Mechanism of interaction between autophagy and apoptosis in cancer

Integrative analysis of mitochondrial and immune pathways in diabetic kidney disease: identification of AASS and CASP3 as key predictors and therapeutic targets

OBJECTIVES

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is driven by mitochondrial dysfunction and immune dysregulation, yet the mechanistic interplay remains poorly defined. This study aimed to identify key molecular networks linking mitochondrial and immune pathways to DKD progression, with a focus on uncovering biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

METHODS

We conducted an integrative analysis of human DKD cohorts (GSE30122, GSE96804) using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify gene modules enriched for immune response genes and mitochondrial pathways (from MitoCarta3.0). Machine learning algorithms were employed to prioritize key biomarkers for further investigation. Experimental validation was performed using a DKD rat model.

RESULTS

WGCNA revealed significant gene modules associated with immune responses and mitochondrial functions. Machine learning analysis highlighted two central biomarkers: aminoadipate-semialdehyde synthase (AASS) and caspase-3 (CASP3). In the DKD rat model, elevated levels of AASS and CASP3 were found to correlate with increased oxidative stress. Mechanistically, AASS was shown to drive mitochondrial damage via lysine metabolism, while CASP3 amplified inflammatory apoptosis pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings establish AASS and CASP3 as dual biomarkers and therapeutic targets, bridging mitochondrial-immune crosstalk to DKD pathogenesis. This multi-omics framework provides actionable insights for targeting kidney damage in diabetes.

FUT2-dependent fucosylation of LAMP1 promotes the apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells by regulating the autophagy-lysosomal pathway

Fucosyltransferase 2 (FUT2) is an enzyme that adds fucose to proteins or lipids via α-1,2-fucosylation in the intestinal mucosa. While FUT2 deficiency is linked to increased susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) is unclear, and the molecular mechanisms involved remain largely unknown. We established an azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) model to induce CRC. FUT2 expression was assessed in human CRC tissues, AOM/DSS-induced mouse models, and CRC cell lines using qRT-PCR, western blotting, and UEA-I staining. FUT2 knockout (FUT2△IEC) mice were treated with AOM/DSS, and FUT2-overexpressing CRC cells were created to evaluate the effects of FUT2 on apoptosis in both in vitro and in vivo settings through Western blot analyses and functional assays. N-glycoproteomics, UEA-I chromatography, and co-immunoprecipitation were utilized to identify regulatory mechanisms and target fucosylated proteins. FUT2 expression and α-1,2-fucosylation were significantly decreased in CRC. FUT2 deficiency worsened AOM/DSS-induced CRC and reduced tumor apoptosis, while FUT2 overexpression induced apoptosis and inhibited proliferation in CRC cells and xenografts. Mechanistically, FUT2 appears to suppress autophagy by impairing lysosomal function and directly targeting and fucosylating LAMP1, contributing to lysosomal dysfunction. Our study reveals a fucosylation-dependent antitumor mechanism of FUT2 in CRC, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies for CRC treatment.

Waterborne ammonia toxicity damages crustacean hemocytes via lysosome-dependent autophagy: A case study of swimming crabs Portunus trituberculatus

Waterborne ammonia is a threat to animal health and its accumulation is typical of aquatic ecosystems. Autophagy serves as a safeguard of intracellular homeostasis, yet its role in maintaining the health of hemocytes, the master regulators of crustacean immunity, remains unclear. Herein, the swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus) is employed as a case study to illustrate the impact of ammonia on hemocyte health via autophagy. This study showed the occurrence of abnormal cellular structure and significant accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) (P < 0.05), demonstrating that severe ammonia stress can damage hemocytes. This was accompanied by significant increase of autophagy hemocytes fraction and apoptosis (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, there was a significant increase in the expression of Beclin1 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3-II) (P < 0.05). This suggests an ammonia-induced autophagy initiation. However, ammonia stress significantly decreased lysosomal fluorescence intensity (P < 0.05) and expression of the marker gene lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1) (P < 0.05). These imply an ammonia-induced repression of lysosome-dependent autophagy degradation, which may underlie the pronounced increase in apoptosis (P < 0.05). After the administration of the autophagy activator rapamycin (Rap), rather than the inhibitor 3-Methyladenine (3-MA), the levels of apoptosis, ROS and the fraction of autophagic cells were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), demonstrating a mitigation of the ammonia-induced cell damage through lysosome-dependent autophagy degradation. This study sheds light on how crustaceans respond to ammonia exposure by demonstrating the significance of lysosome-dependent autophagy in maintaining hemocyte health.

Regulation of Apoptotic Pathways by MicroRNAs: A Therapeutic Strategy for Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder marked by a gradual decline in memory and cognitive functions. It is characterized by the presence of senile plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and neuronal degeneration, affecting a significant portion of the human population. A key feature of various nervous system disorders, including AD, is extensive cellular death caused by apoptosis, which affects not only neurons but also glial cells. While apoptosis plays a vital role in eliminating certain cells and supporting normal development, alterations or disruptions in apoptotic pathways can lead to harmful neurodegenerative conditions such as AD. Thus, targeting apoptosis presents a promising therapeutic approach for these diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of non-coding RNA, play diverse roles in cellular functions, including proliferation, gene expression regulation, programmed cell death, intercellular communication, and angiogenesis. By modulating regulatory genes, miRNAs can influence apoptosis, either promoting or inhibiting it. Aberrant expression of miRNAs can impact multiple apoptotic pathways, potentially driving the progression of AD and related health issues. This review summarizes recent research on miRNAs and their dual role in exacerbating or protecting against neural cell damage in AD by altering apoptotic pathways. The regulation of apoptosis by miRNAs offers a prospective therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease.

Revenge unraveling the fortress: Exploring anticancer drug resistance mechanisms in BC for enhanced therapeutic strategies

Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent form of cancer in women worldwide and the main cause of cancer-related fatalities in females. BC can be classified into various types based on where cancer has begun to grow or spread, specific characteristics that influence how cancer behaves, and treatment choices. BC is multifaceted, and due to its diverse nature, the mechanisms involved are complex and have not yet been understood. Overexpression and expression of various factors involved in the functioning of mechanisms lead to abnormal changes, providing an environment supporting cancer cell growth. Understanding BC risk factors and early diagnosis through screening techniques like mammography and diagnostic techniques such as imaging and biopsies has advanced significantly. A wide range of treatment options, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted treatments, and hormonal therapies, are now available. Daily advancements are being made in the clinical treatment of BC. Still, BC drug resistance cases remain highly prevalent and are currently one of the biggest problems faced by medical science. To increase response rates and possibly lengthen survival, there is a critical requirement for novel medicines with minimal sensitivity to overcome drug resistance. This review classifies different mechanisms that are involved in the development of BC and workable pharmacological targets and explains how they relate to the development of BC drug resistance. By concentrating on the mechanisms covered in this review, we can have a deep understanding of different mechanisms and learn innovative ways to develop novel therapeutics for the disease to combat medication resistance.

Autophagy in erectile dysfunction: focusing on apoptosis and fibrosis

ABSTRACT

In most types of erectile dysfunction, particularly in advanced stages, typical pathological features observed are reduced parenchymal cells coupled with increased tissue fibrosis. However, the current treatment methods have shown limited success in reversing these pathologic changes. Recent research has revealed that changes in autophagy levels, along with alterations in apoptosis and fibrosis-related proteins, are linked to the progression of erectile dysfunction, suggesting a significant association. Autophagy, known to significantly affect cell fate and tissue fibrosis, is currently being explored as a potential treatment modality for erectile dysfunction. However, these present studies are still in their nascent stage, and there are limited experimental data available. This review analyzes erectile dysfunction from a pathological perspective. It provides an in-depth overview of how autophagy is involved in the apoptotic processes of smooth muscle and endothelial cells and its role in the fibrotic processes occurring in the cavernosum. This study aimed to develop a theoretical framework for the potential effectiveness of autophagy in preventing and treating erectile dysfunction, thus encouraging further investigation among researchers in this area.

Inhibition of ERO1L induces autophagy and apoptosis via endoplasmic reticulum stress in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of cancer with high incidence and mortality. Endoplasmic reticulum oxidoreductase 1 alpha (ERO1L) is overexpressed in CRC. This study aims to explore the role of ERO1L in CRC progression and evaluate the anti-tumor efficacy of the combination treatment of ERO1L inhibition with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-inducing therapies. Herein, we found that ERO1L was elevated in CRC cell lines and patients. ER stress upregulated the expression of ERO1L, and ERO1L deficiency induced ER stress in CRC. ERO1L knockdown increased the susceptibility of CRC cells to ER stress. ERO1L contributed to the malignant phenotypes of CRC cells. Inhibition of ERO1L induced autophagy and caspase-dependent apoptosis by the induction of ER stress in CRC cells. Mechanically, the ERK1/2 pathway was involved in ERO1L knockdown-mediated apoptosis and autophagy. Combination treatment of ERO1L inhibition with ER stress-inducing agents, such as unfolded protein response (UPR)-targeting inhibitors and proteasome inhibitors, demonstrated enhanced anti-tumor capacity. In conclusion, ERO1L is overexpressed in CRC, and ERO1L deficiency induces apoptosis and autophagy via ER stress. ERO1L inhibition combined with ER stress-inducing therapies exhibits more effective anti-tumor activity against CRC. ERO1L may serve as a biomarker and therapeutic target for CRC treatment.

Knockout of p21-Activated Kinase 4 Stimulates MHC I Expression of Pancreatic Cancer Cells via an Autophagy-Independent Pathway

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is one of the most malignant solid cancers. KRAS mutation accounts for over 90% of cases. p21-activated kinases (PAKs) act downstream of KRAS and are involved in tumorigenesis. The inhibition of PAK4 suppresses PDA by stimulating the tumor infiltration of cytotoxic T cells. The major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) is a key in presenting antigens to cytotoxic T cells. MHC I degradation via autophagy promotes the immune evasion of pancreatic cancer. We investigated the effect of PAK4 inhibition on MHC I expression and autophagy.

METHODS

In this study, using proteomic analysis, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and immunoblotting, we examined the effect of PAK4 knockout (KO) in human PDA cells on the expression of MHC I and autophagy to identify the mechanism involved in the stimulation of cytotoxic T cells by PAK4 inhibition.

RESULTS

We found that PAK4 KO increased MHC I expression in two human PDA cell lines: MiaPaCa-2 and PANC-1. PAK4 KO also increased cancer cell autophagy. However, the inhibition of autophagy by chloroquine (CQ) did not affect the effect of PAK4 KO on apoptosis and cell death. More importantly, the inhibition of autophagy by CQ did not alter the expression of MHC I stimulated by PAK4 KO, indicating that PAK4 KO stimulated MHC I expression via an autophagy-independent pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified a role of PAK4 in MHC I expression by PDA cells, which is independent of autophagy.

Programmed cell death in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Mechanisms and therapeutic targets

Programmed cell death is a type of autonomic and orderly cell death mode controlled by genes that maintain homeostasis and growth. Tumor is a typical manifestation of an imbalance in environmental homeostasis in the human body. Currently, several tumor treatments are designed to trigger the death of tumor cells. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is one of the most common malignant tumors in China. It displays obvious regional and ethnic differences in its incidence, being typically high in the south and low in the north of China. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is currently considered to be a polygenic inherited disease and is often mediated by the interaction between multiple genes or between genes and the environment. Apoptosis has long been considered the key to tumor treatment, while other cell death pathways have often been overlooked. The current study provides an overview of the relationship among apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and the regulatory pathways of nasopharyngeal carcinoma based on five cell death modes were synthesized from the view of molecule. We hope this review will help explore additional, novel programmed cell death targets for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and thus promote in-depth research.

Ruthenium(II) Complex with 8-Hydroxyquinoline Exhibits Antitumor Activity in Breast Cancer Cell Lines

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Breast cancer (BC) remains one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers worldwide, with limited access to advanced treatments in developing regions. There is a critical need for novel therapies with unique mechanisms of action, especially to overcome resistance to conventional platinum-based drugs. This study investigates the anticancer potential of the ruthenium complex Bis(quinolin-8-olato)bis(triphenylphosphine)ruthenium(II) (Ru(quin)2) in ER-positive (T47D) and triple-negative (MDA-MB-231) BC cell lines.

RESULTS

Ru(quin)2 demonstrated dose-dependent cytotoxicity, with IC50 values of 48.3 μM in T47D cells and 45.5 μM in MDA-MB-231 cells. Its cytotoxic effects are primarily driven by apoptosis, as shown by increased BAX expression, enhanced caspase-3 activity, reduced Aurora B kinase levels, and elevated histone release. Ru(quin)2 also induced autophagy, evidenced by LC3-I to LC3-II conversion and reduced SQSTM1, partially mediated through MAPK signaling. Furthermore, Ru(quin)2 induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest by downregulating cyclin D1, CDK4, and CDK6, alongside upregulation of the CDK inhibitor p21.

CONCLUSIONS

Ru(quin)2 emerges as a potent candidate for BC treatment, with multiple mechanisms of action involving apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle arrest. Further studies are warranted to elucidate its detailed molecular mechanisms and evaluate its therapeutic potential in vivo, moving toward clinical applications for both ER-positive and triple-negative BC management.

Hypoxic BMSC-derived exosomal miR-210-3p promotes progression of triple-negative breast cancer cells via NFIX-Wnt/β-catenin signaling axis

BACKGROUND

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are a crucial component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), with hypoxic conditions promoting their migration to tumors. Exosomes play a vital role in cell-to-cell communication within the TME. Hypoxic TME have a great impact on the release, uptake and biofunctions of exosomes. This study aims to elucidate the communication between BMSC-derived exosomal miRNA and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in a hypoxic environment.

METHODS

Exosomes were isolated via ultracentrifugation and identified using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and western blot. A range of bioinformatics approaches were used to screen exosomal miRNAs and the target mRNAs of miRNAs and predict the possible signaling pathways. Expression levels of genes and proteins were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were analyzed using CCK-8 assay, EDU assay, transwell migration, wound healing assay and invasion assay, respectively. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay was conducted to confirm the binding between miRNAs and the target mRNAs. The impact of hypoxic BMSC-derived exosomal miRNA on TNBC progression in vivo was evaluated using tumor xenograft nude mouse models. Furthermore, the impact of patients' serum exosomal miRNA on TNBC was implemented.

RESULTS

Exosomes derived from hypoxic BMSCs promotes the proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of TNBC and suppresses the apoptosis of TNBC. The expression of miR-210-3p in BMSC-derived exosomes is markedly elevated in hypoxic conditions. Exosome-mediated transfer of miR-210-3p from hypoxic BMSCs to TNBC targets NFIX and activates Wnt/β-Catenin signaling in TNBC. Deletion of miR-210-3p in hypoxic BMSC-derived exosomes attenuates TNBC in vivo. Additionally, human exosomal miR-210-3p from the serum of TNBC patients promotes TNBC progression. Moreover, we notably observed a marked downregulation of NFIX expression levels in cancerous tissues compared to paracancerous tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypoxic BMSC-derived exosomal miR-210-3p promotes TNBC progression via NFIX-Wnt/β-catenin signaling axis.

Metabolomics and proteomics reveal the inhibitory effect of Lactobacillus crispatus on cervical cancer

Cervical cancer remains a significant global health issue due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. Recently, Lactobacillus crispatus has been recognized for its crucial role in maintaining cervical health. While some studies have explored the use of L. crispatus to mitigate cervical cancer, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, we employed non-targeted proteomics and metabolomics to investigate how L. crispatus affects the growth of cervical cancer cells (SiHa) and normal cervical cells (Ect1/E6E7). Our findings indicated that the inhibitory effect of L. crispatus on SiHa cells was associated with various biological processes, notably the ferroptosis pathway. Specifically, L. crispatus was found to regulate the expression of proteins such as HMOX1, SLC39A14, VDAC2, ACSL4, and LPCAT3 by SiHa cells, which are closely related to ferroptosis. Additionally, it activated the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in SiHa cells, leading to increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxides (LPO). These results revealed the therapeutic potential of L. crispatus in targeting the ferroptosis pathway for cervical cancer treatment, opening new avenues for research and therapy in cervical cancer.

Targeting autophagy promotes the antitumor effect of radiotherapy on cervical cancer cells

Radiotherapy is the mainstay of cancer treatment, and reducing radioresistance is still a poorly explored issue in radiotherapy. Our study was designed to explore the possible functions and mechanisms of autophagy in cervical cancer cells treated with radiotherapy. We discovered that autophagy was activated in C33a and HeLa cervical cancer cells in parallel with increased apoptosis and formation of polyploid giant carcinoma cells (PGCCs) after radiation. Inhibition of autophagy significantly enhances radiation-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in cervical cancer cells and reduces PGCCs formation. Immunoblot analysis, as part of the mechanistic experiments, showed that the phosphorylation levels of Akt, mTOR, and P70S6K were downregulated. Thus, our research demonstrated that inhibiting autophagy enhances the antitumor effects of radiation on cervical cancer cells.

Scutellaria barbata D.Don and Hedyotis diffusa Willd herb pair combined with cisplatin synergistically inhibits ovarian cancer progression through modulating oxidative stress via NRF2-FTH1 autophagic degradation pathway

BACKGROUND

Cisplatin (DDP) is one of the most effective anticancer drugs, commonly used to treat advanced ovarian cancer (OC). However, DDP has significant limitations of platinum-based drugs, including chemical resistance and high-dose toxic side effects. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) often presented in the form of formula, in which the herb pair was the basic unit. Scutellaria barbata D.Don and Hedyotis diffusa Willd (SB-HD) are famous TCMs herb pair that have been shown to help treat multiple types of cancers. However, the synergistic effects and mechanism of combination of SB-HD and DDP to enhance DDP chemosensitivity in OC are still unknown.

RESULTS

In vitro, we found that the optimal proportion of SB-HD to inhibit the proliferation of OC cells was 2:1, SB-HD and DDP were shown to synergistically reduce the viability of OC cells, inhibit the colony formation, promote cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, as well as inhibit cell migration and invasion. In vivo, combination treatment significantly inhibited the growth of subcutaneous tumors in BALB/c nude mice and reduced the toxic side effects of DDP. Mechanistically, SB-HD and DDP combination treatment significantly promoted oxidative stress response, decreased MMP, inhibited ATP production, decreased ROS levels and increased SOD activity, increased the expression of NRF2, HO-1, ATG5 and LC3, decreased the expression of p62 and FTH1 both in OC cells and tumor tissue of mice. Inhibitor 3-MA (Methyladenine, autophagy inhibitor) and Fer-1 (Ferrostatin-1, iron ion inhibitor) can effectively reverse the expression changes of the key target proteins, but not ZnPP (Zinc protoporphyrin, HO-1 inhibitor). Through bioinformatics analysis, it was found that the abnormal expression level of NRF2 and FTH1 mRNA has a high prognostic value, at the same time, the other four key proteins respectively or interacting with NRF2 and FTH1, also play important roles in the occurrence and development of OC.

CONCLUSION

Our findings uncover a synergistic effect of SB-HD and DDP against OC through modulating oxidative stress via NRF2-FTH1 autophagic degradation pathway, which may provide an important theoretical foundation for the use of SB-HD and a new strategy for enhancing DDP chemosensitivity as well as reducing toxic side effects.

Comprehensive review of drug resistance in mammalian cancer stem cells: implications for cancer therapy

Cancer remains a significant global challenge, and despite the numerous strategies developed to advance cancer therapy, an effective cure for metastatic cancer remains elusive. A major hurdle in treatment success is the ability of cancer cells, particularly cancer stem cells (CSCs), to resist therapy. These CSCs possess unique abilities, including self-renewal, differentiation, and repair, which drive tumor progression and chemotherapy resistance. The resilience of CSCs is linked to certain signaling pathways. Tumors with pathway-dependent CSCs often develop genetic resistance, whereas those with pathway-independent CSCs undergo epigenetic changes that affect gene regulation. CSCs can evade cytotoxic drugs, radiation, and apoptosis by increasing drug efflux transporter activity and activating survival mechanisms. Future research should prioritize the identification of new biomarkers and signaling molecules to better understand drug resistance. The use of cutting-edge approaches, such as bioinformatics, genomics, proteomics, and nanotechnology, offers potential solutions to this challenge. Key strategies include developing targeted therapies, employing nanocarriers for precise drug delivery, and focusing on CSC-targeted pathways such as the Wnt, Notch, and Hedgehog pathways. Additionally, investigating multitarget inhibitors, immunotherapy, and nanodrug delivery systems is critical for overcoming drug resistance in cancer cells.

Interfering Nuclear Protein Laminb1 Induces DNA Damage and Reduces Vemurafenib Resistance in Melanoma Cells In Vitro

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Drug resistance poses a substantial clinical challenge in melanoma treatment, yet the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we report the novel role of laminB1, a nuclear structure protein, in regulating the response of BRAF-mutated melanoma cells to vemurafenib.

RESULTS

Our analysis of clinical samples and existing databases highlights the tight correlation between the laminB1 expression level and melanoma progression and prognosis. Notably, we observe that laminB1 expression is upregulated when BRAF-mutated melanoma cells develop resistance to vemurafenib. The knockdown of laminB1 substantially increases the sensitivity of melanoma cells to vemurafenib. Furthermore, we found laminB1 suppression increases cell apoptosis via the escalation of DNA damage in a vemurafenib-dose-dependent manner. Conversely, protective cell autophagy is negatively regulated by laminB1 suppression. Interestingly, this distinct regulation pattern of apoptosis and autophagy by laminB1 cooperatively promotes the response of BRAF-mutated melanoma cells to vemurafenib.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings unveil the potential of laminB1 as both a diagnosis marker and a therapeutic target of melanoma.

Non-pathogenic Trojan horse Nissle1917 triggers mitophagy through PINK1/Parkin pathway to discourage colon cancer

Bacteria-mediated antitumor therapy has gained widespread attention for its innate tumor-targeting capability and excellent immune activation properties. Nevertheless, the clinical approval of bacterial therapies remains elusive primarily due to the formidable challenge of balancing safety with enhancing in vivo efficacy. In this study, leveraging the probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle1917 (EcN) emerges as a promising approach for colon cancer therapy, offering a high level of safety attributed to its lack of virulence factors and its tumor-targeting potential owing to its obligate anaerobic nature. Specifically, we delineate the erythrocyte (RBC) membrane-camouflaged EcN, termed as Trojan horse EcN@RBC, which triggers apoptosis in tumor cells by mitigating mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and subsequently activating the PINK1/Parkin pathway associated with mitophagy. Concurrently, the decline in MMP induced by mitophagy disrupts the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), leading to the release of Cytochrome C and subsequent apoptosis induction. Moreover, synergistic effects were observed through the combination of the autophagy activator rapamycin, bolstering the antitumor efficacy in vivo. These findings offer novel insights into probiotic-mediated antitumor mechanisms and underscore the therapeutic potential of EcN@RBC for colon cancer patients.

miR-7 promotes apoptosis and autophagy of granulosa cells by targeting KLF4 via JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway in chickens

Granulosa cell (GC) death, which leads to follicular atresia, primarily occurs through apoptosis and autophagy. miRNAs are known to be key regulators of autophagy and apoptosis. Although miR-7 acting as a key regulator of follicular atresia, its precise role in granulosa cell autophagy and apoptosis remains to be fully elucidated. In this study, we found that miR-7 was highly expressed in the follicle based on qPCR analysis. Subsequently, transfection of miR-7 inhibitors and mimics downregulated or upregulated the expression of miR-7 and promoted autophagic and apoptotic processes in chicken follicle granulosa cells. Mechanistically, through dual-luciferase reporter gene assays, we validated that KLF4 is a target gene of miR-7. Contrarily, KLF4 was found to negatively regulate autophagy and apoptosis in follicular granulosa cells as evidenced by genetic intervention of KLF4 silencing and overexpression. Furthermore, JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway was confirmed to mediate the regulation of miR-7-KLF4 axis on GC autophagy and apoptosis. These findings offer evidences of the crucial involvement of the miR-7-KLF4 signaling axis in determining autophagy and apoptosis of GCs. This study could offer an important theoretical basis for the use of molecular-assisted breeding in chickens.

Repurposing the antipsychotic drug penfluridol for cancer treatment (Review)

Cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases and the leading cause of death worldwide. Despite the improved survival rates of cancer in recent years, the current available treatments often face resistance and side effects. Drug repurposing represents a cost‑effective and efficient alternative to cancer treatment. Recent studies revealed that penfluridol (PF), an antipsychotic drug, is a promising anticancer agent. In the present study, a scoping review was conducted to ascertain the anticancer properties of PF. For this, a literature search was performed using the Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science databases with the search string 'penfluridol' AND 'cancer'. A total of 23 original articles with in vivo and/or in vitro studies on the effect of PF on cancer were included in the scoping review. The outcome of the analysis demonstrated the anticancer potential of PF. PF significantly inhibited cell proliferation, metastasis and invasion while inducing apoptosis and autophagy in vivo and across a spectrum of cancer cell lines, including breast, lung, pancreatic, glioblastoma, gallbladder, bladder, oesophageal, leukaemia and renal cancers. However, research on PF derivatives with high anticancer activities and reduced neurological side effects may be necessary.

Evolving landscape of detection and targeting miRNA/epigenetics for therapeutic strategies in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer (OC) accounts for the highest mortality rates among all gynecologic malignancies. The high mortality of OC is often associated with delayed detection, prolonged latency, enhanced metastatic potential, acquired drug resistance, and frequent recurrence. This review comprehensively explores key aspects of OC, including cancer diagnosis, mechanisms of disease resistance, and the pivotal role of epigenetic regulation, particularly by microRNAs (miRs) in cancer progression. We highlight the intricate regulatory mechanisms governing miR expression within the context of OC and the current status of epigenetic advancement in the therapeutic development and clinical trial progression. Through network analysis we elucidate the regulatory interactions between dysregulated miRs in OC and their targets which are involved in different signaling pathways. By exploring these interconnected facets and critical analysis, we endeavor to provide a nuanced understanding of the molecular dynamics underlying OC, its detection and shedding light on potential avenues for miRs and epigenetics-based therapeutic intervention and management strategies.

Prediction of acute myeloid leukemia prognosis based on autophagy features and characterization of its immune microenvironment

Background

Autophagy promotes the survival of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells by removing damaged organelles and proteins and protecting them from stress-induced apoptosis. Although many studies have identified candidate autophagy genes associated with AML prognosis, there are still great challenges in predicting the survival prognosis of AML patients. Therefore, it is necessary to identify more novel autophagy gene markers to improve the prognosis of AML by utilizing information at the molecular level.

Methods

In this study, the Random Forest, SVM and XGBoost algorithms were utilized to identify autophagy genes linked to prognosis, respectively. Subsequently, six autophagy genes (TSC2, CALCOCO2, BAG3, UBQLN4, ULK1 and DAPK1) that were significantly associated with patients' overall survival (OS) were identified using Lasso-Cox regression analysis. A prediction model incorporating these autophagy genes was then developed. In addition, the immunological microenvironment analysis of autophagy genes was performed in this study.

Results

The experimental results showed that the predictive model had good predictive ability. After adjusting for clinicopathologic parameters, this feature proved an independent prognostic predictor and was validated in an external AML sample set. Analysis of differentially expressed genes in patients in the high-risk and low-risk groups showed that these genes were enriched in immune-related pathways such as humoral immune response, T cell differentiation in thymus and lymphocyte differentiation. Then immune infiltration analysis of autophagy genes in patients showed that the cellular abundance of T cells CD4+ memory activated, NK cells activated and T cells CD4+ in the high-risk group was significantly lower than that in the low-risk group.

Conclusion

This study systematically analyzed autophagy-related genes (ARGs) and developed prognostic predictors related to OS for patients with AML, thus more accurately assessing the prognosis of AML patients. This not only helps to improve the prognostic assessment and therapeutic outcome of patients, but may also provide new help for future research and clinical applications.

A tumor-promotional molecular axis CircMAPKBP1/miR-17-3p/TGFβ2 activates autophagy pathway to drive tongue squamous cell carcinoma cisplatin chemoresistance

Platinum-based chemotherapy is the first-line treatment for tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC), but most patients rapidly develop resistance. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of critical regulators in the pathogenesis of several tumors, but their role in cisplatin resistance in TSCC has not been fully elucidated. Here we found that circMAPKBP1 was enriched in cisplatin resistant TSCC cells and was closely associated with enhanced autophagic activity. Functionally, silencing circMAPKBP1 significantly restored the chemosensitivity of cisplatin-resistant TSCC cells both in vitro and in vivo by suppressing autophagy. Mechanistically, circMAPKBP1 enhanced cisplatin sensitivity through the miR-17-3p/TGFβ2 axis by activating autophagy pathway. Data from clinical studies revealed that high expression of circMAPKBP1 and TGFβ2 was closely linked to a poor outcome in TSCC patients. We thus concluded that circMAPKBP1 is a tumor promoting factor and confers cisplatin sensitivity by activating the miR-17-3p/TGFβ2 axis-mediated autophagy. We propose that circMAPKBP1 may be a potential therapeutic target for TSCC.

Breaking the barrier: Epigenetic strategies to combat platinum resistance in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Platinum-based drugs, such as cisplatin and oxaliplatin, are frontline chemotherapy for CRC, effective in both monotherapy and combination regimens. However, the clinical efficacy of these treatments is often undermined by the development of drug resistance, a significant obstacle in cancer therapy. In recent years, epigenetic alterations have been recognized as key players in the acquisition of resistance to platinum drugs. Targeting these dysregulated epigenetic mechanisms with small molecules represents a promising therapeutic strategy. This review explores the complex relationship between epigenetic changes and platinum resistance in CRC, highlighting current epigenetic therapies and their effectiveness in countering resistance mechanisms. By elucidating the epigenetic underpinnings of platinum resistance, this review aims to contribute to ongoing efforts to improve treatment outcomes for CRC patients.

IL-32γ Induced Autophagy Through Suppression of MET and mTOR Pathways in Liver Tumor Growth Inhibition

Interleukin-32γ (IL-32γ) has diverse functions in various malignancies. In this study, we investigated the role of IL-32γ in autophagy induction in liver cancer cells and delineated the underlying mechanisms. We found that the increased IL-32γ expression inhibited the growth, cell cycle progression, and migration of HepG2 and Hep3B cell lines; it also decreased the expression of related proteins. Furthermore, the IL-32γ overexpression induced autophagy, as indicated by the number of puncta, the expression of LC3, and the expression of autophagy-related markers. The expression levels of LAMP1, a protein essential for autophagosome formation, and colocalization with LC3 also increased. Big data analysis revealed that the expression of MET, a well-known target of autophagy, and the expression of mTOR and mTOR-related proteins were decreased by the IL-32γ overexpression. The combination treatment of MET inhibitor, cabozantinib (2 µM), and IL-32γ overexpression further increased the number of puncta, the colocalization of LC3 and LAMP1, and the expression of autophagy-related proteins. In vivo, liver tumor growth was suppressed in the IL-32γ-overexpressing mouse model, and autophagy induction was confirmed by the increased expression of LC3 and LAMP1 and the decreased expression of autophagy pathway markers (MET and mTOR). Autophagy was also decreased in the liver tumor sample of human patients. ROC curve and spearman analysis revealed that the expression levels of LC3 and IL-32γ were significantly correlated in human tumor serum and tissues. Therefore, IL-32γ overexpression induced autophagy in liver tumors through the suppression of MET and mTOR pathways critical for tumor growth inhibition.

Autophagy modulation in cancer therapy: Challenges coexist with opportunities

Autophagy, a crucial intracellular degradation process facilitated by lysosomes, plays a pivotal role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. The elucidation of autophagy key genes and signaling pathways has significantly advanced our understanding of this process and has led to the exploration of autophagy as a promising therapeutic approach. This review comprehensively assesses the latest developments in small molecule modulators targeting autophagy. Moreover, the review delves into the most recent strategies for drug discovery, specifically focusing on selective agents that exploit autophagosomes and lysosomes for targeted protein degradation. Additionally, this article highlights the prevailing challenges and outlines potential future advancements in the field. By amalgamating the cutting-edge knowledge in the field, we aim to offer valuable insights and references for the anti-cancer drug development of autophagy-targeted therapies, thus contributing to the advancement of novel therapeutic interventions.

The autophagy paradox: A new hypothesis in neurodegenerative disorders

A recent study showed that while autophagy is usually tied to protein and organelle turnover, it can also play dual roles in neurodegenerative diseases. Traditionally, autophagy was seen as protective since it removes damaged proteins and organelles. but new data suggests autophagy can sometimes promote neuron death. and This review tackles autophagy's seemingly contradictory effects in neurodegeneration, or the "autophagy paradox. " It offers a framework for understanding autophagy in neurodegenerative research and the cellular processes involved. In short, our data uncovers a harmful autophagy role in certain situations, conflicting the view that it's always beneficial. We describe the distinct, disease-specific autophagy pathways functioning in various neurodegenerative diseases. Part two concerns potential therapeutic implications of manipulating autophagy and current strategies targeting the autophagic system, suggesting interesting areas for future research into tailored modulators. This could eventually enable activating or controlling specific autophagy pathways and aid in developing more effective treatments. Researchers believe more molecular-level research is needed so patient-tailored autophagy-modulating therapeutics can be developed given this dilemma. Moreover, research must translate faster into effective neurodegenerative disease treatment options. This article aims to provide a wholly new perspective on autophagy's classically described role in these severe diseases, challenging current dogma and opening new therapeutic avenue options.

Gliotoxin triggers cell death through multifaceted targeting of cancer-inducing genes in breast cancer therapy

Fungal secondary metabolites have a long history of contributing to pharmaceuticals, notably in the development of antibiotics and immunosuppressants. Harnessing their potent bioactivities, these compounds are now being explored for cancer therapy, by targeting and disrupting the genes that induce cancer progression. The current study explores the anticancer potential of gliotoxin, a fungal secondary metabolite, which encompasses a multi-faceted approach integrating computational predictions, molecular dynamics simulations, and comprehensive experimental validations. In-silico studies have identified potential gliotoxin targets, including MAPK1, NFKB1, HIF1A, TDP1, TRIM24, and CTSD which are involved in critical pathways in cancer such as the NF-κB signaling pathway, MAPK/ERK signaling pathway, hypoxia signaling pathway, Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and other essential cellular processes. The gene expression analysis results indicated all the identified targets are overexpressed in various breast cancer subtypes. Subsequent molecular docking and dynamics simulations have revealed stable binding of gliotoxin with TDP1 and HIF1A. Cell viability assays exhibited a dose-dependent decreasing pattern with its remarkable IC50 values of 0.32, 0.14, and 0.53 μM for MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, and MCF-7 cells, respectively. Likewise, in 3D tumor spheroids, gliotoxin exhibited a notable decrease in viability indicating its effectiveness against solid tumors. Furthermore, gene expression studies using Real-time PCR revealed a reduction of expression of cancer-inducing genes, MAPK1, HIF1A, TDP1, and TRIM24 upon gliotoxin treatment. These findings collectively underscore the promising anticancer potential of gliotoxin through multi-targeting cancer-promoting genes, positioning it as a promising therapeutic option for breast cancer.

The impact of Trifolium pratense extract on apoptosis and autophagy in NALM-6 cells: implications for B-ALL intervention

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), a prevalent malignancy predominantly affecting children, poses challenges such as drug resistance and cytotoxicity despite available treatment methods. The persistence of these challenges underscores the necessity for innovative therapeutic approaches to enhance efficacy. Natural compounds derived from plants, recognized for their potential to inhibit cancer cell growth, have drawn attention. Trifolium pratense extract, known for its significant anticancer properties in previous studies, was the focus of this investigation. This experimental study aimed to explore the impact of T. pratense extract on apoptosis and autophagy in NALM-6 cells. The cells were exposed to varying concentrations of the extract at specific time intervals, with viability and metabolic activity assessed using Trypan blue exclusion and MTT assays. Flow cytometry was employed to evaluate apoptosis using Annexin V/PI staining and ROS production using DCFH-DA staining. Real-time PCR was used to quantify gene expression related to apoptosis, autophagy, and oxidative stress, with data analysis performed using GraphPad PRISM software. Trifolium pratense extract demonstrated the capacity to induce apoptosis, autophagy, and significantly increase ROS production in NALM-6 cells. These effects were facilitated by the upregulation of corresponding genes. The MTT assay revealed an IC50 of 231 μg/mL at 48 h, and Flow cytometry analysis showed a 51.8% increase in apoptosis in this cell line. Overall, this study emphasizes the effectiveness of T. pratense extract in inducing autophagy and apoptosis pathways in NALM-6 cells derived from B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, suggesting its potential as a candidate for further investigation as a supplement in ALL treatment.

SIRT1-mediated deacetylation of FOXO3 enhances mitophagy and drives hormone resistance in endometrial cancer

BACKGROUND

The complex interplay between Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and FOXO3 in endometrial cancer (EC) remains understudied. This research aims to unravel the interactions of deacetylase SIRT1 and transcription factor FOXO3 in EC, focusing on their impact on mitophagy and hormone resistance.

METHODS

High-throughput sequencing, cell experiments, and bioinformatics tools were employed to investigate the roles and interactions of SIRT1 and FOXO3 in EC. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay was used to assess the interaction between SIRT1 and FOXO3 in RL95-2 cells. Functional assays were used to assess cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and the expression of related genes and proteins. A mouse model of EC was established to evaluate tumor growth and hormone resistance under different interventions. Immunohistochemistry and TUNEL assays were used to assess protein expression and apoptosis in tumor tissues.

RESULTS

High-throughput transcriptome sequencing revealed a close association between SIRT1, FOXO3, and EC development. Co-IP showed a protein-protein interaction between SIRT1 and FOXO3. Overexpression of SIRT1 enhanced FOXO3 deacetylation and activity, promoting BNIP3 transcription and PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy, which in turn promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and inhibited apoptosis in vitro, as well as increased tumor growth and hormone resistance in vivo. These findings highlighted SIRT1 as an upstream regulator and potential therapeutic target in EC.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals a novel molecular mechanism underlying the functional relevance of SIRT1 in regulating mitophagy and hormone resistance through the deacetylation of FOXO3 in EC, thereby providing valuable insights for new therapeutic strategies.

Morchella conica, Morchella esculenta and Morchella delicosa Induce Apoptosis in Breast and Colon Cancer Cell Lines via Pro-apoptotic and Anti-apoptotic Regulation

OBJECTIVE

To explore the potential apoptotic mechanisms of 3 Morchella extracts (Morchella conica, Morchella esculenta and Morchella delicosa) on breast and colon cancer cell lines using apoptotic biomarkers.

METHODS

Human breast cell line (MCF-7) and colon cancer cell line (SW-480) were treated with methanol and ethanol extracts of 3 Morchella species with concentration ranging from 0.0625 to 2 mg/mL. After that their effects on gene expression of apoptosis related markers (pro-apoptotic markers including Bax, caspase-3, caspase-7, and caspase-9, and the antiapoptotic marker including Bcl-2) were determined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

All Morchella extracts reduced breast and colon cancer cells proliferation at half inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.02 ±0.01 to 0.68 ±0.30 mg/mL. As expected, all Morchella extracts significantly increased gene expressions of Bax, caspase-3, caspase-7, and caspase-9 and downregulated the gene expression of Bcl-2 in MCF-7 and SW-480 cell lines (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Morchella extracts demonstrated significant anti-proliferative activity against breast and colon cancer cell lines via an apoptosis induction mechanism. Anticancer activity of Morchella extracts and activation of apoptosis in breast and colon cancer cells suggest that it may be used to develop chemotherapeutic agents against cancer in future.

Hsp70 Negatively Regulates Autophagy via Governing AMPK Activation, and Dual Hsp70-Autophagy Inhibition Induces Synergetic Cell Death in NSCLC Cells

Proteostasis mechanisms, such as proteotoxic-stress response and autophagy, are increasingly recognized for their roles in influencing various cancer hallmarks such as tumorigenesis, drug resistance, and recurrence. However, the precise mechanisms underlying their coordination remain not fully elucidated. The aim of this study is to investigate the molecular interplay between Hsp70 and autophagy in lung adenocarcinoma cells and elucidate its impact on the outcomes of anticancer therapies in vitro. For this purpose, we utilized the human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell line and genetically modified it by knockdown of Hsp70 or HSF1, and the H1299 cell line with knockdown or overexpression of Hsp70. In addition, several treatments were employed, including treatment with Hsp70 inhibitors (VER-155008 and JG-98), HSF1 activator ML-346, or autophagy modulators (SAR405 and Rapamycin). Using immunoblotting, we found that Hsp70 negatively regulates autophagy by directly influencing AMPK activation, uncovering a novel regulatory mechanism of autophagy by Hsp70. Genetic or chemical Hsp70 overexpression was associated with the suppression of AMPK and autophagy. Conversely, the inhibition of Hsp70, genetically or chemically, resulted in the upregulation of AMPK-mediated autophagy. We further investigated whether Hsp70 suppression-mediated autophagy exhibits pro-survival- or pro-death-inducing effects via MTT test, colony formation, CellTiter-Glo 3D-Spheroid viability assay, and Annexin/PI apoptosis assay. Our results show that combined inhibition of Hsp70 and autophagy, along with cisplatin treatment, synergistically reduces tumor cell metabolic activity, growth, and viability in 2D and 3D tumor cell models. These cytotoxic effects were exerted by substantially potentiating apoptosis, while activating autophagy via rapamycin slightly rescued tumor cells from apoptosis. Therefore, our findings demonstrate that the combined inhibition of Hsp70 and autophagy represents a novel and promising therapeutic approach that may disrupt the capacity of refractory tumor cells to withstand conventional therapies in NSCLC.

SFRP4 promotes autophagy and blunts FSH responsiveness through inhibition of AKT signaling in ovarian granulosa cells

BACKGROUND

Secreted frizzled-related proteins (SFRPs) comprise a family of WNT signaling antagonists whose roles in the ovary are poorly understood. Sfrp4-null mice were previously found to be hyperfertile due to an enhanced granulosa cell response to gonadotropins, leading to decreased antral follicle atresia and enhanced ovulation rates. The present study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms whereby SFRP4 antagonizes FSH action.

METHODS

Primary cultures of granulosa cells from wild-type mice were treated with FSH and/or SFRP4, and effects of treatment on gene expression were evaluated by RT-qPCR and RNAseq. Bioinformatic analyses were conducted to analyse the effects of SFRP4 on the transcriptome, and compare them to those of FSH or a constitutively active mutant of FOXO1. Additional granulosa cell cultures from wild-type or Sfrp4-null mice, some pretreated with pharmacologic inhibitors of specific signaling effectors, were used to examine the effects of FSH and/or SFRP4 on signaling pathways, autophagy and apoptosis by western blotting and TUNEL.

RESULTS

Treatment of cultured granulosa cells with recombinant SFRP4 was found to decrease basal and FSH-stimulated mRNA levels of FSH target genes. Unexpectedly, this effect was found to occur neither via a canonical (CTNNB1-dependent) nor non-canonical WNT signaling mechanism, but was found to be GSK3β-dependent. Rather, SFRP4 was found to antognize AKT activity via a mechanism involving AMPK. This lead to the hypophosphorylation of FOXO1 and a decrease in the expression of a portion of the FSH and FOXO1 transcriptomes. Conversely, FSH-stimulated AMPK, AKT and FOXO1 phosphorylation levels were found to be increased in the granulosa cells of Sfrp4-null mice relative to wild-type controls. SFRP4 treatement of granulosa cells also induced autophagy by signaling via AKT-mTORC1-ULK1, as well as apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identifies a novel GSK3β-AMPK-AKT signaling mechanism through which SFPR4 antagonizes FSH action, and further identifies SFRP4 as a novel regulator of granulosa cell autophagy. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for the phenotypic changes previously observed in Sfrp4-null mice, and broaden our understanding of the physiological roles of WNT signaling processes in the ovary.

Gallic acid suppresses the progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma through inducing autophagy via the PI3K/Akt/Atg16L1 signaling pathway

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common type of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), is not sensitive to traditional radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The polyphenolic compound Gallic acid (GA) can be naturally found in a variety of fruits, vegetables and plants. Autophagy, an intracellular catabolic process, regulates the lysosomal degradation of organelles and portions in cytoplasm. It was reported that autophagy and GA could affect the development of several cancers. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of GA on ccRCC development and clarify the role of autophagy in this process. In the present study, the effects of GA on the proliferation, migration and invasion of ccRCC cells were investigated in vitro by Cell Counting Kit‑8, colony formation, flow cytometry, wound healing and Transwell migration assays, respectively. Additionally, the effects of GA on ccRCC growth and metastasis were evaluated using hematoxylin‑eosin and immunohistochemical staining in vivo. Moreover, it was sought to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms using transmission electron microscopy, western blotting and reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR analyses. In the present study, it was revealed that GA had a more potent viability inhibitory effect on ccRCC cells (786‑O and ACHN) than the effect on normal renal tubular epithelial cell (HK‑2), which demonstrated that GA selectively inhibits the viability of cancer cells. Furthermore, it was identified that GA dose‑dependently inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of ccRCC cells in vitro and in vivo. It was demonstrated that GA promoted the release of autophagy markers, which played a role in regulating the PI3K/Akt/Atg16L1 signaling pathway. All the aforementioned data provided evidence for the great potential of GA in the treatment of ccRCC.

18‑α‑glycyrrhetinic acid induces apoptosis in gingival fibroblasts exposed to phenytoin

Phenytoin (PHT)-induced gingival overgrowth is caused by the increased proliferation and reduced apoptosis of gingival fibroblasts in inflammatory gingiva. Licorice has long been used as a component of therapeutic preparations. It inhibits cell proliferation, induces cell apoptosis and has anti-inflammatory effects. 18-α-glycyrrhetinic acid (18α-GA), the active compound in licorice, promotes apoptosis in various types of cells. The present study determined whether 18α-GA affects apoptosis in gingival fibroblasts exposed to PHT. The present study aimed to establish a basis for the therapeutic application of 18α-GA to treat the gingival overgrowth induced by PHT. Human gingival fibroblasts from healthy donors were cultured to semi-confluence and then stimulated in serum-free DMEM containing PHT with or without 18α-GA for subsequent experiments. Apoptotic cells were detected by ELISA. Analysis of the distribution of cell cycle phases and the apoptotic cell population was performed by flow cytometry. The expression levels of mRNAs and proteins of apoptotic regulators were measured using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting, respectively. Caspase (CASP) activities were assessed by an ELISA. Treatment with 18α-GA markedly increased the number of apoptotic cells, reduced BCL2 mRNA expression, increased CASP2 and receptor (TNFRSF)-interacting serine-threonine kinase 1 (RIPK1) domain containing adaptor with death domain, Fas (TNFRSF6)-associated via death domain, RIPK1, tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily; member 1A, TNF receptor-associated factor 2, CASP2, CASP3 and CASP9 mRNA expression, and also upregulated the protein expression levels and activities of caspase-2, caspase-3 and caspase-9. These results demonstrated that 18α-GA induced apoptosis through the activation of the Fas and TNF pathways in the death receptor signaling pathway in gingival fibroblasts treated with PHT. 18α-GA exhibited therapeutic potential for the treatment of PHT-induced gingival overgrowth.

Breviscapine ameliorates autophagy by activating the JAK2/STAT5/BCL2 pathway in a transient cerebral ischemia rat model

Breviscapine (Bre), an extract from Erigeron breviscapus, has been widely used to treat cerebral ischemia but the mechanisms of its neuroprotective effects need to be clarified. The present study investigated whether Bre could alleviate excessive autophagy induced by cerebral ischemia in the rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) ischemia model via activating the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5)/B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) pathway. Rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, i.e. Sham group, MCAO+saline group, MCAO+Bre group, MCAO+DMSO (Dimethyl sulfoxide) group, and MCAO+Bre+AG490 (Tyrphostin AG490, the inhibitor of STAT5) group. The model was established and neuroprotection was evaluated by determining infarct volumes and conducting neurological behavioral tests. Autophagy levels in the infarct penumbra were detected using transmission electron microscopy and Western blotting. The expression of proteins in the JAK2/STAT5/BCL2 pathway was tested by Western blotting. Compared to the MCAO+saline group, the infarct volumes in the MCAO+Bre group were significantly reduced and neurological behavior improved. Breviscapine administration also significantly increased p-JAK2, p-STAT5, and BCL2 expression but decreased autolysosome numbers; it also downregulated Beclin-1 expression and the LC3II/LCI ratio. The JAK2 inhibitor AG490 reversed these effects. These findings indicate that breviscapine can improve neural recovery following ischemia through alleviating excessive autophagy and activation of the JAK2/STAT5/BCL2 axis.

The role of LncRNA-mediated autophagy in cancer progression

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a sort of transcripts that are more than 200 nucleotides in length. In recent years, many studies have revealed the modulatory role of lncRNAs in cancer. Typically, lncRNAs are linked to a variety of essential events, such as apoptosis, cellular proliferation, and the invasion of malignant cells. Simultaneously, autophagy, an essential intracellular degradation mechanism in eukaryotic cells, is activated to respond to multiple stressful circumstances, for example, nutrient scarcity, accumulation of abnormal proteins, and organelle damage. Autophagy plays both suppressive and promoting roles in cancer. Increasingly, studies have unveiled how dysregulated lncRNAs expression can disrupt autophagic balance, thereby contributing to cancer progression. Consequently, exploring the interplay between lncRNAs and autophagy holds promising implications for clinical research. In this manuscript, we methodically compiled the advances in the molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs and autophagy and briefly summarized the implications of the lncRNA-mediated autophagy axis.

Studies on the mechanism of local and extra-intestinal tissue manifestations in AOM-DSS-induced carcinogenesis in BALB/c mice: role of PARP-1, NLRP3, and autophagy

Colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CACC) is one of the devastating complications of long-term inflammatory bowel disease and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Combination of azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) has been extensively used for inflammation-mediated colon tumor development due to its reproducibility, potency, histological and molecular changes, and resemblance to human CACC. In the tumor microenvironment and extra-intestinal tissues, PARP-1, NLRP3 inflammasome, and autophagy's biological functions are complicated and encompass intricate interactions between these molecular components. The focus of the present investigation is to determine the colonic and extra-intestinal tissue damage induced by AOM-DSS and related molecular mechanisms. Azoxymethane (10 mg/kg, i.p.; single injection) followed by DSS (3 cycles, 7 days per cycle) over a period of 10 weeks induced colitis-associated colon cancer in male BALB/c mice. By initiating carcinogenesis with a single injection of azoxymethane (AOM) and then establishing inflammation with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), a two-stage murine model for CACC was developed. Biochemical parameters, ELISA, histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis, and western blotting have been performed to evaluate the colonic, hepatic, testicular and pancreatic damage. In addition, the AOM/DSS-induced damage has been assessed by analyzing the expression of a variety of molecular targets, including proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), interleukin-10 (IL-10), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), cysteine-associated protein kinase-1 (caspase-1), NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), beclin-1, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Present findings revealed that AOM/DSS developed tumors in colon tissue followed by extra-intestinal hepatic, testicular, and pancreatic damages.

Role of LncRNA H19 in tumor progression and treatment

As one of the earliest discovered lncRNA molecules, lncRNA H19 is usually expressed in large quantities during embryonic development and is involved in cell differentiation and tissue formation. In recent years, the role of lncRNA H19 in tumors has been gradually recognized. Increasing evidence suggests that its aberrant expression is closely related to cancer development. LncRNA H19 as an oncogene not only promotes the growth, proliferation, invasion and metastasis of many tumors, but also develops resistance to treatment, affecting patients' prognosis and survival. Therefore, in this review, we summarise the extensive research on the involvement of lncRNA H19 in tumor progression and discuss how lncRNA H19, as a key target gene, affects tumor sensitivity to radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy by participating in multiple cellular processes and regulating multiple signaling pathways, which provides a promising prospect for further research into the treatment of cancer.

Research Progress of Caspase in Endometriosis

Endometriosis, a common chronic gynecological disease, refers to the presence and proliferation of endometrial tissue in locations other than the uterine cavity. Approximately 6 to 10% of the population of women of childbearing age are known to have endometriosis; the most common clinical signs are pelvic pain and infertility. Although endometriosis is a benign disease, it exhibits some typical features of malignant tumors, such as proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and recurrence. Endometriosis is considered a chronic, inflammatory, and estrogen-dependent disease, and multiple factors contribute to its occurrence and development. In recent years, increasing attention has been given to the role of apoptosis in the pathogenesis of this disease. Some researchers believe that spontaneous apoptosis of the endometrium is critical in maintaining its normal structure and function, and abnormal apoptosis can promote the occurrence and development of endometriosis. Inflammation is another likely process in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Inflammation mediates the adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and invasion of ectopic lesions of endometriosis, primarily by regulating the function of immune cells and increasing the level of proinflammatory cytokines in body fluids. The ultimate initiators of apoptosis and inflammatory cell death (pyroptosis) are the caspase family proteases. In this article, we review the progress in recent years in caspase function as well as the possible role of these enzymes in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, indicating potential treatment strategies.

Anticancer efficacy triggered by synergistically modulating the homeostasis of anions and iron: Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of dual-functional squaramide-hydroxamic acid conjugates

Targeting the homeostasis of anions and iron has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of cancers. However, single-targeted agents often fall short of achieving optimal treatment efficacy. Herein we designed and synthesized a series of novel dual-functional squaramide-hydroxamic acid conjugates that are capable of synergistically modulating the homeostasis of anions and iron. Among them, compound 16 exhibited the most potent antiproliferative activity against a panel of selected cancer cell lines, and strong in vivo anti-tumor efficacy. This compound effectively elevated lysosomal pH through anion transport, and reduced the levels of intracellular iron. Compound 16 could disturb autophagy in A549 cells and trigger robust apoptosis. This compound caused cell cycle arrest at the G1/S phase, altered the mitochondrial function and elevated ROS levels. The present findings clearly demonstrated that synergistic modulation of anion and iron homeostasis has high potentials in the development of promising chemotherapeutic agents with dual action against cancers.

Autophagy in cancer immunotherapy: Perspective on immune evasion and cell death interactions

Both the innate and adaptive immune systems work together to produce immunity. Cancer immunotherapy is a novel approach to tumor suppression that has arisen in response to the ineffectiveness of traditional treatments like radiation and chemotherapy. On the other hand, immune evasion can diminish immunotherapy's efficacy. There has been a lot of focus in recent years on autophagy and other underlying mechanisms that impact the possibility of cancer immunotherapy. The primary feature of autophagy is the synthesis of autophagosomes, which engulf cytoplasmic components and destroy them by lysosomal degradation. The planned cell death mechanism known as autophagy can have opposite effects on carcinogenesis, either increasing or decreasing it. It is autophagy's job to maintain the balance and proper functioning of immune cells like B cells, T cells, and others. In addition, autophagy controls whether macrophages adopt the immunomodulatory M1 or M2 phenotype. The ability of autophagy to control the innate and adaptive immune systems is noteworthy. Interleukins and chemokines are immunological checkpoint chemicals that autophagy regulates. Reducing antigen presentation to induce immunological tolerance is another mechanism by which autophagy promotes cancer survival. Therefore, targeting autophagy is of importance for enhancing potential of cancer immunotherapy.

Apoptosis, a Metabolic "Head-to-Head" between Tumor and T Cells: Implications for Immunotherapy

Induction of apoptosis represents a promising therapeutic approach to drive tumor cells to death. However, this poses challenges due to the intricate nature of cancer biology and the mechanisms employed by cancer cells to survive and escape immune surveillance. Furthermore, molecules released from apoptotic cells and phagocytes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) can facilitate cancer progression and immune evasion. Apoptosis is also a pivotal mechanism in modulating the strength and duration of anti-tumor T-cell responses. Combined strategies including molecular targeting of apoptosis, promoting immunogenic cell death, modulating immunosuppressive cells, and affecting energy pathways can potentially overcome resistance and enhance therapeutic outcomes. Thus, an effective approach for targeting apoptosis within the TME should delicately balance the selective induction of apoptosis in tumor cells, while safeguarding survival, metabolic changes, and functionality of T cells targeting crucial molecular pathways involved in T-cell apoptosis regulation. Enhancing the persistence and effectiveness of T cells may bolster a more resilient and enduring anti-tumor immune response, ultimately advancing therapeutic outcomes in cancer treatment. This review delves into the pivotal topics of this multifaceted issue and suggests drugs and druggable targets for possible combined therapies.

Epigenetic regulation of hepatocellular carcinoma progression: MicroRNAs as therapeutic, diagnostic and prognostic factors

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a significant challenge for public healthcare systems in developed Western countries including the USA, Canada, and the UK, is influenced by different risk factors including hepatitis virus infections, alcoholism, and smoking. The disruption in the balance of microRNAs (miRNAs) plays a vital function in tumorigenesis, given their function as regulators in numerous signaling networks. These miRNAs, which are mature and active in the cytoplasm, work by reducing the expression of target genes through their impact on mRNAs. MiRNAs are particularly significant in HCC as they regulate key aspects of the tumor, like proliferation and invasion. Additionally, during treatment phases such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the levels of miRNAs are key determinants. Pre-clinical experiments have demonstrated that altered miRNA expression contributes to HCC development, metastasis, drug resistance, and radio-resistance, highlighting related molecular pathways and processes like MMPs, EMT, apoptosis, and autophagy. Furthermore, the regulatory role of miRNAs in HCC extends beyond their immediate function, as they are also influenced by other epigenetic factors like lncRNAs and circular RNAs (circRNAs), as discussed in recent reviews. Applying these discoveries in predicting the prognosis of HCC could mark a significant advancement in the therapy of this disease.

The interplay between autophagy and ferroptosis presents a novel conceptual therapeutic framework for neuroendocrine prostate cancer

In American men, the incidence of prostate cancer (PC) is the highest among all types of cancer, making it the second leading cause of mortality associated with cancer. For advanced or metastatic PC, antiandrogen therapies are standard treatment options. The administration of these treatments unfortunately carries the potential risk of inducing neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). Neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) serves as a crucial indicator of prostate cancer development, encompassing various factors such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR), Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), miRNA. The processes of autophagy and ferroptosis (an iron-dependent form of programmed cell death) play pivotal roles in the regulation of various types of cancers. Clinical trials and preclinical investigations have been conducted on many signaling pathways during the development of NEPC, with the deepening of research, autophagy and ferroptosis appear to be the potential target for regulating NEPC. Due to the dual nature of autophagy and ferroptosis in cancer, gaining a deeper understanding of the developmental programs associated with achieving autophagy and ferroptosis may enhance risk stratification and treatment efficacy for patients with NEPC.

Molecular mechanisms in regulation of autophagy and apoptosis in view of epigenetic regulation of genes and involvement of liquid-liquid phase separation

Cellular physiology is critically regulated by multiple signaling nexuses, among which cell death mechanisms play crucial roles in controlling the homeostatic landscape at the tissue level within an organism. Apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death, can be induced by external and internal stimuli directing the cells to commit suicide in unfavourable conditions. In contrast, stress conditions like nutrient deprivation, infection and hypoxia trigger autophagy, which is lysosome-mediated processing of damaged cellular organelle for recycling of the degraded products, including amino acids. Apparently, apoptosis and autophagy both are catabolic and tumor-suppressive pathways; apoptosis is essential during development and cancer cell death, while autophagy promotes cell survival under stress. Moreover, autophagy plays dual role during cancer development and progression by facilitating the survival of cancer cells under stressed conditions and inducing death in extreme adversity. Despite having two different molecular mechanisms, both apoptosis and autophagy are interconnected by several crosslinking intermediates. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, post-translational modification of histone tails, and miRNA play a pivotal role in regulating genes involved in both autophagy and apoptosis. Both autophagic and apoptotic genes can undergo various epigenetic modifications and promote or inhibit these processes under normal and cancerous conditions. Epigenetic modifiers are uniquely important in controlling the signaling pathways regulating autophagy and apoptosis. Therefore, these epigenetic modifiers of both autophagic and apoptotic genes can act as novel therapeutic targets against cancers. Additionally, liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) also modulates the aggregation of misfolded proteins and provokes autophagy in the cytosolic environment. This review deals with the molecular mechanisms of both autophagy and apoptosis including crosstalk between them; emphasizing epigenetic regulation, involvement of LLPS therein, and possible therapeutic approaches against cancers.

Triptolide induces apoptosis and cytoprotective autophagy by ROS accumulation via directly targeting peroxiredoxin 2 in gastric cancer cells

Triptolide, a natural bioactive compound derived from herbal medicine Tripterygium wilfordii, has multiple biological activities including anti-cancer effect, which is being tested in clinical trials for treating cancers. However, the exact mechanism by which Triptolide exerts its cytotoxic effects, particularly its specific protein targets, remains unclear. Here, we show that Triptolide effectively induces cytotoxicity in gastric cancer cells by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Further investigations reveal that ROS accumulation contributes to the induction of Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress, and subsequently autophagy induction in response to Triptolide. Meanwhile, this autophagy is cytoprotective. Interestingly, through activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) approach, we identify peroxiredoxins-2 (PRDX2), a component of the key enzyme systems that act in the defense against oxidative stress and protect cells against hydroperoxides, as direct binding target of Triptolide. By covalently binding to PRDX2 to inhibit its antioxidant activity, Triptolide increases ROS levels. Moreover, overexpression of PRDX2 inhibits and knockdown of the expression of PRDX2 increases Triptolide-induced apoptosis. Collectively, these results indicate PRDX2 as a direct target of Triptolides for inducing apoptosis. Our results not only provide novel insight into the underlying mechanisms of Triptolide-induced cytotoxic effects, but also indicate PRDX2 as a promising potential therapeutic target for developing anti-gastric cancer agents.

Mechanisms underlying reversed TRAIL sensitivity in acquired bortezomib-resistant non-small cell lung cancer cells

Aim: The therapeutic targeting of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) death receptors in cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is a widely studied approach for tumor selective apoptotic cell death therapy. However, apoptosis resistance is often encountered. The main aim of this study was to investigate the apoptotic mechanism underlying TRAIL sensitivity in three bortezomib (BTZ)-resistant NSCLC variants, combining induction of both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Methods: Sensitivity to TRAIL in BTZ-resistant variants was determined using a tetrazolium (MTT) and a clonogenic assay. A RT-qPCR profiling mRNA array was used to determine apoptosis pathway-specific gene expression. The expression of these proteins was determined through ELISA assays and western Blotting, while apoptosis (sub-G1) and cytokine expression were determined using flow cytometry. Apoptotic genes were silenced by specific siRNAs. Lipid rafts were isolated with fractional ultracentrifugation. Results: A549BTZR (BTZ-resistant) cells were sensitive to TRAIL in contrast to parental A549 cells, which are resistant to TRAIL. TRAIL-sensitive H460 cells remained equally sensitive for TRAIL as H460BTZR. In A549BTZR cells, we identified an increased mRNA expression of TNFRSF11B [osteoprotegerin (OPG)] and caspase-1, -4 and -5 mRNAs involved in cytokine activation and immunogenic cell death. Although the OPG, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) protein levels were markedly enhanced (122-, 103-, and 11-fold, respectively) in the A549BTZR cells, this was not sufficient to trigger TRAIL-induced apoptosis in the parental A549 cells. Regarding the extrinsic apoptotic pathway, the A549BTZR cells showed TRAIL-R1-dependent TRAIL sensitivity. The shift of TRAIL-R1 from non-lipid into lipid rafts enhanced TRAIL-induced apoptosis. In the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, a strong increase in the mRNA and protein levels of the anti-apoptotic myeloid leukemia cell differentiation protein (Mcl-1) and B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) was found, whereas the B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xL) expression was reduced. However, the stable overexpression of Bcl-xL in the A549BTZR cells did not reverse the TRAIL sensitivity in the A549BTZR cells, but silencing of the BH3 Interacting Domain Death Agonist (BID) protein demonstrated the importance of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, regardless of Bcl-xL. Conclusion: In summary, increased sensitivity to TRAIL-R1 seems predominantly related to the relocalization into lipid rafts and increased extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways.

Natural products targeting autophagy and apoptosis in NSCLC: a novel therapeutic strategy

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being the predominant type. The roles of autophagy and apoptosis in NSCLC present a dual and intricate nature. Additionally, autophagy and apoptosis interconnect through diverse crosstalk molecules. Owing to their multitargeting nature, safety, and efficacy, natural products have emerged as principal sources for NSCLC therapeutic candidates. This review begins with an exploration of the mechanisms of autophagy and apoptosis, proceeds to examine the crosstalk molecules between these processes, and outlines their implications and interactions in NSCLC. Finally, the paper reviews natural products that have been intensively studied against NSCLC targeting autophagy and apoptosis, and summarizes in detail the four most retrieved representative drugs. This paper clarifies good therapeutic effects of natural products in NSCLC by targeting autophagy and apoptosis and aims to promote greater consideration by researchers of natural products as candidates for anti-NSCLC drug discovery.

Immune checkpoints between epithelial-mesenchymal transition and autophagy: A conflicting triangle

Inhibitory immune checkpoint (ICP) molecules are pivotal in inhibiting innate and acquired antitumor immune responses, a mechanism frequently exploited by cancer cells to evade host immunity. These evasion strategies contribute to the complexity of cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. For this reason, ICP molecules have become targets for antitumor drugs, particularly monoclonal antibodies, collectively referred to as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), that counteract such cancer-associated immune suppression and restore antitumor immune responses. Over the last decade, however, it has become clear that tumor cell-associated ICPs can also induce tumor cell-intrinsic effects, in particular epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and macroautophagy (hereafter autophagy). Both of these processes have profound implications for cancer metastasis and drug responsiveness. This article reviews the positive or negative cross-talk that tumor cell-associated ICPs undergo with autophagy and EMT. We discuss that tumor cell-associated ICPs are upregulated in response to the same stimuli that induce EMT. Moreover, ICPs themselves, when overexpressed, become an EMT-inducing stimulus. As regards the cross-talk with autophagy, ICPs have been shown to either stimulate or inhibit autophagy, while autophagy itself can either up- or downregulate the expression of ICPs. This dynamic equilibrium also extends to the autophagy-apoptosis axis, further emphasizing the complexities of cellular responses. Eventually, we delve into the intricate balance between autophagy and apoptosis, elucidating its role in the broader interplay of cellular dynamics influenced by ICPs. In the final part of this article, we speculate about the driving forces underlying the contradictory outcomes of the reciprocal, inhibitory, or stimulatory effects between ICPs, EMT, and autophagy. A conclusive identification of these driving forces may allow to achieve improved antitumor effects when using combinations of ICIs and compounds acting on EMT and/or autophagy. Prospectively, this may translate into increased and/or broadened therapeutic efficacy compared to what is currently achieved with ICI-based clinical protocols.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of CDC20 inhibitors for treatment of triple-negative breast cancer

The involvement of CDC20 in promoting tumor growth in different types of human cancers and it disturbs the process of cell division and impedes tumor proliferation. In this work, a novel of Apcin derivatives targeting CDC20 were designed and synthesized to evaluate for their biological activities. The inhibitory effect on the proliferation of four human tumor cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468 and A549) was observed. Among them, compound E1 exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells with an IC50 value of 1.43 μM, which was significantly superior to that of Apcin. Further biological studies demonstrated that compound E1 inhibited cancer cell migration and colony formation. Furthermore, compound E1 specifically targeted CDC20 and exhibited a higher binding affinity to CDC20 compared to that of Apcin, thereby inducing cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase of cancer cells. Moreover, it has been observed that compound E1 induces autophagy in cancer cells. In 4T1 Xenograft Models compound E1 exhibited the potential antitumor activity without obvious toxicity. These findings suggest that E1 could be regarded as a CDC20 inhibitor deserved further investigation.