NR1D1 Stimulates Antitumor Immune Responses in Breast Cancer by Activating cGAS-STING Signaling

A self-gelling hemostatic powder boosting radiotherapy-elicited NK cell immunity to combat postoperative hepatocellular carcinoma relapse

Liver resection represents a main curative treatment for patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but there is a rather high incidence of postoperative HCC relapse, which severely shortens long-term survival time. Currently, no standard adjuvant strategies are available for preventing HCC relapse in clinical practice. Impaired natural killer (NK) cell anti-tumor immunity has been disclosed as a crucial root of HCC relapse, indicating that reinstating NK cell anti-tumor immunity may show promise to curb HCC relapse. Coincidently, mounting evidence shows that radiotherapy (RT) can trigger NK cell anti-tumor immunity, though its mechanisms have never been completely elucidated. Herein, we uncover that RT can induce immunogenic cell death and activate cGAS-STING pathway in HCC cells to elicit NK cell anti-tumor immunity. However, RT is also revealed to enhance autophagy and CD73 expression in HCC cells, as well as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation, which largely limits RT-induced activation of NK cell anti-tumor immunity. Therefore, a cocktail of autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine, CD73 inhibitor ARL 67156 trisodium and NETs lyase DNase I may sensitize RT to reinvigorate NK cell anti-tumor immunity and thus prevent HCC relapse postresection. To minimize therapy-related side effects, a nanocomposite powder encapsulating such a triple-drug cocktail is developed. This powder can rapidly form adhesive hydrogel in situ after applied to surgical margin, consequently fulfilling liver-localized sustained drug delivery. Importantly, it can sensitize RT to reinstate NK cell anti-tumor immunity to combat postoperative HCC relapse in Heap1-6-HCC murine model. Besides, this powder can also generate rapid hemostasis in rat and porcine models. Altogether, this work provides an innovative strategy to thwart postoperative HCC relapse and bleeding.

STING rs7380824 Polymorphism Contributes to the Susceptibility of Colorectal Cancer in Chinese Population

STING, an endoplasmic reticulum-localized protein with multiple transmembrane domains, has been implicated in colorectal cancer (CRC) development. This study investigated the association between STING rs7380824 polymorphism and CRC susceptibility using both bioinformatics analysis and a case-control study. Bioinformatics predictions from SIFT and PolyPhen indicated that the rs7380824 variant, which results in an amino acid substitution from arginine (R) to glutamine (Q) at position 293, is likely to be deleterious, with a SIFT score of 0.000 and a PolyPhen score of 0.999. A total of 870 CRC patients and 870 healthy controls were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that individuals carrying the CT and TT genotypes had an increased risk of CRC with OR (95% CI) of 1.564 (1.115-2.192) and 1.551 (1.271-1.893), respectively. Stratified analysis showed that the rs7380824 C > T variant increased CRC risk in all age and gender groups. Furthermore, non-smokers with the CT or TT genotype had a higher CRC risk (OR = 1.661, 95% CI: 1.333-2.071, p < 0.001), while no significant association was observed among smokers (p = 0.238). Similarly, non-drinkers carrying the CT or TT genotype showed an increased CRC risk (OR = 1.746, 95% CI: 1.395-2.185, p < 0.001), whereas no significant difference was detected among drinkers (p = 0.265). This study identifies STING rs7380824 polymorphism as a significant contributor to CRC susceptibility, with bioinformatics predictions and case-control analysis confirming its deleterious impact and the association with increased CRC risk. In addition, these findings underscore the interplay between genetic and environmental factors in CRC development, highlighting STING's potential as a genetic biomarker for CRC risk assessment in the Chinese population.

A Hybrid Manganese Nanoparticle Simultaneously Eliminates Cancer Stem Cells and Activates STING Pathway to Potentiate Cancer Immunotherapy

Current immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) have revolutionized oncotherapy regime; however, their responsiveness and efficiencies among patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain quite limited. The existence of therapeutic-refractory cancer stem cells (CSCs) and inadequate activation of the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase/interferon gene stimulator (cGAS/STING) signaling pathway greatly contribute to immune evasion and immunotherapeutic resistance. Herein, we sought to develop a nanocomplex for HNSCC therapy by simultaneous CSCs eradication and STING activation. PTC209/MnO2@BSA (bovine serum albumin) nanoparticles (PMB NPs) synthesized via a facile and green process are reported, wherein the released manganese (Mn) ions under acidic tumor microenvironment significantly enhance cGAS-STING signals and facilitate the dendritic cells maturation to unleash the T-cell-mediated immune response. Meanwhile, PTC209 released from PMB NPs targets BMI1+ CSCs to suppress cancer stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and elicits apoptosis to further potentiate Mn-based metalloimmunotherapy. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments elucidate that PMB NPs function as designed, exerting powerful immunotherapeutic and chemotherapeutic impacts to impede HNSCC growth and metastasis as well as bolster anti-PD-1-based ICB. Collectively, our findings provide a promising therapeutic strategy against HNSCC by combinational CSCs elimination and STING activation via metalloimmunotherapy.

Potential role of lactylation in intrinsic immune pathways in lung cancer

Lung cancer, one of the most lethal malignancies, has seen its therapeutic strategies become a focal point of significant scientific attention. Intrinsic immune signaling pathways play crucial roles in anti-tumor immunity but face clinical application challenges despite promising preclinical outcomes. Lactylation, an emerging research focus, may influences lung cancer progression by modulating the functions of histones and non-histone proteins. Recent findings have suggested that lactylation regulates key intrinsic immune molecules, including cGAS-STING, TLR, and RIG-I, thereby impacting interferon expression. However, the precise mechanisms by which lactylation governs intrinsic immune signaling in lung cancer remain unclear. This review presents a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the relationship between lactylation and intrinsic immune signaling pathways in lung cancer and emphasizes the innovative perspective of linking lactylation-mediated epigenetic modifications with immune regulation. By thoroughly examining current research findings, this review uncovers potential regulatory mechanisms and highlights the therapeutic implications of targeting lactylation in lung cancer. Future investigations into the intricate interactions between lactylation and intrinsic immunity are anticipated to unveil novel therapeutic targets and strategies, potentially improving patient survival outcomes.

Light Exposure, Physical Activity, and Indigeneity Modulate Seasonal Variation in NR1D1 (REV-ERBα) Expression

Nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group D member 1 (NR1D1 or REV-ERBα) is a crucial element of the circadian clock's transcriptional and translational feedback loop. Understanding its expression in humans is critical for elucidating its role in circadian rhythms and metabolic processes, and in finding potential links to various pathologies. In a longitudinal survey, we examined REV-ERBα expression at 08:00 using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in blood mononuclear cells from Arctic native and non-native residents during equinoxes and solstices. REV-ERBα expression exhibited a pronounced seasonality, peaking at the summer solstice, and reaching a nadir at the winter solstice in both natives and non-natives, with a relatively higher summer peak in natives. After adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index, the amount and timing of light exposure, the amount of physical activity, and indigeneity emerged as significant predictors of REV-ERBα expression.

Bidirectional regulation of the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase-stimulator of interferon gene pathway and its impact on hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in China, and the treatment options are limited. The cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS) activates the stimulator of interferon gene (STING) signaling pathway as a crucial immune response pathway in the cytoplasm, which detects cytoplasmic DNA to regulate innate and adaptive immune responses. As a potential therapeutic target, cGAS-STING pathway markedly inhibits tumor cell proliferation and metastasis, with its activation being particularly relevant in HCC. However, prolonged pathway activation may lead to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, which fostering the invasion or metastasis of liver tumor cells.

AIM

To investigate the dual-regulation mechanism of cGAS-STING in HCC.

METHODS

This review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The study conducted a comprehensive search for articles related to HCC on PubMed and Web of Science databases. Through rigorous screening and meticulous analysis of the retrieved literature, the research aimed to summarize and elucidate the impact of the cGAS-STING pathway on HCC tumors.

RESULTS

All authors collaboratively selected studies for inclusion, extracted data, and the initial search of online databases yielded 1445 studies. After removing duplicates, the remaining 964 records were screened. Ultimately, 55 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review.

CONCLUSION

Acute inflammation can have a few inhibitory effects on cancer, while chronic inflammation generally promotes its progression. Extended cGAS-STING pathway activation will result in a suppressive tumor microenvironment.

Hesperidin enhanced anti-breast cancer effect and alleviated cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity through silk fibroin delivery system

The incidence rate and mortality rate of breast cancer remain high, and there is an urgent need for safe and effective drugs. The excellent biological activity of hesperidin (HE) is a potential drug for the treatment of breast cancer. In this study, silk fibroin peptides (SFP) were used as delivery carriers and HE loaded SFP nanofibers (SFP/HE NFs) was prepared. The in vitro results showed that SFP/HE NFs significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cell MDA-MB-231 compared with free HE. The mechanism results demonstrated that SFP/HE NFs induced apoptosis and DNA double stranded damage (DSBs) and further activated the cyclic monophosphate guanosine adenosine monophosphate synthase- stimulator of interferon gene (cGAS-STING) pathway. The in vivo studies showed that SFP/HE NFs treatment significantly inhibited the growth of breast cancer, with an inhibition rate of 65.9 % (100 mg/kg). In vivo mechanism studies also demonstrated that the anti-tumor activity of SFP/HE NFs was related to the activation of the cGAS-STING pathway. Interestingly, we found that the combination of SFP/HE NFs and cisplatin not only enhanced the anti-tumor activity of cisplatin, but also alleviated cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the benefits of activating the cGAS-STING pathway in the treatment of breast cancer, which is expected to provide potential candidates for combined treatment of breast cancer.

OPA3 inhibits the cGAS-STING pathway mediated by mtDNA stress to promote colorectal cancer progression

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an extremely harmful malignant tumor. Optic atrophy 3 (OPA3) is highly expressed in multiple tumors, but its action in CRC is still unknown. This research aims to explore the role of OPA3 and its related molecular mechanisms for CRC. Firstly, we overexpressed and knocked down OPA3 to examine its effect on CRC cell (HT29 cell) growth. CRC cell viability, migration, invasion, and levels of proliferation markers and cell cycle-associated proteins were measured. Then, we treated cells with carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP) to explore mitochondrial dysfunction and mtDNA stress in HT29 cells. Next, we overexpressed cGAS and STING to examine their correlation with OPA3. The results showed that OPA3 overexpression enhanced CRC cell viability, migration, invasion, and the levels of PCNA, Cyclin A2, and Cyclin B1. Knockdown of OPA3 had the opposite effects. Moreover, OPA3 knockdown facilitated mitochondrial dysfunction and mtDNA stress in CRC cells. OPA3 overexpression also inhibited CCCP-induced mitochondrial stress disorder. Additionally, OPA3 knockdown elevated the protein levels of p-STING and cGAS and the mRNA level of STING target genes. Furthermore, overexpression of either cGAS or STING partially alleviated the enhancement of HT29 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion mediated by OPA3 overexpression. In conclusion, OPA3 promotes CRC progression via inhibiting the cGAS-STING pathway, which is mediated by mtDNA stress. OPA3 may be a new potential target for CRC.

Huang-Jin-Shuang-Shen Decoction promotes CD8+ T-cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity by regulating chemokine CXCL10 in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Research on immunotherapy for gastric cancer is currently receiving significant attention, with particular emphasis on the role of CD8+ T cells in anti-tumor immune responses. In recent years, the importance of the chemokine CXCL10 in promoting anti-tumor immunity has been increasingly recognized because it plays a crucial role in recruiting CD8+ T cells to the tumor microenvironment. The Huang-Jin-Shuang-Shen (HJSS) Decoction, a Chinese medicine, has been used as an adjuvant drug for gastric cancer chemotherapy. Its mechanism of action may be related to the activation of anti-tumor immunity.

PURPOSE

To assess the role of the HJSS Decoction in regulating the immune microenvironment of gastric cancer and elucidate its mechanism.

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS

Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography Q Exactive-mass spectrometry was used to analyze the main components of the HJSS Decoction and evaluate the therapeutic effect of the HJSS Decoction synergized with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on gastric cancer. The proportions of CD8+ T cells and killing markers were determined using flow cytometry. Mechanisms of action and targets were screened using network pharmacology. The level of CXCL10 was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blot, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB) related signaling pathway was detected in vitro. The target function was validated by siRNA transfection.

RESULTS

The combination of HJSS Decoction and 5-FU demonstrated a synergistic effect in impeding the progression of subcutaneous gastric cancer. This was achieved through the facilitation of apoptosis and suppression of proliferation. Furthermore, HJSS Decoction exhibited the ability to enhance the population of CD8+ T cells and augment their cytotoxic capabilities, both in laboratory settings and in living organisms. Notably, HJSS Decoction upregulated the expression of CXCL10, and mechanistically, it activated the NFκB-related signaling pathway to initiate subsequent transcription of chemokines.

CONCLUSION

The present study aimed to investigate the pharmacological mechanism of the HJSS Decoction and its potential clinical application in inhibiting gastric cancer in mice. HJSS Decoction can cooperate with 5-FU to inhibit gastric cancer, and the optimal dose is medium. HJSS Decoction exerts anti-tumor immunity by activating the NFκB-related signaling pathway and promoting the expression of CXCL10, which in turn recruits CD8+ T cells into the tumor immune microenvironment. Overall, these findings provide valuable evidence for the potential clinical application of HJSS Decoction.

A transformer-based deep learning survival prediction model and an explainable XGBoost anti-PD-1/PD-L1 outcome prediction model based on the cGAS-STING-centered pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma

Recent studies suggest cGAS-STING pathway may play a crucial role in the genesis and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), closely associated with classical pathways and tumor immunity. We aimed to develop models predicting survival and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 outcomes centered on the cGAS-STING pathway in HCC. We identified classical pathways highly correlated with cGAS-STING pathway and constructed transformer survival model preserving raw structure of pathways. We also developed explainable XGBoost model for predicting anti-PD-1/PD-L1 outcomes using SHAP algorithm. We trained and validated transformer survival model on pan-cancer cohort and tested it on three independent HCC cohorts. Using 0.5 as threshold across cohorts, we divided each HCC cohort into two groups and calculated P values with log-rank test. TCGA-LIHC: C-index = 0.750, P = 1.52e-11; ICGC-LIRI-JP: C-index = 0.741, P = .00138; GSE144269: C-index = 0.647, P = .0233. We trained and validated [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.777] XGBoost model on immunotherapy datasets and tested it on GSE78220 (AUC = 0.789); we also tested XGBoost model on HCC anti-PD-L1 cohort (AUC = 0.719). Our deep learning model and XGBoost model demonstrate potential in predicting survival risks and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 outcomes in HCC. We deployed these two prediction models to the GitHub repository and provided detailed instructions for their usage: deep learning survival model, https://github.com/mlwalker123/CSP_survival_model; XGBoost immunotherapy model, https://github.com/mlwalker123/CSP_immunotherapy_model.

Investigating the impact of STING pathway activation on breast cancer treatment outcomes: development and validation of a prognostic model

Introduction

Breast cancer (BRCA) is a significant cause of cancer-associated mortality across the globe. Current therapeutic approaches face challenges such as drug resistance and metastasis. Immune signaling is triggered by chromosomal instability (CIN) generates misplaced DNA structures that activate the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway, triggering. Studies have linked STING activation to BRCA treatment.

Methods

The bulk RNA-seq data for patients with BRCA were collected from the TCGA-BRCA cohort, GSE20685, and GSE96058 cohorts. STING pathway-related genes (SRGs) were obtained from the Reactome database. Differentially expressed genes were analyzed using the limma package. Immune cell infiltration was analyzed using the IOBR package. Gene Ontology biological processes, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways, and cancer hallmark pathways were analyzed using the MSigDB database. Prognostic models were prepared using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and multiple-factor Cox regression analysis. Single-cell analysis was performed using the Seurat and SCP pipeline.

Results

The expression patterns and clinical relevance of SRGs were analyzed in patients with BRCA. Transcriptional differences in the SRGs were observed between normal and tumorous tissues, with global down-regulated STING1 and up-regulated TBK1 in BRCA tissue. Tumor tissues were classified through consensus clustering analysis into two distinct groups, with differences in clinical characteristics and immune infiltration. A prognostic model related to the differences in STING pathway activity-high prognostic stratification potency-was developed and validated. Correlation analysis revealed suppressed overall immune activation in patients with BRCA having higher risk scores. Gemcitabine had a more favorable outcome in the low-risk group. The activity of the prognostic model at the single-cell level was confirmed through single-cell analysis, particularly in CD8 T cells and intratumor natural killer cells.

Conclusion

A STING pathway-related prognostic model developed and validated and the model could accurately predict BRCA patient outcomes. These findings have important implications for the personalized treatment and management of patients with BRCA.

Screening for metastasis-related genes in mouse melanoma cells through sequential tail vein injection

Tumor metastasis, responsible for approximately 90% of cancer-associated mortality, remains poorly understood. Here in this study, we employed a melanoma lung metastasis model to screen for metastasis-related genes. By sequential tail vein injection of mouse melanoma B16F10 cells and the subsequently derived cells from lung metastasis into BALB/c mice, we successfully obtained highly metastatic B16F15 cells after five rounds of in vivo screening. RNA-sequencing analysis of B16F15 and B16F10 cells revealed a number of differentially expressed genes, some of these genes have previously been associated with tumor metastasis while others are novel discoveries. The identification of these metastasis-related genes not only improves our understanding of the metastasis mechanisms, but also provides potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for metastatic melanoma.

cGAS-STING and PD1/PDL-1 pathway in breast cancer: a window to new therapies

Breast cancer is a complex malignancy with diverse molecular and cellular subtypes and clinical outcomes. Despite advances in treatment, breast cancer remains a significant health challenge. However, recent advances in cancer immunotherapy have shown promising results in the treatment of breast cancer, particularly the use of inhibitors that target the immune checkpoint PD1/PDL1. Also, the cGAS-STING pathway, an important part of the innate immune response, has been considered as a major potential therapeutic target for breast cancer. In this narrative review, we provide an overview of the cGAS-STING and PD1/PDL-1 pathway in breast cancer, including their role in tumor development, progression, and response to treatment. We also discuss potential future directions for research.

Emerging mechanisms and implications of cGAS-STING signaling in cancer immunotherapy strategies

The intricate interplay between the human immune system and cancer development underscores the central role of immunotherapy in cancer treatment. Within this landscape, the innate immune system, a critical sentinel protecting against tumor incursion, is a key player. The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) and stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway has been found to be a linchpin of innate immunity: activation of this signaling pathway orchestrates the production of type I interferon (IFN-α/β), thus fostering the maturation, differentiation, and mobilization of immune effectors in the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, STING activation facilitates the release and presentation of tumor antigens, and therefore is an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy. Current strategies to activate the STING pathway, including use of pharmacological agonists, have made substantial advancements, particularly when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors. These approaches have shown promise in preclinical and clinical settings, by enhancing patient survival rates. This review describes the evolving understanding of the cGAS-STING pathway's involvement in tumor biology and therapy. Moreover, this review explores classical and non-classical STING agonists, providing insights into their mechanisms of action and potential for optimizing immunotherapy strategies. Despite challenges and complexities, the cGAS-STING pathway, a promising avenue for enhancing cancer treatment efficacy, has the potential to revolutionize patient outcomes.

Role of monocarboxylate transporter I/lactate dehydrogenase B-mediated lactate recycling in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells

Although tamoxifen (TAM) is widely used in patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, the development of tamoxifen resistance is common. The previous finding suggests that the development of tamoxifen resistance is driven by epiregulin or hypoxia-inducible factor-1α-dependent glycolysis activation. Nonetheless, the mechanisms responsible for cancer cell survival and growth in a lactic acid-rich environment remain elusive. We found that the growth and survival of tamoxifen-resistant MCF-7 cells (TAMR-MCF-7) depend on glycolysis rather than oxidative phosphorylation. The levels of the glycolytic enzymes were higher in TAMR-MCF-7 cells than in parental MCF-7 cells, whereas the mitochondrial number and complex I level were decreased. Importantly, TAMR-MCF-7 cells were more resistant to low glucose and high lactate growth conditions. Isotope tracing analysis using 13C-lactate confirmed that lactate conversion to pyruvate was enhanced in TAMR-MCF-7 cells. We identified monocarboxylate transporter1 (MCT1) and lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB) as important mediators of lactate influx and its conversion to pyruvate, respectively. Consistently, AR-C155858 (MCT1 inhibitor) inhibited the proliferation, migration, spheroid formation, and in vivo tumor growth of TAMR-MCF-7 cells. Our findings suggest that TAMR-MCF-7 cells depend on glycolysis and glutaminolysis for energy and support that targeting MCT1- and LDHB-dependent lactate recycling may be a promising strategy to treat patients with TAM-resistant breast cancer.