New Synthetic Lethality Re-Sensitizing Platinum-Refractory Cancer Cells to Cisplatin In Vitro: The Rationale to Co-Use PARP and ATM Inhibitors

BIN1 in cancer: biomarker and therapeutic target

BACKGROUND

The bridging integrator 1 (BIN1) protein was originally identified as a pro-apoptotic tumor suppressor that binds to and inhibits oncogenic MYC transcription factors. BIN1 has complex physiological functions participating in endocytosis, membrane cycling, cytoskeletal regulation, DNA repair deficiency, cell-cycle arrest, and apoptosis. The expression of BIN1 is closely related to the development of various diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, myopathy, heart failure, and inflammation.

PURPOSE

Because BIN1 is commonly expressed in terminally differentiated normal tissues and is usually undetectable in refractory or metastatic cancer tissues, this differential expression has led us to focus on human cancers associated with BIN1. In this review, we discuss the potential pathological mechanisms of BIN1 during cancer development and its feasibility as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target for related diseases based on recent findings on its molecular, cellular, and physiological roles.

CONCLUSION

BIN1 is a tumor suppressor that regulates cancer development through a series of signals in tumor progression and microenvironment. It also makes BIN1 a feasible early diagnostic or prognostic marker for cancer.

Special Issue "Cisplatin in Cancer Therapy: Molecular Mechanisms of Action 3.0"

The year 2023 marks the 45th year since FDA approval of cisplatin as an anticancer drug, and, at present, it is widely used against a spectrum of human tumors, including early-stage ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (typically developed by smokers), head and neck, and advanced bladder cancer [...].

Identification of functional pathways and molecular signatures in neuroendocrine neoplasms by multi-omics analysis

BACKGROUND

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) represent a heterogeneous class of rare tumors with increasing incidence. They are characterized by the ability to secrete peptide hormones and biogenic amines but other reliable biomarkers are lacking, making diagnosis and identification of the primary site very challenging. While in some NENs, such as the pancreatic ones, next generation sequencing technologies allowed the identification of new molecular hallmarks, our knowledge of the molecular profile of NENs from other anatomical sites is still poor.

METHODS

Starting from the concept that NENs from different organs may be clinically and genetically correlated, we applied a multi-omics approach by combining multigene panel testing, CGH-array, transcriptome and miRNome profiling and computational analyses, with the aim to highlight common molecular and functional signatures of gastroenteropancreatic (GEP)-NENs and medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTCs) that could aid diagnosis, prognosis and therapy.

RESULTS

By comparing genomic and transcriptional profiles, ATM-dependent signaling emerged among the most significant pathways at multiple levels, involving gene variations and miRNA-mediated regulation, thus representing a novel putative druggable pathway in these cancer types. Moreover, a set of circulating miRNAs was also selected as possible diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers useful for clinical management of NENs.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings depict a complex molecular and functional landscape of NENs, shedding light on novel therapeutic targets and disease biomarkers to be exploited.