Functional Roles of JNK and p38 MAPK Signaling in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

The Janus face of HIF-1α in ischemic stroke and the possible associated pathways

Stroke is the most devastating disease, causing paralysis and eventually death. Many clinical and experimental trials have been done in search of a new safe and efficient medicine; nevertheless, scientists have yet to discover successful remedies that are also free of adverse effects. This is owing to the variability in intensity, localization, medication routes, and each patient's immune system reaction. HIF-1α represents the modern tool employed to treat stroke diseases due to its functions: downstream genes such as glucose metabolism, angiogenesis, erythropoiesis, and cell survival. Its role can be achieved via two downstream EPO and VEGF strongly related to apoptosis and antioxidant processes. Recently, scientists paid more attention to drugs dealing with the HIF-1 pathway. This review focuses on medicines used for ischemia treatment and their potential HIF-1α pathways. Furthermore, we discussed the interaction between HIF-1α and other biological pathways such as oxidative stress; however, a spotlight has been focused on certain potential signalling contributed to the HIF-1α pathway. HIF-1α is an essential regulator of oxygen balance within cells which affects and controls the expression of thousands of genes related to sustaining homeostasis as oxygen levels fluctuate. HIF-1α's role in ischemic stroke strongly depends on the duration and severity of brain damage after onset. HIF-1α remains difficult to investigate, particularly in ischemic stroke, due to alterations in the acute and chronic phases of the disease, as well as discrepancies between the penumbra and ischemic core. This review emphasizes these contrasts and analyzes the future of this intriguing and demanding field.

Ononin: A comprehensive review of anticancer potential of natural isoflavone glycoside

Cancer is one of the major causes of death worldwide, with more than 10 million deaths annually. Despite tremendous advances in the health sciences, cancer continues to be a substantial global contributor to mortality. The current treatment methods demand a paradigm shift that not only improves therapeutic efficacy but also minimizes the side effects of conventional medications. Recently, an increased interest in the potential of natural bioactive compounds in the treatment of several types of cancer has been observed. Ononin, also referred to as formononetin-7-O-β-d-glucoside, is a natural isoflavone glycoside, derived from the roots, stems, and rhizomes of various plants. It exhibits a variety of pharmacological effects, including Antiangiogenic, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and antimetastatic activities. The current review presents a thorough overview of sources, chemistry, pharmacokinetics, and the role of ononin in affecting various mechanisms involved in cancer. The review also discusses potential synergistic interactions with other compounds and therapies. The combined synergistic effect of ononin with other compounds increased the efficacy of treatment methods. Finally, the safety studies, comprising both in vitro and in vivo assessments of ononin's anticancer activities, are described.

Eicosanoid signaling in neuroinflammation associated with Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative condition affecting a substantial portion of the global population. It is marked by a complex interplay of factors, including the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles within the brain, leading to neuroinflammation and neuronal damage. Recent studies have underscored the role of free lipids and their derivatives in the initiation and progression of AD. Eicosanoids, metabolites of polyunsaturated fatty acids like arachidonic acid (AA), emerge as key players in this scenario. Remarkably, eicosanoids can either promote or inhibit the development of AD, and this multifaceted role is determined by how eicosanoid signaling influences the immune responses within the brain. However, the precise molecular mechanisms dictating the dual role of eicosanoids in AD remain elusive. In this comprehensive review, we explore the intricate involvement of eicosanoids in neuronal function and dysfunction. Furthermore, we assess the therapeutic potential of targeting eicosanoid signaling pathways as a viable strategy for mitigating or halting the progression of AD.

A retrospective analysis of the clinicopathological features and prognostic value of MAPK12 protein expression in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

PURPOSE

Mitogen-activated protein kinase 12 (MAPK12), also known as p38γ, is a member of the p38 MAPK family and plays a crucial role in tumor occurrence and invasion. However, there is still uncertainty regarding MAPK12 involvement in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

METHODS

Our study investigated the expression of MAPK12 mRNA in various types of cancer using bioinformatic analysis. Furthermore, we performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect the expression of MAPK12 in patients with DLBCL and compared clinical indicators and survival rates.

RESULTS

We found that the high expression rate of MAPK12 was 43.1% in DLBCL patients. Several clinical indicators, including IPI scores, Hans classifications, LDH levels, and Ki-67 expression were closely associated with MAPK12 expression. Survival analysis revealed that higher expression of MAPK12 was significantly correlated with shorter progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in DLBCL patients. In addition, both univariate and multivariate analyses revealed IPI score, MAPK12 expression, and rituximab use as the independent OS risk factors (P < 0.05). To explore the functional role of MAPK12 in DLBCL, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and gene ontology (GO) were used to confirm the involvement of MAPK12 in the regulation of type II interferon production, positive regulation of lymphocyte proliferation, and other related biological processes.

CONCLUSION

DLBCL patients have poor prognoses when MAPK12 levels are high, which is expected to be a therapeutic target and prognostic factor.

High-Temperature-Induced Differential Expression of miRNA Mediates Liver Inflammatory Response in Tsinling Lenok Trout (Brachymystax lenok tsinlingensis)

High-temperature stress poses a significant environmental challenge for aquatic organisms, including tsinling lenok trout (Brachymystax lenok tsinlingensis). This study aimed to investigate the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in inducing liver inflammation in tsinling lenok trout under high-temperature stress. Tsinling lenok trout were exposed to high-temperature conditions (24 °C) for 8 h, and liver samples were collected for analysis. Through small RNA sequencing, we identified differentially expressed miRNAs in the liver of high-temperature-stressed tsinling lenok trout compared to the control group (maintained at 16 °C). Several miRNAs, including novel-m0105-5p and miR-8159-x, showed significant changes in expression levels. Additionally, we conducted bioinformatics analysis to explore the potential target genes of these differentially expressed miRNAs. Our findings revealed that these miRNA target genes are involved in inflammatory response pathways, such as NFKB1 and MAP3K5. The downregulation of novel-m0105-5p and miR-8159-x in the liver of high-temperature-stressed tsinling lenok trout suggests their role in regulating liver inflammatory responses. To validate this, we performed a dual-luciferase reporter assay to confirm the regulatory relationship between miRNAs and target genes. Our results demonstrated that novel-m0105-5p and miR-8159-x enhance the inflammatory response of hepatocytes by promoting the expression of NFKB1 and MAP3K5, respectively. In conclusion, our study provides evidence that high-temperature stress induces liver inflammation in tsinling lenok trout through dysregulation of miRNAs. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the inflammatory response in tsinling lenok trout under high-temperature stress is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of environmental stressors on fish health and aquaculture production.

NRAS Mutant Dictates AHCYL1-Governed ER Calcium Homeostasis for Melanoma Tumor Growth

Calcium homeostasis is critical for cell proliferation, and emerging evidence shows that cancer cells exhibit altered calcium signals to fulfill their need for proliferation. However, it remains unclear whether there are oncogene-specific calcium homeostasis regulations that can expose novel therapeutic targets. Here, from RNAi screen, we report that adenosylhomocysteinase like protein 1 (AHCYL1), a suppressor of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium channel protein inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP3R), is selectively upregulated and critical for cell proliferation and tumor growth potential of human NRAS-mutated melanoma, but not for melanoma expressing BRAF V600E. Mechanistically, AHCYL1 deficiency results in decreased ER calcium levels, activates the unfolded protein response (UPR), and triggers downstream apoptosis. In addition, we show that AHCYL1 transcription is regulated by activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) in NRAS-mutated melanoma. Our work provides evidence for oncogene-specific calcium regulations and suggests AHCYL1 as a novel therapeutic target for RAS mutant-expressing human cancers, including melanoma.

IMPLICATIONS

Our findings suggest that targeting the AHCYL1-IP3R axis presents a novel therapeutic approach for NRAS-mutated melanomas, with potential applicability to all cancers harboring RAS mutations, such as KRAS-mutated human colorectal cancers.

Expression profile of mRNAs and miRNAs related to mitogen-activated kinases in HaCaT cell culture treated with lipopolysaccharide a and adalimumab

Studies indicate that mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) exhibit activation and overexpression within psoriatic lesions. This study aimed to investigate alterations in the expression patterns of genes encoding MAPKs and microRNA (miRNA) molecules that potentially regulate their expression in human adult low-calcium high-temperature (HaCaT) keratinocytes when exposed to bacterial lipopolysaccharide A (LPS) and adalimumab. HaCaT cells underwent treatment with 1 µg/mL LPS for 8 hours, followed by treatment with 8 µg/mL adalimumab for 2, 8, or 24 hours. Untreated cells served as controls. The molecular analysis involved microarray, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RTqPCR), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analyses. Changes in the expression profile of seven mRNAs: dual specificity phosphatase 1 (DUSP1), dual specificity phosphatase 3 (DUSP3), dual specificity phosphatase 4 (DUSP4), mitogen-activated protein kinase 9 (MAPK9), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 2 (MAP3K2), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 2 (MAP2K2), and MAP kinase-activated protein kinase 2 (MAPKAPK2, also known as MK2) in cell culture exposed to LPS or LPS and the drug compared to the control. It was noted that miR-34a may potentially regulate the activity of DUSP1, DUSP3, and DUSP4, while miR-1275 is implicated in regulating MAPK9 expression. Additionally, miR-382 and miR-3188 are potential regulators of DUSP4 levels, and miR-200-5p is involved in regulating MAPKAPK2 and MAP3K2 levels. Thus, the analysis showed that these mRNA molecules and the proteins and miRNAs they encode appear to be useful molecular markers for monitoring the efficacy of adalimumab therapy.

Stress-Activated Protein Kinases in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: Unraveling the Impact of JNK and p38 MAPK

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a major cause of lower back pain. The pathophysiological development of IDD is closely related to the stimulation of various stressors, including proinflammatory cytokines, abnormal mechanical stress, oxidative stress, metabolic abnormalities, and DNA damage, among others. These factors prevent normal intervertebral disc (IVD) development, reduce the number of IVD cells, and induce senescence and apoptosis. Stress-activated protein kinases (SAPKs), particularly, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), control cell signaling in response to cellular stress. Previous studies have shown that these proteins are highly expressed in degenerated IVD tissues and are involved in complex biological signal-regulated processes. Therefore, we summarize the research reports on IDD related to JNK and p38 MAPK. Their structure, function, and signal regulation mechanisms are comprehensively and systematically described and potential therapeutic targets are proposed. This work could provide a reference for future research and help improve molecular therapeutic strategies for IDD.

CDKN1A regulation on chondrogenic differentiation of human chondrocytes in osteoarthritis through single-cell and bulk sequencing analysis

Objective

Chondrocyte death is the hallmark of cartilage degeneration during osteoarthritis (OA). However, the specific pathogenesis of cell death in OA chondrocytes has not been elucidated. This study aims to validate the role of CDKN1A, a key programmed cell death (PCD)-related gene, in chondrogenic differentiation using a combination of single-cell and bulk sequencing approaches.

Design

OA-related RNA-seq data (GSE114007, GSE55235, GSE152805) were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database. PCD-related genes were obtained from GeneCards database. RNA-seq was performed to annotate the cell types in OA and control samples. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among those cell types (scRNA-DEGs) were screened. A nomogram of OA was constructed based on the featured genes, and potential drugs targeting the featured genes were predicted. The presence of key genes was confirmed using Real-Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR), Western blot (WB), and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Micromass culture and Alcian blue staining were used to determine the effect of CDKN1A on chondrogenesis.

Results

Six cell types, namely HomC, HTC, RepC, preFC, FC, and RegC, were annotated in scRNA-seq data. Five featured genes (JUN, CDKN1A, HMGB2, DDIT3, and DDIT4) were screened by multiple biological information analysis methods. TAXOTERE had the highest ability to dock with DDIT3. Functional analysis indicated that CDKN1A was enriched in processes related to collagen catabolism and acts as a positive regulator of autophagy. Additionally, CDKN1A was found to be associated with several KEGG pathways, including those involved in acute myeloid leukemia and autoimmune thyroid disease. CDKN1A was confirmed down-regulated in the joint tissues of OA mouse model and OA model cell. Inhibiting the expression of CDKN1A can significantly suppress the differentiation of OA chondrocytes.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the critical role of CDKN1A in promoting cartilage formation in both in vivo and in vitro and suggest its potential as a therapeutic target for OA treatment.

The antimicrobial peptide Abaecin alleviates colitis in mice by regulating inflammatory signaling pathways and intestinal microbial composition

Abaecin is a natural antimicrobial peptide (AMP) rich in proline from bees. It is an important part of the innate humoral immunity of bees and has broad-spectrum antibacterial ability. This study aimed to determine the effect of Abaecin on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) -induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice and to explore its related mechanisms. Twenty-four mice with similar body weight were randomly divided into 4 groups. 2.5% DSS was added to drinking water to induce colitis in mice. Abaecin and PBS were administered rectally on the third, fifth, and seventh days of the experimental period. The results showed that Abaecin significantly alleviated histological damage and intestinal mucosal barrier damage caused by colitis in mice, reduced the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and the phosphorylation of NF-κB / MAPK inflammatory signaling pathway proteins, and improved the composition of intestinal microorganisms. These findings suggest that Abaecin may have potential prospects for the treatment of UC.

Neuroprotective effects of gemfibrozil in neurological disorders: Focus on inflammation and molecular mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Gemfibrozil (Gem) is a drug that has been shown to activate PPAR-α, a nuclear receptor that plays a key role in regulating lipid metabolism. Gem is used to lower the levels of triglycerides and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in patients. Experimental studies in vitro and in vivo have shown that Gem can prevent or slow the progression of neurological disorders (NDs), including cerebral ischemia (CI), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Neuroinflammation is known to play a significant role in these disorders.

METHOD

The literature review for this study was conducted by searching Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases.

RESULT

The results of this study show that Gem has neuroprotective effects through several cellular and molecular mechanisms such as: (1) Gem has the ability to upregulate pro-survival factors (PGC-1α and TFAM), promoting the survival and function of mitochondria in the brain, (2) Gem strongly inhibits the activation of NF-κB, AP-1, and C/EBPβ in cytokine-stimulated astroglial cells, which are known to increase the expression of iNOS and the production of NO in response to proinflammatory cytokines, (3) Gem protects dopamine neurons in the MPTP mouse model of PD by increasing the expression of PPARα, which in turn stimulates the production of GDNF in astrocytes, (4) Gem reduces amyloid plaque pathology, reduces the activity of glial cells, and improves memory, (5) Gem increases myelin genes expression (MBP and CNPase) via PPAR-β, and (6) Gem increases hippocampal BDNF to counteract depression.

CONCLUSION

According to the study, Gem was investigated for its potential therapeutic effect in NDs. Further research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential of Gem in NDs.

Exploring the pharmacological mechanisms of Biyan Qingdu Granula in the treatment after nasopharyngeal carcinoma radiotherapy based on UPLC/Q-TOF MS, network pharmacology and molecular docking

BACKGROUND

Biyan Qingdu Granula (BYQD) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula commonly used for post-radiotherapy treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Despite its extensive use, the underlying pharmacological mechanisms have yet to be fully elucidated.

METHODS

UPLC/Q-TOF MS was used to comprehensively analyze the chemical composition of BYQD. Additionally, an everted gut sac model, coupled with UPLC/Q-TOF MS, was used to screen and identify the active ingredients. Subsequently, we conducted a network pharmacological analysis to delve into the potential mechanisms of these active ingredients. Molecular docking experiments were also performed to assess the interactions between active ingredients and potential core targets.

RESULTS

The findings revealed the identification of 62 identical ingredients upon comparing the sample solution and intestinal absorbed solution of BYQD. We constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, which led to the identification of five core targets, namely, TP53, STAT3, MAPK1, SRC and AKT1. Through the construction of a drug-active ingredient-intersection target network, we identified Quercetin, Luteolin, Eupatilin, Magnoflorine, Acacetin and other compound as potential active ingredients. Gene Ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis suggested that pathways in cancer, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, lipid and atherosclerosis, proteoglycans in cancer, and the MAPK signaling pathway might play the key roles in the treatment of NPC after radiotherapy using BYQD. Molecular docking results corroborated strong binding activity between the putative core targets and the corresponding key active ingredients.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a preliminary revelation of the active ingredients and potential pharmacological mechanisms of BYQD in the post-radiotherapy treatment of NPC. These findings establish a vital theoretical basis and serve as a scientific reference for the future investigating the pharmacological mechanisms and clinical application of BYQD.

Function and inhibition of P38 MAP kinase signaling: Targeting multiple inflammation diseases

Inflammation is a natural host defense mechanism that protects the body from pathogenic microorganisms. A growing body of research suggests that inflammation is a key factor in triggering other diseases (lung injury, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.). However, there is no consensus on the complex mechanism of inflammatory response, which may include enzyme activation, mediator release, and tissue repair. In recent years, p38 MAPK, a member of the MAPKs family, has attracted much attention as a central target for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. However, many p38 MAPK inhibitors attempting to obtain marketing approval have failed at the clinical trial stage due to selectivity and/or toxicity issues. In this paper, we discuss the mechanism of p38 MAPK in regulating inflammatory response and its key role in major inflammatory diseases and summarize the synthetic or natural products targeting p38 MAPK to improve the inflammatory response in the last five years, which will provide ideas for the development of novel clinical anti-inflammatory drugs based on p38 MAPK inhibitors.

Gene expression profile of mitogen-activated kinases and microRNAs controlling their expression in HaCaT cell culture treated with lipopolysaccharide A and cyclosporine A

Studies indicate that mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are activated and overexpressed in psoriatic lesions. The aim of the study was to assess changes in the expression pattern of genes encoding MAPKs and microRNA (miRNA) molecules potentially regulating their expression in human adult low-calcium high-temperature (HaCaT) keratinocytes exposed to bacterial lipopolysaccharide A (LPS) and cyclosporine A (CsA). HaCaT cells were treated with 1 µg/mL LPS for 8 h, followed by treatment with 100 ng/mL cyclosporine A for 2, 8, or 24 h. Untreated cells served as controls. The molecular analysis consists of microarray, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analyses. The statistical analysis of the obtained results was performed using Transcriptome Analysis Console and STATISTICA 13.5 PL with the statistical significance threshold of p < 0.05. Changes in the expression profile of six mRNAs: dual-specificity phosphatase 1 (DUSP1), dual-specificity phosphatase 4 (DUSP4), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 2 (MAP2K2), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7 (MAP2K7), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 2 (MAP3K2) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 9 (MAPK9) in cell culture exposed to LPS or LPS and the drug compared to the control. We observed that under the LPS and cyclosporine treatment, the expression o/ miR-34a, miR-1275, miR-3188, and miR-382 changed significantly (p < 0.05). We demonstrated a potential relationship between DUSP1 and miR-34a; DUSP4 and miR-34a, miR-382, and miR-3188; MAPK9 and miR-1275, MAP2K7 and mir-200-5p; MAP3K2 and mir-200-5p, which may be the subject of further research in the context of psoriasis.

Oncogenic and immunological roles of RACGAP1 in pan-cancer and its potential value in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

A particular GTPase-activating protein called RACGAP1 is involved in apoptosis, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance in a variety of malignancies. Nevertheless, the role of RACGAP1 in pan-cancer was less studied, and its value of the expression and prognostic of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has not been explored. Hence, the goal of this study was to investigate the oncogenic and immunological roles of RACGAP1 in various cancers and its potential value in NPC. We comprehensively analyzed RACGAP1 expression, prognostic value, function, methylation levels, relationship with immune cells, immune infiltration, and immunotherapy response in pan-cancer utilizing multiple databases. The results discovered that RACGAP1 expression was elevated in most cancers and suggested poor prognosis, which could be related to the involvement of RACGAP1 in various cancer-related pathways such as the cell cycle and correlated with RACGAP1 methylation levels, immune cell infiltration and reaction to immunotherapy, and chemoresistance. RACGAP1 could inhibit anti-tumor immunity and immunotherapy responses by fostering immune cell infiltration and cytotoxic T lymphocyte dysfunction. Significantly, we validated that RACGAP1 mRNA and protein were highly expressed in NPC. The Gene Expression Omnibus database revealed that elevated RACGAP1 expression was associated with shorter PFS in patients with NPC, and RACGAP1 potentially influenced cell cycle progression, DNA replication, metabolism, and immune-related pathways, resulting in the recurrence and metastasis of NPC. This study indicated that RACGAP1 could be a potential biomarker in pan-cancer and NPC.

Polysaccharide of Alocasia cucullata Exerts Antitumor Effect by Regulating Bcl-2, Caspase-3 and ERK1/2 Expressions during Long-Time Administration

OBJECTIVE

To study the in vitro and in vivo antitumor effects of the polysaccharide of Alocasia cucullata (PAC) and the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

B16F10 and 4T1 cells were cultured with PAC of 40 µg/mL, and PAC was withdrawn after 40 days of administration. The cell viability was detected by cell counting kit-8. The expression of Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 proteins were detected by Western blot and the expressions of ERK1/2 mRNA were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). A mouse melanoma model was established to study the effect of PAC during long-time administration. Mice were divided into 3 treatment groups: control group treated with saline water, positive control group (LNT group) treated with lentinan at 100 mg/(kg·d), and PAC group treated with PAC at 120 mg/(kg·d). The pathological changes of tumor tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The apoptosis of tumor tissues was detected by TUNEL staining. Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 protein expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry, and the expressions of ERK1/2, JNK1 and p38 mRNA were detected by qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

In vitro, no strong inhibitory effects of PAC were found in various tumor cells after 48 or 72 h of administration. Interestingly however, after 40 days of cultivation under PAC, an inhibitory effect on B16F10 cells was found. Correspondingly, the long-time administration of PAC led to downregulation of Bcl-2 protein (P<0.05), up-regulation of Caspase-3 protein (P<0.05) and ERK1 mRNA (P<0.05) in B16F10 cells. The above results were verified by in vivo experiments. In addition, viability of B16F10 cells under long-time administration culture in vitro decreased after drug withdrawal, and similar results were also observed in 4T1 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-time administration of PAC can significantly inhibit viability and promote apoptosis of tumor cells, and had obvious antitumor effect in tumor-bearing mice.

Suppression of the SLC7A11/glutathione axis causes ferroptosis and apoptosis and alters the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

SLC7A11 is a unit of the glutamate cystine antiporter Xc- system. It functions to import cystine for glutathione biosynthesis and maintains the redox balance in cells. Sorafenib inhibits the transporter activity of SLC7A11. The use of sorafenib has been approved in the treatment of multiple cancers. However, at present, our understanding of the mechanism of SLC7A11 and sorafenib in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains limited. We found that the expression of SLC7A11 was upregulated in NPC. A high SLC7A11 expression was associated with poor prognosis, metastasis, and an advanced T stage, which can be used as an independent prognostic indicator of NPC. In vitro, we observed that NPC cells relied on cystine for survival. Targeting SLC7A11 resulted in glutathione biosynthesis limitation, intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation, lipid peroxides, ferroptosis, and apoptosis. Meanwhile, it altered mitogen activated protein kinase pathway, including p38 activation but ERK inhibition in NPC. This limited the proliferation of NPC cells. Sorafenib inhibited the proliferation and induced the death of NPC cells in vivo. In conclusion, SLC7A11 plays an important role in the occurrence and progression of NPC and may be a novel target for NPC treatment.

Targeting the crosstalk of epigenetic modifications and immune evasion in nasopharyngeal cancer

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a distinct type of head and neck cancer that is highly associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. EBV acts as an epigenetic driver in NPC tumorigenesis, reprogramming the viral and host epigenomes to regulate viral latent gene expression, and creating an environment conducive to the malignant transformation of nasopharyngeal epithelial cells. Targeting epigenetic mechanisms in pre-clinical studies has been shown promise in eradicating tumours and overcoming immune resistance in some solid tumours. However, its efficacy in NPC remains inclusive due to the complex nature of this cancer. In this review, we provide an updated understanding of the roles of epigenetic factors in regulating EBV latent gene expression and promoting NPC progression. We also explore the crosstalk between epigenetic mechanisms and immune evasion in NPC. Particularly, we discuss the potential roles of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors in reversing immune suppression and augmenting antitumour immunity. Furthermore, we highlight the advantages of combining epigenetic therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor to reverse immune resistance and improve clinical outcomes. Epigenetic drugs have the potential to modulate both epigenetic mediators and immune factors involved in NPC. However, further research is needed to fully comprehend the diverse range of epigenetic modifications in NPC. A deeper understanding of the crosstalk between epigenetic mechanisms and immune evasion during NPC progression is crucial for the development of more effective treatments for this challenging disease.

Prolonged exposure to environmental levels of microcystin-LR triggers ferroptosis in brain via the activation of Erk/MAPK signaling pathway

While existing research has illuminated the environmental dangers and neurotoxic effects of MC-LR exposure, the molecular underpinnings of brain damage from environmentally-relevant MC-LR exposure remain elusive. Employing a comprehensive approach involving RNA sequencing, histopathological examination, and biochemical analyses, we discovered genes differentially expressed and enriched in the ferroptosis pathway. This finding was associated with mitochondrial structural impairment and downregulation of Gpx4 and Slc7a11 in mice brains subjected to low-dose MC-LR over 180 days. Mirroring these findings, we noted reduced cell viability and GSH/GSSH ratio, along with an increased ROS level, in HT-22, BV-2, and bEnd.3 cells following MC-LR exposure. Intriguingly, MC-LR also amplified phospho-Erk levels in both in vivo and in vitro settings, and the effects were mitigated by treatment with PD98059, an Erk inhibitor. Taken together, our findings implicate the activation of the Erk/MAPK signaling pathway in MC-LR-induced ferroptosis, shedding valuable light on the neurotoxic mechanisms of MC-LR. These insights could guide future strategies to prevent MC-induced neurodegenerative diseases.

The bioceramic sealer iRoot SP promotes osteogenic differentiation of human stem cells from apical papilla via miR-141-3p/SPAG9/MAPK signalling pathway

AIM

The premixed bioceramic sealer iRoot SP that is widely used clinically has been reported to kill bacterial biofilms and promote osteogenic differentiation of human stem cells from the apical papilla (hSCAPs). Although miR-141-3p has been substantiated to be involved in the osteogenic process, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of miR-141-3p in osteogenic differentiation and underlying mechanisms of iRoot SP-treated hSCAPs.

METHODOLOGY

hSCAPs were extracted from tissue blocks with enzyme digestion and identified by using immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and alizarin red staining. The mRNA expression level of miR-141-3p in hSCPAs after culture with iRoot SP was examined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay. SPAG9 was identified as a downstream target gene of miR-141-3p by dual-luciferase report assay. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and activity detection, alizarin red staining, calcium concentration assay, qRT-PCR and western blot were used to estimate osteogenic differentiation ability and involved protein expression levels of the osteogenic makers and signalling pathway-related factors in iRoot SP-treated hSCAPs. Data were analysed by one-way anova and post hoc Tukey's test to determine any statistical differences between the experimental groups and the control group. p < .05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Expression of miR-141-3p was reduced in iRoot SP-treated hSCAPs with the increased exposure time up to 7 days, and the western blot and qRT-PCR results revealed that the osteogenic markers osteocalcin (OCN), osterix (OSX), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) were inversely correlated with miR-141-3p. The negative regulatory relationship between miR-141-3p and SPAG9/ mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signalling axis was validated in this in vitro experiments.

CONCLUSIONS

The bioceramic sealer iRoot SP promoted osteogenic differentiation of hSCAPs by inhibiting miR-141-3p following down-regulated SPAG9 expression, and activated MAPK pathway. These findings proposed a novel therapeutic impact of bioceramic sealer iRoot SP inducing bone regeneration in refractory periapical periodontitis.

Network pharmacology-based exploration identified the antiviral efficacy of Quercetin isolated from mulberry leaves against enterovirus 71 via the NF-κB signaling pathway

Introduction: Mulberry leaf (ML) is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, historically documented in "Shen Nong's Materia Medica". This study aimed to investigate the effects of ML on enterovirus 71 (EV71) using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro experiments. Methods: We successfully pinpointed shared targets between mulberry leaves (ML) and the EV71 virus by leveraging online databases. Our investigation delved into the interaction among these identified targets, leading to the identification of pivotal components within ML that possess potent anti-EV71 properties. The ability of these components to bind to the targets was verified by molecular docking. Moreover, bioinformatics predictions were used to identify the signaling pathways involved. Finally, the mechanism behind its anti-EV71 action was confirmed through in vitro experiments. Results: Our investigation uncovered 25 active components in ML that targeted 231 specific genes. Of these genes, 29 correlated with the targets of EV71. Quercetin, a major ingredient in ML, was associated with 25 of these genes. According to the molecular docking results, Quercetin has a high binding affinity to the targets of ML and EV71. According to the KEGG pathway analysis, the antiviral effect of Quercetin against EV71 was found to be closely related to the NF-κB signaling pathway. The results of immunofluorescence and Western blotting showed that Quercetin significantly reduced the expression levels of VP1, TNF-α, and IL-1β in EV71-infected human rhabdomyosarcoma cells. The phosphorylation level of NF-κB p65 was reduced, and the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway was suppressed by Quercetin. Furthermore, our results showed that Quercetin downregulated the expression of JNK, ERK, and p38 and their phosphorylation levels due to EV71 infection. Conclusion: With these findings in mind, we can conclude that inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway is a critical mechanism through which Quercetin exerts its anti-EV71 effectiveness.

Revisiting p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPK) in Inflammatory Arthritis: A Narrative of the Emergence of MAPK-Activated Protein Kinase Inhibitors (MK2i)

The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38-MAPK) is a crucial signaling pathway closely involved in several physiological and cellular functions, including cell cycle, apoptosis, gene expression, and responses to stress stimuli. It also plays a central role in inflammation and immunity. Owing to disparate p38-MAPK functions, it has thus far formed an elusive drug target with failed clinical trials in inflammatory diseases due to challenges including hepatotoxicity, cardiac toxicity, lack of efficacy, and tachyphylaxis, which is a brief initial improvement with rapid disease rebound. To overcome these limitations, downstream antagonism of the p38 pathway with a MAPK-activated protein kinase (MAPKAPK, also known as MK2) blockade has demonstrated the potential to abrogate inflammation without the prior recognized toxicities. Such MK2 inhibition (MK2i) is associated with robust suppression of key pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNFα and IL-6 and others in experimental systems and in vitro. Considering this recent evidence regarding MK2i in inflammatory arthritis, we revisit the p38-MAPK pathway and discuss the literature encompassing the challenges of p38 inhibitors with a focus on this pathway. We then highlight how novel MK2i strategies, although encouraging in the pre-clinical arena, may either show evidence for efficacy or the lack of efficacy in emergent human trials data from different disease settings.

The impact of particulate matters on apoptosis in various organs: Mechanistic and therapeutic perspectives

Ecological air contamination is the non-homogenous suspension of insoluble particles into gas or/and liquid fluids known as particulate matter (PM). It has been discovered that exposure to PM can cause serious cellular defects, followed by tissue damage known as cellular stress. Apoptosis is a homeostatic and regulated phenomenon associated with distinguished physiological actions inclusive of organ and tissue generation, aging, and development. Moreover, it has been proposed that the deregulation of apoptotic performs an active role in the occurrence of many disorders, such as autoimmune disease, neurodegenerative, and malignant, in the human population. Recent studies have shown that PMs mainly modulate multiple signaling pathways involved in apoptosis, including MAPK, PI3K/Akt, JAK/STAT, NFκB, Endoplasmic Stress, and ATM/P53, leading to apoptosis dysregulation and apoptosis-related pathological conditions. Here, the recently published data concerning the effect of PM on the apoptosis of various organs, with a particular focus on the importance of apoptosis as a component in PM-induced toxicity and human disease development, is carefully discussed. Moreover, the review also highlighted the various therapeutic approaches, including small molecules, miRNA replacement therapy, vitamins, and PDRN, for treating diseases caused by PM toxicity. Notably, researchers have considered medicinal herbs a potential treatment for PM-induced toxicity due to their fewer side effects. So, in the final section, we analyzed the performance of some natural products for inhibition and intervention of apoptosis arising from PM-induced toxicity.

ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Improve the Blood-Brain-Barrier Integrity in Contrast-Induced Blood-Brain-Barrier Injury in Uremic Mice

In patients with chronic kidney disease, the need for examinations using contrast media (CM) increases because of underlying diseases. Although contrast agents can affect brain cells, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) protects against brain-cell damage in vivo. However, uremia can disrupt the BBB, increasing the possibility of contrast-agent-induced brain-cell damage in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have shown protective effects on various neurological disorders, including uremic brain injury. This study examined whether ω-3 PUFAs attenuate damage to the BBB caused by uremia and contrast agents in a uremic mouse model and evaluated its associated mechanisms. C57BL/6 mice (eight weeks old, male) and fat-1 mice (b6 background/eight weeks old, male) were divided into groups according to uremic induction, CM, and ω-3 PUFA administration. Uremia was induced via 24 h ischemia-reperfusion (IR) renal injury. One day after CM treatment, the brain tissue, kidney tissue, and blood were collected. The expression levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), claudin 5, CD31, laminin α4, and laminin α5 increased in ω-3 PUFA + CM-treated uremic mice and the brain of fat-1 + CM-treated uremic mice compared with those in the brains of CM-treated uremic mice. The pro-apoptotic protein expression decreased, whereas the anti-apoptotic proteins increased in ω-3 PUFA + CM-treated uremic mice and fat-1 + CM-treated uremic mice compared with CM-treated uremic mice. In addition, the brain-expression levels of p-JNK, p-P53, and p-P38 decreased in the ω-3 PUFA + CM-treated uremic mice and fat-1 + CM-treated uremic mice compared with those in wild-type uremic mice. Our results confirm that uremic toxin and CM damage the BBB and cause brain-cell death. ω-3 PUFAs play a role in BBB protection caused by CM in uremic mice.

Understanding NK cell biology for harnessing NK cell therapies: targeting cancer and beyond

Gene-engineered immune cell therapies have partially transformed cancer treatment, as exemplified by the use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells in certain hematologic malignancies. However, there are several limitations that need to be addressed to target more cancer types. Natural killer (NK) cells are a type of innate immune cells that represent a unique biology in cancer immune surveillance. In particular, NK cells obtained from heathy donors can serve as a source for genetically engineered immune cell therapies. Therefore, NK-based therapies, including NK cells, CAR-NK cells, and antibodies that induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity of NK cells, have emerged. With recent advances in genetic engineering and cell biology techniques, NK cell-based therapies have become promising approaches for a wide range of cancers, viral infections, and senescence. This review provides a brief overview of NK cell characteristics and summarizes diseases that could benefit from NK-based therapies. In addition, we discuss recent preclinical and clinical investigations on the use of adoptive NK cell transfer and agents that can modulate NK cell activity.

The Therapeutic Potential of Hydroxycinnamic Acid Derivatives in Parkinson's Disease: Focus on In Vivo Research Advancements

Hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (HCDs) are polyphenols that are abundant in cereals, coffee, tea, wine, fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods. To aid in the clinical prevention and treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD), we evaluated in vivo investigations of the pharmacological properties of HCDs relevant to PD, and their pharmacokinetic and safety aspects. An extensive search of published journals was conducted using several literature databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Web of Science. The search terms included "hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives," "ferulic acid," "caffeic acid," "sinapic acid," "p-coumaric acid," "Parkinson's disease," and combinations of these keywords. As of April 2023, 455 preclinical studies were retrieved, of which 364 were in vivo studies; we included 17 of these articles on the pharmaceutics of HCDs in PD. Available evidence supports the protective effects of HCDs in PD due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, as well as antiapoptotic physiological activities. Studies have identified possible molecular targets and pathways for the protective actions of HCDs in PD. However, the paucity of studies on these compounds in PD, and the risk of toxicity induced with high-dose applications, limits their use. Thus, multifaceted studies of HCDs in vitro and in vivo are needed.

Tumor-Associated Fibroblast-Derived Exosomal circDennd1b Promotes Pituitary Adenoma Progression by Modulating the miR-145-5p/ONECUT2 Axis and Activating the MAPK Pathway

TAF participated in the progression of various cancers, including PA via the release of soluble factors. Exosomes belonged to extracellular vesicles, which were revealed as a crucial participator in intercellular communication. However, the expression pattern and effect of TAF-derived exosomes remained largely unknown in PA. In the present study, we performed in silico analysis based on public RNA-seq datasets to generate the circRNA/miRNA regulatory network. The qRT-PCR, Western blotting, RNA pull-down, and luciferase assay were performed to investigate the effect of TAF-derived exosomes. TAF-derived exosomal circDennd1b was significantly upregulated in PA and promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of PA cells via sponging miR-145-5p in PA cells. In addition, miR-145-5p directly regulated One Cut homeobox 2 (ONECUT2/OC2) expression and inhibited the promoting effect of ONECUT2 on PA. We further demonstrated that ONECUT2 transcriptionally increased fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) expression, which further activates the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway, thus promoting PA progression. Moreover, the suppression of TAFs by ABT-263 and ONECUT2 by CSRM617 inhibited the growth of PA. In conclusion, our study illustrated that TAF-derived exosomal circDennd1b affected PA progression via regulating ONECUT2 expression, which provides a potential therapeutic strategy against aggressive PA.

Identification of Fangjihuangqi Decoction as a late-stage autophagy inhibitor with an adjuvant anti-tumor effect against non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Clinically, although chemotherapy is one of the most commonly used methods of treating tumors, chemotherapeutic drugs can induce autophagic flux and increase tumor cell resistance, leading to drug tolerance. Therefore, theoretically, inhibiting autophagy may improve the efficacy of chemotherapy. The discovery of autophagy regulators and their potential application as adjuvant anti-cancer drugs is of substantial importance. In this study, we clarified that Fangjihuangqi Decoction (FJHQ, traditional Chinese medicine) is an autophagy inhibitor, which can synergistically enhance the effect of cisplatin and paclitaxel on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells.

METHODS

We observed the changes of autophagy level in NSCLC cells under the effect of FJHQ, and verified the level of the autophagy marker protein and cathepsin. Apoptosis was detected after the combination of FJHQ with cisplatin or paclitaxel, and NAC (ROS scavenger) was further used to verify the activation of ROS-MAPK pathway by FJHQ.

RESULTS

We observed that FJHQ induced autophagosomes in NSCLC cells and increased the levels of P62 and LC3-II protein expression in a concentration- and time-gradient-dependent manner, indicating that autophagic flux was inhibited. Co-localization experiments further showed that while FJHQ did not inhibit autophagosome and lysosome fusion, it affected the maturation of cathepsin and thus inhibited the autophagic pathway. Finally, we found that the combination of FJHQ with cisplatin or paclitaxel increased the apoptosis rate of NSCLC cells, due to increased ROS accumulation and further activation of the ROS-MAPK pathway. This synergistic effect could be reversed by NAC.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, these results demonstrate that FJHQ is a novel late-stage autophagy inhibitor that can amplify the anti-tumor effect of cisplatin and paclitaxel against NSCLC cells.

Iodine-Biofortified Lettuce Can Promote Mitochondrial Dependent Pathway of Apoptosis in Human Gastrointestinal Cancer Cells

Previously, our research provided evidence that exposure of gastric and colon cancer cells to extracts from iodine-biofortified lettuce leads to a reduction of cell viability and proliferation through cell cycle arrest and upregulation of pro-apoptotic genes. The aim of the present study was to determine the potential cellular mechanisms of induction of cell death in human gastrointestinal cancer cell lines after treatment with iodine-biofortified lettuce. We demonstrated that extracts from lettuce enriched with iodine induce apoptosis in gastric AGS and colon HT-29 cancer cells and the mechanism of programmed cell death may be triggered and executed through different signaling pathways, depending on the type of cells. Western blot analysis revealed that iodine-fortified lettuce leads to cell death through the release of cytochrome c to the cytosolic fraction and activation of the primary drivers of apoptosis: caspase-3, caspase-7, and caspase-9. Furthermore, we have reported that apoptotic effects of lettuce extracts may be mediated by poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and activation of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins such as Bad, Bax, and BID. We also observed mitochondrial dysfunction with the dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential in cells exposed to lettuce extracts. Taken together, these results indicate that the organic form of iodine such as 5-ISA and 3,5-diISA is an important factor in the activation of intrinsic mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in AGS and HT-29 cancer cells in a p53-independent manner.

Analysis of active components and molecular mechanism of action of Rubia cordifolia L. in the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma based on network pharmacology and experimental verification

The aim of this study is to explore the active components and potential molecular mechanism of action of Rubia cordifolia L. against nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We used network pharmacology, molecular docking, and bioinformatics analysis to identify the active components and their role against NPC. The experimental verification was detected by MTT, AnnexinV-FITC/PI double fluorescence staining and Western blotting method. Network pharmacology identified that mollugin is one of the most effective components inRubia cordifolia L. Important NPC targets included HSP90AA1, CDK1, EGFR, PIK3CA, MAPK14, and CDK2. Molecular docking revealed considerable binding activity of mollugin with either of the 6 important NPC targets. Bioinformatics analysis showed that these 6 important targets were mutated in NPC, and the expression of HSP90AA1, PIK3CA, and CDK2 in cancer tissues was significantly different from that in normal tissues. MTT detection and AnnexinV-FITC/PI double fluorescence staining showed that mollugin inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis of NPC cells. Western blotting indicated that the molecular mechanism of mollugin against NPC was related to the regulation of the expression of Survivin and XIAP. This study predicted and partially verified the pharmacological and molecular mechanism of action of Rubia cordifolia L. against NPC. Mollugin was identified as a potential active ingredient against NPC. These results prove the reliability of network pharmacology approaches and provide a basis for further research and application of Rubia cordifolia L. against NPC.

Trifolirhizin inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway suppression

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a highly recurrent and metastatic malignant tumor affecting a large number of individuals in southern China. Traditional Chinese herbal medicine has been found to be a rich source of natural compounds with mild therapeutic effects and minimal side effects, making them increasingly popular for treating various diseases. Trifolirhizin, a natural flavonoid derived from leguminous plants, has gained significant attention for its therapeutic potential. In this study, we confirmed that trifolirhizin could effectively inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma 6-10B and HK1 cells. Furthermore, our findings demonstrated that trifolirhizin achieves this by suppressing the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The findings of the present study provides a valuable perspective on the potential therapeutic applications of trifolirhizin for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Signaling Switching from Hedgehog-GLI to MAPK Signaling Potentially Serves as a Compensatory Mechanism in Melanoma Cell Lines Resistant to GANT-61

Background: Melanoma represents the deadliest skin cancer due to its cell plasticity which results in high metastatic potential and chemoresistance. Melanomas frequently develop resistance to targeted therapy; therefore, new combination therapy strategies are required. Non-canonical signaling interactions between HH-GLI and RAS/RAF/ERK signaling were identified as one of the drivers of melanoma pathogenesis. Therefore, we decided to investigate the importance of these non-canonical interactions in chemoresistance, and examine the potential for HH-GLI and RAS/RAF/ERK combined therapy. Methods: We established two melanoma cell lines resistant to the GLI inhibitor, GANT-61, and characterized their response to other HH-GLI and RAS/RAF/ERK inhibitors. Results: We successfully established two melanoma cell lines resistant to GANT-61. Both cell lines showed HH-GLI signaling downregulation and increased invasive cell properties like migration potential, colony forming capacity, and EMT. However, they differed in MAPK signaling activity, cell cycle regulation, and primary cilia formation, suggesting different potential mechanisms responsible for resistance occurrence. Conclusions: Our study provides the first ever insights into cell lines resistant to GANT-61 and shows potential mechanisms connected to HH-GLI and MAPK signaling which may represent new hot spots for noncanonical signaling interactions.

Development of actein derivatives as potent anti-triple negative breast cancer agents

Actein is a natural triterpenoid glycoside, isolated from the rhizomes of Cimicifuga foetida, which have been demonstrated to be potential in the treatment of breast cancer previously. Herein, we described the design and synthesis of a series of actein derivatives as anti-triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) inhibitors. Of which, the most promising derivative 27 exhibited significant inhibitory activity against human TNBC cell lines HCC1806 and MDA-MB-231, with IC₅₀ values of 2.78 and 9.11 μM, respectively. Structure-activity relationships of actein derivatives were also discussed. Moreover, preliminary mechanism investigation revealed that 27 significantly inhibited cancer cell proliferation via cell cycle arrest at S phase. In addition, western blot analysis showed that the activation of MAPK signaling pathway might contribute to derivative 27 induced cell death. Overall, these results indicate that 27 has the potential to be developed as a lead compound and compounds with the actein scaffold are a promising novel class of inhibitors to treat TNBC.

EGFR and p38MAPK Contribute to the Apoptotic Effect of the Recombinant Lectin from Tepary Bean (Phaseolus acutifolius) in Colon Cancer Cells

Previous works showed that a Tepary bean lectin fraction (TBLF) induced apoptosis on colon cancer cells and inhibited early colonic tumorigenesis. One Tepary bean (TB) lectin was expressed in Pichia pastoris (rTBL-1), exhibiting similarities to one native lectin, where its molecular structure and in silico recognition of cancer-type N-glycoconjugates were confirmed. This work aimed to determine whether rTBL-1 retained its bioactive properties and if its apoptotic effect was related to EGFR pathways by studying its cytotoxic effect on colon cancer cells. Similar apoptotic effects of rTBL-1 with respect to TBLF were observed for cleaved PARP-1 and caspase 3, and cell cycle G0/G1 arrest and decreased S phase were observed for both treatments. Apoptosis induction on SW-480 cells was confirmed by testing HA2X, p53 phosphorylation, nuclear fragmentation, and apoptotic bodies. rTBL-1 increased EGFR phosphorylation but also its degradation by the lysosomal route. Phospho-p38 increased in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, matching apoptotic markers, and STAT1 showed activation after rTBL-1 treatment. The results show that part of the rTBL-1 mechanism of action is related to p38 MAPK signaling. Future work will focus further on the target molecules of this recombinant lectin against colon cancer.

Do Aging and Parity Affect VEGF-A/VEGFR Content and Signaling in the Ovary?-A Mouse Model Study

In this study, the effects of aging and parity on VEGF-A/VEGFR protein content and signaling in the mice ovaries were determined. The research group consisted of nulliparous (virgins, V) and multiparous (M) mice during late-reproductive (L, 9-12 months) and post-reproductive (P, 15-18 months) stages. Whilst ovarian VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 remained unchanged in all the experimental groups (LM, LV, PM, PV), protein content of VEGF-A and phosphorylated VEGFR2 significantly decreased only in PM ovaries. VEGF-A/VEGFR2-dependent activation of ERK1/2, p38, as well as protein content of cyclin D1, cyclin E1, and Cdc25A were then assessed. In ovaries of LV and LM, all of these downstream effectors were maintained at a comparable low/undetectable level. Conversely, the decrease recorded in PM ovaries did not occur in the PV group, in which the significant increase of kinases and cyclins, as well phosphorylation levels mirrored the trend of the pro-angiogenic markers. Altogether, the present results demonstrated that, in mice, ovarian VEGF-A/VEGFR2 protein content and downstream signaling can be modulated in an age- and parity-dependent manner. Moreover, the lowest levels of pro-angiogenic and cell cycle progression markers detected in PM mouse ovaries sustains the hypothesis that parity could exert a protective role by downregulating the protein content of key mediators of pathological angiogenesis.

The role of unfolded protein response-associated miRNAs in immunogenic cell death amplification: A literature review and bioinformatics analysis

Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a type of cellular death that is elicited in response to the specific types of anti-cancer therapies and enhances the anti-tumor immune responses by the combination of antigenicity and adjuvanticity of dying tumor cells. There is a well-established interlink between endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and ICD elicited by anti-cancer therapies. Most recent evidences support that unfolded protein response (UPR)-associated miRNAs can be key players in the ERS-induced ICD. Hence, in the present study, we conducted a literature review on the role of these miRNAs and associated molecular pathways that may regulate ICD. We first collected UPR-associated miRNAs that promote ERS-induced apoptosis and then focused on microRNAs (miRNAs) that promote ERS-induced apoptosis via PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP pathway activation, as the main core for ICD and release of damage-associated molecular patterns. To better identify PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP pathway-inducing miRNAs that can be used as potential therapeutic targets for improving ICD in cancer treatment, we did a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis and network construction. Our results showed that "pathways in cancer", "MAPK signaling pathway", "PI3K-Akt signaling pathway", and "Cellular senescence", which correlate with UPR components and ERS induction, were among the significant signaling pathways related to the target genes of these miRNAs. Furthermore, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, which revealed the involvement of the PPI-extracted hub genes in the regulation of proliferation and apoptosis. In conclusion, we propose that these types of miRNAs can be considered as the potential cancer therapy options for better induction of ICD in combination with other ICD inducers.

Investigation on the mechanism of Shaoyao-Gancao Decoction in the treatment of gastric carcinoma based on network pharmacology and experimental verification

BACKGROUND

Shaoyao-Gancao Decoction (SG-D) is a famous classical Chinese prescription that has been used in the treatment of numerous kinds of diseases. However, its mechanism of action in the treatment of Gastric carcinoma (GC) is not clear.

METHODS

The active ingredients and targets of SG-D were screened using network pharmacology, and GC-related targets were retrieved through several databases. The protein-protein interaction network was then further constructed and GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were performed. Subsequently, molecular docking was carried out. Finally, we validated the results of the network pharmacology by performing in vitro cell experiments on CCK-8, apoptosis, cell cycle, platelet clone formation, and Western blotting with AGS cells.

RESULTS

Three key active ingredients and 8 core targets were screened through a network pharmacological analysis, and the results of the KEGG indicated that the PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways are critical signaling pathways for SG-D to treat GC. Experimental results revealed that SG-D was able to inhibit AGS cells proliferation, induce apoptosis and arrest the cell cycle, and reduce the ability of cell clone formation by regulating the PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Network pharmacology has shown that SG-D can act on multiple targets through multiple ingredients and treat GC by regulating multiple signaling pathways. In vitro cell experiments have also confirmed this, so as to provide a reference for subsequent related research.

Transcriptome landscape comparison of periodontium in developmental and renewal stages

OBJECTIVES

Periodontium regeneration remains a significant challenge in clinics and research, and it is essential to understand the stage-specific biological process in situ. However, differing findings have been reported, and the mechanism has yet to be elucidated. The periodontium of adult mice molars is considered to be stable remodeling tissue. At the same time, the continuously growing incisors and the developing dental follicle (DF) of postnatal mice highly represent fast remodeling tissue. In this study, we attempted to explore different clues of temporal and spatial comparisons to provide improved references for periodontal regeneration.

METHODS

Periodontal tissues from the developing periodontium (DeP) of postnatal mice, and continuously growing periodontium (CgP) and stable remodeling periodontium (ReP) of adult mice were isolated and compared using RNA sequencing. Based on the Dep and CgP separately compared with the ReP, differentially expressed genes and signaling pathways were analyzed using GO, KEGG databases, and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). The results and validation were obtained by immunofluorescence staining and RT-PCR assays. Data were expressed as means ± standard deviation (SD) and analyzed by GraphPad Prism 8 software package, and one-way ANOVA was used to test multiple groups.

RESULTS

Principal component analysis showed that the three groups of periodontal tissue were successfully isolated and had distinct expression profiles. A total of 792 and 612 DEGs were identified in the DeP and CgP groups compared with the ReP. Upregulated DEGs in the DeP were closely related to developmental processes, while the CgP showed significantly enhanced cellular energy metabolism. The DeP and CgP showed a common downregulation of the immune response, with activation, migration, and recruitment of immune cells. IPA and further validation jointly suggested that the MyD88/p38 MAPK pathway played an essential regulatory role in periodontium remodeling.

CONCLUSION

Tissue development, energy metabolism, and immune response were critical regulatory processes during periodontal remodeling. Developmental and adult stages of periodontal remodeling showed different expression patterns. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of periodontal development and remodeling and may provide references for periodontal regeneration.

Effect of apigenin on tryptophan metabolic key enzymes expression in lipopolysaccharide-induced microglial cells and its mechanism

[Aims] Flavonoid apigenin (API) has a wide range of biological functions, particularly anti-inflammation. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and 2-Amino-3-carboxymuconate-6-semialdehyde decarboxylase (ACMSD) are important tryptophan metabolic enzymes that play pivotal roles in the production of toxic metabolite quinolinic acid. However, the relationship between inflammation and ACMSD remains unclear. The present study investigated the relationship between inflammation and tryptophan metabolic key enzymes. Similarly, the anti-inflammatory effect of API on important tryptophan metabolic enzymes was examined in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated microglial cells. [Main methods] MG6 cells were exposed to LPS with or without API treatment for 24-48 h. IDO and ACMSD mRNA expression and production of inflammatory mediators were analyzed. Activation of inflammatory signaling pathways, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), was also examined to study the mechanism of API in the inflammatory state. [Key findings] LPS suppressed ACMSD expression and enhanced IDO expression. However, API elevated ACMSD mRNA expression and suppressed IDO mRNA expression in LPS-treated MG6 cells. Furthermore, API suppressed interleukin-6 and nitric oxide production, whereas overproduction of inflammatory mediators enhanced IDO expression and assisted tryptophan degradation. API also inhibited activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) and jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) MAPK, and degradation of IκBα. [Significance] These results indicate alteration of ACMSD expression under inflammatory conditions. Moreover, API recovers expression of tryptophan metabolic key enzymes, which may be mediated by inhibition of proinflammatory mediator production via inactivation of Erk, JNK MAPK, and NF-κB pathways in LPS-stimulated microglial cells.

Structural, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities of an acidic exopolysaccharide from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DMDL 9010

This study investigated the structural, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities of acidic exopolysaccharide (EPS-LP2) isolated from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DMDL 9010. EPS-LP2 is composed of fucose (Fuc), arabinose (Ara), galactose (Gal), glucose (Glc), mannose (Man), and D-fructose (Fru) with a molar ratio of 0.13: 0.69: 8.32: 27.57: 62.07: 0.58: 0.46, respectively. Structural analysis of EPS-LP2 exhibited a smooth irregular lamellar surface, rod-like structure with swollen ends and slippery surfaces, and good thermal stability. Based on the methylation and NMR analysis, sugar residues including t-Manp, t-Glcp, 2-Manp, 6-Galp, 6-Glcp, and 4-Glcp were found to exist in EPS-LP2. In the 50∼400 μg/ml range, EPS-LP2 showed negligible neurotoxicity to RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, EPS-LP2 could protect RAW264.7 cells from oxidative injury by lowering the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and the secretion of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). In contrast, an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and the concentrations of glutathione (GSH) were observed. Immunoreactivity assays showed that EPS-LP2 could suppress the expression of NO, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) and inhibit the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor-κB-gene binding (NF-κB) cell pathway. Conclusively, EPS-LP2 could be a potential natural antioxidant and immunomodulatory agent in functional foods and medicines.

Prognostic biomarker MCP-4 triggers epithelial-mesenchymal transition via the p38 MAPK pathway in ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-4 (MCP-4/CCL13) is a proinflammatory factor that is overexpressed in various malignant tumors and may play an important role in tumor progression and metastasis. However, its role and mechanism of action in ovarian cancer remains unknown.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to detect the expression of MCP-4 in ovarian cancer tissues, and the effect of MCP-4 on patient survival and prognosis was analyzed. Overexpression and suppression of MCP-4 in ovarian cancer cell lines were then established, and their effects on cell invasion, migration, and apoptosis were studied. ES-2 cell lines were employed to establish a peritoneal dissemination model in nude mice. Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling pathway.

RESULTS

MCP-4 was highly expressed in ovarian cancer tissues and its expression level was related to the prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer. MCP-4 overexpression promoted the migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells but inhibited apoptosis. MCP-4 overexpression increased the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, N-cadherin, vimentin and Bcl2/Bax and decreased the expression of E-cadherin. MCP-4 overexpression increased the phosphorylation of the p38 MAPK pathway. The inhibition of MCP-4 expression indicated an opposite trend. In vivo experiments have also confirmed that MCP-4 overexpression can promote metastasis of ovarian cancer.

CONCLUSION

MCP-4 promotes ovarian cancer progression through the p38 MAPK signaling pathway, and may be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.

Propofol protects against lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response in human amnion-derived WISH cells

Background

Nonobstetric surgery is sometimes required during pregnancy, and neck abscess or facial bone fracture surgery cannot be postponed in pregnant women. However, dental surgery can be stressful and can cause inflammation, and the inflammatory response is a well-known major cause of preterm labor. Propofol is an intravenous anesthetic commonly used for general anesthesia and sedation. Studies investigating the effect of propofol on human amnion are rare. The current study investigated the effects of propofol on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in human amnion-derived WISH cells.

Methods

WISH cells were exposed to LPS for 24 h and co-treated with various concentrations of propofol (0.01-1 µg/ml). Cell viability was measured using the MTT assay. Nitric oxide (NO) production was analyzed using a microassay based on the Griess reaction. The protein expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE 2), p38, and phospho-p38 was analyzed using western blotting.

Results

Propofol did not affect the viability and NO production of WISH cells. Co-treatment with LPS and propofol reduced COX-2 and PGE₂ protein expression and inhibited p38 phosphorylation in WISH cells.

Conclusion

Propofol does not affect the viability of WISH cells and inhibits LPS-induced expression of inflammatory factors. The inhibitory effect of propofol on inflammatory factor expression is likely mediated by the inhibition of p38 activation.

Mass Spectrometric-Based Proteomics for Biomarker Discovery in Osteosarcoma: Current Status and Future Direction

Due to a lack of novel therapies and biomarkers, the clinical outcomes of osteosarcoma patients have not significantly improved for decades. The advancement of mass spectrometry (MS), peptide quantification, and downstream pathway analysis enables the investigation of protein profiles across a wide range of input materials, from cell culture to long-term archived clinical specimens. This can provide insight into osteosarcoma biology and identify candidate biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and stratification of chemotherapy response. In this review, we provide an overview of proteomics studies of osteosarcoma, indicate potential biomarkers that might be promising therapeutic targets, and discuss the challenges and opportunities of mass spectrometric-based proteomics in future osteosarcoma research.

Chrysanthemum boreale Makino Inhibits Oxidative Stress-Induced Neuronal Damage in Human Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells by Suppressing MAPK-Regulated Apoptosis

Oxidative stress has been demonstrated to play a pivotal role in the pathological processes of many neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study, we demonstrated that Chrysanthemum boreale Makino extract (CBME) suppresses oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and elucidated the underlying molecular mechanism. Our observations revealed that CBME effectively protected neuronal cells against H₂O₂-induced cell death by preventing caspase-3 activation, Bax upregulation, Bcl-2 downregulation, activation of three mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and NF-κB phosphorylation, and iNOS induction. These results provide evidence that CBME has remarkable neuroprotective properties in SH-SY5Y cells against oxidative damage, suggesting that the complementary or even alternative role of CBME in preventing and treating neurodegenerative diseases is worth further studies.

Targeting HIF-1α by Natural and Synthetic Compounds: A Promising Approach for Anti-Cancer Therapeutics Development

Advancement in novel target detection using improved molecular cancer biology has opened up new avenues for promising anti-cancer drug development. In the past two decades, the mechanism of tumor hypoxia has become more understandable with the discovery of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). It is a major transcriptional regulator that coordinates the activity of various transcription factors and their downstream molecules involved in tumorigenesis. HIF-1α not only plays a crucial role in the adaptation of tumor cells to hypoxia but also regulates different biological processes, including cell proliferation, survival, cellular metabolism, angiogenesis, metastasis, cancer stem cell maintenance, and propagation. Therefore, HIF-1α overexpression is strongly associated with poor prognosis in patients with different solid cancers. Hence, pharmacological targeting of HIF-1α has been considered to be a novel cancer therapeutic strategy in recent years. In this review, we provide brief descriptions of natural and synthetic compounds as HIF-1α inhibitors that have the potential to accelerate anticancer drug discovery. This review also introduces the mode of action of these compounds for a better understanding of the chemical leads, which could be useful as cancer therapeutics in the future.

Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo antitumor activity of asiatic acid-loaded poly lactic-co-glycolic acid nanoparticles: A strategy of treating breast cancer

Asiatic acid (AA), an aglycone of pentacyclic triterpene glycoside, obtained from the leaves of Centella asiatica exerts anticancer effects by inhibiting cellular proliferation and inducing apoptosis in a wide range of carcinogenic distresses. However, its chemotherapeutic efficacy is dampened by its low bioavailability. Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit therapeutic efficacy and compliance by improving tissue penetration and lowering toxicity. Thus, to increase the therapeutic effectiveness of AA in the treatment of breast cancer, AA-loaded poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) NPs (AA-PLGA NPs) have been formulated. The AA-PLGA NPs were characterized on the basis of their average particle size, zeta potential, electron microscopic imaging, drug loading, and entrapment efficiency. The NPs exhibited sustained drug release profile in vitro. Developed NPs exerted dose-dependent cytotoxicity to MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells without damaging normal cells. The pro-oxidant and pro-apoptotic properties of AA-PLGA NPs were determined by the study of the cellular levels of SOD, CAT, GSH-GSSG, MDA, protein carbonylation, ROS, mitochondrial membrane potential, and FACS analyses on MCF-7 cells. Immunoblotting showed that AA-PLGA NPs elicited an intrinsic pathway of apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. In vivo studies on female BALB/c mice exhibited reduced volume of mammary pad tumor tissues and augmented expression of caspase-3 when administered with AA-PLGA NPs. No systemic adverse effect of AA-PLGA NPs was observed in our studies. Thus, AA-PLGA NPs can act as an efficient drug delivery system against breast cancer.

Pan-Cancer Analysis Reveals SH3TC2 as an Oncogene for Colorectal Cancer and Promotes Tumorigenesis via the MAPK Pathway

Simple Summary

SH3 domain and tetrapeptide repeat 2 (SH3TC2) is a protein-encoding gene and has previously been described as a critical signaling hub for neurological disorders, but no systematic analysis of SH3TC2 is available in cancer research. We analyzed SH3TC2 in various kinds of cancer to find its tumorigenic role in one or more specific cancers and further explored the mechanism of SH3TC2 in colorectal cancer (CRC). Our research revealed that higher expression of SH3TC2 indicated poor disease-free survival and promoted CRC progression and invasion via the MAPK signaling pathway.

Abstract

SH3 domain and tetrapeptide repeat 2 (SH3TC2) is a protein-encoding gene and has previously been described as a critical signaling hub for neurological disorders. Although increasing evidence supports a vital role of SH3TC2 in the tumorigenesis of various kinds of cancer, no systematic analysis of SH3TC2 is available. The function and mechanism of SH3TC2 in other cancers remain unknown. Thus, this study aimed to analyze SH3TC2 in various kinds of cancer to find its tumorigenic role in one or more specific cancers. In the current study, we analyzed the expression level and prognostic value of SH3TC2 in different tumors in the TCGA-GTEx pan-cancer dataset. Subsequently, the prognostic role and mechanism of SH3TC2 in colorectal cancer (CRC) were further explored via clinical samples and in vitro and in vivo experiments. We observed differential expression of SH3TC2 in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD), acute myeloid leukemia (LAML), READ (rectum adenocarcinoma), SKCM (skin cutaneous melanoma), and TGCT (testicular germ cell tumors). Subsequently, SH3TC2 showed a significant effect on the clinical stage and prognostic value in CRC, LAML, and SKCM. Moreover, we found in the TCGA database and seven GEO datasets that SH3TC2 was significantly highly expressed in tumor tissue. Through enrichment analysis of SH3TC2 and its co-expressed genes, we found that SH3TC2 may play a role in the MAPK signaling pathway. Correlation analysis indicated that SH3TC2 was significantly associated with multiple key factors in the MAPK signaling pathway. Additionally, higher expression of SH3TC2 was found in tumor tissue in our cohort including 40 CRC patients. Overexpression of SH3TC2 may imply poor prognosis. Knockdown of SH3TC2 significantly inhibited tumor invasion, migration, and proliferation. More importantly, knockdown of SH3TC2 inhibited tumor growth in a CRC mouse model. The study preliminarily conducted a pan-cancer study of SH3TC2 and further explored the mechanism of SH3TC2 in CRC. Our research revealed that higher expression of SH3TC2 may promote CRC progression and invasion via the MAPK signaling pathway.