CAMTA1-PPP3CA-NFATc4 multi-protein complex mediates the resistance of colorectal cancer to oxaliplatin

Current research of the Notch pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma

Notch signaling is a widely preserved communication pathway that supports essential cellular functions by allowing adjacent cells to interact. The Notch signaling pathway consists of Notch ligands (DSL proteins), Notch receptors, DNA-binding proteins, and downstream target genes. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the predominant cause of cancer-related deaths globally and poses a significant threat to human health. For highly malignant HCC, current treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and surgical procedures, often have poor prognoses. Therefore, there is a need to explore additional therapeutic strategies. Many studies have found that abnormal activation of the Notch signaling pathway contributes to tumor initiation and progression by promoting HCC proliferation, metastasis, stem cell-like properties, and drug resistance. In this research, we reveal the composition and activation mechanisms of the Notch signaling pathway, as well as the molecular mechanism underlying its aberrant activation in HCC. Furthermore, we summarize recent advances in targeting Notch signaling for the treatment of HCC. This review aims to highlight the promising potential of investigating the Notch pathway as a therapeutic target in HCC.

[MiR-132-3p negatively regulates CAMTA1 to promote Schwann cell proliferation and migration and alleviates I-125 seeds-induced exacerbation of facial nerve injury in rats]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the regulatory effect of miR-132-3p on calmodulin-binding transcription activator 1 (CAMTA1) and Schwann cell activity in rats with facial nerve injury (FNI) treated with I-125 seeds.

METHODS

Rat Schwann cells were irradiated with I-125 seeds and transfected with miR-132-3p mimic, miR-132-3p inhibitor or sh-CAMTA1. The expressions of S100B and β-tubulin Ⅲ in the cells were detected with immunofluorescence assay, and the expressions of miR-132-3p and CAMTA1 protein were determined using RT-qPCR and Western blotting, respectively. EdU staining and Transwell assay were used to evaluate the changes in cell proliferation and migration ability. In a rat model of FNI, I-125 seeds were implanted into the facial tissues near the facial nerve 2 weeks before modeling, and miR-132-3p mimic was injected subcutaneously in the face after modeling. The pathologies of the facial nerve was assessed by HE, LFB and immunofluorescence staining. The targeting relationship between miR-132-3p and CAMTA1 was verified using StarBase v2.0 database and dual-luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

Rat Schwann cells showed high expressions of S100B and β-tubulin Ⅲ. I-125 seeds radiation significantly decreased miR-132-3p expression and repressed proliferation and migration of the cells (P < 0.001). Overexpression of miR-132-3p or CAMTA1 knockdown obviously enhanced proliferation and migration of the Schwann cells, while miR-132-3p knockdown produced the opposite effect. MiR-132-3p negatively regulated CAMTA1 expression. In the rat models of FNI, miR-132-3p injection significantly inhibited CAMTA1 expression and attenuated I-125 seeds-induced exacerbation of FNI.

CONCLUSION

Overexpression of miR-132-3p suppresses CAMTA1 expression and promotes Schwann cell proliferation and migration to alleviate I-125 seeds-induced exacerbation of FNI in rats.