PTPN9 promotes melanoma progression by regulating the ferroptosis pathway

In recent years, there has been a gradual increase in the incidence and mortality rates of melanoma, posing a significant threat to human health and life. Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPNs) have been implicated in the progression of various human cancers, including breast, lung, and cervical cancer. To investigate PTPN9 expression in melanoma, impacting the disease's survival and prognosis. Our study, which involved an analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas database and immunohistochemical staining of pathological sections, identified an upregulation of PTPN9 expression in melanoma, impacting the disease's survival and prognosis. At the cellular level, we investigated the effects of PTPN9 on the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of A375 and SK-MEL-28 cells. Through various experimental techniques such as Western blot protein detection, electron microscopy, and oil red O staining, we observed that PTPN9 potentially contributes to the development of skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) by regulating ferroptosis-related proteins ACSL4, FTH1, and P53, thereby influencing lipid metabolism. The results of this study highlight the unique role of PTPN9 in SKCM and suggest its potential as a biomarker for the disease.

CENPF as a prognostic marker of glioma: unraveling the molecular mechanisms

OBJECTIVE

Glioma is the dominant primary intracranial malignancy. The roles of CENPF and the CENPF - p53 axis in glioma remain elusive. This study uses bioinformatics and animal experiments to clarify the relationship between CENPF and p53 in glioma. CENPF affects spindle assembly and chromosomal segregation, while p53 is a tumor-suppressor gene. Their dysregulation may interact and impact glioma development. Our research aims to uncover the underlying molecular mechanisms, offering new perspectives for glioma diagnosis and treatment.

METHOD

Gene expression data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database ( http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/ ) were retrieved, specifically datasets GSE50161, GSE104291, and GSE12249. Volcano plots were generated to visualize differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and intersecting DEGs were identified using Venn diagrams. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to construct and analyze the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Additionally, gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were conducted. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was utilized for comprehensive GO and KEGG analyses of the entire genome. Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) analysis was performed, and TargetScan was used to identify miRNAs regulating central DEGs. An animal model of glioma was established and analyzed via Western blot.

RESULT

A total of 501 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, from which eight significant modules were generated and ten core genes were extracted. These core genes exhibited differential expression patterns between glioma tumor and non-tumor samples. Expression analysis revealed that the ten core genes associated with glioma (CENPF, PBK, ASPM, KIF2C, KIF20A, CDC20, TOP2A, NUSAP1, TTK, KIF23) were significantly upregulated in tumor tissues (P < 0.05). They are primarily enriched in protein signal transduction, coated membrane structures, AP-type membrane coat adaptor complexes, and chloride channel activity. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that these target genes were mainly involved in nicotine addiction, arginine and proline metabolism, beta-alanine metabolism, and histidine metabolism. The mouse model confirmed that CENPF and CDK-1 were highly expressed in glioma tissues, while p53, p21, and Caspase9 were downregulated, leading to inhibition of the apoptosis pathway and exacerbation of glioma progression. Overexpression of CENPF further suppressed key molecules in the p53-mediated apoptosis pathway. Conversely, low expression of CENPF activated these key molecules, inducing apoptosis in glioma cells.

CONCLUSIONS

CENPF exhibits elevated expression levels in glioma, potentially inhibiting cell apoptosis via the p53 signaling pathway, consequently contributing to the onset and progression of glioma.

Menin inhibitor MI-503 exhibits potent anti-cancer activity in osteosarcoma

Small molecule Menin inhibitor recently has emerged as a new therapeutic by targeting the interaction of histone methyltransferase MLL1 (KMT2A) with Menin. MLL1 is associated with aggressive osteosarcoma (OS) in young adults. The purpose of the study is to explore whether Menin inhibitors have therapeutic effects in OS.To investigate the anti-OS activity of the Menin inhibitor MI-503 in vitro, we performed CCK-8 cell growth and colony formation assay. Cellular thermal shift assay was used to test whether MI-503 binds to Menin in osteosarcoma cells. The expression of oncogenes in MI-503 treated cells were detected by western blotting and Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay. Finally, we established the OS subcutaneous xenograft mice model to study the anti-OS effect of MI-503 in vivo.The results showed that MI-503 dose-dependently suppressed cell proliferation in 6 OS cell lines, including 143B, HOS, Saos-2, SKES1, MG-63, and U2OS. 143B is the most sensitive cell line with EC50 value 0.13 µM. Cellular thermal shift assay showed that MI-503 binds cellular Menin. RT-qPCR assay showed that MI-503 suppressed the expression of Mcl-1 and c-Myc in 143B cells. Western blotting result showed that MI-503 markedly suppressed the H3K4 methylation, significantly suppressed the expression of Mcl-1 and c-Myc, and increased the expression of p27 and cl-PARP in 143B and Saos-2 cells. In a study with 143B cell-derived xenograft model, we found that MI-503 profoundly inhibited OS tumor growth in mice. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) study showed that MI-503 suppressed the H3K4 methylation and inhibited the expression of the cell proliferation biomarker Ki67 in 143B OS xenograft tissue.Overall, our findings demonstrated the potent anti-OS activity of MI-503 in both in vitro and in vivo models, which also indicated that Menin inhibitor may be a prospective therapeutic strategy for human OS.

Extracellular Microvesicle MicroRNAs and Imaging Metrics Improve the Detection of Aggressive Prostate Cancer: A Pilot Study

Background/Objectives: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most diagnosed cancer in men worldwide. Early diagnosis of the disease provides better treatment options for these patients. Recent studies have demonstrated that plasma-based extracellular vesicle microRNAs (miRNAs) are functionally linked to cancer progression, metastasis, and aggressiveness. The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the standard of care provides an overall assessment of prostate disease. Quantitative metrics (radiomics) from the MRI provide a better evaluation of the tumor and have been shown to improve disease detection. Methods: We conducted a study on prostate cancer patients, analyzing baseline blood plasma and MRI data. Exosomes were isolated from blood plasma samples to quantify miRNAs, while MRI scans provided detailed tumor morphology. Radiomics features from MRI and miRNA expression data were integrated to develop predictive models, which were evaluated using ROC curve analysis, highlighting the multivariable model's effectiveness. Results: Our findings indicate that the univariate feature-based model with the highest Youden's index achieved average areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.76, 0.82, and 0.84 for miRNA, MR-T2W, and MR-ADC features, respectively, in identifying clinically aggressive (Gleason grade) disease. The multivariable feature-based model yielded an average area under the curve (AUC) of 0.88 and 0.95 using combinations of miRNA markers with imaging features in MR-ADC and MR-T2W, respectively. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that combining miRNA markers with MRI-based radiomics improves the identification of clinically aggressive prostate cancer.

Long non-coding RNA LINC01532 sustains redox homeostasis and accelerates lenvatinib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Lenvatinib is the first-line therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the high frequency of lenvatinib resistance hinders the improvement of HCC treatment. Since NADPH plays vital roles in antioxidant defense and reductive biosynthesis, cancer cells exert NADPH metabolic adaptation to support their malignant activities, including drug resistance. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to delineate the latent mechanism by which HCC cells modulate NADPH metabolic adaptation and lenvatinib resistance.

METHODS

Using high-throughput screening, we screened LINC01532 as a critical regulator in NADPH metabolic adaptation. The function of LINC01532 in drug resistance of HCC cells was analyzed by in vitro and in vivo model. NADPH assay, malondialdehyde (MDA) assay, and glutathione (GSH) detection assay were carried out to explore the role of LINC01532 in NADPH metabolism. Furthermore, RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down assay, co-immunoprecipitation, and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments were utilized to uncover the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

High expression of LINC01532 predicted poorer prognosis in HCC patients. LINC01532 stimulated NADPH production and blunted lenvatinib-induced cell death, leading to drug resistance. Mechanistically, LINC01532 bound to hnRNPK and promoted CDK2-mediated phosphorylation of hnRNPK, which facilitated G6PD pre-mRNA splicing, resulting in high expression of G6PD and upregulated NADPH synthesis. The elevated NADPH cleared reactive oxygen species (ROS), supported biomass synthesis, and epigenetically modulated gene expression. Inhibition of LINC01532 significantly enhanced lenvatinib sensitivity of HCC cells. The m6A modification induced by mTORC1 promoted the expression of LINC01532 in HCC cells.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, our findings demonstrate that LINC01532 confers lenvatinib resistance of HCC cells by modulating NADPH metabolic adaptation. LINC01532 might be a prognostic or therapeutic target for HCC.

USP2 reversed cisplatin resistance through p53-mediated ferroptosis in NSCLC

BACKGROUND

It has demonstrated the indispensable role of ferroptosis in conferring cisplatin resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as well as the involvement of ubiquitin-specific protease (USP) in regulating ferroptosis. This paper aspired to the mechanism of USP2 and ferroptosis on NSCLC cisplatin resistance.

METHODS

Ubiquitin-specific protease mRNA expression, was detected through RT-qPCR. In vitro functional assays assessed the effects of USP2 overexpression on DDP resistance, cell proliferation capability, and ferroptosis markers in A549/DDP and H1299/DDP cells. Ubiquitination assays evaluated the ubiquitination levels of p53 following USP2 overexpression. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays confirmed the binding relationship between USP2 and p53. In vivo experiments in mice explored the specific role of the USP2-p53 axis in a xenograft tumor model.

RESULTS

USP2 expression was suppressed in cisplatin-resistant NSCLC cells. USP2 overexpression inhibited cell viability in cisplatin-resistant cells. Among the ferroptosis markers, the results showed that USP2 overexpression promoted LDH release, Fe2+ level, MDA and Lipid ROS, while inhibited GPX4 activity and GSH levels. The WB results revealed that USP2 overexpression inhibited GPX4, SLC7A11 and cytoplasm p53 protein expression, while promoted the nucleus p53 protein expression. Moreover, USP2 directly bound to p53 and USP2 overexpression stabilized p53 protein by suppressing its ubiquitination. In vivo experiments further suggest that the USP2-p53 pathway plays a crucial role in regulating cisplatin sensitivity in A549/DDP cells.

CONCLUSION

USP2 acted on the K305R site of p53, which resulted in its deubiquitination. This cellular process could modulate cisplatin resistance through ferroptosis in NSCLC. This study could provide a potential therapeutic target to NSCLC.

Targeting NEK Kinases in Gastrointestinal Cancers: Insights into Gene Expression, Function, and Inhibitors

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, which mainly include malignancies of the esophagus, stomach, intestine, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and bile duct, pose a significant global health burden. Unfortunately, the prognosis for most GI cancers remains poor, particularly in advanced stages. Current treatment options, including targeted and immunotherapies, are less effective compared to those for other cancer types, highlighting an urgent need for novel molecular targets. NEK (NIMA related kinase) kinases are a group of serine/threonine kinases (NEK1-NEK11) that play a role in regulating cell cycle, mitosis, and various physiological processes. Recent studies suggest that several NEK members are overexpressed in human cancers, including gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, which can contribute to tumor progression and drug resistance. Among these, NEK2 stands out for its consistent overexpression in all types of GI cancer. Targeting NEK2 with specific inhibitors has shown promising results in preclinical studies, particularly for gastric and pancreatic cancers. The development and clinical evaluation of NEK2 inhibitors in human cancers have emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy. Specifically, an NEK2 inhibitor, T-1101 tosylate, is currently undergoing clinical trials. This review will focus on the gene expression and functional roles of NEKs in GI cancers, as well as the progress in developing NEK inhibitors.

Jianpi Yangzheng Xiaozheng granule induced ferroptosis to suppress gastric cancer progression through reprogramming lipid metabolism via SCD1/Wnt/β-catenin axis

The incidence of Poorly cohesive carcinoma (PCC) has steadily risen in recent years, posing a significant clinical challenge. To reveal the anti-tumor effects of Jianpi Yangzheng Xiaozheng granule (JPYZXZ) in PCC, an initial investigation was performed using CCK-8, colony formation, scratch, and transwell assays. This was followed by network pharmacology studies to gain a deeper understanding of JPYZXZ's impact on gastric cancer (GC). Then reactive oxygen species (ROS), Fe2+, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), Oil Red O staining, BODIPY493/503, triglyceride (TG), and cholesterol (TC) assay kits and western blot (Wb) analysis were applied to exam the regulatory effects of JPYZXZ on ferroptosis and lipid metabolism. Additionally, molecular docking studies and Wb analysis were used to further investigate the mechanisms of JPYZXZ on PCC. Finally, in vivo animal studies were conducted. The results show that JPYZXZ can inhibit the proliferation and migration of PCC cell. It increases the levels of ROS, Fe2+, MDA, while declining the content of GSH, TC, TG, and lipid droplet accumulation within cellular compartments. Wb indicates that JPYZXZ can negatively regulate the expression of proteins, including glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), cystine/glutamate antipoter SLC7A11 (xCT), fatty acid synthase (FASN), and acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase 1 (ACC1). Furthermore, ferrostatin-1 (fer-1) is able to reverse the effects of JPYZXZ on the aforementioned markers of ferroptosis and lipid metabolism. Molecular docking analyses reveal that JPYZXZ exhibits a favorable binding affinity towards Stearoyl-Coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1). Mechanism studies demonstrate that JPYZXZ is capable of down-regulating the expressions of proteins like SCD1, β-catenin, GPX4, and xCT, which is analogous to the effects of SCD1 knockdown and the application of SCD1 inhibitor A939572. Nevertheless, when SCD1 is knocked down, JPYZXZ is unable to further downregulate the expressions of these proteins. Animal studies have corroborated the in vitro tumor-inhibiting effects of JPYZXZ. Therefore, this study offers the first evidence that JPYZXZ inhibits PCC progression by orchestrating ferroptosis and altering lipid metabolism, mediated by the SCD1/Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Mina53 catalyzes arginine demethylation of p53 to promote tumor growth

Arginine methylation is a common post-translational modification that plays critical roles in many biological processes. However, the existence of arginine demethylases that remove the modification has not been fully established. Here, we report that Myc-induced nuclear antigen 53 (Mina53), a member of the jumonji C (JmjC) protein family, is an arginine demethylase. Mina53 catalyzes the removal of asymmetric dimethylation at arginine 337 of p53. Mina53-mediated demethylation reduces p53 stability and oligomerization and alters chromatin modifications at the gene promoter, thereby suppressing p53-mediated transcriptional activation and cell-cycle arrest. Mina53 represses p53-dependent tumor suppression both in mouse xenografts and spontaneous tumor models. Moreover, downregulation of p53-mediated gene expression is observed in several types of cancer with elevated expression of Mina53. Thus, our study reveals a regulatory mechanism of p53 homeostasis and activity and, more broadly, defines a paradigm for dynamic arginine methylation in controlling important biological functions.

Methionine cycle inhibition disrupts antioxidant metabolism and reduces glioblastoma cell survival

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive primary malignant adult brain tumor that inevitably recurs with a fatal prognosis. This is due in part to metabolic reprogramming that allows tumors to evade treatment. Therefore, we must uncover the pathways mediating these adaptations to develop novel and effective treatments. We searched for genes that are essential in GBM cells as measured by a whole-genome pan-cancer CRISPR screen available from DepMap and identified the methionine metabolism genes MAT2A and AHCY. We conducted genetic knockdown, evaluated mitochondrial respiration, and performed targeted metabolomics to study the function of these genes in GBM. We demonstrate that MAT2A or AHCY knockdown induces oxidative stress, hinders cellular respiration, and reduces the survival of GBM cells. Furthermore, selective MAT2a or AHCY inhibition reduces GBM cell viability, impairs oxidative metabolism, and shifts the cellular metabolic profile towards oxidative stress and cell death. Mechanistically, MAT2a and AHCY regulate spare respiratory capacity, the redox buffer cystathionine, lipid and amino acid metabolism, and prevent oxidative damage in GBM cells. Our results point to the methionine metabolic pathway as a novel vulnerability point in GBM.

Tripartite motif-containing protein 26 promotes colorectal cancer growth by inactivating p53

Tripartite motif-containing protein 26 (TRIM26) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that exhibits divergent roles in various cancer types (oncogenic and anti-oncogenic). This study investigates the interaction of TRIM26 with the tumor suppressor protein p53 in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells by performing a comprehensive set of biochemical, cell-based assays, and xenograft experiments. As a result, we found that overexpression of TRIM26 significantly enhances CRC cell proliferation and colony formation, while knockdown of TRIM26 suppresses these processes. Xenograft experiments further validated the tumor-promoting role of TRIM26 in CRC. Supporting this is that TRIM26 is highly expressed in human CRC tissues as revealed by our analysis of the TCGA database. Biochemically, TRIM26 directly bound to the C-terminus of p53 and facilitated its ubiquitination, resulting in proteolytic degradation and attenuated p53 activity independently of MDM2. Also, TRIM26 increased the MDM2-mediated ubiquitination of p53 by binding to MDM2's C-terminus. This study uncovers the oncogenic potential of TRIM26 in CRC by inhibiting p53 function. Through its ubiquitin ligase activity, TRIM26 destabilizes p53, consequently promoting CRC cell proliferation and tumor growth. These findings shed light on the complex involvement of TRIM26 in cancer and identify this ubiquitin ligase as a potential therapeutic target for future development of CRC treatment.

Host-dependent alteration of the gut microbiota: the role of luminal microRNAs

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNAs that play gene expression regulatory roles in eukaryotes. MiRNAs are also released in body fluids, and in the intestine, they are found in the lumen and feces. Here, together with exogenous dietary-derived miRNAs, they constitute the fecal miRNome. Several miRNAs were identified in the feces of healthy adults, including, as shown here, core miRNAs hsa-miR-21-5p and hsa-miR-1246. These miRNAs are important for intestinal homeostasis. Recent evidence suggests that miRNAs may interact with gut bacteria. This represents a new avenue to understand host-bacteria crosstalk in the gut and its role in health and disease. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge on fecal miRNAs, their representation across individuals, and their effects on the gut microbiota. It also discusses existing evidence on potential mechanisms of uptake and interaction with bacterial genomes, drawing from knowledge of prokaryotic small RNAs (sRNAs) regulation of gene expression. Finally, we review in silico and experimental approaches for profiling miRNA-mRNA interactions in bacterial species, highlighting challenges in target validation. This work emphasizes the need for further research into host miRNA-bacterial interactions to better understand their regulatory roles in the gut ecosystem and support their exploitation for disease prevention and treatment.

Cancer-secreted exosomal miR-1825 induces angiogenesis to promote colorectal cancer metastasis

BACKGROUND

Angiogenesis is one of the important factors related to tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Cancer-secreted exosomes are essential mediators of intercellular cross-talk and participate in angiogenesis and metastasis. Unveiling the mechanism of angiogenesis is an important way to develop anti-angiogenesis therapeutic strategies to against cancer progression.

METHODS

miR-1825 expression and relationship with microvascular density were validated in colorectal cancer (CRC) by in situ hybridization (ISH) staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Sequential differential centrifugation, transmission electron microscopy, and western blotting analysis were used to extract and characterize exosomes. The effort of exosomal miR-1825 on endothelial cells was examined by transwell assay, wound healing assay, tube formation assay, and aortic ring assay. The relationship of miR-1825, ING1 and the downstream pathway were analyzed by western blot, RT-PCR, Immunofluorescence, and dual-luciferase reporter system analysis.

RESULTS

Exosomal miR-1825 is associated with angiogenesis in CRC and is enriched in exosomes extracted from the serum of CRC patients. The CRC-secreted exosomal miR-1825 can be transferred into vascular endothelial cells, promoting endothelial cell migration and tube formation in vitro, and facilitating angiogenesis and tumor metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, exosomal miR-1825 regulates angiogenesis and tumor metastasis by suppressing inhibitor of growth family member 1 (ING1) and activating the TGF-β/Smad2/Smad3 signaling pathway in the recipient HUVECs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated the CRC-secreted exosomal miR-1825 could be transferred to vascular endothelial cells, subsequently leads to the inhibition of ING1 and the activation of the TGF-β/Smad2/Smad3 signaling pathway, thereby promoting angiogenesis and liver metastasis in CRC. Exosomal miR-1825 is thus a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for CRC patients.

Prognostic implications of ERLncRNAs in ccRCC: a novel risk score model and its association with tumor mutation burden and immune microenvironment

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND

The specific role of efferocytosis-related long noncoding RNAs (ERLncRNAs) in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC) has not been thoroughly examined. This study aims to identify and validate a signature of ERLncRNAs for prognostic prediction and characterization of the immune landscape in individuals with ccRCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Analysis of ccRCC samples was conducted by utilizing clinical and RNA sequencing information obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Pearson correlation analysis was utilized to identify lncRNAs associated with efferocytosis, which was then used to create a new prognostic model through univariate Cox regression, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression, and stepwise multivariate Cox analysis. In order to investigate the biological significance, we performed a functional enrichment analysis to assess how well the model predicts outcomes. Differences in the immune landscape were observed through a comparison of immune cell infiltration, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and tumor microenvironment (TME) characteristics. Following this, drug sensitivity analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

This led to the identification of a unique signature consisting of seven ERLncRNAs (LINC01615, RUNX3-AS1, FOXD2-AS1, AC002070.1, LINC02747, LINC00944, and AC092296.1). Model performance was measured by Kaplan-Meier curves and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The nomogram and C-index provided additional validation of the strong correlation between the risk signature and clinical decision-making.

CONCLUSION

On the whole, our innovative signature exhibits potential for prognostic prediction and assessment of immunotherapeutic response in patients with ccRCC.

Natural compounds as regulators of miRNAs: exploring a new avenue for treating colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related death globally, impacting both genders equally. The increasing global mortality rates from CRC are strongly linked to contemporary dietary habits, characterized by excessive meat consumption, alcohol intake, and insufficient physical activity. Thus, there is an unprecedented need to develop less hazardous and new therapies for CRC. CRC affects a substantial global population. The main treatments for CRC include chemotherapy and surgical intervention. Nonetheless, the advancement of innovative, safer, and more effective pharmaceuticals for CRC therapy is of paramount importance due to the widespread adverse effects and the dynamic nature of drug resistance. A growing amount of research suggests that natural chemicals may effectively battle CRC and, in certain cases, serve as alternatives to chemotherapeutics. Evidence suggests that miRNAs control important cancer features, including the maintenance of proliferative signals. These features also involve evasion of growth inhibition, resistance to cell death, and immortalization of replication. Additionally, miRNAs play a role in angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Numerous compounds, including those exhibiting cytotoxic and apoptogenic properties against different malignancies, such as CRC, are sourced from diverse marine and medicinal plants. These chemicals stimulate several signaling pathways originating from different phytochemical families. This article evaluates the existing understanding of the anti-CRC capabilities of several phytochemical substances. Furthermore, their impact on several signaling pathways associated with cancer is examined. This article also highlights the potential of medicinal plants as a source of promising anti-CRC chemicals through modulating miRNA expression and the role of nanoparticle-based miRNA therapeutics in enhancing CRC treatment by improving tumor targeting and minimizing off-target effects.

Reversal of chemotherapy resistance in gastric cancer with traditional Chinese medicine as sensitizer: potential mechanism of action

Gastric cancer (GC) remains one of the most common types of cancer, ranking fifth among cancer-related deaths worldwide. Chemotherapy is an effective treatment for advanced GC. However, the development of chemotherapy resistance, which involves the malfunction of several signaling pathways and is the consequence of numerous variables interacting, seriously affects patient treatment and leads to poor clinical outcomes. Therefore, in order to treat GC, it is imperative to find novel medications that will increase chemotherapy sensitivity and reverse chemotherapy resistance. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been extensively researched as an adjuvant medication in recent years. It has been shown to have anticancer benefits and to be crucial in enhancing chemotherapy sensitivity and reducing chemotherapy resistance. Given this, the mechanism of treatment resistance in GC is summed up in this work. The theoretical foundation for TCM as a sensitizer in adjuvant treatment of GC is established by introducing the primary signal pathways and possible targets implicated in improving chemotherapy sensitivity and reversing chemotherapy resistance of GC by TCM and active ingredients.

Lipogenic enzyme FASN promotes mutant p53 accumulation and gain-of-function through palmitoylation

The tumor-suppressive function of p53 is frequently disrupted by mutations in cancers. Missense mutant p53 (mutp53) protein often stabilizes and accumulates to high levels in cancers to promote tumorigenesis through the gain-of-function (GOF) mechanism. Currently, the mechanism of mutp53 accumulation and GOF is incompletely understood. Here, we identify the lipogenic enzyme FASN as an important regulator of mutp53 accumulation and GOF. FASN interacts with mutp53 to enhance mutp53 palmitoylation, which inhibits mutp53 ubiquitination to promote mutp53 accumulation and GOF. Blocking FASN genetically or by small-molecule inhibitors suppresses mutp53 palmitoylation to inhibit mutp53 accumulation, which in turn inhibits the growth of mutp53 tumors in orthotopic and subcutaneous xenograft tumor models and transgenic mice, as well as the growth of human tumor organoids carrying mutp53. Our results reveal that mutp53 palmitoylation is an important mechanism underlying mutp53 accumulation and GOF, and targeting FASN is a potential therapeutic strategy for cancers carrying mutp53.

YEATS2 promotes malignant phenotypes of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via H3K27ac activated-IL6ST

Introduction

Histone acetylation modifications can regulate gene transcription and play crucial roles in multiple tumorigeneses processes. YEATS domain proteins are one important type of acetylation readers. We have found significant mutations and copy number amplifications of YEATS domain containing 2 (YEATS2) gene in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) through whole genome sequencing (WGS). However, the function and molecular mechanism of YEATS2 in ESCC remain elusive.

Methods

Chi-squared test and Kaplan-Meier methods were used to analyze the clinical significance of YEATS2. MTT, Colony Formation Assay, Transwell, Scratch Wound Healing, subcutaneous tumorigenesis model and lung metastatic tumor model were performed to detect YEATS2 effect on the proliferation and migration ability of ESCC cells in vivo and in vitro Co-IP-based mass spectrum (MS) assays and Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) were performed to explore the molecular mechanism of YEATS2 function in ESCC.

Results

ESCC patients with copy number amplification of YEATS2 had shorter postoperative survival. Furthermore, YEATS2 expression was positively correlated with copy number amplification. We have also found that YEATS2 expression was significantly upregulated in ESCC tissues and was correlated closely with the differentiation degree of ESCC cells. The results of in vivo and in vitro experiments revealed that YEATS2 enhanced the abilities of ESCC cells to proliferate and migrate. Mechanistically, YEATS2 activated NF-κB signaling to promote ESCC progression. YEATS2 and H3K27 acetylation (H3K27ac) were both enriched in the promoter region of IL6ST, which is involved in the regulation of YEATS2 on NF-κB signaling. Additionally, YEATS2 could recruit TAF15 and KAT5 to enhance H3K27ac enrichment in the promoter region of IL6ST to regulate its expression.

Conclusion

In conclusion, YEATS2 might function as a potential driver gene and a potential therapeutic target in ESCC.

Dietary and nutritional interventions for human diseases: their modulatory effects on ferroptosis

A balanced diet is essential for maintaining human health. Increasing evidence suggests that dietary and nutritional interventions contribute to disease management and are associated with reduced healthcare costs and economic burden. Ferroptosis, a novel type of regulated cell death (RCD) driven by lipid peroxidation, has been shown to be involved in various pathological conditions, including diabetes, ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, inflammation-related diseases, and cancer. Therefore, specifically targeting the uncontrolled ferroptosis process may offer new therapeutic opportunities. Of note, certain interventions, such as small-molecule compounds, natural products, herbal medicines, and non-pharmacological approaches, have been reported to prevent and treat multiple human diseases by reversing the dysregulation of ferroptosis. In this review, we present the key molecular mechanisms that regulate ferroptosis. Importantly, interventions targeting ferroptosis are summarized from the perspective of dietary patterns, food and nutrients. By understanding these advances, innovative ideas can be provided for individualized dietary interventions and treatment strategies.

Differential Expression of Small Non-Coding RNAs in Uterine Leiomyomas

We performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) on RNA from 19 paired leiomyoma (Lyo) and myometrium (Myo) specimens, stratified by race/ethnicity (White: n = 7; Black: n = 12) and mediator complex subunit 12 (MED12) mutation status (mutated: n = 10; non-mutated: n = 9). Analysis identified 2,189 small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) with altered expression in Lyo compared to paired Myo (≥1.5-fold change), including small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs), small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). Among these, 17 sncRNAs showed differential expression in the MED12-mutated group versus Myo, while minimal changes were observed in the non-mutated group. Additionally, 31 sncRNAs displayed differential expression in Black women compared to White women. For validation, five novel miRNAs (miR-19a-3p, miR-99a-5p, miR-3196, miR-499a-5p, and miR-30d-3p) and five piRNAs (piR-009295, piR-020326, piR-020365, piR-006426, and piR-020485) were analyzed in 51 paired Lyo samples using qRT-PCR. Reduced expression of the selected sncRNAs was confirmed in Lyo versus Myo, with miR-19a-3p, miR-3196, miR-30d-3p, piR-006426, and piR-020485 linked to MED12 status, while miR-499a-5p and miR-30d-3p were associated with race/ethnicity. These findings suggest that sncRNA dysregulation contributes to altered gene expression in Lyo, influenced by MED12 mutation and racial background.

Identification of potential diagnostic targets and therapeutic strategies for anoikis-related biomarkers in lung squamous cell carcinoma using machine learning and computational virtual screening

Objective

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is a common subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) characterized by high invasiveness, high metastatic potential, and drug resistance, resulting in poor patient prognosis. Anoikis, a specific form of apoptosis triggered by cell detachment from the extracellular matrix (ECM), plays a crucial role in tumor metastasis. Resistance to anoikis is a key mechanism by which cancer cells acquire metastatic potential. Although several studies have identified biomarkers related to LUSC, the role of anoikis-related genes (ARGs) remains largely unexplored.

Methods

Anoikis-related genes were obtained from the Harmonizome and GeneCards databases, and 222 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in LUSC were identified via differential expression analysis. Univariate Cox regression analysis identified 74 ARGs significantly associated with survival, and a prognostic model comprising 8 ARGs was developed using LASSO and multivariate Cox regression analyses. The model was internally validated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival curves. Differences in immune cell infiltration and gene expression between high- and low-risk groups were analyzed. Virtual drug screening and molecular dynamics simulations were performed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of CSNK2A1, a key gene in the model. Finally, in vitro experiments were conducted to validate the therapeutic effects of the identified drug on LUSC.

Results

The 8-gene prognostic model demonstrated excellent predictive performance and stability. Significant differences in immune cell infiltration and immune microenvironment characteristics were observed between the high- and low-risk groups, suggesting the critical role of ARGs in shaping the immune landscape of LUSC. Virtual drug screening identified Dihydroergotamine as having the highest binding affinity for CSNK2A1. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed that the CSNK2A1-Dihydroergotamine complex exhibited strong binding stability. Further in vitro experiments demonstrated that Dihydroergotamine significantly inhibited LUSC cell viability, migration, and invasion, and downregulated CSNK2A1 expression.

Conclusion

This study is the first to construct an anoikis-related prognostic model for LUSC, highlighting its role in the tumor immune microenvironment and providing insights into personalized therapy. Dihydroergotamine exhibited significant anti-LUSC activity and holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent. CSNK2A1 emerged as a robust candidate for early diagnosis and a therapeutic target in LUSC.

Ferroptosis regulates hemolysis in stored murine and human red blood cells

ABSTRACT

Red blood cell (RBC) metabolism regulates hemolysis during aging in vivo and in the blood bank. However, the genetic underpinnings of RBC metabolic heterogeneity and extravascular hemolysis at population scale are incompletely understood. On the basis of the breeding of 8 founder strains with extreme genetic diversity, the Jackson Laboratory diversity outbred population can capture the impact of genetic heterogeneity in like manner to population-based studies. RBCs from 350 outbred mice, either fresh or stored for 7 days, were tested for posttransfusion recovery, as well as metabolomics and lipidomics analyses. Metabolite and lipid quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapped >400 gene-metabolite associations, which we collated into an online interactive portal. Relevant to RBC storage, we identified a QTL hotspot on chromosome 1, mapping on the region coding for the ferrireductase 6-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate 3 (Steap3), a transcriptional target to p53. Steap3 regulated posttransfusion recovery, contributing to a ferroptosis-like process of lipid peroxidation, as validated via genetic manipulation in mice. Translational validation of murine findings in humans, STEAP3 polymorphisms were associated with RBC iron content, lipid peroxidation, and in vitro hemolysis in 13 091 blood donors from the Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study. QTL analyses in humans identified a network of gene products (fatty acid desaturases 1 and 2, epoxide hydrolase 2, lysophosphatidylcholine acetyl-transferase 3, solute carrier family 22 member 16, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, very long chain fatty acid elongase, and phospholipase A2 group VI) associated with altered levels of oxylipins. These polymorphisms were prevalent in donors of African descent and were linked to allele frequency of hemolysis-linked polymorphisms for Steap3 or p53. These genetic variants were also associated with lower hemoglobin increments in thousands of single-unit transfusion recipients from the vein-to-vein database.

Dicoumarol sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma cells to ferroptosis induced by imidazole ketone erastin

Introduction

Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death, is characterized by the lethal accumulation of lipid peroxides on cellular membranes. It not only inhibits tumor growth but also enhances immunotherapy responses and overcomes drug resistance in cancer therapy. The inhibition of the cystine-glutamate antiporter, system Xc-, induces ferroptosis. Imidazole ketone erastin (IKE), an inhibitor of the system Xc- functional subunit solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), is an effective and metabolically stable inducer of ferroptosis with potential in vivo applications. However, tumor cells exhibited differential sensitivity to IKE-induced ferroptosis. The intrinsic factors determining sensitivity to IKE-induced ferroptosis remain to be explored to improve its efficacy.

Methods

Bulk RNA-sequencing data from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and normal liver tissues were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases. Differentially expressed genes were identified and intersected with the ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) listed in the FerrDb database, yielding the identification of 13 distinct FRGs.

Results

A ferroptosis signature index model (Risk Score) was developed to predict HCC prognosis. And SLC7A11 and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) were identified as candidate FRGs indicating poor prognosis of HCC. Dicoumarol (DIC), an inhibitor of NQO1, was subsequently employed to assess its sensitizing effects on IKE in HCC treatment. In HCC cell lines and the subcutaneous xenograft model, the combined suppression of SLC7A11 and NQO1 significantly enhanced the inhibitory effect on tumor growth by inducing ferroptosis.

Discussion

In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that DIC sensitized HCC cells to IKE-induced ferroptosis in HCC. Moreover, the identification of potential drugs that enhance the susceptibility of HCC cells to ferroptosis could provide novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of HCC.

FBR2 modulates ferroptosis via the SIRT3/p53 pathway to ameliorate pulmonary fibrosis

Background

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), an interstitial lung disease of unknown etiology, remains incurable with current therapies, which fail to halt disease progression or restore lung function. However, Feibi Recipe No. 2 (FBR2), a clinically validated traditional Chinese medicine formula, exhibits potential as an IPF treatment.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effect of FBR2 on ferroptosis through the SIRT3/p53 pathway and its therapeutic potential in improving IPF.

Methods

Pulmonary fibrosis was induced in C57BL/6J mice by intratracheal instillation of Bleomycin (BLM), followed by FBR2 treatment via gavage. Assessments encompassed histopathology, ELISA for cytokine detection, IHC and Western blot for protein expression analysis, and qRT-PCR for gene expression quantification. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe mitochondrial morphology. The roles of Erastin and the SIRT3 inhibitor 3-TYP were also explored to elucidate FBR2's mechanisms of action.

Results

FBR2 treatment significantly mitigated BLM-induced lung injury in mice, as evidenced by improved body weight and survival rates, and reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6 and TNF-α. FBR2 decreased collagen deposition in lung tissue, as shown by Masson's staining and IHC detection of Col-I and α-SMA, confirming its anti-fibrotic effects. It also reduced iron and MDA levels in lung tissue, increased GSH-Px activity, improved mitochondrial morphology, and enhanced the expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11, indicating its ferroptosis-inhibitory capacity. Furthermore, FBR2 increased SIRT3 levels and suppressed p53 and its acetylated forms, promoting the translocation of p53 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm where it co-localized with SIRT3. The protective effects of FBR2 were reversed by Erastin, confirming the central role of ferroptosis in pulmonary fibrosis treatment. The use of 3-TYP further confirmed FBR2's intervention in ferroptosis and cellular senescence through the SIRT3/p53 pathway.

Conclusion

FBR2 shows therapeutic potential in a BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis mouse model, with its effects mediated through modulation of the ferroptosis pathway via the SIRT3/p53 mechanism. This study provides novel evidence for the targeted treatment of IPF and offers further insights into its pathogenesis.

Insights on the crosstalk among different cell death mechanisms

The phenomenon of cell death has garnered significant scientific attention in recent years, emerging as a pivotal area of research. Recently, novel modalities of cellular death and the intricate interplay between them have been unveiled, offering insights into the pathogenesis of various diseases. This comprehensive review delves into the intricate molecular mechanisms, inducers, and inhibitors of the underlying prevalent forms of cell death, including apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, necroptosis, mitophagy, and pyroptosis. Moreover, it elucidates the crosstalk and interconnection among the key pathways or molecular entities associated with these pathways, thereby paving the way for the identification of novel therapeutic targets, disease management strategies, and drug repurposing.

Design, synthesis, molecular docking and anticancer activity evaluation of methyl salicylate based thiazoles as PTP1B inhibitors

This work presents a rational synthesis of 14 innovative methyl salicylate based thiazole (MSBT) derivatives, designed as protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitors with potent anticancer activity. Enzyme inhibition studies were performed for all compounds. In addition, molecular docking simulations and assessment of antiproliferative activity were performed for the most active of the lot. For antiproliferative studies, the cell lines of breast cancer (T47D) and non-small-cell lung carcinoma (A549), as well as healthy control of human skin fibroblasts (HSF), were used. As a result, 3 compounds were found to inhibit the PTP1B enzyme in submicromolar concentrations: 3j (IC50 = 0.51 ± 0.15 µM), 3f. (IC50 = 0.66 ± 0.38 µM) and 3d (IC50 = 0.93 ± 0.51 µM), all surpassing the reference inhibitor as much as sixfold (IC50 = 3.23 ± 0.85 µM). Moreover, compound 3j was found to be highly selective towards T47D cancer cells. The cellular mechanism of compound 3j action was associated with the inhibition of DNA replication via blocking the S phase of interphase and induction of apoptosis. Also, molecular docking simulations made for compound 3j revealed continuous interactions between the molecule and the catalytic site, as well as with all the loops involved in the catalytic activity of the protein. Therefore, the new group of MSBT derivatives offers great promise for safe and effective anticancer therapy.

Hepatocellular carcinoma: signaling pathways and therapeutic advances

Liver cancer represents a major global health concern, with projections indicating that the number of new cases could surpass 1 million annually by 2025. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes around 90% of liver cancer cases and is primarily linked to factors incluidng aflatoxin, hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV), and metabolic disorders. There are no obvious symptoms in the early stage of HCC, which often leads to delays in diagnosis. Therefore, HCC patients usually present with tumors in advanced and incurable stages. Several signaling pathways are dis-regulated in HCC and cause uncontrolled cell propagation, metastasis, and recurrence of HCC. Beyond the frequently altered and therapeutically targeted receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) pathways in HCC, pathways involved in cell differentiation, telomere regulation, epigenetic modification and stress response also provide therapeutic potential. Investigating the key signaling pathways and their inhibitors is pivotal for achieving therapeutic advancements in the management of HCC. At present, the primary therapeutic approaches for advanced HCC are tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), and combination regimens. New trials are investigating combination therapies involving ICIs and TKIs or anti-VEGF (endothelial growth factor) therapies, as well as combinations of two immunotherapy regimens. The outcomes of these trials are expected to revolutionize HCC management across all stages. Here, we provide here a comprehensive review of cellular signaling pathways, their therapeutic potential, evidence derived from late-stage clinical trials in HCC and discuss the concepts underlying earlier clinical trials, biomarker identification, and the development of more effective therapeutics for HCC.

Application of Nanomaterial-Mediated Ferroptosis Regulation in Kidney Disease

Kidney diseases are a significant global cause of death and disability, resulting from the destruction of kidney structure and function due to an imbalance between the death of renal parenchymal cells and the proliferation or recruitment of maladaptive cells, caused by various pathogenic factors. Currently, therapies and their efficacy for kidney diseases are limited. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered iron-dependent regulated cell death. The imbalance of iron homeostasis and lipid metabolism affects the occurrence and progression of kidney diseases by triggering ferroptosis, which is considered an important target for the development of kidney disease drugs. However, in clinical practice, targeted ferroptosis therapy for kidney diseases faces obstacles such as poor drug solubility, low drug resistance, and imprecise targeting. With the rapid development of nanomaterials in the medical field, new opportunities have emerged for the precise regulation of ferroptosis in the treatment of kidney diseases. This article provides a detailed introduction to the regulatory mechanisms of ferroptosis, the properties of nanomaterials, and their application in the treatment of kidney diseases, with a focus on discussing the mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential of nanomaterials based on ferroptosis regulation in kidney diseases. The aim of this article is to provide new ideas and directions for future kidney disease treatments.

Epigenetic modifications in bladder cancer: crosstalk between DNA methylation and miRNAs

Bladder cancer (BC) is a malignant tumor characterized by a high incidence of urinary system diseases. The complex pathogenesis of BC has long been a focal point in medical research. With the robust development of epigenetics, the crucial role of epigenetic modifications in the occurrence and progression of BC has been elucidated. These modifications not only affect gene expression but also impact critical biological behaviors of tumor cells, including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis. Notably, DNA methylation, an important epigenetic regulatory mechanism, often manifests as global hypomethylation or hypermethylation of specific gene promoter regions in BC. Alterations in this methylation pattern can lead to increased genomic instability, which profoundly influences the expression of proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. MiRNAs, as noncoding small RNAs, participate in various biological processes of BC by regulating target genes. Consequently, this work aims to explore the interaction mechanisms between DNA methylation and miRNAs in the occurrence and development of BC. Research has demonstrated that DNA methylation not only directly influences the expression of miRNA genes but also indirectly affects the maturation and functionality of miRNAs by modulating the methylation status of miRNA promoter regions. Simultaneously, miRNAs can regulate DNA methylation levels by targeting key enzymes such as DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), thereby establishing a complex feedback regulatory network. A deeper understanding of the crosstalk mechanisms between DNA methylation and miRNAs in BC will contribute to elucidating the complexity and dynamics of epigenetic modifications in this disease, and may provide new molecular targets and strategies for the early diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic evaluation of BC.

Beyond immortality: Epstein-Barr virus and the intricate dance of programmed cell death in cancer development

This comprehensive review delves into the intricate role of programmed cell death in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated malignancies, focusing on the sophisticated interplay between viral mechanisms and the host's immune response. The central objective is to unravel how EBV exerts control over cell death pathways such as apoptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy, thereby fostering its persistence and oncogenic potential. By dissecting these mechanisms, the review seeks to identify therapeutic strategies that could disrupt EBV's manipulation of these pathways, enhancing immune recognition and opening new avenues for targeted treatment. A deeper understanding of the molecular underpinnings of EBV's influence on cell death not only enriches the field of viral oncology but also pinpoints targets for drug development. Furthermore, the insights gleaned from this review could catalyze the design of vaccines aimed at preventing EBV infection or curtailing its oncogenic impact. Innovatively, the review synthesizes recent discoveries on the multifaceted roles of non-coding RNAs and cellular signaling pathways in modulating cell death within the context of EBV infection. By consolidating current knowledge and identifying areas where understanding is lacking, it lays the groundwork for future research that could lead to significant advancements in vaccine development and therapeutic interventions for EBV-related cancers. This review underscores the critical necessity for ongoing investigation into the complex interplay between EBV and host cell death mechanisms, with the ultimate goal of enhancing patient outcomes in EBV-associated diseases.

PTOV1 exerts pro-oncogenic role in colorectal cancer by modulating SQSTM1-mediated autophagic degradation of p53

BACKGROUND

Prostate Tumor Overexpressed 1 (PTOV1) is overexpressed and associated with malignant phenotypes in various types of tumors. However, the detailed roles of PTOV1 and its underlying mechanism in CRC remain unclear.

METHODS

The clinical significance of PTOV1 was assessed in clinical databases and CRC samples. The effects of PTOV1 on the tumor-associated phenotypes of CRC were detected by several in vitro assays and in vivo mouse models. Immunoprecipitation (IP) combined with protein mass spectrometry and Co-Immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) was used to identify p53 interacting with PTOV1. Immunofluorescence assay, western blot and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis were used to evaluated the effects of PTOV1 on autophagy.

RESULTS

Here, we revealed that PTOV1 was highly expressed in human CRC tissues, especially at advanced stages, and associated with reduced survival time among CRC patients. The upregulated PTOV1 promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion, tumor growth and metastasis of CRC cells in vitro and in vivo. At the molecular level, PTOV1 destabilized p53 by activating autophagy and recruiting p53 for the cargo receptor SQSTM1 directed autophagic degradation. There was a negative expression correlation between PTOV1 and p53 in CRC tissues. Moreover, p53 overexpression or SQSTM1 knockdown reversed the pro-tumor phenotypes of PTOV1 in CRC.

CONCLUSION

Our study unveils the oncogenic role of PTOV1 in CRC progression, which was achieved by promoting SQSTM1 directed autophagic degradation of p53. These findings highlight the potential of targeting the PTOV1-SQSTM1-p53 axis as a therapeutic approach for CRC.

Neuronal Injury after Ischemic Stroke: Mechanisms of Crosstalk Involving Necroptosis

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide, largely due to its increasing incidence associated with an aging population. This condition results from arterial obstruction, significantly affecting patients' quality of life and imposing a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems. While current treatments primarily focus on the rapid restoration of blood flow through thrombolytic therapy or surgical interventions, a limited understanding of neuronal injury mechanisms hampers the development of more effective treatments.This article explores the interplay among various cell death pathways-necroptosis, apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis-in the context of ischemic stroke to identify novel therapeutic targets. Each mode of cell death displays unique characteristics and roles post-stroke, and the activation of these pathways may vary across different animal models, complicating the translation of therapeutic strategies to clinical settings. Notably, the interaction between apoptosis and necroptosis is highlighted; inhibiting apoptosis might heighten the risk of necroptosis. Therefore, a balanced regulation of these pathways could promote enhanced neuronal survival.Additionally, we introduce PANoptosis, a form of cell death that encompasses pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis, emphasizing the complexity and potential therapeutic implications of these interactions. In summary, understanding the relationships among these cell death mechanisms in ischemic stroke is vital for developing new neuroprotective agents. Future research should aim for combinatorial interventions targeting multiple pathways to optimize treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes.

ctdsp2 Knockout Induces Zebrafish Craniofacial Dysplasia via p53 Signaling Activation

Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is a rare congenital craniofacial deformity that significantly impacts the appearance and hearing. The genetic etiology of HFM remains largely unknown, although genetic factors are considered to be primary contributors. We previously identified CTDSP2 as a potential causative gene in HFM cases. Utilizing CRISPR/Cas9, we knocked out ctdsp2 in zebrafish and analyzed the spatiotemporal expression of ctdsp2 and neural crest cell (NCC) markers through in situ hybridization (ISH). Craniofacial cartilage and chondrocyte phenotypes were visualized using Alcian blue and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed via immunofluorescence with PH3 and TUNEL. RNA sequencing was performed on ctdsp2-/- embryos and control siblings, followed by rescue experiments. Knockout of ctdsp2 in zebrafish resulted in craniofacial defects characteristic of HFM. We observed abnormalities in NCC apoptosis and proliferation in the pharyngeal arches, as well as impaired differentiation of chondrocytes in ctdsp2-/- embryos. RNA-Seq analysis revealed significantly higher expression of genes in the p53 signaling pathway in mutants. Furthermore, ctdsp2 mRNA injection and tp53 knockout significantly rescued pharyngeal arch cartilage dysplasia. Our findings suggest that ctdsp2 knockout induces zebrafish craniofacial dysplasia, primarily by disrupting pharyngeal chondrocyte differentiation and inhibiting NCC proliferation through p53 signaling pathway activation.

Ursolic acid enhances radiosensitivity in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by modulating p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway-mediated ferroptosis

BACKGROUND

Radiotherapy is essential for the management of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, ESCC cells are highly susceptible to developing resistance to radiotherapy, leading to poor prognosis. Ursolic acid (UA) is a herbal monomer, has multiple medicinal benefits like anti-tumor. The impact of UA on the sensitivity of ESCC cells to radiotherapy is currently unclear.

METHODS

The impact of UA and ionizing radiation (IR) on the viability of TE-1 and KYSE30 cells was assessed by the MTT assay. EdU staining, flow cytometry, clone formation, Wound healing and Transwell assay detected the biological properties of ESCC cells. FerroOrange, DCFH-DA, and kits to detect the influences of UA and/or IR treatment on cellular ferroptosis. The levels of p53/solute carrier family 7a member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) pathway proteins were detected by Western blot. Additionally, a subcutaneous graft tumor model was constructed in nude mice.

RESULTS

10 μM UA reduced the viability and induced death of ESCC cells. UA enhanced the impacts of IR by suppressing cell proliferation, migration and invasion, inducing cell death, and causing cell cycle arrest. Ferroptosis inhibitor impaired the inhibitory impacts of UA and IR on the biological properties of ESCC cells. The combination of UA and IR led to ferroptosis through the modulation of the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway, and UA enhanced the responsiveness of ESCC cells to IR both in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSION

UA inhibits the malignant biological behavior of ESCC by modulating ferroptosis through the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway, and enhances the sensitivity of ESCC cells to IR.

Harnessing p53 for targeted cancer therapy: new advances and future directions

The transcription factor p53 is the most frequently impaired tumor suppressor in human cancers. In response to various stress stimuli, p53 activates transcription of genes that mediate its tumor-suppressive functions. Distinctive characteristics of p53 outlined here enable a well-defined program of genes involved in cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, senescence, differentiation, metabolism, autophagy, DNA repair, anti-viral response, and anti-metastatic functions, as well as facilitating autoregulation within the p53 network. This versatile, anti-cancer network governed chiefly by a single protein represents an immense opportunity for targeted cancer treatment, since about half of human tumors retain unmutated p53. During the last two decades, numerous compounds have been developed to block the interaction of p53 with the main negative regulator MDM2. However, small molecule inhibitors of MDM2 only induce a therapeutically desirable apoptotic response in a limited number of cancer types. Moreover, clinical trials of the MDM2 inhibitors as monotherapies have not met expectations and have revealed hematological toxicity as a characteristic adverse effect across this drug class. Currently, combination treatments are the leading strategy for enhancing efficacy and reducing adverse effects of MDM2 inhibitors. This review summarizes efforts to identify and test therapeutics that work synergistically with MDM2 inhibitors. Two main types of drugs have emerged among compounds used in the following combination treatments: first, modulators of the p53-regulated transcriptome (including chromatin modifiers), translatome, and proteome, and second, drugs targeting the downstream pathways such as apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, metabolic stress response, immune response, ferroptosis, and growth factor signaling. Here, we review the current literature in this field, while also highlighting overarching principles that could guide target selection in future combination treatments.

Association of miR-338-3p with survival outcomes in gastric cancer patients who received peri-operative blood transfusion

BACKGROUND

Perioperative blood transfusion (BT) is frequent in the treatment of gastric cancer (GC), but its effects on the prognosis of GC remains controversial. In this study, we aimed to further confirm the relationship of perioperative BT with GC overall survival and to evaluate the predictive value of microRNA-338-3p (miR-338-3p) for the prognosis of GC patients who received perioperative BT.

METHODS

Clinical data and serum samples were collected and analyzed from 246 patients with GC. Five-year follow-up survival information was assessed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. miR-338-3p relative expression was assessed by RT-qPCR, and its relationship with the prognosis of GC patients, who received perioperative BT, was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

GC patients received perioperative BT had poor 5 year survival than those without BT. In patients received BT, miR-338-3p expression was higher in survival cases than died population and high miR-338-3p was independently associated with better overall survival prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Perioperative BT is related with poor prognosis in GC patients and miR-338-3p may be a prognostic biomarker for GC patients received perioperative BT. BT in perioperative GC patients should be cautious, especially for those with low levels of miR-338-3p.

Comprehensive analysis reveals the tumor suppressor role of macrophage signature gene FCER1G in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression is closely linked to the role of macrophages. This study utilized single-cell RNA sequencing and genomic analysis to explore the characteristic genes of macrophages in HCC and their impact on patient prognosis. We obtained single-cell se-quencing data from seven HCC samples in the GEO database. Through principal component analysis and t-SNE dimensionality reduction, we identified 2,000 highly variable genes and per-formed clustering and annotation of 17 cell clusters, revealing 482 macrophage-related feature genes. A LASSO regression model based on these genes was developed to predict the prognosis of HCC patients, with validation in the TCGA-LIHC cohort demonstrating model accuracy (AUC = 0.78, 0.72, 0.71 for 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates, respectively). Additionally, patients in the high-risk group exhibited elevated tumor stemness scores, although no significant differences were observed in microsatellite instability (MSI) and tumor mutational burden (TMB) scores. Immune-related analyses revealed that FCER1G expression was downregulated in HCC and was associated with key pathways such as apoptosis and ferroptosis. Reduced FCER1G expression significantly affected HCC cell proliferation and migration. Our prognostic model provides new insights into precision and immunotherapy for HCC and holds significant implications for future clinical applications.

Design and Characterization of a Micro RNA-200c Detecting Broccoli Fluorescent Light-up Aptamer

In the last decade the important role of small non-coding RNAs such as micro RNAs (miRs) in gene regulation in healthy and disease states became more and more evident. The miR-200-family of miRs has been shown to play a critical role in many diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders and could be potentially important for diagnosis and treatment. However, the size of miRs of about ~21-23 nt provide challenges for their investigation. Here we report the conversion and optimization of the Broccoli fluorescent light-up RNA-aptamer into a specific sensor for miR-200c using a strand-displacement design principle. This aptamer can differentiate miR-200c from its family members whose sequence differ by more than one nucleotide. By adding this in vitro transcribed aptamer to RNA extracts from human cells, we can detect miR-200c in vitro in a plate reader assay.

Ginger protects against vein graft remodeling by precisely modulating ferroptotic stress in vascular smooth muscle cell dedifferentiation

Vein graft (VG) failure (VGF) is associated with VG intimal hyperplasia, which is characterized by abnormal accumulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Most neointimal VSMCs are derived from pre-existing VSMCs via a process of VSMC phenotypic transition, also known as dedifferentiation. There is increasing evidence to suggest that ginger or its bioactive ingredients may block VSMC dedifferentiation, exerting vasoprotective functions; however, the precise mechanisms have not been fully characterized. Therefore, we investigated the effect of ginger on VSMC phenotypic transition in VG remodeling after transplantation. Ginger significantly inhibited neointimal hyperplasia and promoted lumen (L) opening in a 3-month VG, which was primarily achieved by reducing ferroptotic stress. Ferroptotic stress is a pro-ferroptotic state. Contractile VSMCs did not die but instead gained a proliferative capacity and switched to the secretory type, forming neointima (NI) after vein transplantation. Ginger and its two main vasoprotective ingredients (6-gingerol and 6-shogaol) inhibit VSMC dedifferentiation by reducing ferroptotic stress. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that 6-gingerol inhibits ferroptotic stress by targeting P53, while 6-shogaol inhibits ferroptotic stress by targeting 5-lipoxygenase (Alox5), both promoting ferroptosis. Furthermore, both ingredients co-target peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), decreasing PPARγ-mediated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 1 (Nox1) expression. Nox1 promotes intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and directly induces VSMC dedifferentiation. In addition, Nox1 is a ferroptosis-promoting gene that encourages ferroptotic stress production, indirectly leading to VSMC dedifferentiation. Ginger, a natural multi-targeted ferroptotic stress inhibitor, finely and effectively prevents VSMC phenotypic transition and protects against venous injury remodeling.

Targeting secretory autophagy in solid cancers: mechanisms, immune regulation and clinical insights

Secretory autophagy is a classical form of unconventional secretion that integrates autophagy with the secretory process, relying on highly conserved autophagy-related molecules and playing a critical role in tumor progression and treatment resistance. Traditional autophagy is responsible for degrading intracellular substances by fusing autophagosomes with lysosomes. However, secretory autophagy uses autophagy signaling to mediate the secretion of specific substances and regulate the tumor microenvironment (TME). Cytoplasmic substances are preferentially secreted rather than directed toward lysosomal degradation, involving various selective mechanisms. Moreover, substances released by secretory autophagy convey biological signals to the TME, inducing immune dysregulation and contributing to drug resistance. Therefore, elucidating the mechanisms underlying secretory autophagy is essential for improving clinical treatments. This review systematically summarizes current knowledge of secretory autophagy, from initiation to secretion, considering inter-tumor heterogeneity, explores its role across different tumor types. Furthermore, it proposes future research directions and highlights unresolved clinical challenges.

Targeting regulated cell death: Apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis in anticancer immunity

In the evolving landscape of cancer treatment, the strategic manipulation of regulated cell death (RCD) pathways has emerged as a crucial component of effective anti-tumor immunity. Evidence suggests that tumor cells undergoing RCD can modify the immunogenicity of the tumor microenvironment (TME), potentially enhancing its ability to suppress cancer progression and metastasis. In this review, we first explore the mechanisms of apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis, along with the crosstalk between these cell death modalities. We then discuss how these processes activate antigen-presenting cells, facilitate the cross-priming of CD8+ T cells, and trigger anti-tumor immune responses, highlighting the complex effects of novel forms of tumor cell death on TME and tumor biology. Furthermore, we summarize potential drugs and nanoparticles that can induce or inhibit these emerging RCD pathways and their therapeutic roles in cancer treatment. Finally, we put forward existing challenges and future prospects for targeting RCD in anti-cancer immunity. Overall, this review enhances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms and biological impacts of RCD-based therapies, providing new perspectives and strategies for cancer treatment.

Breathing new insights into the role of mutant p53 in lung cancer

The tumour suppressor gene p53 is one of the most frequently mutated genes in lung cancer and these defects are associated with poor prognosis, albeit some debate exists in the lung cancer field. Despite extensive research, the exact mechanisms by which mutant p53 proteins promote the development and sustained expansion of cancer remain unclear. This review will discuss the cellular responses controlled by p53 that contribute to tumour suppression, p53 mutant lung cancer mouse models and characterisation of p53 mutant lung cancer. Furthermore, we discuss potential approaches of targeting mutant p53 for the treatment of lung cancer.

The Role of P53 in Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

PURPOSE

P53 is one of the key tumor suppressors. In normal cells, p53 is maintained at low levels by the ubiquitination of the ubiquitinated ligase MDM2. In contrast, under stress conditions such as DNA damage and ischemia, the interaction between p53 and MDM2 is blocked and activated by phosphorylation and acetylation, thereby mediating the trans-activation of p53 through its target genes to regulate a variety of cellular responses. Previous studies have shown that the expression of p53 is negligible in normal myocardium, tends to increase in myocardial ischemia and is maximally induced in ischemia-reperfused myocardium, demonstrating a possible key role of p53 in the development of MIRI. In this review, we detail and summarize recent studies on the mechanism of action of p53 in MIRI and describe the therapeutic agents targeting the relevant targets to provide new strategies for the prevention and treatment of MIRI.

METHODS

We collected 161 relevant papers mainly from Pubmed and Web of Science (search terms "p53" and "myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury"). After that, we selected pathway studies related to p53 and classified them according to their contents. We eventually analyzed and summarized them.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

In this review, we detail and summarize recent studies on the mechanism of action of p53 in MIRI and validate its status as an important intermediate affecting MIRI. On the one hand, p53 is regulated and modified by multiple factors, especially non-coding RNAs; on the other hand, p53 regulates apoptosis, programmed necrosis, autophagy, iron death and oxidative stress in MIRI through multiple pathways. More importantly, several studies have reported medications targeting p53-related therapeutic targets. These medications are expected to be effective options for the alleviation of MIRI, but further safety and clinical studies are needed to convert them into clinical applications.

Manganese Galvanic Cells Intervene in Tumor Metabolism to Reinforce cGAS-STING Activation for Bidirectional Synergistic Hydrogen-Immunotherapy

The cGAS-STING pathway is pivotal in initiating antitumor immunity. However, tumor metabolism, particularly glycolysis, negatively regulates the activation of the cGAS-STING pathway. Herein, Mn galvanic cells (MnG) are prepared via liquid-phase exfoliation and in situ galvanic replacement to modulate tumor metabolism, thereby enhancing cGAS-STING activation for bidirectional synergistic H2-immunotherapy. The obtained MnG can be etched by water, enabling efficient and sustained generation of H2 gas and Mn2+. MnG not only activated and amplified the cGAS-STING pathway through the sustained release of Mn2+ but also regulated tumor glucose metabolism to inhibit the expression of three prime repair exonuclease 2 (TREX2), thereby synergistically enhancing the activation of the cGAS-STING pathway. The injection of MnG into tumors resulted in a robust immune response, thereby providing favorable support for antitumor therapy. Consequently, the combination of MnG with immune checkpoint blockade therapy resulted in significant suppression of both primary tumors and distant tumors. Furthermore, the MnG-lipiodol dispersion exhibited remarkable efficacy in combination with transarterial embolization (TAE)-gas-immunotherapy in a rabbit orthotopic liver tumor model. The present study underscores the significance of employing a metal galvanic cell strategy for enhanced immunotherapy, thereby offering a novel approach for rational design of bioactive materials to augment immunotherapeutic effectiveness.

Portrait of WWP1: the current state in human cancer

WWP1, a member of the C2-WW-HECT E3 ligase family, is an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase containing WW domains. This enzyme plays a critical role in regulating diverse cellular processes. Its expression is modulated by various factors and non-coding RNAs, resulting in ubiquitination that affects substrate protein degradation. WWP1 demonstrates a dual function, acting predominantly as an oncogene in tumors but occasionally as a tumor suppressor. This review summarizes WWP1's biological roles, therapeutic potential in oncology, upstream regulatory factors, and downstream substrates. It aims to promote research on WWP1's antitumor effects, improve understanding of its role in tumorigenesis, and support the development of targeted therapies.

XueBiJing injection improves the symptoms of sepsis-induced acute lung injury by mitigating oxidative stress and ferroptosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

XBJ injection is approved by the China Food and Drug Administration for the adjunctive treatment of sepsis, and it is derived from the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription XuefuZhuyu Decoction. It consists of five Chinese herbal extracts: Carthamus tinctorius, Paeonia lactiflora, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Conioselinum anthriscoides 'Chuanxiong' and Angelica sinensis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between ferroptosis and acute septic lung injury, and to evaluate the improvement effect of XBJ injection on acute lung injury in sepsis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Acute lung injury was induced in rats by cecum ligation and puncture, and these rats were treated with XBJ injection. Oxidative stress and inflammation levels were assessed in serum and lung tissue, and tissue samples were collected for histological and protein analyses. To illustrate the mechanism of the improvement effect of XBJ on acute lung injury in sepsis, serum lipidomics was carried out to investigate whether XBJ prevents oxidative stress-induced lipid metabolism disorders. Furthermore, protein expression of ferroptosis-related genes was also examined.

RESULTS

XBJ was shown to be effective in alleviating sepsis-induced ALI. XBJ also improves sepsis-induced acute lung injury by reducing lipid peroxidation and inflammation and modulating ferroptosis pathways. Specifically, compared with the sham group, XBJ downregulated the levels of Fe2+, MDA and GSSG, and reversed the decrease in the levels of GSH and GSH/GSSH in lung tissue. Metabolic pathways such as glycerophospholipid metabolism, phospholipid metabolism, and lipid metabolism associated with ferroptosis were obtained by lipidomic analysis of differential lipid metabolite enrichment, suggesting that ferroptosis occurs in septic rats, and that XBJ inhibits ferroptosis and thereby improves sepsis-induced ALI. Furthermore, XBJ optimises iron metabolism and lipid oxide metabolism by regulating the expression of a series of proteins that are closely related to ferroptosis, such as GPX4, ACSL4, x-CT, and FTH1.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings, initially, indicated that XBJ ameliorates sepsis-induced ALI by reducing oxidative stress and ferroptosis, revealing a previously unrecognised mechanism by which XBJ ameliorates sepsis-induced ALI.

TERT-TP53 mutations: a novel biomarker pair for hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence and prognosis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent form of liver cancer, and ranks among the most lethal malignancies globally, primarily due to its high rates of recurrence and metastasis. Despite the urgency, no reliable biomarkers currently exist for predicting tumor recurrence in HCC. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations (TERTpm) and cellular tumor antigen p53 mutations (TP53m) have been frequently documented in HCC, but their combined clinical significance remains undefined. In this study, we investigated the clinical implications of TERTpm, TP53m, and their co-occurrence in 50 HCC tissue samples using the next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. We identified TERTpm (C228T) and TP53m in 16 (32%) and 24 (48%) samples, respectively. Our findings indicate that these mutations are more prevalent in male patients (100% for TERTpm, 83.33% for TP53m), in those with solitary tumors (87.5% for both), in individuals with G2-G3 hepatitis (100% / 83.3%), and in cases of moderately differentiated tumors (75.0% / 83.3%). Furthermore, patients with both TERTpm and TP53m exhibited a significantly higher risk of tumor relapse (P < 0.05) and shorter progression-free survival (P < 0.05). Collectively, our results suggest that presence of both TERTpm and TP53m may serve as a robust predictor of tumor recurrence and a marker of poor prognosis in HCC.

Age-related p53 SUMOylation accelerates senescence and tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease

Aging is a major risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). With the prevalence of AD increased, a mechanistic linkage between aging and the pathogenesis of AD needs to be further addressed. Here, we report that a small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) modification of p53 is implicated in the process which remarkably increased in AD patient's brain. Mechanistically, SUMOylation of p53 at K386 residue causes the dissociation of SET/p53 complex, thus releasing SET into the cytoplasm, SET further interacts with cytoplasmic PP2A and inhibits its activity, resulting in tau hyperphosphorylation in neurons. In addition, SUMOylation of p53 promotes the p53 Ser15 phosphorylation that mediates neuronal senescence. Notably, p53 SUMOylation contributes to synaptic damage and cognitive defects in AD model mice. We also demonstrate that the SUMOylation inhibiter, Ginkgolic acid, recovering several senescent phenotypes drove by p53 SUMOylation in primary neurons. These findings suggest a previously undiscovered etiopathogenic relationship between aging and AD that is linked to p53 SUMOylation and the potential of SUMOylated p53-based therapeutics for neurodegeneration such as Alzheimer's disease.

Novel insights into cuproptosis in alcoholic liver disease using bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation

Cuproptosis is crucial in the development of various liver diseases, yet its involvement in alcoholic liver disease (ALD) remains poorly understood. In this study, we screened cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) regulating ALD and explored their potential molecular mechanisms. Bioinformatic methods were employed to screen CRGs in ALD, analyze their functional enrichment, signaling pathways, transcriptional regulation, relationship with the immune microenvironment and pathogenic genes, and corresponding single nucleotide polymorphism pathogenic regions, and construct transcription factor-miRNA-mRNA networks. Liver tissues from patients with ALD and NIAAA model mice were collected and assessed for copper deposition. CRG expression in the livers of patients was analyzed using RNA sequencing. CRG expression in liver tissues was also analyzed using RNA sequencing and verified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase (DLAT), glutaminase (GLS), and cyclin-dependent protein kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) were identified as potential ALD-associated CRGs with significant diagnostic value. Consistent with the results of bioinformatics analysis, these genes were notably upregulated in liver tissues from both patients with ALD and NIAAA model mice. All three ALD-associated CRGs were regulated by E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) and showed a significant negative correlation with the expression of ADH1B and ALDH2, key enzymes in alcohol metabolism. They were positively correlated with PI3K/AKT/mTOR, IFN-γ response, and complement signaling pathways but negatively correlated with bile acid and xenobiotic metabolism. This study identified DLAT, GLS, and CDKN2A as the ALD-associated CRGs, providing valuable insights into their molecular mechanisms in ALD pathogenesis, which may inform diagnosis and treatment.