Targeting Mitosis in Cancer: Emerging Strategies

Synthesis and biological activity of 1H-pyrrolo[3,2-g]isoquinolines as Haspin kinase inhibitors

Based on previous results, new 1H-pyrrolo[3,2-g]isoquinolines were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to inhibit Haspin. Considering that analogues methylated at the indole nitrogen could retain their Haspin inhibitory potency, conjugates that could be suitable for a use in a PROTAC approach were prepared by N-alkylation. In addition, based on the Haspin inhibitory potency of 1H-pyrrolo[3,2-g]isoquinoline-3-carbaldehyde analogue, an additional PROTAC candidate was synthesized by carbonylation at the 3-position. Unfortunately, none of these conjugates exhibited Haspin inhibitory potency. Nevertheless, N-methylated derivative 10 bearing a pyridin-4-yl substituent at the 3-position is the best selective Haspin inhibitor identified to date in these series, with an IC50 value of 23.6 nM and a selectivity index superior to 14 compared to other protein kinases tested. Additionally, this compound showed both interesting effects on cell viability of various human cell lines and significant inhibitory properties on cellular Haspin kinase.

CKAP5 promotes progression and cisplatin resistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via microtubule-mediated YAP activation

AIMS

The protein known as cytoskeleton-associated protein 5 (CKAP5) functions as a microtubule-associated protein, and its specific involvement in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains inadequately defined. The present study aims to reveal the molecular mechanisms of CKAP5 in ESCC.

METHODS

CKAP5 expression and its prognostic pertinence in ESCC were analyzed using public databases. Quantitative RT-PCR was conducted to validate CKAP5 expression. Additionally, both in vitro and in vivo were conducted to explore the role of CKAP5 in the ESCC tumorigenesis and its associated cisplatin resistance.

KEY FINDINGS

Elevated CKAP5 expression in ESCC tissues was significantly associated with unfavorable prognosis. Functional assays revealed that the ectopic overexpression of CKAP5 led to increased cell proliferation, migration, and resistance to cisplatin in ESCC cells. In vivo validated that CKAP5 contributed to enhanced tumor growth. We further demonstrated that CKAP5 facilitated YAP nuclear translocation by modulating microtubule dynamics, thereby driving ESCC progression.

SIGNIFICANCE

CKAP5 plays a pivotal role in ESCC tumorigenesis and cisplatin resistance through the regulation of microtubule dynamics and YAP activation. Our evidences indicate that CKAP5 may serve as a promising therapeutic target for ESCC.

Targeting HASPIN in gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cells by lead optimization of thioadenosine analogue

Despite multiple kinase inhibitors having been developed for cancer therapy, mitotic kinases remain difficult to target with small molecules due to severe adverse effects on proliferating normal cells. Recently, HASPIN, a mitotic kinase responsible for histone H3 phosphorylation, has emerged as a promising cancer-specific target. In this study, we synthesized a novel thioadenosine analogue, LJ5157, based on the structure of the previously developed HASPIN inhibitor LJ4827. In silico transcriptome analysis of pancreatic cancer patient data from The Cancer Genome Atlas identified HASPIN as not only a cancer-specific target but also a potential key player in overcoming gemcitabine resistance. To evaluate the therapeutic potential of LJ5157, we tested its efficacy in pancreatic cancer cells, particularly gemcitabine-resistant Panc-1 (GR) cells. The inhibitor exhibited potent anti-cancer activity, effectively suppressing the growth of GR cells, which showed more dysregulated cell cycle progression and greater proportion of polyploid cells compared to wild-type Panc-1 cells. Furthermore, it demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing the mitotic population of polyploid GR cells, which correlated with significant tumor growth inhibition in a GR-cell-derived xenograft model. Further optimization of LJ4827 led to development of LJ5242, an analogue with enhanced selectivity for HASPIN and improved cell cycle inhibitory potency. These findings highlight HASPIN inhibition as a promising strategy for targeting chemoresistant pancreatic cancer and further identify thioadenosine as a valuable pharmacophore for developing clinically viable HASPIN inhibitors.

Role of HSP40 proteins in genome maintenance, insulin signaling and cancer therapy

The DnaJ heat shock protein family (HSP40) is the biggest chaperone family in mammalian cells, mainly functioning as cochaperone of HSP70 to maintain proteostasis and cellular homeostasis under both normal and stressful conditions. Although the functions of HSP70s have been extensively studied in diverse biological pathways and senesces including genome maintenance, HSP40s' biological functions at basal state or in response to exogenous insults remain largely under-investigated. Emerging evidence shows that HSP40 proteins participate in genome maintenance pathways and modulate cancer therapy efficacy. This review aims to summarize recent progresses regarding HSP40's functions in genome maintenance and cancer therapy, and provides hints for future studies in the field.

Integrin linked kinase and threonine tyrosine kinase modulate TCR signaling

T cell activation is critical for adaptive immunity, helping to protect the body from infection and tumors. A key step in this activation is signal transduction downstream of the T cell antigen receptor. This signaling involves several steps, with early ones occurring at the plasma membrane and others that occur later, after TCR internalization. The late steps in TCR signaling remain poorly understood. Since the TCR can signal after its internalization, we postulated that kinases abundantly expressed in T cells may regulate TCR signaling. This study focuses on two such enzymes: integrin-linked kinase (ILKs) and threonine-tyrosine kinase (TTKs), whose involvement in TCR signaling has not been previously studied. Using specific depletion of TTK and ILK by lentiviral shRNA, we show that in the absence of ILK and TTK, the early steps of TCR signaling are strongly enhanced, while IL-2 production by activated T cells is strongly decreased. These findings are relevant because TTK and ILK are both important targets in oncology, and our results show that their inhibition affects the activation of T cells, which play an essential role in anti-tumor defense.

TTK promotes mitophagy by regulating ULK1 phosphorylation and pre-mRNA splicing to inhibit mitochondrial apoptosis in bladder cancer

Bladder cancer (BC) remains a major global health challenge, with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options in advanced stages. TTK protein kinase (TTK), a serine/threonine kinase, has been implicated in the progression of various cancers, but its role in BC has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we show that TTK is significantly upregulated in BC tissues and cell lines, correlating with poor patient prognosis. Functional assays revealed that TTK promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of BC cells. Mechanistically, TTK enhances mitophagy by directly phosphorylating ULK1 at Ser477, thereby activating the ULK1/FUNDC1-mediated mitophagy pathway. TTK knockdown disrupts mitophagy, leading to impaired clearance of damaged mitochondria, excessive accumulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), and activation of mitochondrial apoptosis. Furthermore, TTK phosphorylates SRSF3 at Ser108, preventing ULK1 exon 5 skipping and maintaining ULK1 mRNA stability. These findings show that TTK plays a key role in maintaining mitophagy in BC cells. Targeting TTK could offer a promising new approach for BC treatment by disrupting mitophagy and inducing mitochondrial apoptosis.

The mechanisms and effects of lactylation modification in different kinds of cancers

Lactylation, a recently identified post-translational modification, has garnered significant attention for its associations with various diseases, particularly its critical role in tumor progression and treatment. It is emerging as a potential clinical target. The elevated metabolic activity of cancer cells often leads to excessive lactate accumulation, a phenomenon termed the "Warburg effect", which is a hallmark of the tumor microenvironment. Recent research reveals that lactate is not merely a metabolic byproduct but also serves as a substrate for protein lactylation, influencing tumor development by regulating cellular signaling, gene expression, and immune responses. This dual role has become a focal point for scientists and clinicians seeking novel therapeutic strategies targeting lactate-related pathways. Despite growing interest, the detailed mechanisms and therapeutic applications of lactylation across different cancer types remain inadequately explored. This review synthesizes current findings on lactylation mechanisms in various tumors, highlights potential therapeutic targets, and offers new perspectives to advance cancer treatment.

Discovery of a novel microtubule destabilizing agent targeting the colchicine site based on molecular docking

Although a number of microtubule-targeting agents have been used in tumour therapy, their resistance and drug toxicity pose clinical challenges. Microtubule destabilizing agents (MDAs) targeting the colchicine site were found to have the advantage of being able to overcome drug resistance. In our previous studies, we identified a novel MDA from the compound database based on virtual screening methods. Its chemical formula is C23H19N3O5S, abbreviated as C10. In this study, molecular docking methods confirmed that the binding pattern of C10 to tubulin is similar to that of colchicine. Immunofluorescence staining and tubulin polymerization experiments showed that C10 disrupts the microtubule network and reduces the polymerization efficiency of tubulin. Cell proliferation and toxicity assay showed that C10 could effectively inhibit the growth of tumour cells. After 72 h treatment, the semi-inhibitory concentrations of A549, MCF-7 and HepG2 were 18.83 μM, 16.32 μM and 16.92 μM. Colony formation assay and EdU staining also showed that C10 significantly inhibited the proliferative capacity of tumour cells. Meanwhile, it was found by wound healing and transwell assay that the migration and invasive ability of tumour cells were relatively weakened after treatment with C10. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis and western blot revealed that C10 reduced the expression of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) and upregulated the level of the Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX), which in turn activated caspase-3 to promote apoptosis. Finally, the vivo studies in animal showed that C10 significantly inhibited the growth of tumour in nude mice without significant drug toxicity. Thus, C10 may be a colchicine binding site inhibitor with anticancer potential. Abbreviations: BAX, bcl-2-associated X protein; BCL-2, the B-cell lymphoma 2; BSA, bovine albumin; CBSIs, colchicine binding site inhibitors; CCK-8, cell counting kits-8; DAPI, 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole; DMSO, dimethyl sulfoxide; EdU, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine; FITC, fluorescein Isothiocyanate; GAPDH,glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; H-E, hematoxylin-eosin; HRP, horseradish Peroxidase; IHC, immunohistochemistry; MDAs, microtubule destabilizing agents; MSAs, microtubule stabilizing agents; MTAs, microtubule-targeting agents; PBS, phosphate buffered saline; PI, propidium Iodide; PVDF, polyvinylidenefluoride.

Targeting TTK Inhibits Tumorigenesis of T-Cell Lymphoma Through Dephosphorylating p38α and Activating AMPK/mTOR Pathway

T-cell lymphoma (TCL) is a group of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with high heterogeneity and unfavorable prognosis. Current standard treatments have demonstrated limited efficacy in improving the outcomes for TCL patients. Therefore, identification of novel drug targets is urgently needed to improve the prognosis of TCL patients. Through multi-omics analysis, aberrant expression of threonine tyrosine kinase (TTK) in TCL is identified. High expression of TTK is closely associated with poor prognosis in TCL patients. Targeting TTK through gene knockdown exerts anti-tumor effects in vitro and in vivo, including inhibiting the cell proliferation, inducing G2/M phase arrest, enhancing DNA damage and cell apoptosis. Mechanically, p38α is identified as the potential phosphorylation substrate of TTK through phosphoproteomic quantification and motif prediction. Furthermore, inhibition of TTK suppresses activation of p38α through dephosphorylating it at Thr180/Tyr182, thereby promoting the activation of AMPK/mTOR pathway. In addition, targeting TTK enhances the autophagy in TCL cells through dephosphorylating p38α. CFI-402257, a specific inhibitor of TTK, is found to exhibit anti-tumor effects and exerted synergistic efficacy with PI3K inhibitor, Duvelisib, in TCL. The study shows that TTK contributes to the development of TCL by regulating p38α-mediated AMPK/mTOR pathway. CFI-402257 is expected to be a promising strategy for TCL treatment.

Osmotic stress influences microtubule drug response via WNK1 kinase signaling

Ion homeostasis is critical for numerous cellular processes, and disturbances in ionic balance underlie diverse pathological conditions, including cancer progression. Targeting ion homeostasis is even considered as a strategy to treat cancer. However, very little is known about how ion homeostasis may influence anticancer drug response. In a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 resistance drug screen, we identified and validated the master osmostress regulator WNK1 kinase as a modulator of the response to the mitotic inhibitor rigosertib. Osmotic stress and WNK1 inactivation lead to an altered response not only to rigosertib treatment but also to other microtubule-related drugs, minimizing the prototypical mitotic arrest produced by these compounds. This effect is due to an alteration in microtubule stability and polymerization dynamics, likely maintained by fluctuations in intracellular molecular crowding upon WNK1 inactivation. This promotes resistance to microtubule depolymerizing compounds, and increased sensitivity to microtubule stabilizing drugs. In summary, our data proposes WNK1 osmoregulation activity as an important modulator for microtubule-associated chemotherapy response.

PRR11 Promotes Bladder Cancer Growth and Metastasis by Facilitating G1/S Progression and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

BACKGROUND

Although Proline-rich Protein 11 (PRR11) abnormalities are closely associated with carcinogenesis, the precise mechanism of bladder cancer remains unclear. Here, we sought to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of PRR11 in bladder cancer.

METHODS

We performed differential expression analysis of PRR11 from the TCGA and GEO databases, followed by validation with clinical samples. Survival analysis was employed to assess the correlation between PRR11 and patient prognosis. The effects of PRR11 on bladder cancer cells were examined through both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Additionally, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used to predict the downstream pathways associated with PRR11, which were further validated through subsequent experiments.

RESULTS

PRR11 is upregulated in bladder cancer and could lead to poor prognosis. In vitro, PRR11 promoted tumor cell proliferation; in vivo, it promoted subcutaneous tumor growth. PRR11 knockdown inhibited its oncogenic function. On the molecular level, PRR11 promotes tumor metastasis by inducing Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition (EMT). GSEA suggests that PRR11 is strongly linked to the cell cycle, and silencing of PRR11 can achieve anti-tumor effects by inhibiting CCNE and blocking the G1/S phase transition.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that silencing PRR11 can arrest the malignant progression of bladder cancer by inhibiting EMT and blocking the G1/S transition. Targeting PRR11 may provide new insights for targeting cell cycle therapy.

A Comprehensive Analysis Revealing BUB1B as a Potential Prognostic and Immunological Biomarker in Lung Adenocarcinoma

BUB1B, a member of the spindle assembly checkpoint family known as BUB1 mitotic checkpoint serine/threonine kinase B, has been associated with the promotion of tumor progression. Nevertheless, its specific contributions to tumorigenesis remain largely unexplored. This study seeks to offer a systematic and comprehensive analysis of the role of BUB1B in the progression of various cancers, with a particular focus on lung adenocarcinoma, utilizing a range of databases. We investigated BUB1B's role in pan-cancer using TCGA data, analyzing it with platforms like HPA, TIMER, TISIDB, GEPIA, cBioPortal, GDC, LinkedOmics, and CancerSEA. Additionally, we assessed BUB1B's impact on lung adenocarcinoma proliferation and migration through CCK-8, wound healing, transwell assays and Western blot analysis. This study found that BUB1B was upregulated in most cancers and was significantly linked to patient prognosis. Its expression correlated with immune cell infiltration and genetic markers of immunomodulators across different cancers. BUB1B was involved in the acute inflammatory response and IgA production pathways but negatively correlated with inflammation in lung adenocarcinoma. Moreover, the siRNA-mediated knockdown of BUB1B resulted in the inhibition of proliferation and migration of lung cancer cells in vitro. This study underscores the potential of BUB1B as a biomarker and a promising therapeutic target for patients with lung adenocarcinoma.

NFIX suppresses breast cancer cell proliferation by delaying mitosis through downregulation of CDK1 expression

One of the fundamental biological characteristics of malignant tumors is their uncontrolled growth and multiplication, which is a major reason why breast cancer remains incurable. The significance of NFIX in the development of various cancers has been demonstrated by an increasing number of studies in recent years. However, the role of NFIX in breast cancer has received less attention. This study investigates its expression in breast cancer and its function in inhibiting cell cycle progression. NFIX is downregulated in breast cancer compared to normal breast tissue, which impacts prognosis. In vitro and in vivo Experiments have shown that the overexpression of NIFX leads to a delay in the G2/M phase, which inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation. It thus plays a role as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer development. In terms of mechanism, upregulating NFIX causes CDK1 to be more susceptible to ubiquitination-mediated degradation. NFIX also competitively represses CDK1 transcription via YBX1. Moreover, NFIX expression in breast cancer is associated with methylation of its promoter region. Our study demonstrated that NFIX plays a critical role in CDK1-regulated cell cycle transitions and determined that NFIX inhibits cell proliferation in breast cancer.

Identification of antimitotic sulfonamides inhibiting chromosome congression

The discovery of new small-molecule inhibitors is essential to enhancing our understanding of biological events at the molecular level and driving advancements in drug discovery. Mitotic inhibitors have played a crucial role in development of anticancer drugs. Beyond traditional microtubule inhibitors, various inhibitors targeting specific mitotic factors have been developed. This study aimed to develop novel mitotic inhibitors targeting chromosome alignment. We established a cell-based screening method using Cell Division Cycle Associated 5 (CDCA5) and kinesin-5 as markers, designed to efficiently detect mitotic phenotypes characterized by aberrant bipolar spindles with some misaligned chromosomes. Through this screening, we identified CAIS-1, an aryl sulfonamide with unique antimitotic properties. CAIS-1 exhibits dual functionality by inhibiting chromosome congression at low concentrations and spindle microtubule formation at high concentrations, causing a concentration-dependent mitotic arrest, followed by apoptotic cell death. Mechanistic studies revealed that CAIS-1 directly acts on tubulin at high concentrations, thereby inhibiting tubulin polymerization in vitro. In contrast, at low concentrations, CAIS-1 functions through a mechanism distinct from GSK923295, a conventional chromosome congression inhibitor targeting Centromere-associated protein-E (CENP-E), highlighting its unique mode of action. Moreover, CAIS-2, a structural analog of CAIS-1, selectively inhibits chromosome congression without significantly affecting spindle microtubules. This observation suggests that CAIS-1 and CAIS-2 function as antimitotic sulfonamides with distinct targets beyond tubulin, thus offering additional biological potential of sulfonamide compounds. Together, CAIS-1 and CAIS-2 represent promising tools for providing new molecular insights into kinetochore function during mitosis and for exploring new approaches in anticancer drug development.

TTK Inhibition Alleviates Postinjury Neointimal Formation and Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis and its associated cardio-cerebrovascular complications remain the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Current lipid-lowering therapies reduce only approximately one-third of the cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, vascular restenosis and thrombotic events following surgical interventions for severe vascular stenosis significantly contribute to treatment failure. This highlights the urgent need for novel therapeutic targets to manage atherosclerosis and prevent restenosis and thrombosis after vascular injury. This study identifies TTK protein kinase (TTK) as a key regulator of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic switching in the context of postinjury neointimal formation and atherosclerosis. Mechanistically, TTK upregulation in VSMCs phosphorylates p120-catenin, leading to β-catenin nuclear accumulation and dissociation of the myocardin (MYOCD)/serum response factor (SRF) complex. Deletion of TTK specifically in VSMCs reduces postinjury neointimal formation in vascular injury models and attenuates atherosclerotic lesions in ApoE-/- mice. Notably, oral administration of the TTK inhibitor CFI-402257 mitigated neointimal formation without impairing reendothelialization and reduced atherosclerotic lesions in ApoE-/- mice without altering lipid levels. These findings suggest that targeting TTK, through inhibitors or alternative strategies, represents a promising approach to simultaneously prevent postinjury restenosis and treat atherosclerosis.

METTL3-mediated CEP170 m6A modifications in spindle orientation and esophageal cancer cell proliferation

Esophageal cancer is a major malignancy with a high incidence and poor prognosis. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying its progression, particularly with respect to cell division and spindle orientation, we investigated the role of m6A modifications and the centrosomal protein CEP170. Using m6A-seq and RNA-seq of esophageal cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues, we identified significant alterations in m6A modifications and gene expression, highlighting the upregulation and m6A enrichment of CEP170 in tumor tissues. Functional assays, including cell cycle synchronization, qPCR, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, coimmunoprecipitation, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation, and cell proliferation assays, demonstrated that CEP170 plays a critical role in mitotic progression and spindle orientation. m6A-seq and RNA-seq revealed significant alterations in m6A modifications and gene expression in esophageal cancer. CEP170 was upregulated and highly enriched in m6A modifications in tumor tissues. Functional assays revealed that CEP170 plays a critical role in proper mitotic progression and spindle orientation. Knockdown of CEP170 led to spindle misorientation and impaired the stability of astral microtubules. Additionally, CEP170 affected the localization of the dynein/dynactin motor complex in the cell cortex. METTL3 was upregulated in tumor tissues and regulated CEP170 expression. RNA-seq upon CEP170 depletion revealed that ASPM was significantly downregulated, indicating its involvement as a downstream target of CEP170 in regulating cell proliferation and mitosis. Our findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms by which CEP170 and m6A modifications regulate esophageal cancer progression, revealing that CEP170 is a potential therapeutic target.

Identification and Verification of Metabolism-related Immunotherapy Features and Prognosis in Lung Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is a frequent malignancy with a poor prognosis. Extensive metabolic alterations are involved in carcinogenesis and could, therefore, serve as a reliable prognostic phenotype.

AIMS

Our study aimed to develop a prognosis signature and explore the relationship between metabolic characteristic-related signature and immune infiltration in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

OBJECTIVE

TCGA-LUAD and GSE31210 datasets were used as a training set and a validation set, respectively.

METHODS

A total of 513 LUAD samples collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas database (TCGA-LUAD) were used as a training dataset. Molecular subtypes were classified by consensus clustering, and prognostic genes related to metabolism were analyzed based on Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs), Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network, the univariate/multivariate- and Lasso- Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

Two molecular subtypes with significant survival differences were divided by the metabolism gene sets. The DEGs between the two subtypes were identified by integrated analysis and then used to develop an 8-gene signature (TTK, TOP2A, KIF15, DLGAP5, PLK1, PTTG1, ECT2, and ANLN) for predicting LUAD prognosis. Overexpression of the 8 genes was significantly correlated with worse prognostic outcomes. RiskScore was an independent factor that could divide LUAD patients into low- and high-risk groups. Specifically, high-risk patients had poorer prognoses and higher immune escape. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve showed strong performance of the RiskScore model in estimating 1-, 3- and 5-year survival in both training and validation sets. Finally, an optimized nomogram model was developed and contributed the most to the prognostic prediction in LUAD.

CONCLUSION

The current model could help effectively identify high-risk patients and suggest the most effective drug and treatment candidates for patients with LUAD.

Kojic Acid Derivative as an Antimitotic Agent That Selectively Kills Tumour Cells

Background/Objectives: The primary method used to pharmacologically arrest cancer development and its metastasis is to disrupt the cell division process. There are a few approaches that may be used to meet this objective, mainly through inhibiting DNA replication or mitosis. Despite intensive studies on new chemotherapeutics, the biggest problem remains the side effects associated with the inhibition of cell division in non-tumoural host cells. Methods: The efficacy and selectivity of the kojic acid derivative (L1) was studied in vitro with the use of tumoural (Caco2, SW480, HT29, T98G) and non- tumoural (HEK293T, RAW) cell lines. Light and electron microscopy observations were supported by the next generation sequencing (NGS), cytoflow, and spectroscopy analysis of mRNA and biomolecules, respectively. Results: The light and electron microscopy observations showed that L1 treatment leads to significant morphological changes in Caco2 cells, which are characteristic of mitosis arrest. Moreover, the fluorescent tubulin staining revealed the formation of tubulin ring structure associated with the apoptotic stage. Mitotic exit into apoptosis was further conformed by the cytoflow of early/late apoptosis stages and caspase-3 analysis. NGS investigation showed differentiated expressions of genes involved in mitosis and apoptosis processes. The observed IC50 in tumoural cell lines were as follows: Caco2 (IC50 = 68.2 mM), SW480 (IC50 = 15.5 mM), and HT29 (IC50 = 4.7 mM). Conclusions: The findings presented here suggest that L1 could be a valid candidate for oral prevention and/or chemotherapy in colorectal cancer. Considering high selectivity of L1 versus tumoural cell lines, more in-depth mechanistic studies could reveal unknown stages in carcinogenesis.

Design, synthesis, molecular modelling and biological evaluation of novel 6-amino-5-cyano-2-thiopyrimidine derivatives as potent anticancer agents against leukemia and apoptotic inducers

Herein, a novel series of 6-amino-5-cyano-2-thiopyrimidines and condensed pyrimidines analogues were prepared. All the synthesized compounds (1a-c, 2a-c, 3a-c, 4a-r and 5a-c) were evaluated for in vitro anticancer activity by the National Cancer Institute (NCI; MD, USA) against 60 cell lines. Compound 1c showed promising anticancer activity and was selected for the five-dose testing. Results demonstrated that compound 1c possessed broad spectrum anti-cancer activity against the nine cancerous subpanels tested with selectivity ratio ranging from 0.7 to 39 at the GI50 level with high selectivity towards leukaemia. Mechanistic studies showed that Compound 1c showed comparable activity to Duvelisib against PI3Kδ (IC50 = 0.0034 and 0.0025 μM, respectively) and arrested cell cycle at the S phase and displayed significant increase in the early and late apoptosis in HL60 and leukaemia SR cells. The necrosis percentage showed a significant increase from 1.13% to 3.41% in compound 1c treated HL60 cells as well as from 1.51% to 4.72% in compound 1c treated leukaemia SR cells. Also, compound 1c triggered apoptosis by activating caspase 3, Bax, P53 and suppressing Bcl2. Moreover, 1c revealed a good safety profile against human normal lung fibroblast cell line (WI-38 cells). Molecular analysis of Duvelisib and compound 1c in PI3K was performed. Finally, these results suggest that 2-thiopyrimidine derivative 1c might serve as a model for designing novel anticancer drugs in the future.

Walrycin B, as a novel separase inhibitor, exerts potent anticancer efficacy in a mouse xenograft model

Proper chromosome segregation during cell division relies on the timely dissolution of chromosome cohesion. Separase (EC3.4.22.49), a cysteine protease, plays a critical role in mitosis by cleaving the kleisin subunit of cohesin, thereby presenting a promising target for cancer therapy. However, challenges in isolating active human separase suitable for high-throughput screening have limited the identification of effective inhibitors. Here, we conducted a high-throughput screening of small-molecule inhibitors using the protease domain of Chaetomium thermophilum separase (ctSPD), which not only shares significant sequence similarity with human separase but is also readily available. After conducting a primary screening of a library containing 9,172 compounds and subsequent validation using human separase, we identified walrycin B and its analogs, toxoflavin, 3-methyltoxoflavin, and 3-phenyltoxoflavin, as potent inhibitors of human separase. Subsequent microscale thermophoresis assays and molecular dynamics simulations revealed that walrycin B binds to the active site of separase and competes with substrates for binding. Additionally, cell-based studies showed that walrycin B and its analogs effectively induce cell cycle arrest at the M phase, activate apoptosis, and ultimately lead to cell death in mitosis. Finally, in a mouse xenograft model, walrycin B exhibited significant antitumor efficacy with minimal side effects. Together, these findings highlight the therapeutic potential of walrycin B for cancer treatment and its utility as a chemical tool in future studies involving separase.

The anti-aromatase and anti-estrogenic activity of plant products in the treatment of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer

Despite being the focal point of decades of research, female breast cancer (BC) continues to be one of the most lethal cancers in the world. Given that 80 % of all diagnosed BC cases are estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) with carcinogenesis driven by estrogen-ERα signalling, current standard of care (SOC) hormone therapies are geared towards modulating the function and expression levels of estrogen and its receptors, ERα and ERβ. Currently, aromatase inhibitors (AIs), selective ER modulators (SERMs) and selective ER degraders (SERDs) are clinically prescribed for the management and treatment of ER+ BC, with the anti-aromatase activity of AIs abrogating estrogen biosynthesis, while the anti-estrogenic SERMs and SERDs antagonise and degrade the ER, respectively. The use of SOC hormone therapies is, however, significantly hampered by the onset of severe side-effects and the development of resistance. Given that numerous studies have reported on the beneficial effects of plant compounds and/or extracts and the multiple pathways through which they target ER+ breast carcinogenesis, recent research has focused on the use of dietary chemopreventive agents for BC management. When combined with SOC treatments, several of these plant components and/or extracts have demonstrated improved efficacy and/or synergistic impact. Moreover, despite a lack of in vivo investigations, plant products are generally reported to have a lower side-effect profile than SOC therapies and are therefore thought to be a safer therapeutic choice. Thus, the current review summarizes the findings from the last five years regarding the anti-aromatase and anti-estrogenic activity of plant products, as well as their synergistic anti-ER+ BC effects in combination with SOC therapies.

Kinesin Family Member C1: Function in liver hepatocellular carcinoma and potential target for chemotherapeutic

MiR-105 exerts inhibitory effects on the development and progression of various cancers, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and gastric cancer. Through GEO data analysis, we observed decreased expression of miR-105 in liver cancer tissues compared to adjacent tissues. Furthermore, miR-105 downregulates KIFC1 expression levels by targeting its 3' UTR. KIFC1 (Kinesin Family Member C1), a Protein Coding gene, may play a role in mitotic metaphase plate polymerization and mitotic spindle assembly. However, our findings suggest that this gene could serve as a potential chemotherapeutic target for Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). We obtained the LIHC dataset from the TCGA database and genotype Tissue Expression Project (GTEx) normal tissue data for differential analysis. Additionally, we utilized the cBioPortal database, tumor immune single-cell center (TISCH) database, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and R software to investigate the possible functions and mechanisms of KIFC1. These findings were further validated through experiments such as immunohistochemistry and wound healing assays. Our results indicate that KIFC1 might be involved in DNA repair and cell cycle regulation in LIHC cells which subsequently impacts tumor cell proliferation; moreover, miR-105 influences hepatoma cell line proliferation via its interaction with KIFC1. Collectively, these results highlight the potential therapeutic significance of targeting KIFC1 for chemotherapy treatment in LIHC patients.

Development and validation of a mitotic catastrophe-related genes prognostic model for breast cancer

Background

Breast cancer has become the most common malignant tumor in women worldwide. Mitotic catastrophe (MC) is a way of cell death that plays an important role in the development of tumors. However, the exact relationship between MC-related genes (MCRGs) and the development of breast cancer is still unclear, and further research is needed to elucidate this complexity.

Methods

Transcriptome data and clinical data of breast cancer were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We identified differential expression of MCRGs by comparing tumor tissue with normal tissue. Subsequently, we used COX regression analysis and LASSO regression analysis to construct the prognosis risk model of MCRGs. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to evaluate the predictive ability of prognostic model. Moreover, the clinical relevance, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), immune landscape, tumor mutation burden (TMB), and immunotherapy and drug sensitivity analysis between high-risk and low-risk groups were systematically investigated. Finally, we validated the expression levels of genes involved in constructing the prognostic model through real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) at the cellular and tissue levels.

Results

We identified 12 prognostic associated MCRGs, four of which were selected to construct prognostic model. The Kaplan-Meier analysis suggested that patients in the high-risk group had a shorter overall survival (OS). The Cox regression analysis and ROC analysis indicated that risk model had independent and excellent ability in predicting prognosis of breast cancer patients. Mechanistically, a remarkable difference was observed in clinical relevance, GSEA, immune landscape, TMB, immunotherapy response, and drug sensitivity analysis. RT-qPCR results showed that genes involved in constructing the prognostic model showed significant abnormal expressions and the expression change trends were consistent with the bioinformatics results.

Conclusions

We established a prognosis risk model based on four MCRGs that had the ability to predict clinical prognosis and immune landscape, proposing potential therapeutic targets for breast cancer.

Innovating Cancer Treatment Through Cell Cycle, Telomerase, Angiogenesis, and Metastasis

Cancer remains a formidable challenge in the field of medicine, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies to combat its relentless progression. The cell cycle, a tightly regulated process governing cell growth and division, plays a pivotal role in cancer development. Dysregulation of the cell cycle allows cancer cells to proliferate uncontrollably. Therapeutic interventions designed to disrupt the cell cycle offer promise in restraining tumor growth and progression. Telomerase, an enzyme responsible for maintaining telomere length, is often overactive in cancer cells, conferring them with immortality. Targeting telomerase presents an opportunity to limit the replicative potential of cancer cells and hinder tumor growth. Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is essential for tumor growth and metastasis. Strategies aimed at inhibiting angiogenesis seek to deprive tumors of their vital blood supply, thereby impeding their progression. Metastasis, the spread of cancer cells from the primary tumor to distant sites, is a major challenge in cancer therapy. Research efforts are focused on understanding the underlying mechanisms of metastasis and developing interventions to disrupt this deadly process. This review provides a glimpse into the multifaceted approach to cancer therapy, addressing critical aspects of cancer biology-cell cycle regulation, telomerase activity, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Through ongoing research and innovative strategies, the field of oncology continues to advance, offering new hope for improved treatment outcomes and enhanced quality of life for cancer patients.

Dual TTK/PLK1 inhibition has potent anticancer activity in TNBC as monotherapy and in combination

Background

Threonine tyrosine kinase (TTK) and polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) are common essential kinases that collaborate in activating the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) at the kinetochore, ensuring appropriate chromosome alignment and segregation prior to mitotic exit. Targeting of either TTK or PLK1 has been clinically evaluated in cancer patients; however, dual inhibitors have not yet been pursued. Here we present the in vitro and in vivo characterization of a first in class, dual TTK/PLK1 inhibitor (BAL0891).

Methods

Mechanism of action studies utilized biochemical kinase and proteomics-based target-engagement assays. Cellular end-point assays included immunoblot- and flow cytometry-based cell cycle analyses and SAC integrity evaluation using immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence approaches. Anticancer activity was assessed in vitro using cell growth assays and efficacy was evaluated, alone and in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin, using mouse models of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Results

BAL0891 elicits a prolonged effect on TTK, with a transient activity on PLK1. This unique profile potentiates SAC disruption, forcing tumor cells to aberrantly exit mitosis with faster kinetics than observed with a TTK-specific inhibitor. Broad anti-proliferative activity was demonstrated across solid tumor cell lines in vitro. Moreover, intermittent intravenous single-agent BAL0891 treatment of the MDA-MB-231 mouse model of TNBC induced profound tumor regressions associated with prolonged TTK and transient PLK1 in-tumor target occupancy. Furthermore, differential tumor responses across a panel of thirteen TNBC patient-derived xenograft models indicated profound anticancer activity in a subset (~40%). Using a flexible dosing approach, pathologically confirmed cures were observed in combination with paclitaxel, whereas synergy with carboplatin was schedule dependent.

Conclusions

Dual TTK/PLK1 inhibition represents a novel approach for the treatment of human cancer, including TNBC patients, with a potential for potent anticancer activity and a favorable therapeutic index. Moreover, combination approaches may provide an avenue to expand responsive patient populations.

HSPA8 inhibitors augment cancer chemotherapeutic effectiveness via potentiating necroptosis

Our recent work has uncovered a novel function of HSPA8 as an amyloidase, capable of dismantling the RHIM-containing protein fibrils to suppress necroptosis. However, the impact of HSPA8 inhibitors on cancer regression via necroptosis remains unexplored. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive investigation to assess the potential of HSPA8 inhibitors in enhancing necroptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings indicate that pharmacologic inhibition of HSPA8, achieved either through VER (VER-155008) targeting the nucleotide binding domain or pifithrin-μ targeting the substrate binding domain of HSPA8, significantly potentiates necroptosis induced by diverse treatments in cellular assays. These inhibitors effectively disrupt the binding of HSPA8 to the RHIM protein, impeding its regulatory function on RHIM amyloid formation. Importantly, HSPA8 inhibitors significantly enhanced cancer cell sensitivity to microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs) in vitro, while reversing chemoresistance and facilitating tumor regression by augmenting necroptosis in vivo. Our findings suggest a promising therapeutic approach to cancer through necroptosis modulation via HSPA8 targeting, particularly in combination with MTA drugs for enhanced treatment efficacy.

BUB1b impairs chemotherapy sensitivity via resistance to ferroptosis in lung adenocarcinoma

BUB1 mitotic checkpoint serine/threonine kinase B (BUB1b) has been unequivocally identified as an oncogene in various cancers. However, the potential mechanism by which BUB1b orchestrates the progression of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains unclear. Here we found that both the transcript and protein levels of BUB1b were dramatically upregulated in tumor tissues and contributed to the dismal prognosis of LUAD patients. Moreover, gain- and loss-of-function assays, conducted both in vitro and in vivo, confirmed that BUB1b enhanced the viability of LUAD cells. Mechanistically, BUB1b forms a complex with OTUD3 and NRF2 and stabilizes the downstream NRF2 signaling pathway to facilitate insensitivity to ferroptosis and chemotherapy. In BALB/c nude mice bearing subcutaneous tumors that overexpress BUB1b, a combined strategy of ML385 targeting and chemotherapy achieved synergistic effects, inhibiting tumor growth and obviously improving survival. Taken together our study uncovered the underlying mechanism by which BUB1b promotes the progression of LUAD and proposed a novel strategy to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy.

Conduction and validation of a novel mitotic spindle assembly related signature in hepatocellular carcinoma: prognostic prediction, tumor immune microenvironment and drug susceptibility

Introduction: We have developed a risk-scoring model using gene expression levels related to mitotic spindle assembly (MSA) to predict the prognosis of liver cancer. Methods and results: Initially, we identified 470 genes related to MSA from public databases. Subsequently, through analysis of sequencing data from liver cancer patient samples in online databases, we identified 7 genes suitable for constructing the risk-scoring model. We validated the predictive accuracy and clinical utility of the model. Through drug sensitivity analysis, we identified SAC3D1 as a gene sensitive to the most common anti-tumor drugs among these 7 genes. We propose SAC3D1 as a significant target for future clinical treatment. Furthermore, we conducted in vivo and in vitro experiments to validate the relevance of SAC3D1 to MSA and found its significant impact on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and spindle function. Conclusion: Our research introduces a novel risk-scoring model that accurately predicts liver cancer prognosis. Additionally, our findings suggest SAC3D1 as a promising therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma, potentially revealing new mechanisms underlying liver cancer development.

Synergistic induction of mitotic pyroptosis and tumor remission by inhibiting proteasome and WEE family kinases

Mitotic catastrophe (MC), which occurs under dysregulated mitosis, represents a fascinating tactic to specifically eradicate tumor cells. Whether pyroptosis can be a death form of MC remains unknown. Proteasome-mediated protein degradation is crucial for M-phase. Bortezomib (BTZ), which inhibits the 20S catalytic particle of proteasome, is approved to treat multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma, but not solid tumors due to primary resistance. To date, whether and how proteasome inhibitor affected the fates of cells in M-phase remains unexplored. Here, we show that BTZ treatment, or silencing of PSMC5, a subunit of 19S regulatory particle of proteasome, causes G2- and M-phase arrest, multi-polar spindle formation, and consequent caspase-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis in M-phase (designated as mitotic pyroptosis). Further investigations reveal that inhibitor of WEE1/PKMYT1 (PD0166285), but not inhibitor of ATR, CHK1 or CHK2, abrogates the BTZ-induced G2-phase arrest, thus exacerbates the BTZ-induced mitotic arrest and pyroptosis. Combined BTZ and PD0166285 treatment (named BP-Combo) selectively kills various types of solid tumor cells, and significantly lessens the IC50 of both BTZ and PD0166285 compared to BTZ or PD0166285 monotreatment. Studies using various mouse models show that BP-Combo has much stronger inhibition on tumor growth and metastasis than BTZ or PD0166285 monotreatment, and no obvious toxicity is observed in BP-Combo-treated mice. These findings disclose the effect of proteasome inhibitors in inducing pyroptosis in M-phase, characterize pyroptosis as a new death form of mitotic catastrophe, and identify dual inhibition of proteasome and WEE family kinases as a promising anti-cancer strategy to selectively kill solid tumor cells.

A whole-genome CRISPR screen identifies the spindle accessory checkpoint as a locus of nab-paclitaxel resistance in a pancreatic cancer cell line

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is one of the most aggressive and lethal forms of cancer. Chemotherapy is the primary treatment for pancreatic cancer, but resistance to the drugs used remains a major challenge. A genome-wide CRISPR interference and knockout screen in the PANC-1 cell line with the drug nab-paclitaxel has identified a group of spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) genes that enhance survival in nab-paclitaxel. Knockdown of these SAC genes (BUB1B, BUB3, and TTK) attenuates paclitaxel-induced cell death. Cells treated with the small molecule inhibitors BAY 1217389 or MPI 0479605, targeting the threonine tyrosine kinase (TTK), also enhance survival in paclitaxel. Overexpression of these SAC genes does not affect sensitivity to paclitaxel. These discoveries have helped to elucidate the mechanisms behind paclitaxel cytotoxicity. The outcomes of this investigation may pave the way for a deeper comprehension of the diverse responses of pancreatic cancer to therapies including paclitaxel. Additionally, they could facilitate the formulation of novel treatment approaches for pancreatic cancer.

Design and synthesis of novel tetrabromophthalimide derivatives as potential tubulin inhibitors endowed with apoptotic induction for cancer treatment

Although various approaches exist for treating cancer, chemotherapy continues to hold a prominent role in the management of this disease. Besides, microtubules serve as a vital component of the cellular skeleton, playing a pivotal role in the process of cell division making it an attractive target for cancer treatment. Hence, the scope of this work was adapted to design and synthesize new anti-tubulin tetrabromophthalimide hybrids (3-17) with colchicine binding site (CBS) inhibitory potential. The conducted in vitro studies showed that compound 16 displayed the lowest IC50 values (11.46 µM) at the FaDu cancer cell lines, whereas compound 17 exhibited the lowest IC50 value (13.62 µM) at the PC3 cancer cell line. However, compound 7b exhibited the lowest IC50 value (11.45 µM) at the MDA-MB-468 cancer cell line. Moreover, compound 17 was observed to be the superior antitumor candidate against all three tested cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-468, PC3, and FaDu) with IC50 values of 17.22, 13.15, and 13.62 µM, respectively. In addition, compound 17 showed a well-established upregulation of apoptotic markers (Caspases 3, 7, 8, and 9, Bax, and P53). Moreover, compound 17 induced downregulation of the antiapoptotic markers (MMP2, MMP9, and BCL-2). Furthermore, the colchicine binding site inhibition assay showed that compounds 15a and 17 exhibited particularly significant inhibitory potentials, with IC50 values of 23.07 and 4.25 µM, respectively, compared to colchicine, which had an IC50 value of 3.89 µM. Additionally, cell cycle analysis was conducted, showing that compound 17 could prompt cell cycle arrest at both the G0-G1 and G2-M phases. On the other hand, a molecular docking approach was applied to investigate the binding interactions of the examined candidates compared to colchicine towards CBS of the β-tubulin subunit. Thus, the synthesized tetrabromophthalimide hybrids can be regarded as outstanding anticancer candidates with significant apoptotic activity.

The yin and yang of chromosomal instability in prostate cancer

Metastatic prostate cancer remains an incurable lethal disease. Studies indicate that prostate cancer accumulates genomic changes during disease progression and displays the highest levels of chromosomal instability (CIN) across all types of metastatic tumours. CIN, which refers to ongoing chromosomal DNA gain or loss during mitosis, and derived aneuploidy, are known to be associated with increased tumour heterogeneity, metastasis and therapy resistance in many tumour types. Paradoxically, high CIN levels are also proposed to be detrimental to tumour cell survival, suggesting that cancer cells must develop adaptive mechanisms to ensure their survival. In the context of prostate cancer, studies indicate that CIN has a key role in disease progression and might also offer a therapeutic vulnerability that can be pharmacologically targeted. Thus, a comprehensive evaluation of the causes and consequences of CIN in prostate cancer, its contribution to aggressive advanced disease and a better understanding of the acquired CIN tolerance mechanisms can translate into new tumour classifications, biomarker development and therapeutic strategies.

Positive feedback regulation between glycolysis and histone lactylation drives oncogenesis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic alterations contribute to the aggressiveness of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Lactate-dependent histone modification is a new type of histone mark, which links glycolysis metabolite to the epigenetic process of lactylation. However, the role of histone lactylation in PDAC remains unclear.

METHODS

The level of histone lactylation in PDAC was identified by western blot and immunohistochemistry, and its relationship with the overall survival was evaluated using a Kaplan-Meier survival plot. The participation of histone lactylation in the growth and progression of PDAC was confirmed through inhibition of histone lactylation by glycolysis inhibitors or lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) knockdown both in vitro and in vivo. The potential writers and erasers of histone lactylation in PDAC were identified by western blot and functional experiments. The potential target genes of H3K18 lactylation (H3K18la) were screened by CUT&Tag and RNA-seq analyses. The candidate target genes TTK protein kinase (TTK) and BUB1 mitotic checkpoint serine/threonine kinase B (BUB1B) were validated through ChIP-qPCR, RT-qPCR and western blot analyses. Next, the effects of these two genes in PDAC were confirmed by knockdown or overexpression. The interaction between TTK and LDHA was identified by Co-IP assay.

RESULTS

Histone lactylation, especially H3K18la level was elevated in PDAC, and the high level of H3K18la was associated with poor prognosis. The suppression of glycolytic activity by different kinds of inhibitors or LDHA knockdown contributed to the anti-tumor effects of PDAC in vitro and in vivo. E1A binding protein p300 (P300) and histone deacetylase 2 were the potential writer and eraser of histone lactylation in PDAC cells, respectively. H3K18la was enriched at the promoters and activated the transcription of mitotic checkpoint regulators TTK and BUB1B. Interestingly, TTK and BUB1B could elevate the expression of P300 which in turn increased glycolysis. Moreover, TTK phosphorylated LDHA at tyrosine 239 (Y239) and activated LDHA, and subsequently upregulated lactate and H3K18la levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The glycolysis-H3K18la-TTK/BUB1B positive feedback loop exacerbates dysfunction in PDAC. These findings delivered a new exploration and significant inter-relationship between lactate metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic regulation, which might pave the way toward novel lactylation treatment strategies in PDAC therapy.

Machine learning and multi-omics data reveal driver gene-based molecular subtypes in hepatocellular carcinoma for precision treatment

The heterogeneity of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) poses a barrier to effective treatment. Stratifying highly heterogeneous HCC into molecular subtypes with similar features is crucial for personalized anti-tumor therapies. Although driver genes play pivotal roles in cancer progression, their potential in HCC subtyping has been largely overlooked. This study aims to utilize driver genes to construct HCC subtype models and unravel their molecular mechanisms. Utilizing a novel computational framework, we expanded the initially identified 96 driver genes to 1192 based on mutational aspects and an additional 233 considering driver dysregulation. These genes were subsequently employed as stratification markers for further analyses. A novel multi-omics subtype classification algorithm was developed, leveraging mutation and expression data of the identified stratification genes. This algorithm successfully categorized HCC into two distinct subtypes, CLASS A and CLASS B, demonstrating significant differences in survival outcomes. Integrating multi-omics and single-cell data unveiled substantial distinctions between these subtypes regarding transcriptomics, mutations, copy number variations, and epigenomics. Moreover, our prognostic model exhibited excellent predictive performance in training and external validation cohorts. Finally, a 10-gene classification model for these subtypes identified TTK as a promising therapeutic target with robust classification capabilities. This comprehensive study provides a novel perspective on HCC stratification, offering crucial insights for a deeper understanding of its pathogenesis and the development of promising treatment strategies.

AURKA promotes renal cell carcinoma progression via regulation of CCNB1 transcription

AURKA is a member of the serine/threonine kinase family and its kinase activity is crucial for the progression of mitosis. Recent studies have highlighted the therapeutic significance of AURKA inhibition in multiple cancer types. However, the specific mechanisms by which AURKA contributes to the progression of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have not been fully elucidated. In this study, AURKA expression level was identified in human RCC tissues by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. The function of AURKA on cell malignant phenotypes was evaluated in vitro after AURKA inhibition. The subcutaneous xenograft was conducted to confirm the in vivo effect of AURKA knockdown on growth of RCC cells. Finally, Co-IP, luciferase assay and ChIP experiments were performed to reveal the regulatory mechanism of AURKA on CCNB1. Our results showed a significant upregulation of AURKA in RCC tissues and cell lines, and a high AURKA expression was associated with poor prognosis. AURKA knockdown inhibited RCC cell proliferation and migration, induced cell apoptosis, and led to G1/G2 phase arrest. This effect was further confirmed by the use of an AURKA inhibitor. Mechanistically, AURKA interacted with E2F1, and subsequently recruited it to the promoter region of CCNB1. CCNB1 expression was essential for AURKA-induced RCC progression. Collectively, our results suggested that AURKA plays an important role in development of RCC via regulating CCNB1 transcription.

Anthriscus sylvestris-Noxious Weed or Sustainable Source of Bioactive Lignans?

Anthriscus sylvestris (L.) Hoffm. (Apiaceae), commonly known as wild chervil, has gained scientific interest owing to its diverse phytochemical profile and potential therapeutic applications. The plant, despite being categorized as a noxious weed, is traditionally used in treating various conditions like headaches, dressing wounds, and as a tonic, antitussive, antipyretic, analgesic, and diuretic. Its pharmacological importance stems from containing diverse bioactive lignans, especially aryltetralins and dibenzylbutyrolactones. One of the main compounds of A. sylvestris, deoxypodophyllotoxin, among its wide-ranging effects, including antitumor, antiproliferative, antiplatelet aggregation, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and insecticidal properties, serves as a pivotal precursor to epipodophyllotoxin, crucial in the semisynthesis of cytostatic agents like etoposide and teniposide. The main starting compound for these anticancer medicines was podophyllotoxin, intensively isolated from Sinopodophyllum hexandrum, now listed as an endangered species due to overexploitation. Since new species are being investigated as potential sources, A. sylvestris emerges as a highly promising candidate owing to its abundant lignan content. This review summarizes the current knowledge on A. sylvestris, investigating its biological and morphological characteristics, and pharmacological properties. Emphasizing the biological activities and structure-activity relationship, this review underscores its therapeutic potential, thus encouraging further exploration and utilization of this valuable plant resource.

PP2A as a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer: Current insights and future perspectives

Breast cancer has become the most prevalent malignancy worldwide; however, therapeutic efficacy is far from satisfactory. To alleviate the burden of this disease, it is imperative to discover novel mechanisms and treatment strategies. Protein phosphatase 2 A (PP2A) comprises a family of mammalian serine/threonine phosphatases that regulate many cellular processes. PP2A is dysregulated in several human diseases, including oncological pathologies, and plays a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of tumours. The role of PP2A as a tumour suppressor has been extensively studied, and its regulation can serve as a target for anticancer therapy. Recent studies have shown that PP2A is a tumour promotor. PP2A-mediated anticancer therapy may involve two opposing mechanisms: activation and inhibition. In general, the contradictory roles of PP2A should not be overlooked, and more work is needed to determine the molecular mechanism by which PP2A affects in tumours. In this review, the literature on the role of PP2A in tumours, especially in breast cancer, was analysed. This review describes relevant targets of breast cancer, such as cell cycle control, DNA damage responses, epidermal growth factor receptor, immune modulation and cell death resistance, which may lead to effective therapeutic strategies or influence drug development in breast cancer.

3-Amide-β-carbolines block the cell cycle by targeting CDK2 and DNA in tumor cells potentially as anti-mitotic agents

β-Carboline alkaloids are natural and synthetic products with outstanding antitumor activity. C3 substituted and dimerized β-carbolines exert excellent antitumor activity. In the present research, 37 β-carboline derivatives were synthesized and characterized. Their cytotoxicity, cell cycle, apoptosis, and CDK2- and DNA-binding affinity were evaluated. β-Carboline monomer M3 and dimer D4 showed selective activity and higher cytotoxicity in tumor cells than in normal cells. Structure-activity relationships (SAR) indicated that the amide group at C3 enhanced the antitumor activity. M3 blocked the A549 (IC50 = 1.44 ± 1.10 μM) cell cycle in the S phase and inhibited A549 cell migration, while D4 blocked the HepG2 (IC50 = 2.84 ± 0.73 μM) cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase, both of which ultimately induced apoptosis. Furthermore, associations of M3 and D4 with CDK2 and DNA were proven by network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking, and western blotting. The expression level of CDK2 was downregulated in M3-treated A549 cells and D4-treated HepG2 cells. Moreover, M3 and D4 interact with DNA and CDK2 at sub-micromolar concentrations in endothermic interactions caused by entropy-driven adsorption processes, which means that the favorable entropy change (ΔS > 0) overcomes the unfavorable enthalpy change (ΔH > 0) and drives the spontaneous reaction (ΔG < 0). Overall, these results clarified the antitumor mechanisms of M3 and D4 through disrupting the cell cycle by binding DNA and CDK2, which demonstrated the potential of M3 and D4 as novel antiproliferative drugs targeting mitosis.

The two sides of chromosomal instability: drivers and brakes in cancer

Chromosomal instability (CIN) is a hallmark of cancer and is associated with tumor cell malignancy. CIN triggers a chain reaction in cells leading to chromosomal abnormalities, including deviations from the normal chromosome number or structural changes in chromosomes. CIN arises from errors in DNA replication and chromosome segregation during cell division, leading to the formation of cells with abnormal number and/or structure of chromosomes. Errors in DNA replication result from abnormal replication licensing as well as replication stress, such as double-strand breaks and stalled replication forks; meanwhile, errors in chromosome segregation stem from defects in chromosome segregation machinery, including centrosome amplification, erroneous microtubule-kinetochore attachments, spindle assembly checkpoint, or defective sister chromatids cohesion. In normal cells, CIN is deleterious and is associated with DNA damage, proteotoxic stress, metabolic alteration, cell cycle arrest, and senescence. Paradoxically, despite these negative consequences, CIN is one of the hallmarks of cancer found in over 90% of solid tumors and in blood cancers. Furthermore, CIN could endow tumors with enhanced adaptation capabilities due to increased intratumor heterogeneity, thereby facilitating adaptive resistance to therapies; however, excessive CIN could induce tumor cells death, leading to the "just-right" model for CIN in tumors. Elucidating the complex nature of CIN is crucial for understanding the dynamics of tumorigenesis and for developing effective anti-tumor treatments. This review provides an overview of causes and consequences of CIN, as well as the paradox of CIN, a phenomenon that continues to perplex researchers. Finally, this review explores the potential of CIN-based anti-tumor therapy.

Centrosomes and associated proteins in pathogenesis and treatment of breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among women worldwide. Despite significant advances in treatment, it remains one of the leading causes of female mortality. The inability to effectively treat advanced and/or treatment-resistant breast cancer demonstrates the need to develop novel treatment strategies and targeted therapies. Centrosomes and their associated proteins have been shown to play key roles in the pathogenesis of breast cancer and thus represent promising targets for drug and biomarker development. Centrosomes are fundamental cellular structures in the mammalian cell that are responsible for error-free execution of cell division. Centrosome amplification and aberrant expression of its associated proteins such as Polo-like kinases (PLKs), Aurora kinases (AURKs) and Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) have been observed in various cancers, including breast cancer. These aberrations in breast cancer are thought to cause improper chromosomal segregation during mitosis, leading to chromosomal instability and uncontrolled cell division, allowing cancer cells to acquire new genetic changes that result in evasion of cell death and the promotion of tumor formation. Various chemical compounds developed against PLKs and AURKs have shown meaningful antitumorigenic effects in breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The mechanism of action of these inhibitors is likely related to exacerbation of numerical genomic instability, such as aneuploidy or polyploidy. Furthermore, growing evidence demonstrates enhanced antitumorigenic effects when inhibitors specific to centrosome-associated proteins are used in combination with either radiation or chemotherapy drugs in breast cancer. This review focuses on the current knowledge regarding the roles of centrosome and centrosome-associated proteins in breast cancer pathogenesis and their utility as novel targets for breast cancer treatment.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 1H-pyrrolo[3,2-g]isoquinolines

A structure-activity relationship study performed on 1H-pyrrolo[3,2-g]isoquinoline scaffold identified new haspin inhibitors with nanomolar potencies and selectivity indices (SI) over 6 (inhibitory potency evaluated against 8 protein kinases). Compound 22 was the most active of the series (haspin IC50 = 76 nM). Cellular evaluation of 22 confirmed its activity for endogenous haspin in U-2 OS cells and its anti-proliferative activity against various cell lines. In addition, the binding mode of analog 22 in complex with haspin was determined by X-ray crystallography.

A whole-genome CRISPR screen identifies the spindle accessory checkpoint as a locus of nab-paclitaxel resistance in pancreatic cancer cells

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is one of the most aggressive and lethal forms of cancer. Chemotherapy is the primary treatment for pancreatic cancer, but resistance to the drugs used remains a major challenge. A genome-wide CRISPR interference and knockout screen in the PANC-1 cell line with the drug nab-paclitaxel has identified a group of spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) genes that enhance survival in nab-paclitaxel. Knockdown of these SAC genes (BUB1B, BUB3, and TTK) attenuates paclitaxel-induced cell death. Cells treated with the small molecule inhibitors BAY 1217389 or MPI 0479605, targeting the threonine tyrosine kinase (TTK), also enhance survival in paclitaxel. Overexpression of these SAC genes does not affect sensitivity to paclitaxel. These discoveries have helped to elucidate the mechanisms behind paclitaxel cytotoxicity. The outcomes of this investigation may pave the way for a deeper comprehension of the diverse responses of pancreatic cancer to therapies including paclitaxel. Additionally, they could facilitate the formulation of novel treatment approaches for pancreatic cancer.

Identification of potential regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic targets for lung cancer

Lung cancer poses a significant health threat globally, especially in regions like India, with 5-year survival rates remain alarmingly low. Our study aimed to uncover key markers for effective treatment and early detection. We identified specific genes related to lung cancer using the BioXpress database and delved into their roles through DAVID enrichment analysis. By employing network theory, we explored the intricate interactions within lung cancer networks, identifying ASPM and MKI67 as crucial regulator genes. Predictions of microRNA and transcription factor interactions provided additional insights. Examining gene expression patterns using GEPIA and KM Plotter revealed the clinical relevance of these key genes. In our pursuit of targeted therapies, Drug Bank pointed to methotrexate as a potential drug for the identified key regulator genes. Confirming this, molecular docking studies through Swiss Dock showed promising binding interactions. To ensure stability, we conducted molecular dynamics simulations using the AMBER 16 suite. In summary, our study pinpoints ASPM and MKI67 as vital regulators in lung cancer networks. The identification of hub genes and functional pathways enhances our understanding of molecular processes, offering potential therapeutic targets. Importantly, methotrexate emerged as a promising drug candidate, supported by robust docking and simulation studies. These findings lay a solid foundation for further experimental validations and hold promise for advancing personalized therapeutic strategies in lung cancer.

Discovery of a potent and selective covalent threonine tyrosine kinase (TTK) inhibitor

Threonine tyrosine kinase (TTK) is a critical component of the spindle assembly checkpoint and plays a pivotal role in mitosis. TTK has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for human cancers. Here, we describe our design, synthesis and evaluation of a class of covalent TTK inhibitors, exemplified by 16 (SYL1073). Compound 16 potently inhibits TTK kinase with an IC50 of 0.016 μM and displays improved selectivity in a panel of kinases. Mass spectrometry analysis reveals that 16 covalently binds to the C604 cysteine residue in the hinge region of the TTK kinase domain. Furthermore, 16 achieves strong potency in inhibiting the growth of various human cancer cell lines, outperforming its relative reversible inhibitor, and eliciting robust downstream effects. Taken together, compound 16 provides a valuable lead compound for further optimization toward the development of drug for treatment of human cancers.

The impact of the BCR-ABL oncogene in the pathology and treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is characterized by chromosomal aberrations involving the fusion of the BCR and ABL genes on chromosome 22, resulting from a reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22. This fusion gives rise to the oncogenic BCR-ABL, an aberrant tyrosine kinase identified as Abl protein. The Abl protein intricately regulates the cell cycle by phosphorylating protein tyrosine residues through diverse signaling pathways. In CML, the BCR-ABL fusion protein disrupts the first exon of Abl, leading to sustained activation of tyrosine kinase and resistance to deactivation mechanisms. Pharmacological interventions, such as imatinib, effectively target BCR-ABL's tyrosine kinase activity by binding near the active site, disrupting ATP binding, and inhibiting downstream protein phosphorylation. Nevertheless, the emergence of resistance, often attributed to cap structure mutations, poses a challenge to imatinib efficacy. Current research endeavours are directed towards overcoming resistance and investigating innovative therapeutic strategies. This article offers a comprehensive analysis of the structural attributes of BCR-ABL, emphasizing its pivotal role as a biomarker and therapeutic target in CML. It underscores the imperative for ongoing research to refine treatment modalities and enhance overall outcomes in managing CML.

TTK inhibition activates STING signal and promotes anti-PD1 immunotherapy in breast cancer

Despite progress in the application of checkpoint immunotherapy against various tumors, attempts to utilize immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) agents in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) have yielded limited clinical benefits. The low overall response rate of checkpoint immunotherapy in TNBC may be attributed to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). In this study, we investigated the role of mitogen-associated kinase TTK in reprogramming immune microenvironment in TNBC. Notably, TTK inhibition by BAY-1217389 induced DNA damage and the formation of micronuclei containing dsDNA in the cytosol, resulting in elicition of STING signal pathway and promoted antitumor immunity via the infiltration and activation of CD8+ T cells. Moreover, TTK inhibition also upregulated the expression of PD-L1, demonstrating a synergistic effect with anti-PD1 therapy in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. Taken together, TTK inhibition facilitated anti-tumor immunity mediated by T cells and enhanced sensitivity to PD-1 blockade, providing a rationale for the combining TTK inhibitors with immune checkpoint blockade in clinical trials.

mTOR inhibitor introduce disitamab vedotin (RC48-ADC) rechallenge microtubule-chemotherapy resistance in HER2-low MBC patients with PI3K mutation

This study aimed to explore the efficacy and potential mechanisms of rechallenge therapy with microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs) in patients with HER2-low metastatic breast cancer (MBC). We performed a systematic review to investigate the rechallenge treatment concept in the field of HER2-low MBC treatment and utilized a series of cases identified in the literature to illustrate the concept. Here we reported two clinical cases of HER2-low MBC patients whose disease progressed after prior treatment with MTAs such as docetaxel and vincristine. When rechallenged with disitamab vedotin ((RC48-antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), a monomethyl auristatin (MMAE) MTA)), both patients achieved a partial response and the final progression-free survival (PFS) was 13.5 and 9 months, respectively. Genomic profiling detected a PIK3CA H1047R mutation in the patients. The patients were treated with everolimus before being rechallenged with RC48, which may lead to a better response. This study further summarizes and analyzes the potential mechanism of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway in MTA resistance and reveals that the PIK3CA H1047R mutation may be a potential molecular marker for the efficacy prediction of mTOR inhibitors, providing new insights and potential therapeutic strategies for the application of MTAs to MBC patients.

Preparation of biogenic silver chloride nanoparticles from microalgae Spirulina Platensis extract: anticancer properties in MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Breast carcinoma is the second leading cause of cancer related-deaths among women. Given its high incidence and mortality rates, searching for innovative treatments represents a formidable challenge within the medical and pharmaceutical industries. This study delves into the preparation, characterization, and anticancer properties of silver chloride nanoparticles (AgCLNPs) as a novel therapeutic approach for breast cancer cells, employing a biological synthesis method.

METHODS

This investigation, utilized spirulina platensis extract to synthesize silver chloride nanoparticles (AgCLNPs-SP). The formation, size, and structure of the nanoparticles were characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray crystallography (XRD), and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Additionally, the apoptotic and anticancer properties of AgCLNPs-SP were thoroughly examined.

RESULTS

The results, revealed AgCLNPs-SP to exhibit a spherical, morphology with a size range of 40-70 nm, primarily silver and chlorine. The dose-dependent response of AgCLNP-SP against MDA-MB231 cells was ascertained using the MTT Assay, with an IC50 value of 34 µg/mL. Furthermore, the Annexin V-FITC/ PI apoptosis assay demonstrated a significant proportion of early apoptosis (43.67%) in MDA-MB231 cells. This apoptosis process was substantiated by up-regulation in mRNA expression levels of P53, CAD, and Bax genes, alongside a down-regulation of the of bcl2 gene expression. Additionally, an augmented production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell cycle analysis, Hoechst staining assay, and evaluated levels of Caspase - 3, -8 and - 9 were observed in AgCLNPs-SP-treated MDA_MB231 cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the results suggest that AgCLNPs-SP may be a promising agent for treating breast cancer.

Cell death classification: A new insight based on molecular mechanisms

Cells tend to disintegrate themselves or are forced to undergo such destructive processes in critical circumstances. This complex cellular function necessitates various mechanisms and molecular pathways in order to be executed. The very nature of cell death is essentially important and vital for maintaining homeostasis, thus any type of disturbing occurrence might lead to different sorts of diseases and dysfunctions. Cell death has various modalities and yet, every now and then, a new type of this elegant procedure gets to be discovered. The diversity of cell death compels the need for a universal organizing system in order to facilitate further studies, therapeutic strategies and the invention of new methods of research. Considering all that, we attempted to review most of the known cell death mechanisms and sort them all into one arranging system that operates under a simple but subtle decision-making (If \ Else) order as a sorting algorithm, in which it decides to place and sort an input data (a type of cell death) into its proper set, then a subset and finally a group of cell death. By proposing this algorithm, the authors hope it may solve the problems regarding newer and/or undiscovered types of cell death and facilitate research and therapeutic applications of cell death.

The Aurora kinase inhibitor AT9283 inhibits Burkitt lymphoma growth by regulating Warburg effect

Objective

To investigate the effect of the kinase inhibitor AT9283 on Burkitt lymphoma (BL) cells and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

The effect of AT9283 on the proliferation of BL cell lines was tested using the MTT assay. Apoptosis and cell cycle were measured by flow cytometry. The proteins associated with the cell cycle, apoptosis, and the Warburg effect were detected using Western blotting. Alterations in glycolytic metabolism in terms of glucose intake and lactate concentrations were determined by glucose and lactate assays.

Results

The current study utilized the GEPIA, the Human Protein Atlas (HAP) database and immunohistochemistry to conduct analyses, which revealed a high expression of Aurora kinases and Warburg effect-related proteins in malignant B-cell lymphoma tissues. AT9283 significantly inhibited the cell proliferation of BL cells and induced G2/M arrest. Additionally, AT9283 induced apoptosis in BL cells and reversed the Warburg effect by increasing glucose uptake and reducing lactate production. Moreover, the protein expression of hexokinase 2, pyruvate kinase M2, and lactate dehydrogenase A was significantly suppressed by AT9283, possibly through the inhibition of c-Myc and HIF-1α protein expression.

Conclusion

The reversal of the Warburg effect in BL cells and the subsequent inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis were observed by targeting Aurora A and Aurora B with AT9283. This finding may present new therapeutic options and targets for BL.