FOXM1 augments sorafenib resistance and promotes progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by epigenetically activating KIF23 expression

Semaglutide enhances PINK1/Parkin‑dependent mitophagy in hypoxia/reoxygenation‑induced cardiomyocyte injury

The present study aimed to explore how semaglutide can help protect the heart from injury caused by hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) and to reveal the underlying mechanism. Briefly, AC16 cardiomyocytes were subjected to 8 h of hypoxia followed by 12 h of reoxygenation to simulate H/R. The cells were divided into the following five groups: Normoxia, H/R, H/R + semaglutide, H/R + semaglutide + rapamycin (autophagy inducer), and H/R + semaglutide + 3‑methyladenine (3‑MA; autophagy inhibitor) groups. Cell viability was examined using a Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay, ATP levels were examined using a bioluminescent detection kit, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was detected using a ROS Assay Kit, and monomeric red fluorescent protein (mRFP)‑green fluorescent protein (GFP)‑LC3 was assessed using tandem mRFP‑GFP fluorescence microscopy, while autophagosomes were observed using transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, the protein expression levels of autophagy markers (LC3, p62 and Beclin1) and regulators of mitochondrial autophagy [PTEN‑induced putative kinase protein‑1 (PINK1) and Parkin] were examined using western blot analysis. In AC16 cells, exposure to hypoxia followed by reoxygenation led to an increase in oxidative stress. This condition also induced an increase in autophagy activity, as evidenced by an increase in the number of autophagosomes, elevated LC3‑II/LC3‑I ratio, and upregulation of p62, Beclin1, PINK1 and Parkin expression compared with those in cells cultured under normoxia. Notably, treatment with semaglutide or rapamycin effectively reversed the H/R‑induced oxidative stress, enhanced the changes in autophagy activity, autophagosome levels and elevated LC3BII/LC3BI ratio, and increased the expression levels of Beclin1, PINK1, Parkin and p62 expression. Notably, the use of 3‑MA exhibited distinct effects under the same conditions; it exacerbated oxidative stress, decreased autophagy activity and reduced the LC3BII/LC3BI ratio. In conclusion, semaglutide was found to reduce oxidative stress caused by H/R and to increase autophagy via the ROS/PINK1/Parkin/p62 pathway. The present study offers a novel understanding of how semaglutide may protect the heart, and suggests its potential use in the treatment of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.

FOXM1-activated IGF2BP3 promotes cell malignant phenotypes and M2 macrophage polarization in hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting ferroptosis via stabilizing RRM2 mRNA in an m6A-dependent manner

BACKGROUND

Ferroptosis has a crucial role in human carcinogenesis. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) reader insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) suppresses ferroptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Here, we examined the effects and molecular determinants of IGF2BP3-mediated ferroptosis on malignant behaviors of HCC cells.

METHODS

Ferroptosis was evaluated by measuring the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lipid ROS. HCC cell malignant phenotypes were evaluated by colony formation assay, wound healing assay, and transwell invasion assay. The CD206+ M2-like macrophages were assessed by flow cytometry. m6A RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) was applied to assess the m6A modification of ribonucleotide reductase regulatory subunit M2 (RRM2). RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay was performed to evaluate the interaction of IGF2BP3 and RRM2. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays were conducted to confirm the interaction between forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) and IGF2BP3.

RESULTS

Human HCC tumors showed increased expression of IGF2BP3 compared with adjacent normal tissues. Disruption of IGF2BP3 promoted cell ferroptosis. Moreover, disruption of IGF2BP3 hindered HCC cell growth, invasiveness, and motility and impeded THP1-derived macrophage M2 polarization and migration by inducing ferroptosis. Additionally, IGF2BP3 disruption repressed xenograft growth in vivo. Mechanistically, IGF2BP3 enhanced RRM2 mRNA stability and elevated its protein expression by reading its m6A modification. Overexpression of RRM2 reversed sh-IGF2BP3-mediated ferroptosis and weakened sh-IGF2BP3-mediated suppression of HCC cell malignant phenotypes and macrophage M2 polarization. Furthermore, IGF2BP3 was a downstream target of FOXM1, and knockdown of FOXM1 induced ferroptosis and inhibited cell malignant phenotypes by downregulating IGF2BP3.

CONCLUSION

FOXM1-induced IGF2BP3 upregulation promotes HCC cell malignant behaviors and macrophages M2 polarization by repressing ferroptosis via m6A-dependent regulation of RRM2 mRNA. Targeting FOXM1/IGF2BP3/RRM2 to enhance ferroptosis might be exploited as a potent therapeutic strategy for HCC.

The oncogenic role of FOXM1 in hepatocellular carcinoma: molecular mechanisms, clinical significance, and therapeutic potentials

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a major global health challenge due to its aggressive nature and limited treatment options. This review aims to clarify the oncogenic role of FOXM1 in HCC and its potential as a therapeutic target. We examine how FOXM1 drives cancer development by regulating key cellular processes such as cell cycle progression, proliferation, metastasis, and therapy resistance. The review details mechanisms that control FOXM1 activity, including transcriptional regulation by upstream factors, post-transcriptional modulation via non-coding RNAs, and epigenetic modifications. We also explore how FOXM1 interacts with critical signaling pathways, such as AKT, p53, ERK, Hedgehog, STAT3, and Wnt/β-catenin, to promote metabolic reprogramming, angiogenesis, and the maintenance of cancer stem cell properties. In the therapeutic section, we assess emerging strategies that target FOXM1, including small-molecule inhibitors, proteasome inhibitors, and immunotherapeutic approaches, to improve treatment outcomes for HCC patients. This comprehensive review highlights the pivotal role of FOXM1 in HCC pathogenesis and provides novel avenues for targeted intervention.

Mechanisms of sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma

Liver cancer is one of the most common and devastating causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for approximately 90% of primary liver cancers and represents a significant global health issue. There is currently no effective systemic treatment for patients with advanced liver cancer. One study suggests that sorafenib may be effective against hepatocellular carcinoma. Sorafenib can significantly extend the median survival time of patients, but only by 3-5 months. Furthermore, it is linked to severe adverse side effects and frequently leads to drug resistance. In this review, we offer a critical analysis of the factors contributing to sorafenib resistance in HCC.

FOXM1 transcriptional regulation

FOXM1 is a key transcriptional regulator involved in various biological processes in mammals, including carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, aging, immune regulation, development, and disease. Early studies have shown that FOXM1 acts as an oncogene by regulating cell proliferation, cell cycle, migration, metastasis, and apoptosis, as well as genes related to diagnosis, treatment, chemotherapy resistance, and prognosis. Researchers are increasingly focusing on FOXM1 functions in tumor microenvironment, epigenetics, and immune infiltration. However, researchers have not comprehensively described FOXM1's involvement in tumor microenvironment shaping, epigenetics, and immune cell infiltration. Here we review the role of FOXM1 in the formation and development of malignant tumors, and we will provide a comprehensive summary of the role of FOXM1 in transcriptional regulation, interacting proteins, tumor microenvironment, epigenetics, and immune infiltration, and suggest areas for further research.

The role of kinesin family members in hepatobiliary carcinomas: from bench to bedside

As a major component of the digestive system malignancies, tumors originating from the hepatic and biliary ducts seriously endanger public health. The kinesins (KIFs) are molecular motors that enable the microtubule-dependent intracellular trafficking necessary for mitosis and meiosis. Normally, the stability of KIFs is essential to maintain cell proliferation and genetic homeostasis. However, aberrant KIFs activity may destroy this dynamic stability, leading to uncontrolled cell division and tumor initiation. In this work, we have made an integral summarization of the specific roles of KIFs in hepatocellular and biliary duct carcinogenesis, referring to aberrant signal transduction and the potential for prognostic evaluation. Additionally, current clinical applications of KIFs-targeted inhibitors have also been discussed, including their efficacy advantages, relationship with drug sensitivity or resistance, the feasibility of combination chemotherapy or other targeted agents, as well as the corresponding clinical trials. In conclusion, the abnormally activated KIFs participate in the regulation of tumor progression via a diverse range of mechanisms and are closely associated with tumor prognosis. Meanwhile, KIFs-aimed inhibitors also carry out a promising tumor-targeted therapeutic strategy that deserves to be further investigated in hepatobiliary carcinoma (HBC).

Abnormal expression of FOXM1 in carcinogenesis of renal cell carcinoma: From experimental findings to clinical applications

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a prevalent malignancy within the genitourinary system. At present, patients with high-grade or advanced RCC continue to have a bleak prognosis. Mounting research have emphasized the significant involvement of Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) in RCC development and progression. Therefore, it is imperative to consolidate the existing evidence regarding the contributions of FOXM1 to RCC tumorigenesis through a comprehensive review. This study elucidated the essential functions of FOXM1 in promoting RCC growth, invasion, and metastasis by regulating cell cycle progression, DNA repair, angiogenesis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Also, FOXM1 might serve as a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker as well as a therapeutic target for RCC. Clinical findings demonstrated that the expression of FOXM1 was markedly upregulated in RCC samples, while a high level of FOXM1 was found to be associated with a poor overall survival rate of RCC. Furthermore, it is worth noting that FOXM1 may have a significant impact on the resistance of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) to radiotherapy. This observation suggests that inhibiting FOXM1 could be a promising strategy to impede the progression of RCC and enhance its sensitivity to radiotherapy. The present review highlighted the pivotal role of FOXM1 in RCC development. FOXM1 has the capacity to emerge as not only a valuable diagnostic and prognostic tool but also a viable therapeutic option for unresectable RCC.

HNRNPA2B1-mediated m6A modification of FOXM1 promotes drug resistance and inhibits ferroptosis in endometrial cancer via regulation of LCN2

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is an extensive posttranscriptional RNA modification, and it is associated with various cellular responses, especially in tumor progression. An m6A "reader"-HNRNPA2B1 has been found oncogenic in multiple malignancies. As a key proliferation-related transcription factor, forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) is involved in tumorigenesis. Here, we elucidated the underlying mechanism by which HNRNPA2B1-mediated modification of FOXM1 promotes endometrial cancer (EC). The GSE115810 dataset was used to analyze the upregulated gene mRNA in late-stage EC tissues. The expression levels of HNRNPA2B1, FOXM1, and LCN2 in EC samples were shown by western blotting and qPCR. The interaction among HNRNPA2B1, FOXM1, and LCN2 in EC cells was detected using bioinformatics analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pull-down, RNA decay analysis, and luciferase reporter experiments. Cisplatin (DDP)-resistant EC cells were constructed using HEC-1-A and HEC-1-B cells, named HEC-1-A/DDP and HEC-1-B/DDP, respectively. Proliferation, migration, and invasiveness in treated HEC-1-A/DDP and HEC-1-B/DDP cells were detected by EdU, wound healing, and transwell assays. Ferroptosis-resistant gene expression, MDA level, and ROS level were measured. The m6A modification level in EC tissues was elevated. HNRNPA2B1 and FOXM1 levels were upregulated in EC. HNRNPA2B1 expression was positively related to FOXM1 expression in EC samples, and HNRNPA2B1 bound to the 3'UTR of FOXM1 and stabilized FOXM1 mRNA via m6A modification. FOXM1 positively regulated LCN2 expression in EC cells by binding to the LCN2 promotor. Knockdown of FOXM1 downregulated ferroptosis-resistant gene expression and increased MDA and ROS levels in DDP-resistant EC cells. Rescue assays revealed that LCN2 overexpression eliminated the effects mediated by FOXM1 knockdown on the proliferation, migration, invasiveness, and ferroptosis in DDP-resistant EC cells. In conclusion, HNRNPA2B1-mediated mA modification of FOXM1 facilitates drug resistance and inhibits ferroptosis in EC cells by upregulating LCN2 expression.