STAT3-EMT axis in tumors: Modulation of cancer metastasis, stemness and therapy response

Acquired resistance to vemurafenib restrains thyroid cancer stem cell self-renewal by suppressing STAT3 activation

Vemurafenib (PLX4032) is a B-Raf kinase-specific inhibitor that has been approved for treating BRAF-mutated melanoma but is ineffective in treating thyroid cancer. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play an important role in drug resistance (DR). Our present study aims to determine the status of CSCs in thyroid cancer cells that have acquired adaptive drug resistance to PLX4032. We first established a DR anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) cell line by culturing SW1736 cells in the media containing gradually increasing concentrations of PLX4032 (0.1-4 μM) for 6 months. We found that HER3, a member of the ErbB/HER receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family, and its downstream MAPK and PI3K pathways are highly activated in DR cells due to increased expression of Yes-associated protein (YAP), a key transcription factor in the Hippo signaling pathway. DR cells can readily proliferate in the presence of PLX4032 (4 μM). However, DR cells express lower levels of the stemness-related genes including Gli1, BMI1, and SOX2, form fewer thyrosphere, and contain fewer aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)-positive cells than parent naïve (PN) cells. DR cells also fail to form tumor xenografts in immunodeficient mice. Mechanistically, constitutive ERK activation in DR cells results in the increased expression of SOCS3 (Suppressor Of Cytokine Signaling 3 expression) and the suppression of STAT3 activation. STAT3 knockout and Ruxolitinib (Rux), a specific inhibitor of Janus kinases (JAK), inhibit the expression of the stemness-related genes. In contrast, STAT3 overexpression increases stemness-related gene expression. Our study suggests that thyroid cancer cells adapted to PLX4032 have limited self-renewal capacity due to impaired STAT3 activation and decreased expression of the stemness-related genes.

MTHFD2: A metabolic checkpoint altering trophoblast invasion and migration by remodeling folate-nucleotide metabolism in recurrent spontaneous abortion

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) affects female reproduction worldwide, yet its pathological mechanisms are still unclear. It has been reported that cellular metabolism reprogramming is a critical step for trophoblasts during embryo implantation. Herein, MTHFD2 was recognized as a key metabolic checkpoint attributed to RSA occurrence. This work figured out that the expression level of MTHFD2 was significantly inhibited in villus tissues from RSA patients, suggesting the potential role of MTHFD2 in RSA occurrence. Moreover, MTHFD2 knockdown impaired cellular folate-nucleotide metabolism, induced the accumulation of AICAR, and thereby impairing the EMT process to inhibit the invasion and migration of trophoblasts Besides, the AICAR accumulation further activated the downstream AMPK which deactivated the JAK/STAT/Slug pathway and ultimately deactivated the EMT process. Using a mouse model, MTHFD2 inhibition was observed to induce embryo implantation failure in vivo. Our results highlighted MTHFD2 as a metabolic checkpoint that remodeled folate-nucleotide metabolism to regulate the EMT process and ultimately altered the migration and invasion of trophoblasts in RSA occurrence. Our findings suggested that MTHFD2 was a promising therapeutic target in recurrent spontaneous abortion treatment.

Przewaquinone A, as a natural STAT3 inhibitor, suppresses the growth of melanoma cells and induces autophagy

BACKGROUND

Melanoma is a deadly malignant skin cancer with common risk factors including prolonged ultraviolet exposure. Understanding the mechanisms of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3) signaling and discovering inhibitors of STAT3 signaling are considered promising melanoma treatments for melanoma. Przewaquinone A (PrA), a lipophilic diterpene quinone isolated from Salvia przewalskii Maxim. var. mandarinorum (Diels) Stib, has been shown to have neuro-protective properties. Nevertheless, it remains unclear how PrA functions in the anti-melanoma process.

PURPOSE

Herein, the aim was to investigate the suppressive action of PrA on melanoma growth and metastasis as well as the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

The in vitro proliferation ratio, cell migration, cell invasion, cell cycle and cell apoptosis were determined using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, wound-healing, transwell assays, flow cytometry and western blotting, respectively. The amount of STAT3 signaling-related proteins was determined using western blotting and immunofluorescence. The interaction between PrA and STAT3 was assessed using conducted by molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD), surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA). Autophagic fluxautophagic flux in melanoma cells was determined using the RFP-GFP-LC3 double-staining method. The STAT3C plasmid was used to overexpress STAT3 and investigate its role in the anti-melanoma action of PrA . The action of PrA on melanoma growth was validated in vivo.

RESULTS

PrA reduced cell proliferation, caused cell cycle arrest, and increased cell apoptosis, and inhibited cell migration and invasion. Additionally, PrA inhibited Src/STAT3 signaling and decreased the amount of STAT3 in the nucleus. We further confirmed that STAT3 was a direct target of PrA using molecular docking, MD, SPRi assay and CETSA. Additionally, STAT3 overexpression partially blocked the anti-melanoma effects of PrA. PrA induced autophagy in melanoma cells via STAT3 signaling. Moreover, combination with the autophagy inhibitors CQ (chloroquine) or 3MA (3-methyladenine) enhanced its anti-melanoma effects. PrA inhibited tumor growth and suppressed STAT3 signaling in vivo.

CONCLUSION

These findings collectively demonstrated that PrA inhibits the growth and metastasis of melanoma cells and induces protective autophagy of melanoma cells by inhibiting STAT3 signaling. Therefore, PrA may be a viable candidate for the treatment of melanoma and the results of this study may help to guide the development of new therapeutic approaches for patients with melanoma.

miR-660: A novel regulator in human cancer pathogenesis and therapeutic implications

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression. Among these, miR-660, located on chromosome Xp11.23, is increasingly studied for its role in cancer due to its abnormal expression in various biological contexts. It is regulated by 8 competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), which adds complexity to its function. miR- 660 targets 19 genes involved in 6 pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, STAT3, Wnt/β-catenin, p53, NF‑κB, and RAS, influencing cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion/migration. It also plays a role in resistance to chemotherapies like cisplatin, gemcitabine, and sorafenib in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), thus highlighting its clinical importance. Additionally, leveraging liposomes as nanocarriers presents a promising avenue for enhancing cancer drug delivery. Our comprehensive study not only elucidates the aberrant expression patterns, biological functions, and regulatory networks of miR-660 and its ceRNAs but also delves into the intricate signaling pathways implicated. We envisage that our findings will furnish a robust framework and serve as a seminal reference for future investigations of miR-660, fostering advancements in cancer research and potentially catalyzing breakthroughs in cancer diagnosis and treatment paradigms.

Norcantharidin promotes M1 macrophage polarization and suppresses colorectal cancer growth

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is characterized by an immunosuppressive and inflammatory microenvironment, thus responds poorly to therapy. Previous studies show that norcantharidin (NCTD), a demethylated cantharidin (CTD) derived from Mylabris, exerts high efficacy in treating various cancers. In this study we investigated the antitumor effects of NCTD against CRC and the underlying mechanisms. Subcutaneous CRC models were established in balb/c mice using mouse colorectal cancer cell line CT26 and in balb/c nude mice using human colorectal cancer cell line HCT116. The mice were administered NCTD (2 or 4 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.p.) for 14 days. We showed that NCTD dose-dependently reduced the tumor growth in both the CRC models. Furthermore, NCTD markedly increased M1 macrophage infiltration in tumor tissue in both the CRC models. NCTD-induced macrophage M1 polarization was confirmed by flow cytometry and qPCR assays in both THP-1 cell-derived and RAW264.7 macrophage models in vitro. We demonstrated that NCTD (20, 40 μM) dose-dependently increased CSF2 secretion from CRC cells and macrophages, and suppressed the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in CRC cells. Concurrently, NCTD (10-40 μM) dose-dependently inhibited CRC cell proliferation, invasion and migration in vitro. In conclusion, this study provides new evidence for the effects of NCTD against CRC and elucidates its antitumor mechanisms through remodeling the inflammatory microenvironment via CSF2-mediated macrophage M1 polarization and inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation in CRC cells.

Cytoplasmic HMGB1 promotes the activation of JAK2-STAT3 signaling and PD-L1 expression in breast cancer

BACKGROUND

High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) plays various roles depending on its subcellular localization. Extracellular HMGB1 interacts with receptors, such as toll-like receptor 4 and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), promoting cell proliferation, survival, and migration in cancer cells. It also increases the expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in cancer cells by binding to RAGE. However, the effect of intracellular HMGB1 on the regulation of immune checkpoints such as PD-L1 has not been well characterized. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of intracellular HMGB1 on PD-L1 expression in breast cancer cells.

METHODS

Human and mouse triple-negative breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231 and 4T1, along with HMGB1-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblast cells, were cultured. HMGB1 overexpression was achieved using a Myc-tagged plasmid, while siHMGB1 constructs were used for gene silencing. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR and western blot analysis were performed to assess gene and protein expressions. Confocal imaging, immunoprecipitation, and proximity ligation assays were used to investigate HMGB1 localization and Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) interactions. In vivo experiments were performed using tumor-bearing mice treated with STAT3 and HMGB1 inhibitors. Statistical analyses were performed using Student's t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, with significance set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

In breast cancer cells, HMGB1 translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm increased the JAK2-STAT3 interaction and induced STAT3 phosphorylation, leading to increased STAT3 target signaling, including the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype and PD-L1 expression. Inhibition of nucleo-cytoplasmic translocation of HMGB1 decreased STAT3 phosphorylation and PD-L1 expression. Furthermore, HMGB1 enhanced breast cancer cell migration, invasion, and EMT, contributing to tumor growth in an in vivo mouse model that were mitigated by the HMGB1-targeted approach.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings underscore the critical role of intracellular HMGB1 in modulating PD-L1 expression via the JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathways in breast cancer and suggest that targeting HMGB1 translocation is a promising strategy for breast cancer treatment.

Effects of SB939 are mediated by STAT3 to inhibit breast cancer cell metastasis-related genes

The histone deacetylase inhibitor pracinostat (SB939) may inhibit metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer by downregulating fibronectin (FN1) expression through the STAT3 signaling pathway. SB939 exhibits low cytotoxicity and is a potential targeted agent against breast cancer. The present study investigated the value of STAT3 and FN1 as breast cancer treatment targets and integrated cancer databases and bioinformatics tools to evaluate the effect of SB939 on breast cancer metastasis. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis, Gene Expression Database of Normal and Tumor Tissues 2, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Cancer data analysis portal, GeneMANIA, Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins, LinkedOmics and Tumor Immune Estimation Resource databases were used in the present study. SB939 inhibited enrichment of the STAT3 pathway and decreased the expression of FN1. FN1 and STAT3 expression was markedly higher in breast cancer tissues compared with normal tissues. Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated that increased expression of STAT3 and FN1 was associated with low survival in patients with breast cancer with overall, recurrence-free and disease-specific survival and FN1 having the strongest association with MMP2, which facilitating extracellular matrix degradation and metastatic niche formation. Furthermore, MMP2 exhibits crosstalk STAT3 to induce metastasis of breast cancer cells. To conclude, SB939 may be used as a small molecule compound for the clinical treatment of breast cancer.

SETD5 facilitates stemness and represses ferroptosis via m6A-mediating PKM2 stabilization in non-small cell lung cancer

SETD5, an atypical member of the histone lysine methyltransferase family known for its association with cancer stemness, is a significant predictor of unfavorable survival outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the function of SETD5 in NSCLC stemness remains unclear, and whether it is an active H3K36me3 is controversial. Consequently, further investigation is required to clarify the pivotal role of SETD5 in NSCLC stemness and its related mechanism. Thus, this study employed the NSCLC tissue microarray and bioinformatics tools to analyze SETD5 expression and determine its effect on stemness and investigated the role of SETD5 in the metastasis of NSCLC using in vitro and in vivo analyses. The findings indicated high SETD5 expression in embryonic and NSCLC tissues, which was related to the pathological tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, and clinical stage, indicating that SETD5 could be used as a biomarker and prognostic factor in NSCLC. In addition, we found that SETD5 can promote glycolysis, thereby inhibiting ferroptosis and promoting the stemness of NSCLC, causing tumor metastasis and adverse prognosis in patients. In terms of mechanism, SETD5 as H3K36me3 facilitates the m6A modification of METTL14 and the recruitment of YTHDF1 and mediates PKM2 nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of p-PKM2 Tyr105, regulating GPX4 mediated ferroptosis resistance and SOX9 mediated stemness in NSCLC. The findings emphasize that SETD5 may serve as a promising indicator of stemness in NSCLC, which can help develop therapeutic targets for NSCLC and prognostic evaluation. This study provides evidence that SETD5 as H3K36me3 facilitates the m6A modification of METTL14 and the recruitment of YTHDF1 and mediates the nuclear translocation of PKM2, regulating GPX4 mediated ferroptosis resistance and SOX9 mediated stemness, causing tumor metastasis and adverse prognosis in patients.

Role of FHOD1 in tumor cells and tumor immune microenvironment

FHOD 1 (Formin homology 2 domain containing protein 1) is a member of Diaphanous-related formins (DRFs) which contains a GTP-binding domain (GBD), formin homology (FH) 1 and FH 2 domains, a coiled-coil, and a diaphanous-like autoregulatory domain. Studies have shown that FHOD1 can not only regulate intracellular signals in tumor cells but also regulate various components of the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as T cells, B cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), some cytokines. Aberrant expression and dysfunction of the FHOD1 protein play a key role in tumor immunosuppression. Specifically, FHOD1 can impair function of chemokine receptors that are supposed to direct immune cells to localize to the tumor site accurately. As a result of this impairment, immune cells cannot migrate efficiently into TME, thereby impairing their ability to attack tumor cells. In addition, FHOD1 activated signaling pathways within the immune cells abnormally, resulting in their inability to recognize and destroy tumor cells effectively. Therefore, FHOD1 ultimately leads to a state of immunosuppression in TME, providing favorable conditions for the growth and spread of tumor cells. Altogether this review provides an in-depth understanding of the role of FHOD1 in tumor immunosuppression.

Structural optimization and characterization of highly potent and selective STAT3 inhibitors for the treatment of triple negative breast cancer

Effective targeted treatments for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which has the worst prognosis among various types of breast cancer, are lacking owing to its clinical heterogeneity and malignant nature. STAT3, a key transcription factor, regulates multiple physiological functions. Aberrant activation of STAT3 plays a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of TNBC and is closely associated with a poor prognosis. Therefore, targeting STAT3 is a promising potential therapeutic approach for TNBC. In this study, we further optimized the core structure of 6f, which our research group previously identified as a STAT3 inhibitor and treatment for osteosarcoma, to identify additional potential STAT3 inhibitors for TNBC treatment. We identified WR-S-462 as a high-binding affinity inhibitor of STAT3 that effectively suppresses its phosphorylation and biological functions in vitro. Notably, WR-S-462 significantly inhibits TNBC growth and metastasis in a dose-dependent manner, providing robust evidence for its potential as a clinical intervention for TNBC.

SGK3 promotes estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer proliferation by activating STAT3/ZMIZ2 pathway to stabilise β-catenin

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Breast cancer is a leading threat to women's health, with approximately 70% of cases being estrogen receptor-positive. SGK3 is regulated by estrogen and is positively associated with estrogen receptor expression, although its molecular role remains unclear.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Proteomics was used to identify SGK3's downstream targets. Tissue microarray immunofluorescence evaluated SGK3 and ZMIZ2 expression in ER+ breast cancer. Lentiviral-mediated knockdown and overexpression of SGK3 and/or ZMIZ2 assessed their effects on cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analyzed p-STAT3 binding to the ZMIZ2 promoter, and Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) examined ZMIZ2-β-catenin interaction.

KEY RESULTS

SGK3 expression was elevated in breast tumour tissues correlating with reduced patient survival. Proteomic analysis identified ZMIZ2 as a downstream target of SGK3. Overexpression of SGK3 promoted the proliferation of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer in MCF-7 and T47D cells. Inhibition had the opposite effects. ZMIZ2 overexpression rescued the proliferation deficit in SGK3 knockdown cells. ZMIZ2 was found to bind and stabilises β-catenin. Knockdown of SGK3 led to β-catenin degradation via polyubiquitination, a process reversed by ZMIZ2 overexpression. STAT3 was identified as a downstream effector of SGK3 and its knockdown reduced cytoplasmic and nuclear p-STAT3 and STAT3, and inhibited ZMIZ2 and β-catenin expression. Celastrol suppressed estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cell proliferation by inhibiting the SGK3/STAT3/ZMIZ2/β-catenin pathway.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

SGK3 expression is associated with poorer survival rates, thus SGK3 is a potential therapeutic target. As celastrol can inhibit SGK3 expression it could be an effective therapeutic agent.

STAT3 Signaling Pathway in Health and Disease

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a critical transcription factor involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes. While STAT3 plays an essential role in homeostasis, its persistent activation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, particularly cancer, bone-related diseases, autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative conditions. The interleukin-6/Janus kinase (JAK)/STAT3 signaling axis is central to STAT3 activation, influencing tumor microenvironment remodeling, angiogenesis, immune evasion, and therapy resistance. Despite extensive research, the precise mechanisms underlying dysregulated STAT3 signaling in disease progression remain incompletely understood, and no United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA)-approved direct STAT3 inhibitors currently exist. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of STAT3's role in health and disease, emphasizing its involvement in cancer stem cell maintenance, metastasis, inflammation, and drug resistance. We systematically discuss therapeutic strategies, including JAK inhibitors (tofacitinib, ruxolitinib), Src Homology 2 domain inhibitors (S3I-201, STATTIC), antisense oligonucleotides (AZD9150), and nanomedicine-based drug delivery systems, which enhance specificity and bioavailability while reducing toxicity. By integrating molecular mechanisms, disease pathology, and emerging therapeutic interventions, this review fills a critical knowledge gap in STAT3-targeted therapy. Our insights into STAT3 signaling crosstalk, epigenetic regulation, and resistance mechanisms offer a foundation for developing next-generation STAT3 inhibitors with greater clinical efficacy and translational potential.

ZEB1 expression in Th17 cells correlated with p-STAT3 in human apical periodontitis

BACKGROUND

ZEB1, a zinc-finger E homeobox-binding transcription factor most frequently associated with developmental programs linked to epithelial-mesenchymal transition, has been demonstrated to regulate immune cell function. The study aimed to investigate the expression pattern of ZEB1 in Th17 cells and its colocalization with p-STAT3 in human apical periodontitis lesions.

METHODS

Thirty-nine human periapical tissues were collected for ex vivo study, including periapical granulomas (PGs, n = 14), radicular cysts (RCs, n = 12), and healthy control tissues (control group, n = 13). Inflammatory infiltration of the lesions was assessed using hematoxylin-eosin staining. The expression of ZEB1 was detected and analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The localization of ZEB1 in Th17 cells and its colocalization with p-STAT3 were assessed using fluorescence colocalization.

RESULTS

ZEB1 expression was significantly higher in PGs and RCs than in the healthy control group; however no significant difference between the two groups was observed. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that ZEB1 expression was correlated with IL17 and CD4 double-positive cells in human periapical lesions. ZEB1/ p-STAT3 double-positive cells were predominant in RCs and PGs than in the healthy control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of ZEB1 was significantly elevated in PGs and RCs, and correlated with Th17 cells and p-STAT3 expression. This study revealed that ZEB1 is a potential player correlated with STAT3 activation and Th17 cells in apical periodontitis pathogenesis.

TRIM44 facilitates aggressive behaviors in multiple myeloma through promoting ZEB1 deubiquitination

BACKGROUND

Tripartite motif-containing 44 (TRIM44) involves in various tumor development. This study investigated role of TRIM44 in multiple myeloma (MM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

TRIM44 levels in bone marrow tissues and MM cell lines was detected by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). Cell viability, migration, and invasion of MM cells were evaluated under the interference of TRIM44 expression. The role of TRIM44 on regulating tumor growth in vivo was also investigated in subcutaneous tumor xenograft models. The protein interact between TRIM44 and Zinc Finger E-Box Binding Homeobox 1 (ZEB1) was also studied according IP followed by western blotting assay.

RESULTS

TRIM44 was all highly expressed in collected bone marrow tissues and MM cell lines. Cell viability, migration, and invasion of MM cells with low expression of TRIM44 was significantly inhibited. Over-expression of TRIM44 can down-regulate the ZEB1 ubiquitination to enhance the protein stability.

CONCLUSIONS

TRIM44 exerts as an oncogenic factor to induce the oncogenesis of MM by stabilizing ZEB1.

p53-regulated SESN1 and SESN2 regulate cell proliferation and cell death through control of STAT3

Sestrin1 and Sestrin2 (SESN1&2) are evolutionarily conserved, stress-responsive proteins that regulate cell growth and viability. The primary target of Sestrins is the mTORC1 protein kinase, an activator of anabolic processes and an autophagy inhibitor. Our previous studies showed that inactivating SESN1&2 in lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells accelerates cell proliferation and confers resistance to cell death without affecting mTORC1 activity, suggesting that SESN1&2 modulate cellular processes via mTORC1-independent mechanisms. This work describes a new mechanism through which SESN1&2 regulate cell proliferation and death by suppressing the STAT3 transcription factor. Normally activated in response to stress and inflammation, STAT3 is frequently overactivated in human cancers. This overactivation promotes the expression of pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic genes that drive carcinogenesis. We demonstrate that SESN1&2 inactivation stimulates STAT3 by downregulating the PTPRD phosphatase, a protein responsible for STAT3 dephosphorylation. Our study demonstrates that SESN1&2 deficiency may cause STAT3 activation and facilitate carcinogenesis and drug resistance, making SESN1&2 reactivation a potential cancer treatment strategy.

The transcription factor STAT3 and aging: an intermediate medium

Aging is a physiological/pathological process accompanied by progressive impairment of cellular function, leading to a variety of aging-related diseases. STAT3 is one of the core regulatory factors of aging. It is involved in body metabolism, development and senescence, cell apoptosis and so on. During the aging process, the changes of growth factors and cytokines will cause the activation of STAT3 to varying degrees, regulate the inflammatory pathways related to aging, regulate body inflammation, mitochondrial function, cell aging and autophagy to regulate and influence the aging process. Drugs targeting STAT3 can treat senescence related diseases. This review summarizes the role of STAT3 signaling factors in the pathogenesis of aging, including mitochondrial function, cellular senescence, autophagy, and chronic inflammation mediated by inflammatory pathways. Finally, the key regulatory role of STAT3 in senescence related diseases is emphasized. In summary, we reveal that drug development and clinical application targeting STAT3 is one of the key points in delaying aging and treating aging-related diseases in the future.

Long Non-Coding RNAs: Key Regulators of Tumor Epithelial/Mesenchymal Plasticity and Cancer Stemness

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNA molecules with transcripts longer than 200 bp, which were initially thought to be noise from genomic transcription without biological function. However, since the discovery of H19 in 1980 and Xist in 1990, increasing evidence has shown that lncRNAs regulate gene expression at epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional levels through specific regulatory actions and are involved in the development of cancer and other diseases. Despite many lncRNAs being expressed at lower levels than those of protein-coding genes with less sequence conservation across species, lncRNAs have become an intense area of RNA research. They exert diverse biological functions such as inducing chromatin remodeling, recruiting transcriptional machinery, acting as competitive endogenous RNAs for microRNAs, and modulating protein-protein interactions. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a developmental process, associated with embryonic development, wound healing, and cancer progression. In the context of oncogenesis, the EMT program is transiently activated and confers migratory/invasive and cancer stem cell (CSC) properties to tumor cells, which are crucial for malignant progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Accumulating evidence has revealed that lncRNAs play crucial roles in the regulation of tumor epithelial/mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) and cancer stemness. Here, we summarize the emerging roles and molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs in regulating tumor cell EMP and their effects on tumor initiation and progression through regulation of CSCs. We also discuss the potential of lncRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Yiqi Huayu Jiedu formula inhibits JAK2/STAT3-mediated partial EMT in treating chronic atrophic gastritis

BACKGROUND

Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is a precursor to gastric cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite current therapeutic strategies, preventing the transition from gastritis to cancer remains a challenge. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), particularly the Yiqi-Huayu-Jiedu (YQHYJD) formula, have exhibited promising results in CAG management. However, the pharmacological underpinnings of this formula remain elusive.

PURPOSE

The study aimed to elucidate the pharmacological mechanisms of the YQHYJD formula in treating CAG and its role in inhibiting the progression to gastric cancer through the modulation of the "inflammation-cancer" sequence.

METHODS

Mass spectrometric analysis of YQHYJD formula-containing serum was conducted to determine the active compounds involved in CAG treatment. A CAG rat model was induced using a combination of deoxycholic acid and ammonia, while a gastric precancerous lesion cell model was generated by exposing GES-1 cells to deoxycholic acid. Both models were treated with varying concentrations of the YQHYJD formula to assess its effects of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway.

RESULTS

Mass spectrometry analysis identified 80 active compounds in the YQHYJD formula, including quercetin. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that these active compounds may exert their therapeutic effects on CAG through various mechanisms, including the JAK/STAT signaling. Using rat and cellular models of CAG, we found that the JAK/STAT pathway is activated alongside partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (pEMT). YQHYJD treatment effectively mitigated the activation of the JAK2/STAT3 activation and pEMT. Furthermore, the therapeutic effect of the YQHYJD formula was maintained even in the presence of Colivelin or overexpressed STAT3.

CONCLUSIONS

The YQHYJD formula treats CAG by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 -mediated pEMT, thereby suppressing the gastric "inflammation-cancer" transformation. This study provides mechanistic insights into the efficacy of YQHYJD in CAG treatment and suggests new therapeutic strategies for preventing gastric cancer development.

Inhibition of id-1 reduces osteosarcoma growth and metastasis through mediation of snail

OBJECTIVE

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly invasive bone tumor that frequently metastasizes to the lungs. This study aims to investigate the role of the Id-1 gene in OS invasion and metastasis, and its relationship with the Snail gene.

METHODS

This study included tissue samples from 12 non-metastatic osteosarcomas and 9 metastatic osteosarcoma patients to examine the expression of Id-1 and Snail using RT-qPCR and analyze their correlation. In cell-based experiments, four osteosarcoma cell lines (Saos-2, U2OS, MG-63, and 143B) and the human osteoblast cell line hFOB 1.19 were cultured. The expression of Id-1 and Snail was evaluated by RT-qPCR and Western blotting.Cells were randomly divided into the Control group, sh-NC group, and sh-Id-1 group using lentiviral infection. Transwell invasion and scratch assays were used to assess cell migration and invasion. WB was employed to detect the expression of Id-1, Snail, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins (E-cadherin, vimentin, and N-cadherin) in the OS cells of each group. In animal experiments, Tumor formation in each group was evaluated by injecting cells subcutaneously into mice. An osteosarcoma lung metastasis model was established by injecting infected cells into the tibia of mice. Tumor growth and lung metastasis were observed using HE staining. The expression of Id-1, Snail, and EMT-related proteins in osteosarcoma and lung tissues from each group of mice was assessed using Western blot and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The expression of Id-1 and Snail was significantly higher in osteosarcoma tissues than in normal bone tissues, and the expression of Id-1 was positively correlated with that of Snail. In cell experiments, downregulation of Id-1 reduced Snail expression and significantly inhibited EMT, as well as the migration and invasion of OS cells (P < 0.05). In animal experiments, compared to the Control group, the sh-Id-1 group mice was no significant change in body weight, but the tumor volume was significantly reduced, and fewer lung metastatic nodules (P < 0.05). HE staining indicated decreased nuclear atypia, reduced invasion and destruction, fewer new blood vessels, and less calcification in the sh-Id-1 group tumors. Immunohistochemistry and WB results showed upregulation of E-cadherin and downregulation of vimentin, N-cadherin, Id-1, and Snail in the sh-Id-1 group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Downregulation of Id-1 inhibits the EMT process by reducing Snail expression, effectively suppressing the growth, invasion, and lung metastasis of OS.

Cyclophilin A knockdown inhibits the proliferation and metastatic ability of AGS gastric cancer stem cells by downregulating CD147/STAT3/AKT/ERK and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition

Gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) contribute to the challenging aspects of gastric cancer, such as progression, metastasis, treatment resistance and recurrence. Inhibitors targeting cyclophilin A (CypA) have shown potential in curtailing GCSC growth. Building upon this, the current study delved deeper into understanding the functional role of CypA in controlling the proliferation and metastatic capabilities of GCSCs, employing CypA‑specific small interfering RNA. The results revealed that knockdown of CypA led to significant suppression of the growth and tumorsphere‑forming capacity of GCSCs derived from AGS cells. This effect was mediated by arresting the cell cycle at the G0/G1 and S phases, and promoting apoptosis. Furthermore, silencing of CypA exerted inhibitory effects on the migration and invasion of AGS GCSCs by modulating the process of epithelial‑mesenchymal transition. Notably, the observed antiproliferative and antimetastatic effects of CypA knockdown were associated with the downregulation of critical regulators of gastric cancer stemness, such as CD44, CD133, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A1, NANOG, OCT4 and SOX2. This regulation occurred through inactivation of the CD147/STAT3/AKT/ERK signaling pathway. Additionally, CypA knockdown effectively curbed in vivo tumor growth of AGS GCSCs in a chorioallantoic membrane assay using chick embryos. These findings underscore the critical role of CypA in promoting the proliferation and metastasis of GCSCs, highlighting its potential as an effective therapeutic target for eradicating GCSCs and improving gastric cancer treatment outcomes.

PCSK5 downregulation promotes the inhibitory effect of andrographolide on glioblastoma through regulating STAT3

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 5 (PCSK5) is a member of the proprotein convertase (PC) family, which processes immature proteins into functional proteins and plays an important role in the process of cell migration and transformation. Andrographolide is a non-peptide compound with PC inhibition and antitumor activity. Our research aimed to investigate the functional role of PCSK5 downregulation combined with Andro on GBM progression. Results from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) and clinical samples revealed a significant upregulation of PCSK5 in GBM tissues than in non-tumor brain tissues. Higher expression of PCSK5 was correlated with advanced GBM stages and worse patient prognosis. PCSK5 knockdown attenuated the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like properties of GBM cells induced by IL-6. PCSK5 knockdown in combination with Andro treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation and invasion of GBM cells in vitro, as well as tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, PCSK5 downregulation reduced the expression of p-STAT3 and Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which could be rescued by the p-STAT3 agonist. STAT3 silencing downregulated the expression of MMPs without affecting PCSK5. Furthermore, Andro in combination with PCSK5 silencing significantly inhibited STAT3/MMPs axis. These observations provided evidence that PCSK5 functioned as a potential tumor promoter by regulating p-STAT3/MMPs and the combination of Andro with PCSK5 silencing might be a good strategy to prevent GBM progression.

Inhibition of Colorectal Cancer Metastasis by Total Flavones of Abelmoschus manihot via LncRNA AL137782-mediated STAT3/EMT Pathway Regulation

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks among the most lethal malignancies globally, particularly following metastasis which results in poor prognosis. In recent years, CRC incidence in China has persistently increased. Total flavonoids (TFA) from Abelmoschus manihot, a natural compound, are recognized for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. However, despite extensive research into the therapeutic potential of TFA, coverage of its role in cancer treatment is notably lacking. To address this research void, our study aims to unveil the role and potential mechanisms of TFA in treating CRC.

METHODS

We conducted a series of experiments to assess the impact of TFA on CRC cells. Two specific CRC cell lines, DLD-1 and HCT116, were employed in cell proliferation, colony formation, flow cytometry, and cell migration assays. Additionally, to test the in vivo effects of TFA, we developed a nude mouse xenograft tumor model to assess TFA's impact on tumor growth and liver metastasis. Furthermore, we meticulously analyzed the gene expression differences between CRC cells pretreated with TGF-β and those treated with TFA using RNA-seq technology. We also examined the molecular mechanisms of TFA and assessed the expression of proteins related to the STAT3/EMT signaling pathway through Western blotting and siRNA technology.

RESULTS

Our research findings reveal for the first time the effect of TFA on CRC cells. Result shows that TFA could suppress cell proliferation, migration, and induce apoptosis. In vivo results showed that TFA inhibited tumor growth and liver metastasis. Molecular mechanism studies have shown that TFA exerts these effects by upregulating the expression of non-coding RNA AL137782, inhibiting the EMT/STAT3 signaling pathway. These results suggest that TFA is a potential candidate for mitigating CRC metastasis.

CONCLUSION

However, further research is needed to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and safety of TFA in animal models and clinical settings. These findings bring great hope for the development of innovative CRC treatment methods.

TUBB2B regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition via interaction with Vimentin to promote glioma migration and invasion

BACKGROUND

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a crucial role in the migration and invasion capabilities of glioblastoma (GBM) cells. Several studies have established tubulin as a significant regulator of the EMT process. Tubulin beta 2B class IIb (TUBB2B), a critical component of microtubules, has been linked to the prognosis of various tumors. However, the specific biological function and mechanism of TUBB2B in GBM remain unclear.

METHODS

In vitro experiments demonstrated that TUBB2B knockdown inhibited the migration and invasion of GBM cells, while its overexpression enhanced these capabilities. Western blot, immunofluorescence (IF) and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays revealed that TUBB2B interacts with Vimentin. Molecular docking and residue mutation scanning indicated that TUBB2B interacts with Vimentin at the R391/K392/A393/F394 sites. In vivo experiments using nude mice confirmed that TUBB2B knockdown inhibited GBM cell invasion and migration.

RESULTS

TUBB2B was upregulated in GBM tissue samples compared with normal tissues. The sites of TUBB2B(R391/K392/A393/F394) physically interacts with Vimentin to induce EMT, which promotes migration and invasion.

CONCLUSION

TUBB2B may regulate EMT and promote the migration and invasion of GBM cells through its interaction with Vimentin, highlighting TUBB2B as a potential therapeutic target for GBM.

Advances in molecular imaging and targeted therapeutics for lymph node metastasis in cancer: a comprehensive review

Lymph node metastasis is a critical indicator of cancer progression, profoundly affecting diagnosis, staging, and treatment decisions. This review article delves into the recent advancements in molecular imaging techniques for lymph nodes, which are pivotal for the early detection and staging of cancer. It provides detailed insights into how these techniques are used to visualize and quantify metastatic cancer cells, resident immune cells, and other molecular markers within lymph nodes. Furthermore, the review highlights the development of innovative, lymph node-targeted therapeutic strategies, which represent a significant shift towards more precise and effective cancer treatments. By examining cutting-edge research and emerging technologies, this review offers a comprehensive overview of the current and potential impact of lymph node-centric approaches on cancer diagnosis, staging, and therapy. Through its exploration of these topics, the review aims to illuminate the increasingly sophisticated landscape of cancer management strategies focused on lymph node assessment and intervention.

ZAG promotes colorectal cancer cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by promoting lipid synthesis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor characterized by a high degree of invasiveness, and since zinc-α2 glycoprotein (ZAG) has been implicated in the progression of several malignancies, this study was designed to investigate the role of ZAG in CRC. Its expression was assessed using the GEPIA database, and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) interference was conducted to create ZAG knockdown in CRC cell lines. We also conducted lipid synthesis, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) experiments to elucidate the effects of ZAG expression on CRC, as well as explored the potential underlying mechanistic pathways. Our findings reveal that ZAG is overexpressed in CRC. In vitro, ZAG knockdown resulted in the suppression of lipid production, cell division, and EMT while concurrently promoting apoptosis. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway was found to mediate the effects of ZAG on CRC cells. In conclusion, the downregulation of ZAG can inhibit CRC cell survival, EMT, and lipid production via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition to mitigate age-related progression in lung cancer

Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) is a fundamental biological process involved in embryonic development, wound healing, and cancer progression. In lung cancer, EMT is a key regulator of invasion and metastasis, significantly contributing to the fatal progression of the disease. Age-related factors such as cellular senescence, chronic inflammation, and epigenetic alterations exacerbate EMT, accelerating lung cancer development in the elderly. This review describes the complex mechanism among EMT and age-related pathways, highlighting key regulators such as TGF-β, WNT/β-catenin, NOTCH, and Hedgehog signalling. We also discuss the mechanisms by which oxidative stress, mediated through pathways involving NRF2 and ROS, telomere attrition, regulated by telomerase activity and shelterin complex, and immune system dysregulation, driven by alterations in cytokine profiles and immune cell senescence, upregulate or downregulate EMT induction. Additionally, we highlighted pathways of transcription such as SNAIL, TWIST, ZEB, SIRT1, TP53, NF-κB, and miRNAs regulating these processes. Understanding these mechanisms, we highlight potential therapeutic interventions targeting these critical molecules and pathways.

Beyond tumor‑associated macrophages involved in spheroid formation and dissemination: Novel insights for ovarian cancer therapy (Review)

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most common and deadly malignant tumor of the female reproductive system. When OC cells detach from the primary tumor and enter the ascitic microenvironment, they are present as individual cells or multicellular spheroids in ascites. These spheroids, composed of cancer and non‑malignant cells, are metastatic units and play a crucial role in the progression of OC. However, little is known about the mechanism of spheroid formation and dissemination. Tumor‑associated macrophages (TAMs) in the center of spheroids are key in spheroid formation and metastasis and provide a potential target for OC therapy. The present review summarizes the key biological features of spheroids, focusing on the role of TAMs in spheroid formation, survival and peritoneal metastasis, and the strategies targeting TAMs to provide new insights in treating OC.

Interleukin-9 promotes EMT-mediated PM2.5-induced pulmonary fibrosis by activating the STAT3 pathway

This study investigated the impact of PM2.5 on promoting EMT in PM2.5-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF) development and explored molecular mechanisms of the IL-9/STAT3/Snail/TWIST1 signaling pathway in PF owing to PM2.5. Four groups of male SD rats were formed: control (0 mg/kg.bw), low (1 mg/kg.bw), medium (5 mg/kg.bw), and high-dose (25 mg/kg.bw) PM2.5 groups. Experimental rats were subjected to PM2.5 exposure via intratracheal instillation, given once weekly for 16 weeks. 24 h after the final exposure, blood, BALF, and lung tissues were collected. Pulmonary epithelial cells underwent cultivation and exposure to varying PM2.5 concentrations with/without inhibitors for 24 h, after which total protein was extracted for relevant protein assays. The findings demonstrated that PM2.5 damaged lung tissue to different degrees and led to PF in rats. Rats subjected to PM2.5 exposure exhibited elevated concentrations of IL-9 protein in both serum and BALF, and elevated levels of IL-9 and its receptor, IL-9R, in lung tissues, compared to control counterparts. Furthermore, PM2.5-exposed groups demonstrated significantly augmented protein levels of p-STAT3, Snail, TWIST1, Vimentin, COL-I, and α-SMA, while displaying notably diminished levels of E-Cadherin compared to control group. The same findings were observed in PM2.5-treated cells. In BEAS-2B cells co-treated with Stattic (STAT3 inhibitor) and PM2.5, the opposite results occurred. Similar results were obtained for cells co-treated with IL-9-neutralizing antibody and PM2.5. Our findings suggest PM2.5 mediates PF development by promoting IL-9 expression, leading to STAT3 phosphorylation and upregulation of Snail and TWIST1 expression, triggering EMT occurrence and progression in lung epithelial cells.

Exosome crosstalk between cancer stem cells and tumor microenvironment: cancer progression and therapeutic strategies

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a small yet pivotal subset of tumor cells endowed with self-renewal capabilities. These cells are intricately linked to tumor progression and are central to drug resistance, metastasis, and recurrence. The tumor microenvironment (TME) encompasses the cancer cells and their surrounding milieu, including immune and inflammatory cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, adjacent stromal tissues, tumor vasculature, and a variety of cytokines and chemokines. Within the TME, cells such as immune and inflammatory cells, endothelial cells, adipocytes, and fibroblasts release growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and exosomes, which can either sustain or disrupt CSCs, thereby influencing tumor progression. Conversely, CSCs can also secrete cytokines, chemokines, and exosomes, affecting various components of the TME. Exosomes, a subset of extracellular vesicles (EVs), carry a complex cargo of nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids, playing a crucial role in the communication between CSCs and the TME. This review primarily focuses on the impact of exosomes secreted by CSCs (CSC-exo) on tumor progression, including their roles in maintaining stemness, promoting angiogenesis, facilitating metastasis, inducing immune suppression, and contributing to drug resistance. Additionally, we discuss how exosomes secreted by different cells within the TME affect CSCs. Finally, we explore the potential of utilizing exosomes to mitigate the detrimental effects of CSCs or to target and eliminate them. A thorough understanding of the exosome-mediated crosstalk between CSCs and the TME could provide valuable insights for developing targeted therapies against CSCs.

Myofibroblast-derived extracellular vesicles facilitate cancer stemness of hepatocellular carcinoma via transferring ITGA5 to tumor cells

BACKGROUND

Myofibroblasts constitute a significant component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and play a pivotal role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Integrin α5 (ITGA5) is a crucial regulator in myofibroblasts of malignant tumors. Therefore, the potential of ITGA5 as a novel target for the therapeutic strategy of HCC should be investigated.

METHODS

Digital scanning and analysis of the HCC tissue microarray were performed to locate the distribution of ITGA5 and conduct the prognosis analysis. CRISPR Cas9-mediated ITGA5 knockout was performed to establish the ITGA5-KO myofibroblast cell line. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from LX2 were extracted for the treatment of HCC cells. Subsequently, the sphere-forming ability and the stemness markers expression of the treated HCC cells were examined. An orthotopic HCC mouse model with fibrotic injury was constructed to test the outcomes of ITGA5-targeting therapy and its efficacy in the programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) treatment. Co-immunoprecipitation/mass spectrometry and transcriptome data were integrated to delve into the mechanism.

RESULTS

The tissue microarray results revealed that ITGA5 was highly enriched in the stromal myofibroblasts of HCC tissues and contributed to enhanced tumor progression and poor prognosis. Notably, ITGA5 transmission via extracellular vesicles (EVs) from myofibroblasts to HCC cells induced the acquisition of cancer stem cell-like properties. Mechanistically, ITGA5 directly bind to YES1, facilitating the activation of YES1 and its downstream pathways, thereby enhancing the stemness of HCC cells. Furthermore, the blockade of ITGA5 impeded tumor progression driven by ITGA5+ myofibroblasts and enhanced the efficacy of treatment with PD-L1 in a mouse model of HCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings elucidated a novel mechanism by which the EV-mediated transfer of ITGA5 from myofibroblasts to tumor cells augmented HCC stemness. ITGA5-targeting therapy helped prevent the progression of HCC and improved the efficacy of PD-L1 treatment.

Mechanism of cigarette smoke in promoting small airway remodeling in mice via STAT 3 / PINK 1-Parkin / EMT

BACKGROUND

Airway remodeling is an important pathological of airflow limitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).However,its mechanism still needs to be further clarify.

METHODS

Animals:Healthy male C57BL/6 mice aged 4-6 weeks were randomly divided into control group and cigarette smoke(CS)group. Mice in the CS group were placed in a homemade glass fumigator, 5 cigarettes/time, 40 min/time, 4 times/day, 5 days/week, for 24 weeks. Mice in the control group were placed in a normal air environment.Cells:BEAS-2B cells were stimulated with 0.1%cigarette smoke extract(CSE).HE staining, immunohistochemical staining and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological of lung tissues, transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the structural of mitochondria in bronchial epithelial cells.Western blotting was used to detect the expression of STAT3,transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1),microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain3(LC3),PINK1,Parkin,E-cadherin,zonula occludens1(ZO-1),vimentin and snail family transcriptional inhibitor1 (Snail1),and MitoSOX Red was used to detect mitochondrial reactive oxygen species(mtROS).

RESULTS

CS exposure causes lung parenchymal destruction and airway remodeling in mice.Compared to the control group,the expression of p-STAT3,TGF-β1 and EMT in the whole lung homogenate of the CS group was increased.Mitochondrial architecture disruption in bronchial epithelial cells of CS mice, with impaired PINK1-Parkin-dependent mitophagy.In vitro experiments showed that CSE exposure led to STAT3 activation, increased TGF-β1,EMT and enhanced PINK1-Parkin-mediated mitophagy.STAT3 inhibition reversed TGF-β1 upregulation induced by CSE and improved CSE-induced EMT and mitophagy.Inhibition of mitophagy improves EMT induced by CSE. Inhibition of mitophagy reduces STAT3-induced EMT.

CONCLUSION

CS activates the STAT3,and activated STAT3 promotes EMT in bronchial epithelial cells by enhancing PINK1-Parkin-mediated mitophagy and TGF-β1 signaling.Moreover, activated STAT3 can promote EMT directly.This may be one of the mechanisms by which CS causes small airway remodeling in COPD.

STAT3: Key targets of growth-promoting receptor positive breast cancer

Breast cancer has become the malignant tumor with the first incidence and the second mortality among female cancers. Most female breast cancers belong to luminal-type breast cancer and HER2-positive breast cancer. These breast cancer cells all have different driving genes, which constantly promote the proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer cells. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is an important breast cancer-related gene, which can promote the progress of breast cancer. It has been proved in clinical and basic research that over-expressed and constitutively activated STAT3 is involved in the progress, proliferation, metastasis and chemotherapy resistance of breast cancer. STAT3 is an important key target in luminal-type breast cancer and HER2-positive cancer, which has an important impact on the curative effect of related treatments. In breast cancer, the activation of STAT3 will change the spatial position of STAT3 protein and cause different phenotypic changes of breast cancer cells. In the current basic research and clinical research, small molecule inhibitors activated by targeting STAT3 can effectively treat breast cancer, and enhance the efficacy level of related treatment methods for luminal-type and HER2-positive breast cancers.

siRNA-based strategies to combat drug resistance in gastric cancer

Chemotherapy is a key treatment option for gastric cancer, but over 50% of patients develop either inherent or acquired resistance to these drugs, resulting in a 5-year survival rate of only about 20%. The primary treatment for advanced gastric cancer typically involves chemotherapy based on platinum or fluorouracil. Several factors can contribute to platinum resistance, including decreased drug uptake, increased drug efflux or metabolism, enhanced DNA repair, activation of pro-survival pathways, and inhibition of pro-apoptotic pathways. In recent years, there has been significant progress in biology aimed at finding innovative and more effective methods to overcome chemotherapy resistance. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have emerged as a significant advancement in gene expression regulation, showing promise in enhancing the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs. However, siRNA therapies still face major challenges, particularly in terms of stability and efficient delivery in vivo. This article discusses the advances in siRNA therapy and its potential role in overcoming resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs such as cisplatin, 5-FU, doxorubicin, and paclitaxel in the treatment of gastric cancer.

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway-related genes in predicting the prognosis of colon cancer and guiding immunotherapy

Background

Colon cancer is a malignant tumor with high malignancy and a low survival rate whose heterogeneity limits systemic immunotherapy. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway-related genes are associated with multiple tumors, but their role in prognosis prediction and tumor microenvironment (TME) regulation in colon cancer is poorly understood. Using bioinformatics, this study aimed to construct a risk prediction signature for colon cancer, which may provide a means for developing new effective treatment strategies.

Methods

Using consensus clustering, patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) with colon adenocarcinoma were classified into several subtypes based on the expression of TGF-β signaling pathway-related genes, and differences in survival, molecular, and immunological TME characteristics and drug sensitivity were examined in each subtype. Ten genes that make up a TGF-β-related predictive signature were found by least absolute shrinkage and selector operation (LASSO) regression using colon cancer data from the TCGA database and confirmed using a Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset. A nomogram incorporating risk scores and clinicopathologic factors was developed to stratify the prognosis of patients with colon cancer for accurate clinical diagnosis and therapy.

Results

Two TGF-β subtypes were identified, with the TGF-β-high subtype being associated with a poorer prognosis and superior sensitivity to immunotherapy. Mutation analyses showed a high incidence of gene mutations in the TGF-β-high subtype. After completing signature construction, patients with colon cancer were categorized into high- and low-risk subgroups based on the median risk score of the TGF-β-related predictive signature. The risk score exhibited superior predictive performance relative to age, gender, and stage, as evidenced by its AUC of 0.686. Patients in the high-risk subgroup had higher levels of immunosuppressive cell infiltration and immune checkpoints in the TME, suggesting that these patients had better responses to immunotherapy.

Conclusions

Patients with colon cancer were divided into two subtypes with different survival and immune characteristics using consensus clustering analysis based on TGF-β signaling pathway-related genes. The constructed risk prediction signature may show promise as a biomarker for evaluating the prognosis of colon cancer, with potential utility for screening individuals for immunotherapy.

A spotlight on the role of copper in the epithelial to mesenchymal transition

The complex process known as epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a fundamental role in several biological settings, encompassing embryonic development, wound healing, and pathological conditions such as cancer and fibrosis. In recent years, a bulk of research has brought to light the key role of copper, a trace element with essential functions in cellular metabolism, cancer initiation and progression. Indeed, copper, besides functioning as cofactor of enzymes required for essential cellular processes, such as energy production and oxidation reactions, has emerged as an allosteric regulator of kinases whose activity is required to fulfill cancer dissemination through the EMT. In this comprehensive review, we try to describe the intricate relationship between the transition metal copper and EMT, spanning from the earliest foundational studies to the latest advancements. Our aim is to shed light on the multifaceted roles undertaken by copper in EMT in cancer and to unveil the diverse mechanisms by which copper homeostasis exerts its influence over EMT regulators, signaling pathways, cell metabolic reprogramming and transcription factors ultimately contributing to the spread of cancer. Therefore, this review not only may contribute to a deeper comprehension of copper-mediated mechanisms in EMT but also supports the hypothesis that targeting copper may contribute to counteract the progression of EMT-associated pathologies.

Long noncoding RNAs as potential targets for overcoming chemoresistance in upper gastrointestinal cancers

In the last decade, researchers have paid much attention to the role of noncoding RNA molecules in human diseases. Among the most important of these molecules are LncRNAs, which are RNA molecules with a length of more than 200 nucleotides. LncRNAs can regulate gene expression through various mechanisms, such as binding to DNA sequences and interacting with miRNAs. Studies have shown that LncRNAs may be valuable therapeutic targets in treating various cancers, including upper-gastrointestinal cancers. Upper gastrointestinal cancers, mainly referring to esophageal and gastric cancers, are among the deadliest gastrointestinal cancers. Despite notable advances, traditional chemotherapy remains a common strategy for treating these cancers. However, chemoresistance poses a significant obstacle to the effective treatment of upper gastrointestinal cancers, resulting in a low survival rate. Chemoresistance arises from various events, such as the enhancement of efflux and detoxification of chemotherapy agents, reduction of drug uptake, alteration of drug targeting, reduction of prodrug activation, strengthening of EMT and stemness, and the attenuation of apoptosis in cancerous cells. Tumor microenvironment also plays an important role in chemoresistance. Interestingly, a series of studies have revealed that LncRNAs can influence important mechanisms associated with some of the aforementioned events and may serve as promising targets for mitigating chemoresistance in upper gastrointestinal cancers. In this review paper, following a concise overview of chemoresistance mechanisms in upper gastrointestinal cancers, we will review the most intriguing findings of these investigations in detail.

CIB2 mediates acquired gefitinib resistance by inducing ZEB1 expression and epithelial-mesenchymal transition

EGFR-TKIs have been used as frontline treatment in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) suffering from the EGFR mutation. Gefitinib, the first-generation EGFR-TKI, has greatly improved survival rates in lung cancer patients, whereas acquired gefitinib resistance is still a critical issue that needs to be overcome. In our research, high expression levels of CIB2 were found in gefitinib-resistant lung cancer cells. CIB2 knockout rendered gefitinib-resistant cells more sensitive to gefitinib, and overexpression of CIB2 in parental cells was sufficient to induce more resistance to gefitinib. Inhibition of CIB2 in gefitinib-resistant lung cancer cells significantly induced cell apoptosis. To clarify the major molecular mechanism by which CIB2 increases gefitinib resistance, we demonstrated that raised CIB2 in lung cancer cells promoted epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through upregulation of ZEB1. Moreover, FOSL1 transcriptionally regulated CIB2 expression. Finally, CIB2 rendered tumors resistant to gefitinib treatment in vivo. Our results explored a new mechanism: upregulated CIB2 promoted EMT through ZEB1 to regulate gefitinib resistance, which could be a candidate therapeutic target for overcoming acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs in NSCLC patients.

A New Renieramycin T Right-Half Analog as a Small Molecule Degrader of STAT3

Constitutive activation of STAT3 contributes to tumor development and metastasis, making it a promising target for cancer therapy. (1R,4R,5S)-10-hydroxy-9-methoxy-8,11-dimethyl-3-(naphthalen-2-ylmethyl)-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexahydro-1,5-epiminobenzo[d]azocine-4-carbonitrile, DH_31, a new derivative of the marine natural product Renieramycin T, showed potent activity against H292 and H460 cells, with IC50 values of 5.54 ± 1.04 µM and 2.9 ± 0.58 µM, respectively. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis suggests that adding a naphthalene ring with methyl linkers to ring C and a hydroxyl group to ring E enhances the cytotoxic effect of DH_31. At 1-2.5 µM, DH_31 significantly inhibited EMT phenotypes such as migration, and sensitized cells to anoikis. Consistent with the upregulation of ZO1 and the downregulation of Snail, Slug, N-cadherin, and Vimentin at both mRNA and protein levels, in silico prediction identified STAT3 as a target, validated by protein analysis showing that DH_31 significantly decreases STAT3 levels through ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation. Immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis confirmed that DH_31 significantly decreased STAT3 and EMT markers. Additionally, molecular docking suggests a covalent interaction between the cyano group of DH_31 and Cys-468 in the DNA-binding domain of STAT3 (binding affinity = -7.630 kcal/mol), leading to destabilization thereafter. In conclusion, DH_31, a novel RT derivative, demonstrates potential as a STAT3-targeting drug that significantly contribute to understanding of the development of new targeted therapy.

Targeting HSP47 for cancer treatment

Heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) serves as an endoplasmic reticulum residing collagen-specific chaperone and plays an important role in collagen biosynthesis and structural assembly. HSP47 is encoded by the SERPINH1 gene, which is located on chromosome 11q13.5, one of the most frequently amplified regions in human cancers. The expression of HSP47 is regulated by multiple cellular factors, including cytokines, transcription factors, microRNAs, and circular RNAs. HSP47 is frequently upregulated in a variety of cancers and plays an important role in tumor progression. HSP47 promotes tumor stemness, angiogenesis, growth, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and metastatic capacity. HSP47 also regulates the efficacy of tumor therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Inhibition of HSP47 expression has antitumor effects, suggesting that targeting HSP47 is a feasible strategy for cancer treatment. In this review, we highlight the function and expression of regulatory mechanisms of HSP47 in cancer progression and point out the potential development of therapeutic strategies in targeting HSP47 in the future.

Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 15 regulates the TFAP4/PCGF1 axis facilitating liver metastasis of colorectal cancer and cell stemness

The tumor recurrence and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC) are responsible for most of CRC-linked mortalities. It is an urgent need to deeply investigate the pathogenesis of CRC metastasis and look for novel targets for its treatment. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 15 (USP-15) on the CRC progression. In vivo, a mouse model of liver metastasis of CRC tumor was established to investigate the role of USP-15. In vitro, the migrated and invasive abilities of CRC cells were assessed by transwell assay. Cell stemness was evaluated by using sphere formation assay. The underlying mechanism was further explored by employing the co-immunoprecipitation, dual luciferase reporter assay, oligonucleotide pull-down assay, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. The results showed that USP-15 was upregulated in CRC patients with liver metastasis and high metastatic potential cell lines of CRC. Loss of USP-15 repressed the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration, invasion, and stemness properties of CRC cells in vitro. Downregulation of USP-15 reduced the liver metastasis of mice in vivo. USP-15 upregulation obtained the contrary effects. Subsequently, USP-15 deubiquitinated transcription factor AP-4 (TFAP4) and enhanced its protein stability. TFAP4 could transcriptionally activated polycomb group ring finger 1 (PCGF1). The pro-cancer effects of USP-15 were rescue by the knockdown of TFAP4 or PCGF1. In conclusions: USP-15 facilitated the liver metastasis by the enhancement of cell stemness and EMT in CRC, which was at least partly mediated by the deubiquitination of TFAP4 upon the upregulation of PCGF1.

Hsa_circ_0071589 aggravates stemness and oxaliplatin resistance in colorectal cancer through sponging miR-133b to upregulate SOX13 expression

Hsa_circ_0071589 can exacerbate the malignant behavior of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. However, its function in stemness and oxaliplatin (OXP) resistance of CRC cells remains unclear. To assess the function of hsa_circ_0071589 in stemness and OXP resistance of CRC cells. Western blotting and qRT-PCR were applied to assess protein and mRNA levels. The association between hsa_circ_0071589, miR-133b and SOX13 was explored via a correlation analysis. Sphere formation was used to assess cell stemness. Meanwhile, the viability of CRC cells and OXP-resistant CRC cells was evaluated with the MTT assay. Cell stemness marker (CD133) levels and apoptosis of CRC cells and OXP-resistant CRC cells were tested using flow cytometry. The ALDH level was investigated using the related detection kit. In addition, the association between hsa_circ_0071589 and miR-133b and SOX13 was investigated using the RIP and dual luciferase assay. Finally, in vivo experiments were performed to detect the function of hsa_circ_0071589 in CRC, and the levels of SOX13, Ki67, and CD44 in mice were evaluated via immunohistochemistry staining. The expression of hsa_circ_0071589 and SOX13 was upregulated in CRC, whereas the expression of miR-133b was downregulated. Hsa_circ_0071589 knockdown significantly inhibited CRC stemness via the mediation of miR-133b. Moreover, hsa_circ_0071589 silencing significantly sensitized CRC cells to OXP by upregulating miR-133b. SOX13 was the direct target of miR-133b, and miR-133b could attenuate stemness and OXP resistance in CRC cells by targeting SOX13. Notably, hsa_circ_0071589 knockdown inhibited tumor growth and decreased OXP resistance in mice with CRC. Hsa_circ_0071589 aggravates stemness and OXP resistance by sponging miR-133b to indirectly target SOX13 in CRC. Thus, our study might present a novel treatment strategy against OXP-resistant CRC.

SIPA1 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer through STAT3 activation

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cancer type worldwide and accounts for the second highest rate of cancer-related mortality. Liver metastasis significantly contributes to the mortality associated with CRC, but the fundamental mechanisms behind it remain unclear. Signal-induced proliferation-associated protein 1 (SIPA1), a GTPase activating protein, has been shown to promote metastasis in breast cancer. In this study, our objective was to explore the role of SIPA1 in regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in CRC. The analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database revealed that the expression level of SIPA1 mRNA was notably upregulated and exhibited a positively correlated with EMT and STAT3 signaling pathways in CRC. Knockdown of SIPA1 impairs CRC cell proliferation and migration. Further studies on the reliance of SIPA1 on STAT3 signaling for EMT regulation have shown that SIPA1 stimulates the activation of STAT3, resulting in its nuclear translocation. The co-treatment of overexpressed SIPA1 with the STAT3 inhibitor STTITA has shown that SIPA1 regulates the expression of EMT-related markers through STAT3. Our study indicate that SIPA1 promotes CRC metastasis by activating the STAT3 signaling pathway, underscoring the potential of SIPA1 as a therapeutic target for metastatic CRC patients.

STAT3 phosphorylation inhibitor Bt354 exhibits anti-neoplastic activity in glioblastoma multiforme cells

The high mortality rate of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a lethal primary brain tumor, is attributable to postsurgical recurrence. STAT3, an oncogenic protein, is a signal transducer and transcription activator encourages cancer cell migration and proliferation, which results in resistance to therapy. STAT3 inhibition reduces cancer metastasis and improves patient prognosis. Bt354, a small molecule STAT inhibitor, exhibits significant cytotoxic and anti-proliferative activities against certain cancer types. Here, we demonstrated that exposure of GBM cells (U87 MG) to Bt354 had a significant, concentration-dependent growth suppression. Bt354 also induced apoptosis and downregulated the expression of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition genes. Therefore, this study suggests the potential of Bt354 for treating GBM owing to its ability to induce cytotoxicity.

The development of in vitro organotypic 3D vulvar models to study tumor-stroma interaction and drug efficacy

BACKGROUND

Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) is a rare disease with a poor prognosis. To date, there's no proper in vitro modeling system for VSCC to study its pathogenesis or for drug evaluation.

METHODS

We established healthy vulvar (HV)- and VSCC-like 3D full thickness models (FTMs) to observe the tumor-stroma interaction and their applicability for chemotherapeutic efficacy examination. VSCC-FTMs were developed by seeding VSCC tumor cell lines (A431 and HTB117) onto dermal matrices harboring two NF subtypes namely papillary fibroblasts (PFs) and reticular fibroblasts (RFs), or cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) while HV-FTMs were constructed with primary keratinocytes and fibroblasts isolated from HV tissues.

RESULTS

HV-FTMs highly resembled HV tissues in terms of epidermal morphogenesis, basement membrane formation and collagen deposition. When the dermal compartment shifted from PFs to RFs or CAFs in VSCC-FTMs, tumor cells demonstrated more proliferation, EMT induction and stemness. In contrast to PFs, RFs started to lose their phenotype and express robust CAF-markers α-SMA and COL11A1 under tumor cell signaling induction, indicating a favored 'RF-to-CAF' transition in VSCC tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, chemotherapeutic treatment with carboplatin and paclitaxel resulted in a significant reduction in tumor-load and invasion in VSCC-FTMs.

CONCLUSION

We successfully developed in vitro 3D vulvar models mimicking both healthy and tumorous conditions which serve as a promising tool for vulvar drug screening programs. Moreover, healthy fibroblasts demonstrate heterogeneity in terms of CAF-activation in VSCC TME which brings insights in the future development of novel CAF-based therapeutic strategies in VSCC.

Cervical cancer subtype identification and model building based on lipid metabolism and post-infection microenvironment immune landscape

Background

As the second most common gynecological cancer, cervical cancer (CC) seriously threatens women's health. The poor prognosis of CC is closely related to the post-infection microenvironment (PIM). This study investigated how lipid metabolism-related genes (LMRGs) affect CC PIM and their role in diagnosing CC.

Methods

We analyzed lipid metabolism scores in the CC single-cell landscape by AUCell. The differentiation trajectory of epithelial cells to cancer cells was revealed using LMRGs and Monocle2. Consensus clustering was used to identify novel subgroups using the LMRGs. Multiple immune assessment methods were used to evaluate the immune landscape of the subgroups. Prognostic genes were determined by the LASSO and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Finally, we perform molecular docking of prognostic genes to explore potential therapeutic agents.

Results

We revealed the differentiation trajectory of epithelial cells to cancer cells in CC by LMRGs. The higher LMRGs expression cluster had higher survival rates and immune infiltration expression. Functional enrichment showed that two clusters were mainly involved in immune response regulation. A novel LMR signature (LMR.sig) was constructed to predict clinical outcomes in CC. The expression of prognostic genes was correlated with the PIM immune landscape. Small molecular compounds with the best binding effect to prognostic genes were obtained by molecular docking, which may be used as new targeted therapeutic drugs.

Conclusion

We found that the subtype with better prognosis could regulate the expression of some critical genes through more frequent lipid metabolic reprogramming, thus affecting the maturation and migration of dendritic cells (DCs) and the expression of M1 macrophages, reshaping the immunosuppressive environment of PIM in CC patients. LMRGs are closely related to the PIM immune landscape and can accurately predict tumor prognosis. These results further our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of LMRGs in CC.

Applications of hydrogels in tissue-engineered repairing of temporomandibular joint diseases

Epidemiological studies reveal that symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) occur in 60-70% of adults. The inflammatory damage caused by TMDs can easily lead to defects in the articular disc, condylar cartilage, subchondral bone and muscle of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and cause pain. Despite the availability of various methods for treating TMDs, few existing treatment schemes can achieve permanent recovery. This necessity drives the search for new approaches. Hydrogels, polymers with high water content, have found widespread use in tissue engineering and regeneration due to their excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties, which resemble those of human tissues. In the context of TMD therapy, numerous experiments have demonstrated that hydrogels show favorable effects in aspects such as articular disc repair, cartilage regeneration, muscle repair, pain relief, and drug delivery. This review aims to summarize the application of hydrogels in the therapy of TMDs based on recent research findings. It also highlights deficiencies in current hydrogel research related to TMD therapy and outlines the broad potential of hydrogel applications in treating TMJ diseases in the future.

Modulation of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Is a Possible Underlying Mechanism for Inducing Chemoresistance in MIA PaCa-2 Cells against Gemcitabine and Paclitaxel

To elucidate the currently unknown molecular mechanisms responsible for the similarity and difference during the acquirement of resistance against gemcitabine (GEM) and paclitaxel (PTX) in patients with pancreatic carcinoma, we examined two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cultures of parent MIA PaCa-2 cells (MIA PaCa-2-PA) and their GEM resistance cell line (MIA PaCa-2-GR) and PTX resistance (MIA PaCa-2-PR). Using these cells, we examined 3D spheroid configurations and cellular metabolism, including mitochondrial and glycolytic functions, with a Seahorse bio-analyzer and RNA sequencing analysis. Compared to the MIA PaCa-2-PA, (1) the formation of the 3D spheroids of MIA PaCa-2-GR or -PR was much slower, and (2) their mitochondrial and glycolytic functions were greatly modulated in MIA PaCa-2-GR or -PR, and such metabolic changes were also different between their 2D and 3D culture conditions. RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analyses of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using an ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) suggested that various modulatory factors related to epithelial -mesenchymal transition (EMT) including STAT3, GLI1, ZNF367, NKX3-2, ZIC2, IFIT2, HEY1 and FBLX, may be the possible upstream regulators and/or causal network master regulators responsible for the acquirement of drug resistance in MIA PaCa-2-GR and -PR. In addition, among the prominently altered DEGs (Log2 fold changes more than 6 or less than -6), FABP5, IQSEC3, and GASK1B were identified as unique genes associated with their antisense RNA or pseudogenes, and among these, FABP5 and GASK1B are known to function as modulators of cancerous EMT. Therefore, the observations reported herein suggest that modulations of cancerous EMT may be key molecular mechanisms that are responsible for inducing chemoresistance against GEM or PTX in MIA PaCa-2 cells.

Sesamolin serves as an MYH14 inhibitor to sensitize endometrial cancer to chemotherapy and endocrine therapy via suppressing MYH9/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling

BACKGROUND

Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common gynecological cancers. Herein, we aimed to define the role of specific myosin family members in EC because this protein family is involved in the progression of various cancers.

METHODS

Bioinformatics analyses were performed to reveal EC patients' prognosis-associated genes in patients with EC. Furthermore, colony formation, immunofluorescence, cell counting kit 8, wound healing, and transwell assays as well as coimmunoprecipitation, cycloheximide chase, luciferase reporter, and cellular thermal shift assays were performed to functionally and mechanistically analyze human EC samples, cell lines, and a mouse model, respectively.

RESULTS

Machine learning techniques identified MYH14, a member of the myosin family, as the prognosis-associated gene in patients with EC. Furthermore, bioinformatics analyses based on public databases showed that MYH14 was associated with EC chemoresistance. Moreover, immunohistochemistry validated MYH14 upregulation in EC cases compared with that in normal controls and confirmed that MYH14 was an independent and unfavorable prognostic indicator of EC. MYH14 impaired cell sensitivity to carboplatin, paclitaxel, and progesterone, and increased cell proliferation and metastasis in EC. The mechanistic study showed that MYH14 interacted with MYH9 and impaired GSK3β-mediated β-catenin ubiquitination and degradation, thus facilitating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Sesamolin, a natural compound extracted from Sesamum indicum (L.), directly targeted MYH14 and attenuated EC progression. Additionally, the compound disrupted the interplay between MYH14 and MYH9 and repressed MYH9-regulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling. The in vivo study further verified sesamolin as a therapeutic drug without side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Herein, we identified that EC prognosis-associated MYH14 was independently responsible for poor overall survival time of patients, and it augmented EC progression by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Targeting MYH14 by sesamolin, a cytotoxicity-based approach, can be applied synergistically with chemotherapy and endocrine therapy to eventually mitigate EC development. This study emphasizes MYH14 as a potential target and sesamolin as a valuable natural drug for EC therapy.

In Situ Hydrogel Modulates cDC1-Based Antigen Presentation and Cancer Stemness to Enhance Cancer Vaccine Efficiency

Effective presentation of antigens by dendritic cells (DC) is essential for achieving a robust cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) response, in which cDC1 is the key DC subtype for high-performance activation of CTLs. However, low cDC1 proportion, complex process, and high cost severely hindered cDC1 generation and application. Herein, the study proposes an in situ cDC1 recruitment and activation strategy with simultaneous inhibiting cancer stemness for inducing robust CTL responses and enhancing the anti-tumor effect. Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3L), Poly I:C, and Nap-CUM (NCUM), playing the role of cDC1 recruitment, cDC1 activation, inducing antigen release and decreasing tumor cell stemness, respectively, are co-encapsulated in an in situ hydrogel vaccine (FP/NCUM-Gel). FP/NCUM-Gel is gelated in situ after intra-tumoral injection. With the near-infrared irradiation, tumor cell immunogenic cell death occurred, tumor antigens and immunogenic signals are released in situ. cDC1 is recruited to tumor tissue and activated for antigen cross-presentation, followed by migrating to lymph nodes and activating CTLs. Furthermore, tumor cell stemness are inhibited by napabucasin, which can help CTLs to achieve comprehensive tumor killing. Collectively, the proposed strategy of cDC1 in situ recruitment and activation combined with stemness inhibition provides great immune response and anti-tumor potential, providing new ideas for clinical tumor vaccine design.

Natural compound Byakangelicin suppresses breast tumor growth and motility by regulating SHP-1/JAK2/STAT3 signal pathway

Byakangelicin mostly obtained from the root of Angelica dahurica and has protective effect on liver injury and fibrosis. In addition, Byakangelicin, as a traditional medicine, is also used to treat colds, headache and toothache. Recent studies have shown that Byakangelicin exhibits anti-tumor function; however, the role of Byakangelicin in breast tumor progression and related mechanism has not yet been elucidated. Our study aims to investigate the role of Byakangelicin in breast tumor progression and the underlying mechanism. To measure the effect of Byakangelicin on JAK2/STAT3 signaling, a dual luciferase reporter assay and a Western blot assay were performed. CCK8, colony formation, apoptosis and cell invasion assays were used to examine the inhibitory potential of Byakangelicin on breast cancer cells. Additionally, SHP-1 was silenced by specific siRNA duplex and the function of SHP-1 on Byakangelicin-mediated inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 signaling was evaluated. Byakangelicin treatment significantly inhibited STAT3 transcriptional activity. In addition, Byakangelicin treatment blocked JAK2/STAT3 signaling in a dose-dependent manner. Byakangelicin-treated tumor cells showed a dramatically reduced proliferation, colony formation and invasion ability. Moreover, Byakangelicin remarkedly induced breast cancer cell apoptosis. Furthermore, Byakangelicin regulated the expression of SHP1.In conclusion, our current study indicated that Byakangelicin, a natural compound, inhibits SHP-1/JAK2/STAT3 signaling and thus blocks tumor growth and motility.