The Mevalonate Pathway in the Radiation Response of Cancer

The mevalonate (MVA) pathway plays a critical role in cholesterol biosynthesis, protein prenylation, and metabolic reprogramming, all of which contribute to cancer progression and therapy resistance. Targeting the MVA pathway with statins and other inhibitors has shown promise in preclinical studies; however, clinical outcomes remain controversial, raising concerns about translating these findings into effective treatments. Additionally, the interaction between the MVA pathway and radiation therapy (RT) is not yet fully understood, as RT upregulates the pathway, which can enhance tumor cell survival. This review summarizes the current literature on MVA pathway inhibition in cancer therapy, focusing on its potential to enhance the efficacy of RT. A better understanding of the pathway's role in radiation responses will be essential to translate combination therapies that target this pathway.

20 years of histone lysine demethylases: From discovery to the clinic and beyond

Twenty years ago, histone lysine demethylases (KDMs) were discovered. Since their discovery, they have been increasingly studied and shown to be important across species, development, and diseases. Considerable advances have been made toward understanding their (1) enzymology, (2) role as critical components of biological complexes, (3) role in normal cellular processes and functions, (4) implications in pathological conditions, and (5) therapeutic potential. This Review covers these key relationships related to the KDM field with the awareness that numerous laboratories have contributed to this field. The current knowledge coupled with future insights will shape our understanding about cell function, development, and disease onset and progression, which will allow for novel biomarkers to be identified and for optimal therapeutic options to be developed for KDM-related diseases in the years ahead.

Metformin as an immunomodulatory agent in enhancing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma therapies

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains a significant clinical challenge due to its aggressive behavior and poor prognosis, making the development of novel therapeutics with enhanced efficacy and minimal side effects critical. Metformin, a widely used antidiabetic agent, has recently emerged as a potential adjunctive therapy for HNSCC, exhibiting both direct anti-tumor and immunomodulatory effects. This review comprehensively explores the multifaceted role of metformin in shaping the tumor immune microenvironment within HNSCC. We emphasize its pivotal role in modulating immune cell populations and its potential for synergistic action with immunotherapeutic strategies. Furthermore, we address the current challenges associated with optimizing dosing regimens, identifying predictive biomarkers, and integrating metformin with immunotherapy. By dissecting these aspects, this review aims to pave the way for the development of personalized HNSCC treatment strategies that fully exploit the therapeutic potential of metformin.

Unleashing the Potential of Metal Ions in cGAS-STING Activation: Advancing Nanomaterial-Based Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a critical modality in cancer treatment with diverse activation pathways. In recent years, the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway has exhibited significant potential in tumor immunotherapy. This pathway exerts notable antitumor effects by activating innate and adaptive immunity and regulating the tumor immune microenvironment. Various metal ions have been identified as effective activators of the STING pathway and, through the design and synthesis of nanodelivery platforms, have been applied in immunotherapy as well as in combination therapies, such as chemotherapy, chemodynamic therapy, photodynamic therapy, and cancer vaccines. Metal nanomaterials showcase unique advantages in immunotherapy; however, there are still aspects that require optimization. This review systematically examines existing metal-based nanomaterials, elaborates on the mechanisms by which different metal ions activate the STING pathway, and discusses their application models in tumor combination therapies. We also provide a comparative analysis of the advantages of metal nanomaterials over other treatment methods. Our exploration highlights the broad application prospects of metal nanomaterials in cancer treatment, offering new insights and directions for the advancement of tumor immunotherapy.

Targeting the histone reader ZMYND8 inhibits antiandrogen-induced neuroendocrine tumor transdifferentiation of prostate cancer

The transdifferentiation from adenocarcinoma to neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) in men confers antiandrogen therapy resistance. Here our analysis combining CRISPR‒Cas9 screening with single-cell RNA sequencing tracking of tumor transition demonstrated that antiandrogen-induced zinc finger MYND-type containing 8 (ZMYND8)-dependent epigenetic programming orchestrates NEPC transdifferentiation. Ablation of Zmynd8 prevents NEPC development, while ZMYND8 upregulation mediated by achaete-scute homolog 1 promotes NEPC differentiation. We show that forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) stabilizes ZMYND8 binding to chromatin regions characterized by H3K4me1-H3K14ac modification and FOXM1 targeting. Antiandrogen therapy releases the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex from the androgen receptor, facilitating its interaction with ZMYND8-FOXM1 to upregulate critical neuroendocrine lineage regulators. We develop iZMYND8-34, a small molecule designed to inhibit ZMYND8's histone recognition, which effectively blocks NEPC development. These findings reveal the critical role of ZMYND8-dependent epigenetic programming induced by androgen deprivation therapy in orchestrating lineage fate. Targeting ZMYND8 emerges as a promising strategy for impeding NEPC development.

Loss of SETD2 in wild-type VHL clear cell renal cell carcinoma sensitizes cells to STF-62247 and leads to DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, and cell death characteristic of pyroptosis

Loss of chromosome 3p and loss of heterogeneity of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene are common characteristics of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Despite frequent mutations on VHL, a fraction of tumors still grows with the expression of wild-type (WT) VHL and evolve into an aggressive subtype. Additionally, mutations on chromatin-modifying genes, such as the gene coding for the histone methyltransferase SET containing domain 2 (SETD2), are essential to ccRCC evolution. We previously identified STF-62247, a small molecule first discovered as a synthetically lethal molecule for VHL-deficient cells by blocking late stages of autophagy. This study investigated how other commonly mutated genes in ccRCC could impact the response to STF-62247. We showed that SETD2 inactivation in ccRCC cells expressing WT-VHL became vulnerable to STF-62247, as indicated by decreases in cell proliferation and survival. Furthermore, activation of the DNA damage response pathway leads to the loss of M-phase inducer phosphatase 1 (CDC25A) and cell cycle arrest in S phase. Cleavage of both caspase-3 and gasdermin E suggests that STF-62247 eliminates WT-VHL ccRCC cells through pyroptosis specifically when SETD2 is inactivated.

Predicting Survival in Patients with Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer: A SEER-Based Comprehensive Study

PURPOSE

Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) represents a particularly aggressive subtype of prostate cancer with a challenging prognosis. The purpose of this investigation is to craft and confirm the reliability of nomograms that can accurately forecast the 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates for individuals afflicted with NEPC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data pertaining to patients diagnosed with NEPC within the timeframe of 2010 to 2020 was meticulously gathered and examined from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER). To predict OS and CSS, we devised and authenticated two distinct nomograms, utilizing predictive variables pinpointed through both univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

The study encompassed 393 of NEPC patients, who were systematically divided into training and validation cohorts at a 2:1 ratio. Key prognostic factors were isolated, verified, and integrated into the respective nomograms for OS and CSS. The performance metrics, denoted by C-indices, stood at 0.730, 0.735 for the training set, and 0.784, 0.756 for the validation set. The precision and clinical relevance of the nomograms were further corroborated by the analysis of receiver operating characteristic curves, calibration plots, and decision curve analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

The constructed nomograms have demonstrated impressive efficacy in forecasting the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS and rates for patients with NEPC. Implementing these predictive tools in clinical settings is anticipated to considerably enhance the care and treatment planning for individuals diagnosed with this aggressive form of prostate cancer, thus providing tailored and more precise prognostic assessments.

HDAC2 promotes colorectal tumorigenesis by triggering dysregulation of lipid metabolism through YAP1

Dysfunction of lipid metabolism is important for the development and progression of colorectal cancer, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, HDAC2 was identified as highly expressed in both adenoma and colorectal cancer. We aimed to explore the roles and mechanisms of HDAC2 in lipid metabolism in colorectal cancer. HDAC2 expression in adenoma and colorectal cancer tissues was measured using tissue arrays. The function of HDAC2/YAP1 was identified using in vitro and in vivo experiments. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments, DNA pull-down assays, luciferase analyses, and ChIP-qPCR (Chromatin Immunoprecipitation-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction) assays were used to identify the potential mechanisms of HDAC2. We found that HDAC2 can disrupt lipid metabolism in colorectal cancer by mediating the deacetylation of YAP1. Mechanistically, HDAC2 can bind to YAP1 and mediate deacetylation of the K280 site of YAP1. Furthermore, the deacetylation of YAP1 reduces the efficiency of its binding to the ZMYND11 promoter region, exacerbating lipid metabolism disorders, which in turn reduce lipid accumulation and increase lipid catabolism in colorectal cancer cells. Our study identified a novel regulatory mechanism of lipid metabolism in colorectal cancer in which HDAC2 increases lipid catabolism by regulating the deacetylation of the K280 site of YAP1, revealing that HDAC2 promotes tumor progression through the regulation of lipid metabolism.

The role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the tumour microenvironment of urinary system

Urological tumours are a type of neoplasms that significantly jeopardise human life and wellbeing. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), serving as the primary component of the stromal cellular milieu, form a diverse cellular cohort that exerts substantial influence on tumourigenesis and tumour progression. In this review, we summarised the literatures regarding the functions of CAFs in the urinary tumour microenvironment (TME). We primarily examined the multifaceted activities of CAFs in the TME of urological system tumours, including inhibiting tumour immunity, remodelling the extracellular matrix, promoting tumour growth, metastasis, drug resistance and their clinical applications. We also discussed potential future directions for leveraging artificial intelligence in CAFs research. KEY POINTS: The interaction of CAFs with various cell secretory factors in the TME of urological tumors. The application of CAFs in diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of urological tumors.

TET3 is expressed in prostate cancer tumor-associated macrophages and is associated with anti-androgen resistance

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of TET3 in prostate cancer and its effect on the efficacy of anti-androgen therapy (ADT).

METHODS

The expression of TET3 in 1965 cases of prostate cancer and 493 cases of normal prostate tissues were analyzed. The CIBERSORT algorithm evaluated the abundance of 22 tumor-infiltrating immune cells in 497 prostate cancers. Subsequently, the expression of TET3 in prostate cancer TAMs was analyzed using 21,292 cells from single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq). In addition, the trajectory of the differentiation process was reconstructed based on pseudotime analysis. Sensitivity prediction of prostate cancers to ADT was evaluated based on GDSC2 and CTRP databases. Another dataset GSE111177 was employed for further analysis.

RESULTS

TET3 was over-expressed in prostate cancer, and the expression of TET3 in metastatic prostate cancer was higher than that in non-metastatic prostate cancer. The scRNAseq analysis of prostate cancer showed that TET3 was mainly expressed in TAM. TET3 expressed in early and active TAMs, with the activation of signaling pathways such as energy metabolism, cell communication, and cytokine production. Prostate cancer in TET3 high expression group was more sensitive to ADT drugs such as Bicalutamide and AZD3514, and was also more sensitive to chemotherapy drugs such as Cyclophosphamide, Paclitaxel, and Vincristine, and MAPK pathway inhibitors of Docetaxel and Dabrafenib.

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy of ADT in prostate cancer is related to the expression of TET3 in TAMs, and TET3 may be a potential therapeutic target for coordinating ADT.

Harnessing nature's therapeutic potential: A review of natural products in prostate cancer management

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death among men in the United States. The global burden of this disease is rising, placing significant strain on healthcare systems worldwide. Although definitive therapies like surgery and radiation are often effective, prostate cancer can recur and progress to castration-resistant prostate cancer in some cases. Conventional treatments for prostate cancer often have substantial side effects that can greatly impact patients' quality of life. Therefore, many patients turn to complementary therapies to improve outcomes, manage side effects, and enhance overall well-being. Natural products show promise as complementary treatments for prostate cancer, offering anticancer properties with a low risk of adverse effects. While preclinical research has produced encouraging results, their role in prostate cancer treatment remains controversial, largely due to inconsistent and limited success in clinical trials. This review explores the mechanisms of action of key natural products in prostate cancer management and summarizes clinical trials evaluating their efficacy and safety. It underscores the need for high-quality, rigorously designed, and adequately powered studies to validate the therapeutic potential and safety of these supplements in cancer care. Additionally, we propose future directions to enhance their role in addressing the complex challenges associated with prostate cancer.

Cellular senescence in tumor immune escape: Mechanisms, implications, and therapeutic potential

Cellular senescence, a hallmark of aging, has emerged as a captivating area of research in tumor immunology with profound implications for cancer prevention and treatment. In the tumor microenvironment, senescent cells exhibit a dual role, simultaneously hindering tumor development through collaboration with immune cells and evading immune cell attacks by upregulating immunoinhibitory proteins. However, the intricate immune escape mechanism of cellular senescence in the tumor microenvironment remains a subject of intense investigation. Chronic inflammation is exacerbated by cellular senescence through the upregulation of pro-inflammatory factors such as interleukin-1β, thereby augmenting the risk of tumorigenesis. Additionally, the interplay between autophagy and cellular senescence adds another layer of complexity. Autophagy, known to slow down the aging process by reducing p53/p21 levels, may be downregulated by cellular senescence. To harness the therapeutic potential of cellular senescence, targeting its immunological aspects has gained significant attention. Strategies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and T-cell senescence inhibition are being explored in the context of cellular senescence immunotherapy. In this comprehensive review, we provide a compelling overview of the regulation of cellular senescence and delve into the influencing factors, including chronic inflammation, autophagy, and circadian rhythms, associated with senescence in the tumor microenvironment. We specifically focus on unraveling the enigmatic dual role of cellular senescence in tumor immune escape. By deciphering the intricate nature of cellular senescence in the tumor microenvironment, this review aims to advance our understanding and pave the way for leveraging senescence as a promising target for tumor immunotherapy applications.

Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: Characterizing the Phenotype of Von Hippel-Lindau Mutation Using MRI

BACKGROUND

The von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) mutation is an important alteration in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC); however, its imaging phenotype remains unclear.

PURPOSE

To investigate whether MRI features can reflect the VHL mutation status.

STUDY TYPE

Retrospective.

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE

3 T/fast spin echo T2-weighted, spin-echo echo planar diffusion-weighted, gradient recalled echo T1-weighted, gradient recalled echo chemical-shift T1-weighted, and contrast-enhanced gradient recalled echo T1-weighted sequences.

POPULATION

One hundred five patients with ccRCC who underwent preoperative contrast-enhanced MRI and subsequent genomic sequencing: 59 consecutive patients from our institution (38 [64.41%] with VHL mutations) formed a training cohort, and 46 from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database (24 [52.17%] with VHL mutations) formed an independent test cohort.

ASSESSMENT

Two radiologists, with 23 and 33 years of experience respectively, jointly evaluated the semantic MRI features of the primary lesion in ccRCCs to propose potential features related to VHL mutations in both cohorts. Three additional readers, with 5, 7, and 10 years of experience respectively, independently reviewed all lesions to assess the interobserver agreement of MRI features. A VHL mutational likelihood score (VHL-MULIS) system was constructed using the training cohort and validated using the independent test cohort.

STATISTICAL TESTS

Fisher's test or chi-square test, t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, logistic regression, Cohen's kappa (κ), area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). A two-sided P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

In both the local and public cohorts, T2-weighted signal intensity and presence of microscopic fat from primary lesions were significantly associated with VHL mutation status. The VHL-MULIS incorporated maximum diameter, T2-weighted signal intensity, and presence of microscopic fat in the training cohort and demonstrated promising diagnostic ability (AUC, 0.82; sensitivity, 0.79; specificity, 0.82) and substantial interobserver agreement (κ, 0.787) in the test cohort.

DATA CONCLUSION

The VHL mutation exhibited a distinct MRI phenotype. Integrating multiple semantic MRI features has potential to reflect the mutation status in patients with ccRCC.

EVIDENCE LEVEL

3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

The role of transcription factors in prostate cancer progression

Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies in men, with most cases initially responding to androgen deprivation therapy. However, a significant number of patients eventually develop castration-resistant prostate cancer, an aggressive form of the disease. Although androgen receptor (AR) pathway inhibitors target AR signaling, and have extended survival in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer, prolonged treatment can lead to the emergence of neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), a lethal subtype characterized by the expression of neuroendocrine markers and reduced AR activity. The transition from adenocarcinoma to NEPC is driven by lineage plasticity, wherein cancer cells adopt a neuroendocrine phenotype to evade treatment. Consequently, NEPC patients face poor clinical outcomes and limited effective treatment options. To improve outcomes, it is crucial to understand the molecular mechanisms driving NEPC development. In this review, we highlight the role of transcription factors in this process and explore their potential as therapeutic targets.

Loss of ARID1A accelerates prostate tumourigenesis with a proliferative collagen-poor phenotype through co-operation with AP1 subunit cFos

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PC) is the commonest male visceral cancer, and second leading cause of cancer mortality in men in the Western world.

METHODS

Using a forward-mutagenesis Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon-based screen in a Probasin Cre-Recombinase (Pb-Cre) Pten-deficient mouse model of PC, we identified Arid1a loss as a driver in the development of metastatic disease.

RESULTS

The insertion of transposon in the Arid1a gene resulted in a 60% reduction of Arid1a expression, and reduced tumour free survival (SB:Ptenfl/fl Arid1aINT median 226 days vs SB:Ptenfl/fl Arid1aWT 293 days, p = 0.02),with elevated rates of metastasis (SB:Ptenfl/fl Arid1aINT 75% lung metastasis rate vs 17% SB:Ptenfl/fl Arid1aWT, p < 0.001). We further generated a Pb-Cre Pten- and Arid1a-deficient mouse model, in which loss of Arid1a demonstrated a profound acceleration in tumorigenesis in Ptenfl/fl mice compared to Pten loss alone (Pb-Cre Ptenfl/flArid1a+/+ median survival of 267 days vs Pb-Cre Ptenfl/fl Arid1afl/fl 103 days, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Our data revealed homozygous Arid1a loss is required to dramatically accelerate prostate tumourigenesis. Analysis of RNA and ChIP -Sequencing data suggests Arid1a loss enhanced the function of AP-1 subunit cFos. In clinical PC cohort, ARID1A and cFos levels stratified an aggressive subset of PC with a poor survival outcome with a median of only 30 months.

Key immune cells and their crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment of bladder cancer: insights for innovative therapies

Bladder cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous disease associated with high mortality if not diagnosed early. BC is classified into non-muscle-invasive BC (NMIBC) and muscle-invasive BC (MIBC), with MIBC linked to poor systemic therapy response and high recurrence rates. Current treatments include transurethral resection with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy for NMIBC and radical cystectomy with chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy for MIBC. The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical role in cancer progression, metastasis, and therapeutic efficacy. A comprehensive understanding of the TME's complex interactions holds substantial translational significance for developing innovative treatments. The TME can contribute to therapeutic resistance, particularly in immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapies, where resistance arises from tumor-intrinsic changes or extrinsic TME factors. Recent advancements in immunotherapy highlight the importance of translational research to address these challenges. Strategies to overcome resistance focus on remodeling the TME to transform immunologically "cold" tumors, which lack immune cell infiltration, into "hot" tumors that respond better to immunotherapy. These strategies involve disrupting cancer-microenvironment interactions, inhibiting angiogenesis, and modulating immune components to enhance anti-tumor responses. Key mechanisms include cytokine involvement [e.g., interleukin-6 (IL-6)], phenotypic alterations in macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells, and the plasticity of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Identifying potential therapeutic targets within the TME can improve outcomes for MIBC patients. This review emphasizes the TME's complexity and its impact on guiding novel therapeutic approaches, offering hope for better survival in MIBC.

The origin and polarization of Macrophages and their role in the formation of the Pre-Metastatic niche in osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma, a primary malignant bone tumor commonly found in adolescents, is highly aggressive, with a high rate of disability and mortality. It has a profound negative impact on both the physical and psychological well-being of patients. The standard treatment approach, comprising surgery and chemotherapy, has seen little improvement in patient outcomes over the past several decades. Once relapse or metastasis occurs, prognosis worsens significantly. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore new therapeutic approaches. In recent years, the successful application of immunotherapy in certain cancers has demonstrated its potential in the field of cancer treatment. Macrophages are the predominant components of the immune microenvironment in osteosarcoma and represent critical targets for immunotherapy. Macrophages exhibit dual characteristics; while they play a key role in maintaining tumor-promoting properties within the microenvironment, such as inflammation, angiogenesis, and immune suppression, they also possess antitumor potential as part of the innate immune system. A deeper understanding of macrophages and their relationship with osteosarcoma is essential for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

CDKN2A Low cancer cells outcompete macrophages for microenvironmental zinc to drive immunotherapy resistance

Approximately 50% of cancers exhibit decreased CDKN2A expression ( CDKN2A Low ), which is linked to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) resistance. While CDKN2A is traditionally recognized as a tumor suppressor and cell cycle regulator, we have previously put forth a new paradigm demonstrating its role in intracellular metabolic reprogramming. Whether the metabolic derangement due to CDKN2A loss alters metabolites within the tumor microenvironment (TME) and how that affects the immune compartment and ICB response has never been investigated. Here we found that CDKN2A Low cancer cells reorganize zinc compartmentalization by upregulating the zinc importer SLC39A9 in the plasma membrane, leading to intracellular zinc accumulation in cancer cells and concurrent zinc depletion in the TME. This competition for zinc results in zinc-starved tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), leading to reduced phagocytic activity. Increasing zinc in TAMs through multiple approaches, including a dietary intervention that increases availability of TME zinc, re-educates these TAMs to a pro-phagocytic phenotype. Remarkably, both knockdown of Slc39a9 in cancer cells or providing a high zinc diet sensitizes Cdkn2a Low tumors to ICB. TAMs, not T cells, are indispensable for ICB response. Clinically, TAMs from CDKN2A Low cancer patients have decreased zinc signatures, corresponding to reduced phagocytosis signatures. Moreover, patients with low circulating zinc levels have reduced time-to-event outcomes compared to those with higher zinc levels. Our work reveals a previously unrecognized mechanism through which CDKN2A Low cancer cells outcompete TAMs for zinc, directly disrupting their function and ICB efficacy.

MMP14 from BM-MSCs facilitates progression and Ara-C resistance in acute myeloid leukemia via the JAK/STAT pathway

Growing evidence underscores the pivotal impact of crosstalk between leukemic stem cells (LSCs) and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) within their niche on leukemia initiation, progression, and therapy response. Although MMP14 plays an important role in inflammation and cancer, the regulation and role of MSC-derived MMP14 in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are largely unknown. Here, we found that AML patient-derived MSCs (AML-MSCs) were more supportive of AML cell growth compared to healthy donor-derived MSCs (HD-MSCs). Moreover, AML-MSCs and HD-MSCs showed significant differences in gene expression and protein expression profiles. Knockdown of MMP14 in MSCs inhibited the CFU-F ability of MSC cells and increased the proportion of cells in the G0 phase, thereby inhibiting proliferation. Co-culture with MSCs inhibited the proliferation and cell cycle progression of leukemia cells, while increasing the apoptosis rate, thus impairing the leukemogenic potential of AML cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic studies revealed that MMP14-mediated alterations in the AML stromal microenvironment are driven by PGE2 secretion and activation of the JAK-STAT pathway, promoting leukemia progression. Notably, inhibition of MMP14 can attenuate the chemotherapy resistance of AML cells induced by MSCs to cytarabine (Ara-C). Together, our study, for the first time, demonstrates the critical role of MSC-derived MMP14 in promoting AML progression and chemoresistance. Targeting MMP14 signaling pathways may offer novel therapeutic options for AML.

The role of B2M in cancer immunotherapy resistance: function, resistance mechanism, and reversal strategies

Immunotherapy has emerged as a preeminent force in the domain of cancer therapeutics and achieved remarkable breakthroughs. Nevertheless, the high resistance has become the most substantial impediment restricting its clinical efficacy. Beta-2 microglobulin (B2M), the light chain of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, plays an indispensable part by presenting tumor antigens to cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) for exerting anti-tumor effects. Accumulating evidence indicates that B2M mutation/defect is one of the key mechanisms underlying tumor immunotherapy resistance. Therefore, elucidating the role played by B2M and devising effective strategies to battle against resistance are pressing issues. This review will systematically expound upon them, aiming to provide insight into the potential of B2M as a promising target in anticancer immune response.

Exploring the positive association of blood lipid levels with prostate cancer risk and their relationship to pathological features in the Chinese population

Presently, the majority of investigations into the effects blood lipids on prostate cancer (PCa) primarily involve Western populations. Our study endeavors to investigate the impact of blood lipid levels on the risk of PCa among the Chinese population and to elucidate their potential association with the pathological characteristics of PCa. This study drew data from a dataset for early warning of PCa from the China National Population Health Science Data Center, encompassing 2624 patients who had undergone prostate biopsy. We utilized binary logistic regression to assess the ability of blood lipid levels to distinguish between PCa and non-PCa, as well as to differentiate clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) from non-PCa. Additionally, we assessed the ability of these lipid markers to predict whether the Gleason Grade (GG) would be upgraded or downgraded following radical prostatectomy compared to the biopsy GG. Furthermore, ordered multiclass logistic regression was employed to explore the relationship between these indicators and GG. In the Chinese population, triglycerides (P = .004; OR: 1.344; 95% CI: 1.201-1.503), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < .001; OR: 1.314; 95% CI: 1.200-1.439), and apolipoprotein A1 (P < .001; OR: 2.451; 95% CI: 1.714-3.504) were identified as independent risk factors for predicting PCa. Additionally, triglycerides (P = .013; OR: 1.156; 95% CI: 1.031-1.295) and apolipoprotein A1 (P < .001; OR: 2.580; 95% CI: 1.809-3.680) were found to be independent risk factors for predicting csPCa. Our study demonstrated a positive association between blood lipid levels and PCa risk in the Chinese population, highlighting the potential utility of blood lipids as biomarkers for PCa. In male individuals with a familial predisposition to PCa or other recognized risk factors for PCa, the assessment of blood lipid levels can be incorporated as an auxiliary biomarker in the routine health screening protocol.

Extracellular Vesicles in the Mesenchymal Stem Cell/Macrophage Axis: Potential Targets for Inflammatory Treatment

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been widely used for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases due to their pluripotent differentiation potential and immunomodulatory function. Macrophage (Mφ) polarization also acts an essential and central role in regulating inflammation, basically the dynamic balance of pro-inflammatory M1-like (M1φ) and anti-inflammatory M2-like macrophages (M2φ), affecting the occurrence and progression of inflammatory diseases. Since a pivotal molecular crosstalk between MSCs and Mφ has been elucidated using in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies, we presume that the mesenchymal stem cell/macrophages axis (MSC/Mφ axis) acts an important role in pathophysiological mechanisms of inflammatory diseases and should be the potential therapeutic target. However, the crucial effects of EVs as intercellular communicators and therapeutic agents in the MSC/Mφ axis remains explorable. Therefore, this review elaborated on the mechanisms of EVs mediating the MSC/Mφ axis regulating inflammation in-depth, hoping to provide more references for related research in the future.

Emodin Decreases Tumor-Associated Macrophages Accumulation and Suppresses Bladder Cancer Development by Inhibiting CXCL1 Secretion from Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most abundant stromal cells in the bladder cancer (BC) microenvironment (TME). However, the detailed mechanisms underlying TAM-CAF communication and their contributions to BC progression remain incompletely understood. Emerging evidence shows that Emodin exerts anti-tumor effect on several tumor models by targeting TME. To date, the impact of Emodin on BC has not been previously reported. Our study firstly demonstrated that Emodin significantly inhibited tumor growth and reduced TAM accumulation in a murine BC model. Emodin markedly decreased serum levels of multiple chemokines in tumor-bearing mice, with CXCL1 showing the most pronounced reduction. Strikingly, Emodin selectively suppressed CXCL1 secretion in CAFs but not in TAMs or tumor cells. Furthermore, the decrease in TAM migration induced by Emodin was dependent on CAF-derived CXCL1. Using a subcutaneous tumor model, we found that Emodin failed to inhibit tumor growth when CXCL1-deficient CAFs were co-injected with tumor cells, underscoring the critical role of CXCL1 in this process. Bioinformatics analysis further revealed that elevated CXCL1 levels correlated negatively with invasive/metastatic potential and overall survival in BC patients. In conclusion, our findings establish that Emodin delays BC progression by disrupting CXCL1-mediated crosstalk between CAFs and TAMs.

[ARID1B Gene Deletion Promotes the Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of NSCLC Cells]

BACKGROUND

Abnormalities of the switch/sucrose nonfermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin-remodeling complex are closely related to various cancers, and ARID1B (AT-rich interaction domain 1B) is one of the core subunits of the SWI/SNF complex. Mutations or copy number deletions of the ARID1B gene are associated with impaired DNA damage response and altered chromatin accessibility. However, whether ARID1B deficiency affects the proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and its molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aims to reveal the regulatory role of ARID1B gene deletion on the malignant phenotype of NSCLC cells and its molecular mechanism.

METHODS

Online databases were used to analyze the relationship between ARID1B and the prognosis of patients with lung cancer, and the expression levels of ARID1B in lung cancer tissues. The CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat) technology was employed to construct stable ARID1B gene knockout (KO) cell lines. The plate colony formation assay was used to detect cell proliferation, and the Transwell cell migration and invasion assays were used to detect changes in cell migration ability. RNA-Seq was utilized for the expression and enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes. Western blot (WB) was used to verify the knockout effect of the ARID1B gene and to detect the expression changes of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway-related proteins. Nude mouse tumor models were constructed and the tumorigenic abilities of control and ARID1B-deficient cells were compared.

RESULTS

Patients with low ARID1B expression have poor overall survival. ARID1B is differentially expressed in lung cancer and normal tissues, and its expression level being lower in cancer cells. ARID1B-deficient cells had significantly enhanced in vitro proliferation, migration and invasion abilities. In animal experiments, the tumor formation speed of ARID1B gene deficient cells was significantly accelerated. Enrichment analysis of RNA-Seq results revealed that the differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in MAPK, phosphoinositide 3-kinase-protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) and other signaling pathways. WB experiments demonstrated that the expressions of E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Vimentin changed in ARID1B gene deficient cells, and the expressions of MAPK and p-MAPK was increased.

CONCLUSIONS

The A549-ARID1B KO and PC9-ARID1B KO cell lines were successfully established. The ARID1B-deficient cell lines demonstrated high migration, invasion and proliferation potential at both in vitro and in vivo biological behavior levels and at the transcriptome sequencing level. The changes in the expression of EMT markers and the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway suggest possible metastasis mechanisms of ARID1B-deficient NSCLC.

Massively parallel interrogation of human functional variants modulating cancer immunosurveillance

Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy has revolutionized clinical cancer treatment, while abnormal PD-L1 or HLA-I expression in patients can significantly impact the therapeutic efficacy. Somatic mutations in cancer cells that modulate these critical regulators are closely associated with tumor progression and ICB response. However, a systematic interpretation of cancer immune-related mutations is still lacking. Here, we harnessed the ABEmax system to establish a large-scale sgRNA library encompassing approximately 820,000 sgRNAs that target all feasible serine/threonine/tyrosine residues across the human genome, which systematically unveiled thousands of novel mutations that decrease or augment PD-L1 or HLA-I expression. Beyond residues associated with phosphorylation events, our screens also identified functional mutations that affect mRNA or protein stability, DNA binding capacity, protein-protein interactions, and enzymatic catalytic activity, leading to either gene inactivation or activation. Notably, we uncovered certain mutations that concurrently modulate PD-L1 and HLA-I expression, represented by the clinically relevant mutation SETD2_Y1666. We demonstrated that this mutation induces consistent phenotypic effects across multiple cancer cell lines and enhances the efficacy of immunotherapy in different tumor models. Our findings provide an unprecedented resource of functional residues that regulate cancer immunosurveillance, offering valuable guidance for clinical diagnosis, ICB therapy, and the development of innovative drugs for cancer treatment.

Chemokine Receptor 2 Is a Theranostic Biomarker for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a degenerative vascular disease with a high mortality upon rupture. There is no diagnosis to predict the rupture nor effective medical therapies to prevent rupture. Here we demonstrate that the C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) is a theranostic biomarker for AAA. In rat AAA models, we determined the potential of a CCR2-targeted positron emission tomography radiotracer [64Cu]Cu-DOTA-ECL1i predicting AAA rupture. Using a CCR2 inhibitor, we observed the effective prevention of rupture in AAA rat models. In humans, CCR2 positron emission tomography showed intense radiotracer uptake along the AAA wall in patients while little signal was observed in healthy volunteers.

LSD1 inhibition corrects dysregulated MHC-I and dendritic cells activation through IFNγ-CXCL9-CXCR3 axis to promote antitumor immunity in HNSCC

Poor infiltration of CD8+ T cells and dysregulated MHC-I confer resistance to anticancer clinical therapies. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1, encoded by KDM1A gene) in antitumor immunity in Head and Neck Squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). LSD1 inhibition in syngeneic and chronic tobacco carcinogen-induced HNSCC mice recruited activated dendritic cells (DCs), CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, enriched interferon-gamma (IFNγ) in T cells, CXCL9 in DCs, and CXCR3 in T cells, as evaluated using flow cytometry and single-cell RNA-seq analysis. Humanized HNSCC mice and TCGA data validated the inverse correlation of KDM1A with DC markers, CD8+ T cells, and their activating chemokines. Kdm1a knockout in mouse HNSCC and LSD1 inhibitor treatment to co-culture of human HNSCC cells with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) resulted in MHC-I upregulation in cancer cells for efficient antigen presentation in tumors. Overall, LSD1 inhibition in tumor cells upregulates MHC class I and induces DCs to produce CXCL9, which in turn activates CD8+ T cells through the CXCL9-CXCR3 axis to produce IFNγ. Finally, we identified a novel mechanism by which LSD1 inhibition promotes the activation of H3K4me2 and its direct interaction with MHC-I to induce antitumor immunity. This may have implications in poorly immunogenic and immunotherapy-resistant cancers.

Statement of Significance

LSD1-mediated unique mechanisms have impact on epigenetic therapy, MHC-I resistant HNSCC therapies, and poor CD8+ and dendritic cell infilterated tumors.

DLGAP5 upregulates E2F1 to promote prostate adenocarcinoma neuroendocrine differentiation

AIMS

DLGAP5 plays a significant role in promoting cancer progression across various cancers. However, the specific role of DLGAP5 in neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) of prostate cancer (PCa) remains elusive. Our objective is to explore the mechanism by which DLGAP5 mediates NED in PCa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Utilizing diverse public databases, we conducted bioinformatics analysis to examine DLGAP5 expression in PCa. We confirmed aberrant DLGAP5 expression in various PCa cell lines through Western blotting. Functional assays both in vivo and in vitro have validated the oncogenic role of DLGAP5 in PCa. Furthermore, we sought to identify downstream key genes to elucidate the mechanisms underlying DLGAP5-mediated NED in PCa. We also identified a small molecule drug, AAPK-25, which specifically targets DLGAP5.

KEY FINDINGS

DLGAP5 was highly expressed in NEPC. The suppression of AR signaling promoted DLGAP5 transcription. DLGAP5 endowed PCa cells with a robust ability to proliferate and migrate. E2F1 was an important downstream target of DLGAP5. DLGAP5 mediated the NED of PCa through E2F1. AAPK-25, as an inhibitor of DLGAP5, inhibited PRAD proliferation by repressing the DLGAP5/E2F1 axis both in vitro and in vivo.

SIGNIFICANCE

We identified the AR/DLGAP5/E2F1 signaling pathway as a pivotal mechanism that facilitates the transition of PCa towards a neuroendocrine phenotype. This pathway may represent a promising therapeutic target for NEPC patients.

The Impact of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Cancer and Therapeutic Strategies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cancer is a disease influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, with dietary lipids being a significant contributing factor. This review summarizes the role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the mechanism of tumor occurrence and development, and elucidate the role of PUFAs in tumor treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

PUFAs exert their impact on cancer through altering lipid composition in cell membranes, interacting with cell membrane lipid receptors, directly modulating gene expression in the cell nucleus, and participating in the metabolism of lipid mediators. Most omega-3 PUFAs are believed to inhibit cell proliferation, promote cancer cell death, suppress cancer metastasis, alter energy metabolism, inhibit tumor microenvironment inflammation, and regulate immune responses involving macrophages, T cells, NK cells, and others. However, certain omega-6 PUFAs exhibit weaker anti-tumor effects and may even promote tumor development, such as by fostering inflammatory tumor microenvironment and enhancing tumor cell proliferation. PUFAs play important roles in hallmarks of cancer including tumor cell proliferation, cell death, migration and invasion, energy metabolism remodeling, epigenetics, and immunity. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms of cancer development and offers options for dietary management of cancer.

Lactate: A key regulator of the immune response

Lactate, the end product of both anaerobic and aerobic glycolysis in proliferating and growing cells-with the latter process known as the Warburg effect-is historically considered a mere waste product of cell and tissue metabolism. However, research over the past ten years has unveiled multifaceted functions of lactate that critically shape and impact cellular biology. Beyond serving as a fuel source, lactate is now known to influence gene expression through histone modification and to function as a signaling molecule that impacts a wide range of cellular activities. These properties have been particularly studied in the context of both adaptive and innate immune responses. Here, we review the diverse roles of lactate in the regulation of the immune system during homeostasis and disease pathogenesis (including cancer, infection, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmunity). Furthermore, we describe recently proposed therapeutic interventions for manipulating lactate metabolism in human diseases.

Intestinal Foxl1+ cell-derived CXCL12 maintains epithelial homeostasis by modulating cellular metabolism

Several mesenchymal cell populations are known to regulate intestinal stem cell (ISC) self-renewal and differentiation. However, the influences of signaling mediators derived from mesenchymal cells other than ISC niche factors on epithelial homeostasis remain poorly understood. Here, we show that host and microbial metabolites, such as taurine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), act on PDGFRαhigh Foxl1high sub-epithelial mesenchymal cells to regulate their transcription. In addition, we found that CXC chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) produced from Foxl1high sub-epithelial mesenchymal cells induces epithelial cell cycle arrest through modulation of the mevalonate-cholesterol synthesis pathway, which suppresses tumor progression in ApcMin/+ mice. We identified that Foxl1high sub-epithelial cells highly express CXCL12 among colonic mesenchymal cells. Foxl1-cre; Cxcl12f/f mice showed an increased number of Ki67+ colonic epithelial cells. CXCL12-induced Ca2+ mobilization facilitated phosphorylation of AMPK in intestinal epithelial cells, which inhibits the maturation of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) that are responsible for mevalonate pathway activation. Furthermore, Cxcl12 deficiency in Foxl1-expressing cells promoted tumor development in the small and large intestines of ApcMin/+ mice. Collectively, these results demonstrate that CXCL12 secreted from Foxl1high mesenchymal cells manipulates intestinal epithelial cell metabolism, which links to the prevention of tumor progression in ApcMin/+ mice.

Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome: clinical features, genetic foundations, and management strategies

Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome (VHL) is a rare, hereditary disorder characterized by the development of multiple tumors and cysts in various parts of the body due to mutations in the VHL gene on chromosome 3p25-26. Patients with VHL are at increased risk for hemangioblastomas of the brain, spinal cord, and retina, renal cell carcinomas, pheochromocytomas, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and endolymphatic sac tumors. Clinical manifestations vary widely, and early diagnosis through genetic testing and regular surveillance is crucial for effective management. Treatment involves monitoring for tumor development, surgical removal of tumors, and targeted therapies for advanced cases. Recent advances in understanding the VHL pathway have led to new targeted treatments, particularly those involving the hypoxia-inducible factors and vascular endothelial growth factor pathways, which have improved patient outcomes. This article reviews the clinical features, genetic foundations, genotype/phenotype relationship and current management strategies for VHL, emphasizing recent advances that have enhanced prognosis and quality of life for patients.

LPIN3 promotes colorectal cancer growth by dampening intratumoral CD8+ T cell effector function

LPIN3 has emerged as a key factor in a variety of malignancies, although its precise role in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. By analyzing the data from The Cancer Genome Atlas, we discovered that the expression pattern of LPIN3 and the relevant makeup of the immune microenvironment were immensely diverse among tumors. LPIN3 is abundantly expressed in CRC and may enhance tumor growth by activating the β-catenin signaling pathway. In addition, we discovered that LPIN3 might reduce tumor antigen presentation signals, hence suppressing CD8+ T cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Furthermore, high expression of LPIN3 predicts decreased CD8+ T cell infiltration and effector function via bioinformatics analysis. Indeed, CD8+ T cell-mediated cytotoxicity as well as CD8+ T cell infiltration and activation in vivo were strengthened by LPIN3 knockdown. To sum up, our results highlight the part that LPIN3 plays in driving the progression of CRC by regulating β-catenin signaling and CD8+ T cell activity.

Nanobodies targeting the tumor microenvironment and their formulation as nanomedicines

Among the emerging strategies for cancer theranostics, nanomedicines offer significant promise in advancing both patients' diagnosis and treatment. In combination with nanobodies, nanomedicines can potentially enhance the precision and efficiency of drug or imaging agent delivery, addressing key limitations of current approaches, such as off-target toxicities. The development of nanomedicines will be further accelerated by the creation of smart nanoparticles, and their integration with immunotherapy. Obviously, the success of nano-immunotherapy will depend on a comprehensive understanding of the tumor microenvironment, including the complex interplay of mechanisms that drive cancer-mediated immunosuppression and immune escape. Hence, effective therapeutic targeting of the tumor microenvironment requires modulation of immune cell function, overcoming resistance mechanisms associated with stromal components or the extracellular matrix, and/or direct elimination of cancer cells. Identifying key molecules involved in cancer progression and drug resistance is, therefore, essential for developing effective therapies and diagnostic tools that can predict patient responses to treatment and monitor therapeutic outcomes. Current nanomedicines are being designed with careful consideration of factors such as the choice of carrier (e.g., biocompatibility, controlled cargo release) and targeting moiety. The unique properties of nanobodies make them an effective engineering tool to target biological molecules with high affinity and specificity. In this review, we focus on the latest applications of nanobodies for targeting various components of the tumor microenvironment for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. We also explore the main types of nanoparticles used as a carrier for cancer immunotherapies, as well as the strategies for formulating nanoparticle-nanobody conjugates. Finally, we highlight how nanobody-nanoparticle formulations can enhance current nanomedicines.

STING in cancer immunoediting: Modeling tumor-immune dynamics throughout cancer development

Cancer immunoediting is a dynamic process of tumor-immune system interaction that plays a critical role in cancer development and progression. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of innate signaling pathways possessed by both cancer cells and immune cells in this process. The STING molecule, a pivotal innate immune signaling molecule, mediates DNA-triggered immune responses in both cancer cells and immune cells, modulating the anti-tumor immune response and shaping the efficacy of immunotherapy. Emerging evidence has shown that the activation of STING signaling has dual opposing effects in cancer progression, simultaneously provoking and restricting anti-tumor immunity, and participating in every phase of cancer immunoediting, including immune elimination, equilibrium, and escape. In this review, we elucidate the roles of STING in the process of cancer immunoediting and discuss the dichotomous effects of STING agonists in the cancer immunotherapy response or resistance. A profound understanding of the sophisticated roles of STING signaling pathway in cancer immunoediting would potentially inspire the development of novel cancer therapeutic approaches and overcome the undesirable protumor effects of STING activation.

The Role of Yes-Associated Protein in Inflammatory Diseases and Cancer

Yes-associated protein (YAP) plays a central role in the Hippo pathway, primarily governing cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Its significance extends to tumorigenesis and inflammatory conditions, impacting disease initiation and progression. Given the increasing relevance of YAP in inflammatory disorders and cancer, this study aims to elucidate its pathological regulatory functions in these contexts. Specifically, we aim to investigate the involvement and molecular mechanisms of YAP in various inflammatory diseases and cancers. We particularly focus on how YAP activation, whether through Hippo-dependent or independent pathways, triggers the release of inflammation and inflammatory mediators in respiratory, cardiovascular, and digestive inflammatory conditions. In cancer, YAP not only promotes tumor cell proliferation and differentiation but also modulates the tumor immune microenvironment, thereby fostering tumor metastasis and progression. Additionally, we provide an overview of current YAP-targeted therapies. By emphasizing YAP's role in inflammatory diseases and cancer, this study aims to enhance our understanding of the protein's pivotal involvement in disease processes, elucidate the intricate pathological mechanisms of related diseases, and contribute to future drug development strategies targeting YAP.

The Extra-Tumoral Vaccine Effects of Apoptotic Bodies in the Advancement of Cancer Treatment

The induction of apoptosis in tumor cells is a common target for the development of anti-tumor therapies; however, these therapies still leave patients at increased risk of disease recurrence. For example, apoptotic tumor cells can promote tumor growth and immune evasion via the secretion of metabolites, apoptotic extracellular vesicles, and induction of pro-tumorigenic macrophages. This paradox of apoptosis induction and the pro-tumorigenic effects of tumor cell apoptosis has begged the question of whether apoptosis is a suitable cancer therapy, and led to further explorations into other immunogenic cell death-based approaches. However, these strategies still face multiple challenges, the most critical of which is the tumor microenvironment. Contrary to the promotion of immune tolerance mediated by apoptotic tumor cells, apoptotic bodies with enriched tumor-related antigens have demonstrated great immunogenic potential, as evidenced by their ability to initiate systemic T-cell immune responses. These characteristics indicate that apoptotic body-based therapies could be ideal "in situ" extra-tumoral tumor vaccine candidates for the treatment of cancers, and further address the current issues with apoptosis-based or immunotherapy treatments. Although not yet tested clinically, apoptotic body-based vaccines have the potential to better treatment strategies and patient outcomes in the future.

APN/AdipoRon regulates luteal steroidogenesis through AMPK/EZH2/H3K27me3 in goats

AMPK plays a crucial role in cellular energy metabolism and is involved in the regulation of luteal steroidogenesis by APN and its analog AdipoRon. To further explore the regulatory mechanism of AMPK in goat luteal steroidogenesis mediated by APN, cyclic and pregnant CL were utilized to assess the localization and expression of AMPK, EZH2, H3K27me3 and H3K27ac by WB and mIHC, and the interaction between AMPK and EZH2 by Co-IP. Then, isolated luteal cells were treated with APN/AdipoRon to evaluate the expression levels of AMPK, EZH2, H3K27me3 and H3K27ac. Results showed that AMPK and EZH2 were co-localized to the cytoplasm of luteal cells, and interacted as detected by Co-IP. H3K27me3 and H3K27ac were localized to the nucleus of goat luteal cells. H3K27me3 expression in late CL was significantly higher than that in early and middle CL, while the expressions of AMPK, H3K27ac and EZH2 in middle CL were significantly higher than those in early and late CL. Notably, all these proteins were expressed at similar levels between pregnancy and middle cycle, with the exception of EZH2. Following incubation with AdipoRon (25 μM) and APN (1 μg/mL) for 24 h, the expressions of AMPK and H3K27ac decreased, while H3K27me3 increased in luteal cells. Compound C (AMPK activity inhibitor) reversed the AdipoRon - induced decrease in EZH2 expression and the increase in H3K27me3 expression. The increased H3K27me3 expression and decreased steroidogenic protein (CYP11A1 and HSD3B) expression after GSK126 (EZH2 inhibitor) treatment were consistent with the effects seen after AdipoRon treatment. In conclusion, APN/AdipoRon inhibits luteal steroidogenesis by inhibiting the interaction between AMPK and EZH2, thereby promoting H3K27me3 expression.

Mechanisms and Applications of Manganese-Based Nanomaterials in Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy

Tumors are the second most common cause of mortality globally, ranking just below heart disease. With continuous advances in diagnostic technology and treatment approaches, the survival rates of some cancers have increased. Nevertheless, due to the complexity of the mechanisms underlying tumors, cancer remains a serious public health issue that threatens the health of the population globally. Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element for the human body. Its regulatory role in tumor biology has received much attention in recent years. Developments in nanotechnology have led to the emergence of Mn-based nanoparticles that have great potential for use in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers. Mn-based nanomaterials can be integrated with conventional techniques, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and gene therapy, to augment their therapeutic effectiveness. Further, Mn-based nanomaterials can play a synergistic role in emerging treatment strategies for tumors, such as immunotherapy, photothermal and photodynamic therapy, electromagnetic hyperthermia, sonodynamic therapy, chemodynamic therapy, and intervention therapy. Moreover, Mn-based nanomaterials can enhance both the precision of tumor diagnostics and the capability for combined diagnosis and treatment. This article examines the roles and associated mechanisms of Mn in the field of physiology and tumor biology, with a focus on the application prospects of Mn-based nanomaterials in tumor diagnosis and treatment.

Targeting novel regulated cell death: disulfidptosis in cancer immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors

The battle against cancer has evolved over centuries, from the early stages of surgical resection to contemporary treatments including chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies. Despite significant advances in cancer treatment over recent decades, these therapies remain limited by various challenges. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), a cornerstone of tumor immunotherapy, have emerged as one of the most promising advancements in cancer treatment. Although ICIs, such as CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, have demonstrated clinical efficacy, their therapeutic impact remains suboptimal due to patient-specific variability and tumor immune resistance. Cell death is a fundamental process for maintaining tissue homeostasis and function. Recent research highlights that the combination of induced regulatory cell death (RCD) and ICIs can substantially enhance anti-tumor responses across multiple cancer types. In cells exhibiting high levels of recombinant solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) protein, glucose deprivation triggers a programmed cell death (PCD) pathway characterized by disulfide bond formation and REDOX (reduction-oxidation) reactions, termed "disulfidptosis." Studies suggest that disulfidptosis plays a critical role in the therapeutic efficacy of SLC7A11high cancers. Therefore, to investigate the potential synergy between disulfidptosis and ICIs, this study will explore the mechanisms of both processes in tumor progression, with the goal of enhancing the anti-tumor immune response of ICIs by targeting the intracellular disulfidptosis pathway.

Genome-wide CRISPR screening identifies PHF8 as an effective therapeutic target for KRAS- or BRAF-mutant colorectal cancers

BACKGROUND

Mutations in KRAS and BRAF genes are prevalent in colorectal cancer (CRC), which strikingly promote tumorigenesis and lead to poor response to a variety of treatments including immunotherapy by activating the MAPK/ERK pathway. Thus, there is an urgent need to discover effective therapeutic targets and strategies.

METHODS

CRISPR-Cas9 lentiviral knockout library was used to screen the suppressors of anti-PD1 immunotherapy. Bioinformatic analysis was used to analyze the correlation between PHF8 expression and immune indicators in CRC. In vitro and in vivo experiments were utilized to determine the effects of PHF8 on the immune indexes and malignant phenotypes of CRC cells. qRT-PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-qPCR assays were used to determine the regulatory effects of PHF8 on PD-L1, KRAS, BRAF, and c-Myc and the regulatory effect c-Myc/miR-22-3p signaling axis on PHF8 expression in CRC cells.

RESULTS

This study identified histone lysine demethylase PHF8 as a negative regulator for the efficacy of anti-PD1 therapy and found that it was highly expressed in CRCs and strongly associated with poor patient survival. Functional studies showed that PHF8 played an oncogenic role in KRAS- or BRAF-mutant CRC cells, but not in wild-type ones. Mechanistically, PHF8 up-regulated the expression of PD-L1, KRAS, BRAF, and c-Myc by increasing the levels of transcriptional activation marks H3K4me3 and H3K27ac and decreasing the levels of transcriptional repression mark H3K9me2 within their promoter regions, promoting immune escape and tumor progression. Besides, our data also demonstrated that PHF8 was up-regulated by the c-Myc/miR-22-3p signaling axis to form a positive feedback loop. Targeting PHF8 substantially improved the efficacy of anti-PD1 therapy and inhibited the malignant phenotypes of KRAS- or BRAF-mutant CRC cells.

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrate that PHF8 may be an effective therapeutic target for KRAS- or BRAF-mutant CRCs.

Synergistic anti-cancer effects of metformin and cisplatin on YD-9 oral squamous carcinoma cells via AMPK pathway

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated whether hypoglycemic drug metformin enhances the anti-cancer effects of cisplatin in YD-9 cells.

METHODOLOGY

YD-9 cells, derived from oral mucosal squamous cell carcinoma of oral mucosa, were used to assess the combined effects of metformin and cisplatin by means of MTT assay, live and dead cell staining, and colony formation assays to evaluate cell viability and proliferation. Reactive oxygen species level was measured using a Muse cell analyzer. Apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and related molecular pathways were analyzed by western blot. Wound healing assays and Transwell migration assays examined cell migration, whereas monophosphate-activated protein kinase inhibitor Compound C, was utilized to investigate the AMPK pathway.

RESULTS

Sequential treatment of YD-9 cells with metformin and cisplatin resulted in decreased cell viability and proliferation, increased ROS levels, and elevated apoptosis compared with the individual drugs. Moreover, the treatment inhibited EMT, wound healing, and cell migration. These results correlated with increased AMPK phosphorylation, a key regulator of cellular energy homeostasis. Introduction of Compound C pre-treatment upregulated N-cadherin and α-smooth muscle actin along with enhanced cell migration.

CONCLUSION

This study found synergism in anti-cancer effects between metformin and cisplatin. Additionally, introduction of Compound C confirmed that EMT inhibition is AMPK dependent. These findings indicate the potential use of metformin as an adjunct drug in anti-cancer treatments, warranting further investigation.

Recent animal models of bladder cancer and their application in drug discovery: an update of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Bladder cancer presents a significant health problem worldwide, with environmental and genetic factors contributing to its incidence. Histologically, it can be classified as carcinoma in situ, non-muscle invasive and muscle-invasive carcinoma, each one with distinct genetic alterations impacting prognosis and response to therapy. While traditional transurethral resection is commonly performed in carcinoma in situ and non-muscle invasive carcinoma, it often fails to prevent recurrence or progression to more aggressive phenotypes, leading to the frequent need for additional treatment such as intravesical chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Despite the advances made in recent years, treatment options for bladder cancer are still lacking due to the complex nature of this disease. So, animal models may hold potential for addressing these limitations, because they not only allow the study of disease progression but also the evaluation of therapies and the investigation of drug repositioning.

AREAS COVERED

This review discusses the use of animal models over the past decade, highlighting key discoveries and discussing advantages and disadvantages for new drug discovery.

EXPERT OPINION

Over the past decade animal models have been employed to evaluate new mechanisms underlying the responses to standard therapies, aiming to optimize bladder cancer treatment. The authors propose that molecular engineering techniques and AI may hold promise for the future development of more precise and effective targeted therapies in bladder cancer.

Risk factors for immunoresistance in advanced non-small cell lung cancer and the advantages of targeted therapy in improving prognosis

OBJECTIVES

The advent of immunotherapy has transformed the therapeutic landscape for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); nonetheless, the emergence of resistance to immunotherapy poses a considerable obstacle. Our research sought to identify factors contributing to immunotherapy resistance and to assess the effectiveness of subsequent treatments in patients with advanced NSCLC who have been exposed to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

METHODS

This retrospective study analyzed data from 232 individuals with advanced NSCLC who were treated with ICIs during January 2020 to December 2023. Based on their response to ICIs, these patients were classified into two groups: immunoresistance group (IM group) and non-immunoresistance group (NIM group). Data collected included demographics, clinical parameters, cytokine profiles, tumor mutational burden (TMB), PD-L1 expression, overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse events. The association between risk factors and immunoresistance were assessed, and second-line treatment outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Key risk factors for immunoresistance included lower TMB, higher levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), and PD-L1 expression ≥ 50%. TMB was inversely correlated with immunoresistance (rho = -0.838, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, IL-10 remained a significant risk factor (OR = 33.654, P = 0.021), whereas TMB was protective (OR = 0.786, P < 0.001). Second-line targeted therapy significantly improved OS (8.72 ± 2.02 months) and PFS (5.37 ± 2.15 months) compared to chemotherapy (OS: 7.93 ± 2.13 months; PFS: 4.86 ± 1.68 months) (P < 0.05). The targeted therapy group experienced distinct side effects, notably increased hypertension and hand-foot syndrome, while chemotherapy group had higher rates of fatigue (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Immunoresistance in advanced NSCLC is influenced by IL-10, TMB, and PD-L1 expression. Targeted therapies offer superior outcomes than chemotherapy, though side effect management remains crucial.

Exploring the Role of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transcriptional Factors Involved in Hematological Malignancy and Solid Tumors: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological process in which epithelial cells lose their polarity and adhesion characteristics, and adopt a mesenchymal phenotype. While the EMT naturally occurs during tissue fibrosis, wound healing, and embryonic development, it can be exploited by cancer cells and is strongly associated with cancer stem cell formation, tissue invasiveness, apoptosis, and therapy resistance. Transcription factors (TFs) such as SNAIL, ZEB, and TWIST play a pivotal role in driving the EMT. This systematic review aims to assess the impact of EMT-TFs on hematological malignancy and solid tumors.

METHODS

English-language literature published between 2010 and 2024 was systematically reviewed, utilizing databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar.

RESULTS

A total of 3250 studies were extracted. Of these, 92 publications meeting the inclusion criteria were analyzed to elucidate the role of EMT-TFs in cancer. The results demonstrated that the EMT-TFs play a critical role in both hematological and solid tumor development and progression. They promote invasive, migratory, and metastatic properties in these tumors, and contribute to therapeutic challenges by enhancing chemoresistance. A strong correlation between EMT-TFs and poor overall survival has been identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research concluded that EMT-TFs may serve as important predictive and prognostic factors, as well as potential therapeutic targets to mitigate cancer progression.

SETD2 loss-of-function uniquely sensitizes cells to epigenetic targeting of NSD1-directed H3K36 methylation

BACKGROUND

SETD2 is the sole epigenetic factor responsible for catalyzing histone 3, lysine 36, tri-methylation (H3K36me3) in mammals. Its role in regulating cellular processes such as RNA splicing, DNA repair, and spurious transcription initiation underlies its broader tumor suppressor function. SETD2 mutation promotes the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and is clinically associated with adverse outcomes highlighting a therapeutic need to develop targeted therapies against this dangerous mutation.

RESULTS

We employ an unbiased genome-wide synthetic lethal screen, which identifies another H3K36me writer, NSD1, as a synthetic lethal modifier in SETD2-mutant cells. Confirmation of this synthetic lethal interaction is performed in isogenic clear cell renal cell carcinoma and immortalized renal epithelial cell lines, in mouse and human backgrounds. Depletion of NSD1 using a CRISPRi targeting approach promotes the loss of SETD2-mutant cells coincident with elevated levels of DNA damage and apoptosis. Surprisingly, only suppression of NSD1, but not related H3K36-methyltransferases, promotes synthetic lethality in these models. Mapping of genomic H3K36me2 targeting by NSD1 and NSD2 individually highlights the independent functions of these epigenetic writers. Furthermore, as a proof-of-principle, we demonstrate the therapeutic feasibility of targeting this synthetic lethal interaction by recapitulating the phenotype using BT5, a first-in-class pharmacologic inhibitor against NSD1.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings unify genome-wide screening approaches with the latest genetic and pharmacologic modeling methodologies to reveal an entirely novel epigenetic approach to individualize therapies against a challenging loss-of-function SETD2 mutation in cancer.

The mutational landscape of ARMC5 in Primary Bilateral Macronodular Adrenal Hyperplasia: an update

BACKGROUND

Primary Bilateral Macronodular Adrenal Hyperplasia (PBMAH) is a rare cause of Cushing's syndrome due to bilateral adrenocortical macronodules. Germline inactivating variants of the tumor suppressor gene ARMC5 are responsible for 20-25% of apparently sporadic PBMAH cases and 80% of familial presentations. ARMC5 screening is now routinely performed for PBMAH patients and families. Based on literature review and own observation, this study aims to give an overview of both published and unpublished ARMC5 genetic alterations and to compile the available evidence to discriminate pathogenic from benign variants.

RESULTS

146 different germline variants (110 previously published and 36 novel) are identified, including 46% missense substitutions, 45% truncating variants, 3% affecting splice sites, 4% in-frame variants and 2% large deletions. In addition to the germline events, somatic 16p loss-of-heterozygosity and 104 different somatic events are described. The pathogenicity of ARMC5 variants is established on the basis of their frequency in the general population, in silico predictions, familial segregation and tumor DNA sequencing.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first extensive review of ARMC5 pathogenic variants. It shows that they are spread on the whole coding sequence. This is a valuable resource for genetic investigations of PBMAH and will help the interpretation of new missense substitutions that are continuously identified.

Prognostic value of systemic immune-inflammation index for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

The prognostic value of the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) for prostate cancer (PCa) patients receiving different treatments remains unclear. This research examined the relevance of SII in individuals undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP).

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) dat3 abases were used to search literature up to May 2024. The quality was evaluated with Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Outcomes examined were associations between SII and overall survival (OS), biochemical recurrence-free survival (BFS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Pooled analysis, Egger's test, and sensitivity analysis were conducted using Review Manager 5.4.1 and Stata 15.1. The GRADE system was employed to evaluate and grade the evidence for each outcome. Subgroup analyses were performed for outcomes with significant heterogeneity to evaluate the possible confounders, if data were sufficient.

Results

Out of 101 identified studies, eight studies involving 8,267 individuals were included. Patients with higher SII had shorter overall survival (HR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.31-2.71; P = 0.0006), biochemical recurrence-free survival (HR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.08-2.22; P = 0.02), and cancer-specific survival (HR: 3.63; 95% CI: 1.66-7.94; P = 0.001). The evidence for OS and CSS was rated very low-quality due to serious heterogeneity and/or imprecision. The prognostic value of SII for BFS was rated as low-quality evidence, given no serious risk observed. Subgroup analysis showed that, except for the subgroup aged >65 years (HR: 3.70; 95%CI: 0.91, 15.06, P=0.07), the prognostic value of SII for OS was not significant, but the prognostic value of SII for OS in other subgroups was still significant.

Conclusions

High SII was linked to shorter OS, BFS, and CSS in patients undergoing RP. However, the quality of the evidence provided by this study was low.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42024558431.

Growth hormone signaling and clinical implications: from molecular to therapeutic perspectives

Growth hormone (GH) is a key polypeptide hormone secreted by somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland, essential for postnatal growth, metabolism, and systemic homeostasis. Its secretion is regulated by hypothalamic neuropeptides, including GH-releasing hormone and somatostatin. GH exerts effects through direct interaction with the growth hormone receptor and indirect pathways mediated by the GH-IGF-I axis. GHR activation triggers signaling pathways, such as JAK-STAT, PI3K/AKT, and MAPK, promoting cellular proliferation, differentiation, and metabolic balance. The GH-IGF-I axis is critical for bone growth, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and organ-specific physiological functions. Dysregulation of GH results in diverse disorders. Congenital deficiencies, like isolated GH deficiency and syndromic conditions (e.g., Turner syndrome), stem from genetic mutations. Acquired deficiencies arise from trauma, tumors, infections, or autoimmune damage, while GH overproduction causes gigantism in children and acromegaly in adults, often due to pituitary adenomas. Idiopathic deficiencies, lacking identifiable causes, complicate management further. Advances in therapy have transformed outcomes for GH disorders. Recombinant human growth hormone provides effective replacement therapy for deficiencies. Somatostatin analogs, dopamine receptor agonists, and GH receptor antagonists are pivotal for managing GH excess. Surgical and radiotherapeutic interventions remain essential for pituitary adenomas. However, GH therapy requires close monitoring to prevent side effects like insulin resistance and metabolic complications. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of the molecular mechanisms underlying GH action, its physiological roles, GH-related disorders, and therapeutic approaches to optimize patient outcomes.