Inhibition of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5: A Strategy to Improve Sorafenib Response in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Therapy

CDK5 targets p21CIP1 to regulate thyroid cancer cell proliferation and malignancy in patients

Cyclin‑dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), known for its role in neuronal function, has emerged as a key player in cancer biology, particularly in thyroid cancer. The present study explored the interaction between CDK5 and the cyclin‑dependent kinase inhibitor p21CIP1 in thyroid cancer (TC). Bioinformatic tools and immunoprecipitation assays were used to confirm that CDK5 targets p21 for ubiquitin‑mediated degradation, reducing its stability and tumor‑suppressive effects. Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas revealed a significant inverse correlation between CDK5 and p21 expression, with higher CDK5 levels linked to increased tumor malignancy and worse survival outcomes; conversely, higher p21 expression was correlated with an improved prognosis. Immunohistochemistry analysis of TC samples further confirmed that increased CDK5 and reduced p21 expression were associated with more advanced tumor stages and aggressive phenotypes. These findings suggested that CDK5‑mediated degradation of p21 contributes to TC progression and malignancy, highlighting the potential of targeting the CDK5‑p21 axis as a therapeutic strategy for management of TC.

CDK5: Insights into its roles in diseases

Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), a unique member of the CDK family, is a proline-directed serine/threonine protein kinase with critical roles in various physiological and pathological processes. Widely expressed in the central nervous system, CDK5 is strongly implicated in neurological diseases. Beyond its neurological roles, CDK5 is involved in metabolic disorders, psychiatric conditions, and tumor progression, contributing to processes such as proliferation, migration, immune evasion, genomic stability, and angiogenesis. This review explores the structure and biological functions of CDK5, highlighting its regulatory roles in disease development through the phosphorylation of diverse substrate proteins. Additionally, we examine the therapeutic potential of CDK5 inhibition, offering novel perspectives for disease diagnosis and treatment.

The Potential Therapeutic Applications of CRISPR/Cas9 in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Cancers

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is one the most prevalent types of cancer. Despite current chemotherapy's success, patients with GI cancer continue to have a dismal outcome. The onset and progression of cancer are caused by alterations and the abnormal expression of several families of genes, like tumor-suppressor genes, oncogenes, and chemotherapy-resistant genes. The final purpose of tumor therapy is to inhibit cellular development by modifying mutations and editing the irregular expression of genes It has been reported that CDH1, TP53, KRAS, ARID1A, PTEN, and HLA-B are the commonly mutated genes in GI cancer. Gene editing has become one potential approach for cases with advanced or recurrent CRC, who are nonresponsive to conventional treatments and a variety of driver mutations along with progression cause GI progression. CRISPR/Cas9 technique is a reliable tool to edit the genome and understand the functions of mutations driving GI cancer development. CRISPR/Cas9 can be applied to genome therapy for GI cancers, particularly with reference to molecular-targeted medicines and suppressors. Moreover, it can be used as a therapeutic approach by knocking in/out multiple genes. The use of CRISPR/ Cas9 gene editing method for GI cancer therapy has therefore resulted in some improvements. There are several research works on the role of CRISPR/Cas9 in cancer treatment that are summarized in the following separate sections. Here, the use of CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing in GI and the use of CRISPR/Cas9 is discussed in terms of Targeting Chemotherapy Resistance-related Genes like; KRAS, TP53, PTEN, and ARID1A.

Prognostic value of oxidative phosphorylation-related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma

PURPOSE

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent malignancies worldwide. Recently, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) has received extensive concern as an emerging target in antitumor therapy. However, the OXPHOS-involved underlying genes and clinical utilization in HCC remain worth exploring. The present research aimed to create an OXPHOS-relevant signature in HCC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this study, the prognostic signature genes linked with OXPHOS were identified, and prognostic models were built using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) cox regression analysis. Furthermore, the combination study of immune microenvironment and signature genes looked into the involvement of immune cells in signature-based genes in HCC. Following that, chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity and immunotherapy analysis was implemented to predict clinical efficacy in HCC patients. Finally, clinical samples were collected to measure the expression of OXPHOS-related signature genes.

RESULTS

Following a series of screens, six prognostic signature genes related with OXPHOS were identified: MRPS23, MPV17, MAPK3, IGF2BP2, CDK5, and IDH2, on which a risk model was built. The findings revealed a significant drop in the survival rate of HCC patients as their risk score increased. Meanwhile, independent prognostic study demonstrated that the risk score could accurately identify HCC patients. Immuno-microenvironmental correlation research suggested that the prognostic characteristics could serve as a reference index for both immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Finally, RT-qPCR exhibited a trend in signature gene expression that was consistent with the results.

CONCLUSION

In this study, a total of six prognostic genes associated with OXPHOS were selected and a prognostic model was constructed, providing an essential reference for the study of OXPHOS in HCC.

A prognostic four-gene signature and a therapeutic strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma: Construction and analysis of a circRNA-mediated competing endogenous RNA network

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a poor long-term prognosis. The competition of circular RNAs (circRNAs) with endogenous RNA is a novel tool for predicting HCC prognosis. Based on the alterations of circRNA regulatory networks, the analysis of gene modules related to HCC is feasible.

METHODS

Multiple expression datasets and RNA element targeting prediction tools were used to construct a circRNA-microRNA-mRNA network in HCC. Gene function, pathway, and protein interaction analyses were performed for the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in this regulatory network. In the protein-protein interaction network, hub genes were identified and subjected to regression analysis, producing an optimized four-gene signature for prognostic risk stratification in HCC patients. Anti-HCC drugs were excavated by assessing the DEGs between the low- and high-risk groups. A circRNA-microRNA-hub gene subnetwork was constructed, in which three hallmark genes, KIF4A, CCNA2, and PBK, were subjected to functional enrichment analysis.

RESULTS

A four-gene signature (KIF4A, CCNA2, PBK, and ZWINT) that effectively estimated the overall survival and aided in prognostic risk assessment in the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) cohort was developed. CDK inhibitors, PI3K inhibitors, HDAC inhibitors, and EGFR inhibitors were predicted as four potential mechanisms of drug action (MOA) in high-risk HCC patients. Subsequent analysis has revealed that PBK, CCNA2, and KIF4A play a crucial role in regulating the tumor microenvironment by promoting immune cell invasion, regulating microsatellite instability (MSI), and exerting an impact on HCC progression.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study highlights the role of the circRNA-related regulatory network, identifies a four-gene prognostic signature and biomarkers, and further identifies novel therapy for HCC.

CRISPR in Targeted Therapy and Adoptive T Cell Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Despite recent therapeutic advancements, outcomes for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unsatisfactory, highlighting the need for novel treatments. The CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) gene-editing technology offers innovative treatment approaches, involving genetic manipulation of either cancer cells or adoptive T cells to combat HCC. This review comprehensively assesses the applications of CRISPR systems in HCC treatment, focusing on in vivo targeting of cancer cells and the development of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells and T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cells. We explore potential synergies between CRISPR-based cancer therapeutics and existing treatment options, discussing ongoing clinical trials and the role of CRISPR technology in improving HCC treatment outcomes with advanced safety measures. In summary, this review provides insights into the promising prospects and current challenges of using CRISPR technology in HCC treatment, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes and revolutionizing the landscape of HCC therapeutics.

LARP4B promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression and impairs sorafenib efficacy by activating SPINK1-mediated EGFR pathway

La-related proteins (LARPs) regulate gene expression by binding to RNAs and exhibit critical effects on disease progression, including tumors. However, the role of LARP4B and its underlying mechanisms in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unclear. In this study, we found that LARP4B expression is upregulated and correlates with poor prognosis in patients with HCC. Gain- and loss-of-function assays showed that LARP4B promotes stemness, proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, LARP4B inhibition enhances the antitumor effects of sorafenib and blocks the metastasis-enhancing effects of low sorafenib concentrations in HCC. Mechanistically, LARP4B expression is upregulated by METTL3-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-IGF2BP3-dependent modification in HCC. RNA- and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP)- sequencing uncovered that LARP4B upregulates SPINK1 by binding to SPINK1 mRNA via the La motif and maintaining mRNA stability. LARP4B activates the SPINK1-mediated EGFR signaling pathway, which supports stemness, progression and sorafenib resistance in HCC. Additionally, a positive feedback loop with the LARP4B/SPINK1/p-AKT/C/EBP-β axis is responsible for the sorafenib-therapeutic benefit of LARP4B depletion. Overall, this study demonstrated that LARP4B facilitates HCC progression, and LARP4B inhibition provides benefits to sorafenib treatment in HCC, suggesting that LARP4B might be a potential therapeutic target for HCC.

Dinaciclib exerts a tumor-suppressing effect via β-catenin/YAP axis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Dinaciclib, a cyclin-dependent kinase-5 (CDK5) inhibitor, has significant anti-tumor properties. However, the precise mechanism of dinaciclib requires further investigation. Herein, we investigated the anti-tumor functions and molecular basis of dinaciclib in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). PDAC and matched para-carcinoma specimens were collected from the patients who underwent radical resection. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess CDK5 expression. Cell proliferation ability, migration, and invasion were measured using Cell Counting Kit-8, wound healing, and transwell assay, respectively. The cell cycle and apoptosis were assessed using flow cytometry. Gene expression was examined using RNA-seq and quantitative real-time PCR. Protein expression of proteins was measured by western blot analysis and immunofluorescence microscopy. Tumor-bearing mice were intraperitoneally injected with dinaciclib. CDK5 is highly expressed in PDAC. The expression level of CDK5 was significantly related to tumor size, T stage, and the American Joint Committee on Cancer stage. High CDK5 expression can predict poor survival in PDAC patients. In addition, the expression level of CDK5 might be an independent prognostic factor for PDAC patients. Dinaciclib inhibits the growth and motility of PDAC cells and induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. Mechanistically, dinaciclib down-regulated yes-associated protein (YAP) mRNA and protein expression by reducing β-catenin expression. Moreover, dinaciclib significantly inhibited PDAC cell growth in vivo . Our findings reveal a novel anti-tumor mechanism of dinaciclib in which it decreases YAP expression by down-regulating β-catenin at the transcriptional level rather than by activating Hippo pathway-mediated phosphorylation-dependent degradation.

Maintaining Drosha expression with Cdk5 inhibitors as a potential therapeutic strategy for early intervention after TBI

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability in adults. The pathological process of TBI involves a multifactorial cascade in which kinases have been proven contribute to interactions between relevant factors and amplification of signaling cascades. Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is a promising kinase that has been implicated in various brain disorders, including TBI. However, the mechanism by which Cdk5 induces neuronal damage remains unclear. Here, we show for the first time that Drosha, a key enzyme in microRNA biogenesis, is a pivotal substrate of abnormally activated Cdk5. Cdk5-mediated phosphorylation decreases Drosha expression and exacerbates nerve injury in TBI. We proved that maintaining Drosha expression via the administration of repurposed Cdk5 inhibitors that were previously studied in clinical trials is a promising approach for the early treatment of TBI. Together, our work identifies Drosha as a novel target for neuroprotective strategies after TBI and suggests Cdk5-mediated regulation of Drosha expression as a potential therapeutic strategy for early TBI intervention.

STAT3 palmitoylation initiates a positive feedback loop that promotes the malignancy of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in mice

Constitutive activation of the transcription factor STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) contributes to the malignancy of many cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is associated with poor prognosis. STAT3 activity is increased by the reversible palmitoylation of Cys108 by the palmitoyltransferase DHHC7 (encoded by ZDHHC7). Here, we investigated the consequences of S-palmitoylation of STAT3 in HCC. Increased ZDHHC7 abundance in HCC cases was associated with poor prognosis, as revealed by bioinformatics analysis of patient data. In HepG2 cells in vitro, DHHC7-mediated palmitoylation enhanced the expression of STAT3 target genes, including HIF1A, which encodes the hypoxia-inducible transcription factor HIF1α. Inhibiting DHHC7 decreased the S-palmitoylation of STAT3 and decreased HIF1α abundance. Furthermore, stabilization of HIF1α by cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) enabled it to promote the expression of ZDHHC7, which generated a positive feedback loop between DHHC7, STAT3, and HIF1α. Perturbing this loop reduced the growth of HCC cells in vivo. Moreover, DHHC7, STAT3, and HIF1α were all abundant in human HCC tissues. Our study identifies a pathway connecting these proteins that is initiated by S-palmitoylation, which may be broadly applicable to understanding the role of this modification in cancer.

A LIGHTFUL nanomedicine overcomes EGFR-mediated drug resistance for enhanced tyrosine-kinase-inhibitor-based hepatocellular carcinoma therapy

Targeting the activated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) via clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) technology is appealing to overcome the drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) towards tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy. However, combining these two distinct drugs using traditional liposomes results in a suboptimal synergistic anti-HCC effect due to the limited CRISPR/Cas9 delivery efficiency caused by lysosomal entrapment after endocytosis. Herein, we developed a liver-targeting gene-hybridizing-TKI fusogenic liposome (LIGHTFUL) that can achieve high CRISPR/Cas9 expression to reverse the EGFR-mediated drug resistance for enhanced TKI-based HCC therapy efficiently. Coated with a galactose-modified membrane-fusogenic lipid layer, LIGHTFUL reached the targeting liver site to fuse with HCC tumor cells, directly and efficiently transporting interior CDK5- and PLK1-targeting CRISPR/Cas9 plasmids (pXG333-CPs) into the HCC cell cytoplasm and then the cell nucleus for efficient expression. Such membrane-fusion-mediated pXG333-CP delivery resulted in effective downregulation of both CDK5 and PLK1, sufficiently inactivating EGFR to improve the anti-HCC effects of the co-delivered TKI, lenvatinib. This membrane-fusion-participant codelivery strategy optimized the synergetic effect of CRISPR/Cas9 and TKI combinational therapy as indicated by the 0.35 combination index in vitro and the dramatic reduction of subcutaneous and orthotopic TKI-insensitive HCC tumor growth in mice. Therefore, the established LIGHTFUL provides a unique co-delivery platform to combine gene editing and TKI therapies for enhanced synergetic therapy.

Bioinformatic analyzes and validation of cystathionine gamma-lyase as a prognostic biomarker and related to immune infiltrates in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

The role of cystathionine γ-lyase (CTH) in the prognosis and immune invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains poorly understood.

Methods

In this study, the clinical data of patients with HCC were analyzed, and the expression level of CTH was compared between HCC and normal tissues using the R package and various databases.

Results

We found that CTH expression was significantly decreased in HCC compared with normal tissues, and its expression was associated with various clinicopathological factors, including tumor stage, gender, tumor status, residual tumor, histologic stage, race, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), albumin, drinking, and smoking. Our results suggest that CTH might be a protective factor for the survival of patients with HCC. Further functional analysis revealed that high CTH expression was enriched in the Reactome signaling by interleukins and the Reactome neutrophil degranulation. Moreover, CTH expression was closely correlated with a variety of immune cells, including a negative correlation with the CD56 (bright) NK cells and follicular helper T cell (TFH), while a positive correlation with Th17 cells and central memory T cell (Tcm). High expression of CTH in immune cells predicted a better prognosis of HCC. Our findings further indicated Pyridoxal phosphate, l-cysteine, Carboxymethylthio-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol, 2-[(3-Hydroxy-2-Methyl-5-Phosphonooxymethyl-Pyridin-4-Ylmethyl)-Imino]-5-phosphono-pent-3-enoic acid and L-2-amino-3-butynoic acid as potential target candidate medications for HCC treatment based on CTH.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that CTH can serve as a biomarker to predict the prognosis and immune infiltration of HCC.

Multi-omics analysis of pyroptosis regulation patterns and characterization of tumor microenvironment in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary malignant tumor of the liver, and pyroptosis has been identified as a novel cellular program that plays a role in numerous diseases including cancer. However, the functional role of pyroptosis in HCC remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between the two found hub genes and provide targets for clinical treatment.

Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to collect the gene data and clinically-related information of patients with HCC. After the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, they were intersected with the genes related to pyroptosis, and a risk prediction model was established to predict the overall survival (OS). Subsequently, drug sensitivity analysis, Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), and Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) was used to analyze the biological characteristics of the DEGs. Different immune cell infiltration and related pathways were analyzed, and hub genes were identified by protein-protein interaction (PPI). Finally, the expression of hub genes was verified by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry.

Results

We conducted a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis to investigate the molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A total of 8,958 differentially expressed genes were identified, and 37 differentially expressed genes were associated with pyroptosis through intersection. Moreover, we developed an OS model with excellent predictive ability and discovered the differences in biological function, drug sensitivity, and immune microenvironment between high-risk and low-risk groups. Through enrichment analysis, we found that the differentially expressed genes are related to various biological processes. Then, 10 hub genes were identified from protein-protein interaction networks. Finally, midkine (MDK) was screened from the 10 hub genes and further verified by PCR and immunohistochemistry, which revealed its high expression in HCC.

Conclusion

We have developed a reliable and consistent predictive model based on the identification of potential hub genes, which can be used to accurately forecast the prognosis of patients, thus providing direction for further clinical research and treatment.

CRISPR/Cas9 system: a reliable and facile genome editing tool in modern biology

Genome engineering has always been a versatile technique in biological research and medicine, with several applications. In the last several years, the discovery of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 technology has swept the scientific community and revolutionised the speed of modern biology, heralding a new era of disease detection and rapid biotechnology discoveries. It enables successful gene editing by producing targeted double-strand breaks in virtually any organism or cell type. So, this review presents a comprehensive knowledge about the mechanism and structure of Cas9-mediated RNA-guided DNA targeting and cleavage. In addition, genome editing via CRISPR-Cas9 technology in various animals which are being used as models in scientific research including Non-Human Primates Pigs, Dogs, Zebra, fish and Drosophila has been discussed in this review. This review also aims to understand the applications, serious concerns and future perspective of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing.

Ets1 mediates sorafenib resistance by regulating mitochondrial ROS pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma

The incidence and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are on a rise in the Western countries including US, attributed mostly to late detection. Sorafenib has been the first-line FDA-approved drug for advanced unresectable HCC for almost a decade, but with limited efficacy due to the development of resistance. More recently, several other multi-kinase inhibitors (lenvatinib, cabozantinib, regorafenib), human monoclonal antibody (ramucirumab), and immune checkpoint inhibitors (nivolumab, pembrolizumab) have been approved as systemic therapies. Despite this, the median survival of patients is not significantly increased. Understanding of the molecular mechanism(s) that govern HCC resistance is critically needed to increase efficacy of current drugs and to develop more efficacious ones in the future. Our studies with sorafenib-resistant (soraR) HCC cells using transcription factor RT² Profiler PCR Arrays revealed an increase in E26 transformation-specific-1 (Ets-1) transcription factor in all soraR cells. HCC TMA studies showed an increase in Ets-1 expression in advanced HCC compared to the normal livers. Overexpression or knocking down Ets-1 modulated sorafenib resistance-related epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration, and cell survival. In addition, the soraR cells showed a significant reduction of mitochondrial damage and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) generation, which were antagonized by knocking down Ets-1 expression. More in-depth analysis identified GPX-2 as a downstream mediator of Ets-1-induced sorafenib resistance, which was down-regulated by Ets-1 knockdown while other antioxidant pathway genes were not affected. Interestingly, knocking down GPX2 expression significantly increased sorafenib sensitivity in the soraR cells. Our studies indicate the activation of a novel Ets-1-GPX2 signaling axis in soraR cells, targeting which might successfully antagonize resistance and increase efficacy.

CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing: a new approach for overcoming drug resistance in cancer

The CRISPR/Cas9 system is an RNA-based adaptive immune system in bacteria and archaea. Various studies have shown that it is possible to target a wide range of human genes and treat some human diseases, including cancers, by the CRISPR/Cas9 system. In fact, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing is one of the most efficient genome manipulation techniques. Studies have shown that CRISPR/Cas9 technology, in addition to having the potential to be used as a new therapeutic approach in the treatment of cancers, can also be used to enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments. Undoubtedly, the issue of drug resistance is one of the main obstacles in the treatment of cancers. Cancer cells resist anticancer drugs by a variety of mechanisms, such as enhancing anticancer drugs efflux, enhancing DNA repair, enhancing stemness, and attenuating apoptosis. Mutations in some proteins of different cellular signaling pathways are associated with these events and drug resistance. Recent studies have shown that the CRISPR/Cas9 technique can be used to target important genes involved in these mechanisms, thereby increasing the effectiveness of anticancer drugs. In this review article, studies related to the applications of this technique in overcoming drug resistance in cancer cells will be reviewed. In addition, we will give a brief overview of the limitations of the CRISP/Cas9 gene-editing technique.

Nanoparticles Loaded with GSK1059615 Combined with Sorafenib Inhibited Programmed Cell Death 1 Ligand 1 Expression by Negatively Regulating the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Pathway, Thereby Reversing the Drug Resistance of Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Sorafenib

Activation of the cellular signaling pathways can induce sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC^R). In this work, the PI3K/mTOR inhibitor GSK1059615 inhibited the proliferation and invasion of HCC^R cells. PLGA-PEG-mal diblock copolymer was used to load GSK1059615 and sorafenib, and the vector was further modified with GPC3 antibody (hGC33) to obtain hGC33-modified GSK1059615 and sorafenib-loaded nanoparticles (Ab-G/S-NP). Ab-G/S-NP regulated the activation of cellular signaling pathways in HCC^R cells by inhibiting the expression and activation of NF-κB and downregulating the level of programmed cell death 1 ligand 1(PD-L1) to reverse drug resistance of HCC^R cells to sorafenib. These findings deserve further study in the combined treatment of HCC^R cells with GSK1059615 in vivo to develop a more effective treatment of sorafenib-resistant cancers.

Chenodeoxycholic Acid Enhances the Effect of Sorafenib in Inhibiting HepG2 Cell Growth Through EGFR/Stat3 Pathway

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly invasive disease with a high mortality rate. Our previous study found that Chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) as an endogenous metabolite can enhance the anti-tumor effect. Sorafenib has limited overall efficacy as a first-line agent in HCC, and combined with CDCA may improve its efficacy.

Methods

HepG2 cells and Balb/c nude mice were used respectively for in vitro and in vivo experiments. Flow cytometry, Western blotting, HE and immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence were used to study the effects of CDCA combined with sorafenib on HepG2 cell growth and apoptosis-related proteins. Magnetic bead coupling, protein profiling and magnetic bead immunoprecipitation were used to find the targets of CDCA action. The effect of CDCA on EGFR/Stat3 signaling pathway was further verified by knocking down Stat3 and EGFR. Finally, fluorescence confocal, and molecular docking were used to study the binding site of CDCA to EGFR.

Results

In this study, we found that CDCA enhanced the effect of sorafenib in inhibiting the proliferation, migration and invasion of HepG2 cells. Magnetic bead immunoprecipitation and protein profiling revealed that CDCA may enhance the effect of sorafenib by affecting the EGFR/Stat3 signaling pathway. Further results from in vitro and in vivo gene knockdown experiments, confocal experiments and molecular docking showed that CDCA enhances the efficacy of sorafenib by binding to the extracellular structural domain of EGFR.

Conclusion

This study reveals the mechanism that CDCA enhances the inhibitory effect of sorafenib on HepG2 cell growth in vitro and in vivo, providing a potential new combination strategy for the treatment of HCC.

CRISPR/Cas9 in Gastrointestinal Malignancies

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers such as colorectal cancer (CRC), gastric cancer (GC), esophageal cancer (EG), pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma (PDAC) or hepatocellular cancer (HCC) belong to the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer and are among the most frequent causes of cancer related death worldwide. Most types of GI cancer develop in a stepwise fashion with the occurrence of various driver mutations during tumor progression. Understanding the precise function of mutations driving GI cancer development has been regarded as a prerequisite for an improved clinical management of GI malignancies. During recent years, CRISPR/Cas9 has developed into a powerful tool for genome editing in cancer research by knocking in and knocking out even multiple genes at the same time. Within this review, we discuss recent applications for CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing in GI cancer research including CRC, GC, EG, PDAC and HCC. These applications include functional studies of candidate genes in cancer cell lines or organoids in vitro as well as in murine cancer models in vivo, library screening for the identification of previously unknown driver mutations and even gene therapy of GI cancers.

Advanced Nanotheranostics of CRISPR/Cas for Viral Hepatitis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Liver disease, particularly viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a global healthcare burden and leads to more than 2 million deaths per year worldwide. Despite some success in diagnosis and vaccine development, there are still unmet needs to improve diagnostics and therapeutics for viral hepatitis and HCC. The emerging clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/associated proteins (CRISPR/Cas) technology may open up a unique avenue to tackle these two diseases at the genetic level in a precise manner. Especially, liver is a more accessible organ over others from the delivery point of view, and many advanced strategies applied for nanotheranostics can be adapted in CRISPR-mediated diagnostics or liver gene editing. In this review, the focus is on these two aspects of viral hepatitis and HCC applications. An overview on CRISPR editor development and current progress in clinical trials is first given, followed by highlighting the recent advances integrating the merits of gene editing and nanotheranostics. The promising systems that are used in other applications but may hold potentials in liver gene editing are also discussed. This review concludes with the perspectives on rationally designing the next-generation CRISPR approaches and improving the editing performance.

Elucidating the Molecular Basis of Sorafenib Resistance in HCC: Current Findings and Future Directions

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Sorafenib is the first multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for HCC and it has represented the standard of care for advanced HCC for almost 10 years, offering a survival benefit when compared to placebo. However, this benefit is limited, showing rare objective responses and a disease control rate approaching 50–60%, with most patients experiencing disease progression at 6 months. These scant results dictate the urgent need for strategies to overcome both primary and acquired resistance. Herein we report several mechanisms supporting resistance to sorafenib in HCC patients, including activation of oncogenic pathways. Among these, the AKT/mTOR pathway plays a crucial role being at the crossroad of multiple driving events. Autophagy, multidrug-resistant phenotype, hypoxia-related mechanisms and endoplasmic reticulum stress are gaining more and more relevance as crucial events driving the response to anticancer drugs, including sorafenib. Several HCC-specific miRNAs take part to the regulation of these cellular processes. Remarkably, molecularly targeted strategies able to overcome resistance in these settings have also been reported. So far, the vast majority of data has been derived from laboratory studies, which means the need for an extensive validation. Indeed, most of the possible drug associations displaying promising effects in improving sorafenib efficacy herein described derive from preclinical explorations. Notably, data obtained in animal models can be inconsistent with regard to the human disease for efficacy, safety, side effects, best formulation and pharmacokinetics. However, they represent the necessary preliminary step to improve the management of advanced HCC.

Quantitative proteomics identifies FOLR1 to drive sorafenib resistance via activating autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Sorafenib is commonly used to treat advanced human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, clinical efficacy has been limited by drug resistance. In this study, we used label-free quantitative proteomic analysis to systematically investigate the underlying mechanisms of sorafenib resistance in HCC cells. A total of 1709 proteins were confidently quantified. Among them, 89 were differentially expressed and highly enriched in the processes of cell-cell adhesion, negative regulation of apoptosis, response to drug and metabolic processes involving in sorafenib resistance. Notably, folate receptor α (FOLR1) was found to be significantly upregulated in resistant HCC cells. In addition, in vitro studies showed that overexpression of FOLR1 decreased the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib, whereas siRNA-directed knockdown of FOLR1 increased the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib. Immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry analysis suggested a strong link between FOLR1 and autophagy-related proteins. Further biological experiments found that FOLR1-related sorafenib resistance was accompanied by the activation of autophagy, whereas inhibition of autophagy significantly reduced FOLR1-induced cell resistance. These results suggest the driving role of FOLR1 in HCC resistance to sorafenib, which may be exerted through FOLR1-induced autophagy. Therefore, this study may provide new insights into understanding the mechanism of sorafenib resistance.

Gene editing and synthetically accessible inhibitors reveal role for TPC2 in HCC cell proliferation and tumor growth

The role of two-pore channel 2 (TPC2), one of the few cation channels localized on endolysosomal membranes, in cancer remains poorly understood. Here, we report that TPC2 knockout reduces proliferation of cancer cells in vitro, affects their energy metabolism, and successfully abrogates tumor growth in vivo. Concurrently, we have developed simplified analogs of the alkaloid tetrandrine as potent TPC2 inhibitors by screening a library of synthesized benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives. Removal of dispensable substructures of the lead molecule tetrandrine increases antiproliferative properties against cancer cells and impairs proangiogenic signaling of endothelial cells to a greater extent than tetrandrine. Simultaneously, toxic effects on non-cancerous cells are reduced, allowing in vivo administration and revealing a TPC2 inhibitor with antitumor efficacy in mice. Hence, our study unveils TPC2 as valid target for cancer therapy and provides easily accessible tetrandrine analogs as a promising option for effective pharmacological interference.

Elevated CDK5R1 predicts worse prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma based on TCGA data

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor with rapid progression, high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. The objective of our investigation was to explore the prognostic value of CDK5R1 in HCC.

Methods: The raw data of HCC raw data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Kruskal–Wallis test and logistic regression were applied to investigate the relevance between the CDK5R1 expression and clinicopathologic characteristics in HCC. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analysis were employed to examine the association between clinicopathologic features and survival. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was applied to annotate the biological function of CDK5R1.

Results: CDK5R1 was highly expressed in HCC tissues. The high expression of CDK5R1 in HCC tissues was significantly associated with tumor status (P=0.00), new tumor event (P=0.00), clinical stage (P=0.00) and topography (P=0.00). Elevated CDK5R1 had significant correlation with worse overall survival (OS; P=7.414e−04), disease-specific survival (DSS; P=5.642e−04), disease-free interval (DFI; P=1.785e−05) and progression-free interval (PFI; P=2.512e−06). Besides, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis uncovered that increased CDK5R1 can independently predict adverse OS (P=0.037, hazard ratio [HR]= 1.7 (95% CI [1.0–2.7])), DFI (P=0.007, hazard ratio [HR]= 3.0 (95% CI [1.4–6.7])), PFI (P=0.007, hazard ratio [HR]= 2.8 (95% CI [1.3–5.9])). GSEA disclosed that notch signaling pathway and non-small cell lung cancer were prominently enriched in CDK5R1 high expression phenotype.

Conclusions: Increased CDK5R1 may act as a promising independent prognostic factor of poor survival in HCC.

Mitophagy promotes sorafenib resistance through hypoxia-inducible ATAD3A dependent Axis

BACKGROUND

The identification of novel targets for recovering sorafenib resistance is pivotal for Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Mitophagy is the programmed degradation of mitochondria, and is likely involved in drug resistance of cancer cells. Here, we identified hyperactivated mitophagy is essential for sorafenib resistance, and the mitophagy core regulator gene ATAD3A (ATPase family AAA domain containing 3A) was down regulated in hypoxia induced resistant HCC cells. Blocking mitophagy may restore the sorafenib sensitivity of these cells and provide a new treatment strategy for HCC patients.

METHODS

Hypoxia induced sorafenib resistant cancer cells were established by culturing under 1% O2 with increasing drug treatment. RNA sequencing was conducted in transfecting LM3 cells with sh-ATAD3A lentivirus. Subsequent mechanistic studies were performed in HCC cell lines by manipulating ATAD3A expression isogenically where we evaluated drug sensitivity, molecular signaling events. In vivo study, we investigated the combined treatment effect of sorafenib and miR-210-5P antagomir.

RESULTS

We found a hyperactivated mitophagy regulating by ATAD3A-PINK1/PARKIN axis in hypoxia induced sorafenib resistant HCC cells. Gain- and loss- of ATAD3A were related to hypoxia-induced mitophagy and sorafenib resistance. In addition, ATAD3A is a functional target of miR-210-5p and its oncogenic functions are likely mediated by increased miR-210-5P expression. miR-210-5P was upregulated under hypoxia and participated in regulating sorafenib resistance. In vivo xenograft assay showed that miR-210-5P antagomir combined with sorafenib abrogated the tumorigenic effect of ATAD3A down-regulation in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Loss of ATAD3A hyperactivates mitophagy which is a core event in hypoxia induced sorafenib resistance in HCC cells. Targeting miR-210-5P-ATAD3A axis is a novel therapeutic target for sorafenib-resistant HCC.

CDK5 Activates Hippo Signaling to Confer Resistance to Radiation Therapy Via Upregulating TAZ in Lung Cancer

PURPOSE

Tumor resistance to radiation therapy is a therapeutic challenge in the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) has been proposed to participate in cell proliferation, migration and invasion, drug resistance, and immune evasion. However, the functions and regulatory mechanisms of CDK5 in lung cancer radioresistance have not been investigated.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

DNA damage response and repair were measured by neutral comet assay and γ-H2AX and Rad51 foci staining. The biological functions of CDK5 in lung cancer radioresistance were investigated with clonogenic survival assays and xenograft tumor models. Small interfering RNAs and short hairpin RNAs were used to knock down CDK5 in A549 and H1299 cells. The effects of CDK5 depletion on the tumorigenic behaviors of lung cancer cells were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Gene expression was examined by RNA-seq and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

We report that CDK5 depletion impairs lung cancer progression and radioresistance in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we identify TAZ, a component of the Hippo pathway, as a critical downstream effector of CDK5. Loss of CDK5 downregulates TAZ expression and attenuates Hippo signaling activation. Importantly, we provide evidence that TAZ is the major effector mediating the biological functions of CDK5 in lung cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

These results illustrate that CDK5 activates Hippo signaling via TAZ to participate in tumorigenesis and radioresistance, suggesting that CDK5 may be a promising radiosensitization target for the treatment of lung cancer.

Lnc-ATG9B-4 aggravates progress of hepatocellular carcinoma through cell proliferation and migration by upregulating CDK5

Long noncoding RNAs play an important role in the occurrence, invasion, as well as metastasis of various human cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma. Long noncoding RNAs can affect the biological functions of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating various genes; however, only a small fraction of molecular mechanisms of long noncoding RNAs have been elucidated. In the present study, lnc AC010973.1 (lnc-ATG9B-4) was first identified by microarray analysis from 8 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and confirmed by quantitative PCR in 176 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. We demonstrated that lnc-ATG9B-4 was tightly relative to the tumorous size, TNM stages, portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT), the tumor capsule, metastasis, degree of differentiation, and poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma according to long-term follow-up data. In hepatocellular carcinoma cells, overexpression of lnc-ATG9B-4 promoted proliferation, invasion, as well as migration, while inhibiting lnc-ATG9B-4 by siRNA significantly attenuated the proliferation, invasion, as well as migration. Interestingly, lnc-ATG9B-4 increased the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), which was closely related to the development and chemotherapy sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma. In summary, our results revealed that lnc-ATG9B-4 suggests an unfavorable prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma and facilitates the proliferation, invasion, as well as migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by upregulating CDK5. This research suggests that lnc-ATG9B-4 may be a new biomarker for predicting the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma; meanwhile, targeting lnc-ATG9B-4 might serve as a potential strategy for the treatment hepatocellular carcinoma.

Using Gene Editing Approaches to Fine-Tune the Immune System

Genome editing technologies not only provide unprecedented opportunities to study basic cellular system functionality but also improve the outcomes of several clinical applications. In this review, we analyze various gene editing techniques used to fine-tune immune systems from a basic research and clinical perspective. We discuss recent advances in the development of programmable nucleases, such as zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-Cas-associated nucleases. We also discuss the use of programmable nucleases and their derivative reagents such as base editing tools to engineer immune cells via gene disruption, insertion, and rewriting of T cells and other immune components, such natural killers (NKs) and hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). In addition, with regard to chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), we describe how different gene editing tools enable healthy donor cells to be used in CAR T therapy instead of autologous cells without risking graft-versus-host disease or rejection, leading to reduced adoptive cell therapy costs and instant treatment availability for patients. We pay particular attention to the delivery of therapeutic transgenes, such as CARs, to endogenous loci which prevents collateral damage and increases therapeutic effectiveness. Finally, we review creative innovations, including immune system repurposing, that facilitate safe and efficient genome surgery within the framework of clinical cancer immunotherapies.

Synthesis, biological evaluation and toxicity of novel tetrandrine analogues

In this work, we present the design and synthesis of novel fully synthetic analogues of the bisbenzylisoquinoline tetrandrine, a molecule with numerous pharmacological properties and the potential to treat life-threatening diseases, such as viral infections and cancer. Its toxicity to liver and lungs and the underlying mechanisms, however, are controversially discussed. Along this line, novel tetrandrine analogues were synthesized and biologically evaluated for their hepatotoxicity, as well as their antiproliferative and chemoresistance reversing activity on cancer cells. Previous studies suggesting CYP-mediated toxification of tetrandrine prompted us to amend/replace the suspected metabolically instable 12-methoxy group. Of note, employing several in vitro models showed that the proposed CYP3A4-driven metabolism of tetrandrine and analogues is not the major cause of hepatotoxicity. Biological characterization revealed that some of the novel tetrandrine analogues sensitized drug-resistant leukemia cells by inhibition of the P-glycoprotein. Interestingly, direct anticancer effects improved in comparison to tetrandrine, as several compounds displayed a markedly enhanced ability to reduce proliferation of drug-resistant leukemia cells and to induce cell death of liver cancer cells. Those enhanced anticancer properties were linked to influences on activation of the kinase Akt and mitochondrial events. In sum, our study clarifies the role of CYP3A4-mediated toxicity of the bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid tetrandrine and provides the basis for the exploitation of novel synthetic analogues for their antitumoral potential.

Focus on the morphogenesis, fate and the role in tumor progression of multivesicular bodies

Multivesicular bodies (MVBs) are endosome organelles that are gradually attracting research attention. Initially, MVBs were considered as important components of the endosomal-lysosomal degradation pathway. In recent years, with an increase in extracellular vesicle (EV) research, the biogenesis, fate, and pathological effects of MVBs have been increasingly studied. However, the mechanisms by which MVBs are sorted to the lysosome and plasma membrane remain unclear. In addition, whether the trafficking of MVBs can determine whether exosomes are released from cells, the factors are involved in cargo loading and regulating the fate of MVBs, and the roles that MVBs play in the development of disease are unknown. Consequently, this review focuses on the mechanism of MVB biogenesis, intraluminal vesicle formation, sorting of different cargoes, and regulation of their fate. We also discuss the mechanisms of emerging amphisome-dependent secretion and degradation. In addition, we highlight the contributions of MVBs to the heterogeneity of EVs, and their important roles in cancer. Thus, we attempt to unravel the various functions of MVBs in the cell and their multiple roles in tumor progression.

miR-3609 Decelerates the Clearance of Sorafenib in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Targeting EPAS-1 and Reducing the Activation of the Pregnane X Receptor Pathway

Background

The pregnane X receptor (PXR) not only plays an important role in cellular metabolism processes but also induces the resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells to molecularly targeted drugs by mediating their metabolism and clearance by these cells. Endothelial PAS domain-containing protein 1 (EPAS-1) acts as a coactivator to regulate the transcription factor activity of PXR. In the present study, a microRNA that potentially targets EPAS-1, namely miR-3609, was identified using the miRDB tool.

Methods

The expression of miR-3609 and EPAS-1 was examined by qPCR. Lentiviral particles containing the full-length sequences of miR-3609 (pri-miR-3609) were prepared. The antitumor effect of antitumor agents was examined by the in vitro and in vivo assays.

Results

The expression of miR-3609 was negatively correlated with that of EPAS-1 in both HCC clinical specimens and paired non-tumor specimens, and the effect of miR-3609 on the expression of EPAS-1 was confirmed by Western blot experiments. Overexpression of miR-3609 decreased the expression of EPAS-1 and, in turn, repressed the activation of the PXR pathway. miR-3609 decreased the transcription factor activation of PXR, repressed its recruitment to its target gene promoter regions, and decreased the expression of its target genes CYP3A4 and P-GP. In addition, miR-3609 decelerated the metabolism and clearance of sorafenib in HCC cells and enhanced the antitumor effect of sorafenib in HCC cells.

Conclusion

Therefore, the results indicate that miR-3609 decreases the expression of EPAS-1 and enhances the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib.

Screening and verification of long noncoding RNA promoter methylation sites in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Long noncoding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA) promoter methylation is closely related to the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thus, we aim to screen and verify the lncRNA promoter methylation sites associated with overall survival (OS), vascular invasion, pathological grade, and clinical stage in HCC.

Methods

Methylation-related data including clinical characteristic, transcriptome, methylation, and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression were taken from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The OS, vascular invasion, pathological grade, and clinical stage-related lncRNA promoter methylation models were developed by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm based on the lncRNA promoter methylation sites screened via R software. The Kaplan-Meier analysis, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), the calibration curve (C-index) were performed to evaluate the performance of these models. Finally, the methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MS-PCR) was performed to verify the accuracy of these models based on 146 HCC tissues from our hospital.

Results

A total of 10 methylation sites were included in the OS-related lncRNA promoter methylation model that could effectively divide HCC patients into high-risk and low-risk groups (P < 0.0001) via survival analysis. COX univariable and multivariable regression analysis found that the OS-related model (P < 0.001, 95% CI 1.378-2.942) and T stage (P < 0.001, 95% CI 1.490-3.418) were independent risk factors affecting OS in HCC patients. The vascular invasion-related model contained 8 methylation sites with its AUC value of 0.657; the pathological grade-related model contained 22 methylation sites with its AUC value of 0.797; the clinical stage-related model contained 13 methylation sites with its AUC of 0.724. Target genes corresponded to vascular invasion-related lncRNA promoter methylation sites were involved in many kinds of biological processes in HCC such as PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The accuracy of the vascular invasion-related model was consistent with our bioinformatics conclusion after being verified via MS-PCR.

Conclusion

The lncRNA promoter methylation sites are closely correlated with the process of HCC and can be utilized to improve the therapy and prognosis of HCC.

CRISPR/Cas9 for overcoming drug resistance in solid tumors

OBJECTIVES

In this review, we focus on the application of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR associated nuclease 9 (Cas9), as a powerful genome editing system, in the identification of resistance mechanisms and in overcoming drug resistance in the most frequent solid tumors.

DATA ACQUISITION

Data were collected by conducting systematic searching of scientific English literature using specific keywords such as "cancer", "CRISPR" and related combinations.

RESULTS

The review findings revealed the importance of CRISPR/Cas9 system in understanding drug resistance mechanisms and identification of resistance-related genes such as PBRM1, SLFN11 and ATPE1 in different cancers. We also provided an overview of genes, including RSF1, CDK5, and SGOL1, whose disruption can synergize with the currently available drugs such as paclitaxel and sorafenib.

CONCLUSION

The data suggest CRISPR/Cas9 system as a useful tool in elucidating the molecular basis of drug resistance and improving clinical outcomes. Graphical abstract The mechanisms of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing and double-strand breaks (DSBs) repair.

RNA m6 A methylation regulates sorafenib resistance in liver cancer through FOXO3-mediated autophagy

N6‐methyladenosine (m⁶A) is an abundant nucleotide modification in mRNA, known to regulate mRNA stability, splicing, and translation, but it is unclear whether it is also has a physiological role in the intratumoral microenvironment and cancer drug resistance. Here, we find that METTL3, a primary m⁶A methyltransferase, is significantly down‐regulated in human sorafenib‐resistant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Depletion of METTL3 under hypoxia promotes sorafenib resistance and expression of angiogenesis genes in cultured HCC cells and activates autophagy‐associated pathways. Mechanistically, we have identified FOXO3 as a key downstream target of METTL3, with m⁶A modification of the FOXO3 mRNA 3′‐untranslated region increasing its stability through a YTHDF1‐dependent mechanism. Analysis of clinical samples furthermore showed that METTL3 and FOXO3 levels are tightly correlated in HCC patients. In mouse xenograft models, METTL3 depletion significantly enhances sorafenib resistance of HCC by abolishing the identified METTL3‐mediated FOXO3 mRNA stabilization, and overexpression of FOXO3 restores m⁶A‐dependent sorafenib sensitivity. Collectively, our work reveals a critical function for METTL3‐mediated m⁶A modification in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment and identifies FOXO3 as an important target of m⁶A modification in the resistance of HCC to sorafenib therapy.

CRISPR/Cas9 for cancer treatment: technology, clinical applications and challenges

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) is described as RNA mediated adaptive immune system defense, which is naturally found in bacteria and archaea. CRISPR-Cas9 has shown great promise for cancer treatment in cancer immunotherapy, manipulation of cancer genome and epigenome and elimination or inactivation of carcinogenic viral infections. However, many challenges remain to be addressed to increase its efficacy, including off-target effects, editing efficiency, fitness of edited cells, immune response and delivery methods. Here, we explain CRISPR-Cas classification and its general function mechanism for gene editing. Then, we summarize these preclinical CRISPR-Cas9-based therapeutic strategies against cancer. Moreover, the challenges and improvements of CRISPR-Cas9 clinical applications will be discussed.

New landscapes and horizons in hepatocellular carcinoma therapy

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the sixth most frequent form of cancer and leads to the fourth highest number of deaths each year. HCC results from a combination of environmental factors and aging as there are driver mutations at oncogenes which occur during aging. Most of HCCs are diagnosed at advanced stage preventing curative therapies. Treatment in advanced stage is a challenging and pressing problem, and novel and well-tolerated therapies are urgently needed. We will discuss further advances beyond sorafenib that target additional signaling pathways and immune checkpoint proteins. The scenario of possible systemic therapies for patients with advanced HCC has changed dramatically in recent years. Personalized genomics and various other omics approaches may identify actionable biochemical targets, which are activated in individual patients, which may enhance therapeutic outcomes. Further studies are needed to identify predictive biomarkers and aberrantly activated signaling pathways capable of guiding the clinician in choosing the most appropriate therapy for the individual patient.

A kinase of many talents: non-neuronal functions of CDK5 in development and disease

The cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) represents an unusual member of the family of cyclin-dependent kinases, which is activated upon binding to non-cyclin p35 and p39 proteins. The role of CDK5 in the nervous system has been very well established. In addition, there is growing evidence that CDK5 is also active in non-neuronal tissues, where it has been postulated to affect a variety of functions such as the immune response, angiogenesis, myogenesis, melanogenesis and regulation of insulin levels. Moreover, high levels of CDK5 have been observed in different tumour types, and CDK5 was proposed to play various roles in the tumorigenic process. In this review, we discuss these various CDK5 functions in normal physiology and disease, and highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting CDK5.

PES1 promotes BET inhibitors resistance and cells proliferation through increasing c-Myc expression in pancreatic cancer

Background

Overexpressed PES1 promotes carcinogenesis in various types of malignant tumors. However, the biological role and clinical significance of PES1 in pancreatic cancer are still unexplored.

Methods

The expression level of PES1 in pancreatic cancer cell lines and pancreatic cancer patient samples was determined using Western Blotting analysis, RT-qPCR analysis, immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of tissue microarray, and the GEPIA web tool. MTS assay, colony formation assay, and xenograft tumor assay were used to evaluate the tumor growth ability of pancreatic cancer cells.

Results

We established that the expression of PES1 was abnormally increased in pancreatic cancer tissues and led to poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients. We also found that PES1 was responsible for promoting cell growth and contributed to bromodomain and cancer cell resistance to extra-terminal (BET) inhibitors in pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, we showed that PES1 interacted with BRD4 to enhance c-Myc expression, which is the primary cause of cancer cell resistance to BET inhibitors in pancreatic cancer. Finally, CDK5 inhibitors were proven to destabilize PES1 and overcome cancer cell resistance to BET inhibitors in pancreatic cancer cells.

Conclusions

We have shown that PES1 could be one of the promoting factors of tumor growth and a prognosis-related protein of pancreatic cancer. Targeting PES1 with CDK5 inhibitors might help overcome cancer cell resistance to BET inhibitors in pancreatic cancer cells.

Potent Activity of Composite Cyclin Dependent Kinase Inhibition against Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Alterations in cell cycle regulators are common in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We tested the efficacy of composite inhibition of CDKs 1, 2, 5, and 9 through dinaciclib on HCC. In vitro, dinaciclib exhibited potent antiproliferative activities in HCC cell lines regardless of Rb or c-myc expression levels. Dinaciclib significantly downregulated the phosphorylation of Rb (target of CDKs 1 and 2), ataxia telangiectasia mutated kinase (target of CDK5), and RNA polymerase II (target of CDK9) in the HCC cells. In xenograft studies, mice receiving dinaciclib tolerated the treatment well without significant body weight changes and exhibited a significantly slower tumor growth rate than the mice receiving vehicles. RNA interference (RNAi) of CDKs 1 and 9 was more effective in inhibiting the cell proliferation of HCC cells than RNAi of CDKs 2 and 5. Overexpression of CDK9 significantly reduced the efficacy of dinaciclib in HCC cells, but overexpression of CDK1 did not. In conclusion, composite inhibition of CDKs 1, 2, 5, and 9 through dinaciclib exhibited potent in vitro and in vivo activity against HCC. CDK9 inhibition might be the crucial mechanism.

From bench to bed: the tumor immune microenvironment and current immunotherapeutic strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks the most common primary liver malignancy and the third leading cause of tumor-related mortality worldwide. Unfortunately, despite advances in HCC treatment, less than 40% of HCC patients are eligible for potentially curative therapies. Recently, cancer immunotherapy has emerged as one of the most promising approaches for cancer treatment. It has been proven therapeutically effective in many types of solid tumors, such as non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma. As an inflammation-associated tumor, it's well-evidenced that the immunosuppressive microenvironment of HCC can promote immune tolerance and evasion by various mechanisms. Triggering more vigorous HCC-specific immune response represents a novel strategy for its management. Pre-clinical and clinical investigations have revealed that various immunotherapies might extend current options for needed HCC treatment. In this review, we provide the recent progress on HCC immunology from both basic and clinical perspectives, and discuss potential advances and challenges of immunotherapy in HCC.

CDK5 neutralizes the tumor suppressing effect of BIN1 via mediating phosphorylation of c-MYC at Ser-62 site in NSCLC

Background

Bridging integrator 1 (BIN1) has showed outstanding tumor-suppressive potential via inhibiting c-MYC-mediated tumorigenesis. However, a frequent phosphorylation of c-MYC at Ser-62 site could block the BIN1/c-MYC interaction and limits the tumor-suppressive effect of BIN1. Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), a generally dysregulated protein in various carcinomas, can mediate c-MYC phosphorylation at Ser-62 site. However, whether the existence of CDK5 could block the BIN1/c-MYC interaction remains unclear.

Materials and methods

The expression of CDK5 and BIN1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines were measured. CDK5 was knocked down and overexpressed in H460 and PC9 cells, respectively. CCK-8, wound healing and transwell were used to detect the proliferation, migration and invasion ability of NSCLC cells. Tumor-bearing nude mouse model was built with H460 cells. Dinaciclib was added to realize the effect of CDK5 inhibition in vivo. NSCLC and matched para-carcinoma specimens were collected from 153 patients who underwent radical operation. IHC was performed to determine the expression of CDK5 in the specimens. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the postoperative survival and CDK5 expression.

Results

CDK5 was highly expressed in H460 cells, and knockdown of CDK5 could restore the BIN1/c-MYC interaction. Meanwhile, low expression of CDK5 was observed in PC9 cells, and overexpression of CDK5 blocked the BIN1/c-MYC interaction. Consequently, the growth, migration, invasion and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) ability of H460 and PC9 cells could be facilitated by CDK5. The addition of CDK5 inhibitor Dinaciclib significantly suppressed the tumorigenesis ability of NSCLC cells in tumor-bearing mouse model. Furthermore, high expression of CDK5, along with low expression of BIN1, could predict poor postoperative prognosis of NSCLC patients. The patients with high expression of CDK5 and low expression of BIN1 showed similar prognosis, indicating that CDK5 could neutralize the tumor suppressing effect of BIN1 in clinical situation.

Conclusions

CDK5 blocked the interaction of BIN1 and c-MYC via promoting phosphorylation of c-MYC at ser-62 site, ultimately facilitated the progression of NSCLC.

Synthesis and Biological Investigation of Phenothiazine-Based Benzhydroxamic Acids as Selective Histone Deacetylase 6 Inhibitors

The phenothiazine system was identified as a favorable cap group for potent and selective histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) inhibitors. Here, we report the preparation and systematic variation of phenothiazines and their analogues containing a benzhydroxamic acid moiety as the zinc-binding group. We evaluated their ability to selectively inhibit HDAC6 by a recombinant HDAC enzyme assay, by determining the protein acetylation levels in cells by western blotting (tubulin vs histone acetylation), and by assessing their effects on various cancer cell lines. Structure-activity relationship studies revealed that incorporation of a nitrogen atom into the phenothiazine framework results in increased potency and selectivity for HDAC6 (more than 500-fold selectivity relative to the inhibition of HDAC1, HDAC4, and HDAC8), as rationalized by molecular modeling and docking studies. The binding mode was confirmed by co-crystallization of the potent azaphenothiazine inhibitor with catalytic domain 2 from Danio rerio HDAC6.