Hallmarks of cancer resistance

Impact of mSWI/SNF epigenetic complexes on ionizing radiotherapy resistance in malignant diseases: A comprehensive view in oncology

The mSWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes are critical regulators of genomic stability, particularly in their role in orchestrating DNA repair and modulating cellular responses to ionizing radiation therapy. Their involvement has positioned these molecular complexes as key factors in determining radiosensitivity in human malignant diseases. The present review delves into the biomedical contributions of specific mSWI/SNF subunits, including ARID1A, SMARCB1, SMARCA4, PBRM1, and BRD9, highlighting their pivotal roles in influencing tumor responses to radiotherapy. Evidence suggests that the loss of function in these subunits, often due to mutations, disrupts DNA repair pathways, thereby compromising genomic integrity and enhancing susceptibility to radiation-induced damage. Emerging preclinical studies have underscored the potential of exploiting these vulnerabilities through pharmacological targeting of mSWI/SNF complexes. Inhibition of these complexes can impair DNA damage repair mechanisms, creating a synthetic lethality effect by using a combined epigenetic therapy with ionizing radiation protocols. This dual approach not only amplifies the therapeutic efficacy of radiotherapy but also broadens the spectrum of potential strategies for oncological therapy. However, further investigation into the molecular mechanisms underlying these epigenetic interactions is essential for optimizing oncological therapies and paving the way for clinical applications aimed at enhancing radiotherapy outcomes in cancer patients.

Phytochemical intervention in BCRP-driven cancer drug resistance: A comprehensive review

Drug resistance (DR) remains a significant challenge in cancer treatment, accounting for over 90 % of cancer-related deaths. Multidrug resistance (MDR) complicates chemotherapy by enabling cancer cells to evade therapeutic agents. This review focuses on the role of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, particularly the breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), in mediating drug resistance. BCRP functions as a drug efflux pump, actively transporting chemotherapeutic agents out of cancer cells, thereby reducing their efficacy. The regulation of BCRP is influenced by various signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK, NF-κB, and Wnt/β-catenin, all of which collectively enhance its expression and contribute to the MDR phenotype. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of phytochemical-based strategies to reverse drug resistance by inhibiting these transporters. Compounds such as tetrandrine and resveratrol have shown promise in sensitizing drug-resistant cancer cells. Understanding the complex interplay between BCRP regulation and these signaling pathways is essential for the development of effective therapeutic strategies to counteract cancer. Targeting multiple pathways or employing combination therapies may offer new avenues to overcome MDR and improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients.

Insights Into Heart-Tumor Interactions in Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) often coexists with cancer. Beyond the known cardiotoxicity of some cancer treatments, HF itself has been associated with increased cancer incidence. The 2 conditions share common risk factors, mechanisms, and interactions that can worsen patient outcomes. The bidirectional relationship between HF and cancer presents a complex interplay of factors that are not fully understood. Recent preclinical evidence suggests that HF may promote tumor growth via the release of protumorigenic factors from the injured heart, revealing HF as a potentially protumorigenic condition. Our review discusses the biological crosstalk between HF and cancer, emphasizing the impact of HF on tumor growth, with inflammation, and modulating the immune system as central mechanisms. We further explore the clinical implications of this connection and propose future research directions. Understanding the mechanistic overlap and interactions between HF and cancer could lead to new biomarkers and therapies, addressing the growing prevalence of both conditions and enhancing approaches to diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

Death-ision: the link between cellular resilience and cancer resistance to treatments

One of the key challenges in defeating advanced tumors is the ability of cancer cells to evade the selective pressure imposed by chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy and cellular therapies. Both genetic and epigenetic alterations contribute to the development of resistance, allowing cancer cells to survive initially effective treatments. In this narration, we explore how genetic and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms influence the state of tumor cells and their responsiveness to different therapeutic strategies. We further propose that an altered balance between cell growth and cell death is a fundamental driver of drug resistance. Cell death programs exist in various forms, shaped by cell type, triggering factors, and microenvironmental conditions. These processes are governed by temporal and spatial constraints and appear to be more heterogeneous than previously understood. To capture the intricate interplay between death-inducing signals and survival mechanisms, we introduce the concept of Death-ision. This framework highlights the dynamic nature of cell death regulation, determining whether specific cancer cell clones evade or succumb to therapy. Building on this understanding offers promising strategies to counteract resistant clones and enhance therapeutic efficacy. For instance, combining DNMT inhibitors with immune checkpoint blockade may counteract YAP1-driven resistance or the use of transcriptional CDK inhibitors could prevent or overcome chemotherapy resistance. Death-ision aims to provide a deeper understanding of the diversity and evolution of cell death programs, not only at diagnosis but also throughout disease progression and treatment adaptation.

Targeting ncRNAs to overcome metabolic reprogramming‑mediated drug resistance in cancer (Review)

The emergence of resistance to antitumor drugs in cancer cells presents a notable obstacle in cancer therapy. Metabolic reprogramming is characterized by enhanced glycolysis, disrupted lipid metabolism, glutamine dependence and mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition to promoting tumor growth and metastasis, metabolic reprogramming mediates drug resistance through diverse molecular mechanisms, offering novel opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Non‑coding RNAs (ncRNAs), a diverse class of RNA molecules that lack protein‑coding function, represent a notable fraction of the human genome. Due to their distinct expression profiles and multifaceted roles in various cancers, ncRNAs have relevance in cancer pathophysiology. ncRNAs orchestrate metabolic abnormalities associated with drug resistance in cancer cells. The present review provides a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms by which metabolic reprogramming drives drug resistance, with an emphasis on the regulatory roles of ncRNAs in glycolysis, lipid metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction and glutamine metabolism. Furthermore, the present review aimed to discuss the potential of ncRNAs as biomarkers for predicting chemotherapy responses, as well as emerging strategies to target ncRNAs that modulate metabolism, particularly in the context of combination therapy with anti‑cancer drugs.

Targeting VEGF signaling for tumor microenvironment remodeling and metastasis inhibition: Therapeutic strategies and insights

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a pivotal role in cancer progression and metastasis, with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling serving as a key regulator of tumor angiogenesis and immune evasion. VEGF induces abnormal blood vessel formation, promoting tumor growth, immune suppression, and metastasis through epithelialmesenchymal transition (EMT). As a result, VEGF signaling has become a critical therapeutic target in cancer treatment. This review examines the molecular mechanisms driving VEGF-mediated tumor growth and angiogenesis, with a focus on the interaction between tumor and endothelial cells and the dual role of VEGF in fostering vascularization and immune suppression. Current anti-VEGF therapies, including monoclonal antibodies (e.g., bevacizumab) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), have demonstrated efficacy and have received FDA approval for various cancers; however, therapeutic resistance remains a significant challenge. Strategies to overcome resistance, such as novel VEGF inhibitors, vascular normalization approaches, and combination therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors, have been explored. Additionally, future directions emphasize the need for personalized approaches to improve treatment efficacy and reduce metastasis. A comprehensive understanding of VEGF signaling in the TME may pave the way for more effective cancer therapies.

Oxygen dynamics and delivery strategies to enhance beta cell replacement therapy

Beta cell replacement therapy via pancreatic islet transplantation offers a promising treatment for type 1 diabetes as an alternative to insulin injections. However, posttransplantation oxygenation remains a critical challenge; isolated islets from donors lose vascularity and rely on slow oxygen diffusion for survival until revascularization occurs in the host tissue. This often results in significant hypoxia-induced acute graft loss. Overcoming the oxygenation barrier is crucial for advancing islet transplantation. This review is structured in three sections: the first examines oxygen dynamics in islet transplantation, focusing on factors affecting oxygen supply, including vascularity. It highlights oxygen dynamics specific to both transplant sites and islet grafts, with particular attention to extrahepatic sites such as subcutaneous tissue. The second section explores current oxygen delivery strategies, categorized into two main approaches: augmenting oxygen supply and enhancing effective oxygen solubility. The final section addresses key challenges, such as the lack of a clearly defined oxygen threshold for islet survival and the limited precision in measuring oxygen levels within small islet constructs. Recent advancements addressing these challenges are introduced. By deepening the understanding of oxygen dynamics and identifying current obstacles, this review aims to guide the development of innovative strategies for future research and clinical applications. These advancements are anticipated to enhance transplantation outcomes and bring us closer to a cure for type 1 diabetes.

Nanoparticles (NPs)-mediated silencing of GSTP1 expression to reverse chemoresistance for effective breast cancer therapy

Chemotherapy remains the primary treatment modality for breast cancer (BCa) patients. However, chemoresistance commonly arises in clinical settings, contributing to poor prognosis. The development of chemoresistance is a dynamic and complex process involving the activation of oncogenes and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. In this work, we utilized the RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) technology to analyze the gene expression profiles of primary and recurrent tumor samples from BCa patients received the postoperative standard chemotherapy with doxorubicin (DOX), and identified glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) as a key factor in regulating chemoresistance. Molecular mechanistic studies revealed that high GSTP1 expression could not only impair the cytotoxicity of DOX by catalyzing the conjugation of reductive glutathione (GSH) with DOX, but also block the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway to promote the proliferation via up-regulating anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) expression. Given the severe side effects of DOX and the potential of RNA interference (RNAi) technology to silence target gene expression, we developed an endosomal pH-responsive nanoparticle (NP) platform for systemic co-delivery of DOX and GSTP1 siRNA (siGSTP1), and demonstrated its efficacy in reversing chemoresistance and suppressing the growth of DOX-resistant BCa tumors.

Substituents introduction of methyl and methoxy functional groups on resveratrol stabilizes mTOR binding for autophagic cell death induction

The regulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) protein by cancer cells can lead to uncontrol of cancer cell growth and cancer therapy resistance. The drug discovery of the anticancer agent 5-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenethyl)-2-methoxy-3-methylphenol (SM-3), a derivative of resveratrol by substituting a methyl group at the hydroxy group of ring A and adding a methoxy group at the para position of ring B, shows promising potential for targeting autophagy to induce cell death and suppress cancer stem cells (CSCs) through the inhibition of the mTOR protein. In human lung cancer cells, SM-3 showed greater efficacy, with lower IC50 values of 72.74 ± 0.13, 67.66 ± 0.10, and 43.24 ± 0.11 µM in A549, H292, and H460 cells, respectively, compared to the parent compound, Resveratrol (Res). Moreover, the selectivity index (SI) values for BEAS2B cells compared to tumor cells treated with SM-3 were 10.99, 11.81, and 18.49 for A549, H292, and H460 cell lines, respectively. Therefore, SM-3 treatment led to reduced proliferation rates and colony formation in lung cancer cells. In our study, spheroids treated with SM-3 showed a higher proportion of dead spheroids compared to those treated with Res. Additionally, SM-3 treatment resulted in decreased expression of stem cell markers (CD133, CD44, and ALDH1A1) and transcription factors (OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2) in spheroids and organoids from human lung cancer cells by inhibiting the mTOR/pAkt pathway. SM-3 was also found to induce autophagic cell death, as indicated by Monodansylcadaverine staining, acidic vesicle formation, and the conversion of LC3BI to LC3BII. Using MM/GBSA calculations, SM-3 exhibited a stronger binding affinity (-25.09 kcal/mol) compared to Res (-18.85 kcal/mol). SM-3 also displayed greater stability during the entire simulation, maintaining lower RMSD values of 2-3 Å even after 80 ns. In summary, the introduction of methyl and methoxy functional groups on Res to create SM-3 effectively suppressed cancer spheroids and organoids formation in lung cancer cells by targeting the upstream mTOR/pAkt pathway.

Cell-Free DNA (cfDNA) Regulates Metabolic Remodeling in the ES-2 Ovarian Carcinoma Cell Line, Influencing Cell Proliferation, Quiescence, and Chemoresistance in a Cell-of-Origin-Specific Manner

Background: The cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is an extracellular fragmented DNA found in body fluids in physiological and pathophysiological contexts. In cancer, cfDNA has been pointed out as a marker for disease diagnosis, staging, and prognosis; however, little is known about its biological role. Methods: The role of cfDNA released by ES-2 ovarian cancer cells was investigated, along with the impact of glucose bioavailability and culture duration in the cfDNA-induced phenotype. The effect of cfDNA on ES-2 cell proliferation was evaluated by proliferation curves, and cell migration was assessed through wound healing. We explored the impact of different cfDNA variants on ES-2 cells' metabolic profile using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and cisplatin resistance through flow cytometry. Moreover, we assessed the protein levels of DNA-sensitive Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) by immunofluorescence and its colocalization with lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1). Results: This study demonstrated that despite inducing similar effects, different variants of cfDNA promote different effects on cells derived from the ES-2 cell line. We observed instant reactions of adopting the metabolic profile that brings back the cell functioning of more favorable culture conditions supporting proliferation and resembling the cell of origin of the cfDNA variant, as observed in unselected ES-2 cells. However, as a long-term selective factor, certain cfDNA variants induced quiescence that favors the chemoresistance of a subset of cancer cells. Conclusions: Therefore, different tumoral microenvironments may generate cfDNA variants that will impact cancer cells differently, orchestrating the disease fate.

Parthanatos and apoptosis: unraveling their roles in cancer cell death and therapy resistance

Cell death is a fundamental process that needs to be maintained to balance cellular functions and prevent disease. There are several cell death pathways; however, apoptosis and parthanatos are the most prominent and have important roles in cancer biology. As an extremely well-regulated process, apoptosis removes damaged or abnormal cells via caspase activation and mitochondrial involvement. Unlike in the healthy cells, the loss of ability to induce apoptosis in cancer permits tumor cells to survive and multiply out of control and contribute to tumor progression and therapy resistance. On the contrary, parthanatos is a caspase-independent metabolic collapse driven by poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) overactivation, translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), and complete DNA damage. Several cancer models are involved with parthanatos. Deoxypodophyllotoxin (DPT) induces parthanatos in glioma cells by excessive ROS generation, PARP1 upregulation, and AIF nuclear translocation. Like in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the cannabinoid derivative WIN-55 triggers parthanatos, and the effects can be reversed by PARP inhibitors such as olaparib. Developing cancer treatment strategies involving advanced cancer treatment strategies relies on the interplay between apoptosis and parthanatos. However, such apoptosis-based cancer therapies tend to develop resistance, so there is an urgent need to look into alternative pathways like parthanatos, which may not always trigger apoptosis. In overcoming apoptosis resistance, there is evidence that combining apoptosis-inducing agents, such as BH3 mimetics, with PARP inhibitors synergistically enhances cell death. Oxidative stress modulators have been found to promote the execution of parthanatic and apoptotic pathways and allow treatment. In this review, apoptosis and parthanatos are thoroughly compared at the molecular level, and their roles in cancer pathogenesis as related to cancer therapeutic potential are discussed. We incorporate recent findings to demonstrate that not only can parthanatos be used to manage therapy resistance and enhance cancer treatment via the combination of parthanatos and apoptosis but also that immunity and bone deposition can feasibly be employed against long-circulating cancer stem cells to treat diverse forms of metastatic cancers.

Druggable Molecular Networks in BRCA1/BRCA2-Mutated Breast Cancer

Mutations in the tumor suppressor genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 are associated with the triple-negative breast cancer phenotype, particularly aggressive and hard-to-treat tumors lacking estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. This research aimed to understand the metabolic and genetic links behind BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations and investigate their relationship with effective therapies. Using the Cytoscape software, two networks were generated through a bibliographic analysis of articles retrieved from the PubMed-NCBI database. We identified 98 genes deregulated by BRCA mutations, and 24 were modulated by therapies. In particular, BIRC5, SIRT1, MYC, EZH2, and CSN2 are influenced by BRCA1, while BCL2, BAX, and BRIP1 are influenced by BRCA2 mutation. Moreover, the study evaluated the efficacy of several promising therapies, targeting only BRCA1/BRCA2-mutated cells. In this context, CDDO-Imidazolide was shown to increase ROS levels and induce DNA damage. Similarly, resveratrol decreased the expression of the anti-apoptotic gene BIRC5 while it increased SIRT1 both in vitro and in vivo. Other specific drugs were found to induce apoptosis selectively in BRCA-mutated cells or block cell growth when the mutation occurs, i.e., 3-deazaneplanocin A, genistein or daidzein, and PARP inhibitors. Finally, over-representation analysis on the genes highlights ferroptosis and proteoglycan pathways as potential drug targets for more effective treatments.

Delving Into lncRNA-Mediated Regulation of Autophagy-Associated Signaling Pathways in the Context of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a multifaceted and prevalent malignancy, impacting a considerable proportion of women globally. Numerous signaling pathways intricately regulate cellular functions such as growth, proliferation, and survival. Among the various regulators, lncRNAs have emerged as significant players despite their inability to encode proteins. An expanding body of literature underscores the pivotal roles lncRNAs play in cancer biology, particularly in the context of breast cancer. Autophagy, the cellular process dedicated to the degradation and recycling of cellular components, is now recognized as a crucial factor in cancer initiation and progression. The interplay between lncRNAs, various signaling pathways, and autophagy in the pathophysiology of breast cancer remains an active area of investigation. Researchers have identified specific lncRNAs that are dysregulated in breast cancer patients, influencing the modulation of key signaling pathways. Using experimental methodologies and bioinformatics approaches, multiple lncRNAs have been elucidated, providing deeper insights into their contributions to breast cancer pathogenesis and metastatic processes. In summary, the pathophysiological landscape of breast cancer is characterized by the complex interactions involving lncRNA-mediated autophagy. This understanding paves the way for identifying novel therapeutic targets, prognostic markers, and diagnostic markers, ultimately contributing to improved treatment outcomes in breast cancer management.

Tumor dormancy and relapse: understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer recurrence

Cancer recurrence, driven by the phenomenon of tumor dormancy, presents a formidable challenge in oncology. Dormant cancer cells have the ability to evade detection and treatment, leading to relapse. This review emphasizes the urgent need to comprehend tumor dormancy and its implications for cancer recurrence. Despite notable advancements, significant gaps remain in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying dormancy and the lack of reliable biomarkers for predicting relapse. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the cellular, angiogenic, and immunological aspects of dormancy. It highlights the current therapeutic strategies targeting dormant cells, particularly combination therapies and immunotherapies, which hold promise in preventing relapse. By elucidating these mechanisms and proposing innovative research methodologies, this review aims to deepen our understanding of tumor dormancy, ultimately facilitating the development of more effective strategies for preventing cancer recurrence and improving patient outcomes.

Doxorubicin and topotecan resistance in ovarian cancer: Gene expression and microenvironment analysis in 2D and 3D models

This study explores the mechanisms underlying chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer (OC) using doxorubicin (DOX) and topotecan (TOP)-resistant cell lines derived from the drug-sensitive A2780 ovarian cancer cell line. Both two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cell cultures and three-dimensional (3D) spheroid models were employed to examine the differential drug responses in these environments. The results revealed that 3D spheroids demonstrated significantly higher resistance to DOX and TOP than 2D cultures, suggesting a closer mimicry of in vivo tumour conditions. Molecular analyses identified overexpression of essential drug resistance-related genes, including MDR1 and BCRP, and extracellular matrix (ECM) components, such as MYOT and SPP1, which were more pronounced in resistant cell lines. MDR1 and BCRP overexpression contribute to chemotherapy resistance in OC by expelling drugs like DOX and TOP. Targeting these transporters with inhibitors or gene silencing could improve drug efficacy, making them key therapeutic targets to enhance treatment outcomes for drug-resistant OC. The study further showed that EMT-associated markers, including VIM, SNAIL1, and SNAIL2, were upregulated in the 3D spheroids, reflecting a more mesenchymal phenotype. These findings suggest that factors beyond gene expression, such as spheroid architecture, cell-cell interactions, and drug penetration, contribute to the enhanced resistance observed in 3D cultures. These results highlight the importance of 3D cell culture models for a more accurate representation of tumour drug resistance mechanisms in ovarian cancer, providing valuable insights for therapeutic development.

CBX2 promotes cervical cancer cell proliferation and resistance to DNA-damaging treatment via maintaining cancer stemness

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignancy and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death among women. Advanced stages and resistance to treatment in cervical cancer induce cancer-related deaths. Although epigenetics has been known to play a vital role in tumor progression and resistance, the function of epigenetic regulators in cervical cancer is an area of investigation. In this study, we focused on an epigenetic regulator, polycomb repressor complex 1 in cervical cancer. Through bioinformatics analysis and immunochemistry, we subsequently identified chromobox 2CBX2), the deregulated subunit of polycomb repressor complex 1, which is upregulated in cervical cancer and associated with poor prognosis and unfavorable clinicopathological characteristics. We provided functional evidence demonstrating that CBX2 promoted cervical cancer cell proliferation. Furthermore, CBX2 exhibited an antiapoptotic effect, which induced resistance to cisplatin and ionizing radiation in cervical cancer cells. Moreover, CBX2 was involved in maintaining cancer stemness. These findings suggest that CBX2 plays an important role in cervical cancer progression and resistance to treatment, and may serve as a potential biomarker for prognosis and resistance as well as a potential therapeutic target.

Targeting protein synthesis pathways in MYC-amplified medulloblastoma

MYC is one of the most deregulated oncogenic transcription factors in human cancers. MYC amplification/or overexpression is most common in Group 3 medulloblastoma and is positively associated with poor prognosis. MYC is known to regulate the transcription of major components of protein synthesis (translation) machinery, leading to promoted rates of protein synthesis and tumorigenesis. MTOR signaling-driven deregulated protein synthesis is widespread in various cancers, including medulloblastoma, which can promote the stabilization of MYC. Indeed, our previous studies demonstrate that the key components of protein synthesis machinery, including mTOR signaling and MYC targets, are overexpressed and activated in MYC-amplified medulloblastoma, confirming MYC-dependent addiction of enhanced protein synthesis in medulloblastoma. Further, targeting this enhanced protein synthesis pathway with combined inhibition of MYC transcription and mTOR translation by small-molecule inhibitors, demonstrates preclinical synergistic anti-tumor potential against MYC-driven medulloblastoma in vitro and in vivo. Thus, inhibiting enhanced protein synthesis by targeting the MYC indirectly and mTOR pathways together may present a highly appropriate strategy for treating MYC-driven medulloblastoma and other MYC-addicted cancers. Evidence strongly proposes that MYC/mTOR-driven tumorigenic signaling can predominantly control the translational machinery to elicit cooperative effects on increased cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and genome dysregulation as a mechanism of cancer initiation. Several small molecule inhibitors of targeting MYC indirectly and mTOR signaling have been developed and used clinically with immunosuppressants and chemotherapy in multiple cancers. Only a few of them have been investigated as treatments for medulloblastoma and other pediatric tumors. This review explores concurrent targeting of MYC and mTOR signaling against MYC-driven medulloblastoma. Based on existing evidence, targeting of MYC and mTOR pathways together produces functional synergy that could be the basis for effective therapies against medulloblastoma.

Advancing the next generation of cancer treatment with circular RNAs in CAR-T cell therapy

Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has revolutionized the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, its effectiveness against solid tumors remains constrained by challenges such as T-cell exhaustion, limited persistence, and off-target effects. These challenges highlight critical gaps in current CAR-T cell therapeutic strategies, particularly for solid tumor applications. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) represent a transformative class of non-coding RNAs, known for their exceptional stability and precise regulatory functions, positioning them as promising candidates for enhancing next-generation CAR-T cell therapies. Notably, circRNAs can bridge the gap between preclinical research and clinical application by offering innovative solutions to overcome technical hurdles and improve therapeutic outcomes. Despite their potential, circRNAs remain underexplored in clinical application of CAR-T cell therapies for solid tumors, presenting a significant opportunity for innovation. The mechanisms through which circRNAs modulate CAR-T cell exhaustion, persistence, and tumor specificity are not yet fully understood, and technical challenges, such as achieving efficient and targeted circRNA delivery, which still need to be addressed. This review highlights the importance of integrating circRNAs into CAR-T cell therapy to enhance specificity, minimize off-target effects, and improve therapeutic durability. By emphasizing the innovative potential of circRNAs and identifying key research gaps, this review provides a roadmap for advancing CAR-T cell therapy and setting the stage for the next generation of personalized cancer treatments.

Identifying the ceRNA Regulatory Network in Early-Stage Acute Pancreatitis and Investigating the Therapeutic Potential of NEAT1 in Mouse Models

Purpose

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common digestive disorder characterized by high morbidity and mortality. This study aims to uncover differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs, as well as related pathways, in the early stage of acute pancreatitis (AP), with a focus on the role of Neat1 in AP and severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

Methods

In this study, we performed high-throughput RNA sequencing on pancreatic tissue samples from three normal mice and three mice with cerulein-induced AP to describe and analyze the expression profiles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were conducted on the differentially expressed mRNAs to identify enriched pathways and biological processes. An lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction network was constructed to elucidate potential regulatory mechanisms. Furthermore, we utilized Neat1 knockout mice to investigate the role of Neat1 in the pathogenesis of cerulein-AP and L-arginine-severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

Results

Our results revealed that 261 lncRNAs and 1522 mRNAs were differentially expressed in the cerulein-AP group compared to the control group. GO and KEGG analyses of the differentially expressed mRNAs indicated that the functions of the corresponding genes are enriched in cellular metabolism, intercellular structure, and positive regulation of inflammation, which are closely related to the central events in the pathogenesis of AP. A ceRNA network involving 5 lncRNAs, 226 mRNAs, and 61 miRNAs were constructed. Neat1 was identified to have the potential therapeutic effects in AP. Neat1 knockout in mice inhibited pyroptosis in both the AP/SAP mouse models.

Conclusion

We found that lncRNAs, particularly Neat1, play a significant role in the pathogenesis of AP. This finding may provide new insights into further exploring the pathogenesis of SAP and could lead to the identification of new targets for the treatment of AP and SAP.

Osteopontin is a therapeutic target that drives breast cancer recurrence

Recurrent breast cancers often develop resistance to standard-of-care therapies. Identifying targetable factors contributing to cancer recurrence remains the rate-limiting step in improving long-term outcomes. In this study, we identify tumor cell-derived osteopontin as an autocrine and paracrine driver of tumor recurrence. Osteopontin promotes tumor cell proliferation, recruits macrophages, and synergizes with IL-4 to further polarize them into a pro-tumorigenic state. Macrophage depletion and osteopontin inhibition decrease recurrent tumor growth. Furthermore, targeting osteopontin in primary tumor-bearing female mice prevents metastasis, permits T cell infiltration and activation, and improves anti-PD-1 immunotherapy response. Clinically, osteopontin expression is higher in recurrent metastatic tumors versus female patient-matched primary breast tumors. Osteopontin positively correlates with macrophage infiltration, increases with higher tumor grade, and its elevated pathway activity is associated with poor prognosis and long-term recurrence. Our findings suggest clinical implications and an alternative therapeutic strategy based on osteopontin's multiaxial role in breast cancer progression and recurrence.

Altered metabolism in cancer: insights into energy pathways and therapeutic targets

Cancer cells undergo significant metabolic reprogramming to support their rapid growth and survival. This study examines important metabolic pathways like glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, glutaminolysis, and lipid metabolism, focusing on how they are regulated and their contributions to the development of tumors. The interplay between oncogenes, tumor suppressors, epigenetic modifications, and the tumor microenvironment in modulating these pathways is examined. Furthermore, we discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting cancer metabolism, presenting inhibitors of glycolysis, glutaminolysis, the TCA cycle, fatty acid oxidation, LDH, and glucose transport, alongside emerging strategies targeting oxidative phosphorylation and lipid synthesis. Despite the promise, challenges such as metabolic plasticity and the need for combination therapies and robust biomarkers persist, underscoring the necessity for continued research in this dynamic field.