Regulation of ferroptosis by noncoding RNAs: a novel promise treatment in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of quinolinyl-ureido-phenyl-hydrazide derivatives and quinolinyl-hydrazide derivatives as anticancer agents targeting Nur77-mediated ferroptosis

In the recent decade, targeting ferroptosis for cancer therapy has attracted remarkable attention. Interestingly, the transcriptional regulator Nur77, a promising therapeutic target in cancer, has been recently identified as a crucial regulator of ferroptosis. However, no ferroptosis inducer targeting Nur77 has been reported currently. In this study, we built upon our prior research on Nur77 modulator 4-PQBH to design and synthesize four series of new compounds, with the objective of developing novel Nur77-mediated ferroptosis inducers. Among them, compound 8f exhibited the most potency against the tested cancer cell lines, including human estrogen positive breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer cell lines, while displaying lower toxicity towards human normal cell lines HaCaT and MCF-10A (IC50> 50 μM). Furthermore, 8f demonstrated superior Nur77-binding activity in comparison to the reference compound Csn-B, and it has the capacity to activate the Nur77-driven luciferase activity and increase the protein level of Nur77. Remarkably, 8f induced an increase in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and lipid peroxidation, concurrently with a reduction in the expression of GPX4 protein, culminating in the induction of ferroptosis in a Nur77-dependent manner. In vivo, 8f treatment has been observed to significantly suppress MCF7 xenograft tumor growth. Consequently, a novel ferroptosis inducer targeting Nur77 (8f) is first reported as a potent anti-EPBC agent, providing may serve as a promising lead for further drug development targeting Nur77-mediated ferroptosis.

M2 Macrophage-Derived Exosomal circ_0088494 Inhibits Ferroptosis via Promoting H3K4me1 Modification of STEAP3 in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a common type of cutaneous cancer globally. M2 macrophage-derived exosomes (M2 exosomes) facilitate the development of cancer. Ferroptosis, a newly uncovered form of cell death, is linked to cancer progression. The present research planned to study the function and potential mechanism of M2 exosomes on ferroptosis in cSCC. Patients with cSCC were recruited to gather adjacent noncancerous specimens and cSCC tissues. Mononuclear macrophage (THP-1) cells were differentiated into M2 macrophages before exosome extraction, and then the exosomes were added into cSCC cells (A431 and SCL-1). Erastin was applied to induce ferroptosis. Cell viability, mitochondrial superoxide, lipid-ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), and iron level were detected to validate ferroptosis in cSCC cells. Proteins and RNAs were tested by applying western blot and RT-qPCR. The combination between molecules was validated by ChIP and RIP. Six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate 3 (STEAP3) was elevated in cSCC specimens, which correlated to reduced ferroptosis. cSCC tissues presented an increase in the number of M2 macrophages. Erastin-elicited ferroptosis was repressed by M2 macrophages, while exosome inhibitor GW4869 neutralized the outcome of M2 macrophages. Furthermore, M2 exosomes repressed ferroptosis of cSCC cells via circ_0088494, which might be related to the upregulation of STEAP3. M2 exosomes-derived circ_0088494 promoted histone 3 lysine 4 monomethylation (H3K4me1) modification of STEAP3 by recruiting histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2D (KMT2D). The effect of circ_0088494-silenced M2 exosomes on ferroptosis was antagonized by STEAP3 overexpression. M2 exosomes-derived circ_0088494 recruited KMT2D to promote H3K4me1 modification of STEAP3, thereby inhibiting ferroptosis in cSCC. This study might provide a novel target for cSCC treatment.

MicroRNA-mediated regulation of Ferroptosis: Implications for disease pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions

Ferroptosis, a form of iron-dependent regulated cell death, is characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides and distinctive morphological features. Moreover, the reduction of intracellular antioxidant enzyme expression or activity, specifically glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) results in activation of the endogenous pathway of ferroptosis. In this review, we aimed to explore the intricate interplay between microRNAs (miRNAs) and ferroptosis, shedding light on its implications in various disease pathologies. This review delves into the role of miRNAs in modulating key regulators of ferroptosis, including genes involved in iron metabolism, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant defenses. Furthermore, the potential of targeting miRNAs for therapeutic interventions in ferroptosis-related diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and ischemia/reperfusion injury, is highlighted.

Research status and potential applications of circRNAs affecting colorectal cancer by regulating ferroptosis

Ferroptosis is an emerging form of non-apoptotic programmed cell death (PCD), characterized by iron-mediated oxidative imbalance. This process plays a significant role in the development and progression of various tumors, including colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, and others. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a stable, non-coding RNA type with a single-stranded, covalently closed loop structure, which is intricately linked to the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of tumor cells. Recent studies have shown that many circRNAs regulate various pathways leading to cellular ferroptosis. Colorectal cancer, known for its high incidence and mortality among cancers, is marked by a poor prognosis and pronounced chemoresistance. To enhance our understanding of how circRNA-mediated regulation of ferroptosis influences colorectal cancer development, this review systematically examines the mechanisms by which specific circRNAs regulate ferroptosis and their critical role in the progression of colorectal cancer. Furthermore, it explores the potential of circRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in colorectal cancer treatment, offering a novel approach to clinical management.

Non‑coding RNA: A promising diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (Review)

Esophageal cancer (EC) is a common form of malignant tumor in the digestive system that is classified into two types: Esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma. ESCC is known for its early onset of symptoms, which can be difficult to identify, as well as its rapid progression and tendency to develop drug resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. These factors contribute to the high incidence of disease and low cure rate. Therefore, a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target need to be identified for ESCC. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a class of molecules that are transcribed from DNA but do not encode proteins. Initially, ncRNAs were considered to be non-functional segments generated during transcription. However, with advancements in high-throughput sequencing technologies in recent years, ncRNAs have been associated with poor prognosis, drug resistance and progression of ESCC. The present study provides a comprehensive overview of the biogenesis, characteristics and functions of ncRNAs, particularly focusing on microRNA, long ncRNAs and circular RNAs. Furthermore, the ncRNAs that could potentially be used as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ESCC are summarized to highlight their application value and prospects in ESCC.

Keap1-Nrf2 pathway: a key mechanism in the occurrence and development of cancer

The Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway is a major regulator of the cytoprotective response, participating in endogenous and exogenous stress caused by ROS (reactive oxygen species). Nrf2 is the core of this pathway. We summarized the literature on Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway and summarized the following three aspects: structure, function pathway, and cancer and clinical application status. This signaling pathway is similar to a double-edged sword: on the one hand, Nrf2 activity can protect cells from oxidative and electrophilic stress; on the other hand, increasing Nrf2 activity can enhance the survival and proliferation of cancer cells. Notably, oxidative stress is also considered a marker of cancer in humans. Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway, as a typical antioxidant stress pathway, is abnormal in a variety of human malignant tumor diseases (such as lung cancer, liver cancer, and thyroid cancer). In recent years, research on the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway has become increasingly in-depth and detailed. Therefore, it is of great significance for cancer prevention and treatment to explore the molecular mechanism of the occurrence and development of this pathway.

Modulation of ferroptosis by non‑coding RNAs in cancers: Potential biomarkers for cancer diagnose and therapy

Ferroptosis is a recently discovered cell programmed death. Extensive researches have indicated that ferroptosis plays an essential role in tumorigenesis, development, migration and chemotherapy drugs resistance, which makes it become a new target for tumor therapy. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are considered to control a wide range of cellular processes by modulating gene expression. Recent studies have indicated that ncRNAs regulate the process of ferroptosis via various pathway to affect the development of cancer. However, the regulation network remains ambiguous. In this review, we outlined the major metabolic processes of ferroptosis and concluded the relationship between ferroptosis-related ncRNAs and cancer progression. In addition, the prospect of ncRNAs being new therapeutic targets and early diagnosis biomarkers for cancer by regulating ferroptosis were presented, and the possible obstacles were also predicted. This could help in discovering novel cancer early diagnostic methods and therapeutic approaches.

Mechanisms of radiotherapy resistance and radiosensitization strategies for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the sixth most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with more than half of them occurred in China. Radiotherapy (RT) has been widely used for treating ESCC. However, radiation-induced DNA damage response (DDR) can promote the release of cytokines and chemokines, and triggers inflammatory reactions and changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME), thereby inhibiting the immune function and causing the invasion and metastasis of ESCC. Radioresistance is the major cause of disease progression and mortality in cancer, and it is associated with heterogeneity. Therefore, a better understanding of the radioresistance mechanisms may generate more reversal strategies to improve the cure rates and survival periods of ESCC patients. We mainly summarized the possible mechanisms of radioresistance in order to reveal new targets for ESCC therapy. Then we summarized and compared the current strategies to reverse radioresistance.

Non-coding RNA-mediated modulation of ferroptosis in cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major contributor to increasing morbidity and mortality worldwide and seriously threatens human health and life. Cardiomyocyte death is considered the pathological basis of various CVDs, including myocardial infarction, heart failure, and aortic dissection. Multiple mechanisms, such as ferroptosis, necrosis, and apoptosis, contribute to cardiomyocyte death. Among them, ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of programmed cell death that plays a vital role in various physiological and pathological processes, from development and aging to immunity and CVD. The dysregulation of ferroptosis has been shown to be closely associated with CVD progression, yet its underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. In recent years, a growing amount of evidence suggests that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), particularly microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, are involved in the regulation of ferroptosis, thus affecting CVD progression. Some ncRNAs also exhibit potential value as biomarker and/or therapeutic target for patients with CVD. In this review, we systematically summarize recent findings on the underlying mechanisms of ncRNAs involved in ferroptosis regulation and their role in CVD progression. We also focus on their clinical applications as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers as well as therapeutic targets in CVD treatment. DATA AVAILABILITY: No new data were created or analyzed in this study. Data sharing is not applicable to this article.

Esophagus cancer and essential trace elements

Numerous epidemiological and laboratory studies on essential trace elements have reported protective associations in developing various cancer types, including esophagus cancer (EC). However, the results are not always consistent. Some essential trace elements could play a vital role in preventing esophagus cancer. Some showed no association with esophageal cancer risk, while others harmed individuals. This article reviews the association between the intake or supplementation of essential trace elements (especially zinc, copper, iron, and selenium) and the risk of esophageal cancer. Generally, zinc intake may decrease the risk of esophageal cancer (EC), especially in high esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) prevalence regions. The association between copper supplementation and EC remains uncertain. Total iron consumption is thought to be associated with lower EC risk, while heme iron intake may be associated with higher EC risk. Selenium intake showed a protective effect against EC, especially for those individuals with a low baseline selenium level. This review also prospects the research direction of the association between EC and essential trace elements.

The potential interplay between G-quadruplex and p53: their roles in regulation of ferroptosis in cancer

Ferroptosis is a novel form of regulated cell death trigged by various biological processes, and p53 is involved in different ferroptosis regulations and functions as a crucial regulator. Both DNA and RNA can fold into G-quadruplex in GC-rich regions and increasing shreds of evidence demonstrate that G-quadruplexes have been associated with some important cellular events. Investigation of G-quadruplexes is thus vital to revealing their biological functions. Specific G-quadruplexes are investigated to discover new effective anticancer drugs. Multiple modulations have been discovered between the secondary structure G-quadruplex and p53, probably further influencing the ferroptosis in cancer. G-quadruplex binds to ferric iron-related structures directly and may affect the p53 pathways as well as ferroptosis in cancer. In addition, G-quadruplex also interacts with p53 indirectly, including iron-sulfur cluster metabolism, telomere homeostasis, lipid peroxidation, and glycolysis. In this review, we summarized the latent interplay between G-quadruplex and p53 which focused mainly on ferroptosis in cancer to provide the potential understanding and encourage future studies.