SGSM2 inhibits thyroid cancer progression by activating RAP1 and enhancing competitive RAS inhibition

Honokiol in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer: a network pharmacology approach and experimental validation

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a rare and highly metastatic form of cancer. Honokiol (HNK), a biphenolic compound, has been utilized in TNBC treatment, though its specific targets remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of HNK on TNBC by combining network pharmacology predictions and experimental validation to uncover its mechanisms. MDA-MB 231 and MDA-MB 468 cells were pre-treated with varying doses of HNK for 24 h. Cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis were assessed using CCK8 and FACS assays, whereas a wound healing assay was used to evaluate cell migration. A tubule formation assay was used to assess blood vessel formation in HUVECs. Additionally, in vivo activity was confirmed using a zebrafish xenograft model. Network pharmacology and molecular docking predicted active ingredients, key targets, and potential mechanisms of HNK against TNBC. Results indicated that HNK induces apoptosis in MDA-MB 231 and MDA-MB 468 cells and inhibits their migration and proliferation. Furthermore, HNK suppressed blood vessel formation. Zebrafish xenograft experiments validated HNK's inhibitory effect on TNBC cells in vivo. Network pharmacology identified 36 potential HNK targets against TNBC, including HSP90AA1, AKT1, EGFR, ERBB2, HSP90AB1, PGR, MDM2, HDAC1, NR3C1, and MAPK14. Key signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt, MAPK, Rap1, Ras, and FoxO were implicated in HNK's anti-TNBC mechanism. Molecular docking demonstrated spontaneous interactions between HNK and the targeted proteins. In conclusion, HNK may reduce angiogenesis by blocking the EGFR and HSP90AB1 pathways thereby decreasing proliferation and increasing apoptosis in TNBC cells.

Macrophage at maternal-fetal Interface: Perspective on pregnancy and related disorders

Immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface (MFI) undergo dynamic changes to facilitate fetal growth and development during pregnancy. In contrast to the adaptive immune system, where effector T cells, Tregs, and suppressor T cells play key roles in maintaining immune tolerance toward the semi-allogeneic fetus, the innate immune system-comprising decidual nature killer (dNK) cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells (DCs)-makes up a significant portion of the decidual leukocyte population. These innate immune cells are crucial in modulating trophoblast invasion, spiral artery remodeling, and apoptotic cell phagocytosis. Dysregulation of the innate immune system has been linked to impaired uterine vessel remodeling and defective trophoblast invasion, which can lead to complications such as spontaneous abortion, preeclampsia (PE), and preterm. This review focuses on recent advancements in understanding the innate immune defenses at the maternal-fetal interface and their connections to pregnancy-related diseases, with particular emphasis on the role of macrophages.

CD147 regulates the Rap1 signaling pathway to promote proliferation, migration, and invasion, and inhibit apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells

The malignant progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) is intimately associated with the abnormal regulation of transmembrane glycoprotein CD147. However, the molecular mechanism via the Rap1/Rap1GAP signaling axis has not been elucidated. This study, through integrated bioinformatics analysis, discovered that the expression of CD147 in CRC tissues was significantly higher than that in adjacent tissues, and patients with high expression had a shorter overall survival. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot confirmed that the expression level of CD147 protein in CRC tissues was higher than that in adjacent tissues. Moreover, qRT-PCR verified a positive correlation between the expressions of CD147 and Rap1. Immunofluorescence clearly indicated that CD147 was specifically enriched in the cell membrane and cytoplasm of SW620 cells. The knockdown of CD147 mediated by shRNA could inhibit the proliferation of HCT116/SW620 cells, induce apoptosis, and weaken the migration and invasion capabilities. The mechanism involved the downregulation of c-Myc, Bcl-2 and the upregulation of Bax, E-cadherin. The mechanistic study found that the knockdown of CD147 increased the expression of Rap1GAP and inhibited Rap1 activity. Overexpression of Rap1 could reverse the inhibitory effects of CD147 knockdown on proliferation, apoptosis, and EMT phenotypes. This study revealed that CD147 upregulated Rap1 expression while inhibiting Rap1GAP, thereby maintaining Rap1 activity and driving the malignant progression of CRC through the c-Myc/Bcl-2/Bax axis and EMT program, providing experimental evidence for precise treatment targeting the CD147-Rap1 signaling axis.

RAP1 is essential for PRRSV replication and the synthesis of the viral genome

Since its emergence, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) has caused enormous economic losses to the global swine industry. The pathogenesis of PRRS remains under investigation. The porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) causes reproductive disorders in pigs and respiratory in piglets, which is a 15 kb RNA virus that encodes 16 viral proteins, most of which exhibit multiple functions during the virus lifecycle. RAP1 (Ras-proximate-1), a small GTPase, is known to regulates cell adhesion across different cell types and is one of the most conserved telomere proteins. Thus, this study explored the effect of RAP1 after PRRSV infection. In this study, RAP1 did not participate in the adsorption and internalization process of PRRSV, however, it promoted viral RNA synthesis and enhanced PRRSV replication. Additionally, we discovered that RAP1 interacted with Nsp10 and the N protein. Specifically, the Myb domain of RAP1 primarily bound to the viral genome interacted with the N-terminal structural domain of the N protein, which contains an RNA-binding domain. Additionally, the C-terminal region of RAP1 interacted with the N-terminal domain of Nsp10. These results suggested that RAP1 is a critical factor in the PRRSV infection process, particularly in the context of viral RNA synthesis. RAP1 could be a potential target for the prevention and control of PRRSV.

Integrated analysis of differentially m6A modified and expressed lncRNAs for biomarker identification in coronary artery disease

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal RNA modification in mammals. However, limited research has been conducted on the role of m6A in coronary artery disease (CAD). We conducted methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing and RNA sequencing to obtain a genome-wide profile of m6A-modified long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells either exposed to oxidized low-density lipoprotein treatment or not, and the characteristics of the expression profiles were explored using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. The predictive effects of seven selected lncRNAs on CAD were evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The differentially m6A-modified and expressed lncRNAs related genes were predominantly enriched in small GTPase-mediated signal transduction, ErbB signaling, and Rap1 signaling. Additionally, the expression levels of uc003pes.1, ENST00000422847, and NR_110155 were significantly associated with CAD, with uc003pes.1 identified as an independent risk factor and NR_110155 as an independent protective factor for CAD. NR_110155 and uc003pes.1 in PBMCs have the potential to serve as biomarkers for predicting CAD.

Deciphering the role of PLCD3 in lung cancer: A gateway to glycolytic reprogramming via PKC-Rap1 activation

PLCD3 belongs to the phospholipase C delta group and is involved in numerous biological functions, including cell growth, programmed cell death, and specialization. However, the role of PLCD3 in lung cancer still needs further investigation. This research aimed to investigate if PLCD3 influences glycolytic reprogramming and lung cancer development through the PKC-dependent Rap1 signaling pathway. This study found that PLCD3 was increased in lung cancer tissues. PLCD3 promotes the proliferation and invasion of lung cancer cells by activating the PKC-dependent Rap1 pathway. The detailed process involves PLCD3 triggering PKC, which subsequently stimulates the Rap1 pathway, leading to glycolytic reprogramming that supplies adequate energy and metabolic substrates necessary for the growth and spread of lung cancer cells. Moreover, PLCD3 can also promote the metastasis and invasion of lung cancer cells by activating the Rap1 pathway. This study reveals the mechanism of PLCD3 in lung cancer and provides new ideas for the treatment of lung cancer. Inhibiting PLCD3, PKC, and the Rap1 pathway may be an effective strategy for treating lung cancer.

Rap1GAP exacerbates myocardial infarction by regulating the AMPK/SIRT1/NF-κB signaling pathway

Rap1 GTPase-activating protein (Rap1GAP) is an important tumor suppressor. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of Rap1GAP in myocardial infarction (MI) and its potential mechanism. Left anterior descending coronary artery ligation was performed on cardiac-specific Rap1GAP conditional knockout (Rap1GAP-CKO) mice and control mice with MI. Seven days after MI, Rap1GAP expression in the hearts of control mice peaked, the expression of proapoptotic markers (Bax and cleaved caspase-3) increased, the expression of antiapoptotic factors (Bcl-2) decreased, and the expression of the inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α increased; thus, apoptosis occurred, inflammation, infarct size, and left ventricular dysfunction increased, while the heart changes caused by MI were alleviated in Rap1GAP-CKO mice. Mouse heart tissue was obtained for transcriptome sequencing, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to analyze Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. We found that Rap1GAP was associated with the AMPK and NF-κB signaling pathways and that Rap1GAP inhibited AMPK/SIRT1 and activated the NF-κB signaling pathway in model animals. Similar results were observed in primary rat myocardial cells subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) to induce ischemia and hypoxia. Activating AMPK with the AMPK activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside (AICAR) reversed the damage caused by Rap1GAP overexpression in cardiomyocytes. In addition, the coimmunoprecipitation results showed that exogenous Rap1GAP interacted with AMPK. Rap1GAP was verified to regulate the AMPK SIRT1/NF-κB signaling pathway and exacerbate the damage to myocardial cells caused by ischemia and hypoxia. In conclusion, our results suggest that Rap1GAP promotes MI by modulating the AMPK/SIRT1/NF-κB signaling pathway and that Rap1GAP may be a therapeutic target for MI treatment in the future.

Molecular Mechanisms Associated with the Development of the Metritis Complex in Dairy Cattle

The metritis complex (MC), a group of post-partum uterine diseases, is associated with increased treatment costs and reduced milk yield and fertility. The goal of this study was to identify genetic variants, genes, or genomic regions that modulate MC disease. A genome-wide association study was performed using a single-locus mixed linear model of 1967 genotypes (624,460 SNPs) and metritis complex records. Then, in-silico functional analyses were performed to detect biological mechanisms and pathways associated with the development of MC. The ATP8A2, COX16, AMN, and TRAF3 genes, located on chromosomes 12, 10, and 21, were associated with MC at p ≤ 0.0001. These genes are involved in the regulation of cholesterol metabolism in the stromal tissue of the uterus, which can be directly associated with the mode of transmission for pathogens causing the metritis complex. The modulation of cholesterol abundance alters the efficiency of virulence factors and may affect the susceptibility of the host to infection. The SIPA1L1, DEPDC5, and RNF122 genes were also significantly associated with MC at p ≤ 0.0001 and are involved in the PI3k-Akt pathway, responsible for activating the autophagic processes. Thus, the dysregulation of these genes allows for unhindered bacterial invasion, replication, and survival within the endometrium.

Advances in targeted therapy and biomarker research in thyroid cancer

Driven by the intricacy of the illness and the need for individualized treatments, targeted therapy and biomarker research in thyroid cancer represent an important frontier in oncology. The variety of genetic changes associated with thyroid cancer demand more investigation to elucidate molecular details. This research is clinically significant since it can be used to develop customized treatment plans. A more focused approach is provided by targeted therapies, which target certain molecular targets such as mutant BRAF or RET proteins. This strategy minimizes collateral harm to healthy tissues and may also reduce adverse effects. Simultaneously, patient categorization based on molecular profiles is made possible by biomarker exploration, which allows for customized therapy regimens and maximizes therapeutic results. The benefits of targeted therapy and biomarker research go beyond their immediate clinical impact to encompass the whole cancer landscape. Comprehending the genetic underpinnings of thyroid cancer facilitates the creation of novel treatments that specifically target aberrant molecules. This advances the treatment of thyroid cancer and advances precision medicine, paving the way for the treatment of other cancers. Taken simply, more study on thyroid cancer is promising for better patient care. The concepts discovered during this investigation have the potential to completely transform the way that care is provided, bringing in a new era of personalized, precision medicine. This paradigm shift could improve the prognosis and quality of life for individuals with thyroid cancer and act as an inspiration for advances in other cancer types.

SGSM2 in Uveal Melanoma: Implications for Survival, Immune Infiltration, and Drug Sensitivity

BACKGROUND

The abnormal expression of small G protein signaling modulator 2 (SGSM2) is related to the occurrence of thyroid cancer and breast cancer. However, the role of SGSM2 in uveal melanoma (UVM) is unclear.

OBJECTS

To elucidate this ambiguity, our study utilized bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation.

METHODS

The expression of SGSM2 was detected in UVM cell lines through quantitative real-- time PCR (qRT-PCR). We utilized the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to assess the relationship between SGSM2 expression and clinical characteristics, as well as its prognostic significance in UVM. Furthermore, the study examined potential regulatory networks involving SGSM2 in relation to immune infiltration, immune checkpoint genes, microsatellite instability (MSI), and drug sensitivity in UVM. The study also examined SGSM2 expression in UVM single-cell sequencing data.

RESULTS

SGSM2 was highly expressed in UVM cell lines. Moreover, elevated levels of SGSM2 in UVM patients were significantly linked to poorer overall survival (OS) (p < 0.001), progress- free survival (PFS) (p < 0.001), and disease-specific survival (DSS) (p < 0.001). Additionally, SGSM2 expression was identified as an independent prognostic factor in UVM patients (p < 0.001). SGSM2 was associated with several pathways, including the calcium signaling pathway, natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity, cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), and others. The study revealed that SGSM2 expression in UVM is linked to immune infiltration, immune checkpoint genes, and MSI. Additionally, a significant inverse correlation was observed between SGSM2 expression and the compounds GSK690693, TL-2-105, PHA-793887, Tubastatin A, and SB52334 in UVM patients.

CONCLUSION

SGSM2 may not only serve as an important indicator for prognostic assessment. Still, it may also be a key target for the development of new therapeutic approaches, providing new perspectives on the treatment of UVM patients.

Zyxin Inhibits the Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Osteosarcoma via Rap1-Mediated Inhibition of the MEK/ERK Signaling Pathway

Zyxin (ZYX) is an actin-interacting protein with unknown biological functions in patients with osteosarcoma. This research sought to understand how ZYX affects the biological behavior of osteosarcoma cells and to identify the associated mechanism. Firstly, ZYX expression was decreased in osteosarcoma, and its higher expression indicated better outcomes in patients with osteosarcoma. ZYX overexpression significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma cells, whereas ZYX silencing resulted in the opposite trend. Subsequently, we found that the Rap1 signaling pathway was significantly correlated with ZYX expression as reported in The Cancer Genome Atlas's database using bioinformatic analysis. Moreover, we found that ZYX overexpression regulated the Rap1/MEK/ERK axis, and osteosarcoma cell growth, migration, and invasion were consequently restrained. Additionally, by administering tumor cells subcutaneously to nude mice, a mouse model of transplanted tumors was created. Compared to the control group, the ZYX overexpression group's tumors were lighter and smaller, and the ZYX/Rap1 axis was activated in the ZYX overexpression group. Taken together, our results suggest that ZYX inhibits osteosarcoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by regulating the Rap1/MEK/ERK signaling pathway. ZYX might be crucial in the clinical management of osteosarcoma and is a promising novel therapeutic target in patients with this disease.

Exploring the target and molecular mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus in the treatment of vascular cognitive impairment based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Astragalus membranaceus (AM) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine extensively utilized in vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) treatment. However, due to the complex components of AM, its exact molecular mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the target and molecular mechanism of AM to treat VCI based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. Firstly, the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform, STITCH, and SwissTargetPrediction were utilized to gather the primary active ingredients of AM. The potential therapeutic targets of VCI were collected through GeneCards, OMIM, and DisGeNET databases. Secondly, the protein-protein interaction network was built using the STRING database. The enrichment analysis of gene ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome pathways was carried out in the R language. Finally, The network topology calculation of Cytoscape software was combined with module analysis to predict the binding properties of its active ingredients and targets. Twenty effective compounds and 733 targets were screened from AM, among which 158 targets were seen as possible targets of AM to treat VCI. MAPK3 and MMP9 were the critical targets of AM intervention in VCI. The crucial pathways include PI3K/Akt, MAPK, Rap1, and Ras signaling pathways. Besides, calycosin and quercetin might be the potential active compounds of AM for VCI treatment. AM intervenes in VCI through a multi-ingredient, multi-target, and multi-pathway coordination mechanism. These findings provide a foundation for a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which AM is effective in treating VCI.