Emerging roles for fatty acid oxidation in cancer

Fatty acid oxidation (FAO) denotes the mitochondrial aerobic process responsible for breaking down fatty acids (FAs) into acetyl-CoA units. This process holds a central position in the cancer metabolic landscape, with certain tumor cells relying primarily on FAO for energy production. Over the past decade, mounting evidence has underscored the critical role of FAO in various cellular processes such as cell growth, epigenetic modifications, tissue-immune homeostasis, cell signal transduction, and more. FAO is tightly regulated by multiple evolutionarily conserved mechanisms, and any dysregulation can predispose to cancer development. In this view, we summarize recent findings to provide an updated understanding of the multifaceted roles of FAO in tumor development, metastasis, and the response to cancer therapy. Additionally, we explore the regulatory mechanisms of FAO, laying the groundwork for potential therapeutic interventions targeting FAO in cancers within the metabolic landscape.

Protein misfolding, aggregation and factors determining the amyloidogenic landscape of human leucocyte chemotaxin-2: A review

Amyloidosis refers to a group of diseases characterized by the deposition of insoluble protein fibrils in various tissues and organ systems. Several proteins are reported to form amyloid under varying conditions, some of them are well characterized, e.g. Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Though amyloid depositions affect all body parts, the organs most affected by amyloid deposition are the brain, kidneys, and liver. This manuscript focuses on human leucocyte chemotaxin-2, a recently identified protein involved in amyloid formation. Leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxis-2 (LECT2), a secretory protein that mainly acts as a chemotactic factor. It regulates TNF signaling in macrophages and osteo lineage cells, influencing hematopoietic stems cells (HSC) expansion and mobilization. LECT2 misfolding and aggregation mostly causes the deposition of amyloids, primarily in the kidney and spleen. Amyloid form of LECT2 (ALECT2) has a strong racial bias being highly prevalent in the Hispanic population. The precise mechanism of LECT2's action in amyloidosis is mainly unknown and thus hinders the development of therapeutic intervention, kidney transplant remains therefore the most effective treatment for ALECT2. This review shall foster insights about structure, function and the key factors responsible for the LECT2 amyloidosis. LECT2 transcript encodes four different splice variants in humans and one among these four transcripts shows' expression specifically in liver, testes and prostate. LECT2 protein sequence is highly conserved in higher vertebrates indicating its functional importance across species and genera. Specifically, the amyloid forming region is highly conserved except its slight variation in birds indicating difference in amyloid forming capabilities in this group. A single SNP variation causing substitution of isoleucine in place of valine is particularly documented to be important for amyloid formation.

Precision targeting of β-catenin induces tumor reprogramming and immunity in hepatocellular cancers

First-line immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) combinations show responses in subsets of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Nearly half of HCCs are Wnt-active with mutations in CTNNB1 (encoding for β-catenin), AXIN1/2, or APC, and demonstrate heterogeneous and limited benefit to ICI due to an immune excluded tumor microenvironment. We show significant tumor responses in multiple β-catenin-mutated immunocompetent HCC models to a novel siRNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticle targeting CTNNB1 (LNP-CTNNB1). Both single-cell and spatial transcriptomics reveal cellular and zonal reprogramming, along with activation of immune regulatory transcription factors IRF2 and POU2F1, re-engaged type I/II interferon signaling, and alterations in both innate and adaptive immunity upon β-catenin suppression with LNP-CTNNB1 at early- and advanced-stage disease. Moreover, ICI enhances response to LNP-CTNNB1 in advanced-stage disease by preventing T cell exhaustion and through formation of lymphoid aggregates (LA). In fact, expression of an LA-like gene signature prognosticates survival for patients receiving atezolizumab plus bevacizumab in the IMbrave150 phase III trial and inversely correlates with CTNNB1-mutatational status in this patient cohort. In conclusion, LNP-CTNNB1 is efficacious as monotherapy and in combination with ICI in CTNNB1-mutated HCCs through impacting tumor cell-intrinsic signaling and remodeling global immune surveillance, providing rationale for clinical investigations.

Non-Coding RNAs in Diagnostic Pathology of High-Grade Central Osteosarcoma

A histological evaluation remains the cornerstone of diagnosing highly malignant osteosarcoma, having demonstrated its efficacy and reliability over several decades. However, despite these advancements, misdiagnoses with severe consequences, including inadequate surgical procedures, continue to occur. Consequently, there is a pressing need to further enhance diagnostic security. Adjunct immunohistochemical approaches have demonstrated significant effectiveness in regard to cancer diagnostics, generally. However, their utility for identifying highly malignant osteosarcoma is limited. Molecular genetic findings have significantly improved the diagnosis of Ewing's sarcoma by identifying specific translocations and have been used to detect specific IDH gene mutations in chondrosarcoma. Nevertheless, molecular genetic alterations in highly malignant osteosarcoma exhibit a high degree of complexity, thereby limiting their diagnostic utility. Given that only 1-2% of the human genome comprises protein-coding sequences, the growing number of non-coding regulatory RNAs, which are increasingly being elucidated, has garnered substantial attention in the field of clinical cancer diagnostics. Over the past several years, patterns of altered non-coding RNA expression have been identified that facilitate the distinction between benign and malignant tumors in various organs. In the field of bone tumors, the experience of this approach has been limited thus far. The divergent expression of microRNAs has demonstrated utility for differentiating osteosarcoma from osteoblastoma and discriminating between osteosarcoma and giant-cell tumors of bone and fibrous dysplasia. However, the application of non-coding RNA expression patterns for the differential diagnosis of osteosarcoma is still in its preliminary stages. This review provides an overview of the current status of non-coding RNAs in osteosarcoma diagnostics, in conjunction with a histological evaluation. The potential of this approach is discussed comprehensively.

Hepatic stellate cells: balancing homeostasis, hepatoprotection and fibrogenesis in health and disease

In the past decades, the pathogenic role of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in the development of liver fibrosis and its complications has been deeply characterized, rendering HSCs a primary target for antifibrotic therapies. By contrast, the beneficial roles of HSCs in liver homeostasis and liver disease are only beginning to emerge, revealing critical regulatory and fibrosis-independent functions in hepatic zonation, metabolism, injury, regeneration and non-parenchymal cell identity. Here, we review how HSC mediators, such as R-spondin 3, hepatocyte growth factor and bone morphogenetic proteins, regulate critical and homeostatic liver functions in health and disease via cognate receptors in hepatocytes, Kupffer cells and endothelial cells. We highlight how the balance shifts from protective towards fibropathogenic HSC mediators during the progression of chronic liver disease (CLD) and the impact of this shifted balance on patient outcomes. Notably, the protective roles of HSCs are not accounted for in current therapeutic concepts for CLD. We discuss the concept that reverting the HSC balance from fibrogenesis towards hepatoprotection might represent a novel holistic treatment approach to inhibit fibrogenesis and restore epithelial health in CLD simultaneously.

Identification of M0 macrophage associated lipid metabolism genes for prognostic and immunotherapeutic response prediction in hepatocellular carcinoma

PURPOSE

Liver cancer prognosis is associated with M0 macrophages and lipid metabolism reprogramming; however, the prognostic role of M0 macrophage-related lipid metabolism genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear.

METHODS

We identified 153 lipid metabolism genes associated with M0 macrophage infiltration in HCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB). Prognostic genes were selected, and a model was constructed using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and Cox regression analyses. The model was validated using the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database. We assessed the expression levels of prognostic genes by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‒PCR).

RESULTS

A prognostic model was developed based on five characteristic genes. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that the model had good accuracy, with area under the curve values of 0.796, 0.732, and 0.728 for predicting survival at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. The high-risk group exhibited increased sensitivity to common chemotherapy drugs, including sorafenib, dasatinib, and 5-fluorouracil, compared with the low-risk group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the high-risk group had significantly more infiltrating M0 macrophages, resting dendritic cells, follicular helper T cells, and regulatory T cells than did the low-risk group (P < 0.05). The qRT‒PCR results confirmed the upregulation of these five characteristic genes in HCC tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

M0 macrophage-associated lipid metabolism genes may serve as biomarkers for the prognosis of patients with HCC and as targets for immunotherapy.

Potentials of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α, β/δ, and γ: An in-depth and comprehensive review of their molecular mechanisms, cellular Signalling, immune responses and therapeutic implications in multiple diseases

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), ligand-activated transcription factors, have emerged as a key regulator of various biological processes, underscoring their relevance in the pathophysiology and treatment of numerous diseases. PPARs are primarily recognized for their critical role in lipid and glucose metabolism, which underpins their therapeutic applications in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Beyond metabolic disorders, they have gained attention for their involvement in immune modulation, making them potential targets for autoimmune-related inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, PPAR's ability to regulate proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis has positioned them as promising candidates in oncology. Their anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties further highlight their potential in dermatological and cardiovascular conditions, where dysregulated inflammatory responses contribute to disease progression. Recent advancements have elucidated the molecular mechanisms of different PPAR isoforms, including their regulation of key signalling pathways such as NF-κB and MAPK, which are crucial in inflammation and cellular stress responses. Additionally, their interactions with co-factors and post-translational modifications further diversify their functional roles. The therapeutic potential of various PPAR agonists has been extensively explored, although challenges related to side effects and target specificity remain. This growing body of evidence underscores the significance of PPARs in understanding the molecular basis of diseases and advancing therapeutic interventions, paving way for targeted treatment approach across a wide spectrum of medical conditions. Here, we provide a comprehensive and detailed perspective of PPARs and their potential across different health conditions to advance our understanding, elucidate underlying mechanisms, and facilitate the development of potential treatment strategies.

A fluorescence biosensor with a dual-function DNA probe targeting the activated estrogen receptor for estrogenic activity evaluation

Rapid screening and evaluation of endocrine disruption chemicals including environmental estrogens (EEs) is crucial for environmental safety and public health. Conventional methods such as animal tests and cell assays are costly, time consuming, and hardly reproducible. In this work, a fluorescence biosensor mimicking the molecular interactions in the estrogen receptor (ER) signaling pathway was developed for the rapid evaluation of estrogenic activity of environmental chemicals. The key element of the biosensor is a dual-function DNA probe composed of an ER binding sequence and a dye-binding sequence. The ER binding sequence is part of the estrogen response element in the ER signaling pathway and used to bind the activated ER. The dye-binding sequence consists of six thymine bases which the OliGreen fluorescent dye binds to selectively and thus labels non-covalently. In the presence of an estrogenic chemical, ER is activated and then complexed with the DNA, leading to a reduction in the fluorescence anisotropy of OliGreen. Detection of estradiol produced a dose-response curve with an EC50 of 3 nM and lower limit of 0.5 nM, whereas a known ER antagonist did not show any response. Five emerging contaminants including resorcinol bis(diphenyl) phosphate (RDP), triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), tris (2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP), perfluoro-nonenoxybenzene sulfonate (OBS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were evaluated by the biosensor, and the results were consistent with those of the cell assays. Detection of RDP, TPHP and OBS in spiked river water samples resulted in recovery rates of 103%, 93%, and 98%, respectively. The biosensor detection is significantly faster, more robust and easier to carry out than the cell assays, and may provide a new high throughput technique for the screening of estrogenic chemicals and environmental contaminants.

Alcohol-Associated Hepatocarcinogenesis: Wnt/β-Catenin in Action

Long-term alcohol consumption is a leading global health concern, primarily due to its deleterious effects on liver function and its well-established association with hepatocellular carcinoma. Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) encompasses a continuum-from reversible hepatic steatosis and steatohepatitis through progressive fibrosis and cirrhosis to overt hepatocellular carcinoma. Accumulating studies have revealed that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is an essential regulator in ALD pathogenesis, orchestrating diverse molecular, immunologic, and epigenetic processes. Aberrant β-catenin activity disrupts redox homeostasis, promotes chronic inflammation, drives extracellular matrix remodeling, and alters hepatocyte cell fate, thereby creating a microenvironment that is highly conducive to carcinogenesis. This article provides a systematic review of the significant function of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in ALD, emphasizing its regulatory impact on liver fat accumulation, its inflammatory role in steatohepatitis, its involvement in fibrogenesis, and its tumor-promoting effects in alcohol-related hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, emerging therapeutic strategies that offer potential for early identification and tailored therapy of ALD are explored-including direct Wnt modulators, combinatory therapeutics, and precision medicine approaches.

Unexpected links between cancer and telomere state

Eukaryotes possess chromosome ends known as telomeres. As telomeres shorten, organisms age, a process defined as senescence. Although uncontrolled telomere lengthening has been naturally connected with cancer developments and immortalized state, many cancers are instead characterized by extremely short, genomically unstable telomeres that may hide cancer cells from immune attack. By contrast, other malignancies feature extremely long telomeres due to absence of 'shelterin' end cap protecting factors. The reason for rampant telomere extension in these cancers had remained elusive. Hence, while telomerase supports tumor progression and escape in cancers with very short telomeres, it is possible that different - transfer based or alternative - lengthening pathways be involved in the early stage of tumorigenesis, when telomere length is intact. In this Review, I hereby discuss recent discoveries in the field of telomeres and highlight unexpected links connecting cancer and telomere state. We hope these parallelisms may inform new therapies to eradicate cancers.

Astragaloside IV mitigates influenza-induced inflammatory responses by suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway in alveolar macrophages

Respiratory viruses, including the influenza virus (IAV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), pose significant health threats. As tissue-resident macrophages, alveolar macrophages (AM) are crucial for defending against respiratory viral infection by producing cytokines, engulfing virus-infected cells, and promoting wound healing. However, excessive inflammatory responses can lead to tissue injury. Growing evidence indicates that astragaloside IV (AST IV) regulates innate immune responses. Specifically, AST IV balances the inflammatory response to mitigate tissue damage and promote tissue repair. However, whether AST IV directly targets AM to alleviate lung damage induced by respiratory viral infection remains unclear. Our results demonstrate that AST IV treatment significantly reduces morbidity and mortality in mice during IAV infection. AST IV markedly decreases proinflammatory cytokine levels, mitigates lung injury and promotes lung recovery through enhancing the repair capacity mediated by alveolar type II cells. Mechanistically, AST IV suppresses the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, which is critical for driving inflammatory responses in AM while maintaining mitochondrial fitness. Thus, our findings suggest that AST IV effectively targets AM to alleviate inflammation and lung damage caused by respiratory viral infections, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for managing viral pneumonia.

Unraveling the Role of the Wnt Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Implications

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest malignant tumors in the world, and its incidence and mortality have increased year by year. HCC research has increasingly focused on understanding its pathogenesis and developing treatments.The Wnt signaling pathway, a complex and evolutionarily conserved signal transduction system, has been extensively studied in the genesis and treatment of several malignant tumors. Recent investigations suggest that the pathogenesis of HCC may be significantly influenced by dysregulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling. This article aimed to examine the pathway that controls Wnt signaling in HCC and its mechanisms. In addition, we highlighted the role of this pathway in HCC etiology and targeted treatment.

Noninvasive prognostication of hepatocellular carcinoma based on cell-free DNA methylation

BACKGROUND

The current noninvasive prognostic evaluation methods for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which are largely reliant on radiographic imaging features and serum biomarkers such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), have limited effectiveness in discriminating patient outcomes. Identification of new prognostic biomarkers is a critical unmet need to improve treatment decision-making. Epigenetic changes in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) have shown promise in early cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Thus, we aim to evaluate the potential of cfDNA methylation as a noninvasive predictor for prognostication in patients with active, radiographically viable HCC.

METHODS

Using Illumina HumanMethylation450 array data of 377 HCC tumors and 50 adjacent normal tissues obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we identified 158 HCC-related DNA methylation markers associated with overall survival (OS). This signature was further validated in 29 HCC tumor tissue samples. Subsequently, we applied the signature to an independent cohort of 52 patients with plasma cfDNA samples by calculating the cfDNA methylation-based risk score (methRisk) via random survival forest models with 10-fold cross-validation for the prognostication of OS.

RESULTS

The cfDNA-based methRisk showed strong discriminatory power when evaluated as a single predictor for OS (3-year AUC = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.68-0.94). Integrating the methRisk with existing risk indices like Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) staging significantly improved the noninvasive prognostic assessments for OS (3-year AUC = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.80-1), and methRisk remained an independent predictor of survival in the multivariate Cox model (P = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study serves as a pilot study demonstrating that cfDNA methylation biomarkers assessed from a peripheral blood draw can stratify HCC patients into clinically meaningful risk groups. These findings indicate that cfDNA methylation is a promising noninvasive prognostic biomarker for HCC, providing a proof-of-concept for its potential clinical utility and laying the groundwork for broader applications.

The oncogenic role of FOXM1 in hepatocellular carcinoma: molecular mechanisms, clinical significance, and therapeutic potentials

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a major global health challenge due to its aggressive nature and limited treatment options. This review aims to clarify the oncogenic role of FOXM1 in HCC and its potential as a therapeutic target. We examine how FOXM1 drives cancer development by regulating key cellular processes such as cell cycle progression, proliferation, metastasis, and therapy resistance. The review details mechanisms that control FOXM1 activity, including transcriptional regulation by upstream factors, post-transcriptional modulation via non-coding RNAs, and epigenetic modifications. We also explore how FOXM1 interacts with critical signaling pathways, such as AKT, p53, ERK, Hedgehog, STAT3, and Wnt/β-catenin, to promote metabolic reprogramming, angiogenesis, and the maintenance of cancer stem cell properties. In the therapeutic section, we assess emerging strategies that target FOXM1, including small-molecule inhibitors, proteasome inhibitors, and immunotherapeutic approaches, to improve treatment outcomes for HCC patients. This comprehensive review highlights the pivotal role of FOXM1 in HCC pathogenesis and provides novel avenues for targeted intervention.

The Diabetes Gene Tcf7l2 Organizes Gene Expression in the Liver and Regulates Amino Acid Metabolism

TCF7L2 harbors the strongest genetic association with diabetes identified thus far. However, its function in liver has remained unclear. Here, we find using mice with liver-specific deletion, that Tcf7l2 plays a central role in maintaining hepatic zonation. That is, in the normal liver, many genes show gradients of expression across the liver lobule; in the absence of Tcf7l2 , these gradients collapse. One major consequence is the disorganization of glutamine metabolism, with a loss of the glutamine production program, ectopic expression of the glutamine consumption program, and a decrease in glutamine levels. In parallel, metabolomic profiling shows glutamine to be the most significantly decreased metabolite in individuals harboring the rs7903146 variant in TCF7L2 . Taken together, these data indicate that hepatic TCF7L2 has a secondary role in glycemic control, but a primary role in maintaining transcriptional architecture and glutamine homeostasis.

Integrating single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing data to characterize the heterogeneity of glycan-lipid metabolism polarization in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is high heterogeneity and remains an unmet medical challenge, but their metabolic heterogeneity has not been fully uncovered and required clinical applicable translational strategies.

METHODS

By analyzing the RNA sequencing data in the in-house cohort and public HCC cohorts, we identified a metabolic subtype of HCC associated with multi-omics features and prognosis. Multi-omics alterations and clinicopathological information between different subtypes were analyzed. Gene signature, radiomics, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), serum biomarkers were tested as potential surrogate methods for high throughput technology-based subtyping. Single-cell RNA sequencing analyses were employed to evaluate the immune characteristics changes between subtypes.

RESULTS

By utilizing metabolic-related pathways, we identified two heterogeneous metabolic HCC subtypes, glycan-HCC and lipid-HCC, with distinct multi-omics features and prognosis. Kaplan-Meier and restricted mean survival time analyses revealed worse overall survival in glycan-HCCs. And glycan-HCCs were characterized with high genomic instability, proliferation-related pathways activation and exhausted immune microenvironment. Furthermore, we developed gene signatures, radiomics, CEUS and serum biomarkers for subtypes determination, which showed substantial agreement with high-throughput-based classification. Single-cell RNA-seq showed glycan-HCCs were associated with multifaceted immune distortion, including exhaustion of T cells and enriched SPP1 + macrophages.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, our analysis demonstrated the metabolic heterogeneity of HCCs and enabled the development of clinical translation strategies, thus promoting understanding and clinical applications about HCC metabolism heterogeneity.

Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids ameliorate cholestatic liver disease by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling and promoting ERK1/2 phosphorylation

Cholestatic liver disease (CLD) is characterized by disruptions in bile formation, secretion and excretion, leading to progressive liver injury, inflammation and fibrosis. Effective treatments to halt or reverse the progression of CLD remain limited. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has been implicated in the regulation of bile acid homeostasis and liver regeneration, playing a complex role in CLD pathophysiology. Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (TFNAs), a class of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant DNA nanomaterials, have shown potential in promoting mammalian cell proliferation through activation of cell cycle and proliferation-related signaling pathways. However, their therapeutic potential in CLD has not been fully explored. In this study, we investigated the effects of TFNAs in an α-naphthyl isothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced mouse model of CLD. TFNAs demonstrated the ability to enter hepatocytes, where they activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and enhanced ERK1/2 phosphorylation. These molecular changes resulted in significant improvements in liver injury markers, bile acid metabolism and liver regeneration. Complementary in vitro experiments revealed that TFNAs reduced hepatocyte apoptosis and oxidative stress, while promoting cell viability and proliferation. Histological analysis confirmed that TFNAs treatment mitigated liver necrosis, reduced ductular reactions and decreased neutrophil infiltration, highlighting their anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective effects. These findings provide compelling evidence that TFNAs can ameliorate CLD by modulating key signaling pathways involved in hepatocyte survival, regeneration and bile acid homeostasis. Collectively, our findings highlight the therapeutic potential of TFNAs as a novel treatment for CLD and paves the way for further exploration of nanomaterials in liver disease therapy.

Invariant NK T cells counteract HCC metastasis by mediating the migration of splenic CD4+ T cells into the white pulp and infiltration of B cells

Despite significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), metastasis and recurrence remain two major obstacles to improving the clinical outcomes for HCC patients. Here, we demonstrate that splenic invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells can significantly inhibit Hepa1-6-mediated intrahepatic HCC metastasis. Interestingly, in the HCC metastasis model, iNKT deficiency can result in a significant decrease in percentage and absolute number of CD4+ T cell and interleukin-4 level, thus suggesting the involvement of the cross-talk between iNKTs and CD4+ T cells in limiting HCC metastasis to the spleen. Transcriptional signatures of CD4+ T cells following iNKT deficiency displaying impairment of their cell migration function. During HCC metastasis, splenic iNKT rapidly secrete interferon-γ to promote the migration of CD4+ T cells from the marginal zone into the white pulp, thereby triggering subsequent migration of splenic B cells to the liver and exerting anti-tumor immune effects on Hepa1-6 cells. In conclusion, interactions between interferon-γ and its receptor on iNKT and CD4+ T cells can effectively coordinate immune activity between the marginal zone and the white pulp, thereby ultimately inhibiting intrahepatic HCC metastasis. These findings reveal the mechanism underlying the resistance of splenic iNKT to tumor metastasis.

Enhancer reprogramming: critical roles in cancer and promising therapeutic strategies

Transcriptional dysregulation is a hallmark of cancer initiation and progression, driven by genetic and epigenetic alterations. Enhancer reprogramming has emerged as a pivotal driver of carcinogenesis, with cancer cells often relying on aberrant transcriptional programs. The advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies has provided critical insights into enhancer reprogramming events and their role in malignancy. While targeting enhancers presents a promising therapeutic strategy, significant challenges remain. These include the off-target effects of enhancer-targeting technologies, the complexity and redundancy of enhancer networks, and the dynamic nature of enhancer reprogramming, which may contribute to therapeutic resistance. This review comprehensively encapsulates the structural attributes of enhancers, delineates the mechanisms underlying their dysregulation in malignant transformation, and evaluates the therapeutic opportunities and limitations associated with targeting enhancers in cancer.

LCAT deficiency promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression and lenvatinib resistance by promoting triglyceride catabolism and fatty acid oxidation

Lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), a crucial enzyme in lipid metabolism, plays important yet poorly understood roles in tumours, especially in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, our investigation revealed that LCAT is a key downregulated metabolic gene and an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in patients with HCC. Functional experiments showed that LCAT inhibited HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Mechanistically, LCAT interacts with caveolin-1 (CAV1) to promote the binding of CAV1 to PRKACA and inhibit its phosphorylation, thereby inhibiting triglyceride (TAG) catabolism. On the other hand, LCAT inhibits fatty acid oxidation (FAO) by interacting with CPT1A to promote its ubiquitination and degradation. These events result in an inadequate supply of raw materials and energy and inhibit the malignant behaviours of HCC cells. In addition, LCAT is a reliable predictive biomarker for the efficacy of lenvatinib treatment in HCC patients, and the inhibition of FAO can increase lenvatinib sensitivity in patients with LCATlow HCC. This study revealed that LCAT plays a critical role in the regulation of lipid metabolic reprogramming and is a reliable predictive biomarker for the efficacy of lenvatinib treatment in HCC patients.

Targeting FDFT1 Reduces Cholesterol and Bile Acid Production and Delays Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression Through the HNF4A/ALDOB/AKT1 Axis

Targeting cholesterol metabolism is a novel direction for tumor therapy. Unfortunately, the current use of statins for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is controversial. Herein, farnesyl-diphosphate farnesyltransferase 1 (FDFT1) is identified as a novel target for treating HCC and a potential alternative to statins. Twenty-three key genes in cholesterol biosynthesis are screened, and FDFT1 is identified via public databases (The Cancer Genome Atlas, International Cancer Genome Consortium and Gene Expression Omnibus). Clinical samples reveal that FDFT1 is highly expressed in HCC tissues, and this phenotype is strongly associated with a poor prognosis. Functionally, FDFT1 knockdown inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells and suppresses hepatocarcinogenesis in vitro and in vivo, whereas FDFT1 overexpression promotes HCC cell proliferation and metastasis. Mechanistically, FDFT1 downregulation decreases cholesterol and bile acid levels and then increases hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4A) transcriptional activity. Experiments indicate that HNF4A combines with the promoter of aldolase B (ALDOB) and promotes the ALDOB transcription and that ALDOB combines with AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1) and inhibits AKT1 phosphorylation. Moreover, FDFT1 knockdown combined with AKT inhibitor (AZD5363) treatment shows remarkable therapeutic potential. FDFT1 inhibition reduces cholesterol and bile acid levels to delay HCC progression through the HNF4A/ALDOB/AKT1 axis. Thus, targeting FDFT1 may be a novel potential strategy for treating HCC.

Interactions between the metabolic reprogramming of liver cancer and tumor microenvironment

Metabolic reprogramming is one of the major biological features of malignant tumors, playing a crucial role in the initiation and progression of cancer. The tumor microenvironment consists of various non-cancer cells, such as hepatic stellate cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), immune cells, as well as extracellular matrix and soluble substances. In liver cancer, metabolic reprogramming not only affects its own growth and survival but also interacts with other non-cancer cells by influencing the expression and release of metabolites and cytokines (such as lactate, PGE2, arginine). This interaction leads to acidification of the microenvironment and restricts the uptake of nutrients by other non-cancer cells, resulting in metabolic competition and symbiosis. At the same time, metabolic reprogramming in neighboring cells during proliferation and differentiation processes also impacts tumor immunity. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the metabolic crosstalk between liver cancer cells and their tumor microenvironment, deepening our understanding of relevant findings and pathways. This contributes to further understanding the regulation of cancer development and immune evasion mechanisms while providing assistance in advancing personalized therapies targeting metabolic pathways for anti-cancer treatment.

Radiotherapy plus a self-gelation powder encapsulating tRF5-GlyGCC inhibitor potentiates natural kill cell immunity to prevent hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence postresection represents a thorny problem in clinical practice, of which impaired natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity represents one of crucial causes. Apart from recurrence, hepatectomy-induced abdominal adhesion also poses huge clinical challenges such as abdominal pain, intestinal obstruction, and perforation. Evidence demonstrates that radiotherapy can upregulate NK group 2D ligand expression on tumor cells to enhance NK cell cytotoxicity, indicating its great potential of curbing HCC recurrence. Nevertheless, radiotherapy has also been disclosed to incur suppression on NK antitumor cell immunity. Herein, we reveal that glycocholic acid (GCA)/tRNA-derived fragment 5 (tRF5)-GlyGCC signaling axis is activated in mouse HCC model after radiotherapy, which dampens NK cell antitumor immunity to limit therapeutic efficacy. Mechanistically, tRF5-GlyGCC can interact with KDM6B to epigenetically upregulate Runx2 and then transcriptionally activate ITGBL1 and S100A9 expression in HCC cells, which further reduces NK cell cytotoxicity directly and attracts myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) to inhibit NK cell function indirectly, respectively. Therefore, radiotherapy plus targeting tRF5-GlyGCC may be an optimized postoperative adjuvant therapy against HCC recurrence. Then, a nanocomposite powder is designed for liver-localized delivery of tRF5-GlyGCC inhibitor. After sprayed to liver resection margin of mouse HCC model, this powder can rapidly form an in-situ Janus-adhesive hydrogel, which allows for sustained delivery of tRF5-GlyGCC inhibitor. Importantly, it can synergize with radiotherapy to potentiate NK cell antitumor immunity and prevent HCC recurrence postresection. Moreover, its application to surgical bed also effectively mitigates abdominal adhesion in a rat hepatectomy model. Altogether, our work develops a tRF5-GlyGCC-targeting nanocomposite power for sensitizing radiotherapy to thwart HCC recurrence and preventing abdominal adhesion.

Hepatocellular carcinoma: signaling pathways and therapeutic advances

Liver cancer represents a major global health concern, with projections indicating that the number of new cases could surpass 1 million annually by 2025. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes around 90% of liver cancer cases and is primarily linked to factors incluidng aflatoxin, hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV), and metabolic disorders. There are no obvious symptoms in the early stage of HCC, which often leads to delays in diagnosis. Therefore, HCC patients usually present with tumors in advanced and incurable stages. Several signaling pathways are dis-regulated in HCC and cause uncontrolled cell propagation, metastasis, and recurrence of HCC. Beyond the frequently altered and therapeutically targeted receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) pathways in HCC, pathways involved in cell differentiation, telomere regulation, epigenetic modification and stress response also provide therapeutic potential. Investigating the key signaling pathways and their inhibitors is pivotal for achieving therapeutic advancements in the management of HCC. At present, the primary therapeutic approaches for advanced HCC are tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), and combination regimens. New trials are investigating combination therapies involving ICIs and TKIs or anti-VEGF (endothelial growth factor) therapies, as well as combinations of two immunotherapy regimens. The outcomes of these trials are expected to revolutionize HCC management across all stages. Here, we provide here a comprehensive review of cellular signaling pathways, their therapeutic potential, evidence derived from late-stage clinical trials in HCC and discuss the concepts underlying earlier clinical trials, biomarker identification, and the development of more effective therapeutics for HCC.

Estrogenic actions of alkaloids: Structural characteristics and molecular mechanisms

This comprehensive review of estrogenic alkaloids reveals that although the number is small, they exhibit a wide range of structures, biosynthesis pathways, mechanisms of action, and applications. Estrogenic alkaloids belong to different classes, different biosynthetic pathways, different estrogenic actions (estrogenic/synergistic, anti-estrogenic/antagonistic, biphasic, and acting as a selective estrogen receptor modulator or SERM), different receptor-initiated signaling pathways, different ways of modulations of estrogen action, and different applications. The future applications of estrogenic alkaloids, such as those for diagnostics, drug development, and therapeutics, are considered with the help of new databases containing comprehensive descriptions of their relationships and more elaborate artificial intelligence-based prediction technologies. Structure-activity studies reveal the significance of the nitrogen atom for their structural and functional diversity, which may help support their broader applications. Based on the summary of previous reports, estrogenic alkaloids have significant potential for future applications.

Molecular and pathological landscape of the AT-rich interaction domain 1A (ARID1A) mutation in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with complex etiological factors and a diverse genetic landscape. Among the critical genetic mutations in HCC, the AT-rich interaction domain 1 A (ARID1A) gene, a key component of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, stands out due to its significant role in both tumor suppression and oncogenesis. This review comprehensively examines the molecular and pathological impacts of ARID1A mutations in HCC. ARID1A mutations, which occur in approximately 7.9 % of HCC cases, predominantly involve truncating mutations leading to loss of function. These mutations are associated with various aggressive cancer features, including larger tumor size, higher rates of metastasis, and poor prognosis. The dual role of ARID1A in HCC is context-dependent, acting as a tumor suppressor by regulating cell cycle control, DNA damage repair, and gene expression, while also displaying oncogenic properties in specific contexts by promoting early tumorigenesis through oxidative stress pathways. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of ARID1A, including its interactions with key cellular pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, β-catenin, and PD-L1, provides insights into its complex role in HCC pathogenesis. Furthermore, ARID1A's impact on cancer stem cell maintenance, metabolic reprogramming, and immune evasion underscores its potential as a therapeutic target. This review highlights the need for context-specific therapeutic strategies targeting ARID1A, which could lead to more effective treatments for HCC, addressing both its tumor-suppressive and oncogenic activities.

Toxin protein LukS-PV targeting complement receptor C5aR1 inhibits cell proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma via the HDAC7-Wnt/β-catenin axis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the common malignant tumors. Complement system has become a new focus of cancer research by changing the biological behavior of cancer cells to influence the growth of cancer. Recent studies reported that the complement C5a-C5aR1 axis can promote the malignant phenotype of multiple tumors through various signaling pathways. LukS-PV (Panton-Valentine), the S component of Staphylococcus aureus-secreted PV leucocidin, can also bind C5aR1 specifically. This project aims to investigate the role of LukS-PV on HCC cell proliferation and explore underlying molecular mechanisms. Our findings revealed that LukS-PV targeting C5aR1 inhibited HCC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, we discovered that LukS-PV inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells by upregulating the acetylation level of β-catenin to promote its protein degradation. In addition, histone deacetylase (HDAC)7 identified as a regulator mediates the deacetylation of β-catenin. Furthermore, our results showed that LukS-PV inhibited proliferation in HCC cells by downregulating HDAC7 to promote the degradation of β-catenin through ubiquitin-proteasome system. Collectively, our findings revealed that LukS-PV targeting C5aR1 inhibits HCC cell proliferation through the HDAC7-Wnt/β-catenin axis. These results revealing a novel mechanism that LukS-PV as a bacterial toxin inhibits HCC cell proliferation through epigenetic remodeling by targeting complement receptor C5aR1, suggest the strong potential of LukS-PV as a promising candidate for HCC treatment.

Chronic Stress Mediates Inflammatory Cytokines Alterations and Its Role in Tumorigenesis

Introduction

Prolonged psychological stress is closely associated with cancer due to its role in promoting the release of stress hormones through the sustained activation of the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary system. These hormones interact with receptors on inflammatory cells, leading to the activation of key signaling pathways, including the transcription factors signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT-3) and kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). These factors drive the production of pro-inflammatory substances, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), which can influence the initiation and progression of cancer.

Purpose

This article aims to summarize how the chronic inflammatory environment induced by chronic stress promotes the initiation, progression, and invasion of cancer. By enhancing our understanding of the complex mechanisms through which stress contributes to cancer, we hope to identify new targets for cancer prevention and treatment.

Conclusion

Chronic stress establishes an inflammatory microenvironment by activating STAT-3 and NF-κB in inflammatory cells. This ongoing inflammation further enhances the activity of these transcription factors, which serve multiple roles: they act as pro-inflammatory agents in inflammatory cells, maintaining chronic inflammation; as oncogenic transcription factors in premalignant cells, promoting cancer initiation; and as pro-differentiation transcription factors in tumor-infiltrating immune cells, facilitating cancer progression. Additionally, the impact of chronic stress varies among different cancer types and individual responses to stress, highlighting the complexity of stress-related cancer mechanisms. Ultimately, this dynamic interplay creates a feedback loop involving IL-6, STAT-3, and TNF-α-NF-κB within the tumor microenvironment, mediating the intricate interactions between inflammation, immunity, and cancer.

CTNNB1 syndrome mouse models

CTNNB1 syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder, affecting children worldwide with a prevalence of 2.6-3.2 per 100,000 births and often misdiagnosed as cerebral palsy. De novo loss-of-function mutations in the Ctnnb1 gene result in dysfunction of the β-catenin protein, disrupting the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, which plays a key role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and tissue homeostasis. Additionally, these mutations impair the formation of cell junctions, adversely affecting tissue architecture. Motor and speech deficits, cognitive impairment, cardiovascular and visual problems are just some of the key symptoms that occur in CTNNB1 syndrome patients. There is currently no effective treatment option available for patients with CTNNB1 syndrome, with support largely focused on the management of symptoms and physiotherapy, yet recently some therapeutic approaches are being developed. Animal testing is still crucial in the process of new drug development, and mouse models are particularly important. These models provide researchers with new understanding of the disease mechanisms and are invaluable for testing the efficacy and safety of potential treatments. The development of various mouse models with β-catenin loss- and gain-of-function mutations successfully replicates key features of intellectual disability, autism-like behaviors, motor deficits, and more. These models provide a valuable platform for studying disease mechanisms and offer a powerful tool for testing the therapeutic potential and effectiveness of new drug candidates, paving the way for future clinical trials.

Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Liver Pathobiology

The liver has a critical role in regulating host metabolism, immunity, detoxification, and homeostasis. Proper liver function is essential for host health, and dysregulation of hepatic signaling pathways can lead to the onset of disease. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is an important regulator of liver homeostasis and function. Throughout life, hepatic Wnt/β-catenin signaling contributes to liver development and growth, metabolic zonation, and regeneration. Extensive research has demonstrated that aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling drives liver pathologies, including cancers, steatohepatitis, and cholestasis. In this review, we discuss the Wnt/β-catenin pathway as it pertains to liver function and how disruptions in this pathway contribute to the onset and progression of liver diseases. Further, we discuss ongoing research that targets the Wnt/β-catenin pathway for the treatment of liver pathologies.

Disrupting CCDC137-mediated LZTS2 and β-TrCP interaction in the nucleus inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma development via β-catenin and AKT

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly heterogeneous solid tumor, with its biological characteristics intricately linked to the activation of oncogenes. This research specifically explored CCDC137, a molecule within the CCDC family exhibiting the closest association with HCC. Our investigation aimed to unravel the role, underlying mechanisms, and potential therapeutic implications of CCDC137 in the context of HCC. We observed a close correlation between elevated CCDC137 expression and poor prognosis in HCC patients, along with a promotive effect on HCC progression in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we identified LZTS2, a negative regulator of β-catenin, as the binding protein of CCDC137. CCDC137 facilitated K48-linked poly-ubiquitination of LZTS2 at lysine 467 via recruiting E3 ubiquitin ligase β-TrCP in the nucleus, triggering AKT phosphorylation and activation of β-catenin pathway. Moreover, the 1-75 domain of CCDC137 was responsible for the formation of the CCDC137-LZTS2-β-TrCP complex. Subsequently, designed peptides targeting the 1-75 domain of CCDC137 to disrupt CCDC137-LZTS2 interaction demonstrated efficacy in inhibiting HCC progression. This promising outcome was further supported by HCC organoids and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, underscoring the potential clinical utility of the peptides. This study elucidated the mechanism of the CCDC137-LZTS2-β-TrCP protein complex in HCC and offered clinically significant therapeutic strategies targeting this complex.

Cell metabolism-based therapy for liver fibrosis, repair, and hepatocellular carcinoma

Progression of chronic liver injury to fibrosis, abnormal liver regeneration, and HCC is driven by a dysregulated dialog between epithelial cells and their microenvironment, in particular immune, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. There is currently no antifibrogenic therapy, and drug treatment of HCC is limited to tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immunotherapy targeting the tumor microenvironment. Metabolic reprogramming of epithelial and nonparenchymal cells is critical at each stage of disease progression, suggesting that targeting specific metabolic pathways could constitute an interesting therapeutic approach. In this review, we discuss how modulating intrinsic metabolism of key effector liver cells might disrupt the pathogenic sequence from chronic liver injury to fibrosis/cirrhosis, regeneration, and HCC.

Exploration of genetic characterization in hyperprogressive disease after immunotherapy retreatment in a patient with LCNEC: A case report

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic option for large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC). However, various studies have suggested a potential risk of hyperprogressive disease (HPD) in patients receiving ICI, which might be associated with gene alterations. Here, this is the first report on an unknown primary LCNEC patient who had achieved a long-term response from ICI treatment (atezolizumab), but developed HPD after tumor progression due to receiving another ICI agent (serplulimab). The mutation region of FAT4, SMARCA4, CYLD, CTNNB1, and KIT was altered prior to serplulimab treatment compared to before atezolizumab treatment. This case suggested a potential association between these mutated genes and HPD. Patients with the aforementioned genes should caution when selecting ICI treatment. These findings required further confirmation in a larger study cohort.

RNF5 exacerbates steatotic HCC by enhancing fatty acid oxidation via the improvement of CPT1A stability

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is expected to become the leading risk factor for liver cancer, surpassing viral hepatitis. Unlike viral hepatitis-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the role of excessive nutrient supply in steatotic HCC is not well understood, hindering effective prevention and treatment strategies. Therefore, it is crucial to identify key molecules in the pathogenesis of steatotic HCC, investigate changes in metabolic reprogramming due to excessive fatty acid (FA) supply, understand its molecular mechanisms, and find potential therapeutic targets. Trans-species transcriptome analysis identified Ring Finger Protein 5 (RNF5) as a critical regulator of steatotic HCC. RNF5 upregulation is associated with poor prognosis in steatotic HCC compared to canonical HCC. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that RNF5 exacerbates HCC in the presence of additional FA supply. Lipidomics and transcriptome analyses revealed that RNF5 significantly increases carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) mRNA levels and is positively correlated with fatty acid oxidation (FAO). Protein interaction analysis demonstrated that RNF5 promotes K63-type ubiquitination of insulin-like growth factor-2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1), enhancing CPT1A mRNA stabilization through m6A modification. Additionally, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) was found to activate RNF5 expression specifically in HCC cells. Mechanistically, excessive exogenous FAs reorganize FA metabolism in HCC cells, worsening steatotic HCC via the PPARγ-RNF5-IGF2BP1-CPT1A axis. This study highlights a distinct FA metabolism pattern in steatotic HCC, providing valuable insights for potential therapeutic targets.

A Novel Glycoengineered Humanized Antibody Targeting DLK1 Exhibits Potent Anti-Tumor Activity in DLK1-Expressing Liver Cancer Cell Xenograft Models

Delta-like 1 homolog (DLK1), a non-canonical Notch ligand, is highly expressed in various malignant tumors, especially in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). CBA-1205 is an afucosylated humanized antibody against DLK1 with enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). The binding characteristics of CBA-1205 were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and fluorescence-activated cell sorting assay. The ADCC activity of CBA-1205 was assessed. The anti-tumor efficacy of CBA-1205 was evaluated in xenograft mouse models, and toxicity and toxicokinetic profiles of CBA-1205 were evaluated in cynomolgus monkeys. CBA-1205 selectively bound to DLK1 among the Notch ligands and only to monkey and human DLK1. The binding epitope was between epidermal growth factor-like domains 1 and 2 of DLK1, which are not involved in any known physiological functions. The ADCC activity of CBA-1205 was confirmed using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells as effector cells. CBA-1205 as a single agent and in combination with lenvatinib demonstrated long-lasting anti-tumor efficacy, including tumor regression, in two liver cancer xenograft models. The toxicity and toxicokinetic profiles of CBA-1205 in cynomolgus monkeys were favorable. These findings suggest that CBA-1205 has the potential to be a useful therapeutic option for drug treatment in HCC. A phase 1 study is ongoing in patients with advanced cancers (jRCT2080225288, NCT06636435).

Precision targeting of β-catenin induces tumor reprogramming and immunity in hepatocellular cancers

First-line immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) combinations show responses in subsets of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Nearly half of HCCs are Wnt-active with mutations in CTNNB1 (encoding for β-catenin), AXIN1/2, or APC, and demonstrate limited benefit to ICI due to an immune excluded tumor microenvironment. We show significant tumor responses in multiple β-catenin-mutated immunocompetent HCC models to a novel siRNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticle targeting CTNNB1 (LNP-CTNNB1). Both single-cell and spatial transcriptomics revealed cellular and zonal reprogramming of CTNNB1-mutated tumors, along with activation of immune regulatory transcription factors IRF2 and POU2F1, re-engaged type I/II interferon signaling, and alterations in both innate and adaptive immune responses upon β-catenin suppression with LNP-CTNNB1. Moreover, LNP-CTNNB1 synergized with ICI in advanced-stage disease through orchestrating enhanced recruitment of cytotoxic T cell aggregates. Lastly, CTNNB1-mutated patients treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab combination had decreased presence of lymphoid aggregates, which were prognostic for response and survival. In conclusion, LNP-CTNNB1 is efficacious as monotherapy and in combination with ICI in CTNNB1-mutated HCCs through impacting tumor cell intrinsic signaling and remodeling global immune surveillance, providing rationale for clinical investigations.

Roles of prion proteins in mammalian development

Prion protein (PrP) is highly conserved and is expressed in most tissues in a developmental stage-specific manner. Glycosylated cellular prion protein (PrPC) is found in most cells and subcellular areas as a physiological regulating molecule. On the other hand, the amyloid form of PrPC, scrapie PrP (PrPSC), causes transmissible pathogenesis in the central nervous system and induces degeneration of the nervous system. Although many amyloids are reversible and critical in determining the fate, differentiation, and physiological functions of cells, thus far, PrPSC originating from PrPC is not. Although many studies have focused on disorders involving PrPC and the deletion mammalian models for PrPC have no severe phenotype, it has been suggested that PrPC has a role in normal development. It is conserved and expressed from gametes to adult somatic cells. In addition, severe developmental phenotypes appear in PrP null zebrafish embryos and in various mammalian cell model systems. In addition, it has been well established that PrPC is strongly involved in the stemness and differentiation of embryonic stem cells and progenitors. Thus far, many studies on PrPC have focused mostly on disease-associated conditions with physiological roles as a complex platform but not on development. The known roles of PrPC depend on the interacting molecules through its flexible tail and domains. PrPC interacts with membrane, and various intracellular and extracellular molecules. In addition, PrPC and amyloid can stimulate signaling pathways differentially. In this review, we summarize the function of prion protein and discuss its role in development.

Chromatin accessibility: biological functions, molecular mechanisms and therapeutic application

The dynamic regulation of chromatin accessibility is one of the prominent characteristics of eukaryotic genome. The inaccessible regions are mainly located in heterochromatin, which is multilevel compressed and access restricted. The remaining accessible loci are generally located in the euchromatin, which have less nucleosome occupancy and higher regulatory activity. The opening of chromatin is the most important prerequisite for DNA transcription, replication, and damage repair, which is regulated by genetic, epigenetic, environmental, and other factors, playing a vital role in multiple biological progresses. Currently, based on the susceptibility difference of occupied or free DNA to enzymatic cleavage, solubility, methylation, and transposition, there are many methods to detect chromatin accessibility both in bulk and single-cell level. Through combining with high-throughput sequencing, the genome-wide chromatin accessibility landscape of many tissues and cells types also have been constructed. The chromatin accessibility feature is distinct in different tissues and biological states. Research on the regulation network of chromatin accessibility is crucial for uncovering the secret of various biological processes. In this review, we comprehensively introduced the major functions and mechanisms of chromatin accessibility variation in different physiological and pathological processes, meanwhile, the targeted therapies based on chromatin dynamics regulation are also summarized.

Specific features of ß-catenin-mutated hepatocellular carcinomas

CTNNB1, encoding the ß-catenin protein, is a key oncogene contributing to liver carcinogenesis. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of primary liver cancer in adult, representing the third leading cause of cancer-related death. Aberrant activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway, mainly due to mutations of the CTNNB1 gene, is observed in a significant subset of HCC. In this review, we first resume the major recent advances in HCC classification with a focus on CTNNB1-mutated HCC subclass. We present the regulatory mechanisms involved in β-catenin stabilisation, transcriptional activity and binding to partner proteins. We then describe specific phenotypic characteristics of CTNNB1-mutated HCC thanks to their unique gene expression patterns. CTNNB1-mutated HCC constitute a full-fledged subclass of HCC with distinct pathological features such as well-differentiated cells with low proliferation rate, association to cholestasis, metabolic alterations, immune exclusion and invasion. Finally, we discuss therapeutic approaches to target ß-catenin-mutated liver tumours and innovative perspectives for future drug developments.

Development of mutated β-catenin gene signature to identify CTNNB1 mutations from whole and spatial transcriptomic data in patients with HCC

Background & Aims

Patients with β-catenin (encoded by CTNNB1)-mutated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) demonstrate heterogenous responses to first-line immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Precision-medicine based treatments for this subclass are currently in clinical development. Here, we report derivation of the Mutated β-catenin Gene Signature (MBGS) to predict CTNNB1-mutational status in patients with HCC for future application in personalized medicine treatment regimens.

Methods

Co-expression of mutant-Nrf2 and hMet ± mutant-β-catenin in murine livers in mice led to HCC development. The MBGS was derived using bulk RNA-seq and intersectional transcriptomic analysis of β-catenin-mutated and non-mutated HCC models. Integrated RNA/whole-exome-sequencing and spatial transcriptomic data from multiple cohorts of patients with HCC was assessed to address the ability of MBGS to detect CTNNB1 mutation, the tumor immune microenvironment, and/or predict therapeutic responses.

Results

Bulk RNA-seq comparing HCC specimens in mutant β-catenin-Nrf2, β-catenin-Met and β-catenin-Nrf2-Met to Nrf2-Met HCC model yielded 95 common upregulated genes. In The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-LIHC dataset, differential gene expression analysis with false discovery rate (FDR) = 0.05 and log2(fold change) >1.5 on the 95 common genes comparing CTNNB1-mutated vs. wild-type patients narrowed the gene panel to a 13-gene MBGS. MBGS predicted CTNNB1-mutations in TCGA (n = 374) and French (n = 398) patient cohorts with AUCs of 0.90 and 0.94, respectively. Additionally, a higher MBGS expression score was associated with lack of significant improvement in overall survival or progression-free survival in the atezolizumab-bevacizumab arm vs. the sorafenib arm in the IMbrave150 cohort. MBGS performed comparable or superior to other CTNNB1-mutant classifiers. MBGS overlapped with Hoshida S3, Boyault G5/G6, and Chiang CTNNB1 subclass tumors in TCGA and in HCC spatial transcriptomic datasets visually depicting these tumors to be situated in an immune excluded tumor microenvironment.

Conclusions

MBGS will aid in patient stratification to guide precision medicine therapeutics for CTNNB1-mutated HCC subclass as a companion diagnostic, as anti-β-catenin therapies become available.

Impact and implications

As precision medicine for liver cancer treatment becomes a reality, diagnostic tools are needed to help classify patients into groups for the best treatment choices. We have developed a molecular signature that could serve as a companion diagnostic and uses bulk or spatial transcriptomic data to identify a unique subclass of liver tumors. This subgroup of liver cancer patients derive limited benefit from the current standard of care and are expected to benefit from specialized directed therapies that are on the horizon.

Divergent WNT signaling and drug sensitivity profiles within hepatoblastoma tumors and organoids

Hepatoblastoma, the most prevalent pediatric liver cancer, almost always carries a WNT-activating CTNNB1 mutation, yet exhibits notable molecular heterogeneity. To characterize this heterogeneity and identify novel targeted therapies, we perform comprehensive analysis of hepatoblastomas and tumor-derived organoids using single-cell RNA-seq/ATAC-seq, spatial transcriptomics, and high-throughput drug profiling. We identify two distinct tumor epithelial signatures: hepatic 'fetal' and WNT-high 'embryonal', displaying divergent WNT signaling patterns. The fetal group is enriched for liver-specific WNT targets, while the embryonal group is enriched in canonical WNT target genes. Gene regulatory network analysis reveals enrichment of regulons related to hepatic functions such as bile acid, lipid and xenobiotic metabolism in the fetal subtype but not in the embryonal subtype. In addition, the dichotomous expression pattern of the transcription factors HNF4A and LEF1 allows for a clear distinction between the fetal and embryonal tumor cells. We also perform high-throughput drug screening using patient-derived tumor organoids and identify sensitivity to HDAC inhibitors. Intriguingly, embryonal and fetal tumor organoids are sensitive to FGFR and EGFR inhibitors, respectively, indicating a dependency on EGF/FGF signaling in hepatoblastoma tumorigenesis. In summary, our data uncover the molecular and drug sensitivity landscapes of hepatoblastoma and pave the way for the development of targeted therapies.

The combined signatures of programmed cell death and immune landscape provide a prognostic and therapeutic biomarker in the hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks as the fourth most common cause of mortality globally among all cancer types. Programmed cell death (PCD) is a crucial biological mechanism governing cancer progression, tumor expansion, and metastatic dissemination. Furthermore, the tumor microenvironment (TME) is critical in influencing overall survival (OS) and immune responses to immunotherapeutic interventions. From a multi-omics perspective, the combination of PCD and TME could help to predict the survival of HCC patient survival and immunotherapy response. Our study analyzed variations in the PCD- and TME-classifier used in the classification of HCC patients into two subgroups: PCD high-TME low and PCD low-TME high. In the following step, we compared the tumor somatic mutation (TMB), immunotherapy response, and functional annotation of both groups of patients. Lastly, Western Blot (WB) were conducted. The immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on the Human Protein Atlas (HPA). In the PCD-TME classifier, 23 PCD-related genes and three immune cell types were identified. Patients' prognoses and responses to therapy could be accurately predicted using this model. The findings of this study provide a new instrument for the clinical management of HCC patients, and they contribute to the development of accurate treatment strategies for these patients.

CAR-T cell therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: current trends and challenges

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks among the most prevalent cancers worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for improved diagnostic and therapeutic methodologies. The standard treatment regimen generally involves surgical intervention followed by systemic therapies; however, the median survival rates for patients remain unsatisfactory. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has emerged as a pivotal advancement in cancer treatment. Both clinical and preclinical studies emphasize the notable efficacy of CAR T cells in targeting HCC. Various molecules, such as GPC3, c-Met, and NKG2D, show significant promise as potential immunotherapeutic targets in liver cancer. Despite this, employing CAR T cells to treat solid tumors like HCC poses considerable challenges within the discipline. Numerous innovations have significant potential to enhance the efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy for HCC, including improvements in T cell trafficking, strategies to counteract the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and enhanced safety protocols. Ongoing efforts to discover therapeutic targets for CAR T cells highlight the need for the development of more practical manufacturing strategies for CAR-modified cells. This review synthesizes recent findings and clinical advancements in the use of CAR T-cell therapies for HCC treatment. We elucidate the therapeutic benefits of CAR T cells in HCC and identify the primary barriers to their broader application. Our analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current status and future prospects of CAR T-cell immunotherapy for HCC.

Getting in the zone: Metabolite transport across liver zones

The liver has many functions including the regulation of nutrient and metabolite levels in the systemic circulation through efficient transport into and out of hepatocytes. To sustain these functions, hepatocytes display large functional heterogeneity. This heterogeneity is reflected by zonation of metabolic processes that take place in different zones of the liver lobule, where nutrient-rich blood enters the liver in the periportal zone and flows through the mid-zone prior to drainage by a central vein in the pericentral zone. Metabolite transport plays a pivotal role in the division of labor across liver zones, being either transport into the hepatocyte or transport between hepatocytes through the blood. Signaling pathways that regulate zonation, such as Wnt/β-catenin, have been shown to play a causal role in the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) progression, but the (patho)physiological regulation of metabolite transport remains enigmatic. Despite the practical challenges to separately study individual liver zones, technological advancements in the recent years have greatly improved insight in spatially divided metabolite transport. This review summarizes the theories behind the regulation of zonation, diurnal rhythms and their effect on metabolic zonation, contemporary techniques used to study zonation and current technological challenges, and discusses the current view on spatial and temporal metabolite transport.

The Wnt signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma: Regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic prospects

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor that arises from hepatocytes. Multiple signaling pathways play a regulatory role in the occurrence and development of HCC, with the Wnt signaling pathway being one of the primary regulatory pathways. In normal hepatocytes, the Wnt signaling pathway maintains cell regeneration and organ development. However, when aberrant activated, the Wnt pathway is closely associated with invasion, cancer stem cells(CSCs), drug resistance, and immune evasion in HCC. Among these factors, the development of drug resistance is one of the most important factors affecting the efficacy of HCC treatment. These mechanisms form the basis for tumor cell adaptation and evolution within the body, enabling continuous changes in tumor cells, resistance to drugs and immune system attacks, leading to metastasis and recurrence. In recent years, there have been numerous new discoveries regarding these mechanisms. An increasing number of drugs targeting the Wnt signaling pathway have been developed, with some already entering clinical trials. Therefore, this review encompasses the latest research on the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in the onset and progression of HCC, as well as advancements in its therapeutic strategies.

NUF2 Promotes Breast Cancer Metastasis via Activating Wnt/β-Catenin Pathways

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy and the leading cause of cancer death among women. NDC80 kinetochore complex component (NUF2) is demonstrated to implicate the progression of human cancer. But the role of NUF2 in breast cancer progression is unclear. Here, we aimed to study the role and regulatory mechanisms of NUF2 in breast cancer metastasis.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry was used to determine UNF2 expression in clinical samples. Transwell assas were used to determine the role of NUF2 in breast cancer migration and invasion. Animal model in vivo was used to determine the rold of NUF2 in breast cancer metastasis.

RESULTS

NUF2 was upregulated significantly in breast cancer tissues and cells. Worse prognosis was noted in patients with high NUF2 levels compared with that in patients with low NUF2 levels. NUF2 overexpression markedly enhanced, while NUF2 knockdown inhibited, breast cancer cell invasion and migration. Mechanistically, NUF2 was observed to upregulate Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activity. The promoting effect of NUF2 on cell migration and invasion were blocked by inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

We revealed that NUF2 promotes breast cancer progression via activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling, suggesting that NUF2 might be a new potential target for breast cancer treatment.

Phytochemical Compounds as Promising Therapeutics for Intestinal Fibrosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Critical Review

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Intestinal fibrosis, a prominent consequence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), presents considerable difficulty owing to the absence of licensed antifibrotic therapies. This review assesses the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals as alternate methods for controlling intestinal fibrosis. Phytochemicals, bioactive molecules originating from plants, exhibit potential antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, targeting pathways associated with inflammation and fibrosis. Compounds such as Asperuloside, Berberine, and olive phenols have demonstrated potential in preclinical models by regulating critical signaling pathways, including TGF-β/Smad and NFκB, which are integral to advancing fibrosis.

RESULTS

The main findings suggest that these phytochemicals significantly reduce fibrotic markers, collagen deposition, and inflammation in various experimental models of IBD. These phytochemicals may function as supplementary medicines to standard treatments, perhaps enhancing patient outcomes while mitigating the adverse effects of prolonged immunosuppressive usage. Nonetheless, additional clinical trials are necessary to validate their safety, effectiveness, and bioavailability in human subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, investigating phytochemicals may lead to crucial advances in the formulation of innovative treatment approaches for fibrosis associated with IBD, offering a promising avenue for future therapeutic development.

Silencing of maternally expressed RNAs in Dlk1-Dio3 domain causes fatal vascular injury in the fetal liver

The mammalian imprinted Dlk1-Dio3 domain contains multiple lncRNAs, mRNAs, the largest miRNA cluster in the genome and four differentially methylated regions (DMRs), and deletion of maternally expressed RNA within this locus results in embryonic lethality, but the mechanism by which this occurs is not clear. Here, we optimized the model of maternally expressed RNAs transcription termination in the domain and found that the cause of embryonic death was apoptosis in the embryo, particularly in the liver. We generated a mouse model of maternally expressed RNAs silencing in the Dlk1-Dio3 domain by inserting a 3 × polyA termination sequence into the Gtl2 locus. By analyzing RNA-seq data of mouse embryos combined with histological analysis, we found that silencing of maternally expressed RNAs in the domain activated apoptosis, causing vascular rupture of the fetal liver, resulting in hemorrhage and injury. Mechanistically, termination of Gtl2 transcription results in the silencing of maternally expressed RNAs and activation of paternally expressed genes in the interval, and it is the gene itself rather than the IG-DMR and Gtl2-DMR that causes the aforementioned phenotypes. In conclusion, these findings illuminate a novel mechanism by which the silencing of maternally expressed RNAs within Dlk1-Dio3 domain leads to hepatic hemorrhage and embryonic death through the activation of apoptosis.