NF-κB pathways in the development and progression of colorectal cancer

USP14 predicts poorer survival outcomes and promotes tumor progression in endometrial carcinoma by activating NF-κB signaling

Ubiquitin-specific protease 14 (USP14), a member of the USP family, which catalyzes ubiquitin cleavage from a range of protein substrates, has been found dysregulated in several cancers. Our aim is to explore the functions and mechanism of USP14 in endometrial carcinoma (EC). Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot (WB) were used to assess USP14 levels in EC tissues and adjacent nontumor tissues. USP14 overexpression or knockdown models were adopted to determine USP14-mediated effects on EC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The xenograft tumor experiment checked the effect of USP14 overexpression on tumor cell growth. Furthermore, the upstream signaling pathway of USP14 was predicted by bioinformatics. Consequently, EC tissues exhibited USP14 overexpression compared to normal paracancerous nontumor tissues. USP14 presence was linked to an adverse prognosis in EC cases. Functionally, USP14 overexpression reduced apoptosis and increased cell migration, invasion, and EMT in vivo and ex vivo. USP14 knockdown had the opposite effect. Mechanistically, NF-κB pathway activation occurred through the inhibitory effect of USP14 on I-κB expression. Conversely, NF-κB pathway inhibition attenuated USP14-mediated carcinogenic effects. Additionally, there existed a binding interaction between miR-124-3p and the 3'-UTR of USP14, resulting in USP14 activity inhibition. In summary, our research indicates that the involvement of miR-124-3p in USP14 regulation contributes to exacerbated EC progression through NF-κB pathway activation. The modulation of this pathway may be a new strategy for treating EC.

A natural sesquiterpene lactone isolinderalactone attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response and acute lung injury through inhibition of NF-κB pathway and activation Nrf2 pathway in macrophages

Isolinderalactone is the main sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Lindera aggregata, a traditional Chinese medicine widely used to treat pain and inflammation. Although isolinderalactone has been demonstrated to possess anti-cancer effect, its anti-inflammatory activity and underlying mechanism has not been well characterized. Herein, isolinderalactone was able to significantly inhibit the production of NO and PGE2 by reducing the expressions of iNOS and COX2 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages and BMDMs, and decreased the mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. In vivo, isolinderalactone effectively alleviated LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI), which manifested as reduction in pulmonary inflammatory infiltration, myeloperoxidase activity, and production of PGE2, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and malondialdehyde. Furthermore, isolinderalactone inhibited phosphorylation of IKKα/β, phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα, and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65, thereby blocking NF-κB pro-inflammatory pathway. Meanwhile, isolinderalactone reduced the intracellular ROS through promoting the activation of Nrf2-HMOX1 antioxidant axis. By using drug affinity responsive target stability assay and molecular docking, isolinderalactone was found to covalently interact with IKKα/β and Keap1, which may contribute to its anti-inflammatory action. Additionally, a thiol donor β-mercaptoethanol significantly abolished isolinderalactone-mediated anti-inflammatory action in vitro, indicating the crucial role of the unsaturated lactone of isolinderalactone on its anti-inflammatory effects. Taken together, isolinderalactone protected against LPS-induced ALI in mice, which may be associated with its inhibition of NF-κB pathway and activation of Nrf2 signaling in macrophages.

Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics Study of Geniposide Regulating Oxidative Stress in Colorectal Cancer

This study aims to identify the mechanism of geniposide regulating oxidative stress in colorectal cancer (CRC) through network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis. Targets of geniposide, oxidative stress-related targets and targets related to CRC were applied from databases. The hub genes for geniposide regulating oxidative stress in CRC were identified with the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Furthermore, we applied Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment to analyze the hub genes from a macro perspective. We verified the hub genes by molecular docking, GEPIA, HPA and starBase database. We identified five hub genes: IL1B, GSK3B, NOS3, RELA and CDK4. GO analysis results suggested that the anti-colorectal cancer effect of geniposide by regulating oxidative stress is possibly related to the influence of multiple biological processes, including response to temperature stimulus, response to alkaloid, nitric oxide biosynthetic process, nitric oxide metabolic process, reactive nitrogen species metabolic process, cellular response to peptide, etc. KEGG enrichment analysis results indicated that the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, p53 signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway and NOD-like receptor signaling pathway are likely to be the significant pathways. Molecular docking results showed that the geniposide had a good binding activity with the hub genes. This study demonstrates that geniposide can regulate oxidative stress in CRC, and induction of oxidative stress is one of the possible mechanisms of anti-recurrence and metastasis effects of geniposide against CRC.

Role of NF-κB pathway in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma and its potential therapeutic implications

Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), a common malignant tumor of the urinary system, is the most aggressive renal tumor subtype. Since the discovery of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in 1986, many studies have demonstrated abnormal NF-κB signaling is associated with the development of various cancers, including kidney renal clear cell carcinoma. In this study, the relationship between NF-κB and kidney renal clear cell carcinoma was confirmed using bioinformatics analysis. First, we explored the differential expression of copy number variation (CNV), single nucleotide variant (SNV), and messenger RNA (mRNA) in NF-κB-related genes in different types of cancer, as well as the impact on cancer prognosis and sensitivity to common chemotherapy drugs. Then, we divided the mRNA expression levels of NF-κB-related genes in KIRC patients into three groups through GSVA cluster analysis and explored the correlation between the NF-κB pathway and clinical data of KIRC patients, classical cancer-related genes, common anticancer drug responsiveness, and immune cell infiltration. Finally, 11 tumor-related genes were screened using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression to construct a prognostic model. In addition, we used the UALCAN and HPA databases to verify the protein levels of three key NF-κB-related genes (CHUK, IKGGB, and IKBKG) in KIRC. In conclusion, our study established a prognostic survival model based on NF-κB-related genes, which can be used to predict the prognosis of patients with KIRC.

MitoQ combats tumor cell progression in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma mice: A crosstalk between mitochondrial oxidative status, mitophagy, and NF-κB signaling

Despite the clinical advances in cancer treatment, the high mortality rate is still a great challenge, requiring much effort to find new and efficient cancer therapies.

AIMS

The present evidence investigated the potential antiproliferative impact of the mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant, Mitoquinol (MitoQ), on a mouse model of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC).

MAIN METHODS

Mice-bearing tumors were administered two doses of MitoQ (0.3 mg & 0.5 mg/kg; i.p daily) or doxorubicin (2 mg/kg; i.p daily) for 20 days.

KEY FINDINGS

EAC mice revealed exacerbated mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) and impaired mitochondrial membrane potential (△Ψm). Dysfunctional mitophagy was observed in EAC mice, along with boosting aerobic glycolysis. In addition, tumor cells exhibited higher proliferation rates, thereby stimulating cell cycle, invasion, and angiogenesis biomarkers together with suppressing proapoptotic proteins, events that might be correlated with activation of NF-κB signaling. The administration of MitoQ combated tumor cell survival and dissemination in EAC mice as evidenced by reducing tumor volumes and weights and increasing the number of necrotic areas in histopathological assessment. MitoQ also repressed tumor cell cycle, invasion, and angiogenesis via preventing cyclin D1 mRNA, MMP-1, and CD34 levels as well as VEGF protein expression. These observations were associated with the abrogation of mtROS overproduction and enhancement of the mitophagy proteins, PINK1/Parkin levels, followed by inhibition of NADH dehydrogenase. Notably, NF-κB signaling was modulated.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study suggests that MitoQ combated tumor cell survival and progression in EAC mice by maintaining mtROS and restoring mitophagy, thereby attenuation of NF-κB activation.

RTKN2 Inhibits the Growth, Migration, Invasion and Glycolysis of Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells by Inactivating the NF-κB Signalling Pathway

BACKGROUND

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a malignant tumour that seriously threatens the life and health of people worldwide. This research was carried out to investigate the role of Rhotekin 2 (RTKN2) in LUAD progression.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The GEPIA online database was used to analyse abnormally expressed genes in lung adenocarcinoma and RTKN2 expression in various cancers. Cell proliferation was detected with CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Transwell assays were carried out to assess cell migration and invasion. The extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) were evaluated by a Seahorse XFe96 analyser. The interaction between RTKN2 and p65 was confirmed using a coimmunoprecipitation assay. RTKN2 expression was detected with qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and western blot assays. The p65 levels in the cytoplasm and nucleus were determined by western blot assays. RTKN2 levels were prominently decreased in LUAD tissues and cell lines. RTKN2 overexpression suppressed LUAD cell growth, invasion, migration, and glycolysis, while RTKN2 knockdown showed the opposite effects. Additionally, p65 could be negatively regulated by RTKN2. RTKN2 overexpression increased p65 levels in the cytoplasm but decreased p65 levels in the nucleus. Furthermore, blocking the NF-κB signalling pathway neutralized the effect of RTKN2 silencing in LUAD cells.

CONCLUSION

RTKN2 inhibited the malignant behaviour and glycolysis of LUAD cells by blocking the NF-κB signalling pathway, implying that RTKN2 could be a cancer suppressor in LUAD progression.

Research progress of NF-κB signaling pathway and thrombosis

Venous thromboembolism is a very common and costly health problem. Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) can cause permanent damage to the venous system and lead to swelling, ulceration, gangrene, and other symptoms in the affected limb. In addition, more than half of the embolus of pulmonary embolism comes from venous thrombosis, which is the most serious cause of death, second only to ischemic heart disease and stroke patients. It can be seen that deep-vein thrombosis has become a serious disease affecting human health. In recent years, with the deepening of research, inflammatory response is considered to be an important pathway to trigger venous thromboembolism, in which the transcription factor NF-κB is the central medium of inflammation, and the NF-κB signaling pathway can regulate the pro-inflammatory and coagulation response. Thus, to explore the mechanism and make use of it may provide new solutions for the prevention and treatment of thrombosis.

Differential Gene Expression of Checkpoint Markers and Cancer Markers in Mouse Models of Spontaneous Chronic Colitis

The presence of checkpoint markers in cancer cells aids in immune escape. The identification of checkpoint markers and early cancer markers is of utmost importance to gain clarity regarding the relationship between colitis and progressive inflammation leading to cancer. Herein, the gene expression levels of checkpoint makers, cancer-related pathways, and cancer genes in colon tissues of mouse models of chronic colitis (Winnie and Winnie-Prolapse mice) using next-generation sequencing are determined. Winnie mice are a result of a Muc2 missense mutation. The identification of such genes and their subsequent expression and role at the protein level would enable novel markers for the early diagnosis of cancer in IBD patients. The differentially expressed genes in the colonic transcriptome were analysed based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway. The expression of several oncogenes is associated with the severity of IBD, with Winnie-Prolapse mice expressing a large number of key genes associated with development of cancer. This research presents a number of new targets to evaluate for the development of biomarkers and therapeutics.

Circ_0001955 promotes non-small cell lung cancer cell proliferation and invasion by regulating MiR-29a-3p/NKIRAS2 axis to activate the nuclear factor-κB pathway

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been widely reported to play a role in the pathogenesis of various tumors. Nevertheless, the function of circ_0001955 in NSCLC progression has not been explored yet. This study aims to explore the functions of circ_0001955 in NSCLC and investigate its regulatory molecular mechanism. First, we determined that circ_0001955 was upregulated in NSCLC cells. Subsequently, we demonstrated that knockdown of circ_0001955 restrained cell proliferation and invasion. In vivo experiments further proved the suppressive effect of circ_0001955 silence on tumor growth. Mechanism assays revealed that circ_0001955 enhanced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) inhibitor interacting Ras-like protein 2 (NKIRAS2) expression by sponging microRNA-29a-3p (miR-29a-3p). Upregulation of NKIRAS2 led to the deceased level of IκBβ but increased levels of nuclear p65, thus activating the NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, Circ_0001955 activates the NF-κB pathway to promote NSCLC cell proliferation and invasion by regulating miR-29a-3p/NKIRAS2 axis.

NADPH oxidase 1: A target in the capacity of dimeric ECG and EGCG procyanidins to inhibit colorectal cancer cell invasion

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is prevalent worldwide. Dietary consumption of procyanidins has been linked to a reduced risk of developing CRC. The epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway is frequently dysregulated in CRC. Our earlier research showed that the procyanidin dimers of epicatechin gallate (ECG) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), through their interaction with lipid rafts, inhibit the EGFR signaling pathway and decrease CRC cell growth. The process of cancer cell invasion and metastasis involves matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are partially EGFR-regulated. This study investigated whether ECG and EGCG dimers can inhibit EGF-induced CRC cell invasion by suppressing the redox-regulated activation of the EGFR/MMPs pathway. Both dimers mitigated EGF-induced cell invasion and the associated increase of MMP-2/9 expression and activity in different CRC cell lines. In Caco-2 cells, both dimers inhibited the activation of the EGFR and downstream of NF-κB, ERK1/2 and Akt, which was associated with decreased MMP-2/9 transcription. EGF induced a rapid NOX1-dependent oxidant increase, which was diminished by both ECG and EGCG dimers and NOX inhibitors (apocynin, Vas-2870, DPI). Both dimers inhibited NOX1 gene expression, as well as NOX1 activity with evidence of direct binding to NOX1. Both dimers, all NOX chemical inhibitors and NOX1 silencing inhibited EGF-mediated activation of the EGFR signaling pathway and the increased MMP-2/9 mRNA levels and activity. Pointing to the relevance of NOX1 on ECG and EGCG dimer effects on CRC invasiveness, silencing of NOX1 also inhibited EGF-stimulated Caco-2 cell invasion. In summary, ECG and EGCG dimers can act inhibiting CRC cell invasion/metastasis both, by downregulating MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression via a NOX1/EGFR-dependent mechanism, and through a direct inhibitory effect on MMPs enzyme activity.

Aspirin and the metabolic hallmark of cancer: novel therapeutic opportunities for colorectal cancer

Aspirin is a well-known nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that has a recognized role in cancer prevention as well as evidence to support its use as an adjuvant for cancer treatment. Importantly there has been an increasing number of studies contributing to the mechanistic understanding of aspirins' anti-tumour effects and these studies continue to inform the potential clinical use of aspirin for both the prevention and treatment of cancer. This review focuses on the emerging role of aspirin as a regulator of metabolic reprogramming, an essential "hallmark of cancer" required to support the increased demand for biosynthetic intermediates needed for sustained proliferation. Cancer cells frequently undergo metabolic rewiring driven by oncogenic pathways such as hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), wingless-related integration site (Wnt), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), which supports the increased proliferative rate as tumours develop and progress. Reviewed here, cellular metabolic reprogramming has been identified as a key mechanism of action of aspirin and include the regulation of key metabolic drivers, the regulation of enzymes involved in glycolysis and glutaminolysis, and altered nutrient utilisation upon aspirin exposure. Importantly, as aspirin treatment exposes metabolic vulnerabilities in tumour cells, there is an opportunity for the use of aspirin in combination with specific metabolic inhibitors in particular, glutaminase (GLS) inhibitors currently in clinical trials such as telaglenastat (CB-839) and IACS-6274 for the treatment of colorectal and potentially other cancers. The increasing evidence that aspirin impacts metabolism in cancer cells suggests that aspirin could provide a simple, relatively safe, and cost-effective way to target this important hallmark of cancer. Excitingly, this review highlights a potential new role for aspirin in improving the efficacy of a new generation of metabolic inhibitors currently undergoing clinical investigation.

Biological effects and mechanisms of fisetin in cancer: a promising anti-cancer agent

Fisetin, a natural flavonoid, possesses numerous biological activities that have been extensively studied in various diseases. When it comes to cancer, fisetin exhibits a range of biological effects, such as suppressing cell growth, triggering programmed cell death, reducing the formation of new blood vessels, protecting against oxidative stress, and inhibiting cell migration. Moreover, fisetin has the ability to enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy. The anticancer properties of fisetin can be attributed to a diverse array of molecules and signaling pathways, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and Nrf2/HO-1. Consequently, fisetin holds promise as a therapeutic agent for anticancer treatment. In this review, we place emphasis on the biological functions and various molecular targets of fisetin in anticancer therapy.

PI3K/AKT signaling pathway as a critical regulator of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal tumor cells

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal malignancies that are considered as a global health challenge. Despite many progresses in therapeutic methods, there is still a high rate of mortality rate among CRC patients that is associated with poor prognosis and distant metastasis. Therefore, investigating the molecular mechanisms involved in CRC metastasis can improve the prognosis. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process is considered as one of the main molecular mechanisms involved in CRC metastasis, which can be regulated by various signaling pathways. PI3K/AKT signaling pathway has a key role in CRC cell proliferation and migration. In the present review, we discussed the role of PI3K/AKT pathway CRC metastasis through the regulation of the EMT process. It has been shown that PI3K/AKT pathway can induce the EMT process by down regulation of epithelial markers, while up regulation of mesenchymal markers and EMT-specific transcription factors that promote CRC metastasis. This review can be an effective step toward introducing the PI3K/AKT/EMT axis to predict prognosis as well as a therapeutic target among CRC patients. Video Abstract.

SLC26A3/NHERF2-IκB/NFκB/p65 feedback loop suppresses tumorigenesis and metastasis in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a formidable disease due to the intricate mechanisms that drive its proliferation and metastasis. Despite significant progress in cancer research, the integration of these mechanisms that influence cancer cell behavior remains elusive. Therefore, it is imperative to comprehensively elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving CRC proliferation and metastasis. In this study, we reported a novel role of SLC26A3 in suppressing CRC progression. We found that SLC26A3 expression was downregulated in CRC, which was proportionally correlated with survival. Our in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that up-regulation of SLC26A3 inhibited CRC proliferation and metastasis, while down-regulation of SLC26A3 promoted CRC progression by modulating the expression level of IκB. Furthermore, we identified NHERF2 as a novel interacting protein of SLC26A3 responsible for stabilizing the IκB protein and removing ubiquitination modification. Mechanistically, SLC26A3 augmented the interaction between NHERF2 and IκB, subsequently reducing its degradation. This process inhibited the dissociation of p65 from the IκB/p65/p50 complex and reduced the translocation of p65 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Moreover, our investigation revealed that NF-κB/p65 directly bound to the promoter of SLC26A3, leading to a decline in its mRNA expression. Thus, SLC26A3 impeded the nuclear translocation of NF-κB/p65, enhancing the transcription of SLC26A3 and establishing a positive regulatory feedback loop in CRC cells. Collectively, these results suggest that a SLC26A3/NHERF2-IκB/NF-κB/p65 signaling loop suppresses proliferation and metastasis in CRC cells. These findings propose a novel SLC26A3-driven signaling loop that regulates proliferation and metastasis in CRC, providing promising therapeutic interventions and prognostic targets for the management of CRC.

METTL3-mediated m6A methylation of PYGB facilitates pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression through the activation of NF-κB signaling

Brain Type Glycogen Phosphorylase (PYGB) has been revealed to participate in the progression of multiple human cancers. Nevertheless, the clinical significance and biological function of PYGB in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PAAD) remains unclarified. This study first analyzed the expression pattern, diagnostic value, and prognostic significance of PYGB in PAAD using the TCGA database. Subsequently, western blot assessed the protein expression of genes in PAAD cells. The viability, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of PAAD cells were assessed by CCK-8, TUNEL, and Transwell assays. Finally, in vivo experiment evaluated the effect of PYGB on PAAD tumor growth and metastasis. Through our investigation, it was revealed that PYGB had extremely high expression in PAAD and predicted a worse prognosis in patients with PAAD. Besides, the aggressiveness of PAAD cells could be suppressed or enhanced by depleting or supplementing PYGB. In addition, we demonstrated that METTL3 enhanced the translation of PYGB mRNA in an m6A-YTHDF1-dependent manner. Moreover, PYGB was revealed to regulate the malignant behaviors of PAAD cells by the mediation of the NF-κB signaling. Finally, PYGB depletion suppressed the growth and distant metastasis of PAAD in vivo. To conclude, our results indicated that METTL3-mediated m6A modification of PYGB exerted the tumor-promotive effect on PAAD through NF-κB signaling, suggesting PYGB is a potential therapeutic target in PAAD.

RNF114 facilitates the proliferation, stemness, and metastasis of colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC), the fourth of the world's major common malignancy, poses a serious threat to the physical and mental health of the population. Nevertheless, the prognosis of CRC patients remains unsatisfactory. Consequently, it is still imperative to continuously discover the CRC mechanisms.

METHODS

The expression profiles of mRNAs were recognized by whole transcriptome sequencing to identity differentially expressed mRNA (DE-mRNA). TCGA COAD cohort, PPOGgene and Kaplan-Meier Plotter databases were utilized to validate RNF114 relevance to CRC prognosis. The effect of RNF114 on the malignant biological behavior of CRC was explored in CRC cells and subcutaneous tumor models and lung metastasis model after exogenous regulation of RNF114.

RESULTS

A total of 1358 DE-mRNAs were identified, including 617 up-regulated and 741 down-regulated DE-mRNAs, and they were mainly involved in the term of receptor ligand activity, Wnt signaling pathway and pathway in cancer. Notably, RNF114 was hyper-expressed in tissues and cell of CRC, and significantly correlated with tumor invasion depth and TNM stage of CRC patients. RNF114 expression were significantly associated with overall survival, and had superior diagnostic value in CRC. In vitro, knockdown of RNF114 statistically diminished the proliferation, stemness, invasion and wound healing of CRC cells and facilitated their apoptosis, and the opposite result was observed for overexpression of RNF114. In vivo, knockdown of RNF114 effectively diminished the mass and volume of tumors, and lung metastasis in animal model.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, we identified DE-mRNAs in CRC, and elucidated that RNF114 facilitates CRC process. The discovery will contribute to theoretical foundation for RNF114 as a potential therapeutic target and biomarker, and offer new perspectives for CRC research.

The prognostic role of HIF-1α and NF-κB expression in RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer: A Turkish Oncology Group (TOG) study

BACKGROUND

Not all RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients experience the same benefit from anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) treatments. Studies have shown that nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), interleukin 8 (IL-8) and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) may be therapeutic targets for mCRC. The aim of this study was to clarify the prognostic value of NF-κB, HIF-1α, IL-8, and TGF-β expression in patients with left-sided mCRC receiving EGFR inhibitors.

METHODS

Patients with RAS wild-type, left-sided mCRC treated with anti-EGFR on the first line between September 2013 and April 2022 were included. Immunohistochemical staining for NF-κB, HIF-1α, IL-8 and TGF-β was performed from tumor tissues of 88 patients. Patients were divided into NF-κB, HIF-1α, IL-8 and TGF-β expression positive and negative group, moreover, expression positive group were also divided into two group as expression intensity low and high group. The median follow-up was 25.2 months.

RESULTS

Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 8.1 (6-10.2) months in the cetuximab group, 11.3 (8.5-14) months in the panitumumab group (p = 0.09). Median overall survival (OS) was 23.9 (4.3-43.4) months in the cetuximab group, 26.9 (15.9-31.9) months in the panitumumab group (p = 0.8). Cytoplasmic NF-κB expression was present in all patients. The mOS was 19.8 (11-28.6) months in NF-κB expression intensity low group and 36.5 (20.1-52.8) months in high group (p = 0.03). The mOS of the HIF-1α expression negative group was significantly longer compared with expression positive group (p = 0.014). There was no significant difference in IL-8 and TGF-β expression status on mOS and mPFS (for all, p > 0.05). Positive expression of HIF-1α was poor prognostic for mOS in the univariate analysis (HR:2.7, 95% CI 1.18-6.52, p = 0.02) and in multivariate analysis (HR 3.69, 95% CI 1.41-9.6, p = 0.008). High cytoplasmic expression intensity of NF-κB was found to have a good prognostic value for mOS (HR 0.47, 95% CI 0.26-0.85, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

High cytoplasmic expression intensity of NF-κB and negative expression of HIF-1α could be a good prognostic marker for mOS in RAS wild-type left-sided mCRC.

Immune function of colon cancer associated miRNA and target genes

Introduction

Colon cancer is a complex disease that involves intricate interactions between cancer cells and theimmune microenvironment. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently emerged as critical regulators of gene expression in cancer, including colon cancer. There is increasing evidence suggesting that miRNA dysregulation plays a crucial role in modulating the immune microenvironment of intestinal cancer. In particular, miRNAs regulate immune cell activation, differentiation, and function, as well as cytokine and chemokine production in intestinal cancer. It is urgent to fully investigate the potential role of intestinal cancer-related miRNAs in shaping the immune microenvironment.

Methods

Therefore, this paper aims to identify miRNAs that are potentially associated with colon cancer and regulate a large number of genes related to immune function. We explored the role of these genes in colon cancer patient prognosis, immune infiltration, and tumor purity based on data of 174 colon cancer patients though convolutional neural network, survival analysis and multiple analysis tools.

Results

Our findings suggest that miRNA regulated genes play important roles in CD4 memory resting cells, macrophages.M2, and Mast cell activated cells, and they are concentrated in the cytokinecytokine receptor interaction pathway.

Discussion

Our study enhances our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of intestinal cancer and provides new insights into the development of effective therapies. Additionally, identification of miRNA biomarkers could aid in diagnosis and prognosis, as well as guide personalized treatment strategies for patients with intestinal cancer.

Anastasis enhances metastasis and chemoresistance of colorectal cancer cells through upregulating cIAP2/NFκB signaling

Chemotherapy is a common strategy to treat cancer. However, acquired resistance and metastasis are the major obstacles to successful treatment. Anastasis is a process by which cells survive executioner caspase activation when facing apoptotic stress. Here we demonstrate that colorectal cancer cells can undergo anastasis after transient exposure to chemotherapeutic drugs. Using a lineage tracing system to label and isolate cells that have experienced executioner caspase activation in response to drug treatment, we show that anastasis grants colorectal cancer cells enhanced migration, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Mechanistically, treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs induces upregulated expression of cIAP2 and activation of NFκB, which are required for cells to survive executioner caspase activation. The elevated cIAP2/NFκB signaling persists in anastatic cancer cells to promote migration and chemoresistance. Our study unveils that cIAP2/NFκB-dependent anastasis promotes acquired resistance and metastasis after chemotherapy.

Circ_0060967 contributes to colorectal cancer progression by sponging miR-1184 to up-regulate SRC proto-oncogene

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are closely associated with cancer pathogenesis. The purpose of our current study was to explore the role and mechanism of circ_0060967 in colorectal cancer (CRC) development.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Human CRC specimens and paired healthy tissues were used to examine variable expression. The expression of circ_0060967 and microRNA (miR)-1184 was examined by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. The protein levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, BCL2-associated X, apoptosis regulator (Bax), proto-oncogene nonreceptor tyrosine kinase Src (SRC), nuclear factor-κB inhibitor alpha (IκBα), phosphorylated-IκBα (p-IκBα), RELA proto-oncogene, nuclear factor-κB subunit (p65), and phosphorylated-p65 (p-p65) were determined by western blot. Proliferation and motility of HCT-116 and SW480 CRC cells were assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and transwell assays, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay were used to determine the binding relation between miR-1184 and circ_0060967 or SRC. Animal studies were used to detect the role of circ_0060967 in CRC cell tumorigenicity.

RESULTS

Circ_0060967 abundance was enhanced in human CRC tissue samples versus paired normal colorectal tissues and in HCT-116 and SW480 CRC cells versus normal HCO cells. Decreased expression of circ_0060967 could suppress cell growth, motility, and invasiveness of CRC cells in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Circ_0060967 sponged miR-1184, and miR-1184 targeted SRC. Furthermore, we also found circ_0060967 affected cell growth by modulating miR-1184/SRC axis in CRC.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates a novel circ_0060967/miR-1184/SRC regulatory cascade in affecting CRC cell malignant behaviors, which can have a broad effect on the field of molecularly targeted therapeutics.

Karyopherin Subunit Alpha 1 Enhances the Malignant Behaviors of Colon Cancer Cells via Promoting Nuclear Factor-κB p65 Nuclear Translocation

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Aberrant nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) nuclear import commonly occurs in multiple cancers, including colon cancer. According to BioGRID, we noted that Karyopherin subunit alpha 1 (KPNA1), an important molecular transporter between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, may interact with NF-κB p65. KPNA1 itself is highly expressed in colon adenocarcinoma samples (N = 286) based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We aimed to explore the role of KPNA1 in colonic carcinogenesis and to determine whether NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation was involved.

METHODS

KPNA1 expressions at mRNA and protein levels were analyzed in colon cancer tissues. The regulatory effect of KPNA1 on malignant biological properties was detected in SW480 and HCT116 colon cancer cells. Coimmunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence were performed to verify the relationship between KPNA1 and NF-κB p65. KPNA1 ubiquitination was also preliminarily investigated.

RESULTS

KPNA1 was firstly confirmed as a significantly upregulated gene in our collected clinical colon cancer samples (N = 35). KPNA1 depletion inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest, and diminished migratory and invasive capacity of SW480 and HCT116 cells. Colon cancer cells overexpressing KPNA1 acquired more aggressive behaviors. KPNA1 acted as a transporter to induce the nuclear accumulation of NF-κB p65, thereby activating NF-κB signaling pathway in colon cancer cells. Furthermore, HECT, C2, and WW Domain-Containing E3 Ubiquitin (HECW2) interacted with KPNA1 to induce its ubiquitination. KPNA1 labeled with polyubiquitins was degraded through ubiquitin-proteasome system.

CONCLUSION

The present study uncovers a role of KPNA1-NF-κB p65 axis in promoting colonic carcinogenesis.

Anticancer Activity of Diosgenin and Its Molecular Mechanism

Diosgenin, a steroidal sapogenin, obtained from Trigonella foenum-graecum, Dioscorea, and Rhizoma polgonati, has shown high potential and interest in the treatment of various cancers such as oral squamous cell carcinoma, laryngeal cancer, esophageal cancer, liver cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, glioma, and leukemia. This article aims to provide an overview of the in vivo, in vitro, and clinical studies reporting the diosgenin's anticancer effects. Preclinical studies have shown promising effects of diosgenin on inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and growth, promoting apoptosis, inducing differentiation and autophagy, inhibiting tumor cell metastasis and invasion, blocking cell cycle, regulating immunity and improving gut microbiome. Clinical investigations have revealed clinical dosage and safety property of diosgenin. Furthermore, in order to improve the biological activity and bioavailability of diosgenin, this review focuses on the development of diosgenin nano drug carriers, combined drugs and the diosgenin derivatives. However, further designed trials are needed to unravel the diosgenin's deficiencies in clinical application.

Anastasis confers ovarian cancer cells increased malignancy through elevated p38 MAPK activation

Activation of executioner caspases was once considered as a point of no return in apoptosis. However, in recent years, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that cells can survive executioner caspase activation in response to apoptotic stimuli through a process called anastasis. In this study, we developed a reporter system, mCasExpress, to track mammalian cells that survive executioner caspase activation. We demonstrate that anastatic ovarian cancer cells acquire enhanced migration following their transient exposure to apoptotic stimulus TRAIL or Paclitaxel. Moreover, anastatic cancer cells secrete more pro-angiogenic factors that enable tumor angiogenesis, growth and metastasis. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that activation of p38 MAPK, which occurs in a caspase-dependent manner in response to apoptotic stress to promote anastasis, persists at a higher level in anastatic cancer cells even after removal of apoptotic stimuli. Importantly, p38 is essential for the elevated migratory and angiogenic capacity in the anastatic cells. Our work unveils anastasis as a potential driver of tumor angiogenesis and metastasis.

Role of Combination Treatment of Aspirin and Zinc in DMH-DSS-induced Colon Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Tumour Progression in Male BALB/c Mice

Colitis-associated colorectal cancer serves as a prototype of inflammation-associated cancers which is linked with repeated cycles of inflammation and DNA repair deficits. Several preclinical and clinical data reported that aspirin has a chemo-preventive effect in colorectal cancer and is associated with dose-dependent side effects. Furthermore, it has been reported that zinc supplementation improves the quality of life in patients undergoing chemotherapy by alteration of colonic cancer cell gene expression. However, explication of the detailed molecular mechanisms involved in the combined administration of aspirin and zinc-mediated protection against colitis-associated colorectal cancer deserves further investigation. For the induction of colitis-associated colorectal cancer, male BALB/c mice were administered 1,2-dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride (DMH) 20 mg/kg/bw thrice before the initiation of every DSS cycle (3%w/v in drinking water). One week after the initiation of DSS treatment, aspirin (40 mg/kg; p.o.) and zinc in the form of zinc sulphate (3 mg/kg; p.o.) were administered for 8 weeks. Combination of aspirin and zinc as intervention significantly ameliorated DAI score, myeloperoxidase activity, histological score, apoptotic cells and protein expression of various inflammatory markers including nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NFκBp65), cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6); proliferation markers such as proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) expression significantly decreased, and antioxidant enzymes nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2), metallothionein, catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) significantly increased as evaluated by immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis.

Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase 1 dephosphorylates IκBα and suppresses colorectal tumorigenesis

Emerging evidence demonstrates that some metabolic enzymes that phosphorylate soluble metabolites can also phosphorylate a variety of protein substrates as protein kinases to regulate cell cycle, apoptosis and many other fundamental cellular processes. However, whether a metabolic enzyme dephosphorylates protein as a protein phosphatase remains unknown. Here we reveal the gluconeogenic enzyme fructose 1,6-biphosphatase 1 (FBP1) that catalyzes the hydrolysis of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate (F-1,6-BP) to fructose 6-phosphate (F-6-P) as a protein phosphatase by performing a high-throughput screening of metabolic phosphatases with molecular docking followed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Moreover, we identify IκBα as the substrate of FBP1-mediated dephosphorylation by performing phosphoproteomic analysis. Mechanistically, FBP1 directly interacts with and dephosphorylates the serine (S) 32/36 of IκBα upon TNFα stimulation, thereby inhibiting NF-κB activation. MD simulations indicate that the catalytic mechanism of FBP1-mediated IκBα dephosphorylation is similar to F-1,6-BP dephosphorylation, except for higher energetic barriers for IκBα dephosphorylation. Functionally, FBP1-dependent NF-κB inactivation suppresses colorectal tumorigenesis by sensitizing tumor cells to inflammatory stresses and preventing the mobilization of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Our finding reveals a previously unrecognized role of FBP1 as a protein phosphatase and establishes the critical role of FBP1-mediated IκBα dephosphorylation in colorectal tumorigenesis.

Mechanism of Sijunzi Decoction in the treatment of colorectal cancer based on network pharmacology and experimental validation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sijunzi Decoction（SJZD）, as a famous classical prescription for the treatment of colorectal cancer(CRC) in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has achieved good curative effects in clinical practice. However, its specific ingredients and molecular mechanisms is still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To analyze the effective ingredients and molecular mechanisms of SJZD in the treatment of CRC through network pharmacology technology and experimental validation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, the TCM Systems Pharmacology database and analysis platform database were searched to screen the effective chemical components of SJZD. Swiss Target Prediction was used to predict corresponding potential target genes of compounds. After that, we constructed a components and corresponding target network by Cytoscape. Simultaneously, 5 disease databases were used to search and filter CRC targets, and then we constructed a drug-disease target protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Cytoscape 3.7 was used for visualization and cluster analysis, and Metascape database was used for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. We drew the main pathway-target network diagram. Autodock vina1.5.6 was applied to molecular docking for the main compounds and target proteins. Subsequently, the potential mechanism of SJZD on colon cancer predicted by network pharmacological analysis was experimentally studied and verified in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

144 effective active chemical components, 897 potential targets, and 2584 CRC target genes were screened out. The number of common targets between the SJZD and CRC was 414.3250 GO biological process items and 186 KEGG signal pathways were obtained after analysis. The main compounds and the target protein had a good binding ability in molecular docking. The results of cell and animal experiments showed that SJZD could promote apoptosis and autophagy of CRC cells through PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

SJZD can treat CRC through multiple components, multiple targets and multiple pathways. We initially revealed the effective components and molecular mechanisms of SJZD in the treatment of CRC, and we used molecular docking and experiment for preliminary verification.

GLIS Family Zinc Finger 3 Promotes Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Progression by Inducing Cell Proliferation, Migration and Invasion, and Activating the NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) puts a great threat to women's health. GLIS family zinc finger 3 (GLIS3) belongs to the GLI transcription factor family and acts as a critical factor in cancer progression. Nevertheless, the part of GLIS3 played in TNBC is not known. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining analysis displayed that GLIS3 was highly expressed in TNBC tissues. The effect of GLIS3 on the malignant phenotype of TNBC was tested in two different cell lines according to GLIS3 regulation. Upregulation of GLIS3 promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of TNBC cell lines, whereas the knockdown of GLIS3 suppressed these tumor activities. Inhibition of GLIS3 induced TNBC cell apoptosis. Furthermore, study as immunofluorescence and electrophoretic mobility shift assay confirmed that the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway activated by GLIS3 played an important role in TNBC cells' malignant phenotype. In conclusion, the present work demonstrated that GLIS3 acts as a crucial element in TNBC progression via activating the NF-κB signaling pathway. Accordingly, above mentioned findings indicated that modulation of GLIS3 expression is a potential tactic to interfere with the progression of TNBC.

UBE2J1 inhibits colorectal cancer progression by promoting ubiquitination and degradation of RPS3

Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 J1 (UBE2J1) has been proven to participate in the ubiquitination of multiple substrate proteins. However, the underlying mechanisms of UBE2J1 as a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme participating in cancer development and progression remain largely unknown. Here, we identified that UBE2J1 is downregulated in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues and cell lines which are mediated by DNA hypermethylation of its promoter, and decreased UBE2J1 is associated with poor prognosis. Functionally, UBE2J1 serving as a suppressor gene inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of CRC cells. Mechanistically, UBE2J1-TRIM25, forming an E2-E3 complex, physically interacts with and targets RPS3 for ubiquitination and degradation at the K214 residue. The downregulated RPS3 caused by UBE2J1 overexpression restrains NF-κB translocation into the nucleus and therefore inactivates the NF-κB signaling pathway. Our study revealed a novel role of UBE2J1-mediated RPS3 poly-ubiquitination and degradation in disrupting the NF-κB signaling pathway, which may serve as a novel and promising biomarker and therapeutic target for CRC.

Identification of functional gene modules by integrating multi-omics data and known molecular interactions

Multi-omics data integration has emerged as a promising approach to identify patient subgroups. However, in terms of grouping genes (or gene products) into co-expression modules, data integration methods suffer from two main drawbacks. First, most existing methods only consider genes or samples measured in all different datasets. Second, known molecular interactions (e.g., transcriptional regulatory interactions, protein-protein interactions and biological pathways) cannot be utilized to assist in module detection. Herein, we present a novel data integration framework, Correlation-based Local Approximation of Membership (CLAM), which provides two methodological innovations to address these limitations: 1) constructing a trans-omics neighborhood matrix by integrating multi-omics datasets and known molecular interactions, and 2) using a local approximation procedure to define gene modules from the matrix. Applying Correlation-based Local Approximation of Membership to human colorectal cancer (CRC) and mouse B-cell differentiation multi-omics data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Clinical Proteomics Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and ProteomeXchange database, we demonstrated its superior ability to recover biologically relevant modules and gene ontology (GO) terms. Further investigation of the colorectal cancer modules revealed numerous transcription factors and KEGG pathways that played crucial roles in colorectal cancer progression. Module-based survival analysis constructed four survival-related networks in which pairwise gene correlations were significantly correlated with colorectal cancer patient survival. Overall, the series of evaluations demonstrated the great potential of Correlation-based Local Approximation of Membership for identifying modular biomarkers for complex diseases. We implemented Correlation-based Local Approximation of Membership as a user-friendly application available at https://github.com/free1234hm/CLAM.

Identification of prognostic immune-related lncRNA signature predicting the overall survival for colorectal cancer

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is an important regulator of gene expression and serves a fundamental role in immune regulation. The present study aimed to develop a novel immune-related lncRNA signature to assess the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Transcriptome data and clinical information of patients with CRC were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and UCSC Xena platforms. Immune-related mRNAs were extracted from the Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB), and the immune-related lncRNAs were identified based on correlation analysis. Then, univariate, Lasso and multivariate Cox regression were applied to construct an immune-related lncRNA signature, and CRC patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups according to the median risk score. Finally, we evaluated the signature from the perspectives of clinical outcome, clinicopathological parameters, tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs), immune status, tumor mutation burden (TMB) and immunotherapy responsiveness. In total, 272 immune-related lncRNAs were identified, five of which were applied to construct an immune-related lncRNA signature. The signature divided patients with CRC into low- and high-risk groups, the prognosis of patients in the high-risk group were significantly poorer than those in low-risk group, and the results were further confirmed in external validation cohort. Furthermore, the high-risk group showed aggressive clinicopathological characteristics, specific TIIC and immune function status, and low sensitivity to immunotherapy. The immune-related lncRNA signature could be exploited as a promising biomarker for predicting the prognosis and immune status of patients with CRC.

Curcumin: A Novel Way to Improve Quality of Life for Colorectal Cancer Patients?

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in men and the second most common in women. Treatment of metastatic CRC consists of highly toxic chemotherapeutic drug combinations that often negatively affect patient quality of life (QoL). Moreover, chemotherapy-induced toxicity and chemotherapy resistance are among the most important factors limiting cancer treatment and can lead to the interruption or discontinuation of potentially effective therapy. Several preclinical studies have demonstrated that curcumin acts through multiple cellular pathways and possesses both anti-cancer properties against CRC and the capacity to mitigate chemotherapy-related side effects and overcome drug resistance. In this review article, we suggest that the addition of curcumin to the standard chemotherapeutic treatment for metastatic CRC could reduce associated side-effects and overcome chemotherapy resistance, thereby improving patient QoL.

NF-kappa B expression in resected specimen of colonic cancer is higher compared to its expression in inflammatory bowel diseases and polyps

NF-Kappa B has a significant role in inflammatory processes as well as in colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to compare the expression of NF-kappa B in colonic adenocarcinoma specimen, colonic adenomas and inflammatory colonic tissues. Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), colonic adenomas and inflammatory processes undergoing surgery were recruited. Following a routine pathological evaluation tissue samples were stained using anti NF-κB monoclonal antibodies. Expression of NF-κB was quantified using IMAGEJ program for immunohistochemistry staining. Samples were also stained and quantified for CEA expression. Fifty-six patients were included. 30 cancers, 6 polyps and 20 inflammatory processes. Expression of NF-κB was similar between polypoid and inflammation etiologies. However, it was significantly higher in CRC compared to both (p < 0.05). In cancer patients, NF-κB expression in the resection margins was correlated with positive node status. CEA expression was higher in the cancer group, less in the IBD group and the lowest in the colonic non diseased margins. Our results provide a supportive evidence that NF-κB pathway is strongly involved in colon cancer development and metastasis. Interestingly, expression of NF-κB in benign polypoid lesions was as high as in inflammatory etiologies. This support the role of NF-κB early in the adenoma to carcinoma sequence. Further research is needed to evaluate the exact role of NF-κB in tumor progression in order to look for diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities.

Classical Angiogenic Signaling Pathways and Novel Anti-Angiogenic Strategies for Colorectal Cancer

Although productive progress has been made in colorectal cancer (CRC) researchs, CRC is the second most frequent type of malignancy and the major cause of cancer-related death among gastrointestinal cancers. As angiogenesis constitutes an important point in the control of CRC progression and metastasis, understanding the key signaling pathways that regulate CRC angiogenesis is critical in elucidating ways to inhibit CRC. Herein, we comprehensively summarized the angiogenesis-related pathways of CRC, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), Wingless and int-1 (Wnt), and Notch signaling pathways. We divided the factors influencing the specific pathway into promoters and inhibitors. Among these, some drugs or natural compounds that have antiangiogenic effects were emphasized. Furthermore, the interactions of these pathways in angiogenesis were discussed. The current review provides a comprehensive overview of the key signaling pathways that are involved in the angiogenesis of CRC and contributes to the new anti-angiogenic strategies for CRC.

Evodiamine as an anticancer agent: a comprehensive review on its therapeutic application, pharmacokinetic, toxicity, and metabolism in various cancers

Evodiamine is a major alkaloid component found in the fruit of Evodia rutaecarpa. It shows the anti-proliferative potential against a wide range of cancers by suppressing cell growth, invasion, and metastasis and inducing apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Evodiamine shows its anticancer potential by modulating aberrant signaling pathways. Additionally, the review focuses on several therapeutic implications of evodiamine, such as epigenetic modification, cancer stem cells, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Moreover, combinatory drug therapeutics along with evodiamine enhances the anticancer efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs in various cancers by overcoming the chemo resistance and radio resistance shown by cancer cells. It has been widely used in preclinical trials in animal models, exhibiting very negligible side effects against normal cells and effective against cancer cells. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics-based collaborations of evodiamine are also included. Due to its poor bioavailability, synthetic analogs of evodiamine and its nano capsule have been formulated to enhance its bioavailability and reduce toxicity. In addition, this review summarizes the ongoing research on the mechanisms behind the antitumor potential of evodiamine, which proposes an exciting future for such interests in cancer biology.

Advances in Anti-Cancer Activities of Flavonoids in Scutellariae radix: Perspectives on Mechanism

Despite encouraging progresses in the development of novel therapies, cancer remains the dominant cause of disease-related mortality and has become a leading economic and healthcare burden worldwide. Scutellariae radix (SR, Huangqin in Chinese) is a common herb used in traditional Chinese medicine, with a long history in treating a series of symptoms resulting from cancer, like dysregulated immune response and metabolic abnormalities. As major bioactive ingredients extracted from SR, flavonoids, including baicalein, wogonin, along with their glycosides (baicalin and wogonoside), represent promising pharmacological and anti-tumor activities and deserve extensive research attention. Emerging evidence has made great strides in elucidating the multi-targeting therapeutic mechanisms and key signaling pathways underlying the efficacious potential of flavonoids derived from SR in the field of cancer treatment. In this current review, we aim to summarize the pharmacological actions of flavonoids against various cancers in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, we also make a brief summarization of the endeavor in developing a drug delivery system or structural modification to enhance the bioavailability and biological activities of flavonoid monomers. Taken together, flavonoid components in SR have great potential to be developed as adjuvant or even primary therapies for the clinical management of cancers and have a promising prospect.

The role of MARCH9 in colorectal cancer progression

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer with a high global incidence and mortality. Mutated genes or dysregulated pathways responsible for CRC progression have been identified and employed as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis. In this study, a ubiquitination regulator, MARCH9, was shown to accelerate CRC progression both in vitro and in vivo. CRC samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) showed significantly upregulated MARCH9 expression by individual cancer stage, histological subtype, and nodal metastasis status. Knockdown of MARCH9 inhibited, while MARCH9 overexpression promoted, CRC cell proliferation and migration. Knockdown of MARCH9 also induced CRC cell apoptosis and caused cell cycle arrest. Further investigation showed that MARCH9 promoted CRC progression by downregulating the expression of a deubiquitinase cylindromatosis (CYLD) gene and activating p65, a member of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) protein family. Finally, in vivo xenograft studies confirmed that MARCH9 knockdown suppressed tumor growth in nude mice. Thus, this study demonstrated that MARCH9 may be a novel and effective therapeutic target for CRC therapy.

PPy@Fe3O4 nanoparticles inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of CRC via suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway and promoting ferroptosis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers of the digestive tract, and patients with advanced-stage cancer have poor survival despite the use of multidrug conventional chemotherapy regimens. Intra-tumor heterogeneity of cancerous cells is the main obstacle in the way to effective cancer treatments. Therefore, we are looking for novel approaches to eliminate just cancer cells including nanoparticles (NPs). PPy@Fe3O4 NPs were successfully synthesized through a portable method. The characterization of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-Transformed infrared spectrometer, and X-ray powder diffraction have further proved successful preparation of PPy@Fe3O4 NPs. NIR irradiation was used to test the photothermal properties of NPs and an infrared camera was used to record their temperature. The direct effects of PPy@Fe3O4 NPs on colorectal cancer cell DLD1 were assessed using CCK8, plate clone, transwell, flow cytometry, and western blotting in CRC cell. The effect of PPy@Fe3O4 NPs on neoplasm growth in nude mice was evaluated in vivo. This study demonstrated that PPy@ Fe3O4 NPs significantly inhibit the growth, migration, and invasion and promote ferroptosis to the untreated controls in colorectal cancer cells. Mechanical exploration revealed that PPy@Fe3O4 NPs inhibit the multiplication, migration, and invasion of CRC cells in vitro by modulating the NF-κB signaling pathway. Importantly, Ferroptosis inhibitors Fer-1 can reverse the changes in metastasis-associated proteins caused by NPs treatment. Collectively, our observations revealed that PPy@Fe3O4 NPs were blockers of tumor progression and metastasis in CRC. This study brought new insights into bioactive NPs, with application potential in curing CRC or other human disorders.

ZBP1: A Powerful Innate Immune Sensor and Double-Edged Sword in Host Immunity

Z-conformation nucleic acid binding protein 1 (ZBP1), a powerful innate immune sensor, has been identified as the important signaling initiation factor in innate immune response and the multiple inflammatory cell death known as PANoptosis. The initiation of ZBP1 signaling requires recognition of left-handed double-helix Z-nucleic acid (includes Z-DNA and Z-RNA) and subsequent signaling transduction depends on the interaction between ZBP1 and its adapter proteins, such as TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), and RIPK3. ZBP1 activated innate immunity, including type-I interferon (IFN-I) response and NF-κB signaling, constitutes an important line of defense against pathogenic infection. In addition, ZBP1-mediated PANoptosis is a double-edged sword in anti-infection, auto-inflammatory diseases, and tumor immunity. ZBP1-mediated PANoptosis is beneficial for eliminating infected cells and tumor cells, but abnormal or excessive PANoptosis can lead to a strong inflammatory response that is harmful to the host. Thus, pathogens and host have each developed multiplex tactics targeting ZBP1 signaling to maintain strong virulence or immune homeostasis. In this paper, we reviewed the mechanisms of ZBP1 signaling, the effects of ZBP1 signaling on host immunity and pathogen infection, and various antagonistic strategies of host and pathogen against ZBP1. We also discuss existent gaps regarding ZBP1 signaling and forecast potential directions for future research.

Tumor-mediated 4-1BB induces tumor proliferation and metastasis in the colorectal cancer cells

AIMS

4-1BB is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily that mainly expressed on activated T-cells and plays important roles in cell proliferation and survival of T-cells and natural killer cells. The roles of 4-1BB in immune cells have been intensively studied, whereas little is known about the expression and roles of 4-1BB in cancer cells.

MAIN METHODS

In the present study, we investigated 4-1BB expression in colorectal cancer tissues from human patients and established colorectal cancer cells, using mRNA expression, FACS, and immunostaining. Cancer cell proliferation and metastasis regulated by transfected 4-1BB was evaluated by cell growth rate, colony forming assay, cell migration, and Western blot with antibodies which are involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition and anti-apoptosis. Expression of 4-1BB was knockdown by 4-1BB shRNA to prove that 4-1BB was involved in the cell proliferation. In vivo, 4-1BB transfected cancer cells were injected into mice, to induce tumor local region or lung.

KEY FINDINGS

We found that colorectal cancer tissues from human patients and established colorectal cancer cells expressed 4-1BB at the high level. The higher expression of 4-1BB proliferated faster. In addition, we identified two forms of 4-1BB detected in colorectal cancer cells: full length form that was located on the plasma membrane and a short soluble form in the cytosol. The soluble form was also detected in the plasma from the mice with tumor xenografts expressed 4-1BB.

SIGNIFICANCE

Tumor-mediated 4-1BB expression in the colorectal cancer cells showed effects on cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis.

Regulated cell death (RCD) in cancer: key pathways and targeted therapies

Regulated cell death (RCD), also well-known as programmed cell death (PCD), refers to the form of cell death that can be regulated by a variety of biomacromolecules, which is distinctive from accidental cell death (ACD). Accumulating evidence has revealed that RCD subroutines are the key features of tumorigenesis, which may ultimately lead to the establishment of different potential therapeutic strategies. Hitherto, targeting the subroutines of RCD with pharmacological small-molecule compounds has been emerging as a promising therapeutic avenue, which has rapidly progressed in many types of human cancers. Thus, in this review, we focus on summarizing not only the key apoptotic and autophagy-dependent cell death signaling pathways, but the crucial pathways of other RCD subroutines, including necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, parthanatos, entosis, NETosis and lysosome-dependent cell death (LCD) in cancer. Moreover, we further discuss the current situation of several small-molecule compounds targeting the different RCD subroutines to improve cancer treatment, such as single-target, dual or multiple-target small-molecule compounds, drug combinations, and some new emerging therapeutic strategies that would together shed new light on future directions to attack cancer cell vulnerabilities with small-molecule drugs targeting RCD for therapeutic purposes.

Aspirin sensitivity of PIK3CA-mutated Colorectal Cancer: potential mechanisms revisited

PIK3CA mutations are amongst the most prevalent somatic mutations in cancer and are associated with resistance to first-line treatment along with low survival rates in a variety of malignancies. There is evidence that patients carrying PIK3CA mutations may benefit from treatment with acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as aspirin, particularly in the setting of colorectal cancer. In this regard, it has been clarified that Class IA Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K), whose catalytic subunit p110α is encoded by the PIK3CA gene, are involved in signal transduction that regulates cell cycle, cell growth, and metabolism and, if disturbed, induces carcinogenic effects. Although PI3K is associated with pro-inflammatory cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and signaling, and COX-2 is among the best-studied targets of aspirin, the mechanisms behind this clinically relevant phenomenon are still unclear. Indeed, there is further evidence that the protective, anti-carcinogenic effect of aspirin in this setting may be mediated in a COX-independent manner. However, until now the understanding of aspirin's prostaglandin-independent mode of action is poor. This review will provide an overview of the current literature on this topic and aims to analyze possible mechanisms and targets behind the aspirin sensitivity of PIK3CA-mutated cancers.

Therapeutic effects of ginseng and ginsenosides on colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most common malignant diseases with high morbidity and mortality rates. Ginseng and its major extracts, ginsenosides, have been used in medical fields for thousands of years. In particular, their huge anti-cancer potential has drawn a great deal of attention in recent years. There is a large body of evidence that has shown that ginseng and its extracts could significantly inhibit tumor development and progression by suppressing cell proliferation, tumor growth, invasion and metastasis, inducing tumor cell apoptosis, regulating tumor-associated immune responses, and improving the therapeutic effect of chemotherapy. Notably, different subtypes of ginsenosides, even those extracted from the same ginseng, have exhibited distinct anti-cancer functions through different mechanisms. Over the past few years, a large number of studies have focused on how ginseng or various ginsenosides influence CRC development. Therefore, the roles and the potential of ginseng and ginsenosides in the treatment of CRC are summarized in this review. In addition, the biochemical properties of ginseng and ginsenosides are also briefly described.

Methyl Gallate Suppresses the Migration, Invasion, and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via the AMPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in vitro and in vivo

Methyl gallate (MG), a polyphenolic compound found in plants, is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. MG is known to alleviate several cancer symptoms. However, most studies that have reported the antitumor effects of MG have done so at the cellular level, and the inhibitory effect and therapeutic mechanism of MG in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been extensively explored in vivo. We aimed to understand the therapeutic mechanism of MG in HCC in vitro and in vivo. MTT and colony formation assays were used to determine the impact of MG on the proliferation of a human HCC cell line, BEL-7402; wound healing and transwell assays were used to quantify the migration and invasion of HCC cells. Western blotting was used to quantify the expression of the AMPK/NF-κB signaling pathway proteins. In vivo tumor growth was measured in a xenograft tumor nude mouse model treated with MG, and hematoxylin–eosin staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to visualize the histological changes in the tumor tissue. We found that MG showed anti-proliferative effects both in vitro and in vivo. MG downregulated the protein expression of AMPK, NF-κB, p-NF-κB, and vimentin and upregulated the expression of E-cadherin in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, MG inhibited the migration and invasion of HCC cells by decreasing MMP9 and MMP2 expression and increasing TIMP-2 expression. These were consistent with the results of IHC in vivo. MG inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells. This effect potentially involves the regulation of the AMPK/NF-κB pathway, which in turn impacts epithelial-mesenchymal transition and MMP expression.

GPR108 is Required for Gambogic Acid Inhibiting NF-κB Signaling in Cancer

GPCRs are the most potential targets for drug discovery, however, their role in oncology is underappreciated and GPCR-based anti-cancer drug is not fully investigated. Herein, we identified GPR108, a GPCR protein described in innate immune system, is a potential therapeutic target of cancer. Depletion of GPR108 dramatically inhibited the survival of various cancers. Notably, TNFα activation of NF-κB was totally impaired after GPR108 knockout. We identified gambogic acid (GA), a natural prenylated xanthone, selectively targeting GPR108. Importantly, GA engaged with GPR108 and promoted its degradation, knockout of GPR108 remarkably blocked GA inhibition of NF-κB signaling. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated that GA was dependent on GPR108 to exert anti-cancer activity. Overall, our findings supported GPR108 as a promising therapeutic target of cancer, and provided a small molecule inhibitor GA directly and selectively targeting GPR108 for cancer therapy.

Spatial expression of IKK-alpha is associated with a differential mutational landscape and survival in primary colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

To understand the relationship between key non-canonical NF-κB kinase IKK-alpha(α), tumour mutational profile and survival in primary colorectal cancer.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical expression of IKKα was assessed in a cohort of 1030 patients who had undergone surgery for colorectal cancer using immunohistochemistry. Mutational tumour profile was examined using a customised gene panel. Immunofluorescence was used to identify the cellular location of punctate IKKα expression.

RESULTS

Two patterns of IKKα expression were observed; firstly, in the tumour cell cytoplasm and secondly as discrete 'punctate' areas in a juxtanuclear position. Although cytoplasmic expression of IKKα was not associated with survival, high 'punctate' IKKα expression was associated with significantly reduced cancer-specific survival on multivariate analysis. High punctate expression of IKKα was associated with mutations in KRAS and PDGFRA. Dual immunofluorescence suggested punctate IKKα expression was co-located with the Golgi apparatus.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest the spatial expression of IKKα is a potential biomarker in colorectal cancer. This is associated with a differential mutational profile highlighting possible distinct signalling roles for IKKα in the context of colorectal cancer as well as potential implications for future treatment strategies using IKKα inhibitors.

Ficus dubia Latex Extract Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis by Regulating the NF-κB Pathway in Inflammatory Human Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines

Colorectal cancer is one of the most diagnosed cancers that is associated with inflammation. Ficus dubia latex is recognized as a remedy with various therapeutic effects in traditional medicine, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. The present study aims to compare the anti-tumor activity of Ficus dubia latex extract (FDLE) against HCT-116 and HT-29 human colorectal cancer cell lines in normal and inflammatory condition and explore its mechanism of action. FDLE exhibited remarkable antiproliferative activity against HCT-116 and HT-29 colorectal cancer cell lines in both conditions using MTT and colony formation assays and more effective anti-proliferation was observed in inflammatory condition. Mechanistically, FDLE induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase by down-regulating NF-κB, cyclin D1, CDK4 and up-regulatingp21 in both cell in normal condition. In inflammatory condition, FDLE not only exhibited stronger induction of cell cycle arrest in both cells by down-regulating NF-κB, cyclin D1, CDK4 and down-regulating p21, but also selectively induced apoptosis in HCT-116 cells by down-regulating NF-κB and Bcl-xl and up-regulating Bid, Bak, cleaved caspase-7 and caspase-3 through stronger ability to regulate these proteins. Our results demonstrated that the phytochemical agent in the latex of Ficus dubia could potential be used for treatment and prevention of human colorectal cancer, especially in inflammation-induced hyperproliferation progression.

Upregulation of PNCK Promotes Metastasis and Angiogenesis via Activating NF-κB/VEGF Pathway in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Background

Distant metastasis is the major cause of treatment failure in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Thus, the identification of the molecular mechanisms and the development of novel therapeutic strategies are important. Previous studies suggest that PNCK promotes tumor growth by suppressing PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in NPC. However, the underlying regulatory mechanism of PNCK for NPC invasion and metastasis remains unclear.

Methods

The PNCK expression level was evaluated in nonmetastatic and metastatic NPC specimens by mRNA sequencing and immunohistochemistry. In vitro migration and invasion and in vivo nude mouse metastasis model and zebrafish model were used to evaluate the effects of PNCK ectopic expression on the metastatic ability of NPC cells. Gene set enrichment and western blot analyses were used to investigate the PNCK downstream signaling pathway.

Results

Human metastatic NPC samples showed elevated PNCK expression at both mRNA and protein levels. Upregulated PNCK promoted in vitro NPC cell migration, invasion, and the formation of lung metastases; the vascular-labeled fluorescence signal increased in the in vivo zebrafish model. Mechanistically, pathway analysis showed that the upregulation of PNCK may promote cell metastasis by activating the NF-κB/VEGF signaling pathway.

Conclusions

These findings revealed the specific critical role of PNCK in promoting NPC metastasis and angiogenesis, which suggested that PNCK may have implications as a potential therapeutic target for individualized NPC treatment.