lncRNA OR3A4 Promotes the Proliferation and Metastasis of Ovarian Cancer Through KLF6 Pathway

Promising odor-based therapeutics targeting ectopic olfactory receptor proteins in cancer: A review

Cancer remains a formidable adversary in global health, necessitating the development of innovative strategies to curb the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of cancer cells for effective treatment outcomes. Traditional cancer therapies often fall short in addressing the diverse therapeutic requirements of patients. Consequently, the exploration of novel therapeutic targets has become increasingly vital. Olfactory receptors (ORs) belonging to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) subfamily, are present in non-nasal tissues and contribute to a wide range of physiological functions. ORs are specifically expressed in malignant tumors and have emerged as potential biomarkers for cancer detection. They can regulate diverse tumor biological behaviors and are involved in the development of malignant tumors, indicating that they might serve as potential targets for cancer treatment. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the ectopic expression of ORs, their functions in malignancies and odor-based therapeutics targeting ectopic olfactory receptors (EORs) in cancer, and aims to clarify their connection with cancer, providing new clues for probing the tumor biology and developing therapeutic strategies against cancer.

Deciphering the heterogeneity of epithelial cells in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: implications for metastasis and immune evasion

OBJECTIVE

This study examines the cellular heterogeneity of epithelial cells within pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and their contributions to tumor progression, metastasis, and immunosuppressive interactions using single-cell RNA sequencing.

METHODS

Single-cell RNA-sequencing data from two datasets (GSE154778 and GSE158356) were integrated using the Harmony algorithm, followed by quality control, clustering, and differential gene expression analysis. Distinct subpopulations of epithelial cells were identified, and their gene expression profiles were analyzed. To assess the malignancy of these subpopulations, single-cell copy number variation (CNV) analysis and trajectory analysis were conducted. Additionally, intercellular communication was examined using the CellChat platform.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed pronounced heterogeneity among PDAC epithelial cells, with specific subpopulations exhibiting distinct roles in tumor proliferation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and metastatic dissemination. Subpopulations 4 and 6 were characterized by increased CNV levels and a more malignant phenotype, suggesting an enhanced capacity for metastasis. Single-cell trajectory analysis, along with CellChat, mapped the temporal evolution of epithelial cells, identifying key regulatory genes such as DCBLD2 and JUN. A prognostic model incorporating five key genes, including KLF6, was developed and demonstrated strong predictive accuracy for patient outcomes. Notably, KLF6 emerged as a critical prognostic marker associated with immune modulation, particularly through interactions with M2 macrophages.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights the pronounced heterogeneity of epithelial cells in PDAC and their distinct contributions to tumor progression, metastasis, and immune modulation. Through single-cell transcriptomic and CNV analyses, we identified epithelial subpopulations with varying malignant potentials and distinct interactions with the tumor microenvironment. Among these, KLF6 emerged as a key regulator associated with immune modulation and metastasis. Our findings emphasize the significance of epithelial cell heterogeneity in shaping pancreatic cancer progression. These insights provide a foundation for future investigations into novel prognostic markers and therapeutic strategies.

Latest Update on lncRNA in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer-A Scoping Review

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA molecules exceeding 200 nucleotides that do not encode proteins yet play critical roles in regulating gene expression at multiple levels, such as chromatin modification and transcription. These molecules are significantly engaged in cancer progression, development, metastasis, and chemoresistance. However, the function of lncRNAs in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has not yet been thoroughly studied. EOC remains challenging due to its complex molecular pathogenesis, characterized by genetic and epigenetic alterations. Emerging evidence suggests that lncRNAs, such as XIST, H19, NEAT1, and MALAT1, are involved in EOC by modulating gene expression and signaling pathways, influencing processes like cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and chemoresistance. Despite extensive research, the precise mechanism of acting of lncRNAs in EOC pathogenesis and treatment resistance still needs to be fully understood, highlighting the need for further studies. This review aims to provide an updated overview of the current understanding of lncRNAs in EOC, emphasizing their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. We point out the gaps in the knowledge regarding lncRNAs' influence on epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), deliberating on new possible research areas.

ZFHX2-AS1 interacts with DKC1 to regulate ARHGAP5 pseudouridylation and suppress ovarian cancer progression

Ovarian cancer (OCa) remains a highly lethal disease, largely due to late-stage diagnosis and limited treatment options for recurrent metastatic tumors. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been recognized as key regulators of cancer hallmarks, yet their specific roles in driving OCa progression are not fully understood. In this study, we employed an integrated approach combining clinical correlation, functional assays, and mechanistic investigations to reveal that lncRNA ZFHX2-AS1 is significantly downregulated in OCa tissues and cells, with its reduced expression associated with poor clinical outcomes. Using in vitro and in vivo models, we demonstrated that overexpression of ZFHX2-AS1 suppresses OCa cell proliferation, migration and invasion, whereas ZFHX2-AS1 knockdown enhances these malignant phenotypes. Mechanistically, we defined that ZFHX2-AS1 interacts with and attenuates the enzymatic activity of the pseudouridine synthase DKC1, thereby reducing pseudouridylation and stabilizing the oncogenic ARHGAP5 mRNA. Re-expression of ARHGAP5 could partially reverse the tumor-suppressive effects of ZFHX2-AS1. Further, we found that ARHGAP5 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by regulating Rho GTPases activities, and that ZFHX2-AS1 inhibits EMT in OCa by downregulating ARHGAP5 expression and suppressing the Rho GTPase signaling pathway. Taken together, our findings identify ZFHX2-AS1 as a potent tumor suppressor in OCa, acting through the modulation of DKC1-mediated pseudouridylation of ARHGAP5 and the inhibition of the Rho GTPase pathway, thus offering a potential therapeutic target for combating OCa progression.

Deciphering the nexus between long non-coding RNAs and endoplasmic reticulum stress in hepatocellular carcinoma: biomarker discovery and therapeutic horizons

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a significant global health challenge with few effective treatment options. The dysregulation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress responses has emerged as a pivotal factor in HCC progression and therapy resistance. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a crucial role as key epigenetic modifiers in this process. Recent research has explored how lncRNAs influence ER stress which in turn affects lncRNAs activity in HCC. We systematically analyze the current literature to highlight the regulatory roles of lncRNAs in modulating ER stress and vice versa in HCC. Our scrutinization highlights how dysregulated lncRNAs contribute to various facets of HCC, including apoptosis resistance, enhanced proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, all driven by ER stress. Moreover, we delve into the emerging paradigm of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis, elucidating it as the promising avenue for developing novel biomarkers and paving the way for more personalized treatment options in HCC. Nevertheless, we acknowledge the challenges and future directions in translating these insights into clinical practice. In conclusion, our review provides insights into the complex regulatory mechanisms governing ER stress modulation by lncRNAs in HCC.

Immunosuppressive landscape in hepatocellular carcinoma revealed by single-cell sequencing

Background/Aims

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), accounting for 75-85% of primary liver cancer cases, is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The purpose of this research was to examine the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in HCC.

Methods

We investigated the HCC TIME by integrated analysis of single-cell and bulk-tissue sequencing data to reveal the landscape of major immune cell types.

Results

Regulatory T(Treg) cells were found to be specifically distributed in the TIME of HCC. Several immune checkpoints, including TNFRSF4, TIGIT and CTLA4, were found to be uniquely overexpressed in Treg cells, and the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathway was enriched in Treg cells. We also discovered the presence of two NK-cell subsets with different cytotoxic capacities, one in an activated state with antitumor effects and another with an exhausted status. In addition, memory B cells in HCC were found to exist in a unique state, with high proliferation, low differentiation, and low activity, which was induced by overexpression of PRAP1 and activation of the MIF-CD74 axis.

Conclusions

We revealed the TIME landscape in HCC, highlighting the heterogeneity of major immune cell types and their potential mechanisms in the formation of an immunosuppressive environment. Hence, blocking the formation of the TIME could be a useful therapeutic strategy for HCC.