KIF20A is associated with clinical prognosis and synergistic effect of gemcitabine combined with ferroptosis inducer in lung adenocarcinoma

Targeting Kinesins for Therapeutic Exploitation of Chromosomal Instability in Lung Cancer

New therapeutic approaches that antagonize tumour-promoting phenotypes in lung cancer are needed to improve patient outcomes. Chromosomal instability (CIN) is a hallmark of lung cancer characterized by the ongoing acquisition of genetic alterations that include the gain and loss of whole chromosomes or segments of chromosomes as well as chromosomal rearrangements during cell division. Although it provides genetic diversity that fuels tumour evolution and enables the acquisition of aggressive phenotypes like immune evasion, metastasis, and drug resistance, too much CIN can be lethal because it creates genetic imbalances that disrupt essential genes and induce severe proteotoxic and metabolic stress. As such, sustaining advantageous levels of CIN that are compatible with survival is a fine balance in cancer cells, and potentiating CIN to levels that exceed a tolerable threshold is a promising treatment strategy for inherently unstable tumours like lung cancer. Kinesins are a superfamily of motor proteins with many members having functions in mitosis that are critical for the correct segregation of chromosomes and, consequently, maintaining genomic integrity. Accordingly, inhibition of such kinesins has been shown to exacerbate CIN. Therefore, inhibiting mitotic kinesins represents a promising strategy for amplifying CIN to lethal levels in vulnerable cancer cells. In this review, we describe the concept of CIN as a therapeutic vulnerability and comprehensively summarize studies reporting the clinical and functional relevance of kinesins in lung cancer, with the goal of outlining how kinesin inhibition, or "targeting kinesins", holds great potential as an effective strategy for treating lung cancer.

Targeting ferroptosis: the role of non-coding RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma progression and therapy

One of the most common tumors is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the prognosis for late-stage HCC is still not good. It is anticipated that improved outcomes would result from a deeper comprehension of the pathophysiology of HCC. Ferroptosis as a new discovered cell death type is linked to the progression of HCC and may be crucial for its detection, prevention, therapy, and prognosis. Numerous studies suggest that epigenetic alterations mediated by non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) might influence cancer cell susceptibility to ferroptosis. This study elucidates the processes of ferroptosis and delineates the paths by which ncRNAs influence HCC by modulating ferroptosis. Furthermore, it offers significant insights into ferroptosis-associated ncRNAs, intending to discover novel therapeutic approaches for HCC. It also explores innovative concepts for the future use of ncRNA-based ferroptosis-targeted therapeutics.

Ferroptosis, a therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer

The identification of ferroptosis represents a pivotal advancement in the field of cell death research, revealing an entirely novel mechanism of cellular demise and offering new insights into the initiation, progression, and therapeutic management of various diseases. Ferroptosis is predominantly induced by intracellular iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation, or impairments in the antioxidant defense system, culminating in membrane rupture and consequent cell death. Studies have associated ferroptosis with a wide range of diseases, and by enhancing our comprehension of its underlying mechanisms, we can formulate innovative therapeutic strategies, thereby providing renewed hope for patients.

Ferroptosis: mechanisms and therapeutic targets

Ferroptosis is a nonapoptotic form of cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation in membrane phospholipids. Since its identification in 2012, extensive research has unveiled its involvement in the pathophysiology of numerous diseases, including cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, organ injuries, infectious diseases, autoimmune conditions, metabolic disorders, and skin diseases. Oxidizable lipids, overload iron, and compromised antioxidant systems are known as critical prerequisites for driving overwhelming lipid peroxidation, ultimately leading to plasma membrane rupture and ferroptotic cell death. However, the precise regulatory networks governing ferroptosis and ferroptosis-targeted therapy in these diseases remain largely undefined, hindering the development of pharmacological agonists and antagonists. In this review, we first elucidate core mechanisms of ferroptosis and summarize its epigenetic modifications (e.g., histone modifications, DNA methylation, noncoding RNAs, and N6-methyladenosine modification) and nonepigenetic modifications (e.g., genetic mutations, transcriptional regulation, and posttranslational modifications). We then discuss the association between ferroptosis and disease pathogenesis and explore therapeutic approaches for targeting ferroptosis. We also introduce potential clinical monitoring strategies for ferroptosis. Finally, we put forward several unresolved issues in which progress is needed to better understand ferroptosis. We hope this review will offer promise for the clinical application of ferroptosis-targeted therapies in the context of human health and disease.

Integrated multi-level omics profiling of disulfidptosis identifis SPAG4 as an innovative immunotherapeutic target in glioblastoma

Objective

To investigate the association between disulfidptosis-related genes (DFRGs) and patient prognosis, while concurrently identifying potential therapeutic targets in glioblastoma (GBM).

Methods

We retrieved RNA sequencing data and clinical characteristics of GBM patients from the TCGA database. We found there was a total of 6 distinct clusters in GBM, which was identified by the t-SNE and UMAP dimension reduction analysis. Prognostically significant genes in GBM were identified using the limma package, coupled with univariate Cox regression analysis. Machine learning algorithms were then applied to identify central genes. The CIBERSORT algorithm was utilized to assess the immunological landscape across different GBM subtypes. In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to investigate the role of SPAG4 in regulating the proliferation, invasion of GBM, and its effects within the immune microenvironment.

Results

23 genes, termed DFRGs, were successfully identified, demonstrating substantial potential for establishing a prognostic model for GBM. Single cell analysis revealed a significant correlation between DFRGs and the progression of GBM. Utilizing individual risk scores derived from this model enabled the stratification of patients into two distinct risk groups, revealing significant variations in immune infiltration patterns and responses to immunotherapy. Utilizing the random survival forests algorithm, SPAG4 was identified as the gene with the highest prognostic significance within our model. In vitro studies have elucidated SPAG4's significant role in GBM pathogenesis, potentially through the regulation of fatty acid metabolism pathways. Our in vivo investigations using a subcutaneous xenograft model have confirmed SPAG4's influence on tumor growth and its capacity to modulate the immune microenvironment. Advanced research hints that SPAG4 might achieve immune evasion by increasing CD47 expression, consequently reducing phagocytosis.

Conclusions

These findings highlight SPAG4 as a potential GBM therapeutic target and emphasize the complexity of the immune microenvironment in GBM progression.

Exploring MPC1 as a potential ferroptosis-linked biomarker in the cervical cancer tumor microenvironment: a comprehensive analysis

BACKGROUND

The increasing problems of drug and radiotherapy resistance in cervical cancer underscores the need for novel methods for its management. Reports indicate that the expression of MPC1 may be associated with the tumor microenvironment and the occurrence of ferroptosis in cervical cancer. The objective of this study was to visually illustrate the prognostic significance and immunological characterization of MPC1 in cervical cancer.

METHODS

The expression profile and prognostic significance of MPC1 were analyzed using various databases, including UALCAN, TIMER2, GEPIA2, and Kaplan-Meier Plotter. TISIDB, TIMER2, and immunohistochemical analysis were used to investigate the correlation between MPC1 expression and immune infiltration. GO enrichment analysis, KEGG analysis, Reactome analysis, ConsensusPathDB, and GeneMANIA were used to visualize the functional enrichment of MPC1 and signaling pathways related to MPC1. The correlation analysis was carried out to examine the relationship between MPC1 and Ferroptosis gene in TIMER 2.0, ncFO, GEPIA Database and Kaplan-Meier Plotter.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that the expression levels of MPC1 in cervical cancer tissues were lower than those in normal cervical tissues. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed shorter overall survival in cervical cancer patients with low levels of MPC1 expression. The expression of MPC1 was related to the infiltrating levels of tumor-infiltrating immune cells in cervical cancer. Moreover, MPC1 expression was associated with the iron-mediated cell death pathway, and several important ferroptosis genes were upregulated in cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, after knocking down MPC1 in HeLa cells, the expression of these genes decreased.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that MPC1 functions as a prognostic indicator and plays a role in the regulation of the ferroptosis pathway in cervical cancer.

Emerging role of tumor microenvironmental nutrients and metabolic molecules in ferroptosis: Mechanisms and clinical implications

In recent years, ferroptosis has gradually attracted increasing attention because of its important role in tumors. Ferroptosis resistance is an important cause of tumor metastasis, recurrence and drug resistance. Exploring the initiating factors and specific mechanisms of ferroptosis has become a key strategy to block tumor progression and improve drug sensitivity. As the external space in direct contact with tumor cells, the tumor microenvironment has a great impact on the biological function of tumor cells. The relationships between abnormal environmental characteristics (hypoxia, lactic acid accumulation, etc.) in the microenvironment and ferroptosis of tumor cells has not been fully characterized. This review focuses on the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment and summarizes the mechanisms of ferroptosis under different environmental factors, aiming to provide new insights for subsequent targeted therapy. Moreover, considering the presence of anticancer drugs in the microenvironment, we further summarize the mechanisms of ferroptosis to provide new strategies for the sensitization of tumor cells to drugs.

GINS2 regulates temozolomide chemosensitivity via the EGR1/ECT2 axis in gliomas

Temozolomide (TMZ), a DNA alkylating agent, has become the primary treatment for glioma, the most common malignancy of the central nervous system. Although TMZ-containing regimens produce significant clinical response rates, some patients inevitably suffer from inferior treatment outcomes or disease relapse, likely because of poor chemosensitivity of glioma cells due to a robust DNA damage response (DDR). GINS2, a subunit of DNA helicase, contributes to maintaining genomic stability and is highly expressed in various cancers, promoting their development. Here, we report that GINS2 was upregulated in TMZ-treated glioma cells and co-localized with γH2AX, indicating its participation in TMZ-induced DDR. Furthermore, GINS2 regulated the malignant phenotype and TMZ sensitivity of glioma cells, mostly by promoting DNA damage repair by affecting the mRNA stability of early growth response factor 1 (EGR1), which in turn regulates the transcription of epithelial cell-transforming sequence 2 (ECT2). We constructed a GINS2-EGR1-ECT2 prognostic model, which accurately predicted patient survival. Further, we screened Palbociclib/BIX-02189 which dampens GINS2 expression and synergistically inhibits glioma cell proliferation with TMZ. These findings delineate a novel mechanism by which GINS2 regulates the TMZ sensitivity of glioma cells and propose a promising combination therapy to treat glioma.

Ferroptosis in cancer: From molecular mechanisms to therapeutic strategies

Ferroptosis is a non-apoptotic form of regulated cell death characterized by the lethal accumulation of iron-dependent membrane-localized lipid peroxides. It acts as an innate tumor suppressor mechanism and participates in the biological processes of tumors. Intriguingly, mesenchymal and dedifferentiated cancer cells, which are usually resistant to apoptosis and traditional therapies, are exquisitely vulnerable to ferroptosis, further underscoring its potential as a treatment approach for cancers, especially for refractory cancers. However, the impact of ferroptosis on cancer extends beyond its direct cytotoxic effect on tumor cells. Ferroptosis induction not only inhibits cancer but also promotes cancer development due to its potential negative impact on anticancer immunity. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the role of ferroptosis in cancer is crucial for the successful translation of ferroptosis therapy from the laboratory to clinical applications. In this review, we provide an overview of the recent advancements in understanding ferroptosis in cancer, covering molecular mechanisms, biological functions, regulatory pathways, and interactions with the tumor microenvironment. We also summarize the potential applications of ferroptosis induction in immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and systemic therapy, as well as ferroptosis inhibition for cancer treatment in various conditions. We finally discuss ferroptosis markers, the current challenges and future directions of ferroptosis in the treatment of cancer.

BDH1-mediated LRRC31 regulation dependent on histone lysine β-hydroxybutyrylation to promote lung adenocarcinoma progression

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common form of lung cancer, with a consistently low 5-year survival rate. Therefore, we aim to identify key genes involved in LUAD progression to pave the way for targeted therapies in the future. BDH1 plays a critical role in the conversion between acetoacetate and β-hydroxybutyrate. The presence of β-hydroxybutyrate is essential for initiating lysine β-hydroxybutyrylation (Kbhb) modifications. Histone Kbhb at the H3K9 site is attributed to transcriptional activation. We unveiled that β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase 1 (BDH1) is not only conspicuously overexpressed in LUAD, but it also modulates the overall intracellular Kbhb modification levels. The RNA sequencing analysis revealed leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 31 (LRRC31) as a downstream target gene regulated by BDH1. Ecologically expressed BDH1 hinders the accumulation of H3K9bhb in the transcription start site of LRRC31, consequently repressing the transcriptional expression of LRRC31. Furthermore, we identified potential BDH1 inhibitors, namely pimozide and crizotinib, which exhibit a synergistic inhibitory effect on the proliferation of LUAD cells exhibiting high expression of BDH1. In summary, this study elucidates the molecular mechanism by which BDH1 mediates LUAD progression through the H3K9bhb/LRRC31 axis and proposes a therapeutic strategy targeting BDH1-high-expressing LUAD, providing a fresh perspective for LUAD treatment.

Regulation of Ferroptosis in Lung Adenocarcinoma

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common lung cancer, which accounts for about 35-40% of all lung cancer patients. Despite therapeutic advancements in recent years, the overall survival time of LUAD patients still remains poor, especially KRAS mutant LUAD. Therefore, it is necessary to further explore novel targets and drugs to improve the prognos is for LUAD. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent regulated cell death (RCD) caused by lipid peroxidation, has attracted much attention recently as an alternative target for apoptosis in LUAD therapy. Ferroptosis has been found to be closely related to LUAD at every stage, including initiation, proliferation, and progression. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive overview of ferroptosis mechanisms, its regulation in LUAD, and the application of targeting ferroptosis for LUAD therapy.

KIF20A is a Prognostic Marker for Female Patients with Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer and Receiving Tamoxifen as Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy

Purpose

Our aim was to verify whether KIF20A has the potential to serve as a prognostic marker for female patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer (BC) and treated with tamoxifen (TAM).

Patients and Methods

Online tools were used to investigate the potential correlation between KIF20A gene expression and survival of patients with ER-positive BC and TAM treatment. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was conducted to assess the expression levels of KIF20A in patients included from our center. The prognostic value of KIF20A for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) was further evaluated using Cox regression analysis.

Results

According to the results obtained from online tools, it was found that patients with low KIF20A expression exhibited significantly better survival outcomes in terms of relapse-free survival (RFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and OS compared to those with high KIF20A expression (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.008, respectively). Additionally, significantly lower gene expression of KIF20A was found in patients who responded to TAM than in those who did not respond to TAM (P < 0.001). We further included 203 patients with adjuvant TAM therapy, and IHC for KIF20A was performed on sections from paraffin-embedded blocks. Patients with low KIF20A expression had significantly better DFS and OS (P = 0.001 and 0.002, respectively, log rank test), and the expression of KIF20A was identified as an independent factor for predicting both DFS and OS (P = 0.001 and 0.008, respectively).

Conclusion

KIF20A expression is an independent prognostic factor for survival in patients with ER-positive BC who received adjuvant TAM therapy. In clinical practice, IHC evaluation of KIF20A expression in surgical samples before administering tamoxifen may assist in predicting the treatment outcomes of these patients.

The dual role of ferroptosis in anthracycline-based chemotherapy includes reducing resistance and increasing toxicity

In conjunction with previous studies, we have noted that ferroptosis, as an emerging mode of regulated cell death (RCD), is intimately related to anthracycline pharmacotherapy. Not only does ferroptosis significantly modulate tumour resistance and drug toxicity, which are core links of the relevant chemotherapeutic process, but it also appears to play a conflicting role that has yet to be appreciated. By targeting the dual role of ferroptosis in anthracycline-based chemotherapy, this review aims to focus on the latest findings at this stage, identify the potential associations and provide novel perspectives for subsequent research directions and therapeutic strategies.