Osteopontin promotes tumor growth and metastasis and GPX4-mediated anti-lipid peroxidation in triple-negative breast cancer by activating the PI3k/Akt/mTOR pathway

Treatment strategies targeting the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway against triple-negative breast cancer

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an exceptionally aggressive subtype of breast cancer with a poor prognosis. TNBC patients have limited treatment options beyond conventional chemotherapy, and they face significant challenges associated with disease recurrence and resistance to chemotherapy. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in cell proliferation, growth, metabolism, and survival. Its aberrant activation is closely linked to the development and progression of TNBC, as well as treatment response and drug resistance. Currently, numerous targeted drugs specifically inhibiting this signaling pathway are being developed and undergoing clinical trials. These include inhibitors targeting PI3K, AKT, or mTOR individually, as well as dual-target or multi-target inhibitors simultaneously targeting different components of this pathway. Encouragingly, some inhibitors have demonstrated promising potential in clinical trials. This review delves into the therapeutic potential of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway for TNBC and explores prospects for drug discovery.

Ability of SPP1 to Alleviate Post-Intracerebral Hemorrhage Ferroptosis via Nrf2/HO1 Pathway

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the role of secretory phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1/OPN) in modulating iron-induced cell death (ferroptosis) following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). By integrating transcriptomic analysis and experimental validation, we sought to identify key molecular pathways and therapeutic targets associated with ferroptosis in ICH.

METHOD

The Gene Expression Omnibus Series GSE24265 dataset was analyzed using the limma package (R platform) to identify differentially expressed genes. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses were performed to elucidate biological functions. Genes associated with iron-induced mortality were identified by cross-referencing transcriptomic profiles with the FerrDb database. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed using Cytoscape, and hub genes were identified. An experimental ICH model was developed in mice using stereotactic instrumentation, and the effects of OPN administration were evaluated through neurological assessments, biochemical assays (superoxide dismutase, glutathione, malondialdehyde), Western immunoblotting (GPX4, ACSL4), Prussian blue histochemistry, and electron microscopy.

FINDING

Transcriptomic analysis identified 27 hub genes, with CD44 and ITGB3 characterized as receptors for OPN. In the ICH model, OPN administration improved neurological outcomes, elevated antioxidant markers, and reduced lipid peroxidation. OPN upregulated GPX4 while suppressing ACSL4, indicating anti-ferroptotic effects. These protective effects were mediated through the Nrf2 pathway, as confirmed by inhibitor ML385. Prussian blue staining and electron microscopy demonstrated reduced cerebral iron deposition and mitochondrial damage following OPN treatment.

CONCLUSION

This study provides novel evidence for SPP1/OPN as a key modulator of ferroptosis in ICH, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. By enhancing iron homeostasis and mitigating oxidative stress, OPN offers a promising strategy for improving outcomes in ICH patients.

Characterization and evaluation of the cytotoxic, antioxidant, and anti-human lung cancer properties of copper nanoparticles green-synthesized by fennel extract following the PI3K/AKT/Mtor signaling pathway

This work established the cytotoxic, antioxidant and anticancer effects of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) manufactured with fennel extract, especially on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as well. CuNPs caused cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner for two NSCLC cell lines, A549 and H1650. At 100 μg/ml, CuNPs reduced cell viability to 70% in A549 cells and 65% in H1650 cells. which showed a cytotoxic effect (p<0. 05). Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was correspondingly present in a high proportion in the cells, demonstrated upon testing. Together with their cytotoxic properties, CuNPs demonstrated high antioxidative activity. When the concentration of the nano particles was high (100 μg/ml), the ratio of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was reduced as much as 50%, which in turn suggested antioxidant activity. There was plenty of evidence that CuNPs had anti-cancer potential; this has been shown by the effect of the molecules on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, which was one of the pathways crucial for cancer survival. Western blot analysis and qRT-PCR results indicated a widespread degradation of the proteins in this pathway upon CuNP exposure. Interestingly, there was a declined phosphorylation up to 75% of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR at 100 μg/ml (p<0. 001). In summary, these findings illustrated the mechanisms behind the therapeutic effect of CuNPs, thus making them good targets for the NSCLC treatment. CuNPs have cytotoxic and antioxidant capacity, as well as significant alterations in lung cancers pathway, and therefore they can be considered as anti-cancer candidates.

Double-Edged Sword Effect of Diet and Nutrition on Carcinogenic Molecular Pathways in Breast Cancer

Environmental exposure to a mixture of chemical xenobiotics acts as a double-edged sword, promoting or suppressing tumorigenesis and the development of breast cancer (BC). Before anything else, we are what we eat. In this review, we highlight both "the good" and "the bad" sides of the daily human diet and dietary patterns that could influence BC risk (BCR) and incidence. Thus, regularly eating new, diversified, colorful, clean, nutrient-rich, energy-boosting, and raw food, increases apoptosis and autophagy, antioxidation, cell cycle arrest, anti-inflammation, and the immune response against BC cells. Moreover, a healthy diet could lead to a reduction in or the inhibition of genomic instability, BC cell stemness, growth, proliferation, invasion, migration, and distant metastasis. We also emphasize that, in addition to beneficial compounds, our food is more and more contaminated by chemicals with harmful effects, which interact with each other and with endogenous proteins and lipids, resulting in synergistic or antagonistic effects. Thus, a healthy and diverse diet, combined with appropriate nutritional behaviors, can exert anti-carcinogenic effects and improve treatment efficacy, BC patient outcomes, and the overall quality of life of BC patients.