YBX1/lncRNA SBF2-AS1 interaction regulates proliferation and tamoxifen sensitivity via PI3K/AKT/MTOR signaling in breast cancer cells

Integrative Investigation of Flavonoids Targeting YBX1 Protein-Protein Interaction Network in Breast Cancer: From Computational Analysis to Experimental Validation

Y-box-binding protein 1 (YBX1) is a multifunctional oncoprotein with its nuclear localization contributing to chemo-resistance in breast cancer. Through its interactions with various proteins and lncRNAs, YBX1 promotes cancer cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. Despite its significant role in cancer progression, studies on YBX1's protein-protein interactions (PPIs) remain limited. Flavonoids are natural compounds with anticancer properties that inhibit metastasis, modulate immunity, and induce apoptosis, with minimal systemic toxicity, making them strong candidates for cancer therapy. Targeting PPIs offers a promising approach for cancer therapy and flavonoids, with their anticancer properties, may modulate these interactions. Our study focused on the YBX1 PPI network, specifically targeting HSPA1A, IGF2BP1, MECP2, G3BP1, EWSR1, PURA, and SYNCRIP. We selected four flavonoids Quercetin, Fisetin, Rutin, and Myricitrin based on literature and conducted 26 docking sessions. Further ADMET analysis indicated Quercetin and Fisetin as more favorable for drug-likeness parameters than Rutin and Myricitrin, which was underscored by MD simulation data. In vitro studies showed that Quercetin and Fisetin downregulated YBX1 expression in a dose-dependent manner (50 μM to 150 μM) in MCF-7 cells. Our study provides a preliminary understanding of YBX1 PPI and the potential of flavonoids to disrupt these interactions. This study investigates the potential of flavonoids to target YBX1 PPIs, providing insights into novel therapeutic strategies for YBX1-driven cancers.

Mechanisms of tamoxifen resistance: insight from long non-coding RNAs

Breast cancer(BC) is the second most prevalent tumor in the world and one of the most lethal tumors in women. Patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer can obtain significant advantages from endocrine therapies including tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors, and others. However, the development of primary or acquired drug resistance ultimately leads to discontinuation of treatment with adverse consequences for breast cancer patients, and the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play pivotal roles in orchestrating fundamental biochemical and cellular processes. They exert regulatory control over various processes including epigenetics, gene transcription, post-transcriptional modifications, and translation. Additionally, they influence key biological events like cell cycle progression, cell differentiation, and development. For the past few years, the relationship between lncRNAs and endocrine resistance has gained increasing attention, leading to a surge in related studies. LncRNAs mediate tamoxifen resistance in cancer by utilizing a variety of molecular mechanisms, including enhanced estrogen receptor (ER) signaling, inhibition of apoptosis, autophagy, exosome-mediated transfer, epigenetic alterations, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and acting as competitive endogenous RNAs(ceRNAs). In this comprehensive review, we systematically summarize the critical role and intricate molecular mechanisms by which lncRNAs influence the development of tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer. Furthermore, we propose the potential clinical significance of lncRNAs as innovative therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers for breast cancer.

Targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling to overcome drug resistance in cancer

This review comprehensively explores the challenge of drug resistance in cancer by focusing on the pivotal PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, elucidating its role in oncogenesis and resistance mechanisms across various cancer types. It meticulously examines the diverse mechanisms underlying resistance, including genetic mutations, feedback loops, and microenvironmental factors, while also discussing the associated resistance patterns. Evaluating current therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway, the article highlights the hurdles encountered in drug development and clinical trials. Innovative approaches to overcome resistance, such as combination therapies and precision medicine, are critically analyzed, alongside discussions on emerging therapies like immunotherapy and molecularly targeted agents. Overall, this comprehensive review not only sheds light on the complexities of resistance in cancer but also provides a roadmap for advancing cancer treatment.

Formoterol Acting via β2-Adrenoreceptor Restores Mitochondrial Dysfunction Caused by Parkinson's Disease-Related UQCRC1 Mutation and Improves Mitochondrial Homeostasis Including Dynamic and Transport

Formoterol, a β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) agonist, shows promise in various diseases, but its effectiveness in Parkinson's disease (PD) is debated, with unclear regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis. This study employed a cell model featuring mitochondrial ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase core protein 1 (UQCRC1) variants associated with familial parkinsonism, demonstrating mitochondrial dysfunction and dynamic imbalance, exploring the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of formoterol. Results revealed that 24-h formoterol treatment enhanced cell proliferation, viability, and neuroprotection against oxidative stress. Mitochondrial function, encompassing DNA copy number, repatriation, and complex III-linked respiration, was comprehensively restored, along with the dynamic rebalance of fusion/fission events. Formoterol reduced extensive hypertubulation, in contrast to mitophagy, by significantly upregulating protein Drp-1, in contrast to fusion protein Mfn2, mitophagy-related protein Parkin. The upstream mechanism involved the restoration of ERK signaling and the inhibition of Akt overactivity, contingent on the activation of β2-adrenergic receptors. Formoterol additionally aided in segregating healthy mitochondria for distribution and transport, therefore normalizing mitochondrial arrangement in mutant cells. This study provides preliminary evidence that formoterol offers neuroprotection, acting as a mitochondrial dynamic balance regulator, making it a promising therapeutic candidate for PD.

The emerging role of noncoding RNAs in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway in breast cancer

Breast cancer persists as a major problem for the world's healthcare, thus it is essential to fully understand the complex molecular processes that cause its growth and development. ncRNAs had been discovered to serve critical roles in a variety of cellular functions, including the regulation of signalling pathways. Within different pathways, the AKT/PI3K/mTOR signalling cascade has received a lot of interest because of its role in cancer. A complex interaction between ncRNAs, notably miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, and the AKT/PI3K/mTOR signalling pathway exerts both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive activities by targeting critical components of the pathway directly or indirectly. Through miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation, lncRNA-guided chromatin remodelling, and circRNA sequestration, ncRNAs modulate the activity of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR, influencing cell proliferation, survival, and metastasis. Furthermore, ncRNAs can serve as promising biomarkers for breast cancer prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment response, as their dysregulation is commonly observed in breast cancer patients. Harnessing the potential of ncRNAs as therapeutic targets or tools for restoring pathway homeostasis holds promise for innovative treatment strategies in breast cancer. Understanding the intricate regulatory networks orchestrated by ncRNAs in this context may pave the way for novel diagnostic approaches, therapeutic interventions, and a deeper comprehension of breast cancer's molecular landscape, ultimately improving patient outcomes. This abstract underscores the emerging significance of ncRNAs in the AKT/PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway in breast cancer.

Y-Box Binding Protein 1: Unraveling the Multifaceted Role in Cancer Development and Therapeutic Potential

Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1), a member of the Cold Shock Domain protein family, is overexpressed in various human cancers and is recognized as an oncogenic gene associated with poor prognosis. YBX1's functional diversity arises from its capacity to interact with a broad range of DNA and RNA molecules, implicating its involvement in diverse cellular processes. Independent investigations have unveiled specific facets of YBX1's contribution to cancer development. This comprehensive review elucidates YBX1's multifaceted role in cancer across cancer hallmarks, both in cancer cell itself and the tumor microenvironment. Based on this, we proposed YBX1 as a potential target for cancer treatment. Notably, ongoing clinical trials addressing YBX1 as a target in breast cancer and lung cancer have showcased its promise for cancer therapy. The ramp up in in vitro research on targeting YBX1 compounds also underscores its growing appeal. Moreover, the emerging role of YBX1 as a neural input is also proposed where the high level of YBX1 was strongly associated with nerve cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. This review also summarized the up-to-date advanced research on the involvement of YBX1 in pancreatic cancer.

A Subpathway and Target Gene Cluster-Based Approach Uncovers lncRNAs Associated with Human Primordial Follicle Activation

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as a critical regulator in controlling the expression level of genes involved in cell differentiation and development. Primordial follicle activation (PFA) is the first step for follicle maturation, and excessive PFA results in premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). However, the correlation between lncRNA and cell differentiation was largely unknown, especially during PFA. In this study, we observed the expression level of lncRNA was more specific than protein-coding genes in both follicles and granulosa cells, suggesting lncRNA might play a crucial role in follicle development. Hence, a systematical framework was needed to infer the functions of lncRNAs during PFA. Additionally, an increasing number of studies indicate that the subpathway is more precise in reflecting biological processes than the entire pathway. Given the complex expression patterns of lncRNA target genes, target genes were further clustered based on their expression similarity and classification performance to reveal the activated/inhibited gene modules, which intuitively illustrated the diversity of lncRNA regulation. Moreover, the knockdown of SBF2-AS1 in the A549 cell line and ZFAS1 in the SK-Hep1 cell line further validated the function of SBF2-AS1 in regulating the Hippo signaling subpathway and ZFAS1 in the cell cycle subpathway. Overall, our findings demonstrated the importance of subpathway analysis in uncovering the functions of lncRNAs during PFA, and paved new avenues for future lncRNA-associated research.

Therapeutic Potential of Albumin Nanoparticles Encapsulated Visnagin in MDA-MB-468 Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Breast cancer is among the most recurrent malignancies, and its prevalence is rising. With only a few treatment options available, there is an immediate need to search for better alternatives. In this regard, nanotechnology has been applied to develop potential chemotherapeutic techniques, particularly for cancer therapy. Specifically, albumin-based nanoparticles are a developing platform for the administration of diverse chemotherapy drugs owing to their biocompatibility and non-toxicity. Visnagin, a naturally derived furanochromone, treats cancers, epilepsy, angina, coughs, and inflammatory illnesses. In the current study, the synthesis and characterization of albumin visnagin (AV) nanoparticles (NPs) using a variety of techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, UV-visible, Fourier transform infrared, energy dispersive X-ray composition analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence, X-Ray diffraction, and dynamic light scattering analyses have been carried out. The MTT test, dual AO/EB, DCFH-DA, Annexin-V-FITC/PI, Propidium iodide staining techniques as well as analysis of apoptotic proteins, antioxidant enzymes, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling analysis was performed to examine the NPs' efficacy to suppress MDA-MB-468 cell lines. The NPs decreased cell viability increased the amount of ROS in the cells, disrupted membrane integrity, decreased the level of antioxidant enzymes, induced cell cycle arrest, and activated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling cascade, ultimately leading to cell death. Thus, AV NPs possesses huge potential to be employed as a strong anticancer therapy alternative.