LINC01564 Promotes the TMZ Resistance of Glioma Cells by Upregulating NFE2L2 Expression to Inhibit Ferroptosis

Ferroptosis regulation by traditional chinese medicine for ischemic stroke intervention based on network pharmacology and data mining

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to use network pharmacology and data mining to explore the role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in ischemic stroke (IS) intervention by ferroptosis regulation. The results will provide reference for related research on ferroptosis in IS.

METHODS

The ferroptosis-related targets were obtained from the GeneCards, GeneCLiP3, and FerrDdb databases, while the IS targets were sourced from the GeneCards and DisGeNET databases. Venny was used to identify IS targets associated with ferroptosis. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis was then conducted, and machine learning screening was used to validate these potential targets. The potential targets that met specific criteria and their related compounds allowed us to select TCMs. A mechanistic analysis of the potential targets was conducted using the DAVID database. PPI network diagrams, target-compound network diagrams, and target-compound-TCM network diagrams were then constructed. Finally, molecular docking technology was used to verify the binding activities of the TCM compounds and core components with the identified targets. In addition, the properties, flavors, meridian tropism, and therapeutic effects of the candidate TCMs were analyzed and statistically evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 706 targets associated with ferroptosis in IS were obtained, and 14 potential ferroptosis targets in IS were obtained using machine learning. Furthermore, 413 compounds and 301 TCMs were screened, and the binding activities of the targets to the TCM compounds and the core prescriptions were stable. The candidate TCMs primarily exhibited cold, warm, bitter taste, pungent taste, liver meridian, heat-cleaning medicinal, and tonify deficiency properties.

CONCLUSIONS

This study investigated ferroptosis regulation for IS intervention using TCM. We began by investigating the targets of IS and ferroptosis, and we also analyzed the relevant mechanism of ferroptosis in IS. The results of this study provide reference for related research on ferroptosis in IS.

Ferroptosis in glioma therapy: advancements in sensitizing strategies and the complex tumor-promoting roles

Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of non-apoptotic regulated cell death, is induced by the accumulation of lipid peroxides on cellular membranes. Over the past decade, ferroptosis has emerged as a crucial process implicated in various physiological and pathological systems. Positioned as an alternative modality of cell death, ferroptosis holds promise for eliminating cancer cells that have developed resistance to apoptosis induced by conventional therapeutics. This has led to a growing interest in leveraging ferroptosis for cancer therapy across diverse malignancies. Gliomas are tumors arising from glial or precursor cells, with glioblastoma (GBM) being the most common malignant primary brain tumor that is associated with a dismal prognosis. This review provides a summary of recent advancements in the exploration of ferroptosis-sensitizing methods, with a specific focus on their potential application in enhancing the treatment of gliomas. In addition to summarizing the therapeutic potential, this review also discusses the intricate interplay of ferroptosis and its potential tumor-promoting roles within gliomas. Recognizing these dual roles is essential, as they could potentially complicate the therapeutic benefits of ferroptosis. Exploring strategies aimed at circumventing these tumor-promoting roles could enhance the overall therapeutic efficacy of ferroptosis in the context of glioma treatment.

ZNF384 transcriptionally activated MGST1 to confer TMZ resistance of glioma cells by negatively regulating ferroptosis

BACKGROUND

Drug resistance is one of the major reasons of the poor prognosis and recurs frequently in glioma. Ferroptosis is considered to be a new therapeutic strategy for glioma.

METHODS

Microsomal glutathione S-transferase 1 (MGST1) expression in glioma samples was ensured through GAPIA database, qRT-PCR, western blotting assay and immunohistochemistry. The interaction between zinc finger protein 384 (ZNF384) and MGST1 promoter was analyzed through UCSC and JASPAR databases and further verified by ChIP and luciferase reporter assay. Cell viability and IC50 value of temozolomide (TMZ) was measured by CCK-8 assay. The production of MDA, GSH and ROS and the level of Fe2+ were determined using the corresponding kit.

RESULTS

MGST1 expression was increased in clinical glioma tissues and glioma cells. MGST1 expression was increased but ferroptosis was suppressed in TMZ-resistant cells when contrasted to parent cells. MGST1 silencing downregulated IC50 value of TMZ and cell viability but facilitated ferroptosis in TMZ-resistant cells and parent glioma cells. Moreover, our data indicated that ZNF384 interacted with MGST1 promoter and facilitated MGST1 expression. ZNF384 was also increased expression in TMZ-resistant cells, and showed a positive correlation with MGST1 expression in clinical level. ZNF384 decreasing enhanced the sensitivity of resistant cells to TMZ, while the effect of ZNF384 could be reversed by overexpression of MGST1.

CONCLUSION

MGST1 transcription is regulated by transcription factor ZNF384 in TMZ-resistant cells. ZNF384 confers the resistance of glioma cells to TMZ through inhibition of ferroptosis by positively regulating MGST1 expression. The current study may provide some new understand to the mechanism of TMZ resistance in glioma.

Identification of a ferroptosis-related prognostic signature and validation of ITGA6-AS1 in enhancing cell proliferation, migration and invasion in glioma

Glioma is the most common malignant tumor of the adult central nervous system. In this study, we aimed to identify a novel model for predicting glioma prognosis and a potential therapeutic target. Here, lncRNAs related to prognosis and ferroptosis were analyzed and screened through R software and online websites. A nomogram model was established and evaluated with calibration curve, receiver operating characteristic curve and decision curve analysis. Further, an enrichment analysis and immune infiltration analysis were performed. In addition, the expression level and biological function of ITGA6-AS1 were verified in vitro. We obtained a ferroptosis-related 7-lncRNA signature, and constructed a nomogram prognostic model with good predictability for 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival of glioma patients. The enrichment analysis indicated potential involvement of certain pathways and suggested a correlation between the high-risk group and infiltration of M2 macrophages and MDSCs. Furthermore, the expression level of ITGA6-AS1 in the U118, U87, and LN229 cells was upregulated compared to the H1800 cell. Interestingly, knockdown of ITGA6-AS1 may inhibit U118 cells' proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro. while overexpression of ITGA6-AS1 in LN229 cells plays a promoting role. This study implies that the 7-lncRNA signature may contribute to the stratification of glioma prognosis, and the immune suppressive microenvironment may be associated with macrophage-ferroptosis crosstalk. Furthermore, ITGA6-AS1 may be a potential therapeutic target for patients with glioma.

Reduced GLP-1R availability in the caudate nucleus with Alzheimer's disease

The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists reduce glycated hemoglobin in patients with type 2 diabetes. Mounting evidence indicates that the potential of GLP-1R agonists, mimicking a 30 amino acid ligand, GLP-1, extends to the treatment of neurodegenerative conditions, with a particular focus on Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the mechanism that underlies regulation of GLP-1R availability in the brain with AD remains poorly understood. Here, using whole transcriptome RNA-Seq of the human postmortem caudate nucleus with AD and chronic hydrocephalus (CH) in the elderly, we found that GLP-1R and select mRNAs expressed in glucose dysmetabolism and dyslipidemia were significantly altered. Furthermore, we detected human RNA indicating a deficiency in doublecortin (DCX) levels and the presence of ferroptosis in the caudate nucleus impacted by AD. Using the genome data viewer, we assessed mutability of GLP-1R and 39 other genes by two factors associated with high mutation rates in chromosomes of four species. Surprisingly, we identified that nucleotide sizes of GLP-1R transcript exceptionally differed in all four species of humans, chimpanzees, rats, and mice by up to 6-fold. Taken together, the protein network database analysis suggests that reduced GLP-1R in the aged human brain is associated with glucose dysmetabolism, ferroptosis, and reduced DCX+ neurons, that may contribute to AD.

Ferroptosis: Potential opportunities for natural products in cancer therapy

Cancer cells often exhibit defects in the execution of cell death, resulting in poor clinical outcomes for patients with many cancer types. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered form of programmed cell death characterized by intracellular iron overload and lipid peroxidation in the cell membrane. Increasing evidence suggests that ferroptosis is closely associated with a wide variety of physiological and pathological processes, particularly in cancer. Notably, various bioactive natural products have been shown to induce the initiation and execution of ferroptosis in cancer cells, thereby exerting anticancer effects. In this review, we summarize the core regulatory mechanisms of ferroptosis and the multifaceted roles of ferroptosis in cancer. Importantly, we focus on natural products that regulate ferroptosis in cancer cells, such as terpenoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, steroids, quinones, and polysaccharides. The clinical efficacy, adverse effects, and drug-drug interactions of these natural products need to be evaluated in further high-quality studies to accelerate their application in cancer treatment.

SRSF1 inhibits ferroptosis and reduces cisplatin chemosensitivity of triple-negative breast cancer cells through the circSEPT9/GCH1 axis

Cisplatin (DDP) is a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), but its efficacy can be limited by chemoresistance. This study aimed to explore the functional mechanism of SR-rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1) in DDP chemosensitivity of TNBC cells. Levels of SRSF1, circular RNA septin 9 (circSEPT9), and GTP cyclohydrolase-1 (GCH1) in TNBC cells, DDP-resistant cells, and normal cells were determined. Cell viability, half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value, and proliferation were evaluated. Ferroptosis was determined by assay kits (ferric ion/ROS/MDA/GSH) and Western blot assay (SLC7A11/ACSL4). The genetic binding was analyzed by RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull-down assays. SRSF1, circSEPT9, and GCH1 were upregulated in TNBC cells. SRSF1 downregulation reduced IC50 to DDP of parent and drug-resistant TNBC cells and inhibited cell viability and proliferation, meanwhile, the downregulation reduced GSH/SLC7A11 levels while elevated ferric ion/ROS/MDA/ACSL4 levels, promoting ferroptosis. SRSF1 bound to and upregulated circSEPT9 and circSEPT9 blocked the ubiquitination of GCH1, thereby increasing GCH1 protein level. Overexpression of circSEPT9 and GCH1 attenuated the DDP chemosensitivity of TNBC cells by inhibiting ferroptosis. This study is the first to report the role of SRSF1 inhibitors combined with chemotherapy in TNBC, which provides a promising strategy for the treatment of TNBC. SIGNIFICANCE: Cisplatin (DDP) is a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), but its efficacy can be limited by chemoresistance. This study aimed to unravel the molecular mechanism of SR-rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1) in DDP chemosensitivity of TNBC cells.

Cytoplasmic Shotgun Proteomic Points to Key Proteins and Pathways in Temozolomide-Resistant Glioblastoma Multiforme

Temozolomide (TMZ) is the first line of chemotherapy to treat primary brain tumors of the type glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). TMZ resistance (TMZR) is one of the main barriers to successful treatment and is a principal factor in relapse, resulting in a poor median survival of 15 months. The present paper focuses on proteomic analyses of cytosolic fractions from TMZ-resistant (TMZR) LN-18 cells. The experimental workflow includes an easy, cost-effective, and reproducible method to isolate subcellular fraction of cytosolic (CYTO) proteins, mitochondria, and plasma membrane proteins for proteomic studies. For this study, enriched cytoplasmic fractions were analyzed in replicates by nanoflow liquid chromatography tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry (nLC-MS/MS), and proteins identified were quantified using a label-free approach (LFQ). Statistical analysis of control (CTRL) and temozolomide-resistant (TMZR) proteomes revealed proteins that appear to be differentially controlled in the cytoplasm. The functions of these proteins are discussed as well as their roles in other cancers and TMZ resistance in GBM. Key proteins are also described through biological processes related to gene ontology (GO), molecular functions, and cellular components. For protein-protein interactions (PPI), network and pathway involvement analyses have been performed, highlighting the roles of key proteins in the TMZ resistance phenotypes. This study provides a detailed insight into methods of subcellular fractionation for proteomic analysis of TMZ-resistant GBM cells and the potential to apply this approach to future large-scale studies. Several key proteins, protein-protein interactions (PPI), and pathways have been identified, underlying the TMZ resistance phenotype and highlighting the proteins' biological functions.

Serine and arginine rich splicing factor 1‑regulated microtubule interacting and trafficking domain containing 1 affects colorectal cancer progression and ferroptosis

As the third most common type of cancer globally, colorectal cancer (CC) is a prevalent digestive malignancy, with the second highest mortality rate among all types of cancer. It has been reported that microtubule interacting and trafficking domain containing 1 (MITD1) serves a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of diverse types of tumors. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism of MITD1 in CC has not been previously investigated. The ENCORI and GEPIA databases were used to investigate the expression levels of MITD1 in patients with CC. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of MITD1 in cancer tissues obtained from patients with CC, while its mRNA and protein expression levels in CC cell lines were determined by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. Subsequently, MITD1 was knocked down in CC cells using an interference plasmid and Cell Counting Kit 8, colony formation, as well as EdU assays were performed to assess cell proliferation. Concurrently, wound healing and Transwell assays were performed to evaluate the migration and invasion abilities of CC cells. Lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were determined by BODIPY 581/591 C11 staining. In addition, the levels of oxidative stress markers and those of total iron were measured using the corresponding kits. Furthermore, the association between serine and arginine rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1) and MITD1 was verified by RNA immunoprecipitation and actinomycin D experiments. Finally, to further uncover the mechanism of MITD1, SRSF1 was overexpressed and MITD1 was silenced in CC cells. The results demonstrated that the expression of MITD1 was abnormally elevated in CC tissues and CC cell lines. MITD1 silencing distinctly diminished CC cell viability, increased CC cell ferroptosis and attenuated their invasion and migration abilities. In addition, MITD1 knockdown significantly increased the expression of lipid ROS and total iron levels in CC cells. Additionally, the results showed that SRSF1 could stabilize MITD1 mRNA expression in CC cells. Finally, it was revealed that SRSF1 could regulate MITD1 and affect the progression of CC and ferroptosis via p53/solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling. Overall, the results of the current study indicated that SRSF1-regulated MITD1 could affect CC progression and ferroptosis, probably via the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway.

Identification of molecular subtypes and a risk model based on inflammation-related genes in patients with low grade glioma

Lower grade gliomas (LGGs) exhibit invasiveness and heterogeneity as distinguishing features. The outcome of patients with LGG differs greatly. Recently, more and more studies have suggested that infiltrating inflammation cells and inflammation-related genes (IRGs) play an essential role in tumorigenesis, prognosis, and treatment responses. Nevertheless, the role of IRGs in LGG remains unclear. In The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort, we conducted a thorough examination of the predictive significance of IRGs and identified 245 IRGs that correlated with the clinical prognosis of individuals diagnosed with LGG. Based on unsupervised cluster analysis, we identified two inflammation-associated molecular clusters, which presented different tumor immune microenvironments, tumorigenesis scores, and tumor stemness indices. Furthermore, a prognostic risk model including ten prognostic IRGs (ADRB2, CD274, CXCL12, IL12B, NFE2L2, PRF1, SFTPC, TBX21, TNFRSF11B, and TTR) was constructed. The survival analysis indicated that the IRGs risk model independently predicted the prognosis of patients with LGG, which was validated in an independent LGG cohort. Moreover, the risk model significantly correlated with the infiltrative level of immune cells, tumor mutation burden, expression of HLA and immune checkpoint genes, tumorigenesis scores, and tumor stemness indices in LGG. Additionally, we found that our risk model could predict the chemotherapy response of some drugs in patients with LGG. This study may enhance the advancement of personalized therapy and improve outcomes of LGG.

Ferroptosis in tumors and its relationship to other programmed cell death: role of non-coding RNAs

Programmed cell death (PCD) plays an important role in many aspects of individual development, maintenance of body homeostasis and pathological processes. Ferroptosis is a novel form of PCD characterized by the accumulation of iron-dependent lipid peroxides resulting in lethal cell damage. It contributes to tumor progression in an apoptosis-independent manner. In recent years, an increasing number of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been demonstrated to mediate the biological process of ferroptosis, hence impacting carcinogenesis, progression, drug resistance, and prognosis. However, the clear regulatory mechanism for this phenomenon remains poorly understood. Moreover, ferroptosis does not usually exist independently. Its interaction with PCD, like apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and cuproptosis, to destroy cells appears to exist. Furthermore, ncRNA seems to be involved. Here, we review the mechanisms by which ferroptosis occurs, dissect its relationship with other forms of death, summarize the key regulatory roles played by ncRNAs, raise relevant questions and predict possible barriers to its application in the clinic, offering new ideas for targeted tumour therapy.

Bioinformatics identification of ferroptosis-related genes and therapeutic drugs in rheumatoid arthritis

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic immune disease characterized by synovial inflammation and bone destruction, with a largely unclear etiology. Evidence has indicated that ferroptosis may play an increasingly important role in the onset and development of RA. However, ferroptosis-related genes are still largely unexplored in RA. Therefore, this work focused on identifying and validating the potential ferroptosis-related genes involved in RA through bioinformatics analysis.

Methods

We screened differentially expressed ferroptosis-related genes (DEFGs) between RA patients and healthy individuals based on GSE55235 dataset. Subsequently, correlation analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, GO, and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed using these DEFGs. Finally, our results were validated by GSE12021 dataset.

Results

We discovered 34 potential DEFGs in RA based on bioinformatics analysis. According to functional enrichment analysis, these genes were mainly enriched in HIF-1 signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, and Ferroptosis pathway. Four genes (GABARPL1, DUSP1, JUN, and MAPK8) were validated to be downregulated by GSE12021 dataset and were diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for RA via the regulation of ferroptosis.

Discussion

Our results help shed more light on the pathogenesis of RA. Ferroptosis-related genes in RA are valuable diagnostic biomarkers and they will be exploited clinically as therapeutic targets in the future.

Opportunities and challenges related to ferroptosis in glioma and neuroblastoma

A newly identified form of cell death known as ferroptosis is characterized by the peroxidation of lipids in response to iron. Rapid progress in research on ferroptosis in glioma and neuroblastoma has promoted the exploitation of ferroptosis in related therapy. This manuscript provides a review of the findings on ferroptosis-related therapy in glioblastoma and neuroblastoma and outlines the mechanisms involved in ferroptosis in glioma and neuroblastoma. We summarize some recent data on traditional drugs, natural compounds and nanomedicines used as ferroptosis inducers in glioma and neuroblastoma, as well as some bioinformatic analyses of genes involved in ferroptosis. Moreover, we summarize some data on the associations of ferroptosis with the tumor immunotherapy and TMZ drug resistance. Finally, we discuss future directions for ferroptosis research in glioma and neuroblastoma and currently unresolved issues.

Ferroptosis: A novel therapeutic strategy and mechanism of action in glioma

Glioma is the most common malignant tumor of the central nervous system and resistance is easily developed to chemotherapy drugs during the treatment process, resulting in high mortality and short survival in glioma patients. Novel therapeutic approaches are urgently needed to improve the therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs and to improve the prognosis of patients with glioma. Ferroptosis is a novel regulatory cell death mechanism that plays a key role in cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and other diseases. Studies have found that ferroptosis-related regulators are closely related to the survival of patients with glioma, and induction of ferroptosis can improve glioma resistance to chemotherapy drugs. Therefore, induction of tumor cell ferroptosis may be an effective therapeutic strategy for glioma. This review summarizes the relevant mechanisms of ferroptosis, systematically summarizes the key role of ferroptosis in the treatment of glioma and outlines the relationship between ferroptosis-related ncRNAs and the progression of glioma.