The Tumor Suppressor BRCA1/2, Cancer Susceptibility and Genome Instability in Gynecological and Mammary Cancers

Exosome-mediated effects of BRCA1 on cardiovascular artery disease

The progression of coronary artery disease atherosclerosis (CAD) is closely associated with cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inflammatory responses. This study focused on investigating the impact of BRCA1 in exosomes (Exo) derived from M1 macrophages on CAD. Through the analysis of single-cell RNA-seq datasets, significant communication between macrophages and cardiomyocytes in CAD patients was observed. BRCA1, identified as a significant apoptosis-related gene, was pinpointed through the assessment of differential gene expression and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Experimental procedures involved BRCA1 lentivirus transfection of M1 macrophages, isolation of Exo for application to cardiomyocytes and smooth muscle cells, cell viability assessments, and characterization of Exo. The results showed that BRCA1-Exo from M1 macrophages induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and affected smooth muscle cell behavior. In vivo studies further supported the exacerbating effects of BRCA1-Exo on CAD progression. Overall, the involvement of Exo carrying BRCA1 from M1 macrophages is evident in the induction of cardiomyocyte apoptosis and the regulation of smooth muscle cell behaviors, thereby contributing to CAD atherosclerosis progression. These findings unveil novel molecular targets that could have potential implications for CAD treatment strategies.

Tailored therapies for triple-negative breast cancer: current landscape and future perceptions

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has become one of the most challenging cancers to date due to its great variability in biological features, high growth rate, and rare options for treatment. This review examines several innovative strategies for tailored treatment of TNBC, focusing mainly on the most recent developments and potential directions. The molecular landscape of TNBC is covered in the first section, which keeps the focus on transcriptome and genomic profiling while highlighting key molecular targets like mutations in the BRCA1/2, PIK3CA, androgen receptors (AR), epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR), and immunological checkpoint molecules. This review also covers novel therapies that aim to block well-defined pathways, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), EGFR inhibitors, drugs that target AR, poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, and drugs that disrupt the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Additionally, it covers novel strategies focusing on combination therapy, targeting the DNA damage response pathway, and epigenetic modulators. Conclusively, it emphasizes perspectives and directions on topics such as personalized medicine, artificial intelligence (AI), predictive biomarkers, and treatment planning with the inclusion of machine learning (ML).

Germline genetic variants in Turkish familial multiple myeloma/monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance cases

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a haematological malignancy primarily affecting the elderly, with a striking male predilection and ethnic disparities in incidence. Familial predisposition to MM has long been recognized, but the genetic underpinnings remain elusive. This study aimed to investigate germline variants in Turkish families with recurrent MM cases. A total of 37 MM-affected families, comprising 77 individuals, were included. Targeted next-generation sequencing analysis yielded no previously reported rare variants. Whole exome sequencing analysis in 11 families identified rare disease-causing variants in various genes, some previously linked to familial MM and others not previously associated. Notably, genes involved in ubiquitination, V(D)J recombination and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway were among those identified. Furthermore, a specific variant in BNIP1 (rs28199) was found in 13 patients across nine families, indicating its potential significance in MM pathogenesis. While this study sheds light on genetic variations in familial MM in Turkey, its limitations include sample size and the absence of in vivo investigations. In conclusion, familial MM likely involves a polygenic inheritance pattern with rare, disease-causing variants in various genes, emphasizing the need for international collaborative efforts to unravel the intricate genetic basis of MM and develop targeted therapies.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Markers among the Women with Breast Cancer

INTRODUCTION

Breast cancer represents a formidable peril to the female populace on a worldwide level. The association between breast cancer and various factors, including viral infections, has been extensively investigated. Recently, the link between HBV infection and breast cancer patients has garnered attention. The present research aims to assess the prevalence of HBV markers among women diagnosed with breast cancer in Ahvaz city, Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Serum specimens were procured from 90 patients who had been clinically diagnosed with breast cancer. The age of the patients ranged from 29 to 80 years, with a mean age of 49.42±10.7. Histological examination of biopsy specimens revealed that 75 (83.33%) were ductal, 11 (8.88%) lobular, 2 (2.22%) mucinous, 1 (1.11%) medullary, and 1 (1.11%) was metastatic. The serum samples were subjected to initial HBsAg and anti-HBc testing via ELISA. Samples that tested seropositive (HBsAg + anti-HBc) were subsequently analyzed for the S region of HBV through nested PCR and DNA sequencing. Finally, a phylogenetic tree was constructed for positive HBV DNA tests.

RESULTS

Among the 5/90 (5.55%) cancer patients, it was found that 3 (3.33%) cases of ductal carcinoma and one (1.11%) lobular carcinoma displayed positivity for HBV markers (HBsAg, anti-HBc, HBV PCR). Notably, one (1.11%) patient with ductal carcinoma solely demonstrated anti-HBc positivity. The phylogenetic tree analysis of the S region revealed that all HBV strains identified were categorized as genotype D.

CONCLUSION

The statistical analysis did not reveal any significant findings (p= 0.315) in the distribution of cancer types across different age groups. Among patients diagnosed with breast cancer, a notable prevalence of 5.5% was observed in HBV markers. The dominant HBV genotype among breast cancer patients was identified as genotype D.