Function of p21 and its therapeutic effects in esophageal cancer

Biological activities of fig latex -loaded cellulose acetate/poly(ethylene oxide) nanofiber for potential therapeutics: Anticancer and antioxidant material

Cancer is a fatal disease, and unfortunately, the anticancer drugs harm normal cells. Plant's extracts are the golden key to solving this issue. In this research, fig latex - from Ficus carica- was encapsulated using cellulose acetate (CA) and poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) polymers via electrospinning method (Fig@CA/PEO). Fig@CA/PEO nanofiber scaffold was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The average fiber diameter was decreased with an increase in latex concentration from 715 nm to 583 nm. FT-IR spectroscopy indicated the presence of fig latex in Fig@CA/PEO nanofibers. Compared to 5-fluorouracil, Fig@CA/PEO nanofiber scaffold considered safe towards normal cells (WI-38). Moreover, the nanofiber scaffold was efficient against colon cancer cells (Caco) and liver cancer cells (HepG2) as it demonstrated IC50 values for cells by 23.97 μg/mL and 23.96 μg/mL, respectively. Besides, the nanofiber scaffold revealed mechanistic variations in apoptotic oncogenes; described by the upregulation of BCL2 and P21, combined by downregulation of p53 and TNF. Moreover, the nanofiber scaffold showed antioxidant activity counting 33.4, 36 and 41 % of DPPH scavenging as the fig latex concentration increased. The results demonstrate that the Fig@CA/PEO nanofiber scaffold is a promising substitute to traditional chemotherapy.

(S)-3-(3-Fluoro-4-Methoxybenzyl)-5,6,7-Trimethoxychroman-4-One Suppresses the Proliferation of Huh7 Cells by Up-regulating P21 and Inducing G2/M Phase Arrest

BACKGROUND/AIM

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent type of cancer worldwide. Although sorafenib is the only chemotherapy agent used for HCC, there is a need to discover a more potent anticancer agent with reduced side-effects. The compound, (S)-3-(3-fluoro-4-methoxybenzyl)-5,6,7-trimethoxychroman-4-one (FMTC), was designed to inhibit tubulin assembly but its specific mechanisms of action have not been previously investigated. Herein, we investigated the regulation mechanisms by which FMTC affects the proliferation of the HCC cell line, Huh7.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effects of FMTC on cell viability and growth were analyzed in the HCC cell line, Huh7. Cell cycle and apoptosis regulated by FMTC were analyzed using flow cytometry. To verify the regulation of mRNA and protein expression of cell proliferation-related factors by FMTC in Huh7 cells, RT-qPCR and western blot analyses were employed.

RESULTS

FMTC suppressed cell division dose-dependently by triggering cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase via p21 up-regulation. The increased phosphorylation of histone H3 on Ser-10 and the condensation of chromatin in FMTC-treated cells indicated mitotic arrest. Prolonged FMTC-induced cell cycle arrest triggered apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

FMTC inhibits the proliferation of human liver cancer cells by up-regulating p21, thereby inducing cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. These findings highlight FMTC as a novel agent for HCC treatment.

p21 Protein Outperforms Clinico-pathological Criteria in Predicting Liver Metastases in Pancreatic Endocrine Tumors

BACKGROUND/AIM

P21 is a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor regulating the cell cycle as a tumor suppressor. Using a p21 immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay, we compared tumor p21 levels with conventional clinico-pathological criteria in primary pancreatic endocrine tumor subsets with and without liver metastases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sections from tissue microarray (TMA) including 13 archival metastatic primary and 18 non-metastatic primary pancreatic endocrine carcinomas/tumors (MP-PECAs/NMP-PETs) were stained with a monoclonal anti-p21WAFI,CIP primary antibody. Tumor p21 IHCs were scored as the sum of intensity (0-3) and proportion scores (0-5) (Total Allred score: 0-8), and as p21% labelling index in the tumor. ROC curve analysis was used for most optimal p21 score cut-off (4 or >) and Fisher's exact test was used to compare the association among tumor p21 scores, conventional prognostic criteria, and liver metastases.

RESULTS

For PET/PECA patients, mean ages were 55.6 years (27-73) and 49.3 years (28-71), M/F ratios were 7/11 and 7/6. Mean p21 labelling index (%) for MP- PECAs was 24% (range=3-63%) vs. 9% for NMP-PETs (range=1-25%) (p=0.022). The mean p21 index in MP-PECAs was significantly higher (24%) as compared to PIs (7%) (p=0.0047). Using a p21 Allred score of ≥4, high p21 IHC score had strong association with the presence of liver metastases (p-value <0.001). High tumor p21 IHC score had a 93% sensitivity, 68% specificity, 78% predictive accuracy, 66% positive, and 94% negative predictive values.

CONCLUSION

In patients with primary PETs, p21 IHC is superior to conventional criteria in predicting presence or absence of liver metastases.

Epinodosin suppresses the proliferation, invasion, and migration of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by mediating miRNA-143-3p/Bcl-2 axis

Epinodosin has shown antibacterial and antitumor biological characteristics in the documents. We found that Epinodosin has an effective inhibitory effect on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the potential roles and mechanisms of Epinodosin in ESCC remain unclear. We performed many experiments to clarify the effect and mechanism of Epinodosin on ESCC. In this study, cell viability, invasion, migration, and apoptosis were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,-diphenytetrazoliumromide (MTT), Transwell, and flow cytometry. The differentially expressed miRNAs were screened through RNA transcriptome sequencing. The expression levels of miRNA-143-3p and some proteins were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot. The anticancer effects of Epinodosin in vivo were determined by a nude mouse model. Epinodosin suppressed cell proliferation/invasion/migration and induced ESCC cell apoptosis. Epinodosin remarkably affected the protein expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. The animal experiments demonstrated that Epinodosin could attenuate the growth of ESCC tumors in nude mice. The expression of p53, Bim, and Bax was upregulated, while that of Bcl-2 was downregulated in tumor tissues. In conclusion, Epinodosin suppresses cell viability/invasion/migration, while induces ESCC cell apoptosis by mediating miRNA-143-3p and Bcl-2, and can markedly attenuate the growth of ESCC tumors in nude mice.

PLCD3 promotes malignant cell behaviors in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via the PI3K/AKT/P21 signaling

BACKGROUND

Phospholipase C Delta 3 (PLCD3) is a member of phospholipase C(PLC) Protein and PLCD3 protein plays a prominent role in many cancers. However, little is known about the role of PLCD3 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analyzed PLCD3 mRNA and protein expression in ESCC tissues and cell lines by immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time PCR, and western blot. The correlation between PLCD3 expression and clinicopathological characteristics was also analyzed. CCK8, colony formation, wound-healing, and transwell assays were conducted to measure cell functional alternations. Flow cytometry was performed to assess the apoptosis rate and cell cycle caused by PLCD3 knockdown. Xenograft models in nude mice to clarify the role of PLCD3 in ESCC. Key proteins in the PI3K / AKT signaling pathway after treatment of ECA109 and KYSE150 cells with the AKT inhibitor MK2206 were analyzed by western blot.

RESULTS

PLCD3 was highly expressed in ESCC tissues and cell lines. PLCD3 expression levels correlated with pathologic stage and lymphatic metastasis. PLCD3 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, promoted apoptosis, and caused the cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase. PLCD3 overexpression promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In vivo experiments with xenografts demonstrated that PLCD3 promoted ESCC tumorigenesis. Finally, Overexpression of PLCD3 activated the PI3K / AKT / P21 signaling.

CONCLUSION

PLCD3 promotes malignant cell behaviors in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via the PI3K/AKT/P21 signaling and could serve as a potential target for ESCC treatment.

PI3K/Akt signaling in urological cancers: Tumorigenesis function, therapeutic potential, and therapy response regulation

In addition to environmental conditions, lifestyle factors, and chemical exposure, aberrant gene expression and mutations involve in the beginning and development of urological tumors. Even in Western nations, urological malignancies are among the top causes of patient death, and their prevalence appears to be gender dependent. The prognosis for individuals with urological malignancies remains dismal and unfavorable due to the ineffectiveness of conventional treatment methods. PI3K/Akt is a popular biochemical mechanism that is activated in tumor cells as a result of PTEN loss. PI3K/Akt escalates growth and metastasis. Moreover, due to the increase in tumor cell viability caused by PI3K/Akt activation, cancer cells may acquire resistance to treatment. This review article examines the function of PI3K/Akt in major urological tumors including bladder, prostate, and renal tumors. In prostate, bladder, and kidney tumors, the level of PI3K and Akt are notably elevated. In addition, the activation of PI3K/Akt enhances the levels of Bcl-2 and XIAP, hence increasing the tumor cell survival rate. PI3K/Akt ] upregulates EMT pathways and matrix metalloproteinase expression to increase urological cancer metastasis. Furthermore, stimulation of PI3K/Akt results in drug- and radio-resistant cancers, but its suppression by anti-tumor drugs impedes the tumorigenesis.

SOX1 acts as a tumor hypnotist rendering nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells refractory to chemotherapy

SOX1, a well-known tumor suppressor, delays malignant progression in most cancer types. However, high expression of SOX1 in late-stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma leads to poor prognosis. In this study, we show that SOX1 induces nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells to enter a quiescent state. Using a model that mimics therapeutic resistance and tumor recurrence, a subpopulation of SOX1-induced NPC cells is refractory to paclitaxel, a cell cycle-specific chemotherapy drug. These cells maintain a quiescent state with decreased translational activity and down-regulated cell growth potential. However, once SOX1 expression is decreased, the NPC cells recover and enter a proliferative state. The chemotherapy resistance induced by SOX1 can not pass to next generation, as the cells that undergo re-proliferation become sensitive to paclitaxel again. Moreover, SOX1 directly binds to the promoter region of the MYC gene, leading to transcriptional suppression. When switching to a paclitaxel-free culture environment, the cells with decreased levels of SOX1 re-express MYC, resulting in increased abundance of proliferative cancer cells. Our study presents an evolutionary trade-off between tumor growth and chemoresistance orchestrated by SOX1-MYC in NPC. Basing on the dynamic role of SOX1 in different stages of cancer development, SOX1 would be regarded as a "tumor hypnotist".

Caprylic Acid (FFA C8:0) promotes the progression of prostate cancer by up-regulating G protein-coupled receptor 84/ Krüppel-like factor 7

BACKGROUND

In previous study, we found that the content of medium-chain fatty acid Caprylic Acid (FFA C8:0) may be an important risk factor of obesity induced prostate cancer (PCa). However, the relationship between FFA C8:0 and PCa has not been reported. In this study, we explored whether the FFA C8:0 can promotes the progression of PCa by up-regulating Krüppel-like factor 7 (KLF7).

METHODS

We collected tissues from PCa patients and Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH), constructed a primary-tumor bearing mouse model with obesity through high-fat diet, and observed the tumor formation ability of PCa cells. In vitro, CCK8 assay, plate cloning, Transwell and scratch experiment were used to detect the changes in biological behavior of PCa cells stimulated by FFA C8:0.

RESULTS

First, we found that the expression level of KLF7 is higher in PCa tissues of patients, and the expression of KLF7 is positively correlated with tumour-promoting gene IL-6, while it is negative correlated with another tumour-suppressor gene p21. Then, this study found that PCa cells were more likely to form tumors in diet induced obese mice. Compared with the normal diet group (ND), the expression levels of KLF7 in tumor tissues in high-fat diet group (HFD) were higher. Futhermore, we verified that high concentrations of FFA C8:0 can promote the biological behavior of PCa cells by activating KLF7/IL-6/p21 signaling pathway, which is mediated by the GPR84.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research may provide a potential target for clinical prevention and treatment of PCa which induced by obesity.

Systems and in vitro pharmacology profiling of diosgenin against breast cancer

Aim: The purpose of this study was to establish a mode of action for diosgenin against breast cancer employing a range of system biology tools and to corroborate its results with experimental facts. Methodology: The diosgenin-regulated domains implicated in breast cancer were enriched in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database to establish diosgenin-protein(s)-pathway(s) associations. Later, molecular docking and the lead complexes were considered for molecular dynamics simulations, MMPBSA, principal component, and dynamics cross-correlation matrix analysis using GROMACS v2021. Furthermore, survival analysis was carried out for the diosgenin-regulated proteins that were anticipated to be involved in breast cancer. For gene expression analyses, the top three targets with the highest binding affinity for diosgenin and tumor expression were examined. Furthermore, the effect of diosgenin on cell proliferation, cytotoxicity, and the partial Warburg effect was tested to validate the computational findings using functional outputs of the lead targets. Results: The protein-protein interaction had 57 edges, an average node degree of 5.43, and a p-value of 3.83e-14. Furthermore, enrichment analysis showed 36 KEGG pathways, 12 cellular components, 27 molecular functions, and 307 biological processes. In network analysis, three hub proteins were notably modulated: IGF1R, MDM2, and SRC, diosgenin with the highest binding affinity with IGF1R (binding energy -8.6 kcal/mol). Furthermore, during the 150 ns molecular dynamics (MD) projection run, diosgenin exhibited robust intermolecular interactions and had the least free binding energy with IGF1R (-35.143 kcal/mol) compared to MDM2 (-34.619 kcal/mol), and SRC (-17.944 kcal/mol). Diosgenin exhibited the highest cytotoxicity against MCF7 cell lines (IC₅₀ 12.05 ± 1.33) µg/ml. Furthermore, in H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress, the inhibitory constant (IC₅₀ 7.68 ± 0.51) µg/ml of diosgenin was lowest in MCF7 cell lines. However, the reversal of the Warburg effect by diosgenin seemed to be maximum in non-cancer Vero cell lines (EC₅₀ 15.27 ± 0.95) µg/ml compared to the rest. Furthermore, diosgenin inhibited cell proliferation in SKBR3 cell lines more though. Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that diosgenin impacts a series of signaling pathways, involved in the advancement of breast cancer, including FoxO, PI3K-Akt, p53, Ras, and MAPK signaling. Additionally, diosgenin established a persistent diosgenin-protein complex and had a significant binding affinity towards IGF1R, MDM2, and SRC. It is possible that this slowed down cell growth, countered the Warburg phenomenon, and showed the cytotoxicity towards breast cancer cells.

Sirtuin 4 Inhibits Prostate Cancer Progression and Metastasis by Modulating p21 Nuclear Translocation and Glutamate Dehydrogenase 1 ADP-Ribosylation

Protein posttranslational modification regulates several biological mechanisms, including tumor progression. In this study, we show that the mitochondrial Sirtuin 4 (SIRT4), which has ADP-ribosylation activity, plays a role in prostate cancer (PCa) progression. Firstly, SIRT4 expression was verified in PCa tissues and cell lines by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting. Subsequently, we established stable PC-3 and 22rv1 cells that overexpressed SIRT4 and knocked down SIRT4, respectively. The functions of SIRT4 in PCa were explored through various phenotype experiments. The mechanism underlying the functions of SIRT4 was investigated through western blotting, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and nuclear and cytoplasmic extraction assays. We revealed that SIRT4 inhibited cell progression both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, on the one hand, SIRT4 promoted the ADP-ribosylation of glutamate dehydrogenase 1 to inhibit the glutamine metabolism pathways. On the other hand, SIRT4 inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT, thereby affecting p21 phosphorylation and its cellular localization for cell cycle arrest. In conclusion, our study indicates that SIRT4 is directly associated with PCa progression and could be a novel target for PCa therapy.

Contribution of MicroRNAs in Chemoresistance to Cisplatin in the Top Five Deadliest Cancer: An Updated Review

Cisplatin (DDP) is a well-known anticancer drug used for the treatment of numerous human cancers in solid organs, including bladder, breast, cervical, head and neck squamous cell, ovarian, among others. Its most important mode of action is the DNA-platinum adducts formation, inducing DNA damage response, silencing or activating several genes to induce apoptosis; these mechanisms result in genetics and epigenetics modifications. The ability of DDP to induce tumor cell death is often challenged by the presence of anti-apoptotic regulators, leading to chemoresistance, wherein many patients who have or will develop DDP-resistance. Cancer cells resist the apoptotic effect of chemotherapy, being a problem that severely restricts the successful results of treatment for many human cancers. In the last 30 years, researchers have discovered there are several types of RNAs, and among the most important are non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), a class of RNAs that are not involved in protein production, but they are implicated in gene expression regulation, and representing the 98% of the human genome non-translated. Some ncRNAs of great interest are long ncRNAs, circular RNAs, and microRNAs (miRs). Accumulating studies reveal that aberrant miRs expression can affect the development of chemotherapy drug resistance, by modulating the expression of relevant target proteins. Thus, identifying molecular mechanisms underlying chemoresistance development is fundamental for setting strategies to improve the prognosis of patients with different types of cancer. Therefore, this review aimed to identify and summarize miRs that modulate chemoresistance in DDP-resistant in the top five deadliest cancer, both in vitro and in vivo human models.

Development and validation of a nomogram for prediction of cervical lymph node metastasis in middle and lower thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Background

Estimates of cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis in patients with middle and lower thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are important. A nomogram is a useful tool for individualized prediction.

Methods

A total of 235 patients were enrolled in this study. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to screen for independent risk factors and construct a nomogram to predict the risk of cervical LN metastasis. The nomogram performance was assessed by discrimination, calibration, and clinical use.

Results

Totally, four independent predictors, including the maximum diameter of tumor, paraesophageal lymph node status, recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node status, and the CT-reported cervical LN status, were enrolled in the nomogram. The AUC of the nomogram model in the training and validation dataset were 0.833 (95% CI 0.762–0.905), 0.808 (95% CI 0.696–0.920), respectively. The calibration curve demonstrated a strong consistency between nomogram and clinical findings in predicting cervical LN metastasis. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the nomogram was clinically useful.

Conclusion

We developed a nomogram that could be conveniently used to predict the individualized risk of cervical LN metastasis in patients with middle and lower thoracic ESCC.

OAS1, OAS2, and OAS3 Contribute to Epidermal Keratinocyte Proliferation by Regulating Cell Cycle and Augment Type I Interferon-Induced JAK1-STAT1 Phosphorylation in Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a systemic immune-mediated inflammatory disease characterized by hyperproliferation and abnormal differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes. Recent studies have identified IL-17 and IL-23 as key drivers of psoriasis pathogenesis, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetases, namely, OAS1, OAS2, OAS3, and OASL, are a family of interferon-induced enzymes with multiple antiviral activities, but their role in psoriasis is unknown. Here, we identified overexpression of OAS1, OAS2, and OAS3 in human lesional psoriatic skin and serum and found that their expression was downregulated by biologics. Moreover, OASs were highly expressed in epidermal keratinocytes, epidermal dendritic cells, epidermal CD3⁺ T cells, dermal antigen-presenting cells, and dermal T cells from the psoriatic epidermis and dermis, as determined by flow cytometry. Additionally, OASs were upregulated by poly(I:C), poly(dA:dT), and type I IFNs but downregulated by JAK inhibitors in normal human epidermal keratinocytes. Furthermore, silencing of OASs inhibited the phosphorylation of JAK1 and STAT1. Knockdown of OASs suppressed keratinocyte proliferation by inhibiting cell cycle progression. Thus, OASs may be therapeutic biomarkers in psoriasis.

Targeting the Microenvironment in Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer (EC) is the eighth most common type of cancer and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. At present, the clinical treatment for EC is based mainly on radical surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, due to the limited efficacy of conventional treatments and the serious adverse reactions, the outcome is still unsatisfactory (the 5-year survival rate for patients is less than 25%). Thus, it is extremely important and urgent to identify new therapeutic targets. The concept of tumor microenvironment (TME) has attracted increased attention since it was proposed. Recent studies have shown that TME is an important therapeutic target for EC. Microenvironment-targeting therapies such as immunotherapy and antiangiogenic therapy have played an indispensable role in prolonging survival and improving the prognosis of patients with EC. In addition, many new drugs and therapies that have been developed to target microenvironment may become treatment options in the future. We summarize the microenvironment of EC and the latest advances in microenvironment-targeting therapies in this review.