Differential Wnt-β- catenin pathway activation in HPV positive and negative oral epithelium is transmitted during head and neck tumorigenesis: clinical implications

Pharmacological Effects of a Ginseng-Containing Chinese Medicine Formula in Treating Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Comprehensive Bioinformatics and Experimental Validation

Ginseng-containing Shentao Ruangan granules (STR) have been a well-known Chinese medicine prescription for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in China for decades. This study aimed to establish an in silico experimental framework to decipher the underlying mechanism of STR in the treatment of HCC. Microarray analysis, network pharmacology, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), bioinformatics analysis, and in vivo and in vitro experiments were used as integrated approaches to uncover the effects and mechanisms of action of STR. The introduction of STR significantly suppresses the proliferation and metastasis of HepG2 and Huh7 cells. STR treatment notably suppressed the growth of transplanted Huh7 tumors. Furthermore, STR administration reduced the expression of various epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins including N-cadherin, vimentin, and [Formula: see text]-catenin. By employing a systems biology approach, 21 common genes were identified across RNA-seq data, TCGA-HCC dataset, and network pharmacology analysis. Finally, of these genes nine were found to be associated with both OS and PFS in patients with HCC within the TCGA cohort. Validation of candidate genes by qPCR and WB identified a significant downregulation in the expression of pGSK3[Formula: see text] and RELA protein with increasing concentrations of STR. These results elucidated the mechanism by which STR inhibits tumor growth and EMT of HCC may be related to the GSK3[Formula: see text]/RELA pathway.

Human oncogenic viruses: a focus on head and neck carcinogenesis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aimed at identifying oncoviruses associated with head and neck malignant neoplasms (HNC).

STUDY DESIGN

Five databases and grey literature sources were searched following PRISMA guidelines. The risk of bias in individual studies was analyzed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tool.

RESULTS

One hundred and 19 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Gathered results of 57 studies were combined in a meta-analysis revealing a significant link between oncoviruses and the development of head and neck cancer, with the most common viruses identified were human papillomavirus (HPV)-16, HPV-18, and Epstein-Barr virus. More studies are needed to clarify the association of human cytomegalovirus and Merkel Cell Polyomavirus with HNC.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the role of viruses in cancer onset has been studied for years, our results demonstrated using a meta-analysis that these viruses are associated with HNC.

Clinical implications of activation of the LIMD1-VHL-HIF1α pathway during head-&-neck squamous cell carcinoma development

Background & objectives Given the importance of the role of hypoxia induced pathway in different cancers including head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), this study delved into elucidating the molecular mechanism of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1α) activation in HNSCC. Additionally, it analyzes the alterations of its regulatory genes [von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) and LIM domain containing 1 (LIMD1)] and target gene vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in head-and-neck lesions at different clinical stages in relation with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Methods Global mRNA expression profiles of HIF1α, VHL, LIMD1 and VEGF were evaluated from public datasets of HNSCC, followed by validation of their expression (mRNA/protein) in an independent set of HPV+ve/-ve HNSCC samples of different clinical stages. Results A diverse expression pattern of the HIF1α pathway genes was observed, irrespective of HPV infection, in the datasets. In validation in an independent set of HNSCC samples, high mRNA expressions of HIF1α/VEGF were observed particularly in HPV positive samples. However, VHL/LIMD1 mRNA expression was low in tumours regardless of HPV infection status. In immunohistochemical analysis, high/medium (H/M) expression of HIF1α/VEGF was observed in basal/parabasal layers of normal epithelium, with significantly higher expression in tumours, especially in HPV-positive samples. Conversely, high cytoplasmic VHL expression in these layers gradually decreased with the progression of HNSCC, regardless of HPV infection. A similar trend was noted in LIMD1 expression (nuclear/cytoplasmic) during the disease development. The methylation pattern of VHL and LIMD1 promoters in the basal/parabasal layers of normal epithelium correlated with their expression, exhibiting a gradual increase with the progression of HNSCC. The H/M expression of HIF1α/VEGF proteins and reduced VHL expression was associated with poor clinical outcomes. Interpretation & conclusions The results of this study showed differential regulation of the LIMD1-VHL-HIF1α pathway in HPV positive and negative HNSCC samples, illustrating the molecular distinctiveness of these two groups.

The effects of HPV oncoproteins on host communication networks: Therapeutic connotations

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are a leading cause of viral-induced malignancies worldwide, with a prominent association with cervical and head and neck cancers. The pivotal role of HPV oncoproteins, E5, E6, and E7, in manipulating cellular events, which contribute to viral pathogenesis in various ways, has been extensively documented. This article reviews the influence of HPV oncoproteins on cellular signaling pathways within the host cell, shedding light on the underlying molecular mechanisms. A comprehensive understanding of these molecular alterations is essential for the development of targeted therapies and strategies to combat HPV-induced premalignancies and prevent their progress to cancer. Furthermore, this review underscores the intricate interplay between HPV oncoproteins and some of the most important cellular signaling pathways: Notch, Wnt/β-catenin, MAPK, JAK/STAT, and PI3K AKT/mTOR. The treatment efficacies of the currently available inhibitors on these pathways in an HPV-positive context are also discussed. This review also highlights the importance of continued research to advance our knowledge and enhance therapeutic interventions for HPV-associated diseases.

Therapeutic strategy for oncovirus-mediated oral cancer: A comprehensive review

Oral cancer is a neoplastic disorder of the oral cavities, including the lips, tongue, buccal mucosa, and lower and upper gums. Oral cancer assessment entails a multistep process that requires deep knowledge of the molecular networks involved in its progression and development. Preventive measures including public awareness of risk factors and improving public behaviors are necessary, and screening techniques should be encouraged to enable early detection of malignant lesions. Herpes simplex virus (HSV), human papillomavirus (HPV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) are associated with other premalignant and carcinogenic conditions leading to oral cancer. Oncogenic viruses induce chromosomal rearrangements; activate signal transduction pathways via growth factor receptors, cytoplasmic protein kinases, and DNA binding transcription factors; modulate cell cycle proteins, and inhibit apoptotic pathways. In this review, we present an up-to-date overview on the use of nanomaterials for regulating viral proteins and oral cancer as well as the role of phytocompounds on oral cancer. The targets linking oncoviral proteins and oral carcinogenesis were also discussed.

Expression of Tumor Suppressor SFRP1 Predicts Biological Behaviors and Prognosis: A Potential Target for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background: Genomic instability is implicated in the initiation and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Tumor suppressor Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein 1 (SFRP1) may participate in the aberrant evolution of OSCC, the intrinsic molecular mechanisms of which may provide effective therapeutic targets. Methods: A bioinformatics analysis was carried out on a publicly available database using R language to map the prognostic value, immune infiltration and enrichment of SFRP1 expression. Subsequently, in vitro experiments were conducted to unveil the biological function of SFRP1. Results: SFRP1 was found to be ubiquitously lowly expressed in OSCC using a Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Univariate analysis confirmed that those patients characterized by a low SFRP1 expression were significantly associated with advanced T-stage, clinical stage and poor mortality (p < 0.05). Furthermore, SFRP1 displayed a positive performance in tumor immune infiltration, especially in mast cells. Functional annotations indicated that highly expressed SFRP1 was associated with membrane potential and passive transmembrane transporter activity and it was mainly enriched in calcium pathway and neuroactive ligand−receptor interaction. In vitro, the overexpression of SFRP1 inhibited its proliferation, migration, and invasion and resulted in G0+G1 phase arrest within Cal27 cells (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The bioinformation data suggest that SFRP1 expression provides an insight into the risk and prognostic stratification in OSCC. SFRP1 was validated as a potential biomarker with anticarcinogenic behaviors for use in targeted therapy.

TCF3 Induces DNMT1 Expression to Regulate Wnt Signaling Pathway in Glioma

The epigenetic alteration is widely understood as the key to cancer initiation. Herein, we intended to clarify the role of transcription factor 3 (TCF3) in the development of glioma and the behind epigenetic mechanism. Through bioinformatics analysis, we identified a TCF3-DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1)-secreted frizzled related protein 1 (SFRP1) axis which was differentially expressed and interacted in gliomas. More specifically, TCF3 activated DNMT1 transcription, and DNMT1 repressed SFRP1 expression. TCF3 and DNMT1 were overexpressed, while SFRP1 was downregulated in glioma. Functionally, TCF3 silencing inhibited cell proliferation and migration, and promoted apoptosis, which were reversed by DNMT1. SFRP1 inhibited the tumor supporting effects of DNMT1 on glioma cells. Moreover, TCF3 downregulation or SFRP1 overexpression inhibited tumorigenesis and enhanced apoptosis of glioma cells, while DNMT1 enhanced tumorigenesis and repressed apoptosis in tumor tissues in vivo. The Wnt pathway was a downstream effector of the TCF3-DNMT1-SFRP1 axis. Collectively, this study determined a novel therapeutic target TCF3 for glioma from the perspective of epigenetic alteration via regulation of SFRP1 expression in a DNMT1-dependent manner.

Human Papillomavirus and Cellular Pathways: Hits and Targets

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the causative agent of different kinds of tumors, including cervical cancers, non-melanoma skin cancers, anogenital cancers, and head and neck cancers. Despite the vaccination campaigns implemented over the last decades, we are far from eradicating HPV-driven malignancies. Moreover, the lack of targeted therapies to tackle HPV-related tumors exacerbates this problem. Biomarkers for early detection of the pathology and more tailored therapeutic approaches are needed, and a complete understanding of HPV-driven tumorigenesis is essential to reach this goal. In this review, we overview the molecular pathways implicated in HPV infection and carcinogenesis, emphasizing the potential targets for new therapeutic strategies as well as new biomarkers.