Identification and validation of core genes for serous ovarian adenocarcinoma via bioinformatics analysis

Mitotic Functions and Characters of KIF11 in Cancers

Mitosis mediates the accurate separation of daughter cells, and abnormalities are closely related to cancer progression. KIF11, a member of the kinesin family, plays a vital role in the formation and maintenance of the mitotic spindle. Recently, an increasing quantity of data have demonstrated the upregulated expression of KIF11 in various cancers, promoting the emergence and progression of cancers. This suggests the great potential of KIF11 as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target. However, the molecular mechanisms of KIF11 in cancers have not been systematically summarized. Therefore, we first discuss the functions of the protein encoded by KIF11 during mitosis and connect the abnormal expression of KIF11 with its clinical significance. Then, we elucidate the mechanism of KIF11 to promote various hallmarks of cancers. Finally, we provide an overview of KIF11 inhibitors and outline areas for future work.

The emerging role of pyroptosis in pediatric cancers: from mechanism to therapy

Pediatric cancers are the driving cause of death for children and adolescents. Due to safety requirements and considerations, treatment strategies and drugs for pediatric cancers have been so far scarcely studied. It is well known that tumor cells tend to progressively evade cell death pathways, which is known as apoptosis resistance, one of the hallmarks of cancer, dominating tumor drug resistance. Recently, treatments targeting nonapoptotic cell death have drawn great attention. Pyroptosis, a newly specialized form of cell death, acts as a critical physiological regulator in inflammatory reaction, cell development, tissue homeostasis and stress response. The action in different forms of pyroptosis is of great significance in the therapy of pediatric cancers. Pyroptosis could be induced and consequently modulate tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis if treated with local or systemic therapies. However, excessive or uncontrolled cell death might lead to tissue damage, acute inflammation, or even cytokine release syndrome, which facilitates tumor progression or recurrence. Herein, we aimed to describe the molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis, to highlight and discuss the challenges and opportunities for activating pyroptosis pathways through various oncologic therapies in multiple pediatric neoplasms, including osteosarcoma, neuroblastoma, leukemia, lymphoma, and brain tumors.

Ovarian Cancer and Cancer Stem Cells-Cellular and Molecular Characteristics, Signaling Pathways, and Usefulness as a Diagnostic Tool in Medicine and Oncology

Simple Summary

Ovarian cancer is still a high-risk, metastatic disease, often diagnosed at a late stage. Difficulties in its treatment are associated with high resistance to chemotherapy and recurrence. Responsible for the malignant features of cancer are considered to be cancer stem cells (CSCs), which generate new cells by modifying various signaling pathways. Signaling pathways are crucial for the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and self-renewal of CSCs. New therapies based on the use of inhibitors that block CSC growth and proliferation signals are being investigated. The current histological classification of ovarian tumors, their epidemiology, and the recent knowledge of ovarian CSCs, with particular emphasis on their molecular basis, are important considerations.

Abstract

Despite the increasing development of medicine, ovarian cancer is still a high-risk, metastatic disease that is often diagnosed at a late stage. In addition, difficulties in its treatment are associated with high resistance to chemotherapy and frequent relapse. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), recently attracting significant scientific interest, are considered to be responsible for the malignant features of tumors. CSCs, as the driving force behind tumor development, generate new cells by modifying different signaling pathways. Moreover, investigations on different types of tumors have shown that signaling pathways are key to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulation, metastasis, and self-renewal of CSCs. Based on these established issues, new therapies are being investigated based on the use of inhibitors to block CSC growth and proliferation signals. Many reports indicate that CSC markers play a key role in cancer metastasis, with hopes placed in their targeting to block this process and eliminate relapses. Current histological classification of ovarian tumors, their epidemiology, and the most recent knowledge of ovarian CSCs, with particular emphasis on their molecular background, are important aspects for consideration. Furthermore, the importance of signaling pathways involved in tumor growth, development, and metastasis, is also presented.