CD146 interaction with integrin β1 activates LATS1-YAP signaling and induces radiation-resistance in breast cancer cells

CCDC25 suppresses clear cell renal cell carcinoma progression by LATS1/YAP-mediated regulation of the hippo pathway

BACKGROUND

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most prevalent renal cancers, and the molecular mechanisms underlying its progression are still not fully understood. The expression of CCDC25, a notably underexpressed gene in many tumors, has been understudied in ccRCC. This research aims to explore the role of CCDC25 in ccRCC's clinical outcomes and uncover the molecular pathways influenced by it.

METHODS

A multi-tiered approach was adopted involving bioinformatic analysis, tissue sample evaluation, in vitro and in vivo experiments. CCDC25 expression levels in tumor vs. normal tissues were quantified using Western blot and immunofluorescence studies. Cell proliferation and migration were analyzed using CCK8, EDU, Transwell assays, and wound healing assays. RNA sequencing was performed to elucidate the molecular pathways affected, followed by detailed protein-protein interaction studies and mouse xenograft models.

RESULTS

CCDC25 was predominantly underexpressed in ccRCC tumors and associated with advanced clinical stages and poor prognosis. Overexpression of CCDC25 in renal cancer cell lines resulted in reduced proliferation and migration. RNA sequencing revealed significant alterations in the Hippo pathway. Overexpression of CCDC25 inhibited the expression of downstream Hippo pathway proteins ITGA3 and CCND1 and promoted YAP phosphorylation. Mechanistic studies showed that CCDC25 interacts with YAP and influences YAP phosphorylation through LATS1. In vivo, CCDC25 overexpression inhibited tumor growth and promoted apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

CCDC25 acts as a potential tumor suppressor in ccRCC by inhibiting cell proliferation and migration, potentially through regulating the Hippo signaling pathway. These findings highlight the potential of CCDC25 as a therapeutic target in ccRCC treatment.

PITPNC1 Suppress CD8+ T cell immune function and promote radioresistance in rectal cancer by modulating FASN/CD155

BACKGROUND

Radioresistance is a primary factor contributing to the failure of rectal cancer treatment. Immune suppression plays a significant role in the development of radioresistance. We have investigated the potential role of phosphatidylinositol transfer protein cytoplasmic 1 (PITPNC1) in regulating immune suppression associated with radioresistance.

METHODS

To elucidate the mechanisms by which PITPNC1 influences radioresistance, we established HT29, SW480, and MC38 radioresistant cell lines. The relationship between radioresistance and changes in the proportion of immune cells was verified through subcutaneous tumor models and flow cytometry. Changes in the expression levels of PITPNC1, FASN, and CD155 were determined using immunohistochemistry and western blotting techniques. The interplay between these proteins was investigated using immunofluorescence co-localization and immunoprecipitation assays. Additionally, siRNA and lentivirus-mediated gene knockdown or overexpression, as well as co-culture of tumor cells with PBMCs or CD8+ T cells and establishment of stable transgenic cell lines in vivo, were employed to validate the impact of the PITPNC1/FASN/CD155 pathway on CD8+ T cell immune function.

RESULTS

Under irradiation, the apoptosis rate and expression of apoptosis-related proteins in radioresistant colorectal cancer cell lines were significantly decreased, while the cell proliferation rate increased. In radioresistant tumor-bearing mice, the proportion of CD8+ T cells and IFN-γ production within immune cells decreased. Immunohistochemical analysis of human and animal tissue specimens resistant to radiotherapy showed a significant increase in the expression levels of PITPNC1, FASN, and CD155. Gene knockdown and rescue experiments demonstrated that PITPNC1 can regulate the expression of CD155 on the surface of tumor cells through FASN. In addition, co-culture experiments and in vivo tumor-bearing experiments have shown that silencing PITPNC1 can inhibit FASN/CD155, enhance CD8+ T cell immune function, promote colorectal cancer cell death, and ultimately reduce radioresistance in tumor-bearing models.

CONCLUSIONS

PITPNC1 regulates the expression of CD155 through FASN, inhibits CD8+ T cell immune function, and promotes radioresistance in rectal cancer.

Identification and validation of N7 -methylguanosine-associated gene NCBP1 as prognostic and immune-associated biomarkers in breast cancer patients

We intend to evaluate the importance of N7 -methylguanosine (m7G) for the prognosis of breast cancer (BC). We gained 29 m7G-related genes from the published literature and among them, 16 m7G-related genes were found to have differential expression. Five differentially expressed genes (CYFIP1, EIF4E, EIF4E3, NCBP1 and WDR4) were linked to overall survival. This suggests that m7G-related genes might be prognostic or therapeutic targets for BC patients. We put the five genes to LASSO regression analysis to create a four-gene signature, including EIF4E, EIF4E3, WDR4 and NCBP1, that divides samples into two risky groups. Survival was drastically worsened in a high-risk group (p < 0.001). The signature's predictive capacity was demonstrated using ROC (10-year AUC 0.689; 10-year AUC 0.615; 3-year AUC 0.602). We found that immune status was significantly different between the two risk groups. In particular, NCBP1 also has a poor prognosis, with higher diagnostic value in ROC. NCBP1 also has different immune states according to its high or low expression. Meanwhile, knockdown of NCBP1 suppresses BC malignancy in vitro. Therefore, m7G RNA regulators are crucial participants in BC and four-gene mRNA levels are important predictors of prognosis. NCBP1 plays a critical target of m7G mechanism in BC.

YY1 modulates the radiosensitivity of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through KIF3B-mediated Hippo signaling pathway

Radiotherapy is an important strategy in the comprehensive treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, effectiveness of radiotherapy is still restricted by radioresistance. Herein, we aimed to understand the mechanisms underlying ESCC radioresistance, for which we looked into the potential role of YY1. YY1 was upregulated in radioresistant tissues and correlated with poor prognosis of patients with ESCC. YY1 depletion enhanced the radiosensitivity of ESCC in vitro and in vivo. Multi-group sequencing showed that downregulation of YY1 inhibited the transcriptional activity of Kinesin Family Member 3B (KIF3B), which further activated the Hippo signaling pathway by interacting with Integrin-beta1 (ITGB1). Once the Hippo pathway was activated, its main effector, Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), was phosphorylated in the cytoplasm and its expression reduced in the nucleus, thus enhancing the radiosensitivity by regulating its targeted genes. Our study provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying ESCC radioresistance and highlights the potential role of YY1 as a therapeutic target for ESCC.

Nuclear isoform of RAPH1 interacts with FOXQ1 to promote aggressiveness and radioresistance in breast cancer

Radioresistance limits the efficacy of radiotherapy against breast cancer, especially the most lethal subtype of breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is closely related to tumor radioresistance. In this work, we attempted to identify the key EMT-related transcription factor(s) that can induce radioresistance in breast cancer cells. A set of 44 EMT transcription factors were analyzed in parental and radioresistant TNBC cell lines. The function of FOXQ1, a differentially expressed transcription factor, was determined in TNBC radioresistance. FOXQ1-interacting proteins were identified by co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry. Compared with parental cells, FOXQ1 was significantly upregulated in radioresistant TNBC cells. Silencing of FOXQ1 increased the radiosensitiviy of radioresistant TNBC cells both in vitro and in vivo. FOXQ1 associated with a nuclear isoform of RAPH1 (named RAPH1-i3) in radioresistant TNBC cells. Overexpression of RAPH1-i3 enhanced TNBC cell proliferation and migration, and most interestingly, induced radioresistance in parental TNBC cells when co-expressed with FOXQ1. Similar findings were observed in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cell lines that had co-expression of RAPH1-i3 and FOXQ1. Mechanistically, co-expression of RAPH1-i3 and FOXQ1 activated STAT3 signaling and increased the expression of CCND1, MCL1, Bcl-XL, and MMP2. Depletion of RAPH1-i3 impaired the radioresistance of radioresistant TNBC cells. Additionally, RAPH1-i3 upregulation was associated with advanced tumor stage and reduced disease-free survival in TNBC patients. These results collectively show that RAPH1-i3 interacts with FOXQ1 to promote breast cancer progression and radioresistance. RAPH1-i3 and FOXQ1 represent therapeutic targets for the treatment of breast cancer including TNBC.

The Mechanism of Ubiquitination or Deubiquitination Modifications in Regulating Solid Tumor Radiosensitivity

Radiotherapy, a treatment method employing radiation to eradicate tumor cells and subsequently reduce or eliminate tumor masses, is widely applied in the management of numerous patients with tumors. However, its therapeutic effectiveness is somewhat constrained by various drug-resistant factors. Recent studies have highlighted the ubiquitination/deubiquitination system, a reversible molecular modification pathway, for its dual role in influencing tumor behaviors. It can either promote or inhibit tumor progression, impacting tumor proliferation, migration, invasion, and associated therapeutic resistance. Consequently, delving into the potential mechanisms through which ubiquitination and deubiquitination systems modulate the response to radiotherapy in malignant tumors holds paramount significance in augmenting its efficacy. In this paper, we comprehensively examine the strides made in research and the pertinent mechanisms of ubiquitination and deubiquitination systems in governing radiotherapy resistance in tumors. This underscores the potential for developing diverse radiosensitizers targeting distinct mechanisms, with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of radiotherapy.

Luteolin inhibits angiogenesis and enhances radiotherapy sensitivity of laryngeal cancer via downregulating Integrin β1

AIM

To demonstrate the role and mechanism of luteolin in radio-sensitization and angiogenesis of laryngeal cancer.

METHODS

Firstly, we analyzed the cytotoxicity of Luteolin and radiation sensitive cytotoxicity through CCK8, and selected subsequent radiation doses and Luteolin concentrations. Next, we further analyzed the effects of Luteolin on radiation sensitivity and neovascularization of laryngeal cancer, and conducted CCK8, plate cloning, and angiogenesis experiments, respectively. At the same time, the effects of individual treatment and combination treatment on the expression of Integrin β1 and VEGFA were analyzed through immunofluorescence analysis. We also analyzed the regulation of Integrin β1 protein expression by Luteolin through Western blot. To investigate the mechanism of Integrin β1, we transfected overexpressed and silenced Integrin β1 vectors and analyzed the role of Integrin β1 in Luteolin enhancing radiation sensitivity of laryngeal cancer by repeating the above experiments. We have also constructed an in vivo subcutaneous tumor transplantation model to further validate the cell experimental results. The expression of Integrin, KI67, VEGFA, and CD31 was analyzed through Western blot and immunohistochemistry experiments.

RESULTS

Radiation inhibited cell proliferation and decreased Integrin β1 expression, and increased the radiosensitivity through inhibiting cell proliferation, and inhibit angiogenesis during radiation. Overexpression of Integrin β1 weakened radiotherapy sensitivity on the basis of cells treated with combined administration. Integrin β1 is considered as the downstream molecule of luteolin, participating in radiosensitivity of luteolin to FaDu cells. Animal experiments also demonstrated that luteolin strengthened tumor suppression and anti-angiogenesis during radiation via Integrin β1.

CONCLUSION

In summary, our results manifested that radio-sensitivity effect of luteolin depended on downregulating Integrin β1 in laryngocarcinoma.

HER2-targeting two-dimensional black phosphorus as a nanoplatform for chemo-photothermal therapy in breast cancer

Trastuzumab (Tmab) targeted therapy or its combination with chemotherapy is normally insufficient to elicit a comprehensive therapeutic response owing to the inherent or acquired drug resistance and systemic toxicity observed in highly invasive HER2-positive breast cancer. In this study, we propose a novel approach that integrates photothermal therapy (PTT) with targeted therapy and chemotherapy, thereby achieving additive or synergistic therapeutic outcomes. We utilize PEGylated two-dimensional black phosphorus (2D BP) as a nanoplatform and photothermal agent to load chemotherapeutic drug mitoxantrone (MTO) and conjugate with Tmab (BP-PEG-MTO-Tmab). The in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the HER2-targeting BP-PEG-MTO-Tmab complexes exhibited desirable biocompatibility, safety and enhanced cancer cell uptake efficiency, resulting in increased accumulation and prolonged retention of BP and MTO within tumors. Consequently, the complex improved photothermal and chemotherapy treatment efficacy in HER2-positive cells in vitro and a subcutaneous tumor model in vivo, while minimized harm to normal cells and showed desirable organ compatibility. Collectively, our study provides compelling evidence for the remarkable efficacy of targeted and synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy utilizing all-in-one nanoparticles as a delivery system for BP and chemotherapeutic drug in HER2-positive breast cancer.

TJP3 promotes T cell immunity escape and chemoresistance in breast cancer: a comprehensive analysis of anoikis-based prognosis prediction and drug sensitivity stratification

BACKGROUND

Overcoming anoikis is a necessity during the metastasis and invasion of tumors. Recently, anoikis has been reported to be involved in tumor immunity and has been used to construct prognosis prediction models. However, the roles of anoikis in regulating tumor immunity and drug sensitivity in breast cancer are still not clear and therefore worth uncovering.

METHODS

TCGA and GEO data are the source of gene expression profiles, which are used to identify anoikis-related-gene (ARG)-based subtypes. R4.2 is used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Breast cancer is divided into three subgroups, amongst which shows prognosis differences in pan-cancer cohort, ACC, BLCA, BRCA, LUAD, MESO, PAAD, and SKCM. In breast cancer, it shows significant differences in clinical features, immune cell infiltration and drug sensitivity. Machine learning constructs prognosis prediction model, which is useful to perform chemotherapy sensitivity stratification. Following, TJP3 is identified and verified as the key ARG, up-regulation of which increases tolerance of paclitaxel-induced cell toxicity, accompanied with increased expression of caspas3 and cleaved-caspase3. In addition, Down-regulation of TJP3 weakens the cell migration, which accompanied with increased expression of E-cad and decreased expression of vimentin, twist1, zeb1, and MMP7. Furthermore, the expression level of PD-L1 is negative correlated with TJP3.

CONCLUSION

ARGs-based subgroup stratification is useful to recognize chemotherapy sensitive cohort, and also is useful to predict clinical outcome. TJP3 promotes chemoresistance, tumor metastasis and potential immunotherapy escape in breast cancer.

Longitudinal detection of subcategorized CD44v6+ CTCs and circulating tumor endothelial cells (CTECs) enables novel clinical stratification and improves prognostic prediction of small cell lung cancer: A prospective, multi-center study

Current management of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) remains challenging. Effective biomarkers are needed to subdivide patients presenting distinct treatment response and clinical outcomes. An understanding of heterogeneous phenotypes of aneuploid CD31- circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and CD31+ circulating tumor endothelial cells (CTECs) may provide novel insights in the clinical management of SCLC. In the present translational and prospective study, increased cancer metastasis-related cell proliferation and motility, accompanied with up-regulated mesenchymal marker vimentin but down-regulated epithelial marker E-cadherin, were observed in both lentivirus infected SCLC and NSCLC cells overexpressing the stemness marker CD44v6. Aneuploid CTCs and CTECs expressing CD44v6 were longitudinally detected by SE-iFISH in 120 SCLC patients. Positive detection of baseline CD44v6+ CTCs and CD44v6+ CTECs was significantly associated with enhanced hepatic metastasis. Karyotype analysis revealed that chromosome 8 (Chr8) in CD44v6+ CTCs shifted from trisomy 8 towards multiploidy in post-therapeutic patients compared to pre-treatment subjects. Furthermore, the burden of baseline CD44v6+ CTCs (t0) or amid the therapy (t1-2), the ratio of baseline CD31+ CTEC/CD31- CTC (t0), and CTC-WBC clusters (t0) were correlated with treatment response and distant metastases, particularly brain metastasis, in subjects with limited disease (LD-SCLC) but not in those with extensive disease (ED-SCLC). Multivariate survival analysis validated that longitudinally detected CD44v6+/CD31- CTCs was an independent prognostic factor for inferior survival in SCLC patients. Our study provides evidence for the first time that comprehensive analyses of CTCs, CTECs, and their respective CD44v6+ subtypes enable clinical stratification and improve prognostic prediction of SCLC, particularly for potentially curable LD-SCLC.