Cancer cell plasticity: from cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms to tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance

"Cell dedifferentiation" versus "evolutionary reversal" theories of cancer: The direct contest of transcriptomic features

Cell dedifferentiation is considered an important hallmark of cancer. The atavistic reversal to a unicellular-like (UC) state is a less widely accepted concept, so far not included in the conventional hallmarks. The activated expression of ontogenetically earlier and evolutionary earlier genes in cancers supports both theories because ontogenesis partially recapitulates phylogenesis during cell differentiation (the cellular biogenetic law). We directly contested both types of gene signatures in stem vs. differentiated and cancer vs. normal cells, using meta-analysis of human single-cell transcriptomes (totally, 38 pairwise comparisons involving over 18,600 cells). Because compared cells can differ in proliferation rate, the correction for cell cycle activity was applied. Taken together as multiple variables in stem vs. differentiated cells analyses, the ontogenetic signature excluded the UC signature from predictive variables, usually even forcing it to change the sign of prediction (from plus to minus). In contrast, in cancer vs. normal cells, the UC signature excluded the ontogenetic signature. Thus, the direct contest decided in favor of the atavistic theory and placed a UC-like state as a central hallmark of cancer, which has a plausible evolutionarily formed mechanism (UC attractor) and can generate other hallmarks. These data suggest a paradigm shift in the understanding of oncogenesis and propose an integrative framework for cancer research. In a practical sense, the upregulation of UC signature over ontogenetic signature indicates potential tumorigenicity, which can be used in early diagnostics and regenerative medicine. For therapy, these results suggest the UC center of cellular networks as a universal target.

Growth factor receptor plasticity drives therapeutic persistence of metastatic breast cancer

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) remains a therapeutic challenge due to the persistence of minimal residual disease (MRD) and tumor recurrence. Herein we utilize a model of MBC that is sensitive to inhibition of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), resulting in robust regression of pulmonary lesions upon treatment with the FGFR inhibitor pemigatinib. Assessment of the remaining MRD revealed upregulation of platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR). Functionally, we demonstrate increased response to PDGF ligand stimulation following pemigatinib treatment. Depletion of PDGFR did not alter tumor growth under control conditions but did delay tumor recurrence following a treatment window of pemigatinib. To overcome this therapeutic hurdle, we found that inhibition of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) prevents pemigatinib-induced cellular plasticity. Combined targeting of FGFR and DNMT1 prevented induction of PDGFR, enhanced pulmonary tumor regression, slowed tumor recurrence, and prolonged survival. These findings enhance our understanding of cellular plasticity during states of treatment-induced MRD and suggest that inhibition of DNA methylation could augment current approaches being used to treat MBC.

SOXs: Master architects of development and versatile emulators of oncogenesis

Transcription factors regulate a variety of events and maintain cellular homeostasis. Several transcription factors involved in embryonic development, has been shown to be closely associated with carcinogenesis when deregulated. Sry-like high mobility group box (SOX) proteins are potential transcription factors which are evolutionarily conserved. They regulate downstream genes to determine cell fate, via various signaling pathways and cellular processes essential for tissue and organ development. Dysregulation of SOXs has been reported to promote or suppress tumorigenesis by modulating cellular reprogramming, growth, proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, apoptosis, immune modulation, lineage plasticity, maintenance of the stem cell pool, therapy resistance and cancer relapse. This review provides a crucial understanding of the molecular mechanism by which SOXs play multifaceted roles in embryonic development and carcinogenesis. It also highlights their potential in advancing therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting SOXs and their downstream effectors in various malignancies.

The significance of the activating transcription factor 6 gene in the pathogenesis of drug resistant cancer

Chemotherapy remains a cornerstone in cancer therapy, but its effectiveness is often hindered by the development of drug resistance, a significant factor contributing to over 90 % of cancer-related deaths worldwide. A critical aspect of this resistance involves chronic endoplasmic reticulum stress, which activates the unfolded protein response (UPR), mainly through the activation of Activating Transcription Factor 6 (ATF6). Elevated ATF6 expression has been found to correlate with poor survival outcomes and increased resistance to chemotherapy across several malignancies. This study specifically investigates the role of ATF6 in cancer pathogenesis, focusing on its involvement in resistance mechanisms and the progression of the disease. Given the complex interactions between the UPR and other cellular pathways, including the DNA damage response (DDR), our findings emphasize the potential of targeting ATF6 and UPR and DDR pathways as a novel therapeutic strategy. This approach could potentially overcome chemoresistance and improve outcomes in cancer treatment.

Innovative Therapeutic Approach Targeting Colon Cancer Stem Cells: Transitional Cold Atmospheric Plasma

Transitional cold atmospheric plasma (TCAP) represents a novel technique for generating plasma remotely from a primary source. It consists of a partially nonthermal ionized gas mixture containing charged and neutral particles, photons, and free radicals. In recent years, TCAP has attracted considerable attention in biomedical applications. In order to evaluate colon cancer stem cells' (CCSCs) proliferation, apoptotic induction, inflammatory response, and survival, TCAP was utilized both directly and indirectly in this study. Using argon and helium gases, TCAP was continuously delivered in two stages during the experiment. For direct state, TCAP was irradiated onto CCSCs for 3 and 5 min. In the indirect technique, Matrigel was treated with TCAP for 5 min before the introduction of cells. In vitro assays demonstrated that TCAP exposure significantly reduced the viability of CCSCs; helium gas and direct application had greater impacts than argon. Numerous investigations confirmed the induction of apoptosis, showing that the treated groups had more apoptotic cells and altered cellular structures than controls (****p < 0.0001). A substantial increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was found by analyzing the expression of the Bax and Bcl-2 genes, indicating increased susceptibility to apoptosis (*p = 0.0177 and ***p = 0.0004). The higher efficacy of the direct helium mode was further highlighted by inflammatory marker analysis, which showed a significant reduction in interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 expression in cells directly treated with TCAP-helium compared to TCAP-argon (**p = 0.0015 and ***p = 0.0007). Lastly, the proliferation test, which relies on K i-67 expression, demonstrated a noteworthy decline in all TCAP-treated groups, with the direct helium group exhibiting the most robust impact (**p = 0.0014). Overall, the findings highlight the potential of TCAP, particularly with helium, as a promising approach for selectively targeting CCSCs and providing insights into its therapeutic mechanisms for cancer treatment. TCAP, therefore, emerges as a unique therapeutic strategy with potential applications in cancer stem cell-targeted therapies.

A novel clinically relevant antagonistic interplay between prolactin and oncogenic YAP-CCN2 pathways as a differentiation therapeutic target in breast cancer

Cellular differentiation limits cellular plasticity allowing cells to attain their specialized functional characteristics and phenotypes, whereas loss of differentiation is a hallmark of cancer. Thus, characterizing mechanisms underlying differentiation is key to discover new cancer therapeutics. We report a novel functional antagonistic relationship between the prolactin (PRL)/prolactin receptor (PRLR) differentiation pathway and YAP-CCN2 oncogenic pathway in normal mammary epithelial cells and breast cancer cells that is essential for establishing/maintaining acinar morphogenesis, cell-cell junctions and the intracellular localization of apical-basal polarity protein complexes (Par, Crumb and Scrib). Importantly, using CRISPR knockout of the PRLR in MCF7, HR+ breast cancer cells, further revealed that the negative relationship between PRL/PRLR pathway and YAP-CCN2 pathway is critical in suppressing luminal-to-basal stem-like lineage plasticity. Furthermore, the clinical relevance of this interplay was evaluated using bioinformatics approaches on several human datasets, including samples from normal breast epithelium, breast cancer, and 33 other cancer types. This analysis revealed a positive correlation between PRLR and the YAP suppressor Hippo pathway and a co-expression gene network driving favourable patients' survival outcomes in breast cancer. The therapeutic potential of this interplay was also evaluated in vitro using MDA-MB-231 cells, a preclinical model of human triple-negative breast cancer, where treatment with PRL and Verteporfin, an FDA-approved pharmacological YAP-inhibitor, alone or their combination suppressed the expression of the mesenchymal marker vimentin and the stem cell marker CD44 as well as reduced their Ki67 proliferative marker expression. Collectively, our results emphasize the pro-differentiation role of PRL/PRLR pathway in mammary and breast cancer cells and highlight that promoting PRL/PRLR signaling while inhibiting the YAP-CCN2 oncogenic pathway can be exploited as a differentiation-based combination therapeutic strategy in breast cancer.

A near infrared light activated phenothiazine based cancer cell specific phototherapeutic system: a synergistic approach to chemo-photothermal therapy

In the pursuit of more effective cancer therapies, phototherapy has emerged as a promising approach due to its non-invasive nature and high precision. This study presents the development of a near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive phenothiazine (PTZ) based phototherapeutic system designed for targeted cancer treatment. This phototherapeutic system integrates four crucial elements for enhanced therapeutic efficacy: cancer cell-specific activity, mitochondrial targeting, photothermal conversion, and controlled drug release. The PTZ system utilizes the acidochromic 1,3-oxazine ring, which opens in the acidic tumor microenvironment, forming a positive iminium ion (CN+). This ionic species targets cancer cell mitochondria, ensuring precise localization. Under NIR light irradiation (640 nm), the phototherapeutic system undergoes a red shift in the absorption and reduction in the fluorescence intensity, demonstrating a significant photothermal effect that converts light to heat, thereby inducing tumor cell apoptosis. Furthermore, NIR light triggers the controlled release of the anticancer drug chlorambucil, enabling precise spatiotemporal drug delivery. The closed form of the phototherapeutic system also facilitates drug release upon visible light irradiation (≥410 nm) with high photochemical efficiency. This dual-mode photothermal and photocontrolled drug delivery offers a synergistic approach to cancer therapy, maximizing therapeutic outcomes while minimizing side effects. Our findings underscore the potential of this innovative phototherapeutic system to advance cancer treatment through targeted, controlled, and effective drug delivery.

Unveiling the future of cancer stem cell therapy: a narrative exploration of emerging innovations

Cancer stem cells (CSCs), are a critical subpopulation within tumours, and are defined by their capacity for self-renewal, differentiation, and tumour initiation. These unique traits contribute to tumour progression, metastasis, and resistance to conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy, often resulting in cancer recurrence and poor patient outcomes. As such, CSCs have become focal points in developing advanced cancer therapies. This review highlights progress in CSC-targeted treatments, including chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, immunotherapy, molecular targeting, and nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems. Plant-derived compounds and gene-editing technologies, such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), are explored for their potential to enhance precision and minimize side effects. Metabolic pathways integral to CSC survival, such as mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy (regulated by dynamin-related protein 1 [DRP1] and the PINK1/Parkin pathway), one-carbon metabolism, amino acid metabolism (involving enzymes like glutaminase (GLS) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH]), lipid metabolism, and hypoxia-induced metabolic reprogramming mediated by hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF-1α and HIF-2α), are examined as therapeutic targets. The adaptability of CSCs through autophagy, metabolic flexibility, and epigenetic regulation by metabolites like α-ketoglutarate, succinate, and fumarate is discussed. Additionally, extracellular vesicles and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) metabolism are identified as pivotal in redox balance, DNA repair, and epigenetic modifications. Addressing challenges such as tumour heterogeneity, immune evasion, and treatment durability requires interdisciplinary collaboration. Advancing CSC-targeted therapies is essential for overcoming drug resistance and preventing cancer relapse, paving the way for transformative cancer treatments. This review underscores the importance of leveraging innovative technologies and fostering collaboration to revolutionize cancer treatment.

Advanced Therapeutic Approaches for Metastatic Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death among women, which is one of the most common gynecological cancers worldwide. Although several cytoreductive surgeries and chemotherapies have been attempted to address ovarian cancer, the disease still shows poor prognosis and survival rates due to prevalent metastasis. Peritoneal metastasis is recognized as the primary route of metastatic progression in ovarian cancer. It causes severe symptoms in patients, but it is generally difficult to detect at an early stage. Current anti-cancer therapy is insufficient to completely treat metastatic ovarian cancer due to its high rates of recurrence and resistance. Therefore, developing strategies for treating metastatic ovarian cancer requires a deeper understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the identification of effective therapeutic targets through precision oncology. Given that various signaling pathways, including TGF-β, NF-κB, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways, influence cancer progression, their activity and significance can vary depending on the cancer type. In ovarian cancer, these pathways are particularly important, as they not only drive tumor progression but also impact the TME, which contributes to the metastatic potential. The TME plays a critical role in driving metastatic features in ovarian cancer through altered immunologic interactions. Recent therapeutic advances have focused on targeting these distinct features to improve treatment outcomes. Deciphering the complex interaction between signaling pathways and immune populations contributing to metastatic ovarian cancer provides an opportunity to enhance anti-cancer efficacy. Hereby, this review highlights the mechanisms of signaling pathways in metastatic ovarian cancer and immunological interactions to understand improved immunotherapy against ovarian cancer.

Development and Characterization of Three Novel FGFR Inhibitor Resistant Cervical Cancer Cell Lines to Help Drive Cervical Cancer Research

Primary or acquired resistance to therapeutic agents is a major obstacle in the treatment of cancer patients. Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide and, despite major advances in cancer screening and treatments, many patients with advanced stage cervical cancer have a high recurrence rate within two years of standard treatment, with drug resistance being a major contributing factor. The development of cancer cell lines with acquired resistance to therapeutic agents can facilitate the comprehensive investigation of resistance mechanisms, which cannot be easily performed in clinical trials. This study aimed to create three novel and robust cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa, CaSki, and SiHa) with acquired resistance to a fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (PD173074). All three drug-resistant (DR) cell lines overexpressed FGFR1, FGFR2, FGF2, FGF4, and FGF7 proteins that were also localized to the nucleus. In addition, the DR cells had a significantly more aggressive phenotype (more migratory and proliferative, less apoptotic) compared to the parental cell lines. These novel DR cervical cancer cells are a critical tool for understanding the molecular mechanisms underpinning drug resistance and for the identification of potential cervical cancer biomarkers. Moreover, the availability of such DR cell lines may facilitate the development of more effective therapeutic strategies using FGFR inhibitors in combination with other agents that target pathways responsible for acquired resistance to FGFR inhibitors.

Interferon-γ/Janus kinase 1/STAT1 Signaling Represses Forkhead Box A1 and Drives a Basal Transcriptional State in Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

During progression, luminal muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) can transition to the aggressive basal-squamous (Ba/Sq) subtype. Reduced expression of forkhead box A1 (FOXA1) in the urothelium is a hallmark and driver of the Ba/Sq transcriptional state and squamous differentiation. Ba/Sq tumors are highly inflamed; however, the specific inflammatory pathways contributing to the Ba/Sq state are unknown. In this study, transcriptomic analyses of The Cancer Genome Atlas MIBC cohort were performed to determine whether immune response gene signatures were associated with MIBC molecular states. Results showed that Ba/Sq MIBCs were enriched for the interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-dominant signature. Ba/Sq MIBCs exhibited increased IFN-γ/Janus kinase (JAK)/STAT pathway activity, corresponding to reduced FOXA1 regulon activity. Immunohistochemistry of MIBC specimens demonstrated that JAK1 expression was significantly increased in tumor areas with squamous differentiation. IFN-γ treatment of luminal MIBC cell lines significantly decreased the expression of luminal transcriptional drivers, including FOXA1, and increased the expression of Ba/Sq markers in a STAT1-dependent manner. RNA-sequencing analyses identified IFN-γ as a driver of the Ba/Sq state. The ability of IFN-γ to repress FOXA1 in luminal cells was abrogated by ruxolitinib inhibition of JAK1/2 activity. Additionally, pharmacologic inhibition or genetic ablation of JAK1 restored FOXA1 expression in Ba/Sq MIBC cells. These findings are the first to identify IFN-γ as an epithelial cell-extrinsic mechanism to repress FOXA1 and drive the Ba/Sq state in MIBC.

Application of an Integrated Single-Cell and Three-Dimensional Spheroid Culture Platform for Investigating Drug Resistance Heterogeneity and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in Lung Cancer Subclones

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, largely due to its heterogeneity and intrinsic drug resistance. Malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) provide diverse tumor cell populations ideal for studying these complexities. Although chemotherapy and targeted therapies can be initially effective, subpopulations of cancer cells with phenotypic plasticity often survive treatment, eventually developing resistance. Here, we integrated single-cell isolation and three-dimensional (3D) spheroid culture to dissect subclonal heterogeneity and drug responses, aiming to inform precision medicine approaches. Using A549 lung cancer cells, we established a cisplatin-resistant line and isolated three resistant subclones (Holoclone, Meroclone, Paraclone) via single-cell sorting. In 3D spheroids, Docetaxel and Alimta displayed higher IC50 values than in 2D cultures, suggesting that 3D models better reflect clinical dosing. Additionally, MPE-derived Holoclone and Paraclone subclones exhibited distinct sensitivities to Giotrif and Capmatinib, revealing their heterogeneous drug responses. Molecular analyses confirmed elevated ABCB1, ABCG2, cancer stem cell (CSC) markers (OCT4, SOX2, CD44, CD133), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers (E-cadherin downregulation, increased Vimentin, N-cadherin, Twist) in resistant subclones, correlating with enhanced migration and invasion. This integrated approach clarifies the interplay between heterogeneity, CSC/EMT phenotypes, and drug resistance, providing a valuable tool for predicting therapeutic responses and guiding personalized, combination-based lung cancer treatments.

Molecular principles underlying aggressive cancers

Aggressive tumors pose ultra-challenges to drug resistance. Anti-cancer treatments are often unsuccessful, and single-cell technologies to rein drug resistance mechanisms are still fruitless. The National Cancer Institute defines aggressive cancers at the tissue level, describing them as those that spread rapidly, despite severe treatment. At the molecular, foundational level, the quantitative biophysics discipline defines aggressive cancers as harboring a large number of (overexpressed, or mutated) crucial signaling proteins in major proliferation pathways populating their active conformations, primed for their signal transduction roles. This comprehensive review explores highly aggressive cancers on the foundational and cell signaling levels, focusing on the differences between highly aggressive cancers and the more treatable ones. It showcases aggressive tumors as harboring massive, cancer-promoting, catalysis-primed oncogenic proteins, especially through certain overexpression scenarios, as predisposed aggressive tumor candidates. Our examples narrate strong activation of ERK1/2, and other oncogenic proteins, through malfunctioning chromatin and crosslinked signaling, and how they activate multiple proliferation pathways. They show the increased cancer heterogeneity, plasticity, and drug resistance. Our review formulates the principles underlying cancer aggressiveness on the molecular level, discusses scenarios, and describes drug regimen (single drugs and drug combinations) for PDAC, NSCLC, CRC, HCC, breast and prostate cancers, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, and leukemia as examples. All show overexpression scenarios of master transcription factors, transcription factors with gene fusions, copy number alterations, dysregulation of the epigenetic codes and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions in aggressive tumors, as well as high mutation loads of vital upstream signaling regulators, such as EGFR, c-MET, and K-Ras, befitting these principles.

Comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of LAMA3: implications for prognosis and immunotherapy

OBJECTIVES

Laminin subunit alpha 3 (LAMA3) has been implicated in various cellular processes relevant to cancer progression, including cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion. In this study, we explored the expression, prognostic significance, and functional role of LAMA3 across multiple cancer types.

METHODOLOGY

The in silico analyses involve using various bioinformatics tools and databases, such as The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), TIMER2.0, GEPIA2, UALCAN, Kaplan-Meier (KM) plotter, GENT2, Human Protein Atlas (HPA), OncoDB, Gene Set Cancer Analysis (GSCA), and TISIDB. The in vitro analyses include cell culture, gene knockdown, and assays for cell proliferation, colony formation, and wound healing.

RESULTS

Pan-cancer analysis revealed significant variations in LAMA3 expression, with upregulation observed in cancers such as pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) and stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD), and downregulation in breast cancer (BRCA) and colon adenocarcinoma (COAD). Prognostic analyses indicated high LAMA3 expression correlated with poor overall survival (OS) in PAAD and STAD, whereas low expression was associated with adverse outcomes in BRCA. Validation analysis confirmed differential expression and localized LAMA3 primarily to the endoplasmic reticulum. Analysis of clinical features in BRCA, PAAD, and STAD showed consistent expression trends across different stages, races, and age groups. Additionally, mutational and copy number variations (CNVs) analyses revealed prevalent heterozygous amplifications and deletions in LAMA3 across BRCA, PAAD, and STAD. Promoter methylation was inversely correlated with LAMA3 expression in BRCA, PAAD, and STAD, although survival outcomes were unaffected. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) and gene enrichment analyses indicated LAMA3's involvement in ECM-receptor interactions and PI3K-Akt signaling, pathways critical in cancer. Finally, functional assays following LAMA3 knockdown in HT-29 cells demonstrated reduced cell proliferation, colony formation, and wound healing, implicating LAMA3 in tumor growth and metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Overall, these findings suggest that LAMA3 plays a multifaceted role in tumorigenesis and holds potential as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in multiple cancers.

Oral cancer stem cells: A comprehensive review of key drivers of treatment resistance and tumor recurrence

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide with high recurrence rates and resistance to conventional therapies. Recent studies have highlighted the pivotal role of oral cancer stem cells (OCSCs) in driving treatment resistance and tumor recurrence. OCSCs possess unique properties, including self-renewal, differentiation potential, and resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which contribute to their ability to survive treatment and initiate tumor relapse. Several signaling pathways, such as Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog, Notch, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR, have been implicated in maintaining OCSC properties, promoting survival, and conferring resistance. Additionally, mechanisms such as drug efflux, enhanced DNA repair, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and resistance to apoptosis further contribute to resilience. Targeting these pathways offers promising therapeutic strategies for eliminating OCSCs and improving treatment outcomes. Approaches such as immunotherapy, nanotechnology-based drug delivery, and targeting of the tumor microenvironment are emerging as potential solutions to overcome OCSC-mediated resistance. However, further research is needed to fully understand the molecular mechanisms governing OCSCs and develop effective therapies to prevent tumor recurrence. This review discusses the role of OCSCs in treatment resistance and recurrence and highlights the current and future directions for targeting these cells in OSCC.

Mechanisms of Cell Death Induced by Cannabidiol Against Tumor Cells: A Review of Preclinical Studies

Commonly known as marijuana or hemp, Cannabis sativa L. (Cannabaceae), contains numerous active compounds, particularly cannabinoids, which have been extensively studied for their biological activities. Among these, cannabidiol (CBD) stands out for its therapeutic potential, especially given its non-psychotropic effects. This review evaluates the antitumor properties of CBD, highlighting its various mechanisms of action, including the induction of apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis. By synthesizing findings from in vitro studies on the cell death mechanisms and signaling pathways activated by CBD in various human tumor cell lines, this literature review emphasizes the therapeutic promise of this natural antineoplastic agent. We conducted a comprehensive search of articles in PubMed, Scopus, Springer, Medline, Lilacs, and Scielo databases from 1984 to February 2022. Of the forty-three articles included, the majority (68.18%) reported that CBD activates apoptosis, while 18.18% observed simultaneous apoptosis and autophagy, 9.09% focused on autophagy alone, and 4.54% indicated necrosis. The antitumor effects of CBD appear to be mediated by transient receptor potential cation channels (TRPVs) in endometrial cancer, glioma, bladder cancer, and myeloma, with TRPV1, TRPV2, and TRPV4 playing key roles in activating apoptosis. This knowledge paves the way for innovative therapeutic strategies that may enhance cancer treatment outcomes while minimizing the toxicity and side effects associated with conventional therapies.

Tumor dormancy and relapse: understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer recurrence

Cancer recurrence, driven by the phenomenon of tumor dormancy, presents a formidable challenge in oncology. Dormant cancer cells have the ability to evade detection and treatment, leading to relapse. This review emphasizes the urgent need to comprehend tumor dormancy and its implications for cancer recurrence. Despite notable advancements, significant gaps remain in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying dormancy and the lack of reliable biomarkers for predicting relapse. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the cellular, angiogenic, and immunological aspects of dormancy. It highlights the current therapeutic strategies targeting dormant cells, particularly combination therapies and immunotherapies, which hold promise in preventing relapse. By elucidating these mechanisms and proposing innovative research methodologies, this review aims to deepen our understanding of tumor dormancy, ultimately facilitating the development of more effective strategies for preventing cancer recurrence and improving patient outcomes.

Molecular pathways in reproductive cancers: a focus on prostate and ovarian cancer

Reproductive cancers, including prostate and ovarian cancer, are highly prevalent worldwide and pose significant health challenges. The molecular underpinnings of these cancers are complex and involve dysregulation of various cellular pathways. Understanding these pathways is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies. This review aims to provide an overview of the molecular pathways implicated in prostate and ovarian cancers, highlighting key genetic alterations, signaling cascades, and epigenetic modifications. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Articles focusing on molecular pathways in prostate and ovarian cancer were reviewed and analyzed. In prostate cancer, recurrent mutations in genes like AR, TP53, and PTEN drive tumor growth and progression. Androgen signaling plays a significant role, with alterations in the AR pathway contributing to resistance to antiandrogen therapies. In ovarian cancer, high-grade serous carcinomas are characterized by mutations in TP53, BRCA1/2, and homologous recombination repair genes. PI3K and MAPK pathways are frequently activated, promoting cell proliferation and survival. Epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, are also prevalent in both cancer types. The molecular pathways involved in prostate and ovarian cancer are diverse and complex. Targeting these pathways with precision medicine approaches holds promise for improving patient outcomes. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of resistance and identify novel therapeutic vulnerabilities.

Impact of Gut Microbiota on Lymphoma: New Frontiers in Cancer Research

The gut microbiome (GMB), which is made up of various microorganisms, plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the host. Disruptions in this delicate ecosystem, known as microbial dysbiosis, have been linked to various diseases, including hematologic malignancies such as lymphoma. This review article explores the complex relationship between the GMB and the development of lymphoma and highlights its implications for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. It discusses how GMB influences lymphoma development directly through the presence of certain microorganisms and indirectly through changes in the immune system. The clinical relevance of GMB is highlighted and its potential utility for diagnosis, predicting treatment outcomes and developing personalized therapeutic strategies for lymphoma patients is demonstrated. The review also looks at microbiome-targeted interventions such as fecal microbiome transplantation and dietary modification, which have shown promise for treating microbial dysbiosis and improving patient outcomes. In addition, it highlights the analytical challenges and the need for further research to fully elucidate the mechanistic functions of the GMB in the context of lymphoma. This review emphasizes the critical role of GMB in lymphomagenesis and its potential for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

An in-depth study of indolone derivatives as potential lung cancer treatment

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lungs and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Herein an attempt to explore the relationship between the properties of indolone derivatives and their anticancer activity was investigated, implementing in silico approaches. Four indolone derivatives with the highest anticancer potential were selected to evaluate their pharmacological properties. The ADMET analysis revealed that these compounds exhibited favourable drug-like properties, meeting nearly all the key pharmacological criteria required for potential therapeutic agents. Molecular docking studies of the most active compounds revealed strong interactions with critical amino acid residues in the PDK1 receptor's binding site, underscoring their potential as effective PDK1 inhibitors. In addition, 200 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of two R and S configurations validated the stability of the ligand-receptor complexes, with minimal structural deviations observed throughout the simulation period. These comprehensive results highlight the potential of the selected indolone derivatives as viable drug candidates and provide a solid foundation for future optimization efforts aimed at developing novel PDK1 inhibitors for cancer therapy.

Tumor metabolic regulators: key drivers of metabolic reprogramming and the promising targets in cancer therapy

Metabolic reprogramming within the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a hallmark of cancer and a crucial determinant of tumor progression. Research indicates that various metabolic regulators form a metabolic network in the TME and interact with immune cells, coordinating the tumor immune response. Metabolic dysregulation creates an immunosuppressive TME, impairing the antitumor immune response. In this review, we discuss how metabolic regulators affect the tumor cell and the crosstalk of TME. We also summarize recent clinical trials involving metabolic regulators and the challenges of metabolism-based tumor therapies in clinical translation. In a word, our review distills key regulatory factors and their mechanisms of action from the complex reprogramming of tumor metabolism, identified as tumor metabolic regulators. These regulators provide a theoretical basis and research direction for the development of new strategies and targets in cancer therapy based on tumor metabolic reprogramming.

Injecting hope: the potential of intratumoral immunotherapy for locally advanced and metastatic cancer

Despite enormous progress, advanced cancers are still one of the most serious medical problems in current society. Although various agents and therapeutic strategies with anticancer activity are known and used, they often fail to achieve satisfactory long-term patient outcomes and survival. Recently, immunotherapy has shown success in patients by harnessing important interactions between the immune system and cancer. However, many of these therapies lead to frequent side effects when administered systemically, prompting treatment modifications or discontinuation or, in severe cases, fatalities. New therapeutic approaches like intratumoral immunotherapy, characterized by reduced side effects, cost, and systemic toxicity, offer promising prospects for future applications in clinical oncology. In the context of locally advanced or metastatic cancer, combining diverse immunotherapeutic and other treatment strategies targeting multiple cancer hallmarks appears crucial. Such combination therapies hold promise for improving patient outcomes and survival and for promoting a sustained systemic response. This review aims to provide a current overview of immunotherapeutic approaches, specifically focusing on the intratumoral administration of drugs in patients with locally advanced and metastatic cancers. It also explores the integration of intratumoral administration with other modalities to maximize therapeutic response. Additionally, the review summarizes recent advances in intratumoral immunotherapy and discusses novel therapeutic approaches, outlining future directions in the field.

Mechanisms and technologies in cancer epigenetics

Cancer's epigenetic landscape, a labyrinthine tapestry of molecular modifications, has long captivated researchers with its profound influence on gene expression and cellular fate. This review discusses the intricate mechanisms underlying cancer epigenetics, unraveling the complex interplay between DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNAs. We navigate through the tumultuous seas of epigenetic dysregulation, exploring how these processes conspire to silence tumor suppressors and unleash oncogenic potential. The narrative pivots to cutting-edge technologies, revolutionizing our ability to decode the epigenome. From the granular insights of single-cell epigenomics to the holistic view offered by multi-omics approaches, we examine how these tools are reshaping our understanding of tumor heterogeneity and evolution. The review also highlights emerging techniques, such as spatial epigenomics and long-read sequencing, which promise to unveil the hidden dimensions of epigenetic regulation. Finally, we probed the transformative potential of CRISPR-based epigenome editing and computational analysis to transmute raw data into biological insights. This study seeks to synthesize a comprehensive yet nuanced understanding of the contemporary landscape and future directions of cancer epigenetic research.

Deciphering normal and cancer stem cell niches by spatial transcriptomics: opportunities and challenges

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) often exhibit stem-like attributes that depend on an intricate stemness-promoting cellular ecosystem within their niche. The interplay between CSCs and their niche has been implicated in tumor heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance. Normal stem cells (NSCs) and CSCs share stemness features and common microenvironmental components, displaying significant phenotypic and functional plasticity. Investigating these properties across diverse organs during normal development and tumorigenesis is of paramount research interest and translational potential. Advancements in next-generation sequencing (NGS), single-cell transcriptomics, and spatial transcriptomics have ushered in a new era in cancer research, providing high-resolution and comprehensive molecular maps of diseased tissues. Various spatial technologies, with their unique ability to measure the location and molecular profile of a cell within tissue, have enabled studies on intratumoral architecture and cellular cross-talk within the specific niches. Moreover, delineation of spatial patterns for niche-specific properties such as hypoxia, glucose deprivation, and other microenvironmental remodeling are revealed through multilevel spatial sequencing. This tremendous progress in technology has also been paired with the advent of computational tools to mitigate technology-specific bottlenecks. Here we discuss how different spatial technologies are used to identify NSCs and CSCs, as well as their associated niches. Additionally, by exploring related public data sets, we review the current challenges in characterizing such niches, which are often hindered by technological limitations, and the computational solutions used to address them.

RNA nanotherapeutics for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, particularly due to the limited effectiveness of current therapeutic options for advanced-stage disease. The efficacy of traditional treatments is often compromised by the intricate liver microenvironment and the inherent heterogeneity. RNA-based therapeutics offer a promising alternative, utilizing the innovative approach of targeting aberrant molecular pathways and modulating the tumor microenvironment. The integration of nanotechnology in this field, through the development of advanced nanocarrier delivery systems, especially lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), polymer nanoparticles (PNPs), and bioinspired vectors, enhances the precision and efficacy of RNA therapies. This review highlights the significant progress in RNA nanotherapeutics for HCC treatment, covering micro RNA (miRNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), message RNA (mRNA), and small activating RNA (saRNA) mediated gene silencing, therapeutic protein restoration, gene activation, cancer vaccines, and concurrent therapy. It further comprehensively discusses the prevailing challenges within this therapeutic landscape and provides a forward-looking perspective on the potential of RNA nanotherapeutics to transform HCC treatment.

Increased IDO expression and regulatory T cells in acute myeloid leukemia: implications for immune escape and therapeutic targeting

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine the frequency of regulatory T cells (Tregs) (CD4+/FOXP3+) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) expression in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

METHODS

This cross-sectional case-control study was conducted between Jan 2022 and Dec 2023. Bone marrow samples were collected from 20 healthy individuals and 15 patients with AML. Flow cytometry, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and western blotting were used to evaluate the frequency of Treg and IDO expression levels.

RESULTS

The Treg percentage among total lymphocytes was lower in the AML group than that in the normal group. However, Treg percentage among T-helper (Th) lymphocytes was significantly higher in the AML group than that in the normal group (p < 0.05). The mean IDO expression in the AML group was significantly higher than that in the normal group (p = 0.004). A significant relationship was observed between IDO expression and Treg percentage among Th lymphocytes in the AML group (correlation = 0.637; p = 0.003). Moreover, western blot analysis showed a significant increase in IDO protein intensity in the AML group compared with that in the control group (p < 0.001). A significant difference was observed between the IDO concentrations in the AML group and that in the control group (p < 0.001). In addition, a significant difference between TGF-β levels in the AML group and those in the control group (p < 0.01) was observed.

CONCLUSION

IDO inhibition using novel IDO inhibitors along with chemotherapy is a promising approach to overcome the immune escape mechanisms in patients with AML, who exhibit increased levels of IDO expression and Tregs.

Integrating necroptosis into pan-cancer immunotherapy: a new era of personalized treatment

Introduction

Necroptosis has emerged as a promising biomarker for predicting immunotherapy responses across various cancer types. Its role in modulating immune activation and therapeutic outcomes offers potential for precision oncology.

Methods

A comprehensive pan-cancer analysis was performed using bulk RNA sequencing data to develop a necroptosis-related gene signature, termed Necroptosis.Sig. Multi-omics approaches were employed to identify critical pathways and key regulators of necroptosis, including HMGB1. Functional validation experiments were conducted in A549 lung cancer cells to evaluate the effects of HMGB1 knockdown on tumor proliferation and malignancy.

Results

The Necroptosis.Sig gene signature effectively predicted responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Multi-omics analyses highlighted HMGB1 as a key modulator of necroptosis, with potential to enhance immune activation and therapeutic efficacy. Functional experiments demonstrated that HMGB1 knockdown significantly suppressed tumor proliferation and malignancy, reinforcing the therapeutic potential of targeting necroptosis.

Discussion

These findings underscore the utility of necroptosis as a biomarker to guide personalized immunotherapy strategies. By advancing precision oncology, necroptosis provides a novel avenue for improving cancer treatment outcomes.

Exosome crosstalk between cancer stem cells and tumor microenvironment: cancer progression and therapeutic strategies

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a small yet pivotal subset of tumor cells endowed with self-renewal capabilities. These cells are intricately linked to tumor progression and are central to drug resistance, metastasis, and recurrence. The tumor microenvironment (TME) encompasses the cancer cells and their surrounding milieu, including immune and inflammatory cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, adjacent stromal tissues, tumor vasculature, and a variety of cytokines and chemokines. Within the TME, cells such as immune and inflammatory cells, endothelial cells, adipocytes, and fibroblasts release growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and exosomes, which can either sustain or disrupt CSCs, thereby influencing tumor progression. Conversely, CSCs can also secrete cytokines, chemokines, and exosomes, affecting various components of the TME. Exosomes, a subset of extracellular vesicles (EVs), carry a complex cargo of nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids, playing a crucial role in the communication between CSCs and the TME. This review primarily focuses on the impact of exosomes secreted by CSCs (CSC-exo) on tumor progression, including their roles in maintaining stemness, promoting angiogenesis, facilitating metastasis, inducing immune suppression, and contributing to drug resistance. Additionally, we discuss how exosomes secreted by different cells within the TME affect CSCs. Finally, we explore the potential of utilizing exosomes to mitigate the detrimental effects of CSCs or to target and eliminate them. A thorough understanding of the exosome-mediated crosstalk between CSCs and the TME could provide valuable insights for developing targeted therapies against CSCs.

Chemotherapy-mediated lncRNA-induced immune cell plasticity in cancer immunopathogenesis

Tumor cells engage with the immune system in a complex manner, utilizing evasion and adaptability mechanisms. The development of cancer and resistance to treatment relies on the ability of immune cells to adjust their phenotype and function in response to cues from the tumor microenvironment, known as immunological cell plasticity. This study delves into the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in enhancing immune cell flexibility in cancer, focusing on their regulatory actions in the tumor microenvironment and potential therapeutic implications. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, the study analyzes the impact of lncRNAs on macrophages, T-cells, and MDSCs, as well as the influence of cytokines and growth factors like TNF, IL-6, HGF, and TGFβ on immunological cell plasticity and tumor immunoediting. LncRNAs exert a strong influence on immune cell plasticity through mechanisms such as transcriptional regulation, post-transcriptional modifications, and chromatin remodeling. These RNA molecules intricately modulate gene expression networks, acting as scaffolding, decoys, guides, and sponges. Moreover, both direct cell-cell interactions and soluble chemicals in the tumor microenvironment contribute to enhancing immune cell activation and survival. Understanding the influence of lncRNAs on immune cell flexibility sheds light on the biological pathways of immune evasion and cancer progression. Targeting long non-coding RNAs holds promise for amplifying anti-tumor immunity and overcoming drug resistance in cancer treatment. However, further research is necessary to determine the therapeutic potential of manipulating lncRNAs in the tumor microenvironment.

Predicting transcriptional responses to novel chemical perturbations using deep generative model for drug discovery

Understanding transcriptional responses to chemical perturbations is central to drug discovery, but exhaustive experimental screening of disease-compound combinations is unfeasible. To overcome this limitation, here we introduce PRnet, a perturbation-conditioned deep generative model that predicts transcriptional responses to novel chemical perturbations that have never experimentally perturbed at bulk and single-cell levels. Evaluations indicate that PRnet outperforms alternative methods in predicting responses across novel compounds, pathways, and cell lines. PRnet enables gene-level response interpretation and in-silico drug screening for diseases based on gene signatures. PRnet further identifies and experimentally validates novel compound candidates against small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer. Lastly, PRnet generates a large-scale integration atlas of perturbation profiles, covering 88 cell lines, 52 tissues, and various compound libraries. PRnet provides a robust and scalable candidate recommendation workflow and successfully recommends drug candidates for 233 diseases. Overall, PRnet is an effective and valuable tool for gene-based therapeutics screening.

Redefining the tumor microenvironment with emerging therapeutic strategies

The environment surrounding a tumor, known as the tumor microenvironment (TME), plays a role in how cancer progresses and responds to treatment. It poses both challenges and opportunities for improving cancer therapy. Recent progress in understanding the TME complexity and diversity has led to approaches for treating cancer. This perspective discusses the strategies for targeting the TME, such as adjusting networks using extracellular vesicles to deliver drugs and enhancing immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIS) through combined treatments. Furthermore, it highlights adoptive cell transfer (ACT) therapies as an option for tumors. By studying how components of the TME interact and utilizing technologies like single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, we can develop more precise and efficient treatments for cancer. This article emphasizes the need to reshape the TME to boost antitumor immunity and overcome resistance to therapy, providing guidance for research and clinical practices in precision oncology.

Mathematical modeling and quantitative analysis of phenotypic plasticity during tumor evolution based on single-cell data

Tumor is a complex and aggressive type of disease that poses significant health challenges. Understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying its progression is crucial for developing effective treatments. In this study, we develop a novel mathematical framework to investigate the role of cellular plasticity and heterogeneity in tumor progression. By leveraging temporal single-cell data, we propose a reaction-convection-diffusion model that effectively captures the spatiotemporal dynamics of tumor cells and macrophages within the tumor microenvironment. Through theoretical analysis, we obtain the estimate of the pulse wave speed and analyze the stability of the homogeneous steady state solutions. Notably, we employe the AddModuleScore function to quantify cellular plasticity. One of the highlights of our approach is the introduction of pulse wave speed as a quantitative measure to precisely gauge the rate of cell phenotype transitions, as well as the novel implementation of the high-plasticity cell state/low-plasticity cell state ratio as an indicator of tumor malignancy. Furthermore, the bifurcation analysis reveals the complex dynamics of tumor cell populations. Our extensive analysis demonstrates that an increased rate of phenotype transition is associated with heightened malignancy, attributable to the tumor's ability to explore a wider phenotypic space. The study also investigates how the proliferation rate and the death rate of tumor cells, phenotypic convection velocity, and the midpoint of the phenotype transition stage affect the speed of tumor cell phenotype transitions and the progression to adenocarcinoma. These insights and quantitative measures can help guide the development of targeted therapeutic strategies to regulate cellular plasticity and control tumor progression effectively.

Metabolic reprogramming of poly(morpho)nuclear giant cells determines glioblastoma recovery from doxorubicin-induced stress

BACKGROUND

Multi-drug resistance of poly(morpho)nuclear giant cells (PGCs) determines their cytoprotective and generative potential in cancer ecosystems. However, mechanisms underlying the involvement of PGCs in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) adaptation to chemotherapeutic regimes remain largely obscure. In particular, metabolic reprogramming of PGCs has not yet been considered in terms of GBM recovery from doxorubicin (DOX)-induced stress.

METHODS

Long-term proteomic and metabolic cell profiling was applied to trace the phenotypic dynamics of GBM populations subjected to pulse DOX treatment in vitro, with a particular focus on PGC formation and its metabolic background. The links between metabolic reprogramming, drug resistance and drug retention capacity of PGCs were assessed, along with their significance for GBM recovery from DOX-induced stress.

RESULTS

Pulse DOX treatment triggered the transient formation of PGCs, followed by the appearance of small expanding cell (SEC) clusters. Development of PGCs was accompanied by the mobilization of their metabolic proteome, transient induction of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), and differential intracellular accumulation of NADH, NADPH, and ATP. The metabolic background of PGC formation was confirmed by the attenuation of GBM recovery from DOX-induced stress following the chemical inhibition of GSK-3β, OXPHOS, and the pentose phosphate pathway. Concurrently, the mobilization of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging systems and fine-tuning of NADPH-dependent ROS production systems in PGCs was observed. These processes were accompanied by perinuclear mobilization of ABCB1 and ABCG2 transporters and DOX retention in the perinuclear PGC compartments.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate the cooperative pattern of GBM recovery from DOX-induced stress and the crucial role of metabolic reprogramming of PGCs in this process. Metabolic reprogramming enhances the efficiency of self-defense systems and increases the DOX retention capacity of PGCs, potentially reducing DOX bioavailability in the proximity of SECs. Consequently, the modulation of PGC metabolism is highlighted as a potential target for intervention in glioblastoma treatment.

Three-dimensional cell culture conditions promoted the Mesenchymal-Amoeboid Transition in the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer cell line MDA-MB-231

Introduction

Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of death among women, primarily due to its potential for metastasis. As BC progresses, the extracellular matrix (ECM) produces more type-I collagen, resulting in increased stiffness. This alteration influences cellular behaviors such as migration, invasion, and metastasis. Specifically, cancer cells undergo changes in gene expression that initially promote an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and subsequently, a transition from a mesenchymal to an amoeboid (MAT) migration mode. In this way, cancer cells can migrate more easily through the stiffer microenvironment. Despite their importance, understanding MATs remains challenging due to the difficulty of replicating in vitro the conditions for cell migration that are observed in vivo.

Methods

To address this challenge, we developed a three-dimensional (3D) growth system that replicates the different matrix properties observed during the progression of a breast tumor. We used this model to study the migration and invasion of the Triple-Negative BC (TNBC) cell line MDA-MB-231, which is particularly subject to metastasis.

Results

Our results indicate that denser collagen matrices present a reduction in porosity, collagen fiber size, and collagen fiber orientation, which are associated with the transition of cells to a rounder morphology with bleb-like protrusions. We quantified how this transition is associated with a more persistent migration, an enhanced invasion capacity, and a reduced secretion of matrix metalloproteinases.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that the proposed 3D growth conditions (especially those with high collagen concentrations) mimic key features of MATs, providing a new platform to study the physiology of migratory transitions and their role in BC progression.

Multi Omics Applications in Biological Systems

Traditional methodologies often fall short in addressing the complexity of biological systems. In this regard, system biology omics have brought invaluable tools for conducting comprehensive analysis. Current sequencing capabilities have revolutionized genetics and genomics studies, as well as the characterization of transcriptional profiling and dynamics of several species and sample types. Biological systems experience complex biochemical processes involving thousands of molecules. These processes occur at different levels that can be studied using mass spectrometry-based (MS-based) analysis, enabling high-throughput proteomics, glycoproteomics, glycomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics analysis. Here, we present the most up-to-date techniques utilized in the completion of omics analysis. Additionally, we include some interesting examples of the applicability of multi omics to a variety of biological systems.

Leveraging Cancer Phenotypic Plasticity for Novel Treatment Strategies

Cancer cells, like all other organisms, are adept at switching their phenotype to adjust to the changes in their environment. Thus, phenotypic plasticity is a quantitative trait that confers a fitness advantage to the cancer cell by altering its phenotype to suit environmental circumstances. Until recently, new traits, especially in cancer, were thought to arise due to genetic factors; however, it is now amply evident that such traits could also emerge non-genetically due to phenotypic plasticity. Furthermore, phenotypic plasticity of cancer cells contributes to phenotypic heterogeneity in the population, which is a major impediment in treating the disease. Finally, plasticity also impacts the group behavior of cancer cells, since competition and cooperation among multiple clonal groups within the population and the interactions they have with the tumor microenvironment also contribute to the evolution of drug resistance. Thus, understanding the mechanisms that cancer cells exploit to tailor their phenotypes at a systems level can aid the development of novel cancer therapeutics and treatment strategies. Here, we present our perspective on a team medicine-based approach to gain a deeper understanding of the phenomenon to develop new therapeutic strategies.

STAT3 Pathways Contribute to β-HCH Interference with Anticancer Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are a class of environmentally persistent and bioaccumulative pollutants. Among these, β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH) is a byproduct of lindane synthesis, one of the most worldwide widespread pesticides. β-HCH cellular mechanisms inducing chemical carcinogenesis correspond to many of those inducing chemoresistance, in particular, by the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathways. For this purpose, four cell lines, representative of breast, lung, prostate, and hepatocellular cancers, were treated with β-HCH, specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and a STAT3 inhibitor. All cell samples were analyzed by a viability assay, immunoblotting analysis, a wound-healing assay, and a colony formation assay. The results show that β-HCH reduces the efficacy of TKIs. The STAT3 protein, in this context, plays a central role. In fact, by inhibiting its activity, the efficacy of the anticancer drug is restored. Furthermore, this manuscript aimed to draw the attention of the scientific and socio-healthcare community to the issue of prolonged exposure to contaminants and their impact on drug efficacy.

The intricate interplay between cancer stem cells and cell-of-origin of cancer: implications for therapeutic strategies

Background

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have emerged as pivotal players in tumorigenesis, disease progression, and resistance to therapies.

Objective

This comprehensive review delves into the intricate relationship between CSCs and the cell-of-origin in diverse cancer types.

Design

Comprehensive review of thematically-relevant literature.

Methods

We explore the underlying molecular mechanisms that drive the conversion of normal cells into CSCs and the impact of the cell-of-origin on CSC properties, tumor initiation, and therapeutic responses. Moreover, we discuss potential therapeutic interventions targeting CSCs based on their distinct cell-of-origin characteristics.

Results

Accruing evidence suggest that the cell-of-origin, the cell type from which the tumor originates, plays a crucial role in determining the properties of CSCs and their contribution to tumor heterogeneity.

Conclusion

By providing critical insights into the complex interplay between CSCs and their cellular origins, this article aims to enhance our understanding of cancer biology and pave the way for more effective and personalized cancer treatments.