Prognostic Model Construction of Disulfidptosis-Related Genes and Targeted Anticancer Drug Research in Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer stands as one of the most lethal malignancies, characterized by delayed diagnosis, high mortality rates, limited treatment efficacy, and poor prognosis. Disulfidptosis, a recently unveiled modality of cell demise induced by disulfide stress, has emerged as a critical player intricately associated with the onset and progression of various cancer types. It has emerged as a promising candidate biomarker for cancer diagnosis, prognosis assessment, and treatment strategies. In this study, we have effectively established a prognostic risk model for pancreatic cancer by incorporating multiple differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (DElncRNAs) closely linked to disulfide-driven cell death. Our investigation delved into the nuanced relationship between the DElncRNA-based predictive model for disulfide-driven cell death and the therapeutic responses to anticancer agents. Our findings illuminate that the high-risk subgroup exhibits heightened susceptibility to the small molecule compound AZD1208, positioning it as a prospective therapeutic agent for pancreatic cancer. Finally, we have elucidated the underlying mechanistic potential of AZD1208 in ameliorating pancreatic cancer through its targeted inhibition of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARG) protein, employing an array of comprehensive analytical methods, including molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. This study explores disulfidptosis-related genes, paving the way for the development of targeted therapies for pancreatic cancer and emphasizing their significance in the field of oncology. Furthermore, through computational biology approaches, the drug AZD1208 was identified as a potential treatment targeting the PPARG protein for pancreatic cancer. This discovery opens new avenues for exploring targets and screening drugs for pancreatic cancer.

Upregulation of the interferon-inducible antiviral gene RSAD2 in neuroendocrine prostate cancer via PVT1 exon 9 dependent and independent pathways

PVT1 exon 9 overexpression is a newly uncovered aberration in prostate cancer (PCa). We have previously demonstrated the exon 9 region of PVT1 is overexpressed in some patient PCa tissues and caused development of neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we focused on elucidating downstream mechanisms induced by PVT1 exon 9 overexpression with the goal of further understanding its role in NEPC development. RNA-seq analysis of a PVT1 exon 9 overexpressing PCa model revealed significant enrichment of genes responsible for inducing inflammatory processes including RSAD2. We observed RSAD2 overexpression in all NEPC models examined whereas PVT1 exon 9 was overexpressed only in a subset of the NEPC models. We identified two distinct pathways in which RSAD2 is overexpressed: one dependent and one independent on PVT1 exon 9 overexpression. Knockdown of RSAD2 suppressed cell proliferation and migration suggestive of its role as a therapeutic target in NEPC. We identified RSAD2 induces increased cell proliferation, colony formation, and may be involved in the transition between CRPC and NEPC. Distinct differences between PVT1 exon 9-dependent and PVT1 exon 9-independent NEPC models include differences in type II interferon signaling and AR modulation. PVT1 exon 9 binds to RSAD2 protein and disruption of binding significantly impedes downstream interferon gamma secretion by PVT1 exon 9-dependent NEPC cells. These novel findings indicate the importance of these two independent pathways in NEPC, the need to identify relevant NEPC patient populations and study strategies for targeting PVT1 exon 9 and/or RSAD2.

Harnessing pseudogenes for lung cancer: A novel epigenetic target in diagnosis, prognosis and treatment

Pseudogenes are abundantly present in the human genome and are often thought of as nonfunctional nucleotide sequences, but a growing body of research suggests that pseudogenes can play important biological roles through a variety of pathways, and can be involved in the development of cancer. Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in the world and it is crucial to find new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of lung cancer. In recent years, studies on the effects of pseudogenes on lung carcinogenesis have increased rapidly. This has pointed to new directions in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. Aim of this paper is to comprehensively discuss the role and influence of pseudogenes in the lung cancer, and the potential of pseudogenes as novel epigenetic targets in lung cancer diagnosis and prognosis and treatment, which is significant for realizing the clinical benefits of pseudogenes.

Identification of UBA7 expression downregulation in myelodysplastic neoplasm with SF3B1 mutations

SF3B1 gene mutations are prevalent in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and define a distinct disease subtype. These mutations are associated with dysregulated genes and pathways, offering potential for novel therapeutic approaches. However, the aberrant mRNA alternative splicing landscape in SF3B1-deficient MDS cells remains underexplored. In this study, we investigated the influence of SF3B1 gene alterations on the pre-mRNA splicing landscape in MDS cells using transcriptomic data from two independent MDS cohorts. we identified over 5000 significant differential alternative splicing events associated with SF3B1 mutation. This work corroborates previous studies, showing significant enrichment of MYC activity and heme metabolism in SF3B1 mutant cells. A key novel finding of this study is the identification of a gene expression signature driven by SF3B1 mutations, centered on protein post-translational modifications. Notably, we discovered aberrant alternative splicing of the tumor suppressor gene UBA7, leading to significantly reduced gene expression. This dysregulation implicates UBA7 as a critical player in MDS pathogenesis. Importantly, the clinical relevance of this finding is underscored by the observation that low UBA7 gene expression was associated with poor overall survival in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), another hematological malignancy with frequent SF3B1 mutations. Furthermore, a similar association between low UBA7 gene expression and poor survival outcomes was observed across multiple tumor types in the TCGA database, highlighting the broader implications of UBA7 dysregulation in cancer biology. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms by which SF3B1 mutations reshape the pre-mRNA splicing landscape and drive disease pathogenesis in MDS. Furthermore, they underscore the potential of UBA7 as a biomarker to stratify SF3B1-mutant MDS and CLL patients, offering a refined approach for risk assessment and highlighting opportunities for targeted therapeutic interventions.

Ferroptosis: a potential therapeutic target in cardio-cerebrovascular diseases

Cardio-cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs) are the leading cause of global mortality, yet effective treatment options remain limited. Ferroptosis, a novel form of regulated cell death, has emerged as a critical player in various CCVDs, including atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, ischemia-reperfusion injury, cardiomyopathy, and ischemic/hemorrhagic strokes. This review highlights the core mechanisms of ferroptosis, its pathological implications in CCVDs, and the therapeutic potential of targeting this process. Additionally, it explores the role of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) in mitigating ferroptosis, offering novel therapeutic strategies for CCVDs management. Ferroptosis is regulated by several key pathways. The GPX4-GSH-System Xc- axis is central to ferroptosis execution, involving GPX4 using GSH to neutralize lipid peroxides, with system Xc- being crucial for GSH synthesis. The NAD(P)H/FSP1/CoQ10 axis involves FSP1 regenerating CoQ10 via NAD(P)H, inhibiting lipid peroxidation independently of GPX4. Lipid peroxidation, driven by PUFAs and enzymes like ACSL4 and LPCAT3, and iron metabolism, regulated by proteins like TfR1 and ferritin, are also crucial for ferroptosis. Inhibiting ferroptosis shows promise in managing CCVDs. In atherosclerosis, ferroptosis inhibitors reduce iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation. In myocardial infarction, inhibitors protect cardiomyocytes by preserving GPX4 and SLC7A11 levels. In ischemia-reperfusion injury, targeting ferroptosis reduces myocardial and cerebral damage. In diabetic cardiomyopathy, Nrf2 activators alleviate oxidative stress and iron metabolism irregularities. CHMs offer natural compounds that mitigate ferroptosis. They possess antioxidant properties, chelate iron, and modulate signaling pathways like Nrf2 and AMPK. For example, Salvia miltiorrhiza and Astragalus membranaceus reduce oxidative stress, while some CHMs chelate iron, reducing its availability for ferroptosis. In conclusion, ferroptosis plays a pivotal role in CCVDs, and targeting it offers novel therapeutic avenues. CHMs show promise in reducing ferroptosis and improving patient outcomes. Future research should explore combination therapies and further elucidate the molecular interactions in ferroptosis.

Insights into emerging mechanisms of ferroptosis: new regulators for cancer therapeutics

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death characterized by the accumulation of iron-dependent lipid peroxides, which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, and therapeutic agents targeting ferroptosis are emerging as promising tools for cancer treatment. Current research reveals that ferroptosis-targeted therapies can effectively inhibit tumor progression or delay cancer development. Notably, natural product-derived compounds-such as artemisinin, baicalin, puerarin, quercetin, kaempferol, and apigenin-have demonstrated the ability to modulate ferroptosis, offering potential anti-cancer benefits. Mechanistically, ferroptosis exhibits negative glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) regulation and demonstrates a positive correlation with plasma membrane polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) abundance. Moreover, the labile iron pool (LIP) serves as the redox engine of ferroptosis. This review systematically analyzes the hallmarks, signaling pathways, and molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis, with a focus on how natural product-derived small molecules regulate this process. It further evaluates their potential as ferroptosis inducers or inhibitors in anti-tumor therapy, providing a foundation for future clinical translation.

Research progress of ferroptosis pathway and its related molecular ubiquitination modification in liver cancer

As a new type of programmed cell death, ferroptosis is characterized by iron metabolism disorder and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and is involved in regulating the occurrence and development of cancer cells. Especially in the field of liver cancer treatment, ferroptosis shows great potential because it can induce tumor cell death. Ubiquitination is a process of protein post-translational modification, which can affect the stability of proteins and regulate the progress of ferroptosis. This article reviews the research progress of ubiquitination modification of molecules related to ferroptosis pathway in the regulation of liver cancer, providing a new strategy for the treatment of liver cancer.

Enhanced Superpixel-Guided ResNet Framework with Optimized Deep-Weighted Averaging-Based Feature Fusion for Lung Cancer Detection in Histopathological Images

Background/Objectives: Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortalities, with early diagnosis crucial for survival. While biopsy is the gold standard, manual histopathological analysis is time-consuming. This research enhances lung cancer diagnosis through deep learning-based feature extraction, fusion, optimization, and classification for improved accuracy and efficiency. Methods: The study begins with image preprocessing using an adaptive fuzzy filter, followed by segmentation with a modified simple linear iterative clustering (SLIC) algorithm. The segmented images are input into deep learning architectures, specifically ResNet-50 (RN-50), ResNet-101 (RN-101), and ResNet-152 (RN-152), for feature extraction. The extracted features are fused using a deep-weighted averaging-based feature fusion (DWAFF) technique, producing ResNet-X (RN-X)-fused features. To further refine these features, particle swarm optimization (PSO) and red deer optimization (RDO) techniques are employed within the selective feature pooling layer. The optimized features are classified using various machine learning classifiers, including support vector machine (SVM), decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), SoftMax discriminant classifier (SDC), Bayesian linear discriminant analysis classifier (BLDC), and multilayer perceptron (MLP). A performance evaluation is performed using K-fold cross-validation with K values of 2, 4, 5, 8, and 10. Results: The proposed DWAFF technique, combined with feature selection using RDO and classification with MLP, achieved the highest classification accuracy of 98.68% when using K = 10 for cross-validation. The RN-X features demonstrated superior performance compared to individual ResNet variants, and the integration of segmentation and optimization significantly enhanced classification accuracy. Conclusions: The proposed methodology automates lung cancer classification using deep learning, feature fusion, optimization, and advanced classification techniques. Segmentation and feature selection enhance performance, improving diagnostic accuracy. Future work may explore further optimizations and hybrid models.

Clinical Outcomes and Genomic Alterations in Gleason Score 10 Prostate Cancer

Background: Gleason score (GS) 10 prostate cancer (PC) is a highly aggressive localized disease. Despite advances in treating high-risk PC, the clinical outcomes and molecular underpinnings of GS 10 remain unclear. This study aimed to determine whether GS 10 PC has distinct clinical outcomes from other "high-risk" cancers (i.e., Gleason 8-9) and identify genomic alterations driving its aggressive phenotype. Methods: A retrospective review of The Cancer Genome Atlas database identified patients with GS 8-10 PC who underwent radical prostatectomy. Clinical factors were compared between GS 10 and GS 8-9 cohorts. Time to biochemical recurrence (BCR) was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression. RNA sequencing identified differentially expressed genes, and protein-protein interaction networks identified hub genes. Results: Of 192 patients, 13 (6.8%) had GS 10 PC. After median follow-up of 37.87 months, GS 10 status was associated with significantly lower time to BCR (AHR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.18-6.02; p = 0.018) compared to GS 8-9. Multiple genes (e.g., RAD54L, FAAH, AATK, MAST2) showed higher alteration frequencies, and high expression of RAD54L, MAST2, and CCHCR1 correlated with shorter disease-free survival. Six overlapping hub genes (CD8A, CDC20, E2F1, IL10, TNF, VCAM1) were overexpressed in GS 10 tumors, reflecting key pathways in tumor progression. Conclusions: GS 10 PC confers inferior time to BCR and displays a distinct genomic landscape compared to GS 8-9 disease, highlighting the need for biomarker-driven therapeutic strategies. Further studies are needed to validate these genomic targets and improve management for this very high-risk population.

Tumor microenvironment acidosis favors pancreatic cancer stem cell properties and in vivo metastasis

The acidic tumor microenvironment (TME) favors cancer aggressiveness via incompletely understood pathways. Here, we asked whether adaptation to environmental acidosis (pH 6.5) selects for human pancreatic cancer stem cell (CSC) properties. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of acid-adapted (AA) Panc-1 cells revealed CSC pathway enrichment and upregulation of CSC markers. AA Panc-1 cells exhibited classical CSC characteristics including increased aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity and β-catenin activity. Panc-1, PaTu8988s, and MiaPaCa-2 cells all exhibited increased pancreatosphere-forming efficiency after acid adaptation but differed in CSC marker expression and did not exhibit typical flow cytometric CSC populations. However, single-nucleus sequencing revealed the acid adaptation-induced emergence of Panc-1 cell subpopulations with clear CSC characteristics. In orthotopic mouse tumors, AA Panc-1 cells exhibited enhanced aggressiveness, liver and lung metastasis, compared to controls. Collectively, our work suggests that acid adaptation enriches for pancreatic CSC phenotypes with unusual traits via several trajectories, providing new insight into how acidic microenvironments favor cancer aggressiveness.

CD161, a promising prognostic biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma, correlates with immune infiltration

Background

CD161, encoded by the killer cell lectin-like receptor B1 (KLRB1) gene, exhibits varied roles among different tumors. This study aimed to explore both the potential value of CD161 as a prognostic biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its association with immune cell infiltration.

Methods

A total of 109 HCC patients who underwent surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Immunohistochemistry, bioinformatic analyses, and statistical measurements were used to investigate the associations between CD161 expression, immune cell infiltration, and clinical outcomes in both public databases and in-house cohorts.

Results

CD161 was highly expressed at both protein and mRNA levels in adjacent normal tissues compared to tumor tissues of HCC patients. Meanwhile, CD161 was enriched in HCC cases characterized by smaller tumor sizes (≤5 cm) and the absence of portal vein tumor thrombus. Individuals with high CD161 expression showed extended overall survival (OS) and relapse free survival (RFS) compared to those with lower CD161 levels. CD161 was identified as an independent prognostic indicator for both OS and RFS. In addition, the enrichment analysis indicated a close correlation between CD161 and immune response, as well as between CD161 and the signaling pathways of cytokines and chemokines, implying its role in immune regulation during cancer development. Specifically, CD161 expression was positively associated with immunomodulators and tumor-infiltrating immune cells, especially CD8+T cells, CD4+T cells, and dendritic cells. Multiple public databases showed that patients with high CD161 expression were more likely to derive benefits from immunotherapy.

Conclusion

CD161 was identified as a promising prognostic biomarker for HCC, as its expression indicates a favorable prognosis. Additionally, CD161 is closely linked to high infiltration of immune cells, participates in the regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment, and holds promise as a potential biomarker for predicting the efficacy of immunotherapy.

Upregulated PXDNL promotes invasive breast carcinoma progression

BACKGROUND

Invasive breast carcinoma (BRCA) is a common and serious malignancy in women. Peroxidase-like (PXDNL) is associated with poor prognosis in various cancers but has an unclear role in BRCA progression.

METHODS

Bioinformatic analysis of datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), and UALCAN investigated a potential carcinogenic role of PXDNL, focusing on its correlation with prognosis, promoter methylation, immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint genes, and relevant biologic functions and pathways.

RESULTS

PXDNL demonstrated a significant expression profile in BRCA, with considerable diagnostic and prognostic implications. Its up-regulation correlated with decreased survival rates across various molecular subtypes of BRCA. Patients in the high PXDNL expression group showed reduced presence of multiple infiltrative immune cell types, including CD8+ T cells, cytotoxic cells, T cells, B cells, dendritic cells (DC), immature dendritic cells (iDC), natural killer (NK) cells, NK CD56bright cells, NK CD56dim cells, and follicular helper T cells (TFH). Additionally, a significant correlation was observed between PXDNL expression and immune checkpoint genes. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) further indicated that high PXDNL expression triggers pathways such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition and protein secretion, while suppressing crucial processes including allograft rejection, IL6-JAK-STAT3 signaling, TNFα signaling via NFκB, adipogenesis, oxidative phosphorylation, DNA repair, and the P53 pathway.

CONCLUSION

Overexpression of PXDNL is associated with poor prognosis and is linked to immune cell infiltration in BRCA. Thus, PXDNL may be a biomarker or therapeutic target for BRCA.

Quality by design based ecofriendly HPLC analytical method for simultaneous quantification of erastin and lenalidomide in mesoporous silica nanoparticles

The aims of this work to optimize and validate a RP-HPLC method to quantify erastin (ERT) and lenalidomide (LND) in mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). The Design of Experiments (DoE) strategy optimized the RP-HPLC method. The independent variables were buffer ratio, buffer pH, flow rate and injection volume. The dependent variables were retention time (Rt), Peak area, and resolution between the peaks of the analytes. The optimized conditions were: buffer ratio 68% and methanol 32%, flow rate 0.8 mL/min, buffer pH 5.8, and injection volume 10 µL. The ICH Q2(R1) recommendations were followed in the validation of the optimized RP-HPLC method. The method demonstrated linearity of more than 0.99 for both ERT and LND. The LOD and LOQ were 0.75 and 1.62 ng/mL for ERT; for LND 31.25 and 50 ng/mL. The specificity of the established RP-HPLC method was unaffected by the MSNs matrix. The drugs-loaded MSNs were analyzed using the suggested RP-HPLC technique. The % entrapment efficiency of ERT and LND was found to be 72.65 and 79.50%, and drug loading of ERT and LND was found to be 14 and 17% in MSNs, respectively. The optimized RP-HPLC method was used to check the in-vitro drug release of the ERT and LND from the ERT-LND@MSNs. Surface properties of synthesized MSNs was checked through particle and SEM analysis. The developed analytical method was eco-friendly according to AGREE analysis and GAPI analysis.

Nanotechnology-leveraged CRISPR/Cas systems: icebreaking in trace cancer-related nucleic acids biosensing

As promising noninvasive biomarkers, nucleic acids provide great potential to innovate cancer early detection methods and promote subsequent diagnosis to improve the survival rates of patient. Accurate, straightforward and sensitive detection of such nucleic acid-based cancer biomarkers in complex biological samples holds significant clinical importance. However, the low abundance creates huge challenges for their routine detection. As the next-generation diagnostic tool, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) with their high programmability, sensitivity, fidelity, single-base resolution, and precise nucleic acid positioning capabilities are extremely attractive for trace nucleic acid-based cancer biomarkers (NABCBs), permitting rapid, ultra-sensitive and specific detection. More importantly, by combing with nanotechnology, it can solve the long-lasting problems of poor sensitivity, accuracy and simplicity, as well as to achieve integrated miniaturization and portable point-of-care testing (POCT) detection. However, existing literature lacks specific emphasis on this topic. Thus, we intend to propose a timely one for the readers. This review will bridge this gap by providing insights for CRISPR/Cas-based nano-biosensing development and highlighting the current state-of-art, challenges, and prospects. We expect that it can provide better understanding and valuable insights for trace NABCBs detection, thereby facilitating advancements in early cancer screening/detection/diagnostics and win practical applications in the foreseeable future.

From gene modules to gene markers: an integrated AI-human approach selects CD38 to represent plasma cell-associated transcriptional signatures

Background

Knowledge-driven prioritization of candidate genes derived from large-scale molecular profiling data for targeted transcriptional profiling assays is challenging due to the vast amount of biomedical literature that needs to be harnessed. We present a workflow leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) to prioritize candidate genes within module M12.15, a plasma cell-associated module from the BloodGen3 repertoire, by integrating knowledge-driven prioritization with data-driven analysis of transcriptome profiles.

Methods

The workflow involves a two-step process: (1) high-throughput screening using LLMs to score and rank the 17 genes of module M12.15 based on six predefined criteria, and (2) prioritization employing high-resolution scoring and fact-checking, with human experts validating and refining AI-generated scores.

Results

The first step identified five candidate genes (CD38, TNFRSF17, IGJ, TOP2A, and TYMS). Following human-augmented LLM scoring and fact checking, as part of the second step, CD38 and TNFRSF17 emerged as the top candidates. Next, transcriptome profiling data from three datasets was incorporated in the workflow to assess expression levels and correlations with the module average across various conditions and cell types. It is on this basis that CD38 was prioritized as the top candidate, with TNFRSF17 and IGJ identified as promising alternatives.

Conclusion

This study introduces a systematic framework that integrates LLMs with human expertise for gene prioritization. Our analysis identified CD38, TNFRSF17, and IGJ as the top candidates within the plasma cell-associated module M12.15 from the BloodGen3 repertoire, with their relative rankings varying systematically based on specific evaluation criteria, from plasma cell biology to therapeutic relevance. This criterion-dependent ranking demonstrates the ability of the framework to perform nuanced, multi-faceted evaluations. By combining knowledge-driven analysis with data-driven metrics, our approach provides a balanced and comprehensive method for biomarker selection. The methodology established here offers a reproducible and scalable approach that can be applied across diverse biological contexts and extended to analyze large module repertoires.

Identification of biomarkers and potential drug targets for esophageal cancer: a Mendelian randomization study

Esophageal cancer (EC) is a common and deadly malignancy of the digestive system. Currently, effective treatments for EC are limited and patient prognosis remains poor. In this study, we utilized Mendelian Randomization (MR) to identify potential drug targets for EC by analyzing proteins linked to the disease risk. A total of 734 plasma proteins and 4,479 druggable genes were obtained from recent studies, and two-sample MR analyses were conducted to investigate causal relationships between these proteins and EC. The cis-pQTL data of the proteins was analyzed after filtering. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was the primary analytical approach in MR analysis. Steiger filtering, heterogeneity and pleiotropy tests, Summary-data-based Mendelian Randomization (SMR) analysis, and Bayesian co-localization analysis were implemented to consolidate the results further. Moreover, drugs corresponding to the identified proteins were found in the DrugBank database. Five proteins HPSE, ST3GAL1, CEL, KLK13, and GNRH2 were identified as highly associated with EC. HPSE and GNRH2 showed protective effects with odds ratios (OR) of 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.70-0.92) and 0.73 (95% CI 0.54-0.98), respectively. In contrast, increased expression of ST3GAL1(OR, 1.37; 95% CI 1.04-1.82), CEL (OR, 1.27; 95% CI 1.08-1.49), and KLK13 (OR, 1.22; 95% CI 1.04-1.42) were all associated with a higher risk of EC. In addition, the HPSE protein showed moderate colocalization with EC [coloc.abf-posterior probability of hypothesis 4 (PPH4) = 0.637]. Furthermore, the sensitivity analyses indicated no heterogeneity or pleiotropy. Therefore, these findings present promising drug targets for EC and deserve further clinical investigation.

Pathological roles of lncRNA HOTAIR in liver cancer: An updated review

Liver cancer ranks as the sixth most prevalent form of cancer and stands as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related fatalities on a global scale. The two primary types of liver cancer are hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). While ICC originates from the bile ducts, HCC develops from hepatocytes, which are the primary functional cells of the liver. In cases where liver cancer is detected in its early stages, it can be effectively treated through locoregional interventions such as surgical resection, Radiofrequency Ablation, Transarterial chemoembolization, or liver transplantation. However, HCC is typically diagnosed at advanced stages, rendering these treatment options ineffective due to the unresectable nature of the tumor. LncRNAs, a novel class of RNA molecules and epigenetic regulators, have emerged as key players in the development and advancement of different types of tumors. They exert their influence by regulating the expression of downstream genes in cancer-related signaling pathways, thereby promoting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells. Additionally, these transcripts have the ability to modify the activity and expression of tumor suppressors and oncogenes, further contributing to tumorigenesis. Recently, growing numbers of experiments have demonstrated the elevated expression of HOX antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR), a spliced and poly-adenylated lncRNA, in liver cancers and its association with cancer patient's prognosis and overall survival, as well as tumor cells' growth, metastasis, and resistance to therapies. This updated review will summarize molecular pathways by which lncRNA HOTAIR promotes liver cancer development, and highlight its diagnostic and therapeutic potential, though.

lncRNA ACVR2B-AS1 modulates thyroid cancer progression by regulating miR-195-5p

BACKGROUND

lncRNAs are key regulators in thyroid cancer (TC). While lncRNA ACVR2B-AS1 has been proposed as a potential TC biomarker, its role remains underexplored. This study aims to clarify its clinical significance in TC and investigate its molecular mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

qRT-PCR was used to assess the expression of ACVR2B-AS1 in TC tissues and cell lines. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression were utilized to assess the prognostic value of ACVR2B-AS1 expression. The interaction between ACVR2B-AS1 and miR-195-5p, as well as their effects on cell viability, migration, and invasion, were evaluated using dual-luciferase reporter assays, CCK-8 assays, and Transwell assays.

RESULTS

ACVR2B-AS1 was significantly upregulated in TC tissues and cell lines, and its expression correlated with TNM stage and lymph node metastasis. Elevated ACVR2B-AS1 levels were associated with poor survival outcomes, and it was identified as an independent risk factor for TC progression. A direct regulatory relationship was established between ACVR2B-AS1 and miR-195-5p, with ACVR2B-AS1 negatively regulating miR-195-5p, thereby promoting TC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. FGF2 was predicted and validated as a target gene of miR-195-5p.

CONCLUSION

lncRNA ACVR2B-AS1 shows potential as a prognostic marker in TC and may regulate tumor progression through the miR-195-5p/FGF2 axis, offering new insights for TC diagnosis and treatment.

Non-coding transcriptome profiles in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma

Clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a common urological malignancy with an increasing incidence. The development of molecular biomarkers that can predict the response to treatment and guide personalized therapy selection would substantially improve patient outcomes. Dysregulation of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) has been shown to have a role in the pathogenesis of ccRCC. Thus, an increasing number of studies are being carried out with a focus on the identification of ncRNA biomarkers in ccRCC tissue samples and the connection of these markers with patients' prognosis, pathological stage and grade (including metastatic potential), and therapy outcome. RNA sequencing analysis led to the identification of several ncRNA biomarkers that are dysregulated in ccRCC and might have a role in ccRCC development. These ncRNAs have the potential to be prognostic and predictive biomarkers for ccRCC, with prospective applications in personalized treatment selection. Research on ncRNA biomarkers in ccRCC is advancing, but clinical implementation remains preliminary owing to challenges in validation, standardization and reproducibility. Comprehensive studies and integration of ncRNAs into clinical trials are essential to accelerate the clinical use of these biomarkers.

Feature Selection and Network-Driven Analyses to Unveil Common RNA Signatures in Colon and Pancreatic KRAS-Mutant Cancers

BACKGROUND

Colon cancer and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma are among the most aggressive tumors for which therapeutic options are limited. Both cancers share common features, such as some KRAS pathogenic variants and common epidemiology. The integration of multidimensional datasets by combining machine learning and bioinformatics approaches could provide deeper insights into the intricate KRAS-related networks underlying cancer progression and unveil novel biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. This study aimed to uncover colon and pancreatic cancers that shared transcriptional changes closely related to KRAS missense mutations.

METHODS

Feature Selection (FS) technique and Qiagen's Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) were used to combine DNA-Seq and RNA-Seq data from mutant and wild-type (WT) KRAS colon and pancreatic tumor samples.

RESULTS

From the FS, we prioritized 70 genes (54 protein-coding genes and 16 ncRNA-coding genes) that were able to discriminate between WT and mutated KRAS patients. These genes were involved in KRAS signaling and other related processes, such as EMT signaling, glycolysis, apical junction, Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, and IL-2/STAT5 signaling. Using IPA, we identified a top-scoring network of 19 upregulated genes in both tumor types stratified into mutant KRAS and WT KRAS samples. For a set of genes, qRT-PCR performed on colon and pancreatic representative cancer cell lines showed concordant expression trends when comparing colon-dominant KRAS mutants versus WT KRAS and dominant pancreatic KRAS mutants versus WT KRAS, as expected according to in silico analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings may provide insight into the common transcriptional signatures potentially underlying colon and pancreatic KRAS-mutant cancers. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the diagnostic and prognostic value of targets identified as common features in our study.

Gallstones in the Era of Metabolic Syndrome: Pathophysiology, Risk Prediction, and Management

Gallstone disease (GSD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are increasingly prevalent conditions with significant global health implications. Recent evidence highlights a strong epidemiological association between these disorders, driven by shared pathophysiological mechanisms. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the intricate relationship between MetS and GSD, focusing on the role of insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, obesity, and gut microbiota dysbiosis in gallstone formation. An integrated pathophysiological model is proposed, linking metabolic disturbances to bile cholesterol supersaturation, gallbladder dysmotility, and chronic inflammation. The review also explores clinical implications, including risk prediction models based on metabolic parameters, early detection biomarkers, and targeted interventions such as lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapies, and microbiome modulation. By addressing the metabolic underpinnings of GSD, this synthesis offers a foundation for developing preventive and therapeutic strategies to mitigate the burden of these interconnected conditions. Future research directions are outlined to refine mechanistic insights and improve clinical outcomes.

Mechanisms of Ferroptosis in bone disease: A new target for osteoporosis treatment

Osteoporosis (OP) is a common disease in the elderly, characterized by decreased bone strength, reduced bone density, and increased fracture risk. There are two clinical types of osteoporosis: primary osteoporosis and secondary osteoporosis. The most common form is postmenopausal osteoporosis, which is caused by decreased estrogen production after menopause. Secondary osteoporosis, on the other hand, occurs when certain medications, diabetes, or nutritional deficiencies lead to a decrease in bone density. Ferroptosis, a new iron-dependent programmed cell death process, is critical in regulating the development of osteoporosis, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are complex. In the pathologic process of osteoporosis, several studies have found that ferroptosis may occur in osteocytes, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts, cell types closely related to bone metabolism. The imbalance of iron homeostasis in osteoblasts and excessive iron accumulation can promote lipid peroxidation through the Fenton reaction, which induces ferroptosis in osteoblasts and affects their role in regulating bone metabolism. Ferroptosis in osteoblasts inhibits bone formation and reduces the amount of new bone production. Osteoclast-associated ferroptosis abnormalities, on the other hand, may alter the homeostasis of bone resorption. In this paper, we start from the molecular mechanism of ferroptosis, and introduce the ways in which ferroptosis affects the physiological and pathological processes of the body. After that, the effects of ferroptosis on osteoblasts and osteoclasts will be discussed separately to elucidate the molecular mechanism between ferroptosis and osteoporosis, which will provide a new breakthrough for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and a more effective and better idea for the treatment strategy of osteoporosis.

Genomic analysis of surgical patients to identify patients at risk for postoperative sepsis and surgical site infection

BACKGROUND

Early and accurate diagnosis of sepsis and the ensuing organ dysfunction remain a challenge in the postoperative setting. Susceptibility to infections, as well as the subsequent immunological response, are driven to some extent by the genetic predisposition of the patient. The purpose of this study was to identify novel genetic variants associated with postoperative sepsis (POS) and surgical site infections (SSIs).

METHODS

We conducted genome-wide association studies for POS and SSIs in the Electronic Medical Records and Genomics Network database. All patients with surgical and genomic information in Electronic Medical Records and Genomics were identified. Patients with a new diagnosis of sepsis/SSIs after surgery were classified as cases, and those without as controls. Analyses were performed using PLINK 2.0's logistic regression function. A p value of <5 × 10 -8 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 59,755 participants were included in the analysis. Genetic regions on chromosomes 9 and 14 reached statistical significance for POS ( p < 5 × 10 -8 ). The most significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were rs9413988 ( p = 5.59 × 10 -12 ) on chromosome 9 and rs35407594 ( p = 1.43 × 10 -10 ) on chromosome 14. The rs9413988 region is downstream to the phosphoglucomutase 5 pseudogene ( PGM5P2 ) and Zn-regulated GTPase metalloprotein activator 1F ( ZNGF1 ) and likely plays a role in transcription regulation, while rs35407594 corresponds to the olfactory receptor gene family, OR11 . Similar SNPs were also associated with SSIs.

CONCLUSION

We have identified two genetic regions containing SNPs associated with POS and SSIs. These findings provide new avenues for investigation, which may help identify and guide point-of-care management for at-risk patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level III.

Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis with Ascites, Elevated Serum IgG4, and Hypereosinophilic Syndrome: A Manifestation of IgG4-related Disease?

A 76-year-old woman with persistent diarrhea was referred to our hospital. She had purpura, peripheral eosinophilia (18,177/μL), and an elevated serum IgG4 level (819 mg/dL). Abdominal computed tomography revealed massive ascites and bowel edema. A skin biopsy of the purpura revealed leukocytoclastic vasculitis with prominent eosinophilic infiltration. Biopsies of the gastrointestinal mucosa revealed dense eosinophilic infiltration, indicating eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EG) associated with the hypereosinophilic syndrome. The number of IgG4-positive cells increased in the duodenal mucosa; however, the diagnostic criteria for IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) were not met. Whether or not EG with ascites is a manifestation of IgG4-RD warrants further investigation.

Role of miRNA‑145‑5p in cancer (Review)

MicroRNA‑145‑5p (miRNA‑145‑5p) is a short non‑coding RNA located at chromosome 5q33.1, which has gained significant attention in several aspects of cellular regulation and biological functions. In malignant tumours, miRNA‑145‑5p may function as either a tumour suppressor or an oncogene, affecting tumour progression by targeting downstream genes or modulating their expression through upstream regulators. However, the full extent of miRNA‑145‑5p's role in cancer has remained to be determined. This review provides an overview of the role of miRNA‑145‑5p in cancer, investigates its potential as a biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment response, and evaluates its influence on cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Finally, current strategies for systemic delivery of miRNA‑145‑5p in cancer therapies are summarized.

Integrating network pharmacology to investigate the mechanism of quercetin's action through AKT inhibition in co-expressed genes associated with polycystic ovary syndrome and endometrial cancer

Endometrial cancer (EC) is a common gynecological malignancy for which polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) has been identified as a significant risk factor. Quercetin, a widely distributed natural flavonoid, has demonstrated potential therapeutic effects in managing both PCOS and EC. However, the specific molecular targets of quercetin in the context of PCOS comorbid with EC (PCOS-EC) remain poorly defined. This study aims to elucidate the therapeutic potential of quercetin for treating PCOS-EC using network pharmacology, molecular dynamics simulations, and in vitro assays. The intersection of 379 PCOS-EC-associated targets with 361 quercetin targets identified 47 potential therapeutic targets of quercetin for PCOS-EC. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis revealed the biological functions, while Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes identified the pathways potentially involved in quercetin's effects against PCOS-EC. Protein-protein interaction network analysis highlighted six overlapping targets, namely, ACTB, AKT1, EGFR, ESR1, PTGS2, and TP53. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations indicated that quercetin bound with high affinity to the hub genes, with AKT1 emerging as a central target. In vitro experiments confirmed that quercetin treatment significantly downregulated AKT expression in EC cells. These findings elucidate potential targets and molecular mechanisms through which quercetin exerts its therapeutic effects.

Comprehensive profiling of T-cell exhaustion signatures and establishment of a prognostic model in lung adenocarcinoma through integrated RNA-sequencing analysis

BackgroundT-cell exhaustion (TEX) in the tumor microenvironment causes immunotherapy resistance and poor prognosis.ObjectiveWe used bioinformatics to identify crucial TEX genes associated with the molecular classification and risk stratification of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).MethodsBulk RNA sequencing data of patients with LUAD were acquired from open sources. LUAD samples exhibited abnormal TEX gene expression, compared with normal samples. TEX gene-based prognostic signature was established and validated in both TCGA and GSE50081 datasets. Immune correlation and risk group-related functional analyses were also performed.ResultsEight optimized TEX genes were identified using the LASSO algorithm: ERG, BTK, IKZF3, DCC, EML4, MET, LATS2, and LOX. Several crucial Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathways were identified, such as T-cell receptor signaling, toll-like receptor signaling, leukocytes trans-endothelial migration, Fcγ R-mediated phagocytosis, and GnRH signaling. Eight TEX gene-based risk score models were established and validated. Patients with high-risk scores had worse prognosis (P < 0.001). A nomogram model comprising three independent clinical factors showed good predictive efficacy for survival rate in patients with LUAD. Correlation analysis revealed that the TEX signature significantly correlated with immune cell infiltration, tumor purity, stromal cells, estimate, and immunophenotype score.ConclusionTEX-derived risk score is a promising and effective prognostic factor that is closely correlated with the immune microenvironment and estimated score. TEX signature may be a useful clinical diagnostic tool for evaluating pre-immune efficacy in patients with LUAD.

Amentoflavone Induces Ferroptosis to Alleviate Proliferation, Migration, Invasion and Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes by Inhibiting PIN1

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that is prevalent worldwide and seriously threatens human health. RA-fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) play important roles in almost all aspects of RA progression. This study aimed to study the effect of Amentoflavone (AMF), a polyphenol compound derived from extracts of Selaginella tamariscina, on the abnormal biological behaviors of RA-FLS. The immortalized human RA-FLS cell line (MH7A) was treated with AMF or transfected with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase NIMA-interacting 1 (PIN1). Then, cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay. EDU staining, wound healing and transwell assays were employed to measure the capacities of MH7A cell proliferation, migration and invasion. The levels of inflammatory factors were assessed using ELISA kits. Additionally, ferroptosis was analyzed by detecting Fe2+ content, lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and expression of ferroptosis-related proteins. Pull-down assay was employed to verify the targeted binding of AMF to PIN1. Further, PIN1 overexpression or ferroptosis inhibitor Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) addition was conducted to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of AMF on PIN1 and ferroptosis. Results revealed that AMF intervention or PIN1 knockdown inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion and inflammation in MH7A cells. AMF facilitated lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis in MH7A cells. Moreover, AMF targeted inhibition of PIN1 expression, and PIN1 overexpression restored the promoting effect of AMF on lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis in MH7A cells. Besides, Fer-1 reversed the impacts of AMF on the abnormal biological behaviors of MH7A cells. In summary, AMF induced ferroptosis to inhibit the proliferation, migration, invasion and inflammation in RA-FLS by inhibiting PIN1, providing a promising candidate for RA treatment.

Navigating the Complex Pathogenesis of Acute Kidney Injury: Exploring Macrophage Dynamics, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Ferroptosis Pathways

Acute kidney injury, a rapid decline in kidney function coupled with physiological and homeostatic perturbations, is an independent risk factor for both short-term and long-term health outcomes. As incidence of acute kidney injury continues to rise globally, the significant clinical and economic challenge of acute kidney injury underscores the need for its prompt recognition and application of novel and germane strategies to reduce its severity and facilitate recovery. Understanding the multifaceted cascade of events engaged in pathogenesis of acute kidney injury is pivotal for the development of effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. To facilitate an in-depth discussion on emerging therapeutic targets, this review will examine the role of macrophages in kidney injury and repair, explore the alterations in mitochondrial biogenesis dynamics induced by acute kidney injury, and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the contribution of ferroptosis to kidney injury.

Exploring the association between rheumatoid arthritis and non-small cell lung cancer risk: a transcriptomic and drug target-based analysis

BACKGROUND

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a common subtype of lung cancer that has received considerable attention for its potential association with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, current understanding of the relationship between RA and NSCLC risk remains limited and in-depth studies of molecular mechanisms are lacking.

METHODS

We obtained transcriptomic data of NSCLC from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and performed Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses of differential genes. We then used Mendelian randomisation (MR) analysis to explore the causal relationship between RA and NSCLC, but the results showed no direct causal relationship between RA and NSCLC. In light of this finding, we shifted our research focus to investigate the effect of RA therapeutics on NSCLC risk. A drug-targeted MR analysis of drugs available for the treatment of RA was performed by searching for drugs that target NSCLC differential genes associated with RA.

RESULTS

We found that several of the drugs corresponding to NSCLC differential genes associated with RA are used to treat RA. By drug-targeted MR analysis of drugs, we found that some drugs do have an effect on the risk of developing NSCLC, increasing the risk of developing NSCLC.

CONCLUSION

This study employed transcriptomic analysis and MR of drug targets to elucidate the potential correlation between RA and the risk of developing NSCLC. The identification of NSCLC differentially expressed genes associated with RA and their drug targets has provided new perspectives for an in-depth understanding of the pathogenesis of NSCLC. Furthermore, an additional immune infiltration analysis demonstrated that, in NSCLC tissues, the infiltration levels of specific immune cell subpopulations, including regulatory T cells (Tregs), activated natural killer cells (NK cells) and unpolarised macrophages (M0), exhibited notable differences. These findings emphasise the significant role that immune cell interactions between RA and NSCLC may play in disease progression. Furthermore, through the analysis of validation histology, we have further confirmed the potential role of differential genes associated with RA in the development of NSCLC. The expression levels of these genes demonstrated significant differences in NSCLC samples, providing a basis for possible future therapeutic targets and biomarkers.

The long noncoding RNA LUCAT1 regulates endometrial receptivity via the miR-495-3p/S100P axis

Recently, interest in investigating the effects of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) on endometrial receptivity (ER) has increased within the field of assisted reproductive technology. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify and analyze the role of the lncRNA LUCAT1 and to elucidate its specific mechanism in regulating ER. Hub genes associated with ER are identified via Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) in two datasets downloaded from the GEO database. These hub genes identified via WGCNA were subsequently validated. The combination of a dual-luciferase assay, qRT‒PCR, western blotting, and other techniques are used to investigate the molecular mechanism by which LUCAT1 regulates S100P. In this study, LUCAT1 expression is shown to significantly affect ER, and the depletion of LUCAT1 leads to impaired ER function. Additionally, LUCAT1 is shown to act as a molecular sponge for miR-495-3p, thereby modulating the expression of S100P. This modulation influences the proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities of Ishikawa cells, as well as the adhesion of JAR cells to endometrial cells. Therefore, LUCAT1 can regulate ER via the miR-495-3p/S100P axis, which provides experimental evidence for the identification of innovative strategies aimed at enhancing endometrial receptivity.

Iron homeostasis and ferroptosis in muscle diseases and disorders: mechanisms and therapeutic prospects

The muscular system plays a critical role in the human body by governing skeletal movement, cardiovascular function, and the activities of digestive organs. Additionally, muscle tissues serve an endocrine function by secreting myogenic cytokines, thereby regulating metabolism throughout the entire body. Maintaining muscle function requires iron homeostasis. Recent studies suggest that disruptions in iron metabolism and ferroptosis, a form of iron-dependent cell death, are essential contributors to the progression of a wide range of muscle diseases and disorders, including sarcopenia, cardiomyopathy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Thus, a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms regulating iron metabolism and ferroptosis in these conditions is crucial for identifying potential therapeutic targets and developing new strategies for disease treatment and/or prevention. This review aims to summarize recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying ferroptosis in the context of muscle injury, as well as associated muscle diseases and disorders. Moreover, we discuss potential targets within the ferroptosis pathway and possible strategies for managing muscle disorders. Finally, we shed new light on current limitations and future prospects for therapeutic interventions targeting ferroptosis.

FAM64A regulates the malignant phenotype and tumor microenvironment of non-small cell lung cancer by activating the JAK/STAT3/PDL1 axis

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a life-threatening disease that still lacks effective targeted treatment. Family with sequence similarity 64, member A (FAM64A) is dysregulated in different malignancies and participates in the cancer progression. To address the role of FAM64A in NSCLC. The FAM64A expression was detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Short-hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) against FAM64A were transfected into A549 and H460 cells. The role of FAM64A in vitro was evaluated by cell counting kit-8, transwell, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence and western blotting. In vivo role of FAM64A was addressed in xenografted mice using immunohistochemistry and western blotting. FAM64A was upregulated in NSCLC that predicted a dismal prognosis for NSCLC patients. Knockdown of FAM64A diminished cell viability, invaded cell numbers, the Vimentin expression and the concentrations of TGF-β and IL-10, but fostered the E-cadherin expression and the concentrations of IL-2 and IFN-γ in NSCLC cells. Mechanistically, silencing of FAM64A declined the expression of JAK/STAT3/PD-L1 pathway, which was restored with the application of RO8191, an activator of JAK/STAT3 pathway. The inhibitory role of FAM64A knockdown in NSCLC cell proliferation, invasion, EMT and immune escape was inverted by the management of RO8191. In vivo, knockdown of FAM64A reduced tumor size and weight, the level of Vimentin and PD-L1, and the expression of JAK/STAT3/PD-L1 pathway, but enhanced the IFN-γ level. Upregulation of FAM64A promoted proliferation, invasion, EMT and immune escape through activating JAK/STAT3/PD-L1 axis.

The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in Colorectal Cancer Initiation and Progression: Perspectives on Theranostic Approaches

Altered levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are recognized as one of the key factors in mediating tumor cell survival in the tissue microenvironment, where they play a role in the initiation, progression and recurrence/relapse of colorectal cancer (CRC). Tumor cells can adapt to oxidative stress (OS) using genetic or metabolic reprogramming in the long or short term. In addition, tumor cells defend themselves through positive regulation of antioxidant molecules, enhancing ROS-driven proliferation. Balanced oxidative eustress levels can influence chemotherapy resistance, allowing tumor cells to survive treatment. Secondary effects of chemotherapy include increased ROS production and redox stress, which can kill cancer cells and eliminate drug resistance. Anticancer treatments based on manipulating ROS levels could represent the gold standard in CRC therapy. Therefore, exploring the modulation of the response to OS in deregulated signaling pathways may lead to the development of new personalized CRC treatments to overcome therapy resistance. In this review, we explore the role of ROS in the initiation and progression of CRC and their diagnostic implications as biomarkers of disease. Furthermore, we focused on the involvement of ROS in different CRC therapeutic options, such as surgery, radiotherapy, theranostic imaging, chemotherapy and immunotherapy and other precision medicine approaches.

[GPSM2 is highly expressed in gastric cancer to affect patient prognosis by promoting tumor cell proliferation]

OBJECTIVES

To explore the association between GPSM2 expression level and gastric cancer progression and analyze the functional pathways and action mechanism of GPSM2.

METHODS

We analyzed GPSM2 expression levels in gastric cancer tumors based on data from the GEPIA database and the clinical data of 109 patients. Public databases enrichment analysis were used to assess the impact of GPSM2 expression level on survival outcomes and the functional pathways and action mechanism of GPSM2. We further observed the effects of GPSM2 knockdown and overexpression on proliferation, migration and apoptosis of MGC803 cells using CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry and immunoblotting and on the growth of MGC803 cell xenografts in nude mice.

RESULTS

Bioinformatic analysis and immunohistochemical staining of the clinical specimens both revealed high GPSM2 expressions in gastric cancer (P<0.01). A high GPSM2 expression was significantly correlated with T3-4 stages, N2-3 stages, a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level ≥5 μg/L, and a carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 level ≥37 kU/L (P<0.05). Cox regression analysis identified high GPSM2 expression as an independent risk factor affecting 5-year survival of the patients (P<0.05). Gene ontology (GO) analysis suggested that GPSM2 was involved in cell cycle regulation. In MGC803 cells, GPSM2 overexpression significantly promoted cell proliferation and G1/S transition and xenograft growth in nude mice. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that GPSM2 executed its biological functions by regulating the p53 signaling pathway, which was confirmed by the results of immunoblotting experiments showing suppression of p53 signaling pathway activity in GPSM2-over expressing MGC803 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

GPSM2 is highly expressed in gastric cancer to affect patient prognosis by promoting tumor cell proliferation and G1/S transition possibly via inhibiting the p53 pathway.

[Effects of LncRNA SNHG20 on epithelial mesenchymal transition and microtubule formation in human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells through targeted regulation of the miR-520c-3p/RAB22A pathway]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of LncRNA SNHG20 on epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and microtubule formation in human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells through targeted regulation of the miR-520c-3p/RAB22A pathway.

METHODS

After real-time fluorescence quantitative detection of LncRNA SNHG20, miR-520c-3p, RAB22A mRNA expression levels in OSCC tissues and cells, dual luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the relationship between the three. OSCC cells were randomly separated into control group, sh-NC group, sh-SNHG20 group, sh-SNHG20+anti NC group, and sh-SNHG20+anti miR-520c-3p group. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, and E-cadherin proteins in the OSCC cells. The morphology of HSC-3 cells was observed under microscope. Changes in the number of microtubules formed were detected. The effect of LncRNA SNHG20 on the growth of OSCC tumors and the expression levels of LncRNA SNHG20, miR-520c-3p and RAB22 A in the transplanted tumors were detected by nude mice tumorigenesis experiment.

RESULTS

LncRNA SNHG20 and RAB22A mRNA were upregulated in the OSCC tissues and cells, while miR-520c-3p was downregulated (P < 0.05). There were binding sites between LncRNA SNHG20 and miR-520c-3p, RAB22A and miR-520c-3p, which had targeted regulation relationship. Compared with the sh-NC group, the sh-SNHG20 group had fewer stromal like cells, more epithelial like cells, incomplete microtubule structure, and fewer nodules. LncRNA SNHG20, RAB22A, N-Cadherin, and vimentin were downregulated, while miR-520c-3p and E-cadherin were upregulated (P < 0.05). Compared with the sh-SNHG20+anti-NC group, the sh-SNHG20+anti-miR-520c-3p group had a higher number of stromal like cells, a lower number of epithelioid cells, tighter microtubule arrangement, and more microtubule nodules. miR-520c-3p and E-cadherin were downregulated, while RAB22A, N-cadherin, and vimentin were upregulated (P < 0.05). The transplanted tumor of OSCC in sh-SNHG20 group was smaller and lower than that in sh-NC group. The expression levels of LncRNA SNHG20 and RAB22A in the transplanted tumor tissues were lower than those in sh-NC group, and the expression level of miR-520c-3p was higher than that in sh-NC group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

LncRNA SNHG20 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and microtubule formation in human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells by targeting the miR-520c-3p/RAB22A pathway. Inhibiting the expression of LncRNA SNHG20 can target and regulate the miR-520c-3p/RAB22A pathway to inhibit EMT and microtubule formation in OSCC cells.

Polydatin and Nicotinamide Prevent Iron Accumulation and Lipid Peroxidation in Cellular Models of Mitochondrial Diseases

Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of non-apoptotic cell death, is regulated by a complex network involving lipid metabolism, iron homeostasis, and the oxidative-reductive system, with iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation as key drivers. Mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS overproduction often underlie the pathogenesis of mitochondrial diseases, for which treatment options are limited, emphasizing the need for novel therapies. In this study, we investigated whether polydatin and nicotinamide could reverse ferroptosis-related pathological features in cellular models derived from patients with pathogenic GFM1 variants. Mutant fibroblasts showed increased iron and lipofuscin accumulation, altered expression of iron metabolism-related proteins, elevated lipid peroxidation, and heightened susceptibility to erastin-induced ferroptosis. Treatment with polydatin and nicotinamide effectively corrected these alterations and reduced iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation in induced neurons. Furthermore, chloramphenicol treatment in control cells mimicked the mutant phenotype, suggesting that these pathological changes are linked to the mitochondrial protein synthesis defect characteristic of pathogenic GFM1 variants. Notably, adding vitamin E to the polydatin and nicotinamide co-treatment resulted in a reduction in the minimum effective concentration, suggesting potential benefits of its inclusion. In conclusion, the combination of polydatin, nicotinamide, and vitamin E could represent a promising therapeutic option for patients with mitochondrial disorders caused by pathogenic GFM1 variants.

Key oncogenes and candidate drugs for hepatitis-B-driven hepatocellular carcinoma progression

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to uncover the key hepatitis-B (HB)-related liver cancer (LC) promoting genes, and clarity their interrelationships, enrichments, impacts on LC immune infiltration, and potential drugs targeting these genes.

METHODS

The LC-survival associated genes were acquired from the LIHC samples of the TCGA-database; and HB related genes from the DisGeNET database. The intersection was used to screen the key genes. Using the 8 HB-LC genes, we constructed prognostic models for survival prediction of HBV positive patients with LIHC and performed enrichment analysis, interaction analysis, immune infiltration analysis, and potential drug digging from the GTRP and GDSC databases.

RESULTS

In the core intersection of different sets. Based on these genes, prognostic cox regression models for OS and DFS were constructed. Overall, HB-LC genes were significantly negatively correlated with Th17, MAIT, monocytes, and CD4 Naive cells, while they were positively correlated with B cells, nTreg cells, and Tr1 cells. Among 8 genes, MKI67, EZH2, and CDCA5 were hub ones. Finally, 7 drugs target at least three HB-LC genes and can be used as novel drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, eight key HB-LC genes play important cancer-promoting roles in LC, which may be the molecular mechanism by which HBV drives the development of LC.

Ironomycin induces mantle cell lymphoma cell death by targeting iron metabolism addiction

Rationale: Mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL) remains an aggressive and incurable cancer. Accumulating evidence reveals that abnormal iron metabolism plays an important role in tumorigenesis and in cancer progression of many tumors. Based on these data, we searched to identify alterations of iron homeostasis in MCL that could be exploited to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Methods: Analysis of the iron metabolism gene expression profile of a cohort of patients with MCL enables the identification of patients with a poor outcome who might benefit from an iron homeostasis-targeted therapy. We analyzed the therapeutic interest of ironomycin, known to sequester iron in the lysosome and to induce ferroptosis. Results: In a panel of MCL cell lines, ironomycin inhibited MCL cell growth at nanomolar concentrations compared with conventional iron chelators. Ironomycin treatment resulted in ferroptosis induction and decreased cell proliferation rate, with a reduced percentage of cells in S-phase together with Ki67 and Cyclin D1 downregulation. Ironomycin treatment induced DNA damage response, accumulation of DNA double-strand breaks, and activated the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR). We validated the therapeutic interest of ironomycin in primary MCL cells of patients. Ironomycin demonstrated a significant higher toxicity in MCL cells compared to normal cells from the microenvironment. We tested the therapeutic interest of combining ironomycin with conventional treatments used in MCL. We identified a synergistic effect when ironomycin is combined with Ibrutinib, Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, associated with a strong inhibition of B-Cell receptor (BCR) signaling. Conclusion: Altogether, these data underline that MCL patients my benefit from targeting iron homeostasis using ironomycin alone or in combination with conventional MCL treatments.

siRNA-based knockdown of lncRNAs: A new modality to target tumor progression

This study examines the potential of small interfering RNA (siRNA) as a therapeutic agent for cancer targeting long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). The article begins with an analysis of the structure and biogenesis of lncRNA. It explains the diverse functions of lncRNAs in cancer, establishing a foundation for assessing approaches to inhibit these molecules. The analysis focuses on the consequences of lncRNA suppression through siRNA on signaling pathways associated with cancer, connecting theoretical understanding to practical applications. An evaluation of ongoing clinical trials and applications contributes to the discourse by revealing the potential for siRNA-mediated interventions to be practiced. Furthermore, an evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of this therapeutic approach offers a nuanced viewpoint. In conclusion, the paper synthesizes significant discoveries and outlines potential avenues for future research, contributing to the dialogue surrounding personalized cancer therapeutics and precision medicine. Future challenges in using siRNA to target lncRNAs in oncology include optimizing delivery systems for efficient tumor cell uptake, minimizing off-target effects, enhancing RNA stability for a longer therapeutic window, and overcoming barriers in the tumor microenvironment. Addressing these factors is essential for the practical application of siRNA-based cancer therapies.

Cell Senescence-Related Genes as Biomarkers for Prognosis and Immunotherapeutic Response in Colon Cancer

Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) stands out as the most prevalent malignancy diagnosed within the gastrointestinal tract, bearing substantial incidence and mortality rates. The processes of ageing and senescence intricately intertwine with tumorigenesis and immune regulation, concurrently exerting influence on the remodelling of the tumor microenvironment (TME). This phenomenon, in turn, significantly impacts the efficacy of immunotherapeutic interventions. Despite this awareness, the comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between cellular senescence and TME in the context of COAD remains elusive. Further inquiry is imperative to comprehensively gauge the relevance of cellular senescence-related genes (CSGs) in the realms of immune infiltration and the prognostication of COAD. Differentially expressed cell senescence-related genes (DE-CSGs) within COAD tumors and normal specimens were discerned through analysis of the TCGA-COAD dataset. Leveraging univariate, LASSO, and multivariate Cox regression analyses, we formulated a prognostic risk signature. Subsequent validation utilised two independent GEO datasets. Furthermore, a nomogram was devised to gauge the prognostic significance of this signature. Additionally, the immune landscape of the Cell Senescence-related Signature (CSS) was characterised using CIBERSORT and TIMER algorithms. The expression levels of CSGs were quantified through RT-PCR in COAD specimens. Drawing upon mRNA expression profiles of 191 DE-CSGs, we successfully established a 9-gene CSS, demonstrating its autonomy as a prognostic determinant for COAD patients. Those assigned high-risk scores exhibited an immunosuppressive phenotype, marked by elevated proportions of resting CD4+memory T cells and macrophages M0, correlating with diminished overall survival. Subsequent analyses uncovered that the amalgamation of CSS with the expression profiles of immune checkpoint key genes effectively predicted patient prognosis. Furthermore, patients with low-risk scores demonstrated a potential association with more favourable therapeutic outcomes in the context of immunotherapy. This study has culminated in the development of a prognostic risk signature grounded in cell senescence-related genes for COAD. We posit that the CSS plays a regulatory role in immune infiltration, emerging as a robust biomarker for prognosis and a predictive indicator for immunotherapeutic responsiveness within the COAD landscape.

Ferroptosis: A novel cell death modality as a synergistic therapeutic strategy with photodynamic therapy

Although there has been significant progress in current comprehensive anticancer treatments centered on surgery, postoperative recurrence and tumor metastasis still significantly affect both prognosis and quality of life of the patient. Hence, the development of precisely targeted tumor therapies and exploration of immunotherapy represent additional strategies for tumor treatment. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a relatively safe treatment modality that not only induces multiple modes of tumor cell death but also mediates the secondary immunological responses against tumor resistance and metastasis. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent type of programmed cell death characterized by accumulation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation products to lethal levels, has emerged as an attractive target trigger for tumor therapies. Recent research has revealed a close association between PDT and ferroptosis, suggesting that combining ferroptosis inducers with PDT could strengthen their synergistic anti-tumor efficiency. Here in this review, we discuss the rationale for combining PDT with ferroptosis inducers and highlight the progress of single-molecule photosensitizers to induce ferroptosis, as well as the applications of photosensitizers combined with other therapeutic drugs for collaborative therapy. Furthermore, given the current research dilemma, we propose potential therapeutic strategies to advance the combined usage of PDT and ferroptosis inducers, providing the basis and guidelines for prospective clinical translation and research directionality with regard to PDT.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of New Improved Ferrostatin-1 Derived Ferroptosis Inhibitors

Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), a first potent ferroptosis inhibitor, faces limitations in clinical use due to its low potency and metabolic instability. This study introduces a series of novel Ferrostatin-1 analogs designed to enhance plasm stability. Our design strategy focused on the modification of the 3-NH2 of Fer-1 with benzenesulfonyl groups, resulting in analogs 9-25. Biological evaluation revealed that compound 18, with an EC50 value of 0.57 μM, outperformed Fer-1 in inhibiting ferroptosis. It reduced intracellular ferrous ion accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and restored glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) levels effectively. Moreover, compound 18 exhibited favorable solubility and remarkable metabolic stability in rat plasma. These results position compound 18 as a promising candidate for developing therapeutics against ferroptosis-related diseases.

Research progress of mitochondria and cytoskeleton crosstalk in tumour development

During tumour progression, organelle function undergoes dramatic changes, and crosstalk among organelles plays a significant role. Crosstalk between mitochondria and other organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum and cytoskeleton has focussed attention on the mechanisms of tumourigenesis. This review demonstrates an overview of the molecular structure of the mitochondrial-cytoskeletal junction and its biological interactions. It also presents a detailed and comprehensive description of mitochondrial-cytoskeletal crosstalk in tumour occurrence and development, including tumour cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, metabolic rearrangement, and metastasis. Finally, the application of crosstalk in tumour therapy, including drug combinations and chemoresistance, is discussed. This review offers a theoretical basis for establishing mitochondrial-cytoskeletal junctions as therapeutic targets, and offers novel insights into the future management of malignant tumours.

Knocking Down HN1 Blocks Helicobacter pylori-Induced Malignant Phenotypes in Gastric Mucosal Cells and Inhibits Gastric Cancer Cell Proliferation, Cytoskeleton Remodeling, and Migration

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is implicated in the aberrant proliferation and malignant transformation of gastric mucosal cells, heightening the risk of gastric cancer (GC). HN1 is involved in the development of various tumors. However, precise mechanistic underpinnings of HN1 promoting GC progression in H. pylori remain elusive. The study collected 79 tissue samples of GC patients, including 47 with H. pylori-positive GC and 32 H. pylori-negative controls. Using human gastric epithelial cells (GES-1) and human gastric adenocarcinoma cells (HGC-27), the effect of overexpression / knocking down of HN1 and H. pylori infection was evaluated on cell function (proliferation, migration, apoptosis), cytoskeleton, and expression of cell malignant phenotype factors that promote the malignant biological behavior of cancer cells. The expression of HN1 in GC tissues is higher than that in paracancerous tissue and is closely related to infiltration, lymphatic metastasis, distant metastasis, survival, and H. pylori infection. Downregulation of HN1 effectively hinders the ability of H. pylori strains 26695 and SS1 to promote migration of GES-1 and HGC-27 cells, while lowering the expression of key indicators associated with malignant phenotype. Downregulated GSK3B, β-catenin, and Vimentin after knockdown Integrinβ1, but HN1 expression remained largely unchanged, when HN1 and Integrinβ1 were knocked down, GSK3B, β-catenin, and Vimentin expression were considerably reduced. Our research demonstrated the crucial role of HN1 in H. pylori-induced acquisition of a malignant phenotype in GES-1 cells. Knockdown of HN1 blocked the pathogenic mechanism of H. pylori-induced GC and downregulated the expression of GSK3Β, β-catenin and Vimentin via Integrin β1.

Exploring the liver toxicity mechanism of Tripterygium wilfordii extract based on metabolomics, network pharmacological analysis and experimental validation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tripterygii wilfordii Radix, (TW) as a toxic herbal medicine, is the root of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F. , which commonly used in China for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases, but its severe toxicity, particularly hepatotoxicity, significantly impacts its clinical application.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The hepatotoxicity and its molecular mechanism of 70% TW ethanol extract (TWE) on male mice were demonstrated based on metabolomics, network pharmacological analysis and experimental validation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The toxic and bioactive ingredients in TWE were quantitative analyzed by Triple quadrupole (TQ) mass spectrometry method. The liver organ index, as well as the liver function indexes AST and ALT were evaluated after administering different doses of TWE for 24 h, and a pathological change was analyzed in liver tissue. Non-targeted metabolomics using UPLC-QTOF/MS was performed on both the plasma and liver tissue samples in combination with network toxicology to screen for key targets related to TWE toxicity in the liver. These key targets including caspase 3, NF-κB, TLR4, TNF-α, NQO1, and Bcl2 were subsequently verified through Western blotting experiments.

RESULTS

The six toxic and active ingredients of raphenolactone, ranolactone, triptolide tripterine, wilforlide A, demethylzeylasterain in TWE for the contents of 0.709, 1.408, 0.353, 0.354, 0.882, 0.227 mg g-1, respectively. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels increased and liver index decreased after administration of TWE for 24 h. Pathological analysis showed that TWE could produce toxicity to mouse liver, and its toxicity was dose-dependent. In the high-dose group, TW-D (11.23 g/kg) and TW-E (22.46 g/kg) caused a large amount of rupture in mouse liver nucleus and a large amount of inflammatory infiltration at the same time. Furthermore, 64 metabolites in plasma and 59 metabolites in the liver tissue were identified. The main metabolic pathways involved glycerol phospholipid metabolism, glycosylphosphatidylinositol-ether lipid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, sphingomyelin metabolism, and ether lipid metabolism in plasma and liver tissue. Through analysis of the top 10 correlated targets, 6 out of the top 10 selected target proteins exhibited consistent expression patterns with liver injury. The levels of Bcl2 and NQO1 decreased with increasing exposure dose. The expression of Caspase 3, NF-κB, TLR4, and TNF-α increased with increasing dose. These findings suggest that protein expression has a regulatory effect at different doses groups compared to the control group.These findings suggest a regulatory effect of protein expression in different dose groups compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

The hepatotoxic effects of TWE can increase ALT and AST levels in plasma, leading to hepatic oxidative damage and inflammatory response. The toxic mechanisms that produce are closely related to the regulating of the abnormal metabolites in plasma and liver tissue. Furthermore, the regulating the expression levels of targeted proteins of TNF-α, NF-κB, Caspase 3, NQO1, and Bcl2 were confirmed by examining the liver tissue. These data clearly elucidate the toxicity mechanism of TW, laying the foundation for ensuring the quality and safety of drugs.

Therapeutic Effects of Natural Products in the Treatment of Chronic Diseases: The Role in Regulating KEAP1-NRF2 Pathway

Oxidative stress represents a pivotal mechanism in the pathogenesis of numerous chronic diseases. The Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-transcription factor NF-E2 p45-related factor 2 (KEAP1-NRF2) pathway plays a crucial role in maintaining redox homeostasis and regulating a multitude of biological processes such as inflammation, protein homeostasis, and metabolic homeostasis. In this paper, we present the findings of recent studies on the KEAP1-NRF2 pathway, which have revealed that it is aberrantly regulated and induces oxidative stress injury in a variety of diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, respiratory diseases, digestive diseases, and cancer. Given this evidence, targeting KEAP1-NRF2 represents a highly promising avenue for developing therapeutic strategies for chronic diseases, and thus the development of appropriate therapeutic strategies based on the targeting of the NRF2 pathway has emerged as a significant area of research interest. This paper highlights an overview of current strategies to modulate KEAP1-NRF2, as well as recent advances in the use of natural compounds and traditional Chinese medicine, with a view to providing meaningful guidelines for drug discovery and development targeting KEAP1-NRF2. Additionally, it discusses the challenges associated with harnessing NRF2 as a therapeutic target.

Advances in Manganese-based nanomaterials for cancer therapy via regulating Non-Ferrous ferroptosis

Ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death distinct from apoptosis, was first identified in 2012 and is characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation driven by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Since its discovery, ferroptosis has been linked to various diseases, with recent studies highlighting its potential in cancer therapy, particularly for targeting cancer cells that are resistant to traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy. While iron has historically been central to ferroptosis, emerging evidence indicates that non-ferrous ions, especially manganese (Mn), also play a crucial role in modulating this process. Mn-based nanomaterials have shown significant promise in cancer treatment by enhancing ROS production, depleting antioxidant defenses, and inducing ferroptosis. Additionally, these materials offer advantages in tumor imaging, immunotherapy, and catalyzing the Fenton-like reactions essential for ferroptosis. This review delves into the mechanisms of Mn-induced ferroptosis, focusing on recent advancements in Mn-based nanomaterials and their applications in chemodynamic therapy and immunotherapy. By leveraging non-ferrous ion-mediated ferroptosis, these approaches provide a novel avenue for cancer treatment. Furthermore, this review explores the potential role of Mn-based nanomaterials in the lipid metabolism pathways involved in ferroptosis and highlights the advantages of Mn ions over other metals in promoting ferroptosis. These insights offer new perspectives for the development of tumor therapies centered on Mn-based nanomaterials.