Tinagl1 Suppresses Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Progression and Metastasis by Simultaneously Inhibiting Integrin/FAK and EGFR Signaling

Matrix Stiffness and Biochemistry Govern Colorectal Cancer Cell Growth and Signaling in User-Programmable Synthetic Hydrogels

Colorectal cancer (CRC) studies in vitro have been conducted almost exclusively on 2D cell monolayers or suspension spheroid cultures. Though these platforms have shed light on many important aspects of CRC biology, they fail to recapitulate essential cell-matrix interactions that often define in vivo function. Toward filling this knowledge gap, synthetic hydrogel biomaterials with user-programmable matrix mechanics and biochemistry have gained popularity for culturing cells in a more physiologically relevant 3D context. Here, using a poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogel model, we systematically assess the role of matrix stiffness and fibronectin-derived RGDS adhesive peptide presentation on CRC colony morphology and proliferation. Highlighting platform generalizability, we demonstrate that these hydrogels can support the viability and promote spontaneous spheroid or multicellular aggregate formation of six CRC cell lines that are commonly utilized in biomedical research. These gels are engineered to be fully degradable via a "biologically invisible" sortase-mediated reaction, enabling the triggered recovery of single cells and spheroids for downstream analysis. Using these platforms, we establish that substrate mechanics play a significant role in colony growth: soft conditions (∼300 Pa) encourage robust colony formation, whereas stiffer (∼2 kPa) gels severely restrict growth. Tuning the RGDS concentration did not affect the colony morphology. Additionally, we observe that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling in Caco-2 cells is influenced by adhesion ligand identity─whether the adhesion peptide was derived from collagen type I (DGEA) or fibronectin (RGDS)─with DGEA yielding a marked decrease in the level of downstream protein kinase phosphorylation. Taken together, this study introduces a versatile method to culture and probe CRC cell-matrix interactions within engineered 3D biomaterials.

Integrin signaling in tumor biology: mechanisms of intercellular crosstalk and emerging targeted therapies

Integrins, a family of transmembrane cell adhesion receptors, mediate intercellular and cell-extracellular matrix crosstalk via outside-in and inside-out signaling pathways. Integrins, categorized into 24 distinct combinations of α and β subunits, exhibit tissue-specific expression and perform unique or overlapping roles in physiological and pathophysiological processes. These roles encompass embryonic angiogenesis, tissue repair, and the modulation of tumor cell angiogenesis, progression, invasion, and metastasis. Notably, integrins are significant contributors to tumor development, offering valuable insights into the potential of integrin-targeted diagnostics and therapeutics. Currently, there are various preclinical and clinical trials aiming to harness integrin antagonists that are safe, efficacious, and exhibit low toxicity. Owing to the functional redundancy across integrin types and the complexity of the mechanisms of integrin-mediated multiple key processes associated with tumor biology, challenges exist that impede advancements in integrin-targeted therapy. Nevertheless, innovative strategies focused on integrin modulation represent significant breakthroughs for improving patient care and promoting comprehensive insights into the underlying mechanisms of tumor biology. This review elucidates the impact of integrins on three distinct cell types in multiple key processes associated with tumor biology and explores the emerging integrin-targeted therapeutic approaches for the treatment of tumors, which will provide ideas for optimal therapeutic approaches in the future.

Modeling the dynamics of EMT reveals genes associated with pan-cancer intermediate states and plasticity

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cell state transition co-opted by cancer that drives metastasis via stable intermediate states. Here we study EMT dynamics to identify marker genes of highly metastatic intermediate cells via mathematical modeling with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data. Across multiple tumor types and stimuli, we identified genes consistently upregulated in EMT intermediate states, many previously unrecognized as EMT markers. Bayesian parameter inference of a simple EMT mathematical model revealed tumor-specific transition rates, providing a framework to quantify EMT progression. Consensus analysis of differential expression, RNA velocity, and model-derived dynamics highlighted SFN and NRG1 as key regulators of intermediate EMT. Independent validation confirmed SFN as an intermediate state marker. Our approach integrates modeling and inference to identify genes associated with EMT dynamics, offering biomarkers and therapeutic targets to modulate tumor-promoting cell state transitions driven by EMT.

Mesenteric adipose-derived exosomal TINAGL1 enhances intestinal fibrosis in Crohn's Disease via SMAD4

INTRODUCTION

Crohn's Disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by intestinal fibrosis, severely impacting patient quality of life. The molecular mechanisms driving this fibrosis remain inadequately understood. Recent evidence implicates mesenteric adipose tissue (MAT) in CD pathogenesis, particularly through its exosome secretion, which may influence fibrogenic pathways. Understanding the role of MAT-derived exosomes is crucial for unraveling these molecular processes.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to elucidate the role of MAT-derived exosomes in CD-related intestinal fibrosis. We focus on investigating their molecular composition and the potential impact on fibrosis progression, with an emphasis on identifying novel therapeutic targets.

METHODS

We induced chronic intestinal inflammation in mice using dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS), simulating CD-like fibrosis. Exosomes were isolated from DNBS-treated mice (MG) and normal controls (NG) for characterization using electron microscopy and proteomic analysis. Additionally, human colonic fibroblasts were exposed to exosomes from CD patients and healthy individuals, with subsequent assessment of fibrogenesis through proteomic and RNA sequencing analyses.

RESULTS

Proteomic analyses revealed a significant activation of the TGF-β signaling pathway in MG-treated mice compared to controls, correlating with enhanced intestinal fibrosis. In vitro experiments demonstrated that colonic fibroblasts exposed to CD patient-derived exosomes exhibited increased fibrogenic activity. Protein docking and co-immunoprecipitation studies suggested a critical interaction between TINAGL1 and SMAD4, enhancing fibrosis. Importantly, in vivo experiments corroborated that recombinant TINAGL1 protein exacerbated DNBS-induced intestinal fibrosis.

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight the pivotal role of MAT-derived exosomes, particularly those carrying TINAGL1, in the progression of intestinal fibrosis in CD. The involvement of the TGF-β signaling pathway, especially the SMAD4 protein, offers new insights into the molecular mechanisms of CD-related fibrosis and presents potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

Single-cell analysis reveals that GFAP+ dedifferentiated Schwann cells promote tumor progress in PNI-positive distal cholangiocarcinoma via lactate/HMGB1 axis

Distal cholangiocarcinoma (dCCA) is a highly lethal malignancy that accounts for approximately 40% of patients with primary cholangiocarcinoma. Remarkable cellular heterogeneity and perineural invasion (PNI) are two typical features of dCCA. Deciphering the complex interplay between neoplastic and neural cells is crucial for understanding the mechanisms propelling PNI-positive dCCA progression. Herein, we conduct single-cell RNA sequencing on 24,715 cells from two pairs of PNI-positive dCCA tumors and adjacent tissues, identifying eight unique cell types. Malignant cells exhibit significant inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity. We delineate the compositional and functional phenotypes of five Schwann cell (SC) subsets in PNI-positive dCCA. Moreover, our analyses reveal two potential cell subtypes critical to forming PNI: NEAT1+ malignant cells characterized by hypoxic propensity and GFAP+ dedifferentiated SCs featuring hypermetabolism. Further bioinformatics uncover extensive cellular interactions between these two subpopulations. Functional experiments confirm that lactate in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment can induce GFAP-dedifferentiation in SCs, which promotes cancer cell invasion and progression through upregulating HMGB1. Taken together, our findings offer a thorough characterization of the transcriptional profile in PNI-positive dCCA and unveil potential therapeutic targets for dCCA PNI.

Novel determinants of NOTCH1 trafficking and signaling in breast epithelial cells

The evolutionarily conserved Notch signaling pathway controls cell-cell communication, enacting cell fate decisions during development and tissue homeostasis. Its dysregulation is associated with a wide range of diseases, including congenital disorders and cancers. Signaling outputs depend on maturation of Notch receptors and trafficking to the plasma membrane, endocytic uptake and sorting, lysosomal and proteasomal degradation, and ligand-dependent and independent proteolytic cleavages. We devised assays to follow quantitatively the trafficking and signaling of endogenous human NOTCH1 receptor in breast epithelial cells in culture. Based on such analyses, we executed a high-content screen of 2,749 human genes to identify new regulators of Notch that might be amenable to pharmacologic intervention. We uncovered 39 new NOTCH1 modulators for NOTCH1 trafficking and signaling. Among them, we find that PTPN23 and HCN2 act as positive NOTCH1 regulators by promoting endocytic trafficking and NOTCH1 maturation in the Golgi apparatus, respectively, whereas SGK3 serves as a negative regulator that can be modulated by pharmacologic inhibition. Our findings might be relevant in the search of new strategies to counteract pathologic Notch signaling.

Luminescent sensing of conformational integrin activation in living cells

Integrins are major receptors for secreted extracellular matrix, playing crucial roles in physiological and pathological contexts, such as angiogenesis and cancer. Regulation of the transition between inactive and active conformation is key for integrins to fulfill their functions, and pharmacological control of those dynamics may have therapeutic applications. We create and validate a prototypic luminescent β1 integrin activation sensor (β1IAS) by introducing a split luciferase into an activation reporting site between the βI and the hybrid domains. As a recombinant protein in both solution and living cells, β1IAS accurately reports β1 integrin activation in response to (bio)chemical and physical stimuli. A short interfering RNA (siRNA) high-throughput screening on live β1IAS knockin endothelial cells unveils hitherto unknown regulators of β1 integrin activation, such as β1 integrin inhibitors E3 ligase Pja2 and vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGF-B). This split-luciferase-based strategy provides an in situ label-free measurement of integrin activation and may be applicable to other β integrins and receptors.

Rabdosia rubescens (Hemsl.) H. Hara: A potent anti-tumor herbal remedy - Botany, phytochemistry, and clinical applications and insights

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional Chinese herbal medicine has unique advantages as anti-cancer drugs and adjuvant therapies. Rabdosia rubescens (Hemsl.) H. Hara (R. rubescens) is a traditional medicinal plant known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-angiogenic and antitumor properties. The antitumor activity of R. rubescens is widely recognized among the folk communities in Henan Province, China.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study reviews the botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, anti-tumor active ingredients, mechanisms, and clinical applications of R. rubescens, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding for its use as an anti-cancer drug and adjuvant therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We systematically searched the literature in PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI using the following keywords: "Rabdosia rubescens", "Isodon rubescens", "traditional application", "anti-tumor", "phytochemistry", "anti-tumor active compounds", "oridonin" and "clinical application". The search covered publications from 1997 to 2024. Inclusion criteria included original studies or reviews focusing on the anti-tumor properties of R. rubescens or its active components. Exclusion criteria included studies related to non-R. rubescens applications.

RESULTS

R. rubescens is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Lamiaceae, mainly found in central and southern China. Historically, it has been used to treat conditions such as sore throat, cough, and excess phlegm. The plant contains various compounds, including diterpenes, triterpenes, steroids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, essential oils, amino acids, alkaloids, and polysaccharides, with diterpenes, triterpenes, flavonoids, and phenolic acids being the most active. This review identifies 50 compounds with anti-tumor properties, comprising 34 diterpenes, 2 triterpenes, 7 flavonoids, and 7 phenolic acids. Notably, besides oridonin and ponicidin, the ent-kaurane diterpenoids (20S)-11β,14β,20-trihydroxy-7α,20-epoxy-ent-kaur-16-en15-one and (20S)-11β,14β-dihydroxy-20-ethoxy7α,20-epoxy-ent-kaur-16-en-15-one demonstrate significant anti-tumor activity, attributed to their carbonyl group at C-15, hydroxyl group at C-1, and OEt group at C-20. Mechanistically, R. rubescens combats tumors by blocking the tumor cell cycle, promoting apoptosis, inhibiting cell migration and angiogenesis, inducing ferroptosis, reversing drug resistance, and enhancing radiosensitivity in tumor cells. Clinically, R. rubescens is available in various forms, including tablets, drops, syrups, capsules, and lozenges, and is primarily used for tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and stomatitis. According to the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of China, R. rubescens tablets are recognized as an adjuvant therapy for cancer. Clinical studies indicate that R. rubescens syrup, tablets, and thermal therapy can enhance cancer patient survival rates and lower tumor recurrence rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Given its traditional and modern uses, active anti-tumor components, and mechanisms, R. rubescens is a promising resource in traditional Chinese medicine for anti-tumor therapy. To realize its full potential, future research should explore additional active anti-tumor compounds beyond oridonin and ponicidin. For these key components, studies should focus on structural modifications to identify new active molecules and essential anti-tumor structures. Clinically, it is important to investigate how R. rubescens interacts with other Chinese herbs in anti-tumor formulations to enhance treatment efficacy and guide appropriate clinical use. Furthermore, future studies should undergo ethical review and include larger-scale randomized controlled trials to validate the efficacy of R. rubescens in treating tumors, thereby promoting its role as an anti-tumor traditional Chinese medicine.

TOP2A inhibition and its cellular effects related to cell cycle checkpoint adaptation pathway

In this study, we investigate the G2 checkpoint activated by chromosome entanglements, the so-called Decatenation Checkpoint (DC), which can be activated by TOP2A catalytic inhibition. Specifically, we focus on the spontaneous ability of cells to bypass or override this checkpoint, referred to as checkpoint adaptation. Some factors involved in adapting to this checkpoint are p53 and MCPH1. Using cellular models depleted of p53 or both p53 and MCPH1 in hTERT-RPE1 cells, we analyzed cell cycle dynamics and adaptation, segregation defects, apoptosis rate, and transcriptional changes related to prolonged exposure to TOP2A inhibitors. Our findings reveal that cell cycle dynamics are altered in MCPH1-depleted cells compared to control cells. We found that MCPH1 depletion can restore the robustness of the DC in a p53-negative background. Furthermore, this research highlights the differential effects of TOP2A poisons and catalytic inhibitors on cellular outcomes and transcriptional profiles. By examining the different mechanisms of TOP2A inhibition and their impact on cellular processes, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the regulation and physiological implications of the DC and checkpoint adaptation in non-carcinogenic cell lines.

Tinagl1 restores tamoxifen sensitivity and blocks fibronectin-induced EMT by simultaneously blocking the EGFR and β1-integrin/FAK signaling pathways in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells

Tamoxifen (TAM) is employed to treat premenopausal ER-positive breast cancer patients, but TAM resistance is the main reason affecting its efficacy. Thus, addressing TAM resistance is crucial for improving therapeutic outcomes. This study explored the potential role of Tinagl1, a secreted extracellular matrix protein, whose expression is compromised in TAM-resistant MCF-7 breast cancer cells (MCF-7R). We discovered that Tinagl1 plays a pivotal role in countering TAM resistance by inhibiting the EGFR and β1-integrin/focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling pathways, both of which are abnormally activated in MCF-7R cells and contribute to the resistance mechanism. Our data showed that the expression level of Tinagl1 in MCF-7R cells was lower compared to their wild-type counterparts, and TAM could further reduce Tinagl1 expression in MCF-7R cells, which was consistent with our microarray results. Moreover, Tinagl1 could restore the sensitivity of MCF-7R cells to TAM and inhibit the motility of MCF-7R cells by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and in vivo experiments. In addition, the level of Tinagl1 in TAM-resistant breast cancer samples was significantly lower than that in their matched primary tumors. Analysis of an online database further indicated that high Tinagl1 expression correlates with better recurrence-free survival (RFS), particularly in patients with ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. Overall, this study positions Tinagl1 not only as a potential prognostic marker but also as a promising therapeutic target.

Dysregulated Signaling Pathways in Canine Mammary Tumor and Human Triple Negative Breast Cancer: Advances and Potential Therapeutic Targets

In 2022, human breast cancer (HBC) and canine mammary tumors (CMTs) remained the most prevalent malignant tumors worldwide, with high recurrence and lethality rates, posing a significant threat to human and dog health. The development of breast cancer involves multiple signaling pathways, highlighting the need for effective inhibitory drugs that target key proteins in these pathways. This article reviews the dysregulation of the EGFR, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Hippo, pyroptosis, and PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathways in HBC and CMT, as well as the corresponding drugs used to inhibit tumor growth, with the aim of providing theoretical support for the development of more efficient drugs.

Cilengitide sensitivity is predicted by overall integrin expression in breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Treatment options for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) are limited and patients face a poor prognosis. Here, we sought to identify drugs that target TNBC vulnerabilities and understand the biology underlying these responses. We analyzed the Broad Institute DepMap to identify recurrent TNBC vulnerabilities and performed a 45-compound screen on vulnerability-related pathways on a set of up to 8 TNBC cell lines. We identified a subset of cell lines with an ITGAV vulnerability and a differential sensitivity to cilengitide, an integrin inhibitor targeting ITGAV:ITGB3 and ITGAV:ITGB5. Next, we sought to understand cilengitide resistance and response biomarkers. Clinical trials targeting integrins continue enrolling patients, necessitating an understanding of how these drugs affect tumors.

METHODS

We combined in vitro assays with computational approaches to systematically explore the differential sensitivity to cilengitide and resistance mechanisms. We tested an additional pan-ITGAV inhibitor (GLPG0187) to determine how generalizable our findings on cilengitide sensitivity might be to integrin inhibition. ITGB4, ITGA3, and ITGA6 knockdown experiments assessed the importance of integrin monomers in cell attachment during cilengitide treatment. Additionally, we explored the role of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in cilengitide response by performing cell replating experiments and by culturing on collagen, fibronectin, or laminin coated plates.

RESULTS

We discovered that cell-derived ECM modulates cilengitide sensitivity and exogenous fibronectin addition conferred resistance to all sensitive TNBC cell lines, though fibronectin expression did not correlate with sensitivity. Instead, elevated overall integrin protein levels, not specific integrins, in TNBC cells positively correlated with resistance. This suggested that high pan-integrin expression promotes cilengitide resistance. Thus, we tested cilengitide in six luminal breast cancer cell lines (which have low integrin levels); all were sensitive. Also, pan-ITGAV inhibitor, GLPG0187, showed the same sensitivity profile across our TNBC cell lines, suggesting our findings apply to other integrin inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS

Integrin inhibitors are appealing candidates to pursue as anti-cancer drugs because they are generally well-tolerated, but their efficacy is mixed, possibly due to the absence of predictive markers. Cilengitide induces death in breast cancer cells with low integrin abundance, where complementary ECM promotes survival. Thus, integrin inhibition in breast cancer warrants further study.

Engineered CAR-NK Cells with Tolerance to H2O2 and Hypoxia Can Suppress Postoperative Relapse of Triple-Negative Breast Cancers

Surgical resection is a primary treatment option for patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), but it is associated with a high rate of postoperative local and metastatic relapse. Although chimeric antigen receptor-engineered NK (CAR-NK) cell therapy can specifically recognize and eradicate tumor cells, its therapeutic potency toward TNBCs is markedly suppressed by the hostile tumor microenvironment, which restricts the infiltration, survival, and effector functions of CAR-NK cells inside tumor masses. In this study, HER1-overexpressing TNBC-targeted CAR-NK (HER1-CAR-NK) cells were genetically engineered with catalase to endow them with tolerance toward the high levels of oxidative stress and hypoxia inside TNBC tumors through the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, which is a principle reactive oxygen species inside tumors, into O2. We refer to these cells as HER1-CAR-CAT-NK cells. Upon intratumoral fixation with an injectable alginate hydrogel, HER1-CAR-CAT-NK cells enabled sustained tumor hypoxia attenuation and exhibited markedly enhanced persistence and effector functions inside TNBC tumors. As a result, locoregional HER1-CAR-CAT-NK cell therapy not only inhibited the growth of local primary residual tumors but also elicited systemic antitumor activity to suppress the growth of distant tumors. This study highlights that genetic engineering of HER1-CAR-NK cells with catalase is a promising strategy to suppress the postoperative local and distant relapse of TNBC tumors.

Matrisomics: Beyond the extracellular matrix for unveiling tumor microenvironment

The matrisome, a group of proteins constituting or interacting with the extracellular matrix (ECM), has garnered attention as a potent regulator of cancer progression. An increasing number of studies have focused on cancer matrisome utilizing diverse -omics approaches. Here, we present diverse patterns of matrisomal populations within cancer tissues, exploring recent -omics studies spanning different '-omics' levels (epigenomics, genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics), as well as newly developed sequencing techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics. Some matrisome genes showed uniform patterns of upregulated or downregulated expression across various cancers, while others displayed different expression patterns according to the cancer types. This matrisomal dysregulation in cancer was further examined according to their originating cell type and spatial location in the tumor tissue. Experimental studies were also collected to demonstrate the identified roles of matrisome genes during cancer progression. Interestingly, many studies on cancer matrisome have suggested matrisome genes as effective biomarkers in cancer research. Although the specific mechanisms and clinical applications of cancer matrisome have not yet been fully elucidated, recent techniques and analyses on cancer matrisomics have emphasized their biological importance in cancer progression and their clinical implications in deciding the efficacy of cancer treatment.

Phase separation of phospho-HDAC6 drives aberrant chromatin architecture in triple-negative breast cancer

How dysregulated liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) contributes to the oncogenesis of female triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains unknown. Here we demonstrate that phosphorylated histone deacetylase 6 (phospho-HDAC6) forms LLPS condensates in the nuclei of TNBC cells that are essential for establishing aberrant chromatin architecture. The disordered N-terminal domain and phosphorylated residue of HDAC6 facilitate effective LLPS, whereas nuclear export regions exert a negative dominant effect. Through phase-separation-based screening, we identified Nexturastat A as a specific disruptor of phospho-HDAC6 condensates, which effectively suppresses tumor growth. Mechanistically, importin-β interacts with phospho-HDAC6, promoting its translocation to the nucleus, where 14-3-3θ mediates the condensate formation. Disruption of phospho-HDAC6 LLPS re-established chromatin compartments and topologically associating domain boundaries, leading to disturbed chromatin loops. The phospho-HDAC6-induced aberrant chromatin architecture affects chromatin accessibility, histone acetylation, RNA polymerase II elongation and transcriptional profiles in TNBC. This study demonstrates phospho-HDAC6 LLPS as an emerging mechanism underlying the dysregulation of chromatin architecture in TNBC.

m6A-Dependent ITIH1 Regulated by TGF-β Acts as a Target for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression

Both the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification for mRNA play an important role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. However, the relationship between TGF-β and m6A in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Here, it is found that TGF-β can promote the liquid phase separation of METTL3, which further leads to the reduction of mRNA stability of ITIH1. As a secreted protein, ITIH1 can act as a ligand of integrin α5β1 to antagonize fibronectin, induce the inhibition of focal adhesion kinase signaling pathway, and inhibit the progression of HCC. In the preclinical model (mouse model, patient-derived organoid, patient-derived xenografts), purified recombinant ITIH1 (r-ITIH1) protein can be targeted for HCC. More importantly, r-ITIH1 can play a synergistic role in targeting HCC with TGF-β inhibitor. The downstream ITIH1 regulatory mechanism of TGF-β and m6A modification is revealed, and ITIH1 can be translational as a potential target for HCC.

A novel FAK-degrading PROTAC molecule exhibited both anti-tumor activities and efficient MDR reversal effects

FAK (focal adhesion kinase) is widely involved in cancer growth and drug resistance development. Thus, FAK inhibition has emerged as an effective strategy for tumor treatment both as a monotherapy or in combination with other treatments. But the current FAK inhibitors mainly concentrate on its kinase activity, overlooking the potential significance of FAK scaffold proteins. In this study we employed the PROTAC technology, and designed a novel PROTAC molecule F2 targeting FAK based on the FAK inhibitor IN10018. F2 exhibited potent inhibitory activities against 4T1, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-435 cells with IC50 values of 0.73, 1.09, 5.84 and 3.05 μM, respectively. On the other hand, F2 also remarkably reversed the multidrug resistance (MDR) in HCT8/T, A549/T and MCF-7/ADR cells. Both the effects of F2 were stronger than the FAK inhibitor IN10018. To our knowledge, F2 was the first reported FAK-targeted PROTAC molecule exhibiting reversing effects on chemotherapeutic drug resistance, and its highest reversal fold could reach 158 times. The anti-tumor and MDR-reversing effects of F2 might be based on its inhibition on AKT (protein kinase B, PKB) and ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) signaling pathways, as well as its impact on EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition). Furthermore, we found that F2 could reduce the protein level of P-gp in HCT8/T cells, thereby contributing to reverse drug resistance from another perspective. Our results will boost confidence in future research focusing on targeting FAK and encourage further investigation of PROTAC with potent in vivo effects.

YTHDF1 facilitates esophageal cancer progression via augmenting m6A-dependent TINAGL1 translation

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal RNA modification and plays a critical role in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. As a powerful m6A reader, YTHDF1 is implicated in multiple malignancies. However, the functions and underlying mechanisms of YTHDF1 in esophageal cancer (ESCA) are elusive. Here, we revealed that YTHDF1 expression was remarkably up-regulated in ESCA and linked with poor prognosis. Functionally, YTHDF1 promoted ESCA cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that TINAGL1 might be a potential target of YTHDF1. We revealed that YTHDF1 recognized and bound to m6A-modified sites of TINAGL1 mRNA, resulting in enhanced translation of TINAGL1. Furthermore, TINAGL1 knockdown partially rescued tumor-promoting effects of YTHDF1 overexpression. Therefore, we unveil that YTHDF1 facilitates ESCA progression by promoting TINAGL1 translation in an m6A-dependent manner, which offers an attractive therapeutic target for ESCA.

Cancer cell stiffening via CoQ10 and UBIAD1 regulates ECM signaling and ferroptosis in breast cancer

CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) is an essential fat-soluble metabolite that plays a key role in cellular metabolism. A less-known function of CoQ10 is whether it may act as a plasma membrane-stabilizing agent and whether this property can affect cancer development and progression. Here, we show that CoQ10 and its biosynthetic enzyme UBIAD1 play a critical role in plasmamembrane mechanical properties that are of interest for breast cancer (BC) progression and treatment. CoQ10 and UBIAD1 increase membrane fluidity leading to increased cell stiffness in BC. Furthermore, CoQ10 and UBIAD1 states impair ECM (extracellular matrix)-mediated oncogenic signaling and reduce ferroptosis resistance in BC settings. Analyses on human patients and mouse models reveal that UBIAD1 loss is associated with BC development and progression and UBIAD1 expression in BC limits CTCs (circulating tumor cells) survival and lung metastasis formation. Overall, this study reveals that CoQ10 and UBIAD1 can be further investigated to develop therapeutic interventions to treat BC patients with poor prognosis.

Metal-Phenolic Vehicles Potentiate Cycle-Cascade Activation of Pyroptosis and cGAS-STING Pathway for Tumor Immunotherapy

The treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) faces challenges due to its limited immune response and weak tumor immunogenicity. A collaborative strategy involves combining the activation of pyroptosis and the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway to enhance tumor immunogenicity and fortify the antitumor immune response, which may improve therapeutic outcomes in TNBC. In this study, we report the fabrication of a zinc-phenolic nanocapsule (RMP@Cap), which is loaded with mitoxantrone (MTO) and anti-PD-L1 antibodies (aPD-L1) and coated with erythrocyte membrane, for TNBC immunotherapy. The delivery of RMP@Cap can induce tumor cell pyroptosis and, therefore, trigger the release of mitochondrial DNA, which further combines with zinc agonists to intensify STING activation, resulting in a cascade amplification of the therapeutic effect on tumors. Additionally, the incorporation of aPD-L1 into the zinc-phenolic nanocapsule relieves the inhibitory effect of tumor cells on recruited cytotoxic T cells, thereby improving the tumor-killing capacity. Furthermore, the incorporation of a camouflaged erythrocyte membrane coating enables nanocapsules to achieve prolonged in vivo circulation, resulting in improved tumor accumulation for effective antitumor therapy. This study demonstrates a synergistic therapeutic modality involving pyroptosis, coupled with the simultaneous activation and cyclic amplification of the STING pathway in immunotherapy.

Changes in the Transcriptome and Long Non-Coding RNAs but Not the Methylome Occur in Human Cells Exposed to Borrelia burgdorferi

Lyme disease, caused by infection with members of the Lyme borreliosis group of Borrelia spirochete bacteria, is increasing in frequency and distribution worldwide. Epigenetic interactions between the mammalian host, tick, and bacterial pathogen are poorly understood. In this study, high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS) allowed for the in vitro study of the transcriptome, non-coding RNAs, and methylome in human host cells in response to Borrelia burgdorferi infection. We tested the effect of the Borrelia burgdorferi strain B31 on a human primary cell line (HUVEC) and an immortalized cell line (HEK-293) for 72 h, a long-duration time that might allow for epigenetic responses in the exposed human host cells. Differential gene expression was detected in both cell models in response to B. burgdorferi. More differentially expressed genes were found in HUVECs compared to HEK-293 cells. Borrelia burgdorferi exposure significantly induced genes in the interferon, in addition to cytokine and other immune response signaling in HUVECs. In HEK-293 cells, pre-NOTCH processing in Golgi was significantly downregulated in Borrelia-exposed cells. Other significantly altered gene expressions were found in genes involved in the extracellular matrix. No significant global methylation changes were detected in HUVECs or HEK-293 cells exposed to B. burgdorferi; however, two long non-coding RNAs and a pseudogene were deregulated in response to B. burgdorferi in HUVECs, suggesting that other epigenetic mechanisms may be initiated by infection.

Implications of ZNF334 gene in lymph node metastasis of lung SCC: potential bypassing of cellular senescence

BACKGROUND

The primary goal of this work is to identify biomarkers associated with lung squamous cell carcinoma and assess their potential for early detection of lymph node metastasis.

METHODS

This study investigated gene expression in lymph node metastasis of lung squamous cell carcinoma using data from the Cancer Genome Atlas and R software. Protein-protein interaction networks, hub genes, and enriched pathways were analyzed. ZNF334 and TINAGL1, two less explored genes, were further examined through in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experiments to validate the findings from bioinformatics analyses. The role of ZNF334 and TINAGL1 in senescence induction was assessed after H2O2 and UV induced senescence phenotype determined using β-galactosidase activity and cell cycle status assay.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 611 up- and 339 down-regulated lung squamous cell carcinoma lymph node metastasis-associated genes (FDR < 0.05). Pathway enrichment analysis highlighted the central respiratory pathway within mitochondria for the subnet genes and the nuclear DNA-directed RNA polymerases for the hub genes. Significantly down regulation of ZNF334 gene was associated with malignancy lymph node progression and senescence induction has significantly altered ZNF334 expression (with consistency in bioinformatics, in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo results). Deregulation of TINAGL1 expression with inconsistency in bioinformatics, in vitro (different types of lung squamous cancer cell lines), ex vivo, and in vivo results, was also associated with malignancy lymph node progression and altered in senescence phenotype.

CONCLUSIONS

ZNF334 is a highly generalizable gene to lymph node metastasis of lung squamous cell carcinoma and its expression alter certainly under senescence conditions.

PDZK1 suppresses TNBC development and sensitizes TNBC cells to erlotinib via the EGFR pathway

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted drugs (erlotinib, etc.) are used to treat multiple types of tumours. EGFR is highly expressed in most triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. However, only a small proportion of TNBC patients benefit from EGFR-targeted drugs in clinical trials, and the resistance mechanism is unclear. Here, we found that PDZ domain containing 1 (PDZK1) is downregulated in erlotinib-resistant TNBC cells, suggesting that PDZK1 downregulation is related to erlotinib resistance in TNBC. PDZK1 binds to EGFR. Through this interaction, PDZK1 promotes EGFR degradation by enhancing the binding of EGFR to c-Cbl and inhibits EGFR phosphorylation by hindering EGFR dimerisation. We also found that PDZK1 is specifically downregulated in TNBC tissues and correlated with a poor prognosis in TNBC patients. In vitro and in vivo functional assays showed that PDZK1 suppressed TNBC development. Restoration of EGFR expression or kinase inhibitor treatment reversed the degree of cell malignancy induced by PDZK1 overexpression or knockdown, respectively. PDZK1 overexpression sensitised TNBC cells to erlotinib both in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, PDZK1 is a significant prognostic factor for TNBC and a potential molecular therapeutic target for reversing erlotinib resistance in TNBC cells.

Research progress on the regulatory mechanism of integrin-mediated mechanical stress in cells involved in bone metabolism

Mechanical stress is an internal force between various parts of an object that resists external factors and effects that cause an object to deform, and mechanical stress is essential for various tissues that are constantly subjected to mechanical loads to function normally. Integrins are a class of transmembrane heterodimeric glycoprotein receptors that are important target proteins for the action of mechanical stress stimuli on cells and can convert extracellular physical and mechanical signals into intracellular bioelectrical signals, thereby regulating osteogenesis and osteolysis. Integrins play a bidirectional regulatory role in bone metabolism. In this paper, relevant literature published in recent years is reviewed and summarized. The characteristics of integrins and mechanical stress are introduced, as well as the mechanisms underlying responses of integrin to mechanical stress stimulation. The paper focuses on integrin-mediated mechanical stress in different cells involved in bone metabolism and its associated signalling mechanisms. The purpose of this review is to provide a theoretical basis for the application of integrin-mediated mechanical stress to the field of bone tissue repair and regeneration.

NT5DC2 knockdown suppresses progression, glycolysis, and neuropathic pain in triple-negative breast cancer by blocking the EGFR pathway

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an exceptionally aggressive breast cancer subtype associated with neuropathic pain. This study explores the effects of 5'-nucleotidase domain-containing protein 2 (NT5DC2) on the progression of TNBC and neuropathic pain. Microarray analysis was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes in TNBC and the pathways involved. Gain- and loss-of-function assays of NT5DC2 were performed in TNBC cells, followed by detection of the extracellular acidification rate, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, lactic acid production, glucose uptake, proliferation, migration, and invasion in TNBC cells. Macrophages were co-cultured with TNBC cells to examine the release of polarization-related factors and cytokines. A xenograft tumor model was established for in vivo validation. In addition, a mouse model of neuropathic pain was established through subepineural injection of TNBC cells, followed by measurement of the sciatic functional index and behavioral analysis to assess neuropathic pain. NT5DC2 was upregulated in TNBC and was positively correlated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). NT5DC2 interacted with EGFR to promote downstream signal transduction in TNBC cells. NT5DC2 knockdown diminished proliferation, migration, invasion, the extracellular acidification rate, ATP levels, lactic acid production, and glucose uptake in TNBC cells. Co-culture with NT5DC2-knockdown TNBC cells alleviated the M2 polarization of macrophages. Furthermore, NT5DC2 knockdown reduced tumor growth and neuropathic pain in mice. Importantly, activation of the EGFR pathway counteracted the effects of NT5DC2 knockdown. NT5DC2 knockdown protected against TNBC progression and neuropathic pain by inactivating the EGFR pathway.

A decrease in integrin α5β1/FAK is associated with increased apoptosis of aortic smooth muscle cells in acute type a aortic dissection

BACKGROUND

Acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) is a devastating disease. Human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) exhibit decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis, and integrin α5β1 and FAK are important proangiogenic factors involved in regulating angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of integrin α5β1 and FAK in patients with AAAD and the potential underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Aortic tissue samples were obtained from 8 patients with AAAD and 4 organ donors at Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University. The level of apoptosis in the aortic tissues was assessed by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays. The expression of integrin α5β1 and FAK was determined. Integrin α5β1 was found to be significantly expressed in HASMCs, and its interaction with FAK was assessed via coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) analysis. Proliferation and apoptosis were assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays and flow cytometry after integrin α5β1 deficiency.

RESULTS

The levels of integrin α5β1 and FAK were both significantly decreased in patients with AAAD. Downregulating the expression of integrin α5β1-FAK strongly increased apoptosis and decreased proliferation in HASMCs, indicating that integrin α5β1-FAK might play an important role in the development of AAAD.

CONCLUSIONS

Downregulation of integrin α5β1-FAK is associated with increased apoptosis and decreased proliferation in aortic smooth muscle cells and may be a potential therapeutic strategy for AAAD.

Antibody-Drug Conjugate αEGFR-E-P125A Reduces Triple-negative Breast Cancer Vasculogenic Mimicry, Motility, and Metastasis through Inhibition of EGFR, Integrin, and FAK/STAT3 Signaling

Primary tumor growth and metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) require supporting vasculature, which develop through a combination of endothelial angiogenesis and vasculogenic mimicry (VM), a process associated with aggressive metastatic behavior in which vascular-like structures are lined by tumor cells. We developed αEGFR-E-P125A, an antibody-endostatin fusion protein that delivers a dimeric, mutant endostatin (E-P125A) payload that inhibits TNBC angiogenesis and VM in vitro and in vivo. To characterize the mechanisms associated with induction and inhibition of VM, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of MDA-MB-231-4175 TNBC cells grown in a monolayer (two-dimensional) was compared with cells plated on Matrigel undergoing VM [three-dimensional (3D)]. We then compared RNA-seq between TNBC cells in 3D and cells in 3D with VM inhibited by αEGFR-E-P125A (EGFR-E-P125A). Gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated that VM induction activated the IL6-JAK-STAT3 and angiogenesis pathways, which were downregulated by αEGFR-E-P125A treatment.Correlative analysis of the phosphoproteome demonstrated decreased EGFR phosphorylation at Y1069, along with decreased phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase Y397 and STAT3 Y705 sites downstream of α5β1 integrin. Suppression of phosphorylation events downstream of EGFR and α5β1 integrin demonstrated that αEGFR-E-P125A interferes with ligand-receptor activation, inhibits VM, and overcomes oncogenic signaling associated with EGFR and α5β1 integrin cross-talk. In vivo, αEGFR-E-P125A treatment decreased primary tumor growth and VM, reduced lung metastasis, and confirmed the inhibition of signaling events observed in vitro. Simultaneous inhibition of EGFR and α5β1 integrin signaling by αEGFR-E-P125A is a promising strategy for the inhibition of VM, tumor growth, motility, and metastasis in TNBC and other EGFR-overexpressing tumors.

SIGNIFICANCE

αEGFR-E-P125A reduces VM, angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis by inhibiting EGFR and α5β1 integrin signaling, and is a promising therapeutic agent for TNBC treatment, used alone or in combination with chemotherapy.

The proteome of the blood-brain barrier in rat and mouse: highly specific identification of proteins on the luminal surface of brain microvessels by in vivo glycocapture

BACKGROUND

The active transport of molecules into the brain from blood is regulated by receptors, transporters, and other cell surface proteins that are present on the luminal surface of endothelial cells at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). However, proteomic profiling of proteins present on the luminal endothelial cell surface of the BBB has proven challenging due to difficulty in labelling these proteins in a way that allows efficient purification of these relatively low abundance cell surface proteins.

METHODS

Here we describe a novel perfusion-based labelling workflow: in vivo glycocapture. This workflow relies on the oxidation of glycans present on the luminal vessel surface via perfusion of a mild oxidizing agent, followed by subsequent isolation of glycoproteins by covalent linkage of their oxidized glycans to hydrazide beads. Mass spectrometry-based identification of the isolated proteins enables high-confidence identification of endothelial cell surface proteins in rats and mice.

RESULTS

Using the developed workflow, 347 proteins were identified from the BBB in rat and 224 proteins in mouse, for a total of 395 proteins in both species combined. These proteins included many proteins with transporter activity (73 proteins), cell adhesion proteins (47 proteins), and transmembrane signal receptors (31 proteins). To identify proteins that are enriched in vessels relative to the entire brain, we established a vessel-enrichment score and showed that proteins with a high vessel-enrichment score are involved in vascular development functions, binding to integrins, and cell adhesion. Using publicly-available single-cell RNAseq data, we show that the proteins identified by in vivo glycocapture were more likely to be detected by scRNAseq in endothelial cells than in any other cell type. Furthermore, nearly 50% of the genes encoding cell-surface proteins that were detected by scRNAseq in endothelial cells were also identified by in vivo glycocapture.

CONCLUSIONS

The proteins identified by in vivo glycocapture in this work represent the most complete and specific profiling of proteins on the luminal BBB surface to date. The identified proteins reflect possible targets for the development of antibodies to improve the crossing of therapeutic proteins into the brain and will contribute to our further understanding of BBB transport mechanisms.

Proteomic landscape of primary and metastatic brain tumors for heterogeneity discovery

PURPOSE

Despite recent advancements in our understanding of driver gene mutations and heterogeneity within brain tumors, whether primary or metastatic (also known as secondary), our comprehension of proteomic changes remains inadequate. The aim of this study is to provide an informative source for brain tumor researches, and distinguish primary brain tumors and secondary brain tumors from extracranial origins based on proteomic analysis.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We assembled the most frequent brain tumors as follows: gliomas from WHO grade 2 to 4, with IDH1 mutations and wildtypes; brain metastases (BrMs) originating from lung cancer (LC), breast cancer (BC), ovarian cancer (OC), and colorectal cancer (CC). A total of 29 tissue samples were analyzed by label free quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics.

RESULTS

In total, 8165 protein groups were quantified, of which 4383 proteins were filtered at 50% valid intensity values for downstream analysis. Proteomic analysis of BrMs reveals conserved features shared among multiple origins. While proteomic heterogeneities were found for discriminating different grades of gliomas, as well as IDH1 mutant and wildtype gliomas. In addition, notable distinctions were observed at the pathway level between BrMs and gliomas. Specifically, BrMs exhibited characteristic pathways focused on proliferation and immunomodulation after colonizing the brain, whereas gliomas primarily engaged in invasion processes.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

We characterized an extensive proteomic landscape of BrMs and gliomas. These findings have promising implications for the development of targeted therapies for BrMs and gliomas.

A novel antagonist of the CCL5/CCR5 axis suppresses the tumor growth and metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer by CCR5-YAP1 regulation

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer (BC) with a high mortality rate, and few effective therapeutic strategies are available. CCL5/CCR5 is an appealing immunotherapeutic target for TNBC. However, its signaling mechanism is poorly understood and its direct antagonists have not been reported. Here, we developed a high-throughput screening (HTS) assay for discovering its antagonists. Verteporfin was identified as a more selective and potent antagonist than the known CCR5 antagonist maraviroc. Without photodynamic therapy, verteporfin demonstrated significant inhibition on TNBC tumor growth through immune regulation, remarkable suppression of lung metastasis by cell-intrinsic mechanism, and a significant extension of overall survival in vivo. Mechanistically, CCR5 was found to be essential for expression of the key hippo effector YAP1. It promoted YAP1 transcription via HIF-1α and exerted further control over the migration of CD8+ T, NK, and MDSC immune cells through chemokines CXCL16 and CXCL8 which were identified from RNA-seq. Moreover, the CCR5-YAP1 axis played a vital role in promoting metastasis by modulating β-catenin and core epithelial-mesenchymal transition transcription factors ZEB1 and ZEB2. It is noteworthy that the regulatory relationship between CCR5 and YAP1 was observed across various BC subtypes, TNBC patients, and showed potential relevance in fifteen additional cancer types. Overall, this study introduced an easy-to-use HTS assay that streamlines the discovery of CCL5/CCR5 axis antagonists. Verteporfin was identified as a specific molecular probe of this axis with great potentials as a therapeutic agent for treating sixteen malignant diseases characterized by heightened CCR5 and YAP1 levels.

Unraveling Biomarker Signatures in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review for Targeted Approaches

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive subtypes of breast cancer, marked by poor outcomes and dismal prognosis. Due to the absence of targetable receptors, chemotherapy still represents the main therapeutic option. Therefore, current research is now focusing on understanding the specific molecular pathways implicated in TNBC, in order to identify novel biomarker signatures and develop targeted therapies able to improve its clinical management. With the aim of identifying novel molecular features characterizing TNBC, elucidating the mechanisms by which these molecular biomarkers are implicated in the tumor development and progression, and assessing the impact on cancerous cells following their inhibition or modulation, we conducted a literature search from the earliest works to December 2023 on PubMed, Scopus, and Web Of Science. A total of 146 studies were selected. The results obtained demonstrated that TNBC is characterized by a heterogeneous molecular profile. Several biomarkers have proven not only to be characteristic of TNBC but also to serve as potential effective therapeutic targets, holding the promise of a new era of personalized treatments able to improve its prognosis. The pre-clinical findings that have emerged from our systematic review set the stage for further investigation in forthcoming clinical trials.

ZDHHC5-mediated S-palmitoylation of FAK promotes its membrane localization and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in glioma

BACKGROUND

Abnormal activation of FAK is associated with tumor development and metastasis. Through interactions with other intracellular signalling molecules, FAK influences cytoskeletal remodelling, modulation of adhesion signalling, and activation of transcription factors, promoting migration and invasion of tumor cells. However, the exact mechanism that regulates these processes remains unresolved. Herein, our findings indicate that the S-palmitoylation of FAK is crucial for both its membrane localization and activation.

METHODS

The palmitoylation of FAK in U251 and T98G cells was assessed by an acyl-PEG exchange (APE) assay and a metabolic incorporation assay. Cellular palmitoylation was inhibited using 2-bromopalmitate, and the palmitoylation status and cellular localization of FAK were determined. A metabolic incorporation assay was used to identify the potential palmitoyl acyltransferase and the palmitoylation site of FAK. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assays, colony formation assays, and Transwell assays were conducted to assess the impact of ZDHHC5 in GBM. Additionally, intracranial GBM xenografts were utilized to investigate the effects of genetically silencing ZDHHC5 on tumor growth.

RESULTS

Inhibiting FAK palmitoylation leads to its redistribution from the membrane to the cytoplasm and a decrease in its phosphorylation. Moreover, ZDHHC5, a protein-acyl-transferase (PAT), catalyzes this key modification of FAK at C456. Knockdown of ZDHHC5 abrogates the S-palmitoylation and membrane distribution of FAK and impairs cell proliferation, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Taken together, our research reveals the crucial role of ZDHHC5 as a PAT responsible for FAK S-palmitoylation, membrane localization, and activation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results imply that targeting the ZDHHC5/FAK axis has the potential to be a promising strategy for therapeutic interventions for glioblastoma (GBM). Video Abstract.

3D bioprinted breast tumor-stroma models for pre-clinical drug testing

The use of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has been proposed for the reproducible production of 3D disease models that can be used for high-throughput drug testing and personalized medicine. However, most such models insufficiently reproduce the features and environment of real tumors. We report the development of bioprinted in vitro 3D tumor models for breast cancer, which physically and biochemically mimic important aspects of the native tumor microenvironment, designed to study therapeutic efficacy. By combining a mix of breast decellularized extracellular matrix and methacrylated hyaluronic acid with tumor-derived cells and non-cancerous stromal cells of biological relevance to breast cancer, we show that biological signaling pathways involved in tumor progression can be replicated in a carefully designed tumor-stroma environment. Finally, we demonstrate proof-of-concept application of these models as a reproducible platform for investigating therapeutic responses to commonly used chemotherapeutic agents.

Anti-tumor activity of all-trans retinoic acid in gastric-cancer: gene-networks and molecular mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Gastric-cancer is a heterogeneous type of neoplastic disease and it lacks appropriate therapeutic options. There is an urgent need for the development of innovative pharmacological strategies, particularly in consideration of the potential stratified/personalized treatment of this tumor. All-Trans Retinoic-acid (ATRA) is one of the active metabolites of vitamin-A. This natural compound is the first example of clinically approved cyto-differentiating agent, being used in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia. ATRA may have significant therapeutic potential also in the context of solid tumors, including gastric-cancer. The present study provides pre-clinical evidence supporting the use of ATRA in the treatment of gastric-cancer using high-throughput approaches.

METHODS

We evaluated the anti-proliferative action of ATRA in 27 gastric-cancer cell-lines and tissue-slice cultures from 13 gastric-cancer patients. We performed RNA-sequencing studies in 13 cell-lines exposed to ATRA. We used these and the gastric-cancer RNA-sequencing data of the TCGA/CCLE datasets to conduct multiple computational analyses.

RESULTS

Profiling of our large panel of gastric-cancer cell-lines for their quantitative response to the anti-proliferative effects of ATRA indicate that approximately half of the cell-lines are characterized by sensitivity to the retinoid. The constitutive transcriptomic profiles of these cell-lines permitted the construction of a model consisting of 42 genes, whose expression correlates with ATRA-sensitivity.  The model predicts that 45% of the TCGA gastric-cancers are sensitive to ATRA. RNA-sequencing studies performed in retinoid-treated gastric-cancer cell-lines provide insights into the gene-networks underlying ATRA anti-tumor activity. In addition, our data demonstrate that ATRA exerts significant immune-modulatory effects, which seem to be largely controlled by IRF1 up-regulation. Finally, we provide evidence of a feed-back loop between IRF1 and DHRS3, another gene which is up-regulated by ATRA.

CONCLUSIONS

ATRA is endowed with significant therapeutic potential in the stratified/personalized treatment gastric-cancer. Our data represent the fundaments for the design of clinical trials focusing on the use of ATRA in the personalized treatment of this heterogeneous tumor. Our gene-expression model will permit the development of a predictive tool for the selection of ATRA-sensitive gastric-cancer patients. The immune-regulatory responses activated by ATRA suggest that the retinoid and immune-checkpoint inhibitors constitute rational combinations for the management of gastric-cancer.

C1632 inhibits ovarian cancer cell growth and migration by inhibiting LIN28 B/let-7/FAK signaling pathway and FAK phosphorylation

The highly conserved RNA-binding protein LIN28B and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) are significantly upregulated in ovarian cancer (OC), serving as markers for disease progression and prognosis. Nonetheless, the correlation between LIN28B and FAK, as well as the pharmacological effects of the LIN28 inhibitor C1632, in OC cells have not been elucidated. The present study demonstrates that C1632 significantly reduced the rate of DNA replication, arrested the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase, consequently reducing cell viability, and impeding clone formation. Moreover, treatment with C1632 decreased cell-matrix adhesion, as well as inhibited cell migration and invasion. Further mechanistic studies revealed that C1632 inhibited the OC cell proliferation and migration by concurrently inhibiting LIN28 B/let-7/FAK signaling pathway and FAK phosphorylation. Furthermore, C1632 exhibited an obvious inhibitory effect on OC cell xenograft tumors in mice. Altogether, these findings identified that LIN28 B/let-7/FAK is a valuable target in OC and C1632 is a promising onco-therapeutic agent for OC treatment.

Structural analysis of peptide binding to integrins for cancer detection and treatment

Integrins are cell receptors involved in several metabolic pathways often associated with cell proliferation. Some of these integrins are downregulated during human physical development, but when these integrins are overexpressed in adult humans, they can be associated with several diseases, such as cancer. Molecules that specifically bind to these integrins are useful for cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment. This review focuses on the structures of integrin-peptidic ligand complexes to dissect how the binding occurs and the molecular basis of the specificity and affinity of these peptidic ligands. Understanding these interactions at the molecular level is fundamental to be able to design new peptides that are more specific and more sensitive to a particular integrin. The integrin complexes covered in this review are α5β1, αIIbβ3, αvβ3, αvβ6, and αvβ8, because the molecular structures of the complex have been experimentally determined and their presence on tumor cancer cells are associated with a poor prognosis, making them targets for cancer detection and treatment.

Tubulointerstitial nephritis antigen-like 1 is a novel matricellular protein that promotes gastric bacterial colonization and gastritis in the setting of Helicobacter pylori infection

The interaction between the gastric epithelium and immune cells plays key roles in H. pylori-associated pathology. Here, we demonstrate a procolonization and proinflammatory role of tubulointerstitial nephritis antigen-like 1 (TINAGL1), a newly discovered matricellular protein, in H. pylori infection. Increased TINAGL1 production by gastric epithelial cells (GECs) in the infected gastric mucosa was synergistically induced by H. pylori and IL-1β via the ERK-SP1 pathway in a cagA-dependent manner. Elevated human gastric TINAGL1 correlated with H. pylori colonization and the severity of gastritis, and mouse TINAGL1 derived from non-bone marrow-derived cells promoted bacterial colonization and inflammation. Importantly, H. pylori colonization and inflammation were attenuated in Tinagl1-/- and Tinagl1ΔGEC mice and were increased in mice injected with mouse TINAGL1. Mechanistically, TINAGL1 suppressed CCL21 expression and promoted CCL2 production in GECs by directly binding to integrin α5β1 to inhibit ERK and activate the NF-κB pathway, respectively, which not only led to decreased gastric influx of moDCs via CCL21-CCR7-dependent migration and, as a direct consequence, reduced the bacterial clearance capacity of the H. pylori-specific Th1 response, thereby promoting H. pylori colonization, but also resulted in increased gastric influx of Ly6Chigh monocytes via CCL2-CCR2-dependent migration. In turn, TINAGL1 induced the production of the proinflammatory protein S100A11 by Ly6Chigh monocytes, promoting H. pylori-associated gastritis. In summary, we identified a model in which TINAGL1 collectively ensures H. pylori persistence and promotes gastritis.

Targeting integrin α5β1 in urological tumors: opportunities and challenges

Urological tumors, such as prostate cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and bladder cancer, have shown a significant rise in prevalence in recent years and account for a significant proportion of malignant tumors. It has been established that metastasis to distant organs caused by urological tumors is the main cause of death, although the mechanisms underlying metastasis have not been fully elucidated. The fibronectin receptor integrin α5β1 reportedly plays an important role in distant metastasis and is closely related to tumor development. It is widely thought to be an important cancer mediator by interacting with different ligands, mediating tumor adhesion, invasion, and migration, and leading to immune escape. In this paper, we expound on the relationship and regulatory mechanisms of integrin α5β1 in these three cancers. In addition, the clinical applications of integrin α5β1 in these cancers, especially against treatment resistance, are discussed. Last but not least, the possibility of integrin α5β1 as a potential target for treatment is examined, with new ideas for future research being proposed.

Low TINAGL1 expression is a marker for poor prognosis in breast cancer

PURPOSE

Tubulointerstitial nephritis antigen-like 1 (TINAGL1) was reported to suppress tumor metastasis and growth in triple-negative (TN) breast cancer. We aimed to determine the associations of TINAGL1 expression with clinicopathological factors and prognosis in breast cancer patients with long-term follow-up.

METHODS

A total of 599 consecutive primary invasive breast cancer patients with available tissue specimens from surgery in our hospital were included in the study. TINAGL1 mRNA expression was examined in all 599 tissue specimens using a TaqMan real-time PCR system. TINAGL1 protein expression was further examined in 299 patients with available tissue specimens for immunohistochemical staining. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 12.0 years. In the total patients, low TINAGL1 mRNA expression was associated with significantly shorter disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival than high expression (P = 0.003 and P = 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative breast cancer patients with low TINAGL1 mRNA expression had a worse prognosis. Multivariate analysis identified low TINAGL1 mRNA expression, combined with lymph node positivity, as an independent poor prognostic factor for DFS in invasive breast cancer patients (HR 1.41; 95% CI 1.02-1.96; P = 0.036). TINAGL1 mRNA expression also varied with menopausal status, with low TINAGL1 mRNA expression being positively associated with poor prognosis in premenopausal patients, but not in postmenopausal patients.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate that TINAGL1 may be a promising candidate biomarker and therapeutic target in breast cancer patients.

N6-methyladenosine modification of CENPF mRNA facilitates gastric cancer metastasis via regulating FAK nuclear export

BACKGROUND

N6-methyladenosine (m6 A) modification is the most common modification that occurs in eukaryotes. Although substantial effort has been made in the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer (GC) in recent years, the prognosis of GC patients remains unsatisfactory. The regulatory mechanism between m6 A modification and GC development needs to be elucidated. In this study, we examined m6 A modification and the downstream mechanism in GC.

METHODS

Dot blotting assays, The Cancer Genome Atlas analysis, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) were used to measure the m6 A levels in GC tissues. Methylated RNA-immunoprecipitation sequencing and RNA sequencing were performed to identify the targets of m6 A modification. Western blotting, Transwell, wound healing, and angiogenesis assays were conducted to examine the role of centromere protein F (CENPF) in GC in vitro. Xenograft, immunohistochemistry, and in vivo metastasis experiments were conducted to examine the role of CENPF in GC in vivo. Methylated RNA-immunoprecipitation-qPCR, RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR and RNA pulldown assays were used to verify the m6 A modification sites of CENPF. Gain/loss-of-function and rescue experiments were conducted to determine the relationship between CENPF and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in GC cells. Coimmunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, qRT-PCR, and immunofluorescence assays were performed to explore the proteins that interact with CENPF and elucidate the regulatory mechanisms between them.

RESULTS

CENPF was upregulated in GC and facilitated the metastasis of GC both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, increased m6 A modification of CENPF was mediated by methyltransferase 3, and this modified molecule could be recognized by heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2/B1 (HNRNPA2B1), thereby promoting its mRNA stability. In addition, the metastatic phenotype of CENPF was dependent on the MAPK signaling pathway. Furthermore, CENPF could bind to FAK and promote its localization in the cytoplasm. Moreover, we discovered that high expression of CENPF was related to lymphatic invasion and overall survival in GC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings revealed that increased m6 A modification of CENPF facilitates the metastasis and angiogenesis of GC through the CENPF/FAK/MAPK and epithelial-mesenchymal transition axis. CENPF expression was correlated with the clinical features of GC patients; therefore, CENPF may serve as a prognostic marker of GC.

PLA2R1 Inhibits Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Proliferation and Migration via the FN1-Mediated ITGB1/FAK Axis

PLA2R1 is a novel gene that is aberrantly expressed in a variety of malignancies. However, the role and mechanism of PLA2R1 in thyroid cancer has not been elucidated. We aimed to uncover the underlying mechanism of PLA2R1 in thyroid cancer. We collected 115 clinical specimens, including 54 tumor tissues and 61 para-cancerous tissues, who underwent surgical treatment at Shanghai Tenth Hospital. Immunohistochemical staining was used to evaluate PLA2R1 expression in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) tissues. The thyroid cancer cell lines 8505c and FTC133 transfected with PLA2R1 overexpression or knockdown plasmids were used for CCK8 assays and a wound healing assay. Next, we conducted coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) experiments and western blotting to explore the underlying mechanism of PLA2R1 in regulating the growth of thyroid cancer. We discovered that the expression of PLA2R1 was lower in the tumor tissues than in para-cancerous tissues (χ² = 37.0, p < 0.01). The overexpression of PLA2R1 significantly suppressed thyroid cancer cell proliferation and migration, and both of these effects were partially attenuated by the knockdown of PLA2R1. Furthermore, the in vivo growth of DTC could be alleviated by the knockdown of PLA2R1. The mechanistic study revealed that PLA2R1 competed with FN1 for binding to ITGB1, inhibiting the FAK axis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We speculate that PLA2R1 might be a promising marker and a novel therapeutic target for thyroid cancer.

The effectiveness of blood-activating and stasis-transforming traditional Chinese medicines (BAST) in lung cancer progression-a comprehensive review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Blood-activating and stasis-transforming traditional Chinese medicines (BAST) are a class of herbs that have the effect of dilating blood vessels and dispersing stagnation. Modern pharmaceutical research has demonstrated that they are capable of improving hemodynamics and micro-flow, resist thrombosis and promote blood flow. BAST contain numerous active ingredients, which can theoretically regulate multiple targets at the same time and have a wide range of pharmacological effects in the treatment of diseases including human cancers. Clinically, BAST have minimal side effects and can be used in combination with Western medicine to improve patients' quality of life, lessen adverse effects and minimize the risk of recurrence and metastasis of cancers.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

We aimed to summarize the research progression of BAST on lung cancer in the past five years and present a prospect for the future. Particularly, this review further analyzes the effects and molecular mechanisms that BAST inhibit the invasion and metastasis of lung cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relevant studies about BSAT were collected from PubMed and Web of science.

RESULTS

Lung cancer is one of the malignant tumors with the highest mortality rate. Most patients with lung cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage and are highly susceptible to metastasis. Recent studies have shown that BAST, a class of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with the function of opening veins and dispersing blood stasis, significantly improve hemodynamics and microcirculation, prevent thrombosis and promote blood flow, and thereby inhibiting the invasion and metastasis of lung cancer. In the current review, we analyzed 51 active ingredients extracted from BAST. It was found that BAST and their active ingredients contribute to the prevention of invasion and metastasis of lung cancer through multiple mechanisms, such as regulation of EMT process, specific signaling pathway and metastasis-related genes, tumor blood vessel formation, immune microenvironment and inflammatory response of tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

BSAT and its active ingredients have showed promising anticancer activity and significantly inhibit the invasion and metastasis of lung cancer. A growing number of studies have realized their potential clinical significance in the therapy of lung cancer, which will provide substantial evidences for the development of new TCM for lung cancer therapy.

NIR-II light evokes DNA cross-linking for chemotherapy and immunogenic cell death

As a DNA damaging agent, oxaliplatin (OXA) can induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) in tumors to activate the immune system. However, the DNA damage induced by OXA is limited and the ICD effect is not strong enough to enhance anti-tumor efficacy. Here, we propose a strategy to maximize the ICD effect of OXA through the mild hyperthermia generated by nanoparticles with a platinum (IV) prodrug of OXA (Pt(IV)-C16) and a near-infrared-II (NIR-II) photothermal agent IR1061 upon the irradiation of NIR-II light. The mild hyperthermia (43 °C) holds advantages in two aspects: 1) increase the Pt-DNA cross-linking, leading to enhanced DNA damage and apoptosis; 2) induce stronger ICD effects for cancer immunotherapy. We demonstrated that, compared with OXA and photothermal therapy of IR1061 alone, these nanoparticles under NIR-II light irradiation can significantly improve the anti-cancer efficacy against triple-negative breast cancer 4T1 tumor. This new strategy provides an effective way to improve the therapeutic outcome of OXA. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: OXA could induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) via stimulating immune responses by increasing tumor cell stress and death, which triggers tumor-specific immune responses to achieve immunotherapy. However, due to the insufficient Pt-DNA crosslinks, the ICD effect triggered by OXA cannot induce robust immune response. Mild hyperthermia has great potential to maximize the therapeutic outcome of oxaliplatin by increasing the Pt-DNA cross-linking to augment the immunoresponse for enhanced cancer immunotherapy.

Cell-type profiling of the sympathetic nervous system using spatial transcriptomics and spatial mapping of mRNA

BACKGROUND

The molecular identification of neural progenitor cell populations that connect to establish the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) remains unclear. This is due to technical limitations in the acquisition and spatial mapping of molecular information to tissue architecture.

RESULTS

To address this, we applied Slide-seq spatial transcriptomics to intact fresh frozen chick trunk tissue transversely cryo-sectioned at the developmental stage prior to SNS formation. In parallel, we performed age- and location-matched single cell (sc) RNA-seq and 10× Genomics Visium to inform our analysis. Downstream bioinformatic analyses led to the unique molecular identification of neural progenitor cells within the peripheral sympathetic ganglia (SG) and spinal cord preganglionic neurons (PGNs). We then successfully applied the HiPlex RNAscope fluorescence in situ hybridization and multispectral confocal microscopy to visualize 12 gene targets in stage-, age- and location-matched chick trunk tissue sections.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, these data demonstrate a robust strategy to acquire and integrate single cell and spatial transcriptomic information, resulting in improved resolution of molecular heterogeneities in complex neural tissue architectures. Successful application of this strategy to the developing SNS provides a roadmap for functional studies of neural connectivity and platform to address complex questions in neural development and regeneration.

Plasma anthocyanins and their metabolites reduce in vitro migration of pancreatic cancer cells, PANC-1, in a FAK- and NF-kB dependent manner: Results from the ATTACH-study a randomized, controlled, crossover trial in healthy subjects

Pancreatic cancer is primarily considered to be a metastatic disease with a low 5-year survival rate. We aimed to detect if plasma-isolated anthocyanins and their metabolites (PAMs) modulate pancreatic cancer cells migration and to describe molecular targets of PAMs in this process. Plasma metabolites were isolated by solid-phase extraction before and after a 28-days intervention trial involving 35 healthy subjects comparing effects of a daily anthocyanin-rich juice intake vs. placebo. Plasma extracts were used for migration and mechanistic in vitro studies as well as for metabolomic analysis. Pancreatic PANC-1 and AsPC-1 were used for migration studies in a Boyden chamber co-cultured with endothelial cells. Expression of adhesion molecules on cancer and endothelial cells were determined by flow cytometry and NF-kB (nuclear factor-kappa B) p65 and focal adhesion kinase activation were measured by immunoassays. UHPLC-MS/MS metabolomics was done in plasma and urine samples. Plasma extracts isolated after the intake of the anthocyanin-rich juice significantly reduced PANC-1 migration, but not AsPC-1 migration. In PANC-1, and to a lower extent in endothelial cells, plasma extracts after juice intake decreased the expression of ß1- and ß4-integrins and intercellular adhesion molecule-1. Pooled plasma from volunteers with the highest inhibition of PANC-1 migration (n = 10) induced a reduction of NF-kB-p65 and FAK-phosphorylation in cancer and in endothelial cells. Concerning metabolites, 14 were significantly altered by juice intervention and PANC-1 migration was inversely associated with the increase of o-coumaric acid and peonidin-3-galactoside. PAMs were associated with lower PANC-1 cell migration opening new strategies for metastatic pancreatic cancer treatment.

Tanshinone IIA Inhibits Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells MDA-MB-231 via G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor- (GPER-) Dependent Signaling Pathway

Due to the lack of classic estrogen receptors, there has been a shortage of targeted therapy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), resulting in a poor prognosis. However, the newly discovered G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) has been found to be expressed in TNBC cells. Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) is an essential Chinese medicine for gynecological disorders, and its component tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) exerts an anticancer effect. Therefore, this study attempted to investigate whether GPER is involved in the inhibitory effect of Tan IIA on TNBC. We applied various databases and GO pathway analysis to predict the possible mechanism of Tan IIA. We identified 39 overlapping targets, including c-Jun, c-Fos, and caspase-3, and enriched cell cycle-related pathways. Next, we demonstrated the strong binding ability of Tan IIA to GPER by molecular docking assay. In the subsequent validation tests, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay showed that Tan IIA inhibited proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells time and dose dependently without affecting normal cells. Using Transwell plate, flow cytometry, and Western blot assays, we showed that Tan IIA inhibited migration and induced apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 dose dependently. Importantly, protein expressions of GPER, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK), c-Fos, and c-Jun were all decreased by Tan IIA dose dependently. Administration of GPER inhibitor partly abolished these effects. Furthermore, nuclear translocation of c-Fos and c-Jun as well as cell cycle-related proteins was downregulated by Tan IIA dose dependently. In summary, Tan IIA could inhibit the proliferation and migration of MDA-MB-231 cells and induce apoptosis, and the possible mechanism may be the regulation of GPER-mediated pathways, suggesting that GPER could be a therapeutic target for TNBC.

HMGN5 Escorts Oncogenic STAT3 Signaling by Regulating the Chromatin Landscape in Breast Cancer Tumorigenesis

Cancer progression is highly dependent on the ability of cancer cell tumor formation, in which epigenetic modulation plays an essential role. However, the epigenetic factors promoting breast tumor formation are less known. Screened from three-dimensional (3D)-sphere tumor formation model, HMGN5 that regulates chromatin structures became the candidate therapeutic target in breast cancer, though its role is obscure. HMGN5 is highly expressed in 3D-spheres of breast cancer cells and clinical tumors, also an unfavorable prognostic marker in patients. Furthermore, HMGN5 controls tumor formation and metastasis of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, HMGN5 is governed by active STAT3 transcriptionally and further escorts STAT3 to shape the oncogenic chromatin landscape and transcriptional program. More importantly, interference of HMGN5 by nanovehicle-packaged siRNA effectively inhibits tumor growth in breast cancer cell-derived xenograft mice model.

IMPLICATIONS

Our findings reveal a novel feed-forward circuit between HMGN5 and STAT3 in promoting breast cancer tumorigenesis and suggest HMGN5 as a novel epigenetic therapeutic target in STAT3-hyperactive breast cancer.

Prodrug nanoparticles potentiate tumor chemo-immunometabolic therapy by disturbing oxidative stress

Constant oxidative stress and lactate accumulation are two main causes of tumor immunosuppression, their concurrent reduction plays a dominant role in effective antitumor immunity, but remains challenging. Herein, reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsive prodrug nanoparticles (designed as DHCRJ) are constructed for metabolic amplified chemo-immunotherapy against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) by modulating oxidative state and hyperglycolysis. Specifically, DHCRJ is prepared by the self-assembly of DOX prodrug-tethered ROS consuming bond-bridged copolymers with the loading of bromodomain-containing protein 4 inhibitor (BRD4i) JQ1. Interestingly, the nanoparticle polymer network could reduce ROS to relieve tumor hypoxia and realize the dense-to-loose structure inversion arising from ROS-triggered network collapse, which favors JQ1 release and hyaluronidase (Hyal)-activatable DOX prodrugs generation. More importantly, disruption of oxidative stress decreases glucose uptake and assists JQ1 to down-regulate oncogene c-Myc driven tumor glycolysis for blocking the source of lactate and reshaping immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (ITME). Meanwhile, benefiting from the synergistic effect of DOX prodrugs and JQ1, DHCRJ is able to facilitate tumor immunogenicity and potentiate systemic immune responses through antigen processing and presentation pathway. In this manner, DHCRJ significantly suppresses tumor growth and metastasis with prolonged survival. Collectively, this study represents a proof of concept antioxidant-enhanced chemo-immunometabolic therapy strategy using ROS-reducing nanoparticles for efficient synergistic therapeutic modality of TNBC.

Chitosan Oligosaccharide Prevents Afatinib-Induced Barrier Disruption and Chloride Secretion through Modulation of AMPK, PI3K/AKT, and ERK Signaling in T84 Cells

Diarrhea is an important adverse effect of epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors, especially afatinib. Novel antidiarrheal agents are needed to reduce epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor-associated diarrhea to improve the quality of life and treatment outcome in cancer patients. This study aimed to investigate the anti-diarrheal activity of chitosan oligosaccharide against afatinib-induced barrier disruption and chloride secretion in human intestinal epithelial cells (T84 cells). Chitosan oligosaccharide (100 μg/mL) prevented afatinib-induced barrier disruption determined by changes in transepithelial electrical resistance and FITC-dextran flux in the T84 cell monolayers. In addition, chitosan oligosaccharide prevented afatinib-induced potentiation of cAMP-induced chloride secretion measured by short-circuit current analyses in the T84 cell monolayers. Chitosan oligosaccharide induced the activation of AMPK, a positive regulator of epithelial tight junction and a negative regulator of cAMP-induced chloride secretion. Moreover, chitosan oligosaccharide partially reversed afatinib-induced AKT inhibition without affecting afatinib-induced ERK inhibition via AMPK-independent mechanisms. Collectively, this study reveals that chitosan oligosaccharide prevents the afatinib-induced diarrheal activities in T84 cells via both AMPK-dependent and AMPK-independent mechanisms. Chitosan oligosaccharide represents a promising natural polymer-derived compound for further development of treatment for afatinib-associated diarrheas.

CD146 interaction with integrin β1 activates LATS1-YAP signaling and induces radiation-resistance in breast cancer cells

Radiotherapy is an indispensable modality in comprehensive treatment of breast cancer. However, inherent or acquired radiation resistance of tumors compromises the efficacy of radiotherapy. Herein, we found that CD146, a unique epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) inducer particularly highly expressed in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), is dramatically induced by ionizing irradiation. Further study demonstrates that CD146 promotes tumor cell radioresistance in vitro and in vivo. Specifically, we report the underlying mechanism that CD146 activates YAP protein, and drives its relocation from plasma to nucleus by regulating LATS1, and promoting abnormal DNA damage repair, as well as inducing EMT and stemness. Moreover, CD146 can form a novel co-receptor complex with integrin β1 and induces radiation-resistance in breast cancer. Dual inhibition of CD146 and integrin β1 activity had a stronger inhibitory effect on breast cancer tumor growth and synergistically increased their sensitivity to radiotherapy. This study identifies a unique function of CD146 implicates with integrin β1 and YAP signaling, contributing to radiation resistance. Targeted therapy against CD146 or inhibition of integrin β1 is a potential strategy to overcome radiotherapeutic resistance of breast cancer.