MT1DP loaded by folate-modified liposomes sensitizes erastin-induced ferroptosis via regulating miR-365a-3p/NRF2 axis in non-small cell lung cancer cells

Non-Viral Carriers for Nucleic Acids Delivery: Fundamentals and Current Applications

Over the past decades, non-viral DNA and RNA delivery systems have been intensively studied as an alternative to viral vectors. Despite the most significant advantage over viruses, such as the lack of immunogenicity and cytotoxicity, the widespread use of non-viral carriers in clinical practice is still limited due to the insufficient efficacy associated with the difficulties of overcoming extracellular and intracellular barriers. Overcoming barriers by non-viral carriers is facilitated by their chemical structure, surface charge, as well as developed modifications. Currently, there are many different forms of non-viral carriers for various applications. This review aimed to summarize recent developments based on the essential requirements for non-viral carriers for gene therapy.

Tumor Microenvironment Regulation and Cancer Targeting Therapy Based on Nanoparticles

Although we have made remarkable achievements in cancer awareness and medical technology, there are still tremendous increases in cancer incidence and mortality. However, most anti-tumor strategies, including immunotherapy, show low efficiency in clinical application. More and more evidence suggest that this low efficacy may be closely related to the immunosuppression of the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME plays a significant role in tumorigenesis, development, and metastasis. Therefore, it is necessary to regulate the TME during antitumor therapy. Several strategies are developing to regulate the TME as inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, reversing tumor associated macrophage (TAM) phenotype, removing T cell immunosuppression, and so on. Among them, nanotechnology shows great potential for delivering regulators into TME, which further enhance the antitumor therapy efficacy. Properly designed nanomaterials can carry regulators and/or therapeutic agents to eligible locations or cells to trigger specific immune response and further kill tumor cells. Specifically, the designed nanoparticles could not only directly reverse the primary TME immunosuppression, but also induce effective systemic immune response, which would prevent niche formation before metastasis and inhibit tumor recurrence. In this review, we summarized the development of nanoparticles (NPs) for anti-cancer therapy, TME regulation, and tumor metastasis inhibition. We also discussed the prospect and potential of nanocarriers for cancer therapy.

Ferroptosis-related lncRNA model based on CFAP58-DT for predicting prognosis and immunocytes infiltration in endometrial cancer

Background

Endometrial cancer (EC) is a kind of common gynecological tumor. Further study on the markers related to the prognosis of endometrial cancer is important for women worldwide.

Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to obtain the transcriptome profiling and clinical data. A model was built using packages based on R software. Immune-related databases were employed to analyze the infiltration of immunocytes. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), and transwell assays were utilized to investigate the role of CFAP58-DT in EC.

Results

Following Cox regression analysis, 1,731 ferroptosis-related long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) were screened, and a 9-related lncRNA prognostic model was constructed. Patients were classified as high- and low-risk according to their expression spectrum. Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis showed that the prognosis of low-risk patients was poor. Operating characteristic curves, decision curve analysis, and a nomogram suggested the model could independently guide prognostic evaluation, with higher sensitivity, specificity, and efficiency than other common clinical characteristics. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was conducted to determine the enriched pathways among the two groups and evaluation of the immune-infiltrating conditions were performed to help improve immune therapy. Finally, we conducted cytological studies on the model's most important indicators.

Conclusions

Overall, we identified a prognostic ferroptosis-related lncRNA model based on CFAP58-DT for predicting the prognosis and immune-infiltrating conditions in EC. We concluded that the potential oncogenic role of CFAP58-DT can further guide immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

Long Noncoding RNA LINC00578 Inhibits Ferroptosis in Pancreatic Cancer via Regulating SLC7A11 Ubiquitination

Background

Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive malignancy worldwide with rapid development and an exceedingly poor prognosis. lncRNAs play crucial roles in regulating the biological behaviors of tumor cells. In this study, we discovered that LINC00578 acted as a regulator of ferroptosis in pancreatic cancer.

Methods

A series of loss- and gain-of-function experiments in vitro and in vivo were performed to explore the oncogenic role of LINC00578 in pancreatic cancer development and progression. Label-free proteomic analysis was performed to select LINC00578-related differentially expressed proteins. Pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were carried out to determine and validate the binding protein of LINC00578. Coimmunoprecipitation assays were used to investigate the association of LINC00578 with SLC7A11 in ubiquitination and to confirm the interaction between ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 K (UBE2K) and SLC7A11. An immunohistochemical assay was used to confirm the correlation between LINC00578 and SLC7A11 in the clinic.

Results

LINC00578 positively regulated cell proliferation and invasion in vitro and tumorigenesis in vivo in pancreatic cancer. LINC00578 can obviously inhibit ferroptosis events, including cell proliferation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) depolarization. In addition, the LINC00578-induced inhibitory effect on ferroptosis events was rescued by SLC7A11 knockdown. Mechanistically, LINC00578 directly binds UBE2K to decrease the ubiquitination of SLC7A11, thus accelerating SLC7A11 expression. In the clinic, LINC00578 is closely associated with clinicopathologic factors and poor prognosis and correlated with SLC7A11 expression in pancreatic cancer.

Conclusions

This study elucidated that LINC00578 acts as an oncogene to promote pancreatic cancer cell progression and suppress ferroptosis by directly combining with UBE2K to inhibit the ubiquitination of SLC7A11, which provides a promising option for the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Ferroptosis: challenges and opportunities for nanomaterials in cancer therapy

Ferroptosis, a completely new form of regulated cell death, is mainly caused by an imbalance between oxidative damage and reductive protection and has shown great anti-cancer potential. However, existing small-molecule ferroptosis inducers have various limitations, such as poor water solubility, drug resistance and low targeting ability, hindering their clinical applications. Nanotechnology provides new opportunities for ferroptosis-driven tumor therapy. Especially, stimuli-responsive nanomaterials stand out among others and have been widely researched because of their unique spatiotemporal control advantages. Therefore, it's necessary to summarize the application of those stimuli-responsive nanomaterials in ferroptosis. Here, we describe the physiological feature of ferroptosis and illustrate the current challenges to induce ferroptosis for cancer therapy. Then, nanomaterials that induce ferroptosis are classified and elaborated according to the external and internal stimuli. Finally, the future perspectives in the field are proposed. We hope this review facilitates paving the way for the design of intelligent nano-ferroptosis inducers.

Development and validation of a novel ferroptosis‑related lncRNA prognostic signature for pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) serve a pivotal role in the regulation of cancer cell ferroptosis. However, the prognostic value of ferroptosis‑related lncRNAs in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) largely remains unclear. We aimed at constructing a lncRNA‑based signature to improve the prognosis prediction of PAAD. In the present study, the transcriptome profiling data and clinical information of patients with PAAD were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Gene Consortium (ICGC) databases. Univariate Cox regression analysis of the TCGA cohort demonstrated that 26 ferroptosis‑related lncRNAs had significant prognostic value for PAAD (all P<0.01). Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to construct a prognostic ferroptosis‑related lncRNA signature (FRLS) comprising nine ferroptosis‑related lncRNAs. The efficacy of this FRLS was verified in the training (TCGA) and validation (ICGC) cohorts. Based on the risk model, high risk scores were significantly correlated with poor overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio, 1.314; 95% confidence interval, 1.218‑1.418; P<0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curves and principal component analysis further demonstrated the robust prognostic ability of the FRLS. Furthermore, a nomogram with favorable predictive efficacy for the prediction of OS was constructed based on the FRLS and clinical features. Gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated that the genes in the FRLS participated in a number of cancer‑associated immunoregulatory pathways. Importantly, it was demonstrated that immune infiltration and response to cancer immunotherapy differed significantly between the high and low‑risk groups according to the FRLS. In conclusion, the risk signature based on the FRLS has potential for the clinical prediction of prognosis and immunotherapy response in patients with PAAD.

Inhibition of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer by Ferroptosis and Apoptosis Induction through P53 and GSK-3β/Nrf2 Signal Pathways using Qingrehuoxue Formula

This study aimed to elucidate the effects of Qingrehuoxue Formula (QRHXF) on NSCLC and its underlying mechanisms. Nude mouse model of subcutaneous tumors was established. QRHXF and erastin were administered orally and intraperitoneally, respectively. Mice's body weight and subcutaneous tumor volumes were measured. The effects of QRHXF on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), tumor-associated angiogenesis and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were assessed. Importantly, we also analysed the anti-NSCLC of QRHXF form the aspect of ferroptosis and apoptosis and investigate its underlying mechanisms. The safety of QRHXF in mice was also evaluated. QRHXF slowed down the speed of tumor growth and visibly inhibited tumor growth. The expression levels of CD31, VEGFA, MMP2 and MMP9 were prominently suppressed by QRHXF. Furthermore, QRHXF appeared to remarkably inhibite cell proliferation and EMT by decreasing Ki67, N-cadherin and vimentin expression but elevating E-cadherin expression. There were more apoptotic cells in QRHXF group's tumor tissues, and QRHXF treatment increased BAX and cleaved-caspased 3 levels but decreased Bcl-2 levels. QRHXF significantly increased the accumulation of ROS, Fe²⁺, H₂O₂, and MDA while reduced GSH levels. SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein levels were considerably suppressed by QRHXF treatment. Moreover, QRHXF triggered ultrastructural changes in the mitochondria of tumor cells. The levels of p53 and p-GSK-3β were upregulated, whereas that of Nrf2 was downregulated in the groups treated with QRHXF. QRHXF displayed no toxicity in mice. QRHXF activated ferroptosis and apoptosis to suppress NSCLC cell progression via p53 and GSK-3β/Nrf2 signaling pathways.

Emerging role of miRNAs in the regulation of ferroptosis

Ferroptosis is a kind of cell death which has distinctive features differentiating it from autophagy, necrosis and apoptosis. This iron-dependent form of cell death is described by an increase in lipid reactive oxygen species, shrinkage of mitochondria and decrease in mitochondrial cristae. Ferroptosis is involved in the initiation and progression of many diseases and is regarded as a hotspot of investigations on treatment of disorders. Recent studies have shown that microRNAs partake in the regulation of ferroptosis. The impact of microRNAs on this process has been verified in different cancers as well as intervertebral disc degeneration, acute myocardial infarction, vascular disease, intracerebral hemorrhage, preeclampsia, hemorrhagic stroke, atrial fibrillation, pulmonary fibrosis and atherosclerosis. miR-675, miR-93, miR-27a, miR-34a and miR-141 have been shown to affect iron metabolism, antioxidant metabolism and lipid metabolism, thus influencing all pivotal mechanisms in the ferroptosis process. In the current review, we summarize the role of microRNAs in ferroptosis and their involvement in the pathetiology of malignant and non-malignant disorders.

Silencing lncRNA HCG18 regulates GPX4-inhibited ferroptosis by adsorbing miR-450b-5p to avert sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma

Ferroptosis is potential to relieve drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) is a critical modulator of ferroptosis. This study discussed the mechanism of GPX4-inhibited ferroptosis in sorafenib resistance in HCC. HCG18 in HCC cells was detected. Sorafenib resistant (SR) cell line Huh7-SR cells were treated with sorafenib (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 μM). After silencing HCG18 in Huh7-SR cells, cell activity, proliferation and apoptosis were detected. The levels of iron, the concentration of MDA, GSH and lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured to evaluate the ferroptosis. The downstream mechanism of HCG18 was predicted and verified. Huh7-SR cells were infected with lentivirus sh-HCG18 to establish xenograft tumor model. HCG18 was elevated in HCC cells and associated with sorafenib resistance. Silencing HCG18 inhibited cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and impaired sorafenib resistance. Ferroptosis was inhibited in Huh7-SR cells, while silencing HCG18 inhibited sorafenib resistance by promoting ferroptosis. GPX4 overexpression averted the promotion of sh-HCG18 on ferroptosis, thereby reducing sorafenib resistance. HCG18 sponged miR-450b-5p to regulate GPX4. Collectively, Silencing HCG18 inhibits GPX4 by binding to miR-450b-5p, promotes GPX4-inhibited ferroptosis, and averts sorafenib resistance in HCC.

Ultrasound-Targeted Microbubble Disruption with Key Nanodroplets for Effective Ferroptosis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Using Animal Model

Introduction

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is known to be the most aggressive form of breast cancer. Due to its high recurrence and mortality rates, the treatment of TNBC is a significant challenge for the medical community. Besides, ferroptosis is an emerging regulatory cell death that may provide new insights into the treatment of TNBC. As a central inhibitor of the ferroptosis process, the selenoenzyme glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) is its classical therapeutic target. However, inhibition of GPX4 expression is quite detrimental to normal tissues. Ultrasound contrast agents, as an emerging visualization precision treatment, may provide a solution to the existing problem.

Methods

In this study, nanodroplets (NDs) carrying simvastatin (SIM) were constructed using the homogeneous/emulsification method. Then, the characterization of SIM-NDs was systematically evaluated. Meanwhile, in this study, the ability of SIM-NDs combined with ultrasound-targeted microbubble disruption (UTMD) to initiate ferroptosis and its respective mechanisms of ferroptosis induction were verified. Finally, the antitumor activity of SIM-NDs was investigated in vitro and in vivo using MDA-MB-231 cells and TNBC animal models.

Results

SIM-NDs exhibited excellent pH- and ultrasound-responsive drug release and noticeable ultrasonographic imaging ability, also showing good biocompatibility and biosafety. UTMD could promote increased intracellular reactive oxygen species and consume intracellular glutathione. However, SIM-NDs were efficiently internalized into cells under ultrasound irradiation, followed by the rapid release of SIM, which inhibited intracellular mevalonate production, and synergistically downregulated GPX4 expression, thereby promoting ferroptosis. Moreover, this combined treatment demonstrated strong antitumor ability in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

The combination of UTMD and SIM-NDs presents a promising avenue for harnessing ferroptosis in the treatment of malignant tumors.

Hypoxia Enhances Glioma Resistance to Sulfasalazine-Induced Ferroptosis by Upregulating SLC7A11 via PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α Axis

Glioma is the most common primary brain tumor, with a high rate of recurrence and treatment resistance. Glioblastoma is highly invasive, infiltrating surrounding brain parenchyma, and is known to cause intracranial metastasis resulting in a dismal prognosis. Hypoxia contributes significantly to chemo- and radiotherapy resistance in cancer. Ferroptosis is a nonapoptotic oxidative cell death that has been identified as a potential anticancer mechanism. Sulfasalazine (SAS) activates ferroptosis and plays a potential role in tumor treatment. However, the relationship between hypoxia and SAS resistance has not been elucidated. This study is aimed at investigating the role of hypoxia in SAS-induced ferroptosis and the underlying mechanisms. Here, we found that hypoxia significantly suppressed SAS-induced ferroptosis by upregulating SLC7A11 expression in the U87 and U251 glioma cell lines. Hypoxia promotes SLC7A11 expression by enhancing the PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α pathway. The AKT inhibitor MK-2206 and HIF-1α inhibitor PX-478 significantly reversed this effect. In addition, under normoxia, PX-478 induced a higher lipid peroxidation level by decreasing SLC7A11 expression in the U87 and U251 cells but could not induce cell death directly; it could significantly enhance the tumor cell killing effect of SAS. In vivo, the combination of PX-478 and SAS had a coordinated synergistic effect on anticancer activity, as revealed by subcutaneous and orthotopic xenograft mouse models. In conclusion, hypoxia enhanced glioma resistance to SAS-induced ferroptosis by upregulating SLC7A11 via activating the PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α axis. Combination therapy with PX-478 and SAS may be a potential strategy against glioma.

Relationship between miRNA and ferroptosis in tumors

Malignant tumor is a major killer that seriously endangers human health. At present, the methods of treating tumors include surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. However, the survival rate of patients is still very low due to the complicated mechanism of tumor occurrence and development and high recurrence rate. Individualized treatment will be the main direction of tumor treatment in the future. Because only by understanding the molecular mechanism of tumor development and differentially expressed genes can we carry out accurate treatment and improve the therapeutic effect. MicroRNA (miRNA) is a kind of small non coding RNA, which regulates gene expression at mRNA level and plays a key role in tumor regulation. Ferroptosis is a kind of programmed death caused by iron dependent lipid peroxidation, which is different from apoptosis, necrosis and other cell death modes. Now it has been found that ferroptosis plays an important role in the occurrence and development of tumors and drug resistance. More and more studies have found that miRNAs can regulate tumor development and drug resistance through ferroptosis. Therefore, in this review, the mechanism of ferroptosis is briefly outlined, and the relationship between miRNAs and ferroptosis in tumors is reviewed.

[Progress of NRF2 Signaling Pathway in Promoting Proliferation of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer]

The morbidity and mortality of lung cancer ranks among the top cancers in the world. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the main pathological type of lung cancer, with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. The nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) signaling pathway is highly mutated and activated in NSCLC, and promotes the malignant progression of lung cancer through various mechanisms. NRF2-targeted therapy will provide new treatment strategies for patients with NSCLC. This article will review the basic structure and response pathways of the NRF2 pathway, the mechanism of NRF2 regulating lung cancer cell proliferation, and the research and development progress of NRF2 inhibitors.
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Development and Validation of Ferroptosis-Related lncRNAs as Prognosis and Diagnosis Biomarkers for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignancies affecting women. Ferroptosis is a novel cancer treatment option. The present study is aimed to identify suitable ferroptosis-related lncRNAs to predict and diagnose BC. Differential expression and Cox regression analyses were used to screen suitable prognostic biomarkers and construct a suitable risk model. We identified four ferroptosis-related differentially expressed lncRNAs (FR-DELs) (LINC01152, AC004585.1, MAPT-IT1, and AC026401.3), which were independently correlated with the overall survival of BC patients. The area under the curve value of the prognostic model using those four biomarkers was over 0.60 in all three groups. The sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic model using those four biomarkers were 86.89% and 86.73%, respectively. Our present study indicated that these four FR-DELs (LINC01152, AC004585.1, MAPT-IT1, and AC026401.3) could be prognostic biomarkers for BC, although clinical validation studies are required.

Iron metabolism, ferroptosis, and lncRNA in cancer: knowns and unknowns

Cancer cells undergo substantial metabolic alterations to sustain increased energy supply and uncontrolled proliferation. As an essential trace element, iron is vital for many biological processes. Evidence has revealed that cancer cells deploy various mechanisms to elevate the cellular iron concentration to accelerate proliferation. Ferroptosis, a form of cell death caused by iron-catalyzed excessive peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), is a promising therapeutic target for therapy-resistant cancers. Previous studies have reported that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is a group of critical regulators involved in modulating cell metabolism, proliferation, apoptosis, and ferroptosis. In this review, we summarize the associations among iron metabolism, ferroptosis, and ferroptosis-related lncRNA in tumorigenesis. This information will help deepen understanding of the role of lncRNA in iron metabolism and raise the possibility of targeting lncRNA and ferroptosis in cancer combination therapy.

RETRACTED: Potential of β-elemene induced ferroptosis through Pole2-mediated p53 and PI3K/AKT signaling in lung cancer cells

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief. After a thorough investigation, the Editor has concluded that the acceptance of this article was partly based upon the positive advice of one illegitimate reviewer report. The report was submitted from an email account which was provided to the journal as a suggested reviewer during the submission of the article. Although purportedly a real reviewer account, the Editor has concluded that this was not of an appropriate, independent reviewer. Further inquiry revealed that the name of the author Anshoo Malhotra was added after the acceptance of the article without notifying the author and the handling Editor, which is contrary to the journal policy on changes to authorship. This manipulation of the peer-review process represents a clear violation of the fundamentals of peer review, our publishing policies, and publishing ethics standards. Apologies are offered to the reviewer whose identity was assumed and to the readers of the journal that this deception was not detected during the submission process.

Norcantharidin induces ferroptosis via the suppression of NRF2/HO‑1 signaling in ovarian cancer cells

Increasing evidence has indicated a crucial role of ferroptosis in ovarian cancer (OC). Norcantharidin (NCTD), a normethyl compound of cantharidin, is extensively used in clinical practice as an optional anticancer drug. However, whether NCTD leads to ferroptosis in OC has not been previously explored, at least to the best of our knowledge. In the present study, the effect of NCTD on SKOV3 and OVCAR-3 cells was evaluated. The experimental data of the present study revealed that NCTD significantly suppressed SKOV3 and OVCAR-3 cell viability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The results of Cell Counting Kit-8 assay revealed that NCTD treatment decreased SKOV3 and OVCAR-3 cell viability. In comparison, pre-incubation with ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) significantly reversed the NCTD-induced reduction in SKOV3 and OVCAR-3 cell viability; however, no changes in cell viability were observed when the SKOV3 and OVCAR-3 cells were treated with NCTD, in combination with the apoptosis inhibitor, Z-VAD-FMK, the ferroptosis inhibitor, necrostatin-1, and the autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine. Additionally, it was observed that NCTD markedly enhanced reactive oxygen species production and malondialdehyde and ferrous ion levels in the SKOV3 and OVCAR-3 cells; however, pre-incubation with Fer-1 abolished these effects. Flow cytometry also demonstrated a significant increase in cell death following treatment of the SKOV3 and OVCAR-3 cells with NCTD; however, pre-incubation with Fer-1 also reversed these effects. In vivo experiments demonstrated that NCTD significantly reduced tumor volume and weight. More importantly, it was revealed that nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (xCT) expression levels were significantly decreased following NCTD treatment. Collectively, NCTD may represent a potent anticancer agent in OC cells, and NCTD-induced ferroptotic cell death may be achieved by inhibiting the NRF2/HO-1/GPX4/xCT axis.

Development and Validation of a Novel Mitochondrion and Ferroptosis-Related Long Non-Coding RNA Prognostic Signature in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Mitochondrion and ferroptosis are related to tumorigenesis and tumor progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, this study focused on exploring the participation of lncRNAs in mitochondrial dysfunction and ferroptosis using public datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We identified the mitochondrion- and ferroptosis-related lncRNAs by Pearson’s analysis and lasso-Cox regression. Moreover, real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) was utilized to further confirm the abnormal expression of these lncRNAs. Based on eight lncRNAs, the MF-related lncRNA prognostic signature (LPS) with outstanding stratification ability and prognostic prediction capability was constructed. In addition, functional enrichment analysis and immune cell infiltration analysis were performed to explore the possible functions of lncRNAs and their impact on the tumor microenvironment. The pathways related to G2M checkpoint and MYC were activated, and the infiltration ratio of regulatory T cells and M0 and M2 macrophages was higher in the high-risk group. In conclusion, these lncRNAs may affect mitochondria functions, ferroptosis, and immune cell infiltration in HCC through specific pathways, which may provide valuable insight into the progression and therapies of HCC.

Ferroptosis and Its Multifaceted Role in Cancer: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Approach

Ferroptosis, a new type of non-apoptotic cell death modality, is different from other modes of cell death and has been primarily found in tumor cells. Previous studies have reported that ferroptosis can be triggered by specific modulators (e.g., drugs, nutrients, and iron chelators), leading to increased intracellular lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and iron overload. Recent reports have shown that ferroptosis at the cellular and organism levels can prevent an inflammatory storm and cancer development. Emerging evidence suggests potential mechanisms (e.g., system Xc-, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), lipid peroxidation, glutathione (GSH), and iron chelators) are involved in ferroptosis, which may mediate biological processes such as oxidative stress and iron overload to treat cancer. To date, there are at least three pathways that mediate ferroptosis in cancer cells: system Xc-/GSH/GPX4, FSP1/CoQ10/NAD(P)H, and ATG5/ATG7/NCOA4. Here, we summarize recent advances in the occurrence and development of ferroptosis in the context of cancer, the associations between ferroptosis and various modulators, and the potential mechanisms and therapeutic strategies targeting ferroptosis for the treatment of cancer.

Cuproptosis-Related lncRNAs are Biomarkers of Prognosis and Immune Microenvironment in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background: Cuproptosis is a new type of cell death that induces protein toxic stress and eventually leads to cell death. Hence, regulating cuproptosis in tumor cells is a new therapeutic approach. However, studies on cuproptosis-related long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) have not been found. This study aimed to explore the cuproptosis-related lncRNAs prognostic marker and their relationship to immune microenvironment in HNSC by using bioinformatics methods.

Methods: RNA sequencing, genomic mutations, and clinical data of TCGA_HNSC were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas. HNSC patients were randomly assigned to either a training group or a validation cohort. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression and multivariate Cox regression models were used to determine the prognostic model in the training cohort, and its independent prognostic effect was further confirmed in the validation and entire cohorts.

Results: Based on previous literature, we collected 19 genes associated with cuproptosis. Afterward, 783 cuproptosis-related lncRNAs were obtained through coexpression. Cox model revealed and constructed eight cuproptosis-related lncRNAs prognostic marker (AL132800.1, AC090587.1, AC079160.1, AC011462.4, AL157888.1, GRHL3-AS1, SNHG16, and AC021148.2). Patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups based on the median risk score. The Kaplan–Meier survival curve revealed that the overall survival between the high- and low-risk groups was statistically significant. The receiver operating characteristic curve and principal component analysis demonstrated the accurate prognostic ability of the model. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that risk score was an independent prognostic factor. In addition, we used multivariate Cox regression to establish a nomogram of the predictive power of prognostic markers. The tumor mutation burden showed significant differences between the high- and low-risk groups. HNSC patients in the high-risk group responded better to immunotherapy than those in the low-risk group. We also found that risk scores were significantly associated with drug sensitivity in HNSC.

Conclusion: In summary, our study identified eight cuprotosis-related lncRNAs signature of HNSC as the prognostic predictor, which may be promising biomarkers for predicting the benefit of HNSC immunotherapy as well as drug sensitivity.

Ferroptosis-Related lncRNA Signature Correlates with the Prognosis, Tumor Microenvironment, and Therapeutic Sensitivity of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the most prevalent form of esophageal cancer in China and is closely associated with malignant biological characteristics and poor survival. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered iron-dependent mode of cell death that plays an important role in the biological behavior of ESCC cells. The clinical significance of ferroptosis-related long noncoding RNAs (FRLs) in ESCC remains unknown and warrants further research. The current study obtained RNA sequencing profiles and corresponding clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, and FRLs were obtained through coexpression analysis. Consensus clustering was employed to divide the subjects into clusters, and immune-associated pathways were identified by functional analysis. The current study observed significant differences in the enrichment scores of immune cells among different clusters. Patients from TCGA-ESCC database were designated as the training cohort. A ten-FRL prediction signature was established using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression model and validated using the GEO cohort and our own independent validation database. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to verify the expression of the ten FRLs, and the ssGSEA analysis was employed to evaluate their function. In addition, the IMvigor database was used to assess the predictive value of the signature in terms of immunotherapeutic responses. Multivariate Cox and stratification analyses revealed that the ten-FRL signature was an independent predictor of the overall survival (OS). Patients with ESCC in the high-risk group displayed worse survival, a characteristic tumor immune microenvironment, and low immunotherapeutic benefits compared to those in the low-risk group. Collectively, the risk model established in this study could serve as a promising predictor of prognosis and immunotherapeutic response in patients with ESCC.

Screening for Potential Therapeutic Agents for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer by Targeting Ferroptosis

Ferroptosis is a form of non-apoptotic and iron-dependent cell death originally identified in cancer cells. Recently, emerging evidence showed that ferroptosis-targeting therapy could be a novel promising anti-tumour treatment. However, systematic analyses of ferroptosis-related genes for the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the development of antitumor drugs exploiting the ferroptosis process remain rare. This study aimed to identify genes related to ferroptosis and NSCLC and to initially screen lead compounds that induce ferroptosis in tumor cells. We downloaded mRNA expression profiles and NSCLC clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database to explore the prognostic role of ferroptosis-related genes. Four prognosis-associated ferroptosis-related genes were screened using univariate Cox regression analysis and the lasso Cox regression analysis, which could divide patients with NSCLC into high- and low-risk groups. Then, based on differentially expressed risk- and ferroptosis-related genes, the negatively correlated lead compound flufenamic acid (FFA) was screened through the Connective Map database. This project confirmed that FFA induced ferroptosis in A549 cells and inhibited growth and migration in a dose-dependent manner through CCK-8, scratch, and immunofluorescence assays. In conclusion, targeting ferroptosis might be a therapeutic alternative for NSCLC.

A novel circular RNA confers trastuzumab resistance in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive breast cancer through regulating ferroptosis

HER2-positive breast cancer is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer, characterized by high malignancy and poor prognosis. Trastuzumab, the first HER2-targeted monoclonal antibody therapy, has a crucial role in a curative setting in HER2-positive breast cancer. However, frequent drug resistance inhibits its clinical efficacy. Herein, by performing circular RNA (circRNA) profiling, we identified a novel circRNA, circ-BGN, as a key contributor in trastuzumab resistance. Circ-BGN was evidently increased in trastuzumab-resistant breast cancer cells and tissues, linking to poor overall survival. Knockdown of circ-BGN inhibited breast cancer cell viability and notably restored its sensitivity to trastuzumab. Further, we found that circ-BGN could directly bind to OTUB1 and SLC7A11, enhancing OTUB1-mediated SLC7A11 deubiquitination and thereby inhibiting ferroptosis, a newly recognized form of cell death that is distinct from apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy. Moreover, erastin, a small-molecule ferroptosis inducer, could effectively restore the anti-tumor effect of trastuzumab. Pre-clinically, the orthotopic tumor model showed that erastin significantly reduced tumor volume generated by trastuzumab-resistant breast cancer cells, which was more pronounced after combined circ-BGN knockdown. Collectively, our data reveal a novel circRNA controlling trastuzumab resistance via regulation of ferroptosis, providing a promising therapeutic strategy for trastuzumab-resistant breast cancer patients.

Ferroptosis-related long non-coding RNA signature predicts the prognosis of bladder cancer

Background

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent programmed cell death modality that may have a tumor-suppressive function. Therefore, regulating ferroptosis in tumor cells could serve as a novel therapeutic approach. This article focuses on ferroptosis-associated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and their potential application as a prognostic predictor for bladder cancer (BCa).

Methods

We retrieved BCa-related transcriptome information and clinical information from the TCGA database and ferroptosis-related gene sets from the FerrDb database. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression (LASSO) and Cox regression models were used to identify and develop predictive models and validate the model accuracy. Finally, we explored the inter-regulatory relationships between ferroptosis-related genes and immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoints, and m⁶A methylation genes.

Results

Kaplan–Meier analyses screened 11 differentially expressed lncRNAs associated with poor BCa prognosis. The signature (AUC = 0.720) could be utilized to predict BCa prognosis. Additionally, GSEA revealed immune and tumor-related pathways in the low-risk group. TCGA showed that the p53 signaling pathway, ferroptosis, Kaposi sarcoma − associated herpesvirus infection, IL − 17 signaling pathway, MicroRNAs in cancer, TNF signaling pathway, PI3K − Akt signaling pathway and HIF − 1 signaling pathway were significantly different from those in the high-risk group. Immune checkpoints, such as PDCD-1 (PD-1), CTLA4, and LAG3, were differentially expressed between the two risk groups. m⁶A methylation-related genes were significantly differentially expressed between the two risk groups.

Conclusion

A new ferroptosis-associated lncRNAs signature developed for predicting the prognosis of BCa patients will improve the treatment and management of BCa patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09805-9.

Long Noncoding RNAs and Circular RNAs in the Metabolic Reprogramming of Lung Cancer: Functions, Mechanisms, and Clinical Potential

As key regulators of gene function, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) are generally accepted to be involved in lung cancer pathogenesis and progression. Recent research has clarified the phenomenon of metabolic reprogramming in lung cancer because of its significant role in tumor proliferation, migration, invasion, metastasis, and other malignant biological behaviors. Emerging evidence has also shown a relationship between the aberrant expression of lncRNAs and circRNAs and metabolic reprogramming in lung cancer tumorigenesis. This review provides insight regarding the roles of different lncRNAs and circRNAs in lung cancer metabolic reprogramming, by how they target transporter proteins and key enzymes in glucose, lipid, and glutamine metabolic signaling pathways. The clinical potential of lncRNAs and circRNAs as early diagnostic biomarkers and components of therapeutic strategies in lung cancer is further discussed, including current challenges in their utilization from the bench to the bedside and how to adopt a proper delivery system for their therapeutic use.

Ferroptosis-Related Long Noncoding RNAs as Prognostic Biomarkers for Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a highly malignant gynecologic tumor with few treatments available and poor prognosis with the currently available diagnostic markers and interventions. More effective methods for diagnosis and treatment are urgently needed. Although the current evidence implicates ferroptosis in the development and therapeutic responses of various types of tumors, it is unclear to what extent ferroptosis affects OC. To explore the potential of ferroptosis-related genes as biomarkers and molecular targets for OC diagnosis and intervention, this study collected several datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas-OC (TCGA-OC), analyzed and identified the coexpression profiles of 60 ferroptosis-related genes and two subtypes of OC with respect to ferroptosis and further examined and analyzed the differentially expressed genes between the two subtypes. The results indicated that the expression levels of ferroptosis genes were significantly correlated with prognosis in patients with OC. Single-factor Cox and LASSO analysis identified eight lncRNAs from the screened ferroptosis-related genes, including lncRNAs RP11-443B7.3, RP5-1028K7.2, TRAM2-AS1, AC073283.4, RP11-486G15.2, RP11-95H3.1, RP11-958F21.1, and AC006129.1. A risk scoring model was constructed from the ferroptosis-related lncRNAs and showed good performance in the evaluation of OC patient prognosis. The high- and low-risk groups based on tumor scores presented obvious differences in clinical characteristics, tumor mutation burden, and tumor immune cell infiltration, indicating that the risk score has a good ability to predict the benefit of immunotherapy and may provide data to support the implementation of precise immunotherapy for OC. Although in vivo tests and research are needed in the future, our bioinformatics analysis powerfully supported the effectiveness of the risk signature of ferroptosis-related lncRNAs for prognosis prediction in OC. The findings suggest that these eight identified lncRNAs have great potential for development as diagnostic markers and intervention targets for OC and that patients with high ferroptosis-related lncRNA expression will receive greater benefits from conventional chemotherapy or treatment with ferroptosis inducers.

The Organelle-Specific Regulations and Epigenetic Regulators in Ferroptosis

Ferroptosis is fairly different from other types of cell-death in biochemical processes, morphological changes and genetics as a special programmed cell-death. Here we summarize the current literatures on ferroptosis, including the cascade reaction of key material metabolism in the process, dysfunction of organelles, the relationship between different organelles and the way positive and negative key regulatory factors to affect ferroptosis in the epigenetic level. Based on material metabolism or epigenetic regulation, it is obvious that the regulatory network of ferroptosis is interrelated and complex.

A Prognostic Signature for Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Based on Ferroptosis-Related lncRNAs and Immune Checkpoints

Background: Ferroptosis is a potential target for cancer therapy, and lncRNAs can also affect ferroptosis by regulating related genes. The pathogenesis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) regarding the regulation of ferroptosis by lncRNAs is still unknown.

Methods: We constructed a risk model based on data in ccRCC patients obtained from the TCGA database and validated the diagnostic and prognostic value of the model. In addition, immune function and immune checkpoint variability analysis validated the association of ferroptosis with ccRCC tumor immunity.

Results: The characteristics of ferroptosis-related lncRNAs (FRLs) were significantly correlated with the prognosis of ccRCC patients. The prognostic characteristics of FRLs were independent prognostic factors in ccRCC patients. Gene function in the high-risk group was associated with oxygen metabolic processes and immune pathways. Immune checkpoint variability analysis showed that HAVCR2, NRP1, and HHLA2 were upregulated in the low-risk group, while CD44, TNFRSF18, TNFSF14, TNFRSF8, CD276, and TNFRSF25 were upregulated in the high-risk group.

Conclusions: The prognostic characteristics of FRLs can effectively predict the prognosis of ccRCC patients and provide a new direction for clinical treatment.

Genetic Variations in Metallothionein Genes and Susceptibility to Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Case-Control Study

Background: The involvement of oxidative stress in the pathological process of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) gives rise to the interest in exploring the association of genetic variations in antioxidant metallothionein (MT) genes with HDP susceptibility.

Methods: Seventeen single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) in MT genes were selected to conduct genotyping based on a case-control study consisting of 371 HDP cases (pregnancy with chronic hypertension (66), gestational hypertension (172), and preeclampsia or preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension (133)) and 479 controls. The association between SNPs in MTs and the risk of HDP was estimated with unconditional logistic regression analysis and further tested with the false-positive report probability (FPRP) procedure. The joint effects of SNPs on the HDP risk were assessed by haplotype analysis.

Results: After the adjustment for age and pre-pregnancy body mass index (pre-BMI) in the logistic regress analysis and followed by the FPRP test, the genetic variation rs10636 (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.30–0.71 for GG vs. CC, p = 0.000 and OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.32–0.73 for GG vs. CG/CC, p = 0.001) in MT2A was associated with gestational hypertension. Other four SNPs, that is, rs11076161 (OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.35–2.63 for GG vs. GA/AA, p = 0.000) in MT1A; rs7191779 (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.11–2.13 for CC vs. CG/GG, p = 0.010) in MT1B; rs8044719 (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.40–0.80 for GT vs. GG, p = 0.001) in MT1DP; and rs8052334 (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.10–2.11 for TT vs. TC/CC, p = 0.012) in MT1B were significantly associated with the susceptibility of HDP. The haplotype analysis among 11, 10, 10, and seven SNPs in MT (MT1A, MT2A, MT1M, MT1B, and MT1DP) genes showed that eight (A-C-G-T-C-G-A-G-C-G-C, OR = 4.559; A-C-T-C-C-C-A-G-C-G-C, OR = 5.777; A-C-T-T-C-G-A-G-C-G-C, OR = 4.590; G-A-T-C-C-G-C-G-G-C-C, OR = 4.065; G-A-T-C-G-C-C-G-G-C-C, OR = 4.652; G-A-T-T-C-C-C-G-G-C-C, OR = 0.404; G-C-T-C-C-C-A-G-G-C-C, OR = 1.901; G-C-T-T-C-C-A-G-G-C-C, and OR = 3.810), five (C-G-A-T-C-A-C-C-G-G, OR = 2.032; C-G-A-T-C-G-C-C-G-G, OR = 2.077; G-A-C-T-C-A-C-C-T-G, OR = 0.564; G-G-A-G-C-A-C-C-G-G, OR = 5.466; G-G-A-T-T-A-G-C-G-G, and OR = 0.284), five (A-C-G-T-C-G-A-G-C-C, OR = 2.399; A-C-T-C-C-C-C-T-G-G, OR = 0.259; G-A-T-C-C-C-C-G-G-C, OR = 1.572; G-A-T-C-G-C-C-G-G-C, OR = 0.001; G-C-T-C-G-C-A-G-G-C, and OR = 2.512), and five (A-C-T-C-C-C-G, OR = 0.634; G-A-G-C-C-C-G, OR = 4.047; G-A-T-T-G-C-G, OR = 0.499; G-C-G-T-C-A-G, and OR = 7.299; G-C-T-C-C-A-G, OR = 1.434) haplotypes were significantly associated with pregnancy with chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, or preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension and HDP.

Conclusion: These variant MT alleles and their combination patterns may be used as genetic markers for predicting HDP susceptibility.

Non-coding RNAs and ferroptosis: potential implications for cancer therapy

Ferroptosis is a recently defined form of regulated cell death, which is biochemically and morphologically distinct from traditional forms of programmed cell death such as apoptosis or necrosis. It is driven by iron, reactive oxygen species, and phospholipids that are oxidatively damaged, ultimately resulting in mitochondrial damage and breakdown of membrane integrity. Numerous cellular signaling pathways and molecules are involved in the regulation of ferroptosis, including enzymes that control the cellular redox status. Alterations in the ferroptosis-regulating network can contribute to the development of various diseases, including cancer. Evidence suggests that ferroptosis is commonly suppressed in cancer cells, allowing them to survive and progress. However, cancer cells which are resistant to common chemotherapeutic drugs seem to be highly susceptible to ferroptosis inducers, highlighting the great potential of pharmacologic modulation of ferroptosis for cancer treatment. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are considered master regulators of various cellular processes, particularly in cancer where they have been implicated in all hallmarks of cancer. Recent work also demonstrated their involvement in the molecular control of ferroptosis. Hence, ncRNA-based therapeutics represent an exciting alternative to modulate ferroptosis for cancer therapy. This review summarizes the ncRNAs implicated in the regulation of ferroptosis in cancer and highlights their underlying molecular mechanisms in the light of potential therapeutic applications.

WZY-321 triggers glioma cell apoptosis via XAF1 up-regulation caused by MTM-mediated miR-873 down-regulation

Gliomas account for the majority of primary malignant brain tumors around the world and are highly aggressive. Evodiamine is one of the main effective components of Evodia rutaecarpa, which can inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis of tumor cells including glioma cells. The derivative of Evodiamine named WZY-321 was successfully developed, and exhibited significant cytotoxicity and could efficiently induce glioma cell apoptosis; however, the mechanism of WZY-321-induced glioma cell apoptosis is not clear. Our current studies showed that WZY-321 increased X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis-associated factor 1 (XAF1) expression in glioma cells, and up-regulated XAF1 resulted in glioma cell apoptosis. Moreover, WZY-321 treatment decreased miR-873 expression and increased lncRNA MTM expression in glioma cells, and down-regulated miR-873 or up-regulated MTM lead to glioma cell apoptosis. Mechanically, WZY-321 up-regulated XAF1 gene expression via MTM-decreased miR-873 expression, that bound to XAF1 3' UTR and decreased XAF1 mRNA levels. Taken together, these data indicate that WZY-321 triggers glioma cell apoptosis via XAF1 up-regulation caused by MTM-mediated miR-873 down-regulation.

Long noncoding RNA LINC01606 protects colon cancer cells from ferroptotic cell death and promotes stemness by SCD1-Wnt/β-catenin-TFE3 feedback loop signalling

Background

Ferroptosis is principally caused by iron catalytic activity and intracellular lipid peroxidation. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in tumorigenesis. However, the potential interplay between lncRNA LINC01606 and ferroptosis in colon cancer remains elusive.

Methods

The expression level of LNC01606 in colon cancer tissue was detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The functional role of LNC01606 was investigated by gain‐ and loss‐of‐function assays both in vitro and in vivo. The LINC01606‐SCD1‐Wnt/β‐catenin‐TFE3 axis were screened and validated by DNA/RNA pull down, gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, RNA immunoprecipitation and dual‐luciferase reporter.

Results

The expression of lncRNA LINC01606 was frequently upregulated in human colon cancer and strongly associated with a poor prognosis. LINC01606 functioned as an oncogene and promotes colon cancer cell growth, invasion and stemness both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, LINC01606 protected colon cancer cells from ferroptosis by decreasing the concentration of iron, lipid reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial superoxide and increasing mitochondrial membrane potential. Mechanistically, LINC01606 enhanced the expression of stearoyl‐CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), serving as a competing endogenous RNA to modulate miR‐423‐5p expression, subsequently activating the canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, and transcription factor binding to IGHM enhancer 3 (TFE3) increased LINC01606 transcription after recruitment to the promoter regions of LINC01606. Furthermore, we confirmed that upregulated LINC01606 and Wnt/β‐catenin formed a positive feedback regulatory loop, further inhibiting ferroptosis and enhancing stemness.

Conclusions

LINC01606 functions as an oncogene to facilitate tumor cell stemness, proliferation and inhibit ferroptosis and is a promising therapeutic target for colon cancer.

Opportunities and challenges of using high-sensitivity nanobiosensors to detect long noncoding RNAs: A preliminary review

The two types ofncRNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), are responsible for several biological processes within cells, such as the immune responses, cell growth and invasion, and regulation of the cell cycle. Rapidly expanding class of ncRNAs, lncRNAsinteract with other molecules to form chromatin-remodeling complexes. These potential hallmarks of diseases contribute to transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of several genes, possibly via cross-talk with other RNAs. Aberrant expression of lncRNAshas drawn increasing attention to the pathophysiology of different diseases, includingcancer and cardiovasculardiseases. Unfortunately, circulating lncRNAs are presented in the bloodstream at very low levels, making sensitive detection difficult. Currently, there are few methods for detecting these ncRNAs from which quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is the most routinely used technique. These techniqueslack sensitivity for intracellular detection of lncRNAs. Moreover, they are tedious and require a large sample size. Currently, nanotechnology has taken over the diagnostic field because of the tunable properties and modification opportunities. Furthermore, these conventional techniques can be merged with nanotechnology to improve detection sensitivity.This review highlights some of the most recent findings on nanotechnology-based methods and possible obstacles intheir application for moreaccurate sensing of lncRNAs.

Star Polymers as Non-Viral Carriers for Apoptosis Induction

Apoptosis is a widely controlled, programmed cell death, defects in which are the source of various diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases as well as cancer. The use of apoptosis in the therapy of various human diseases is of increasing interest, and the analysis of the factors involved in its regulation is valuable in designing specific carriers capable of targeting cell death. Highly efficient and precisely controlled delivery of genetic material by low-toxic carriers is one of the most important challenges of apoptosis-based gene therapy. In this work, we investigate the effect of the star polymer with 28 poly(N,N′-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) arms (STAR) on human cells, according to its concentration and structure. We show that star polymer cytotoxicity increases within its concentration and time of cells treatment. Except for cytotoxic effect, we observe morphological changes such as a shrinkage, loss of shape and begin to detach. We also prove DNA condensation after star polymer treatment, one of the most characteristic feature of apoptosis. The results indicate that the use of STAR triggers apoptosis in cancer cells compared to various normal cells, what makes these nanoparticles a promising drug in therapeutic strategy, which targets apoptosis. We demonstrate highlighting potential of star polymers as an innovative tool for anti-cancer therapy.

GPX4 Plays a Crucial Role in Fuzheng Kang’ai Decoction-Induced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Ferroptosis

Background: Fuzheng Kang’ai decoction (FZKA) has been widely used to treat Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) patients in China for decades, showing definitively curative effects in clinic. Recently, we found that FZKA could induce NSCLC cell ferroptosis, another type of programmed cell death (PCD), which is totally different from cell apoptosis. Therefore, in the present study, we aim to discover the exact mechanism by which FZKA induces NSCLC cell ferroptosis, which is rarely studied in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Methods: Cell proliferation assay were performed to detect the cell viability. Cell ferroptosis triggered by FZKA was observed by performing lipid peroxidation assay, Fe²⁺ Ions assay, and mitochondrial ultrastructure by transmission electron microscopy. Ferroptosis inhibitors including liproxstatin-1 and UAMC 3203 were used to block ferroptosis. The ratio of GSH/GSSG was done to measure the alteration of oxidative stress. Western blot and qRT-PCR were carried out to detect the expression of solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), solute carrier family 3 member 2 (SLC3A2) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) at protein and mRNA levels, respectively. Lentivirus transfection was performed to overexpress GPX4 stably. Animal model was done to verify the effect of FZKA-induced ferroptosis in NSCLC in vivo and immunohistochemistry was done to detect the expression of SLC7A11, SLC3A2 and GPX4 at protein level.

Results: First of all, in vitro experiments confirmed the inhibition effect of FZKA on NSCLC cell growth. We then, for the first time, found that FZKA induced NSCLC cell ferroptosis by increasing lipid peroxidation and cellular Fe²⁺ Ions. Moreover, characteristic morphological changes of NSCLC cell ferroptosis was observed under transmission electron microscopy. Mechanistically, GPX4, as a key inhibitor of lipid peroxidation, was greatly suppressed by FZKA treatment both at protein and mRNA levels. Furthermore, system xc⁻ (SLC7A11 and SLC3A2) were found to be suppressed and a decreased GSH/GSSG ratio was observed at the same time when treated with FZKA. Notably, overexpressing GPX4 reversed the effect of FZKA-induced NSCLC cell ferroptosis significantly. Finally, the above effect was validated using animal model in vivo.

Conclusion: Our findings conclude that GPX4 plays a crucial role in FZKA-induced NSCLC cell ferroptosis, providing a novel molecular mechanism by which FZKA treats NSCLC.

Non-coding RNAs in ferroptotic cancer cell death pathway: meet the new masters

Despite the recent advances in cancer therapy, cancer chemoresistance looms large along with radioresistance, a major challenge in dire need of thorough and minute investigation. Not long ago, cancer cells were reported to have proven refractory to the ferroptotic cell death, a newly discovered form of regulated cell death (RCD), conspicuous enough to draw attention from scholars in terms of targeting ferroptosis as a prospective therapeutic strategy. However, our knowledge concerning the underlying molecular mechanisms through which cancer cells gain immunity against ferroptosis is still in its infancy. Of late, the implication of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including circular RNAs (circRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in ferroptosis has been disclosed. Nevertheless, precisely explaining the molecular mechanisms behind the contribution of ncRNAs to cancer radio/chemotherapy resistance remains a challenge, requiring further clarification. In this review, we have presented the latest available information on the ways and means of regulating ferroptosis by ncRNAs. Moreover, we have provided important insights about targeting ncRNAs implicated in ferroptosis with the hope of opening up new horizons for overcoming cancer treatment modalities. Though a long path awaits until we make this ambitious dream come true, recent progress in gene therapy, including gene-editing technology will aid us to be optimistic that ncRNAs-based ferroptosis targeting would soon be on stream as a novel therapeutic strategy for treating cancer.

Targeting lncRNAs in programmed cell death as a therapeutic strategy for non-small cell lung cancer

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being the most common histological type. Owing to the limited therapeutic efficacy and side effects of currently available therapies for NSCLC, it is necessary to identify novel therapeutic targets for NSCLC. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-protein-coding RNAs with a transcript length of more than 200 nucleotides, which play a vital role in the tumorigenesis and progression of multiple cancers, including NSCLC. Induction of programmed cell death (PCD) is the main mechanism leading to tumour cell death in most cancer treatments. Recent studies have demonstrated that lncRNAs are closely correlated with PCD including apoptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy and ferroptosis, which can regulate PCD and relevant death pathways to affect NSCLC progression and the efficacy of clinical therapy. Therefore, in this review, we focused on the function of lncRNAs in PCD of NSCLC and summarized the therapeutic role of targeting lncRNAs in PCD for NSCLC treatment, aiming to provide new sights into the underlying pathogenic mechanisms and propose a potential new strategy for NSCLC therapy so as to improve therapeutic outcomes with the ultimate goal to benefit the patients.

Regulation of apoptosis, autophagy and ferroptosis by non‑coding RNAs in metastatic non‑small cell lung cancer (Review)

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a common type of cancer worldwide, is normally associated with a poor prognosis. It is difficult to treat successfully as it often metastasizes into brain or bone. Methods to facilitate the induction of effective programmed cell death (PCD) in NSCLC cells to reverse drug resistance, or to inhibit the invasion and migration of NSCLC cells, are currently under investigation. The present study summarized the regulatory functions of PCD, including apoptosis, autophagy and ferroptosis, in the context of NSCLC metastasis. It further summarized how regulatory agents, including long non-coding RNAs, circular RNAs and microRNAs, regulate PCD during the metastasis of NSCLC and characterized new potential diagnostic biomarkers of NSCLC metastasis.

Identification of an Iron Metabolism-Related lncRNA Signature for Predicting Osteosarcoma Survival and Immune Landscape

Background: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) act as epigenetic regulators in the process of ferroptosis and iron metabolism. This study aimed to identify an iron metabolism-related lncRNA signature to predict osteosarcoma (OS) survival and the immune landscape.

Methods: RNA-sequencing data and clinical information were obtained from the TARGET dataset. Univariate Cox regression and LASSO Cox analysis were used to develop an iron metabolism-related lncRNA signature. Consensus clustering analysis was applied to identify subtype-based prognosis-related lncRNAs. CIBERSORT was used to analyze the difference in immune infiltration and the immune microenvironment in the two clusters.

Results: We identified 302 iron metabolism-related lncRNAs based on 515 iron metabolism-related genes. The results of consensus clustering showed the differences in immune infiltration and the immune microenvironment in the two clusters. Through univariate Cox regression and LASSO Cox regression analysis, we constructed an iron metabolism-related lncRNA signature that included seven iron metabolism-related lncRNAs. The signature was verified to have good performance in predicting the overall survival, immune-related functions, and immunotherapy response of OS patients between the high- and low-risk groups.

Conclusion: We identified an iron metabolism-related lncRNA signature that had good performance in predicting survival outcomes and showing the immune landscape for OS patients. Furthermore, our study will provide valuable information to further develop immunotherapies of OS.

Establishment and Validation of a Ferroptosis-Related Long Non-Coding RNA Signature for Predicting the Prognosis of Stomach Adenocarcinoma

Background: Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death that follows cell membrane damage and mostly depends on iron-mediated oxidative. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are associated with the development of a variety of tumors. Till date, LncRNAs have been reported to intervene in ferroptosis. Therefore, we intended to provide a prognostic ferroptosis-related-lncRNA signature in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD).

Methods: We downloaded ferroptosis-related genes from the FerrDb database and RNA sequencing data and clinicopathological characteristics from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Gene differential expression analysis was performed using the “limma” package. We used Cox regression analysis to determine the ferroptosis-related lncRNAs signature with the lowest AIC value. The Kaplan–Meier curve, ROC curve, and nomogram were used to evaluate the prognostic value of the risk score. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to explore the biologic functions of the three ferroptosis-related lncRNAs. LINC01615 expression in gastric cancer cell lines and tissues was measured by real-time PCR. A nuclear-cytoplasmic fractionation assay was used to analyze the subcellular localization for LINC01615. Furthermore, we used bioinformatics to predict potential target microRNAs (miRNAs) of LINC01615 and their target ferroptosis-related mRNAs.

Results: Three ferroptosis-related-lncRNA signatures (AP000695.2, AL365181.3, and LINC01615) were identified, and then Kaplan–Meier, Cox regression analyses, and ROC curve confirmed that the ferroptosis-related-lncRNA model could predict the prognosis of STAD. The GSEA indicated that the three ferroptosis-related lncRNAs might be related to the extracellular matrix and cellular activities. LINC01615 is highly expressed in gastric cancer cell lines and tissues. A nuclear-cytoplasmic fractionation assay confirmed that in gastric cancer cell lines, most LINC01615 was enriched in the cytoplasm. Bioinformatics further predicts four potential target miRNAs of LINC01615 and then figured out 26 target ferroptosis-related mRNAs.

Conclusion: We established a three-ferroptosis-related-lncRNA model (AP000695.2, AL365181.3, and LINC01615) that can predict the prognosis of STAD patients. We also expected to provide a promising target for LINC01615 for research in the future, which was highly expressed in gastric cancer and cell lines and acted as a ceRNA to get involved in ferroptosis.

The role of non-coding RNAs in ferroptosis regulation

Ferroptosis is a newly recognized form of cell death that is distinct from apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy in morphology, biochemistry, and heredity. The basic process of ferroptosis involves disordered permeability of plasma membrane, which is caused by abnormal accumulation of lipids and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The regulatory mechanism of ferroptosis is important due to its involvement in tumor progression, neurotoxicity, neurodegenerative diseases, acute renal failure, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Recent studies have shown that in ferroptosis metabolism, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) can interfere with multiple signaling pathways at both the pre-transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Despite great progress, current research on the mechanism of ncRNAs and ferroptosis remains insufficient. This review provides an overview of the main mechanisms and targets of ferroptosis and focuses on the mechanisms of non-coding RNA regulation. Analyzing the deficiencies in current research may provide ideas for future studies to investigate.

Comprehensive Analysis of Immune Infiltrates of Ferroptosis-Related Long Noncoding RNA and Prediction of Colon Cancer Patient Prognoses

Ferroptosis is a newly defined mode of programmed oxidative cell death. Knowledge of ferroptosis-related long noncoding (lnc) RNA in the tumor immune microenvironment of colon cancer is lacking. We systematically analyzed the correlations between ferroptosis-related lncRNAs and the tumor microenvironment, immune cell infiltration, and patient prognosis for 379 colon cancer samples in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Using consensus clustering, we divided the 379 colon cancer patients into two subgroups (clusters 1 and 2) based on the differentially expressed ferroptosis-related lncRNAs. Cluster 1 was preferentially associated with longer overall survival, upregulated immune checkpoint inhibitor expressions, higher immunoscores, higher stromal scores, higher estimated scores, and distinct immune cell infiltration. Cancer- and metabolism-related pathways were enriched by gene set enrichment analyses. We constructed a prognostic signature of 15 ferroptosis-related lncRNAs (ZEB1-AS1, LINC01011, AC005261.3, LINC01063, LINC02381, ELFN1-AS1, AC009283.1, LINC02361, AC105219.1, AC002310.1, AL590483.1, MIR4435-2HG, NKILA, AC021054.1, and AL450326.1) and divided the patients into the high- and low-risk-score groups. The signature was validated using TCGA training and testing cohorts. The risk signature was an independent prognostic factor for predicting survival and excellently predicted the prognoses of patients with colon cancer. Moreover, the risk signature was related to immune characteristics. Chemosensitivity analyses showed that low-risk-score patients were more sensitive to sorafenib. In summary, our work revealed the important role of ferroptosis-related lncRNAs in the tumor microenvironment and immune cell infiltration and may help determine personalized prognoses and treatment for patients with colon cancer.

Ferroptosis-Related IncRNAs Are Prognostic Biomarker of Overall Survival in Pancreatic Cancer Patients

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal malignancies, the mortality and morbidity of which have been increasing over the past decade. Ferroptosis, a newly identified iron-dependent cell death pattern, can be induced by iron chelators and small lipophilic antioxidants. Nonetheless, the prognostic significance of ferroptosis-related lncRNAs in PC remains to be clarified. We obtained the lncRNA expression matrix and clinicopathological information of PC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) datasets in the current study. Firstly, we conducted Pearson correlation analysis to delve into the ferroptosis-related lncRNAs, and univariate Cox analysis was implemented to examine the prognostic values in PC patients. Twenty-three prognostic ferroptosis-related lncRNAs were confirmed and loaded into the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox (LASSO-Cox) analysis, then a ferroptosis-related lncRNA prognostic marker (Fe-LPM) was established in the TCGA dataset. Risk scores of patients were calculated and segregated PC patients into low-risk and high-risk subgroups in each dataset. The prognostic capability of Fe-LPM was also confirmed in the ICGC dataset. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed that several ferroptosis-related pathways were enriched in low-risk subgroups. Furthermore, we adopted a multivariate Cox regression to establish a nomogram based on risk score, age, pathological T stage and primary therapy outcome. A competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was also created relied on four of the twenty-three ferroptosis-related lncRNAs. In conclusion, the eight Fe-LPM can be utilized to anticipate the overall survival (OS) of PC patients, which are meaningful to guiding clinical strategies in PC.

Stimuli-Responsive Drug Delivery Systems for the Diagnosis and Therapy of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Numerous drugs have been developed to treat lung cancer patients in recent years, whereas most of these drugs have undesirable adverse effects due to nonspecific distribution in the body. To address this problem, stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems are imparted with unique characteristics and specifically deliver loaded drugs at lung cancer tissues on the basis of internal tumor microenvironment or external stimuli. This review summarized recent studies focusing on the smart carriers that could respond to light, ultrasound, pH, or enzyme, and provided a promising strategy for lung cancer therapy.

Bioinformatic Analyses of the Ferroptosis-Related lncRNAs Signature for Ovarian Cancer

Both ferroptosis and lncRNAs are significant for ovarian cancer (OC). Whereas, the study of ferroptosis-related lncRNAs (FRLs) still few in ovarian cancer. We first constructed an FRL-signature for patients with OC in the study. A total of 548 FRLs were identified for univariate Cox regression analysis, and 21 FRLs with significant prognosis were identified. The prognostic characteristics of nine FRLs was constructed and validated, showing opposite prognosis in two subgroups based on risk scores. The multivariate Cox regression analysis and nomogram further verified the prognostic value of the risk model. By calculating ferroptosis score through ssGSEA, we found that patients with higher risk scores exhibited higher ferroptosis scores, and high ferroptosis score was a risk factor. There were 40 microenvironment cells with significant differences in the two groups, and the difference of Stromal score between the two groups was statistically significant. Six immune checkpoint genes were expressed at different levels in the two groups. In addition, five m6A regulators (FMR1, HNRNPC, METTL16, METTL3, and METTL5) were higher expressed in the low-risk group. GSEA revealed that the risk model was associated with tumor-related pathways and immune-associated pathway. We compared the sensitivity of chemotherapy drugs between the two risk groups. We also explored the co-expression, ceRNA relation, cis and trans interaction of ferroptosis-related genes and lncRNAs, providing a new idea for the regulatory mechanisms of FRLs. Moreover, the nine FRLs were selected for detecting their expression levels in OC cells and tissues.

Lipid-Based Nanoparticles for Targeted Delivery of the Anti-Cancer Drugs: A Review

Abstract:

Cancer is one of the main reasons for mortality worldwide. Chemotherapeutic agents have been effectively designed to increase certain patients' survival rates, but ordinarily designed chemotherapeutic agents necessarily deliver toxic chemotherapeutic drugs to healthy tissues, resulting in serious side effects. Cancer cells can often acquire drug resistance after repeated dosing of current chemotherapeutic agents, restricting their efficacy. Given such obstacles, investigators have attempted to distribute chemotherapeutic agents using targeted drug delivery systems (DDSs), especially nanotechnology-based DDSs. Lipid-Based Nanoparticles (LBNPs) are a large and complex class of substances that have been utilized to manage a variety of diseases, mostly cancer. Liposomes seem to be the most frequently employed LBNPs, owing to their high biocompatibility, bioactivity, stability, and flexibility; howbeit Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) and Non-structured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) have lately received a lot of interest. Besides that, there are several reports that concentrate on novel therapies via LBNPs to manage various forms of cancer. In the present research, the latest improvements in the application of LBNPs have been shown to deliver different therapeutic agents to cancerous cells and have been demonstrated LBNPs also can be a quite successful candidate in cancer therapy for subsequent use.

Ferroptosis and Its Potential Role in Lung Cancer: Updated Evidence from Pathogenesis to Therapy

Lung cancer is characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates, and its occurrence is associated with many types of cell death. As a new form of regulated cell death, ferroptosis is an iron- dependent pattern of cell death and characterized by lethal accumulation of lipid-based reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is different from apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy at both the morphological and biochemical levels. It plays an important role in the development of lung cancer and induction of ferroptosis in lung cancer cells has become a new strategy for anti- lung cancer treatment. However, a few reviews summarized ferroptosis and its role in lung cancer has not been elucidated, and the precise mechanism of ferroptosis modeling lung cancer has not yet been revealed till date. Herein, we review the latest literature on the process of ferroptosis regarding lung cancer, including basic molecular or biology mechanistic studies both in vivo and in vitro, as well as human studies with a more translational or clinical approach. This review provides a practical, concise and updated outline on the mechanisms and therapeutic strategies in lung cancer with ferroptosis alterations. Looking ahead, further studies are required to uncover the possible modulatory relationship between ferroptosis and lung cancer.

Integrating the Epigenome and Transcriptome of Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Identify Systematic Enhancer Aberrations and Establish an Aberrant Enhancer-Related Prognostic Signature

Recently, emerging evidence has indicated that aberrant enhancers, especially super-enhancers, play pivotal roles in the transcriptional reprogramming of multiple cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we performed integrative analyses of ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, and whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) data to identify intergenic differentially expressed enhancers (DEEs) and genic differentially methylated enhancers (DMEs), along with their associated differentially expressed genes (DEE/DME-DEGs), both of which were also identified in independent cohorts and further confirmed by HiC data. Functional enrichment and prognostic model construction were conducted to explore the functions and clinical significance of the identified enhancer aberrations. We identified a total of 2,051 aberrant enhancer-associated DEGs (AE-DEGs), which were highly concurrent in multiple HCC datasets. The enrichment results indicated the significant overrepresentations of crucial biological processes and pathways implicated in cancer among these AE-DEGs. A six AE-DEG-based prognostic signature, whose ability to predict the overall survival of HCC was superior to that of both clinical phenotypes and previously published similar prognostic signatures, was established and validated in TCGA-LIHC and ICGC-LIRI cohorts, respectively. In summary, our integrative analysis depicted a landscape of aberrant enhancers and associated transcriptional dysregulation in HCC and established an aberrant enhancer-derived prognostic signature with excellent predictive accuracy, which might be beneficial for the future development of epigenetic therapy for HCC.