Recent advances in genomics and therapeutics in mantle cell lymphoma

SQSTM1/p62 predicts prognosis and upregulates the transcription of CCND1 to promote proliferation in mantle cell lymphoma

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare, highly invasive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The main pathogenesis of MCL is associated with the formation of the IgH/CCND1 fusion gene and nuclear overexpression of cyclin D1, which accelerates the cell cycle, leading to tumorigenesis. The prognosis with current standard chemotherapy is still unsatisfactory. SQSTM1/p62 is a multifunctional adaptor that plays an important role in various tumors. Here, we found that the expression of p62 in MCL tissues was higher than that in hyperplastic lymphadenitis patients. Patients with low p62 expression in MCL cells had better overall survival and progression-free survival rates than those with high expression (p = 0.024 and p = 0.025, respectively). Multivariate Cox analysis indicated that the calculated death risk (hazard ratio [HR]) in patients with high expression levels of p62 increased to 2.742 (95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.268-5.852, p = 0.01), which was higher than those with low levels. Silencing p62 impaired Jeko-1 and Granta519 cell proliferation while downregulating CCND1 mRNA and protein expression, thereby inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. However, silencing p62 does not affect the fusion of IgH and CCND1. Luciferase reporter gene analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated that p62 may regulate CCND1 gene expression through Nrf2. These results provide evidence that p62 can predict poor prognosis in MCL. The precise targeting of p62 therapy reduces the promoting effect of Nrf2 on CCND1, thereby preventing cell cycle progression and effectively inhibiting tumor proliferation. Therefore, p62 may provide a potential target for MCL.

Emerging roles of long non-coding RNA FOXP4-AS1 in human cancers: From molecular biology to clinical application

Forkhead box P4 antisense RNA 1 (FOXP4-AS1) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) situated on the human chromosome 6p21.1 locus. Previous research has demonstrated that FOXP4-AS1 is dysregulated in various cancers and exhibits a dual purpose as a tumor suppressor or oncogene in specific types of cancer. The levels of FOXP4-AS1 are significantly correlated with clinical features of cancer as well as prognosis. Additionally, FOXP4-AS1 is stimulated by transcription factors ATF3, YY1, PAX5, and SP4. The molecular mechanisms of FOXP4-AS1 in cancer are quite complex. It competitively sponges multiple miRNAs, bidirectionally regulates the levels of host gene FOXP4, activates the PI3K/AKT, Wnt/β-catenin, and ERK/MAPK signaling pathways, and recruits chromatin-modifying enzymes or interacts with other proteins to regulate malignant phenotypes of tumors, including proliferation, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and angiogenesis. In this review, we provide an overview of the latest developments in FOXP4-AS1 oncology research, outlines its molecular regulatory networks in cancer, and discusses its prospective relevance as a cancer therapeutic target as well as a biomarker for prognosis and diagnosis.

A review of TEC family kinases and their inhibitors in the treatment of alopecia areata

The TEC (tyrosine kinase expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma) family kinases, an important class of protein kinases, play key roles in cell signaling and immune regulation. In this review, the association between the pathogenesis of alopecia areata and the structure and regulatory mechanisms of TEC family kinases in normal physiological processes, is explored. Furthermore, the potential clinical applications of TEC kinases and their inhibitors are highlighted by summarizing current insights into their mechanisms of action, clinical applications, and recent advancements in TEC kinase inhibitor research.

Mantle Cell Lymphoma Under the Scope of Personalized Medicine: Perspective and Directions

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare, incurable non-Hodgkin's lymphoma characterized by naive B cells infiltrating the lymphoid follicle's mantle zone. A key feature of MCL is the cytogenetic abnormality t(11;14) (q13:q14), found in 95% of cases, leading to Cyclin D1 overexpression resulting in uncontrolled cell cycle progression and genetic instability. Occasionally, Cyclin D2 or D3 overexpression can substitute for Cyclin D1, causing similar effects. The transcription factor SOX11 is a hallmark of classical Cyclin D1-positive MCL and also in cases without the typical t(11;14) abnormality, making it an important diagnostic marker. MCL's development necessitates secondary genetic changes, including mutations in the ATM, TP53, and NOTCH1 genes, with the TP53 mutation being the only genetic biomarker with established clinical prognostic value. The Mantle Cell Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (MIPI) score, which considers age, performance status, serum LDH levels, and leukocyte count, stratifies patients into risk groups. Histologic variants of MCL, such as classic, blastoid, and pleomorphic, offer additional prognostic information. Recent research highlights new mutations potentially tied to specific populations among MCL patients, suggesting the benefit of personalized management for better predicting outcomes like progression-free survival. This approach could lead to more effective, risk-adapted treatment strategies. However, challenges remain in patient stratification and in developing new therapeutic targets for MCL. This review synthesizes current knowledge on genetic mutations in MCL and their impact on prognosis. It aims to explore the prognostic value of genetic markers related to population traits, emphasizing the importance of tailored molecular medicine in MCL.