TRAF6 Promoted Tumor Glycolysis in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer by Activating the Akt-HIFα Pathway

Antitumor activity of gamma-irradiated Rosa canina L. against lung carcinoma in rat model: a proposed mechanism

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies globally and is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Although cisplatin is a widely utilized chemotherapeutic agent, its clinical efficacy is often hampered by significant toxicity and undesirable side effects. Rosa canina, a medicinal plant, has demonstrated a range of beneficial biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and genoprotective effects.

METHODS

This study aimed to investigate the potential of Rosa canina to enhance the anticancer efficacy of cisplatin in a dimethyl benz(a)anthracene-induced lung cancer model using female rats. The animals were administered Rosa canina, cisplatin, or a combination of both treatments. The expression levels of critical signaling molecules were evaluated, including phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP-1), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF), in addition to various autophagic markers. Furthermore, we assessed the levels of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and apoptotic markers in lung tissue, complemented by histopathological examinations.

RESULTS

The combined treatment of Rosa canina extract and cisplatin significantly inhibited lung cancer cell proliferation by downregulating PARP-1 and the TLR2/MyD88/TRAF6/NF-κB signaling pathway, as well as the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Moreover, this combination therapy promoted autophagy and apoptosis, evidenced by elevated levels of autophagic and apoptotic markers.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the findings of this study suggest that Rosa canina enhances the anticancer effects of cisplatin by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation while simultaneously inducing autophagy and apoptosis. Thus, Rosa can be used as adjuvant to cisplatin chemotherapy to overcome its limitations which may be considered a new approach during lung cancer treatment strategy.

A Mutant of Africa Swine Fever Virus Protein p72 Enhances Antibody Production and Regulates the Production of Cytokines

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a severe threat to the global pig industry, and domestic pigs mostly develop severe clinical manifestations upon viral invasion. Currently, there is no available vaccine against ASFV. Its capsid structural protein p72 is one of the immuno-dominant proteins. In this study, we unexpectedly obtained a p72 mutant protein (p72∆377-428) which deleted the aa 377-428 within p72 and had stable and high expression in E. coli. Using SWISS-MODEL 1.0 software, the prediction showed that p72∆377-428 was quite distinct from the wild-type p72 protein in structure. p72∆377-428 induced stronger antibody production in mice on day 42 and 56 post immunization and could recognize ASFV-infected swine sera. p72∆377-428 reduced IFN-γ production in the splenocytes from p72∆377-428-immunized mice and p72∆377-428-treated swine macrophages compared to p72. p72∆377-428 also decreased the production of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes, including IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-12, compared to p72 in mice. Further, we found that p72∆377-428 reduced the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes by inhibiting AKT phosphorylation and HIF1α expression. Taken together, these findings have implications for immunological function and the corresponding mechanism of ASFV p72, and our study indicates that p72∆377-428 could serve as a novel candidate for ASFV vaccines and diagnostic reagents.

Pan-cancer analysis of the TRAF family genes and their correlation with prognosis, TME, immune and drug sensitivity

BACKGROUND

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factors family genes play a pivotal role in tumorigenesis and metastasis, functioning as adapters or E3 ubiquitin ligases across various signaling pathways. To date, limited research has explored the association between tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factors family genes and the clinicopathological characteristics of tumors, immunity, and the tumor microenvironment (TME). This comprehensive study investigates the relationship between tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factors family and prognosis, TME, immune response, and drug sensitivity in a pan-cancer context.

METHODS

Utilizing current public databases, this study examines the expression levels and prognostic significance of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factors family genes in a pan-cancer context through bioinformatic analysis. In addition, it investigates the correlation between tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factors expression and various factors, including the TME, immune subtypes, stemness scores, and drug sensitivity in pan-cancer.

RESULTS

Elevated expression levels of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2, 3, 4, and 7 were observed across various cancer types. Patients exhibiting high expression of these genes generally faced a worse prognosis. Furthermore, a significant correlation was noted between the expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factors family genes and multiple dimensions of the TME, immune subtypes, and drug sensitivity.

KAT7 enhances the proliferation and metastasis of head and neck squamous carcinoma by promoting the acetylation level of LDHA

Lysine acetyltransferase 7 (KAT7), a histone acetyltransferase, has recently been identified as an oncoprotein and has been implicated in the development of various malignancies. However, its specific role in head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSCC) has not been fully elucidated. Our study revealed that high expression of KAT7 in HNSCC patients is associated with poor survival prognosis and silencing KAT7 inhibits the Warburg effect, leading to reduced proliferation, invasion, and metastatic potential of HNSCC. Further investigation uncovered a link between the high expression of KAT7 in HNSCC and tumor-specific glycolytic metabolism. Notably, KAT7 positively regulates Lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), a key enzyme in metabolism, to promote lactate production and create a conducive environment for tumor proliferation and metastasis. Additionally, KAT7 enhances LDHA activity and upregulates LDHA protein expression by acetylating the lysine 118 site of LDHA. Treatment with WM3835, a KAT7 inhibitor, effectively suppressed the growth of subcutaneously implanted HNSCC cells in mice. In conclusion, our findings suggest that KAT7 exerts pro-cancer effects in HNSCC by acetylating LDHA and may serve as a potential therapeutic target. Inhibiting KAT7 or LDHA expression holds promise as a therapeutic strategy to suppress the growth and progression of HNSCC.

E3 ubiquitin ligases in lung cancer: Emerging insights and therapeutic opportunities

Aim In this review, we have attempted to provide the readers with an updated account of the role of a family of proteins known as E3 ligases in different aspects of lung cancer progression, along with insights into the deregulation of expression of these proteins during lung cancer. A detailed account of the therapeutic strategies involving E3 ligases that have been developed or currently under development has also been provided in this review. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The review article employs extensive literature search, along with differential gene expression analysis of lung cancer associated E3 ligases using the DESeq2 package in R, and the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database (http://gepia.cancer-pku.cn/). Protein expression analysis of CPTAC lung cancer samples was carried out using the UALCAN webtool (https://ualcan.path.uab.edu/index.html). Assessment of patient overall survival (OS) in response to high and low expression of selected E3 ligases was performed using the online Kaplan-Meier plotter (https://kmplot.com/analysis/index.php?p=background). KEY FINDINGS: SIGNIFICANCE: The review provides an in-depth understanding of the role of E3 ligases in lung cancer progression and an up-to-date account of the different therapeutic strategies targeting oncogenic E3 ligases for improved lung cancer management.

Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-Associated Factor 6 and Human Cancer: A Systematic Review of Mechanistic Insights, Functional Roles, and Therapeutic Potential

Cancer imposes a substantial burden and its incidence is persistently increasing in recent years. Cancer treatment has been difficult due to its inherently complex nature. The tumor microenvironment (TME) includes a complex interplay of cellular and noncellular constituents surrounding neoplastic cells, intricately contributing to the tumor initiation and progression. This critical aspect of tumors involves a complex interplay among cancer, stromal, and inflammatory cells, forming an inflammatory TME that promotes tumorigenesis across all stages. Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) is implicated in modulating various critical processes linked to tumor pathogenesis, including but not limited to the regulation of tumor cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and survival. Furthermore, TRAF6 prominently contributes to various immune and inflammatory pathways. The TRAF6-mediated activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB in immune cells governs the production of proinflammatory cytokines. These cytokines sustain inflammation and stimulate tumor growth by activating NF-κB in tumor cells. In this review, we discuss various types of tumors, including gastrointestinal cancers, urogenital cancers, breast cancer, lung cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, uterine fibroids, and glioma. Employing a rigorous and systematic approach, we comprehensively evaluate the functional repertoire and potential roles of TRAF6 in various cancer types, thus highlighting TRAF6 as a compelling and emerging therapeutic target worthy of further investigation and development.

XIAP and PHB1 Regulate Anoikis through Competitive Binding to TRAF6

Anoikis resistance is a prerequisite for circulating tumor cells to survive. However, the mechanism underlying anoikis resistance is poorly understood. In the current study, the effect of TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6)-induced NF-kB activation on anoikis susceptibility in tumor cells was evaluated. Differential TRAF6-binding proteins in anoikis-sensitive versus anoikis-resistant tumor cells were screened by LC/MS-MS analysis. The effects of TRAF6-binding proteins on the stability of TRAF6, the activation of NF-kB signaling and anoikis susceptibility in tumor cells were detected. We found that the loss of TRAF6 expression is an important molecular event linked to anoikis. X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), an E3 ligase, can bind, ubiquitinate, and degrade TRAF6 and may lead to inactivation of NF-κB signaling and anoikis sensitivity. High expression of prohibitin 1 (PHB1) competes with XIAP for binding to TRAF6 and confers anoikis resistance to tumor cells. PHB1 and TRAF6 knockdown eliminated tumor cells from the circulation in vivo. Significant correlations between elevated PHB1 and TRAF6 expression and distant metastasis were observed in patients with oral cancer. Collectively, we elucidated a novel mechanism governing anoikis. Our data also indicated that TRAF6 and PHB1 are potential therapeutic targets for tumor cells disseminating in the circulation.

IMPLICATIONS

Our data implicate that PHB1 competes with XIAP for binding to TRAF6 and confers anoikis resistance to tumor cells.

Targeting glycolysis in non-small cell lung cancer: Promises and challenges

Metabolic disturbance, particularly of glucose metabolism, is a hallmark of tumors such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Cancer cells tend to reprogram a majority of glucose metabolism reactions into glycolysis, even in oxygen-rich environments. Although glycolysis is not an efficient means of ATP production compared to oxidative phosphorylation, the inhibition of tumor glycolysis directly impedes cell survival and growth. This review focuses on research advances in glycolysis in NSCLC and systematically provides an overview of the key enzymes, biomarkers, non-coding RNAs, and signaling pathways that modulate the glycolysis process and, consequently, tumor growth and metastasis in NSCLC. Current medications, therapeutic approaches, and natural products that affect glycolysis in NSCLC are also summarized. We found that the identification of appropriate targets and biomarkers in glycolysis, specifically for NSCLC treatment, is still a challenge at present. However, LDHB, PDK1, MCT2, GLUT1, and PFKM might be promising targets in the treatment of NSCLC or its specific subtypes, and DPPA4, NQO1, GAPDH/MT-CO1, PGC-1α, OTUB2, ISLR, Barx2, OTUB2, and RFP180 might be prognostic predictors of NSCLC. In addition, natural products may serve as promising therapeutic approaches targeting multiple steps in glycolysis metabolism, since natural products always present multi-target properties. The development of metabolic intervention that targets glycolysis, alone or in combination with current therapy, is a potential therapeutic approach in NSCLC treatment. The aim of this review is to describe research patterns and interests concerning the metabolic treatment of NSCLC.

miR-199a: A Tumor Suppressor with Noncoding RNA Network and Therapeutic Candidate in Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. miR-199a, which has two mature molecules: miR-199a-3p and miR-199a-5p, plays an important biological role in the genesis and development of tumors. We collected recent research results on lung cancer and miR-199a from Google Scholar and PubMed databases. The biological functions of miR-199a in lung cancer are reviewed in detail, and its potential roles in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment are discussed. With miR-199a as the core point and a divergence outward, the interplay between miR-199a and other ncRNAs is reviewed, and a regulatory network covering various cancers is depicted, which can help us to better understand the mechanism of cancer occurrence and provide a means for developing novel therapeutic strategies. In addition, the current methods of diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer are reviewed. Finally, a conclusion was drawn: miR-199a inhibits the development of lung cancer, especially by inhibiting the proliferation, infiltration, and migration of lung cancer cells, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, increasing the apoptosis of lung cancer cells, and affecting the drug resistance of lung cancer cells. This review aims to provide new insights into lung cancer therapy and prevention.

Long Noncoding RNA LINC01554 Inhibits the Progression of NSCLC Progression by Functioning as a ceRNA for miR-1267 and Regulating ING3/Akt/mTOR Pathway

Objectives

This study focused on the biological functions and mechanisms of action of LINC01554 in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

The expression and prognostic values of LINC01554 in NSCLC were evaluated using The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets. MTT, colony formation, wound healing, transwell, and in vivo assays were performed to investigate the role of LINC01554 in NSCLC. The related protein expression levels were measured via western blotting. Bioinformatic analysis was conducted to predict targeted genes. The relationship between LINC01554, microRNA- (miR-) 1267, miR-1267, and inhibitor of growth family member 3 (ING3) was analysed via a dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Results

LINC01554 expression was downregulated in NSCLC and associated with NSCLC prognosis. LINC01554 overexpression suppressed NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Bioinformatic and dual-luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that LINC01554 expression directly targeted miR-1267 expression, which in turn directly acted on ING3. An miR-1267 mimic significantly reduced ING3 expression, whereas an miR-1267 inhibitor observably elevated its expression. LINC01554 overexpression increased ING3 expression, whereas this effect was counteracted by the miR-1267 mimic. LINC01554 overexpression also significantly suppressed the expression of phosphorylated protein kinase B (Akt) and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) expression; this effect was abrogated by the miR-1267 mimic. Mechanistically, LINC01554 overexpression repressed the growth, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of NSCLC cells through the regulation of the miR-1267/ING3 axis via regulation of the Akt/mTOR signalling pathway.

Conclusions

We provide the first evidence of the involvement of the LINC01554/miR-1267 axis in NSCLC proliferation and metastasis through the ING3Akt/mTOR pathway. Thus, LINC01554 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for NSCLC.

Exploration of Potential Targets and Mechanisms of Fisetin in the Treatment of Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma via Network Pharmacology and In Vitro Validation

Purpose

The morbidity and fatality rates of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were high, although a combination of multiple treatments was used. Fisetin, a small flavonoid compound, had shown anticancer activities. Thus, we aimed at exploring the mechanisms of Fisetin in the treatment of NSCLC.

Methods

TCMSP and Swiss target tools were used to screen the targets of Fisetin, and GeneCards was used to collect the genes related to NSCLC. The genes common to Fisetin and NSCLC were obtained by Venn analysis, whose possible functions were further annotated. A “Compound-Target-Disease” network was then constructed and hub genes were filtered. Also, molecular docking was performed to predict the binding abilities between Fisetin and the hub genes. Then, the effects of Fisetin on the expression of hub genes in lung adenocarcinoma cells were preliminarily evaluated in vitro.

Results

A total of 131 genes common to Fisetin and NSCLC were filtered out, which might be enriched in several biological processes including antioxidation, cell proliferation, and various signaling pathways, such as PI3K-Akt and IL-17 signaling pathways. Among them, PIK3R1, CTNNB1, JUN, EGFR, and APP might be the hub genes. Molecular docking indicated the close bond between Fisetin and them. Experiments implied a possible effect of Fisetin on the expression of hub genes in A549 cells.

Conclusion

The present study found a series of novel targets and pathways for Fisetin treating NSCLC. Multiple angles, targets, and pathways were involved in the biological processes, which need to be verified in further experiments.