TERT-Regulation and Roles in Cancer Formation

Histone modification inhibitors: An emerging frontier in thyroid Cancer therapy

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine cancer and is a serious health concern due to its aggressiveness and high incidence. Histone modifications affect DNA accessibility and gene transcriptional activity by altering the structure of chromatin. Abnormal histone modifications may affect genome stability and disrupt gene expression patterns, leading to many diseases, including cancer. A growing body of research suggests that histone modifications and TC progression are inextricably linked. This article discusses the impact of aberrant histone modification patterns on TC. By targeting specific histone-modifying enzymes, it may be possible to regulate gene expression and inhibit the growth of TC. Finally, we summarize the relevant histone modification inhibitors to better understand the development stage of the use of these drugs to inhibit histone-modifying enzymes in cancer treatment.

Combining Water-Soluble Porphyrin and Phthalocyanine Photosensitizers With Doxorubicin Improves the Efficacy of Chemo-Photodynamic Therapy Against DMBA-Induced Breast Carcinoma

Breast cancer ranks as the second most widespread form of cancer globally. Currently, combination therapy is being actively employed in clinical practice to augment the efficiency of anticancer treatment. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess the therapeutic efficacy of a combination of femtosecond laser-based photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizing two distinct photosensitizers (PSs), zinc phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate (ZnPcS4) and α,β,χ,δ porphyrin-Tetrakis (1-methylpyridinium-4-yl) p-Toluenesulfonate porphyrin (TMPyP) in conjunction with doxorubicin chemotherapeutic agent, on mammary carcinomas experimentally induced in female mice using 7,12-dimethylbenz[a] anthracene (DMBA). Our results showed the efficiency of the combined therapy for promoting tissue apoptosis and necrosis as evidenced by histopathological observations and the noticeable reduction of Bcl-2 and Ki-67 expression. Moreover, there was a reduction in serum levels of the carcinoma antigen CA15-3 and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). Co-treatment of doxorubicin with ZnPcS4-PDT or TMPyP-PDT or a combination of both resulted in a decrease in the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its downstream oncogenes NRAS, NF-κB, mTERT, and c-Myc, and an increase in the expression of the caspase-3 apoptotic gene. These results validate the therapeutic potential of combining doxorubicin with PDT, highlighting the potential of this co-treatment strategy as a promising alternative for enhancing existing anticancer approaches.

Comprehensive assessment of the significance of cellular senescence-associated genes in neuroblastoma

BACKGROUND

The clinical course of high-risk neuroblastoma patients remains suboptimal, and the dynamic and reversible nature of cellular senescence provides an opportunity to develop new therapies.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to identify unique markers of cellular senescence in neuroblastoma and to explore their clinical significance.

METHODS

The impact of multiple genetic regulatory mechanisms on cellular senescence-associated genes (CSAGs) was first assessed. We identified cellular senescence-associated subtypes by hierarchical clustering and explored the intrinsic differences between subtypes. We screened key CSAGs based on PPI networks and clinical significance. Subsequently, we constructed the cellular senescence-related risk score (CSRS) by LASSO regression and stepwise Cox regression, and validated its performance and stability through multiple methods. Finally, we performed single-cell analysis and constructed the nomogram.

RESULTS

The expression of CSAGs was influenced by copy number variation and DNA methylation. We found that significant differences between cellular senescence-associated subtypes in immune infiltration and overall prognosis. AURKA, CDK4, TERT were key genes in the cellular senescence process. CSRS showed superior and robust predictive performance in several cohorts and could serve as an independent prognostic factor in neuroblastoma. The senescence signature was also meaningful at the single-cell level and the nomogram was shown to have high accuracy and high clinical benefit.

CONCLUSIONS

We comprehensively evaluated the significance of cellular senescence in neuroblastoma and concluded that it was significantly associated with immune characteristics and overall prognosis. Based on the expression levels of CSAGs, we developed the CSRS, which was a reliable tool to contribute to prognostic assessment and clinical decision making.

Establishment and characterization of hTERT-immortalized porcine muscle stem cells, and their prospective uses

Myogenic differentiation ability made porcine muscle satellite cells (MSCs) promising candidates for cultured meat production. While in vitro, porcine primary cells lose differentiation capacity, have short lifespans, and change phenotype. For immortal porcine MSCs, human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene was overexpressed in parental cells to restore telomerase activity and lengthen cell longevity. After selection, G418-resistant cells were expanded and passed by different generations. The hTERT-immortalized MSCs presented spindle-like shape, telomere extension, and indefinite proliferation. In comparison to parental cells, immortal cells grew more rapidly and doubled faster. Immortal MSCs expressed muscle-specific protein and gene markers, were self-renewing stem cells, and could develop into myofibers in vitro. In culture plates with more than 100 generations, immortal MSCs formed tumors, but not lower passaged cells. Today, we showed that hTERT can immortalize primary porcine MSCs and preserve their stem cell characteristics. For research and cultured meat technologies, immortality may be valuable.

Beyond Telomeres: Unveiling the Extratelomeric Functions of TERT in B-Cell Malignancies

The reactivation of telomerase enables cancer cells to maintain the telomere length, bypassing replicative senescence and achieving cellular immortality. In addition to its canonical role in telomere maintenance, accumulating evidence highlights telomere-length-independent functions of TERT, the catalytic subunit of telomerase. These extratelomeric functions involve the regulation of signaling pathways and transcriptional networks, creating feed-forward loops that promote cancer cell proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, and disease progression. This review explores the complex mechanisms by which TERT modulates key signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, AKT, and MYC, highlighting its role in driving autonomous cancer cell growth and resistance to therapy in B-cell malignancies. Furthermore, we discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting TERT's extratelomeric functions. Unlike telomere-directed approaches, which may require prolonged treatment to achieve effective telomere erosion, inhibiting TERT's extratelomeric functions offers the prospect of rapid tumor-specific effects. This strategy could complement existing chemotherapeutic regimens, providing an innovative and effective approach to managing B-cell malignancies.

The emerging role of intestinal stem cells in ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory disease affecting the colon and rectum. Characterized by recurrent attacks, UC is often resistant to traditional anti-inflammatory therapies, imposing significant physiological, psychological, and economic burdens on patients. In light of these challenges, innovative targeted therapies have become a new expectation for patients with UC. A crucial pathological feature of UC is the impairment of the intestinal mucosal barrier, which underlies aberrant immune responses and inflammation. Intestinal stem cells (ISCs), which differentiate into intestinal epithelial cells, play a central role in maintaining this barrier. Growing studies have proved that regulating the regeneration and differentiation of ISC is a promising approach to treating UC. Despite this progress, there is a dearth of comprehensive articles describing the role of ISCs in UC. This review focuses on the importance of ISCs in maintaining the intestinal mucosal barrier in UC and discusses the latest findings on ISC functions, markers, and their regulatory mechanisms. Key pathways involved in ISC regulation, including the Wnt, Notch, Hedgehog (HH), Hippo/Yap, and autophagy pathways, are explored in detail. Additionally, this review examines recent advances in ISC-targeted therapies for UC, such as natural or synthetic compounds, microbial preparations, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) extracts and compounds, and transplantation therapy. This review aims to offer novel therapeutic insights and strategies for patients who have long struggled with UC.

Telomere length and telomerase reverse transcriptase gene polymorphism as potential markers of complete chimerism and GvHD development after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is a catalytic subunit of telomerase that maintains genome stability by maintaining telomere length (TL). The massive proliferation of donor cells in the recipient's body for engraftment results in accelerated telomere shortening. Genetic variability within the TERT gene affects telomerase activity, and was shown to influence of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) outcome. In the present study, we aimed to analyse the effect of recipient and donor TL and TERT single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on the occurrence of post-HSCT complications.

METHODS

Our study included 120 recipient-donor pairs. TERT promoter (TERTp) SNP (rs2853669) SNP variant was detected with the use of the LightSNiP typing assay employing real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifications. Telomere length measurements were performed using qPCR test kits (ScienCell's Absolute Human Telomere Length Quantification qPCR Assay Kit [AHTLQ], Carlsbad, CA, USA).

RESULTS

The presence of TERTp rs2853669 T allele in the recipient was associated with a higher risk for acute graft-versus-host-disease (aGvHD) manifestation (p = 0.046) and a significantly shorter aGvHD-free survival (p = 0.041). The latter association was further confirmed in a Cox proportional hazards model (p = 0.043). However, no statistically significant association between telomere length and post-transplant complications was observed. Furthermore, we found that shorter TL characterized donors of patients with late complete chimerism at 180 day after HSCT (p = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that recipient allele TERTp rs2853669 T is a marker of unfavourable outcome in the context of aGvHD. Shorter TL in donors could be associated with later achievement of complete chimerism.

Emerging clinical and research approaches in targeted therapies for high-risk neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a pediatric cancer that originates from neural crest cells and is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children under five years of age. While low-risk neuroblastoma often regresses spontaneously, high-risk neuroblastoma poses a significant clinical challenge. Recent advances in understanding neuroblastoma's molecular mechanisms have led to the development of targeted therapies that aim to selectively inhibit specific pathways involved in tumor growth and progression, improving patient outcomes while minimizing side effects. This review provides a comprehensive review of neuroblastoma biology and emerging therapeutic strategies. Key topics include (a) immunotherapies and immunotargets, (b) non-coding RNAs (long non-coding RNA, microRNA, and circular RNA), (c) molecular biomarkers and pathways, and (d) limitations and future directions.

Telomeres and telomerase in mesothelioma: Pathophysiology, biomarkers and emerging therapeutic strategies (Review)

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare but aggressive cancer linked to asbestos exposure and characterized by advanced‑stage disease at presentation. Despite advances in treatment, prognosis remains abysmal, highlighting the imperative for the development of novel biomarkers and treatment approaches. Telomere biology plays a pivotal role in the tumorigenic process and has emerged as a key area in oncology research. Short telomeres have been associated with genomic instability, and substantially shorter telomere length (TL) has been identified in MM, showcasing the potential of TL in risk assessment, early detection, and disease progression monitoring. MM predominantly maintains TL through telomerase activity (TA), which in research has been identified in >90% of MM cases, underscoring the potential of TA as a biomarker in MM. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) polymorphisms may serve as valuable biomarkers, with research identifying associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the risk and prognosis of MM. Additionally, TERT promoter mutations have been associated with poor prognosis and advanced‑stage disease, with the non‑canonical functions of TERT hypothesized to contribute to the development of MM. TERT promoter mutations occur in ~12% of MM cases; C228T, C250T and A161C are the most common, while the distribution and frequency differ depending on histological subtype. Research reveals the promise of the various approaches therapeutically targeting telomerase, with favorable results in pre‑clinical models and inconclusive findings in clinical trials. The present review examines the role of telomere biology in MM and its implications in diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy.

The role of SFRP1 in human dermal papilla cell growth and its potential molecular mechanisms as a target in regenerative therapy

Background

Secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1) inhibits Wnt signaling and is differentially expressed in human hair dermal papilla cells (DPCs). However, the specific effect of SFRP1 on cell function remains unclear. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) representing telomerase activity was found highly active around the hair dermal papilla. TERT levels can be enhanced by activation of the Wnt pathway in cancer cells and embryonic stem cells. Whether this regulatory mechanism is still present in DPCs has not been studied so far.

Methods

In this study, DNA plasmids and siRNAs were constructed against the SFRP1 gene and transfected into DPCs cultured in vitro. We detected the viability, proliferation, and migration of DPCs by Calcein/PI fluorescence, CCK-8, trans-well, or cell scratch experiments, and the expression of potential target genes was also determined through quantitative detection of RNA and protein.

Results

The results demonstrate a significant difference in SFRP1 levels from the control group, suggesting successful transfection of the DNA plasmid and siRNA of SFRP1 into IDPCs. Also, SFRP1 regulates the cell proliferation capacity of IDPCs and reduces their migration functions. The DPCs' living activity, proliferation, and migration function exhibited a negative correlation with the level of SFRP1. SFPR1 also inhibits the protein or RNA expression of β-catenin and TERT in DPCs.

Conclusion

It was proven that in human DPCs, different levels of SFRP1 change how cells work and control Wnt/β-catenin signaling or telomerase activity. This means that blocking SFRP1 could become a new way to treat hair loss diseases in the future.

Canonical and non-canonical functions of the non-coding RNA component (TERC) of telomerase complex

The telomerase complex consists of a protein component (TERT), which has reverse transcriptase activity, and an RNA component (TERC), which serves as a template for telomere synthesis. Evidence is rapidly accumulating regarding the non-canonical functions of these components in both normal or diseased cells. An oligonucleotide-based drug, the first telomerase inhibitor, secured FDA approval in June 2024. We recently summarized the non-canonical functions of TERT in viral infections and cancer. In this review, we expand on these non-canonical functions of TERC beyond telomere maintenance. Specifically, we explore TERC's roles in cellular aging and senescence, immune regulation, genetic diseases, human cancer, as well as involvement in viral infections and host interactions. Finally, we discuss a transcription product of telomere repeats, TERRA, and explore strategies for targeting TERC as a therapeutic approach.

Identification of telomere-related gene subtypes and prognostic signatures in osteosarcoma

Background

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the prevalent primary bone cancer, with a high proclivity for local invasion and metastasis. Previous studies have indicated that telomeres are closely related to prognosis of cancer, but the significance of telomere-related features in OS remains uncertain. Thus, the goal of this work is to identified telomere-related subtypes based on the telomere-related genes (TRGs).

Methods

The data of OS was collected from TARGET and Gene Expression Omnibus databases. Firstly, we identified the subtypes mediated by TRGs in OS. Subsequently, we analyzed the immune characteristics of telomeres-related subtypes in OS. Moreover, we built a telomere-related signature via univariate and LASSO Cox regression analyses, and analyzed the correlation of telomere-related signature with TME. Finally, we analyzed the expression of hub TRGs in OS.

Results

We discovered that TRGs could distinguish OS patients into two telomeres-related subtypes (C1 and C2). The survival rate of OS patients in C2 was inferior to that of patients in C1. The scores of stromal, immune and ESTIMATES were observably increased, and tumor purity was decreased in C1 subtypes compared to C2 subtypes. Differentially expressed genes between C1 and C2 were highly enriched in immune-related pathways. Moreover, C1 and C2 subtypes had different immune characteristic. Furthermore, a telomere prognostic model including six genes (PDK2, PPARG, MORC4, SP110, TERT and MAP3K5) was established to predict the prognosis of OS patients. High-risk group was correlated with inferior prognosis of OS patients, and risk score model was correlated with TME. Finally, we discovered that expression of PDK2, PPARG, MORC4, SP110, TERT and MAP3K5 was significantly decreased in OS cells.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study has uncovered the importance of TRGs in defining distinct subtypes of OS with different survival outcomes and immune contexts. The telomere-related signature we developed may serve as a valuable tool for prognosis prediction and could inform future therapeutic strategies targeting the TME in OS.

The role of telomere and telomerase in cancer and novel therapeutic target: narrative review

Telomeres are dynamic complexes at the ends of chromosomes that are made up of protective proteins and tandem repeating DNA sequences. In the large majority of cancer cells, telomere length is maintained by telomerase, an enzyme that elongates telomeres. Telomerase activation is seen in the majority of cancer, which permits uncontrol cell proliferation. About 90% of human malignancies show telomere dysfunction and telomerase reactivation; as a result, telomerase activation plays a special role as a practically universal stage on the way to malignancy. This review understands the structural and functional of telomere and telomerase, mechanisms of telomerase activation in oncogenesis, biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Therapeutic strategies targeting telomerase, including antisense oligonucleotides, G-quadruplex stabilizers, immunotherapy, small-molecule inhibitors, gene therapy, Telomerase-Responsive Drug Release System, have shown promise in preclinical and clinical settings. Advances in telomere biology not only illuminate the complex interplay between telomeres, telomerase, and cancer progression but also open avenues for innovative, targeted cancer therapies.

The impact of C216T and hot spot mutations of the TERT promoter on the clinicopathologic characteristics and S100A10 expression in papillary thyroid carcinoma: a comparative study

OBJECTIVE

The C216T mutation in the TERT promoter (TERTp) is a rarely reported genetic alteration in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Its clinical significance remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the impact of the C216T and hot spot mutations (C228T and C250T) of TERTp on the clinicopathologic characteristics and the expression of S100A10, a member of the S100 protein family, in PTC.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, a cohort comprising 8 PTC cases with the C216T mutation, 12 cases with the hot spot mutations, and 120 cases with the wildtype genotype was established. The influence of TERTp mutations on the clinicopathologic profiles of PTC was assessed.

RESULTS

The C216T mutation was mutually exclusive with the hot spot mutations and its frequency (0.19%) fell between that of C228T (0.68%) and C250T (0.06%). Compared to PTC cases with the wildtype genotype, cases with C216T mutations did not exhibit significant differences in clinicopathologic characteristics and S100A10 expression levels. In contrast, the hot spot mutations were positively associated with extrathyroidal extension (p = 0.001), ATA recurrence risk (p < 0.001), AJCC staging (p < 0.001), and increased expression of S100A10 (p = 0.005). Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between S100A10 expression and extrathyroidal extension (p = 0.005), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.013), and ATA recurrence risk (p = 0.023).

CONCLUSION

The C216T mutation did not induce the aggressiveness of PTC as the hot spot mutations did. Furthermore, the hot spot mutations were closely associated with the increased expression of S100A10. The latter may contribute to the pro-invasive effect of the hot spot mutations on PTC.

Circular RNAs in cancer

Circular RNA (circRNA), a subtype of noncoding RNA, has emerged as a significant focus in RNA research due to its distinctive covalently closed loop structure. CircRNAs play pivotal roles in diverse physiological and pathological processes, functioning through mechanisms such as miRNAs or proteins sponging, regulation of splicing and gene expression, and serving as translation templates, particularly in the context of various cancers. The hallmarks of cancer comprise functional capabilities acquired during carcinogenesis and tumor progression, providing a conceptual framework that elucidates the nature of the malignant transformation. Although numerous studies have elucidated the role of circRNAs in the hallmarks of cancers, their functions in the development of chemoradiotherapy resistance remain unexplored and the clinical applications of circRNA-based translational therapeutics are still in their infancy. This review provides a comprehensive overview of circRNAs, covering their biogenesis, unique characteristics, functions, and turnover mechanisms. We also summarize the involvement of circRNAs in cancer hallmarks and their clinical relevance as biomarkers and therapeutic targets, especially in thyroid cancer (TC). Considering the potential of circRNAs as biomarkers and the fascination of circRNA-based therapeutics, the "Ying-Yang" dynamic regulations of circRNAs in TC warrant vastly dedicated investigations.

TERT promoter mutations in gliomas: Molecular roles in tumorigenesis, metastasis, diagnosis, prognosis, therapeutic targeting, and drug resistance

Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), a critical player in cellular immortalization, has emerged as a focal point of investigation due to its frequent promoter mutations in various human malignancies. TERT promoter mutations exhibit a significant role in tumorigenesis, fostering unbridled cellular proliferation and survival. This comprehensive review delves into the landscape of TERT promoter mutations and their profound implications in cancer, particularly within the context of gliomas. This article meticulously examines the intricate interplay between TERT promoter mutations and the metastatic cascade, shedding light on their capacity to orchestrate invasive behavior in gliomas. Moreover, this review describes the recent trends in therapeutic targeting of the TERT and dissects the evolving landscape of drug resistance associated with TERT mutations, providing insights into potential therapeutic challenges. In addition, the diagnostic and prognostic implications of TERT promoter mutations in gliomas are scrutinized, unraveling their potential as robust biomarkers. It also discusses the recent advancements in molecular diagnostics, illustrating the promise of TERT mutations as diagnostic tools and prognostic indicators. This review collectively aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of TERT promoter mutations in gliomas, offering a foundation for future research endeavors and paving the way for innovative strategies in glioma management.

The telomere connection between aging and cancer: The burden of replication stress and dysfunction

Aging is a complex process that affects individuals at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and systemic levels, arising from the cumulative effects of damage and reduced repair mechanisms. This process leads to the onset of age-related diseases, including cancer, which exhibits increased incidence with age. Telomeres, the protective caps at chromosome ends, play a crucial role in genome stability and are closely connected with aging and age-related disorders. Both excessively short and long telomere lengths may contribute to cancer development when their balance is disrupted. Fragile telomeres, characterized by abnormalities and replication stress, may provide novel insights into the connection between aging and cancer. The accumulation of fragile telomeres, possibly due to intense replicative stress, may represent a key factor. Given the dynamic nature of telomeres, large longitudinal studies are essential for understanding their role in aging and cancer susceptibility, which is crucial for developing effective strategies to promote healthy aging and mitigate cancer risk.

Telomeres, telomerase, and cancer: mechanisms, biomarkers, and therapeutics

Telomeres and telomerase play crucial roles in the initiation and progression of cancer. As biomarkers, they aid in distinguishing benign from malignant tissues. Despite the promising therapeutic potential of targeting telomeres and telomerase for therapy, translating this concept from the laboratory to the clinic remains challenging. Many candidate drugs remain in the experimental stage, with only a few advancing to clinical trials. This review explores the relationship between telomeres, telomerase, and cancer, synthesizing their roles as biomarkers and reviewing the outcomes of completed trials. We propose that changes in telomere length and telomerase activity can be used to stratify cancer stages. Furthermore, we suggest that differential expression of telomere and telomerase components at the subcellular level holds promise as a biomarker. From a therapeutic standpoint, combining telomerase-targeted therapies with drugs that mitigate the adverse effects of telomerase inhibition may offer a viable strategy.

Telomerase in cancer- ongoing quest and future discoveries

Telomerase, constituted by the dynamic duo of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), the catalytic entity, and an integral RNA component (TERC), is predominantly suppressed in differentiated human cells due to postnatal transcriptional repression of the TERT gene. Dysregulation of telomerase significantly contributes to cancer development via telomere-dependent and independent mechanisms. Telomerase activity is often elevated in advanced cancers, with TERT reactivation and upregulation of TERC observed in early tumorigenesis. Beyond their primary function of telomere maintenance, TERT and TERC exhibit multifaceted roles in regulating gene expression, signal transduction pathways, and cellular metabolism. The presence of the enzymatic component TERT in both the nucleus and mitochondria underscores its non-canonical roles. Cell death is prevented in TERT-upregulated cells regardless of the DNA damage events and safeguards mitochondrial DNA from oxidative damage. This highlights its protective role in cancer cells where it intersects with glucose metabolism and epigenetic regulation, shaping tumor phenotypes. Oncogenic viruses exploit various strategies to manipulate telomerase activity, aiding cancer progression. The perpetual cell proliferation facilitated by telomerase is a hallmark of cancer, making it an attractive therapeutic target. Inhibitors targeting the catalytic subunit of telomerase, nutraceutical-based compounds, and telomerase-based vaccines represent promising avenues for cancer therapy. Considering the pivotal roles played by the complete enzyme telomerase and TERT component in cancer initiation, substantial endeavors have been dedicated to unravel the mechanisms driving telomerase activation and TERT induction. This review also explores how computational modeling can be leveraged to uncover new insights in telomere research, and efficient targeted therapies.

Genomic instability in ovarian cancer: Through the lens of single nucleotide polymorphisms

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the deadliest gynecological malignancy among all female reproductive cancers. It is characterized by high mortality rate and poor prognosis. Genomic instability caused by mutations, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), copy number variations (CNVs), microsatellite instability (MSI), and chromosomal instability (CIN) are associated with OC predisposition. SNPs, which are highly prevalent in the general population, show a greater relative risk contribution, particularly in sporadic cancers. Understanding OC etiology in terms of genetic basis can increase the use of molecular diagnostics and provide promising approaches for designing novel treatment modalities. This will help deliver personalized medicine to OC patients, which may soon be within reach. Given the pivotal impact of SNPs in cancers, the primary emphasis of this review is to shed light on their prevalence in key caretaker genes that closely monitor genomic integrity, viz., DNA damage response, repair, cell cycle checkpoints, telomerase maintenance, and apoptosis and their clinical implications in OC. We highlight the current challenges faced in different SNP-based studies. Various computational methods and bioinformatic tools employed to predict the functional impact of SNPs have also been comprehensively reviewed concerning OC research. Overall, this review identifies that variants in the DDR and HRR pathways are the most studied, implying their critical role in the disease. Conversely, variants in other pathways, such as NHEJ, MMR, cell cycle, apoptosis, telomere maintenance, and PARP genes, have been explored the least.

Analysis of TERT mRNA Levels and Clinicopathological Features in Patients with Peritoneal Mesothelioma

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is the catalytic subunit of the telomerase enzyme responsible for telomere length maintenance and is an important cancer hallmark. Our study aimed to clarify the mRNA expression of TERT in peritoneal mesothelioma (PeM), and to explore the relationship between its expression and the clinicopathological parameters and prognosis of patients with PeM.

METHODS

In a cohort of 13 MpeM patients, we evaluated histotype, nuclear grade, mitotic count, necrosis, inflammation, Ki67, BAP1, MTAP and p16 expression by immunohistochemistry, p16/CDKN2A status by FISH and TERT mRNA expression by RNAscope.

RESULTS

Our results showed several statistical correlations between TERT mRNA-score and other investigated features: (i) a poor positive correlation with BAP1 score (r = 0.06340; p ≤ 0.0001); (ii) a moderate positive correlation with p16 FISH del homo (r = 0.6340; p ≤ 0.0001); (iii) a fair negative correlation with p16 FISH del hetero (r = -0.3965; p ≤ 0.0001); a negative poor correlation with MTAP (r = -0.2443; p ≤ 0.0001); and (iv) a negative fair correlation with inflammatory infiltrate (r = -0.5407; p = 0.0233). Moreover, patients survive for a significantly longer time if they have a low mitotic index adjusted (2-4 mitotic figures per 2 mm2) (p ≤ 0.0001), are male (p = 0.0152), lose BAP1 (p = 0.0152), are p16 positive and present no deletion or heterozygous for p16 (p ≤ 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

TERT is highly expressed in PeM, but it is not one of the crucial factors in evaluating the prognosis of patients. Nevertheless, the results validate the prognostic significance of the mitotic index, BAP1 loss and p16/CDKN2A status.

Genetic Factors Associated with Clinical Response in Melanoma Patients Treated with Talimogene Laherparapvec: A Single-Institution Retrospective Analysis

BACKGROUND

Talimogene laherparapvec (T-VEC) is a modified herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and the first oncolytic virus to be approved for the treatment of unresectable melanoma. We assessed whether there are tumor-intrinsic genetic factors that are associated with tumor control.

METHODS

A single-institution, retrospective analysis of melanoma patients treated with T-VEC was performed. Demographics, histopathologic reports, treatment history, clinical outcomes, and tumor genomic analysis of approximately 100 genes were collected.

RESULTS

Ninety-three patients who had received T-VEC were identified, of whom 84 (91%) were diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma. Sixty-nine (69) patients received more than one dose of T-VEC and had sufficient data available for clinical analysis. Of these patients 30.0% (n = 21) had evidence of a complete response, defined as complete regression of all lesions without the need for additional treatment or procedures. Stage III disease (p < 0.001), absence of macroscopic nodal disease (p < 0.001), and absence of visceral/central nervous system metastases (p = 0.004) were all associated with evidence of any clinical response or local control by univariate analysis. At the time of analysis, 54 patients had tumor genetic data available. Sixty genes were mutated in at least one patient, and all but one patient had at least one gene mutation identified. Presence of TERT promotor mutation was associated with evidence of any clinical response (p = 0.043) or local control (p = 0.039) by multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

This work describes the experience using T-VEC in melanoma at a single institution and highlights the presence of TERT promotor mutations as a possible driver of clinical response.

Stratification of Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients Based on In Silico and Immunohistochemistry Analyses of Oxidative Stress-Related Genes

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains heterogeneous in the prognosis of patients; oxidative stress (OS) has been widely linked to cancer progression. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the prognostic value of the OS-associated genes in LUAD. Methods: An OS-associated prognostic signature was developed using the Cox regression and random forest model in The Cancer Genome Atlas-LUAD dataset. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival curve and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (tROC) curves were applied to evaluate and validate the predictive accuracy of this signature among the training and testing cohorts. A nomogram was constructed and also verified by the concordance index (C-index), calibration curves, and tROC curves, respectively. ESTIMATE algorithm and CIBERSORT algorithms were conducted to explore the signature's immune characteristics. Core target genes of the prognostic signature were identified in the protein-protein interaction network. Results: A six OS-associated prognostic gene signature (CDC25C, ERO1A, GRIA1, TERT, CAV1, BDNF) was developed. The tROC and K-M survival curves in the training and testing cohorts revealed that the signature had good and robust predictive capability to predict the overall survival of LUAD patients. Meanwhile, the risk score was an independent prognostic factor influencing patients' overall survival. The results of the C-index (0.714), calibration curves, and the 1-, 2-, and 3-year tROC curves (area under the curve = 0.703, 0.737, and 0.723, respectively) suggested that the nomogram had good predictive efficacy and prognostic value for LUAD. Then, the authors found that the high-risk group may be depletion or loss of antitumor function of immune cells. Finally, 10 core genes of the signature were predicted. Conclusion: Their study may provide a novel understanding for the identification of prognostic stratification in LUAD patients, as well as the regulation of OS-associated genes in LUAD progression.

Circulating TERT serves as the novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for the resectable NSCLC

BACKGROUND

Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is a catalytic subunit of telomerase and required for cancer development. This study aims to reveal its clinical utility for diagnosis and prognosis of resectable NSCLC.

METHODS

TERT was quantitatively evaluated by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) from 69 patients before and after the surgery. The prognostic value was evaluated by disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Circulating TERT in NSCLC patients were significantly higher than that in the healthy group, possessing the AUC of 0.90. Importantly, TERT change between pre- and post- operation was significantly correlated with OS and DFS (p = 0.022, p = 0.046 respectively), acted as the independent prognostic factors for DFS and OS, indicating it can serve as the promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

CONCLUSIONS

TERT change between pre- and post- resection can serve as the promising biomarker for prognosis of resectable NSCLC.

An insight into recent developments in imidazole based heterocyclic compounds as anticancer agents: Synthesis, SARs, and mechanism of actions

Among all non-communicable diseases, cancer is ranked as the second most common cause of death and is rising constantly. While cancer treatments mainly include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery; chemotherapy is considered the most commonly employed and effective treatment. Most of the chemotherapeutic agents are azoles based compounds and imidazole is one such insightful azole. The anticancer properties of imidazole-based compounds have been thoroughly explored in recent years and all monosubstituted, disubstituted, trisubstituted, and tetrasubstituted imidazoles have been explored for their anticancer activities. Along with these compounds, other imidazole-based compounds like 1,3-dihydro-2H-imidazole-2-thiones, imidazolones, and poly imidazole compounds have also been explored for their anticancer activities. The activities of these compounds are heavily influenced by their structural resemblance to combretastatin 4A and ABI (2-aryl-4-benzoyl-imidazole). The lead compounds were highly active on breast, gastric, colon, ovarian, cervical, bone marrow, melanoma, prostate, lung, leukemic, neuroblastoma, liver, Ehrlich, melanoma, and pancreatic cancers. The targets of these leads like tubulin, heme oxygenases, VEGF, tyrosine kinases, EGFR, and others have also been explored. The exploration of the anticancer potential of substituted imidazole compounds is the main topic of this review including synthesis, SAR, and mechanism.

State of Knowledge About Thyroid Cancers in the Era of COVID-19-A Narrative Review

Thyroid cancer (TC), due to its heterogeneous nature, remains a clinical challenge. Many factors can initiate the carcinogenesis process of various types of TC, which complicates diagnosis and treatment. The presented review gathers current information on specific types of TC, taking into account the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is likely that COVID-19 has influenced and continues to influence the function of the thyroid gland. A high percentage of patients with COVID-19 showing simultaneous pathological changes in the thyroid suggests that SARS-CoV-2 may disrupt the function of this gland and initiate pro-oxidative mechanisms, inflammatory states, and autoimmune diseases, thereby promoting the formation of neoplastic changes. Furthermore, changes in the expression of the ACE2, TMPRSS2, CLEC4M and DPP4 genes, observed in TC, also occur in COVID-19. Therefore, it is probable that the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 with thyroid cell receptors may initiate carcinogenesis in this gland. Additionally, some drugs used in TC therapy (e.g., levothyroxine) may increase the affinity of SARS-CoV-2 for cells, which could contribute to a more severe course of COVID-19 and the emergence of long-term symptoms (post-COVID-19). Moreover, the consequences of sanitary restrictions (limited access to medical services, reduction in endocrinological and oncological procedures) that took place in many countries during the COVID-19 pandemic may lead in the future to an increased number of missed diagnoses and the emergence of aggressive cancers.

Multiple Myeloma: Genetic and Epigenetic Biomarkers with Clinical Potential

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of monoclonal plasma cells and accounts for approximately 10% of all hematologic malignancies. The clinical outcomes of MM can exhibit considerable variability. Variability in both the genetic and epigenetic characteristics of MM undeniably contributes to tumor dynamics. The aim of the present study was to identify biomarkers with the potential to improve the accuracy of prognosis assessment in MM. Initially, miRNA sequencing was conducted on bone marrow (BM) samples from patients with MM. Subsequently, the expression levels of 27 microRNAs (miRNA) and the gene expression levels of ASF1B, CD82B, CRISP3, FN1, MEF2B, PD-L1, PPARγ, TERT, TIMP1, TOP2A, and TP53 were evaluated via real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in BM samples from patients with MM exhibiting favorable and unfavorable prognoses. Additionally, the analysis involved the bone marrow samples from patients undergoing examinations for non-cancerous blood diseases (NCBD). The findings indicate a statistically significant increase in the expression levels of miRNA-124, -138, -10a, -126, -143, -146b, -20a, -21, -29b, and let-7a and a decrease in the expression level of miRNA-96 in the MM group compared with NCBD (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were detected in the expression levels of the selected miRNAs between the unfavorable and favorable prognoses in MM groups. The expression levels of ASF1B, CD82B, and CRISP3 were significantly decreased, while those of FN1, MEF2B, PDL1, PPARγ, and TERT were significantly increased in the MM group compared to the NCBD group (p < 0.05). The MM group with a favorable prognosis demonstrated a statistically significant decline in TIMP1 expression and a significant increase in CD82B and CRISP3 expression compared to the MM group with an unfavorable prognosis (p < 0.05). From an empirical point of view, we have established that the complex biomarker encompassing the CRISP3/TIMP1 expression ratio holds promise as a prognostic marker in MM. From a fundamental point of view, we have demonstrated that the development of MM is rooted in a cascade of complex molecular pathways, demonstrating the interplay of genetic and epigenetic factors.

Beginning at the ends: telomere and telomere-based cancer therapeutics

Telomeres, which are situated at the terminal ends of chromosomes, undergo a reduction in length with each cellular division, ultimately reaching a critical threshold that triggers cellular senescence. Cancer cells circumvent this senescence by utilizing telomere maintenance mechanisms (TMMs) that grant them a form of immortality. These mechanisms can be categorized into two primary processes: the reactivation of telomerase reverse transcriptase and the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway, which is dependent on homologous recombination (HR). Various strategies have been developed to inhibit telomerase activation in 85-95% of cancers, including the use of antisense oligonucleotides such as small interfering RNAs and endogenous microRNAs, agents that simulate telomere uncapping, expression modulators, immunotherapeutic vaccines targeting telomerase, reverse transcriptase inhibitors, stabilization of G-quadruplex structures, and gene therapy approaches. Conversely, in the remaining 5-15% of human cancers that rely on ALT, mechanisms involve modifications in the chromatin environment surrounding telomeres, upregulation of TERRA long non-coding RNA, enhanced activation of the ataxia telangiectasia and Rad-3-related protein kinase signaling pathway, increased interactions with nuclear receptors, telomere repositioning driven by HR, and recombination events between non-sister chromatids, all of which present potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Additionally, combinatorial therapy has emerged as a strategy that employs selective agents to simultaneously target both telomerase and ALT, aiming for optimal clinical outcomes. Given the critical role of anti-TMM strategies in cancer treatment, this review provides an overview of the latest insights into the structure and function of telomeres, their involvement in tumorigenesis, and the advancements in TMM-based cancer therapies.

Genetic association study of TERT gene variants with chronic kidney disease susceptibility in the Chinese population

The incidence and mortality of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are increasing globally. Studies have demonstrated the significance of genetic risk factors in the progression of CKD. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) may be implicated in the development of CKD. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between TERT gene variants and susceptibility to CKD in the Chinese population. A total of 507 patients with CKD and 510 healthy controls were recruited for this case-control study. Four candidate loci were identified using the MassARRAY platform. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the association between TERT gene variants and the risk of CKD. The false positive reporting probability (FPRP) method was utilized to evaluate the validity of statistically significant associations. The multifactorial dimensionality reduction (MDR) method was used to evaluate the interaction between SNPs and the risk of CKD. Furthermore, discrepancies in the clinical features of subjects with diverse genotypes were evaluated using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Our findings revealed a correlation between rs2735940 and rs4635969 and an increased risk of CKD. Stratification analysis indicated that rs4635969 was related to an increased risk of CKD in different subgroups (age ≤ 50 years and male). MDR analysis indicated that the two-site model (rs2735940 and rs4635969) was the best prediction model. Furthermore, the rs2735940 GG genotype was found to be linked to an increased level of microalbuminuria (MAU) in patients with CKD. Our study is the first to reveal a connection between TERT gene variants and susceptibility to CKD, providing new insights into the field of nephrology.

Mutational landscape of Japanese patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma from comprehensive genomic profiling tests

OBJECTIVES

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common subtype of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Treatment options for OSCC are currently limited owing to the lack of identified therapeutic targets. In this study, we aimed to analyze the genomic profiles of Japanese patients with OSCC and compare them to those of patients with HNSCC to identify potential therapeutic targets.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We extracted the clinical and genomic information of patients with OSCC (n = 242) and those with other HNSCC (n = 402) who underwent comprehensive genomic profiling tests under the National Health Insurance between June 2019 and April 2024 from the Center for Cancer Genomics and Therapeutics database.

RESULTS

The most frequent genomic alterations identified in OSCC were TP53 (85.5 %), followed by TERT (62.4 %), CDKN2A (41.3 %), FGF19 (24.9 %), and CCND1 (23.6 %). FGF19 and CCND1 were co-amplified, and CDKN2A and CDKN2B were co-deleted. The frequencies of TERT, HRAS, and CASP8 alterations were the highest in OSCC among all HNSCC subtypes. The frequency of EGFR alterations was substantially higher in adolescent and young adults than older patients with OSCC. Genes associated with genomic integrity and the RTK-RAS pathway were frequently altered in OSCC.

CONCLUSION

This study analyzed the genomic profiles of patients with OSCC in Japan and the genetic differences between OSCC and other HNSCC subtypes. This analysis offers insights into the development of personalized therapeutics for OSCC.

Targeting telomeric RNA quadruplexes with natural metabolites to prevent cancer

Cancer is a major global health burden, causing significant economic losses and premature deaths worldwide. Maintenance of telomeric repeats by telomerase makes the cancer cells immortal. Non-nucleoside mushroom metabolites were screened for their ability to stabilize RG4 structures, making telomeres inaccessible to telomerase and inducing telomere shortening in cancer cells. Selected mushroom metabolites, namely, Sterenin M, Melleolide K, and Zhankuic Acid A were docked with RG4 using the AutoDock Vina and evaluated for non-covalent interactions. These compounds were found to have strong binding affinity and manifested a set of molecular interactions with RG4. To assess the stability of complexes, state-of-the-art molecular dynamics simulations were carried out using the GROMACS 2018.7 software suite with the AMBER99SB-ILDN force field on 250 nanoseconds. Molecular docking and MD simulations revealed the strong interaction patterns between RG4 and the selected metabolites at the atomic level followed by binding free energy calculations. The results suggest that all three metabolites have the potential to be developed into therapeutic agents for cancer treatment. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to assess these compounds' toxicity, efficacy, and dosage.

Telomeres: an organized string linking plants and mammals

Telomeres are pivotal determinants of cell stemness, organismal aging, and lifespan. Herein, we examined similarities in telomeres of Arabidopsis thaliana, mice, and humans. We report the common traits, which include their composition in multimers of TTAGGG sequences and their protection by specialized proteins. Moreover, given the link between telomeres, on the one hand, and cell proliferation and stemness on the other, we discuss the counterintuitive convergence between plants and mammals in this regard, focusing on the impact of niches on cell stemness. Finally, we suggest that tackling the study of telomere function and cell stemness by taking into consideration both plants and mammals can aid in the understanding of interconnections and contribute to research focusing on aging and organismal lifespan determinants.

Detection of genetic mutations in 855 cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma by next generation sequencing and its clinicopathological features

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the genetic mutations in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and their clinicopathological features by next generation sequencing (NGS).

METHODS

NGS technology was used to detect genetic mutations in PTC patients, and clinicopathological features were collected.

RESULTS

①Among 855 PTC patients, 810 patients had genetic mutations, and 45 patients had no genetic mutation. ②BRAF mutation was associated with tumor diameter (P < 0.001) and histological subtypes (P = 0.002). The abundance of V600E mutation was associated with gender (P = 0.004), tumor diameter (P < 0.001), bilateral presentation (P = 0.001), extrathyroidal extension (P < 0.001), lymphatic metastasis (P < 0.001), histological subtypes (P = 0.002) and TNM staging (P = 0.000); The different mutation abundance of V600E was associated with tumor diameter (P < 0.001), multifocal presentation (P = 0.047), bilateral presentation (P = 0.001), extrathyroidal extension (P = 0.001), lymphatic metastasis (P < 0.001), histological subtypes (P = 0.022) and TNM staging (P = 0.000). ③RET fusion was associated with tumor diameter (P < 0.001) and lymphatic metastasis (P = 0.005). ④TERT mutation was associated with gender (P = 0.043), tumor diameter (P < 0.001), extrathyroidal extension (P = 0.028) and TNM staging (P = 0.017). ⑤RAS mutation was associated with histological subtypes (P < 0.001). ⑥NTRK and PIK3CA mutations were not associated with clinicopathological features.

CONCLUSION

NGS technology can comprehensively analyze the genetic mutations in PTC patients, which provides important prompts for the occurrence, development, diagnosis and treatment of PTC. In addition, BRAF V600E mutation, RET fusion and TERT mutation are associated with a number of high-risk clinicopathological features. Detection of genetic mutations in PTC patients by NGS is of great significance.

The Quest for Eternal Youth: Hallmarks of Aging and Rejuvenating Therapeutic Strategies

The impressive achievements made in the last century in extending the lifespan have led to a significant growth rate of elderly individuals in populations across the world and an exponential increase in the incidence of age-related conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus type 2, and neurodegenerative diseases. To date, geroscientists have identified 12 hallmarks of aging (genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, impaired macroautophagy, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired nutrient sensing, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, defective intercellular communication, chronic inflammation, and gut dysbiosis), intricately linked among each other, which can be targeted with senolytic or senomorphic drugs, as well as with more aggressive approaches such as cell-based therapies. To date, side effects seriously limit the use of these drugs. However, since rejuvenation is a dream of mankind, future research is expected to improve the tolerability of the available drugs and highlight novel strategies. In the meantime, the medical community, healthcare providers, and society should decide when to start these treatments and how to tailor them individually.

High-throughput sequencing reveals twelve cell death pattern prognostic target genes as potential drug-response-associated genes in the treatment of colorectal cancer cells with palmatine hydrochloride

Objectives

Palmatine Hydrochloride (PaH), an isoquinoline alkaloid from Phellodendron amurense and Coptis chinensis, has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. This study aimed to assess PaH’s effectiveness against SW480 colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and explore its molecular mechanisms.

Methods

PaH’s effects on SW480 CRC cells were evaluated using MTT assays for proliferation, scratch assays for migration, and flow cytometry for apoptosis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified through high-throughput sequencing. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses assessed DEG roles. Prognostic significance related to programmed cell death (PCD) was analyzed using R-Package with TCGA data. RT-qPCR validated key genes identified.

Results

PaH significantly inhibited SW480 cell growth, invasion, and apoptosis. The MTT assay showed inhibition rates increased from 5.49 % at 25 μg/mL to 52.48 % at 400 μg/mL. Scratch assays indicated reduced cell invasion over 24, 48, and 72 h. Apoptosis rose from 12.36 % in controls to 45.54 % at 400 μg/mL. Sequencing identified 3,385 significant DEGs, primarily in cancer pathways (p=0.004). Among 35 PCD-related DEGs, Lasso Cox regression highlighted 12 key genes, including TERT, TGFBR1, WNT4, and TP53. RT-qPCR confirmed TERT and TGFBR1 downregulation (0.614-fold, p=0.008; 0.41-fold, p<0.001) and TP53 and WNT4 upregulation (5.634-fold, p<0.001; 5.124-fold, p=0.002).

Conclusions

PaH inhibits CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by modulating key PCD genes, suggesting its potential as a CRC therapeutic agent.

Inhibition of hTERT/telomerase/telomere mediates therapeutic efficacy of osimertinib in EGFR mutant lung cancer

The inevitable acquired resistance to osimertinib (AZD9291), an FDA-approved third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) for the treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR activating or T790M resistant mutations, limits its long-term clinical benefit. Telomere maintenance via telomerase reactivation is linked to uncontrolled cell growth and is a cancer hallmark and an attractive cancer therapeutic target. Our effort toward understanding the action mechanisms, including resistance mechanisms, of osimertinib has led to the identification of a novel and critical role in maintaining c-Myc-dependent downregulation of hTERT, a catalytic subunit of telomerase, and subsequent inhibition of telomerase/telomere and induction of telomere dysfunction in mediating therapeutic efficacy of osimertinib. Consequently, osimertinib combined with the telomere inhibitor, 6-Thio-dG, which is currently tested in a phase II trial, effectively inhibited the growth of osimertinib-resistant tumors, regressed EGFRm NSCLC patient-derived xenografts, and delayed the emergence of acquired resistance to osimertinib, warranting clinical validation of this strategy to manage osimertinib acquired resistance.

Germline genetic variants that predispose to myeloproliferative neoplasms and hereditary myeloproliferative phenotypes

Epidemiological evidence of familial predispositions to myeloid malignancies and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) has long been recognised, but recent studies have added to knowledge of specific germline variants in multiple genes that contribute to the familial risk. These variants may be common risk alleles in the general population but have low penetrance and cause sporadic MPN, such as the JAK2 46/1 haplotype, the variant most strongly associated with MPN. Association studies are increasingly identifying other MPN susceptibility genes such as TERT, MECOM, and SH2B3, while some common variants in DDX41 and RUNX1 appear to lead to a spectrum of myeloid malignancies. RBBP6 and ATM variants have been identified in familial MPN clusters and very rare germline variants such as chromosome 14q duplication cause hereditary MPN with high penetrance. Rarely, there are hereditary non-malignant diseases with an MPN-like phenotype. Knowledge of those genes and germline genetic changes which lead to MPN or diseases that mimic MPN helps to improve accuracy of diagnosis, aids with counselling regarding familial risk, and may contribute to clinical decision-making. Large scale population exome and genome sequencing studies will improve our knowledge of both common and rare germline genetic contributions to MPN.

Unveiling the Molecular Features of SCLC With a Clinical RNA Expression Panel

Introduction

The translation of gene expression profiles of SCLC to clinical testing remains relatively unexplored. In this study, gene expression variations in SCLC were evaluated to identify potential biomarkers.

Methods

RNA expression profiling was performed on 44 tumor samples from 35 patients diagnosed with SCLC using the clinically validated RNA Salah Targeted Expression Panel (RNA STEP). RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and immunohistochemistry were performed on two different SCLC cohorts, and correlation analyses were performed for the ASCL1, NEUROD1, POU2F3, and YAP1 genes and their corresponding proteins. RNA STEP and RNA-Seq results were evaluated for gene expression profiles and heterogeneity between SCLC primary and metastatic sites. RNA STEP gene expression profiles of independent SCLC samples (n = 35) were compared with lung adenocarcinoma (n = 160) and squamous cell carcinoma results (n = 25).

Results

The RNA STEP results were highly correlated with RNA-Seq and immunohistochemistry results. The dominant transcription regulator by RNA STEP was ASCL1 in 74.2% of the samples, NEUROD1 in 20%, and POU2F3 in 2.9%. The ASCL1, NEUROD1, and POU2F3 gene expression profiles were heterogeneous between primary and metastatic sites. SCLCs displayed markedly high expression for targetable genes DLL3, EZH2, TERT, and RET. SCLCs were found to have relatively colder immune profiles than lung adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, characterized by lower expression of HLA genes, immune cell, and immune checkpoint genes, except the LAG3 gene.

Conclusions

Clinical-grade SCLC RNA expression profiling has value for SCLC subtyping, design of clinical trials, and identification of patients for trials and potential targeted therapy.

Vitamin C in the Management of Thyroid Cancer: A Highway to New Treatment?

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine malignancy, with an increased global incidence in recent decades, despite a substantially unchanged survival. While TC has an excellent overall prognosis, some types of TC are associated with worse patient outcomes, depending on the genetic setting. Furthermore, oxidative stress is related to more aggressive features of TC. Vitamin C, an essential nutrient provided with food or as a dietary supplement, is a well-known antioxidant and a scavenger of reactive oxygen species; however, at high doses, it can induce pro-oxidant effects, acting through multiple biological mechanisms that play a crucial role in killing cancer cells. Although experimental data and, less consistently, clinical studies, suggest the possibility of antineoplastic effects of vitamin C at pharmacological doses, the antitumor efficacy of this nutrient in TC remains at least partly unexplored. Therefore, this review discusses the current state of knowledge on the role of vitamin C, alone or in combination with other conventional therapies, in the management of TC, the mechanisms underlying this association, and the perspectives that may emerge in TC treatment strategies, and, also, in light of the development of novel functional foods useful to this extent, by implementing novel sensory analysis strategies.

Real-world data analysis of next-generation sequencing and corresponding clinical characteristics in thyroid tumor

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is of great benefit to clinical practice in terms of identifying genetic alterations. This study aims to clarify the gene background and its influence on thyroid tumors in the Chinese population. NGS data and corresponding clinicopathological features (sex, age, tumor size, extrathyroidal invasion, metastasis, multifocality, and TNM stage) were collected and analyzed retrospectively from 2844 individual thyroid tumor samples from July 2021 to August 2022. Among the cohort, 2337 (82%) cases possess genetic alterations, including BRAF (71%), RAS (4%), RET/PTC (4%), TERT (3%), RET (2.2%), and TP53 (1.4%). Diagnostic sensitivity before surgery can be significantly increased from 0.76 to 0.91 when cytology is supplemented by NGS. Our results show that BRAF-positive papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients tend to have older age, smaller tumor size, less vascular invasion, more frequent tumor multifocality, and a significantly higher cervical lymph node metastatic rate. Mutation at RET gene codons 918 and 634 is strongly correlated with medullary thyroid cancer. However, it did not display more invasive clinical characteristics. TERT-positive patients are more likely to have older age, and have larger tumor size, more tumor invasiveness, and more advanced TNM stage, indicating a poor prognosis. Patients with TERT, RET/PTC1, and CHEK2 mutations are more susceptible to lateral lymph node metastasis. In conclusion, NGS can be a useful tool that provides practical gene evidence in the process of diagnosis and treatment in thyroid tumors.

Step by step analysis on gene datasets of growth phases in hematopoietic stem cells

Background

Umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem cells (UCB-HSCs) have important roles in the treatment of illnesses based on their self-renewal and potency characteristics. Knowing the gene profiles and signaling pathways involved in each step of the cell cycle could improve the therapeutic approaches of HSCs. The aim of this study was to predict the gene profiles and signaling pathways involved in the G0, G1, and differentiation stages of HSCs.

Methods

Interventional (n = 8) and non-interventional (n = 3) datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and were crossed and analyzed to determine the high- and low-express genes related to each of the G0, G1, and differentiation stages of HSCs. Then, the scores of STRING were annotated to the gene data. The gene networks were constructed using Cytoscape software, and enriched with the KEGG and GO databases.

Results

The high- and low-express genes were determined due to inter and intra intersections of the interventional and non-interventional data. The non-interventional data were applied to construct the gene networks (n = 6) with the nodes improved using the interventional data. Several important signaling pathways were suggested in each of the G0, G1, and differentiation stages.

Conclusion

The data revealed that the different signaling pathways are activated in each of the G0, G1, and differentiation stages so that their genes may be targeted to improve the HSC therapy.

Molecular insights into the role of mixed lineage kinase 3 in cancer hallmarks

Mixed-lineage kinase 3 (MLK3) is a serine/threonine kinase of the MAPK Kinase kinase (MAP3K) family that plays critical roles in various biological processes, including cancer. Upon activation, MLK3 differentially activates downstream MAPKs, such as JNK, p38, and ERK. In addition, it regulates various non-canonical signaling pathways, such as β-catenin, AMPK, Pin1, and PAK1, to regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis. Recent studies have also uncovered other potentially diverse roles of MLK3 in malignancy, which include metabolic reprogramming, cancer-associated inflammation, and evasion of cancer-related immune surveillance. The role of MLK3 in cancer is complex and cancer-specific, and an understanding of its function at the molecular level aligned specifically with the cancer hallmarks will have profound therapeutic implications for diagnosing and treating MLK3-dependent cancers. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the effect of MLK3 on the hallmarks of cancer, providing insights into its potential as a promising anticancer drug target.

Novel method for detecting frequent TERT promoter hot spot mutations in bladder cancer samples

Telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter (TERTp) mutations are frequently targeted tumor markers, however, they reside in regions with high GC content, which poses challenges when examined with simple molecular techniques or even with next-generation sequencing (NGS). In bladder cancer (BC), TERTp mutations are particularly frequent, however, none of the available tools have demonstrated efficacy in detecting TERTp mutations via a simple noninvasive technique. Therefore, we developed a novel PCR-based method for the detection of the two most common TERTp mutations and demonstrated its use for the analysis of BC samples. The developed SHARD-PCR TERTp mutation detection technique requires PCR and restriction digestion steps that are easily implementable even in less well-equipped laboratories. Cell lines with known mutational status were utilized for method development. Matching urine and tumor tissue samples from BC patients were analyzed, and the results were validated by next-generation sequencing. Analysis of eighteen urine and corresponding tumor tissue samples by SHARD-PCR revealed perfect matches in sample pairs, which paralleled the corresponding NGS results: fourteen samples exhibited mutations at the -124 position, two samples showed mutations at the -146 position, and no mutations were detected in two samples. Our study serves as a proof-of-concept and is limited by its small sample size, nonetheless, it demonstrates that SHARD-PCR is a simple, economic and highly reliable method for detecting TERTp mutations, which are common in different cancer types. For bladder cancer, SHARD-PCR can be performed with the use of noninvasive samples and could replace or complement currently used techniques.

Targeting hTERT Promoter G-Quadruplex DNA Structures with Small-Molecule Ligand to Downregulate hTERT Expression for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Therapy

Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) may have noncanonical functions in transcriptional regulation and metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells, but it is a challenging target. We thus developed small-molecule ligands targeting hTERT promoter G-quadruplex DNA structures (hTERT G4) to downregulate hTERT expression. Ligand 5 showed high affinity toward hTERT G4 (Kd = 1.1 μM) and potent activity against triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231, IC50 = 1 μM). In cell-based assays, 5 not only exerts markedly inhibitory activity on classical telomere functions including decreased telomerase activity, shortened telomere length, and cellular senescence but also induces DNA damage, acute cellular senescence, and apoptosis. This study reveals that hTERT G4-targeting ligand may cause mitochondrial dysfunction, disrupt iron metabolism and activate ferroptosis in cancer cells. The in vivo antitumor efficacy of 5 was also evaluated in an MDA-MB-231 xenograft mouse model and approximately 78.7% tumor weight reduction was achieved. No observable toxicity against the major organs was observed.

SIRT1 regulates the localization and stability of telomerase protein by direct interaction

Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) not only upholds telomeric equilibrium but also plays a pivotal role in multiple non-canonical cellular mechanisms, particularly in the context of aging, cancer, and genomic stability. Though depletion of SIRT1 in mouse embryonic fibroblasts has demonstrated telomere shortening, the impact of SIRT1 on enabling TERT to regulate telomeric homeostasis remains enigmatic. Here, we reveal that SIRT1 directly interacts with TERT, and promotes the nuclear localization and stability of TERT. Reverse transcriptase (RT) domain of TERT and N-terminus of SIRT1 mainly participated in their direct interaction. TERT, concomitantly expressed with intact SIRT1, exhibits nuclear localization, whereas TERT co-expressed with N-terminal-deleted SIRT1 remains in the cytosol. Furthermore, overexpression of SIRT1 enhances the nuclear localization and protein stability of TERT, akin to overexpression of deacetylase-inactive SIRT1, whereas N-terminal-deleted SIRT1 has no effect on TERT. These findings suggest a novel regulatory role of SIRT1 for TERT through direct interaction. This interaction provides new insights into the fields of aging, cancer, and genome stability governed by TERT and SIRT1.

Unveiling the genetic landscape of hereditary melanoma: From susceptibility to surveillance

The multifactorial etiology underlying melanoma development involves an array of genetic, phenotypic, and environmental factors. Genetic predisposition for melanoma is further influenced by the complex interplay between high-, medium-, and low-penetrance genes, each contributing to varying degrees of susceptibility. Within this network, high-penetrance genes, including CDKN2A, CDK4, BAP1, and POT1, are linked to a pronounced risk for disease, whereas medium- and low-penetrance genes, such as MC1R, MITF, and others, contribute only moderately to melanoma risk. Notably, these genetic factors not only heighten the risk of melanoma but may also increase susceptibility towards internal malignancies, such as pancreatic cancer, renal cell cancer, or neural tumors. Genetic testing and counseling hold paramount importance in the clinical context of suspected hereditary melanoma, facilitating risk assessment, personalized surveillance strategies, and informed decision-making. As our understanding of the genomic landscape deepens, this review paper aims to comprehensively summarize the genetic underpinnings of hereditary melanoma, as well as current screening and management strategies for the disease.

Telomeres and telomerase in Sarcoma disease and therapy

Sarcoma is a rare tumor derived from the mesenchymal tissue and mainly found in children and adolescents. The outcome for patients with sarcoma is relatively poor compared with that for many other solid malignant tumors. Sarcomas have a highly heterogeneous pathogenesis, histopathology and biological behavior. Dysregulated signaling pathways and various gene mutations are frequently observed in sarcomas. The telomere maintenance mechanism (TMM) has recently been considered as a prognostic factor for patients with sarcomas, and alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) positivity has been correlated with poor outcomes in patients with several types of sarcomas. Therefore, telomeres and telomerases may be useful targets for treating sarcomas. This review aims to provide an overview of telomere and telomerase biology in sarcomas.

Immortalization of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Lines from Sheep Umbilical Cord Tissue

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess significant differentiation potential, making them highly promising in medicine and immunotherapy due to their regenerative capabilities and exosome secretion. However, challenges such as limited cell divisions and complex testing hinder large-scale MSC production. In this study, we successfully established an immortalized MSC line by transfecting the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene into MSCs isolated from pregnant sheep umbilical cords. This approach effectively inhibits cell senescence and promotes cell proliferation, enabling the generation of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) on a larger scale. Our findings demonstrate that these transfected TERT-UCMSCs exhibit enhanced proliferative capacity and a reduced aging rate compared to regular UCMSCs while maintaining their stemness without tumorigenicity concerns. Consequently, they hold great potential for medical applications requiring large quantities of functional MSCs.

A Synopsis of Biomarkers in Glioblastoma: Past and Present

Accounting for 48% of malignant brain tumors in adults, glioblastoma has been of great interest in the last decades, especially in the biomolecular and neurosurgical fields, due to its incurable nature and notable neurological morbidity. The major advancements in neurosurgical technologies have positively influenced the extent of safe tumoral resection, while the latest progress in the biomolecular field of GBM has uncovered new potential therapeutical targets. Although GBM currently has no curative therapy, recent progress has been made in the management of this disease, both from surgical and molecular perspectives. The main current therapeutic approach is multimodal and consists of neurosurgical intervention, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, mostly with temozolomide. Although most patients will develop treatment resistance and tumor recurrence after surgical removal, biomolecular advancements regarding GBM have contributed to a better understanding of this pathology and its therapeutic management. Over the past few decades, specific biomarkers have been discovered that have helped predict prognosis and treatment responses and contributed to improvements in survival rates.

Sarcoma_CellminerCDB: A tool to interrogate the genomic and functional characteristics of a comprehensive collection of sarcoma cell lines

Sarcomas are a diverse group of rare malignancies composed of multiple different clinical and molecular subtypes. Due to their rarity and heterogeneity, basic, translational, and clinical research in sarcoma has trailed behind that of other cancers. Outcomes for patients remain generally poor due to an incomplete understanding of disease biology and a lack of novel therapies. To address some of the limitations impeding preclinical sarcoma research, we have developed Sarcoma_CellMinerCDB, a publicly available interactive tool that merges publicly available sarcoma cell line data and newly generated omics data to create a comprehensive database of genomic, transcriptomic, methylomic, proteomic, metabolic, and pharmacologic data on 133 annotated sarcoma cell lines. The reproducibility, functionality, biological relevance, and therapeutic applications of Sarcoma_CellMinerCDB described herein are powerful tools to address and generate biological questions and test hypotheses for translational research. Sarcoma_CellMinerCDB (https://discover.nci.nih.gov/SarcomaCellMinerCDB) aims to contribute to advancing the preclinical study of sarcoma.