TRPC3 promotes tumorigenesis of gastric cancer via the CNB2/GSK3β/NFATc2 signaling pathway

Crosstalk between calcium and reactive oxygen species signaling in cancer revisited

The homeostasis of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium (Ca2+) are intricately linked. ROS signaling and Ca2+ signaling are reciprocally regulated within cellular microdomains and are crucial for transcription, metabolism and cell function. Tumor cells often highjack ROS and Ca2+ signaling mechanisms to ensure optimal cell survival and tumor progression. Expression and regulation of Ca2+ channels and transporters at the plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and other endomembranes are often altered in tumor cells, and this includes their regulation by ROS and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Likewise, alterations in cellular Ca2+ levels influence the generation and scavenging of oxidants and thus can alter the redox homeostasis of the cell. This interplay can be either beneficial or detrimental to the cell depending on the localization, duration and levels of ROS and Ca2+ signals. At one end of the spectrum, Ca2+ and ROS/RNS can function as signaling modules while at the other end, lethal surges in these species are associated with cell death. Here, we highlight the interplay between Ca2+ and ROS in cancer progression, emphasize the impact of redox regulation on Ca2+ transport mechanisms, and describe how Ca2+ signaling pathways, in turn, can regulate the cellular redox environment.

Pyr3 inhibits cell viability and PKCα activity to suppress migration in human bladder cancer cells

Bladder cancer, more prevalent in men, has high recurrence rates in non-muscle-invasive forms and is highly lethal upon metastasis in muscle-invasive cases. Transient receptor potential canonical channels (TRPCs), specifically TRPC3, play a role in calcium signaling, influencing cancer cell behavior. This study examines the effects of Pyr3, a TRPC3 inhibitor, and TRPC3 knockdown on both muscle-invasive (T24) and non-muscle-invasive (RT4) bladder cancer cells. Pyr3 treatment reduced cell viability, migration, adhesion, and calcium influx in these cells. Additionally, Pyr3 treatment and siTRPC3 downregulated protein kinase C alpha (PKCα), phospho-PKCα, and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) levels. While PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) could not restore Pyr3-induced viability loss, it reversed the migration inhibition. In a xenograft model, Pyr3 suppressed T24 cell viability, Ki67, phospho-PKCα, PP2A and TRPC3 expression. These findings suggest that Pyr3 inhibits bladder cancer cell migration through PKC signaling and holds potential as a therapeutic agent for bladder cancer.

Implication of protein post translational modifications in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common and highly lethal malignant tumors worldwide, and its occurrence and development are regulated by multiple molecular mechanisms. Post-translational modifications (PTM) common forms include ubiquitylation, phosphorylation, acetylation and methylation. Emerging research has highlighted lactylation and glycosylation. The diverse realm of PTM and PTM crosstalk is linked to many critical signaling events involved in neoplastic transformation, carcinogenesis and metastasis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of PTM on the occurrence and progression of GC. Specifically, aberrant PTM have been shown to alter the proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities of GC cells. Moreover, PTM are closely associated with resistance to chemotherapeutic agents in GC. Notably, this review also discusses the phenomenon of PTM crosstalk, highlighting the interactions among PTM and their roles in regulating signaling pathways and protein functions. Therefore, in-depth investigation into the mechanisms of PTM and the development of targeted therapeutic strategies hold promise for advancing early diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic evaluation of GC, offering novel insights and future research directions.

Discovery of a potent and selective TRPC3 antagonist with neuroprotective effects

The TRPC3 protein plays a pivotal role in calcium signaling, influencing cell function. Aberrant TRPC3 expression is implicated in various pathologies, including cardiovascular diseases, tumors, and neurodegeneration. Despite its functional similarities with TRPC6 and TRPC7, TRPC3 exhibits distinct roles in disease contexts. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to develop a potent and selective TRPC3 antagonist with favorable drug-like properties. We employed extensive medicinal chemistry synthesis and structure-activity relationships (SARs) study. Thirty-one novel TRPC3 antagonists were designed and synthesized using the lead compound JW-65 as the scaffold. Compound 60a exhibits a 4-fold improvement in potency and displays exceptional selectivity. With favorable drug-like properties, this compound shows a heightened in vitro neuronal protective effect. Molecular modeling suggests possible modes of action between the TRPC3 protein and its antagonists. In summary, 60a holds significant promise for clinical development in conditions associated with TRPC3 dysregulation.

Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells (NFAT) Proteins as Targeted Molecules in Diseases: A Narrative Review

The nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) is a key player in the NFAT pathway, regulating various cellular processes physiologically and pathologically. NFAT signaling is implicated in developing multiple diseases, such as cancer progression, that are associated with angiogenesis. Despite numerous studies on NFAT, there is still a dearth of information on the proteins and signaling pathway compared to other established pathways. With five NFAT proteins in the spotlight, this review aims to update the understanding of their roles and signaling by analyzing the most recent studies on the NFAT pathway. The recent insights into NFAT proteins and their association with diseases enhance our understanding of these proteins and open the possibility of developing therapeutic strategies for such diseases.

Pathophysiological significance and modulation of the transient receptor potential canonical 3 ion channel

Transient receptor potential canonical 3 (TRPC3) protein belongs to the TRP family of nonselective cation channels. Its activation occurs by signaling through a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) and a phospholipase C-dependent (PLC) pathway. Perturbations in the expression of TRPC3 are associated with a plethora of pathophysiological conditions responsible for disorders of the cardiovascular, immune, and central nervous systems. The recently solved cryo-EM structure of TRPC3 provides detailed inputs about the underlying mechanistic aspects of the channel, which in turn enables more efficient ways of designing small-molecule modulators. Pharmacologically targeting TRPC3 in animal models has demonstrated great efficacy in treating diseases including cancers, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Despite extensive scientific evidence supporting some strong correlations between the expression and activity of TRPC3 and various pathophysiological conditions, therapeutic strategies based on its pharmacological modulations have not led to clinical trials. The development of small-molecule TRPC3 modulators with high safety, sufficient brain penetration, and acceptable drug-like profiles remains in progress. Determining the pathological mechanisms for TRPC3 involvement in human diseases and understanding the requirements for a drug-like TRPC3 modulator will be valuable in advancing small-molecule therapeutics to future clinical trials. In this review, we provide an overview of the origin and activation mechanism of TRPC3 channels, diseases associated with irregularities in their expression, and new development in small-molecule modulators as potential therapeutic interventions for treating TRPC3 channelopathies.

TRP channels in cancer: Therapeutic opportunities and research strategies

The influence of gut microbiota on transient receptor potential (TRP) channels has been identified as an important element in the development of gastrointestinal conditions, yet its involvement in cancer progression is not as thoroughly understood. This review explores the multifaceted roles of TRP channels in oncogenesis and emphasizes their significance in cancer progression and therapeutic outcomes. Critical focus was placed on the influence of traditional medicines, such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) related aromatic medicines, on TRP channel functions. Moreover, we explored the interplay between the gut microbiota and TRP channels in cancer signaling, highlighting the therapeutic potential of targeting this axis in cancer treatment. The impact of current therapies on TRP channel function was examined, demonstrating the need for a comprehensive understanding of how different modalities affect TRP channels in cancer. Technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI) tools and computer-aided drug development (CADD), have been discussed in the context of leveraging TRP channels for innovative cancer therapies. Future directions emphasize the potential applications of TRP channel research in advancing cancer treatment and enhancing patients' well-being.

Exploration of selected monoterpenes as potential TRPC channel family modulator in lung cancer, an in-silico upshot

Lung cancer is still the most frequent cause of cancer-related death, accounting for nearly two million cases yearly. As cancer is a multifactorial disease, developing novel molecular therapeutics that can simultaneously target multiple associated cellular processes has become necessary. Ion channels are diverse regulators of cancer-related processes such as abnormal proliferation, invasion, migration, tumor progression, inhibition of apoptosis, and chemoresistance. Among the various families of ion channels, the transient receptor potential canonical channel family steps out in the context of lung cancer, as several members have been postulated as prognostic markers for lung cancer. Phytochemicals have been found to have health benefits in the treatment of a variety of diseases and disorders. Among phytochemicals, monoterpenes are effective in treating both the early and late stages of cancer. The molecular docking interaction analysis was conducted to evaluate the binding potential of selected monoterpenes with TRPC3, TRPC4, TRPC5, and TRPC6 involved in different phases of carcinogenesis. Amongst the selected monoterpenes, thymoquinone exhibited the highest binding energy of -6.7 kcal/mol against the TRPC4 channel, and all amino acid binding residues were similar to those of the known inhibitor for TRPC4. In addition, molecular-dynamic simulation results parameters, such as RMSD, RMSF, and Rg, indicated that thymoquinone did not impact the protein compactness and exhibited stability during the interaction. The average interaction energy between thymoquinone and TRPC4 protein was -26.85 kJ/mol. In-silico Drug-likeness and ADMET profiling indicated that thymoquinone is a druggable candidate with minimal toxicity. We propose further investigation and evaluation of thymoquinone for lead optimization and drug development.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

A switch in the pathway of TRPC3-mediated calcium influx into brain pericytes contributes to capillary spasms after subarachnoid hemorrhage

Calcium influx and subsequent elevation of the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) induce contractions of brain pericytes and capillary spasms following subarachnoid hemorrhage. This calcium influx is exerted through cation channels. However, the specific calcium influx pathways in brain pericytes after subarachnoid hemorrhage remain unknown. Transient receptor potential canonical 3 (TRPC3) is the most abundant cation channel potentially involved in calcium influx into brain pericytes and is involved in calcium influx into other cell types either via store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) or receptor-operated calcium entry (ROCE). Therefore, we hypothesized that TRPC3 is associated with [Ca2+]i elevation in brain pericytes, potentially mediating brain pericyte contraction and capillary spasms after subarachnoid hemorrhage. In this study, we isolated rat brain pericytes and demonstrated increased TRPC3 expression and its currents in brain pericytes after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Calcium imaging of brain pericytes revealed that changes in TRPC3 expression mediated a switch from SOCE-dominant to ROCE-dominant calcium influx after subarachnoid hemorrhage, resulting in significantly higher [Ca2+]i levels after SAH. TRPC3 activity in brain pericytes also contributed to capillary spasms and reduction in cerebral blood flow in an in vivo rat model of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Therefore, we suggest that the switch in TRPC3-mediated calcium influx pathways plays a crucial role in the [Ca2+]i elevation in brain pericytes after subarachnoid hemorrhage, ultimately leading to capillary spasms and a reduction in cerebral blood flow.

Development and therapeutic implications of small molecular inhibitors that target calcium-related channels in tumor treatment

Calcium ion dysregulation exerts profound effects on various physiological activities such as tumor proliferation, migration, and drug resistance. Calcium-related channels play a regulatory role in maintaining calcium ion homeostasis, with most channels being highly expressed in tumor cells. Additionally, these channels serve as potential drug targets for the development of antitumor medications. In this review, we first discuss the current research status of these pathways, examining how they modulate various tumor functions such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metabolism, and drug resistance. Simultaneously, we summarize the recent progress in the study of novel small-molecule drugs over the past 5 years and their current status.

TRPC3 signalling contributes to the biogenesis of extracellular vesicles

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) contribute to a wide range of pathological processes including cancer progression, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying their biogenesis remain incompletely characterized. The development of tetraspanin-based pHluorin reporters has enabled the real-time analysis of EV release at the plasma membrane. Here, we employed CD81-pHluorin to investigate mechanisms of EV release in ovarian cancer (OC) cells and report a novel role for the Ca2+-permeable transient receptor potential (TRP) channel TRPC3 in EV-mediated communication. We found that specific activation of TRPC3 increased Ca2+ signalling in SKOV3 cells and stimulated an immediate increase in EV release. Ca2+-stimulants histamine and ionomycin likewise induced EV release, and imaging analysis revealed distinct stimulation-dependent temporal and spatial release dynamics. Interestingly, inhibition of TRPC3 attenuated histamine-stimulated Ca2+-entry and EV release, indicating that TRPC3 is likely to act downstream of histamine signalling in EV biogenesis. Furthermore, we found that direct activation of TRPC3 as well as the application of EVs derived from TRPC3-activated cells increased SKOV3 proliferation. Our data provides insights into the molecular mechanisms and dynamics underlying EV release in OC cells, proposing a key role for TRPC3 in EV biogenesis.

A review of Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 (GSK3) inhibitors for cancers therapies

The intricate molecular pathways governing cancer development and progression have spurred intensive investigations into novel therapeutic targets. Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 (GSK3), a complex serine/threonine kinase, has emerged as a key player with intricate roles in various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and metabolism. Harnessing GSK3 inhibitors as potential candidates for cancer therapy has garnered significant interest due to their ability to modulate key signalling pathways that drive oncogenesis. The review encompasses a thorough examination of the molecular mechanisms underlying GSK3's involvement in cancer progression, shedding light on its interaction with critical pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT, and NF-κB. Through these interactions, GSK3 exerts influence over tumour growth, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis, rendering it an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. The discussion includes preclinical and clinical studies, showcasing the inhibitors efficacy across a spectrum of cancer types, including pancreatic, ovarian, lung, and other malignancies. Insights from recent studies highlight the potential synergistic effects of combining GSK3 inhibitors with conventional chemotherapeutic agents or targeted therapies, opening avenues for innovative combinatorial approaches. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research surrounding GSK3 inhibitors as promising agents for cancer treatment.

Gallic Acid Treats Hypertrophic Scar in Rabbit Ears via the TGF-β/Smad and TRPC3 Signaling Pathways

Hypertrophic scars (HSs) develop due to excessive collagen deposition and abnormal fibroblast proliferation during wound healing, significantly impacting patient quality of life. Three dosages of GA ointments were administered to rabbit ear HS models to investigate the potential efficacy and mechanism of gallic acid (GA) on HS. Daily application of ointment was performed on the matrix group, the GA ointment groups, and the silicone gel group for 28 days. (No drug treatment was performed on the skin and model groups as a blank group and vehicle group, and silicone gel ointment was topically administered to the silicone gel group as a positive control group.) Scar specimens were collected for histopathology analysis, RNA sequencing analysis, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analysis at the first, second, and fourth weeks after the treatment. Low-dose and medium-dose GA effectively suppressed HS formation and markedly decreased fibroblast infiltration levels and scar thickness. Moreover, decreased expression of TRPC3 mRNA and TGF-β1, p-Smad2/3, and Smad2/3 protein was observed in the low- and medium-dose GA groups and the silicone gel group. This study provides evidence for the efficacy of GA in treating HS and sheds light on its potential underlying pharmacological mechanisms.

TRP Channels in Cancer: Signaling Mechanisms and Translational Approaches

Ion channels play a crucial role in a wide range of biological processes, including cell cycle regulation and cancer progression. In particular, the transient receptor potential (TRP) family of channels has emerged as a promising therapeutic target due to its involvement in several stages of cancer development and dissemination. TRP channels are expressed in a large variety of cells and tissues, and by increasing cation intracellular concentration, they monitor mechanical, thermal, and chemical stimuli under physiological and pathological conditions. Some members of the TRP superfamily, namely vanilloid (TRPV), canonical (TRPC), melastatin (TRPM), and ankyrin (TRPA), have been investigated in different types of cancer, including breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer. TRP channels are involved in processes such as cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and drug resistance, all related to cancer progression. Some TRP channels have been mechanistically associated with the signaling of cancer pain. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which TRP channels influence cancer provides new opportunities for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. Selective inhibitors of TRP channels are under initial scrutiny in experimental animals as potential anti-cancer agents. In-depth knowledge of these channels and their regulatory mechanisms may lead to new therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment, providing new perspectives for the development of effective targeted therapies.

NFAT signaling dysregulation in cancer: Emerging roles in cancer stem cells

The nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) was first identified as a transcriptional regulator of activated T cells. The NFAT family is involved in the development of tumors. Furthermore, recent evidence reveals that NFAT proteins regulate the development of inflammatory and immune responses. New discoveries have also been made about the mechanisms by which NFAT regulates cancer progression through cancer stem cells (CSC). Here, we discuss the role of the NFAT family in the immune system and various cancer types.

TRP Channels in Tumoral Processes Mediated by Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

The channels from the superfamily of transient receptor potential (TRP) activated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) can be defined as redox channels. Those with the best exposure of the cysteine residues and, hence, the most sensitive to oxidative stress are TRPC4, TRPC5, TRPV1, TRPV4, and TRPA1, while others, such as TRPC3, TRPM2, and TRPM7, are indirectly activated by ROS. Furthermore, activation by ROS has different effects on the tumorigenic process: some TRP channels may, upon activation, stimulate proliferation, apoptosis, or migration of cancer cells, while others inhibit these processes, depending on the cancer type, tumoral microenvironment, and, finally, on the methods used for evaluation. Therefore, using these polymodal proteins as therapeutic targets is still an unmet need, despite their draggability and modulation by simple and mostly unharmful compounds. This review intended to create some cellular models of the interaction between oxidative stress, TRP channels, and inflammation. Although somewhat crosstalk between the three actors was rather theoretical, we intended to gather the recently published data and proposed pathways of cancer inhibition using modulators of TRP proteins, hoping that the experimental data corroborated clinical information may finally bring the results from the bench to the bedside.

Immunohistochemistry Reveals TRPC Channels in the Human Hearing Organ-A Novel CT-Guided Approach to the Cochlea

TRPC channels are critical players in cochlear hair cells and sensory neurons, as demonstrated in animal experiments. However, evidence for TRPC expression in the human cochlea is still lacking. This reflects the logistic and practical difficulties in obtaining human cochleae. The purpose of this study was to detect TRPC6, TRPC5 and TRPC3 in the human cochlea. Temporal bone pairs were excised from ten body donors, and the inner ear was first assessed based on computed tomography scans. Decalcification was then performed using 20% EDTA solutions. Immunohistochemistry with knockout-tested antibodies followed. The organ of Corti, the stria vascularis, the spiral lamina, spiral ganglion neurons and cochlear nerves were specifically stained. This unique report of TRPC channels in the human cochlea supports the hypothesis of the potentially critical role of TRPC channels in human cochlear health and disease which has been suggested in previous rodent experiments.

Melatonin enhances anti-tumor immunity by targeting macrophages PD-L1 via exosomes derived from gastric cancer cells

Melatonin (MLT) is a hormone with potential anti-tumor properties, but the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The present study aimed to explore the effect of MLT on exosomes derived from gastric cancer cells, with the goal of gaining insight into its anti-tumor activity. Results from in vitro experiments showed that MLT was able to enhance the anti-tumor activity of macrophages that had been suppressed by exosomes from gastric cancer cells. This effect was achieved through regulation of the levels of PD-L1 in macrophages via modulation of the associated microRNAs in the cancer-derived exosomes. Furthermore, MLT treatment increased the secretion of TNF-α and CXCL10 by the macrophages. Besides, MLT treatment of gastric cancer cells led to the production of exosomes that promoted the recruitment of CD8⁺ T cells to the tumor site, resulting in inhibition of tumor growth. Collectively, these results provide evidence for the modulation of the tumor immune microenvironment by MLT through regulation of exosomes derived from gastric cancer cells, suggesting a potential role for MLT in novel anti-tumor immunotherapies.

Roles of calcium signaling in cancer metastasis to bone

Bone metastasis is a frequent complication for cancers and an important reason for the mortality in cancer patients. After surviving in bone, cancer cells can cause severe pain, life-threatening hypercalcemia, pathologic fractures, spinal cord compression, and even death. However, the underlying mechanisms of bone metastasis were not clear. The role of calcium (Ca2+) in cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion has been well established. Interestingly, emerging evidence indicates that Ca2+ signaling played a key role in bone metastasis, for it not only promotes cancer progression but also mediates osteoclasts and osteoblasts differentiation. Therefore, Ca2+ signaling has emerged as a novel therapeutical target for cancer bone metastasis treatments. Here, the role of Ca2+ channels and Ca2+-binding proteins including calmodulin and Ca2+-sensing receptor in bone metastasis, and the perspective of anti-cancer bone metastasis therapeutics via targeting the Ca2+ signaling pathway are summarized.

PLAA suppresses ovarian cancer metastasis via METTL3-mediated m6A modification of TRPC3 mRNA

Wide metastasis contributes to a high death rate in ovarian cancer, and understanding of the molecular mechanism helps to find effective targets for metastatic ovarian cancer therapy. It has been found that phospholipase A2-activating protein (PLAA) is inactivated in some cancers, but its role in cancer metastasis remains unknown. Here, we found that PLAA was significantly downregulated in ovarian cancer highly metastatic cell lines and patients, and the low expression of PLAA was associated with poorer prognosis and high-risk clinicopathological features of patients. PLAA inhibited the migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells and metastasis of transplanted tumor in the orthotopic xenograft mouse model. Meanwhile, PLAA inhibited metastasis of ovarian cancer by inhibiting transient receptor potential channel canonical 3 (TRPC3)-mediated the intracellular Ca²⁺ level. Mechanistically, PLAA inhibited methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) expression through the ubiquitin-mediated degradation, and METTL3 stabilized TRPC3 mRNA expression via N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) modification. Our study verified the function and mechanism of the PLAA-METTL3-TRPC3 axis involved in ovarian cancer metastasis, with a view to providing a potential therapeutic approach for ovarian cancer.

A Review on the Role of TRP Channels and Their Potential as Drug Targets_An Insight Into the TRP Channel Drug Discovery Methodologies

Transient receptor potential (TRP) proteins are a large group of ion channels that control many physiological functions in our body. These channels are considered potential therapeutic drug targets for various diseases such as neurological disorders, cancers, cardiovascular disease, and many more. The Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine in the year 2021 was awarded to two scientists for the discovery of TRP and PIEZO ion channels. Improving our knowledge of technologies for their study is essential. In the present study, we reviewed the role of TRP channel types in the control of normal physiological functions as well as disease conditions. Also, we discussed the current and novel technologies that can be used to study these channels successfully. As such, Flux assays for detecting ionic flux through ion channels are among the core and widely used tools for screening drug compounds. Technologies based on these assays are available in fully automated high throughput set-ups and help detect changes in radiolabeled or non-radiolabeled ionic flux. Aurora's Ion Channel Reader (ICR), which works based on label-free technology of flux assay, offers sensitive, accurate, and reproducible measurements to perform drug ranking matching with patch-clamp (gold standard) data. The non-radiolabeled trace-based flux assay coupled with the ICR detects changes in various ion types, including potassium, calcium, sodium, and chloride channels, by using appropriate tracer ions. This technology is now considered one of the very successful approaches for analyzing ion channel activity in modern drug discovery. It could be a successful approach for studying various ion channels and transporters, including the different members of the TRP family of ion channels.

A TRP Family Based Signature for Prognosis Prediction in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Purpose

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a classical type of head and neck cancers, with heterogeneous clinical outcome. This project is set out to create a robust risk signature based on TRP family genes (TFGs) for prognosis evaluation in HNSCC.

Methods

Based on the HNSCC sample data from the TCGA website, we integrated expression profile of TFGs for 490 HNSCC cases. We explore the interactions among TFGs using STRING tool. The TFGs-based signature (TFBS) was created by Cox relative analyses. In addition, we conducted GSEA to identify the underlying signaling pathways of the specific TFGs in HNSCC. The immune landscape of HNSCC patients was analyzed by CIBERSORT and ssGSEA algorithms.

Results

A total of 6 TFGs (TRPC1, TRPC3, TRPC6, TRPV2, TRPV4, and TRPM8) closely associated with prognosis of HNSCC cases were screened to create TFBS. TFBS predicted that the TFBS-high group presented dismal patient outcome. Cox regression revealed the favorable independent value of TFBS. ROC analysis showed the robust power of TFBS for prognosis forecasting. GSEA determined several crucial pathways related with HNSCC, which are the p53 pathway, TNF-alpha signaling via NFKB, and hypoxia. Moreover, immune-related analysis showed that patients in the TFBS-high group were more likely in immunosuppressive status.

Conclusion

Our proposed TFBS could serve as a favorable indicator to forecast the survival outcome of HNSCC cases and offer prominent therapy guidance.

Identification of Novel Lung Cancer Driver Genes Connecting Different Omics Levels With a Heat Diffusion Algorithm

Cancer driver gene is a type of gene with abnormal alterations that initiate or promote tumorigenesis. Driver genes can be used to reveal the fundamental pathological mechanisms of tumorigenesis. These genes may have pathological changes at different omics levels. Thus, identifying cancer driver genes involving two or more omics levels is essential. In this study, a computational investigation was conducted on lung cancer driver genes. Four omics levels, namely, epigenomics, genomics, transcriptomics, and post-transcriptomics, were involved. From the driver genes at each level, the Laplacian heat diffusion algorithm was executed on a protein–protein interaction network for discovering latent driver genes at this level. A following screen procedure was performed to extract essential driver genes, which contained three tests: permutation, association, and function tests, which can exclude false-positive genes and screen essential ones. Finally, the intersection operation was performed to obtain novel driver genes involving two omic levels. The analyses on obtained genes indicated that they were associated with fundamental pathological mechanisms of lung cancer at two corresponding omics levels.