The Notch signaling pathway: a potential target for cancer immunotherapy

Notch signaling and cancer: Insights into chemoresistance, immune evasion, and immunotherapy

The Notch signaling pathway is a fundamental and highly conserved cell-to-cell communication system vital for embryonic development and tissue maintenance. However, its dysregulation has been associated with the initiation, progression, and chemoresistance of various cancers. In this comprehensive review, we will take an in-depth look at the multiple roles of the Notch family in cancer pathogenesis, immune response, and resistance to chemotherapy. We delve into the complicated mechanisms by which Notch signaling promotes tumor growth and development, including its influence on TME remodeling and immune evasion strategies. We will also be discussing recent studies that shed light on the connection between cancer stemness and chemoresistance mediated through the activation of Notch signaling pathways. Elucidation of the interplay between the Notch pathway and major constituents of the TME, including immune cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts, is necessary for the development of targeted therapies against Notch-driven tumors. We further discuss the potential of targeting Notch signaling alone or in combination with standard chemotherapy and immunotherapy as a potent strategy to overcome chemoresistance and improve patient outcomes. We conclude by discussing the challenges and future prospects of using Notch signaling as a therapeutic target in cancer treatment, focusing on how precision medicine and combination approaches are important.

SNORA74A Drives Self-Renewal of Liver Cancer Stem Cells and Hepatocarcinogenesis Through Activation of Notch3 Signaling

Liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) account for tumor initiation, heterogeneity and therapy resistance. However, the role of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) in the regulation of liver CSCs remains largely unclear. Here, this work identifies a conserved H/ACA box snoRNA SNORA74A which is highly expressed in liver CSCs. SNORA74A deletion impaired the self-renewal of liver CSCs and suppressed hepatocarcinogenesis. Mechanistically, highly expressed SNORA74A in liver CSCs bound DCAF13 to prevent K48 linked ubiquitination of E2F2 for degradation. E2F2 induced NOTCH3 transcription to initiate Notch3 signaling activation, leading to self-renewal of liver CSCs and hepatocarcinogenesis. Moreover, expression levels of SNORA74A and NOTCH3 are positively related with severity and poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Of note, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) against SNORA74A showed effective efficacy for HCC tumors, suggesting SNORA74A might be a potential therapeutic target for HCC therapy by eliminating liver CSCs.

miR-126: a bridge between cancer and exercise

The microRNA miR-126 supports endothelial cells and blood vessel integrity. Recent research has shown that it also serves as a key link between exercise and cancer. This article delves into how exercise affects the expression of miR-126, impacting cardiovascular well-being and metabolic control. The article also examines the various contributions of miR-126 in cancer, acting as both a suppressor and an enhancer depending on the particular context. Regular aerobic exercises, including HIIT, consistently increase levels of miR-126, leading to enhanced angiogenesis, endothelial repair, and improved vascular function through mechanisms involving VEGF, HIF-1α, and EPC mobilization. Resistance training affects similar pathways, but does not cause a significant change in miR-126 levels.MiR-126 involves in cancer by suppressing tumor growth and controlling key pathways such as PI3K/Akt, ERK/MAPK, and EMT. Lower levels are associated with negative outcomes, later stages of the disease, and increased spread of different types of cancer like glioblastoma, CRC, ovarian, esophageal, gastric, and prostate cancer.The relationship between exercise and cancer suggests a possible therapeutic approach, where the regulation of miR-126 through exercise could help improve vascular function and slow tumor growth. Further studies should focus on understanding the specific molecular pathways through which miR-126 connects these areas, leading to potential interventions that utilize its regulatory network to promote cardiovascular well-being and enhance cancer treatment.

Pancreatic Cancer: Pathogenesis and Clinical Studies

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly lethal malignancy, with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) being the most common and aggressive subtype, characterized by late diagnosis, aggressive progression, and resistance to conventional therapies. Despite advances in understanding its pathogenesis, including the identification of common genetic mutations (e.g., KRAS, TP53, CDKN2A, SMAD4) and dysregulated signaling pathways (e.g., KRAS-MAPK, PI3K-AKT, and TGF-β pathways), effective therapeutic strategies remain limited. Current treatment modalities including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and emerging therapies such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells, oncolytic viruses (OVs), cancer vaccines, and bispecific antibodies (BsAbs), face significant challenges. This review comprehensively summarizes these treatment approaches, emphasizing their mechanisms, limitations, and potential solutions, to overcome these bottlenecks. By integrating recent advancements and outlining critical challenges, this review aims to provide insights into future directions and guide the development of more effective treatment strategies for PC, with a specific focus on PDAC. Our work underscores the urgency of addressing the unmet needs in PDAC therapy and highlights promising areas for innovation in this field.

Laryngeal sarcomatoid carcinoma: a case report and literature review on potential molecular targets for therapeutic opportunities

Laryngeal sarcomatoid carcinoma (LSC) is a rare variant of laryngeal malignancies characterized by an aggressive nature and poor prognosis, predominantly affecting older males. Although early diagnosis may facilitate organ preservation through adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy, advanced stages of the disease, as classified by the TNM system, necessitate a deeper understanding of molecular interactions. This understanding could potentially yield improved molecularly targeted therapeutic opportunities and early diagnosis that likely support the treatment benefits in the LSC. Therefore, this study aims to identify possible molecular targets in LSC to better inform therapeutic options and prognostic markers for obtaining treatment benefits, alongside presenting a case study of a patient with LSC who was admitted to our department.

Vitamin D3 and its active form calcitriol suppress erythroleukemia through upregulation of CHAC1 and downregulation of NOTCH1

Vitamin D3 (VD3) and its active form calcitriol (Ca) exhibit anti-neoplastic activity against several types of cancer, although the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Herein, we tested the effects of VD3 and Ca on erythro-leukemogenesis and investigated the underlying mechanism. VD3 and Ca treatment strongly inhibited cancer progression in a mouse model of erythroleukemia induced by the Friend virus. In tissue culture, VD3 and Ca inhibited proliferation of leukemic cell lines. Growth inhibition was associated with induction of G1 phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Transcription of the VD3 receptor, VDR, is strongly induced by Ca, but not VDR. However, leukemia growth suppression by both VD3 and Ca is shown to be independent of VDR. In leukemic cells, both VD3 and Ca induced genes associated with metabolic pathways. Both VD3 and Ca induce the cytosolic glutathione degradase CHAC1 through activation of the ER stress response pathway ATF3/ATF4/CHOP genes. Higher expression of CHAC1 also suppressed the oncogene NOTCH1. Accordingly, knockdown of CHAC1 antagonized the inhibitory effect of VD3 and Ca on leukemic growth leading to higher NOTCH1 expression. Conversely, overexpression of CHAC1 suppressed leukemia cell growth and inhibited the expression of NOTCH1. Additionally, glutathione antagonized leukemia cell suppression induced by VD3 and Ca, demonstrating that this vitamin inhibits the proliferation of leukemic cells via CHAC1. Taken together, our results demonstrated that VD3 and Ca can prolong the survival of leukemia mice and inhibit the proliferation of erythroleukemia cell HEL through CHAC1 or CHAC1-mediated NOTCH1 inhibition.

Epigenetic regulatory protein chromobox family regulates multiple signalling pathways and mechanisms in cancer

Signal transduction plays a pivotal role in modulating a myriad of critical processes, including the tumour microenvironment (TME), cell cycle arrest, proliferation and apoptosis of tumour cells, as well as their migration, invasion, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Epigenetic mechanisms are instrumental in the genesis and progression of tumours. The Chromobox (CBX) family proteins, which serve as significant epigenetic regulators, exhibit tumour-specific expression patterns and biological functionalities. These proteins are influenced by a multitude of factors and could modulate the activation of diverse signalling pathways within tumour cells through alterations in epigenetic modifications, thereby acting as either oncogenic agents or tumour suppressors. This review aims to succinctly delineate the composition, structure, function, and expression of CBXs within tumour cells, with an emphasis on synthesizing and deliberating the CBXs-mediated activation of intracellular signalling pathways and the intricate mechanisms governing tumourigenesis and progression. Moreover, a plethora of contemporary studies have substantiated that CBXs might represent a promising target for the diagnosis and therapeutic intervention of tumour patients. We have also compiled and scrutinized the current research landscape concerning inhibitors targeting CBXs, aspiring to aid researchers in gaining a deeper comprehension of the biological roles and mechanisms of CBXs in the malignant evolution of tumours, and to furnish novel perspectives for the innovation of targeted tumour therapeutics.

Advances in Targeted and Chemotherapeutic Strategies for Colorectal Cancer: Current Insights and Future Directions

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, necessitating the continuous evolution of therapeutic approaches. Despite advancements in early detection and localized treatments, metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) poses significant challenges due to low survival rates and resistance to conventional therapies. This review highlights the current landscape of CRC treatment, focusing on chemotherapy and targeted therapies. Chemotherapeutic agents, including 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin, have significantly improved survival but face limitations such as systemic toxicity and resistance. Targeted therapies, leveraging mechanisms like VEGF, EGFR, and Hedgehog pathway inhibition, offer promising alternatives, minimizing damage to healthy tissues while enhancing therapeutic precision. Furthermore, future directions in CRC treatment include exploring innovative targets such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and TGF-β pathways, alongside IGF/IGF1R inhibition. These emerging strategies aim to address drug resistance and improve patient outcomes. This review emphasizes the importance of integrating molecular insights into drug development, advocating for a more personalized approach to combat CRC's complexity and heterogeneity.

Effects of Transmembrane Phenylalanine Residues on γ-Secretase-Mediated Notch-1 Proteolysis

γ-Secretase is a presenilin-containing intramembrane aspartyl protease complex that cleaves within the transmembrane domain (TMD) of nearly 150 substrates, with the amyloid precursor protein (APP) being the most well studied. APP cleavage by γ-secretase generates amyloid β-peptides (Aβ) that pathologically deposit in Alzheimer's disease. The APP TMD substrate undergoes initial endoproteolysis (ε-cleavage) followed by processive carboxypeptidase trimming of long Aβ intermediates in ∼tripeptide intervals. Although γ-secretase cleavage of Notch1 is essential in developmental biology and is altered in many cancers, the processing of this cell-surface receptor is relatively understudied. Only one sequence specificity rule is known for γ-secretase substrate processing: Aromatic residues such as phenylalanine are not tolerated in the P2' position with respect to any processing event on the APP TMD. Here we show using biochemical and mass spectrometry (MS) techniques that this specificity rule holds for Notch1 as well. Analysis of products from the reactions of a purified enzyme complex and Notch1 TMD substrate variants revealed that P2' Phe relative to ε-site cleavage reduced proteolysis and shifted initial cleavage N-terminally by one residue. Double Phe mutation near the ε site resulted in reduced proteolysis with shifting to two major initial cleavage sites, one N-terminally and one C-terminally, both of which avoid Phe in the P2' position. Additionally, three natural Phe residues were mutated to the corresponding residues in the APP TMD, which led to increased ε proteolysis. Thus, Phe residues can affect the enzyme reaction rate as well as cleavage site specificity in the Notch1 TMD.

A highly resolved integrated single-cell atlas of HPV-negative head and neck cancer

Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas (HNSCC) are the seventh most prevalent form of cancer and are associated with human papilloma virus infection (HPV-positive) or with tobacco and alcohol use (HPV-negative). HPV-negative HNSCCs have a high recurrence rate, and individual patients' responses to treatment vary greatly due to the high level of cellular heterogeneity of the tumor and its microenvironment. Here, we describe a HNSCC single cell atlas, which we created by integrating six publicly available datasets encompassing over 230,000 cells across 54 patients. We contextualized the relationships between existing signatures and cell populations, identified new subpopulations, and show the power of this large-scale resource to robustly identify associations between transcriptional signatures and clinical phenotypes that would not be possible to discover using fewer patients. We reveal a previously undefined myeloid population, sex-associated changes in cell type proportions, and novel interactions between CXCL8-positive fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells. Beyond our findings, the atlas will serve as a public resource for the high-resolution characterization of tumor heterogeneity of HPV-negative HNSCC.

Crosstalk Between H-Type Vascular Endothelial Cells and Macrophages: A Potential Regulator of Bone Homeostasis

The crosstalk between H-type endothelial cells (ECs) and macrophages is critical for maintaining angiogenesis and osteogenesis in bone homeostasis. As core components of type H vessels, ECs respond to various pro-angiogenic signals, forming specialized vascular structures characterized by high expression of platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD31) and endothelial mucin (EMCN), thereby facilitating angiogenesis-osteogenesis coupling during bone formation. Macrophages, as key immune cells in the perivascular region, are primarily classified into the classically activated pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype and the selectively activated anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, thereby performing dual functions in regulating local tissue homeostasis and innate immunity. In recent years, the complex crosstalk between type H vessel ECs and macrophages has garnered significant interest in the context of bone-related diseases. Orderly regulation of angiogenesis and bone immunity provides a new direction for preventing bone metabolic disorders such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. However, their interactions in bone homeostasis remain insufficiently understood, with limited clinical data available. This review comprehensively examines the intricate interactions between type H vessel ECs and macrophages with diverse phenotypes, and Insights into the signaling pathways that regulate their crosstalk, focusing on their roles in angiogenesis and osteogenesis. Furthermore, the review discusses recent interventions targeting this crosstalk and the challenges that remain. These insights may offer new perspectives on bone homeostasis and provide a theoretical foundation for developing novel therapeutic strategies.

Monocyte-derived Langerhans cells express Delta-like 4 induced by peptidoglycan and interleukin-4 mediated suppression

T cells contribute to immunotherapy and autoimmune pathogenesis and Langerhans cells (LCs) have a substantial ability to activate T cells. In vitro-generated monocyte-derived LCs (Mo-LCs) are useful models to study LC function in autoimmune diseases and to test future LC-based immunotherapies. Although dendritic cells (DCs) expressing high levels of Delta-like 4 (DLL4+ DCs), which is a member of the Notch ligand family, have greater ability than DLL4- DCs to activate T cells, the induction method of human DLL4+ DCs has yet to be determined. The aim of this study is to establish whether Mo-LCs express DLL4 and establish the induction method of antigen presenting cells, which most potently activate T cells, similar to our previously established induction method of human Mo-LCs. We compared the ratios of DLL4 expression and T cell activation via flow cytometry among monocyte-derived cells, which have a greater ability than the resident cells to activate T cells. Here, we discovered that Mo-LCs expressed DLL4, which most potently activated T cells among monocyte-derived cells, and that Mo-LCs and DLL4 expression were induced by DLL4, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and transforming growth factor-β1. Additionally, peptidoglycan was required for DLL4 expression, whereas interleukin-4 repressed it. These findings provide insights into the roles of DLL4-expressing cells such as DLL4+ Mo-LCs in human diseases, which will assist with the development of more effective therapeutic strategies in the future.

METTL14-mediated m6A modification of LINC00340 exerts oncogenic role in retinoblastoma by regulating Notch signaling pathway

PURPOSE

Retinoblastoma (RB) is a common primary intraocular cancer developed in early childhood. The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to participate in tumorigenesis. However, the study on the m6A modification of lncRNA in RB is still limited. This study proposed to reveal the role of lncRNA LINC00340 in RB depending on m6A modification.

METHODS

The levels of LINC00340 and methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14) were detected using qRT-PCR. The effects of LINC00340 interacting with METTL14 on RB cells were assessed by CCK8, colony formation, and flow cytometry assays. The changes of proteins associated with Notch signaling pathway were detected using western blotting. The regulatory mechanism of LINC00340 interacting with METTL14 in RB cells was confirmed by MeRIP, qRT-PCR, and actinomycin D treatment assays.

RESULTS

The expression of LINC00340 and METTL14 in RB samples were elevated, as well as their levels in RB samples showed the positive correlation. Silencing LINC00340 in RB cells could impair RB cell growth and enhance apoptosis via activating Notch signaling pathway, but overexpressing LINC00340 in RB cells showed the opposite effects. In addition, upregulating METTL14 effectively relieved the repressive effects of silencing LINC00340 on RB cells due to METTL14-mediated m6A modification of LINC00340.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of study reveal that METTL14-mediated m6A modification of LINC00340 exerts oncogenic function in RB via Notch signaling pathway, which may uncover a novel molecular mechanism driving RB progression and identify a potential therapeutic target for RB.

Tumor dormancy and relapse: understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer recurrence

Cancer recurrence, driven by the phenomenon of tumor dormancy, presents a formidable challenge in oncology. Dormant cancer cells have the ability to evade detection and treatment, leading to relapse. This review emphasizes the urgent need to comprehend tumor dormancy and its implications for cancer recurrence. Despite notable advancements, significant gaps remain in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying dormancy and the lack of reliable biomarkers for predicting relapse. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the cellular, angiogenic, and immunological aspects of dormancy. It highlights the current therapeutic strategies targeting dormant cells, particularly combination therapies and immunotherapies, which hold promise in preventing relapse. By elucidating these mechanisms and proposing innovative research methodologies, this review aims to deepen our understanding of tumor dormancy, ultimately facilitating the development of more effective strategies for preventing cancer recurrence and improving patient outcomes.

A Redox-Triggered Polymeric Nanoparticle for Disrupting Redox Homeostasis and Enhanced Ferroptosis

Cancer cells possess an efficient redox system, enabling them to withstand oxidative damage induced by treatments, especially in hypoxia areas and ferroptosis can disrupt redox homeostasis in cancer cell. Herein, GSH-sensitive nanoparticles are constructed that induce ferroptosis by long-lasting GSH depletion and enhanced PDT. Carbonic anhydrase IX inhibitor, protoporphyrin IX (Por) complexed with Fe and epirubicin (EPI) are grafted to hyaluronic acid (HA) via disulfide bonds to obtain HSPFE and loaded xCT inhibitor SAS for fabricating SAS@HSPFE which is actively targeted to deep hypoxic tumor cells, and explosively releasing EPI, Por-Fe complex and SAS due to at high GSH concentration. Specifically, SAS inhibited the GSH biosynthesis, and the generation of ROS by Por and the involvement of Fe2+ in the Fenton reaction jointly facilitates oxidative stress. Besides, Fe2+ reacted with excess H2O2 to produce O2, which continuously fuels PDT. GPX4 and SLC7A11 related to antioxidant defense are down-regulated, while ACSL4 and TFRC promoting lipid peroxidation and ROS accumulation are up-regulated, which enhanced ferroptosis by amplifying oxidative stress and suppressing antioxidant defense. SAS@HSPFE NPs revealed highly efficient antitumor effect in vivo study. This study provides a novel approach to cancer treatment by targeting redox imbalance.

Estrogen Promotes the Proliferation and Migration of Endometrial Cancer Through the GPER-Mediated NOTCH Pathway

This study aims to investigate the expression of GPER in EC, assess the impact of estrogen on the proliferation and migration of EC via GPER, and examine the potential role of GPER in mediating the NOTCH pathway to influence EC proliferation and migration. The expression of GPER and its correlation with clinicopathological features were investigated using clinical data. Cell proliferation was assessed through MTT and EdU assays, while cell migration ability was evaluated using wound healing and transwell assays. Western blot analysis was conducted to detect proteins associated with the GPER and NOTCH signaling pathways. Additionally, xenograft tumor models were established to investigate the potential role of estrogen in mediating the NOTCH pathway via GPER. The results demonstrated a significant upregulation of GPER expression in EC, which was associated with clinical stage and metastasis. In vitro experiments provided evidence that estrogen promotes EC cell proliferation and metastasis by enhancing the expression levels of GPER, Notch1, and Hes-1 proteins. Conversely, knocking down or suppressing GPER effectively reverses these effects. Furthermore, treatment with JAG-1, an agonist for the NOTCH pathway, counteracts si-GPER's inhibitory impact on both proliferation and migration abilities of EC cells while increasing Notch1 and Hes-1 protein expression levels; however, it does not alter GPER expression. In vivo experiments have substantiated that estrogen facilitates EC proliferation via the GPER-mediated NOTCH pathway.

Cancer Stem Cell Regulation as a Target of Therapeutic Intervention: Insights into Breast, Cervical and Lung Cancer

Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) play an important role in the development, resistance, and recurrence of many malignancies. These subpopulations of tumor cells have the potential to self-renew, differentiate, and resist conventional therapy, highlighting their importance in cancer etiology. This review explores the regulatory mechanisms of CSCs in breast, cervical, and lung cancers, highlighting their plasticity, self-renewal, and differentiation capabilities. CD44+/CD24- cells are a known marker for breast CSCs. Markers like as CD133 and ALDH have been discovered in cervical cancer CSCs. Similarly, in lung cancer, CSCs identified by CD44, CD133, and ALDH are linked to aggressive tumor behavior and poor therapy results. The commonalities between these tumors highlight the general necessity of targeting CSCs in treatment efforts. However, the intricacies of CSC activity, such as their interaction with the tumor microenvironment and particular signaling pathways differ between cancer types, demanding specialized methods. Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and Hedgehog pathways are one of the essential signaling pathways, targeting them, may show ameliorative effects on breast, lung and cervical carcinomas and their respective CSCs. Pre-clinical data suggests targeting specific signaling pathways can eliminate CSCs, but ongoing clinical trials are on utilizing signaling pathway inhibitors in patients. In recent studies it has been reported that CAR T based targeting of specific markers may be used as combination therapy. Ongoing research related to nanobiotechnology can also play a significant role in diagnosis and treatment purpose targeting CSCs, as nanomaterials can be used for precise targeting and identification of CSCs. Further research into the targeting of signaling pathways and its precursors could prove to be right step into directing therapies towards CSCs for cancer therapy.

Emerging regulatory mechanisms and functions of biomolecular condensates: implications for therapeutic targets

Cells orchestrate their processes through complex interactions, precisely organizing biomolecules in space and time. Recent discoveries have highlighted the crucial role of biomolecular condensates-membrane-less assemblies formed through the condensation of proteins, nucleic acids, and other molecules-in driving efficient and dynamic cellular processes. These condensates are integral to various physiological functions, such as gene expression and intracellular signal transduction, enabling rapid and finely tuned cellular responses. Their ability to regulate cellular signaling pathways is particularly significant, as it requires a careful balance between flexibility and precision. Disruption of this balance can lead to pathological conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and viral infections. Consequently, biomolecular condensates have emerged as promising therapeutic targets, with the potential to offer novel approaches to disease treatment. In this review, we present the recent insights into the regulatory mechanisms by which biomolecular condensates influence intracellular signaling pathways, their roles in health and disease, and potential strategies for modulating condensate dynamics as a therapeutic approach. Understanding these emerging principles may provide valuable directions for developing effective treatments targeting the aberrant behavior of biomolecular condensates in various diseases.

Epigenetic activation of JAG1 by AID contributes to metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Metastasis is a major cause of fatality in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), although the precise mechanisms driving the metastatic process remain incompletely understood. In this study, we have made several important findings. Firstly, we have discovered that elevated activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) expression is positively correlated with Jagged 1 (JAG1) levels in clinically metastatic HCC patients. Moreover, we observed that depletion of either AID or JAG1 leads to a reduction in HCC metastasis. Secondly, we have identified AID acts as a transcriptional regulator that regulates JAG1 transcription by interacting with histone acetyltransferase 1 (HAT1) in metastatic HCC cells. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that any domains of AID can cooperate with HAT1 to enhance JAG1 transcription. Importantly, we have determined that the AID/HAT1 complex directly binds to specific regions within the JAG1 gene body, specifically -1.504 kb to -1.104 kb region, thereby influencing the epigenetic state of the JAG1 promoter through modulating histone methylation, histone acetylation, and DNA methylation. Furthermore, we have elucidated that the AID-JAG1/NOTCH-c-FOS axis plays a pivotal role in facilitating HCC metastasis. Consequently, the inhibitory effects of MG149 on both AID and JAG1 significantly mitigate the progression of HCC. This investigation uncovers a heretofore unappreciated function of AID as a transcriptional regulator in the metastasis of HCC, heralding a promising therapeutic approach.

Wnt/β-catenin and notch signaling pathways in cardiovascular disease: Mechanisms and therapeutics approaches

Wnt and Notch signaling pathways play crucial roles in the development and homeostasis of the cardiovascular system. These pathways regulate important cellular processes in cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells, which are the key cell types involved in the structure and function of the heart and vasculature. During embryonic development, Wnt and Notch signaling coordinate cell fate specification, proliferation, differentiation, and morphogenesis of the heart and blood vessels. In the adult cardiovascular system, these pathways continue to maintain tissue homeostasis and arrange adaptive responses to various physiological and pathological stimuli. Dysregulation of Wnt and Notch signaling has been involved in the pathogenesis of numerous cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. Abnormal activation or suppression of these pathways in specific cell types can contribute to endothelial dysfunction, vascular remodeling, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, impaired cardiac contractility and dead. Understanding the complex interplay between Wnt and Notch signaling in the cardiovascular system has led to the investigation of these pathways as potential therapeutic targets in clinical trials. In conclusion, this review summarizes the current knowledge on the roles of Wnt and Notch signaling in the development and homeostasis of cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells. It further discusses the dysregulation of these pathways in the context of major cardiovascular diseases and the ongoing clinical investigations targeting Wnt and Notch signaling for therapeutic intervention.

Disrupting Notch signaling related HES1 in myeloid cells reinvigorates antitumor T cell responses

BACKGROUND

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are immunosuppressive cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) that hinder anti-tumor immunity. Notch signaling is a pathway crucial for TAM differentiation and function. Here, we investigate the role of HES1, a downstream target of Notch signaling, in TAM-mediated immunosuppression and explore its potential as a target for cancer immunotherapy.

METHODS

In this work, we constructed conditional Hes1 knockout mice to selectively delete Hes1 in TAMs. We further analyzed the TME composition, T cell infiltration and activation, and anti-tumor effects in these mice, both alone and in combination with PD-1 checkpoint blockade.

RESULTS

Our study showed that expression levels of Notch target Hes1 were increase in TAMs and mice with conditional knockout of Hes1 gene in TAMs exhibited decreased tumor growth, with increased infiltration and activation of cytotoxic T cells in tumors. Expression of tumor promoting factors was critically altered in Hes1-conditional KO TAMs, leading to the improved tumor microenvironment. Notably, arginase-1 expression was decreased in Hes1-conditional KO mice. Arg1 is known to deplete arginine and deactivate T cells in the TME. Administration of anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody inhibited tumor growth to a greater extent in Hes1-conditional KO mice than in WT mice.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified a pivotal role for the Notch signaling pathway in shaping TAM function, suggesting that T-cell dysfunction in the TME is caused when the Notch target, HES1, in TAMs is upregulated by tumor-associated factors (TAFs), which, in turn, increases the expression of arginase-1. Targeting HES1 in TAMs appears to be a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy.

Notch Signaling and PD-1/PD-L1 Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Potentialities of Combined Therapies

Immunotherapy has shown significant improvement in the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared to TKIs as first-line treatment. Unfortunately, approximately 30% of HCC exhibits intrinsic resistance to ICIs, making new therapeutic combinations urgently needed. The dysregulation of the Notch signaling pathway observed in HCC can affect immune cell response, reducing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Here, we provide an overview of how Notch signaling regulates immune responses and present the therapeutic rationale for combining Notch signaling inhibition with ICIs to improve HCC treatment. Moreover, we propose using exosomes as non-invasive tools to assess Notch signaling activation in hepatic cancer cells, enabling accurate stratification of patients who can benefit from combined strategies.

Prognostic significance of CNNM4 in ovarian cancer: a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis

Background

Ovarian cancer (OV) is a common malignancy in the female reproductive system, characterized by poor prognosis and high recurrence rates. The discovery of dependable molecular markers is crucial for improving the timeliness of detection, diagnosis, and treatment, ultimately aiming to lower fatality rates. CNNM4 (cyclin and CBS domain divalent metal cation transport mediator 4), a member of the CNNM (Cyclin M) family, binds to PRL (prolactin) to regulate magnesium homeostasis and influence tumor cell proliferation. Although CNNM4 is implicated in various cancers, its role in OV remains unclear.

Methods

In vitro experiments assessed CNNM4 expression and its impact on the proliferation and migration of OV cells. Comparisons of TCGA and GTEx data were used to identify correlations between clinical features and outcomes. The role of CNNM4 in OV was further explored through comprehensive bioinformatics analyses.

Results

Elevated levels of CNNM4 expression were observed in OV cells and tissues, and were linked to a poor prognosis. CNNM4 could modulate the proliferation and migration of various OV cell lines, including IOSE-80, SKOV-3, and A2780. Through involvement in multiple signaling pathways, evidenced by GSVA and GSEA, CNNM4 was implicated in OV progression. CNNM4 positively regulated the infiltration level of Macrophages M2, T cells CD4 memory resting and NK cells resting, and had a negative regulation effect on NK cells activated and T cells gamma delta. Moreover, CNNM4 is related to drug sensitivity of OV. A prediction model based on CNNM4 expression and clinical symptoms was constructed to predict OV prognosis.

Conclusion

CNNM4 may affect the progression of OV and is associated with a poor prognosis. It has potential as a biomarker for predicting survival and as a target for therapeutic interventions in OV patients.

NOTCH and PTP4A3 alterations emerge as novel predictive biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in pleural mesothelioma

BACKGROUND

Previous studies showed opposite effects of NOTCH1 and NOTCH2 on mesothelioma cell survival under hypoxia. Mechanisms underlying these effects are not still clear and this pathway plays a key role in angiogenesis and cancer stem cells (CSCs) self-renewal processes.

PURPOSE

In this study we evaluated whether NOTCH1, NOTCH2 copy number alterations (CNAs) might predict prognosis of patients with pleural mesothelioma (PM) and if the modulation of this pathway might target CSCs, potentiating pemetrexed activity, also in hypoxic conditions.

METHODS

Recurrent CNAs were determined by high-resolution whole-genome sequencing from paraffin-embedded samples of a "discovery cohort" (26 patients treated with pemetrexed-based chemotherapy). Prognostic CNAs were validated by PCR gene copy-number and expression analyses in the "discovery" and in two independent "validation" cohorts of pemetrexed-treated and untreated patients (N = 45 and N = 40). Functional analyses of emerging genes were performed through siRNA in different subpopulation of PM cells, growing under hypoxia.

RESULTS

A copy number gain of NOTCH2 was observed in 50% of patients with progressive disease and its overexpression correlated with a worse prognosis in both pemetrexed-treated and untreated-patients' cohorts. Conversely, losses of PTP4A3 correlated with clinical benefit, while patients with overexpression of both NOTCH2 and PTP4A3 had the worse prognosis. Moreover, NOTCH2 silencing through siRNA in vitro reduced migration, enhancing apoptosis of PM cells, while the PTP4A3 inhibitor BR-1 overcame pemetrexed resistance in PM cells characterized by high NOTCH2/PTP4A3 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

NOTCH2 and PTP4A3 alterations are associated with clinical outcomes in pemetrexed-treated PM patients. The inhibition of NOTCH pathway may be exploited to eradicate CSCs and improve patients' survival.

Notch signaling in digestive system cancers: Roles and therapeutic prospects

Digestive system cancers rank among the most prevalent malignant tumors, maintaining persistently high incidence and mortality rates. Notch signaling activity, often aberrant in esophageal, gastric, hepatic, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers, plays a pivotal role in the initiation, progression, and therapy resistance of these malignancies. As a highly conserved pathway, Notch signaling is integral to cell differentiation, survival, proliferation, stem cell renewal, development, and morphogenesis. Its dysregulation has been increasingly linked to various diseases, particularly digestive system cancers. In these malignancies, altered Notch signaling influences multiple biological processes, including cell proliferation, invasion, cell cycle progression, immune evasion, drug resistance, and stemness maintenance. Understanding the mechanisms of Notch signaling in digestive system cancers is essential for the development of novel targeted therapies. Numerous Notch pathway-targeting drugs are currently in preclinical studies, demonstrating promising efficacy both as monotherapies and in combination with conventional anti-cancer treatments. This review summarizes recent high-quality findings on the involvement of Notch signaling in digestive system cancers, focusing on the expression changes and pathological mechanisms of its dysregulated components. Special emphasis is placed on the potential of translating Notch-targeted approaches into therapeutic strategies, which hold promise for overcoming the limitations of existing treatments and improving the poor prognosis associated with these cancers.

A comprehensive review of oncogenic Notch signaling in multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma remains an incurable plasma cell cancer with radical case-by-case heterogeneity. Because of this, personalized and disease-specific biology of multiple myeloma must be understood for the discovery of effective molecular targets. The highly evolutionarily conserved Notch signaling pathway has been extensively described as a multifaceted driver of the multiple myeloma disease process-contributing to both intrinsic effects of malignant cells and to widespread remodeling of the tumor microenvironment that further facilitates disease progression. Namely, Notch signaling amongst malignant cells promotes increased proliferation, tumor-initiating capacity, drug resistance, and invasiveness. Moreover, Notch signaling between malignant cells and cells of the tumor microenvironment leads to increased osteodegenerative disease and angiogenesis. This comprehensive review will discuss both the intrinsic implications of pathological Notch signaling in multiple myeloma and the extrinsic implications of Notch signaling in the multiple myeloma tumor microenvironment. Additionally, the genetic origins of Notch signaling dysregulation in multiple myeloma and current attempts at targeting Notch therapeutically will be reviewed. While the subject has been reviewed previously, recent developments in the intervening years demand a revised synthesis of the literature. The aim of this work is to introduce and thoroughly synthesize the current state of knowledge in this vein of research and to highlight future directions for both new and in-the-field scientists.

ADAM10 modulates the efficacy of T-cell-mediated therapy in solid tumors

T-cell-mediated therapeutic strategies are the most potent effectors of cancer immunotherapy. However, an essential barrier to this therapy in solid tumors is disrupting the anti-cancer immune response, cancer-immunity cycle, T-cell priming, trafficking and T-cell cytotoxic capacity. Thus, reinforcing the anti-cancer immune response is needed to improve the effectiveness of T-cell-mediated therapy. Tumor-associated protease ADAM10, endothelial cells (ECs) and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells engage in complex communication via adhesion, transmigration and chemotactic mechanisms to facilitate an anti-cancer immune response. The precise impact of ADAM10 on the intricate mechanisms underlying these interactions remains unclear. This paper broadly explores how ADAM10, through different routes, influences the efficacy of T-cell-mediated therapy. ADAM10 cleaves CD8+ T-cell-targeting genes and impacts their expression and specificity. In addition, ADAM10 mediates the interactions of adhesion molecules with T cells and influences CD8+ T-cell activity and trafficking. Thus, understanding the role of ADAM10 in these events may lead to innovative strategies for advancing T-cell-mediated therapies.

Changes in the molecular nodes of the Notch and NRF2 pathways in cervical cancer tissues from the precursor stages to invasive carcinoma

Cancer is a multifactorial disease characterized by the loss of control in the expression of genes known as cancer driver genes. Cancer driver genes trigger uncontrolled cell replication, which leads to the development of malignant tumors. A cluster of signal transduction pathways that contain cancer driver genes involved in cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and dysregulated organ growth, are associated with cancer initiation and progression. In the present study, three signal transduction pathways involved in cervical cancer (CC) development were analyzed: The Hippo pathway (FAT atypical cadherin, yes-associated protein 1, SMAD4 and TEA domain family member 2), the Notch pathway [cellular-MYC, cAMP response element-binding binding protein (CREBBP), E1A-associated cellular p300 transcriptional co-activator protein and F-Box and WD repeat domain containing 7] and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathway [NRF2, kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), AKT and PIK3-catalytic subunit α]. Tumor samples from patients diagnosed with various stages of CC, including cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1, CIN 2, CIN 3, in situ CC and invasive CC, were analyzed. The mRNA expression levels were analyzed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR assays, whereas protein expression levels were assessed through immunohistochemical tissue microarrays. High mRNA expression levels of c-MYC and AKT and low expression levels of NRF2 and KEAP1 were associated with a decreased survival time of patients with CC. Additionally, increased expression levels of c-MYC were detected in the invasive CC stage. At the protein level, increased NRF2 expression levels were observed in all five stages of CC samples compared with those in the cancer-free control samples. AKT1 was found to be dysregulated in the CIN 1 and CIN 2 stages, PI3K in the in situ and invasive stages, and CREBBP in the CIN 3 and in situ stages. In summary, the present study demonstrated significant changes in proteins of the Notch and NRF2 pathways in CC. NRF2 was overexpressed in all cervical cancer stages (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, in situ CC and invasive CC). The present study makes an important contribution to the possible biomarker proteins to be analyzed for the presence of premalignant and malignant lesions in the cervix.

Molecular Mechanism for Malignant Progression of Gastric Cancer Within the Tumor Microenvironment

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Most patients are diagnosed at the progressive stage of GC, and progress in the development of effective anti-GC drugs has been insufficient. The tumor microenvironment (TME) regulates various functions of tumor cells, and interactions between the cellular and molecular components of the TME-e.g., inflammatory cells, fibroblasts, vasculature cells, and innate and adaptive immune cells-promote the aggressiveness of cancer cells and dissemination to distant organs. This review summarizes the roles of various TME cells and molecules in regulating the malignant progression and metastasis of GC. We also address the important roles of signaling pathways in mediating the interaction between cancer cells and the different components of the GC TME. Finally, we discuss the implications of these molecular mechanisms for developing novel and effective therapies targeting molecular and cellular components of the GC TME to control the malignant progression of GC.

Chronic exposure to hexavalent chromium induces esophageal tumorigenesis via activating the Notch signaling pathway

Hexavalent chromium Cr(VI), as a well-established carcinogen, contributes to tumorigenesis for many human cancers, especially respiratory and digestive tumors. However, the potential function and relevant mechanism of Cr(VI) on the initiation of esophageal carcinogenesis are largely unknown. Here, immortalized human esophageal epithelial cells (HEECs) were induced to be malignantly transformed cells, termed HEEC-Cr(VI) cells, via chronic exposure to Cr(VI), which simulates the progress of esophageal tumorigenesis. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that HEEC-Cr(VI) cells obtain the ability of anchorage-independent growth, greater proliferative capacity, cancer stem cell properties, and the capacity to form subcutaneous xenografts in BALB/c nude mice when compared to their parental cells, HEECs. Additionally, HEEC-Cr(VI) cells exhibited weakened cell motility and enhanced cell adhesion. Interestingly, HEECs with acute exposure to Cr(VI) failed to display those malignant phenotypes of HEEC-Cr(VI) cells, suggesting that Cr(VI)‍-induced malignant transformation, but not Cr(VI) itself, is the cause for the tumor characteristics of HEEC-Cr(VI) cells. Mechanistically, chronic exposure to Cr(VI) induced abnormal activation of Notch signaling, which is crucial to maintaining the capacity for malignant proliferation and stemness of HEEC-Cr(VI) cells. As expected, N-‍[N-‍(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)‍-L-alanyl]‍-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester (DAPT), an inhibitor for the Notch pathway, drastically attenuated cancerous phenotypes of HEEC-Cr(VI) cells. In conclusion, our study clarified the molecular mechanism underlying Cr(VI)‍-induced esophageal tumorigenesis, which provides novel insights for further basic research and clinical therapeutic strategies about Cr(VI)‍-associated esophageal cancer.

Integrating anoikis and ErbB signaling insights with machine learning and single-cell analysis for predicting prognosis and immune-targeted therapy outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a significant global health challenge due to its poor prognosis and limited therapeutic modalities. Anoikis and ErbB signaling pathways are pivotal in cancer cell proliferation and metastasis, but their relevance in HCC remains insufficiently explored.

Methods

This study evaluates the prognostic significance of anoikis and ErbB signaling pathways in HCC by utilizing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), three additional independent validation cohorts, and an in-house cohort. Advanced bioinformatics analyses and 167 machine learning models based on leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) were used to predict HCC prognosis and assess outcomes of immune-targeted therapies. Additionally, key biological processes of the anoikis and ErbB signaling pathways in HCC were further investigated.

Results

The single sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis revealed a strong correlation between upregulated ErbB signaling in high anoikis-expressing tumors and poor clinical outcomes. The development of the Anoikis-ErbB Related Signature (AERS) using the LASSO + RSF model demonstrated robust predictive capabilities, as validated across multiple patient cohorts, and proved effective in predicting responses to immune-targeted therapies. Further investigation highlighted activated NOTCH signaling pathways and decreased macrophage infiltration was associated with resistance to sorafenib and immune checkpoint inhibitors, as evidenced by bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq).

Conclusion

AERS provides a novel tool for clinical prognosis and paves the way for immune-targeted therapeutic approaches, underscoring the potential of integrated molecular profiling in enhancing treatment strategies for HCC.

Prognostic modeling of hepatocellular carcinoma based on T-cell proliferation regulators: a bioinformatics approach

Background

The prognostic value and immune significance of T-cell proliferation regulators (TCRs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been previously reported. This study aimed to develop a new prognostic model based on TCRs in patients with HCC.

Method

This study used The Cancer Genome Atlas-Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (TCGA-LIHC) and International Cancer Genome Consortium-Liver Cancer-Riken, Japan (ICGC-LIRI-JP) datasets along with TCRs. Differentially expressed TCRs (DE-TCRs) were identified by intersecting TCRs and differentially expressed genes between HCC and non-cancerous samples. Prognostic genes were determined using Cox regression analysis and were used to construct a risk model for HCC. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to assess the difference in survival between high-risk and low-risk groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to assess the validity of risk model, as well as for testing in the ICGC-LIRI-JP dataset. Additionally, independent prognostic factors were identified using multivariate Cox regression analysis and proportional hazards assumption, and they were used to construct a nomogram model. TCGA-LIHC dataset was subjected to tumor microenvironment analysis, drug sensitivity analysis, gene set variation analysis, and immune correlation analysis. The prognostic genes were analyzed using consensus clustering analysis, mutation analysis, copy number variation analysis, gene set enrichment analysis, and molecular prediction analysis.

Results

Among the 18 DE-TCRs, six genes (DCLRE1B, RAN, HOMER1, ADA, CDK1, and IL1RN) could predict the prognosis of HCC. A risk model that can accurately predict HCC prognosis was established based on these genes. An efficient nomogram model was also developed using clinical traits and risk scores. Immune-related analyses revealed that 39 immune checkpoints exhibited differential expression between the high-risk and low-risk groups. The rate of immunotherapy response was low in patients belonging to the high-risk group. Patients with HCC were further divided into cluster 1 and cluster 2 based on prognostic genes. Mutation analysis revealed that HOMER1 and CDK1 harbored missense mutations. DCLRE1B exhibited an increased copy number, whereas RAN exhibited a decreased copy number. The prognostic genes were significantly enriched in tryptophan metabolism pathways.

Conclusions

This bioinformatics analysis identified six TCR genes associated with HCC prognosis that can serve as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for HCC.

Novel drug delivery systems in colorectal cancer: Advances and future prospects

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an abnormal proliferation of cells within the colon and rectum, leading to the formation of polyps and disruption of mucosal functions. The disease development is influenced by a combination of factors, including inflammation, exposure to environmental mutagens, genetic alterations, and impairment in signaling pathways. Traditional treatments such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are often used but have limitations, including poor solubility and permeability, treatment resistance, side effects, and post-surgery issues. Novel Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS) have emerged as a superior alternative, offering enhanced drug solubility, precision in targeting cancer cells, and regulated drug release. Thereby addressing the shortcomings of conventional therapies and showing promise for more effective CRC management. The present review sheds light on the pathogenesis, signaling pathways, biomarkers, conventional treatments, need for NDDS, and application of NDDS against CRC. Additionally, clinical trials, ongoing clinical trials, marketed formulations, and patents on CRC are also covered in the present review.

Th1/Th2 Imbalance in Peripheral Blood Echoes Microglia State Dynamics in CNS During TLE Progression

Central and systemic inflammation play pivotal roles in epileptogenesis and proepileptogenesis in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The interplay between peripheral CD4+ T cells and central microglia orchestrates the "systemic-central" immune response in TLE. However, the precise molecular mechanisms linking central and systemic inflammation in TLE remain unknown. This preliminary findings revealed an imbalance in Th1/Th2 subsets in the periphery，accompanied by related cytokines release in TLE patients. they proposed that this peripheral Th1/Th2 imbalance may influence central inflammation by mediating microglial state dynamics within epileptic foci and distant brain regions. In Li-pilocarpine-induced TLE rats, a peripheral Th1/Th2 imbalance and observed corresponding central and systemic responses is confirmed. Notably, CD4+ T cells infiltrated through the compromised blood-brain barrierand are spatially close to microglia around epileptic foci. Intravenous depletion and reinfusion of CD4+ T cells modulated microglia state dynamics and altered neuroinflammatory cytokines secretion. Moreover, mRNA sequencing of the human hippocampus identified Notch1 as a key regulator of Th1/Th2 differentiation, CD4+ T cell recruitment to brain infiltration sites, and the regulation of microglial responses, seizure frequency, and cognition. This study underscores the significance of Th1/Th2 imbalance in modulating the "systemic-central" response in TLE, highlighting Notch1 as a potential therapeutic target.

Molecular Interplay in Cardiac Fibrosis: Exploring the Functions of RUNX2, BMP2, and Notch

Cardiac fibrosis, characterized by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, significantly contributes to the morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular diseases. This article explores the complex interplay between Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), and Notch signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis. Each of these pathways plays a crucial role in the regulation of cellular functions and interactions that underpin fibrotic processes in the heart. Through a detailed review of current research, we highlight how the crosstalk among RUNX2, BMP2, and Notch not only facilitates our understanding of the fibrotic mechanisms but also points to potential biomolecular targets for intervention. This article delves into the regulatory networks, identifies key molecular mediators, and discusses the implications of these signaling pathways in cardiac structural remodeling. By synthesizing findings from recent studies, we provide insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms that could guide future research directions, aiming to uncover new therapeutic strategies to manage and treat cardiac fibrosis effectively.

The activation of the Notch signaling pathway by UBE2C promotes the proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma

UBE2C, a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme, functions as an oncogene in different types of human cancers. Nonetheless, the exact influence of UBE2C on the development of HCC via regulation of ubiquitination remains uncertain. Here, we found that UBE2C displayed elevated levels of expression in HCC and was associated with an unfavorable prognosis, as evidenced by the analysis of the TCGA database and the examination of clinical specimens. The role of UBE2C in HCC revealed its ability to promote the growth and metastasis of HCC. Mechanistically, UBE2C activated Notch signaling, as evidenced by the upregulation of N1ICD and Hes1, crucial components of the Notch pathway, and activation of the RBP-JK luciferase reporter by UBE2C. Finally, rescue experiments demonstrated that the oncogenic role of UBE2C was eliminated through treatment with the Notch inhibitor DAPT, while overexpression of N1ICD alleviated the anticarcinogenic impact of knockdown of UBE2C. Altogether, the results of our study indicate that UBE2C plays a role in the activation of Notch signaling and could potentially serve as a viable target for therapeutic interventions in HCC.

Examining the contribution of Notch signaling to lung disease development

Notch pathway is a widely observed signaling system that holds pivotal functions in regulating various developmental cellular functions and operations. The Notch signaling mechanism is crucial for lung homeostasis, damage, and restoration. Based on increasing evidence, the Notch pathway has been identified, as critical for fibrosis and subsequently, the development of chronic fibroproliferative conditions in various organs and tissues. Recent research indicates that deregulation of Notch signaling correlates with the pathogenesis of significant pulmonary conditions, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), lung carcinoma, and pulmonary abnormalities in some hereditary disorders. In various cellular and tissue environments, and across both physiological and pathological conditions, multiple consequences of Notch activation have been observed. Studies have ascertained that the Notch signaling cascade exhibits close associations with various other signaling systems. This study provides an updated overview of Notch signaling's role, especially its link to fibrosis and its potential therapeutic implications. This study sheds light on the latest findings regarding the mechanisms and outcomes of irregular or lacking Notch activity in the onset and development of pulmonary diseases. As our insight into this signaling mechanism suggests that modulating Notch signaling might hold potential as a valuable additional therapeutic approach in upcoming research.

PLGA-Loaded Nedaplatin (PLGA-NDP) Inhibits 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) Induced Oral Carcinogenesis via Modulating Notch Signaling Pathway and Induces Apoptosis in Experimental Hamster Model

The present study is designed to evaluate the nanotherapeutic efficacy of prepared PLGA-loaded Nedaplatin (PLGA-NDP) against 7,12-dimethyl benz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced experimental oral carcinogenesis in hamster buccal pouch (HBP) model. The buccal pouch of golden Syrian hamsters was painted with 0.5% DMBA in liquid paraffin three times a week for 14 weeks, ultimately leading to the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Oral administration of PLGA-NDP (preinitiation) and Cisplatin delivery (5 mg/kg b.wt) started 1 week before the carcinogen exposure and continued on alternative days. Post-administration of PLGA-NDP (5 mg/kg b.wt) started 2 days after carcinogen (DMBA) induction until the end of the experiment. After the 14th week, we observed that DMBA-painted hamsters exhibited tumor formation, morphological alterations, and well-differentiated OSSC in addition to the responsive molecular proteins during oral carcinogenesis. Furthermore, immunoblotting analysis demonstrated that PLGA-NDP inhibits Notch signaling, as evidenced by downregulation of Bcl-Xl, Bcl-2, p21, PGE2, HGF, and CXCL12 proteins, and upregulation of p53 and Bax. This apoptotic response is crucial for PLGA-NDP to induce apoptosis. In addition, RT-PCR results showed that PLGA-NDP nanoparticles play a downregulatory role in the therapeutic action of the notch signaling gene (Notch1, Notch 2, Hes1, Hey1, and Jagged1) at the mRNA transcription level in HBP carcinoma. Taken together, these data indicate that PLGA-NDP is a potent inhibitor of oral carcinogenesis and the expansion of cells that specifically target the Notch signaling pathway indicates that obstructing Notch signaling could potentially serve as a new and innovative therapeutic approach for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Targeting limbal epithelial stem cells: master conductors of corneal epithelial regeneration from the bench to multilevel theranostics

The cornea is the outermost layer of the eye and plays an essential role in our visual system. Limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs), which are localized to a highly regulated limbal niche, are the master conductors of corneal epithelial regeneration. Damage to LESCs and their niche may result in limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), a disease confused ophthalmologists so many years and can lead to corneal conjunctivalization, neovascularization, and even blindness. How to restore the LESCs function is the hot topic for ocular scientists and clinicians around the world. This review introduced LESCs and the niche microenvironment, outlined various techniques for isolating and culturing LESCs used in LSCD research, presented common diseases that cause LSCD, and provided a comprehensive overview of both the diagnosis and multiple treatments for LSCD from basic research to clinical therapies, especially the emerging cell therapies based on various stem cell sources. In addition, we also innovatively concluded the latest strategies in recent years, including exogenous drugs, tissue engineering, nanotechnology, exosome and gene therapy, as well as the ongoing clinical trials for treating LSCD in recent five years. Finally, we highlighted challenges from bench to bedside in LSCD and discussed cutting-edge areas in LSCD therapeutic research. We hope that this review could pave the way for future research and translation on treating LSCD, a crucial step in the field of ocular health.

Unraveling the interplay: exploring signaling pathways in pancreatic cancer in the context of pancreatic embryogenesis

Pancreatic cancer continues to be a deadly disease because of its delayed diagnosis and aggressive tumor biology. Oncogenes and risk factors are being reported to influence the signaling pathways involved in pancreatic embryogenesis leading to pancreatic cancer genesis. Although studies using rodent models have yielded insightful information, the scarcity of human pancreatic tissue has made it difficult to comprehend how the human pancreas develops. Transcription factors like IPF1/PDX1, HLXB9, PBX1, MEIS, Islet-1, and signaling pathways, including Hedgehog, TGF-β, and Notch, are directing pancreatic organogenesis. Any derangements in the above pathways may lead to pancreatic cancer. TP53: and CDKN2A are tumor suppressor genes, and the mutations in TP53 and somatic loss of CDKN2A are the drivers of pancreatic cancer. This review clarifies the complex signaling mechanism involved in pancreatic cancer, the same signaling pathways in pancreas development, the current therapeutic approach targeting signaling molecules, and the mechanism of action of risk factors in promoting pancreatic cancer.

Targeting cancer stem cells in multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy of bone marrow (BM) plasma cells with excessive clonal expansion and is associated with the overproduction of light-chain or monoclonal immunoglobulins (Igs). MM remains incurable, with high rates of relapses and refractory disease after first-line treatment. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been implicated in drug resistance in MM; however, the evidence for CSCs in MM is not adequate, partly due to a lack of uniformity in the definitions of multiple myeloma stem cells (MMSCs). We review advances in understanding MMSCs and their role in drug resistance to MM therapies. We also discuss novel therapeutic strategies to overcome MMSC-mediated relapses and drug resistance.

Adipose-derived stem cell modulate tolerogenic dendritic cell-induced T cell regulation is correlated with activation of Notch-NFκB signaling

BACKGROUND

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are recognized for their potential immunomodulatory properties. In the immune system, tolerogenic dendritic cells (DCs), characterized by an immature phenotype, play a crucial role in inducing regulatory T cells (Tregs) and promoting immune tolerance. Notch1 signaling has been identified as a key regulator in the development and function of DCs. However, the precise involvement of Notch1 pathway in ASC-mediated modulation of tolerogenic DCs and its impact on immune modulation remain to be fully elucidated. This study aims to investigate the interplay between ASCs and DCs, focusing the role of Notch1 signaling and downstream pathways in ASC-modulated tolerogenic DCs.

METHODS

Rat bone marrow-derived myeloid DCs were directly co-cultured with ASCs to generate ASC-treated DCs (ASC-DCs). Notch signaling was inhibited using DAPT, while NFκB pathways were inhibited by NEMO binding domain peptide and si-NIK. Flow cytometry assessed DC phenotypes. Real-time quantitative PCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence determined the expression of Notch1, Jagged1 and the p52/RelB complex in ASC- DCs.

RESULTS

Notch1 and Jagged1 were highly expressed on both DCs and ASCs. ASC-DCs displayed significantly reduced levels of CD80, CD86 and MHC II compared to mature DCs. Inhibiting the Notch pathway with DAPT reversed the dedifferentiation effects. The percentage of induced CD25+/FOXP3+/CD4+ Tregs decreased when ASC-DCs were treated with DAPT (inhibition of the Notch pathway) and si-NIK (inhibition of the non-canonical NFκB pathway).

CONCLUSIONS

ASCs induce DC tolerogenicity by inhibiting maturation and promoting downstream Treg generation, involving the Notch and NFκB pathways. ASC-induced tolerogenic DCs can be a potential immunomodulatory tool for clinical application.

The Crucial Role of Inflammation and the Immune System in Colorectal Cancer Carcinogenesis: A Comprehensive Perspective

Chronic inflammation drives the growth of colorectal cancer through the dysregulation of molecular pathways within the immune system. Infiltration of immune cells, such as macrophages, into tumoral regions results in the release of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6; IL-17; TNF-α), fostering tumor proliferation, survival, and invasion. Tumors employ various mechanisms to evade immune surveillance, effectively 'cloaking' themselves from detection and subsequent attack. A comprehensive understanding of these intricate molecular interactions is paramount for advancing novel strategies aimed at modulating the immune response against cancer.

PACSIN1 promotes immunosuppression in gastric cancer by degrading MHC-I

Gastric cancer (GC) is a common gastrointestinal system malignancy. PACSIN1 functions as an oncogene in various cancers. This study aims to investigate the potential of PACSIN1 as a target in GC treatment. Gene expression is determined by RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence staining, and immunohistochemistry assay. FISH is performed to determine the colocalization of PACSIN1 and the major histocompatibility complex (MHC-I). Cytokine release and cell functions are analyzed by flow cytometry. In vivo assays are also conducted. Histological analysis is performed using H&E staining. The results show that PACSIN1 is overexpressed in GC patients, especially in those with immunologically-cold tumors. A high level of PACSIN1 is associated with poor prognosis. PACSIN1 deficiency inhibits autophagy but increases antigen presentation in GC cells. Moreover, PACSIN1 deficiency inhibits the lysosomal fusion and selective autophagy of MHC-I, increases CD8 + T-cell infiltration, and suppresses tumor growth and liver metastasis in vivo. Additionally, PACSIN1 knockout enhances the chemosensitivity of cells to immune checkpoint blockade. In summary, PACSIN1 mediates lysosomal fusion and selective autophagy of MHC-I and suppresses antigen presentation and CD8 + T-cell infiltration, thus inhibiting antitumor immunity in GC.

Notch signaling pathway in cancer: from mechanistic insights to targeted therapies

Notch signaling, renowned for its role in regulating cell fate, organ development, and tissue homeostasis across metazoans, is highly conserved throughout evolution. The Notch receptor and its ligands are transmembrane proteins containing epidermal growth factor-like repeat sequences, typically necessitating receptor-ligand interaction to initiate classical Notch signaling transduction. Accumulating evidence indicates that the Notch signaling pathway serves as both an oncogenic factor and a tumor suppressor in various cancer types. Dysregulation of this pathway promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis in malignancies, closely linked to cancer proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Furthermore, the Notch signaling pathway contributes to maintaining stem-like properties in cancer cells, thereby enhancing cancer invasiveness. The regulatory role of the Notch signaling pathway in cancer metabolic reprogramming and the tumor microenvironment suggests its pivotal involvement in balancing oncogenic and tumor suppressive effects. Moreover, the Notch signaling pathway is implicated in conferring chemoresistance to tumor cells. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of these biological processes is crucial for developing innovative therapeutic strategies targeting Notch signaling. This review focuses on the research progress of the Notch signaling pathway in cancers, providing in-depth insights into the potential mechanisms of Notch signaling regulation in the occurrence and progression of cancer. Additionally, the review summarizes pharmaceutical clinical trials targeting Notch signaling for cancer therapy, aiming to offer new insights into therapeutic strategies for human malignancies.

Exploring Gut Microbiome Composition and Circulating Microbial DNA Fragments in Patients with Stage II/III Colorectal Cancer: A Comprehensive Analysis

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) significantly contributes to cancer-related mortality, necessitating the exploration of prognostic factors beyond TNM staging. This study investigates the composition of the gut microbiome and microbial DNA fragments in stage II/III CRC.

METHODS

A cohort of 142 patients with stage II/III CRC and 91 healthy controls underwent comprehensive microbiome analysis. Fecal samples were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing, and blood samples were tested for the presence of microbial DNA fragments. De novo clustering analysis categorized individuals based on their microbial profiles. Alpha and beta diversity metrics were calculated, and taxonomic profiling was conducted.

RESULTS

Patients with CRC exhibited distinct microbial composition compared to controls. Beta diversity analysis confirmed CRC-specific microbial profiles. Taxonomic profiling revealed unique taxonomies in the patient cohort. De novo clustering separated individuals into distinct groups, with specific microbial DNA fragment detection associated with certain patient clusters.

CONCLUSIONS

The gut microbiota can differentiate patients with CRC from healthy individuals. Detecting microbial DNA fragments in the bloodstream may be linked to CRC prognosis. These findings suggest that the gut microbiome could serve as a prognostic factor in stage II/III CRC. Identifying specific microbial markers associated with CRC prognosis has potential clinical implications, including personalized treatment strategies and reduced healthcare costs. Further research is needed to validate these findings and uncover underlying mechanisms.

Notch Signaling: An Emerging Paradigm in the Pathogenesis of Reproductive Disorders and Diverse Pathological Conditions

The highly conserved Notch pathway, a pillar of juxtacrine signaling, orchestrates intricate intercellular communication, governing diverse developmental and homeostatic processes through a tightly regulated cascade of proteolytic cleavages. This pathway, culminating in the migration of the Notch intracellular domain (NICD) to the nucleus and the subsequent activation of downstream target genes, exerts a profound influence on a plethora of molecular processes, including cell cycle progression, lineage specification, cell-cell adhesion, and fate determination. Accumulating evidence underscores the pivotal role of Notch dysregulation, encompassing both gain and loss-of-function mutations, in the pathogenesis of numerous human diseases. This review delves deep into the multifaceted roles of Notch signaling in cellular dynamics, encompassing proliferation, differentiation, polarity maintenance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), tissue regeneration/remodeling, and its intricate interplay with other signaling pathways. We then focus on the emerging landscape of Notch aberrations in gynecological pathologies predisposing individuals to infertility. By highlighting the exquisite conservation of Notch signaling in Drosophila and its power as a model organism, we pave the way for further dissection of disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions through targeted modulation of this master regulatory pathway.

Exploring the role of CDCA4 in liver hepatocellular carcinoma using bioinformatics analysis and experiments

Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) encompasses diverse therapeutic approaches, among which targeted therapy has gained significant prominence in recent years. The identification of numerous targets and the increasing clinical application of targeted drugs have greatly improved LIHC treatment. However, the precise role of CDCA4 (Cell Division Cycle Associated 4), as well as its underlying mechanisms and prognostic implications in LIHC, remains unclear. CDCA4 expression levels in LIHC were analyzed using multiple databases including the cancer genome atlas (TCGA), gene expression profiling interactive analysis (GEPIA), and ULCAN, as well as the datasets E_TABM_36, GSE144269, GSE14520, and GSE54236. The prognostic value of CDCA4 was then evaluated. Subsequently, the association between CDCA4 and immune cells was investigated. Enrichment analysis (GSEA) was utilized to investigate the functional roles and pathways linked to CDCA4. Additionally, the methylation patterns and drug sensitivity of CDCA4 were examined. A predictive model incorporating immune genes related to CDCA4 was developed. The TISCH dataset was used to investigate the single-cell expression patterns of CDCA4. Finally, validation of CDCA4 expression levels was conducted through RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. CDCA4 exhibited significant overexpression in LIHC and demonstrated significant correlations with clinical features. High expression of CDCA4 is associated with a poorer prognosis. Analysis of immune infiltration and enrichment revealed its association with the immune microenvironment. Furthermore, its expression is correlated with methylation and mutation patterns. CDCA4 is associated with 19 drugs. Prognostic models utilizing CDCA4 demonstrate favorable effectiveness. T cell subtypes were found to be associated with CDCA4 through single-cell analysis. The conclusive experiment provided evidence of significant upregulation of CDCA4 in LIHC. The high expression of CDCA4 in LIHC is associated with prognostic significance and is highly expressed in T cell subtypes, providing a new therapeutic target and potential therapeutic strategy for LIHC.

LncRNAs: Emerging biomarkers and therapeutic targets in rectal cancer

According to findings, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have an important function in the onset and growth of various cancers, including rectal cancer (RC). RC offers unique issues in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and results, needing a full understanding of the cellular mechanisms that cause it to develop. This thorough study digs into the various functions that lncRNAs perform in RC, giving views into their multiple roles as well as possible therapeutic consequences. The function of lncRNAs in RC cell proliferation, apoptosis, migratory and infiltrating capacities, epithelial-mesenchymal shift, and therapy tolerance are discussed. Various lncRNA regulatory roles are investigated in depth, yielding information on their effect on essential cell functions such as angiogenesis, death, immunity, and growth. Systemic lncRNAs are currently acknowledged as potential indications for the initial stages of identification of cancer, with the ability to diagnose as well as forecast. Besides adding to their diagnostic utility, lncRNAs offer therapeutic opportunities as actors, contributing to the expanding landscape of cancer research. Moreover, the investigation looks into the assessment and predictive utility of lncRNAs as RC markers. The article also offers insight into lncRNAs as chemoresistance and drug resistance facilitators in the setting of RC.

Comprehensive investigation into the influence of glycosylation on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and development of a prognostic model for risk assessment and anticipating immunotherapy

Background

It has been well established that glycosylation plays a pivotal role in initiation, progression, and therapy resistance of several cancers. However, the correlations between glycosylation and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have not been elucidated in detail.

Methods

The paramount genes governing glycosylation were discerned via the utilization of the Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network and correlation analysis, coupled with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis. To construct risk models exhibiting heightened predictive efficacy, cox- and lasso-regression methodologies were employed, and the veracity of these models was substantiated across both internal and external datasets. Subsequently, an exploration into the distinctions within the tumor microenvironment (TME), immunotherapy responses, and enriched pathways among disparate risk cohorts ensued. Ultimately, cell experiments were conducted to validate the consequential impact of SMS in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC).

Results

A total of 184 genes orchestrating glycosylation were delineated for subsequent scrutiny. Employing cox- and lasso-regression methodologies, we fashioned a 3-gene signature, proficient in prognosticating the outcomes for patients afflicted with HNSCC. Noteworthy observations encompassed distinctions in the Tumor Microenvironment (TME), levels of immune cell infiltration, and the presence of immune checkpoint markers among divergent risk cohorts, holding potentially consequential implications for the clinical management of HNSCC patients.

Conclusion

The prognosis of HNSCC can be proficiently anticipated through risk signatures based on Glycosylation-related genes (GRGs). A thorough delineation of the GRGs signature in HNSCC holds the potential to facilitate the interpretation of HNSCC's responsiveness to immunotherapy and provide innovative strategies for cancer treatment.