Specific knockdown of Y-box binding protein 1 in hepatic progenitor cells inhibits proliferation and alleviates liver fibrosis

Osthole Induces Hepatic Stellate Cell Ferroptosis to Alleviate Liver Fibrosis by Inhibiting the Y-Box Binding Protein 1-Wnt/β-Catenin Axis Through Downregulating Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2A

Liver fibrosis is pathologically associated with ferroptosis. Osthole (OST) has good therapeutic effects on liver fibrosis. Our study sought to investigate the pharmacological effects of OST on ferroptosis in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) during the development of liver fibrosis and define the mechanisms involved. The in vivo model of liver fibrosis was established by CCl4 treatment. MTT and EDU assays were used to assess cell viability and proliferation, respectively. The interaction between myocyte enhancer factor 2A (MEF2A) and Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1) was analyzed by dual luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. OST treatment alleviated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice by activating ferroptosis. OST induced ferroptosis in HSCs and inhibited the activation of HSCs in vitro, while these effects of OST were reversed by MEF2A overexpression or YBX1 overexpression. Mechanistically, MEF2A activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling by transcriptionally facilitating YBX1 expression. As expected, the inactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling or YBX1 knockdown could reverse the regulatory effect of MEF2A upregulation on the activation of HSCs and ferroptosis in OST-treated HSCs. OST mitigated liver fibrosis by inducing ferroptosis in HSCs and repressing the activation of HSCs through inhibiting the MEF2A/YBX1/Wnt/β-catenin axis.

Recent insights into RNA m5C methylation modification in hepatocellular carcinoma

RNA 5-methylcytosine (m5C) methylation involves the addition of a methyl (-CH3) group to the cytosine (C) base within an RNA molecule, forming the m5C modification. m5C plays a role in numerous essential biological processes, including the regulation of RNA stability, nuclear export, and protein translation. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of m5C in the pathogenesis of various diseases, particularly tumors. Emerging evidence indicates that RNA m5C methylation is intricately implicated in the mechanisms underlying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Dysregulation of m5C-associated regulatory factors is common in HCC and shows significant associations with prognosis, treatment response, and clinicopathological features. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the components and functions of m5C regulators, particularly emphasizing their research advancements in the context of HCC.

Y-Box Binding Protein 1: Unraveling the Multifaceted Role in Cancer Development and Therapeutic Potential

Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1), a member of the Cold Shock Domain protein family, is overexpressed in various human cancers and is recognized as an oncogenic gene associated with poor prognosis. YBX1's functional diversity arises from its capacity to interact with a broad range of DNA and RNA molecules, implicating its involvement in diverse cellular processes. Independent investigations have unveiled specific facets of YBX1's contribution to cancer development. This comprehensive review elucidates YBX1's multifaceted role in cancer across cancer hallmarks, both in cancer cell itself and the tumor microenvironment. Based on this, we proposed YBX1 as a potential target for cancer treatment. Notably, ongoing clinical trials addressing YBX1 as a target in breast cancer and lung cancer have showcased its promise for cancer therapy. The ramp up in in vitro research on targeting YBX1 compounds also underscores its growing appeal. Moreover, the emerging role of YBX1 as a neural input is also proposed where the high level of YBX1 was strongly associated with nerve cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. This review also summarized the up-to-date advanced research on the involvement of YBX1 in pancreatic cancer.

MicroRNA-34a: A Novel Therapeutic Target in Fibrosis

Fibrosis can occur in many organs, and severe cases leading to organ failure and death. No specific treatment for fibrosis so far. In recent years, microRNA-34a (miR-34a) has been found to play a role in fibrotic diseases. MiR-34a is involved in the apoptosis, autophagy and cellular senescence, also regulates TGF-β1/Smad signal pathway, and negatively regulates the expression of multiple target genes to affect the deposition of extracellular matrix and regulate the process of fibrosis. Some studies have explored the efficacy of miR-34a-targeted therapies for fibrotic diseases. Therefore, miR-34a has specific potential for the treatment of fibrosis. This article reviews the important roles of miR-34a in fibrosis and provides the possibility for miR-34a as a novel therapeutic target in fibrosis.