Understanding the role of transmembrane 9 superfamily member 1 in bladder cancer pathogenesis

In this editorial we comment on the article by Wei et al, published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Oncology. The authors investigated the role of Transmembrane 9 superfamily member 1 (TM9SF1) protein in bladder cancer (BC) carcinogenesis. Lentiviral vectors were used to achieve silencing or overexpression of TM9SF1 gene in three BC cell lines. These cell lines were then subject to cell counting kit 8, wound-healing assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometry. Proliferation, migration, and invasion of BC cells were increased in cell lines subjected to TM9SF1 overexpression. TM9SF1 silencing inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion of BC cells. The authors conclude that TM9SF1 may be an oncogene in bladder cancer pathogenesis.

Overexpression of WT1 in all molecular subtypes of breast cancer and its impact on survival: exploring oncogenic and tumor suppressor roles of distinct WT1 isoforms

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is a highly heterogeneous solid tumor, posing challenges in developing targeted therapies effective for all mammary carcinoma subtypes. WT1 emerges as a promising target for breast cancer therapy due to its potential oncogenic role in various cancer types. Previous works have yielded inconsistent results. Therefore, further studies are needed to clarify the behavior of this complex gene in breast cancer.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, we examined WT1 expression in both Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded breast tumors (n = 41) and healthy adjacent tissues (n = 41) samples from newly diagnosed cases of ductal invasive breast cancer. The fold change in gene expression between the tumor and healthy tissue was determined by calculating 2-∆∆Ct. Disease-free survival analysis was computed using the Kaplan-Meier method. To identify the expression levels of different WT1 isoforms, we explored the ISOexpresso database. Relative quantification of the WT1 gene revealed an overexpression of WT1 in most cases. The percentage of patients surviving free of disease at 8 years of follow-up was lower in the group overexpressing WT1 compared to the group with down-regulated WT1.

CONCLUSIONS

Interestingly, this overexpression was observed in all molecular subtypes of invasive breast cancer, underscoring the significance of WT1 as a potential target in all these subtypes. The observed WT1 down-expression in a few cases of invasive breast cancer, associated with better survival outcomes, may correspond to the down-regulation of a particular WT1-KTS (-) isoform: the WT1 A isoform (EX5-/KTS-). The co-expression of this WT1 oncogenic isoform with a regulated WT1- tumor suppressor isoform, such as the major WT1 F isoform (EX5-/KTS +), could also explain such survival outcomes. Due to its capacity to adopt dual roles, it becomes imperative to conduct individual molecular expression profiling of the WT1 gene. Such an approach holds great promise in the development of personalized treatment strategies for breast cancer.

STAT1 mediated downregulation of the tumor suppressor gene PDCD4, is driven by the atypical cadherin FAT1, in glioblastoma

STAT1 (Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 1), belongs to the STAT protein family, essential for cytokine signaling. Ithas been reported to have either context dependent oncogenic or tumor suppressor roles in different tumors. Earlier, we demonstrated that Glioblastoma multiforme (GBMs) overexpressing FAT1, an atypical cadherin, had poorer outcomes. Overexpressed FAT1 promotes pro-tumorigenic inflammation, migration/invasion by downregulating tumor suppressor gene, PDCD4. Here, we demonstrate that STAT1 is a novel mediator downstream to FAT1, in downregulating PDCD4 in GBMs. In-silico analysis of GBM databases as well as q-PCR analysis in resected GBM tumors showed positive correlation between STAT1 and FAT1 mRNA levels. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed poorer survival of GBM patients having high FAT1 and STAT1 expression. SiRNA-mediated knockdown of FAT1 decreased STAT1 and increased PDCD4 expression in glioblastoma cells (LN229 and U87MG). Knockdown of STAT1 alone resulted in increased PDCD4 expression. In silico analysis of the PDCD4 promoter revealed four putative STAT1 binding sites (Site1-Site4). ChIP assay confirmed the binding of STAT1 to site1. ChIP-PCR revealed decrease in the binding of STAT1 on the PDCD4 promoter after FAT1 knockdown. Site directed mutagenesis of Site1 resulted in increased PDCD4 luciferase activity, substantiating STAT1 mediated PDCD4 inhibition. EMSA confirmed STAT1 binding to the Site 1 sequence. STAT1 knockdown led to decreased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and EMT markers, and reduced migration/invasion of GBM cells. This study therefore identifies STAT1 as a novel downstream mediator of FAT1, promoting pro-tumorigenic activity in GBM, by suppressing PDCD4 expression.

Imaging extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) in cancer

Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) are circular regions of DNA that are found in many cancers. They are an important means of oncogene amplification, and correlate with treatment resistance and poor prognosis. Consequently, there is great interest in exploring and targeting ecDNA vulnerabilities as potential new therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. However, the biological significance of ecDNA and their associated regulatory control remains unclear. Light microscopy has been a central tool in the identification and characterisation of ecDNA. In this review we describe the different cellular models available to study ecDNA, and the imaging tools used to characterise ecDNA and their regulation. The insights gained from quantitative imaging are discussed in comparison with genome sequencing and computational approaches. We suggest that there is a crucial need for ongoing innovation using imaging if we are to achieve a full understanding of the dynamic regulation and organisation of ecDNA and their role in tumourigenesis.

Monoallelic KRAS (G13C) mutation triggers dysregulated expansion in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hematopoietic progenitor cells

BACKGROUND

Although oncogenic RAS mutants are thought to exert mutagenic effects upon blood cells, it remains uncertain how a single oncogenic RAS impacts non-transformed multipotent hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells (HPCs). Such potential pre-malignant status may characterize HPCs in patients with RAS-associated autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome-like disease (RALD). This study sought to elucidate the biological and molecular alterations in human HPCs carrying monoallelic mutant KRAS (G13C) with no other oncogene mutations.

METHODS

We utilized induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from two unrelated RALD patients. Isogenic HPC pairs harboring either wild-type KRAS or monoallelic KRAS (G13C) alone obtained following differentiation enabled reliable comparative analyses. The compound screening was conducted with an established platform using KRAS (G13C) iPSCs and differentiated HPCs.

RESULTS

Cell culture assays revealed that monoallelic KRAS (G13C) impacted both myeloid differentiation and expansion characteristics of iPSC-derived HPCs. Comprehensive RNA-sequencing analysis depicted close clustering of HPC samples within the isogenic group, warranting that comparative studies should be performed within the same genetic background. When compared with no stimulation, iPSC-derived KRAS (G13C)-HPCs showed marked similarity with the wild-type isogenic control in transcriptomic profiles. After stimulation with cytokines, however, KRAS (G13C)-HPCs exhibited obvious aberrant cell-cycle and apoptosis responses, compatible with "dysregulated expansion," demonstrated by molecular and biological assessment. Increased BCL-xL expression was identified amongst other molecular changes unique to mutant HPCs. With screening platforms established for therapeutic intervention, we observed selective activity against KRAS (G13C)-HPC expansion in several candidate compounds, most notably in a MEK- and a BCL-2/BCL-xL-inhibitor. These two compounds demonstrated selective inhibitory effects on KRAS (G13C)-HPCs even with primary patient samples when combined.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that a monoallelic oncogenic KRAS can confer dysregulated expansion characteristics to non-transformed HPCs, which may constitute a pathological condition in RALD hematopoiesis. The use of iPSC-based screening platforms will lead to discovering treatments that enable selective inhibition of RAS-mutated HPC clones.

Role of ONECUT family transcription factors in cancer and other diseases

Members of ONECUT transcription factor play an essential role in several developmental processes, however, the atypical expression of ONECUT proteins lead to numerous diseases, including cancer. ONECUT family proteins promote cell proliferation, progression, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and stemness. This family of proteins interacts with other proteins such as KLF4, TGF-β, VEGFA, PRC2, SMAD3 and alters their expression involved in the regulation of various signaling pathways including Jak/Stat3, Akt/Erk, TGF-β, Smad2/3, and HIF-1α. Furthermore, ONECUT proteins are proposed as predictive biomarkers for pancreatic and gastric cancers. The present review summarizes the involvement of ONECUT family proteins in the development and progression of various human cancers and other diseases.

Identification of splicing factors signature predicting prognosis risk and the mechanistic roles of novel oncogenes in HNSCC

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most frequent subtype of head and neck cancer, generally with a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options due to its highly heterogeneous malignancy. In this study, we screened functional splicing regulatory RNA binding proteins (RBPs) that were closely related with the prognosis of HNSCC patients and showed significant expression differences between HNSCC tumors and normal tissues. Based on this finding, we chose six candidate genes (HNRNPC, ZCRB1, RBM12B, SF3A2, SF3B3, and SRSF11) to generate a prognostic prediction model and validated the accuracy of the prognostic model for predicting patient survival outcomes. We found that the risk score predicted by our model can serve as an independent prognostic predictor. Notably, HNSCC tumors showing higher expression of SF3B3, HNRNPC, or ZCRB1 possessed higher risk scores in the discovered prediction model. The investigation of the underlying mechanism validated that knockdown of SF3B3, HNRNPC, and ZCRB1 separately induced a substantial impairment of HNSCC cell survival. Conversely, overexpression of each of the three genes promoted tumor cellular proliferation. High throughput RNA sequencing analysis revealed that changes in the expression of SF3B3 and HNRNPC remarkably affected alternative splicing of genes related to cell cycle regulation, whereas the depletion of ZCRB1 contributed to aberrant splicing events involving in DNA damage response. In addition, the prognostic prediction model's risk score was demonstrated to be related with the immune infiltration score. Particularly, SF3B3 has a negative correlation with CD8A expression. Therefore, our findings provide promising prognosis predictors and potential therapeutic targets for better treatment efficacy of HNSCC.

Concise review: The heterogenous roles of BATF3 in cancer oncogenesis and dendritic cells and T cells differentiation and function considering the importance of BATF3-dependent dendritic cells

The transcription factor, known as basic leucine zipper ATF-like 3 (BATF3), is a crucial contributor to the development of conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1), which is definitely required for priming CD8 + T cell-mediated immunity against intracellular pathogens and malignancies. In this respect, BATF3-dependent cDC1 can bring about immunological tolerance, an autoimmune response, graft immunity, and defense against infectious agents such as viruses, microbes, parasites, and fungi. Moreover, the important function of cDC1 in stimulating CD8 + T cells creates an excellent opportunity to develop a highly effective target for vaccination against intracellular pathogens and diseases. BATF3 has been clarified to control the development of CD8α+ and CD103+ DCs. The presence of BATF3-dependent cDC1 in the tumor microenvironment (TME) reinforces immunosurveillance and improves immunotherapy approaches, which can be beneficial for cancer immunotherapy. Additionally, BATF3 acts as a transcriptional inhibitor of Treg development by decreasing the expression of the transcription factor FOXP3. However, when overexpressed in CD8 + T cells, it can enhance their survival and facilitate their transition to a memory state. BATF3 induces Th9 cell differentiation by binding to the IL-9 promoter through a BATF3/IRF4 complex. One of the latest research findings is the oncogenic function of BATF3, which has been approved and illustrated in several biological processes of proliferation and invasion.

Exploring the oncogenic and tumor-suppressive roles of Circ-ADAM9 in cancer

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) constitute a recently identified category of closed continuous loop RNA transcripts, serving as a subset of competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) with the capacity to modulate genes by acting as microRNA sponges. In the context of cancer growth, numerous investigations have explored the potential functions of circRNAs, revealing their diverse functions either as oncogenes, promoting cancer progression, or as tumor suppressors, mitigating disease development. Among these, circRNA ADAM9 (Circ-ADAM9) is now recognized as an important player in a variety of mechanisms, both physiological and pathological, especially in cancer. The aberrant expression of Circ-ADAM9 has been observed across multiple human malignancies, implying a significant involvement in tumorigenesis. This comprehensive review aims to synthesize recent findings elucidating the function of Circ-ADAM9 in many malignancies. Additionally, the review explores the possibility of Circ-ADAM9 as a valuable biomarker, offering insights into its prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic implications. By summarizing the latest discoveries in this field, the review contributes to our understanding of the multifaceted contribution of Circ-ADAM9 in tumor biology and its potential applications in clinical settings.

1H, 13C and 15N backbone and side-chain resonance assignments of the human oncogenic protein NCYM

NCYM is a cis-antisense gene of MYCN oncogene and encodes an oncogenic protein that stabilizes MYCN via inhibition of GSK3b. High NCYM expression levels are associated with poor clinical outcomes in human neuroblastomas, and NCYM overexpression promotes distant metastasis in animal models of neuroblastoma. Using vacuum-ultraviolet circular dichroism and small-angle X-ray scattering, we previously showed that NCYM has high flexibility with partially folded structures; however, further structural characterization is required for the design of anti-cancer agents targeting NCYM. Here we report the 1H, 15N and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance assignments of NCYM. Secondary structure prediction using Secondary Chemical Shifts and TALOS-N analysis demonstrates that the structure of NCYM is essentially disordered, even though residues in the central region of the peptide clearly present a propensity to adopt a dynamic helical structure. This preliminary study provides foundations for further analysis of interaction between NCYM and potential partners.

Exploring the functional role of tRF-39-8HM2OSRNLNKSEKH9 in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with high morbidity and mortality globally. tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) have emerged as potential targets for cancer treatment. However, the specific impact of tsRNAs on HCC remains undiscovered. In this study, we aimed to investigate the biological significance of tsRNAs in HCC. First, we screened the differentially expressed tsRNAs in HCC tissues and normal tissues adjacent to the tumor (NAT) using high-throughput sequencing and the results showed that tRF-39-8HM2OSRNLNKSEKH9 was more highly expressed in HCC tissues than NATs. Agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE), nuclear-cytoplasmic separation assays and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were employed to assess the characterization of tRF-39-8HM2OSRNLNKSEKH9. The relationship between the expression of tRF-39-8HM2OSRNLNKSEKH9 and clinicopathological parameters was evaluated and we found that it was positively associated with tumor size. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay, colony formation assay and EdU staining assay were employed to investigate the role of tRF-39-8HM2OSRNLNKSEKH9 in the proliferation of HCC cells. Additionally, transwell assays demonstrated that overexpression of tRF-39-8HM2OSRNLNKSEKH9 could accelerate cell migration capability. Taken together, tRF-39-8HM2OSRNLNKSEKH9 was highly expressed in HCC cells, serum and tissues, and it may play an oncogenic role in HCC cells through interacting with downstream mRNA targets.

FLI1 induces erythroleukemia through opposing effects on UBASH3A and UBASH3B expression

BACKGROUND

FLI1 is an oncogenic transcription factor that promotes diverse malignancies through mechanisms that are not fully understood. Herein, FLI1 is shown to regulate the expression of Ubiquitin Associated and SH3 Domain Containing A/B (UBASH3A/B) genes. UBASH3B and UBASH3A are found to act as an oncogene and tumor suppressor, respectively, and their combined effect determines erythroleukemia progression downstream of FLI1.

METHODS

Promoter analysis combined with luciferase assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis were applied on the UBASH3A/B promoters. RNAseq analysis combined with bioinformatic was used to determine the effect of knocking-down UBASH3A and UBASH3B in leukemic cells. Downstream targets of UBASH3A/B were inhibited in leukemic cells either via lentivirus-shRNAs or small molecule inhibitors. Western blotting and RT-qPCR were used to determine transcription levels, MTT assays to assess proliferation rate, and flow cytometry to examine apoptotic index.

RESULTS

Knockdown of FLI1 in erythroleukemic cells identified the UBASH3A/B genes as potential downstream targets. Herein, we show that FLI1 directly binds to the UBASH3B promoter, leading to its activation and leukemic cell proliferation. In contrast, FLI1 indirectly inhibits UBASH3A transcription via GATA2, thereby antagonizing leukemic growth. These results suggest oncogenic and tumor suppressor roles for UBASH3B and UBASH3A in erythroleukemia, respectively. Mechanistically, we show that UBASH3B indirectly inhibits AP1 (FOS and JUN) expression, and that its loss leads to inhibition of apoptosis and acceleration of proliferation. UBASH3B also positively regulates the SYK gene expression and its inhibition suppresses leukemia progression. High expression of UBASH3B in diverse tumors was associated with worse prognosis. In contrast, UBASH3A knockdown in erythroleukemic cells increased proliferation; and this was associated with a dramatic induction of the HSP70 gene, HSPA1B. Accordingly, knockdown of HSPA1B in erythroleukemia cells significantly accelerated leukemic cell proliferation. Accordingly, overexpression of UBASH3A in different cancers was predominantly associated with good prognosis. These results suggest for the first time that UBASH3A plays a tumor suppressor role in part through activation of HSPA1B.

CONCLUSIONS

FLI1 promotes erythroleukemia progression in part by modulating expression of the oncogenic UBASH3B and tumor suppressor UBASH3A.

TFCP2 as a therapeutic nexus: unveiling molecular signatures in cancer

Tumor suppressor genes and proto-oncogenes comprise most of the complex genomic landscape associated with cancer, with a minimal number of genes exhibiting dual-context-dependent functions. The transcription factor cellular promoter 2 (TFCP2), a pivotal transcription factor encoded by the alpha globin transcription factor CP2 gene, is a constituent of the TFCP2/grainyhead family of transcription factors. While grainyhead members have been extensively studied for their crucial roles in developmental processes, embryogenesis, and multiple cancers, the TFCP2 subfamily has been relatively less explored. The molecular mechanisms underlying TFCP2's involvement in carcinogenesis are still unclear even though it is a desirable target for cancer treatment and a therapeutic marker. This comprehensive literature review summarizes the molecular functions of TFCP2, emphasizing its involvement in cancer pathophysiology, particularly in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis. It highlights TFCP2's critical function as a regulatory target and explores its potential as a prognostic marker for survival and inflammation in carcinomas. Its ambiguous association with carcinomas underlines the urgent need for an in-depth understanding to facilitate the development of more efficacious targeted therapeutic modality and diagnostic tools. This study aims to elucidate the multifaceted effects of TFCP2 regulation, through a comprehensive integration of the existing knowledge in cancer therapeutics. Furthermore, the clinical relevance and the inherent challenges encountered in investigating its intricate role in cancer pathogenesis have been discussed in this review.

Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 115 (Linc00115): A notable oncogene in human malignancies

Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) are RNA transcripts ranging from 200 to 1000 nucleotides that have emerged as critical regulators of gene expression. Growing evidence highlights their involvement in tumor development. In particular, long intergenic non-protein coding RNA115 (Linc00115) has been identified as an oncogene across various human malignancies, with aberrant expression strongly linked to poor clinical outcomes in cancer patients. This review aims to delve into the expression patterns of Linc00115 and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms behind its oncogenic properties. Moreover, we discuss the potential utility of Linc00115 as a valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in cancer.

The role of TAOK3 in cancer progression and development as a prognostic marker: A pan-cancer analysis study

The protein kinase TAOK3, belongs to the MAP kinase family, is one of three closely related members, namely TAOK1, TAOK2, and TAOK3. We performed a pan-cancer investigation of TAOK3 across different cancer types, including uterine carcinosarcoma, adenocarcinoma of the stomach and pancreas, and endometrial carcinoma of the uterus, to better understand TAOK3's role in cancer. In at least 16 types of cancer, our findings indicate that TAOK3 expression levels differ considerably between normal and tumor tissues. In addition, our study is the first to identify the oncogenic role of TAOK3 locus S331 and S471 in renal clear cell carcinoma, Glioblastoma Multiforme, hepatocellular carcinoma, Lung adenocarcinoma, and Pancreatic adenocarcinoma, indicating their involvement in cancer progression. In addition, our data analysis indicates that copy number variation is the most prevalent form of mutation in the TAOK3 gene, and that there is a negative correlation between TAOK3 mRNA and DNA promoter methylation. Moreover, our analysis suggests that TAOK3 may serve as a prognostic marker for several kinds of cancer, including Colon adenocarcinoma, renal clear cell carcinoma, Lower Grade Glioma, Lung adenocarcinoma, Mesothelioma, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, our research on signature cancer genes has uncovered a positive association between TAOK3 and SMAD2, SMAD4, and RNF168 in most of the malignancies we have examined. TAOK3 is also correlated with the frequency of mutations and microsatellite instability in four types of cancer. Numerous immune-related genes are closely associated with TAOK3 levels in numerous malignancies. TAOK3 expression is positively correlated with immune infiltrates, which include activated CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, and type 2T helper cells. Our pan-cancer analysis of TAOK3 provides vital insight into its potential role across a variety of cancer types.

Clinical significance of ribosome production factor 2 homolog in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Dysregulation of ribosome biogenesis increases the risk of cancer. RPF2 (ribosome production factor 2 homolog), a member of the BRIX family, is involved in ribosome biogenesis. However, the biological functions of RPF2 in HCC remain unclear. This study aims to evaluate the function of RPF2 and its clinical significance in HCC. We collected 45 pairs of HCC/adjacent samples and 291 HCC samples. These samples were used to perform immunohistochemical analysis and western blot. Six cell lines were used to perform western blot, and two of cell lines, SMCC-7721 and SNU449, were subjected to CCK-8, wound healing and transwell assays. Immunofluorescence staining was executed in SMCC-7721 cells. The protein levels of RPF2 were higher in HCC tissues than in adjacent tissues. Immunofluorescence staining showed that the RPF2 protein was located in the nucleuses, especially the nucleolus. Furthermore, the immunohistochemical analysis showed that high expression levels of nuclear RPF2 correlated with poor prognosis, vascular invasion, liver cirrhosis and tumor size. Cell experiments showed that overexpression of RPF2 promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion, while knockdown of RPF2 tended to show the opposite effect. This is the first report that RPF2 is involved in HCC progression. The levels of RPF2 were significantly high in HCC tumors and had a side effect on prognosis in HCC patients. RPF2 has the potential to be a useful marker for HCC.

TM9SF1 promotes bladder cancer cell growth and infiltration

BACKGROUND

Bladder cancer (BC) is the most common urological tumor. It has a high recurrence rate, displays tutor heterogeneity, and resists chemotherapy. Furthermore, the long-term survival rate of BC patients has remained unchanged for decades, which seriously affects the quality of patient survival. To improve the survival rate and prognosis of BC patients, it is necessary to explore the molecular mechanisms of BC development and progression and identify targets for treatment and intervention. Transmembrane 9 superfamily member 1 (TM9SF1), also known as MP70 and HMP70, is a member of a family of nine transmembrane superfamily proteins, which was first identified in 1997. TM9SF1 can be expressed in BC, but its biological function and mechanism in BC are not clear.

AIM

To investigate the biological function and mechanism of TM9SF1 in BC.

METHODS

Cells at 60%-80% confluence were transfected with lentiviral vectors for 48-72 h to achieve stable TM9SF1 overexpression or silencing in three BC cell lines (5637, T24, and UM-UC-3). The effect of TM9SF1 on the biological behavior of BC cells was then investigated through CCK8, wound-healing assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Overexpression of TM9SF1 increased the in vitro proliferation, migration, and invasion of BC cells by promoting the entry of BC cells into the G2/M phase. Silencing of TM9SF1 inhibited in vitro proliferation, migration, and invasion of BC cells and blocked BC cells in the G1 phase.

CONCLUSION

TM9SF1 may be an oncogene in BC.

Super-enhancers: Implications in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most prevalent malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Despite intensive efforts to enhance the efficiencies of various therapeutics (chemotherapy, surgical interventions, molecular-targeted therapies, immunotherapies), the prognosis for patients with GC remains poor. This might be predominantly due to the limited understanding of the complicated etiology of GC. Importantly, epigenetic modifications and alterations are crucial during GC development. Super-enhancers (SEs) are a large cluster of adjacent enhancers that greatly activate transcription. SEs sustain cell-specific identity by enhancing the transcription of specific oncogenes. In this review, we systematically summarize how SEs are involved in GC development, including the SE landscape in GC, the SE target genes in GC, and the interventions related to SE functions for treating GC.

LCN2: Versatile players in breast cancer

Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) is a secreted glycoprotein that is produced by immune cells, including neutrophils and macrophages. It serves various functions such as transporting hydrophobic ligands across the cellular membrane, regulating immune responses, keeping iron balance, and fostering epithelial cell differentiation. LCN2 plays a crucial role in several physiological processes. LCN2 expression is upregulated in a variety of human diseases and cancers. High levels of LCN2 are specifically linked to breast cancer (BC) cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration, angiogenesis, immune regulation, chemotherapy resistance, and prognosis. As a result, LCN2 has gained attention as a potential therapeutic target for BC. This article offered an in-depth review of the advancement of LCN2 in the context of BC occurrence and development.

Cooperativity of c-MYC with Krüppel-Like Factor 6 Splice Variant 1 induces phenotypic plasticity and promotes prostate cancer progression and metastasis

Metastasis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in men with prostate cancer, and the functional impact of the genetic alterations, alone or in combination, driving metastatic disease remains incompletely understood. The proto-oncogene c-MYC, commonly deregulated in prostate cancer. Transgenic expression of c-MYC is sufficient to drive the progression to prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and ultimately to moderately differentiated localized primary tumors, however, c-MYC-driven tumors are unable to progress through the metastatic cascade, suggesting that a "second-hit" is necessary in the milieu of aberrant c-MYC-driven signaling. Here, we identified cooperativity between c-MYC and KLF6-SV1, an oncogenic splice variant of the KLF6 gene. Transgenic mice that co-expressed KLF6-SV1 and c-MYC developed progressive and metastatic prostate cancer with a histological and molecular phenotype like human prostate cancer. Silencing c-MYC expression significantly reduced tumor burden in these mice supporting the necessity for c-MYC in tumor maintenance. Unbiased global proteomic analysis of tumors from these mice revealed significantly enriched vimentin, a dedifferentiation and pro-metastatic marker, induced by KLF6-SV1. c-MYC-positive tumors were also significantly enriched for KLF6-SV1 in human prostate cancer specimens. Our findings provide evidence that KLF6-SV1 is an enhancer of c-MYC-driven prostate cancer progression and metastasis, and a correlated genetic event in human prostate cancer with potential translational significance.

Clinicopathological Significance and Expression Pattern of Bcl2 in Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive in silico and in vitro Study

B-cell lymphoma/leukemia gene-2 (Bcl-2) is the primary proto-oncogene that has been shown to work by preventing apoptosis/programmed cell death. Bcl-2 combines a variety of cell-generated signals associated to the survival and death of cells. In glioma, lung, and breast cancer, Bcl-2 over-expression has been linked to an increase in invasion and migration. Many treatment regimens that target Bcl2 have been established and approved, and thus increasing the survival rates of the patients. The primary goal of this research was to recognize new therapeutic compounds that target Bcl2 and assess Bcl2 expression pattern in BC patients. We used various bioinformatic tools as well as several in vitro assays to look out the expression and inhibition of Bcl2 in BC. Our study depicted that Bcl2 had a strong connection with tumour stroma, notably with suppressor cells originating from myeloid tissues. Moreover, in vitro and in silico research identified Paclitaxel as a promising natural substance that targets Bcl2. Overall, this work shows that Bcl2 overexpression accelerates the development of BC, and that targeting Bcl2 in combination with other drugs will dramatically improve BC patient's response to treatment and prevent the emergence of drug resistance.

Roles, underlying mechanisms and clinical significances of LINC01503 in human cancers

Long intergenic non-coding RNA 01503 (LINC01503) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) located on human chromosome 9q34.11. There is compelling evidence indicating that LINC01503 is upregulated in multiple types of tumors and functions as a tumor stimulator. The upregulation of LINC01503 was significantly associated with the risk of 12 tumors and showed a strong correlation with clinicopathological characteristics and poor prognosis in 9 tumors. The expression of LINC01503 is regulated by transcription factors such as TP63, EGR1, c-MYC, GATA1 and AR. The downstream regulatory mechanisms of LINC01503 are complex and multifaceted. LINC01503, as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA), regulates gene expression by competitively inhibiting miRNA. LINC01503 may also regulate gene expression via interacting with biomolecules or recruiting chromatin-modifying complexes. In addition, LINC01503 can abnormally activate the ERK/MAPK, PI3K/AKT and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways to enhance tumor progression. Here, this review presents an overview of the latest research progress of LINC01503 in the field of oncology, summarizes its comprehensive network involved in multiple cancer molecular mechanisms, and explores its potential applications in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

Spindle and kinetochore-related complex subunit 3 has a protumour function in osteosarcoma by activating the Notch pathway

Increasing expression of spindle and kinetochore-related complex subunit 3 (SKA3) is related to the progression of multiple malignancies. However, the role of SKA3 in osteosarcoma remains unexplored. The present study aimed to investigate the relevance of SKA3 in osteosarcoma. Preliminarily, SKA3 expression in osteosarcoma was assessed through The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) analysis, which revealed high levels of SKA3 transcripts in osteosarcoma tissues. Subsequent examination of clinical tissues confirmed the abundant expression of SKA3 in osteosarcoma. Downregulation of SKA3 expression in osteosarcoma cell lines resulted in repressive effects on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), while upregulation of SKA3 expression had the opposite effect. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed that the Notch pathway is enriched in SKA3 high groups based on different expressed genes from the TCGA data. Further investigation showed that the levels of Notch1, Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD1), hairy and enhancer of split 1 (HES1), and hairy/enhancer-of-split related with YRPW motif protein 1 (HEY1) were downregulated in SKA3-silenced osteosarcoma cells, and upregulated in SKA3-overexpressed osteosarcoma cells. Activation of the Notch pathway by increasing NICD1 expression reversed the antitumour effects induced by SKA3 silencing, while deactivation of the Notch pathway diminished the protumour effects induced by SKA3 overexpression. Moreover, SKA3-silenced osteosarcoma cells exhibited a reduced capacity for xenograft formation in nude mice. In conclusion, SKA3 plays a cancer-enhancing role in osteosarcoma through its effect on the Notch pathway. Reducing the expression of SKA3 could be a potential therapeutic approach for treating osteosarcoma.

Upregulation of CENPM promotes breast carcinogenesis by altering immune infiltration

BACKGROUND

The involvement of centromere protein M (CENPM) in various types of cancer has been established, however, its impact on breast cancer and immune infiltration remains unknown.

METHODS

We examined the expression of CENPM in different cancer types by utilizing the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype Tissue Expression Pan-Cancer (GEO) databases. Using data from the TCGA, we examined the correlation between the expression of CENPM, the prognosis, and the clinicopathological features of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer. We conducted an enrichment analysis of CENPM using the clusterProfiler R software tool, utilizing data obtained from breast cancer patients and specimens at our institution. In addition to examining the correlation between CENPM expression and genes associated with immune checkpoints, the TIDE algorithm was employed to explore the potential of CENPM as a biomarker for immunotherapy in breast cancer. The impact of CENPM on the growth of breast cancer cells was evaluated through the utilization of the CCK8 test and the colony formation assay. The effect of CENPM on the migration of breast cancer cells was assessed using scratch and transwell assays.

RESULTS

Research findings indicate that elevated levels of CENPM are linked to patient outcomes in breast cancer and various clinicopathological features. Furthermore, elevated levels of CENPM expression correlated with decreased levels of CD8 + T cells and mast cells, increased levels of Tregs and Th2, and reduced levels of CD8 + T cells. Additionally, the coexpression of CENPM with the majority of genes related to immune checkpoints indicates its potential to forecast the effectiveness of treatment in breast cancer. Suppression of CENPM hampers the growth and movement of breast tumor cells.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, our study findings indicate that CENPM may serve as a cancer-causing gene in breast cancer and also as a biomarker for predicting the efficacy of immunotherapy. The oncogene CENPM is associated with breast cancer and is involved in cell proliferation and immune infiltration.

Lung Cancer Oncogene-Directed Therapy, Fertility, and Pregnancy

INTRODUCTION

Alterations in the highly actionable lung cancer oncogenes, EGFR, ALK, and ROS1, occur across the age spectrum. Pregnancy and plans for motherhood consequently overlap with diagnoses of advanced oncogene-driven NSCLC. Guidelines for cytotoxic agents and pregnancy are well established. Nevertheless, accessible data on targeted lung cancer therapy during pregnancy or egg retrieval has not been collated previously, nor have the issues of reproduction in the setting of specific oncogene-addicted advanced NSCLC been widely discussed.

METHODS

We performed a narrative review of ex vivo placenta perfusion studies, pharmacologic characteristics, mutagenicity, animal embryo-fetal development studies, and case reports of pathways to motherhood, pregnancies, and egg retrieval while on EGFR-, ALK-, or ROS1-targeted therapy.

RESULTS

EGFR inhibitors may reduce female fertility while on therapy owing to decrease in corpora lutea. Odds of pregnancy in women on EGFR and ALK inhibitors may be reduced owing to potential increase in postimplantation loss found in animals. Crizotinib and entrectinib exhibit in vitro mutagenic potential. Several effects on human pregnancies have been noted; however, 11 EGFR and ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor-exposed infants have been documented free of substantial adverse health effects by ages 4 months to 2 years. Successful gestational surrogacy has been reported in two women treated with crizotinib. Adoption and termination approaches have also been undertaken by some patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Reproduction may not be out of reach for some patients with advanced NSCLC. Additional explorations of the impact and optimal timing of targeted therapy in egg capture and pregnancy are needed. Wider scientific and societal discussion about the issues of reproduction in advanced NSCLC is warranted.

The oncogenic role and regulatory mechanism of PGK1 in human non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) is a metabolic enzyme that participates in various biological and pathological processes. Dysregulated PGK1 has been observed in numerous malignancies. However, whether and how PGK1 affects non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is not yet fully elucidated.

METHODS

Herein, the non-metabolic function of PGK1 in NSCLC was explored by integrating bioinformatics analyses, cellular experiments, and nude mouse xenograft models. The upstream regulators and downstream targets of PGK1 were examined using multiple techniques such as RNA sequencing, a dual-luciferase reporter assay, Co-immunoprecipitation, and Western blotting.

RESULTS

We confirmed that PGK1 was upregulated in NSCLC and this upregulation was associated with poor prognosis. Further in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated the promoting effects of PGK1 on NSCLC cell growth and metastasis. Additionally, we discovered that PGK1 interacted with and could be O-GlcNAcylated by OGT. The inhibition of PGK1 O-GlcNAcylation through OGT silencing or mutation at the T255 O-GlcNAcylation site could weaken PGK1-mediated NSCLC cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion. We also found that a low miR-24-3p level led to an increase in OGT expression. Additionally, PGK1 exerted its oncogenic properties by augmenting ERK phosphorylation and MCM4 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

PGK1 acted as a crucial mediator in controlling NSCLC progression. The miR-24-3p/OGT axis was responsible for PGK1 O-GlcNAcylation, and ERK/MCM4 were the downstream effectors of PGK1. It appears that PGK1 might be an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of NSCLC.

Pituitary tumor transforming gene 1 promotes proliferation and malignant phenotype in osteosarcoma via NF-κB signaling

BACKGROUND

Pituitary tumor transforming gene (PTTG) is an oncogene reported to be actively promotes tumorigenesis in multiple tumors. Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary osseous sarcoma, however, the functional significance and mechanisms underlying whether and how PTTG1 promotes OS remain largely unknown.

METHODS

Here, in our study, PTTG1 levels in clinical samples and cell lines were determined by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The viability and migratory/invasive potential of OS cells were assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, wound healing, and Transwell assays. The effects of PTTG1 on NF-κB signaling pathways were evaluated both in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

An abnormally elevated expression of PTTG1was confirmed in human OS tissues and OS cell lines and PTTG1 levels were positively correlated with OS clinicopathological grade. We further showed that knocking down PTTG1 attenuated the viability and migratory/invasive capacity of OS cells (MG63 and HOS-8603). Additionally, the following key mechanistic principle was revealed: knockdown PTTG1-mediated OS tumorgenesis supression was associated with inactivation of the NF-κB pathway. We confirmed these results by additional nonpharmacological intervention and same conclusions were obtained in the context of opposite functional analyses. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that OS cell lines overexpressed PTTG1 showed increased tumorigenesis in athymic nude mice.

CONCLUSIONS

To sum up, the present study suggests that PTTG1 is involved in the enhancement of the malignancy and carcinogenesis of OS by regulating NF-κB signaling. Accordingly, PTTG1 likely functions as an oncogene in OS and may represent a potential therapeutic target for this cancer.

Role of interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) in tumor progression: Prognostic and therapeutic potential

Canonically, the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) is a key mediator of innate and adaptive immunity downstream of pathogen recognition receptors such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Hence, dysregulation of IRF5 function has been widely implicated in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Over the last few decades, dysregulation of IRF5 expression has been also reported in hematologic malignancies and solid cancers that support a role for IRF5 in malignant transformation, tumor immune regulation, clinical prognosis, and treatment response. This review will provide an in-depth overview of the current literature regarding the mechanisms by which IRF5 functions as either a tumor suppressor or oncogene, its role in metastasis, regulation of the tumor-immune microenvironment, utility as a prognostic indicator of disease, and new developments in IRF5 therapeutics that may be used to remodel tumor immunity.

MDM2-p53 in liposarcoma: The need for targeted therapies with novel mechanisms of action

Well-differentiated and dedifferentiated liposarcomas (WDLPS and DDLPS) are rare tumors that arise from lipocytes in soft tissue. There is a high unmet need in patients with these liposarcomas given poor outcomes, particularly for DDLPS. WDLPS and DDLPS share important genetic and histological characteristics - most notably, the amplification of the 2 genes MDM2 and CDK4. Both genes are considered oncogenes because of their ability to shut down tumor suppressor pathways. There are multiple therapeutic approaches that aim to target MDM2 and CDK4 activity for the purpose of restoring intrinsic tumor suppressor cellular response and terminating oncogenesis. However, current understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in WDLPS and DDLPS pathology is limited. In recent years, significant efforts have been made to refine and implement targeted therapy for this patient population. The use of patient-derived cell and tumor xenograft models has been an important tool for recapitulating WDLPS and DDLPS biology. These models also offer valuable insights for drug development and drug combination studies. Here we offer a review of the current understanding of WDLPS and DDLPS biology and its therapeutic implications.

Plant homeodomain-finger protein 5A: A key player in cancer progression

PHF5A is a member of the zinc-finger proteins. To advance knowledge on their role in carcinogenesis, data from experimental studies, animal models and clinical studies in different tumorigenesis have been reviewed. Furthermore, PHF5A as an oncogenic function, is frequently high expressed in tumor cells and a potential prognostic marker for different cancers. PHF5A is implicated in the regulation of cancer cell proliferation, invasion, migration and metastasis. Knockdown of PHF5A prevented the invasion and metastasis of tumor cells. Here, the role of PHF5A in different cancers and their possible mechanism in relation to recent literature is reviewed and discussed. There is an open promising perspective to their therapeutic management for different cancer types.

Polyamines: their significance for maintaining health and contributing to diseases

Polyamines are essential for the growth and proliferation of mammalian cells and are intimately involved in biological mechanisms such as DNA replication, RNA transcription, protein synthesis, and post-translational modification. These mechanisms regulate cellular proliferation, differentiation, programmed cell death, and the formation of tumors. Several studies have confirmed the positive effect of polyamines on the maintenance of health, while others have demonstrated that their activity may promote the occurrence and progression of diseases. This review examines a variety of topics, such as polyamine source and metabolism, including metabolism, transport, and the potential impact of polyamines on health and disease. In addition, a brief summary of the effects of oncogenes and signaling pathways on tumor polyamine metabolism is provided. Video Abstract.

Decoding the role of miRNAs in oral cancer pathogenesis: A focus on signaling pathways

Oral cancer (OC) is the predominant type originating in the head and neck region. The incidence of OC is mostly associated with behavioral risk factors, including tobacco smoking and excessive alcohol intake. Additionally, there is a lower but still significant association with viral infections such as human papillomaviruses and Epstein-Barr viruses. Furthermore, it has been observed that heritable genetic variables are linked to the risk of OC, in addition to the previously mentioned acquired risk factors. The current absence of biomarkers for OC diagnosis contributes to the frequent occurrence of advanced-stage diagnoses among patients. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, have been observed to exert a significant effect on the transcriptional control of target genes involved in cancer, either through direct or indirect mechanisms. miRNAs are a class of short ncRNAs that play a role in regulating gene expression by enabling mRNA degradation or translational repression at the post-transcriptional phase. miRNAs are known to play a fundamental role in the development of cancer and the regulation of oncogenic cell processes. Notch signaling, PTEN/Akt/mTOR axis, KRAS mutation, JAK/STAT signaling, P53, EGFR, and the VEGFs have all been linked to OC, and miRNAs have been shown to have a role in all of these. The dysregulation of miRNA has been identified in cases of OC and is linked with prognosis.

Insights into the molecular roles of FOXR2 in the pathology of primary pediatric brain tumors

Forkhead box gene R2 (FOXR2) belongs to the family of FOX genes which codes for highly conserved transcription factors (TFs) with critical roles in biological processes ranging from development to organogenesis to metabolic and immune regulation to cellular homeostasis. A number of FOX genes are associated with cancer development and progression and poor prognosis. A growing body of evidence suggests that FOXR2 is an oncogene. Studies suggested important roles for FOXR2 in cancer cell growth, metastasis, and drug resistance. Recent studies showed that FOXR2 is overexpressed by a subset of newly identified entities of embryonal tumors. This review discusses the role(s) FOXR2 plays in the pathology of pediatric brain cancers and its potential as a therapeutic target.

A novel microRNA panel exhibited significant potential in evaluating the progression of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Background

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a common cancer of the head and neck in humans. The 5-years survival rate of patients with LSCC have declined in the past four decades. microRNAs (miRNAs) has been reported to be capable of predicting the prognosis outcomes of patients with different cancers. However, there are no reports on the usage of multi-miRNAs model as signature for the diagnosis or prognosis of LSCC.

Methods

To establish the miRNAs expression-associated model for diagnosis, prognosis prediction and aided therapy of patients with LSCC, the present study enrolled 107 patients with LSCC in clinic and obtained 117 LSCC samples data from TCGA database for evaluation, respectively. Next generation sequencing (NGS), raw data processing, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm, Cox regression analysis, construction of nomogram and cell function assays (including proliferation, migration and invasion assays) were sequentially performed.

Results

There were massively dysregulated miRNAs in the LSCC compared to normal tissues. A six-miRNAs signature consists of miR-137-3p, miR-3934-5p, miR-1276, miR-129-5p, miR-7-5p and miR-105-5p was built for prognosis prediction of LSCC patients. The six-miRNAs signature is strongly associated with the poor overall survival (OS, p = 2.5e-05, HR: 4.30 [2.20-8.50]), progression free interval (PFI, p = 0.025, HR: 1.94 [1.08-3.46]) and disease specific survival (DSS, p = 1.1e-05, HR: 5.00 [2.50-10.00]). A nomogram for prediction of 2-, 3- and 5-years OS was also developed based on the six-miRNAs signature and clinical features. Furthermore, blocking the function of each of the six miRNAs inhibited proliferation, invasion and migration of LSCC cells.

Conclusions

The performance of six-miRNAs signature described in the current study demonstrated remarkable potential for progression assessment of LSCC. Moreover, the six-miRNAs signature may serve as predictive tool for prognosis and therapeutic targets of LSCC in clinic.

DEK oncoprotein participates in heterochromatin replication via SUMO-dependent nuclear bodies

The correct inheritance of chromatin structure is key for maintaining genome function and cell identity and preventing cellular transformation. DEK, a conserved non-histone chromatin protein, has recognized tumor-promoting properties, its overexpression being associated with poor prognosis in various cancer types. At the cellular level, DEK displays pleiotropic functions, influencing differentiation, apoptosis and stemness, but a characteristic oncogenic mechanism has remained elusive. Here, we report the identification of DEK bodies, focal assemblies of DEK that regularly occur at specific, yet unidentified, sites of heterochromatin replication exclusively in late S-phase. In these bodies, DEK localizes in direct proximity to active replisomes in agreement with a function in the early maturation of heterochromatin. A high-throughput siRNA screen, supported by mutational and biochemical analyses, identifies SUMO as one regulator of DEK body formation, linking DEK to the complex SUMO protein network that controls chromatin states and cell fate. This work combines and refines our previous data on DEK as a factor essential for heterochromatin integrity and facilitating replication under stress, and delineates an avenue of further study for unraveling the contribution of DEK to cancer development.

Deciphering signaling pathway interplay via miRNAs in malignant pleural mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly invasive form of lung cancer that adversely affects the pleural and other linings of the lungs. MPM is a very aggressive tumor that often has an advanced stage at diagnosis and a bad prognosis (between 7 and 12 months). When people who have been exposed to asbestos experience pleural effusion and pain that is not explained, MPM should be suspected. After being diagnosed, most MPM patients have a one- to four-year life expectancy. The life expectancy is approximately six months without treatment. Despite the plethora of current molecular investigations, a definitive universal molecular signature has yet to be discovered as the causative factor for the pathogenesis of MPM. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known to play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. The association between the expression of these short, non-coding RNAs and several neoplasms, including MPM, has been observed. Although the incidence of MPM is very low, there has been a significant increase in research focused on miRNAs in the past few years. In addition, miRNAs have been found to have a role in various regulatory signaling pathways associated with MPM, such as the Notch signaling network, Wnt/β-catenin, mutation of KRAS, JAK/STAT signaling circuit, protein kinase B (AKT), and Hedgehog signaling pathway. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the existing understanding of the roles of miRNAs in the underlying mechanisms of pathogenic symptoms in MPM, highlighting their potential as viable targets for therapeutic interventions.

Diverse functions of miR-328 in the carcinogenesis

MicroRNA-328 (miR-328) is an RNA gene that is primarily associated with lung cancer, and its encoding gene is located on 16q22.1. Expression of miR-328 has been observed in lung and esophagus tissues based on RNAseq data. Although several studies have aimed at the detection of miR-328 levels in tumor tissues, there is an obvious discrepancy between the results of these studies. Even in a certain type of cancer, some studies have reported up-regulation of miR-328 in cancerous tissues versus control tissues, while others have reported its down-regulation. This discrepancy might be attributed to different stages/grades of tumor tissues or other clinical characteristics. This review article focuses on the available literature to explore the functions of miR-328 in the development of human carcinogenesis.

Possible role of miRNAs in pheochromocytoma pathology - Signaling pathways interaction

Pheochromocytoma (PCC) is a type of neuroendocrine tumor that originates from adrenal medulla or extra-adrenal chromaffin cells and results in the production of catecholamine. Paroxysmal hypertension and cardiovascular crises were among the clinical signs experienced by people with PCC. Five-year survival of advanced-stage PCC is just around 40% despite the identification of various molecular-level fundamentals implicated in these pathogenic pathways. MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are a type of short, non-coding RNA (ncRNA) that attach to the 3'-UTR of a target mRNA, causing translational inhibition or mRNA degradation. Evidence is mounting that miRNA dysregulation plays a role in the development, progression, and treatment of cancers like PCC. Hence, this study employs a comprehensive and expedited survey to elucidate the potential role of miRNAs in the development of PCC, surpassing their association with survival rates and treatment options in this particular malignancy.

Oncogene SCARNA12 as a potential diagnostic biomarker for colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive system, and represents a severe threat to the life and health of individuals. Increasing evidence supports the role of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) as critical regulatory gene in cancer development. Small Cajal body-specific RNAs (scaRNAs), a subtype of snoRNAs, are named for their subcellular localization within Cajal bodies. SCARNA12, which located at the intronic region of PHB2 in chromosome 12p13.31 with 270 nucleotides (nt) in length. It has been reported function as a diagnostic marker for cervical cancer. However, its biological functions and molecular mechanisms in CRC have yet to be elucidated. In this study, bioinformatics analysis revealed that SCARNA12 was highly expressed in CRC and positively correlated with poor prognosis in CRC patients. Additionally, SCARNA12 showed upregulated expression in CRC cell lines and clinical CRC tissue samples. Moreover, SCARNA12 overexpression in SW620 cells accelerated cell proliferation, suppressed the apoptosis rate, and enhanced tumorigenesis in vivo. The knockdown of SCARNA12 expression in HCT116 and HT29 cells resulted in contrasting effects. The functioning of SCARNA12 is mechanically independent of its host gene PHB2. Notably, the overexpression of SCARNA12 activated PI3K/AKT pathway in SW620 cells, and the malignancy degree of CRC cells was attenuated after treatment with MK2206 (a specific AKT inhibitor). Our findings demonstrated that SCARNA12 plays an oncogenic role in CRC progression and can be used as a potential diagnostic biomarker for CRC.

Promotion of colorectal cancer progression by immune-related lnc-SOX9-4 via suppression of YBX1 poly-ubiquitination and degradation

BACKGROUND

Recent research has highlighted the versatile functions of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the onset and progression of various malignancies. Still, insufficient knowledge is available on how lnc-SOX9-4 functions in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression.

METHODS

Bioinformatics analysis was used to identify a novel lncRNA (lnc-SOX9-4), and the expression pattern of the RNA in CRC was verified using qRT-PCR. Gene ontology (GO) term analysis and Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were implemented for the identification of the related mechanisms and roles of lnc-SOX9-4. Immune infiltration analysis was conducted for assessment of how lnc-SOX9-4 is linked to tumor immune cell infiltration level. Both in vitro and in vivo phenotype analyses were conducted for scrutinizing how lnc-SOX9-4 impacts the proliferation and metastasis of CRC. RNA pulldown, mass spectrometry analysis, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), western blotting, and RIP assay aided in verifying lnc-SOX9-4 mechanisms linked to CRC progression.

RESULTS

An upregulation of lnc-SOX9-4 was observed in the sample CRC cells and tissues. Elevated lnc-SOX9-4 levels showed a positive association with poor clinical prognosis. Lnc-SOX9-4 was closely correlated to several types of immune infiltrating cells. Functionally, the knockdown of lnc-SOX9-4 significantly inhibited CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities. Mechanistically, YBX1 was identified as lnc-SOX9-4, specifically interacting protein in the nucleus. Lnc-SOX9-4 could stabilize YBX1 protein levels by inhibiting poly-ubiquitination and degradation of YBX1. Furthermore, phenotype rescue experiments reveal that lnc-SOX9-4 enhanced the CRC cellular potential to proliferate and metastasize by regulating YBX1 levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Lnc-SOX9-4 promoted CRC progression by suppressing cytoplasmic translocation and promoting protein levels of YBX1 can serve as novel treatment targets for diagnosing and treating CRC.

Ceramide synthase 4 overexpression exerts oncogenic properties in breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Ceramide, a bioactive signaling sphingolipid, has long been implicated in cancer. Members of the ceramide synthase (CerS) family determine the acyl chain lengths of ceramides, with ceramide synthase 4 (CerS4) primarily generating C18-C20-ceramide. Although CerS4 is known to be overexpressed in breast cancer, its role in breast cancer pathogenesis is not well established.

METHODS

To investigate the role of CerS4 in breast cancer, public datasets, including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and two Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets (GSE115577 and GSE96058) were analyzed. Furthermore, MCF-7 cells stably overexpressing CerS4 (MCF-7/CerS4) as a model for luminal subtype A (LumA) breast cancer were produced, and doxorubicin (also known as Adriamycin [AD])-resistant MCF-7/ADR cells were generated after prolonged treatment of MCF-7 cells with doxorubicin. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis assessed the clinical significance of CERS4 expression, while Student's t-tests or Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) compared gene expression and cell viability in different MCF-7 cell lines.

RESULTS

Analysis of the public datasets revealed elevated CERS4 expression in breast cancer, especially in the most common breast cancer subtype, LumA. Persistent CerS4 overexpression in MCF-7 cells activated multiple cancer-associated pathways, including pathways involving sterol regulatory element-binding protein, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and β-catenin. Furthermore, MCF-7/CerS4 cells acquired doxorubicin, paclitaxel, and tamoxifen resistance, with concomitant upregulation of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter genes, such as ABCB1, ABCC1, ABCC2, ABCC4, and ABCG2. MCF-7/CerS4 cells were characterized by increased cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Finally, CERS4 knockdown in doxorubicin-resistant MCF-7/ADR cells resulted in reduced activation of cancer-associated pathways (NF-κB, Akt/mTOR, β-catenin, and EMT) and diminished chemoresistance, accompanied by ABCB1 and ABCC1 downregulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic CerS4 overexpression may exert oncogenic effects in breast cancer via alterations in signaling, EMT, and chemoresistance. Therefore, CerS4 may represent an attractive target for anticancer therapy, especially in LumA breast cancer.

Ancient complexes of iron and sulfur modulate oncogenes and oncometabolism

Inorganic complexes of iron and sulfur, that is, iron-sulfur [FeS] clusters, have played a fundamental role in life on Earth since the prebiotic period. These clusters were involved in elementary reactions leading to the emergence of life and, since then, gained function in processes, such as respiration, replication, transcription, and the immune response. We discuss how three [FeS] proteins involved in the innate immune response play a role in oncogene expression/function and oncometabolism. Our analysis highlights the importance of future research into understanding the [FeS] clusters' roles in cancer progression and proliferation. The outcomes of these studies will help identify new targets and develop new anticancer therapeutics.

Advances in the expression and function of Fyn in different human tumors

The tyrosine kinase Fyn is a member of the SRC family of kinases, and its sustained activation is closely linked to tumor cell migration, proliferation, and cell metabolism. Recently, Fyn has been found to be expressed in various tumor tissues, and the expression and function of Fyn vary between tumors, with Fyn acting as an oncogene to promote proliferation and metastasis in some tumors. This article summarizes the recent studies on the role of Fyn in different human tumors, focusing on the role of Fyn in melanoma, breast cancer, glioma, lung cancer, and peripheral T-cell lymphoma in order to provide a basis for future research and targeted therapy in different human tumors.

FAP promotes clear cell renal cell carcinoma progression via activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

Herein, we aimed at exploring the FAP expression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) along with its clinical implication.

METHODS

Using computational tools analysis of different freely accessible gene databases, the expression pattern, clinical importance, co-expressed genes, and signaling pathways of FAP in ccRCC were thoroughly investigated. FAP expression was examined in clinical ccRCC specimens through qRT-PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo experiments were carried out using flow cytometry, CCK-8, wound-healing and Transwell assays, as well as xenograft tumor model, respectively.

RESULTS

FAP levels were found to be significantly elevated in ccRCC based on bioinformatic data from public databases. Patients who exhibited higher expression levels of FAP had poorer prognoses, according to Kaplan-Meier analysis of survival data. In addition, diagnostic and prognostic value of FAP in ccRCC was figured out by ROC curve and prognostic nomogram model. In vitro study revealed that the over-expression FAP accelerated cell proliferation, migration as well as invasion, and suppressed cell apoptosis, but silencing of FAP had the opposite effect. FAP suppression reduced the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway's stimulation, whereas FAP up-regulation increased the stimulation of the pathway. Blocking the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway with the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 repressesed cancer-promoting effect of FAP. Additionally, we found that the downregulation of FAP was effective at slowing tumor progression in vivo.

CONCLUSION

It is possible that FAP could be a reliable biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of ccRCC because of its role in the ccRCC progression via triggering the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Clinical implications and immune features of CENPN in breast cancer

BACKGROUND

A number of human diseases have been associated with Centromere protein N (CENPN), but its role in breast cancer is unclear.

METHODS

A pan-cancer database of Genotype Tissue Expression (GTEx) and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were used to examine the expression of CENPN. Using TCGA clinical survival data and breast cancer specimens from our center for validation, the relationship between CENPN expression, breast cancer prognosis, and clinicopathological characteristics of patients was examined. Bioinformatics was utilized to conduct an enrichment study of CENPN. Additionally, the potential of CENPN as a predictive biomarker for immunotherapy success was confirmed by analyzing the co-expression of CENPN with immune-checkpoint related genes, reviewing the TCGA database, and evaluating the correlation between CENPN expression and immune cell infiltration. Using the CCK8 test and colony formation assay, CENPN was evaluated for its ability to inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation. Transwell assays and scratch tests were used to assess the impact of CENPN on breast cancer cell migration.

RESULTS

CENPN is found in a wide range of tumors, including breast cancer. Additional investigation revealed that CENPN was co-expressed with the majority of immune checkpoint-related genes, had the potential to serve as a predictive biomarker for immunotherapy effectiveness, and that high CENPN expression was linked to high Tregs and low CD8 + T cells and NK cells. Breast cancer cells' malignant characteristics, such as migration and cell proliferation, were inhibited by CENPN knockdown.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our findings, CENPN may be an oncogene in breast cancer, as well as a new therapeutic target for immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Identifying Genetic Signatures Associated with Oncogene-Induced Replication Stress in Osteosarcoma and Screening for Potential Targeted Drugs

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of primary malignant bone tumor. Due to the lack of selectivity and sensitivity of chemotherapy drugs to tumor cells, coupled with the use of large doses, chemotherapy drugs often have systemic toxicity. The use of modern sequencing technology to screen tumor markers in a large number of tumor samples is a common method for screening highly specific and selective anti-tumor drugs. This study aims to identify potential biomarkers using the latest reported gene expression signatures of oncogene-induced replication stress (ORS) in aggressive cancers, and potential anti-osteosarcoma drugs were screened in different drug databases. In this study, we obtained 89 osteosarcoma-related samples in the TARGET database, all of which included survival information. According to the median expression of each of six reported ORS gene markers (NAT10/DDX27/ZNF48/C8ORF33/MOCS3/MPP6), we divided 89 osteosarcoma gene expression datasets into a high expression group and a low expression group and then performed a differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis. The coexisting genes of 6 groups of DEGs were used as replication stress-related genes (RSGs) of osteosarcoma. Then, key RSGs were screened using LASSO regression, a Cox risk proportional regression prognostic model and a tenfold cross-validation test. GSE21257 datasets collected from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were used to verify the prognostic model. The final key RSGs selected were used in the L1000PWD and DGIdb databases to mine potential drugs. After further validation by the prognostic model, we identified seven genes associated with ORS in osteosarcoma as key RSGs, including transcription factor 7 like 2 (TCF7L2), solute carrier family 27 member 4 (SLC27A4), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 5 (PCSK5), nucleolar protein 6 (NOL6), coiled-coil-coil-coil-coil-helix domain containing 4 (CHCHD4), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit B (EIF3B), and synthesis of cytochrome C oxidase 1 (SCO1). Then, we screened the seven key RSGs in two drug databases and found six potential anti-osteosarcoma drugs (D GIdb database: repaglinide, tacrolimus, sirolimus, cyclosporine, and hydrochlorothiazide; L1000PWD database: the small molecule VU-0365117-1). Seven RSGs (TCF7L2, SLC27A4, PCSK5, NOL6, CHCHD4, EIF3B, and SCO1) may be associated with the ORS gene signatures in osteosarcoma. Repaglinide, tacrolimus, sirolimus, cyclosporine, hydrochlorothiazide and the small molecule VU-0365117-1 are potential therapeutic drugs for osteosarcoma.

MYCT1 in cancer development: Gene structure, regulation, and biological implications for diagnosis and treatment

Myc target 1 (MYCT1), located at 6q25.2, is a crucial player in cancer development. While widely distributed in cells, its subcellular localization varies across different cancer types. As a novel c-Myc target gene, MYCT1 is subject to regulation by multiple transcription factors. Studies have revealed aberrant expression of MYCT1 in various cancers, impacting pivotal biological processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, migration, genomic instability, and differentiation in cancer cells. Additionally, MYCT1 plays a critical role in modulating tumor angiogenesis and remodeling tumor immune responses within the tumor microenvironment. Despite certain debated functions, MYCT1 undeniably holds significance in cancer development. In this review, we comprehensively examine the relationship between MYCT1 and cancer, encompassing gene structure, regulation of gene expression, gene mutation, and biological function, with the aim of providing valuable insights for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Functions, mechanisms, and clinical applications of lncRNA LINC00857 in cancer pathogenesis

Emerging data indicated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial players in the biological processes via regulating epigenetics, transcription, and protein translation. A novel lncRNA, LINC00857, was indicated to upregulate in several types of cancer. In addition, LINC00857 was functionally related to the modulation of the cancer-linked behaviors, including invasion, migration, proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell cycle, and apoptosis. The importance of LINC00857 in cancer onset and development proposed that LINC00857 has major importance in the cancer progression and may be considered as a novel prognostic/diagnostic biomarker as well as a treatment target. Here, we retrospectively investigate the available progress in biomedical research investigating the functions of LINC00857 in cancer, focusing on finding the molecular mechanisms affecting various cancer-related behaviors and exploring its clinical applications.

Long non-coding RNA SOX21-AS1: A potential tumor oncogene in human cancers

Emerging data have proposed that the aberrant level of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) is related to the onset and progression of cancer. Among them, lncRNA SOX21-AS1 was shown to upregulate and seem to be a novel oncogene in various cancer, including ovarian cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, osteosarcoma, and melanoma. Available data indicated that SRY-box transcription factor 21 antisense divergent transcript 1 (SOX21-AS1) mostly acts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to inhibit the level of its target microRNAs (miRNAs), leading to upregulation of their targets. In addition, SOX21-AS1 is engaged in various signaling pathways like transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling, Wnt signaling, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling. Moreover, this lncRNA was revealed to be correlated with the clinicopathological features of affected patients. SOX21-AS1 was also proved to enhance the resistance of ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin chemotherapy. SOX21-AS1 is markedly associated with poor prognosis and low survival of patients, proposing that it may be a prognostic and diagnostic biomarker in cancer. Overexpression of SOX21-AS1 is related to various cancer-related pathways, like epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, migration, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest. In this work, we aimed to discuss the biogenesis, function, and underlying molecular mechanism of SOX21-AS1 in cancer progression as well as its potential as a prognostic and diagnostic biomarker in human cancers.

KIFC3 Regulates the progression and metastasis of gastric cancer via Notch1 pathway

INTRODUCTION

KIFC3 is a member of the kinesin family which has shown great promise in cancer therapy recently. In this study, we sought to elucidate the role of KIFC3 in the development of GC and its possible mechanisms.

METHODS

Two databases and a tissue microarray were used to explore the expression of KIFC3 and its correlation with patients' clinicopathological characteristics. Cell proliferation was examined by cell counting kit-8 assay and colony formation assay. Wound healing assay and transwell assay were performed to examine cell metastasis ability. EMT and Notch signaling related proteins were detected by western blot. Additionally, a xenograft tumor model was established to investigate the function of KIFC3 in vivo.

RESULTS

The expression of KIFC3 was upregulated in GC, and was associated with higher T stage and poor prognosis in GC patients. The proliferation and metastasis ability of GC cells were promoted by KIFC3 overexpression while inhibited by KIFC3 knockdown in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, KIFC3 might activate the Notch1 pathway to facilitate the progression of GC, and DAPT, an inhibitor of Notch signaling, could reverse this effect.

CONCLUSION

Together, our data revealed that KIFC3 could enhance the progression and metastasis of GC by activating the Notch1 pathway.