MYC as a target for cancer treatment

PRMT1 promotes immune escape in hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating arginine methylation modification of MYC protein

Arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) is widely recognized as an oncogene in various cancers. However, its specific role and underlying mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain insufficiently understood. This study investigated the function of PRMT1 in HCC development and immune evasion. A comprehensive approach combining database analysis (including TCGA, The Human Protein Atlas, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, and TIMER2.0), molecular techniques (such as RT-qPCR, Western blot analysis, and co-immunoprecipitation), cell-based assays (including MTT, colony formation, transwell, and T cell killing assays), and in vivo models was employed to explore PRMT1's role in HCC. The findings revealed a marked upregulation of PRMT1 in both HCC clinical samples and cell lines. Depletion of PRMT1 inhibited cell proliferation and immune evasion while reducing cell migration and invasion. Mechanistically, PRMT1 was shown to interact with MYC, facilitating its arginine methylation and enhancing its protein stability. Moreover, re-expression of MYC significantly reversed the anti-tumour effects associated with PRMT1 depletion. In vivo experiments further corroborated these results. Collectively, PRMT1 promotes HCC progression and immune escape by mediating ADMA methylation of MYC, thereby regulating its stability and expression.

Utilizing aptamers in targeted protein degradation strategies for disease therapy

Targeted protein degradation (TPD) has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy, offering the potential to reduce disease-causing proteins that have traditionally been challenging to target using conventional small molecules. Despite significant advances made with TPD technologies, challenges such as high molecular weight, difficulties in identifying suitable ligands, suboptimal absorption, and metabolic instability remain unresolved. Recently, aptamers - single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides known for their high specificity and affinity for protein targets - have introduced novel opportunities to expand the scope of TPD, a strategy now referred to as aptamer-based TPD. This approach has demonstrated considerable promise in treating various diseases, such as cancer and ocular disorders. For example, an aptamer-proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) conjugate (APC) improved tumor targeting and reduced toxicity in a breast cancer model, and a vascular endothelial growth factor-degrading (VED)-lysosome-targeting chimera (LYTAC) molecule effectively inhibited abnormal vascular growth in vascular retinal diseases. These examples highlight the practical relevance and potential in advancing drug discovery efforts. In this review we provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in aptamer-based TPD strategies, including proteolysis-targeting and lysosome-targeting chimeras, emphasizing their applications, potential therapeutic benefits, as well as the challenges that must be overcome to fully harness their clinical potential. © 2025 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Decoding driver and phenotypic genes in cancer: Unveiling the essence behind the phenomenon

Gray hair, widely regarded as a hallmark of aging. While gray hair is associated with aging, reversing this trait through gene targeting does not alter the fundamental biological processes of aging. Similarly, certain oncogenes (such as CXCR4, MMP-related genes, etc.) can serve as markers of tumor behavior, such as malignancy or prognosis, but targeting these genes alone may not lead to tumor regression. We pioneered the name of this class of genes as "phenotypic genes". Historically, cancer genetics research has focused on tumor driver genes, while genes influencing cancer phenotypes have been relatively overlooked. This review explores the critical distinction between driver genes and phenotypic genes in cancer, using the MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways as key examples. We also discuss current research techniques for identifying driver and phenotypic genes, such as whole-genome sequencing (WGS), RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), RNA interference (RNAi), CRISPR-Cas9, and other genomic screening methods, alongside the concept of synthetic lethality in driver genes. The development of these technologies will help develop personalized treatment strategies and precision medicine based on the characteristics of relevant genes. By addressing the gap in discussions on phenotypic genes, this review significantly contributes to clarifying the roles of driver and phenotypic genes, aiming at advancing the field of targeted cancer therapy.

ANP32E drives vulnerability to ATR inhibitors by inducing R-loops-dependent transcription replication conflicts in triple negative breast cancer

Oncogene-induced replicative stress (RS) drives tumor progression by disrupting genome stability, primarily through transcription-replication conflicts (TRCs), which promote R-loop accumulation and trigger the DNA damage response (DDR). In this study, we investigate the role of chromatin regulators in exacerbating TRCs and R-loop accumulation in cancer. We find that in breast cancer patients, the simultaneous upregulation of MYC and the H2A.Z-specific chaperone ANP32E correlates with increased genomic instability. Genome-wide analyses reveal that ANP32E-driven H2A.Z turnover alters RNA polymerase II processivity, leading to the accumulation of long R-loops at TRC sites. Furthermore, we show that ANP32E overexpression enhances TRC formation and activates an ATR-dependent DDR, predisposing cancer cells to R-loop-mediated genomic fragility. By exploiting the vulnerability of ANP32E-expressing cancer cells to ATR inhibitors, we find that tumors relied on this DDR pathway, whose inhibition halts their pro-metastatic capacity. These findings identify ANP32E as a key driver of TRC-induced genomic instability, indicating ATR inhibition as a potential therapeutic strategy for ANP32E-overexpressing tumors.

A Potential Role for c-MYC in the Regulation of Meibocyte Cell Stress

The integrated stress response (ISR) is a key regulator of cell survival, promoting apoptosis through the effector protein CHOP in instances of prolonged or severe stress. The ISR's role in the initiation and progression of epithelial malignancies has been investigated; however, the ISR has not been evaluated in ocular adnexal sebaceous carcinoma (SebCA). Though uncommon, mortality rates of up to 40% have been reported, and the mechanisms underlying SebCA tumorigenesis remain unresolved; however, c-MYC upregulation has been documented. Our objective was to determine the role of MYC in modulating the ISR in the Meibomian gland. Human Meibomian gland epithelial cells (HMGECs) were subject to both pharmacologic and genetic manipulations of MYC expression. Cytotoxicity, proliferation, and changes in protein and gene expression were assessed. Conditionally MYC-overexpressing mice were subject to topical 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT) induction of the eyelids prior to tissue harvest for histology, immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and qPCR. MYC-inhibited HMGECs exhibited dose-dependent decreased proliferation, increased CHOP expression, and increased apoptosis. Conversely, MYC-overexpressing HMGECs and Meibomian glands from 4-OHT-induced mice demonstrated suppressed CHOP expression, reduced apoptosis, and upregulated fatty acid synthase expression. These results suggest that MYC inhibition induces the ISR and promotes apoptosis, while MYC induction suppresses CHOP expression. High MYC expression may, therefore, serve as a mechanism for SebCA to elude cell death by promoting lipogenesis.

The oncoprotein DEK controls growth-regulated gene expression by enhancing the DNA-binding activity of basic leucine zipper transcription factors

Overexpression of the oncogenic protein DEK is associated with a poor prognosis in various cancers. However, the molecular mechanisms by which DEK promotes cancer development and malignant transformation remain unclear. Previous studies have shown that DEK interacts with transcription factors, such as AP-2a and C/EBPα, and enhances their transcriptional activity. We hypothesized that DEK promotes cancer cell phenotypes by regulating transcription factors. We analyzed the interaction between DEK and the transcription factors to evaluate this hypothesis. We found that DEK binds to the basic regions within the basic leucine zipper (bZIP)- and basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper (bHLH-ZIP)- transcription factors. Interestingly, DEK enhanced the DNA-binding capacity of two bZIP transcription factors, C/EBPα and ATF3, in vitro without being a component of the transcription factor-DNA complex. We performed DEK knockdown in lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells and examined the global transcriptome changes to determine the biological significance of the interaction between DEK and transcription factors. We found that diverse genes regulating cell growth and amino acid metabolism, which may potentially be regulated by c-Jun, a subunit of the bZIP transcription factor AP1, and c-Myc, a bHLH-ZIP transcription factor, were decreased by DEK knockdown. Consistent with these transcriptome changes, the cell growth, colony formation, and cell migration abilities of A549 cells were decreased by DEK knockdown. These results suggest that DEK promotes cancer cell malignancy by regulating the functions of the bZIP and bHLH-ZIP transcription factors.

Unveiling vitamin C: A new hope in the treatment of diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma (Review)

Lymphoma is a malignancy of the immune system, which originates from lymphatic tissues and lymph nodes. Diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a common type of non‑Hodgkin lymphoma, occurring in 30‑40% of all cases, which has persistent clinical challenges. The treatment of DLBCL is challenging due to its diverse genetic and biological characteristics and complex clinical physiology. Despite advancements in overall prognosis, 20‑25% of patients continue to experience relapse and 10‑15% of patients experience refractory disease. Vitamin C is a water‑soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties and notable pharmacological activity, with potential applications in cancer therapy. Pharmacological doses of vitamin C (1‑4 g/kg) can induce apoptosis in malignant cells by inhibiting and/or reversing gene mutations that are associated with hematological malignancies. For example, 10‑25% of patients with myeloid malignancies have tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (TET2) gene mutations and vitamin C can regulate blood stem cell frequency and leukemia production by enhancing TET2 function. Consequently, pharmacological doses of vitamin C can inhibit the development and progression of hematological malignancies. Therefore, the present review aimed to investigate the role of vitamin C in the pathophysiology and treatment of DLBCL, whilst highlighting the potential challenges and future perspectives.

PDCD11 Stabilizes C-MYC Oncoprotein by Hindering C-MYC-SKP2 Negative Feedback Loop to Facilitate Progression of p53-Mutant Breast and Colon Malignancies

C-MYC is a proto-oncoprotein whose dysregulation triggers tumorigenesis and tumor progression in ≈70% of cancer cases. It is presently demonstrated that aberrantly upregulated MYC is caused by the overexpressed and "extra-nucleolar" PDCD11 in p53-mutant breast and colon cancer cells, which is highly correlated to tumor progression, metastasis, and recurrence. In the nucleoplasm, PDCD11 binds to the TAD of C-MYC to prevent SKP2, a transcriptional target of C-MYC as well as one of the major E3 ligase components targeting C-MYC, from interacting with and ubiquitinating C-MYC in feedback. The ensuing stabilized C-MYC activates downstream signaling to facilitate the cellular G1/S transition, proliferation, and migration. PDCD11 silencing restores SKP2-mediated C-MYC degradation, thereby remarkably suppressing tumor growth and metastasis in nude mice. These findings highlight PDCD11 as a novel C-MYC partner and thereby offer a potential therapeutic rationale to challenge PDCD11-mediated "pro-stabilization" effect on C-MYC, a widely considered "undruggable" target, to combat C-MYC-driven malignancies with p53 mutation.

TME-responsive nanocomposite hydrogel with targeted capacity for enhanced synergistic chemoimmunotherapy of MYC-amplified osteosarcoma

The oncogene MYC is one of the most commonly activated oncogenic proteins in human tumors, with nearly one-fourth of osteosarcoma showing MYC amplification and exhibiting the worst clinical outcomes. The clinical efficacy of single radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy for such osteosarcoma is poor, and the dysregulation of MYC amplification and immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) may be potential causes of anti-tumor failure. To address the above issues, we developed an injectable TME-responsive nanocomposite hydrogel to simultaneously deliver an effective MYC inhibitor (NHWD-870) and IL11Rα-targeted liposomes containing cisplatin-loaded MnO2 (Cis/Mn@Lipo-IL11). After in situ administration, NHWD-870 effectively degrades MYC and downregulates CCL2 and IL13 cytokines to trigger M1 type activation of macrophages. Meanwhile, targeted delivery of Cis/Mn@Lipo-IL11 reacts with excess intratumoral GSH to generate Mn2+ and thus inducing excess active oxygen species (ROS) production through Fenton-like reaction, along with cisplatin, thereby inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD) to promote dendritic cell maturation. Through synergistic regulation of MYC and ICD levels, the immune microenvironment was reshaped to enhance immune infiltration. In the osteosarcoma-bearing model, the nanocomposite hydrogel significantly enhanced tumor T cell infiltration, induced effective anti-tumor immunity and attenuated lung metastasis. Therefore, our results reveal a powerful strategy for targeted combination therapy of MYC-amplified osteosarcoma.

USP3 promotes clear cell renal cell carcinoma progression by stabilizing MYC and enhancing glycolysis

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most prevalent type of renal malignancy, and the deubiquitinase USP3 has been implicated as a critical factor in tumor biology. However, the precise mechanisms by which USP3 contributes to ccRCC progression remain unclear. This study investigates the role of USP3 in ccRCC and elucidates its underlying molecular mechanisms. Data from TCGA and GTEx databases showed elevated USP3 expression in ccRCC tissues and cell lines compared to normal renal tissues. Further analysis using qPCR and Western blot confirmed this upregulation in ccRCC cell lines. Functional assays revealed that silencing USP3 significantly impaired cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while promoting apoptosis. Additionally, co-immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated an interaction between USP3 and MYC, with subsequent ubiquitination assays showing that USP3 regulates MYC stability. USP3 depletion also led to alterations in glycolysis-related gene expression, which could be partially reversed by MYC overexpression. These findings suggest that USP3 modulates ccRCC progression by stabilizing MYC, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in ccRCC treatment.

Discovery of Novel Inhibitors for WD Repeat-Containing Protein 5 (WDR5)-MYC Protein-Protein Interaction

The WD Repeat-Containing Protein 5 (WDR5) and MYC interaction is crucial for MYC-mediated oncogenesis, yet effective therapeutic intervention remains challenging due to the limited efficacy of current treatments targeting WDR5. Herein, we report the discovery of novel WDR5-MYC protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibitors with improved potency and drug-like properties by utilizing a generative chemistry platform along with a physics-model-based tool AlChemistry. Initially, three hits were identified with reasonable binding affinity for WDR5, and further refinement through detailed structural analysis led to the discovery of sub-micromolar affinity compounds (compound 9c-1), which are > 30-fold better than reported inhibitors. These findings provide a promising starting point for targeting the WDR5-MYC interaction in MYC-driven cancers.

YEATS2: a novel cancer epigenetic reader and potential therapeutic target

YEATS2, an evolutionarily conserved reader of histone acylation marks (H3K27ac, H3K27cr, H3K27bz), functions as a central oncogenic driver in diverse cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Its structurally plastic YEATS domain bridges acyl-CoA metabolism to chromatin remodeling, amplifying transcription of survival genes such as MYC, BCL2, and PD-L1. YEATS2 orchestrates malignancy-specific programs-sustaining ribosome biogenesis in NSCLC through ATAC complex recruitment, enhancing NF-κB-dependent immune evasion in PDAC, and activating PI3K/AKT-driven metabolic rewiring in HCC. Structural studies demonstrate a unique aromatic cage architecture that selectively engages diverse acylated histones. Although pyrazolopyridine-based inhibitors targeting the YEATS domain show preclinical efficacy, developing isoform-selective agents remains challenging. Clinically, YEATS2 overexpression correlates with therapy resistance and may synergize with immune checkpoint blockade. This review integrates mechanistic insights into the role of YEATS2 in epigenetic regulation, evaluates its therapeutic potential, and proposes future directions: elucidating full-length complex topologies, mapping synthetic lethal interactors, and optimizing selective inhibitors. Disrupting YEATS2-mediated epigenetic adaptation presents novel opportunities for precision cancer therapy.

TTC36 promotes proliferation and drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by inhibiting c-Myc degradation

High c-Myc protein accumulation contributes to the proliferation, invasion, and drug resistance in multiple cancer cells, but the underlying mechanism about c-Myc accumulation remains not to be elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that TTC36 promotes c-Myc protein accumulation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, thereby driving the proliferation and sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Ttc36 depletion disrupts the interaction between SET and PPP2R1A, consequently activating PP2A. Activated PP2A directly dephosphorylates p-c-MycS62 and activates GSK3β, relying on AKT, leading increased phosphorylation of p-c-MycT58, finally promotes FBXW7-mediated polyubiquitination and degradation of c-Myc. Inhibitors targeting GSK3β and PP2A effectively reverse the sorafenib resistance promoted by TTC36. These findings highlight the crucial role of TTC36 in c-Myc accumulation-caused proliferation and sorafenib resistance in HCC, providing a promising combination strategy for treating patients with c-Myc protein accumulation in advanced HCC.

DCAF13 influences breast cancer chemotherapy resistance through metabolic reprogramming by regulating c-Myc expression

Chemotherapy resistance remains a major obstacle in breast cancer treatment. This study identifies DCAF13, a substrate recognition receptor of the CRL4 ubiquitin ligase complex, as a critical regulator of chemotherapy resistance through c-Myc-driven metabolic reprogramming. We found that DCAF13 expression was significantly upregulated in chemotherapy-resistant breast cancer cell lines compared to their parental counterparts. Inhibition of DCAF13 enhanced chemotherapy sensitivity, whereas its overexpression suppressed drug sensitivity. Mechanistically, DCAF13 upregulated c-Myc expression, driving metabolic reprogramming, characterized by increased glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. This metabolic shift promoted cell proliferation and resistance to chemotherapy. Clinically, DCAF13 expression correlated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients, particularly in advanced stages and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Our findings highlight the DCAF13-c-Myc axis as a critical mediator of chemotherapy resistance, suggesting that targeting this pathway could provide novel therapeutic strategies to overcome drug resistance in breast cancer. Further clinical studies are needed to explore the potential of DCAF13 as a therapeutic target.

Regulation of PEST-containing nuclear proteins in cancer cells: implications for cancer biology and therapy

The PEST-containing nuclear protein (PCNP) is a nuclear protein involved in the regulation of cell cycle progression, protein degradation, and tumorigenesis. PCNP contains a PEST sequence, a polypeptide structural motif rich in proline (P), glutamic acid (E), serine (S), and threonine (T), which serves as a proteolytic recognition signal. The degradation of specific proteins via the PEST sequence plays a crucial role in modulating signaling pathways that control cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and stress responses. PCNP is primarily degraded through the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and the calpain pathway, with phosphorylation of threonine and serine residues further accelerating its degradation. The ubiquitination of PCNP by the ring finger protein NIRF in an E3 ligase-dependent manner is well documented, along with its involvement in the MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. Additionally, PCNP is implicated in p53-mediated cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, which are essential for inhibiting tumor growth. To explore the role of PCNP in cancer, this review examines its effects on cell growth, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis in lung adenocarcinoma, thyroid cancer, ovarian cancer, and other malignancies derived from glandular epithelial cells. By focusing on PCNP and its regulatory mechanisms, this study provides a scientific basis for further research on the biological functions of the PEST sequence in tumor development and cancer progression.

Recommended Tool Compounds: Thienotriazolodiazepines-Derivatized Chemical Probes to Target BET Bromodomains

Thienotriazolodiazepines, including (+)-JQ1 (4), are well-known inhibitors of the bromodomain (BD) and extra-terminal domain (BET) family of proteins. Despite the suboptimal physicochemical properties as a drug candidate, such as poor solubility and half-life, (+)-JQ1 (4) has proven as an effective chemical probe with high target potency and selectivity. (+)-JQ1 (4) and (+)-JQ1-derived chemical probes have played a vital role in chemical biology and drug discovery over the past decade, which is demonstrated by the high number of impactful research studies published since the disclosure of (+)-JQ1 (4) in 2010. In this review, we discuss the development of (+)-JQ1-derivatized chemical probes over the past decade and their significant contribution to scientific research. Specifically, we will summarize the development of innovative label-free and labeled (+)-JQ1-derivatized chemical probes, such as bivalent, covalent, and photoaffinity probes as well as protein degraders, with a focus on the design of these chemical probes.

Exosomal CCT3 as a biomarker for diagnosis and immune therapy response in patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the dominant type of liver cancer and is associated with a high mortality rate. However, HCC lacks biomarkers for diagnosis and immune therapy response. Tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs) carcinogen-specific molecules have been used for screening multiple biomarkers. This study aimed to identify new biomarkers for the diagnosis of HCC and response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy.

METHODS

Analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HCC and normal tissues was integrated using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and ExoCarta datasets. The expression of CCT3 was validated in samples from patients with HCC using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) techniques.

RESULTS

Exosomal CCT3 was identified as a potential biomarker with significant impact. The expression of CCT3 in different tumor stages and normal tissues adjacent to the tumors (NATs) was validated using qPCR, western blotting, and IHC. CCT3 expression significantly increased the number of activated natural killer cells in HCC, as confirmed by qPCR and IHC. CCT3 expression significantly increases the expression of immune checkpoints in HCC. HCC-derived exosomes significantly increase the enrichment of CCT3.

CONCLUSION

Exosomal CCT3 is a biomarker for diagnosis and ICB therapy of HCC via MYC pathway activation and immune infiltration.

Final results from the phase Ia/Ib study of the novel bromodomain and extra-terminal domain inhibitor, BI 894999, in patients with advanced solid tumors or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) inhibitors have demonstrated efficacy in solid and hematological malignancies. BI 894999, a novel, orally administered BET inhibitor, has demonstrated preclinical efficacy.

METHODS

This was an open-label, dose-finding study evaluating BI 894999 for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL; phase Ia extension) and solid tumors [colorectal cancer (CRC), nuclear protein in testis (NUT) carcinoma, metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and small-cell lung cancer (SCLC); phase Ib cohort]. The primary endpoint was dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) during the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) period (phase Ia) and treatment period (phase Ib).

RESULTS

Eighteen patients with DLBCL were enrolled in the phase Ia extension and 79 with solid tumors in phase Ib cohorts (SCLC, n = 12; CRC, n = 14; mCRPC, n = 11; NUT carcinoma, n = 42). Four patients had DLTs in phase Ia and 17 in phase Ib; the most frequent was grade 4 thrombocytopenia. The MTD for DLBCL was 1.5 mg (days 1-14/21). One patient (5.6%) with DLBCL achieved a partial response (PR) and three (16.7%) had stable disease. Of 42 patients with NUT carcinoma, 3 patients (7.1%) had responses (complete response, n = 1; confirmed PR, n = 1; unconfirmed PR, n = 1). Responses in other solid tumor types (n = 37) included one patient (2.7%) with mCRPC who had a confirmed PR.

CONCLUSIONS

The safety profile of BI 894999 was consistent with those of other BET inhibitors. Due to minimal efficacy results, further evaluation of BI 894999 as monotherapy is not planned.

Modified screening of MYC promotor region elements using the CRISPR library in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer remains one of the most lethal gynecological malignancies owing to its high recurrence rate and chemotherapeutic resistance. MYC is a well-known proto-oncogene that is frequently amplified in ovarian cancer and has been implicated in drug resistance. Previously, we established a new promoter-reporter system combined with a CRISPR activation library to identify unknown MYC regulators, and M1AP was identified as a novel MYC regulator. However, considering the insufficient explanation for the absence of guide RNA (gRNA) of MYC, this present study explored methods to prevent the gRNA of MYC itself from binding. This study first modified the promoter-reporter vector to improve its quality, then conducted CRISPR screening and analyzed candidate genes as MYC promoter regulators using next-generation sequencing in OVSAHO ovarian cancer cells. Eighty-six genes had ≥ 1000 reads, and Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis was performed on the cBioPortal of the Cancer Genomics database. Fourteen genes were identified as candidate MYC regulators with positive and significant correlations with MYC. Seven genes, including CYP4v2, ASPH, ANP32D, PCED1A, ABI1, FUZ, and HOOK2, demonstrated significantly higher luciferase activity than the control genes. Four genes, including ABI1, PCED1A, HOOK2, and CYP4v2, activated the MYC promoter, which showed over twofold higher activity than the control when overexpressed using a vector. In conclusion, four genes that activate MYC promoters were identified in an ovarian cancer cell line using the CRISPR library system with a modified promoter-reporter tool. These results will prove helpful in the development of novel treatment strategies for ovarian cancer.

Discovery of a Pyrazolopyridinone-Based MYC Inhibitor That Selectively Engages Intracellular c-MYC and Disrupts MYC-MAX Heterodimerization

c-MYC is an oncogenic transcription factor that plays a crucial role in the regulation of downstream targets involved in proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, metabolism, signaling, and immune response processes whose deregulation leads to the progression of different pathologies. The development of selective and potent small-molecule inhibitors of c-MYC remains a grand challenge in chemical biology and medicine due to its undruggability, derived from extensive intrinsic disorder. In this study, we identified a novel dihydro pyrazolo pyridinone scaffold, MY05, that selectively targets c-MYC in cells and disrupts MYC-MAX interaction. MY05 engages intracellular c-MYC, modulates c-MYC thermal stability, reduces c-MYC transcriptional targets, and inhibits proliferation in cancer cells and tumor growth in mice. In summary, we identified a novel compound that directly interacts with c-MYC to disrupt the transcriptional program.

Employing steered MD simulations for effective virtual screening: Active pharmacophore search by dynamic corrections to target MKK3-MYC interactions

The protein-protein interaction (PPI) between mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 3 (MKK3), and MYC is a crucial regulator of oncogenic signaling, particularly in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Despite its clinical significance, effective small molecule inhibitors targeting this interaction remain elusive. In this study, we employed a comprehensive in silico approach integrating dynamic structure-based pharmacophore modeling, virtual screening, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to identify potential inhibitors disrupting the MKK3-MYC interaction. The pharmacophore-based screening of over 2 million compounds from ChemDiv and Enamine libraries led to the identification of 16,766 hits, which were further refined through docking and MD-based analyses. The top-ranked molecules underwent steered molecular dynamics (sMD) simulations to evaluate the mechanical stability of their binding interactions, followed by binding free energy calculations (MM/GBSA) to assess their affinity. Notably, several hit compounds exhibited stronger binding affinities and mechanical stability compared to the reference inhibitor SGI-1027, with Z332428622, 4476-2273, and 4292-0516 emerging as the most promising candidates. The lead compounds demonstrated stable interactions with key residues at the interface of MKK3 and MYC, suggesting their potential as novel modulators of MYC-driven malignancies. These findings provide a strong computational foundation for further experimental validation and offer promising candidates for targeted therapy development in MYC-dependent cancers.

Bioinformatics study and cytotoxicity of several curcumin analogues in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer ranks as Indonesia's third-leading cause of cancer-related death, emphasising the need for innovative treatments. This study combined bioinformatics, molecular docking, and experimental assays to tackle this challenge. We identified 166 ovarian cancer-related genes, with MYC standing out as a key target. Analysis of MYC mutations revealed prevalent alterations, though no significant survival differences were observed in patients with or without the mutations. Molecular docking pinpointed compound B155 as a promising MYC inhibitor. A preliminary cytotoxicity assay revealed compound B155's notable activity, with an 87.19 % inhibition of cell viability at 50 μM. Most of the other curcumin analogues only caused more than 50 % inhibition at the same concentration. This result suggests alternative mechanisms of action, possibly antioxidant effects, warranting further exploration. In summary, this study unveiled MYC as a prime target for ovarian cancer treatment, with curcumin analogues like B155 showing potential. Nonetheless, the complex factors affecting cytotoxicity underscore the need for deeper investigation into these compounds' mechanisms in ovarian cancer cells.

Ontogeny Dictates Oncogenic Potential, Lineage Hierarchy, and Therapy Response in Pediatric Leukemia

Accumulating evidence links pediatric cancers to prenatal transformation events, yet the influence of the developmental stage on oncogenesis remains elusive. We investigated how hematopoietic stem cell developmental stages affect leukemic transformation, disease progression, and therapy response using a novel, humanized model of NUP98∷NSD1-driven pediatric acute myeloid leukemia, that is particularly aggressive with WT1 co-mutations. Fetal-derived hematopoietic stem cells readily transform into leukemia, and WT1 mutations further enhance stemness and alter lineage hierarchy. In contrast, stem cells from later developmental stages become progressively resistant to transformation. Single-cell analyses revealed that fetal-origin leukemia stem cells exhibit greater quiescence and reliance on oxidative phosphorylation than their postnatal counterparts. These differences drive distinct therapeutic responses, despite identical oncogenic mutations. In patients, onco-fetal transcriptional programs correlate with worse outcomes. By targeting key vulnerabilities of fetal-origin leukemia cells, we identified combination therapies that significantly reduce aggressiveness, highlighting the critical role of ontogeny in pediatric cancer treatment.

Computational molecular insights into ibrutinib as a potent inhibitor of HER2-L755S mutant in breast cancer: gene expression studies, virtual screening, docking, and molecular dynamics analysis

Background

The proposed study integrates several advanced computational techniques to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying breast cancer progression and drug resistance.

Methods

We investigated HER2-L755S mutation through a multi-step approach, including gene expression analysis, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations.

Results and Discussion

By conducting a network-based analysis of gene expression data from breast cancer samples, key hub genes such as MYC, EGFR, CDKN2A, ERBB2, CDK1, E2F1, TOP2A, MDM2, TGFB1, and FOXM1 were identified, all of which are critical in tumor growth and metastasis. The study mainly focuses on the ERBB2 gene, which encodes the HER2 protein, and its common mutation HER2-L755S, associated with breast cancer and resistance to the drug lapatinib. The HER2-L755S mutation contributes to both tumorigenesis and therapeutic failure. To address this, alternative therapeutic strategies were investigated using combinatorial computational approaches. The stability and flexibility of the HER2-L755S mutation were evaluated through comparative molecular dynamics simulations over 1000 ns using Gromacs in the unbound (Apo) state. Virtual screening with Schrodinger Glide identified ibrutinib as a promising alternative to lapatinib for targeting the HER2-L755S mutant. Detailed docking and molecular dynamics simulations in the bound (Holo) state demonstrated that the HER2-L755S-ibrutinib complex exhibited higher binding affinity and lower binding energy, indicating more stable interactions compared to other complexes. MM-PBSA analysis revealed that the HER2-L755S-ibrutinib complex had more negative binding energy than the HER2-L755S-afatinib, HER2-L755S-lapatinib, and HER2-L755S-neratinib complexes, suggesting that ibrutinib forms the most stable complex with favorable binding interactions.

Conclusion

These results provide in-depth atomic-level insights into the binding mechanisms of these inhibitors, highlighting ibrutinib as a potentially effective inhibitor for the clinical treatment of breast cancer.

Overexpression of lncRNA TINCR inhibits cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma cells through promotes methylation of Myc and TERC genes

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) TINCR has been shown to play a crucial regulatory role in various tumors. However, its specific mechanism of action in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the role of lncRNA TINCR in CSCC. We utilized overexpression techniques to study the effects of TINCR on CSCC cells. Methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were used to assess the impact of TINCR on the methylation of the promoter regions of the Myc and TERC genes, and its interaction with DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1). The results showed that overexpression of TINCR significantly promoted methylation in the promoter regions of Myc (N-MYC, L-MYC, and c-MYC) and TERC genes, inhibiting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CSCC cells. MSP and RIP experiments further confirmed that TINCR binds to DNMT1, enhancing the methylation levels of the promoter regions of Myc and TERC genes. These findings suggest that lncRNA TINCR may serve as a potential therapeutic target for CSCC by regulating the methylation of key oncogenes. These findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of CSCC and highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting TINCR.

Excessive MYC Orchestrates Macrophages induced Chromatin Remodeling to Sustain Micropapillary-Patterned Malignancy in Lung Adenocarcinoma

Current understanding of micropapillary (MP)-subtype lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains confined to biological activities and genomic landscapes. Unraveling the major regulatory programs underlying MP patterned malignancy offers opportunities to identify more feasible therapeutic targets for patients with MP LUAD. This study shows that patients with MP subtype LUAD have aberrant activation of the MYC pathway compared to patients with other subtypes. In vitro and xenograft mouse model studies reveal that MP pattern in malignancy cannot be solely due to aberrant MYC expression but requires the involvement of M2-like macrophages. Excessively expressed MYC leads to the accumulation of M2-like macrophages from the bone marrow, which secretes TGFβ, to induce the expression of FOSL2 in tumor cells, thereby remodeling chromatin accessibility at promoter regions of MP-pattern genes to promote the MYC-mediated de novo transcriptional regulation of these genes. Additionally, the MP-pattern in malignancy can be effectively alleviated by disrupting the TGFβ-FOSL2 axis. These findings reveal new functions for the M2-like macrophage-TGFβ-FOSL2 axis in MYC-overexpressing MP-subtype LUAD, identifying targetable vulnerabilities in this pathway.

Shared molecular, cellular, and environmental hallmarks in cardiovascular disease and cancer: Any place for drug repurposing?

Cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are the 2 biggest killers worldwide. Specific treatments have been developed for the 2 diseases. However, mutual therapeutic targets should be considered because of the overlap of cellular and molecular mechanisms. Cancer research has grown at a fast pace, leading to an increasing number of new mechanistic treatments. Some of these drugs could prove useful for treating CVD, which realizes the concept of cancer drug repurposing. This review provides a comprehensive outline of the shared hallmarks of cancer and CVD, primarily ischemic heart disease and heart failure. We focus on chronic inflammation, altered immune response, stromal and vascular cell activation, and underlying signaling pathways causing pathological tissue remodeling. There is an obvious scope for targeting those shared mechanisms, thereby achieving reciprocal preventive and therapeutic benefits. Major attention is devoted to illustrating the logic, advantages, challenges, and viable examples of drug repurposing and discussing the potential influence of sex, gender, age, and ethnicity in realizing this approach. Artificial intelligence will help to refine the personalized application of drug repurposing for patients with CVD. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD), the 2 biggest killers worldwide, share several underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. So far, specific therapies have been developed to tackle the 2 diseases. However, the development of new cardiovascular drugs has been slow compared with cancer drugs. Understanding the intersection between pathological mechanisms of the 2 diseases provides the basis for repurposing cancer therapeutics for CVD treatment. This approach could allow the rapid development of new drugs for patients with CVDs.

Differential MYC and PROM1 mRNA isoform expression in breast invasive carcinoma as biomarkers for subtyping and prognosis

BACKGROUND

Cancer stem cells are a subpopulation of tumor cells with the ability to self-renew; evidence suggests that cancer stem cells are responsible for recurrence, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. MYC and CD133 (PROM1 gene) are clinical biomarkers for cancer stem cells, and their dysregulation is involved in the progression of many cancers. Alternative splicing of these genes may contribute to cancer stem cell differentiation.

METHODS

Transcriptional and clinical data of PROM1 and MYC mRNA isoforms in breast cancer samples were downloaded from the TCGA Splicing Variants Database site, a web-tool to explore mRNA alternative-splicing based on TCGA samples. Data include RSEM isoform expression, clinical sample types, survival data, and clinical receptor expression. Breast cancer subtypes (luminal A, luminal B, Her2 positive, triple negative) were assigned on the basis of estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 expression.

RESULTS

Expression of MYC isoforms uc003ysh.1 and uc003ysi.3 was significantly greater in triple-negative breast cancer compared with all other breast cancer subtypes (P < .001). Isoform uc003ysi.3 was associated with greater 5-year survival in luminal A breast cancer (hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.65-0.96; P = .02). PROM1 isoforms uc003gop.2, uc003goq.3, uc003gos.2, and uc003gou.2 were expressed greatest in triple-negative breast cancer (P < .001). PROM1 isoform uc003gou.2 was associated with better 5-year survival in luminal A breast cancer (hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.65-0.97; P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

MYC and PROM1 isoforms are differentially expressed in breast cancer subtypes. Certain isoforms confer better survival prognosis. Further work should be done to study alternative splicing in cancer stem cells.

Engineering artificial non-coding RNAs for targeted protein degradation

Targeted protein degradation has become a notable drug development strategy, but its application has been limited by the dependence on protein-based chimeras with restricted genetic manipulation capabilities. The use of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has emerged as a viable alternative, offering interactions with cellular proteins to modulate pathways and enhance degradation capabilities. Here we introduce a strategy employing artificial lncRNAs (alncRNAs) for precise targeted protein degradation. By integrating RNA aptamers and sequences from the lncRNA HOTAIR, our alncRNAs specifically target and facilitate the ubiquitination and degradation of oncogenic transcription factors and tumor-related proteins, such as c-MYC, NF-κB, ETS-1, KRAS and EGFR. These alncRNAs show potential in reducing malignant phenotypes in cells, both in vitro and in vivo, offering advantages in efficiency, adaptability and versatility. This research enhances knowledge of lncRNA-driven protein degradation and presents an effective method for targeted therapies.

Multitarget mechanism of MYC inhibition by the bacterial lon protease in disease

Identifying specific inhibitors of the MYC oncogene has been challenging, due to off target effects associated with MYC inhibition. This study investigated how the recombinant Escherichia coli Lon protease (rLon), which targets MYC in human cells, inhibits MYC over-activation in models of infection and cancer. In silico predictions identified specific peptide domains of bacterial Lon that target MYC and the affinity of these peptides for MYC was investigated by surface plasmon resonance. The N-terminal domain of rLon was shown to interact with the C-terminal, leucine zipper domain of MYC and MAX and to prevent MYC/MAX dimerization. Furthermore, rLon targeted and degraded c-MYC in vitro and in cellular models, through the peptidase domain. In a model of kidney infection, rLon treatment prevented, c-MYC, N-MYC and L-MYC over-expression, MYC-dependent gene expression, specifically renal toxicity genes and pathology, suggesting that rLon recognizes and corrects MYC dysregulation in this disease. The findings describe a multitarget mechanism of MYC inhibition by rLon, and the combined effects achieved by the Lon domains, targeting different MYC epitopes and MYC-dependent functions, with no evidence of toxicity or detrimental effects on homeostatic MYC expression.

Inflammation in cancer: therapeutic opportunities from new insights

As one part of the innate immune response to external stimuli, chronic inflammation increases the risk of various cancers, and tumor-promoting inflammation is considered one of the enabling characteristics of cancer development. Recently, there has been growing evidence on the role of anti-inflammation therapy in cancer prevention and treatment. And researchers have already achieved several noteworthy outcomes. In the review, we explored the underlying mechanisms by which inflammation affects the occurrence and development of cancer. The pro- or anti-tumor effects of these inflammatory factors such as interleukin, interferon, chemokine, inflammasome, and extracellular matrix are discussed. Since FDA-approved anti-inflammation drugs like aspirin show obvious anti-tumor effects, these drugs have unique advantages due to their relatively fewer side effects with long-term use compared to chemotherapy drugs. The characteristics make them promising candidates for cancer chemoprevention. Overall, this review discusses the role of these inflammatory molecules in carcinogenesis of cancer and new inflammation molecules-directed therapeutic opportunities, ranging from cytokine inhibitors/agonists, inflammasome inhibitors, some inhibitors that have already been or are expected to be applied in clinical practice, as well as recent discoveries of the anti-tumor effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The advantages and disadvantages of their application in cancer chemoprevention are also discussed.

Selective Recognition of Oncogene Promoter C-Myc G-Quadruplex: Design, Synthesis, and In Vitro Evaluation of Naphthalimide and Imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazines for Their Anticancer Activity

c-Myc is a transcription factor that is overexpressed in most human cancers. Despite its challenging nature, we have developed a series of naphthalimide-imidazopyrazine conjugates to target c-Myc. The library of synthesized derivatives was tested for their anticancer activity against a nine-panel of cancer cell lines. Compound 8eb showed excellent cytotoxicity against all the tested cancer cell lines, with the range of growth inhibition from -98.79% to 96.62% at a single-dose concentration of 10-5 M. Further, 8eb was employed for a 5-dose assay against the same cancer cell lines, which showed efficacy at varying concentrations with an MG-MID GI50 value of 2.61 μM. Biophysical studies were performed to explore the interaction of 8eb with c-Myc Pu27 over ct-DNA, oncogene promotor Pu22, and human telomere, with a binding constant value of 1.3 × 107 M-1. Additionally, experiments were performed to get insights into the interaction mechanism between 8eb and the c-Myc oncogene promoter. A molecular docking study unveiled the stacking of the compound with G4 DNA through groove binding, where very few reports are available, with a favorable binding energy of -9.2 kcal/mol. Moreover, the pharmacokinetic study and HOMO-LUMO energy gap analysis underscored the potency of the active candidate. The compound's binding ability toward HSA was also assessed, where results suggested effective binding of the compound to HSA, revealing its potential for easy delivery to the target site. The above findings suggested that these newly synthesized candidates with potent anticancer activity offer a promising avenue as G4 DNA c-Myc stabilizers.

Integrated Omics Insights into Dapagliflozin Effects in Sepsis-Induced Cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) is a life-threatening cardiac complication of sepsis with limited therapeutic options. Dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, has demonstrated cardioprotective effects in heart failure, but its role in mitigating sepsis-related cardiac dysfunction remains unclear.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted to assess the impact of pre-hospital dapagliflozin use on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and survival in patients with SIC. Additionally, a murine SIC model was established using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to evaluate the effects of dapagliflozin on cardiac function, histopathology, and biomarkers of myocardial injury. Transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling, combined with multi-omics integration, was employed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying dapagliflozin's cardioprotective effects.

RESULTS

In the clinical cohort, pre-hospital dapagliflozin use was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of MACE and improved survival outcomes. In the murine SIC model, dapagliflozin restored cardiac function, reduced biomarkers of myocardial injury, and alleviated histological damage. Multi-omics analysis revealed that dapagliflozin modulates inflammatory responses, enhances autophagy, and regulates metabolic pathways such as AMPK signaling and lipid metabolism. Key regulatory genes and metabolites were identified, providing mechanistic insights into the underlying actions of dapagliflozin.

CONCLUSIONS

Dapagliflozin significantly improves cardiac outcomes in sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy through the multi-level regulation of inflammation, energy metabolism, and cellular survival pathways. These findings establish dapagliflozin as a promising therapeutic strategy for SIC, offering translational insights into the treatment of sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction.

Targeting MYC for the treatment of breast cancer: use of the novel MYC-GSPT1 degrader, GT19630

BACKGROUND

Since MYC is one of the most frequently altered driver genes involved in cancer formation, it is a potential target for new anti-cancer therapies. Historically, however, MYC has proved difficult to target due to the absence of a suitable crevice for binding potential low molecular weight drugs.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate a novel molecular glue, dubbed GT19630, which degrades both MYC and GSPT1, for the treatment of breast cancer.

METHODS

The antiproliferative potential of GT19630 was evaluated in 14 breast cancer cell lines representing the main molecular subtypes of breast cancer. In addition, we also investigated the effects of GT19630 on apoptosis, cell cycle progression, cell migration, and degradation of the negative immune checkpoint protein, B7-H3.

RESULTS

GT19630 inhibited cell proliferation, blocked cell cycle progression, promoted apoptosis, and decreased cell migration at low nanomolar concentrations in breast cancer cell lines. By contrast, previously described MYC inhibitors such as specific MYC-MAX antagonists affected these processes at micromolar concentrations. Consistent with the ability of MYC to promote immune evasion, we also found that GT19630 degraded the negative immune checkpoint inhibitor, B7-H3.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the novel molecular glue, GT19630, is a potent mediator of endpoints associated with cancer formation/progression. Its ability to degrade B7-H3 suggests that GT19630 may also promote host immunity against cancer. To progress GT19630 as a therapy for breast cancer, our finding should now be confirmed in an animal model system.

Bioinformatics analysis combined with experimental validation reveals the biological role of the ILK gene in prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a prevalent urological malignancy. The integrin-linked kinase (ILK) gene has been identified as an oncogenic driver in hormonal cancers, including PCa.

METHODS

To identify key genes in PCa, we utilized differential gene expression analysis and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA). The ILK gene was silenced using short interfering RNA (siRNA), and subsequent experiments focusing on cellular functionality were conducted to evaluate its impact on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle. We examined the expression of autophagy-related and cell cycle-related proteins, including MAP1LC3A, BECN1, C-MYC, TP53, and MDM2. Moreover, we conducted Mfuzz expression pattern clustering analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), immune function analysis, transcription factor (TF) analysis, and drug prediction.

RESULTS

544 significant genes were identified by WGCNA. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis revealed that MYC was the central regulatory gene, with the intersected genes mainly involved in regulating cell adhesion and drug metabolism in prostate cancer (PCa). Experimental results showed LNCaP cell proliferation was significantly inhibited in the knockdown groups (P < 0.001). Moreover, ILK silencing increased apoptosis in LNCaP cells compared to normal cells and empty vectors, and transfected LNCaP cells were arrested in the S phase of the cell cycle. Notably, C-MYC expression decreased following ILK silencing. Subsequently, we further identified ILK-related regulatory biomarkers.

CONCLUSIONS

The ILK is an oncogene mainly through influencing the C-MYC in PCa. Inhibition of ILK expression would be a promising method for treating the development and progression of PCa.

Portrait of WWP1: the current state in human cancer

WWP1, a member of the C2-WW-HECT E3 ligase family, is an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase containing WW domains. This enzyme plays a critical role in regulating diverse cellular processes. Its expression is modulated by various factors and non-coding RNAs, resulting in ubiquitination that affects substrate protein degradation. WWP1 demonstrates a dual function, acting predominantly as an oncogene in tumors but occasionally as a tumor suppressor. This review summarizes WWP1's biological roles, therapeutic potential in oncology, upstream regulatory factors, and downstream substrates. It aims to promote research on WWP1's antitumor effects, improve understanding of its role in tumorigenesis, and support the development of targeted therapies.

Identification of a novel immunogenic cell death-related classifier to predict prognosis and optimize precision treatment in hepatocellular carcinoma

Accumulating studies have highlighted the biological significance of immunogenic cell death (ICD) in cancer immunity. However, the influence of ICD on tumor microenvironment (TME) formation and immune response in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains largely unexplored. In this study, we systematically analyzed the mRNA profiles of ICD-related genes in 1847 HCC patients and identified three molecular subtypes with significantly different immune features and prognostic stratification. A reliable risk model named ICD score was constructed via machine learning algorithms to assess the immunological status, therapeutic responses, and clinical outcomes of individual HCC patients. High ICD score indicated an immune-excluded TME phenotype, with lower anticancer immunity and shorter survival time. In contrast, low ICD score corresponded to abundant immune cell infiltration, high sensitivity to immunotherapy and a positive prognosis, indicating an "immune-hot" phenotype. Pan-cancer analysis further validated a negative association between ICD score and the immune cell infiltration levels. In conclusion, our findings revealed that the ICD score could serve as a robust prognostic biomarker to predict the benefits of immunotherapy and optimize the clinical decision-making of HCC patients.

CHI-KAT8i5 suppresses ESCC tumor growth by inhibiting KAT8-mediated c-Myc stability

The integrated analysis of histone modifier enzymes in solid tumors, especially in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), is still inadequate. Here, we investigate the expression levels of histone modifier enzymes in ESCC tissues. Notably, KAT8 (lysine acetyltransferase 8) is identified as a prognostic and therapeutic biomarker in ESCC. Esophageal-tissue-specific deletion of KAT8 in mice led to less tumor burden after induction of tumorigenesis via 4-nitroquinoline N-oxide (4NQO) treatment compared with wild-type mice. Meanwhile, silencing KAT8 significantly suppresses tumor growth in cell-line-derived xenograft (CDX) and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Mechanically, we confirm that KAT8 regulates c-Myc protein stability by directly binding it. Furthermore, we design and screen a specific KAT8 inhibitor (CHI-KAT8i5) that significantly attenuates tumor growth in vitro and in vivo, providing promising potential for clinical application. Thus, our work identifies that KAT8 could serve as a potential clinically relevant biomarker and therapeutic target in patients with ESCC and that KAT8 inhibitor is a promising lead candidate for ESCC therapy.

Adipokines in Breast Cancer: Decoding Genetic and Proteomic Mechanisms Underlying Migration, Invasion, and Proliferation

Background

Adipokines, bioactive peptides secreted by adipose tissue, appear to contribute to breast cancer development and progression. While numerous studies suggest their role in promoting tumor growth, the exact mechanisms of their involvement are not yet completely understood.

Methods

In this project, varying concentrations of recombinant human adipokines (Leptin, Lipocalin-2, PAI-1, and Resistin) were used to study their effects on four selected breast cancer cell lines (EVSA-T, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and SK-Br-3). Over a five-day proliferation phase, linear growth was assessed by calculating doubling times and malignancy-associated changes in gene and protein expression were identified using quantitative TaqMan real-time PCR and multiplex protein analysis. Migration and invasion behaviors were quantified using specialized Boyden chamber assays.

Results

We found significant, adipokine-mediated genetic and proteomic alterations, with PCR showing an up to 6-fold increase of numerous malignancy-associated genes after adipokine-supplementation. Adipokines further altered protein secretion, such as raising the concentrations of different tumor-associated proteins up to 13-fold. Effects on proliferation varied, however, with most approaches showing significant enhancement in growth kinetics. A concentration-dependent increase in migration and invasion was generally observed, with no significant reductions in any approaches.

Conclusion

We could show a robust promoting effect of several adipokines on different breast cancer cells in vitro. Understanding the interaction between adipose tissue and breast cancer cells opens potential avenues for innovative breast cancer prevention and therapy strategies. Our findings indicate that antibodies against specific adipokines could become a beneficial component of clinical breast cancer treatment in the future.

Investigation of chromatin remodeling-related biomarkers and associated molecular mechanism in pulpitis

The current study aimed to identify potential chromatin remodeling-related biomarkers and the associated molecular mechanisms in pulpitis. Differentially expressed genes associated with chromatin remodeling (DECRGs) were identified using datasets from an online database. Enrichment and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses were performed based on the DECRGs to identify biomarkers for pulpitis, followed by GSEA (gene set enrichment analysis). The diagnostic value of these biomarkers were evaluated by ROC (Receiver operating characteristic) and nomogram investigation. Next, microRNA(miRNA)-mRNA-TF (transcription factor), ceRNA (competing endogenous RNA), and drug prediction networks were constructed based on the biomarkers. Finally, reverse transcription-real-time quantitative PCR analysis and western blot were performed to validate the results of the bioinformatic analysis. This study identified 87 DECRGs between pulpitis and normal dental pulp samples that were mainly enriched in chromatin remodeling functions and pathways in cancer. A PPI network identified five biomarkers: TNF, STAT3, MYC, ACTB, and MAPK8. ROC and nomogram analyses demonstrated the diagnostic value of these biomarkers. GSEA of biomarkers such as STAT3 was mainly enriched in functions such as the B cell receptor signaling pathway. A biomarker-disease network and miRNA-mRNA-TF interactions were constructed using these biomarkers. A ceRNA network was constructed with interactions including chr22-38_28785274-29006793.1-miR-125b-5p-STAT3. A drug-gene network was established using 170 drugs and five biomarkers. Finally, qRT-PCR was used to validate the expression of all five biomarkers identified by the bioinformatics analysis. TNF, STAT3, MYC, ACTB, and MAPK8 are potential chromatin remodeling-related diagnostic markers for pulpitis. Moreover, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) chr22-38_28785274-29006793.1 might function as a ceRNA to regulate the expression of the chromatin remodeling gene STAT3 by sponging miR-125b-5p in pulpitis.

MET Activation in Lung Cancer and Response to Targeted Therapies

The hepatocyte growth factor receptor (MET) is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) that mediates the activity of a variety of downstream pathways upon its activation. These pathways regulate various physiological processes within the cell, including growth, survival, proliferation, and motility. Under normal physiological conditions, this allows MET to regulate various development and regenerative processes; however, mutations resulting in aberrant MET activity and the consequent dysregulation of downstream signaling can contribute to cellular pathophysiology. Mutations within MET have been identified in a variety of cancers and have been shown to mediate tumorigenesis by increasing RTK activity and downstream signaling. In lung cancer specifically, a number of patients have been identified as possessing MET alterations, commonly receptor amplification (METamp) or splice site mutations resulting in loss of exon 14 (METex14). Due to MET's role in mediating oncogenesis, it has become an attractive clinical target and has led to the development of various targeted therapies, including MET tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Unfortunately, these TKIs have demonstrated limited clinical efficacy, as patients often present with either primary or acquired resistance to these therapies. Mechanisms of resistance vary but often occur through off-target or bypass mechanisms that render downstream signaling pathways insensitive to MET inhibition. This review provides an overview of the therapeutic landscape for MET-positive cancers and explores the various mechanisms that contribute to therapeutic resistance in these cases.

Epigenetic profiling for prognostic stratification and personalized therapy in breast cancer

Background

The rising incidence of breast cancer and its heterogeneity necessitate precise tools for predicting patient prognosis and tailoring personalized treatments. Epigenetic changes play a critical role in breast cancer progression and therapy responses, providing a foundation for prognostic model development.

Methods

We developed the Machine Learning-derived Epigenetic Model (MLEM) to identify prognostic epigenetic gene patterns in breast cancer. Using multi-cohort transcriptomic datasets, MLEM was constructed with rigorous machine learning techniques and validated across independent datasets. The model's performance was further corroborated through immunohistochemical validation on clinical samples.

Results

MLEM effectively stratified breast cancer patients into high- and low-risk groups. Low-MLEM patients exhibited improved prognosis, characterized by enhanced immune cell infiltration and higher responsiveness to immunotherapy. High-MLEM patients showed poorer prognosis but were more responsive to chemotherapy, with vincristine identified as a promising therapeutic option. The model demonstrated robust performance across independent validation datasets.

Conclusion

MLEM is a powerful prognostic tool for predicting breast cancer outcomes and tailoring personalized treatments. By integrating epigenetic insights with machine learning, this model has the potential to improve clinical decision-making and optimize therapeutic strategies for breast cancer patients.

Dynamic Multilevel Regulation of EGFR, KRAS, and MYC Oncogenes: Driving Cancer Cell Proliferation Through (Epi)Genetic and Post-Transcriptional/Translational Pathways

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) regulates gene expression through two primary mechanisms: as a growth factor in the nucleus, where it translocates upon binding its ligand, or via its intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity in the cytosol, where it modulates key signaling pathways such as RAS/MYC, PI3K, PLCγ, and STAT3. During tumorigenesis, these pathways become deregulated, leading to uncontrolled proliferation, enhanced migratory and metastatic capabilities, evasion of programmed cell death, and resistance to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The RAS and MYC oncogenes are pivotal in tumorigenesis, driving processes such as resistance to apoptosis, replicative immortality, cellular invasion and metastasis, and metabolic reprogramming. These oncogenes are subject to regulation by a range of epigenetic and post-transcriptional modifications. This review focuses on the deregulation of EGFR, RAS, and MYC expression caused by (epi)genetic alterations and post-translational modifications. It also explores the therapeutic potential of targeting these regulatory proteins, emphasizing the importance of phenotyping neoplastic tissues to inform the treatment of cancer.

Identification of MYC and STAT3 for early diagnosis based on the long noncoding RNA-mRNA network and bioinformatics in colorectal cancer

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks among the top three cancers globally in both incidence and mortality, posing a significant public health challenge. Most CRC cases are diagnosed at intermediate to advanced stages, and reliable biomarkers for early detection are lacking. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in various cancers, including CRC, playing key roles in tumor development, progression, and prognosis.

Methods

A comprehensive search of the PubMed database was conducted to identify relevant studies on the early diagnosis of CRC. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to explore lncRNA-mRNA networks, leading to the identification of five potential blood biomarkers. Expression analysis was carried out using the GEPIA and GEO online databases, focusing on MYC and STAT3. Differential expression between normal and CRC tissues was assessed, followed by Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis to evaluate the diagnostic potential of these markers. Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to validate MYC and STAT3 expression levels, and findings were further confirmed using the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database.

Results

Database analysis revealed significant differential expression of MYC and STAT3 between normal and CRC tissues. ROC analysis demonstrated the diagnostic potential of these markers. qRT-PCR validation confirmed the differential expression patterns observed in the databases. Validation through the HPA database further supported these findings, confirming the potential of MYC and STAT3 as diagnostic biomarkers for CRC.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that MYC and STAT3 are promising diagnostic biomarkers for CRC, offering new insights into its pathophysiology and potential for targeted therapies.

RIT1 Promotes the Proliferation of Gliomas Through the Regulation of the PI3K/AKT/c-Myc Signalling Pathway

Recently, RIT1 has been implicated in a range of neurological disorders; however, its precise function in glioma pathogenesis is not yet well-defined. This study employed quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blotting (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and additional methodologies to assess RIT1 expression levels in glioma tissues. Furthermore, the study investigated its influence on glioma progression through a series of functional experiments. Animal models were also utilised to elucidate the mechanistic role of RIT1, with a particular focus on its effects on the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. Research findings showcased that RIT1 is significantly overexpressed in gliomas and exhibits a strong correlation with tumour grade and unfavourable clinical outcomes. Furthermore, RIT1 serves as an independent prognostic marker of poor prognosis. Functional assays demonstrate that RIT1 facilitates the aggressiveness of glioma cells by activating the PI3K/AKT signalling. Additionally, it promotes tumour proliferation by inhibiting apoptosis and accelerating cell cycle progression. This study demonstrates that RIT1 significantly contributes to the aggressive phenotype and unfavourable prognosis of glioma, indicating its ability as a therapeutic target for glioma treatment.

Increased matrix stiffness in pituitary neuroendocrine tumors invading the cavernous sinus is activated by TAFs: focus on the mechanical signatures

PURPOSE

Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) with invasion of the cavernous sinus (CS) are particularly challenging to treat. Tumor associated fibroblasts (TAFs) are recognized for their pivotal role in reprogramming extracellular matrix (ECM). Herein, we aimed to explore the potential involvement of TAFs in ECM reprogramming and elucidate the underlying mechanism involved.

METHODS

We applied dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) to measure tumor vessel permeability and applied atomic force microscopy (AFM) to measure the matrix stiffness of PitNETs located in both CS and sella turcica (ST). Western blotting, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative RT-PCR were utilized to analyze the ECM components. Proteomic biochemical analysis was utilized to uncover potential mechanisms governing ECM dynamics.

RESULTS

We found that PitNETs in the CS were stiffer than those in the ST. Increased ECM stiffness within the CS facilitated the acquisition of stem-like properties, enhanced proliferation, and induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of GH3 cells. Furthermore, the expression levels of lysyl oxidase (LOX), matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2) and MMP9 in pituitary adenoma cells increased in the stiffer matrix. Proteomic analysis suggested TAFs were activated in the CS area and contributed enhanced matrix stiffness by secreting Col-1 and Col-3. Furthermore, mTOR pathway was activated under higher matrix stiffness and the migration and invasion of GH3 cells be repressed by mTOR inhibitor.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrated that activated TAFs contributed to stiffer matrix and increased ECM stiffness stimulating mTOR pathway in pituitary tumor cells. Our study indicated that mTOR inhibitor was a promising treatment strategy from the standpoint of PitNET biomechanical properties.

Targeting protein-protein interactions in drug discovery: Modulators approved or in clinical trials for cancer treatment

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) form complex cellular networks fundamental to many key biological processes, including signal transduction, cell proliferation and DNA repair. In consequence, their perturbation is often associated with many human diseases. Targeting PPIs offers a promising approach in drug discovery and ongoing advancements in this field hold the potential to provide highly specific therapies for a wide range of complex diseases. Despite the development of PPI modulators is challenging, advances in the genetic, proteomic and computational level have facilitated their discovery and optimization. Focusing on anticancer drugs, in the last years several PPI modulators have entered clinical trials and venetoclax, which targets Bcl-2 family proteins, has been approved for treating different types of leukemia. This review discusses the clinical development status of drugs modulating several PPIs, such as MDM2-4/p53, Hsp90/Hsp90, Hsp90/CDC37, c-Myc/Max, KRAS/SOS1, CCR5/CCL5, CCR2/CCL2 or Smac/XIAP, in cancer drug discovery.

Prognostic Significance of C-MYC and EGFR Overexpression in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: An Immunohistochemical Study

INTRODUCTION

In addition to mutations in KIT and PDGFRA, many other genetic alterations have been described in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), including amplifications of C-MYC and EGFR, which are often associated with increased protein expression. The main of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of C-MYC and EGFR expression in GISTs using immunohistochemistry (IHC).

METHODS

We collected all GIST cases over a 16-year period. These cases were tested using antibodies against C-MYC (Leica, clone EP121) and EGFR (Leica, clone 113). C-MYC staining was assessed using the H-score method for nuclear, cytoplasmic, and combined staining. For EGFR staining (either cytoplasmic or nuclear), the intensity was graded as follows: 0 (no staining), 1 (weak staining), 2 (moderate staining), and 3 (strong staining). The percentage of positive cells was evaluated using a semiquantitative approach. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS24.

RESULTS

A total of 37 cases were included in our study. Nuclear expression of C-MYC was observed in 43% of the cases, with a high H-score in 43%. A statistically significant association was found between a high nuclear H-score for C-MYC and mitotic rate (P=0.046), as well as a high Ki-67 proliferation rate (P=0.046). However, no statistically significant associations were identified between the nuclear H-score of C-MYC and other clinical, pathologic, or survival data. Cytoplasmic expression of C-MYC was noted in 22% of cases, but no significant correlations were found with the clinicopathological data. EGFR staining was observed in 86% of cases, with a high score of 51%. EGFR expression was significantly associated with the mitotic index (P=0.012) and Ki-67 proliferation rate (P=0.046).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that both C-MYC and EGFR may be overexpressed and/or amplified in GISTs, indicating their potential prognostic role. This could also pave the way for therapeutic strategies targeting these proteins.

Clinical Progress of Targeted Therapy for Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive Review

The discovery of effective breast cancer therapy is both urgent and daunting, beset by a myriad of challenges that range from the disease's inherent heterogeneity to its complex molecular underpinnings. Drug resistance, the intricacies of the tumor microenvironment, and patient-specific variables further complicate this landscape. The stakes are even higher when dealing with subtypes like triple-negative breast cancer, which eludes targeted hormonal therapies due to its lack of estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors. Strategies to overcome such challenges include combinations of drugs and identifying new drug targets. Developing new drugs based on such targets could be a better solution than relying on costly immunotherapy or combinational therapies. In this review, we have endeavored to comprehensively examine the proven therapeutic drug targets associated with breast cancer and elucidate their respective molecular mechanisms and current clinical status. This study aims to facilitate researchers in conducting a comparative analysis of different targets to select single and multi-targeted drug discovery approaches for breast cancer.