Role of DIDO1 in Progression of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Data mining identifies novel RNA-binding proteins involved in colon and rectal carcinomas

Colorectal adenocarcinoma (COREAD) is the second most deadly cancer and third most frequently encountered malignancy worldwide. Despite efforts in molecular subtyping and subsequent personalized COREAD treatments, multidisciplinary evidence suggests separating COREAD into colon cancer (COAD) and rectal cancer (READ). This new perspective could improve diagnosis and treatment of both carcinomas. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), as critical regulators of every hallmark of cancer, could fulfill the need to identify sensitive biomarkers for COAD and READ separately. To detect new RBPs involved in COAD and READ progression, here we used a multidata integration strategy to prioritize tumorigenic RBPs. We analyzed and integrated 1) RBPs genomic and transcriptomic alterations from 488 COAD and 155 READ patients, 2) ∼ 10,000 raw associations between RBPs and cancer genes, 3) ∼ 15,000 immunostainings, and 4) loss-of-function screens performed in 102 COREAD cell lines. Thus, we unraveled new putative roles of NOP56, RBM12, NAT10, FKBP1A, EMG1, and CSE1L in COAD and READ progression. Interestingly, FKBP1A and EMG1 have never been related with any of these carcinomas but presented tumorigenic features in other cancer types. Subsequent survival analyses highlighted the clinical relevance of FKBP1A, NOP56, and NAT10 mRNA expression to predict poor prognosis in COREAD and COAD patients. Further research should be performed to validate their clinical potential and to elucidate their molecular mechanisms underlying these malignancies.

Bromodomain inhibitor i-BET858 triggers a unique transcriptional response coupled to enhanced DNA damage, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in high-grade ovarian carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer has a specific unmet clinical need, with a persistently poor 5-year survival rate observed in women with advanced stage disease warranting continued efforts to develop new treatment options. The amplification of BRD4 in a significant subset of high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas (HGSC) has led to the development of BET inhibitors (BETi) as promising antitumour agents that have subsequently been evaluated in phase I/II clinical trials. Here, we describe the molecular effects and ex vivo preclinical activities of i-BET858, a bivalent pan-BET inhibitor with proven in vivo BRD inhibitory activity.

RESULTS

i-BET858 demonstrates enhanced cytotoxic activity compared with earlier generation BETis both in cell lines and primary cells derived from clinical samples of HGSC. At molecular level, i-BET858 triggered a bipartite transcriptional response, comprised of a 'core' network of genes commonly associated with BET inhibition in solid tumours, together with a unique i-BET858 gene signature. Mechanistically, i-BET858 elicited enhanced DNA damage, cell cycle arrest and apoptotic cell death compared to its predecessor i-BET151.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our ex vivo and in vitro studies indicate that i-BET858 represents an optimal candidate to pursue further clinical validation for the treatment of HGSC.

SPOC domain proteins in health and disease

Since it was first described >20 yr ago, the SPOC domain (Spen paralog and ortholog C-terminal domain) has been identified in many proteins all across eukaryotic species. SPOC-containing proteins regulate gene expression on various levels ranging from transcription to RNA processing, modification, export, and stability, as well as X-chromosome inactivation. Their manifold roles in controlling transcriptional output implicate them in a plethora of developmental processes, and their misregulation is often associated with cancer. Here, we provide an overview of the biophysical properties of the SPOC domain and its interaction with phosphorylated binding partners, the phylogenetic origin of SPOC domain proteins, the diverse functions of mammalian SPOC proteins and their homologs, the mechanisms by which they regulate differentiation and development, and their roles in cancer.

Epidemiological trends and risk factors of gynecological cancers: an update

Gynecological cancers, the most common cancer among women worldwide, disrupt the function of women's reproductive system, significantly impacting the quality of life. The epidemiological patterns of gynecological cancers differ in various regions and alter over time. The main challenge to deal with women's cancers is focusing on potential plans to improve patient outcomes. The epidemiology and general risk elements of gynecological cancers are important in the management of these cancers, so all of the reported risk factors in gynecological cancers have been evaluated in the present review. Due to the role of gynecological cancers in women's health, preventive measures and modifiable lifestyles together with early detection in high-risk groups are effective strategies that can reduce mortality rates. This review summarizes the epidemiology and global risk factors of gynecological cancers alongside others to better management of these malignancies and improve the quality of life in the affected patients.

Development and Validation of a Prognostic N6-Methyladenosine-Related Immune Gene Signature for Lung Adenocarcinoma

Purpose

The prognostic value of an N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation-related immune gene signature for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) was investigated.

Patients and Methods

Gene expression and clinical phenotype data of LUAD patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. A list of immune-related genes was retrieved from the InnateDB database. Correlation analysis, survival analysis, and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed. After allocating patients into a high-risk or a low-risk group, the corresponding survival rates, immune microenvironment, expression of immune checkpoint genes, and modulation of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways were examined. Finally, the expression levels of prognostic biomarkers were assessed in the GSE126044 dataset.

Results

Seven m6A-related immune prognostic genes were identified. High expression of PSMD10P1, DIDO1, ABCA5, and CIITA was associated with high survival rates, while that of PRC1, ZWILCH, and ANLN was associated with low survival rates. The high- and low-risk groups showed significant differences in terms of the abundance of six tumor-infiltrating immune cell types and expression of 12 immune checkpoint genes. The risk group acted as an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio = 0.398, 95% confidence interval = 0.217–0.729, P = 0.003). Finally, the developed nomogram could predict most efficiently the 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival probability of LUAD patients with a C-index of 0.833.

Conclusion

A seven-gene risk signature, associated with the immune microenvironment in LUAD, showed independent prognostic value.

Genetic and molecular bases of esophageal Cancer among Iranians: an update

Abstract

Background

Esophageal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths among the Iranians. There is still a high ratio of mortality and low 5 years survival which are related to the late onset and diagnosis. Majority of patients refer for the treatment in advanced stages of tumor progression.

Main body

It is required to define an efficient local panel of diagnostic and prognostic markers for the Iranians. Indeed such efficient specific panel of markers will pave the way to decrease the mortality rate and increase the 5 years survival among the Iranian patients via the early diagnosis and targeted therapy.

Conclusion

in present review we have reported all of the molecular markers in different signaling pathways and cellular processes which have been assessed among the Iranian esophageal cancer patients until now.