Knockout of MARCH2 inhibits the growth of HCT116 colon cancer cells by inducing endoplasmic reticulum stress

The Potential Therapeutic Applications of CRISPR/Cas9 in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Cancers

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is one the most prevalent types of cancer. Despite current chemotherapy's success, patients with GI cancer continue to have a dismal outcome. The onset and progression of cancer are caused by alterations and the abnormal expression of several families of genes, like tumor-suppressor genes, oncogenes, and chemotherapy-resistant genes. The final purpose of tumor therapy is to inhibit cellular development by modifying mutations and editing the irregular expression of genes It has been reported that CDH1, TP53, KRAS, ARID1A, PTEN, and HLA-B are the commonly mutated genes in GI cancer. Gene editing has become one potential approach for cases with advanced or recurrent CRC, who are nonresponsive to conventional treatments and a variety of driver mutations along with progression cause GI progression. CRISPR/Cas9 technique is a reliable tool to edit the genome and understand the functions of mutations driving GI cancer development. CRISPR/Cas9 can be applied to genome therapy for GI cancers, particularly with reference to molecular-targeted medicines and suppressors. Moreover, it can be used as a therapeutic approach by knocking in/out multiple genes. The use of CRISPR/ Cas9 gene editing method for GI cancer therapy has therefore resulted in some improvements. There are several research works on the role of CRISPR/Cas9 in cancer treatment that are summarized in the following separate sections. Here, the use of CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing in GI and the use of CRISPR/Cas9 is discussed in terms of Targeting Chemotherapy Resistance-related Genes like; KRAS, TP53, PTEN, and ARID1A.

In silico evaluation, characterization, and in vitro anticancer activity of curcumin-nimbin loaded nanoformulation in HCT-116 cell lines

Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide and a leading cause of mortality. Chemotherapy medications are often limited in use due to issues like drug resistance, P-glycoprotein efflux, and relapse of chemotherapy. In this study, we formulated a nanosuspension with curcumin and nimbin to address these limitations and assessed its anticancer potential using in silico molecular docking and in vitro MTT assay.

METHODS

In silico docking and ADMET analyses targeted proteins implicated in colorectal cancer, with doxorubicin as the standard. The docking studies were conducted using AutoDock 4.2, while in vitro anticancer activity was assessed through the MTT assay in HCT 116 cell lines.

RESULTS

In silico docking of curcumin and nimbin showed significant interactions with target proteins compared to the standard. ADMET analysis indicated favorable Caco-2 permeability and intestinal absorption of the selected phytoconstituents. The MTT assay demonstrated concentration-dependent cell viability inhibition in HCT 116 cell lines treated with the nanosuspension, with an IC50 value of 30%.

CONCLUSION

The curcumin-nimbin loaded nanosuspension demonstrated promising anticancer activity against HCT 116 cell lines in both in silico and in vitro studies. Further studies are required to evaluate the anticancer effect of curcumin-nimbin loaded nanosupension through clinical and preclinical studies for the progress of potential formulation in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Role of MARCH E3 ubiquitin ligases in cancer development

Membrane-associated RING-CH (MARCH) E3 ubiquitin ligases, a family of RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligases, have garnered increased attention for their indispensable roles in immune regulation, inflammation, mitochondrial dynamics, and lipid metabolism. The MARCH E3 ligase family consists of eleven distinct members, and the dysregulation of many of these members has been documented in several human malignancies. Over the past two decades, extensive research has revealed that MARCH E3 ligases play pivotal roles in cancer progression by ubiquitinating key oncogenes and tumor suppressors and orchestrating various signaling pathways. Some MARCH E3s act as oncogenes, while others act as tumor suppressors, and the majority of MARCH E3s play both oncogenic and tumor suppressive roles in a context-dependent manner. Notably, there is special emphasis on the sole mitochondrial MARCH E3 ligase MARCH5, which regulates mitochondrial homeostasis within cancer cells. In this review, we delve into the diverse functions of MARCH E3 ligases across different cancer types, shedding light on the underlying molecular mechanisms mediating their effects, their regulatory effects on cancer and their potential as therapeutic targets.

Exosomes for CRISPR-Cas9 Delivery: The Cutting Edge in Genome Editing

Gene mutation correction was challenging until the discovery of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated protein (Cas). CRISPR is a new era for genome modification, and this technology has bypassed the limitations of previous methods such as zinc-finger nuclease and transcription activator-like effector nuclease. Currently, this method is becoming the method of choice for gene-editing purposes, especially therapeutic gene editing in diseases such as cardiovascular, neurological, renal, genetic, optical, and stem cell, as well as blood disorders and muscular degeneration. However, finding the optimum delivery system capable of carrying this large complex persists as the main challenge of this technology. Therefore, it would be ideal if the delivery vehicle could direct the introduction of editing functions to specific cells in a multicellular organism. Exosomes are membrane-bound vesicles with high biocompatibility and low immunogenicity; they offer the best and most reliable way to fill the CRISPR/Cas9 system delivery gap. This review presents the current evidence on the molecular mechanisms and challenges of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome modification. Also, the role of CRISPR/Cas9 in the development of treatment and diagnosis of numerous disorders, from malignancies to viral infections, has been discussed. Lastly, the focus is on new advances in exosome-delivery technologies that may play a role in CRISPR/Cas9 delivery for future clinical settings.

Signaling pathways involved in colorectal cancer: pathogenesis and targeted therapy

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Its complexity is influenced by various signal transduction networks that govern cellular proliferation, survival, differentiation, and apoptosis. The pathogenesis of CRC is a testament to the dysregulation of these signaling cascades, which culminates in the malignant transformation of colonic epithelium. This review aims to dissect the foundational signaling mechanisms implicated in CRC, to elucidate the generalized principles underpinning neoplastic evolution and progression. We discuss the molecular hallmarks of CRC, including the genomic, epigenomic and microbial features of CRC to highlight the role of signal transduction in the orchestration of the tumorigenic process. Concurrently, we review the advent of targeted and immune therapies in CRC, assessing their impact on the current clinical landscape. The development of these therapies has been informed by a deepening understanding of oncogenic signaling, leading to the identification of key nodes within these networks that can be exploited pharmacologically. Furthermore, we explore the potential of integrating AI to enhance the precision of therapeutic targeting and patient stratification, emphasizing their role in personalized medicine. In summary, our review captures the dynamic interplay between aberrant signaling in CRC pathogenesis and the concerted efforts to counteract these changes through targeted therapeutic strategies, ultimately aiming to pave the way for improved prognosis and personalized treatment modalities in colorectal cancer.

KLF15-activated MARCH2 boosts cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition and presents diagnostic significance for hepatocellular carcinoma

PURPOSE

Membrane associated ubiquitin ligase MARCH2 majorly involves in inflammation response and protein trafficking. However, its comprehensive role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is largely unknown.

METHODS

Firstly, multiple bioinformatic analyses were applied to determine MARCH2 mRNA level, its expression comparison in diverse molecular and immune subtypes, and diagnostic value in HCC. Subsequently, RNA-seq, real-time quantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry and cell proliferation assay are used to explore the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and proliferation by gene-silencing or overexpressing in cultured HCC cells or in vivo xenograft. Moreover, dual luciferase reporter assay and immunoblotting are delved into verify the transcription factor that activating MARCH2 promoter.

RESULTS

Multiple bioinformatic analyses demonstrate that MARCH2 is upregulated in multiple cancer types and exhibits startling diagnostic value as well as distinct molecular and immune subtypes in HCC. RNA-seq analysis reveals MARCH2 may promote EMT, cell proliferation and migration in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, overexpression of MARCH2 triggers EMT and significantly enhances HCC cell migration, proliferation and colony formation in a ligase activity-dependent manner. Additionally, above observations are validated in the HepG2 mice xenografts. For up-stream mechanism, transcription factor KLF15 is highly expressed in HCC and activates MARCH2 expression.

CONCLUSION

KLF15 activated MARCH2 triggers EMT and serves as a fascinating biomarker for precise diagnosis of HCC. Consequently, MARCH2 emerges as a promising candidate for target therapy in cancer management.

MARCH2, a Novel Oncogene-regulated SNAIL E3 Ligase, Suppresses Triple-negative Breast Cancer Metastases

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer promotes metastasis and chemotherapy resistance. A subset of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) exhibits a mesenchymal gene signature that is associated with poor patient outcomes. We previously identified PTK6 tyrosine kinase as an oncogenic driver of EMT in a subset of TNBC. PTK6 induces EMT by stabilizing SNAIL, a key EMT-initiating transcriptional factor. Inhibition of PTK6 activity reverses mesenchymal features of TNBC cells and suppresses their metastases by promoting SNAIL degradation via a novel mechanism. In the current study, we identify membrane-associated RING-CH2 (MARCH2) as a novel PTK6-regulated E3 ligase that promotes the ubiquitination and degradation of SNAIL protein. The MARCH2 RING domain is critical for SNAIL ubiquitination and subsequent degradation. PTK6 inhibition promotes the interaction of MARCH2 with SNAIL. Overexpression of MARCH2 exhibits tumor suppressive properties and phenocopies the effects of SNAIL downregulation and PTK6 inhibition in TNBC cells, such as inhibition of migration, anoikis resistance, and metastasis. Consistent with this, higher levels of MARCH2 expression in breast and other cancers are associated with better prognosis. We have identified MARCH2 as a novel SNAIL E3 ligase that regulates EMT and metastases of mesenchymal TNBC.

SIGNIFICANCE

EMT is a process directly linked to drug resistance and metastasis of cancer cells. We identified MARCH2 as a novel regulator of SNAIL, a key EMT driver, that promotes SNAIL ubiquitination and degradation in TNBC cells. MARCH2 is oncogene regulated and inhibits growth and metastasis of TNBC. These insights could contribute to novel strategies to therapeutically target TNBC.

Membrane-associated RING-CH 7 inhibits stem-like capacities of bladder cancer cells by interacting with nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing 1

BACKGROUND

Cancer stem-like capacities are major factors contributing to unfavorable prognosis. However, the associated molecular mechanisms underlying cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) maintain remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of the ubiquitin E3 ligase membrane-associated RING-CH 7 (MARCH7) in bladder cancer cell CSCs.

METHODS

Male BALB/c nude mice aged 4-5 weeks were utilized to generate bladder xenograft model. The expression levels of MARCHs were checked in online databases and our collected bladder tumors by quantitative real-time PCR (q-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Next, we evaluated the stem-like capacities of bladder cancer cells with knockdown or overexpression of MARCH7 by assessing their spheroid-forming ability and spheroid size. Additionally, we conducted proliferation, colony formation, and transwell assays to validate the effects of MARCH7 on bladder cancer CSCs. The detailed molecular mechanism of MARCH7/NOD1 was validated by immunoprecipitation, dual luciferase, and in vitro ubiquitination assays. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing 1 (NOD1) is a substrate of MARCH7.

RESULTS

We found that MARCH7 interacts with NOD1, leading to the ubiquitin-proteasome degradation of NOD1. Furthermore, our data suggest that NOD1 significantly enhances stem-like capacities such as proliferation and invasion abilities. The overexpressed MARCH7 counteracts the effects of NOD1 on bladder cancer CSCs in both in vivo and in vitro models.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that MARCH7 functions as a tumor suppressor and inhibits the stem-like capacities of bladder tumor cells by promoting the ubiquitin-proteasome degradation of NOD1. Targeting the MARCH7/NOD1 pathway could be a promising therapeutic strategy for bladder cancer patients.

The Potential Therapeutic Applications of CRISPR/Cas9 in Colorectal Cancer

The application of the CRISPR-associated nuclease 9 (Cas9) system in tumor studies has led to the discovery of several new treatment strategies for colorectal cancer (CRC), including the recognition of novel target genes, the construction of animal mass models, and the identification of genes related to chemotherapy resistance. CRISPR/Cas9 can be applied to genome therapy for CRC, particularly regarding molecular-targeted medicines and suppressors. This review summarizes some aspects of using CRISPR/- Cas9 in treating CRC. Further in-depth and systematic research is required to fully realize the potential of CRISPR/Cas9 in CRC treatment and integrate it into clinical practice.

Modeling Colorectal Cancer-Induced Liver Portal Vein Microthrombus on a Hepatic Lobule Chip

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors. At the advanced stage of colorectal cancer, cancer cells migrate with the blood to the liver from the hepatic portal vein, eventually resulting in a portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT). To date, the progression of the early onset of PVTT [portal vein microthrombus (PVmT) induced by tumors] is unclear. Herein, we developed an on-chip PVmT model by loading the spheroid of colorectal cancer cells into the portal vein of a hepatic lobule chip (HLC). On the HLC, the progression of PVmT was presented, and early changes in metabolites of hepatic cells and in structures of hepatic plates and sinusoids induced by PVmT were analyzed. We replicated intrahepatic angiogenesis, thickened blood vessels, an increased number of hepatocytes, disordered hepatic plates, and decreased concentrations of biomarkers of hepatic cell functions in PVmT progression on a microfluidic chip for the first time. In addition, the combined therapy of thermo-ablation and chemo-drug for PVmT was preliminarily demonstrated. This study provides a promising method for understanding PVTT evolution and offers a valuable reference for PVTT therapy.

Streptozotocin- induced changes in aquaporin 1 and 4, oxidative stress, and autophagy in submandibular and parotid salivary glands and the possible ameliorative effect of intermittent fasting on these changes

Salivary glands are highly responsible for maintaining oral tissue homeostasis by secreting saliva. This study was designed to investigate aquaporin 1 and 4, oxidative stress, and autophagy in submandibular and parotid salivary glands of diabetic rats and the possible ameliorative effect of intermittent fasting on these changes. Fifty adult male rats were divided into control and experimental groups. Experimental diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. After induction of diabetics, the experimental group was divided into two groups (diabetic without intermittent fasting and diabetic with intermittent fasting). The animals were sacrificed two and four weeks after induction of diabetes. Intermittent fasting significantly decreased malondialdehyde and significantly elevated reduced glutathione (GSH) in the submandibular and parotid glands compared to those of diabetic rats. The salivary secretions were also significantly histologically spared in diabetics with intermittent fasting groups. Furthermore, intermittent fasting increased aquaporin 1 in both glands, while aquaporin 4 was only elevated in the submandibular gland. The immunolocalization and gene expression of Lc3-II was higher in the diabetic salivary glands than in the fasting glands. In conclusion, these findings highlight the pathological role of autophagy in diabetic submandibular and parotid glands and provide potential target for the therapeutic role of intermittent fasting to ameliorate the dysfunction of the submandibular and parotid glands in type I diabetes mellitus.

Anticancer activity of Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes based on new unsymmetrical salophen-type ligands: synthesis, characterization and single-crystal X-ray diffraction

The discovery of new coordination compounds with anticancer properties is an active field of research due to the severe side effects of platinum-based compounds currently used in chemotherapy. In the search for new agents for the treatment of cancer, unsymmetrical N2O2-tetradentate ligand (H2L1 and H2L2) and their Ni(II) and Zn(II) asymmetric complexes (NiII-L1-2 and ZnII-L1-2) have been synthesized and fully characterized. 1H NMR studies revealed that the ligands and complexes were stable in mixtures of DMSO : D2O (9 : 1). Complementary UV-Vis studies confirmed that ZnII derivatives also exhibit high stability in mixtures DMSO : buffer (6 : 4) after 24 h. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the molecular structures of H2L1, H2L2, NiII-L1, and NiII-L2. At the molecular level, complexes were completely planar without significant distortions of the square-planar geometry according to τ4 parameter. Furthermore, the crystalline structures revealed non-classical intermolecular interactions of the C-H⋯O and the Ni⋯Ni type. The ligands and complexes were screened against the human osteosarcoma (MG-63), human colon cancer (HCT-116), breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cell lines, and non-cancerous cells (L929). H2L1 and H2L2 ligands not caused cytotoxic effects at a concentration of 100 μM, while NiII-L2, ZnII-L1, and ZnII-L2 complexes induce cytotoxic effects in all cell lines. NiII-L2 was a more active complex against MG-63 (3.9 ± 1.5) and HCT-116 (3.4 ± 1.7) cell lines with IC50 values in the low micromolar range. In addition, this compound was 10-, 5-, and 11-fold more potent than cisplatin in MG-63 (39 ± 1.8), HCT-116 (17.2), and MDA-MB-231 (131 ± 18), respectively. Three complexes exhibited great selectivity for tumoral cells with SI values ranging from 1.6 to 7.4.

Long noncoding RNA 01534 maintains cancer stemness by downregulating endoplasmic reticulum stress response in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown that cancer stemness and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response are inversely regulated in colorectal cancer (CRC), but the mechanism has not been fully clarified. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play key roles in cancer progression and metastasis. In this study we investigated lncRNA 01534 (LINC01534) as a possible modulator between cancer stemness and ER stress response.

METHODS

In vitro experiments using CRC cell lines were performed to explore a possible role of LINC01534. The expression of LINC01534 in clinical CRC samples was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and in situ hybridization.

RESULTS

Silencing LINC01534 led to suppression of cell proliferation, invasiveness, and cell cycle progression at the G2-M phase, and promoted apoptosis. Moreover, we found that silencing LINC01534 suppressed cancer stemness, while it activated the ER stress response, especially through the PERK/eIF2α signaling pathway. In situ hybridization revealed LINC01534 was expressed in tumor cells and upregulated in CRC tissues compared with normal epithelium. A survival survey indicated that high LINC01534 expression was significantly associated with shorter overall survival in 187 CRC patients.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report on LINC01534 in human cancer. Our findings suggest that LINC01534 may be an important modulator of the maintenance of cancer stemness and suppression of the ER stress response, and that it could be a novel prognostic factor in CRC.

Application of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology in basic research, diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer

Colon cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and its progression is accompanied by a complex array of genetic variations. CRISPR/Cas9 can identify new drug-resistant or sensitive mutations in colon cancer, and can use gene editing technology to develop new therapeutic targets and provide personalized treatments, thereby significantly improving the treatment of colon cancer patients. CRISPR/Cas9 systems are driving advances in biotechnology. RNA-directed Cas enzymes have accelerated the pace of basic research and led to clinical breakthroughs. This article reviews the rapid development of CRISPR/Cas in colon cancer, from gene editing to transcription regulation, gene knockout, genome-wide CRISPR tools, therapeutic targets, stem cell genomics, immunotherapy, metabolism-related genes and inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, the limitations and future development of CRISPR/Cas9 in colon cancer studies are reviewed. In conclusion, this article reviews the application of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology in basic research, diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer.

The role of MARCH9 in colorectal cancer progression

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer with a high global incidence and mortality. Mutated genes or dysregulated pathways responsible for CRC progression have been identified and employed as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis. In this study, a ubiquitination regulator, MARCH9, was shown to accelerate CRC progression both in vitro and in vivo. CRC samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) showed significantly upregulated MARCH9 expression by individual cancer stage, histological subtype, and nodal metastasis status. Knockdown of MARCH9 inhibited, while MARCH9 overexpression promoted, CRC cell proliferation and migration. Knockdown of MARCH9 also induced CRC cell apoptosis and caused cell cycle arrest. Further investigation showed that MARCH9 promoted CRC progression by downregulating the expression of a deubiquitinase cylindromatosis (CYLD) gene and activating p65, a member of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) protein family. Finally, in vivo xenograft studies confirmed that MARCH9 knockdown suppressed tumor growth in nude mice. Thus, this study demonstrated that MARCH9 may be a novel and effective therapeutic target for CRC therapy.

Characterizing genes associated with cancer using the CRISPR/Cas9 system: A systematic review of genes and methodological approaches

The CRISPR/Cas9 system enables a versatile set of genomes editing and genetic-based disease modeling tools due to its high specificity, efficiency, and accessible design and implementation. In cancer, the CRISPR/Cas9 system has been used to characterize genes and explore different mechanisms implicated in tumorigenesis. Different experimental strategies have been proposed in recent years, showing dependency on various intrinsic factors such as cancer type, gene function, mutation type, and technical approaches such as cell line, Cas9 expression, and transfection options. However, the successful methodological approaches, genes, and other experimental factors have not been analyzed. We, therefore, initially considered more than 1,300 research articles related to CRISPR/Cas9 in cancer to finally examine more than 400 full-text research publications. We summarize findings regarding target genes, RNA guide designs, cloning, Cas9 delivery systems, cell enrichment, and experimental validations. This analysis provides valuable information and guidance for future cancer gene validation experiments.

Research Progress, Challenges, and Breakthroughs of Organoids as Disease Models

Traditional cell lines and xenograft models have been widely recognized and used in research. As a new research model, organoids have made significant progress and development in the past 10 years. Compared with traditional models, organoids have more advantages and have been applied in cancer research, genetic diseases, infectious diseases, and regenerative medicine. This review presented the advantages and disadvantages of organoids in physiological development, pathological mechanism, drug screening, and organ transplantation. Further, this review summarized the current situation of vascularization, immune microenvironment, and hydrogel, which are the main influencing factors of organoids, and pointed out the future directions of development.

Cryptotanshinone Inhibits the Growth of HCT116 Colorectal Cancer Cells Through Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Autophagy

Among cancers, colorectal cancer (CRC) has one of the highest annual incidence and death rates. Considering severe adverse reactions associated with classical chemotherapy medications, traditional Chinese medicines have become potential drug candidates. In the current study, the effects of cryptotanshinone (CPT), a major component of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen) on CRC and underlying mechanism were explored. First of all, data from in vitro experiments and in vivo zebrafish models indicated that CPT selectively inhibited the growth and proliferation of HCT116 and SW620 cells while had little effect on SW480 cells. Secondly, both ER stress and autophagy were associated with CRC viability regulation. Interestingly, ER stress inhibitor and autophagy inhibitor merely alleviated cytotoxic effects on HCT116 cells in response to CPT stimulation, while have little effect on SW620 cells. The significance of apoptosis, autophagy and ER stress were verified by clinical data from CRC patients. In summary, the current study has revealed the anti-cancer effects of CPT in CRC by activating autophagy signaling mediated by ER stress. CPT is a promising drug candidate for CRC treatment.

Negative regulation of NEMO signaling by the ubiquitin E3 ligase MARCH2

NF‐κB essential modulator (NEMO) is a key regulatory protein that functions during NF‐κB‐ and interferon‐mediated signaling in response to extracellular stimuli and pathogen infections. Tight regulation of NEMO is essential for host innate immune responses and for maintenance of homeostasis. Here, we report that the E3 ligase MARCH2 is a novel negative regulator of NEMO‐mediated signaling upon bacterial or viral infection. MARCH2 interacted directly with NEMO during the late phase of infection and catalyzed K‐48‐linked ubiquitination of Lys326 on NEMO, which resulted in its degradation. Deletion of MARCH2 resulted in marked resistance to bacterial/viral infection, along with increased innate immune responses both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, MARCH2^−/− mice were more susceptible to LPS challenge due to massive production of cytokines. Taken together, these findings provide new insight into the molecular regulation of NEMO and suggest an important role for MARCH2 in homeostatic control of innate immune responses.

CRISPR/Cas9 for overcoming drug resistance in solid tumors

OBJECTIVES

In this review, we focus on the application of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR associated nuclease 9 (Cas9), as a powerful genome editing system, in the identification of resistance mechanisms and in overcoming drug resistance in the most frequent solid tumors.

DATA ACQUISITION

Data were collected by conducting systematic searching of scientific English literature using specific keywords such as "cancer", "CRISPR" and related combinations.

RESULTS

The review findings revealed the importance of CRISPR/Cas9 system in understanding drug resistance mechanisms and identification of resistance-related genes such as PBRM1, SLFN11 and ATPE1 in different cancers. We also provided an overview of genes, including RSF1, CDK5, and SGOL1, whose disruption can synergize with the currently available drugs such as paclitaxel and sorafenib.

CONCLUSION

The data suggest CRISPR/Cas9 system as a useful tool in elucidating the molecular basis of drug resistance and improving clinical outcomes. Graphical abstract The mechanisms of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing and double-strand breaks (DSBs) repair.

Plasma extracellular vesicle long RNA profiling identifies a diagnostic signature for the detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is difficult to diagnose at resectable stage. Recent studies have suggested that extracellular vesicles (EVs) contain long RNAs. The aim of this study was to develop a diagnostic (d-)signature for the detection of PDAC based on EV long RNA (exLR) profiling.

DESIGN

We conducted a case-control study with 501 participants, including 284 patients with PDAC, 100 patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) and 117 healthy subjects. The exLR profile of plasma samples was analysed by exLR sequencing. The d-signature was identified using a support vector machine algorithm and a training cohort (n=188) and was validated using an internal validation cohort (n=135) and an external validation cohort (n=178).

RESULTS

We developed a d-signature that comprised eight exLRs, including FGA, KRT19, HIST1H2BK, ITIH2, MARCH2, CLDN1, MAL2 and TIMP1, for PDAC detection. The d-signature showed high accuracy, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.960, 0.950 and 0.936 in the training, internal validation and external validation cohort, respectively. The d-signature was able to identify resectable stage I/II cancer with an AUC of 0.949 in the combined three cohorts. In addition, the d-signature showed superior performance to carbohydrate antigen 19-9 in distinguishing PDAC from CP (AUC 0.931 vs 0.873, p=0.028).

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to characterise the plasma exLR profile in PDAC and to report an exLR signature for the detection of pancreatic cancer. This signature may improve the prognosis of patients who would have otherwise missed the curative treatment window.

Multi-omics profiling of calcium-induced human keratinocytes differentiation reveals modulation of unfolded protein response signaling pathways

By proteomic, metabolomic and transcriptomic approaches we shed light on the molecular mechanism by which human keratinocytes undergo to terminal differentiation upon in vitro calcium treatment. Proteomic analysis revealed a selective induction of the ribosomal proteins RSSA, an inhibitor of cell proliferation and inducer of differentiation, HSP 60, a protein folding chaperone and GRP78, an unfolding protein response signal. Additionally, we observed an induction of EF1D, a transcription factor for genes that contain heat-shock responsive elements. Conversely, RAD23, a protein involved in regulating ER-associated protein degradation was down-regulated. All these modifications indicated an ER stress response, which in turn activated the unfolded protein response signaling pathway through ATF4, as confirmed both by the modulation of amino acids metabolism genes, such as XBP1, PDI and GPR78, and by the metabolomic analysis. Finally, we detected a reduction of PDI protein, as confirmed by the increase of oxidized glutathione. Metabolome analysis indicated that glycolysis failed to fuel the Krebs cycle, which continued to decrease during differentiation, at glance with the PPP pathway, allowing NADH production and glutathione reduction. Since unfolded protein response is linked to keratinization, these results may be useful for studying pathological mechanisms as well as potential treatments for different pathological conditions. Abbreviation: UPR, unfolded protein response; HEK, human epidermal keratinocytes; HKGS, human keratinocytes growth factor.

Application of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technique in the study of cancer treatment

In recent years, gene editing, especially that using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9, has made great progress in the field of gene function. Rapid development of gene editing techniques has contributed to their significance in the field of medicine. Because the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing tool is not only powerful but also has features such as strong specificity and high efficiency, it can accurately and rapidly screen the whole genome, facilitating the administration of gene therapy for specific diseases. In the field of tumor research, CRISPR/Cas9 can be used to edit genomes to explore the mechanisms of tumor occurrence, development, and metastasis. In these years, this system has been increasingly applied in tumor treatment research. CRISPR/Cas9 can be used to treat tumors by repairing mutations or knocking out specific genes. To date, numerous preliminary studies have been conducted on tumor treatment in related fields. CRISPR/Cas9 holds great promise for gene-level tumor treatment. Personalized and targeted therapy based on CRISPR/Cas9 will possibly shape the development of tumor therapy in the future. In this study, we review the findings of CRISPR/Cas9 for tumor treatment research to provide references for related future studies on the pathogenesis and clinical treatment of tumors.

CRISPR/Cas9: a powerful tool for identification of new targets for cancer treatment

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR associated nuclease 9 (Cas9), as a powerful genome-editing tool, has revolutionized genetic engineering. It is widely used to investigate the molecular basis of different cancer types. In this review, we present an overview of recent studies in which CRISPR/Cas9 has been used for the identification of potential molecular targets. Based on the collected data, we suggest here that CRISPR/Cas9 is an effective system to distinguish between mutant and wild-type alleles in cancer. We show that several new potential therapeutic targets, such as CD38, CXCR2, MASTL, and RBX2, as well as several noncoding (nc)RNAs have been identified using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. We also discuss the obstacles and challenges that we face for using CRISPR/Cas9 as a therapeutic.

The Expression of TMEM74 in Liver Cancer and Lung Cancer Correlating With Survival Outcomes

Transmembrane 74 (TMEM74), a transmembrane protein as an autophagy inducer, has been proven to promote tumor cell (including cervical cancer cell line HeLa and hepatic carcinoma cell line HepG2) proliferation by triggering autophagy. To further determine the role of TMEM74 in cancer, we performed immunohistochemical staining on tissue array, and the results showed that TMEM74 exhibited significantly higher expression in several tumor types, especially in hepatocellular carcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma, and squamous carcinoma. Furthermore, higher expression level of TMEM74 in HepG2, A549, and H1299 cell lines were also detected compared with the corresponding normal cell lines, as detected by western blot. Meanwhile, further analysis showed that the levels of TMEM74 expression were closely correlated to survival period of patients-the higher expression of TMEM74 was correlated with shorter survival period. Moreover, the in vitro experiments showed that overexpression of TMEM74 led to accelerated proliferation of A549 and H1299 cells, while knockdown of TMEM74 reversed the outcomes. In conclusion, the results suggested that TMEM74 acts as an oncogene and a potential diagnostic marker and a therapeutic target for liver cancer and lung cancer.