PANoptosis: bridging apoptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis in cancer progression and treatment

Network pharmacology and in vitro experiments based strategy to explore the effects of Jujuboside A on the proliferation and migration ability of glioma cells

OBJECTIVE

This study predicted and verified the effects of Jujuboside A (JuA) on the proliferation and migration ability of glioma cells to developing new therapies for glioma treatment.

METHODS

The druggability of JuA was determined by using cheminformatics. Network pharmacology was used to analyse common targets, biological function and metabolic pathways of JuA against glioma. The core targets of JuA against glioma were validated by using molecular docking. The biological functions of JuA were verified by in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

Cheminformatics results showed that JuA is possible to be a drug. Network pharmacology revealed 294 shared targets between JuA and glioma, which were associated with proliferation, migration, and multiple signalling pathways. A total of 16 core targets related to the signalling pathways were verified by molecular docking. The in vitro experiments showed that JuA could inhibit cell proliferation and migration, decrease cell numbers and alter cell morphology.

CONCLUSION

The results of network pharmacology and in vitro experiments indicate that JuA has significant toxic effects on glioma cells, and can play a therapeutic role in treating glioma by inhibiting the proliferation and migration of glioma cells.

Unveiling the role of PANoptosis-related genes in breast cancer: an integrated study by multi-omics analysis and machine learning algorithms

BACKGROUND

The heterogeneity of breast cancer (BC) necessitates the identification of novel subtypes and prognostic models to enhance patient stratification and treatment strategies. This study aims to identify novel BC subtypes based on PANoptosis-related genes (PRGs) and construct a robust prognostic model to guide individualized treatment strategies.

METHODS

The transcriptome data along with clinical data of BC patients were sourced from the TCGA and GEO databases. Consensus clustering was performed on 12 PRGs to ascertain potential BC subtypes, and variances in survival, infiltration of immune cells, and functional pathways among them were examined. A prognostic model was generated through 101 combinations of machine learning algorithms and validated across multiple cohorts. The response of patients towards immunotherapy were analyzed using multiple frameworks.

RESULTS

Consensus clustering of 12 PRGs identified two distinct BC subtypes, with subtype B exhibiting significantly lower overall survival (OS) rates compared to subtype A. Immune cell infiltration analysis revealed higher immune activity in subtype A. Functional pathway analysis revealed that subtype A exhibited a significant enrichment in immune-related pathways, while subtype B was associated with cell cycle and metabolic processes. An integrated machine learning framework integrating CoxBoost and Random Survival Forest (RSF) algorithms was developed, demonstrating high predictive performance across multiple cohorts. A nomogram combining age and risk score was constructed, showing excellent predictive performance. Immune landscape analysis revealed that the high-risk group exhibited a suppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Immunotherapy response prediction suggested that low-risk patients were more likely to benefit from PD-1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides a comprehensive framework for BC subtype classification and prognostic prediction, offering valuable insights for personalized treatment strategies.

Fullerenols hijack lysosomes to disrupt inter-organellar crosstalk and block autophagy pre-activated by mTOR inhibitors for cancer cell PANoptosis

Subcellular inter-organellar crosstalk among lysosome, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and mitochondrion is crucial for cancer cell survival and is a promising target in cancer treatment; however, efficiently disrupting these interactive networks is challenging. Herein, a communication interception strategy is presented, which specifically disrupts inter-organellar crosstalk by lysosomal contents leakage along with their trajectory and pre-activates autophagic flux to augment the lysosome-associated autophagy blocking for preventing the self-repair of this subcellular disorder. Briefly, fullerenols containing multiple hydroxyl groups (MF) tear the lysosomal phospholipid membrane through direct interaction, which causes lysosomal contents (calcium ions and cathepsins) to leak into the cytoplasm, subsequently leading to endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction with redox imbalance and metabolic reprogramming. mTOR inhibitors activate and amplify autophagy, then impaired lysosomes prevent their fusion with autophagosome, and thus autophagy is paralyzed along with autolysosome accumulation. Consequently, the cellular homeostasis is compromised by destroyed inter-organellar networks without self-repair by autophagy, thereby triggering PANoptotic processes and leading to a remarkable anti-tumor therapeutic efficacy in vitro and in vivo. This strategy demonstrates the selective cytotoxicity of non-toxic nanomaterials that interfere with subcellular inter-organellar crosstalk, offering a novel method for designing tumor therapies.

Dkk3 inhibits the aggressiveness and mitigates chemoresistance through low lipid droplet formation in gastric cancer: A biomarker and gene therapy target

Dkk3 is discovered through comparative studies of immortalized cells and their parental counterparts and might inhibit the aggressive phenotypes in malignant cells, demonstrating its tumor-suppressor activity. Here, we explored the clinicopathological significance of Dkk3 expression, the association between Dkk3 expression and immune microenvironment, and Dkk3-related signal pathways in gastric cancer (GC), and discovered the effects of Dkk3 on aggressiveness, chemoresistance and lipid droplet formation with molecular mechanisms investigated. Our data showed that plasma level of Dkk3 was low in GC and Dkk3 expression was negatively correlated with younger age, tumor size, depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, clinicopathological stage and histological classification of GC. Additionally our study shows DKK3 have a potential impact on GC immunity by regulating immune cell infiltration. Overexpression of wild-type and no-signal peptide Dkk3 inhibited cell proliferation, promoted apoptotic and pyroptotic cell death, and suppressed invasion, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in GC cells. Furthermore, Dkk3 expression promoted chemosensitivity by weakening lipid droplet formation in GC cells. The Dkk3-related pathways included ECM (extracellular matrix)-receptor interactions, ECM constituents and organization, WP miRNA targets in ECM membrane receptors, focal adhesion, cAMP, calcium and integrin signaling pathways, basement membranes, spliceosome activity, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, and ubiquitin-like protein binding. These results indicate that Dkk3 expression may serve as a valuable indicator to evaluate the pathological behaviors and immunotherapy of GC. Additionally, Dkk3 could potentially inhibit the aggressiveness regardless of signal peptide, and alleviate chemoresistance by low lipid droplet formation, making it become a valuable molecular target for gene therapy.

Modulating NLRP3 Inflammasomes in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Comprehensive Review on Flavonoid-Based Interventions

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a severe, rapidly advancing disease that drastically diminishes life expectancy. Without treatment, it can progress to lung cancer. The precise etiology of IPF remains unknown, but inflammation and damage to the alveolar epithelium are widely thought to be pivotal in its development. Research has indicated that activating the NLRP3 inflammasome is a crucial mechanism in IPF pathogenesis, as it triggers the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-18, and TGF-β. These cytokines contribute to the myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation. Currently, treatment options for IPF are limited. Only two FDA-approved medications, pirfenidone and nintedanib, are available. While these drugs can decelerate disease progression, they come with a range of side effects and do not cure the disease. Additional treatment strategies primarily involve supportive care and therapy. Emerging research has highlighted that numerous flavonoids derived from traditional medicines can inhibit the critical regulators responsible for activating the NLRP3 inflammasome. These flavonoids show promise as potential therapeutic agents for managing IPF, offering a new avenue for treatment that targets the core inflammatory processes of this debilitating condition.

The Interplay of Aging and PANoptosis in Osteoarthritis Pathogenesis: Implications for Novel Therapeutic Strategies

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease characterized by the progressive degradation of articular cartilage, synovial inflammation, and subchondral bone remodeling. This review explores the interplay between aging, PANoptosis, and inflammation in OA progression. Age-related cellular and immune dysfunctions, including cellular senescence, senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASPs), and immunosenescence, significantly contribute to joint degeneration. In OA, dysregulated apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis, particularly in chondrocytes, exacerbate cartilage damage. Apoptosis, mediated by the JNK pathway, reduces chondrocyte density, while necroptosis and pyroptosis, involving RIPK-1/RIPK-3 and the NLRP3 inflammasome, respectively, amplify inflammation and cartilage destruction. Inflammatory cytokines and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) further enhance these PANoptotic pathways. Current therapeutic strategies primarily focus on anti-inflammatory agents such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids, with growing interest in anti-senescence drugs targeting cellular senescence and SASP. Additionally, exploring PANoptosis mechanisms offers potential for innovative OA treatments.

Multiple programmed cell death patterns predict the prognosis and drug sensitivity in gastric cancer

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumor with poor prognosis. The diverse patterns of programmed cell death (PCD) are significantly associated with the pathogenesis and progression of GC, and it has the potential to serve as prognostic and drug sensitivity indicators for GC.

Method

The sequencing data and clinical characteristics of GC patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas and GEO databases. LASSO cox regression method was used to screen feature genes and develop the PCD score (PCDS). Immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint expression, Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) algorithm and drug sensitivity analysis were used to explore immunotherapy response. By integrating PCDS with clinical characteristics, we constructed and validated a nomogram that demonstrated robust predictive performance.

Results

We screened nine PCD-related genes (SERPINE1, PLPPR4, CDO1, MID2, NOX4, DYNC1I1, PDK4, MYB, TUBB2A) to create the PCDS. We found that GC patients with high PCDS experienced significantly poorer prognoses, and PCDS was identified as an independent prognostic factor. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in immune profile between high PCDS and low PCDS groups. Additionally, drug sensitivity analysis indicated that patients with a high PCDS may exhibit resistance to immunotherapy and standard adjuvant chemotherapy regimens; however, they may benefit from the FDA-approved drug Dasatinib.

Conclusion

Overall, we confirmed that the PCDS is a prognostic risk factor and a valuable predictor of immunotherapy response in GC patients, which provides new evidence for the potential application of GC.

Hesperidin alleviates ZBP1-drived PANoptosis induced by copper nanoparticles in immune organs of gallus

With the application of copper nanoparticles (nano-Cu) in livestock and poultry feed addition, their biotoxicity has been gradually recognized. Therefore, it has become an urgent problem to find the effective natural antagonists to reduce the toxicity of copper nanoparticles. Here, we found that hesperidin could alleviate nano-Cu-induced pathological injury in the immune organs of chickens via the histopathological examination of the spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius. Additionally, the results of western blot showed that nano-Cu exposure activated ZBP1-mediated PANoptosis in immune organs, with evidenced by the significant up-regulation of ZBP1 signal molecule and PANoptosis-related proteins (apoptosis: Caspase-7, Caspase-3, Caspase-8; pyroptosis: Caspase-1, GSDMD, GSDME; necroptosis: RIPK1 and MLKL). Besides that, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence also showed that the staining intensity of Caspase-9 and Caspase-8 proteins was observably elevated in nano-Cu group compared to control group, and the staining intensity of the hesperidin mixed nano-copper group was markedly lower than that of the nano-Cu group. Meanwhile, hesperidin effectively attenuated the ZBP1 expression and PANoptosis under nano-Cu exposure. These findings suggested that excessive nano-Cu could cause ZBP1-drived PANoptosis in immune organs, while hesperidin could alleviate toxic damage induced by nano-Cu exposure.

PANoptosis in Bacterial Infections: A Double-Edged Sword Balancing Host Immunity and Pathogenesis

PANoptosis is a newly identified programmed cell death pathway that integrates characteristics of apoptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis. It plays a dual role in the host immune response to bacterial infections. On one hand, PANoptosis acts as a protective mechanism by inducing the death of infected cells to eliminate pathogens and releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines to amplify the immune response. On the other hand, bacteria can exploit PANoptosis to evade host immune defenses. This dual nature underscores the potential of PANoptosis as a target for developing novel therapies against bacterial infections. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms of PANoptosis, along with the crosstalk and integration of different cell death pathways in response to various bacterial pathogens. We also discuss the dual roles of PANoptosis in bacterial infectious diseases, including sepsis, pulmonary infections, and intestinal infections. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying PANoptosis and how bacteria manipulate this pathway offers critical insights into host-pathogen interactions. These insights provide a foundation for designing targeted antibacterial strategies, modulating inflammation, and advancing precision medicine to improve clinical outcomes.

KAE ameliorates LPS-mediated acute lung injury by inhibiting PANoptosis through the intracellular DNA-cGAS-STING axis

Background

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe condition characterized by inflammation, tissue damage, and persistent activation of the cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway, which exacerbates the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and promotes the progression of ALI. Specific inhibition of this pathway has been shown to alleviate ALI symptoms. Kaempferol-3-O-α-L-(4″-E-p-coumaroyl)-rhamnoside (KAE), an active compound found in the flowers of Angelica acutiloba Kitagawa, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms through which KAE regulates the cGAS-STING pathway in the context of ALI.

Methods

ALI was induced using LPS. Lung damage and anti-inflammatory/antioxidant effects were assessed by H&E staining, lung edema index, and SOD, MDA, and ELISA assays. NO release and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were measured by JC-1 and Griess methods. The impact of KAE on the cGAS-STING pathway and PANoptosis was analyzed using flow cytometry, Western blot, and immunofluorescence.

Results

KAE significantly alleviated lipopolysaccharide-induced pulmonary injury by reducing inflammatory cell infiltration, alleviating pulmonary edema, enhancing antioxidant capacity, and decreasing levels of inflammatory cytokines in mouse lung tissues. In both in vitro and in vivo analyses, KAE downregulated the expression of key components of the cGAS-STING pathway, including cGAS, STING, p-TBK1, and nuclear factor-κB. KAE also reduced the assembly and activation of the PANoptosome, thereby attenuating apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis. Additionally, KAE inhibited cGAS activation by restoring the MMP, which reduced the release of cytosolic DNA.

Conclusion

KAE improve ALI by inhibiting the release of cytosolic DNA and suppressing cGAS-STING pathway activation, thereby protecting cells from PANoptosis. Our findings provide valuable insights for the development and application of novel therapeutic strategies for ALI.

An Overview of the Current State of Cell Viability Assessment Methods Using OECD Classification

Over the past century, numerous methods for assessing cell viability have been developed, and there are many different ways to categorize these methods accordingly. We have chosen to use the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) classification due to its regulatory importance. The OECD categorizes these methods into four groups: non-invasive cell structure damage, invasive cell structure damage, cell growth, and cellular metabolism. Despite the variety of cell viability methods available, they can all be categorized within these four groups, except for two novel methods based on the cell membrane potential, which we added to the list. Each method operates on different principles and has its own advantages and disadvantages, making it essential for researchers to choose the method that best fits their experimental design. This review aims to assist researchers in making this decision by describing these methods regarding their potential use and providing direct references to the cell viability assessment methods. Additionally, we use the OECD classification to facilitate potential regulatory use and to highlight the need for adding a new category to their list.

AI-based classification of anticancer drugs reveals nucleolar condensation as a predictor of immunogenicity

BACKGROUND

Immunogenic cell death (ICD) inducers are often identified in phenotypic screening campaigns by the release or surface exposure of various danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) from malignant cells. This study aimed to streamline the identification of ICD inducers by leveraging cellular morphological correlates of ICD, specifically the condensation of nucleoli (CON).

METHODS

We applied artificial intelligence (AI)-based imaging analyses to Cell Paint-stained cells exposed to drug libraries, identifying CON as a marker for ICD. CON was characterized using SYTO 14 fluorescent staining and holotomographic microscopy, and visualized by AI-deconvoluted transmitted light microscopy. A neural network-based quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model was trained to link molecular descriptors of compounds to the CON phenotype, and the classifier was validated using an independent dataset from the NCI-curated mechanistic collection of anticancer agents.

RESULTS

CON strongly correlated with the inhibition of DNA-to-RNA transcription. Cytotoxic drugs that inhibit RNA synthesis without causing DNA damage were as effective as conventional cytotoxicants in inducing ICD, as demonstrated by DAMPs release/exposure and vaccination efficacy in mice. The QSAR classifier successfully predicted drugs with a high likelihood of inducing CON.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed AI-based algorithms for predicting CON-inducing drugs based on molecular descriptors and their validation using automated micrographs analysis, offering a new approach for screening ICD inducers with minimized adverse effects in cancer therapy.

Integrative analysis of a novel immunogenic PANoptosis‑related gene signature in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma for prognostication and therapeutic decision-making

This study aimed to develop a PANoptosis-related gene prognostic index (PANGPI) to explore its potential value in predicting the prognosis and immunotherapy response of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Differentially expressed genes of DLBCL from GEO databases were analyzed and mapped to the PANoptosis gene set. The independent prognostic value of the PANGPI signature was evaluated using LASSO Cox regression and multivariate Cox regression. Additionally, the tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) characteristics and mutation landscape of both subgroups were evaluated, and drug sensitivity was predicted using the GDSC database. Furthermore, in silico docking and molecular dynamic simulation studies were presented to elucidate the mode of interaction of these predicted drugs. The PANGPI risk score was an independent risk factor for the prognosis of patients with DLBCL and exhibited good prognostic predictive performance. Furthermore, the cytolytic activity of the TILs was positively correlated with the PANGPI scores. Additionally, the PANGPI enabled the identification of 3 chemotherapeutic agents, including BMS-536924, Gefitinib, Navitoclax for DLBCL patients in the high-risk group. We established a novel PANoptosis-related gene subtyping system in DLBCL, which could shed a novel light on the development of new biomarkers for DLBCL.

Necroptosis-based glioblastoma prognostic subtypes: implications for TME remodeling and therapy response

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive primary brain tumor with a high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. Necroptosis, a pathological hallmark of GBM, is poorly understood in terms of its role in prognosis, tumor microenvironment (TME) alteration, and immunotherapy.

METHODS & RESULTS

We assessed the expression of 55 necroptosis-related genes in GBM and normal brain tissues. We identified necroptosis-stratified clusters using Uni-Cox and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression to establish the 10-gene Glioblastoma Necroptosis Index (GNI). GNI demonstrated significant prognostic efficacy in the TCGA dataset (n = 160) and internal validation dataset (n = 345) and in external validation cohorts (n = 591). The GNI-high subgroup displayed a mesenchymal phenotype, lacking the IDH1 mutation, and MGMT methylation. This subgroup was characterized by significant enrichment in inflammatory and humoral immune pathways with prominent cell adhesion molecules (CD44 and ICAM1), inflammatory cytokines (TGFB1, IL1B, and IL10), and chemokines (CX3CL1, CXCL9, and CCL5). The TME in this subgroup showed elevated infiltration of M0 macrophages, neutrophils, mast cells, and regulatory T cells. GNI-related genes appeared to limit macrophage polarization, as confirmed by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. The top 30% high-risk score subset exhibited increased CD8 T cell infiltration and enhanced cytolytic activity. GNI showed promise in predicting responses to immunotherapy and targeted treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study highlights the role of necroptosis-related genes in glioblastoma (GBM) and their effects on the tumor microenvironment and patient prognosis. TheGNI demonstrates potential as a prognostic marker and provides insights into immune characteristics and treatment responsiveness.

Cuproptosis, ferroptosis and PANoptosis in tumor immune microenvironment remodeling and immunotherapy: culprits or new hope

Normal life requires cell division to produce new cells, but cell death is necessary to maintain balance. Dysregulation of cell death can lead to the survival and proliferation of abnormal cells, promoting tumor development. Unlike apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy, the newly recognized forms of regulated cell death (RCD) cuproptosis, ferroptosis, and PANoptosis provide novel therapeutic strategies for tumor treatment. Increasing research indicates that the death of tumor and immune cells mediated by these newly discovered forms of cell death can regulate the tumor microenvironment (TME) and influence the effectiveness of tumor immunotherapy. This review primarily elucidates the molecular mechanisms of cuproptosis, ferroptosis, and PANoptosis and their complex effects on tumor cells and the TME. This review also summarizes the exploration of nanoparticle applications in tumor therapy based on in vivo and in vitro evidence derived from the induction or inhibition of these new RCD pathways.

Characterization of PANoptosis-related genes with immunoregulatory features in osteoarthritis

This study aimed to characterize PANoptosis-related genes with immunoregulatory features in osteoarthritis (OA) and investigate their potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Gene expression data from OA patients and healthy controls were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differential expression analysis and functional enrichment analysis were conducted to identify PANoptosis-related genes (PRGs) associated with OA pathogenesis. A diagnostic model was developed using LASSO regression, and the diagnostic value of key PRGs was evaluated using Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC) analysis. The infiltration of immune cells and potential small molecule agents were also examined. A total of 39 differentially expressed PANoptosis-related genes (DE-PRGs) were identified, with functional enrichment analysis revealing their involvement in inflammatory response regulation and immune modulation pathways. Seven key PRGs, including CDKN1A, EZH2, MEG3, NR4A1, PIK3R2, S100A8, and SYVN1, were selected for diagnostic model construction, demonstrating high predictive performance in both training and validation datasets. The correlation between key PRGs and immune cell infiltration was explored. Additionally, molecular docking analysis identified APHA-compound-8 as a potential therapeutic agent targeting key PRGs. This study identified and analyzed PRGs in OA, uncovering their roles in immune regulation. Seven key PRGs were used to construct a diagnostic model with high predictive performance. The identified PRGs' correlation with immune cell infiltration was elucidated, and APHA-compound-8 was highlighted as a potential therapeutic agent. These findings offer novel diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for OA, warranting further in vivo validation and exploration of clinical applications.

Combination of bulk RNA and single-cell sequencing unveils PANoptosis-related immunological ecology hallmarks and classification for clinical decision-making in hepatocellular carcinoma

PANoptosis is engaged in the program of immune response and carcinogenicity. Nonetheless, the actual impacts of PANoptosis on clinical management and oncology immunity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are not fully grasped. RNA-seq-derived computations were conducted to sort out the molecular subtypes and elucidate the disparities based on PANoptosis molecules. Single-cell sequencing (scRNA-seq) tools including Cytotrace and Addmodulescore were extracted to characterize diversification potency and quantify the PANoptosis motion. Transcriptional factors were inferred by the pySCENIC package and Cellchat program scrutinized the intercellular exchange across cell compartments. The PANoptosis score system originated by incorporating 10 machine learning algorithms and 101 compositions to project clinical results and deteriorate tendencies. Circulatory PANoptosis-associated protein HSP90AA1 was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). HCC individuals could be categorized into low- and high-PANoptosis groups with diverse biogenic and pharmacotherapy heterogeneity. Individuals in the elevated PANoptosis subtype were characterized as "hot tumor" conveying the increased presence of immunogenicity while reiterating an explicit negative connection with tumor stemness. Compared to immune and stromal cells, cancerous cells showcased decreased PANoptosis and heightened PANoptosis malignant cell subgroups might be tied to a substantial level of genomic expression of SREBF2, JUND, GATAD1, ZBTB20, SMAD5 and implied a more aggressive potential. The PANoptosis index, derived from machine learning, has been established to provide succinct frameworks for predicting outcomes and clarified the noteworthy utility of conventional regimens, as the differentiated power of HCC occurred together with vascular invasion and hepatocellular adenoma (HCA). The experiment confirmed that the circulating HSP90AA1 was aberrantly augmented in HCC patients, thus demonstrating its potential as a discriminatory biomarker. We systematically deciphered the molecular and immune ecosystem traits of PANoptosis in bulk and scRNA-seq degrees, which may deliver advantageous insights for customized treatment, awareness of the pathological process and prognosis scrutiny for HCC patients.

LINC01089 in cancer: multifunctional roles and therapeutic implications

LINC01089 is a prime example of a long non-coding RNA that plays a pivotal role in the progression of human cancers. The gene encoding this lncRNA is located on 12q24.31. LINC01089 has been demonstrated to exert tumor-suppressive effects in various cancers, including colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, papillary thyroid carcinoma, breast cancer, and osteosarcoma. However, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma shows significant discrepancies across different studies. In this review, we systematically explore the functions of LINC01089 in human cancers through bioinformatics analysis, clinical studies, animal models, and fundamental experimental research. Furthermore, we delve into the biological mechanisms and functions of LINC01089, and discuss its potential as a future biomarker and therapeutic target in detail.

Ferroptosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma: connecting the dots to move forward

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an aggressive disease whose incomplete biological comprehension contributes to the inappropriate clinical management and poor prognosis. Thus, the identification of new promising molecular targets to treat OSCC is of paramount importance. Ferroptosis is a regulated cell death caused by the iron-dependent accumulation of reactive oxygen species and the consequent oxidative damage of lipid membranes. Over the last five years, a growing number of studies has reported that OSCC is sensitive to ferroptosis induction and that ferroptosis inducers exert a remarkable antitumor effect in OSCC, even in those displaying low response to common approaches, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In addition, as ferroptosis is considered an immunogenic cell death, it may modulate the immune response against OSCC. In this review, we summarize the so far identified ferroptosis regulatory mechanisms and prognostic models based on ferroptosis-related genes in OSCC. In addition, we discuss the perspective of inducing ferroptosis as a novel strategy to directly treat OSCC or, alternatively, to improve sensitivity to other approaches. Finally, we integrate data emerging from the research studies, reviewed here, through in silico analysis and we provide a novel personal perspective on the potential interconnection between ferroptosis and autophagy in OSCC.

Non-coding RNAs as key regulators of Gasdermin-D mediated pyroptosis in cancer therapy

Pyroptosis is an inflammatory programed cell death process that plays a crucial role in cancer therapeutic, while Gasdermin-D is a critical effector protein for pyroptosis execution. This review discusses the intricate interactions between Gasdermin-D and some non-coding RNAs (lncRNA, miRNA, siRNA) and their potential application in the regulation of pyroptosis as an anticancer therapy. Correspondingly, these ncRNAs significantly implicate in Gasdermin-D expression and function regarding the pyroptosis pathway. Functioning as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), these ncRNAs might regulate Gasdermin-D at the molecular level, underlying fatal cell death caused by cancer and tumor propagation. Therefore, these interactions appeal to therapeutics, offering new avenues for cancer treatment. It address this research gap by discussing the possible roles of ncRNAs as mediators of gasdermin-D regulation. It suggest therapeutic strategies based on the current research findings to ensure the interchange between the ideal pyroptosis and cancer cell death.

Terphenyllin induces CASP3-dependent apoptosis and pyroptosis in A375 cells through upregulation of p53

BACKGROUND

Melanoma, one of the most lethal forms of skin cancer, has the potential to develop in any area where melanocytes are present. Currently, postoperative recurrence due to the emergence of systemic drug resistance represents a significant challenge in the treatment of melanoma. In this study, terphenyllin (TER), a distinctive inhibitory impact on melanoma cells was identified from the natural p-terphenyl metabolite. This study aimed to elucidate the intrinsic mechanism of this inhibitory effect, which may facilitate the discovery of novel chemotherapeutic agents.

METHODS

A transcriptome sequencing and metabolomic analysis of TER-treated A375 cells was conducted to identify potential pathways of action. The key proteins were knocked out and backfilled using CRISPR-Cas9 technology and molecular cloning. Subsequently, the results of cytosolic viability, LDH release, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry were employed to demonstrate the cell death status of the drug-treated cells.

RESULTS

The p53 signalling pathway was markedly upregulated following TER treatment, leading to the activation of CASP3 via the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. The activated CASP3 initiated apoptosis, while simultaneously continuing to cleave the GSDME, thereby triggering pyroptosis. The knockout of p53, a key protein situated upstream of this pathway, resulted in a significant rescue of TER-induced cell death, as well as an alleviation of the decrease in cell viability. However, the knockout of key proteins situated downstream of the pathway (CASP3 and GSDME) did not result in a rescue of TER-induced cell death, but rather a transformation of the cells from apoptosis and pyroptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The induction of apoptosis and pyroptosis in A375 cells by TER is mediated via the p53-BAX/FAS-CASP3-GSDME signalling pathway. This lays the foundation for TER as a potential anti-melanoma drug in the future. It should be noted that CASP3 and GSDME in this pathway solely regulate the mode of cell death, rather than determine whether cell death occurs. This distinction may prove valuable in future studies of apoptosis and pyroptosis.

Hu14.18K.322A Causes Direct Cell Cytotoxicity and Synergizes with Induction Chemotherapy in High-Risk Neuroblastoma

The disialoganglioside, GD2, is a promising therapeutic target due to its overexpression in certain tumors, particularly neuroblastoma (NB), with limited expression in normal tissues. Despite progress, the intricate mechanisms of action and the full spectrum of the direct cellular responses to anti-GD2 antibodies remain incompletely understood. In this study, we examined the direct cytotoxic effects of the humanized anti-GD2 antibody hu14.18K322A (hu14) on NB cell lines, by exploring the associated cell-death pathways. Additionally, we assessed the synergy between hu14 and conventional induction chemotherapy drugs. Our results revealed that hu14 treatment induced direct cytotoxic effects in CHLA15 and SK-N-BE1 cell lines, with a pronounced impact on proliferation and colony formation. Apoptosis emerged as the predominant cell-death pathway triggered by hu14. Furthermore, we saw a reduction in GD2 surface expression in response to hu14 treatment. Hu14 demonstrated synergy with induction chemotherapy drugs with alterations in GD2 expression. Our comprehensive investigation provides valuable insights into the multifaceted effects of hu14 on NB cells, shedding light on its direct cytotoxicity, cell-death pathways, and interactions with induction chemotherapy drugs. This study contributes to the evolving understanding of anti-GD2 antibody therapy and its potential synergies with conventional treatments in the context of NB.