Silencing KPNA2 Promotes Ferroptosis in Laryngeal Cancer by Activating the FoxO Signaling Pathway

Targeting ferroptosis: a novel pathway in oral, oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and laryngeal cancers

Malignancies of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx rank as the seventh most prevalent cancers globally, characterized by high morbidity and mortality. Despite advancements in conventional therapies, these cancers often demonstrate recurrence and treatment resistance. This review investigates ferroptosis, an iron-dependent regulated cell death mechanism, as a novel therapeutic target to overcome resistance and recurrence in these cancers. A narrative review study was conducted using online databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. The search incorporated keywords such as "ferroptosis", "oral squamous cell carcinoma", "oropharyngeal cancer", "hypopharyngeal cancer", "laryngeal cancer", "iron metabolism", and "lipid peroxidation". Studies focusing on molecular mechanisms, ferroptosis regulation, and therapeutic applications were included. Key findings highlighted the involvement of genes like CA9, CAV1, and SLC7 A11 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), contributing to progression and resistance. Ferroptosis inducers such as resveratrol and quercetin effectively promoted ferroptosis in OSCC by targeting pathways like p53/SLC7 A11. In hypopharyngeal and oropharyngeal cancers, agents like ascorbic acid and RSL3 enhanced lipid peroxidation, while laryngeal cancers showed resistance through molecules like SLC3 A2 and KPNA2, which could be counteracted with targeted therapies. Nanotechnology-based approaches, including photodynamic therapy and nanofiber membranes, offer potential for localized and effective ferroptosis induction. Ferroptosis holds promise as a therapeutic strategy for treating head and neck cancers by addressing treatment resistance and recurrence. Future research should focus on optimizing combination therapies, understanding molecular heterogeneity, and translating preclinical findings into clinical applications to improve patient outcomes.

SIRT1 silencing ameliorates malignancy of non-small cell lung cancer via activating FOXO1

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), being the most prevalent and lethal malignancy affecting the lungs, poses a significant threat to human health. This research aims at illustrating the precise role and related mechanisms of silent information regulator type-1 (SIRT1) in NSCLC progression. The expression pattern of SIRT1 in NSCLC cell lines was examined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Functional assays in NSCLC cell lines validated the biological capabilities of SIRT1 on malignant phenotypes, and its impact on tumorigenicity was further evaluated in vivo. In addition, the FOXO1 inhibitor AS1842856 was applied to verify the role of SIRT1 on FOXO pathway in vitro. SIRT1 expression was prominently elevated in NSCLC cell lines. The depletion of SIRT1 retarded the capabilities of proliferation, migration and invasion, while enhancing apoptosis in NSCLC cells. Furthermore, SIRT1 silencing restricted the tumorigenesis of NSCLC in vivo. Additionally, AS1842856 treatment ameliorated the inhibitory effect of SIRT1 deficiency on malignant phenotypes in NSCLC cells. SIRT1 deletion exerted an anti-oncogenic role in NSCLC via activation of FOXO1.

Identification of potential key ferroptosis- and autophagy-related genes in myelomeningocele through bioinformatics analysis

Myelomeningocele is a common congenital anomaly associated with polygenic disorders worldwide. However, the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying myelomeningocele remain elusive. To investigate whether ferroptosis and ferritinophagy contribute to the pathomechanism of myelomeningocele, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified as novel biomarker and potential treatment agents. The GSE101141 dataset from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) was analyzed using GEO2R web tool to obtain DEGs based on |log2 fold change (FC)|≥1.5 and p < 0.05. Two datasets from the Ferroptosis Database (481 genes) and Autophagy Database (551 genes) were intersected with the DEGs from the GSE101141 dataset to identify ferroptosis- and autophagy-related DEGs using Venn diagrams. Functional and pathway enrichment, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses were performed, and candidate genes were selected. Transcription factors (TFs), microRNAs (miRNAs), diseases and chemicals interacting with the candidate genes were identified. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to validate the diagnostic value of the candidate genes. Sixty ferroptosis-related and 74 autophagy-related DEGs were identified. These DEGs are involved in FoxO signaling pathway. Six candidate genes (EGFR, KRAS, IL1B, SIRT1, ATM, and MAPK8) were selected. miRNAs such as hsa-miR-27a-3p, hsa-miR-877-5p, and hsa-miR-892b, and TFs including P53, POU3F2, TATA are involved in regulation of candidate genes. Diseases such as schizophrenia, fibrosis, and neoplasms are the most relevant to the candidate genes. Chemicals, such as resveratrol, curcumin, and quercetin may have significant implications in the treatment of myelomeningocele. The candidate genes, especially MAPK8, also showed a high diagnostic value for myelomeningocele. These results help to shed light on the molecular mechanism of myelomeningocele and may provide new insights into diagnostic biomarker in the amniotic fluid and potential therapeutic agents of myelomeningocele.