Metabolic stress-induced reciprocal loop of long noncoding RNA ZFAS1 and ZEB1 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells

Role of noncoding RNA and protein interaction in pancreatic cancer

ABSTRACT

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a class of RNA molecules with little or no protein-coding potential. Emerging evidence indicates that ncRNAs are frequently dysregulated and play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer. Their aberrant expression can arise from chromosomal abnormalities, dysregulated transcriptional control, and epigenetic modifications. ncRNAs function as protein scaffolds or molecular decoys to modulate interactions between proteins and other biomolecules, thereby regulating gene expression and contributing to pancreatic cancer progression. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms underlying ncRNA dysregulation in pancreatic cancer, emphasize the biological significance of ncRNA-protein interactions, and highlight their clinical relevance. A deeper understanding of ncRNA-protein interactions is essential to elucidate molecular mechanisms and advance translational research in pancreatic cancer.

Continued attention: The role of exosomal long non-coding RNAs in tumors over the past three years

This review summarizes the research on exosomal lncRNAs in tumors over the past three years. It highlights the significant roles of exosomal lncRNAs in modulating various cellular processes within the tumor microenvironment. Exosomal lncRNAs have been shown to influence the behavior of tumor cells, promoting proliferation, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, glycolysis, and contributing to tumor growth and metabolism. Moreover, exosomal lncRNAs have been found to interact with immune cells, such as modulating the functions of macrophages and influencing the overall immune response against tumors. Fibroblasts within the tumor microenvironment are also affected by exosomal lncRNAs, which can alter the extracellular matrix (ECM) and stromal composition. Notably, these exosomal lncRNAs hold promise in the diagnosis and treatment of tumors, offering potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for improved clinical outcomes.

The role of AMPK in pancreatic cancer: from carcinogenesis to treatment

Pancreatic cancer has doubled over the previous two decades. Routine therapies are becoming incredibly resistant and failing to compensate for the burden caused by this aggressive neoplasm. As genetic susceptibility has always been a highlighted concern for this disease, identifying the molecular pathways involved in the survival and function of pancreatic cancer cells provides insight into its variant etiologies, one of which is the role of AMPK. This regulating factor of cell metabolism is crucial in the homeostasis and growth of the cell. Herein, we review the possible role of AMPK in pancreatic cancer while considering its leading effects on glycolysis and autophagy. Then, we assess the probable therapeutic agents that have resulted from the suggested pathways. Studying the underlying genetic changes in pancreatic cancer provides a chance to detect and treat patients suffering from advanced stages of the disease, and those who have given up their hope on conventional therapies can gain an opportunity to combat this cancer.

Tumor-derived exosomes: Unravelling the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer with liver metastases and exploring the potential for clinical translation

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most malignant solid cancers, and PC metastasis, particularly liver metastasis, is a major cause of cancer mortality. A key event in tumor metastasis is the formation of pre-metastatic niche (PMN), which provides a microenvironment conducive to tumor cells colonization and progression. Various molecules loaded in tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs) contribute to PMN formation and distant tumor metastasis, by regulating immune and stromal cell function, inducing angiogenesis, and promoting metabolic reprogramming. Therefore, therapies targeting PMN may offer novel advantages to prevent tumor metastasis at an earlier stage. In this review, we summarize multifaceted mechanisms underlying hepatic PMN formation, with a focus on how PC TDEs participate in angiogenesis and vascular permeability, create immune suppressive microenvironment, remodel the extracellular matrix, and regulate metabolic reprogramming. In addition, we highlight the promise of TDEs for early diagnosis and effective therapy of PC liver metastases.

Research Progress of Long Non-coding RNA-ZFAS1 in Malignant Tumors

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), although incapable of encoding proteins, play crucial roles in multiple layers of gene expression regulation, epigenetic modifications, and post-transcriptional regulation. Zinc finger antisense 1 (ZFAS1), a lncRNA located in the 20q13 region of the human genome, exhibits dual functions as an oncogene or tumor suppressor in various human malignancies. ZFAS1 plays a crucial role in cancer progression, metastasis, invasion, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, and drug resistance through complex molecular mechanisms. Additionally, ZFAS1 has a long half-life of over 16 h, demonstrating exceptional stability, and making it a potential biomarker. This review integrates recent studies on the role and molecular mechanisms of ZFAS1 in malignancies and summarizes its clinical significance. By summarizing the role of ZFAS1 in cancer, we aim to highlight its potential as an anti-cancer biomarker and therapeutic target.

Progress of Exosomal LncRNAs in Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a prevalent malignant tumor with rising medication resistance and mortality. Due to a dearth of specific and trustworthy biomarkers and therapeutic targets, pancreatic cancer early detection and treatment are still not at their best. Exosomal LncRNAs have been found to be plentiful and persistent within exosomes, and they are capable of functioning whether the exosomes are traveling to close or distant cells. Furthermore, increasing evidence suggests that exosomal LncRNA, identified as an oncogene or tumor suppressor-control the growth, metastasis, and susceptibility of pancreatic cancer to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Promising prospects for both antitumor targets and diagnostic biomarkers are exosomal LncRNAs. The primary features of exosomal LncRNAs, their biological roles in the onset and progression of pancreatic cancer, and their potential as therapeutic targets and diagnostic molecular markers are outlined in this review.

A Novel AMPK Inhibitor Sensitizes Pancreatic Cancer Cells to Ferroptosis Induction

Cancer cells must develop strategies to adapt to the dynamically changing stresses caused by intrinsic or extrinsic processes, or therapeutic agents. Metabolic adaptability is crucial to mitigate such challenges. Considering metabolism as a central node of adaptability, it is focused on an energy sensor, the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). In a subtype of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) elevated AMPK expression and phosphorylation is identified. Using drug repurposing that combined screening experiments and chemoproteomic affinity profiling, it is identified and characterized PF-3758309, initially developed as an inhibitor of PAK4, as an AMPK inhibitor. PF-3758309 shows activity in pre-clinical PDAC models, including primary patient-derived organoids. Genetic loss-of-function experiments showed that AMPK limits the induction of ferroptosis, and consequently, PF-3758309 treatment restores the sensitivity toward ferroptosis inducers. The work established a chemical scaffold for the development of specific AMPK-targeting compounds and deciphered the framework for the development of AMPK inhibitor-based combination therapies tailored for PDAC.

LncRNA ZFAS1 regulates ATIC transcription and promotes the proliferation and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

PURPOSE

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) exert a significant influence on various cancer-related processes through their intricate interactions with RNAs. Among these, lncRNA ZFAS1 has been implicated in oncogenic roles in multiple cancer types. Nevertheless, the intricate biological significance and underlying mechanism of ZFAS1 in the initiation and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unexplored.

METHODS

Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA) database revealed a notable upregulation of lncRNA ZFAS1 in HCC tissues. To explore its function, we investigated colony formation and performed CCK-8 assays to gauge cellular proliferation and wound healing, Transwell assays to assess cellular migration, and an in vivo study employing a nude mouse model to scrutinize tumor growth and metastasis. Luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the implicated interactions. Rescue experiments were conducted to unravel the plausible mechanism underlying the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway by lncRNAs ZFAS1 and ATIC.

RESULTS

ZFAS1 and ATIC were significantly upregulated in the HCC tissues and cells. ZFAS1 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation and migration. We observed a direct interaction between the lncRNA ZFAS1 and ATIC. ATIC knockdown also suppressed cell proliferation and migration. SC79, an activator of AKT, partially restores the effects of lncRNA ZFAS1/ATIC knockdown on cell proliferation and migration. Knockdown of lncRNA ZFAS1/ATIC inhibited tumor growth and lung metastasis in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Overall, lncRNA ZFAS1 regulates ATIC transcription and contributes to the growth and migration of HCC cells through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

The crosstalk among the physical tumor microenvironment and the effects of glucose deprivation on tumors in the past decade

The occurrence and progression of tumors are inseparable from glucose metabolism. With the development of tumors, the volume increases gradually and the nutritional supply of tumors cannot be fully guaranteed. The tumor microenvironment changes and glucose deficiency becomes the common stress environment of tumors. Here, we discuss the mutual influences between glucose deprivation and other features of the tumor microenvironment, such as hypoxia, immune escape, low pH, and oxidative stress. In the face of a series of stress responses brought by glucose deficiency, different types of tumors have different coping mechanisms. We summarize the tumor studies on glucose deficiency in the last decade and review the genes and pathways that determine the fate of tumors under harsh conditions. It turns out that most of these genes help tumor cells survive in glucose-deprivation conditions. The development of related inhibitors may bring new opportunities for the treatment of tumors.