunotherapy. In the mid-20th century, cytokine therapies like interferons and interleukins emerged, demonstrating that altering the immune response could reduce tumors and highlighting the complex interplay between cancer and the immune system. The discovery of immune checkpoints, regulatory pathways that prevent autoimmunity but are exploited by cancer cells to evade detection, was a pivotal development. Another major breakthrough is CAR-T cell therapy, which involves modifying a patient's T cells to target cancer-specific antigens. This personalized treatment has shown remarkable success in certain blood cancers. Additionally, cancer vaccines aim to trigger immune responses against tumor-specific or associated antigens, and while challenging, ongoing research is improving their efficacy. The historical progression of cancer immunotherapy, from Coley's toxins to modern innovations like checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapy, underscores its transformative impact on cancer treatment. As research delves deeper into the immune system's complexities, immunotherapy is poised to become even more crucial in oncology, offering renewed hope to patients globally.

Nrf2-mediated adenylosuccinate lyase promotes resistance to gemcitabine in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells through ferroptosis escape

Pancreatic cancer has one of the highest fatality rates and the poorest prognosis among all cancer types worldwide. Gemcitabine is a commonly used first-line therapeutic drug for pancreatic cancer; however, the rapid development of resistance to gemcitabine treatment has been observed in numerous patients with pancreatic cancer, and this phenomenon limits the survival benefit of gemcitabine. Adenylosuccinate lyase (ADSL) is a crucial enzyme that serves dual functions in de novo purine biosynthesis, and it has been demonstrated to be associated with clinical aggressiveness, prognosis, and worse patient survival for various cancer types. In the present study, we observed significantly lower ADSL levels in gemcitabine-resistant cells (PANC-1/GemR) than in parental PANC-1 cells, and the knockdown of ADSL significantly increased the gemcitabine resistance of parental PANC-1 cells. We further demonstrated that ADSL repressed the expression of CARD-recruited membrane-associated protein 3 (Carma3), which led to increased gemcitabine resistance, and that nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) regulated ADSL expression in parental PANC-1 cells. These results indicate that ADSL is a candidate therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer involving gemcitabine resistance and suggest that the Nrf2/ADSL/Carma3 pathway has therapeutic value for pancreatic cancer with acquired resistance to gemcitabine.

Diagnostics and Therapy for Malignant Tumors

Malignant tumors remain one of the most significant global health challenges and contribute to high mortality rates across various cancer types. The complex nature of these tumors requires multifaceted diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This review explores current advancements in diagnostic methods, including molecular imaging, biomarkers, and liquid biopsies. It also delves into the evolution of therapeutic strategies, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and novel targeted therapies such as immunotherapy and gene therapy. Although significant progress has been made in the understanding of cancer biology, the future of oncology lies in the integration of precision medicine, improved diagnostic tools, and personalized therapeutic approaches that address tumor heterogeneity. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of cancer diagnostics and treatments while highlighting emerging trends and challenges that lie ahead.

Understanding serine and glycine metabolism in cancer: a path towards precision medicine to improve patient's outcomes

In this perspective, we highlight and reflect on the current knowledge with respect to serine/glycine metabolism in cancer, therapeutic resistance, and precision medicine opportunities for therapeutic targeting and treatment follow-up. Cancer subtypes with high mortality rates include lung cancer and glioblastomas. In order to improve future therapeutic opportunities, patient stratification need to be performed to select patients that might benefit from adjuvant serine/glycine targeting compounds. In an effort to identify the group of patients for stratification purposes, we analyzed publicly available TCGA patient datasets to test associations between serine/glycine metabolism enzyme expression and important cancer drivers in lung cancer and glioblastoma. These patients presenting serine/glycine pathway overexpression might benefit from adjuvant sertraline treatment in the future.

High RRM2 Correlates with Mitochondrial and Immune Responses in the Eosinophilic Subtype of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Background

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the predominant subtype of RCC, is distinguished by unique biological characteristics and heterogeneity, including eosinophilic and clear subtypes. Notwithstanding progress in therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), the prognosis for individuals with metastatic ccRCC remains poor, presumably owing to metabolic alterations leading to mitochondrial dysfunction, which affects treatment response variability.

Methods

We analyzed histological and immunohistochemical data from a cohort at Dalian Medical University's First Affiliated Hospital alongside RNA-sequencing transcriptome data from the TCGA database. Histologically, eosinophilic and clear ccRCC subtypes were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models for survival analysis and prognosis. Differential gene expression (DEG) analysis and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis were performed to explore transcriptomic differences and relevant pathways.

Results

The study discovered substantial histological and molecular differences between the eosinophilic and clear cell subtypes of ccRCC. The eosinophilic subtype linked with frequent high-grade tumors (69.05% eosinophil vs 35.35% clear) and a poorer prognosis (HR=2.659, 95% CI:1.437-4.919, P=0.002). DEG analysis revealed distinct expression patterns among subtypes and identified a risk score signature that remained significant even after adjusting for clinical variables (HR=3.967, 95% CI: 1.665-9.449, P=0.002), showing less favorable survival in the high-risk group (P < 0.0001). RRM2 emerged as the most prognostic gene from this risk score, particularly in the eosinophilic subtype, alongside other clinical variables. By IHC, RRM2 shows high IHC score in eosinophilic compared to clear subtype (P=0.019). In addition, highly expressed RRM2 correlates with poor outcomes and is linked to mitochondrial genes, immunological pathways, and ICIs treatment.

Conclusion

These findings show significant differences in prognosis between subtypes. RRM2 was the most prognostic gene from the discovered novel risk score signature associated with subtypes. Future research is essential to validate these insights and their therapeutic implications for ccRCC management.

The phytochemical plumbagin: mechanism behind its "pleiotropic" nature and potential as an anticancer treatment

Chemotherapeutics are most often used to treat cancer, but side effects, drug resistance, and toxicity often compromise their effectiveness. In contrast, phytocompound plumbagin possesses a distinct pleiotropic nature, targeting multiple signaling pathways, such as ROS generation, cell death, cellular proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance, and is shown to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs. Plumbagin has been shown to act synergistically with various chemotherapeutic drugs and enhance their efficacy in drug-resistant cancers. The pleiotropic nature is believed to be due to plumbagin's unique structure, which contains a naphthoquinone ring and a hydroxyl group responsible for plumbagin's various biological responses. Despite limitations such as restricted bioavailability and delivery, recent developments aim to address these challenges and harness the potential of plumbagin as an anticancer therapeutics. This review delves into the structural aspect of the plumbagin molecule contributing to its pleiotropic nature, explores the diverse mechanism that it targets, and discusses emerging strategies to overcome its limitations.

cGAS regulates metabolic reprogramming independently of STING pathway in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is widely acknowledged for detecting cytosolic chromatin fragments and triggering innate immune responses through the production of the second messenger cGAMP, which subsequently activates the adaptor protein STING. However, the role of cGAS in regulating metabolic reprogramming independently of STING activation has not yet been explored.

METHODS

Gene set enrichment pathway analysis (GSEA) based on TCGA transcriptomics, combined with Seahorse metabolic analysis of CRC cell lines and human normal colonic mucosa cell line FHC, was performed to profile the metabolic features in CRC. cGAS doxycycline- (dox) inducible knockout (iKO) CRC sublines were generated to investigate the role of cGAS in CRC. Transcriptome and proteome data from COAD cohorts were utilized to evaluate the RNA and protein expression levels of cGAS in COAD tissues and normal colon tissues. Overall survival information of patients with COAD was used to evaluate the prognostic value of cGAS expression. Colony formation assays were conducted to evaluate the clonogenicity of CRC cells under different situations. Flow cytometry detecting the signal of fluorogenic reactive oxygen species (ROS) probes was performed to evaluate the total cellular and mitochondrial oxidative stress level in CRC cells. A propidium iodide (PI) staining assay was used to evaluate the cell death level in CRC cells. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was conducted to detect the RNA level of STING pathway downstream target genes. Mass spectrometry was used for the identification of novel binding partners of cGAS in CRC cells. Co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) was conducted to confirm the interaction between cGAS and NDUFA4L2.

RESULTS

By integrating metabolic pathway analysis based on TCGA transcriptomics with Seahorse metabolic analysis of a panel CRC cell lines and the human normal colonic mucosa cell line FHC, we demonstrated that CRC cells exhibit typical characteristics of metabolic reprogramming, characterized by a shift from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to glycolysis. We found that cGAS is critical for CRC cells to maintain this metabolic switch. Specifically, the suppression of cGAS through siRNA-mediated knockdown or doxycycline-inducible knockout reversed this metabolic switch, resulting in increased OXPHOS activity, elevated production of OXPHOS byproduct reactive oxygen species (ROS), and consequently caused oxidative stress. This disruption induced oxidative stress, ultimately resulting in cell death and reduced cell viability. Moreover, significant upregulation of cGAS in CRC tissues and cell lines and its association with poor prognosis in CRC patients was observed. Subsequently, we demonstrated that the role of cGAS in regulating metabolic reprogramming does not rely on the canonical cGAS-STING pathway. Co-immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry identified NDUFA4L2 as a novel interactor of cGAS. Subsequent functional experiments, including mitochondrial respiration and oxidative stress assays, demonstrated that cGAS plays a crucial role in sustaining elevated levels of NDUFA4L2 protein expression. The increased expression of NDUFA4L2 is essential for cGAS-mediated regulation of metabolic reprogramming and cell survival in CRC cells.

CONCLUSION

cGAS regulates metabolic reprogramming and promotes cell survival in CRC cells through its interaction with NDUFA4L2, independently of the canonical cGAS-STING pathway.

Insights into Metabolic Reprogramming in Tumor Evolution and Therapy

Background: Cancer remains a global health challenge, characterized not just by uncontrolled cell proliferation but also by the complex metabolic reprogramming that underlies its development and progression. Objectives: This review delves into the intricate relationship between cancer and its metabolic alterations, drawing an innovative comparison with the cosmological concepts of dark matter and dark energy to highlight the pivotal yet often overlooked role of metabolic reprogramming in tumor evolution. Methods: It scrutinizes the Warburg effect and other metabolic adaptations, such as shifts in lipid synthesis, amino acid turnover, and mitochondrial function, driven by mutations in key regulatory genes. Results: This review emphasizes the significance of targeting these metabolic pathways for therapeutic intervention, outlining the potential to disrupt cancer's energy supply and signaling mechanisms. It calls for an interdisciplinary research approach to fully understand and exploit the intricacies of cancer metabolism, pointing toward metabolic reprogramming as a promising frontier for developing more effective cancer treatments. Conclusion: By equating cancer's metabolic complexity with the enigmatic nature of dark matter and energy, this review underscores the critical need for innovative strategies in oncology, highlighting the importance of unveiling and targeting the "dark energy" within cancer cells to revolutionize future therapy and research.

Mitochondrial signaling pathways and their role in cancer drug resistance

Mitochondria, traditionally known as cellular powerhouses, now emerge as critical signaling centers influencing cancer progression and drug resistance. The review highlights the role that apoptotic signaling, DNA mutations, mitochondrial dynamics and metabolism play in the development of resistance mechanisms and the advancement of cancer. Targeted approaches are discussed, with an emphasis on managing mitophagy, fusion, and fission of the mitochondria to make resistant cancer cells more susceptible to traditional treatments. Additionally, metabolic reprogramming can be used to effectively target metabolic enzymes such GLUT1, HKII, PDK, and PKM2 in order to avoid resistance mechanisms. Although there are potential possibilities for therapy, the complex structure of mitochondria and their subtle role in tumor development hamper clinical translation. Novel targeted medicines are put forth, providing fresh insights on combating drug resistance in cancer. The study also emphasizes the significance of glutamine metabolism, mitochondrial respiratory complexes, and apoptotic pathways as potential targets to improve treatment effectiveness against drug-resistant cancers. Combining complementary and nanoparticle-based techniques to target mitochondria has demonstrated encouraging results in the treatment of cancer, opening doors to reduce resistance and enable individualized treatment plans catered to the unique characteristics of each patient. Suggesting innovative approaches such as drug repositioning and mitochondrial drug delivery to enhance the efficacy of mitochondria-targeting therapies, presenting a pathway for advancements in cancer treatment. This thorough investigation is a major step forward in the treatment of cancer and has the potential to influence clinical practice and enhance patient outcomes.

Exploring the Interplay between the Warburg Effect and Glucolipotoxicity in Cancer Development: A Novel Perspective on Cancer Etiology

The Warburg effect, first observed by Otto Warburg in the 1920s, delineates a metabolic phenomenon in which cancer cells exhibit heightened glucose uptake and lactate production, even under normoxic conditions. This metabolic shift towards glycolysis, despite the presence of oxygen, fuels the energy demands of rapidly proliferating cancer cells. Dysregulated glucose metabolism, characterized by the overexpression of glucose transporters and the redirection of metabolic pathways towards glycolysis, lies at the crux of this metabolic reprogramming. Consequently, the accumulation of lactate as a byproduct contributes to the creation of an acidic tumor microenvironment, fostering tumor progression and metastasis. However, recent research, notably proposed by Maher Akl, introduces a novel perspective regarding the role of glycolipids in cancer metabolism. Akl's glucolipotoxicity hypothesis posits that aberrant glycolipid metabolism, specifically the intracellular buildup of glycolipids, significantly influences tumor initiation and progression. This hypothesis underscores the disruptive impact of accumulated glycolipids on cellular homeostasis, thereby activating oncogenic pathways and promoting carcinogenesis. This perspective aims to synthesize the intricate mechanisms underlying both the Warburg effect and glucolipotoxicity, elucidating their collective contributions to tumor growth and malignancy. By comprehensively understanding these metabolic aberrations, novel avenues for therapeutic intervention targeting the fundamental drivers of cancer initiation and progression emerge, holding promise for more efficacious treatment strategies in the future.

Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1-Alpha (HIF-1α) and Cancer: Mechanisms of Tumor Hypoxia and Therapeutic Targeting

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) is necessary for cells to adapt to low oxygen levels often present in the tumor microenvironment. HIF-1α triggers a transcriptional program that promotes invasion, angiogenesis, metabolic reprogramming, and cell survival when it is active in hypoxic environments. These processes together lead to the growth and spread of tumors. This review article examines the molecular mechanisms by which HIF-1α contributes to tumor progression, including its regulation by oxygen-dependent and independent pathways, interactions with oncogenic signaling networks, and impact on the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, we explore current therapeutic strategies targeting HIF-1α, such as small molecule inhibitors, RNA interference, and immunotherapy approaches. Understanding the multifaceted roles of HIF-1α in cancer biology not only elucidates the complexities of tumor hypoxia but also opens avenues for developing novel and more effective cancer therapies.

Salivary cysteine levels as a potential biochemical indicator of oral cancer risk in tobacco consumers

Aim: Oral cancer is the leading cause of mortality, with a survival rate of less than 5 years, and is predominantly influenced by tobacco mutagens. Invasive diagnostic methods hinder early detection of oral cancer biomarkers. The present study performed salivary biochemical analysis for early oral cancer screening in tobacco consumers.Materials & methods: Three study groups included healthy controls (n = 25), tobacco users (n = 25) and oral cancer patients (n = 25). Salivary total protein, amylase, TNF-α and amino acid levels were evaluated using enzymatic tests, Enzyme linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).Results: Compared with healthy controls, salivary total protein and TNF-α levels were significantly (p = 0.04) higher in oral cancer patients. Salivary amylase levels were significantly lower in tobacco smokers (p = 0.02) and higher in oral cancer patients (p = 0.01). Interestingly, the amino acid cysteine concentration was significantly higher (p = 0.02) in tobacco consumers (62.5 ± 10) than in healthy controls (116.1 ± 28).Conclusion: In high-risk populations, such as tobacco users, salivary biochemical analysis can serve as a promising noninvasive diagnostic method for early oral cancer screening. As a salivary biomarker, the amino acid cysteine exhibits potential as a means of detecting the progression of oral cancer in individuals who consume tobacco.

Effect of Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitors Combined with Metformin on Pancreatic Cancer Cell Lines

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the ninth-leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Diabetic patients have an increased risk and mortality rates for PC. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and metformin (Met) are widely used anti-diabetic medications. Both Met and SGLT2 inhibitors have anticancer properties in PC, but nothing is known concerning their combined effect. So, we investigated the in vitro effect of SGLT2 inhibitors combined with Met. Canagliflozin and dapagliflozin possessed cytotoxic, antiproliferative, and pro-apoptotic properties in the tested PC cell lines. In PANC-1 cells, the antimigratory and pro-apoptotic effects were enhanced when dapagliflozin was combined with Met, and G1 cell cycle arrest was enhanced when dapagliflozin or canagliflozin was combined with Met. In AsPC-1 cells, the cytotoxic effect and the G1 cell cycle arrest were enhanced when canagliflozin and dapagliflozin, respectively, were combined with Met. Only the cytotoxic effects of SGLT2 inhibitors, but not the combination treatments, involved PI3K and JNK-dependent pathways in AsPC-1 cells. In conclusion, combination treatments increased the anticancer effects in a cell type-dependent way in the two investigated cell lines. Additionally, the cytotoxic effect of SGLT2 inhibitors was dependent on the PI3K and JNK pathways in AsPC-1 cells, but Met appears to act via a distinct mechanism.

Microproteins unveiling new dimensions in cancer

In the complex landscape of cancer biology, the discovery of microproteins has triggered a paradigm shift, thereby, challenging the conventional conceptions of gene regulation. Though overlooked for years, these entities encoded by the small open reading frames (100-150 codons), have a significant impact on various cellular processes. As precision medicine pioneers delve deeper into the genome and proteome, microproteins have come into the limelight. Typically characterized by a single protein domain that directly binds to the target protein complex and regulates their assembly, these microproteins have been shown to play a key role in fundamental biological processes such as RNA processing, DNA repair, and metabolism regulation. Techniques for identification and characterization, such as ribosome profiling and proteogenomic approaches, have unraveled unique mechanisms by which these microproteins regulate cell signaling or pathological processes in most diseases including cancer. However, the functional relevance of these microproteins in cancer remains unclear. In this context, the current review aims to "rethink the essence of these genes" and explore "how these hidden players-microproteins orchestrate the signaling cascades of cancer, both as accelerators and brakes.".

The polyunsaturated fatty acid docosahexaenoic affects mitochondrial function in prostate cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) shows a rewired metabolism featuring increased fatty acid uptake and synthesis via de novo lipogenesis, both sharply related to mitochondrial physiology. The docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) that exerts its antitumoral properties via different mechanisms, but its specific action on mitochondria in PCa is not clear. Therefore, we investigated whether the DHA modulates mitochondrial function in PCa cell lines.

METHODS

Here, we evaluated mitochondrial function of non-malignant PNT1A and the castration-resistant (CRPC) prostate 22Rv1 and PC3 cell lines in response to DHA incubation. For this purpose, we used Seahorse extracellular flux assay to assess mitochondria function, [14C]-glucose to evaluate its oxidation as well as its contribution to fatty acid synthesis, 1H-NMR for metabolite profile determination, MitoSOX for superoxide anion production, JC-1 for mitochondrial membrane polarization, mass spectrometry for determination of phosphatidylglycerol levels and composition, staining with MitoTracker dye to assess mitochondrial morphology under super-resolution in addition to Transmission Electron Microscopy, In-Cell ELISA for COX-I and SDH-A protein expression and flow cytometry (Annexin V and 7-AAD) for cell death estimation.

RESULTS

In all cell lines DHA decreased basal respiratory activity, ATP production, and the spare capacity in mitochondria. Also, the omega-3 induced mitochondrial hyperpolarization, ROS overproduction and changes in membrane phosphatidylglycerol composition. In PNT1A, DHA led to mitochondrial fragmentation and it increased glycolysis while in cancer cells it stimulated glucose oxidation, but decreased de novo lipogenesis specifically in 22Rv1, indicating a metabolic shift. In all cell lines, DHA modulated several metabolites related to energy metabolism and it was incorporated in phosphatidylglycerol, a precursor of cardiolipin, increasing the unsaturation index in the mitochondrial membrane. Accordingly, DHA triggered cell death mainly in PNT1A and 22Rv1.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, mitochondrial metabolism is significantly affected by the PUFA supplementation to the point that cells are not able to proliferate or survive under DHA-enriched condition. Moreover, combination of DHA supplementation with inhibition of metabolism-related pathways, such as de novo lipogenesis, may be synergistic in castration-resistant prostate cancer.

The anticancer impact of folate-linked ZnO-decorated bovine serum albumin/silibinin nanoparticles on human pancreatic, breast, lung, and colon cancers

In the current study, we aimed to design an individual hybrid silibinin nano-delivery system consisting of ZnO and BSA components to study its antioxidant activity and apoptotic potential on human pancreatic, breast, lung, and colon cancer cell lines. The folate-linked ZnO-decorated bovine serum albumin/silibinin nanoparticles (FZBS-NP) were synthesized and characterized by FTIR, FESEM, DLS, and zeta potential analysis. The FZBS-NP's cytotoxicity was evaluated by measuring the cancer cells' (MCF-7, A549, HT-29, and Panc) viability. Moreover, the apoptotic potential of the nanoparticles was studied by conducting several analyses including AO/PI and DAPI cell staining analysis, apoptotic gene expression profile (BAX, BCL2, and Caspase-8) preparation, and FITC Annexin V/PI flow cytometry. Finally, both antioxidant assays (ABTS and DPPH) were utilized to analyze the FZBS-NPs' antioxidant activities. The 152-nm FZBS-NP significantly induced the selective apoptotic death on the MCF-7, A549, HT-29, Panc, and Huvec cancer cells by increasing the SubG1 cell population following the increased treatment concentrations of FZBS-NP. Moreover, the FZBS-NPs exhibited powerful antioxidant activity. The BSA component of the FZBS-NPs delivery system improves the ability of the nanoparticles to gradually release silibinin and ZnO near the cancer cells. On the other hand, considering the powerful antioxidant activity of FZBS-NP, they have the potential to selectively induce apoptosis in human colon and breast cancer cells and protect normal types, which makes it an efficient safe anticancer compound. However, to verify the FZBS-NP anti-cancer efficiency further cancer and normal cell lines are required to measure several types of apoptotic gene expression.

Canonical WNT/β-catenin signaling upregulates aerobic glycolysis in diverse cancer types

Despite many efforts, a comprehensive understanding and clarification of the intricate connections within cancer cell metabolism remain elusive. This might pertain to intracellular dynamics and the complex interplay between cancer cells, and cells with the tumor stroma. Almost a century ago, Otto Warburg found that cancer cells exhibit a glycolytic phenotype, which continues to be a subject of thorough investigation. Past and ongoing investigations have demonstrated intricate mechanisms by which tumors modulate their functionality by utilizing extracellular glucose as a substrate, thereby sustaining the essential proliferation of cancer cells. This concept of "aerobic glycolysis," where cancer cells (even in the presence of enough oxygen) metabolize glucose to produce lactate plays a critical role in cancer progression and is regulated by various signaling pathways. Recent research has revealed that the canonical wingless-related integrated site (WNT) pathway promotes aerobic glycolysis, directly and indirectly, thereby influencing cancer development and progression. The present review seeks to gather knowledge about how the WNT/β-catenin pathway influences aerobic glycolysis, referring to relevant studies in different types of cancer. Furthermore, we propose the concept of impeding the glycolytic phenotype of tumors by employing specific inhibitors that target WNT/β-catenin signaling.

Role of renin angiotensin system inhibitors and metformin in Glioblastoma Therapy: a review

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive and incurable disease accounting for about 10,000 deaths in the USA each year. Despite the current treatment approach which includes surgery with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, there remains a high prevalence of recurrence. Notable improvements have been observed in persons receiving concurrent antihypertensive drugs such as renin angiotensin inhibitors (RAS) or the antidiabetic drug metformin with standard therapy. Anti-tumoral effects of RAS inhibitors and metformin have been observed in in vitro and in vivo studies. Although clinical trials have shown mixed results, the potential for the use of RAS inhibitors and metformin as adjuvant GBM therapy remains promising. Nevertheless, evidence suggest that these drugs exert multimodal antitumor actions; by particularly targeting several cancer hallmarks. In this review, we highlight the results of clinical studies using multidrug cocktails containing RAS inhibitors and or metformin added to standard therapy for GBM. In addition, we highlight the possible molecular mechanisms by which these repurposed drugs with an excellent safety profile might elicit their anti-tumoral effects. RAS inhibition elicits anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and immune sensitivity effects in GBM. However, metformin promotes anti-migratory, anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects mainly through the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase. Also, we discussed metformin's potential in targeting both GBM cells as well as GBM associated-stem cells. Finally, we summarize a few drug interactions that may cause an additive or antagonistic effect that may lead to adverse effects and influence treatment outcome.

Elevated N1-Acetylspermidine Levels in Doxorubicin-treated MCF-7 Cancer Cells: Histone Deacetylase 10 Inhibition with an N1-Acetylspermidine Mimetic

Cancer drug resistance is associated with metabolic adaptation. Cancer cells have been shown to implicate acetylated polyamines in adaptations during cell death. However, exploring the mimetic of acetylated polyamines as a potential anticancer drug is lacking. We performed intracellular metabolite profiling of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells treated with doxorubicin (DOX), a well known anticancer drug. A novel and in-house vertical tube gel electrophoresis assisted procedure followed by LC-HRMS analysis was employed to detect acetylated polyamines such as N1-acetylspermidine. We designed a mimetic N1-acetylspermidine (MINAS) which is a known substrate of histone deacetylase 10 (HDAC10). Molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MDs) simulations were used to evaluate the inhibitory potential of MINAS against HDAC10. The inhibitory potential and the ADMET profile of MINAS were compared to a known HDAC10 inhibitor Tubastatin A. N1-acetylspermidine, an acetylated form of polyamine, was detected intracellularly in MCF-7 cells treated with DOX over DMSO-treated MCF-7 cells. We designed and curated MINAS (PubChem CID 162679241). Molecular docking and MD simulations suggested the strong and comparable inhibitory potential of MINAS (-8.2 kcal/mol) to Tubastatin A (-8.4 kcal/mol). MINAS and Tubastatin A share similar binding sites on HDAC10, including Ser138, Ser140, Tyr183, and Cys184. Additionally, MINAS has a better ADMET profile compared to Tubastatin A, with a high MRTD value and lower toxicity. In conclusion, the data show that N1-acetylspermidine levels rise during DOX-induced breast cancer cell death. Additionally, MINAS, an N1-acetylspermidine mimetic compound, could be investigated as a potential anticancer drug when combined with chemotherapy like DOX.

uL3 Regulates Redox Metabolism and Ferroptosis Sensitivity of p53-Deleted Colorectal Cancer Cells

Despite advancements in therapeutic strategies, the development of drug resistance and metastasis remains a serious concern for the efficacy of chemotherapy against colorectal cancer (CRC). We have previously demonstrated that low expression of ribosomal protein uL3 positively correlates with chemoresistance in CRC patients. Here, we demonstrated that the loss of uL3 increased the metastatic capacity of CRC cells in chick embryos. Metabolomic analysis revealed large perturbations in amino acid and glutathione metabolism in resistant uL3-silenced CRC cells, indicating that uL3 silencing dramatically triggered redox metabolic reprogramming. RNA-Seq data revealed a notable dysregulation of 108 genes related to ferroptosis in CRC patients. Solute Carrier Family 7 Member 11 (SLC7A11) is one of the most dysregulated genes; its mRNA stability is negatively regulated by uL3, and its expression is inversely correlated with uL3 levels. Inhibition of SLC7A11 with erastin impaired resistant uL3-silenced CRC cell survival by inducing ferroptosis. Of interest, the combined treatment erastin plus uL3 enhanced the chemotherapeutic sensitivity of uL3-silenced CRC cells to erastin. The antimetastatic potential of the combined strategy was evaluated in chick embryos. Overall, our study sheds light on uL3-mediated chemoresistance and provides evidence of a novel therapeutic approach, erastin plus uL3, to induce ferroptosis, establishing individualized therapy by examining p53, uL3 and SLC7A11 profiles in tumors.

Exploring the potential of asparagine restriction in solid cancer treatment: recent discoveries, therapeutic implications, and challenges

Asparagine is a non-essential amino acid crucial for protein biosynthesis and function, and therefore cell maintenance and growth. Furthermore, this amino acid has an important role in regulating several metabolic pathways, such as tricarboxylic acid cycle and the urea cycle. When compared to normal cells, tumor cells typically present a higher demand for asparagine, making it a compelling target for therapy. In this review article, we investigate different facets of asparagine bioavailability intricate role in malignant tumors raised from solid organs. We take a comprehensive look at asparagine synthetase expression and regulation in cancer, including the impact on tumor growth and metastasis. Moreover, we explore asparagine depletion through L-asparaginase as a potential therapeutic method for aggressive solid tumors, approaching different formulations of the enzyme and combinatory therapies. In summary, here we delve into studies about endogenous and exogenous asparagine availability in solid cancers, analyzing therapeutic implications and future challenges.

Unraveling the intricacies of cancer-associated fibroblasts: a comprehensive review on metabolic reprogramming and tumor microenvironment crosstalk

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are crucial component of tumor microenvironment (TME) which undergo significant phenotypic changes and metabolic reprogramming, profoundly impacting tumor growth. This review delves into CAF plasticity, diverse origins, and the molecular mechanisms driving their continuous activation. Emphasis is placed on the intricate bidirectional crosstalk between CAFs and tumor cells, promoting cancer cell survival, proliferation, invasion, and immune evasion. Metabolic reprogramming, a cancer hallmark, extends beyond cancer cells to CAFs, contributing to the complex metabolic interplay within the TME. The 'reverse Warburg effect' in CAFs mirrors the Warburg effect, involving the export of high-energy substrates to fuel cancer cells, supporting their rapid proliferation. Molecular regulations by key players like p53, Myc, and K-RAS orchestrate this metabolic adaptation. Understanding the metabolic symbiosis between CAFs and tumor cells opens avenues for targeted therapeutic strategies to disrupt this dynamic crosstalk. Unraveling CAF-mediated metabolic reprogramming provides valuable insights for developing novel anticancer therapies. This comprehensive review consolidates current knowledge, shedding light on CAFs' multifaceted roles in the TME and offering potential targets for future therapies.

The metabolic fuel of paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria

Metabolic reprogramming has been investigated in haematological malignancies. To date, a few studies have analysed the metabolic profile of paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH). The study by Chen and colleagues sheds light on the involvement of metabolic changes in the proliferation of PNH clones. Commentary on: Chen et al. The histone demethylase JMJD1C regulates CPS1 expression and promotes the proliferation of PNH clones through cell metabolic reprogramming. Br J Haematol 2024;204:2468-2479.

AMPKα2 promotes tumor immune escape by inducing CD8+ T-cell exhaustion and CD4+ Treg cell formation in liver hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is associated with the development of liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). AMPKα2, an α2 subunit of AMPK, is encoded by PRKAA2, and functions as the catalytic core of AMPK. However, the role of AMPKα2 in the LIHC tumor immune environment is unclear.

METHODS

RNA-seq data were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas and Genotype-Tissue Expression databases. Using the single-cell RNA-sequencing dataset for LIHC obtained from the China National Genebank Database, the communication between malignant cells and T cells in response to different PRKAA2 expression patterns was evaluated. In addition, the association between PRKAA2 expression and T-cell evolution during tumor progression was explored using Pseudotime analysis, and the role of PRKAA2 in metabolic reprogramming was explored using the R "scMetabolis" package. Functional experiments were performed in LIHC HepG2 cells.

RESULTS

AMPK subunits were expressed in tissue-specific and substrate-specific patterns. PRKAA2 was highly expressed in LIHC tissues and was associated with poor patient prognosis. Tumors with high PRKAA2 expression displayed an immune cold phenotype. High PRKAA2 expression significantly promoted LIHC immune escape. This result is supported by the following evidence: 1) the inhibition of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) expression through the regulation of interferon-gamma activity in malignant cells; 2) the promotion of CD8+ T-cell exhaustion and the formation of CD4+ Treg cells in T cells; 3) altered interactions between malignant cells and T cells in the tumor immune environment; and 4) induction of metabolic reprogramming in malignant cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicate that PRKAA2 may contribute to LIHC progression by promoting metabolic reprogramming and tumor immune escape through theoretical analysis, which offers a theoretical foundation for developing PRKAA2-based strategies for personalized LIHC treatment.

Bridging the Gap in Understanding Bone Metastasis: A Multifaceted Perspective

The treatment of patients with advanced cancer poses clinical problems due to the complications that arise as the disease progresses. Bone metastases are a common problem that cancer patients may face, and currently, there are no effective drugs to treat these individuals. Prostate, breast, and lung cancers often spread to the bone, causing significant and disabling health conditions. The bone is a highly active and dynamic tissue and is considered a favorable environment for the growth of cancer. The role of osteoblasts and osteoclasts in the process of bone remodeling and the way in which their interactions change during the progression of metastasis is critical to understanding the pathophysiology of this disease. These interactions create a self-perpetuating loop that stimulates the growth of metastatic cells in the bone. The metabolic reprogramming of both cancer cells and cells in the bone microenvironment has serious implications for the development and progression of metastasis. Insight into the process of bone remodeling and the systemic elements that regulate this process, as well as the cellular changes that occur during the progression of bone metastases, is critical to the discovery of a cure for this disease. It is crucial to explore different therapeutic options that focus specifically on malignancy in the bone microenvironment in order to effectively treat this disease. This review will focus on the bone remodeling process and the effects of metabolic disorders as well as systemic factors like hormones and cytokines on the development of bone metastases. We will also examine the various therapeutic alternatives available today and the upcoming advances in novel treatments.

Cancer metabolism and carcinogenesis

Metabolic reprogramming is an emerging hallmark of cancer cells, enabling them to meet increased nutrient and energy demands while withstanding the challenging microenvironment. Cancer cells can switch their metabolic pathways, allowing them to adapt to different microenvironments and therapeutic interventions. This refers to metabolic heterogeneity, in which different cell populations use different metabolic pathways to sustain their survival and proliferation and impact their response to conventional cancer therapies. Thus, targeting cancer metabolic heterogeneity represents an innovative therapeutic avenue with the potential to overcome treatment resistance and improve therapeutic outcomes. This review discusses the metabolic patterns of different cancer cell populations and developmental stages, summarizes the molecular mechanisms involved in the intricate interactions within cancer metabolism, and highlights the clinical potential of targeting metabolic vulnerabilities as a promising therapeutic regimen. We aim to unravel the complex of metabolic characteristics and develop personalized treatment approaches to address distinct metabolic traits, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

Lycorine eliminates B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells by targeting PSAT1 through the serine/glycine metabolic pathway

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) has been confirmed as the most common malignant hematologic neoplasm among children. A novel antitumor mechanism of lycorine was elucidated in this study. As revealed by the result of this study, lycorine significantly inhibited the growth and proliferation of REH and NALM-6 and induced their apoptosis. The result of the RNA-seq analysis suggested that lycorine targeted PSAT1 of serine/glycine metabolism in B-ALL cells. As indicated by the result of the GSEA analysis, the genes enriched in the amino acid metabolic pathways were down-regulated by lycorine. As revealed by the results of ectopic expression, shRNA knockdown assays, and further liquid-phase tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis, lycorine reduced serine/glycine metabolites by down-regulating PSAT1, further disrupting carbon metabolism and eliminating B-ALL cells. Furthermore, lycorine showed a synergistic effect with cytarabine in ALL treatments. Lastly, lycorine significantly down-regulated leukemia progression in the cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) model. In brief, this study has suggested for the first time that lycorine is a promising anti-ALL drug, and a novel amino acid metabolism-associated property of lycorine was identified.

RGCC-mediated PLK1 activity drives breast cancer lung metastasis by phosphorylating AMPKα2 to activate oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid oxidation

BACKGROUND

More than 90% of the mortality of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients is attributed to cancer metastasis with organotropism. The lung is a frequent site of TNBC metastasis. However, the precise molecular mechanism for lung-specific metastasis of TNBC is not well understood.

METHODS

RNA sequencing was performed to identify patterns of gene expression associated with lung metastatic behavior using 4T1-LM3, MBA-MB-231-LM3, and their parental cells (4T1-P, MBA-MB-231-P). Expressions of RGCC, called regulator of cell cycle or response gene to complement 32 protein, were detected in TNBC cells and tissues by qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Kinase activity assay was performed to evaluate PLK1 kinase activity. The amount of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase α2 (AMPKα2) was detected by immunoblotting. RGCC-mediated metabolism was determined by UHPLC system. Oxidative phosphorylation was evaluated by JC-1 staining and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) assay. Fatty acid oxidation assay was conducted to measure the status of RGCC-mediated fatty acid oxidation. NADPH and ROS levels were detected by well-established assays. The chemical sensitivity of cells was evaluated by CCK8 assay.

RESULTS

RGCC is aberrantly upregulated in pulmonary metastatic cells. High level of RGCC is significantly related with lung metastasis in comparison with other organ metastases. RGCC can effectively promote kinase activity of PLK1, and the activated PLK1 phosphorylates AMPKα2 to facilitate TNBC lung metastasis. Mechanistically, the RGCC/PLK1/AMPKα2 signal axis increases oxidative phosphorylation of mitochondria to generate more energy, and promotes fatty acid oxidation to produce abundant NADPH. These metabolic changes contribute to sustaining redox homeostasis and preventing excessive accumulation of potentially detrimental ROS in metastatic tumor cells, thereby supporting TNBC cell survival and colonization during metastases. Importantly, targeting RGCC in combination with paclitaxel/carboplatin effectively suppresses pulmonary TNBC lung metastasis in a mouse model.

CONCLUSIONS

RGCC overexpression is significantly associated with lung-specific metastasis of TNBC. RGCC activates AMPKα2 and downstream signaling through RGCC-driven PLK1 activity to facilitate TNBC lung metastasis. The study provides implications for RGCC-driven OXPHOS and fatty acid oxidation as important therapeutic targets for TNBC treatment.