The Role of ERα and ERβ in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer and Current Therapeutic Approaches

Tracing the Evolution of Sex Hormones and Receptor-Mediated Immune Microenvironmental Differences in Prostate and Bladder Cancers: From Embryonic Development to Disease

The bladder and prostate originate from the urogenital sinus. However, bladder cancer (BC) is usually classified as an immune "hot" tumor, whereas prostate cancer (PCa) is deemed as an immune "cold" tumor according to the tumor microenvironment (TME) and clinical outcomes. To investigate the immune differences between BC and PCa, studies are compared focusing on immune regulation mediated by sex hormones and receptors to identify key genes and pathways responsible for the immune differences. From a developmental perspective, it is shown that PCa and BC activate genes and pathways similar to those in the developmental stage. During prostate development, the differential expression and function of the androgen receptor (AR) across cell types may contribute to its dual role in promoting and inhibiting immunity in different cells. Androgen deprivation therapy affects AR function in different cells within the TME, influencing immune cell infiltration and antitumor function. Additionally, estrogenα and estrogenβ exert contrasting effects in PCa and BC, which may hold the potential for modifying the "cold" and "hot" tumor phenotypes. Future research should target key genes and pathways involved in bladder development to clarify the immune regulatory similarities and differences between BC and PCa.

Unleashing the potential of Genistein and its derivatives as effective therapeutic agents for breast cancer treatment

Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Genistein (Gen), a phytoestrogen soy isoflavone, has emerged as a promising agent in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer due to its ability to function as a natural selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). This review explores the multifaceted mechanisms through which Gen and its derivatives exert their anticancer effects, including modulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, regulation of apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, and impacts on DNA methylation and enzyme functions. We discuss the dual roles of Gen in both enhancing and inhibiting estrogen receptor (ER)-dependent pathways., highlighting its complex interactions with ERα and ERβ. Furthermore, the review examines the synergistic effect of combining Gen with conventional chemotherapeutic agents such as doxorubicin, cisplatin, and selenium, as well as other natural compounds like lycopene. Clinical studies suggest that while isoflavones may not significantly influence breast cancer progression in general, the high consumption of soy isoflavones is associated with reduced recurrence rates in breast cancer survivors. Importantly, Gen's ability to modulate key signaling pathways and enhance the efficacy of existing treatments improves its potential as a valuable adjunct in breast cancer therapy. In conclusion, Gen and its derivatives offer a novel and promising approach for treatment of breast cancer. Continued research into their mechanisms of action and clinical applications will be essential in optimizing their therapeutic potential and translating these findings into effective clinical interventions.

Atractylenolide I ameliorated the growth and enzalutamide resistance of castration-resistant prostate cancer by targeting KIF15

BACKGROUND

Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) has been a major cause of tumor-associated death among men worldwide. The discovery of novel therapeutic medicines for CRPC remains imperative. Atractylenolide I (ATR-I), a prominent bioactive component from Atractylodes macrocephala, exhibits powerful anticancer potentials in various malignancies. Nevertheless, the ATR-I's activity on CRPC has not been reported.

METHODS

An enzalutamide-resistant (EnzR) cell line was successfully constructed. CCK-8, EdU, wound healing, Transwell assays, flow cytometry, and xenograft tumor models were applied to investigate the antitumor activity of ATR-I against CRPC. The changes in the gene expression profiles after ATR-I treatment were analyzed using RNA sequencing.

RESULTS

ATR-I suppressed the proliferative and migratory abilities of AR+ and AR- CRPC cells, while triggering cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. ATR-I also exerted anti-cancer activity on EnzR cell lines. Intriguingly, a combination of ATR-I with enzalutamide synergistically induced more apoptosis of tumor cells. RNA-sequencing identified kinesin family member 15 (KIF15) as a potential target of ATR-I. KIF15 was up-regulated in prostate cancer (PCa), and its higher level was associated with poorer clinical outcomes. Further investigation showed that ATR-I mediated ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation of AR/AR-V7 through targeting KIF15, resulting in CRPC repression. Finally, our in vivo experiment verified that ATR-I alone or in combination with enzalutamide retarded the growth of EnzR xenograft tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings identified ATR-I as a promising therapeutic drug for overcoming enzalutamide resistance in CRPC patients and increased our understanding about its antitumor mechanisms.

Reduction of Prostate Cancer Risk: Role of Frequent Ejaculation-Associated Mechanisms

Prostate cancer (PCa) accounts for roughly 15% of diagnosed cancers among men, with disease incidence increasing worldwide. Age, family history and ethnicity, diet, physical activity, and chemoprevention all play a role in reducing PCa risk. The prostate is an exocrine gland that is characterized by its multi-functionality, being involved in reproductive aspects such as male ejaculation and orgasmic ecstasy, as well as playing key roles in the regulation of local and systemic concentrations of 5α-dihydrotestosterone. The increase in androgen receptors at the ventral prostate is the first elevated response induced by copulation. The regulation of prostate growth and function is mediated by an androgen-dependent mechanism. Binding 5-DHT to androgen receptors (AR) results in the formation of a 5α-DHT:AR complex. The interaction of the 5α-DHT:AR complex with the specific DNA enhancer element of androgen-regulated genes leads to the regulation of androgen-specific target genes to maintain prostate homeostasis. Consequently, ejaculation may play a significant role in the reduction of PCa risk. Thus, frequent ejaculation in the absence of risky sexual behavior is a possible approach for the prevention of PCa. In this review, we provide an insight into possible mechanisms regulating the impact of frequent ejaculation on reducing PCa risk.

Transcription factors and hormone receptors: Sex‑specific targets for cancer therapy (Review)

Despite advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, cancer continues to pose a challenge to disease-free longevity in humans. Numerous factors contribute to the onset and progression of cancer, among which sex differences, as an intrinsic biological condition, warrant further attention. The present review summarizes the roles of hormone receptors estrogen receptor α (ERα), estrogen receptor β (ERβ) and androgen receptor (AR) in seven types of cancer: Breast, prostate, ovarian, lung, gastric, colon and liver cancer. Key cancer-related transcription factors known to be activated through interactions with these hormone receptors have also been discussed. To assess the impact of sex hormone receptors on different cancer types, hormone-related transcription factors were analyzed using the SignaLink 3.0 database. Further analysis focused on six key transcription factors: CCCTC-binding factor, forkhead box A1, retinoic acid receptor α, PBX homeobox 1, GATA binding protein 2 and CDK inhibitor 1A. The present review demonstrates that these transcription factors significantly influence hormone receptor activity across various types of cancer, and elucidates the complex interactions between these transcription factors and hormone receptors, offering new insights into their roles in cancer progression. The findings suggest that targeting these common transcription factors could improve the efficacy of hormone therapy and provide a unified approach to treating various types of cancer. Understanding the dual and context-dependent roles of these transcription factors deepens the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying hormone-driven tumor progression and could lead to more effective targeted therapeutic strategies.

Management of Patients with Advanced Prostate Cancer. Report from the 2024 Advanced Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference (APCCC)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Innovations have improved outcomes in advanced prostate cancer (PC). Nonetheless, we continue to lack high-level evidence on a variety of topics that greatly impact daily practice. The 2024 Advanced Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference (APCCC) surveyed experts on key questions in clinical management in order to supplement evidence-based guidelines. Here we present voting results for questions from APCCC 2024.

METHODS

Before the conference, a panel of 120 international PC experts used a modified Delphi process to develop 183 multiple-choice consensus questions on eight different topics. Before the conference, these questions were administered via a web-based survey to the voting panel members ("panellists").

KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS

Consensus was a priori defined as ≥75% agreement, with strong consensus defined as ≥90% agreement. The voting results show varying degrees of consensus, as discussed in this article and detailed in the Supplementary material. These findings do not include a formal literature review or meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The voting results can help physicians and patients navigate controversial areas of clinical management for which high-level evidence is scant or conflicting. The findings can also help funders and policymakers in prioritising areas for future research. Diagnostic and treatment decisions should always be individualised on the basis of patient and cancer characteristics, and should incorporate current and emerging clinical evidence, guidelines, and logistic and economic factors. Enrolment in clinical trials is always strongly encouraged. Importantly, APCCC 2024 once again identified important gaps (areas of nonconsensus) that merit evaluation in specifically designed trials.

Androgen receptor and estrogen receptor variants in prostate and breast cancers

The androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) are steroid receptor transcription factors with critical roles in the development and progression of prostate and breast cancers. Advances in the understanding of mechanisms underlying the ligand-dependent activation of these transcription factors have contributed to the development of small molecule inhibitors that block AR and ERα actions. These inhibitors include competitive antagonists and degraders that directly bind the ligand binding domains of these receptors, luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) analogs that suppress gonadal synthesis of testosterone or estrogen, and drugs that block specific enzymes required for biosynthesis of testosterone or estrogen. However, resistance to these therapies is frequent, and is often driven by selection for tumor cells with alterations in the AR or ESR1 genes and/or alternatively spliced AR or ESR1 mRNAs that encode variant forms AR or ERα. While most investigations involving AR have been within the context of prostate cancer, and the majority of investigations involving ERα have been within the context of breast cancer, important roles for AR have been elucidated in breast cancer, and important roles for ERα have been elucidated in prostate cancer. Here, we will discuss the roles of AR and ERα in breast and prostate cancers, outline the effects of gene- and mRNA-level alterations in AR and ESR1 on progression of these diseases, and identify strategies that are being developed to target these alterations therapeutically.

Therapeutic targets of formononetin for treating prostate cancer at the single-cell level

Prostate cancer is one of the serious health problems of older male, about 13% of male was affected by prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is highly heterogeneity disease with complex molecular and genetic alterations. So, targeting the gene candidates in prostate cancer in single-cell level can be a promising approach for treating prostate cancer. In the present study, we analyzed the single cell sequencing data obtained from 2 previous reports to determine the differential gene expression of prostate cancer in single-cell level. By using the network pharmacology analysis, we identified the therapeutic targets of formononetin in immune cells and tissue cells of prostate cancer. We then applied molecular docking to determine the possible direct binding of formononetin to its target proteins. Our result identified a cluster of differential gene expression in prostate cancer which can serve as novel biomarkers such as immunoglobulin kappa C for prostate cancer prognosis. The result of network pharmacology delineated the roles of formononetin's targets such CD74 and THBS1 in immune cells' function of prostate cancer. Also, formononetin targeted insulin receptor and zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein which play important roles in metabolisms of tissue cells of prostate cancer. The result of molecular docking suggested the direct binding of formononetin to its target proteins including INSR, TNF, and CXCR4. Finally, we validated our findings by using formononetin-treated human prostate cancer cell DU145. For the first time, our result suggested the use of formononetin for treating prostate cancer through targeting different cell types in a single-cell level.

Optimization of Electrochemical Sensitivity in Anticancer Drug Quantification through ZnS@CNS Nanosheets: Synthesis via Accelerated Sonochemical Methodology

Zinc sulfide/graphitic Carbon Nitride binary nanosheets were synthesized by using a novel sonochemical pathway with high electrocatalytic ability. The as- obtained samples were characterized by various analytical methods such as Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to evaluate the properties of ZnS@CNS synthesized by this new route. Subsequently, the electrical and electrochemical performance of the proposed electrodes were characterized by using EIS and CV to establish an electroactive ability of the nanocomposites. The complete properties like structural and physical of ZnS@CNS were analyzed. As-prepared binary nanocomposite was applied towards the detection of anticancer drug (flutamide) by various electrochemical methods such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and amperometry. The glassy carbon electrode modified with a ZnS@CNS composite demonstrates a remarkable electrocatalytic efficiency for detecting flutamide in a pH 7.0 (PBS). The composite modified electrode shows synergistic effect of ZnS and CNS catalyst. The electrochemical sensing performance of the linear range was improved significantly due to high electroactive sites and rapid electron transport pathways. Crucially, the electrochemical method was successfully demonstrated in biological fluids which reveals its potential real-time applicability in the analysis of drug.

Estrogen Receptor Alpha Mutations, Truncations, Heterodimers, and Therapies

Annual breast cancer (BCa) deaths have declined since its apex in 1989 concomitant with widespread adoption of hormone therapies that target estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), the prominent nuclear receptor expressed in ∼80% of BCa. However, up to ∼50% of patients who are ER+ with high-risk disease experience post endocrine therapy relapse and metastasis to distant organs. The vast majority of BCa mortality occurs in this setting, highlighting the inadequacy of current therapies. Genomic abnormalities to ESR1, the gene encoding ERα, emerge under prolonged selective pressure to enable endocrine therapy resistance. These genetic lesions include focal gene amplifications, hotspot missense mutations in the ligand binding domain, truncations, fusions, and complex interactions with other nuclear receptors. Tumor cells utilize aberrant ERα activity to proliferate, spread, and evade therapy in BCa as well as other cancers. Cutting edge studies on ERα structural and transcriptional relationships are being harnessed to produce new therapies that have shown benefits in patients with ESR1 hotspot mutations. In this review we discuss the history of ERα, current research unlocking unknown aspects of ERα signaling including the structural basis for receptor antagonism, and future directions of ESR1 investigation. In addition, we discuss the development of endocrine therapies from their inception to present day and survey new avenues of drug development to improve pharmaceutical profiles, targeting, and efficacy.

Increased Age-Adjusted Cancer Mortality After the Third mRNA-Lipid Nanoparticle Vaccine Dose During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan

During the COVID-19 pandemic, excess deaths including cancer have become a concern in Japan, which has a rapidly aging population. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate how age-adjusted mortality rates (AMRs) for different types of cancer in Japan changed during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022). Official statistics from Japan were used to compare observed annual and monthly AMRs with predicted rates based on pre-pandemic (2010-2019) figures using logistic regression analysis. No significant excess mortality was observed during the first year of the pandemic (2020). However, some excess cancer mortalities were observed in 2021 after mass vaccination with the first and second vaccine doses, and significant excess mortalities were observed for all cancers and some specific types of cancer (including ovarian cancer, leukemia, prostate cancer, lip/oral/pharyngeal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and breast cancer) after mass vaccination with the third dose in 2022. AMRs for the four cancers with the most deaths (lung, colorectal, stomach, and liver) showed a decreasing trend until the first year of the pandemic in 2020, but the rate of decrease slowed in 2021 and 2022. This study discusses possible explanations for these increases in age-adjusted cancer mortality rates.