Cathepsin V drives lung cancer progression by shaping the immunosuppressive environment and adhesion molecules cleavage

Development of a coagulation‑related gene model for prognostication, immune response and treatment prediction in lung adenocarcinoma

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most prevalent form of lung cancer worldwide. Due to the lack of clinically useful molecular biomarkers, the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with LUAD remain poor. Patients with LUAD often exhibit abnormalities in the levels of coagulation factors. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to develop a model based on coagulation-related factors in LUAD. Gene expression data and clinical information from 582 patients with LUAD were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). A set of 138 coagulation-related genes (CRGs) was retrieved from The Molecular Signatures Database, and their expression levels were examined in TCGA dataset to identify differentially expressed CRGs. Predictive models were constructed using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator-Cox regression. The risk score from the model was used to establish high- and low-risk patient groups. Additionally, Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed to evaluate the differences in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival between the two groups. The accuracy of the model was verified through receiver operating characteristic and principal component analysis. In addition, the tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion algorithm was used to assess immune escape and immunotherapy responses in relation to the CRGs. A predictive model comprising four genes, namely matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 1, MMP10, cathepsin V and thrombin, was established to estimate the survival rate of patients with LUAD. The OS rates of patients in the high-risk group were lower compared with those in the low-risk group. Furthermore, a combination of high-risk score and low tumor mutation burden was associated with the poorest survival in patients with LUAD. Patients in different risk groups exhibited different drug sensitivities based on their risk scores. In conclusion, the four-gene based prognostic model served as an independent predictor of survival rates in patients with LUAD and may offer a novel approach for prognosis and treatment.

Are cathepsins a risk factor for papillary thyroid carcinoma? A bidirectional two-sample mendelian randomization analysis

BACKGROUND

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common type of endocrine tumor, and its incidence is on the rise. Observational studies have linked cathepsins, an endolysosomal cysteine protein hydrolase, to the malignant progression of several tumors, including PTC. However, the causal relationship between cathepsins and PTC remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the causal relationship between cathepsins and PTC using a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

METHODS

Publicly available databases were used to obtain data on cathepsins and PTCs. Single nucleotide polymorphisms were screened for instrumental variables. Causality was evaluated using five methods. Heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the stability of the results.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed a significant association between cathepsin Z (CTSZ) and the risk of PTC (IVW, OR = 1.170, 95% CI: 1.035-1.102, P = 0.011). However, no association was found in the inverse analysis (IVW, OR = 1.006, 95% CI: 0.982-1.031, P = 0.612). The stability and reliability of the results of this study were indicated by both heterogeneity and sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirmed the association between CTSZ and an increased risk of PTC. This finding has important implications for clinical practice, as it may help to predict and screen for PTC at an early stage, as well as provide some guidance for therapeutic strategies against CTSZ.

Prognostic molecular subtype reveals the heterogeneity of tumor immune microenvironment in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths and exhibits considerable heterogeneity among patients. Thus, accurate classifications are essential for predicting prognosis and developing personalized therapeutic strategies. To address this, we retrospectively analyzed multi-omics data from 359 GC samples, incorporating transcriptomic RNA (mRNA), DNA methylation, mutation data, and clinical parameters. Using ten clustering algorithms, we integrated these datasets to classify GC into molecular subtypes. The robustness of our clustering approach was externally validated using an independent cohort generated from different sequencing technologies, and we characterized the heterogeneity of each subtype. Our analysis identified three distinct molecular subtypes of GC, designated CS1, CS2, and CS3. These subtypes exhibited significant differences in survival outcomes, activation of cancer-related pathways, immune microenvironment composition, genomic alterations, and responses to immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Notably, Cathepsin V (CTSV) was significantly downregulated in the immunologically active and highly responsive CS3 subtype, while it was upregulated in the immunologically exhausted CS2 subtype. These findings suggest that CTSV could serve as both a prognostic marker and a molecular classifier. Furthermore, this study provides the first evidence of CTSV's high expression in GC and its potential role in tumor progression. The novel clustering approach, based on ten clustering algorithms and comprehensive analysis of multi-omics data in gastric cancer, can guide prognosis, characterize different clinical and biological features, and elucidate the tumor immune microenvironment, providing insights into the intratumor heterogeneity of GC and potential novel therapeutic strategies. Additionally, CTSV emerges as a prognostic marker linked to tumor immunity and disease progression, which lays the foundation for improved stratification strategies and the development of targeted therapeutic approaches in GC.

Cathepsins and Skin Cancer (Malignant Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma, and Squamous Cell Carcinoma): Insight From Genetic Correlation and Mendelian Randomization

Background

Multiple studies have indicated that cathepsins (Cats) play a crucial role in the development and progression of skin cancer. However, most of these studies are observational and may be influenced by external variables, necessitating further research to establish causal relationships.

Methods

We conducted a two-sample, two-way Mendelian randomization (MR) study utilizing pooled data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to evaluate the causal association between 9 Cats (Cat-B, E, F, G, H, L2, O, S, and Z) and 3 types of skin cancer, including malignant melanoma (MM), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Our analysis employed several methods, including inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger, weighted median, Cochran's Q test, the MR-Egger intercept test, and leave-one-out sensitivity analysis. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis of loci linked to Cats and skin cancer was performed to explore potential molecular mechanisms.

Results

Genetically predicted increases in Cat-F and Cat-O levels were found to be correlated with a higher risk of BCC, while increased levels of Cat-L2 and Cat-O were associated with a reduced incidence of SCC. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that differentially expressed genes located near Cats-related loci could potentially influence BCC and SCC by modulating relevant signaling pathways and the tumor microenvironment.

Conclusion

Our research indicated a causal link between Cats and skin cancer. By conducting a bioinformatic analysis of genetic loci related to Cats and skin cancer, we were able to gain a better understanding of the potential molecular mechanisms driving this association. This research can provide valuable insights into the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.

Multifaceted Functional Liposomes: Theranostic Potential of Liposomal Indocyanine Green and Doxorubicin for Enhanced Anticancer Efficacy and Imaging

Background/Objectives: Liposomal drug formulations improve anticancer treatment efficacy and reduce toxicity by altering pharmacokinetics and biodistribution. Indocyanine Green (ICG), an FDA-approved near-infrared imaging agent, exhibits photosensitivity, photothermal effects, and potential ferroptosis induction, enhancing anticancer activity. Doxorubicin (DOX), widely used for treating breast, ovarian, and liver cancers, is limited by cardiotoxicity, requiring dosage control. Incorporating ICG and DOX into liposomes enables medical imaging, controlled drug release, reduced administration frequency, and fewer side effects. This study aims to develop liposomes encapsulating both ICG and DOX and evaluate their theranostic potential in in vitro and in vivo lung adenocarcinoma models. Methods: Liposomes containing ICG and DOX (Lipo-ICG/DOX) were synthesized using an active loading method and characterized for size (~140 nm), lipid, and drug concentrations. In vitro studies using A549 lung cancer cells assessed liposome uptake via fluorescence microscopy, while in vivo xenograft models evaluated therapeutic efficacy. Results: Lipo-ICG/DOX showed uptake in A549 cells, with ICG localizing in lysosomes and DOX in nuclei. Treatment reduced cell viability significantly by day three. In vivo imaging demonstrated the retention of liposomes in tumor sites, with ICG signals observed in the liver and intestines, indicating metabolic routes. When combined with 780 nm light exposure, liposomes slowed tumor growth over 12 days. Mechanistic studies revealed combined ferroptosis and apoptosis induction. Conclusions: Lipo-ICG/DOX demonstrates strong theranostic potential, integrating imaging and therapy for lung adenocarcinoma. This multifunctional formulation offers a promising strategy for improving cancer treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects.

Metal-dependent cell death resistance contribute to lymph node metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Objectives

Ferroptosis and cuproptosis can be summarized as metal-dependent cell death. This study aimed to explore the expression of metal-dependent cell death resistance (MCDR) characteristics in tumor cells of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and to explore its relationship with lymph node metastasis (LNM).

Methods

By integrating single-cell data of OSCC from public databases, an expression matrix comprising 127,149 cells was constructed. Gene set scores were calculated using the irGSEA package, and GO and KEGG analyses were performed to identify enriched pathways. The R package monocle3 was employed to calculate the cell trajectory and infer evolutionary patterns. The MuSiC2 package was employed to enable the evaluation of cell proportions. Cell-cell interaction information was analyzed using the CellChat package. The expression of cathepsin V (CTSV), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) was validated via immunohistochemistry and multiplex immunohistochemistry in oral mucosa (OM), non-metastatic primary tumors (nPT), and metastatic primary tumors (mPT). Additionally, R package oncoPredict was utilized to identify potential drug sensitivities.

Results

The malignant cells in OSCC were divided into five subtypes, among which Epi_2 existed more in mPT and had higher MCDR characteristics. In addition, Epi_2 enriched multiple malignant-related pathways such as HEDGEHOG, NOTCH, and MYC. The spatial transcriptome and bulk RNA data verified that the proportion of Epi_2 in mPT was higher than that in nPT. Cell communication analysis showed that the effect of Epi_2 on endothelial cells was enhanced, which was mainly reflected in VEGFR and CXCL signaling pathways. Immunohistochemical results showed that the expression of Epi_2 characteristic markers CTSV and GPX4 in mPT was significantly higher than that in nPT. Multiplex immunohistochemical results showed that the co-expression cells of CTSV, GPX4 and CDKN2A in mPT were more than those in nPT. OSCC patients with high Epi_2 characteristics may have immunotherapy resistance and anti-EGFR treatment resistance. Doramapimod was identified as a sensitive drug.

Conclusion

There is a type of malignant cells with characteristics of MDCR in OSCC, which is related to LNM and treatment resistance. It provides a predictive marker for early diagnosis of LNM.

Ugonin inhibits chondrosarcoma metastasis through suppressing cathepsin V via promoting miR-4799-5p expression

Chondrosarcoma is a rare type of bone cancer that develops in cartilage cells. In recent years, the incidence of chondrosarcomas has steadily increased worldwide. During the advanced stages, chondrosarcoma carries a significant risk of metastasis and exhibits resistance to both chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Hence, the development of potent treatments for chondrosarcoma is an urgent requirement. Ugonin V is a flavonoid compound that has been extracted from the plant Helminthostachys zeylanica (L.) Hook. This study examined the molecular therapeutic effects of ugonin V on chondrosarcoma metastasis. Analysis of the GSE30835 dataset, which consists of chondrosarcoma tissues and normal cartilage, revealed significant upregulation of three cathepsin proteases in chondrosarcoma, namely cathepsin (CTS) A, L, and V. Notably, ugonin V specifically suppressed cathepsin V mRNA expression. We also found that ugonin V strongly inhibits chondrosarcoma cell motility by regulating CTSV expression. In addition, through miRNA sequencing, we observed that ugonin V targets CTSV via miR-4799-5p to effectively suppress chondrosarcoma cell migration and invasion. Our in vitro and in vivo studies provide an initial investigation of the involvement of cathepsin V and miR-4799-5p in chondrosarcoma metastasis after ugonin V treatmen.

Non-Canonical, Extralysosomal Activities of Lysosomal Peptidases in Physiological and Pathological Conditions: New Clinical Opportunities for Cancer Therapy

Lysosomes are subcellular compartments characterised by an acidic pH, containing an ample variety of acid hydrolases involved in the recycling of biopolymers. Among these hydrolases, lysosomal proteases have merely been considered as end-destination proteases responsible for the digestion of waste proteins, trafficked to the lysosomal compartment through autophagy and endocytosis. However, recent reports have started to unravel specific roles for these proteases in the regulation of initially unexpected biological processes, both under physiological and pathological conditions. Furthermore, some lysosomal proteases are no longer restricted to the lysosomal compartment, as more novel non-canonical, extralysosomal targets are being identified. Currently, lysosomal proteases are accepted to play key functions in the extracellular milieu, attached to the plasma membrane and even in the cytosolic and nuclear compartments of the cell. Under physiological conditions, lysosomal proteases, through non-canonical, extralysosomal activities, have been linked to cell differentiation, regulation of gene expression, and cell division. Under pathological conditions, these proteases have been linked to cancer, mostly through their extralysosomal activities in the cytosol and nuclei of cells. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive summary of our current knowledge about the extralysosomal, non-canonical functions of lysosomal proteases, both under physiological and pathological conditions, with a particular interest in cancer, that could potentially offer new opportunities for clinical intervention.

The lysosome-related characteristics affects the prognosis and tumor microenvironment of lung adenocarcinoma

Background

The lysosome plays a vitally crucial role in tumor development and is a major participant in the cell death process, involving aberrant functional and structural changes. However, there are few studies on lysosome-associated genes (LAGs) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods

Bulk RNA-seq of LUAD was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The lysosome risk signature was constructed after univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) cox regression analysis of the TCGA training set, and its capability was validated by additional validation sets from GEO. Single cell sequencing (scRNA) was obtained from GEO to analyze the differences of lysosome risk signature at the single-cell level and the differences in the function and pathway. In vitro experiments have validated the function of CTSH in LUAD.

Results

The risk signature contained seven key LAGs, and patients were categorized into high- and low-risk groups based on a specific calculation formula. The LAG risk signature, which accurately predicted the prognostic status of LUAD patients, was still regarded as an independent prognostic indicator in multifactorial cox regression analysis. Subsequently, the combination of the signature and key clinical information was used to construct a column-line diagram for clinical assessment, which had a high discriminatory power. Immune infiltration analysis from bulk RNA-seq and scRNA-seq indicated that the low-risk group was immune-activated and had a better benefit in the prediction of immunotherapy. Finally, we validated its role in inhibiting tumor proliferation and metastasis in LUAD cells by knockdown of CTSH.

Conclusion

We defined a new biomarker that provided unique insights for individualized survival prediction and immunotherapy recommendations for LUAD patients.

The multifaceted roles of cathepsins in immune and inflammatory responses: implications for cancer therapy, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases

The cathepsin family comprises lysosomal proteases that play essential roles in various physiological processes, including protein degradation, antigen presentation, apoptosis, and tissue remodeling. Dysregulation of cathepsin activity has been linked to a variety of pathological conditions, such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Understanding the functions of cathepsins is crucial for gaining insights into their roles in both health and disease, as well as for developing targeted therapeutic approaches. Emerging research underscores the significant involvement of cathepsins in immune cells, particularly T cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils, as well as their contribution to immune-related diseases. In this review, we systematically examine the impact of cathepsins on the immune system and their mechanistic roles in cancer, infectious diseases, autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorders, with the goal of identifying novel therapeutic strategies for these conditions.

NCAPD2 serves as a potential prognostic biomarker for lung adenocarcinoma and promotes cell proliferation, migration, invasion and cell cycle in vitro

Objectives

The pro-oncogenic effects of NCAPD2 have been extensively studied across various tumor types; however, its precise role within the context of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains elusive. This study aims to elucidate the biological functions of NCAPD2 in LUAD and unravel the underlying mechanistic pathways.

Methods

Utilizing bioinformatics methodologies, we explored the differential expression of NCAPD2 between normal and tumor samples, along with its correlations with clinical-pathological characteristics, survival prognosis, and immune infiltration.

Results

In the TCGA-LUAD dataset, tumor samples demonstrated significantly elevated levels of NCAPD2 expression compared to normal samples (p < 0.001). Clinically, higher NCAPD2 expression was notably associated with advanced T, N, and M stages, pathologic stage, gender, smoking status, and diminished overall survival (OS). Moreover, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with NCAPD2 were predominantly enriched in pathways related to cell division. Immune infiltration analysis revealed that NCAPD2 expression levels were linked to the infiltration of memory B cells, naïve CD4+ T cells, activated memory CD4+ T cells, and M1 macrophages. In vitro experiments demonstrated that silencing NCAPD2 suppressed LUAD cell proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and cell cycle progression.

Conclusions

In summary, NCAPD2 may represent a promising prognostic biomarker and novel therapeutic target for LUAD.

The causal relationship between cathepsins and digestive system tumors: a Mendelian randomization study

Background

Multiple studies have confirmed the significant role of cathepsins in the development and progression of digestive system tumors. However, further investigation is needed to determine the causal relationships.

Methods

We conducted a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) study using pooled data from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to assess the causal associations between nine cathepsins (cathepsin B, E, F, G, H, L2, O, S, and Z) and six types of digestive system tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), pancreatic cancer (PCa), biliary tract cancer (BTC), colorectal cancer (CRC), gastric carcinoma (GC), and esophageal cancer (EC). We employed the following methods including inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger, weighted median (WM), Cochran's Q, MR-PRESSO, MR-Egger intercept test and leave-one-out sensitivity analysis. The STROBE-MR checklist for the reporting of MR studies was used in this study.

Results

The risk of HCC increased with high levels of cathepsin G (IVW: p = 0.029, odds ratio (OR) = 1.369, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.033-1.814). Similarly, BTC was associated with elevated cathepsin B levels (IVW: p = 0.025, OR = 1.693, 95% CI = 1.070-2.681). Conversely, a reduction in PCa risk was associated with increased cathepsin H levels (IVW: p = 0.027, OR = 0.896, 95% CI = 0.812-0.988). Lastly, high levels of cathepsin L2 were found to lower the risk of CRC (IVW: p = 0.034, OR = 0.814, 95% CI = 0.674-0.985).

Conclusion

Our findings confirm the causal relationship between cathepsins and digestive system tumors, which can offer valuable insights for the diagnosis and treatment of digestive system tumors.