Mechanism of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer and its regulation by natural compounds

Expression of FAP in Oral Leukoplakia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the potential of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) as a biomarker in the progression of oral leukoplakia (OLK) carcinogenesis. This was achieved by evaluating FAP expression at different levels of the organisation, namely oral normal mucosa (NM), OLK, and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Altogether, 88 paraffin-embedded tissue samples were examined, including 55 cases of OLK, 13 cases of OSCC, and 20 cases of NM (control group). An exhaustive investigation was performed to examine FAP expression in NM, OLK, and OSCC tissues via immunohistochemistry (IHC). The relationship between FAP expression and clinical pathologic characteristics was analysed. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot (WB) also proved the expression of FAP in NM, OLK, and OSCC cells. Aberrant FAP expression in OLK and OSCC was explored using in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemical results showed that high FAP expression was significantly correlated with histopathologic grade (P = .038) but not correlated with age, sex, or region (P = .953, .622, and .108, respectively). The expression level of FAP in NM tissues (0.15 ± 0.01) was minimal, whereas it was observed in OLK (0.28 ± 0.04) and OSCC (0.39 ± 0.02) tissues with a noticeable increase in expression levels (P < .001). The expression level of FAP in OLK with severe abnormal hyperplasia (S-OLK) tissues (0.33 ± 0.04) was significantly higher than in OLK with mild abnormal hyperplasia (MI-OLK, 0.26 ± 0.02) and OLK with moderate abnormal hyperplasia (MO-OLK, 0.28 ± 0.03) tissues (P < .001 and P = .039, respectively). The results of RT-PCR illustrated that the relative expression of FAP mRNA in OLK cells (2.63 ± 0.62) was higher than in NM cells (0.87 ± 0.14), but lower than in OSCC cells (5.63 ± 1.06; P = .027 and .012, respectively). FAP expression was minimal in NM cells (0.78 ± 0.06), modest in OLK cells (1.04 ± 0.06), and significantly elevated in OSCC cells (1.61 ± 0.09) based on the results of WB (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Significant variations in FAP expression were observed in NM, OLK, and OSCC tissues and cells. These findings revealed that FAP may be a reliable biomarker for the early diagnosis and evaluation of OLK carcinogenesis.

c-MET pathway in human malignancies and its targeting by natural compounds for cancer therapy

BACKGROUND

c-MET is a receptor tyrosine kinase which is classically activated by HGF to activate its downstream signaling cascades such as MAPK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and STAT3. The c-MET modulates cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), immune response, morphogenesis, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. The c-MET has been shown to serve a prominent role in embryogenesis and early development. The c-MET pathway is deregulated in a broad range of malignancies, due to overexpression of ligands or receptors, genomic amplification, and MET mutations. The link between the deregulation of c-MET signaling and tumor progression has been well-documented. Overexpression or overactivation of c-MET is associated with dismal clinical outcomes and acquired resistance to targeted therapies. Since c-MET activation results in the triggering of oncogenic pathways, abrogating the c-MET pathway is considered to be a pivotal strategy in cancer therapeutics. Herein, an analysis of role of the c-MET pathway in human cancers and its relevance in bone metastasis and therapeutic resistance has been undertaken. Also, an attempt has been made to summarize the inhibitory activity of selected natural compounds towards c-MET signaling in cancers.

METHODS

The publications related to c-MET pathway in malignancies and its natural compound modulators were obtained from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar and summarized based on PRISMA guidelines. Some of the keywords used for extracting relevant literature are c-MET, natural compound inhibitors of c-MET, c-MET in liver cancer, c-MET in breast cancer, c-MET in lung cancer, c-MET in pancreatic cancer, c-MET in head and neck cancer, c-MET in bone metastasis, c-MET in therapeutic resistance, and combination of c-MET inhibitors and chemotherapeutic agents. The chemical structure of natural compounds was verified in PubChem database.

RESULTS

The search yielded 3935 publications, of which 195 reference publications were used for our analysis. Clinical trials were referenced using ClinicalTrials.gov identifier. The c-MET pathway has been recognized as a prominent target to combat the growth, metastasis, and chemotherapeutic resistance in cancers. The key role of the c-MET in bone metastasis as well as therapeutic resistance has been elaborated. Also, suppressive effect of selected natural compounds on the c-MET pathway in clinical/preclinical studies has been discussed.

Role of Culinary Indian Spices in the Regulation of TGF-β Signaling Pathway in Inflammation-Induced Liver Cancer

SCOPE

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) results from various etiologies, such as Hepatitis B and C, Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic fatty liver disorders, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. About 80 to 90% of HCC cases possess cirrhosis, which is brought on by persistent liver inflammation. TGF-β is a multifunctional polypeptide molecule that acts as a pro-fibrogenic marker, inflammatory cytokine, immunosuppressive agent, and pro-carcinogenic growth factor during the progression of HCC. The preclinical and clinical evidence illustrates that TGF-β can induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, promoting progression and hepatocyte immune evasion. Therefore, targeting the TGF-β pathway can be a promising therapeutic option against HCC.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We carry out a systemic analysis of eight potentially selected culinary Indian spices: Turmeric, Black pepper, Ginger, Garlic, Fenugreek, Red pepper, Clove, Cinnamon, and their bioactives in regulation of the TGF-β pathway against liver cancer.

CONCLUSION

Turmeric and its active constituent, curcumin, possess the highest therapeutic potential in treating inflammation-induced HCC and they also have the maximum number of ongoing in-vivo and in-vitro studies.

Targeting the autophagy-miRNA axis in prostate cancer: toward novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies

Since prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death, a better understanding of the molecular pathways guiding its development is imperative. A key factor in prostate cancer is autophagy, a cellular mechanism that affects both cell survival and death. Autophagy is essential in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Autophagy is a physiological mechanism wherein redundant or malfunctioning cellular constituents are broken down and recycled. It is essential for preserving cellular homeostasis and is implicated in several physiological and pathological conditions, including cancer. Autophagy has been linked to metastasis, tumor development, and treatment resistance in prostate cancer. The deregulation of miRNAs related to autophagy appears to be a crucial element in the etiology of prostate cancer. These miRNAs influence the destiny of cancer cells by finely regulating autophagic mechanisms. Numerous investigations have emphasized the dual function of specific miRNAs in prostate cancer, which alter autophagy-related pathways to function as either tumor suppressors or oncogenes. Notably, miRNAs have been linked to the control of autophagy and the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of prostate cancer cells. To create customized therapy approaches, it is imperative to comprehend the dynamic interplay between autophagy and miRNAs in prostate cancer. The identification of key miRNAs provides potential diagnostic and prognostic markers. Unraveling the complex network of lncRNAs, like PCA3, also expands the repertoire of molecular targets for therapeutic interventions. This review explores the intricate interplay between autophagy and miRNAs in prostate cancer, focusing on their regulatory roles in cellular processes ranging from survival to programmed cell death.

Elucidating the Molecular Mechanisms of Pterostilbene Against Cervical Cancer Through an Integrated Bioinformatics and Network Pharmacology Approach

Pterostilbene (PTE), a natural phenolic compound, has exhibited promising anticancer properties in the preclinical treatment of cervical cancer (CC). This study aims to comprehensively investigate the potential targets and mechanisms underlying PTE's anticancer effects in CC, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for its future clinical application and development. To accomplish this, we employed a range of methodologies, including network pharmacology, bioinformatics, and computer simulation, with specific techniques such as WGCNA, PPI network construction, ROC curve analysis, KM survival analysis, GO functional enrichment, KEGG pathway enrichment, molecular docking, MDS, and single-gene GSEA. Utilizing eight drug target prediction databases, we have identified a total of 532 potential targets for PTE. By combining CC-related genes from the GeneCards disease database with significant genes derived from WGCNA analysis of the GSE63514 dataset, we obtained 7915 unique CC-related genes. By analyzing the intersection of the 7915 CC-related genes and the 2810 genes that impact overall survival time in CC, we identified 690 genes as crucial for CC. Through the use of a Venn diagram, we discovered 36 overlapping targets shared by PTE and CC. We have constructed a PPI network and identified 9 core candidate targets. ROC and KM curve analyses subsequently revealed IL1B, EGFR, IL1A, JUN, MYC, MMP1, MMP3, and ANXA5 as the key targets modulated by PTE in CC. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses indicated significant enrichment of these key targets, primarily in the MAPK and IL-17 signaling pathways. Molecular docking analysis verified the effective binding of PTE to all nine key targets. MDS results showed that the protein-ligand complex between MMP1 and PTE was the most stable among the nine targets. Additionally, GSEA enrichment analysis suggested a potential link between elevated MMP1 expression and the activation of the IL-17 signaling pathway. In conclusion, our study has identified key targets and uncovered the molecular mechanism behind PTE's anticancer activity in CC, establishing a firm theoretical basis for further exploration of PTE's pharmacological effects in CC therapy.

Sesamolin serves as an MYH14 inhibitor to sensitize endometrial cancer to chemotherapy and endocrine therapy via suppressing MYH9/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling

BACKGROUND

Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common gynecological cancers. Herein, we aimed to define the role of specific myosin family members in EC because this protein family is involved in the progression of various cancers.

METHODS

Bioinformatics analyses were performed to reveal EC patients' prognosis-associated genes in patients with EC. Furthermore, colony formation, immunofluorescence, cell counting kit 8, wound healing, and transwell assays as well as coimmunoprecipitation, cycloheximide chase, luciferase reporter, and cellular thermal shift assays were performed to functionally and mechanistically analyze human EC samples, cell lines, and a mouse model, respectively.

RESULTS

Machine learning techniques identified MYH14, a member of the myosin family, as the prognosis-associated gene in patients with EC. Furthermore, bioinformatics analyses based on public databases showed that MYH14 was associated with EC chemoresistance. Moreover, immunohistochemistry validated MYH14 upregulation in EC cases compared with that in normal controls and confirmed that MYH14 was an independent and unfavorable prognostic indicator of EC. MYH14 impaired cell sensitivity to carboplatin, paclitaxel, and progesterone, and increased cell proliferation and metastasis in EC. The mechanistic study showed that MYH14 interacted with MYH9 and impaired GSK3β-mediated β-catenin ubiquitination and degradation, thus facilitating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Sesamolin, a natural compound extracted from Sesamum indicum (L.), directly targeted MYH14 and attenuated EC progression. Additionally, the compound disrupted the interplay between MYH14 and MYH9 and repressed MYH9-regulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling. The in vivo study further verified sesamolin as a therapeutic drug without side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Herein, we identified that EC prognosis-associated MYH14 was independently responsible for poor overall survival time of patients, and it augmented EC progression by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Targeting MYH14 by sesamolin, a cytotoxicity-based approach, can be applied synergistically with chemotherapy and endocrine therapy to eventually mitigate EC development. This study emphasizes MYH14 as a potential target and sesamolin as a valuable natural drug for EC therapy.

Fusobacterium periodonticum BCT protein targeting glucose metabolism to promote the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of esophageal cancer cells by lactic acid

BACKGROUND

The cancer microbiota was considered the main risk factor for cancer progression. We had proved that Fusobacterium periodonticum (F.p) was higher abundance in Esophageal cancer(EC)tissues. Bioinformation analysis found that BCT was a key virulence protein of F.p. However, little is known about the role and mechanism of BCT in EC. This study aimed to recognize the key virulence protein of F.p and explore the mechanism of BCT in promoting EC.

METHODS

We constructed a eukaryotic expression vector and purified the recombinant protein BCT. CCK8 used to analyzed the activity of EC after treated by different concentration of BCT. UPLC-MS/MS and ELISA used to detect the metabonomics and metabolites. The ability of migration and invasion was completed by transwell assay. RT-QPCR, WB used to analyze the expression of relevant genes.

RESULTS

Our data showed that BCT was higher expression in EC tumor tissues (p < 0.05) and BCT in 20 µg/mL promoted the survival, invasion and migration of EC cells (EC109) (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, UPLC-MS/MS results suggested that BCT resulted in an augmentation of hypotaurine metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, tryptophan metabolism, citrate cycle activity in EC109. The metabolic changes resulted in decreasing in glucose and pyruvate levels but increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and lactic acid (LA) as well as the expression of glucose transporter 1, Hexokinase 2, LDH which regulated the glycolysis were all changed (p < 0.05). The BCT treatment upregulated the expression of TLR4, Akt, HIF-1α (p < 0.05) which regulated the production of LA. Furthermore, LA stimulation promoted the expression of GPR81, Wnt, and β-catenin (p < 0.05), thereby inducing EMT and metastasis in EC109 cells.

CONCLUSION

Altogether, these findings identified that impact of BCT in regulation of glycolysis in EC109 and its involves the TLR4/Akt/HIF-1α pathway. Meanwhile, glycolysis increasing the release of LA and promote the EMT of EC109 by GPR81/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In summary, our findings underscore the potential of targeting BCT as an innovative strategy to mitigate the development of EC.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts: a versatile mediator in tumor progression, metastasis, and targeted therapy

Tumor microenvironment (TME) has been demonstrated to play a significant role in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the major component of TME and exhibit heterogeneous properties in their communication with tumor cells. This heterogeneity of CAFs can be attributed to various origins, including quiescent fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), adipocytes, pericytes, endothelial cells, and mesothelial cells. Moreover, single-cell RNA sequencing has identified diverse phenotypes of CAFs, with myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs) and inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs) being the most acknowledged, alongside newly discovered subtypes like antigen-presenting CAFs (apCAFs). Due to these heterogeneities, CAFs exert multiple functions in tumorigenesis, cancer stemness, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, metabolism, and metastasis. As a result, targeted therapies aimed at the TME, particularly focusing on CAFs, are rapidly developing, fueling the promising future of advanced tumor-targeted therapy.

Zinc finger Protein207 orchestrates glioma migration through regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition

BACKGROUND

Glioma represents the predominant primary malignant brain tumor. For several years, molecular profiling has been instrumental in the management and therapeutic stratification of glioma, providing a deeper understanding of its biological complexity. Accumulating evidence unveils the putative involvement of zinc finger proteins (ZNFs) in cancer. This study aimed to elucidate the role and significance of ZNF207 in glioma.

METHODS

Utilizing online data such as The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project, the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC), and the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) databases, in conjunction with bioinformatics methodologies including GO, KEGG, GSEA, CIBERSORT immune cell infiltration estimation, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, enabled a comprehensive exploration of ZNF207's involvement in gliomagenesis. Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR techniques were employed to validate the expression level of ZNF207 in glioma samples. Subsequently, the biological effects of ZNF207 on glioma cells were explored through in vitro assays.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrate elevated expression of ZNF207 in gliomas, correlating with unfavorable patient outcomes. Stratification analyses were used to delineate the prognostic efficacy of ZNF207 in glioma with different clinicopathological characteristics. Immunocorrelation analysis revealed a significant association between ZNF207 expression and the infiltration levels of T helper cells, macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells. Utilizing ZNF207 expression and clinical features, we constructed an OS prediction model and displayed well discrimination with a C-index of 0.861. Moreover, the strategic silencing of ZNF207 attenuated glioma cell advancement, evidenced by diminished cellular proliferation, weakened cell tumorigenesis, augmented apoptotic activity, and curtailed migratory capacity alongside the inhibition of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

ZNF207 may identify as a prospective biomarker and therapeutic candidate for glioma prevention, providing valuable insights into understanding glioma pathogenesis and treatment strategies.

Expression Profiling of EMT Transcriptional Regulators ZEB1 and ZEB2 in Different Histopathological Grades of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients

Background

Pakistan has a high burden of oral cancers, with a prevalence rate of around 9%. Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) accounts for about 90% of oral cancer cases. Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) gets highly stimulated in tumor cells by adopting subsequent malignant features of highly invasive cancer populations. Zinc Finger E-Box binding factors, ZEB1 and ZEB2, are regulatory proteins that promote EMT by suppressing the adherent ability of cells transforming into highly motile cancerous cells. The present study aimed to analyze the expression of EMT regulators, ZEB1 and ZEB2, and their association with the clinicopathological features in different grades of OSCC patients.

Methods

Tissue samples were collected for both case and control groups from the recruited study participants. Cancer tissues (cases) were collected from the confirmed OSCC patients, and healthy tissues (controls) were collected from third-molar dental extraction patients. The study participants were recruited with informed consent and brief demographic and clinical characteristics. The case group was further segregated with respect to the histological cancer grading system into well-differentiated (WD), moderately differentiated (MD), and poorly differentiated (PD) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) groups. RNA was extracted from the tissue samples for expression profiling of ZEB1 and ZEB2 genes through quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).

Results

All of the recruited participants had a mean age of 46.55 ± 11.7 (years), with most of them belonging to Urdu speaking ethnic group and were married. The BMI (kg/m2) of the healthy participants was in the normal range (18-22 kg/m2). However, BMI was found to be reduced with the proliferation in the pathological state of cancer. The oral hygiene of patients was better than the healthy participants, possibly due to the strict oral hygiene practice concerns of consultants. Every recruited OSCC patient had one or multiple addiction habits for more than a year. Patients reported health frailty (46.6%), unhealed mouth sores (40%), swallowing difficulties and white/reddish marks (80%), and restricted mouth opening (64.4%). Furthermore, 82.2% of the recruited patients observed symptoms within 1-12 months, and buccal mucosa was the most exposed tumor site among 55.6% of the patients. Expression profiling of EMT regulators showed gradual over-expressions of ZEB1 (8, 20, and 42 folds) and ZEB2 (4, 10, and 18 folds) in respective histological cancer grades.

Conclusion

High expressions of ZEBs have been significantly associated with cancer progression and poor health. However, no association was found between OSCC with other clinicopathological features when compared to healthy controls.

Prognostic and immunotherapeutic potential of regulatory T cell-associated signature in ovarian cancer

Tumour-induced immunosuppressive microenvironments facilitate oncogenesis, with regulatory T cells (Tregs) serving as a crucial component. The significance of Treg-associated genes within the context of ovarian cancer (OC) remains elucidated insufficiently. Utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) for the identification of Treg-specific biomarkers, this investigation employed single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) for the derivation of a Treg signature score. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) facilitated the identification of Treg-correlated genes. Machine learning algorithms were employed to determine an optimal prognostic model, subsequently exploring disparities across risk strata in terms of survival outcomes, immunological infiltration, pathway activation and responsiveness to immunotherapy. Through WGCNA, a cohort of 365 Treg-associated genes was discerned, with 70 implicated in the prognostication of OC. A Tregs-associated signature (TAS), synthesized from random survival forest (RSF) and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) algorithms, exhibited robust predictive validity across both internal and external cohorts. Low TAS OC patients demonstrated superior survival outcomes, augmented by increased immunological cell infiltration, upregulated immune checkpoint expression, distinct pathway enrichment and differential response to immunotherapeutic interventions. The devised TAS proficiently prognosticates patient outcomes and delineates the immunological milieu within OC, offering a strategic instrument for the clinical stratification and selection of patients.

PI3Kδ Mediates Fibrosis by Patient-Derived Vitreous

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental process in developing fibrotic diseases, including forming epiretinal membranes (ERMs). ERMs can result in irreversible vision loss. Previous research has demonstrated that vitreous (VIT) derived from patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy can stimulate angiogenesis through the Axl/PI3K/Akt pathway. Building upon this knowledge, we aimed to explore the influence of VIT from patients with macular membranes in ARPE-19 cells. Our findings reveal that patient-derived VIT from individuals with macular membranes promotes EMT and phosphoinositide 3-kinase-delta (PI3Kδ) expression in ARPE-19 cells. To elucidate the function of PI3Kδ in the ERM, we conducted experiments involving the knockout of p110δ, a key subunit of PI3Kδ, and observed that its absence hinders EMT induced by patient-derived VIT. Moreover, p110δ depletion reduces cell proliferation and migration in ARPE-19 cells. Remarkably, these effects were further corroborated by applying the p110δ inhibitor idelalisib, which blocks fibrosis in the laser-induced fibrosis model. Collectively, our results propose that p110δ plays a critical role in the progression of ERMs. Consequently, targeting p110δ emerges as a promising therapeutic approach for mitigating fibrosis. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in ERM formation and highlight the potential for p110δ-directed antifibrotic therapy in retinal diseases.

The dual roles of circRNAs in Wnt/β-Catenin signaling and cancer progression

Cancer, a complex pathophysiological condition, arises from the abnormal proliferation and survival of cells due to genetic mutations. Dysregulation of cell cycle control, apoptosis, and genomic stability contribute to uncontrolled growth and metastasis. Tumor heterogeneity, microenvironmental influences, and immune evasion further complicate cancer dynamics. The intricate interplay between circular RNAs (circRNAs) and the Wnt/β-Catenin signalling pathway has emerged as a pivotal axis in the landscape of cancer biology. The Wnt/β-Catenin pathway, a critical regulator of cell fate and proliferation, is frequently dysregulated in various cancers. CircRNAs, a class of non-coding RNAs with closed-loop structures, have garnered increasing attention for their diverse regulatory functions. This review systematically explores the intricate crosstalk between circRNAs and the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway, shedding light on their collective impact on cancer initiation and progression. The review explores the diverse mechanisms through which circRNAs modulate the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway, including sponging microRNAs, interacting with RNA-binding proteins, and influencing the expression of key components in the pathway. Furthermore, the review highlights specific circRNAs implicated in various cancer types, elucidating their roles as either oncogenic or tumour-suppressive players in the context of Wnt/β-Catenin signaling. The intricate regulatory networks formed by circRNAs in conjunction with the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway are discussed, providing insights into potential therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers. This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted roles of circRNAs in orchestrating tumorigenesis through their regulatory influence on the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway.

The strict regulation of HIF-1α by non-coding RNAs: new insight towards proliferation, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance strategies

The hypoxic environment is prominently witnessed in most solid tumors and is associated with the promotion of cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, metabolic reprogramming, therapeutic resistance, and metastasis of tumor cells. All the effects are mediated by the expression of a transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). HIF-1α transcriptionally modulates the expression of genes responsible for all the aforementioned functions. The stability of HIF-1α is regulated by many proteins and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). In this article, we have critically discussed the crucial role of ncRNAs [such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), and transfer RNA (tRNA)-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs)] in the regulation of stability and expression of HIF-1α. We have comprehensively discussed the molecular mechanisms and relationship of HIF-1α with each type of ncRNA in either promotion or repression of human cancers and therapeutic resistance. We have also elaborated on ncRNAs that are in clinical examination for the treatment of cancers. Overall, the majority of aspects concerning the relationship between HIF-1α and ncRNAs have been discussed in this article.

MBIP promotes ESCC metastasis by activating MAPK pathway

MBIP is a component of the Ada2A containing complex (ATAC) and has been identified as a susceptibility gene in several cancers. However, the role and molecular mechanism of MBIP in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain unclear. Our finding indicated that the expression level of MBIP in ESCC was higher than that in normal tissue (P < 0.05) based on the data from the Cancer Gene Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that high MBIP expression was closely associated with deeper invasion and worse prognosis. Transwell assay and mouse xenograft assay demonstrated that MBIP overexpression promoted migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo, while MBIP knockdown played the opposite role. Furthermore, the results of RNA-seq, qRT-PCR, western blotting and rescue experiments revealed that MBIP promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) via the phosphorylation JNK/p38 in ESCC. Our study indicates that MBIP plays a significant role in the prognosis and metastasis of ESCC, suggesting that MBIP might serve as an ESCC prognostic biomarker.

Targeting the key players of phenotypic plasticity in cancer cells by phytochemicals

Plasticity of phenotypic traits refers to an organism's ability to change in response to environmental stimuli. As a result, the response may alter an organism's physiological state, morphology, behavior, and phenotype. Phenotypic plasticity in cancer cells describes the considerable ability of cancer cells to transform phenotypes through non-genetic molecular signaling activities that promote therapy evasion and tumor metastasis via amplifying cancer heterogeneity. As a result of metastable phenotypic state transitions, cancer cells can tolerate chemotherapy or develop transient adaptive resistance. Therefore, new findings have paved the road in identifying factors and agents that inhibit or suppress phenotypic plasticity. It has also investigated novel multitargeted agents that may promise new effective strategies in cancer treatment. Despite the efficiency of conventional chemotherapeutic agents, drug toxicity, development of resistance, and high-cost limit their use in cancer therapy. Recent research has shown that small molecules derived from natural sources are capable of suppressing cancer by focusing on the plasticity of phenotypic responses. This systematic, comprehensive, and critical review analyzes the current state of knowledge regarding the ability of phytocompounds to target phenotypic plasticity at both preclinical and clinical levels. Current challenges/pitfalls, limitations, and future perspectives are also discussed.

Comprehensive analysis of mitochondria-related genes indicates that PPP2R2B is a novel biomarker and promotes the progression of bladder cancer via Wnt signaling pathway

Bladder cancer (BC) is the fourth and tenth most common malignancy in men and women worldwide, respectively. The complexity of the molecular biological mechanism behind BC is a major contributor to the lack of effective treatment management of the disease. The development and genesis of BC are influenced by mitochondrial retrograde control and mitochondria-nuclear cross-talk. However, the role of mitochondrial-related genes in BC remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed TCGA datasets and identified 752 DE-MRGs in BC samples, including 313 down-regulated MRGs and 439 up-regulated MRGs. Then, the results of machine-learning screened four critical diagnostic genes, including GLRX2, NMT1, PPP2R2B and TRAF3IP3. Moreover, we analyzed their prognostic value and confirmed that only PPP2R2B was associated with clinical prognosis of BC patients and Cox regression assays validated that PPP2R2B expression was a distinct predictor of overall survival in BC patients. Them, we performed RT-PCR and found that PPP2R2B expression was distinctly decreased in BC specimens and cell lines. Functional experiments revealed that overexpression of PPP2R2B distinctly suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of BC cells via Wnt signaling pathway. In summary, these research findings offer potential molecular markers for the diagnosis and prognosis of BC, with the discovery of PPP2R2B particularly holding significant biological and clinical significance. This study provides valuable clues for future in-depth investigations into the molecular mechanisms of BC, as well as the development of new diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.

The Depside Derivative Pericodepside Inhibits Cancer Cell Metastasis and Proliferation by Suppressing Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

A depside derivative, named pericodepside (2), along with the known depside proatranorin III (1), was isolated from the solid cultivation of an Ascochyta rabiei strain that heterologously expresses atr1 and atr2 that are involved in the biosynthesis of atranorin in a fruticose lichen, Stereocaulon alpinum. The structure of 2 was determined by 1D and 2D NMR and MS spectroscopic data. The structure of 2 consisted of a depside-pericosine conjugate, with the depside moiety being identical to that found in 1, suggesting that 1 acted as an intermediate during the formation of 2 through the esterification process. Pericodepside (2) strongly suppressed cell invasion and proliferation by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the transcriptional activities of β-catenin, STAT, and NF-κB in U87 (glioma cancer), MCF-7 (breast cancer), and PC3 (prostate cancer) cell lines.

Roles of PPAR activation in cancer therapeutic resistance: Implications for combination therapy and drug development

Therapeutic resistance is a major obstacle to successful treatment or effective containment of cancer. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) play an essential role in regulating energy homeostasis and determining cell fate. Despite of the pleiotropic roles of PPARs in cancer, numerous studies have suggested their intricate relationship with therapeutic resistance in cancer. In this review, we provided an overview of the roles of excessively activated PPARs in promoting resistance to modern anti-cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The mechanisms through which activated PPARs contribute to therapeutic resistance in most cases include metabolic reprogramming, anti-oxidant defense, anti-apoptosis signaling, proliferation-promoting pathways, and induction of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In addition, we discussed the mechanisms through which activated PPARs lead to multidrug resistance in cancer, including drug efflux, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and acquisition and maintenance of the cancer stem cell phenotype. Preliminary studies investigating the effect of combination therapies with PPAR antagonists have suggested the potential of these antagonists in reversing resistance and facilitating sustained cancer management. These findings will provide a valuable reference for further research on and clinical translation of PPAR-targeting treatment strategies.

Morphologically transformable peptide nanocarriers coloaded with doxorubicin and curcumin inhibit the growth and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma

In tumor treatment, the highly disordered vascular system and lack of accumulation of chemotherapeutic drugs in tumors severely limit the therapeutic role of nanocarriers. Smaller drug-containing nanoparticles (NPs) can better penetrate the tumor but are easily removed, which severely limits the tumor-killing properties of the drug. The chemotherapeutic medication doxorubicin (DOX) is highly toxic to the heart, but this toxicity can be effectively mitigated and the combined anticancer effect can be enhanced by clinically incorporating curcumin (CUR) as part of the dual therapy. We designed a small-molecule peptide, Pep1, containing a targeting peptide (CREKA) and a pH-responsive moiety. These NPs can target the blood vessels in tumor microthrombi and undergo a morphological shift in the tumor microenvironment. This process enhances the penetration and accumulation of drugs, ultimately improving the effectiveness of cancer treatment. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that this morphological transformation allowed rapid and effective drug release into tumors, the effective inhibition of tumor angiogenesis, and the promotion of tumor cell apoptosis, thus effectively killing tumor cells. Our findings provide a novel and simple approach to nhibit the growth and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Leonurine ameliorates the STAT3 pathway through the upregulation of SHP-1 to retard the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor that directs the transcription of genes involved in the promotion of cell survival and proliferation, inflammation, angiogenesis, invasion, and migration. Overactivation of STAT3 is often witnessed in human cancers, thereby making it a good target in oncology. Herein the efficacy of Leonurine (Leo), a bioactive alkaloid present in Herba leonuri, was investigated for its STAT3-inhibitory potential in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Leo downregulated the persistent as well as IL-6-driven activation of STAT3. Leo abrogated the nuclear localization and DNA interacting ability of STAT3. Leo was also found to impart STAT3 inhibition by mitigating the activation of upstream kinases such as JAK1, JAK2, and Src both in constitutive and IL-6 inducible systems. Leo curbed the STAT3-driven luciferase gene expression and the depletion of STAT3 resulted in the reduced responsiveness of HCC cells to Leo. Pervanadate exposure counteracted Leo-induced STAT3 inhibition suggesting the involvement of a protein tyrosine phosphatase. SHP-1 was significantly elevated upon Leo exposure whereas the depletion of SHP-1 was found to revert the effect of Leo on STAT3. Leo induced apoptosis and also significantly potentiated the cytotoxic effect of paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and sorafenib. Leo was found to be non-toxic up to the dose of 10 mg/kg in NCr nude mice. In conclusion, Leo was demonstrated to induce cytotoxicity in HCC cells by mitigating the persistent of activation of STAT3 pathway.

Identification of Hypoxia Prognostic Signature in Glioblastoma Multiforme Based on Bulk and Single-Cell RNA-Seq

Glioblastoma (GBM) represents a profoundly aggressive and heterogeneous brain neoplasm linked to a bleak prognosis. Hypoxia, a common feature in GBM, has been linked to tumor progression and therapy resistance. In this study, we aimed to identify hypoxia-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and construct a prognostic signature for GBM patients using multi-omics analysis. Patient cohorts were collected from publicly available databases, including the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), and The Cancer Genome Atlas-Glioblastoma Multiforme (TCGA-GBM), to facilitate a comprehensive analysis. Hypoxia-related genes (HRGs) were obtained from the Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB). Differential expression analysis revealed 41 hypoxia-related DEGs in GBM patients. A consensus clustering approach, utilizing these DEGs' expression patterns, identified four distinct clusters, with cluster 1 showing significantly better overall survival. Machine learning techniques, including univariate Cox regression and LASSO regression, delineated a prognostic signature comprising six genes (ANXA1, CALD1, CP, IGFBP2, IGFBP5, and LOX). Multivariate Cox regression analysis substantiated the prognostic significance of a set of three optimal signature genes (CP, IGFBP2, and LOX). Using the hypoxia-related prognostic signature, patients were classified into high- and low-risk categories. Survival analysis demonstrated that the high-risk group exhibited inferior overall survival rates in comparison to the low-risk group. The prognostic signature showed good predictive performance, as indicated by the area under the curve (AUC) values for one-, three-, and five-year overall survival. Furthermore, functional enrichment analysis of the DEGs identified biological processes and pathways associated with hypoxia, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms of GBM. Delving into the tumor immune microenvironment, our analysis revealed correlations relating the hypoxia-related prognostic signature to the infiltration of immune cells in GBM. Overall, our study highlights the potential of a hypoxia-related prognostic signature as a valuable resource for forecasting the survival outcome of GBM patients. The multi-omics approach integrating bulk sequencing, single-cell analysis, and immune microenvironment assessment enhances our understanding of the intricate biology characterizing GBM, thereby potentially informing the tailored design of therapeutic interventions.

Promoting effect and immunologic role of secretogranin II on bladder cancer progression via regulating MAPK and NF-κB pathways

Bladder cancer (BLCA) is ranked among the top ten most prevalent cancers worldwide and is the second most common malignant tumor within the field of urology. The limited effectiveness of immune targeted therapy in treating BLCA, due to its high metastasis and recurrence rates, necessitates the identification of new therapeutic targets. Secretogranin II (SCG2), a member of the chromaffin granin/secreted granin family, plays a crucial role in the regulated release of peptides and hormones. The role of SCG2 in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of lung adenocarcinoma and colon cancer has been established, but its functional significance in BLCA remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate SCG2 expression in 15 bladder cancer tissue samples and their corresponding adjacent control tissues. The potential involvement of SCG2 in BLCA progression was assessed using various techniques, including analysis of public databases, immunohistochemistry, Western Blotting, immunofluorescence, wound-healing assay, Transwell assay, and xenograft tumor formation experiments in nude mice. This study provided novel evidence indicating that SCG2 plays a pivotal role in facilitating the proliferation, migration, and invasion of BLCA by activating the MEK/Erk and MEK/IKK/NF-κB signaling pathways, as well as by promoting M2 macrophage polarization. These findings propose the potential of SCG2 as a molecular target for immunotherapy in human BLCA.

The biological role of extracellular vesicles in gastric cancer metastasis

Gastric cancer (GC) is a tumor characterized by high incidence and mortality, with metastasis being the primary cause of poor prognosis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are an important intercellular communication medium. They contain bioactive substances such as proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. EVs play a crucial biological role in the process of GC metastasis. Through mechanisms such as remodeling the tumor microenvironment (TME), immune suppression, promoting angiogenesis, and facilitating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesothelial-mesenchymal transition (MMT), EVs promote invasion and metastasis in GC. Further exploration of the biological roles of EVs will contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying GC metastasis and may provide novel targets and strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of GC. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms by which EVs influence GC metastasis from four aspects: remodeling the TME, modulating the immune system, influencing angiogenesis, and modulating the processes of EMT and MMT. Finally, we briefly summarized the organotropism of GC metastasis as well as the potential and limitations of EVs in GC.

A hsa_circ_001726 axis regulated by E2F6 contributes to metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

CircRNAs participate in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This work aims to explore the key tumor promoting circRNA as a gene therapy target.

METHODS

The differentially expressed gene circRNAs in HCC tumor tissues was identified by mining GSE121714 dataset. EdU staining, wound healing, transwell invasion assay, TUNEL staining and western blotting examined proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Xenograft mouse model and orthotopic transplantation tumor mouse model were constructed to verify the role of hsa_circ_001726 in growth and metastasis of HCC. The relationship among CCT2, E2F6, hsa_circ_001726, miR-671-5p and PRMT9 was identified by RNA-fluorescence in situ hybridization, luciferase reporter assay and RNA Immunoprecipitation.

RESULTS

Eleven differentially expressed circRNAs were found in HCC tumors. Among them, hsa_circ_001726 was highly expressed in HCC tumors and cells, which was transcribed from CCT2. As a transcription factor of CCT2, E2F6 knockdown inactivated CCT2 promoter and reduced hsa_circ_001726 expression. Moreover, hsa_circ_001726 elevated PRMT9 expression by sponging miR-671-5p, and then activated Notch signaling pathway. Additionally, hsa_circ_001726 deficiency repressed malignant phenotypes of HCC cells, including proliferation, migration, invasion, EMT and apoptosis. In vivo, hsa_circ_001726 deficiency reduced tumor growth and lung metastasis of HCC in xenograft mouse models and orthotopic transplantation tumor mouse models.

CONCLUSION

Hsa_circ_001726 functioned as an oncogene in HCC, which was derived from CCT2 and regulated by E2F6. Hsa_circ_001726 elevated PRMT9 expression by sponging miR-671-5p, and then activated Notch signaling pathway, thereby accelerating malignant phenotypes of HCC. Therefore, targeting hsa_circ_001726 may be a new avenue for HCC treatment.

TESC acts as a prognostic factor and promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition progression in esophageal squamous carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Tescalcin (TESC) is a critical regulator of cell differentiation and growth, promoting malignant progression in various tumors. However, the role of TESC in esophageal squamous carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry (IHC), quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and western blot were utilized to identify the difference in TESC expression between ESCC tissues and normal tissues adjacent to the carcinoma. The relationship between TESC and several clinicopathological features was shown by the chi-square test. Log-rank analysis and Cox regression were used to detect the relationship between TESC and the prognosis in ESCC. Clone formation and cell count kit-8 (CCK-8) were applied to detect the impact of TESC on ESCC proliferation. Wound healing assay and transwell assay were used to confirm the influence of TESC on the invasion and migration. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to describe the correlation between TESC and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related protein expression in ESCC. Western blot was used to detect the effect of TESC on the expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin as well as AKT signaling pathway. Xenograft tumors were developed to test the pro-tumorigenic impacts of TESC in vivo.

RESULTS

TESC was upregulated expression in ESCC tissues and was linked to poorer prognosis and worse tumor infiltration, TNM stage, and lymph node metastasis. Meanwhile, TESC was able to act as an independent prognostic factor in ESCC. TESC promoted tumor cell proliferation, invasion, migration, EMT progression, and activated the phosphorylation of the AKT pathway. Furthermore, TESC knockdown inhibited the growth of carcinoma in vivo.

CONCLUSION

TESC is a predictive factor for poor prognosis in ESCC and may provide a new strategy for ESCC treatment.

ESRP1-driven alternative splicing of CLSTN1 inhibits the metastasis of gastric cancer

Tumor metastasis severely limits the prognosis of gastric cancer patients. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are crucial in tumor metastasis, yet there is limited research into their involvement in gastric cancer. Here, we found that ESRP1, a RBP specific in epithelial cells, is important in regulating the metastasis of gastric cancer cells. ESRP1 is negatively correlated with distant metastasis and lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer patients. And we demonstrated that ESRP1 inhibit migration and invasion of gastric cancer in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, ESRP1 promotes exon 11 alternative splicing of CLSTN1 pre-mRNA. The post-splicing short CLSTN1 stabilizes the Ecadherin/β-catenin binding structure, and promotes β-catenin protein ubiquitination and degradation, thereby inhibiting the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells. Our study highlights the role of ESRP1 in regulating metastasis of gastric cancer and extends its mechanism. These results provide a possibility for ESRP1 and CLSTN1 to become therapeutic targets for metastasis of gastric cancer.

The Nexus of Inflammation-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Lung Cancer Progression: A Roadmap to Pentacyclic Triterpenoid-Based Therapies

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Its high mortality is partly due to chronic inflammation that accompanies the disease and stimulates cancer progression. In this review, we analyzed recent studies and highlighted the role of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as a link between inflammation and lung cancer. In the inflammatory tumor microenvironment (iTME), fibroblasts, macrophages, granulocytes, and lymphocytes produce inflammatory mediators, some of which can induce EMT. This leads to increased invasiveness of tumor cells and self-renewal of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are associated with metastasis and tumor recurrence, respectively. Based on published data, we propose that inflammation-induced EMT may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of lung cancer. This prospect is partially realized in the development of EMT inhibitors based on pentacyclic triterpenoids (PTs), described in the second part of our study. PTs reduce the metastatic potential and stemness of tumor cells, making PTs promising candidates for lung cancer therapy. We emphasize that the high diversity of molecular mechanisms underlying inflammation-induced EMT far exceeds those that have been implicated in drug development. Therefore, analysis of information on the relationship between the iTME and EMT is of great interest and may provide ideas for novel treatment approaches for lung cancer.

O-GlcNAcylation Regulates Centrosome Behavior and Cell Polarity to Reduce Pulmonary Fibrosis and Maintain the Epithelial Phenotype

O-GlcNAcylation functions as a cellular nutrient and stress sensor and participates in almost all cellular processes. However, it remains unclear whether O-GlcNAcylation plays a role in the establishment and maintenance of cell polarity, because mice lacking O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) are embryonically lethal. Here, a mild Ogt knockout mouse model is constructed and the important role of O-GlcNAcylation in establishing and maintaining cell polarity is demonstrated. Ogt knockout leads to severe pulmonary fibrosis and dramatically promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Mechanistic studies reveal that OGT interacts with pericentriolar material 1 (PCM1) and centrosomal protein 131 (CEP131), components of centriolar satellites required for anchoring microtubules to the centrosome. These data further show that O-GlcNAcylation of PCM1 and CEP131 promotes their centrosomal localization through phase separation. Decrease in O-GlcNAcylation prevents PCM1 and CEP131 from localizing to the centrosome, instead dispersing these proteins throughout the cell and impairing the microtubule-centrosome interaction to disrupt centrosome positioning and cell polarity. These findings identify a previously unrecognized role for protein O-GlcNAcylation in establishing and maintaining cell polarity with important implications for the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis.

Trigonelline inhibits tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transformation in diabetic kidney disease via targeting Smad7

OBJECTIVES

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a prevalent microvascular complication of diabetes. Inhibiting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of proximal tubule epithelial cells (PTCs) can slow down renal fibrosis. Trigonelline (TRL), an alkaloid isolated from the fenugreek, has demonstrated therapeutic effects on diabetes and its complications. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms for the effects of TRL are still obscure. The present study was aimed to evaluate the treatment of TRL against DKD and explore the potential mechanisms.

METHODS

The db/db mice were used as a spontaneous model of DKD and TRL solution was administered by daily gavage for 8 weeks. Indicators associated with glucose metabolism, renal function and urinary albumin were tested. Renal fibrosis in diabetic mice was evaluated by histopathological staining. Kidney transcriptomics was performed after confirming therapeutic effects of TRL on DKD mice. Molecular biology techniques and in vitro experiments were utilized for final mechanism verification.

RESULTS

Biochemical tests revealed that TRL ameliorated renal damage and reduced microalbuminuria in DKD mice. TRL exhibited a protective effect on PTCs, effectively mitigating tubular EMT and renal fibrosis in diabetic kidneys. Transcriptomics analysis indicated that TRL may target Smad7, an inhibitor of TGF-β1 signaling, to alleviate fibrosis. Furthermore, in vitro experiments validated that silencing Smad7 abolished the therapeutic effect of TRL.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that TRL can alleviate tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition and renal fibrosis in db/db mice by upregulating Smad7 in PTCs, suggesting that TRL is a promising medicine against DKD.

Analysis of the mRNA export protein ZC3H11A in HCMV infection and pan-cancer

Background

We have previously reported that human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection could promote the progression of glioma. Here we discovered a stress-induced nuclear protein ZC3H11A (ZC3) through high-throughput sequencing after HCMV infection, which has been reported recently by our research group in regulating mRNA export under stress conditions. And also, a thorough analysis of ZC3 in pan-cancer and the omics data of ZC3 are yet to be conducted.

Methods

The transcriptomes of glioma cells after HCMV infection were assessed by RNA sequencing. ZC3 mRNA and protein level following HCMV infection were validated and measured by qRT-PCR and Western-blot. The RNA sequencing and protein expression information of ZC3 across pan-cancer were analyzed and visualized by R packages. The localization of ZC3 protein was assessed by IHC images from HPA. The ZC3 proteomics and transcriptomics data in different cancers were extracted through the CPTAC data portal, and comparisons were conducted with a Python script. The genetic alteration, survival prognosis, immune infiltration analysis of ZC3 in pan-cancer were analyzed by cBioPortal, TCGA, and TIMER2 databases. The protein interaction networks were revealed by STRING, GEPIA2 and TCGA.

Results

Genes in mRNA processing pathways were upregulated after HCMV infection and ZC3 expression in mRNA and protein level was validated. We also discovered that the status of ZC3 were generally at high levels in cancers, although varied among different cancer types. ZC3 protein in tumor cells localized to the nuclear whereas in normal cells it was mainly found in cytoplasmic/membranous. However, from ZC3 proteomics and transcriptomics data in some cancer types, the increase in ZC3 protein was not accompanied by a significant elevation in mRNA level. Additionally, our analysis indicated that elevated ZC3 expression was primarily linked to a negative prognosis in majority cancers but still varied depending on the cancer types. Our annotation analysis suggested that ZC3-related proteins are mainly involved in mRNA processing clusters.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that ZC3 significantly impacted by HCMV infection in gliomas. Furthermore, we identified a set of genes exhibiting analogous expression patterns to ZC3H11A in TCGA pan-cancer cohorts, implying a potential functional role for ZC3H11A in mRNA processing. Our study provided valuable insights into the role of a new mRNA export protein ZC3 in HCMV infection and pan-cancer progression. These results lay the foundation for our next research on the regulatory mechanism of ZC3 in virus-infected tumors.

Biological Roles and Pathogenic Mechanisms of LncRNA MIR4435-2HG in Cancer: A Comprehensive Review

The long non-coding RNA MIR4435-2HG has been confirmed to play a crucial regulatory role in various types of tumors. As a novel type of non-coding RNA, MIR4435-2HG plays a key role in regulating the expression of tumor-related genes, interfering with cellular signaling pathways, and affecting tumor immune evasion. Its unique structure allows it to regulate the expression of various tumor-related genes through different pathways, participating in the regulation of tumor signaling pathways, such as regulating the expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, influencing the biological behaviors of proliferation, metastasis, and apoptosis in tumors. Numerous studies have found a high expression of MIR4435-2HG in various tumor tissues, closely related to the clinical pathological characteristics of tumors, such as staging, lymph node metastasis and prognosis. Some studies have discovered that MIR4435-2HG can regulate the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapy drugs, affecting tumor cell drug resistance. This provides new insights into overcoming tumor drug resistance by regulating MIR4435-2HG. Therefore, studying its molecular mechanisms, expression regulation, and its relationship with the clinical features of tumors is of great significance for revealing the mechanisms of tumor occurrence and developing new therapeutic targets.

EWS/FLI1 Characterization, Activation, Repression, Target Genes and Therapeutic Opportunities in Ewing Sarcoma

Despite their clonal origins, tumors eventually develop into complex communities made up of phenotypically different cell subpopulations, according to mounting evidence. Tumor cell-intrinsic programming and signals from geographically and temporally changing microenvironments both contribute to this variability. Furthermore, the mutational load is typically lacking in childhood malignancies of adult cancers, and they still exhibit high cellular heterogeneity levels largely mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. Ewing sarcomas represent highly aggressive malignancies affecting both bone and soft tissue, primarily afflicting adolescents. Unfortunately, the outlook for patients facing relapsed or metastatic disease is grim. These tumors are primarily fueled by a distinctive fusion event involving an FET protein and an ETS family transcription factor, with the most prevalent fusion being EWS/FLI1. Despite originating from a common driver mutation, Ewing sarcoma cells display significant variations in transcriptional activity, both within and among tumors. Recent research has pinpointed distinct fusion protein activities as a principal source of this heterogeneity, resulting in markedly diverse cellular phenotypes. In this review, we aim to characterize the role of the EWS/FLI fusion protein in Ewing sarcoma by exploring its general mechanism of activation and elucidating its implications for tumor heterogeneity. Additionally, we delve into potential therapeutic opportunities to target this aberrant fusion protein in the context of Ewing sarcoma treatment.

A nomogram based on collagen signature for predicting the immunoscore in colorectal cancer

Objectives

The Immunoscore can categorize patients into high- and low-risk groups for prognostication in colorectal cancer (CRC). Collagen plays an important role in immunomodulatory functions in the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, the correlation between collagen and the Immunoscore in the TME is unclear. This study aimed to construct a collagen signature to illuminate the relationship between collagen structure and Immunoscore.

Methods

A total of 327 consecutive patients with stage I-III stage CRC were included in a training cohort. The fully quantitative collagen features were extracted at the tumor center and invasive margin of the specimens using multiphoton imaging. LASSO regression was applied to construct the collagen signature. The association of the collagen signature with Immunoscore was assessed. A collagen nomogram was developed by incorporating the collagen signature and clinicopathological predictors after multivariable logistic regression. The performance of the collagen nomogram was evaluated via calibration, discrimination, and clinical usefulness and then tested in an independent validation cohort. The prognostic values of the collagen nomogram were assessed using Cox regression and the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

The collagen signature was constructed based on 16 collagen features, which included 6 collagen features from the tumor center and 10 collagen features from the invasive margin. Patients with a high collagen signature were more likely to show a low Immunoscore (Lo IS) in both cohorts (P<0.001). A collagen nomogram integrating the collagen signature and clinicopathological predictors was developed. The collagen nomogram yielded satisfactory discrimination and calibration, with an AUC of 0.925 (95% CI: 0.895-0.956) in the training cohort and 0.911 (95% CI: 0.872-0.949) in the validation cohort. Decision curve analysis confirmed that the collagen nomogram was clinically useful. Furthermore, the collagen nomogram-predicted subgroup was significantly associated with prognosis. Moreover, patients with a low-probability Lo IS, rather than a high-probability Lo IS, could benefit from chemotherapy in high-risk stage II and stage III CRC patients.

Conclusions

The collagen signature is significantly associated with the Immunoscore in the TME, and the collagen nomogram has the potential to individualize the prediction of the Immunoscore and identify CRC patients who could benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.

Emerging role of RNA acetylation modification ac4C in diseases: Current advances and future challenges

The oldest known highly conserved modification of RNA, N4-acetylcytidine, is widely distributed from archaea to eukaryotes and acts as a posttranscriptional chemical modification of RNA, contributing to the correct reading of specific nucleotide sequences during translation, stabilising mRNA and improving transcription efficiency. Yeast Kre33 and human NAT10, the only known authors of ac4C, modify tRNA with the help of the Tan1/THUMPD1 adapter to stabilise its structure. Currently, the mRNA for N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C), catalysed by NAT10 (N-acetyltransferase 10), has been implicated in a variety of human diseases, particularly cancer. This article reviews advances in the study of ac4C modification of RNA and the ac4C-related gene NAT10 in normal physiological cell development, cancer, premature disease and viral infection and discusses its therapeutic promise and future research challenges.

CXCR4 expression is elevated in TNBC patient derived samples and Z-guggulsterone abrogates tumor progression by targeting CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling axis in mice model

Environmental factors such as exposure to ionizing radiations, certain environmental pollutants, and toxic chemicals are considered as risk factors in the development of breast cancer. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a molecular variant of breast cancer that lacks therapeutic targets such as progesterone receptor, estrogen receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 which makes the targeted therapy ineffective in TNBC patients. Therefore, identification of new therapeutic targets for the treatment of TNBC and the discovery of new therapeutic agents is the need of the hour. In this study, CXCR4 was found to be highly expressed in majority of breast cancer tissues and metastatic lymph nodes derived from TNBC patients. CXCR4 expression is positively correlated with breast cancer metastasis and poor prognosis of TNBC patients suggesting that suppression of CXCR4 expression could be a good strategy in the treatment of TNBC patients. Therefore, the effect of Z-guggulsterone (ZGA) on the expression of CXCR4 in TNBC cells was examined. ZGA downregulated protein and mRNA expression of CXCR4 in TNBC cells and proteasome inhibition or lysosomal stabilization had no effect on the ZGA-induced CXCR4 reduction. CXCR4 is under the transcriptional control of NF-κB, whereas ZGA was found to downregulate transcriptional activity NF-κB. Functionally, ZGA downmodulated the CXCL12-driven migration/invasion in TNBC cells. Additionally, the effect of ZGA on growth of tumor was investigated in the orthotopic TNBC mice model and ZGA presented good inhibition of tumor growth and liver/lung metastasis in this model. Western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis indicated a reduction of CXCR4, NF-κB, and Ki67 in tumor tissues. Computational analysis suggested PXR agonism and FXR antagonism as targets of ZGA. In conclusion, CXCR4 was found to be overexpressed in majority of patient-derived TNBC tissues and ZGA abrogated the growth of TNBC tumors by partly targeting the CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling axis.

The Role of Natural Flavonoids as Telomerase Inhibitors in Suppressing Cancer Growth

Cancer is a complex and multifaceted group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. While cancer can be challenging and life-altering, advances in research and development have led to the identification of new promising anti-cancer targets. Telomerase is one such target that is overexpressed in almost all cancer cells and plays a critical role in maintaining telomere length, which is essential for cell proliferation and survival. Inhibiting telomerase activity can lead to telomere shortening and eventual cell death, thus presenting itself as a potential target for cancer therapy. Naturally occurring flavonoids are a class of compounds that have already been shown to possess different biological properties, including the anti-cancer property. They are present in various everyday food sources and richly present in fruits, nuts, soybeans, vegetables, tea, wine, and berries, to name a few. Thus, these flavonoids could inhibit or deactivate telomerase expression in cancer cells by different mechanisms, which include inhibiting the expression of hTERT, mRNA, protein, and nuclear translocation, inhibiting the binding of transcription factors to hTERT promoters, and even telomere shortening. Numerous cell line studies and in vivo experiments have supported this hypothesis, and this development could serve as a vital and innovative therapeutic option for cancer. In this light, we aim to elucidate the role of telomerase as a potential anti-cancer target. Subsequently, we have illustrated that how commonly found natural flavonoids demonstrate their anti-cancer activity via telomerase inactivation in different cancer types, thus proving the potential of these naturally occurring flavonoids as useful therapeutic agents.