Understanding p53 tumour suppressor network

The Hippo pathway terminal effector TAZ/WWTR1 mediates oxaliplatin sensitivity in p53 proficient colon cancer cells

YAP and TAZ, the Hippo pathway terminal transcriptional activators, are frequently upregulated in cancers. In tumor cells, they have been mainly associated with increased tumorigenesis controlling different aspects from cell cycle regulation, stemness, or resistance to chemotherapies. In fewer cases, they have also been shown to oppose cancer progression, including by promoting cell death through the action of the p73/YAP transcriptional complex, in particular after chemotherapeutic drug exposure. Using HCT116 cells, we show here that oxaliplatin treatment led to core Hippo pathway down-regulation and nuclear accumulation of TAZ. We further show that TAZ was required for the increased sensitivity of HCT116 cells to oxaliplatin, an effect that appeared independent of p73, but which required the nuclear relocalization of TAZ. Accordingly, Verteporfin and CA3, two drugs affecting the activity of YAP and TAZ, showed antagonistic effects with oxaliplatin in co-treatments. Importantly, using several colorectal cell lines, we show that the sensitizing action of TAZ to oxaliplatin is dependent on the p53 status of the cells. Our results support thus an early action of TAZ to sensitize cells to oxaliplatin, consistent with a model in which nuclear TAZ in the context of DNA damage and p53 activity pushes cells towards apoptosis.

Genetically driven predisposition leads to an unusually genomic unstable renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma originates from the lining of the proximal convoluted renal tubule and represents the most common type of kidney cancer. Risk factors and comorbidities might be associated to renal cell carcinoma, while a small fraction of 2-3% emerges from patients with predisposing cancer syndromes, typically associated to hereditary mutations in VHL, folliculin, fumarate hydratase or MET genes. Here, we report a case of renal cell carcinoma in patient with concurrent germline mutations in BRCA1 and RAD51 genes. This case displays an unusual high mutational burden and chromosomal aberrations compared to the typical profile of renal cell carcinoma. Mutational analysis on whole genome sequencing revealed an enrichment of the MMR2 mutational signature, which is indicative of impaired DNA repair capacity. Overall, the tumor displayed a profile of unusual high genomic instability which suggests a possible origin from germline predisposing mutations in the DNA repair genes BRCA1 and RAD51. While BRCA1 and RAD51 germline mutations are well-characterised in breast and ovarian cancer, their role in renal cell carcinoma is still largely unexplored. The genomic instability detected in this case of renal cell carcinoma, along with the presence of unusual mutations, might offer support to clinicians for the development of patient-tailored therapies.

Genomic and transcriptomic profiling of hepatocellular carcinoma reveals a rare molecular subtype

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, occurring predominantly in patients with underlying chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Here, we describe a case of a 62-year-old man that was admitted to our hospital and diagnosed with HCC where the cancer has already metastasized to the retroperitoneum and peritoneum. In order to better characterize the HCC, both the cancerous liver tissue and the adjacent normal liver tissue of the patient were collected and subjected to a genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic analysis. Our patient carries a highly mutated HCC, which is characterized by both somatic mutation in the following genes ALK, CDK6, TP53, PGR. In addition, we observe several molecular alterations that are associated with potential therapy resistance, for example the expression of the organic-anion-transporting polypeptide (OATP) family members B1 and B3, that mediate the transport of the anticancer drugs, has been found decreased. Overall, our molecular profiling potentially classify the patient with poor prognosis and possibly displaying resistance to pharmacological therapy.

Aluminium bioaccumulation in colon cancer, impinging on epithelial-mesenchymal-transition and cell death

We investigated the presence of aluminium (Al) in human colon cancer samples and its potential association with biological processes involved in cancer progression, such as epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell death. 25 consecutive colon samples were collected from patients undergoing colonic resection. Both neoplastic and normal mucosa were collected from each patient and subjected to histological, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical analyses. Moreover, colon samples from two Al-positive patients underwent multi-omic analyses, including whole genome sequencing and RNA sequencing (RNAseq). Morin staining, used to identify in situ aluminium bioaccumulation, showed the presence of Al in tumor areas of 24 % of patients. Transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis confirmed the presence of Al specifically in intracytoplasmic electrondense nanodeposits adjacent to mitochondria of colon cancer cells. Immunohistochemical analyses for vimentin and nuclear β-catenin were performed to highlight the occurrence of the EMT phenomenon in association to Al bioaccumulation. Al-positive samples showed a significant increase in both the number of vimentin-positive and nuclear β-catenin-positive cancer cells compared to Al-negative samples. Moreover, Al-positive samples exhibited a significant decrease in the number of apoptotic cells, as well as the expression of the anti-apoptotic molecule BCL-2. Multi-omic analyses revealed a higher tumor mutational burden (TMB) in Al-positive colon cancers (n = 2) compared to a control cohort (n = 100). Additionally, somatic mutations in genes associated with EMT (GATA3) and apoptosis (TP53) were observed in Al-positive colon cancers. In conclusion, this study provides the first evidence of Al bioaccumulation in colon cancer and its potential role in modulating molecular pathways involved in cancer progression, such as EMT and apoptosis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying Al toxicity might contribute to improve strategies for prevention, early detection, and targeted therapies for the management of colon cancer patients.

Melatonin: a modulator in metabolic rewiring in T-cell malignancies

Melatonin, (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) an indoleamine exerts multifaced effects and regulates numerous cellular pathways and molecular targets associated with circadian rhythm, immune modulation, and seasonal reproduction including metabolic rewiring during T cell malignancy. T-cell malignancies encompass a group of hematological cancers characterized by the uncontrolled growth and proliferation of malignant T-cells. These cancer cells exhibit a distinct metabolic adaptation, a hallmark of cancer in general, as they rewire their metabolic pathways to meet the heightened energy requirements and biosynthesis necessary for malignancies is the Warburg effect, characterized by a shift towards glycolysis, even when oxygen is available. In addition, T-cell malignancies cause metabolic shift by inhibiting the enzyme pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase (PDK) which in turn results in increased acetyl CoA enzyme production and cellular glycolytic activity. Further, melatonin plays a modulatory role in the expression of essential transporters (Glut1, Glut2) responsible for nutrient uptake and metabolic rewiring, such as glucose and amino acid transporters in T-cells. This modulation significantly impacts the metabolic profile of T-cells, consequently affecting their differentiation. Furthermore, melatonin has been found to regulate the expression of critical signaling molecules involved in T-cell activations, such as CD38, and CD69. These molecules are integral to T-cell adhesion, signaling, and activation. This review aims to provide insights into the mechanism of melatonin's anticancer properties concerning metabolic rewiring during T-cell malignancy. The present review encompasses the involvement of oncogenic factors, the tumor microenvironment and metabolic alteration, hallmarks, metabolic reprogramming, and the anti-oncogenic/oncostatic impact of melatonin on various cancer cells.

The impact of toxic metal bioaccumulation on colorectal cancer: Unravelling the unexplored connection

Colorectal cancer is a major public health concern, with increasing incidence and mortality rates worldwide. Environmental factors, including exposure to toxic metals, such as lead, chromium, cadmium, aluminium, copper, arsenic and mercury, have been suggested to play a significant role in the development and progression of this neoplasia. In particular, the bioaccumulation of toxic metals can play a significant role in colorectal cancer by regulating biological phenomenon associated to both cancer occurrence and progression, such as cell death and proliferation. Also, frequently these metals can induce DNA mutations in well-known oncogenes. This review provides a critical analysis of the current evidence, highlighting the need for further research to fully grasp the complex interplay between toxic metal bioaccumulation and colorectal cancer. Understanding the contribution of toxic metals to colorectal cancer occurrence and progression is essential for the development of targeted preventive strategies and social interventions, with the ultimate goal of reducing the burden of this disease.

p63 orchestrates serine and one carbon metabolism enzymes expression in head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is characterized by high proliferation and limited differentiation. The altered expression of the p53 family members, and specifically of p63, represents a pivotal event in the pathogenesis of HNSCC. Physiologically, p63 affects metabolism through the direct transactivation of the enzyme hexokinase 2, and subsequently controls the proliferation of epithelial cells; nonetheless, its role in cancer metabolism is still largely unclear. The high energetic demand of cancer and the consequent needs of a metabolic reshape, also involve the serine and glycine catabolic and anabolic pathways, including the one carbon metabolism (OCM), to produce energetic compounds (purines) and to maintain cellular homeostasis (glutathione and S-adenosylmethionine).

RESULTS

The involvement in serine/glycine starvation by other p53 family members has been reported, including HNSCC. Here, we show that in HNSCC p63 controls the expression of the enzymes regulating the serine biosynthesis and one carbon metabolism. p63 binds the promoter region of genes involved in the serine biosynthesis as well as in the one carbon metabolism. p63 silencing in a HNSCC cell line affects the mRNA and protein levels of these selected enzymes. Moreover, the higher expression of TP63 and its target enzymes, negatively impacts on the overall survival of HNSCC patients.

CONCLUSION

These data indicate a direct role of p63 in the metabolic regulation of HNSCC with significant clinical effects.

Macrophage polarization and metabolism in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the accumulation of fatty deposits in the inner walls of vessels. These plaques restrict blood flow and lead to complications such as heart attack or stroke. The development of atherosclerosis is influenced by a variety of factors, including age, genetics, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Atherosclerotic plaques in stable form are characterized by slow growth, which leads to luminal stenosis, with low embolic potential or in unstable form, which contributes to high risk for thrombotic and embolic complications with rapid clinical onset. In this complex scenario of atherosclerosis, macrophages participate in the whole process, including the initiation, growth and eventually rupture and wound healing stages of artery plaque formation. Macrophages in plaques exhibit high heterogeneity and plasticity, which affect the evolving plaque microenvironment, e.g., leading to excessive lipid accumulation, cytokine hyperactivation, hypoxia, apoptosis and necroptosis. The metabolic and functional transitions of plaque macrophages in response to plaque microenvironmental factors not only influence ongoing and imminent inflammatory responses within the lesions but also directly dictate atherosclerotic progression or regression. In this review, we discuss the origin of macrophages within plaques, their phenotypic diversity, metabolic shifts, and fate and the roles they play in the dynamic progression of atherosclerosis. It also describes how macrophages interact with other plaque cells, particularly T cells. Ultimately, targeting pathways involved in macrophage polarization may lead to innovative and promising approaches for precision medicine. Further insights into the landscape and biological features of macrophages within atherosclerotic plaques may offer valuable information for optimizing future clinical treatment for atherosclerosis by targeting macrophages.

A BRCA2 germline mutation and high expression of immune checkpoints in a TNBC patient

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of mammary carcinoma. Here, we describe a case of an 81-year-old female diagnosed with ductal triple negative breast cancer with a germline pathogenic variant in BReast CAncer gene2 (BRCA2). Genetic testing also revealed the presence of four somatic mutations in the ephrin type-A receptor 3 (EphA3), TP53, BRCA1-associated protein (BAP1), and MYB genes. The BRCA2, TP53, and BAP1 gene mutations are highly predictive of a defective homologous recombination repair system and subsequent chromosomal instability in this patient. Coherently, the patient displayed a strong homologous recombination deficiency signature and high tumor mutational burden status, which are generally associated with increased probability of immune neoantigens formation and presentation, and with tumor immunogenicity. Analysis of immune checkpoint revealed high expression of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), programmed cell death ligand 2 (PD-L2), programmed death 1 (PD1), and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA 4), suggesting that the patient might likely benefit from immunotherapies. Altogether, these findings support an unveiled link between BRCA2 inactivation, HR deficiency and increased expression of immune checkpoints in TNBC. This clinical case highlights the importance of screening TNBC patients for genetic mutations and TMB biomarkers in order to predict the potential efficacy of immunotherapy.

Three-Dimensional Gene Regulation Network in Glioblastoma Ferroptosis

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of cell death, which is reported to be associated with glioma progression and drug sensitivity. Targeting ferroptosis is a potential therapeutic approach for glioma. However, the molecular mechanism of glioma cell ferroptosis is not clear. In this study, we profile the change of 3D chromatin structure in glioblastoma ferroptosis by using HiChIP and study the 3D gene regulation network in glioblastoma ferroptosis. A combination of an analysis of HiChIP and RNA-seq data suggests that change of chromatin loops mediated by 3D chromatin structure regulates gene expressions in glioblastoma ferroptosis. Genes that are regulated by 3D chromatin structures include genes that were reported to function in ferroptosis, like HDM2 and TXNRD1. We propose a new regulatory mechanism governing glioblastoma cell ferroptosis by 3D chromatin structure.

A primary luminal/HER2 negative breast cancer patient with mismatch repair deficiency

Here, we present the case of a 47-year-old woman diagnosed with luminal B breast cancer subtype and provide an in-depth analysis of her gene mutations, chromosomal alterations, mRNA and protein expression changes. We found a point mutation in the FGFR2 gene, which is potentially hyper-activating the receptor function, along with over-expression of its ligand FGF20 due to genomic amplification. The patient also harbors somatic and germline mutations in some mismatch repair (MMR) genes, with a strong MMR mutational signature. The patient displays high microsatellite instability (MSI) and tumor mutational burden (TMB) status and increased levels of CTLA-4 and PD-1 expression. Altogether, these data strongly implicate that aberrant FGFR signaling, and defective MMR system might be involved in the development of this breast tumor. In addition, high MSI and TMB in the context of CTLA-4 and PD-L1 positivity, suggest the potential benefit of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Accurate characterization of molecular subtypes, based on gene mutational and expression profiling analyses, will be certainly helpful for individualized treatment and targeted therapy of breast cancer patients, especially for those subtypes with adverse outcome.

ESMO/ASCO Recommendations for a Global Curriculum in Medical Oncology Edition 2023

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and ASCO are publishing a new edition of the ESMO/ASCO Global Curriculum (GC) with contributions from more than 150 authors. The purpose of the GC is to provide recommendations for the training of physicians in medical oncology and to establish a set of educational standards for trainees to qualify as medical oncologists. This edition builds on prior ones in 2004, 2010, and 2016 and incorporates scientific advances and input from an ESMO ASCO survey on GC adoption conducted in 2019, which revealed that GC has been adopted or adapted in as many as two thirds of the countries surveyed. To make GC even more useful and applicable, certain subchapters were rearranged into stand-alone chapters, that is, cancer epidemiology, diagnostics, and research. In line with recent progress in the field of multidisciplinary cancer care new (sub)chapters, such as image-guided therapy, cell-based therapy, and nutritional support, were added. Moreover, this edition includes an entirely new chapter dedicated to cancer control principles, aiming to ensure that medical oncologists are able to identify and implement sustainable and equitable cancer care, tailored to local needs and resources. Besides content renewal, modern didactic principles were introduced. GC content is presented using two chapter templates (cancer-specific and non-cancer-specific), with three didactic points (objectives, key concepts, and skills). The next step is promoting GC as a contemporary and comprehensive document applicable all over the world, particularly due to its capacity to harmonize education in medical oncology and, in so doing, help to reduce global disparities in cancer care.

Harnessing metabolism of hepatic macrophages to aid liver regeneration

Liver regeneration is a dynamic and regulated process that involves inflammation, granulation, and tissue remodeling. Hepatic macrophages, abundantly distributed in the liver, are essential components that actively participate in each step to orchestrate liver regeneration. In the homeostatic liver, resident macrophages (Kupffer cells) acquire a tolerogenic phenotype and contribute to immunological tolerance. Following toxicity-induced damage or physical resection, Kupffer cells as well as monocyte-derived macrophages can be activated and promote an inflammatory process that supports the survival and activation of hepatic myofibroblasts and thus promotes scar tissue formation. Subsequently, these macrophages, in turn, exhibit the anti-inflammatory effects critical to extracellular matrix remodeling during the resolution stage. However, continuous damage-induced chronic inflammation generally leads to hepatic macrophage dysfunction, which exacerbates hepatocellular injury and triggers further liver fibrosis and even cirrhosis. Emerging macrophage-targeting strategies have shown efficacy in both preclinical and clinical studies. Increasing evidence indicates that metabolic rewiring provides substrates for epigenetic modification, which endows monocytes/macrophages with prolonged "innate immune memory". Therefore, it is reasonable to conceive novel therapeutic strategies for metabolically reprogramming macrophages and thus mediate a homeostatic or reparative process for hepatic inflammation management and liver regeneration.

Aged mesenchymal stem cells and inflammation: from pathology to potential therapeutic strategies

Natural ageing of organisms and corresponding age-related diseases result mainly from stem cell ageing and "inflammaging". Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit very high immune-regulating capacity and are promising candidates for immune-related disease treatment. However, the effect of MSC application is not satisfactory for some patients, especially in elderly individuals. With ageing, MSCs undergo many changes, including altered cell population reduction and differentiation ability, reduced migratory and homing capacity and, most important, defective immunosuppression. It is necessary to explore the relationship between the "inflammaging" and aged MSCs to prevent age-related diseases and increase the therapeutic effects of MSCs. In this review, we discuss changes in naturally ageing MSCs mainly from an inflammation perspective and propose some ideas for rejuvenating aged MSCs in future treatments.

The crisscross between p53 and metabolism in cancer

As the guardian of the genome, p53 is well known for its tumor suppressor function in humans, controlling cell proliferation, senescence, DNA repair and cell death in cancer through transcriptional and non-transcriptional activities. p53 is the most frequently mutated gene in human cancer, but how its mutation or depletion leads to tumorigenesis still remains poorly understood. Recently, there has been increasing evidence that p53 plays a vital role in regulating cellular metabolism as well as in metabolic adaptation to nutrient starvation. In contrast, mutant p53 proteins, especially those harboring missense mutations, have completely different functions compared to wild-type p53. In this review, we briefly summarize what is known about p53 mediating anabolic and catabolic metabolism in cancer, and in particular discuss recent findings describing how metabolites regulate p53 functions. To illustrate the variability and complexity of p53 function in metabolism, we will also review the differential regulation of metabolism by wild-type and mutant p53.

Diepoxybutane induces the p53-dependent transactivation of the CCL4 gene that mediates apoptosis in exposed human lymphoblasts

Diepoxybutane (DEB) is the most toxic metabolite of the environmental chemical 1,3-butadiene. We previously demonstrated the occurrence of DEB-induced p53-mediated apoptosis in human lymphoblasts. The p53 protein functions as a master transcriptional regulator in orchestrating the genomic response to a variety of stress signals. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that C-C chemokine ligand 4 (CCL4) gene expression was elevated in a p53-dependent manner in DEB-exposed p53-proficient TK6 cells, but not in DEB-exposed p53-deficient NH32 cells. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine whether the CCL4 gene is a transcriptional target of p53 and deduce its role in DEB-induced apoptosis in human lymphoblasts. Endogenous and exogenous wild-type p53 transactivated the activity of the CCL4 promoter in DEB-exposed lymphoblasts, but mutant p53 activity on this promoter was reduced by ∼80% under the same experimental conditions. Knockdown of the upregulated CCL4 mRNA levels in p53-proficient TK6 cells inhibited DEB-induced apoptosis by ∼45%-50%. Collectively, these observations demonstrate for the first time that the CCL4 gene is upregulated by wild-type p53 at the transcriptional level, and this upregulation mediates apoptosis in DEB-exposed human lymphoblasts.

Integrative analysis of TP53 mutations in lung adenocarcinoma for immunotherapies and prognosis

BACKGROUND

The TP53 tumor suppressor gene is one of the most mutated genes in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and plays a vital role in regulating the occurrence and progression of cancer. We aimed to elucidate the association between TP53 mutations, response to immunotherapies and the prognosis of LUAD.

METHODS

Genomic, transcriptomic, and clinical data of LUAD were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. Gene ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) were performed to determine the differences in biological pathways. A merged protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and analyzed. MSIpred was used to analyze the correlation between the expression of the TP53 gene, tumor mutation burden (TMB) and tumor microsatellite instability (MSI). CIBERSORT was used to calculate the abundance of immune cells. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to determine the prognostic value of TP53 mutations in LUAD.

RESULTS

TP53 was the most frequently mutated in LUAD, with a mutational frequency of 48%. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, GSEA, and GSVA results showed a significant upregulation of several signaling pathways, including PI3K-AKT mTOR (P < 0.05), Notch (P < 0.05), E2F target (NES = 1.8, P < 0.05), and G2M checkpoint (NES = 1.7, P < 0.05). Moreover, we found a significant correlation between T cells, plasma cells, and TP53 mutations (R² < 0.01, P = 0.040). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that the survival prognosis of LUAD patients was related to TP53 mutations (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.72 [95% CI, 0.53 to 0.98], P < 0.05), cancer status (P < 0.05), and treatment outcomes (P < 0.05). Lastly, the Cox regression models showed that TP53 exhibited good power in predicting three- and five-year survival rates.

CONCLUSIONS

TP53 may be an independent predictor of response to immunotherapy in LUAD, and patients with TP53 mutations have higher immunogenicity and immune cell infiltration.

Gene expression in organoids: an expanding horizon

Recent development of human three-dimensional organoid cultures has opened new doors and opportunities ranging from modelling human development in vitro to personalised cancer therapies. These new in vitro systems are opening new horizons to the classic understanding of human development and disease. However, the complexity and heterogeneity of these models requires cutting-edge techniques to capture and trace global changes in gene expression to enable identification of key players and uncover the underlying molecular mechanisms. Rapid development of sequencing approaches made possible global transcriptome analyses and epigenetic profiling. Despite challenges in organoid culture and handling, these techniques are now being adapted to embrace organoids derived from a wide range of human tissues. Here, we review current state-of-the-art multi-omics technologies, such as single-cell transcriptomics and chromatin accessibility assays, employed to study organoids as a model for development and a platform for precision medicine.

Multi-level integrative analysis of the roles of lncRNAs and differential mRNAs in the progression of chronic pancreatitis to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most malignant tumors and approximately 5% of patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) inevitably develop PDAC. This study aims explore the key gene regulation involved in the progression of CP to PDAC, with a particular emphasis on the function of lncRNAs.

RESULTS

A total of 103 pancreatic tissue samples collected from 11 to 92 patients with CP and PDAC, respectively, were included in this study. After normalizing and logarithmically converting the original data, differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) and mRNAs (DEGs) in each dataset were selected. To determine the main functional pathways of differential mRNAs, we further annotated DEGs using gene ontology (GO) and analyzed the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment. In addition, the interaction between lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA was clarified and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to screen for key modules and determine hub genes. Finally, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to detect the changes in non-coding RNAs and key mRNAs in the pancreatic tissues of patients with CP and PDAC. In this study, 230 lncRNAs and 17,668 mRNAs were included. There were nine upregulated lncRNAs and 188 downregulated lncRNAs. Furthermore, 2334 upregulated differential mRNAs and 10,341 downregulated differential mRNAs were included in the enrichment analysis. From the KEGG enrichment analysis, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, calcium signaling pathway, cAMP signaling pathway, and nicotine addiction exhibited significant differences. Additionally, a total of 52 lncRNAs, 104 miRNAs, and 312 mRNAs were included in the construction of a potential lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network. PPI network was established and two of the five central DEGs were created in this module, suggesting that lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPAR1) and regulator of calcineurin 2 (RCAN2) may play significant roles in the progression from CP to PDAC. Finally, the PCR results suggested that LINC01547/hsa-miR-4694-3p/LPAR1 and LINC00482/hsa-miR-6756-3p/RCAN2 play important roles in the carcinogenesis process of CP.

CONCLUSION

Two signaling axes critical in the progression of CP to PDAC were screened out. Our findings will be useful for novel insights into the molecular mechanism and potential diagnostic or therapeutic biomarkers for CP and PDAC.

Alpha-actnin-4 (ACTN4) selectively affects the DNA double-strand breaks repair in non-small lung carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

ACTN4 is an actin-binding protein involved in many cellular processes, including cancer development. High ACTN4 expression is often associated with a poor prognosis. However, it has been identified as a positive marker for platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The goal of our study was to investigate the involvement of ACTN4 in the NSCLC cells' response to the genotoxic drugs.

RESULTS

We generated H1299 cells with the ACTN4 gene knock-out (ACTN4 KO), using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The resistance of the cells to the cisplatin and etoposide was analyzed with the MTT assay. We were also able to estimate the efficiency of DNA repair through the DNA comet assay and gamma-H2AX staining. Possible ACTN4 effects on the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR) were investigated using pathway-specific reporter plasmids and through the immunostaining of the key proteins. We found that the H1299 cells with the ACTN4 gene knock-out did not show cisplatin-resistance, but did display a higher resistance to the topoisomerase II inhibitors etoposide and doxorubicin, suggesting that ACTN4 might be somehow involved in the repair of DNA strand breaks. Indeed, the H1299 ACTN4 KO cells repaired etoposide- and doxorubicin-induced DNA breaks more effectively than the control cells. Moreover, the ACTN4 gene knock-out enhanced NHEJ and suppressed HR efficiency. Supporting the data, the depletion of ACTN4 resulted in the faster assembly of the 53BP1 foci with a lower number of the phospho-BRCA1 foci after the etoposide treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, we are the first to demonstrate that ACTN4 may influence the resistance of cancer cells to the topoisomerase II inhibitors, and affect the efficiency of the DNA double strand breaks repair. We hypothesize that ACTN4 interferes with the assembly of the NHEJ and HR complexes, and hence regulates balance between these DNA repair pathways.

Artificial genetic polymers against human pathologies

Originally discovered by Nielsen in 1991, peptide nucleic acids and other artificial genetic polymers have gained a lot of interest from the scientific community. Due to their unique biophysical features these artificial hybrid polymers are now being employed in various areas of theranostics (therapy and diagnostics). The current review provides an overview of their structure, principles of rational design, and biophysical features as well as highlights the areas of their successful implementation in biology and biomedicine. Finally, the review discusses the areas of improvement that would allow their use as a new class of therapeutics in the future.

p53 regulates expression of nuclear envelope components in cancer cells

Nuclear organisation and architecture are essential for the maintenance of genomic integrity as well as for the epigenetic regulations and gene expression. Disruption of lamin B1, major structural and functional member of the nuclear lamina, is observed in human laminopathies and in sporadic cancers, and leads to chromosomal rearrangements and alterations of gene expression. The tumour suppressor p53 has been shown to direct specific transcriptional programmes by regulating lamin A/C, however its relationship with lamin B1 has remained elusive. Here, we show that loss of p53 correlates with increased expression of members belonging to the nuclear pore complex and nuclear lamina and directly regulates transcription of lamin B1. We show that the genomic loci of a fraction of p53-dependent genes physically interact with lamin B1 and Nup210. This observation provides a possible mechanistic explanation for the p53-depedent changes of chromatin accessibility, with the consequent influence of expression and rearrangement of these genomic sites in pancreatic cancer. Overall, these data suggest a potential functional and biochemical regulatory network connecting p53 and nuclear architecture.

BAP1 in cancer: epigenetic stability and genome integrity

Mutations in BAP1 have been identified in a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome and in sporadic tumours. Individuals carrying familiar BAP1 monoallelic mutations display hypersusceptibility to exposure-associated cancers, such as asbestos-driven mesothelioma, thus BAP1 status has been postulated to participate in gene-environment interaction. Intriguingly, BAP1 functions display also a high degree of tissue dependency, associated to a peculiar cancer spectrum and cell types of specific functions. Mechanistically, BAP1 functions as an ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase (UCH) and controls regulatory ubiquitination of histones as well as degradative ubiquitination of a range of protein substrates. In this article we provide an overview of the most relevant findings on BAP1, underpinning its tissue specific tumour suppressor function. We also discuss the importance of its epigenetic role versus the control of protein stability in the regulation of genomic integrity.

Current insights into the regulation of programmed cell death by TP53 mutation in cancer

Gene mutation is a complicated process that influences the onset and progression of cancer, and the most prevalent mutation involves the TP53 gene. One of the ways in which the body maintains homeostasis is programmed cell death, which includes apoptosis, autophagic cell death, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, NETosis, and the more recently identified process of cuprotosis. Evasion of these cell deaths is a hallmark of cancer cells, and our elucidation of the way these cells die helps us better understands the mechanisms by which cancer arises and provides us with more ways to treat it.Studies have shown that programmed cell death requires wild-type p53 protein and that mutations of TP53 can affect these modes of programmed cell death. For example, mutant p53 promotes iron-dependent cell death in ferroptosis and inhibits apoptotic and autophagic cell death. It is clear that TP53 mutations act on more than one pathway to death, and these pathways to death do not operate in isolation. They interact with each other and together determine cell death. This review focuses on the mechanisms via which TP53 mutation affects programmed cell death. Clinical investigations of TP53 mutation and the potential for targeted pharmacological agents that can be used to treat cancer are discussed.

Metabolism-Based Molecular Subtyping Endows Effective Ketogenic Therapy in p53-Mutant Colon Cancer

Although targeting cancer metabolism is a promising therapeutic strategy, clinical success depends on accurate molecular and metabolic subtyping. Here, this study reports two metabolism-based molecular subtypes associated with the ketogenic treatment of colon cancer: glycolytic (glycolysis⁺ /ketolysis^- ) and ketolytic (glycolysis⁺ /ketolysis⁺ ), which are manifested by distinct profiles of metabolic enzymes and mitochondrial dysfunction, and by different responses to ketone-containing interventions in vitro and in vivo. Notably, the glycolytic subtype is able to be transformed into the ketolytic subtype in p53-mutated tumors upon glucose limitation, rendering resistance to ketogenic therapy associated with upregulation of ketolytic enzymes, such as OXCT1 by mutant p53. The allosteric activator of mutant p53 effectively blocks the rewired molecular expression and the reprogrammed metabolism, leading to the suppression of tumor growth. The findings highlight the utility of metabolic subtyping to guide ketogenic therapy in colon cancer and identify mutant p53 as a synthetic lethality target for ketogenic treatment.

Exploring the Ferroptosis Mechanism of Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu Capsule for the Treatment of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Based on Network Pharmacology and In Vivo Validation

Objective. The purpose of this study is to explore the mechanism of the Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu (ZL) capsule in the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) via targeting ferroptosis based on network pharmacology. Methods. The active ingredients and related key targets of the ZL capsule were screened using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). The gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were also performed. Finally, identified targets were validated in an in-vivo model of ICH. Results. A total of 30 active ingredients and 33 intersecting targets were identified through a TCMSP database search. Ingredients-Targets-Pathways network was constructed to filter out the key targets according to the degree value. TP53 was selected as the key target. The in-vivo validation studies demonstrated that TP53 was down-regulated and GPX4 was upregulated in rats following ZL capsule treatment. Conclusions. It is concluded that the ZL capsule could alleviate ICH in a muti-target and multi-pathway manner. ZL capsule could alleviate ICH by inhibiting ferroptosis, and TP53 is identified to be the potential target. Further research is needed to clarify the detailed anti-ferroptotic mechanism of the ZL capsule.

Total neoadjuvant therapy for the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer: a systematic minireview

Colorectal carcinoma is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and indeed, rectal cancer accounting for approximately one third of newly diagnosed patients. Gold standard in the treatment of rectal cancer is a multimodality approach, aiming at a good control of the local disease. Distant recurrences are the major cause of mortality. Currently, Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer (LARC) patients undergo a combined treatment of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, followed by surgery. Eventually, more chemotherapy, namely adjuvant chemotherapy (aCT), may be necessary. Total Neoadjuvant Therapy (TNT) is an emerging approach aimed to reduce distant metastases and improve local control. Several ongoing studies are analyzing whether this new approach could improve oncological outcomes. Published results were encouraging, but the heterogeneity of protocols in use, makes the comparison and interpretation of data rather complex. One of the major concerns regarding TNT administration is related to its effect on larger and more advanced cancers that might not undergo similar down-staging as smaller, early-stage tumors. This minireview, based on a systematic literature search of randomized clinical trials and meta-analysis, summarizes current knowledge on TNT. The aim was to confirm or refute whether or not current practice of TNT is based on relevant evidence, to establish the quality of that evidence, and to address any uncertainty or variation in practice that may be occurring. A tentative grouping of general study characteristics, clinical features and treatments characteristics has been undertaken to evaluate if the reported studies are sufficiently homogeneous in terms of subjects involved, interventions, and outcomes to provide a meaningful idea of which patients are more likely to gain from this treatment.

No Time to Die: How Kidney Cancer Evades Cell Death

The understanding of the pathogenesis of renal cell carcinoma led to the development of targeted therapies, which dramatically changed the overall survival rate. Nonetheless, despite innovative lines of therapy accessible to patients, the prognosis remains severe in most cases. Kidney cancer rarely shows mutations in the genes coding for proteins involved in programmed cell death, including p53. In this paper, we show that the molecular machinery responsible for different forms of cell death, such as apoptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis, which are somehow impaired in kidney cancer to allow cancer cell growth and development, was reactivated by targeted pharmacological intervention. The aim of the present review was to summarize the modality of programmed cell death in the pathogenesis of renal cell carcinoma, showing in vitro and in vivo evidence of their potential role in controlling kidney cancer growth, and highlighting their possible therapeutic value.