Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors as therapeutic target for cancer

F-box protein 22: A prognostic biomarker for colon cancer associated with immune infiltration and chemotherapy resistance

BACKGROUND

Colon cancer represents a significant malignant neoplasm within the digestive system, characterized by a high incidence rate and substantial disease burden. The F-box protein 22 (FBXO22) plays a role in forming a specific type of ubiquitin ligase subunit, which is expressed abnormally in various malignant neoplasms and shows a notable relationship with prognosis in patients with cancer. Nevertheless, the function of FBXO22 in the context of colon cancer remains inadequately elucidated.

AIM

To explore the role of FBXO22 in colon cancer by examining FBXO22 expression patterns and analyzing how the protein affects the prognosis in patients who have undergone surgery.

METHODS

Samples of cancerous and nearby normal tissues from patients with colon cancer were gathered, along with pertinent clinical data. Expression levels of the FBXO22 gene in both cancerous and paracancerous tissues were assessed through immunohistochemistry. The median H score served as a criterion for categorizing FBXO22 gene expression into high and low levels in cancerous tissues, and the relationship between these expression levels and various pathologic characteristics of patients, such as age, sex, and clinical stage, was analyzed. Colon cancer cell lines HCT116 and DLD-1 were used and divided into three groups: A blank control group, a negative control group, and a si-FBXO22 group. FBXO22 gene mRNA and protein expression were measured 24 hours post-transfection using real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The proliferation capabilities of the cells in each group were assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assay, while cellular migration and invasion abilities were evaluated using scratch healing and Transwell assays. Various online platforms, including the Timer Immune Estimation Resource, were used to analyze pan-cancer expression, promoter methylation levels, and mutation frequencies of the FBXO22 gene in colon cancer patients. Additionally, the correlation between FBXO22 gene expression, patient prognosis, immune cell infiltration, and the expression of immune molecules in the colon cancer microenvironment was investigated. The relationship between FBXO22 gene expression and chemotherapy resistance, along with the potential mechanisms of action of the FBXO22 gene, were analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset and the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer drug training set via R software.

RESULTS

Compared with normal colonic tissues, the FBXO22 gene was highly expressed in colon cancer tissues. Post-operative patients with colon cancer elevated FBXO22 reduced survival and exhibited resistance to various chemotherapeutic agents. FBXO22 expression suppresses the infiltration of anti-tumor immune cells. In vitro, FBXO22 knockdown inhibited the proliferation and migration of colon cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

The FBXO22 gene is a biomarker of poor prognosis in patients with colon cancer and has potential as a target for immunotherapy and overcoming chemotherapy resistance.

Therapeutic potential of Baicalin against experimental obsessive compulsive disorder: Evidence from CSF, blood plasma, and brain analysis

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a complex neuropsychiatric condition characterized by recurrent obsessions and compulsions, significantly impacting an individual's functionality and quality of life. This study aimed to explore the neuroprotective and therapeutic potential of baicalin, a flavonoid with known antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neurotropic properties, in an animal model of OCD induced by 8-OH-DPAT (8HPAT). The research utilized in silico docking studies and in vivo experiments to assess baicalin's interactions with key intracellular targets: SIRT-1, Nrf2, HO-1, and PPAR-gamma, and its effects on neurochemical, neurobehavioral, and histopathological parameters. In silico results indicated a strong binding affinity of baicalin for SIRT-1, Nrf2, HO-1, and PPAR-gamma, suggesting potential regulatory roles in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways. In-vivo findings demonstrated that baicalin, administered at doses of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, significantly alleviated OCD-like behaviours, including excessive lever pressing, marble burying, and compulsive checking. Baicalin treatment normalized serotonin and dopamine levels and reduced glutamate levels in the brain, restoring neurotransmitter balance. Furthermore, baicalin decreased inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta), improved complete blood count profile, and gross morphological and histopathological alterations by restoring neuronal density and cellular integrity in affected brain regions. Combining baicalin with fluvoxamine (10 mg/kg) showed synergistic effects, further enhancing neuroprotective outcomes. These results suggest that baicalin holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for OCD, warranting further clinical investigation to explore its efficacy and underlying mechanisms in human subjects. The findings underscore the importance of targeting intracellular pathways and neurotransmitter systems in developing effective treatments for OCD and related neuropsychiatric disorders.

Quantitative Proteome and Phosphoproteome Profiling across Three Cell Lines Revealed Potential Proteins Relevant to Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Metastasis

Despite the substantial reduction in the mortality rates of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), metastasis remains the primary cause of death in NPC cases. To explore metastasis-related proteins, we conducted proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses of three NPC cell lines: SUNE1 and its subclones, 5-8F (high metastatic potential) and 6-10B (low metastatic potential). Using TMT-based quantification, we identified 1231, 1524, and 166 differentially regulated proteins (DRPs), as well as 177, 270, and 20 differentially regulated phosphoproteins (DRpPs) in 5-8F/SUNE1, 6-10B/SUNE1 and 5-8F/6-10B, respectively. These were enriched in cancer metastasis-related pathways, including cell migration and PPAR and PI3K pathways. Notably, 5-8F and 6-10B showed greater proteomic and phosphoproteomic similarity. To identify key proteins involved in NPC metastasis, we focused on the top 10 DRPs in 5-8F/6-10B. Knockdown experiments revealed that eight of these proteins, CRABP2, DNAJC15, NACAD, MYL9, DPYSL3, MAOA, MCAM, and S100A2, significantly influenced cell migration or invasion, with CRABP2, NACAD, and DPYSL3 dramatically enhancing these processes. Notably, DNAJC15 and NACAD are identified for the first time as novel metastasis-related proteins. Our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach in identifying NPC metastasis biomarker candidates and offer new insights into underlying metastasis mechanisms, thus laying the groundwork for future research endeavors.

Programmable Nanomodulators for Precision Therapy, Engineering Tumor Metabolism to Enhance Therapeutic Efficacy

Tumor metabolism is crucial in the continuous advancement and complex growth of cancer. The emerging field of nanotechnology has made significant strides in enhancing the understanding of the complex metabolic intricacies inherent to tumors, offering potential avenues for their strategic manipulation to achieve therapeutic goals. This comprehensive review delves into the interplay between tumor metabolism and various facets of cancer, encompassing its origins, progression, and the formidable challenges posed by metastasis. Simultaneously, it underscores the classification of programmable nanomodulators and their transformative impact on enhancing cancer treatment, particularly when integrated with modalities such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. This review also encapsulates the mechanisms by which nanomodulators modulate tumor metabolism, including the delivery of metabolic inhibitors, regulation of oxidative stress, pH value modulation, nanoenzyme catalysis, nutrient deprivation, and RNA interference technology, among others. Additionally, the review delves into the prospects and challenges of nanomodulators in clinical applications. Finally, the innovative concept of using nanomodulators to reprogram metabolic pathways is introduced, aiming to transform cancer cells back into normal cells. This review underscores the profound impact that tailored nanomodulators can have on tumor metabolic, charting a path toward pioneering precision therapies for cancer.

Molecular Pathways Linking High-Fat Diet and PM2.5 Exposure to Metabolically Abnormal Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Obesity, influenced by environmental pollutants, can lead to complex metabolic disruptions. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolically abnormal obesity caused by exposure to a high-fat diet (HFD) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Following the PRISMA guidelines, articles from 2019 to 2024 were gathered from Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed, and a random-effects meta-analysis was performed, along with subgroup analyses and pathway enrichment analyses. This study was registered in the Open Science Framework. Thirty-three articles, mainly case-control studies and murine models, were reviewed, and they revealed that combined exposure to HFD and PM2.5 resulted in the greatest weight gain (82.835 g, p = 0.048), alongside increases in high-density lipoproteins, insulin, and the superoxide dismutase. HFD enriched pathways linked to adipocytokine signaling in brown adipose tissue, while PM2.5 impacted genes associated with fat formation. Both exposures downregulated protein metabolism pathways in white adipose tissue and activated stress-response pathways in cardiac tissue. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor and AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathways in the liver were enriched, influencing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. These findings highlight that combined exposure to HFD and PM2.5 amplifies body weight gain, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysfunction, suggesting a synergistic interaction with significant implications for metabolic health.

The Effect of Eight Weeks of High-Intensity Interval Training on Follistatin Gene Expression in the Fast and Slow Twitch Muscles of Rats with Myocardial Infarction

Background

Myocardial infarction causes mitochondrial atrophy and loss of function by reducing mitochondrial volume. Therefore, researchers are interested in finding a way to reduce the injuries and treat them. The study aims to evaluate the effect of 8 weeks of high-intensity interval training on follistatin (FST) gene expression in the fast and slow twitch muscles of rats with myocardial infarction.

Methods

The study was conducted in 2020 at the Cardiac Research Center, Shahid Rajaei University of Medical Sciences (Tehran, Iran). For this purpose, 12 male Wistar rats with myocardial infarction were assigned to the experimental group high-intensity interval training (3 days a week for 30 min, each interval consisting of 4 min of running with 85-90% VO2max intensity and 2 min of active recovery with intensity of 50-60% VO2max for 8 weeks) and a control group. Then, the expression of follistatin in fast and slow twitch muscle contraction genes was investigated as triggers and inhibitors of muscle atrophy. Statistical data were analyzed with SPSS18 (α≥0.05). To determine the normality of the data, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used, and in the case of normality of the data distribution, the independent samples t test was used.

Results

Independent t test results showed that FST gene expression in the slow twitch (ST) muscle contraction group was significantly decreased compared with the control group (P<0.001). Moreover, the expression of the FST gene in fast twitch muscles was significantly increased in the severe exercise group compared with the control group (P<0.001).

Conclusion

Overall, 8 weeks of intense intermittent exercise decreased FST gene expression in slow and fast twitch muscles in rats with myocardial infarction.

Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α-Dependent Mitochondrial Metabolism in Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), including PPAR-α, PPAR-β/δ, and PPAR-γ, are involved in various cellular responses, including metabolism and cell proliferation. Increasing evidence suggests that PPARs are closely associated with tumorigenesis and metastasis. However, the exact role of PPARs in energy metabolism and cancer stem cell (CSC) proliferation remains unclear. This study investigated the role of PPARs in energy metabolism and tumorigenesis in ovarian CSCs. The expression of PPARs and fatty acid consumption as an energy source increased in spheroids derived from A2780 ovarian cancer cells (A2780-SP) compared with their parental cells. GW6471, a PPARα inhibitor, induced apoptosis in A2780-SP. PPARα silencing mediated by small hairpin RNA reduced A2780-SP cell proliferation. Treatment with GW6471 significantly inhibited the respiratory oxygen consumption of A2780-SP cells, with reduced dependency on fatty acids, glucose, and glutamine. In a xenograft tumor transplantation mouse model, intraperitoneal injection of GW6471 inhibited in vivo tumor growth of A2780-SP cells. These results suggest that PPARα plays a vital role in regulating the proliferation and energy metabolism of CSCs by altering mitochondrial activity and that it offers a promising therapeutic target to eradicate CSCs.

Global Transcriptomic Analysis of Topical Sodium Alginate Protection against Peptic Damage in an In Vitro Model of Treatment-Resistant Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Breakthrough symptoms are thought to occur in roughly half of all gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients despite maximal acid suppression (proton pump inhibitor, PPI) therapy. Topical alginates have recently been shown to enhance mucosal defense against acid-pepsin insult during GERD. We aimed to examine potential alginate protection of transcriptomic changes in a cell culture model of PPI-recalcitrant GERD. Immortalized normal-derived human esophageal epithelial cells underwent pretreatment with commercial alginate-based anti-reflux medications (Gaviscon Advance or Gaviscon Double Action), a matched-viscosity placebo control, or pH 7.4 buffer (sham) alone for 1 min, followed by exposure to pH 6.0 + pepsin or buffer alone for 3 min. RNA sequencing was conducted, and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis was performed with a false discovery rate of ≤0.01 and absolute fold-change of ≥1.3. Pepsin-acid exposure disrupted gene expressions associated with epithelial barrier function, chromatin structure, carcinogenesis, and inflammation. Alginate formulations demonstrated protection by mitigating these changes and promoting extracellular matrix repair, downregulating proto-oncogenes, and enhancing tumor suppressor expression. These data suggest molecular mechanisms by which alginates provide topical protection against injury during weakly acidic reflux and support a potential role for alginates in the prevention of GERD-related carcinogenesis.

Prospective de novo drug design with deep interactome learning

De novo drug design aims to generate molecules from scratch that possess specific chemical and pharmacological properties. We present a computational approach utilizing interactome-based deep learning for ligand- and structure-based generation of drug-like molecules. This method capitalizes on the unique strengths of both graph neural networks and chemical language models, offering an alternative to the need for application-specific reinforcement, transfer, or few-shot learning. It enables the "zero-shot" construction of compound libraries tailored to possess specific bioactivity, synthesizability, and structural novelty. In order to proactively evaluate the deep interactome learning framework for protein structure-based drug design, potential new ligands targeting the binding site of the human peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) subtype gamma are generated. The top-ranking designs are chemically synthesized and computationally, biophysically, and biochemically characterized. Potent PPAR partial agonists are identified, demonstrating favorable activity and the desired selectivity profiles for both nuclear receptors and off-target interactions. Crystal structure determination of the ligand-receptor complex confirms the anticipated binding mode. This successful outcome positively advocates interactome-based de novo design for application in bioorganic and medicinal chemistry, enabling the creation of innovative bioactive molecules.

Novel players in the development of chemoresistance in ovarian cancer: ovarian cancer stem cells, non-coding RNA and nuclear receptors

Ovarian cancer (OC) ranks as the fifth leading factor for female mortality globally, with a substantial burden of new cases and mortality recorded annually. Survival rates vary significantly based on the stage of diagnosis, with advanced stages posing significant challenges to treatment. OC is primarily categorized as epithelial, constituting approximately 90% of cases, and correct staging is essential for tailored treatment. The debulking followed by chemotherapy is the prevailing treatment, involving platinum-based drugs in combination with taxanes. However, the efficacy of chemotherapy is hindered by the development of chemoresistance, both acquired during treatment (acquired chemoresistance) and intrinsic to the patient (intrinsic chemoresistance). The emergence of chemoresistance leads to increased mortality rates, with many advanced patients experiencing disease relapse shortly after initial treatment. This review delves into the multifactorial nature of chemoresistance in OC, addressing mechanisms involving transport systems, apoptosis, DNA repair, and ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSCs). While previous research has identified genes associated with these mechanisms, the regulatory roles of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) and nuclear receptors in modulating gene expression to confer chemoresistance have remained poorly understood and underexplored. This comprehensive review aims to shed light on the genes linked to different chemoresistance mechanisms in OC and their intricate regulation by ncRNA and nuclear receptors. Specifically, we examine how these molecular players influence the chemoresistance mechanism. By exploring the interplay between these factors and gene expression regulation, this review seeks to provide a comprehensive mechanism driving chemoresistance in OC.

Non-coding RNAs as Key Regulators of the Notch Signaling Pathway in Glioblastoma: Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Targets

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly invasive brain malignancy originating from astrocytes, accounting for approximately 30% of central nervous system malignancies. Despite advancements in therapeutic strategies including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiopharmaceutical drugs, the prognosis for GBM patients remains dismal. The aggressive nature of GBM necessitates the identification of molecular targets and the exploration of effective treatments to inhibit its proliferation. The Notch signaling pathway, which plays a critical role in cellular homeostasis, becomes deregulated in GBM, leading to increased expression of pathway target genes such as MYC, Hes1, and Hey1, thereby promoting cellular proliferation and differentiation. Recent research has highlighted the regulatory role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in modulating Notch signaling by targeting critical mRNA expression at the post-transcriptional or transcriptional levels. Specifically, various types of ncRNAs, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), have been shown to control multiple target genes and significantly contribute to the carcinogenesis of GBM. Furthermore, these ncRNAs hold promise as prognostic and predictive markers for GBM. This review aims to summarize the latest studies investigating the regulatory effects of ncRNAs on the Notch signaling pathway in GBM.