Cellular and secretome profiling uncover immunological biomarkers in the prognosis of renal cell carcinoma patients

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is recognized as an immunogenic tumor, yet tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes often exhibit diminished effector function. However, the mechanisms underlying reduced T and NK cell activity in RCC remain unclear. Here, we examined the immune contexture in RCC patients undergoing nephrectomy to identify immune-related biomarkers associated with disease progression. Immune cell phenotypes and secretion profiles were assessed using flow cytometry and Luminex multiplex analysis. Supervised multivariate analysis revealed several changes of which frequencies of T and NK cells expressing CCR5, CXCR3, and PD-1 were elevated within tumors compared with peripheral blood. In addition, higher levels of regulatory T cells, PD-1+, and CXCR3+ T and NK cells were observed in patients with relapse following nephrectomy. With regards to soluble factors, tumor-derived CXCL8 was associated with higher Fuhrman grade and increased frequency of polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs). These biomarkers demonstrate potential relevance in the progression of RCC and merit further investigation in prospective studies.

Notch signaling and cancer: Insights into chemoresistance, immune evasion, and immunotherapy

The Notch signaling pathway is a fundamental and highly conserved cell-to-cell communication system vital for embryonic development and tissue maintenance. However, its dysregulation has been associated with the initiation, progression, and chemoresistance of various cancers. In this comprehensive review, we will take an in-depth look at the multiple roles of the Notch family in cancer pathogenesis, immune response, and resistance to chemotherapy. We delve into the complicated mechanisms by which Notch signaling promotes tumor growth and development, including its influence on TME remodeling and immune evasion strategies. We will also be discussing recent studies that shed light on the connection between cancer stemness and chemoresistance mediated through the activation of Notch signaling pathways. Elucidation of the interplay between the Notch pathway and major constituents of the TME, including immune cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts, is necessary for the development of targeted therapies against Notch-driven tumors. We further discuss the potential of targeting Notch signaling alone or in combination with standard chemotherapy and immunotherapy as a potent strategy to overcome chemoresistance and improve patient outcomes. We conclude by discussing the challenges and future prospects of using Notch signaling as a therapeutic target in cancer treatment, focusing on how precision medicine and combination approaches are important.

Urinary exosomal lnc-TAF12-2:1 promotes bladder cancer progression through the miR-7847-3p/ASB12 regulatory axis

Exosomes encompass a great deal of valuable biological information and play a critical role in tumor development. However, the mechanism of exosomal lncRNAs remains poorly elucidated in bladder cancer (BCa). In this study, we identified exosomal lnc-TAF12-2:1 as a novel biomarker in BCa diagnosis and aimed to investigate the underlying biological function. Dual luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pulldown assays, and xenograft mouse model were used to verify the competitive endogenous RNA mechanism of lnc-TAF12-2:1. We found exosomal lnc-TAF12-2:1 up-regulated in urinary exosomes, tumor tissues of patients, and BCa cells. Down-regulation of lnc-TAF12-2:1 impaired BCa cell proliferation and migration, and promoted cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase and cell apoptosis. The opposite effects were also observed when lnc-TAF12-2:1 was overexpressed. lnc-TAF12-2:1 was transferred by intercellular exosomes to modulate malignant biological behavior. Mechanistically, lnc-TAF12-2:1 packaged in the exosomes relieved the miRNA-mediated silence effect on ASB12 via serving as a sponger of miR-7847-3p to accelerate progression in BCa. ASB12 was also first proved as an oncogene to promote cell proliferation and migration and depress cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis in our data. In conclusion, exosomal lnc-TAF12-2:1, located in the cytoplasm of BCa, might act as a competitive endogenous RNA to competitively bind to miR-7847-3p, and then be involved in miR-7847-3p/ASB12 regulatory axis to promote tumorigenesis, which provided a deeper insight into the molecular mechanism of BCa.

Circulating Tumor DNA: A New Research Frontier in Urological Oncology from Localized to Metastatic Disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing provides valuable prognostic and predictive information for guiding therapeutic choices and monitoring disease progression and drug resistance for urological tumors. Our review focuses on emerging opportunities for ctDNA analysis in urological tumors and the development of potential circulating biomarkers within a multidisciplinary framework to improve personalized treatment.

METHODS

A nonsystematic literature review was conducted in the PubMed and MEDLINE databases. Prospective and retrospective peer-reviewed studies, review articles, and research abstracts on the use of ctDNA for urological tumors were included.

KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS

Several studies have demonstrated that ctDNA analysis is a promising tool that can help clinicians in the diagnosis and clinical management of urological tumors. In prostate and urothelial cancers, the ctDNA fraction increases proportionally from localized to metastatic disease, indicating a higher tumor burden and more aggressive behavior. Thus, ctDNA seems to be a useful tool for improving prognostic risk stratification and treatment selection. Data on the use of liquid biopsy in renal cell carcinoma are still limited, and assessment of prognostic and predictive biomarkers is a critical unmet need.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

ctDNA analysis promises to revolutionize the management of urological tumors in different disease settings. Integration of ctDNA testing in routine clinical practice will require a multidisciplinary approach that involve patients, clinicians, and molecular biologists.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We reviewed how testing for tumor DNA in blood (circulating tumor DNA, ctDNA) is used in urological cancers. A great deal of evidence supports the usefulness of this noninvasive test. However, further research via a multidisciplinary approach is needed before ctDNA testing becomes part of routine patient care.

Monotropein attenuates renal cell carcinoma cell progression and M2 macrophage polarization by weakening NF-κB

PURPOSE

The study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of monotropein on renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

METHODS

After monotropein and NF-κB receptor activator (RANKL) treatment, cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis were evaluated using CCK-8, Transwell, and flow cytometry. Primary macrophages co-cultured with monotropein-treated RCC cells were analyzed to evaluate macrophage polarization using qRT-PCR, western blot, and ELISA assays by detecting the expression of M2 markers (CD206, CD168) and cytokines (IL-10, TGF-β). Additionally, the therapeutic efficacy of monotropein was examined using an RCC mouse xenograft model.

RESULTS

Monotropein could inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and M2 macrophage polarization and accelerate the apoptosis of RCC cells. Mechanistically, monotropein suppressed NF-κB pathway activation in RCC cells and reduced the expression of NF-κB downstream targets, including Bcl-2, c-Myc, and MMP9. RANKL could eliminate the effect of monotropein on RCC progression. In primary macrophages co-cultured with monotropein-treated RCC cells, monotropein downregulated M2 polarization markers and cytokines, further supporting its role in modulating the tumor microenvironment. In mouse models, monotropein reduced RCC tumor growth, induced apoptosis, and blocked NF-κB pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Monotropein prevents RCC malignant progression and reduces M2 macrophage polarization by suppressing the NF-κB pathway, suggesting that monotropein may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for RCC by targeting both tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment.

Reevaluating the therapeutic role of extended lymph node dissection in the era of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

To elucidate the real-world oncological outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and effectiveness of extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ext-LDN) in the RARP era. Data from 8 194 patients who underwent RARP, including age, clinical T stage, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) before prostate cancer diagnosis (initial PSA), follow-up years, biopsied specimen grade group (GG), and whether they underwent lymph node dissection or not and presurgical androgen deprivation therapy, were recorded. Oncological outcomes among three risk groups (low, intermediate, and poor risks) were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves. In intermediate and poor risk cohorts, PSA failure-free, clinical recurrence-free, castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC)-free survival, and overall survival (OS) were compared between the ext-LDN groups and no or limited lymph node dissection (no-ltd-LND) groups before and after propensity matching for initial PSA, clinical stage, GG, and androgen deprivation therapy. Four survivals (PSA failure-free, clinical recurrence-free, CRPC-free survival, and OS) were noted among the three risk groups that generally reflected the risks. In comparison between ext-LDN and no-ltd-LND groups, propensity matching matched four factors. No significant difference was observed in the four survivals with or without ext-LDN. In the intermediate-risk, high-risk, and locally advanced cohorts (cT3-4), similar analyses were performed as the subanalyses; no significant difference was observed in the three subanalyses. We showed survival differences among the risk groups and that extended pelvic lymph node dissection has no oncological effectiveness using the largest patient cohort in the literature.

SVCROWS: A User-Defined Tool for Interpreting Significant Structural Variants in Heterogeneous Datasets

Structural variants (SVs) are abundant across all life, and have major impacts on the genome and transcriptome. However, it is difficult to appreciate the individual significance of SVs when they are heterogeneously distributed across a genomic neighborhood. Further, low-input sequencing technologies or sequencing of many individuals across a population introduce variance that complicates SV counting and association studies. Tools exist to simplify SV datasets, but these SV mergers begin to fail on large or highly variable datasets. To address this issue, we introduce a new SV merger called SVCROWS (Structural Variation Consensus with Reciprocal Overlap and Weighted Sizes). This option-rich R package merges and summarizes SV regions using a size-weighted reciprocal overlap framework, effectively accounting for skewed impacts of variable-length SVs. User input directs stringency of comparisons across a range of sizes, enabling different levels of resolution in complex genome regions that harbor both small and large SVs. When compared to other SV merging programs, SVCROWS accurately merges SVs while maintaining less frequent genotypes of the unmerged SV calls. SVCROWS proves to be especially useful with large and highly variable single-cell datasets for enabling SV discovery. Overall, the novel size-weighted comparisons of SVCROWS presents a framework for improved interpretation of SV calls, and its ease of use allows it to be applied to virtually any upstream analyses.

In Vivo Evaluation of the Anti-Skin-Ageing Bioactivity of a Recombinant Dual Humanised Collagen and Poly-L-Lactic Acid

This study introduces a novel recombinant humanised collagen (DuCol) developed through codon optimisation and prokaryotic soluble expression, exhibiting exceptional biocompatibility and bioactivity. Structural integrity was confirmed via RP-HPLC, SEM, and CD spectroscopy. In vitro evaluations revealed DuCol's dose-dependent enhancement of NIH-3T3 fibroblast proliferation, adhesion, and migration. In a D-galactose-induced ageing rat model, subcutaneous implantation of DuCol showcased time-dependent anti-ageing effects. Early-stage intervention (30 days post-injection) markedly upregulated COL1A1 expression through the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway activation, outperforming poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) in collagen deposition. Histological analysis revealed 23.4% greater dermal thickness in DuCol-treated groups compared to PLLA at 90 days. While PLLA exhibited sustained collagen stimulation beyond 90 days, DuCol exhibited superior early-phase efficacy (p < 0.001) with comparable safety profiles (no inflammatory response observed through 180-day monitoring). The combinatorial PLLA/DuCol (P&C) formulation synergistically enhanced dermal regeneration, achieving a 31.7% thicker collagen matrix than monotherapy groups. These results underscore the potential of DuCol as a novel implantable filler material for skin repair and regeneration.

Malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the seminal vesicle: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are rare mesenchymal tumors that can occur in multiple parts of the human body. The majority of SFTs are benign, with malignant cases being exceedingly rare. Although SFTs have been identified in extrapleural sites such as the upper respiratory tract, orbits, and extremities, their occurrence in the seminal vesicles is exceedingly uncommon. To date, only a few cases of seminal vesicle SFTs have been documented, making this case notable for its rarity and clinical presentation.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 43-year-old male patient was incidentally found to have a left seminal vesicle mass on an MRI scan during a routine health check-up. A subsequent PET‒CT scan revealed enlargement of the left seminal vesicle with uneven density and FDG uptake, raising suspicion of malignancy. Although a biopsy suggested a solitary fibrous tumor of the seminal vesicle, the limited tissue sample prevented definitive exclusion of malignancy. This highlights the diagnostic challenges of such rare tumors, particularly when biopsy samples are insufficient. To address this, rapid intraoperative pathology was employed, which confirmed the malignancy and informed the patient of the subsequent surgical approach. The patient underwent laparoscopic excision of the left seminal vesicle tumor, followed by radical excision of both the prostate and seminal vesicles. Postoperatively, the patient recovered well, and final pathology confirmed a malignant solitary fibrous tumor. After five years of follow-up, the patient remained free from recurrence or metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Although the preoperative biopsy in this case established the diagnosis of SFT, it did not definitively ascertain whether it was benign or malignant. Hence, intraoperative frozen section pathology plays a critical role in determining the surgical strategy. This case indicates that satisfactory therapeutic outcomes for seminal vesicle SFTs can be achieved through complete resection via minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery.

Twenty-five years of WWOX insight in cancer: a treasure trove of knowledge

More than two decades ago, MD Anderson Cancer group discovered, characterised, and identified the WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) as a genes of interest mapping to the chromosomal region 16q23.3-24.2. This was pioneering research since WWOX is a critical tumour suppressor gene implicated in various cancers, involving interactions with numerous signalling pathways and molecular mechanisms. Notably, it inhibits the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which is often activated in tumours. This inhibition helps prevent tumour formation by regulating cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis. Restoration of WWOX expression in cancer cell lines has been shown to reduce tumour growth and increased sensitivity to treatments. In addition to its role in tumour suppression, WWOX has been found to interact with proteins involved in critical signalling pathways such as TGF-β. Recent advancements allowed to reveal its interactions with key proteins and microRNAs that regulate cellular adhesion, invasion, and motility. Proteomic studies have shown that WWOX directly interacts with signalling molecules like Dishevelled and SMAD3, further underscoring its role in antagonizing metastasis. Challenges remain in translating this knowledge into clinical applications. For instance, the mechanisms underlying WWOX loss in tumours and its role across diverse cancer types require further investigation. Overall, WWOX serves as a vital player in maintaining cellular stability and preventing cancer progression through its multifaceted functions. Here, we include an updated molecular function of WWOX in cancers to possibly contribute to the potential use of WWOX expression as a biomarker regarding prognosis and response to the treatment. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

Stabilization of RUNX1 Induced by O-GlcNAcylation Promotes PDGF-BB-Mediated Resistance to CDK4/6 Inhibitors in Breast Cancer

Cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) are crucial in regulating cell-cycle progression and cancer development. Targeting CDK4/6 has shown considerable promise in treating various cancers, including breast cancer. Despite significant therapeutic efficacy, resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i), such as palbociclib, remains a substantial hurdle in clinical practice. Using a coculture system, cytokine array, and quantitative high-throughput combinatorial screening, we discovered a mechanism by which the Runt-related transcription factor (RUNX) 1-platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB axis regulates palbociclib resistance in breast cancer cells. Specifically, RUNX1 functioned as a transcription factor to drive expression of PDGFB, leading to resistance to palbociclib by enhancing the Akt pathway and suppressing senescence. Furthermore, in resistant cells, RUNX1 was O-GlcNAcylated at serine 252 by O-GlcNAc transferase, resulting in the stabilization of RUNX1 by preventing ubiquitin-mediated degradation. Inhibition of the RUNX1-PDGF-BB axis by specific inhibitors overcame palbociclib resistance both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, the RUNX1-PDGF-BB axis was upregulated in resistant patient-derived xenograft lines and in patients with breast cancer following treatment with CDK4/6i. These findings not only unveil O-GlcNAcylation-mediated activation of a RUNX1-PDGF-BB pathway as a driver of palbociclib resistance but also provide clinical evidence supporting the repurposing of FDA-approved PDGFR inhibitors as a therapeutic strategy to treat patients with CDK4/6i-resistant breast cancer. Significance: RUNX1-PDGF-BB signaling drives resistance to CDK4/6 inhibition in breast cancer, providing the foundation to develop approaches to target the RUNX1-PDGF-BB axis to overcome CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance in breast cancer patients.

Increased N-glycosylation of PSMA by GnT-V enhances tumor malignancy through interacting with JAK2 and the subsequent STAT3-mediated transcriptional activation in prostate cancer

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a membrane glycoprotein with high specificity, has emerged as an effective target for imaging and therapy in prostate cancer. Despite its potential, the role and molecular mechanism underlying PSMA glycosylation and overexpression remain to be fully clarified. In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of site-specific N-glycosylation patterns of PSMA, revealing that β1,6-GlcNAc branching at N121 and N336, catalyzed by GnT-V, is crucial for its expression. We found that the degradation of non-N-glycosylated PSMA predominantly occurs through the autophagy-lysosome pathway. Notably, androgen deprivation was shown to upregulate the expression of PSMA and GnT-V, simultaneously activating the transcription factor STAT3. Co-immunoprecipitation assay confirmed a direct interaction between PSMA and JAK2, which facilitates the activation of STAT3. This, in turn, drives the overexpression of PSMA and promotes its aberrant N-glycosylation, thereby advancing prostate cancer progression. Importantly, combined inhibition of STAT3 and N-glycosylation demonstrated a synergistic effect in reducing tumor viability. Our findings elucidate a novel positive feedback loop involving JAK2/STAT3/GnT-V/PSMA axis, contributing to the malignancy of prostate cancer and providing a foundation for innovative therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway.

Biosynthesis and bioactivities of triterpenoids from Centella asiatica: Challenges and opportunities

Centella asiatica (L.) Urban is an herbaceous perennial plant that has long been widely used in traditional medicine, due to its diverse wound-healing, neuroprotection, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The major functional bioactive secondary metabolites are the triterpenoids asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside and madecassoside, collectively known as centellosides. Current extraction methods for C. asiatica are unable to meet market demand for extracts and pure functional components. Biotechnological approaches based on synthetic biology and microbial cell factories are a promising alternative. This review summarises the major secondary metabolites and their biological activities, and the biosynthetic pathway of functional triterpenoids in C. asiatica. Biotechnological production of centellosides is also described, including in vitro plant cultures and construction of microbial cell factories. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives for sustainable production of centellosides are discussed, and guidelines for future engineering are proposed.

Unleashing the therapeutic potential of tumor-draining lymph nodes: spotlight on bladder cancer

Tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) are often involved during the metastasis of bladder cancer (BC), which is associated with a poor prognosis. Recent studies have shown that TDLNs are a major source of host anti-tumor immunity, which can impede tumor progression and favor tumor immunotherapy. However, during tumor progression, various tumor-derived mediators modulate the TDLN microenvironment, impairing their protective function. Ultimately, TDLNs provide the soil for the proliferation and dissemination of tumor cells. Therefore, surgical removal of TDLNs is commonly recommended in various solid tumors to prevent metastasis, but this poses significant challenges for leveraging TDLNs in immunotherapy. Additionally, lymph node dissection (LND) has not shown survival benefits in some tumors. Hence, the decision to remove TDLNs in oncological treatment needs to be reconsidered. Herein, we spotlight the TDLNs of BC and introduce how BC cells modulate stromal cells and immune cells to shape an immunosuppressive TDLN microenvironment for BC progression. We summarize the existing therapeutic strategies to reinvigorate anti-tumor immunity in TDLNs. Furthermore, we discuss whether to preserve TDLNs and the role of LND during oncological treatment.

Collaborative Duality of CircGLIS3(2) RNA and Protein in human Wound Repair

The discovery of an increasing number of translatable circular RNAs (circRNAs) raises the question of whether their coding and non-coding functions can coexist within the same cell. This study profiles the dynamic expression of circRNAs during human skin wound healing. CircGLIS3(2) is identified, a circRNA whose levels transiently rise in dermal fibroblasts of acute wounds and are abnormally overexpressed in keloids, a fibrotic skin condition. Injury signals such as IL-1α, TGF-β, hypoxia, and ER stress induce both expression and cap-independent translation of CircGLIS3(2). The RNA form of CircGLIS3(2) activates fibroblasts into matrix-secreting cells, while its encoded protein promotes cell proliferation, collectively enhancing wound repair. Mechanistically, CircGLIS3(2) RNA stabilizes the cytoplasmic protein PCOLCE, while its protein binds to BTF3 in the nucleus. Both the RNA and protein are essential for wound closure in human and murine models. CircGLIS3(2)'s bifunctional nature expands its functional spectrum, improving cellular adaptability during environmental changes and offering a promising therapeutic target for wound repair and scar reduction.

A review and meta-analysis: comparing the efficacy of robot-assisted and open radical cystectomy in elderly bladder cancer patients

The focus of this comprehensive review and meta-analysis is to evaluate both the efficacy and safety of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) versus open radical cystectomy (ORC) in treating bladder cancer among elderly patients. A rigorous review of literature utilized several key databases-Google Scholar, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, and the Web of Science, complete with updates through July 2024. The data were analyzed using Stata 18, employing a random-effects model for the analysis. In this analysis, five studies were analyzed. Initial comparisons revealed that age, body mass index (BMI), and pT3 staging were consistent across both groups, with gender being the only exception showing variation. The results demonstrated that patients undergoing robot-assisted cystectomy had reduced estimated blood loss, decreased duration of hospitalization, and fewer instances of positive surgical margins. The analysis found no notable statistical discrepancies in operative durations between the two groups, transfusion rate, overall complications, minor complications, major complications, or lymph node positivity rates. In terms of urinary diversion, ileal conduit was more common in the RARC group, while ureterocutaneostomy was more frequently observed in the ORC group. However, no significant differences were found between the two groups regarding the use of orthotopic neobladder. RARC offers a viable and secure approach for surgical treatment in elderly patients with bladder cancer, showing potential enhancements in crucial areas such as reduced estimated blood loss and shorter durations of hospitalization.

Standard Versus Extended Pelvic Lymphadenectomy in Patients With Bladder Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

For decades, pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) has been a critical component of radical cystectomy in patients with bladder cancer. Although its role in curative surgery for high-risk non-muscle-invasive and muscle-invasive cases is well-established, the therapeutic advantages of extended PLND remain a topic of ongoing debate.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search of major bibliographic databases was performed from inception to November 2024. Studies comparing extended PLND (extended or super extended) with standard PLND were identified. Data for clinical outcomes was extracted and pooled estimates were calculated using a random effects model with RevMan 5.4.

RESULTS

A total of 11 studies (2 RCTs and 9 observational) were included reporting data for 4001 patients. The pooled analysis demonstrated that extended PLND was associated with significantly better recurrence-free survival (HR=0.67, 95% CI: 0.60-0.74). Standard PLND led to significantly higher 5-year recurrence rates (RR=1.44, 95% CI: 1.28-1.62) compared with the extended approach. The pooled estimates for disease-specific survival (HR=0.86, 95% CI: 0.62-1.19), overall survival (HR=0.99, 95% CI: 0.86-1.16), and complications remained comparable.

CONCLUSIONS

Extended PLND can lead to favorable recurrence-free survival and 5-year recurrence rates. However, retrospective observational studies mainly drive the evidence, and additional RCTs are required to reach a definitive conclusion.

The role of adherent-to-suspension transition factors in clear cell renal cell carcinoma progression: a comprehensive analysis

Recent studies have identified a biological process called adherent-to-suspension transition (AST) as a key factor in promoting metastasis. The involvement of AST in the progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains largely unexplored. We comprehensively investigated the overall landscape of all 20 AST factors at the pan-cancer level. The risk stratification method and the prognostic model based on AST factors were established with consensus clustering analysis and LASSO regression algorithm. The potential molecular mechanism of AST was further investigated by multi-omics analysis and cell experiments. We found that AST factors play distinct roles in different cancer types. Consequently, we utilized AST factors to develop a risk stratification method and a prognostic model, which can effectively guide the treatment of ccRCC patients. We proposed that the promotion of AST is facilitated by SPIB through the SAA1-AKT pathway, enhancing the likelihood of ccRCC metastasis, and conducted rigorous analyses using multi-omics data and cellular experiments. Our study presents a novel risk stratification method and prognostic model for ccRCC. And we identified the SPIB-SAA1-AKT pathway as one of the potential mechanisms by which AST factors promote ccRCC metastasis.

Perioperative outcomes using template mapping after radical cystectomy and extended lymph node dissection

BACKGROUND

To evaluate oncologic and perioperative outcomes of extended pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) during robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) based on the location of lymph node positivity (LN+).

METHODS

We reviewed a tertiary center database of patients with bladder cancer who underwent extended PLND during RARC from 2004 to 2020. Patients were assigned to a standard (sPLN+) or extended (ePLN+) cohort based on LN+ location. ePLN+ patients were LN+ in one or more of the following: common iliac, presacral, aortic bifurcation, or paracaval packets. The Kaplan-Meier method estimated recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Perioperative 90-day complications were identified using the Clavien-Dindo system.

RESULTS

Ninety patients were included; 43 (48%) were sPLN+, and 47 (52%) were ePLN+. The median follow-up for sPLN+ and ePLN+ patients was 14.9 and 20.0 months, respectively. ePLN+ patients were older than sPLN+ patients (median age 75 vs. 68 years, p = 0.019). There were more ≤ cT1 LN+ patients in the sPLN+ cohort compared to the ePLN+ cohort (26% vs. 9%, p = 0.037). We recorded no differences in 90-day mortality or in RFS or OS between baseline and 12-year follow-up between groups (all, p > 0.05). Overall, the grade II or higher complication rate was 71%, with similar rates for the sPLN+ and ePLN+ (77% vs. 66%, p = 0.26) cohorts.

CONCLUSION

Location of LN+ does not affect oncologic outcomes in patients who underwent extended PLND. This underscores the lack of a notable therapeutic benefit beyond the standard dissection template.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

Not applicable.

Neural insights on expert surgeons' mental workload during live robotic surgeries

Despite its adoption and benefits, robotic surgeries can impose additional mental workload on surgeons. Validated questionnaires mostly administered at the end of procedures may not accurately capture the dynamic nature of mental workload over an entire procedure. Hence, we sought to determine if electroencephalogram (EEG) based neural activities in different brain regions can measure variations in expert surgeons' mental workload intraoperatively. EEG data was collected from five different surgeons performing 13 robotic-assisted urological procedures. Data analysis focused on three surgery phases (before, critical, and after). After performing each phase, surgeons provided a rating of their perceived mental workload. A linear mixed effects model was applied to explore the impact of the study phases on the relative spectral band power of EEG signals. The relative theta band power in the frontal brain region was highest during the critical portions of the procedure (p < 0.05). As the subjective ratings increased, the relative frontal theta band power increased (p < 0.001) while the relative parietal alpha band power decreased across all phases. We show that EEG signals can distinguish intraoperative workload in robotic surgeries. This has several applications including predicting risk factors for increased case complexity and surgical education.

Mechanisms underlying the wound healing and tissue regeneration properties of a novel gauze dressing impregnated with traditional herbal medicine (Ya-Samarn-Phlae) in type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

A traditional preparation of Ya-Samarn-Phlae (T-YaSP) consists of Garcinia mangostana L., Oryza sativa L., Curcuma longa L., and Areca catechu L. and has been used in Thai medicine as an infused oil for treating chronic and diabetic wounds. It is reputed for its antibacterial, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties. Despite its traditional use, scientific validation of the mechanisms underlying diabetic wound healing remains limited.

Aim

This study aims to develop a novel gauze dressing impregnated with an ointment containing T-YaSP (YaSP) to enhance its practical application and elucidate the mechanisms of action in promoting wound healing in both non-diabetic and type 2 diabetic wounds of this ointment.

Materials and methods

YaSP was developed and tested for stability and dermal irritation. Changes in chemical markers during storage were measured both qualitatively and quantitatively. Its anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model. The effect of YaSP on levels of nitric oxide (NO), myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and PGE2), and pro-inflammatory enzymes (iNOS and COX-2) was measured. The wound-healing effects of YaSP were assessed using full-thickness (6 mm diameter) wound models in both non-diabetic Wistar rats and type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats. In addition to evaluating wound closure on days 0, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11, the influence on TGF-β1, VEGF, and the production of collagen types I and III, which indicate the inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases, was measured.

Results

During the 6-month storage period, the α-mangostin content measured in YaSP did not decrease; however, the curcumin level showed a significant reduction. Topical treatment with YaSP demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory activity and alleviated oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. YaSP improved wound closure rates in both diabetic and non-diabetic models. Levels of TGF-β1 and VEGF increased, indicating the promotion of angiogenesis and granulation tissue formation during the proliferation phase on the seventh day. Additionally, TGF-β1 levels dropped on the 11th day, aligning with diminished inflammation and enhanced remodeling. The treatment balanced collagen synthesis, increasing type III collagen in the early stages and type I collagen in the later stages of wound healing. Histological analysis confirmed reduced inflammation, enhanced neovascularization, and increased collagen production.

Conclusion

A gauze dressing impregnated with YaSP provides a practical solution for diabetic wound management and demonstrates strong wound-healing properties by modulating excess inflammation, promoting angiogenesis during the proliferation phase, and regulating collagen synthesis throughout the remodeling phase. This discovery reveals, for the first time, the underlying mechanisms of action of this traditional formulation, highlighting its potential as a cost-effective alternative for managing chronic wounds in resource-limited settings.

RGS1 can serve as a long-term prognostic marker in gastric cancer by promoting the infiltration and polarization of macrophages

Gastric cancer (GC) remains a prevalent and aggressive malignancy worldwide, characterized by significant morbidity and mortality. The regulator of G-protein signaling 1 (RGS1) plays an oncogenic role in various cancers, including GC, but its clinical relevance and mechanisms remain underexplored. In this pilot study, we investigated RGS1 expression in GC tissues and its potential as a prognostic marker, laying the groundwork for future research. Our analysis of patient data from the TCGA data and our cohort of 375 surgically resected GC patients revealed that RGS1 was upregulated in GC tissues and had prognostic significance (TCGA: adjusted HR:1.49, 95%CI: 1.02-2.18; GC cohort: adjusted HR: 1.38, 95%CI: 1.02-1.85). GO function and KEGG enrichment analyses suggest that RGS1 is involved in macrophage-mediated immune responses in GC. We observed a positive correlation between RGS1 expression and M2 macrophage infiltration. Furthermore, co-occurrence of elevated RGS1 expression and M2 macrophage infiltration predicts a worse prognosis (adjusted HR: 1.73, 95%CI: 1.24-2.42 in our cohort). In vitro, RGS1 upregulation and the presence of M2 macrophages enhanced malignant phenotypes of GC cells. Additionally, we confirmed that RGS1 promoted macrophage recruitment and M2 polarization via upregulation of CCL4 expression in vivo. In conclusion, this study suggests that RGS1 could serve as a promising prognostic marker for GC and a potential target for immunotherapy. However, further investigation with more advanced experimental models is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

Tracing the Evolution of Sex Hormones and Receptor-Mediated Immune Microenvironmental Differences in Prostate and Bladder Cancers: From Embryonic Development to Disease

The bladder and prostate originate from the urogenital sinus. However, bladder cancer (BC) is usually classified as an immune "hot" tumor, whereas prostate cancer (PCa) is deemed as an immune "cold" tumor according to the tumor microenvironment (TME) and clinical outcomes. To investigate the immune differences between BC and PCa, studies are compared focusing on immune regulation mediated by sex hormones and receptors to identify key genes and pathways responsible for the immune differences. From a developmental perspective, it is shown that PCa and BC activate genes and pathways similar to those in the developmental stage. During prostate development, the differential expression and function of the androgen receptor (AR) across cell types may contribute to its dual role in promoting and inhibiting immunity in different cells. Androgen deprivation therapy affects AR function in different cells within the TME, influencing immune cell infiltration and antitumor function. Additionally, estrogenα and estrogenβ exert contrasting effects in PCa and BC, which may hold the potential for modifying the "cold" and "hot" tumor phenotypes. Future research should target key genes and pathways involved in bladder development to clarify the immune regulatory similarities and differences between BC and PCa.

The molecular impact of miR-326 in acute lymphoblastic leukemia and its cross talk with P53

MiR-326 downregulation is strongly associated with multidrug resistance (MDR) and has been identified as an adverse prognostic biomarker for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (pALL). The choice to study miR-326 as a tumor suppressor in cancer biology, particularly its regulation of apoptosis, drug resistance, and stemness, stems from its strong association with MDR and potential as a therapeutic target in pALL. The current study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of miR-326 in ALL, using Gene Ontology annotation network and multilayer network analysis. Our findings revealed that miR-326 exhibits a multifunctional anti-tumor behavior, affecting various aspects of drug resistance, stemness, and apoptosis in cancer, particularly in the context of ALL. Quantitative real-time PCR demonstrated downregulation of the ABC transporter mRNAs ABCC1 and ABCB1 but not ABCA3 in B-ALL cells transfected with miR-326 mimic, as confirmed by bioinformatic data. Western blot analysis showed a possible cross talk between miR-326 and P53 through the upregulation of Mdm2 and P53 proteins. The heightened functional activity of P53 was subsequently validated through the observed augmentation in levels of P21 and CCND1, alongside the evident disruption in the expression levels of Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, and Bax genes. Subsequently, the ceRNA network between miR-326 and LncRNAs was exhibited and the impact of exogenous miR-326 on the expression levels of its molecular sponges, H19 and SNHG1 was examined using RT-qPCR. Future studies will explore the potential impact of miR-326 on its targets, and how this may influence the development of novel therapeutic strategies for ALL.

Anatomic Factors Associated with Complications After Radical Prostatectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The role of anatomical factors in predicting outcomes after radical prostatectomy (RP) remains unclear. This review aims to evaluate the impact of various anatomical factors on the perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing RP for localized prostate cancer (PCa).

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted through January 2024 using the PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines were followed to identify eligible studies. Data were extracted and pooled for a meta-analysis, with outcomes including operative time, blood loss, transfusion rates, overall complications, and positive surgical margins (PSMs). Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochrane Q test, and subgroup analyses were conducted to explore the influence of surgical approach.

KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS

A total of 91 studies met our inclusion criteria. Among the anatomical factors, prostate volume (PV), prostate weight, and median lobe (ML) were suitable for the meta-analysis. Larger prostates were associated with increased operative time, blood loss, and complication rates, but with fewer PSMs (all p < 0.05). ML presence was not associated with a higher risk of complications. Heterogeneity was high across studies (Cochrane Q tests <0.05), reflecting inconsistent definitions and methods. In subgroup analyses, the open approach was associated with a longer operative time than robotic surgery for large prostates (p = 0.03) and a lower PSM rate (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Anatomical factors, particularly PV, play a significant role in RP outcomes. Larger prostates are associated with higher complication rates but fewer PSMs. Further research with standardized outcome measures is necessary to clarify these relationships and guide clinical decision-making.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In this study, we examined how a patient's individual anatomy might affect the results of prostate surgery for cancer. We found that larger prostates tend to lead to longer surgeries and increased blood loss, but these also have a lower risk of leaving cancer cells behind. These findings could help doctors in better planning surgeries and improving patient outcomes.

Asiatic acid methyl ester, a new asiaticoside derivative, induces osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs

OBJECTIVE

Asiaticoside has the capacity to induce osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) through Wnt (Wingless-related integration site) signaling. A modified chemical structure (by removing glycoside side chain), referred to as asiatic acid methyl ester (AA1), has been constructed and evaluated for its capacity to induce osteogenic differentiation.

DESIGN

hPDLCs viability was determined by MTT assay. The mRNA expression were analyzed by using quantitative real time PCR. The subcellular localization of β-catenin was demonstrated by immunofluorescence staining. hPDLCs were cultured in osteogenic medium and the deposited calcium was detected by alizarin red staining. The protein expressions were examined by immunofluorescence and western blot.

RESULTS

AA1 at a concentration 50 µM or below was not toxic to hPDLCs whereas asiaticoside had revealed no impact on cell viability at any concentration tested. The results showed that 2.5 µM of AA1 and 100 µM of asiaticoside significantly induced gene expression of osterix and dentin matrix protein1 (DMP1), concomitant with a formation of mineralized nodules. AA1 activated Wnt signaling as shown by an increase of WNT3A expression and nuclear translocation of β-catenin. This activation was effectively inhibited when cells were pretreated with recombinant human Dickkopf1 (rhDKK1). rhDKK1 significantly attenuated the AA1-induced expression of DMP1 at both mRNA and protein level.

CONCLUSIONS

These results confirm a common mechanism between asiaticoside and AA1 in fostering osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs with a higher potency of AA1. In summary, this study has introduced a novel derivative of asiaticoside, which potentially enhance therapeutic effectiveness for periodontal regeneration.

Uncovering somatic genetic drivers in prostate cancer through comprehensive genome-wide analysis

Given that hereditary prostate cancer (PCa) accounts for only a small fraction of PCa phenotypes, there is still a substantial journey ahead in exploring the somatic genetic drivers contributing to sporadic PCa. The expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) data were sourced from the GTEx dataset for prostate-specific genes, and the summary statistic information was collected for 5854 genes. Genetic associations with PCa were extracted from three well-established consortiums: the UK Biobank (9131 cases and 173,493 controls), the PRACTICAL study (79,148 cases and 61,106 controls), and the FinnGen cohort (13,216 cases and 119,948 controls). To prioritize potential causal targets, additional analysis, including the protein-protein interaction (PPI), The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, and the single-cell-type expression analysis, was performed. Generally, a total of 150 common significant genes with the same causal association with PCa were identified. Out of the 150 genes examined, 67.33% (101/150) were found to have protein-coding functions, while only 30.67% (46/150) of these genes had prior mentions in the scientific literature. Notably, the analysis of the TCGA dataset showed that only 44.67% (67/150) of the genes produced consistent results with the Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Furthermore, the evaluation of single-cell RNA-seq data and colocalization analysis singled out MSMB as a critical gene associated with the occurrence of PCa. We pinpointed a range of prostate-specific genes that display causal associations with the onset of PCa. Among these, the MSMB gene emerged as a pivotal factor linked to PCa, demonstrating robust consistency across all four assessments, including the MR, TCGA dataset, single-cell RNA-seq data, and colocalization analysis. These findings provided fresh perspectives on the pathogenesis of PCa and presented potential targets for drug development.

Serum proteomic profiles of patients with chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis

OBJECTIVES

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is an autoinflammatory disease characterized by sterile bone inflammation; however, its pathophysiology is poorly understood. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the serum proteomic profiles of patients with CRMO to better understand the molecular mechanisms underpinning CRMO pathogenesis.

METHODS

Proteomic profiling of the sera collected from 11 patients with CRMO (5 patients were in active phase, 6 were in inactive phase) was conducted using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Sera from four children without inflammatory diseases were used as controls. Pathway analysis was performed to identify the upregulated and downregulated proteins in patients with active CRMO.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, 19 and 41 proteins were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, in patients with active CRMO. Pathway and process enrichment analyses revealed that axon guidance was the most enriched category of upregulated proteins in patients with active CRMO, followed by neutrophil degranulation and mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade regulation. In comparison to patients with inactive CRMO, 36 proteins, including 11 keratin proteins, were upregulated and highly enriched in the intermediate filament organization category. Rho GTPase pathway-related proteins were downregulated in ibuprofen-treated patients.

CONCLUSION

Proteomic analysis identified upregulated proteins in the sera of patients with acute CRMO. These proteins can be used as biomarkers for disease diagnosis and activity. Furthermore, we anticipate that this study will contribute to a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of CRMO, which, in turn, will contribute to the discovery of potential novel therapeutic targets.

Cancer stem cells: Masters of all traits

Cancer is a heterogeneous disease, which contributes to its rapid progression and therapeutic failure. Besides interpatient tumor heterogeneity, tumors within a single patient can present with a heterogeneous mix of genetically and phenotypically distinct subclones. These unique subclones can significantly impact the traits of cancer. With the plasticity that intratumoral heterogeneity provides, cancers can easily adapt to changes in their microenvironment and therapeutic exposure. Indeed, tumor cells dynamically shift between a more differentiated, rapidly proliferating state with limited tumorigenic potential and a cancer stem cell (CSC)-like state that resembles undifferentiated cellular precursors and is associated with high tumorigenicity. In this context, CSCs are functionally located at the apex of the tumor hierarchy, contributing to the initiation, maintenance, and progression of tumors, as they also represent the subpopulation of tumor cells most resistant to conventional anti-cancer therapies. Although the CSC model is well established, it is constantly evolving and being reshaped by advancing knowledge on the roles of CSCs in different cancer types. Here, we review the current evidence of how CSCs play a pivotal role in providing the many traits of aggressive tumors while simultaneously evading immunosurveillance and anti-cancer therapy in several cancer types. We discuss the key traits and characteristics of CSCs to provide updated insights into CSC biology and highlight its implications for therapeutic development and improved treatment of aggressive cancers.

Protein profiling uncovers IGF-1R inhibition potential of 3-(2-furoyl)-indole scaffolds in hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM

This study investigates the anti-proliferative potential and possible molecular mechanisms of 3-(2-furoyl)-indole derivatives against HepG2.

METHOD

Identified hit compounds (4a, 4b, 4c) using MTT screening, were further investigated for their efficacy and mechanism of action through FACS studies, in-silico molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and label-free quantitative proteome and ADMET prediction.

RESULTS

Lead compound 4a, showed IC50 of 27 µM against HepG2 cells and a binding score of -8.077 kcal/mol against IGF-1 R (PDB ID: 5XFS) and formed a stable complex 100 ns. Proteomic study revealed significant downregulation of the IGF-1 R downstream signaling molecules and showed minimal toxicity and favorable drug-like properties.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that 4a is a promising IGF-1 R inhibitor and potential drug candidate against drug resistance hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

A pan-cancer analysis of the oncogenic and immunological roles of RGS5 in clear cell renal cell carcinomas based on in vitro experiment validation

BACKGROUND

RGS5, the first gene identified in tumor-resident pericytes, plays a crucial role in angiogenesis. However, its effects on immunology and prognosis in human cancer are still mostly unknown. This study investigates the carcinogenic and immunological roles of RGS5 through a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis.

METHODS

A standardized pan-cancer dataset for RGS5 was obtained from the public database. R software and relevant packages were utilized to analyze the oncogenic and immunological roles. Clinical samples and cellular experiments were conducted to validate RGS5 expression and its biological function in renal cancer.

RESULTS

Bioinformatics analysis revealed that RGS5 is dysregulated in a variety of human malignancies and is significantly associated with patient prognosis. Additionally, RGS5 expression is closely linked to tumor heterogeneity and stemness indicators across different cancer types. Co-expression of RGS5 with genes involved in MHC, immune activation, immunosuppressive proteins, chemokines, and chemokine receptors was observed in various tumors. High expression of RGS5 predicts a good prognosis in patients with renal cancer. In the renal cancer cohort, RGS5 expression strongly correlated with the distribution of tumor-associated fibroblasts. Silencing RGS5 expression can affect the proliferation, migration, and invasion of renal carcinoma cells.

CONCLUSIONS

RGS5 expression in tumors is intricately associated with various clinical features, particularly concerning tumor progression and patient prognosis.

Skullcapflavone II suppresses TGF-β-induced corneal epithelial mesenchymal transition in vitro

AIM

To investigate the effect of skullcapflavone II (SCF-II) on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) in human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs), as well as to identify the signaling pathways that may be involved.

METHODS

HCECs were cultured in vitro. At a SCF-II (5, 10 µmol/L) dose, cell viability was analysed with a cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and cell migration was monitored with wound healing and Transwell migration assays. There were 4 groups: SCF-II, TGF-β, SCF-II+TGF-β and Control. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were performed to show the expression of EMT markers and the translocation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) into the nucleus in the 4 groups.

RESULTS

Treatment with SCF-II decreased HCEC viability in a dose-dependent manner. A concentration below 10 µmol/L did not present obvious cell toxicity, and survival rates were more than 70% at 48h. Treatment with SCF-II (5 and 10 µmol/L) significantly impeded migration in wound healing and Transwell migration assays (P<0.05), and EMT markers and NF-κB translocation into the nucleus were inhibited. After both TGF-β and SCF-II treatment, the migration of TGF-β-treated HCECs were suppressed by SCF-II (P<0.05). The expression levels of the mesenchymal markers N-cadherin (P<0.05), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA; P<0.05) and NF-κB (P<0.05) in both TGF-β- and SCF-II-treated HCECs were lower than those in the HCECs treated with TGF-β alone and higher than those in HCECs treated with SCF-II alone. Immunofluorescence showed that the entry of NF-κB into the nucleus in both TGF-β- and SCF-II-treated HCECs was less than that in the TGF-β-treated HCECs.

CONCLUSION

SCF-II inhibit TGF-β-induced EMT in HCECs by potentially regulating the NF-κB signalling pathway. Thus, SCF-II represents a candidate putative therapeutic agent in corneal fibrotic diseases.

Urinary exosomes as promising biomarkers for early kidney disease detection

Kidney injury and disease pose a significant global health burden. Despite existing diagnostic methods, early detection remains challenging due to the lack of specific molecular markers to identify and stage various kidney lesions. Urinary exosomes, extracellular vesicles secreted by kidney cells, offer a promising solution. These vesicles contain a variety of biomolecules, such as proteins, RNA, and DNA. These biomolecules can reflect the unique physiological and pathological states of the kidney. This review explores the potential of urinary exosomes as biomarkers for a range of kidney diseases, including renal failure, diabetic nephropathy, and renal tumors. By analyzing specific protein alterations within these exosomes, we aim to develop more precise and tailored diagnostic tools to detect kidney diseases at an early stage and improve patient outcomes. While challenges persist in isolating, characterizing, and extracting reliable information from urinary exosomes, overcoming these hurdles is crucial for advancing their clinical application. The successful implementation of urinary exosome-based diagnostics could revolutionize early kidney disease detection, enabling more targeted treatment and improved patient outcomes.

Phospholipase C Beta 2 as a Key Regulator of Tumor Progression and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition via PI3K/AKT Signaling in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents the most common form of invasive kidney cancer in adults. Among the components critical to cellular regulation is Phospholipase C Beta 2 (PLCB2), a member of the phospholipase C enzyme family. This enzyme plays a vital role in managing key cellular functions such as growth, differentiation, migration, and survival. Despite its significant importance, the specific expression patterns and molecular mechanisms of PLCB2 in the progression of RCC are not well understood. Methods: This investigation employed a combination of bioinformatics analyses, scRNA-seq, functional assays, transcriptome sequencing, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR), immunofluorescence, rescue experiments, and Western blotting to explore the regulatory function of PLCB2 in driving the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in RCC through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Results:PLCB2 expression is significantly elevated in RCC samples, and this increase is inversely correlated with patient prognosis. The knockdown of PLCB2 in RCC cell lines leads to a marked reduction in cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT. Transcriptome sequencing further revealed that PLCB2 is significantly associated with the PI3K/AKT pathway. Notably, the PI3K activator 740Y-P was able to reverse the reductions in migration, invasion, and EMT caused by the PLCB2 knockdown. Conclusions: Our findings underscore the pivotal role of PLCB2 in regulating RCC invasion and metastasis by modulating the EMT via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This highlights PLCB2 not only as a key prognostic biomarker, but also as a promising therapeutic target in the treatment of advanced-stage RCC, offering new avenues for more effective interventions.

Identification and validation of immune and diagnostic biomarkers for interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome by integrating bioinformatics and machine-learning

Background

The etiology of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/BPS) remains elusive, presenting significant challenges in both diagnosis and treatment. To address these challenges, we employed a comprehensive approach aimed at identifying diagnostic biomarkers that could facilitate the assessment of immune status in individuals with IC/BPS.

Methods

Transcriptome data from IC/BPS patients were sourced from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) crucial for gene set enrichment analysis. Key genes within the module were revealed using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Hub genes in IC/BPS patients were identified through the application of three distinct machine-learning algorithms. Additionally, the inflammatory status and immune landscape of IC/BPS patients were evaluated using the ssGSEA algorithm. The expression and biological functions of key genes in IC/BPS were further validated through in vitro experiments.

Results

A total of 87 DEGs were identified, comprising 43 up-regulated and 44 down-regulated genes. The integration of predictions from the three machine-learning algorithms highlighted three pivotal genes: PLAC8 (AUC: 0.887), S100A8 (AUC: 0.818), and PPBP (AUC: 0.871). Analysis of IC/BPS tissue samples confirmed elevated PLAC8 expression and the presence of immune cell markers in the validation cohorts. Moreover, PLAC8 overexpression was found to promote the proliferation of urothelial cells without affecting their migratory ability by inhibiting the Akt/mTOR/PI3K signaling pathway.

Conclusions

Our study identifies potential diagnostic candidate genes and reveals the complex immune landscape associated with IC/BPS. Among them, PLAC8 is a promising diagnostic biomarker that modulates the immune response in patients with IC/BPS, which provides new insights into the future diagnosis of IC/BPS.

Comprehensive analysis of the prognostic, immunological, and diagnostic roles of SIRT1 in pan-cancer and its validation in KIRC

Background

Disturbances in DNA damage repair may lead to cancer. SIRT1, an NAD+-dependent deacetylase, plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis through the regulation of processes such as histone posttranslational modifications, DNA repair, and cellular metabolism. However, a comprehensive exploration of SIRT1's involvement in pan-cancer remains lacking. Our study aimed to analyze the role of SIRT1 in pan-cancer to gain a more comprehensive understanding of its role in multiple malignancies.

Methods

We systematically examined the role of SIRT1 in pan-cancer by analyzing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases. Various tools, including R, Cytoscape, HPA, Archs4, TISIDB, cBioPortal, STRING, GSCALite, and CancerSEA, were used to integrate and analyze SIRT1 gene expression, prognosis, protein interactions, signaling pathways, immune infiltration, and other relevant information. Furthermore, we validated the differential expression of SIRT1 in normal human kidney cells and kidney cancer cell lines via experimental verification.

Results

SIRT1 expression was significantly reduced in various cancers and was different across molecular and immune subtypes. SIRT1 is intricately linked to numerous cancer pathways. In most cancer types, increased SIRT1 expression is positively associated with eosinophils, helper T cells, central memory T cells, effector memory T cells, γδ T cells, and Th2 cells. SIRT1 expression is significantly correlated with immune regulatory factors across various cancer types. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB) analyses confirmed that SIRT1 is differentially expressed in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC).

Conclusions

Using an integrative approach involving bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation, we clarified the potential roles and mechanisms of SIRT1 in pan-cancer, providing a theoretical basis for the development of SIRT1-targeted therapies in clinical applications.

Identifying ADME-related gene signature for immune landscape and prognosis in KIRC by single-cell and spatial transcriptome analysis

Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is the most prevalent subtype of kidney cancer. Although multiple therapeutic agents have been proven effective in KIRC, their clinical application has been hindered by a lack of reliable biomarkers. This study focused on the prognostic value and function of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion- (ADME-) related genes (ARGs) in KIRC to enhance personalized therapy. The critical role of ARGs in KIRC microenvironment was confirmed by single cell RNA-seq analysis and spatial transcriptome sequencing analysis for the first time. Then, an ADME-related prognostic signature (ARPS) was developed by the bulk RNA-seq analysis. The ARPS, created through Cox regression, LASSO, and stepAIC analyses, identified eight ARGs that stratified patients into high-risk and low-risk groups. High-risk patients had significantly poorer overall survival. Multivariate analysis confirmed the independent predictive ability of ARPS, and an ARPS-based nomogram was constructed for clinical application. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway analyses revealed immune-related functions and pathways enriched in these groups, with low-risk patients showing better responses to immunotherapy. Finally, the expression of ARGs was validated by qRT-PCR and Western blotting experiments. These findings underscore the prognostic significance of ARPS in KIRC and its potential application in guiding personalized treatment strategies.

Mechanistic and therapeutic insights into the function of N6-methyladenosine in arthritic diseases

OBJECTIVE

Arthritis is a class of diseases, characterized by joint and surrounding inflammation, accompanied by joint swelling, pain, dysfunction. According to different factors, arthritis can be divided into osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and so on. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common internal modification of eukaryotic mRNA and is involved in splicing, stabilization, output and degradation of RNA metabolism. This review systematically summarized current insights into the mechanism of m6A in arthritis.

METHODS

The studies related to the involvement of m6A in the pathogenesis of arthritis reported in PubMed, Google scholar, and other open source literatures were investigated to evaluate the important roles of m6A in arhtritis, and the clinical relevances.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

M6A methylation regulators play the roles of writers, erasers, and readers, are crucial for regulating gene expression, and play important roles in many biological processes such as virus replication and cell differentiation. In addition, more and more studies have shown that m6A is closely related to the development of arthritis. As a new therapeutic target for arthritis, m6A has a wide influence on the pathological mechanism of arthritis. However, further research is needed to determine how m6A affects arthritis pathology and its use in target therapy and diagnosis.

Identification of cancer-associated fibroblast subtypes and prognostic model development in breast cancer: role of the RUNX1/SDC1 axis in promoting invasion and metastasis

In this study, we identified cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) molecular subtypes and developed a CAF-based prognostic model for breast cancer (BRCA). The heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and their significant involvement in the advancement of BRCA were discovered employing single-cell RNA sequencing. Notably, we discovered that the RUNX1/SDC1 axis enhances BRCA cell invasion and metastasis. RUNX1 transcriptionally upregulates SDC1, which facilitates extracellular matrix remodeling and promotes tumor cell migration. This finding highlights the vital contribution of CAFs to the tumor microenvironment and provides new potential targets for therapeutic intervention. The predictive model showcased remarkable precision in anticipating patient outcomes and could guide personalized treatment strategies.

Total extra-peritoneal approach to radical cystectomy with ureterostomy: A novel technique for the elderly and frail

OBJECTIVES

Radical cystectomy with urinary diversion is the gold standard treatment for bladder cancer (high-risk/muscle invasive). The transperitoneal approach is associated with significant gastrointestinal complications like ileus. In the elderly and frail with a single functional kidney, we describe an extraperitoneal technique of radical cystectomy, with a ureterostomy, to be performed without general anesthesia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The elderly, frail, and high-risk candidates for general anesthesia, with a prior history of nephroureterectomy with a second primary muscle-invasive bladder cancer, were chosen. All patients underwent the described procedure under combined spinal and epidural anesthesia. The posterior dissection was retrograde, caudal to cranial, with the peritoneum being opened only for resection of the dome. A cutaneous ureterostomy was fashioned on the side of the functional kidney. Peri-operative parameters were assessed for early recovery in this high-risk group.

RESULTS

The mean age was 82 years (range: 73-91), with Charleson Comorbidity Index 5, and were all deemed unfit for neoadjuvant chemotherapy. With a median duration of 127.5 minutes, an average blood loss of 225ml, and no patient requiring general anesthesia; early ambulation, early return of bowel function, and a lesser hospital stay (7 days) with minimal morbidity were achieved. Negative surgical margins were achieved in all cases, with a mean harvest of 29 lymph nodes. Only 1 patient developed stomal stenosis. The cause-specific survival (CSS) is 100% at 2 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The highlighting features are the early return of bowel function (flatus passage on day 1) and the avoidance of the cardio-pulmonary complications of general anesthesia. The extraperitoneal cystectomy offers a promising alternative in this select group and warrants further studies to extrapolate this technique for bilateral urinary drainage.

Next-generation adjuvant systems containing furfurman drives potent adaptive immunity and host defense as a foot-and-mouth disease vaccine adjuvant

Introduction

Many countries use commercial foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines to prevent FMD pandemics, but these vaccines have disadvantages, such as repeated vaccinations due to the short persistence of antibody (Ab) titers and incomplete host defense despite high Ab titers. To address these shortcomings, we aimed to develop a novel FMD vaccine containing furfurman as an adjuvant.

Method

To demonstrate the efficacy of the test vaccine, adaptive immunity was evaluated by measuring Ab and neutralizing Ab titers and host defense against viral infections in experimental and target animals. In addition, the expression levels of cytokines [interferon (IFN)α, IFNβ, IFNγ, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, and IL-12p40] were evaluated at the early stages of vaccination to confirm the simultaneous induction of cellular and humoral immune responses induced by the test vaccine.

Result

The groups that received vaccine containing furfurman showed a strong early, mid-term, and long-term immune response and host defense against viral infections compared to the control groups. The significant upregulation observed in cytokine levels in the furfurman group compared to those in the control groups strongly suggest that the test vaccine strengthens cellular immune response and effectively induces a humoral immune response.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that furfurman, as an FMD vaccine adjuvant, achieves long-lasting immunity and host defense against viral infections by eliciting potent cellular and humoral immune responses. Therefore, our findings contribute to the design of next-generation FMD vaccines and highlight the potential application of furfurman as an adjuvant for other viral diseases.

The Dectin-1 and Dectin-2 clusters: C-type lectin receptors with fundamental roles in immunity

The ability of myeloid cells to recognize and differentiate endogenous or exogenous ligands rely on the presence of different transmembrane protein receptors. C-type lectin receptors (CLRs), defined by the presence of a conserved structural motif called C-type lectin-like domain (CTLD), are a crucial family of receptors involved in this process, being able to recognize a diverse range of ligands from glycans to proteins or lipids and capable of initiating an immune response. The Dectin-1 and Dectin-2 clusters involve two groups of CLRs, with genes genomically linked within the natural killer cluster of genes in both humans and mice, and all characterized by the presence of a single extracellular CTLD. Fundamental immune cell functions such as antimicrobial effector mechanisms as well as internalization and presentation of antigens are induced and/or regulated through activatory, or inhibitory signalling pathways triggered by these receptors after ligand binding. In this review, we will discuss the most recent concepts regarding expression, ligands, signaling pathways and functions of each member of the Dectin clusters of CLRs, highlighting the importance and diversity of their functions.

ETV4‑mediated transcriptional activation of SLC12A5 exacerbates ferroptosis resistance and glucose metabolism reprogramming in breast cancer cells

Solute carrier family 12 member 5 (SLC12A5) is an oncogene in numerous types of cancer, however its function in breast cancer (BC) remains elusive. ETS translocation variant 4 (ETV4) promotes BC. Therefore, the present study aimed to elucidate the role of SLC12A5 in ferroptosis and glucose metabolism in BC cells as well as to understand the underlying mechanism. Analysis of data from the UALCAN database demonstrated expression levels of SLC12A5 in BC and its association with prognosis. Reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blotting were conducted to evaluate the expression levels of SLC12A5 and ETV4 in BC cells. The abilities of BC cells to proliferate, migrate and invade were assessed using Cell Counting Kit‑8, colony formation, wound healing and Transwell assays. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay and a C11 BODIPY 581/591 probe were used to evaluate lipid peroxidation. Ferroptosis resistance was evaluated by the measurement of Fe2+ and ferroptosis‑related solute carrier family 7a member 11 (SLC7A11), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), acyl‑CoA synthetase long‑chain family member 4 (ACSL4) and transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1) protein levels. Glycolysis was assessed via evaluation of extracellular acidification rate, oxygen consumption rate, lactate production and glucose consumption. Finally, luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay were used to verify the interaction between ETV4 and the SLC12A5 promoter. UALCAN database analysis indicated that SLC12A5 was upregulated in BC tissues and cells and that SLC12A5 elevation indicated a poor prognosis of patients with BC. SLC12A5 knockdown suppressed the BC cell proliferative, migratory and invasive capabilities. Moreover, SLC12A5 knockdown decreased BC cell ferroptosis resistance and glucose metabolism reprogramming. The transcription factor ETV4 was demonstrated to bind to the SLC12A5 promoter and upregulate its transcription. Furthermore, ETV4 overexpression counteracted the suppressive effect of SLC12A5 knockdown on the BC cell proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities, as well as on ferroptosis resistance and glucose metabolism reprogramming. Transcriptional activation of SLC12A5 by ETV4 modulated the migration, invasion, ferroptosis resistance and glucose metabolism reprogramming of BC cells.

Uncovering the ceRNA Network Related to the Prognosis of Stomach Adenocarcinoma Among 898 Patient Samples

Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) patients are often associated with significantly high mortality rates and poor prognoses worldwide. Among STAD patients, competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) play key roles in regulating one another at the post-transcriptional stage by competing for shared miRNAs. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the roles of lncRNAs in the ceRNA network of STAD, uncovering the molecular biomarkers for target therapy and prognosis. Specifically, a multitude of differentially expressed lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs (i.e., 898 samples in total) was collected and processed from TCGA. Cytoplasmic lncRNAs were kept for evaluating overall survival (OS) time and constructing the ceRNA network. Differentially expressed mRNAs in the ceRNA network were also investigated for functional and pathological insights. Interestingly, we identified one ceRNA network including 13 lncRNAs, 25 miRNAs, and 9 mRNAs. Among them, 13 RNAs were found related to the patient survival time; their individual risk score can be adopted for prognosis inference. Finally, we constructed a comprehensive ceRNA regulatory network for STAD and developed our own risk-scoring system that can predict the OS time of STAD patients by taking into account the above.

Japanese expert consensus on the standardization of robot-assisted pelvic lymph node dissection in urological surgery: Extent of pelvic lymph node and surgical technique

Pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) is important for accurate staging and prognosis of prostate and/or bladder cancer. Several guidelines recommend extended PLND for patients with these cancers. However, the therapeutic benefits of extended PLND are unclear. One major reason is that the extent of PLND is not clearly defined. Thus, the working group for standardization of robot-assisted PLND, including nine experienced urologists for PLND in Japan, was launched in January 2023 by the Japanese Society of Endourology and Robotics. This study summarized the discussions to define the individual extent of PLND in urological surgery in a consensus meeting among these experienced urologists. The consensus meeting determined the extent of PLND based on arteries (veins) and anatomical membrane structures rather than a vague concept or approach toward PLND. This concept is expected to allow surgeons to implement the same extent of PLND. Finally, after a total of 10 online web conferences were held, we determined the extent of PLND for the obturator lymph node (LN) area, the internal iliac LN area, the external and common iliac LN area, and the presacral LN area according to the above rules. The extent of PLND suggested here currently does not have a clear therapeutic rationale. Therefore, the extent of our proposed PLND is by no means mandatory. We hope our definition of the extent of PLND will be supported by further evidence of therapeutic benefits for urologic cancers.

Coloprotective effects of chebulic myrobalan extract by regulation of AMPK-SIRT1 signaling: A pharmacological and histopathological evaluation

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic, refractory disease caused by dysregulation of mucosal immune responses to the indigenous bacterial flora as well as genetic and environmental variables. Recently, there has been increasing interest towards the use of herbal medicines for the treatment of ulcerative colitis and the potential benefits could lie in their high patient acceptability, effectiveness, safety, and relatively low cost. It has been reported that Chebulic myrobalan (Terminalia chebula) exhibits anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. The present study was designed to evaluate the protective potential of extract of dried fruit pulp of T. chebula against Dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis in male BALB/c mice. Three cycles of DSS (3 % w/v in drinking water), each followed by a seven-day remission phase were used to induce ulcerative colitis in mice. Animals were treated with T. chebula (300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg) starting from Ist remission period to the end of the study. Different biochemical assays, histological evaluation and molecular analysis were performed to evaluate the protective effects of T. chebula extract in DSS induced colitis. T. chebula modulates the expression of nuclear factor kappa B, adenosine monophosphate kinase, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, sirtuin 1 and interleukin-1β. Furthermore, it also accorded coloprotective effects against DNA damage, apoptosis, inflammation and nitrosative stress. Finally, it was found that the high dose of the T. chebula extract (600 mg/kg) was found to be more effective than a low dose (300 mg/kg) in restoring the ulcerative colitis induced colonic damage.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: Contemporary results over a wide range of tumor complexity

Background

Partial nephrectomy (PN) is considered the gold standard surgical treatment for renal masses < 7cm in size (T1 tumors). Since the introduction of the robotic-assisted laparoscopic PN (raPN) in high-volume centers, it has been increasingly adapted and standardized by urologists worldwide. There is growing evidence that the robot-assisted laparoscopic technique is associated with superior outcomes compared to those of open and conventional laparoscopic techniques. This study aimed to summarize the contemporary outcome data of raPN for renal tumors with varying degrees of complexity and to assess whether the outcomes reported from high-volume centers are reproducible in a limited caseload setting.

Materials and methods

This was a retrospective study of a single surgeon's experience, including 123 consecutive patients undergoing raPN at our institution. Ultimately, 110 patients were included in the analysis. Basic characteristics, tumor complexity as described by the RENAL score, complications described by the Clavien-Dindo classification system, and functional and oncological outcomes were assessed and analyzed statistically.

Results

Of the 110 patients, 27 (24%), 61 (55%), and 23 (21%) had low, intermediate, and high degrees of complexity, respectively, according to the RENAL score. A cancer-negative surgical margin was achieved in 108 (97%) patients. A total of 70 (64%) patients had no loss of renal function, while 20 (27%) had minimal loss of renal function. Complications of > 3 Clavien-Dindo classification during the first 30 postoperative days occurred in 5 (5%) patients. The 3 complexity groups were found to have significantly different ischemia time: Low, 8 minutes (interquartile range [IQR], 8-9.5); Intermediate, 12 minutes (IQR, 10-13); and High, 15.5 minutes (IQR, 11.25-18.75) (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the groups.

Conclusions

Contemporary standards for raPN are safe and reproducible. Adherence to the technique reported by centers of excellence yielded comparable results with regard to tumor control, preservation of renal function, and complication rates in lower-volume settings.

Exercise-produced irisin effects on brain-related pathological conditions

Exercise increases peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) expression, which in turn causes the fibronectin type III domain containing 5 (FNDC5) protein to be produced. This protein is then cleaved, primarily in skeletal muscle fibers, to produce irisin. When the mature FNDC5 is cleaved by proteases, Irisin - which is the fibronectin III domain without the signal sequence - is released. Resistance, aerobic, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) are recognized as forms of physical exercise that raise irisin levels, and insulin receptor phosphorylation in tyrosine residues, favoring an increase in the activity of the insulin-dependent pathway (PI3K pathway) and assisting in the fight against insulin resistance, inflammation, and cognitive decline. Irisin may represent a promising option for the therapeutic targeting in several brain-related pathological conditions, like Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), epilepsy, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Exercise protocols are healthy and inexpensive interventions that can help find cellular and molecular changes in several brain-related pathological conditions. Here, it was reviewed what is known about exercise-produced irisin studies involving AD, PD, epilepsy, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.

Bladder cancer biomarkers: current approaches and future directions

Bladder cancer is a significant health concern worldwide, necessitating effective diagnostic and monitoring strategies. Biomarkers play a crucial role in the early detection, prognosis, and treatment of this disease. This review explores the current landscape of bladder cancer biomarkers, including FDA-approved molecular biomarkers and emerging ones. FDA-approved molecular biomarkers, such as BTA stat, BTA TRAK, and NMP22, have been instrumental in diagnosing and monitoring bladder cancer. These biomarkers are derived from urinary samples and are particularly useful due to their sensitivity and specificity. As we move forward, we should continue to seek ways to optimize our processes and outcomes, these markers remain seriously challenged in the detection of early bladder cancer due to their limited sensitivity and specificity. For instance, sensitivities of BTA stat in bladder tumor detection have varied between 40-72%, while its specificities vary from 29-96%. In the same way, 70% sensitivity and 80% specificity have been recorded for BTA TRAK, while 11-85.7% sensitivity and 77-100% specificity have been documented for NMP22 BladderChek. The given variations, especially the low sensitivity in the diagnosis of bladder cancer at an early stage call for the invention of better diagnostic systems. Moreover, different sample collection and handling procedures applied in different laboratories further contribute to inconsistent results obtained. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and exosomes, which carry a vast number of proteins, are being considered as potential biomarkers. Although these markers show promise, challenges remain due to non-standardized isolation techniques and lack of reproducibility across studies. Moreover, the discovery of new potential biomarkers is ongoing. For instance, the UBC® Rapid test and UBC ELISA kit, the XPERT BC Monitor, BC UroMark, TaqMan® Arrays, Soluble FAS (sFAS), Bladder tumor fibronectin (BTF), and IGF2 and MAGE-A3 are among the newest biomarkers under investigation. In conclusion, while bladder cancer biomarkers have shown great promise, more research is needed to standardize the testing procedures and validate these biomarkers in a clinical setting. This will pave the way for more accurate and efficient diagnosis and monitoring of bladder cancer, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Proteomics analysis reveals the differential impact of the p97 inhibitor CB-5083 on protein levels in various cellular compartments of the HL-60 cell line

Human p97/VCP is a vital AAA ATPase (ATPase associated with diverse cellular activity) that plays critical roles in protein homeostasis by regulating autophagy, endosomal trafficking, and the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Global proteomics analysis of p97/VCP inhibition with CB-5083 has been performed in HCT116 colon cells. Here, we examined the impact of CB-5083 treatment in another cancer model, the HL-60 acute myeloid leukemia cell line, employing subcellular fractionation combined with label-free proteomics to analyze changes in protein levels across cytoplasmic, nuclear, and insoluble membrane protein compartments. The results reveal distinct compartment-specific protein regulation, providing insight into p97/VCP's cellular mechanisms and its potential for targeted therapeutic applications.