Molecular targets and mechanisms of different aberrant alternative splicing in metastatic liver cancer

Metastasis remains a major challenge in the successful management of malignant diseases. The liver is a major site of metastatic disease and a leading cause of death from gastrointestinal malignancies such as colon, stomach, and pancreatic cancers, as well as melanoma, breast cancer, and sarcoma. As an important factor that influences the development of metastatic liver cancer, alternative splicing drives the diversity of RNA transcripts and protein subtypes, which may provide potential to broaden the target space. In particular, the dysfunction of splicing factors and abnormal expression of splicing variants are associated with the occurrence, progression, aggressiveness, and drug resistance of cancers caused by the selective splicing of specific genes. This review is the first to provide a detailed summary of the normal splicing process and alterations that occur during metastatic liver cancer. It will cover the role of alternative splicing in the mechanisms of metastatic liver cancer by examining splicing factor changes, abnormal splicing, and the contribution of hypoxia to these changes during metastasis.

Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in gastric cancer: Unraveling complex interactions for precision medicine

This editorial will focus on tumor immunity and the factors that alter the tumor immune micro-environment. The role of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) will also be discussed in detail, including the types, mechanism of action, and role. Gastric cancer (GC) often presents in the advanced stage and has various factors predicting the outcomes. The interplay of these factors and their correlation with the TILs is discussed. A literature review revealed high intra-tumoral TILs associated with higher grade, HER2-, and Helicobacter pylori negativity. Moreover, stromal (ST) TILs correlated with lower grade and lesser recurrence risk in GC. High TILs in ST and invasive border also correlated with mismatch repair deficiency status. Further characterization of the CD3+, CD8+, and other cells is also warranted. In the future, this complex correlation of cancer cells with the immune system can be explored for therapeutic avenues.

Britanin – a beacon of hope against gastrointestinal tumors?

Britanin is a bioactive sesquiterpene lactone known for its potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It also exhibits significant anti-tumor activity, suppressing tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. The current body of research on Britanin includes thirty papers predominantly related to neoplasms, the majority of which are gastrointestinal tumors that have not been summarized before. To drive academic debate, the present paper reviews the available research on Britanin in gastrointestinal tumors. It also outlines novel research directions using data not directly concerned with the digestive system, but which could be adopted in future gastrointestinal research. Britanin was found to counteract liver, colorectal, pancreatic, and gastric tumors, by regulating proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, immune response, migration, and angiogenesis. As confirmed in pancreatic, gastric, and liver cancer, its most commonly noted molecular effects include nuclear factor kappa B and B-cell lymphoma 2 downregulation, as well as Bcl-2-associated X protein upregulation. Moreover, it has been found to induce the Akt kinase and Forkhead box O1 axis, activate the AMP-activated protein kinase pathway, elevate interleukin-2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ levels, reduce interleukin-10, as well as downregulate matrix metalloproteinase-9, Twist family bHLH transcription factor 1, and cyclooxygenase-2. It also inhibits Myc–HIF1α interaction and programmed death ligand 1 transcription by interrupting the Ras/ RAF/MEK/ERK pathway and mTOR/P70S6K/4EBP1 signaling. Future research should aim to unravel the link between Britanin and acetylcholinesterase, mast cells, osteolysis, and ischemia, as compelling data have been provided by studies outside the gastrointestinal context. Since the cytotoxicity of Britanin on noncancerous cells is significantly lower than that on tumor cells, while still being effective against the latter, further in-depth studies with the use of animal models are merited. The compound exhibits pleiotropic biological activity and offers considerable promise as an anti-cancer agent, which may address the current paucity of treatment options and high mortality rate among patients with gastrointestinal tumors.

Focus on current and emerging treatment options for glioma: A comprehensive review

This comprehensive review delves into the current updates and challenges associated with the management of low-grade gliomas (LGG), the predominant primary tumors in the central nervous system. With a general incidence rate of 5.81 per 100000, gliomas pose a significant global concern, necessitating advancements in treatment techniques to reduce mortality and morbidity. This review places a particular focus on immunotherapies, discussing promising agents such as Zotiraciclib and Lerapolturev. Zotiraciclib, a CDK9 inhibitor, has demonstrated efficacy in glioblastoma treatment in preclinical and clinical studies, showing its potential as a therapeutic breakthrough. Lerapolturev, a viral immunotherapy, induces inflammation in glioblastoma and displays positive outcomes in both adult and pediatric patients. Exploration of immunotherapy extends to Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab, and Entrectinib, revealing the challenges and variabilities in patient responses. Despite promising preclinical data, the monoclonal antibody Depatuxizumab has proven ineffective in glioblastoma treatment, emphasizing the critical need to understand resistance mechanisms. The review also covers the success of radiation therapy in pediatric LGG, with evolving techniques, such as proton therapy, showing potential improvements in patient quality of life. Surgical treatment is discussed in the context of achieving a balance between preserving the patient’s quality of life and attaining gross total resection, with the extent of surgical resection significantly influencing the survival outcomes. In addition to advancements in cancer vaccine development, this review highlights the evolving landscape of LGG treatment, emphasizing a shift toward personalized and targeted therapies. Ongoing research is essential for refining strategies and enhancing outcomes in the management of LGG.

Elevated cardiovascular risk and acute events in hospitalized colon cancer survivors: A decade-apart study of two nationwide cohorts

BACKGROUND

Over the years, strides in colon cancer detection and treatment have boosted survival rates; yet, post-colon cancer survival entails cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks. Research on CVD risks and acute cardiovascular events in colorectal cancer survivors has been limited.

AIM

To compare the CVD risk and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in current colon cancer survivors compared to a decade ago.

METHODS

We analyzed 2007 and 2017 hospitalization data from the National Inpatient Sample, studying two colon cancer survivor groups for CVD risk factors, mortality rates, and major adverse events like pulmonary embolism, arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, and stroke, adjusting for confounders via multivariable regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of total colon cancer survivors hospitalized in 2007 (n = 177542) and 2017 (n = 178325), the 2017 cohort often consisted of younger (76 vs 77 years), male, African-American, and Hispanic patients admitted non-electively vs the 2007 cohort. Furthermore, the 2017 cohort had higher rates of smoking, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, coagulopathy, liver disease, weight loss, and renal failure. Patients in the 2017 cohort also had higher rates of cardiovascular comorbidities, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, obesity, peripheral vascular disease, congestive heart failure, and at least one traditional CVD (P < 0.001) vs the 2007 cohort. On adjusted multivariable analysis, the 2017 cohort had a significantly higher risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) (OR: 1.47, 95%CI: 1.37-1.48), arrhythmia (OR: 1.41, 95%CI: 1.38-1.43), atrial fibrillation/flutter (OR: 1.61, 95%CI: 1.58-1.64), cardiac arrest including ventricular tachyarrhythmia (OR: 1.63, 95%CI: 1.46-1.82), and stroke (OR: 1.28, 95%CI: 1.22-1.34) with comparable all-cause mortality and fewer routine discharges (48.4% vs 55.0%) (P < 0.001) vs the 2007 cohort.

CONCLUSION

Colon cancer survivors hospitalized 10 years apart in the United States showed an increased CVD risk with an increased risk of acute cardiovascular events (stroke 28%, PE 47%, arrhythmia 41%, and cardiac arrest 63%). It is vital to regularly screen colon cancer survivors with concomitant CVD risk factors to curtail long-term cardiovascular complications.

Comparative effectiveness of immunotherapy and chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer stratified by microsatellite instability status

BACKGROUND

Immunotherapy have demonstrated promising outcomes in patients with high microsatellite instability (MSI) (MSI-H) metastatic colorectal cancer. However, the comparative effectiveness of Immunotherapy and chemotherapy for patients with low MSI (MSI-L), and microsatellite stable (MSS) metastatic colorectal cancer remains unclear.

AIM

To investigate immunotherapy vs chemotherapy for treatment of MSI-L/MSS metastatic colorectal cancer, and to evaluate the success of immunotherapy against chemotherapy in managing MSI-H metastatic colorectal cancer during a follow-up of 50 months.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to evaluate the overall survival (OS) of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with immunotherapy or chemotherapy. The study population was stratified by MSI status (MSI-H, MSI-L, and MSS). Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association between treatment modality and OS, adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

A total of 21951 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer were included in the analysis, of which 2358 were MSI-H, and 19593 were MSI-L/MSS. In the MSI-H cohort, immunotherapy treatment (n = 142) was associated with a significantly improved median OS compared to chemotherapy (n = 860). After adjusting for potential confounders, immunotherapy treatment remained significantly associated with better OS in the MSI-H cohort [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 0.57, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.43-0.77, P < 0.001]. In the MSS cohort, no significant difference in median OS was observed between immunotherapy treatment and chemotherapy (aHR: 0.94, 95%CI: 0.69-1.29, P = 0.715).

CONCLUSION

In this population-based study using the NCDB, immunotherapy treatment was associated with significantly improved OS compared to chemotherapy in patients with MSI-H metastatic colorectal cancer, but not in those with MSI-L/MSS metastatic colorectal cancer. Further studies are warranted to determine the optimal therapeutic approach for patients with MSI-L/MSS metastatic colorectal cancer.

Management of lateral pelvic lymph nodes in rectal cancer: Is it time to reach an Agreement?

In this editorial, we proceed to comment on the article by Chua et al, addressing the management of metastatic lateral pelvic lymph nodes (mLLN) in stage II/III rectal cancer patients below the peritoneal reflection. The treatment of this nodal area sparks significant controversy due to the strategic differences followed by Eastern and Western physicians, albeit with a higher degree of convergence in recent years. The dissection of lateral pelvic lymph nodes without neoadjuvant therapy is a standard practice in Eastern countries. In contrast, in the West, preference leans towards opting for neoadjuvant therapy with chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy, that would cover the treatment of this area without the need to add the dissection of these nodes to the total mesorectal excision. In the presence of high-risk nodal characteristics for mLLN related to radiological imaging and lack of response to neoadjuvant therapy, the risk of lateral local recurrence increases, suggesting the appropriate selection of strategies to reduce the risk of recurrence in each patient profile. Despite the heterogeneous and retrospective nature of studies addressing this area, an international consensus is necessary to approach this clinical scenario uniformly.

Immune pathway through endometriosis to ovarian cancer

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease, defined by the presence of functional endometrial tissue outside of the uterine cavity. This disease is one of the main gynecological diseases, affecting around 10%-15% women and girls of reproductive age, being a common gynecologic disorder. Although endometriosis is a benign disease, it shares several characteristics with invasive cancer. Studies support that it has been linked with an increased chance of developing endometrial ovarian cancer, representing an earlier stage of neoplastic processes. This is particularly true for women with clear cell carcinoma, low-grade serous carcinoma and endometrioid. However, the carcinogenic pathways between both pathologies remain poorly understood. Current studies suggest a connection between endometriosis and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers (EAOCs) via pathways associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and hyperestrogenism. This article aims to review current data on the molecular events linked to the development of EAOCs from endometriosis, specifically focusing on the complex relationship between the immune response to endometriosis and cancer, including the molecular mechanisms and their ramifications. Examining recent developments in immunotherapy and their potential to boost the effectiveness of future treatments.

Classificatory updates in verrucous and cuniculatum carcinomas: Insights from the 5th edition of WHO-IARC head and neck tumor classification

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and World Health Organization (WHO) collaboratively produce the 'WHO Blue Books' essential tools standardizing the diagnostic process for human cancers. Regular updates in this classification accommodate emerging molecular discoveries, advances in immunohistochemical techniques, and evolving clinical insights. The 5^th edition of the WHO/IARC classification of head and neck tumors refines the 'Oral Cavity and Mobile Tongue' chapter, including sections for non-neoplastic lesions, epithelial tumors, and tumors of uncertain histogenesis. Notably, the epithelial tumors section is rearranged by tumor behavior, starting with benign squamous papillomas and progressing through potentially malignant oral disorders to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The section on OSCC reflects recent information on epidemiology, pathogenesis, and histological prognostic factors. Noteworthy is the specific categorization of verrucous carcinoma (VC) and carcinoma cuniculatum (CC), both associated with the oral cavity and distinct in clinical and histologic characteristics. This classification adjustment emphasizes the oral cavity as their predominant site in the head and neck. Designating specific sections for VC and CC aims to provide comprehensive insights into these unique subtypes, elucidating their clinical features, distinct histological characteristics, prevalence, significance, and clinical relevance. By categorizing these subtypes into specific sections, the 5^th edition of the WHO classification aims to provide a more nuanced and detailed account, enhancing our understanding of these specific variants within the broader spectrum of head and neck tumors.

Regulation of TMEM100 expression by epigenetic modification, effects on proliferation and invasion of esophageal squamous carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a prevalent malignancy with a high morbidity and mortality rate. TMEM100 has been shown to be suppressor gene in a variety of tumors, but there are no reports on the role of TMEM100 in esophageal cancer (EC).

AIM

To investigate epigenetic regulation of TMEM100 expression in ESCC and the effect of TMEM100 on ESCC proliferation and invasion.

METHODS

Firstly, we found the expression of TMEM100 in EC through The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The correlation between TMEM100 gene expression and the survival of patients with EC was further confirmed through Kaplan-Meier analysis. We then added the demethylating agent 5-AZA to ESCC cell lines to explore the regulation of TMEM100 expression by epigenetic modification. To observe the effect of TMEM100 expression on tumor proliferation and invasion by overexpressing TMEM100. Finally, we performed gene set enrichment analysis using the Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes Orthology-Based Annotation System database to look for pathways that might be affected by TMEM100 and verified the effect of TMEM100 expression on the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway.

RESULTS

In the present study, by bioinformatic analysis we found that TMEM100 was lowly expressed in EC patients compared to normal subjects. Kaplan-meier survival analysis showed that low expression of TMEM100 was associated with poor prognosis in patients with EC. Then, we found that the demethylating agent 5-AZA resulted in increased expression of TMEM100 in ESCC cells [quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting]. Subsequently, we confirmed that overexpression of TMEM100 leads to its increased expression in ESCC cells (qRT-PCR and western blotting). Overexpression of TMEM100 also inhibited proliferation, invasion and migration of ESCC cells (cell counting kit-8 and clone formation assays). Next, by enrichment analysis, we found that the gene set was significantly enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway. The involvement of TMEM100 in the regulation of MAPK signaling pathway in ESCC cell was subsequently verified by western blotting.

CONCLUSION

TMEM100 is a suppressor gene in ESCC, and its low expression may lead to aberrant activation of the MAPK pathway. Promoter methylation may play a key role in regulating TMEM100 expression.

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.

Low-grade myofibrosarcoma of the maxillary sinus: Two case reports

BACKGROUND

Low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma (LGMS) is an extremely rare tumor characterized by the malignant proliferation of myofibroblasts. LGMS most commonly develops in adults, predominantly in males, in the head and neck region, oral cavity, especially on the tongue, mandible, and larynx. This article presents 2 cases of LGMS localized to the maxillary sinus and provides an overview of the available literature.

CASE SUMMARY

Two patients with LGMS located in the maxillary sinus underwent surgery at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery. Case 1: A 46-year-old patient was admitted to the clinic with suspected LGMS recurrence in the right maxillary sinus (rT4aN0M0), with symptoms of pain in the suborbital area, watering of the right eye, thick discharge from the right nostril, and augmented facial asymmetry. After open biopsy-confirmed LGMS, the patient underwent expanded maxillectomy of the right side with immediate palate reconstruction using a microvascular skin flap harvested surgically from the middle arm. The patient qualified for adjuvant radiotherapy for the postoperative bed, with an additional margin. Currently, the patient is under 1.5 years of observation with no evidence of disease. Case 2: A 45-year-old man was admitted to our clinic with facial asymmetry, strabismus, exophthalmos, and visual impairment in the right eye. Six months earlier, the patient had undergone partial jaw resection at another hospital for fibromatosis. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan revealed a tumor mass in the postoperative log after an earlier procedure. An open biopsy confirmed low-grade fibrosarcoma (rT4aN0M0). The patient qualified for an extended total right maxillectomy with orbital excision and right hemimandibulectomy with immediate microvascular reconstruction using an anterolateral thigh flap. The patient subsequently underwent adjuvant radiotherapy to the postoperative area. After 9 months, recurrence occurred in the right mandibular arch below the irradiated area. The lesion infiltrated the base of the skull, which warranted the withdrawal of radiotherapy and salvage surgery. The patient qualified for palliative chemotherapy with a regimen of doxorubicin + dacarbazine + cyclophosphamide and palliative radiotherapy for bone metastases. The patient died 26 months after surgical treatment. The cases have been assessed and compared with cases in the literature.

CONCLUSION

No specific diagnostic criteria or treatment strategies have been developed for LGMS. The treatment used for LGMS is the same as that used for sinonasal cancer radical tumor excision; adjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy should also be considered. They have low malignant potential but are highly invasive, tend to recur, and metastasize to distant sites. Patients should undergo regular follow-up examinations to detect recurrence or metastasis at an early stage. Patients should be treated and observed at the highest referral centers.

Current interventional options for palliative care for patients with advanced-stage cholangiocarcinoma

Primary biliary tract tumors are malignancies that originate in the liver, bile ducts, or gallbladder. These tumors often present with jaundice of unknown etiology, leading to delayed diagnosis and advanced disease. Currently, several palliative treatment options are available for primary biliary tract tumors. They include percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD), biliary stenting, and surgical interventions such as biliary diversion. Systemic therapy is also commonly used for the palliative treatment of primary biliary tract tumors. It involves the administration of chemotherapy drugs, such as gemcitabine and cisplatin, which have shown promising results in improving overall survival in patients with advanced biliary tract tumors. PTBD is another palliative treatment option for patients with unresectable or inoperable malignant biliary obstruction. Biliary stenting can also be used as a palliative treatment option to alleviate symptoms in patients with unresectable or inoperable malignant biliary obstruction. Surgical interventions, such as biliary diversion, have traditionally been used as palliative options for primary biliary tract tumors. However, biliary diversion only provides temporary relief and does not remove the tumor. Primary biliary tract tumors often present in advanced stages, making palliative treatment the primary option for improving the quality of life of patients.

Nomogram based on multimodal magnetic resonance combined with B7-H3mRNA for preoperative lymph node prediction in esophagus cancer

BACKGROUND

Accurate preoperative prediction of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in esophageal cancer (EC) patients is of crucial clinical significance for treatment planning and prognosis.

AIM

To develop a clinical radiomics nomogram that can predict the preoperative lymph node (LN) status in EC patients.

METHODS

A total of 32 EC patients confirmed by clinical pathology (who underwent surgical treatment) were included. Real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of B7-H3 mRNA in EC tissue obtained during preoperative gastroscopy, and its correlation with LNM was analyzed. Radiomics features were extracted from multi-modal magnetic resonance imaging of EC using Pyradiomics in Python. Feature extraction, data dimensionality reduction, and feature selection were performed using XGBoost model and leave-one-out cross-validation. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to establish the prediction model, which included radiomics features, LN status from computed tomography (CT) reports, and B7-H3 mRNA expression, represented by a radiomics nomogram. Receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the predictive performance and clinical application value of the model.

RESULTS

The relative expression of B7-H3 mRNA in EC patients with LNM was higher than in those without metastasis, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The AUC value in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.718 (95%CI: 0.528-0.907), with a sensitivity of 0.733 and specificity of 0.706, indicating good diagnostic performance. The individualized clinical prediction nomogram included radiomics features, LN status from CT reports, and B7-H3 mRNA expression. The ROC curve demonstrated good diagnostic value, with an AUC value of 0.765 (95%CI: 0.598-0.931), sensitivity of 0.800, and specificity of 0.706. DCA indicated the practical value of the radiomics nomogram in clinical practice.

CONCLUSION

This study developed a radiomics nomogram that includes radiomics features, LN status from CT reports, and B7-H3 mRNA expression, enabling convenient preoperative individualized prediction of LNM in EC patients.

Transarterial chemoembolization plus stent placement for hepatocellular carcinoma with main portal vein tumor thrombosis: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Portal vein tumor thrombus is an important indicator of poor prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Transarterial chemoembolization is recommended as the standard first-line therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Portal vein stent placement is a safe and effective therapy for promptly restoring flow and relieving portal hypertension caused by tumor thrombus.

AIM

To assess the clinical significance of transarterial chemoembolization plus stent placement for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with main portal vein tumor thrombosis.

METHODS

We searched English and Chinese databases, assessed the quality of the included studies, analyzed the characteristic data, tested heterogeneity, explored heterogeneity, and tested publication bias.

RESULTS

In total, eight clinical controlled trials were included. The results showed that the pressure in the main portal vein after stent placement was significantly lower than that with no stent placement. The cumulative stent patency and survival rates at 6 and 12 months were lower in the transarterial chemoembolization + stent placement group than in the transarterial chemoembolization + stent placement + brachytherapy/radiotherapy group. The survival rates of patients treated with transarterial chemoembolization + stent placement for 6 and 12 months were higher than those of patients treated with transarterial chemoembolization alone.

CONCLUSION

For Chinese patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with main portal vein tumor thrombosis, transarterial chemoembolization plus stenting is effective. Transarterial chemoembolization + stent placement is more effective than transarterial chemoembolization alone. Transarterial chemoembolization + stent placement + brachytherapy/radiotherapy is more effective than transarterial chemoembolization + stenting.

High-dose methotrexate and zanubrutinib combination therapy for primary central nervous system lymphoma

In this editorial I comment on the article, published in the current issue of the World Journal of Clinical Oncology. Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a disease of elderly and immunocompromised patients. The authors reported clinical results of 19 patients with PCNSL treated with zanubrutinib/high dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) until disease progression. They demonstrated that the combination of zanubrutinib with HD-MTX led to a marked clinical response and tolerability among these patients. They also observed that cerebrospinal fluid liquid biopsy to detect circulating tumor DNA may be a good option for evaluating treatment response and tumor burden in patients with PCNSL. PCNSL is a challenging disease for treatment as these patients present with different neurological states and comorbidities. Treatment has evolved over the years from whole brain radiotherapy to HD-MTX followed by autologous stem cell transplant. Gradually, treatment of patients with PCNSL is going to become individualized.

Mechanisms and potential applications of COPS6 in pan-cancer therapy

The COP9 signalosome subunit 6 (COPS6) is abnormally overexpressed in many malignancies, yet its precise role in carcinogenesis is unknown. To gain a better understanding of COPS6's role, the authors conducted a pan-cancer analysis using various bioinformatics techniques such as differential expression patterns, prognostic value, gene mutations, immune infiltration, correlation analysis, and functional enrichment assessment. Results showed that COPS6 was highly correlated with prognosis, immune cell infiltration level, tumor mutation burden, and microsatellite instability in patients with a range of tumor types. This suggests that COPS6 may be a potential target for cancer treatment. Overall, this research provides insight into COPS6's role in cancer development and its potential therapeutic applications.

PD-1 antibody in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of SMARCA4-deficient advanced undifferentiated carcinoma of the duodenum: Two case reports

BACKGROUND

SMARCA4 is a component of chromatin remodeling of SWItch/sucrose-nonfermenting (SWI/SNF) complexes and plays an essential role in oncogenesis. SMARCA4-deficient malignancies arising from the gastrointestinal tract are rare and have a poor prognosis. There is no standard treatment for advanced and undifferentiated SMARCA4-deficient duodenal malignancies. Programmed death 1 (PD-1) antibodies, known as immune checkpoint inhibitor antibodies, potentially play a role in treating gastrointestinal tract malignancies.

CASE SUMMARY

We present two patients with SMARCA4 deficiency and TP53 gene mutation in advanced undifferentiated carcinomas of the duodenum. For both patients, SMARCA4 deficiency was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining for the BRG1 protein, while TP53 gene mutations were observed via next-generation sequencing. Both patients were administered chemotherapy in combination with an anti-PD-1 antibody. The two patients exhibited completely different responses to treatment and had different prognoses. Case 1 experienced rapid progression after PD-1 infusion and chemotherapy, case 2 experienced a remarkable response after treatment, and the progression-free survival was more than 6 months.

CONCLUSION

This study described our clinical and pathological observations of SMARCA4-deficient advanced undifferentiated carcinoma of the duodenum. PD-1 combined with chemotherapy showed a certain efficacy in select patients, providing options for treating these highly malignant tumors. Patients with liver metastases had a worse prognosis than did those with only lymph node metastasis.

Leveraging electrochemical sensors to improve efficiency of cancer detection

Electrochemical biosensors have emerged as a promising technology for cancer detection due to their high sensitivity, rapid response, low cost, and capability for non-invasive detection. Recent advances in nanomaterials like nanoparticles, graphene, and nanowires have enhanced sensor performance to allow for cancer biomarker detection, like circulating tumor cells, nucleic acids, proteins and metabolites, at ultra-low concentrations. However, several challenges need to be addressed before electrochemical biosensors can be clinically implemented. These include improving sensor selectivity in complex biological media, device miniaturization for implantable applications, integration with data analytics, handling biomarker variability, and navigating regulatory approval. This editorial critically examines the prospects of electrochemical biosensors for efficient, low-cost and minimally invasive cancer screening. We discuss recent developments in nanotechnology, microfabrication, electronics integration, multiplexing, and machine learning that can help realize the potential of these sensors. However, significant interdisciplinary efforts among researchers, clinicians, regulators and the healthcare industry are still needed to tackle limitations in selectivity, size constraints, data interpretation, biomarker validation, toxicity and commercial translation. With committed resources and pragmatic strategies, electrochemical biosensors could enable routine early cancer detection and dramatically reduce the global cancer burden.

Approaches and challenges in cancer immunotherapy pathways

Cancer immunotherapy is an effective with critical approaches in the treatment of oncological patients. Whilst numerous research and clinical trials are underway to develop endogenous immunotherapy approaches, it is necessary to focus on fundamental issues and identify barriers to basic clinical progress. Addressing these challenges and the new pathways will require researchers and clinicians to join forces to accelerate the understanding of the complex interactions between cancer and the immune system and focus resources on developing better treatments for patients.

Ferroptosis biomarkers predict tumor mutation burden's impact on prognosis in HER2-positive breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Ferroptosis has recently been associated with multiple degenerative diseases. Ferroptosis induction in cancer cells is a feasible method for treating neoplastic diseases. However, the association of iron proliferation-related genes with prognosis in HER2+ breast cancer (BC) patients is unclear.

AIM

To identify and evaluate fresh ferroptosis-related biomarkers for HER2+ BC.

METHODS

First, we obtained the mRNA expression profiles and clinical information of HER2+ BC patients from the TCGA and METABRIC public databases. A four-gene prediction model comprising PROM2, SLC7A11, FANCD2, and FH was subsequently developed in the TCGA cohort and confirmed in the METABRIC cohort. Patients were stratified into high-risk and low-risk groups based on their median risk score, an independent predictor of overall survival (OS). Based on these findings, immune infiltration, mutations, and medication sensitivity were analyzed in various risk groupings. Additionally, we assessed patient prognosis by combining the tumor mutation burden (TMB) with risk score. Finally, we evaluated the expression of critical genes by analyzing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from malignant vs normal epithelial cells.

RESULTS

We found that the higher the risk score was, the worse the prognosis was (P < 0.05). We also found that the immune cell infiltration, mutation, and drug sensitivity were different between the different risk groups. The high-risk subgroup was associated with lower immune scores and high TMB. Moreover, we found that the combination of the TMB and risk score could stratify patients into three groups with distinct prognoses. HRisk-HTMB patients had the worst prognosis, whereas LRisk-LTMB patients had the best prognosis (P < 0.0001). Analysis of the scRNA-seq data showed that PROM2, SLC7A11, and FANCD2 were significantly differentially expressed, whereas FH was not, suggesting that these genes are expressed mainly in cancer epithelial cells (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Our model helps guide the prognosis of HER2+ breast cancer patients, and its combination with the TMB can aid in more accurate assessment of patient prognosis and provide new ideas for further diagnosis and treatment.

Role of targeting ferroptosis as a component of combination therapy in combating drug resistance in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a form of cancer that is often resistant to chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy due to its genomic instability and inflammatory tumor microenvironment. Ferroptosis, a type of non-apoptotic cell death, is characterized by the accumulation of iron and the oxidation of lipids. Studies have revealed that the levels of reactive oxygen species and glutathione in CRC cells are significantly lower than those in healthy colon cells. Erastin has emerged as a promising candidate for CRC treatment by diminishing stemness and chemoresistance. Moreover, the gut, responsible for regulating iron absorption and release, could influence CRC susceptibility through iron metabolism modulation. Investigation into ferroptosis offers new insights into CRC pathogenesis and clinical management, potentially revolutionizing treatment approaches for therapy-resistant cancers.

Clinical application of reserved gastric tube in neuroendoscopic endonasal surgery for pituitary tumor

BACKGROUND

The neuroendoscopic approach has the advantages of a clear operative field, convenient tumor removal, and less damage, and is the development direction of modern neurosurgery. At present, transnasal surgery for sphenoidal pituitary tumor is widely used. But it has been found in clinical practice that some patients with this type of surgery may experience post-operative nausea and vomiting and other discomforts.

AIM

To explore the effect of reserved gastric tube application in the neuroendoscopic endonasal resection of pituitary tumors.

METHODS

A total of 60 patients who underwent pituitary adenoma resection via the endoscopic endonasal approach were selected and randomly divided into the experimental and control groups, with 30 in each group. Experimental group: After anesthesia, a gastric tube was placed through the mouth under direct vision using a visual laryngoscope, and the fluid accumulated in the oropharynx was suctioned intermittently with low negative pressure throughout the whole process after nasal disinfection, during the operation, and when the patient recovered from anesthesia. Control group: Given the routine intraoperative care, no gastric tube was left. The number of cases of nausea/vomiting/aspiration within 24 h post-operation was counted and compared between the two groups; the scores of pharyngalgia after waking up, 6 h post-operation, and 24 h post-operation. The frequency of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage and intracranial infection were compared. The hospitalization days of the two groups were statistically compared.

RESULTS

The times of postoperative nausea and vomiting in the experimental group were lower than that in the control group, and the difference in the incidence of nausea was statistically significant (P < 0.05). After the patient woke up, the scores of sore throat 6 h after the operation and 24 h after operation were lower than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The number of cases of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage and intracranial infection was higher than that of the control group, but there was no statistically significant difference from the control group (P > 0.05). The hospitalization days of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Reserving a gastric tube in the endoscopic endonasal resection of pituitary tumors, combined with intraoperative and postoperative gastrointestinal decompression, can effectively reduce the incidence of nausea, reduce the number of vomiting and aspiration in patients, and reduce the complications of sore throat The incidence rate shortened the hospitalization days of the patients.

Establishment of a prognosis predictive model for liver cancer based on expression of genes involved in the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway

BACKGROUND

The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) has been proven to play important roles in cancer.

AIM

To investigate the prognostic significance of genes involved in the UPP and develop a predictive model for liver cancer based on the expression of these genes.

METHODS

In this study, UPP-related E1, E2, E3, deubiquitylating enzyme, and proteasome gene sets were obtained from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, aiming to screen the prognostic genes using univariate and multivariate regression analysis and develop a prognosis predictive model based on the Cancer Genome Atlas liver cancer cases.

RESULTS

Five genes (including autophagy related 10, proteasome 20S subunit alpha 8, proteasome 20S subunit beta 2, ubiquitin specific peptidase 17 like family member 2, and ubiquitin specific peptidase 8) were proven significantly correlated with prognosis and used to develop a prognosis predictive model for liver cancer. Among training, validation, and Gene Expression Omnibus sets, the overall survival differed significantly between the high-risk and low-risk groups. The expression of the five genes was significantly associated with immunocyte infiltration, tumor stage, and postoperative recurrence. A total of 111 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the high-risk and low-risk groups and they were enriched in 20 and 5 gene ontology and KEGG pathways. Cell division cycle 20, Kelch repeat and BTB domain containing 11, and DDB1 and CUL4 associated factor 4 like 2 were the DEGs in the E3 gene set that correlated with survival.

CONCLUSION

We have constructed a prognosis predictive model in patients with liver cancer, which contains five genes that associate with immunocyte infiltration, tumor stage, and postoperative recurrence.

Circulating tumor cells as prognostic marker in pancreatic cancer

In this editorial we comment on the article by Zhang et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Oncology. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related mortality and has the lowest survival rate among all solid cancers. It causes 227000 deaths annually worldwide, and the 5-year survival rate is very low due to early metastasis, which is 4.6%. Cancer survival increases with better knowledge of risk factors and early and accurate diagnosis. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are tumor cells that intravasate from the primary tumor or metastasis foci into the peripheral blood circulation system spontaneously or during surgical operations. Detection of CTC in blood is promising for early diagnosis. In addition, studies have associated high CTC levels with a more advanced stage, and more intensive treatments should be considered in cases with high CTC. In tumors that are considered radiologically resectable, it may be of critical importance in detecting occult metastases and preventing unnecessary surgeries.

Limonin inhibits the stemness of cancer stem-like cells derived from colorectal carcinoma cells potentially via blocking STAT3 signaling

BACKGROUND

Limonin is one of the most abundant active ingredients of Tetradium ruticarpum. It exerts antitumor effects on several kinds of cancer cells. However, whether limonin exerts antitumor effects on colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), a subpopulation responsible for a poor prognosis, is unclear.

AIM

To evaluate the effects of limonin on CSCs derived from CRC cells.

METHODS

CSCs were collected by culturing CRC cells in serum-free medium. The cytotoxicity of limonin against CSCs and parental cells (PCs) was determined by cholecystokinin octapeptide-8 assay. The effects of limonin on stemness were detected by measuring stemness hallmarks and sphere formation ability.

RESULTS

As expected, limonin exerted inhibitory effects on CRC cell behaviors, including cell proliferation, migration, invasion, colony formation and tumor formation in soft agar. A relatively low concentration of limonin decreased the expression stemness hallmarks, including Nanog and β-catenin, the proportion of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1-positive CSCs, and the sphere formation rate, indicating that limonin inhibits stemness without presenting cytotoxicity. Additionally, limonin treatment inhibited invasion and tumor formation in soft agar and in nude mice. Moreover, limonin treatment significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3 at Y705 but not S727 and did not affect total STAT3 expression. Inhibition of Nanog and β-catenin expression and sphere formation by limonin was obviously reversed by pretreatment with 2 μmol/L colievlin.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results indicate that limonin is a promising compound that targets CSCs and could be used to combat CRC recurrence and metastasis.

Unlocking the potential-vitamin D in prostate cancer prevention

Prostate cancer poses a significant health challenge globally, demanding proactive prevention strategies. This editorial explores the emerging role of vitamin D in prostate cancer prevention. While traditionally associated with bone health, vitamin D is increasingly recognized for its broader impact on immune function, cellular signaling, and cancer prevention. Epidemiological studies suggest an intriguing link between vitamin D deficiency and elevated prostate cancer risk, particularly in regions with limited sunlight exposure. Mechanistically, vitamin D regulates cellular processes, inhibiting unchecked cancer cell growth and bolstering immune surveillance. Personalized prevention strategies, considering individual factors, are deemed essential for harnessing the full potential of vitamin D. To unlock this potential, the future calls for robust research, public awareness campaigns, dietary improvements, and vigilant medical guidance. Collaborative efforts are poised to pave the way toward a future where vitamin D stands as a sentinel in prostate cancer prevention, ushering in hope and improved health for men worldwide.

Updates on management of gliomas in the molecular age

Gliomas are primary brain tumors derived from glial cells of the central nervous system, afflicting both adults and children with distinct characteristics and therapeutic challenges. Recent developments have ushered in novel clinical and molecular prognostic factors, reshaping treatment paradigms based on classification and grading, determined by histological attributes and cellular lineage. This review article delves into the diverse treatment modalities tailored to the specific grades and molecular classifications of gliomas that are currently being discussed and used clinically in the year 2023. For adults, the therapeutic triad typically consists of surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. In contrast, pediatric gliomas, due to their diversity, require a more tailored approach. Although complete tumor excision can be curative based on the location and grade of the glioma, certain non-resectable cases demand a chemotherapy approach usually involving, vincristine and carboplatin. Additionally, if surgery or chemotherapy strategies are unsuccessful, Vinblastine can be used. Despite recent advancements in treatment methodologies, there remains a need of exploration in the literature, particularly concerning the efficacy of treatment regimens for isocitrate dehydrogenase type mutant astrocytomas and fine-tuned therapeutic approaches tailored for pediatric cohorts. This review article explores into the therapeutic modalities employed for both adult and pediatric gliomas in the context of their molecular classification.

Prevalence, risk factors, and BRAF mutation of colorectal sessile serrated lesions among Vietnamese patients

BACKGROUND

Sessile serrated lesions (SSLs) are considered precancerous colorectal lesions that should be detected and removed to prevent colorectal cancer. Previous studies in Vietnam mainly investigated the adenoma pathway, with limited data on the serrated pathway.

AIM

To evaluate the prevalence, risk factors, and BRAF mutations of SSLs in the Vietnamese population.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study conducted on patients with lower gastrointestinal symptoms who underwent colonoscopy at a tertiary hospital in Vietnam. SSLs were diagnosed on histopathology according to the 2019 World Health Organization classification. BRAF mutation analysis was performed using the Sanger DNA sequencing method. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine SSL-associated factors.

RESULTS

There were 2489 patients, with a mean age of 52.1 ± 13.1 and a female-to-male ratio of 1:1.1. The prevalence of SSLs was 4.2% [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.5-5.1]. In the multivariate analysis, factors significantly associated with SSLs were age ≥ 40 [odds ratio (OR): 3.303; 95%CI: 1.607-6.790], male sex (OR: 2.032; 95%CI: 1.204-3.429), diabetes mellitus (OR: 2.721; 95%CI: 1.551-4.772), and hypertension (OR: 1.650, 95%CI: 1.045-2.605). The rate of BRAF mutations in SSLs was 35.5%.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of SSLs was 4.2%. BRAF mutations were present in one-third of SSLs. Significant risk factors for SSLs included age ≥ 40, male sex, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension.

Deregulation of interferon-gamma receptor 1 expression and its implications for lung adenocarcinoma progression

Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) plays a dual role in cancer; it is both a pro- and an antitumorigenic cytokine, depending on the type of cancer. The deregulation of the IFN-γ canonic pathway is associated with several disorders, including vulnerability to viral infections, inflammation, and cancer progression. In particular, the interplay between lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and viral infections appears to exist in association with the deregulation of IFN-γ signaling. In this mini-review, we investigated the status of the IFN-γ signaling pathway and the expression level of its components in LUAD. Interestingly, a reduction in IFNGR1 expression seems to be associated with LUAD progression, affecting defenses against viruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. In addition, alterations in the expression of IFNGR1 may inhibit the antiproliferative action of IFN-γ signaling in LUAD.

Identification and validation of a pyroptosis-related prognostic model for colorectal cancer based on bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing data

BACKGROUND

Pyroptosis impacts the development of malignant tumors, yet its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) prognosis remains uncertain.

AIM

To assess the prognostic significance of pyroptosis-related genes and their association with CRC immune infiltration.

METHODS

Gene expression data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and single-cell RNA sequencing dataset GSE178341 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Pyroptosis-related gene expression in cell clusters was analyzed, and enrichment analysis was conducted. A pyroptosis-related risk model was developed using the LASSO regression algorithm, with prediction accuracy assessed through K-M and receiver operating characteristic analyses. A nomogram predicting survival was created, and the correlation between the risk model and immune infiltration was analyzed using CIBERSORTx calculations. Finally, the differential expression of the 8 prognostic genes between CRC and normal samples was verified by analyzing TCGA-COADREAD data from the UCSC database.

RESULTS

An effective pyroptosis-related risk model was constructed using 8 genes-CHMP2B, SDHB, BST2, UBE2D2, GJA1, AIM2, PDCD6IP, and SEZ6L2 (P < 0.05). Seven of these genes exhibited differential expression between CRC and normal samples based on TCGA database analysis (P < 0.05). Patients with higher risk scores demonstrated increased death risk and reduced overall survival (P < 0.05). Significant differences in immune infiltration were observed between low- and high-risk groups, correlating with pyroptosis-related gene expression.

CONCLUSION

We developed a pyroptosis-related prognostic model for CRC, affirming its correlation with immune infiltration. This model may prove useful for CRC prognostic evaluation.

Bridging the gap: Predicting brain metastasis in breast cancer

Chen et al explored clinicopathological features and prognostic factors, revealing advanced tumor stage, lung metastases, HER-2 overexpression, and triple-negative status as key contributors. Recent research connects astrocytes' role in brain metastasis with signaling pathways and the impact of Trastuzumab on HER-2 tumor survival. Factors such as positive HER2 status, lack of estrogen receptor expression, and liver metastasis are identified as additional risk factors. The routine use of magnetic resonance imaging, insights into gene mutations associated with metastasis, and the role of radiotherapy, including prophylaxis possibilities, is controversial in clinical practice. Understanding these risk factors in a multidisciplinary collaboration is precise for local treatments and targeted therapies, particularly for HER2+ tumors, impacting directly on longer survival.

Population-based X-ray gastric cancer screening in Hiroshima prefecture, Japan

BACKGROUND

X-ray gastric cancer (GC) screening has been shown to decrease mortality. Population-based X-ray GC screening has been performed in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, since 1983 but time trends and the efficacy of the method over 39 years have not been assessed.

AIM

To evaluate time trends and efficacy of population-based X-ray GC screening and identify challenges and suggested solutions for the future.

METHODS

This was a population-based retrospective study. The data were derived from aggregated data of the Hiroshima Regional Health Medical Promotion Organization, including the number and rate of participants and those requiring esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDs), the number and rate of participants diagnosed as having GC, and the positive predictive value of the abnormal findings detected by X-ray and confirmed by EGDs. The number and rate of esophageal cancers were also collected. Further, the cost of detecting one GC was evaluated.

RESULTS

The number of participants has decreased during the last four decades, from 39925 in 1983 to 12923 in 2021. The rate of those requiring EGDs decreased significantly in recent years (P < 0.001). The number of participants diagnosed as having GC has also declined, from 76 to 10 cases. However, the rate of cases diagnosed as GC among the participants remained around 0.1%. The positive predictive value increased significantly in recent years except during 1983-1991. The number and rate of accidentally detected esophageal cancers have risen recently, from 0% in 2008 to 0.02% in 2021, one-fifth of the diagnosis rate of GC. One GC diagnosis costs approximately 4200000 Japanese Yen (30000 United States Dollars) for the X-ray screenings and EGDs.

CONCLUSION

X-ray GC screening in Hiroshima has been efficient, but one challenge is the cost. Esophageal cancers may also need to be considered because they have gradually increased in recent years.

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.

Identification of immune cell-related prognostic genes characterized by a distinct microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been reported to be associated with immune-related genes and the tumor microenvironment. Nevertheless, there are not enough prognostic biomarkers and models available for clinical use. Based on seven prognostic genes, this study calculated overall survival in patients with HCC using a prognostic survival model and revealed the immune status of the tumor microenvironment (TME).

AIM

To develop a novel immune cell-related prognostic model of HCC and depict the basic profile of the immune response in HCC.

METHODS

We obtained clinical information and gene expression data of HCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) datasets. TCGA and ICGC datasets were used for screening prognostic genes along with developing and validating a seven-gene prognostic survival model by weighted gene coexpression network analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression with Cox regression. The relative analysis of tumor mutation burden (TMB), TME cell infiltration, immune checkpoints, immune therapy, and functional pathways was also performed based on prognostic genes.

RESULTS

Seven prognostic genes were identified for signature construction. Survival receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed the good performance of survival prediction. TMB could be regarded as an independent factor in HCC survival prediction. There was a significant difference in stromal score, immune score, and estimate score between the high-risk and low-risk groups stratified based on the risk score derived from the seven-gene prognostic model. Several immune checkpoints, including VTCN1 and TNFSF9, were found to be associated with the seven prognostic genes and risk score. Different combinations of checkpoint blockade targeting inhibitory CTLA4 and PD1 receptors and potential chemotherapy drugs hold great promise for specific HCC therapies. Potential pathways, such as cell cycle regulation and metabolism of some amino acids, were also identified and analyzed.

CONCLUSION

The novel seven-gene (CYTH3, ENG, HTRA3, PDZD4, SAMD14, PGF, and PLN) prognostic model showed high predictive efficiency. The TMB analysis based on the seven genes could depict the basic profile of the immune response in HCC, which might be worthy of clinical application.

Elucidating the molecular basis of ATP-induced cell death in breast cancer: Construction of a robust prognostic model

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is a multifaceted and formidable disease with profound public health implications. Cell demise mechanisms play a pivotal role in breast cancer pathogenesis, with ATP-triggered cell death attracting mounting interest for its unique specificity and potential therapeutic pertinence.

AIM

To investigate the impact of ATP-induced cell death (AICD) on breast cancer, enhancing our understanding of its mechanism.

METHODS

The foundational genes orchestrating AICD mechanisms were extracted from the literature, underpinning the establishment of a prognostic model. Simultaneously, a microRNA (miRNA) prognostic model was constructed that mirrored the gene-based prognostic model. Distinctions between high- and low-risk cohorts within mRNA and miRNA characteristic models were scrutinized, with the aim of delineating common influence mechanisms, substantiated through enrichment analysis and immune infiltration assessment.

RESULTS

The mRNA prognostic model in this study encompassed four specific mRNAs: P2X purinoceptor 4, pannexin 1, caspase 7, and cyclin 2. The miRNA prognostic model integrated four pivotal miRNAs: hsa-miR-615-3p, hsa-miR-519b-3p, hsa-miR-342-3p, and hsa-miR-324-3p. B cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, endothelial cells, and macrophages exhibited inverse correlations with risk scores across all breast cancer subtypes. Furthermore, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed that genes differentially expressed in response to mRNA risk scores significantly enriched 25 signaling pathways, while miRNA risk scores significantly enriched 29 signaling pathways, with 16 pathways being jointly enriched.

CONCLUSION

Of paramount significance, distinct mRNA and miRNA signature models were devised tailored to AICD, both potentially autonomous prognostic factors. This study's elucidation of the molecular underpinnings of AICD in breast cancer enhances the arsenal of potential therapeutic tools, offering an unparalleled window for innovative interventions. Essentially, this paper reveals the hitherto enigmatic link between AICD and breast cancer, potentially leading to revolutionary progress in personalized oncology.

TM9SF1 is implicated in promoting the proliferation and invasion of bladder cancer cells

Zhuo et al looked into the part of transmembrane 9 superfamily member 1 (TM9SF1) in bladder cancer (BC), and evaluated if it can be used as a therapeutic target. They created a permanent BC cell line and tested the effects of TM9SF1 overexpression and suppression on BC cell growth, movement, invasion, and cell cycle advancement. Their results show that TM9SF1 can boost the growth, movement, and invasion of BC cells and their access into the G2/M stage of the cell cycle. This research gives a novel direction and concept for targeted therapy of BC.

Endoscopic resection for calcifying fibrous tumors of the gastrointestinal tract

BACKGROUND

Calcifying fibrous tumors (CFTs) are rare mesenchymal lesions that can occur in various sites throughout the body, including the tubular gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

AIM

To analyze the clinical findings of 36 patients with GI tract CFTs to provide guidance for diagnosis and treatment.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 36 patients diagnosed with CFTs of the GI tract. We collected demographic and clinical information and conducted regular follow-ups to assess for local recurrence.

RESULTS

The stomach was the most commonly involved site, accounting for 72.2% of the 36 CFTs. Endoscopic mucosal resection (n = 1, 2.8%), endoscopic submucosal dissection (n = 14, 38.9%), endoscopic full-thickness resection (n = 16, 44.4%), and submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (n = 5, 13.9%) were used to resect calcifying fibrous tumors. Overall, 34 (94.4%) CFTs underwent complete endoscopic resections with a mean procedure time of 39.8 ± 29.8 min. The average maximum diameter of the tumors was 10.6 ± 4.3 cm. No complications, such as bleeding or perforation, occurred during an average hospital stay of 2.9 ± 1.2 d. In addition, two patients developed new growth of CFTs near the primary tumor sites, and none of the patients developed distant metastases during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

GI tract CFTs are rare and typically benign tumors that can be effectively managed with endoscopic procedures.

What are the changes in the hotspots and frontiers of microRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma over the past decade?

BACKGROUND

Emerging research suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A comprehensive analysis of recent research concerning miRNAs in HCC development could provide researchers with a valuable reference for further studies.

AIM

To make a comprehensive analysis of recent studies concerning miRNAs in HCC.

METHODS

All relevant publications were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Bibliometrix software, VOSviewer software and CiteSpace software were used to visually analyze the distribution by time, countries, institutions, journals, and authors, as well as the keywords, burst keywords and thematic map.

RESULTS

A total of 9426 publications on this topic were found worldwide. According to the keywords analysis, we found that the studies of miRNAs focused on their expression level, effects, and mechanisms on the biological behaviour of HCC. Keywords bursting analysis showed that in the early years (2013-2017), "microRNA expression", "gene expression", "expression profile", "functional polymorphism", "circulating microRNA", "susceptibility" and "mir 21" started to attract attention. In the latest phase (2018-2022), the hot topics turned to "sorafenib resistance", "tumor microenvironment" and so on.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a comprehensive overview of the role of miRNAs in HCC development based on bibliometric analysis. The hotspots in this field focus on miRNAs expression level, effects, and mechanisms on the biological behavior of HCC. The frontiers turned to sorafenib resistance, tumor microenvironment and so on.

Predicting colorectal cancer prognosis based on long noncoding RNAs of disulfidptosis genes

BACKGROUND

A recently hypothesized cause of cell death called disulfidptosis has been linked to the expansion, emigration, and vascular rebuilding of cancer cells. Cancer can be treated by targeting the pathways that trigger cell death.

AIM

To discover the long non-coding RNA of the disulfidaptosis-related lncRNAs (DRLs), prognosis clinical survival, and treat patients with colorectal cancer with medications.

METHODS

Initially, we queried the Cancer Genome Atlas database to collect transcriptome, clinical, and genetic mutation data for colorectal cancer (CRC). Training and testing sets for CRC patient transcriptome data were generated randomly. Key long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) related to DRLs were then identified and evaluated using a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator procedure, as well as univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. A prognostic model was then created after risk scoring. Also, Immune infiltration analysis, immune checkpoint analysis, and medication susceptibility analysis were used to investigate the causes of the different prognoses between high and low risk groups. Finally, we validated the differential expression and biomarker potential of risk-predictive lncRNAs through induction using both NCM460 and HT-29 cell lines, as well as a disulfidptosis model.

RESULTS

In this work, eight significant lncRNAs linked to disulfidptosis were found. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses of differentially expressed genes between high- and low-risk groups from the prognostic model showed a close relationship with the immune response as well as significant enrichment in neutrophil extracellular trap formation and the IL-17 signaling pathway. Furthermore, significant immune cell variations between the high-risk and low-risk groups were seen, as well as a higher incidence of immunological escape risk in the high-risk group. Finally, Epirubicin, bortezomib, teniposide, and BMS-754807 were shown to have the lowest sensitivity among the four immunotherapy drugs.

CONCLUSION

Our findings emphasizes the role of disulfidptosis in regulating tumor development, therapeutic response, and patient survival in CRC patients. For the clinical treatment of CRC, these important LncRNAs could serve as viable therapeutic targets.

Re-evaluating the role of pelvic radiation in the age of modern precision medicine and systemic therapy

The efficacy of pelvic radiation in the management of locally advanced stage rectal cancer has come under scrutiny in the context of modern precision medicine and systemic therapy as evidenced by recent clinical trials such as FOWARC (J Clin Oncol 2019; 37: 3223-3233), NCT04165772 (N Engl J Med 2022; 386: 2363-2376), and PROSPECT (N Engl J Med 2023; 389: 322-334). In this review, we comprehensively assess these pivotal trials and offer additional insights into the evolving role of pelvic radiation in contemporary oncology.

Fatty acid binding protein 5 is a novel therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive subtype of liver cancer and is one of the most common cancers with high mortality worldwide. Reprogrammed lipid metabolism plays crucial roles in HCC cancer cell survival, growth, and evolution. Emerging evidence suggests the importance of fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) in contribution to cancer progression and metastasis; however, how these FABPs are dysregulated in cancer cells, especially in HCC, and the roles of FABPs in cancer progression have not been well defined.

AIM

To understand the genetic alterations and expression of FABPs and their associated cancer hallmarks and oncogenes in contributing to cancer malignancies.

METHODS

We used The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets of pan cancer and liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) as well as patient cohorts with other cancer types in this study. We investigated genetic alterations of FABPs in various cancer types. mRNA expression was used to determine if FABPs are abnormally expressed in tumor tissues compared to non-tumor controls and to investigate whether their expression correlates with patient clinical outcome, enriched cancer hallmarks and oncogenes previously reported for patients with HCC. We determined the protein levels of FABP5 and its correlated genes in two HCC cell lines and assessed the potential of FABP5 inhibition in treating HCC cells.

RESULTS

We discovered that a gene cluster including five FABP family members (FABP4, FABP5, FABP8, FABP9 and FABP12) is frequently co-amplified in cancer. Amplification, in fact, is the most common genetic alteration for FABPs, leading to overexpression of FABPs. FABP5 showed the greatest differential mRNA expression comparing tumor with non-tumor tissues. High FABP5 expression correlates well with worse patient outcomes (P < 0.05). FABP5 expression highly correlates with enrichment of G2M checkpoint (r = 0.33, P = 1.1e-10), TP53 signaling pathway (r = 0.22, P = 1.7e-5) and many genes in the gene sets such as CDK1 (r = 0.56, P = 0), CDK4 (r = 0.49, P = 0), and TP53 (r = 0.22, P = 1.6e-5). Furthermore, FABP5 also correlates well with two co-expressed oncogenes PLK1 and BIRC5 in pan cancer especially in LIHC patients (r = 0.58, P = 0; r = 0.58, P = 0; respectively). FABP5high Huh7 cells also expressed higher protein levels of p53, BIRC5, CDK1, CDK2, and CDK4 than FABP5low HepG2 cells. FABP5 inhibition more potently inhibited the tumor cell growth in Huh7 cells than in HepG2 cells.

CONCLUSION

We discovered that FABP5 gene is frequently amplified in cancer, especially in HCC, leading to its significant elevated expression in HCC. Its high expression correlates well with worse patient outcome, enriched cancer hallmarks and oncogenes in HCC. FABP5 inhibition impaired the cell viability of FABP5high Huh7 cells. All these support that FABP5 is a novel therapeutic target for treating FABP5high HCC.

Radiotherapy for hyoid bone metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma: A case report

BACKGROUND

Metastasis to the hyoid bone is an exceptionally rare occurrence, with documented cases limited to breast, liver, colon, skin, lung, and prostate cancers. This report highlights an unusual case involving the metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma to the hyoid bone, accompanied by a distinctive headache. Previous documentation involved surgical resection of the hyoid mass. We present a case displaying the benefits of palliative radiotherapy.

CASE SUMMARY

A 72-year-old non-smoking, non-alcoholic woman, initially under investigation for a year-long elevation in absolute lymphocyte count, presented with a month-long history of intermittent throat pain. Despite negative findings in gastroenterological and otolaryngologic examinations, a contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography scan revealed a mediastinal mass and questionable soft tissue thickening in her left anterolateral neck. Subsequent imaging and biopsies confirmed the presence of lung adenocarcinoma metastasis to the hyoid bone. The patient was treated with platinum-based chemo-immunotherapy along with pembrolizumab. Ultimately, the lung cancer was unresponsive. Our patient opted for palliative radiation therapy instead of surgical resection to address her throat pain. As a result, her throat pain was alleviated, and it also incidentally resolved her chronic headaches. This is the second documented case of lung adenocarcinoma metastasizing to the hyoid bone.

CONCLUSION

Palliative radiotherapy may add to the quality of life in symptomatic patients with cancer metastatic to the hyoid bone.

Prognostic factors of breast cancer brain metastasis

In this editorial we comment on the article by Chen et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Oncology. Brain metastasis is one of the most serious complications of breast cancer and causes high morbidity and mortality. Brain metastases may involve the brain parenchyma and/or leptomeninges. Symptomatic brain metastases develop in 10%-16% of newly recognized cases each year, and this rate increases to 30% in autopsy series. Depending on the size of the metastatic foci, it may be accompanied by extensive vasogenic edema or may occur as small tumor foci. Since brain metastases are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, early diagnosis can have significant effects on survival and quality of life. The risk of developing brain metastases emerges progressively due to various patient and tumor characteristics. Patient variability may be particularly important in the susceptibility and distribution of brain metastases because malignant blood must cross the brain barrier and move within the brain parenchyma. Some characteristics of the tumor, such as gene expression, may increase the risk of brain metastasis. Clinical growth, tumor stage, tumor grade, growth receptor positivity, HER2 positivity, molecular subtype (such as triple negative status, luminal/nonluminal feature) increase the risk of developing breast cancer metastasis. Factors related to survival due to breast cancer brain metastasis include both tumor/patient characteristics and treatment characteristics, such as patient age, lung metastasis, surgery for brain metastasis, and HER2 positivity. If cases with a high risk of developing brain metastasis can be identified with the help of clinical procedures and artificial intelligence, survival and quality of life can be increased with early diagnosis and treatment. At the same time, it is important to predict the formation of this group in order to develop new treatment methods in cases with low survival expectancy with brain metastases.

Identification of the key genes and mechanisms associated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolisation refractoriness in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter arterial embolisation (TACE) is the primary treatment for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients while some HCC cases have shown resistance to TACE.

AIM

To investigate the key genes and potential mechanisms correlated with TACE refractoriness in HCC.

METHODS

The microarray datasets of TACE-treated HCC tissues, HCC and non-HCC tissues were collected by searching multiple public databases. The respective differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were attained via limma R package. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was employed for identifying the significant modules related to TACE non-response. TACE refractoriness-related genes were obtained by intersecting up-regulated TACE-associated and HCC-associated DEGs together with the genes in significant modules related to TACE non-response. The key genes expression in the above two pairs of samples was compared respectively via Wilcoxon tests and standard mean differences model. The prognostic value of the key genes was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier curve. Multivariate analysis was utilised to investigate the independent prognostic factor in key genes. Single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing analysis was conducted to explore the cell types in HCC. TACE refractoriness-related genes activity was calculated via AUCell packages. The CellChat R package was used for the investigation of the cell-cell communication between the identified cell types.

RESULTS

HCC tissues of TACE non-responders (n = 66) and TACE responders (n = 81), HCC (n = 3941) and non-HCC (n = 3443) tissues were obtained. The five key genes, DLG associated protein 5 (DLGAP5), Kinesin family member 20A (KIF20A), Assembly factor for spindle microtubules (ASPM), Kinesin family member 11 (KIF11) and TPX2 microtubule nucleation factor (TPX2) in TACE refractoriness-related genes, were identified. The five key genes were all up-regulated in the TACE non-responders group and the HCC group. High expression of the five key genes predicted poor prognosis in HCC. Among the key genes, TPX2 was an independent prognostic factor. Four cell types, hepatocytes, embryonic stem cells, T cells and B cells, were identified in the HCC tissues. The TACE refractoriness-related genes expressed primarily in hepatocytes and embryonic stem cells. Hepatocytes, as the providers of ligands, had the strongest interaction with embryonic stem cells that provided receptors.

CONCLUSION

Five key genes (DLGAP5, KIF20A, ASPM, KIF11 and TPX2) were identified as promoting refractory TACE. Hepatocytes and embryonic stem cells were likely to boost TACE refractoriness.

Prognostic and immunological roles of heat shock protein A4 in lung adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Heat shock protein A4 (HSPA4) belongs to molecular chaperone protein family which plays important roles within variable cellular activities, including cancer initiation and progression. However, the prognostic and immunological significance of HSPA4 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) has not been revealed yet.

AIM

To explore the prognostic and immunological roles of HSPA4 to identify a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for LUAD.

METHODS

We assessed the prognostic and immunological significance of HSPA4 in LUAD using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The association between HSPA4 expression and clinical-pathological features was assessed through Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Univariate/multivariate Cox regression analyses and Kaplan-Meier curves were employed to evaluate prognostic factors, including HSPA4, in LUAD. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted to identify the key signaling pathways associated with HSPA4. The correlation between HSPA4 expression and cancer immune infiltration was evaluated using single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA).

RESULTS

Overexpressing HSPA4 was significantly related to advanced pathologic TNM stage, advanced pathologic stage, progression disease status of primary therapy outcome and female subgroups with LUAD. In addition, increased HSPA4 expression was found to be related to worse disease-specific survival and overall survival. GSEA analysis indicated a significant correlation between HSPA4 and cell cycle regulation and immune response, particularly through diminishing the function of cytotoxicity cells and CD8 T cells. The ssGSEA algorithm showed a positive correlation between HSPA4 expression and infiltrating levels of Th2 cells, while a negative correlation was observed with cytotoxic cell infiltration levels.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate HSPA4 is related to prognosis and immune cell infiltrates and may act as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for LUAD.

Uveal melanoma: Recent advances in immunotherapy

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular cancer in adults. The incidence in Europe and the United States is 6-7 per million population per year. Although most primary UMs can be successfully treated and locally controlled by irradiation therapy or local tumor resection, up to 50% of UM patients develop metastases that usually involve the liver and are fatal within 1 year. To date, chemotherapy and targeted treatments only obtain minimal responses in patients with metastatic UM, which is still characterized by poor prognosis. No standard therapeutic approaches for its prevention or treatment have been established. The application of immunotherapy agents, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors that are effective in cutaneous melanoma, has shown limited effects in the treatment of ocular disease. This is due to UM's distinct genetics, natural history, and complex interaction with the immune system. Unlike cutaneous melanomas characterized mainly by BRAF or NRAS mutations, UMs are usually triggered by a mutation in GNAQ or GNA11. As a result, more effective immunotherapeutic approaches, such as cancer vaccines, adoptive cell transfer, and other new molecules are currently being studied. In this review, we examine novel immunotherapeutic strategies in clinical and preclinical studies and highlight the latest insight in immunotherapy and the development of tailored treatment of UM.

Gene signatures to therapeutics: Assessing the potential of ivermectin against t(4;14) multiple myeloma

BACKGROUND

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a terminal differentiated B-cell tumor disease characterized by clonal proliferation of malignant plasma cells and excessive levels of monoclonal immunoglobulins in the bone marrow. The translocation, (t)(4;14), results in high-risk MM with limited treatment alternatives. Thus, there is an urgent need for identification and validation of potential treatments for this MM subtype. Microarray data and sequencing information from public databases could offer opportunities for the discovery of new diagnostic or therapeutic targets.

AIM

To elucidate the molecular basis and search for potential effective drugs of t(4;14) MM subtype by employing a comprehensive approach.

METHODS

The transcriptional signature of t(4;14) MM was sourced from the Gene Expression Omnibus. Two datasets, GSE16558 and GSE116294, which included 17 and 15 t(4;14) MM bone marrow samples, and five and four normal bone marrow samples, respectively. After the differentially expressed genes were identified, the Cytohubba tool was used to screen for hub genes. Then, the hub genes were analyzed using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis. Using the STRING database and Cytoscape, protein-protein interaction networks and core targets were identified. Potential small-molecule drugs were identified and validated using the Connectivity Map database and molecular docking analysis, respectively.

RESULTS

In this study, a total of 258 differentially expressed genes with enriched functions in cancer pathways, namely cytokine receptor interactions, nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway, lipid metabolism, atherosclerosis, and Hippo signaling pathway, were identified. Ten hub genes (cd45, vcam1, ccl3, cd56, app, cd48, btk, ccr2, cybb, and cxcl12) were identified. Nine drugs, including ivermectin, deforolimus, and isoliquiritigenin, were predicted by the Connectivity Map database to have potential therapeutic effects on t (4;14) MM. In molecular docking, ivermectin showed strong binding affinity to all 10 identified targets, especially cd45 and cybb. Ivermectin inhibited t(4;14) MM cell growth via the NF-κB pathway and induced MM cell apoptosis in vitro. Furthermore, ivermectin increased reactive oxygen species accumulation and altered the mitochondrial membrane potential in t(4;14) MM cells.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, the findings offer valuable molecular insights for biomarker validation and potential drug development in t(4;14) MM diagnosis and treatment, with ivermectin emerging as a potential therapeutic alternative.

Inflammatory response in gastrointestinal cancers: Overview of six transmembrane epithelial antigens of the prostate in pathophysiology and clinical implications

Chronic inflammation is known to increase the risk of gastrointestinal cancers (GICs), the common solid tumors worldwide. Precancerous lesions, such as chronic atrophic inflammation and ulcers, are related to inflammatory responses in vivo and likely to occur in hyperplasia and tumorigenesis. Unfortunately, due to the lack of effective therapeutic targets, the prognosis of patients with GICs is still unsatisfactory. Interestingly, it is found that six transmembrane epithelial antigens of the prostate (STEAPs), a group of metal reductases, are significantly associated with the progression of malignancies, playing a crucial role in systemic metabolic homeostasis and inflammatory responses. The structure and functions of STEAPs suggest that they are closely related to intracellular oxidative stress, responding to inflammatory reactions. Under the imbalance status of abnormal oxidative stress, STEAP members are involved in cell transformation and the development of GICs by inhibiting or activating inflammatory process. This review focuses on STEAPs in GICs along with exploring their potential molecular regulatory mechanisms, with an aim to provide a theoretical basis for diagnosis and treatment strategies for patients suffering from these types of cancers.

Scinderin promotes glioma cell migration and invasion via remodeling actin cytoskeleton

BACKGROUND

Glioma is one of the most common intracranial tumors, characterized by invasive growth and poor prognosis. Actin cytoskeletal rearrangement is an essential event of tumor cell migration. The actin dynamics-related protein scinderin (SCIN) has been reported to be closely related to tumor cell migration and invasion in several cancers.

AIM

To investigate the role and mechanism of SCIN in glioma.

METHODS

The expression and clinical significance of SCIN in glioma were analyzed based on public databases. SCIN expression was examined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Gene silencing was performed using short hairpin RNA transfection. Cell viability, migration, and invasion were assessed using cell counting kit 8 assay, wound healing, and Matrigel invasion assays, respectively. F-actin cytoskeleton organization was assessed using F-actin staining.

RESULTS

SCIN expression was significantly elevated in glioma, and high levels of SCIN were associated with advanced tumor grade and wild-type isocitrate dehydrogenase. Furthermore, SCIN-deficient cells exhibited decreased proliferation, migration, and invasion in U87 and U251 cells. Moreover, knockdown of SCIN inhibited the RhoA/focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling to promote F-actin depolymerization in U87 and U251 cells.

CONCLUSION

SCIN modulates the actin cytoskeleton via activating RhoA/FAK signaling, thereby promoting the migration and invasion of glioma cells. This study identified the cancer-promoting effect of SCIN and provided a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of glioma.