Molecular Mechanisms Involving the Sonic Hedgehog Pathway in Lung Cancer Therapy: Recent Advances

The role of glutathione peroxidase 4 in the progression, drug resistance, and targeted therapy of non-small cell lung cancer

Lung cancer is one of the main causes of cancer-related deaths globally, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being the most prevalent histological subtype of lung cancer. Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) is a crucial antioxidant enzyme that plays a role in regulating ferroptosis. It is also involved in a wide variety of biological processes, such as tumor cell growth invasion, migration, and resistance to drugs. This study comprehensively examined the role of GPX4 in NSCLC and investigated the clinical feasibility of targeting GPX4 for NSCLC treatment. We discovered that GPX4 influences the progression of NSCLC by modulating multiple signaling pathways, and that blocking GPX4 can trigger ferroptosis and increase the sensitivity to chemotherapy. As a result, GPX4 represents a prospective therapeutic target for NSCLC. Targeting GPX4 inhibits the development of NSCLC cells and decreases their resistance to treatment.

Mechanisms and therapeutic potential of the hedgehog signaling pathway in cancer

A sort of major malignant disease, cancer can compromise human health wherever. Some mechanisms of the occurrence and evolution of cancer still seem elusive even now. Consequently, the therapeutic strategies for cancer must continually evolve. The hedgehog signaling pathway, a critical mediator in the normal development of numerous organs and the pathogenesis of cancer, is typically quiescent but is aberrantly activated in several malignancies. Extensive research has delineated that the aberrant activity of the hedgehog signaling pathway, whether autocrine or paracrine, is implicated in the initiation and progression of various neoplasms, including medulloblastoma (MB), basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and so on. Thus, notably Smo inhibitors, the opening of inhibitors of the hedgehog signaling pathway has become a topic of research attention. This review aims to summarize four aberrant activation pathways and the influence of hedgehog signaling pathway associated chemicals on tumor formation and development. Additionally, it will explore the therapeutic potential of targeted interventions in the hedgehog signaling pathway for cancer treatment.

Catalytic Intermolecular Asymmetric [2π + 2σ] Cycloadditions of Bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes: Practical Synthesis of Enantioenriched Highly Substituted Bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes

The high percentage of sp3-hybridized carbons and the presence of chiral carbon centers could contribute to increased molecular complexity, enhancing the likelihood of clinical success of drug candidates. Three-dimensional (3D) bridged motifs have recently garnered significant interest in medicinal chemistry. Bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes (BCHs) are emerging 3D benzene bioisosteres, but the synthesis of chiral, highly substituted BCHs has been underexplored. Herein, we disclose the Lewis acid-catalyzed asymmetric intermolecular [2π + 2σ] cycloaddition of bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes with coumarins, 2-pyrone, or chromenes to access diverse enantioenriched 1,2,3,4-tetrasubstituted BCHs bearing vicinal tertiary-quaternary stereocenters. The key to success is the introduction of chiral bisoxazoline ligands to effectively suppress the side reactions, inhibit significant racemic background reactions, and fine-tune the reactivity and regio-, enantio-, and diastereoselectivities of the reactions. The resulting BCHs hold significant potential as benzene bioisosteres in the synthesis of chiral BCHex-Sonidegib and BCHex-BMS-202, mimicking the anticancer drug Sonidegib and the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor BMS-202, respectively. The outcome highlights the positive impact of bioisosteric replacement on physicochemical properties, while maintaining comparable antitumor activity to their aryl-containing counterparts.

Recent advancements in understanding of biological role of homeobox C9 in human cancers

Homeobox (HOX) C9, a member of the HOX family, is an important transcription factor, and it plays a significant role in various biological processes. This family of genes is highly valued for their essential roles in establishing and maintaining the body axis during embryonic development and adult tissues. Further, HOXC9 plays a central role in neuronal differentiation, angiogenesis, and adipose distribution, which are essential for the development of the nervous system, maturation of tissues and organs, and maintenance of energy balance and metabolic health. Recent research has found that abnormal HOXC9 expression is closely associated with the development and progression of various tumor types. The HOXC9 expression level can be an indicator of tumor prognosis. Therefore, elucidating the association between HOXC9 expression and its regulatory mechanisms and tumorigenesis can provide novel insights on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cancer.

Implicating clinical utility of altered expression of PTCH1 & SMO in oral squamous cell carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Oral cancer poses a significant burden on public health in India, with higher incidence and mortality rates. Despite advancements in treatment modalities, prognosis remains poor due to factors such as localized recurrence and lymph node metastasis, potentially influenced by cancer stem cells. Among signaling pathways implicated in CSC regulation, the Hedgehog pathway plays a crucial role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

MATERIAL & METHODS

97 OSCC patients' tissue samples were collected and subjected to RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis and quantitative real-time PCR to analyze PTCH1 and SMO expression. Protein expression was assessed through immunohistochemistry. Clinicopathological parameters were correlated with gene and protein expression. Statistical analysis included Pearson chi-square tests, co-relation co-efficient tests, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and ROC curve analysis.

RESULTS

PTCH1 expression correlated with lymphatic permeation (p = 0.002) and tumor stage (p = 0.002), while SMO expression correlated with lymph node status (p = 0.034) and tumor stage (p = 0.021). PTCH1 gene expression correlated with lymph node status (p = 0.024). High PTCH1 gene expression was associated with shorter survival in tongue cancer patients. ROC curve analysis indicated diagnostic potential for PTCH1 and SMO gene and cytoplasmic SMO expression in distinguishing malignant tissues from adjacent normal tissues.

CONCLUSION

PTCH1 and SMO play a crucial role in oral cancer progression, correlating with tumor stages and metastatic potential. Despite not directly influencing overall survival, PTCH1 expression at specific anatomical sites hints at its prognostic implications. PTCH1 and SMO exhibit diagnostic potential, suggesting their utility as molecular markers in oral cancer management and therapeutic strategies.

Effects of mesenchymal stem cells versus curcumin on sonic hedgehog signaling in experimental model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) is a fundamental signaling pathway that controls tissue reconstruction, stem cell biology, and differentiation and has a role in gut tissue homeostasis and development. Dysregulation of SHH leads to the development of HCC.

METHODS, AND RESULTS

The present study was conducted to compare the effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and curcumin on SHH molecular targets in an experimental model of HCC in rats. One hundred rats were divided equally into the following groups: control group, HCC group, HCC group received MSCs, HCC group received curcumin, and HCC group received MSCs and curcumin. Histopathological examinations were performed, and gene expression of SHH signaling target genes (SHH, PTCH1, SMOH, and GLI1) was assessed by real-time PCR in rat liver tissue. Results showed that SHH target genes were significantly upregulated in HCC-untreated rat groups and in MSC-treated groups, with no significant difference between them. Administration of curcumin with or without combined administration of MSCs led to a significant down-regulation of SHH target genes, with no significant differences between both groups. As regards the histopathological examination of liver tissues, both curcumin and MSCs, either through separate use or their combined use, led to a significant restoration of normal liver pathology.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, SHH signaling is upregulated in the HCC experimental model. MSCs do not inhibit the upregulated SHH target genes in HCC. Curcumin use with or without MSCs administration led to a significant down-regulation of SHH signaling in HCC and a significant restoration of normal liver pathology.

Pan-cancer and single-cell analysis reveal THRAP3 as a prognostic and immunological biomarker for multiple cancer types

Background: Thyroid hormone receptor-associated protein 3 (THRAP3) is of great significance in DNA damage response, pre-mRNA processing, and nuclear export. However, the biological activities of THRAP3 in pan-cancer remain unexplored. We aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of THRAP3 and validate its expression levels in lung cancer. Methods: A pan-cancer analysis was conducted to study the correlation of THRAP3 expression with clinical outcome and the tumor microenvironment based on the available bioinformatics databases. The protein levels of THRAP3 were explored in lung cancer by immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis. Single-cell sequencing (ScRNA-seq) analysis was employed to investigate the proportions of each cell type in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and adjacent normal tissues, along with the expression levels of THRAP3 within each cell type. Results: THRAP3 is upregulated in multiple cancer types but exhibits low expression in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). immunohistochemistry results showed that THRAP3 is a lowly expression in LUAD and LUSC. THRAP3 elevation had a poor prognosis in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma and a prolonged survival time in kidney chromophobe, brain lower-grade glioma and skin cutaneous melanoma, as indicated by the KM curve. Single-cell analysis confirmed that the proportions of T/B cells, macrophages, and fibroblasts were significantly elevated in LUAD tissues, and THRAP3 is specifically overexpressed in mast cells. Conclusion: Our findings uncover that THRAP3 is a promising prognostic biomarker and immunotherapeutic target in multiple cancers, but in LUAD and LUSC, it may be a protective gene.

A clinicopathological exploration of Hedgehog signaling: implications in oral carcinogenesis

INTRODUCTION

Hedgehog Signaling, a basic cancer stem cell pathway, plays a major role during the embryonic development, is known to play a quiescent role in adults. However, aberrant activation of Hedgehog signaling in adults is known to play a role in cancer development. Hence, the aim of the study was to identify the role of Hedgehog signaling pathway in the Oral cancers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The expression of Hedgehog signaling pathway was evaluated in 124 patients through the quantitative real-time PCR. The association between the gene expression and clinico-pathological parameters were analyzed using the Pearson chi-square test and survival analysis was carried out using Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS

SHH and GLI1 was found to be significantly associated with the Lymph Node Status and SUFU was significantly associated with the Age. SMO and SUFU were found to have a worse prognosis in oral cancer patients. According to our findings, IHH plays a critical role in the activation of the HH signaling pathway in oral cancer.

CONCLUSION

These findings back up the use of the Hedgehog signaling pathway as a biomarker for early disease prediction in oral cancer, as well as its role in tumor aggressiveness and invasiveness.

Integrated plasma and exosome long noncoding RNA profiling is promising for diagnosing non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVES

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for more than 80 % of all lung cancers, and its 5-year survival rate can be greatly improved by early diagnosis. However, early diagnosis remains elusive because of the lack of effective biomarkers. In this study, we aimed to develop an effective diagnostic model for NSCLC based on a combination of circulating biomarkers.

METHODS

Tissue-deregulated long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in NSCLC were identified in datasets retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO, n=727) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA, n=1,135) databases, and their differential expression was verified in paired local plasma and exosome samples from NSCLC patients. Subsequently, LASSO regression was used to screen for biomarkers in a large clinical population, and a logistic regression model was used to establish a multi-marker diagnostic model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), calibration plots, decision curve analysis (DCA), clinical impact curves, and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were used to evaluate the efficiency of the diagnostic model.

RESULTS

Three lncRNAs-PGM5-AS1, SFTA1P, and CTA-384D8.35 were consistently expressed in online tissue datasets, plasma, and exosomes from local patients. LASSO regression identified nine variables (Plasma CTA-384D8.35, Plasma PGM5-AS1, Exosome CTA-384D8.35, Exosome PGM5-AS1, Exosome SFTA1P, Log10CEA, Log10CA125, SCC, and NSE) in clinical samples that were eventually included in the multi-marker diagnostic model. Logistic regression analysis revealed that Plasma CTA-384D8.35, exosome SFTA1P, Log10CEA, Exosome CTA-384D8.35, SCC, and NSE were independent risk factors for NSCLC (p<0.01), and their results were visualized using a nomogram to obtain personalized prediction outcomes. The constructed diagnostic model demonstrated good NSCLC prediction ability in both the training and validation sets (AUC=0.97).

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, the constructed circulating lncRNA-based diagnostic model has good NSCLC prediction ability in clinical samples and provides a potential diagnostic tool for NSCLC.

Hedgehog signaling in tissue homeostasis, cancers, and targeted therapies

The past decade has seen significant advances in our understanding of Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway in various biological events. HH signaling pathway exerts its biological effects through a complex signaling cascade involved with primary cilium. HH signaling pathway has important functions in embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. It plays a central role in the regulation of the proliferation and differentiation of adult stem cells. Importantly, it has become increasingly clear that HH signaling pathway is associated with increased cancer prevalence, malignant progression, poor prognosis and even increased mortality. Understanding the integrative nature of HH signaling pathway has opened up the potential for new therapeutic targets for cancer. A variety of drugs have been developed, including small molecule inhibitors, natural compounds, and long non-coding RNA (LncRNA), some of which are approved for clinical use. This review outlines recent discoveries of HH signaling in tissue homeostasis and cancer and discusses how these advances are paving the way for the development of new biologically based therapies for cancer. Furthermore, we address status quo and limitations of targeted therapies of HH signaling pathway. Insights from this review will help readers understand the function of HH signaling in homeostasis and cancer, as well as opportunities and challenges of therapeutic targets for cancer.

Identifying the oncogenic roles of FAP in human cancers based on systematic analysis

BACKGROUND

Fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP) is a specific marker of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and plays a crucial role in tumor development. However, the biological processes underlying FAP expression in tumor progression and tumor immunity have not been fully elucidated.

METHODS

We utilized RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) to perform differential analysis of FAP expression in tumor tissues and matched-normal tissues. The relationship between FAP expression and clinical prognosis, DNA methylation, and tumor-infiltrating immune cells in pan-cancer was assessed using R Studio (version 4.2.1). Additionally, we employed gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and gene set variation analysis (GSVA) to investigate the biological functions and pathways associated with FAP expression.

RESULTS

FAP exhibits high expression in most malignancies, albeit to a lesser extent in CESC, KICH, UCEC, SKCM, THCA, and UCS. Furthermore, FAP is either positively or negatively associated with the prognosis of several malignancies. In seven types of cancer, FAP expression is positively correlated with DNA methylation. CIBERSORT analysis revealed an inverse correlation between FAP expression and T cells, B cells, monocytes, and NK cells, while it exhibited a positive correlation with M0, M1, and M2 macrophages. Enrichment analysis further demonstrated that FAP modulates the cell cycle, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, angiogenesis, and immune-related functions and pathways.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate a close relationship between FAP expression and tumorigenesis as well as tumor immunity. FAP has the potential to serve as a diagnostic, prognostic, and immunotherapy marker.

The Role of Genetic Mutations in Mitochondrial-Driven Cancer Growth in Selected Tumors: Breast and Gynecological Malignancies

There is an increasing understanding of the molecular and cytogenetic background of various tumors that helps us better conceptualize the pathogenesis of specific diseases. Additionally, in many cases, these molecular and cytogenetic alterations have diagnostic, prognostic, and/or therapeutic applications that are heavily used in clinical practice. Given that there is always room for improvement in cancer treatments and in cancer patient management, it is important to discover new therapeutic targets for affected individuals. In this review, we discuss mitochondrial changes in breast and gynecological (endometrial and ovarian) cancers. In addition, we review how the frequently altered genes in these diseases (BRCA1/2, HER2, PTEN, PIK3CA, CTNNB1, RAS, CTNNB1, FGFR, TP53, ARID1A, and TERT) affect the mitochondria, highlighting the possible associated individual therapeutic targets. With this approach, drugs targeting mitochondrial glucose or fatty acid metabolism, reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial biogenesis, mtDNA transcription, mitophagy, or cell death pathways could provide further tailored treatment.