Clinicopathological significance of HSP70 expression in gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

HSPA8 and HSPA9: Two prognostic and therapeutic targets in breast, colon, and kidney cancers?

The process of protein folding is important to ensure the efficient functioning of cells. The capacity of a protein to attain the three-dimensional native conformation can impact its structure and function. Errors in this process result in the accumulation of misfolded proteins, which can contribute to the development of various diseases, including cancer. To prevent the pileup of misfolded proteins, a number of control systems have been developed over the course of evolution. In this scenario, a pivotal function has been attributed to molecular chaperones and the ubiquitin-proteasome degradation system. In this paper, we concentrate on molecular chaperones, with a particular focus on a family of heat shock proteins (HSPs), to highlight any potential correlation between their expression and function and the development of cancer. Hence, we have collected data from various public databases regarding the HSP70 protein family. By employing mRNA expression signatures, prognostic value analysis, and differentially expressed gene ontology analysis, we have elucidated the tumor-specific role of two members of the HSP70 family, namely HSPA8 and HSPA9, in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), colon adenocarcinoma (COAD), and breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA). Our research shed light on the controversial and tumor-specific role of HSP70s. More in detail, we have identified HSPA8 and HSPA9 as potential prognostic and therapeutic targets involved in several biological processes leading to tumorigenesis, including nucleic acid maturation, cell signaling, vesicle trafficking, mitochondrial structure and function, and protein maturation.

The Emerging Role of Heat Shock Proteins in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Review

Several investigations have revealed that nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), earlier known as lymphoepithelioma, originates from the nasopharynx epithelium (NPE). The global NPC incidence and mortality distribution reports have reported very high rates (more than 20-30 men per 100,000 men and 10 women per 100,000). Genetic background susceptibilities, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and their complex interaction are expressed as the pathophysiology. Also, radiotherapy of locoregional lesions is the main treatment for NPC because of the extremely radiosensitive feature of the non-keratinizing variety. On the other hand, surgical intervention might be used for recurrent situations, while simultaneous radiation and chemotherapy for advanced stages are preferable. Since specific disease symptoms do not appear early, biomarkers should be identified to facilitate diagnosis. As overexpression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) has been observed in various cancers, they can be a promising candidate biomarker for many malignancies. The purpose of this study was to peruse different pathogenic roles of a panel of HSPs, including their diagnostic, preventive, and remedial role in NPC, which may provide the basis for future discoveries of novel HSP-based biomarkers of NPC.

Serum HSP70 and VEGF Levels Are Effective Predictive Factors of Chemoradiosensitivity and Prognosis of Pancreatic Cancer Patients

AIM

The study is to evaluate serum HSP70 and VEGF for predicting the chemoradiosensitivity of the pancreatic cancer patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

255 pancreatic cancer patients and 60 healthy subjects were measured for serum HSP70 and VEGF using ELISA for the pretreatment, during treatment, and postchemoradiotherapy timepoints.

RESULTS

The serum HSP70 and VEGF were found to be elevated in pancreatic cancer patients as compared to healthy subjects. After chemoradiotherapy treatment, 179 patients showed effective clinical response while 76 patients showed ineffective clinical response. Serum HSP70 and VEGF were higher during chemoradiotherapy, and lower posttreatment in the effective group. However, serum HSP70 and VEGF were higher during and after treatment in the ineffective group. At any given timepoint, serum HSP70 and VEGF were higher in the ineffective group compared with the effective group. The overall survival and progression-free survival trends were as follows: HSP70 High /VEGF High < HSP70 High /VEGF Low or HSP70 Low /VEGF High < HSP70 Low /VEGF Low . Serum HSP70 and VEGF were individually effective, and their combination was even more effective in predicting the chemoradiosensitivity of pancreatic cancer patients. HSP70 and VEGF were independent risk factors for overall survival and progression-free survival of pancreatic cancer patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Low levels of serum HSP70 and VEGF were associated with improved radiosensitivity and better prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients.

Correlation of High-Grade Osteosarcoma Response to Chemotherapy with Enhanced Tissue Immunological Response: Analysis of CD95R, IFN-γ, Catalase, Hsp70, and VEGF

High-grade osteosarcoma, a primary malignant bone tumour, is experiencing a global increase in reported incidence with varied prevalence. Despite advances in management, which include surgery and neoadjuvant chemotherapy often an unsatisfactory outcome is found due to poor or heterogeneous response to chemotherapy. Our study delved into chemotherapy responses in osteosarcoma patients and associated molecular expressions, focusing on CD95 receptor (CD95R), interferon (IFN)-γ, catalase, heat-shock protein (Hsp)70, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Employing immunohistochemistry and Huvos grading of post-chemo specimens, we analysed formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) osteosarcoma tissue of resected post-chemotherapy specimens from Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital in Surabaya, Indonesia (DSGAH), spanning from 2016 to 2020. Results revealed varied responses (poor 40.38%, moderate 48.08%, good 11.54%) and distinct patterns in CD95R, IFN-γ, catalase, Hsp70, and VEGF expression. Significant differences among response groups were observed in CD95R and IFN-γ expression in tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes. The trend of diminishing CD95R expression from poor to good responses, accompanied by an increase in IFN-γ, implied a reduction in the count of viable osteosarcoma cells with the progression of Huvos grading. Catalase expression in osteosarcoma cells was consistently elevated in the poor response group, while Hsp70 expression was highest. VEGF expression in macrophages was significantly higher in the good response group. In conclusion, this study enhances our understanding of immune-chemotherapy interactions in osteosarcoma and identifies potential biomarkers for targeted interventions.

Chaperone Activators

Ageing is a complex yet universal and inevitable degenerative process that results in a decline in the cellular capacity for repair and adaptation to external stresses. Therefore, maintaining the appropriate balance of the cellular proteome is crucial. In addition to the ubiquitin-proteasome and autophagy-lysosomal systems, molecular chaperones play a vital role in a sophisticated protein quality control system. Chaperones are responsible for the correct protein assembly, folding, and translocation of other proteins when cells are subjected to various stresses. The equilibrium of chaperones is pivotal for maintaining health and longevity, as a deficiency in their function and quantity can contribute to the development of various diseases and accelerate the ageing processes. Conversely, their overexpression has been associated with tumour growth and progression. In this work, we discuss recent research focused on the application of various natural and artificial substances, as well as physical and nutritional stresses, to activate molecular chaperones and prolong both life- and healthspan. Furthermore, we emphasise the significance of autophagy, apoptosis, mTOR and inflammation signalling pathways in chaperone-mediated extension of life- and healthspan.

Current State of Knowledge on Blood and Tissue-Based Biomarkers for Opisthorchis viverrini-induced Cholangiocarcinoma: A Review of Prognostic, Predictive, and Diagnostic Markers

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a prevalent cancer in Southeast Asia, with Opisthorchis viverrini (O.viverrini) infection being the primary risk factor. Most CCA cases in this region are diagnosed at advanced stages, leading to unfavorable prognoses. The development of stage-specific biomarkers for Opisthorchis viverrini-induced cholangiocarcinoma (Ov-CCA) holds crucial significance, as it facilitates early detection and timely administration of curative interventions, effectively mitigating the high morbidity and mortality rates associated with this disease in the Great Mekong region. Biomarkers are a promising approach for early detection, prognosis, and targeted treatment of CCA. Disease-specific biomarkers facilitate early detection and enable monitoring of therapy effectiveness, allowing for any necessary corrections. This review provides an overview of the potential O. viverrini-specific molecular biomarkers and important markers for diagnosing and monitoring Ov-CCA, discussing their prognostic, predictive, and diagnostic value. Despite the limited research in this domain, several potential biomarkers have been identified, encompassing both worm-induced and host-induced factors. This review offers a thorough examination of historical and contemporary progress in identifying biomarkers through multiomics techniques, along with their potential implications for early detection and treatment.

Ponciri Fructus Immatarus Sensitizes the Apoptotic Effect of Hyperthermia Treatment in AGS Gastric Cancer Cells through ROS-Dependent HSP Suppression

Gastric cancer has been associated with a high incidence and mortality, accompanied by a poor prognosis. Given the limited therapeutic options to treat gastric cancer, alternative treatments need to be urgently developed. Hyperthermia therapy is a potentially effective and safe treatment option for cancer; however, certain limitations need to be addressed. We applied 43 °C hyperthermia to AGS gastric cancer cells combined with Ponciri Fructus Immaturus (PF) to establish their synergistic effects. Co-treatment with PF and hyperthermia synergistically suppressed AGS cell proliferation by inducing extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. Additionally, PF and hyperthermia suppressed factors related to metastasis. Cell cycle arrest was determined by flow cytometry, revealing that co-treatment induced arrest at the G2/M phase. As reactive oxygen species (ROS) are critical in hyperthermia therapy, we next examined changes in ROS generation. Co-treatment with PF and hyperthermia increased ROS levels, and apoptotic induction mediated by this combination was partially dependent on ROS generation. Furthermore, heat shock factor 1 and heat shock proteins (HSPs) were notably suppressed following co-treatment with PF and hyperthermia. The HSP-regulating effect was also dependent on ROS generation. Overall, these findings suggest that co-treatment with PF and hyperthermia could afford a promising anticancer therapy for gastric cancer.

Protein homeostasis in aging and cancer

Aging is a major risk factor for cancer development. As dysfunction in protein homeostasis, or proteostasis, is a universal hallmark of both the aging process and cancer, a comprehensive understanding of the proteostasis system and its roles in aging and cancer will shed new light on how we can improve health and quality of life for older individuals. In this review, we summarize the regulatory mechanisms of proteostasis and discuss the relationship between proteostasis and aging and age-related diseases, including cancer. Furthermore, we highlight the clinical application value of proteostasis maintenance in delaying the aging process and promoting long-term health.

Preclinical evaluation of oncolytic potential human rotavirus Wt 1-5 in gastric adenocarcinoma

Despite advances in biomedical research, gastric cancer remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide due to the limited efficacy of conventional therapies. In recent decades, oncolytic viruses have emerged as a biological therapeutic alternative to cancer due to their selectivity, effectiveness, and low toxicity. However, clinical trials have shown that developing a virus with selectivity for multiple tumor receptors and the ability to penetrate and diffuse through the tumor microenvironment to reactivate the immune system remains challenging. This study aimed to examine the oncolytic potential of tumor cell-adapted rotavirus Wt1-5 in gastric adenocarcinoma samples. This study focused on determining the propagation capacity of the RV Wt1-5 through the tumor and the importance of the expression of cell surface co-receptors, including integrin β3, protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), and heat shock proteins (Hsp-90, -70, -60, -40, and Hsc 70), during infection of tumor cells. These proteins were found to be differentially expressed in tumor cells compared to adjacent non-tumor cells. Preincubation of gastric tumor cells with antibodies against these proteins decreased rotavirus infections, validating their importance in the binding and entry of RV Wt1-5 into tumor cells, as previously reported. Upon RV infection, apoptosis was one of the types of death that was observed. This was evidenced by evaluating the expression of CASP-3, -9, PARP, cytochrome C, Bax, Bid, p53, and Bcl-2, as well as observing morphological changes such as chromatin margination, nuclear condensation, and fragmentation. Finally, at 60 h.p.i, histological analysis revealed that oncolysis compromised the entire thickness of the tumor. Therefore, the results suggest that RV Wt1-5 could be a novel therapeutic agent co-adjuvant agent for conventional and targeted therapies in managing GC. Ex vivo infection of the tumor tissue model showed characteristics of an immune response that could be explored in future studies.