Emerging glyco-risk prediction model to forecast response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in colorectal cancer

Revitalizing gut barrier integrity: role of miR-192-5p in enhancing autophagy via Rictor in enteritis

Intestinal inflammation and compromised barrier function are critical factors in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal disorders. This study aimed to investigate the role of miR-192-5p in modulating intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB) integrity and its association with autophagy. A DSS-induced colitis model was used to assess the effects of miR-192-5p on intestinal inflammation. In vitro experiments involved cell culture and transient transfection techniques. Various assays, including dual-luciferase reporter gene assays, quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, and measurements of transepithelial electrical resistance, were performed to evaluate changes in miR-192-5p expression, Rictor levels, and autophagy flux. Immunofluorescence staining, H&E staining, TEER measurements, and FITC-dextran analysis were also used. Our findings revealed a reduced expression of miR-192-5p in inflamed intestinal tissues, correlating with impaired IEB function. Overexpression of miR-192-5p alleviated TNF-induced IEB dysfunction by targeting Rictor, resulting in enhanced autophagy flux in enterocytes (ECs). Moreover, the therapeutic potential of miR-192-5p was substantiated in colitis mice, wherein increased miR-192-5p expression ameliorated intestinal inflammatory injury by enhancing autophagy flux in ECs through the modulation of Rictor. Our study highlights the therapeutic potential of miR-192-5p in enteritis by demonstrating its role in regulating autophagy and preserving IEB function. Targeting the miR-192-5p/Rictor axis is a promising approach for mitigating gut inflammatory injury and improving barrier integrity in patients with enteritis.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We uncover the pivotal role of miR-192-5p in fortifying intestinal barriers amidst inflammation. Reduced miR-192-5p levels correlated with compromised gut integrity during inflammation. Notably, boosting miR-192-5p reversed gut damage by enhancing autophagy via suppressing Rictor, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for fortifying the intestinal barrier and alleviating inflammation in patients with enteritis.

Comprehensive pan-cancer analysis reveals the versatile role of GALNT7 in epigenetic alterations and immune modulation in cancer

Cancer is a leading cause of mortality globally, characterized by intricate molecular alterations, including epigenetic changes such as glycosylation. This study presents a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of Polypeptide N-Acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 7 (GALNT7), an enzyme involved in mucin-type O-linked protein glycosylation. GALNT7 has previously been linked to various cancers, but a unified analysis across cancer types is lacking. Leveraging data from TCGA, GTEx, and other sources, we scrutinized GALNT7's expression, prognostic relevance, links to immune-related genes, immune cell infiltration, and its involvement in tumor genetic heterogeneity across 33 cancer types. GALNT7 exhibited diverse expression patterns across cancer types, showcasing its potential as an oncogenic factor, with its expression levels linked to both positive and negative prognoses, highlighting the context-specific nature of its role in cancer progression. We delved into the intricate interplay between GALNT7 and immune genes, unveiling positive and negative correlations, underscoring complex interactions in the tumor microenvironment. GALNT7 was found to impact immune cell infiltration, which could have implications for treatment strategies. Additionally, GALNT7 displayed associations with genetic tumor aspects, encompassing genomic instability, DNA repair issues, and genetic mutations, hinting at its pivotal role in shaping the genetic landscape of diverse cancers. Enrichment analysis uncovered potential functions of GALNT7 beyond glycosylation, such as its participation in signaling pathways and its association with various diseases, notably cancer. This comprehensive analysis elucidates the multifaceted role of GALNT7 in cancer biology, underlining its potential as a therapeutic target and biomarker across various cancer types. These findings provide valuable insights for future research and the development of personalized cancer treatment strategies.

5-Hydroxymethylcytosine signals in serum are a predictor of chemoresistance in high-grade serous ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

The genome-wide profiling of 5-hydroxymethylcytosines (5hmC) on circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has revealed promising biomarkers for various diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate 5hmC signals in serum cfDNA and identify novel predictive biomarkers for the development of chemoresistance in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). We hypothesized that 5hmC profiles in cfDNA reflect the development of chemoresistance and elucidate pathways that may drive chemoresistance in HGSOC. Moreover, we sought to identify predictors that would better stratify outcomes for women with intermediate-sensitive HGSOC.

METHODS

Women diagnosed with HGSOC and known platinum sensitivity status were selected for this study. Nano-hmC-Seal was performed on cfDNA isolated from archived serum samples, and differential 5hmC features were identified using DESeq2 to establish a model predictive of chemoresistance.

RESULTS

A multivariate model consisting of three features (preoperative CA-125, largest residual implant after surgery, 5hmC level of OSGEPL), stratified samples from intermediate sensitive, chemo-naive women diagnosed with HGSOC into chemotherapy-resistant- and sensitive-like strata with a significant difference in overall survival (OS). Independent analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas data further confirmed that high OSGEPL1 expression is a favorable prognostic factor for HGSOC.

CONCLUSIONS

We have developed a novel multivariate model based on clinico-pathologic data and a cfDNA-derived 5hmC modified gene, OSGEPL1, that predicted response to platinum-based chemotherapy in intermediate-sensitive HGSOC. Our multivariate model applies to chemo-naïve samples regardless if the patint was treated with adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. These results merit further investigation of the predictive capability of our model in larger cohorts.