STYK1/NOK Promotes Metastasis and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer by Suppressing FoxO1 Signaling

Cross-Talk between NOK and EGFR: Juxtamembrane and Kinase domain interactions enhancing STAT3/5 signaling in breast cancer tumorigenesis

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays an important role in the regulation of cell proliferation and migration [1]. It forms a homodimer or heterodimer with other ErbB receptor family members to activate downstream signaling. Emerging evidence indicates that the EGFR activity and downstream signaling are regulated by other proteins except its family members during tumorigenesis. Hence, investigating the diverse partnership profiles of EGFR is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms underlying EGFR-mediated actions in tumors, which in turn can guide the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. Here we report that NOK (also known as STYK1), a novel tyrosine kinase cross-talks with EGFR to promote tumorigenesis and metastasis of breast cancer cells. We found that NOK directly interacted with EGFR and formed a heterodimer complex in a manner of cross interaction via their juxtamembrane (JM) domains and kinase domains. Depletion of NOK impaired, but over-expression of NOK increased, the phosphorylation of EGFR. NOK enhanced EGF-induced phosphorylation of STAT3 and STAT5 via its juxtamembrane (JM) domain in promoting the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells. Overexpression of NOK and EGFR synergistically induced the tumorigenesis of NIH-3T3 normal cells. We demonstrated that co-expression of NOK and EGFR correlated with tumor malignant stages in breast cancer patients. Our finding introduces a new cross interaction manner of EGFR-NOK via juxtamembrane (JM) domains and kinase domains, uncovers a mechanism by which NOK coordinates EGFR to enhance EGF-STAT3/5 signaling during tumorigenesis and metastasis, and proposes a potential strategy for targeting NOK-EGFR in breast cancer treatment.

S100A2 activation promotes interstitial fibrosis in kidneys by FoxO1-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition

BACKGROUND

Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is a common feature of chronic kidney diseases (CKD), with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) being one of its important mechanisms. S100A2 is a protein associated with cell proliferation and differentiation, but its specific functions and molecular mechanisms in RIF remain to be determined.

METHODS

S100A2 levels were evaluated in three mouse models, including unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), and aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN), as well as in TGF-β1- treated HK-2 cells and in kidney tissue samples. Furthermore, the role of S100A2 and its interaction with FoxO1 was investigated using RT-qPCR, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence staining, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), transcriptome sequencing, and gain- or loss-of-function approaches in vitro.

RESULTS

Elevated expression levels of S100A2 were observed in three mouse models and TGF-β1-treated HK2 cells, as well as in kidney tissue samples. Following siRNA silencing of S100A2, exposure to TGF-β1 in cultured HK-2 cells suppressed EMT process and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation. Conversely, Overexpression of S100A2 induced EMT and ECM deposition. Notably, we identified that S100A2-mediated EMT depends on FoxO1. Immunofluorescence staining indicated that S100A2 and FoxO1 colocalized in the nucleus and cytoplasm, and their interaction was verified in Co-IP assay. S100A2 knockdown decreased TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of FoxO1 and increased its protein expression, whereas S100A2 overexpression hampered FoxO1 activation. Furthermore, pharmacological blockade of FoxO1 rescued the induction of TGF-β1 on EMT and ECM deposition in S100A2 siRNA-treated cells.

CONCLUSION

S100A2 activation exacerbates interstitial fibrosis in kidneys by facilitating FoxO1-mediated EMT.

Therapeutic advances of targeting receptor tyrosine kinases in cancer

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), a category of transmembrane receptors, have gained significant clinical attention in oncology due to their central role in cancer pathogenesis. Genetic alterations, including mutations, amplifications, and overexpression of certain RTKs, are critical in creating environments conducive to tumor development. Following their discovery, extensive research has revealed how RTK dysregulation contributes to oncogenesis, with many cancer subtypes showing dependency on aberrant RTK signaling for their proliferation, survival and progression. These findings paved the way for targeted therapies that aim to inhibit crucial biological pathways in cancer. As a result, RTKs have emerged as primary targets in anticancer therapeutic development. Over the past two decades, this has led to the synthesis and clinical validation of numerous small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), now effectively utilized in treating various cancer types. In this manuscript we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the RTKs in the context of cancer. We explored the various alterations and overexpression of specific receptors across different malignancies, with special attention dedicated to the examination of current RTK inhibitors, highlighting their role as potential targeted therapies. By integrating the latest research findings and clinical evidence, we seek to elucidate the pivotal role of RTKs in cancer biology and the therapeutic efficacy of RTK inhibition with promising treatment outcomes.

The Roles and Regulatory Mechanisms of Tight Junction Protein Cingulin and Transcription Factor Forkhead Box Protein O1 in Human Lung Adenocarcinoma A549 Cells and Normal Lung Epithelial Cells

Tight junction (TJ) protein cingulin (CGN) and transcription factor forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) contribute to the development of various cancers. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have a potential therapeutic role for some cancers. HDAC inhibitors affect the expression of both CGN and FOXO1. However, the roles and regulatory mechanisms of CGN and FOXO1 are unknown in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and normal human lung epithelial (HLE) cells. In the present study, to investigate the effects of CGN and FOXO1 on the malignancy of NSCLC, we used A549 cells as human lung adenocarcinoma and primary human lung epithelial (HLE) cells as normal lung tissues and performed the knockdown of CGN and FOXO1 by siRNAs. Furthermore, to investigate the detailed mechanisms in the antitumor effects of HDAC inhibitors for NSCLC via CGN and FOXO1, A549 cells and HLE cells were treated with the HDAC inhibitors trichostatin A (TSA) and Quisinostat (JNJ-2648158). In A549 cells, the knockdown of CGN increased bicellular TJ protein claudin-2 (CLDN-2) via mitogen-activated protein kinase/adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (MAPK/AMPK) pathways and induced cell migration, while the knockdown of FOXO1 increased claudin-4 (CLDN-4), decreased CGN, and induced cell proliferation. The knockdown of CGN and FOXO1 induced cell metabolism in A549 cells. TSA and Quisinostat increased CGN and tricellular TJ protein angulin-1/lipolysis-stimulated lipoprotein receptor (LSR) in A549. In normal HLE cells, the knockdown of CGN and FOXO1 increased CLDN-4, while HDAC inhibitors increased CGN and CLDN-4. In conclusion, the knockdown of CGN via FOXO1 contributes to the malignancy of NSCLC. Both HDAC inhibitors, TSA and Quisinostat, may have potential for use in therapy for lung adenocarcinoma via changes in the expression of CGN and FOXO1.

FOXO1, a tiny protein with intricate interactions: Promising therapeutic candidate in lung cancer

Nowadays, lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women globally. Despite the development of extremely efficient targeted agents, lung cancer progression and drug resistance remain serious clinical issues. Increasing knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying progression and drug resistance will enable the development of novel therapeutic methods. It has been revealed that transcription factors (TF) dysregulation, which results in considerable expression modifications of genes, is a generally prevalent phenomenon regarding human malignancies. The forkhead box O1 (FOXO1), a member of the forkhead transcription factor family with crucial roles in cell fate decisions, is suggested to play a pivotal role as a tumor suppressor in a variety of malignancies, especially in lung cancer. FOXO1 is involved in diverse cellular processes and also has clinical significance consisting of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, DNA repair, oxidative stress, cancer prevention, treatment, and chemo/radioresistance. Based on the critical role of FOXO1, this transcription factor appears to be an appropriate target for future drug discovery in lung cancers. This review focused on the signaling pathways, and molecular mechanisms involved in FOXO1 regulation in lung cancer. We also discuss pharmacological compounds that are currently being administered for lung cancer treatment by affecting FOXO1 and also point out the essential role of FOXO1 in drug resistance. Future preclinical research should assess combination drug strategies to stimulate FOXO1 and its upstream regulators as potential strategies to treat resistant or advanced lung cancers.

Study on Antipyretic Properties of Phenolics in Lonicerae Japonicae Flos Based on Ultrahigh Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Combined with Network Pharmacology

Objective. To identify and quantify the active phenolic components in Lonicerae japonicae flos (LJF) for fever treatment and their mechanism of action using network pharmacology and molecular docking. Methods. Based on qualitative analysis of LJF, 194 phenolics were obtained, including 81 phenolic acids and 113 flavonoids. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses were used to identify potential targets for these components to interact with fever. Molecular docking with microsomal PGE2 synthase-1, EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4 targets was used to determine antipyretic components. The antipyretic efficacy of the main components was verified by in vivo experiments. Finally, high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify the main antipyretic components of LJF. Results. Phenolics in LJF may prevent and treat fever by participating in calcium signaling, regulating TRP channels, and cAMP signaling. Luteolin-7-O-glucoside, apigenin-7-O-glucoside, 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, luteolin, and other components have a good docking effect with PGE2 synthase-1 and its four subtypes. 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, and apigenin-7-O-glucoside have good antipyretic effects in a yeast-induced pyrexia model. The content of these antipyretic components varies with the developmental period of LJF. Phenolic acids are the main components that distinguish the different developmental periods of LJF. Conclusion. The potential antipyretic components and molecular mechanisms of phenolics provide a basis for the traditional medicinal effects and future development and utilization of LJF.

Receptor tyrosine kinases: biological functions and anticancer targeted therapy

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are a class of protein kinases that play crucial roles in various cellular processes, including cell migration, morphological differentiation, cell growth, and angiogenesis. In humans, 58 RTKs have been identified and categorized into 20 distinct families based on the composition of their extracellular regions. RTKs are primarily activated by specific ligands that bind to their extracellular region. They not only regulate tumor transformation, proliferation, metastasis, drug resistance, and angiogenesis, but also initiate and maintain the self-renewal and cloning ability of cancer stem cells. Accurate diagnosis and grading of tumors with dysregulated RTKs are essential in clinical practice. There is a growing body of evidence supporting the benefits of RTKs-targeted therapies for cancer patients, and researchers are actively exploring new targets and developing targeted agents. However, further optimization of RTK inhibitors is necessary to effectively target the diverse RTK alterations observed in human cancers. This review provides insights into the classification, structure, activation mechanisms, and expression of RTKs in tumors. It also highlights the research advances in RTKs targeted anticancer therapy and emphasizes their significance in optimizing cancer diagnosis and treatment strategies.

The Mechanisms of Ferroptosis and the Applications in Tumor Treatment: Enemies or Friends?

Ferroptosis, as a newly discovered non-apoptotic cell death mode, is beginning to be explored in different cancer. The particularity of ferroptosis lies in the accumulation of iron dependence and lipid peroxides, and it is different from the classical cell death modes such as apoptosis and necrosis in terms of action mode, biochemical characteristics, and genetics. The mechanism of ferroptosis can be divided into many different pathways, so it is particularly important to identify the key sites of ferroptosis in the disease. Herein, based on ferroptosis, we analyze the main pathways in detail. More importantly, ferroptosis is linked to the development of different systems of the tumor, providing personalized plans for the examination, treatment, and prognosis of cancer patients. Although some mechanisms and side effects of ferroptosis still need to be studied, it is still a promising method for cancer treatment.

Ferroptosis: A New Road towards Cancer Management

Ferroptosis is a recently described programmed cell death mechanism that is characterized by the buildup of iron (Fe)-dependent lipid peroxides in cells and is morphologically, biochemically, and genetically distinct from other forms of cell death, having emerged to play an important role in cancer biology. Ferroptosis has significant importance during cancer treatment because of the combination of factors, including suppression of the glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4), cysteine deficiency, and arachidonoyl (AA) peroxidation, which cause cells to undergo ferroptosis. However, the physiological significance of ferroptosis throughout development is still not fully understood. This current review is focused on the factors and molecular mechanisms with the diagrammatic illustrations of ferroptosis that have a role in the initiation and sensitivity of ferroptosis in various malignancies. This knowledge will open a new road for research in oncology and cancer management.