The EGFR-P38 MAPK axis up-regulates PD-L1 through miR-675-5p and down-regulates HLA-ABC via hexokinase-2 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

The interplay of p38 MAPK signaling and mitochondrial metabolism, a dynamic target in cancer and pathological contexts

Mitochondria play a crucial role in cellular metabolism and bioenergetics, orchestrating various cellular processes, including energy production, metabolism, adaptation to stress, and redox balance. Besides, mitochondria regulate cellular metabolic homeostasis through coordination with multiple signaling pathways. Importantly, the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway is a key player in the intricate communication with mitochondria, influencing various functions. This review explores the multifaced interaction between the mitochondria and p38 MAPK signaling and the consequent impact on metabolic alterations. Overall, the p38 MAPK pathway governs the activities of key mitochondrial proteins, which are involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, oxidative phosphorylation, thermogenesis, and iron homeostasis. Additionally, p38 MAPK contributes to the regulation of mitochondrial responses to oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by cancer therapies or natural substances by coordinating with other pathways responsible for energy homeostasis. Therefore, dysregulation of these interconnected pathways can lead to various pathologies characterized by aberrant metabolism. Consequently, gaining a deeper understanding of the interaction between mitochondria and the p38 MAPK pathway and their implications presents exciting forecasts for novel therapeutic interventions in cancer and other disorders characterized by metabolic dysregulation.

ECHDC2 inhibits the proliferation of gastric cancer cells by binding with NEDD4 to degrade MCCC2 and reduce aerobic glycolysis

BACKGROUND

The Enoyl-CoA hydratase/isomerase family plays a crucial role in the metabolism of tumors, being crucial for maintaining the energy balance and biosynthetic needs of cancer cells. However, the enzymes within this family that are pivotal in gastric cancer (GC) remain unclear.

METHODS

We employed bioinformatics techniques to identify key Enoyl-CoA hydratase/isomerase in GC. The expression of ECHDC2 and its clinical significance were validated through tissue microarray analysis. The role of ECHDC2 in GC was further assessed using colony formation assays, CCK8 assay, EDU assay, Glucose and lactic acid assay, and subcutaneous tumor experiments in nude mice. The mechanism of action of ECHDC2 was validated through Western blotting, Co-immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence experiments.

RESULTS

Our analysis of multiple datasets indicates that low expression of ECHDC2 in GC is significantly associated with poor prognosis. Overexpression of ECHDC2 notably inhibits aerobic glycolysis and proliferation of GC cells both in vivo and in vitro. Further experiments revealed that overexpression of ECHDC2 suppresses the P38 MAPK pathway by inhibiting the protein level of MCCC2, thereby restraining glycolysis and proliferation in GC cells. Ultimately, it was discovered that ECHDC2 promotes the ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of MCCC2 protein by binding with NEDD4.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings underscore the pivotal role of the ECHDC2 in regulating aerobic glycolysis and proliferation in GC cells, suggesting ECHDC2 as a potential therapeutic target in GC.

MicroRNAs as regulators of immune checkpoints in cancer immunotherapy: targeting PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 pathways

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment by harnessing the power of the immune system to eliminate tumors. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) block negative regulatory signals that prevent T cells from attacking cancer cells. Two key ICIs target the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, which includes programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and its receptor programmed death 1 (PD-1). Another ICI targets cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4). While ICIs have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in various malignancies, only a subset of patients respond favorably. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression, play a crucial role in modulating immune checkpoints, including PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4. This review summarizes the latest advancements in immunotherapy, highlighting the therapeutic potential of targeting PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 immune checkpoints and the regulatory role of miRNAs in modulating these pathways. Consequently, understanding the complex interplay between miRNAs and immune checkpoints is essential for developing more effective and personalized immunotherapy strategies for cancer treatment.

The Promoting Role of HK II in Tumor Development and the Research Progress of Its Inhibitors

Increased glycolysis is a key characteristic of malignant cells that contributes to their high proliferation rates and ability to develop drug resistance. The glycolysis rate-limiting enzyme hexokinase II (HK II) is overexpressed in most tumor cells and significantly affects tumor development. This paper examines the structure of HK II and the specific biological factors that influence its role in tumor development, as well as the potential of HK II inhibitors in antitumor therapy. Furthermore, we identify and discuss the inhibitors of HK II that have been reported in the literature.

The current status and future of PD-L1 in liver cancer

The application of immunotherapy in tumor, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has played an important role in the treatment of advanced unresectable liver cancer. However, the efficacy of ICIs varies greatly among different patients, which has aroused people's attention to the regulatory mechanism of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) in the immune escape of liver cancer. PD-L1 is regulated by multiple levels and signaling pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), including gene variation, epigenetic inheritance, transcriptional regulation, post-transcriptional regulation, and post-translational modification. More studies have also found that the high expression of PD-L1 may be the main factor affecting the immunotherapy of liver cancer. However, what is the difference of PD-L1 expressed by different types of cells in the microenvironment of HCC, and which type of cells expressed PD-L1 determines the effect of tumor immunotherapy remains unclear. Therefore, clarifying the regulatory mechanism of PD-L1 in liver cancer can provide more basis for liver cancer immunotherapy and combined immune treatment strategy. In addition to its well-known role in immune regulation, PD-L1 also plays a role in regulating cancer cell proliferation and promoting drug resistance of tumor cells, which will be reviewed in this paper. In addition, we also summarized the natural products and drugs that regulated the expression of PD-L1 in HCC.

Combating drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma: No awareness today, no action tomorrow

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the sixth most common cancer worldwide, is associated with a high degree of malignancy and poor prognosis. Patients with early HCC may benefit from surgical resection to remove tumor tissue and a margin of healthy tissue surrounding it. Unfortunately, most patients with HCC are diagnosed at an advanced or distant stage, at which point resection is not feasible. Systemic therapy is now routinely prescribed to patients with advanced HCC; however, drug resistance has become a major obstacle to the treatment of HCC and exploring purported mechanisms promoting drug resistance remains a challenge. Here, we focus on the determinants of drug resistance from the perspective of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs), autophagy, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), exosomes, ferroptosis, and the tumor microenvironment (TME), with the aim to provide new insights into HCC treatment.

Metabolic reprogramming, autophagy, and ferroptosis: Novel arsenals to overcome immunotherapy resistance in gastrointestinal cancer

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal cancer poses a serious health threat owing to its high morbidity and mortality. Although immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies have achieved meaningful success in most solid tumors, the improvement in survival in gastrointestinal cancers is modest, owing to sparse immune response and widespread resistance. Metabolic reprogramming, autophagy, and ferroptosis are key regulators of tumor progression.

METHODS

A literature review was conducted to investigate the role of the metabolic reprogramming, autophagy, and ferroptosis in immunotherapy resistance of gastrointestinal cancer.

RESULTS

Metabolic reprogramming, autophagy, and ferroptosis play pivotal roles in regulating the survival, differentiation, and function of immune cells within the tumor microenvironment. These processes redefine the nutrient allocation blueprint between cancer cells and immune cells, facilitating tumor immune evasion, which critically impacts the therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapy for gastrointestinal cancers. Additionally, there exists profound crosstalk among metabolic reprogramming, autophagy, and ferroptosis. These interactions are paramount in anti-tumor immunity, further promoting the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment and resistance to immunotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Consequently, it is imperative to conduct comprehensive research on the roles of metabolic reprogramming, autophagy, and ferroptosis in the resistance of gastrointestinal tumor immunotherapy. This understanding will illuminate the clinical potential of targeting these pathways and their regulatory mechanisms to overcome immunotherapy resistance in gastrointestinal cancers.

Unraveling the Complexities of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have emerged as effective therapeutics for multiple cancers. Nevertheless, as immunotherapeutic approaches are being extensively utilized, substantial hurdles have arisen for clinicians. These include countering ICIs resistance and ensuring precise efficacy assessments of these drugs, especially in the context of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review attempts to offer a holistic overview of the latest insights into the ICIs resistance mechanisms in HCC, the molecular underpinnings, and immune response. The intent is to inspire the development of efficacious combination strategies. This review also examines the unconventional response patterns, namely pseudoprogression (PsP) and hyperprogression (HPD). The prompt and rigorous evaluation of these treatment efficacies has emerged as a crucial imperative. Multiple clinical, radiological, and biomarker tests have been advanced to meticulously assess tumor response. Despite progress, precise mechanisms of action and predictive biomarkers remain elusive. This necessitates further investigation through prospective cohort studies in the impending future.

Recent progress in the immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma: Non-coding RNA-based immunotherapy may improve the outcome

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most lethal cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) significantly improved the prognosis of HCC; however, the therapeutic response remains unsatisfactory in a substantial proportion of patients or needs to be further improved in responders. Herein, other methods of immunotherapy, including vaccine-based immunotherapy, adoptive cell therapy, cytokine delivery, kynurenine pathway inhibition, and gene delivery, have been adopted in clinical trials. Although the results were not encouraging enough to expedite their marketing. A major proportion of human genome is transcribed into non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Preclinical studies have extensively investigated the roles of ncRNAs in different aspects of HCC biology. HCC cells reprogram the expression pattern of numerous ncRNAs to decrease the immunogenicity of HCC, exhaust the cytotoxic and anti-cancer function of CD8 + T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells (DCs), and M1 macrophages, and promote the immunosuppressive function of T Reg cells, M2 macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Mechanistically, cancer cells recruit ncRNAs to interact with immune cells, thereby regulating the expression of immune checkpoints, functional receptors of immune cells, cytotoxic enzymes, and inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Interestingly, prediction models based on the tissue expression or even serum levels of ncRNAs could predict response to immunotherapy in HCC. Moreover, ncRNAs markedly potentiated the efficacy of ICIs in murine models of HCC. This review article first discusses recent advances in the immunotherapy of HCC, then dissects the involvement and potential application of ncRNAs in the immunotherapy of HCC.

Clinical Significance of Non-Coding RNA Regulation of Programmed Cell Death in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a widely prevalent and malignantly progressive tumor. Most patients are typically diagnosed with HCC at an advanced stage, posing significant challenges in the execution of curative surgical interventions. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) represent a distinct category of RNA molecules not directly involved in protein synthesis. However, they possess the remarkable ability to regulate gene expression, thereby exerting significant regulatory control over cellular processes. Notably, ncRNAs have been implicated in the modulation of programmed cell death (PCD), a crucial mechanism that various therapeutic agents target in the fight against HCC. This review summarizes the clinical significance of ncRNA regulation of PCD in HCC, including patient diagnosis, prognosis, drug resistance, and side effects. The aim of this study is to provide new insights and directions for the diagnosis and drug treatment strategies of HCC.

DNAJB4 suppresses breast cancer progression and promotes tumor immunity by regulating the Hippo signaling pathway

PURPOSE

Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide. Low DNAJB4 expression levels are strongly correlated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. However, the molecular mechanism by which DNAJB4 regulates breast cancer progression is unclear.

METHODS

The expression of DNAJB4 was validated in human breast cancer tissues, normal human breast tissues, and breast cancer cell lines. CCK-8, colony-forming, and wound healing assays were used to assess the biological effect of DNAJB4 overexpression on cell proliferation and migration in MCF-7 cell lines. Bioinformatic analysis was used to identify the DNAJB4 related pathways in breast cancer. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related biomarkers and Hippo pathway components were quantified by Western blots. Luciferase and Western blot assays were used to validate which miRNA regulates DNAJB4. In addition, the effects of DNAJB4 on in vivo tumor growth were assessed in xenograft models.

RESULTS

DNAJB4 was expressed at low levels in human breast cancer tissues and breast cancer cell lines and correlated with poor prognosis. DNAJB4 overexpression significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration in vitro by activating the Hippo pathway. The dual-luciferase assay showed that hsa-miR-183-5p targeted DNAJB4. Moreover, the effects of DNAJB4 could be reversed by miR-183-5p. In addition, the expression of DNAJB4 was strongly correlated with immune infiltration levels. Notably, DNAJB4 overexpression markedly enhanced CD4 + and CD8 + T cells and reduced PD-L1 levels in 4T1 tumors via the Hippo pathway, which retarded tumor growth in a subcutaneous xenograft tumor mouse model of 4T1 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that DNAJB4 overexpression inhibited the malignant biological behavior of breast cancer by regulating the Hippo pathway and tumor immunosuppressive environment.

Copper metabolism and hepatocellular carcinoma: current insights

Copper is an essential trace element that acts as a cofactor in various enzyme active sites in the human body. It participates in numerous life activities, including lipid metabolism, energy metabolism, and neurotransmitter synthesis. The proposal of "Cuproptosis" has made copper metabolism-related pathways a research hotspot in the field of tumor therapy, which has attracted great attention. This review discusses the biological processes of copper uptake, transport, and storage in human cells. It highlights the mechanisms by which copper metabolism affects hepatocellular carcinogenesis and metastasis, including autophagy, apoptosis, vascular invasion, cuproptosis, and ferroptosis. Additionally, it summarizes the current clinical applications of copper metabolism-related drugs in antitumor therapy.

MiRNA-Based Therapies for Lung Cancer: Opportunities and Challenges?

Lung cancer is a commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, posing a serious health risk. Despite new advances in immune checkpoint and targeted therapies in recent years, the prognosis for lung cancer patients, especially those in advanced stages, remains poor. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to modulate tumor development at multiple levels, and as such, miRNA mimics and molecules aimed at regulating miRNAs have shown promise in preclinical development. More importantly, miRNA-based therapies can also complement conventional chemoradiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies to reverse drug resistance and increase the sensitivity of lung cancer cells. Furthermore, small interfering RNA (siRNA) and miRNA-based therapies have entered clinical trials and have shown favorable development prospects. Therefore, in this paper, we review recent advances in miRNA-based therapies in lung cancer treatment as well as adjuvant therapy and present the current state of clinical lung cancer treatment. We also discuss the challenges facing miRNA-based therapies in the clinical application of lung cancer treatment to provide new ideas for the development of novel lung cancer therapies.

Multifaceted roles of aerobic glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation in hepatocellular carcinoma

Liver cancer is a common malignancy with high morbidity and mortality rates. Changes in liver metabolism are key factors in the development of primary hepatic carcinoma, and mitochondrial dysfunction is closely related to the occurrence and development of tumours. Accordingly, the study of the metabolic mechanism of mitochondria in primary hepatic carcinomas has gained increasing attention. A growing body of research suggests that defects in mitochondrial respiration are not generally responsible for aerobic glycolysis, nor are they typically selected during tumour evolution. Conversely, the dysfunction of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) may promote the proliferation, metastasis, and invasion of primary hepatic carcinoma. This review presents the current paradigm of the roles of aerobic glycolysis and OXPHOS in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Mitochondrial OXPHOS and cytoplasmic glycolysis cooperate to maintain the energy balance in HCC cells. Our study provides evidence for the targeting of mitochondrial metabolism as a potential therapy for HCC.

Disorders of cancer metabolism: The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids

Abnormal energy metabolism, as one of the important hallmarks of cancer, was induced by multiple carcinogenic factors and tumor-specific microenvironments. It comprises aerobic glycolysis, de novo lipid biosynthesis, and glutamine-dependent anaplerosis. Considering that metabolic reprogramming provides various nutrients for tumor survival and development, it has been considered a potential target for cancer therapy. Cannabinoids have been shown to exhibit a variety of anticancer activities by unclear mechanisms. This paper first reviews the recent progress of related signaling pathways (reactive oxygen species (ROS), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1α), and p53) mediating the reprogramming of cancer metabolism (including glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism). Then we comprehensively explore the latest discoveries and possible mechanisms of the anticancer effects of cannabinoids through the regulation of the above-mentioned related signaling pathways, to provide new targets and insights for cancer prevention and treatment.

RNA and RNA Derivatives: Light and Dark Sides in Cancer Immunotherapy

Significance: Immunotherapy, which utilizes the patient's immune system to fight tumor cells, has been approved for the treatment of some types of advanced cancer. Recent Advances: The complexity and diversity of tumor immunity are responsible for the varying response rates toward current immunotherapy strategies and highlight the importance of exploring regulators in tumor immunotherapy. Several genetic factors have proved to be critical regulators of tumor immunotherapy. RNAs, including messenger RNAs and non-coding RNAs, play vital and diverse roles in tumorigenesis, metastasis, drug resistance, and immunotherapy response. RNA modifications, including N6-methyladenosine methylation, are involved in tumor immunity. Critical Issues: A critical issue is the lack of summary of the regulatory RNA molecules and their derivatives in mediating immune activities in human cancers that could provide potential applications for tumor immunotherapeutic strategy. Future Directions: This review summarizes the dual roles (the light and dark sides) of RNA and its derivatives in tumor immunotherapy and discusses the development of RNA-based therapies as novel immunotherapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 1266-1290.

Interplay between programmed death-ligand 1 and non-coding RNAs

Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a transmembrane protein with essential roles in the suppression of adaptive immune responses. As an immune checkpoint molecule, PD-L1 can be exploited by cancer cells to evade the anti-tumor attacks initiated by the immune system. Thus, blockade of the PD1/PD-L1 axis can eliminate the suppressive signals and release the antitumor immune responses. Identification of the underlying mechanisms of modulation of the activity of the PD1/PD-L1 axis would facilitate the design of more efficacious therapeutic options and better assignment of patients for each option. Recent studies have confirmed the interactions between miRNAs/lncRNAs/circ-RNAs and the PD1/PD-L1 axis. In the current review, we give a summary of interactions between these transcripts and PD-L1 in the context of cancer. We also overview the consequences of these interactions in the determination of the response of patients to anti-cancer drugs.

Non-Coding RNA Related to MAPK Signaling Pathway in Liver Cancer

The advancement in high-throughput sequencing analysis and the evaluation of chromatin state maps have revealed that eukaryotic cells produce many non-coding transcripts/RNAs. Further, a strong association was observed between some non-coding RNAs and cancer development. The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) belong to the serine–threonine kinase family and are the primary signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation from the cell surface to the nucleus. They play an important role in various human diseases. A few non-coding RNAs associated with the MAPK signaling pathway play a significant role in the development of several malignancies, including liver cancer. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms and interactions of microRNA, lncRNA, and other non-coding RNAs in the development of liver cancer that are associated with the MAPK signaling pathway. Further, we briefly discuss the therapeutic strategies for liver cancer related to ncRNA and the MAPK signaling pathway.

Non-Invasive Biomarkers for Immunotherapy in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives

Simple Summary

The search for non-invasive biomarkers is a hot topic in modern oncology, since a tissue biopsy has significant limitations in terms of cost and invasiveness. The treatment perspectives have been significantly improved after the approval of immunotherapy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma; therefore, the quick identification of responders is crucial to define the best therapeutic strategy. In this review, the current knowledge on the available non-invasive biomarkers of the response to immunotherapy is described.

Abstract

The treatment perspectives of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have deeply changed after the introduction of immunotherapy. The results in responders show improved survival compared with Sorafenib, but only one-third of patients achieve a significant benefit from treatment. As the tumor microenvironment exerts a central role in shaping the response to immunotherapy, the future goal of HCC treatment should be to identify a proxy of the hepatic tissue condition that is easy to use in clinical practice. Therefore, the search for biomarkers that are accurate in predicting prognosis will be the hot topic in the therapeutic management of HCC in the near future. Understanding the mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy may expand the patient population that will benefit from it, and help researchers to find new combination regimens to improve patients’ outcomes. In this review, we describe the current knowledge on the prognostic non-invasive biomarkers related to treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors, focusing on serological markers and gut microbiota.

Overcoming resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma: Challenges and opportunities

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality globally, and its incidence is increasing. Immune checkpoint therapy has revolutionized the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma over the past few years. However, only a limited proportion of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma respond to immunotherapy. Despite the significant breakthroughs, the molecular mechanisms that drive immune responses and evasion are largely unresolved. Predicting tumor response and resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors is a significant challenge. In this review, we focus on the current research progress of immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma. Importantly, this review highlights the underlying mechanisms of resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors and summarizes potential strategies to overcome the resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Targeting HDAC6 to Overcome Autophagy-Promoted Anti-Cancer Drug Resistance

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) regulate gene expression through the epigenetic modification of chromatin structure. HDAC6, unlike many other HDACs, is present in the cytoplasm. Its deacetylates non-histone proteins and plays diverse roles in cancer cell initiation, proliferation, autophagy, and anti-cancer drug resistance. The development of HDAC6-specific inhibitors has been relatively successful. Mechanisms of HDAC6-promoted anti-cancer drug resistance, cancer cell proliferation, and autophagy are discussed. The relationship between autophagy and anti-cancer drug resistance is discussed. The effects of combination therapy, which includes HDAC6 inhibitors, on the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapeutics and immune checkpoint blockade are presented. A summary of clinical trials involving HDAC6-specific inhibitors is also presented. This review presents HDAC6 as a valuable target for developing anti-cancer drugs.

MicroRNAs at the Crossroad between Immunoediting and Oncogenic Drivers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Simple Summary

In recent years, treatments enhancing the antitumor immune response have revealed a new promising approach for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Beside favorable results in about one third of patients, much still remains to be done to face primary nonresponse, early, and late disease reactivation. Understanding the mechanisms underneath immune system modulation by immune checkpoint inhibitors in HCC might give additional opportunities for patient selection and combined approaches. MicroRNAs have emerged as relevant modulators of cancer cell hallmarks, including aberrant proliferation, invasion and migration capabilities, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and glycolytic metabolism. At the same time, they contribute to the immune system development, response, and programs activation, with particular regard towards regulatory functions. Thus, miRNAs are relevant not only in cancer cells’ biology, but also in the immune response and interplay between cancer, microenvironment, and immune system.

Abstract

Treatments aimed to reverse the tumor-induced immune tolerance represent a promising approach for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Notwithstanding, primary nonresponse, early, and late disease reactivation still represent major clinical challenges. Here, we focused on microRNAs (miRNAs) acting both as modulators of cancer cell hallmarks and immune system response. We outlined the bidirectional function that some oncogenic miRNAs play in the differentiation and program activation of the immune system development and, at the same time, in the progression of HCC. Indeed, the multifaceted spectrum of miRNA targets allows the modulation of both immune-associated factors and oncogenic or tumor suppressor drivers at the same time. Understanding the molecular changes contributing to disease onset, progression, and resistance to treatments might help to identify possible novel biomarkers for selecting patient subgroups, and to design combined tailored treatments to potentiate antitumor approaches. Preliminary findings seem to argue in favor of a bidirectional function of some miRNAs, which enact an effective modulation of molecular pathways driving oncogenic and immune-skipping phenotypes associated with cancer aggressiveness. The identification of these miRNAs and the characterization of their ‘dual’ role might help to unravel novel biomarkers identifying those patients more likely to respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors and to identify possible therapeutic targets with both antitumor and immunomodulatory functions. In the present review, we will focus on the restricted panel of miRNAs playing a bidirectional role in HCC, influencing oncogenic and immune-related pathways at once. Even though this field is still poorly investigated in HCC, it might represent a source of candidate molecules acting as both biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the setting of immune-based treatments.

Circular RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma: Recent advances

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have covalently closed loop structures at both ends, exhibiting characteristics dissimilar to those of linear RNAs. Emerging evidence suggests that aberrantly expressed circRNAs play crucial roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by affecting the proliferation, apoptosis and invasive capacity of HCC cells. Certain circRNAs may be used as biomarkers to diagnose and predict the prognosis of HCC. Therefore, circRNAs are expected to become novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC. Herein, we briefly review the characteristics and biological functions of circRNAs, focusing on their roles in HCC to provide new insights for the early diagnosis and targeted therapy of HCC.

Exploring potential targets of Actinidia chinensis Planch root against hepatocellular carcinoma based on network pharmacology and molecular docking and development and verification of immune-associated prognosis features for hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the malignant tumors with the highest morbidity and mortality worldwide, and its prognosis remains a challenge. Actinidia chinensis Planch (ACP) root has good efficacy against HCC. This study aimed to explore the link between ACP and potential targets of HCC, and to develop a novel immune-based gene signature to predict HCC patient survival.

Methods

Transcriptome data and clinical information on HCC were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA; HCC: 374, normal: 50) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database (HCC: 243, normal: 202). Combined with the 2,483 immune-related genes from the Immport database, we used the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) to construct a prognostic model. Patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups by the median of the risk scores of the TCGA cohort. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to estimate the predictability of the model in HCC prognosis, and carried out external validation based on ICGC cohort. We analyzed the correlation of this model with immune cells and immune checkpoint genes. Finally, molecular docking of these genes and the corresponding ACP components.

Results

We constructed a prognostic model composed of 3 immune-related genes [epidermal growth factor (EGF), baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis repeat-containing protein 5 (BIRC5), and secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1)]. And the high-risk group had a lower overall survival (OS) rate compared to the low-risk group (TCGA cohort: P=1.761e-05, ICGC cohort: P=8.716e-04). The outcomes of the AUC of ROC of prognostic risk model to predict for 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS: TCGA cohort: 0.749, 0.710, and 0.653 and ICGC cohort: 0.698, 0.736, and 0.753. Molecular docking results showed that quercetin had good binding activities with SPP1, BIRC5, and EGF, and ursolic acid (UA) and BIRC5 also had this feature.

Conclusions

Our study speculates that ACP root anti-HCC may be involved in the immune regulation of the body by targeting EGF, BIRC5 and SPP1, which possess great potential and value as early warning molecules for HCC. This model may provide a reference for individualized diagnosis and treatment for HCC patients.

Synthesis, docking study, and structure activity relationship of novel anti-tumor 1, 2, 4 triazole derivatives incorporating 2-(2, 3- dimethyl aminobenzoic acid) moiety

A series of 1,2,4 triazole derivatives (H7-12) have been synthesized by reacting an excess of hydrazine hydrate with carbothioamide derivatives (H1-6). The final compounds (HB1-HB6) were synthesized by reacting the triazole derivatives with mefenamic acid using DCC as a coupling agent. The chemical structures were confirmed by FT-IR, 1H, and 13C-NMR spectra, and some physicochemical properties were determined. The cytotoxicity of the different compounds (HB1-HB6) was evaluated by the MTT assay against two human epithelial cancer cell lines, A549 lung carcinoma and Hep G2 hepatocyte carcinoma, and one normal human cell line WI-38 lung fibroblasts. The mode of cell killing (apoptosis versus necrosis), as well as the effect on cell cycle phases were evaluated via flow cytometry. Additionally, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibition assay was performed. The results presented in the current study indicate that the six tested compounds exhibited cytotoxicity against both cancer cell lines, and the lowest IC50 was achieved with compound HB5 against Hep G2 cancer cells which was found to be highly selective against cancer cells. HB5-treated Hep G2 cells were arrested at the S and G2/M cell cycle phases. Compound HB5 caused cell killing via apoptosis rather than necrosis, and this was achieved by inhibiting EGFR tyrosine kinase activity needed for cell proliferation, and cell cycle progression. In silico pre-ADMET studies confirmed all final compounds don’t cause CNS side effects, with little liver dysfunction effect.

The p38 MAPK Components and Modulators as Biomarkers and Molecular Targets in Cancer

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family is an important bridge in the transduction of extracellular and intracellular signals in different responses at the cellular level. Within this MAPK family, the p38 kinases can be found altered in various diseases, including cancer, where these kinases play a fundamental role, sometimes with antagonistic mechanisms of action, depending on several factors. In fact, this family has an immense number of functionalities, many of them yet to be discovered in terms of regulation and action in different types of cancer, being directly involved in the response to cancer therapies. To date, three main groups of MAPKs have been identified in mammals: the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and the different isoforms of p38 (α, β, γ, δ). In this review, we highlight the mechanism of action of these kinases, taking into account their extensive regulation at the cellular level through various modifications and modulations, including a wide variety of microRNAs. We also analyze the importance of the different isoforms expressed in the different tissues and their possible role as biomarkers and molecular targets. In addition, we include the latest preclinical and clinical trials with different p38-related drugs that are ongoing with hopeful expectations in the present/future of developing precision medicine in cancer.

Pyrimidine Biosynthetic Enzyme CAD: Its Function, Regulation, and Diagnostic Potential

CAD (Carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase 2, Aspartate transcarbamoylase, and Dihydroorotase) is a multifunctional protein that participates in the initial three speed-limiting steps of pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis. Over the past two decades, extensive investigations have been conducted to unmask CAD as a central player for the synthesis of nucleic acids, active intermediates, and cell membranes. Meanwhile, the important role of CAD in various physiopathological processes has also been emphasized. Deregulation of CAD-related pathways or CAD mutations cause cancer, neurological disorders, and inherited metabolic diseases. Here, we review the structure, function, and regulation of CAD in mammalian physiology as well as human diseases, and provide insights into the potential to target CAD in future clinical applications.