Prognostic significance and targeting tumor-associated macrophages in cancer: new insights and future perspectives

Exploring SALL4 as a significant prognostic marker in breast cancer and its association with progression pathways involved in cancer genesis

Breast carcinoma is the leading factor in women's cancer-related fatalities. Due to its numerous inherent molecular subtypes, breast cancer is an extremely diverse illness. The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive subtypes stands out among these subtypes as being especially prone to cancer development and illness recurrence. The regulation of embryonic stem cells' pluripotency and self-renewal is carried out by the SALL4 (Spalt-like transcription factor 4) family member. Numerous molecular pathways operating at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenomic levels regulate the expression of SALL4. Many transcription factors control the expression of SALL4, with STAT3 being the primary regulator in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and breast carcinoma. Moreover, this oncogene has been connected to a number of cellular functions, including invasion, apoptosis, proliferation, and resistance to therapy. Reduced patient survival rates and a worse prognosis have been linked to higher levels of SALL4. In order to target the undruggable SALL4 that is overexpressed in breast carcinoma, we investigated the prognostic levels of SALL4 in breast carcinoma and its interaction with various related proteins. Using TIMER 2.0 analysis, the expression pattern of SALL4 was investigated across all TCGA datasets. The research revealed that SALL4 expression was elevated in various cancers. The UALCAN findings demonstrated that SALL4 was overexpressed in all tumor samples including breast cancer especially TNBC (Triple negative breast cancer). The web-based ENRICHR program was used for gene ontology analysis that revealed SALL4 was actively involved in the development of the nervous system, positive regulation of stem cell proliferation, regulation of stem cell proliferation, regulation of the activin receptor signaling pathway, regulation of transcription using DNA templates, miRNA metabolic processes, and regulation of transcription by RNA Polymerase I. Using the STRING database, we analyzed the interaction and involvement of SALL4 with other abruptly activated proteins and used Cytoscape 3.8.0 for visualization. Additionally, using bc-GenExMiner, we studied the impact of SALL4 on pathways abruptly activated in different breast cancer subtypes that revealed SALL4 was highly correlated with WNT2B, NOTCH4, AKT3, and PIK3CA. Furthermore, to target SALL4, we evaluated and analyzed the impact of CLP and its analogues, revealing promising outcomes.

Phyto-therapeutics as anti-cancer agents in breast cancer: Pathway targeting and mechanistic elucidation

Cancer of the breast is the mainly prevalent class of cancer in females diagnosed over the globe. It also happens to be the 2nd most prevalent reason of cancer-related deaths among females worldwide. Some of the most common type's therapies for carcinoma of the breast involve radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and resection. Many studies are being conducted to develop new therapeutic strategies for better diagnosis of breast cancer. An enormous number of anticancer medications have been developed as a result of growing understanding of the molecular pathways behind the advancement of cancer. Over the past few decades, the general survival rate has not greatly increased due to the usage of chemically manufactured medications. Therefore, in order to increase the effectiveness of current cancer treatments, new tactics and cutting-edge chemoprevention drugs are required. Phytochemicals, which are naturally occurring molecules derived from plants, are important sources for both cancer therapy and innovative medication development. These phytochemicals frequently work by controlling molecular pathways linked to the development and spread of cancer. Increasing antioxidant status, inactivating carcinogens, preventing proliferation, causing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and immune system control are some of the specific ways. This primary objective of this review is to provide an overview of the active ingredients found in natural goods, including information on their pharmacologic action, molecular targets, and current state of knowledge. We have given a thorough description of a number of natural substances that specifically target the pathways linked to breast carcinoma in this study. We've conducted a great deal of study on a few natural compounds that may help us identify novel targets for the detection of breast carcinoma.

Targeting p53 misfolding conundrum by stabilizing agents and their analogs in breast cancer therapy: a comprehensive computational analysis

Cancer continues to be a major global public health concern and one of the foremost causes of death. Delays in the diagnosis and cure may cause an increase in advanced stage disease and mortality. The most common cancer found in women currently is breast carcinoma. Breast carcinoma has surpassed lung carcinoma and currently represents the chief type of cancer diagnosed (2.3 million new cases, which amount to 11.7% of all cancer cases). In addition, by 2040, the incidence will increase by more than 46% as per the estimates of GLOBOCAN. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents a highly aggressive and invasive subtype of breast cancer, characterized by rapid progression, short response time to the available treatment, and poor clinical results. Thus, it is very crucial to develop novel diagnostic tools and therapeutics with good efficacy. A majority of cancers display malfunction along the p53 pathway. Moreover, p53 not only loses its function but is also prone to misfolding and aggregation, leading to formation of amyloid aggregates as well. Research is being carried out to find ways to restore the normal action and expression of p53. Here, we have explored PhiKan-083 for its possible stabilizing effect on p53 in order to address the problem with its misfolding. Thus, examining the analogs of PhiKan-083 that have a role in p53 stability will help update our understanding of cancer progression and may expedite the progress of new anticancer treatments. We anticipate that the drug molecules and their analogs targeting p53 aggregation may be used in combination with other anticancer compounds to solve the problem with p53 aggregation. In this study, by employing ADMET analysis, the compounds were screened, and we further examined the chosen compounds with the help of molecular docking. By using databases like UALCAN, TIMER, GEPIA, and PredictProtein, we investigated TP53's expression pattern and prognostic relevance in various cancer settings.

Decoding the molecular mechanism of stypoldione against breast cancer through network pharmacology and experimental validation

Breast cancer is the primary factor contributing to female mortality worldwide. The incidence has overtaken lung cancer. It is the most difficult illness due to its heterogeneity and is made up of several subtypes, including Luminal A and B, basal-like, Her-2 overexpressed and TNBC. Amongst different breast carcinoma subtypes, TNBC is the most deadly breast cancer subtype. The hostile nature of TNBC is mainly attributed to its lack of three hormonal receptors and hence lack of targeted therapy. Furthermore, the current diagnostic options like radiotherapy, surgery and chemotherapy render unsuccessful due to recurrence, treatment side effects and drug resistance. The majority of anticancer drugs come from natural sources or is developed from them, making nature a significant source of many medicines. Marine-based constituents such as nucleotides, proteins, peptides, and amides are receiving a lot of interest in the field of cancer treatment due to their bioactive properties. The role of stypoldione in this study as a prospective treatment for breast carcinoma was examined, and we sought to comprehend the molecular means/pathways this chemical employs in breast carcinoma. The most promising possibility for an anti-cancer treatment is stypoldione, a marine chemical produced from the brown alga Stypopodium zonale. We investigated stypoldione's mode of action in breast cancer using the network pharmacology method, and we confirmed our research by using a number of computational tools, including UALCAN, cBioportal, TIMER, docking, and simulation. The findings revealed 92 common targets between the chemical and breast cancer target network. Additionally, we found that stypoldione targets a number of unregulated genes in breast cancer, including: ESR1, HSP90AA1, CXCL8, PTGS2, APP, MDM2, JAK2, KDR, LCK, GRM5, MAPK14, KIT, and several signaling pathways such as FOXO signaling pathway, VEGF pathway, calcium signaling pathway, MAPK/ERK pathway and Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction. The examined medication demonstrated a strong affinity for the major targets, according to a docking analysis. The best hit compound produced a stable protein-ligand pair, as predicted by molecular dynamics simulations. Our results are supported by the fact that when in-vitro assays were done on melanoma using stypoldione compound it was found that its mechanisms of action involved the PI3K/mTOR/Akt and NF-kB pathways. This study was set out to inspect the possible value of stypoldione as a breast cancer cure and to get a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which this drug acts on breast cancer.

Targeting breast cancer stem cells through retinoids: A new hope for treatment

Breast cancer is a complex and diverse disease accounting for nearly 30% of all cancers diagnosed in females. But unfortunately, patients develop resistance to the existing chemotherapeutic regimen, resulting in approximately 90% treatment failure. With over half a million deaths annually, it is imperative to explore new therapeutic approaches to combat the disease. Within a breast tumor, a small sub-population of heterogeneous cells, with a unique ability of self-renew and differentiation and responsible for tumor formation, initiation, and recurrence are referred to as breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). These BCSCs have been identified as one of the main contributors to chemoresistance in breast cancer, making them an attractive target for developing novel therapeutic strategies. These cells exhibit surface biomarkers such as CD44+, CD24-/LOW, ALDH, CD133, and CD49f phenotypes. Higher expression of CD44+ and ALDH activity has been associated with the formation of tumors in various cancers. Moreover, the abnormal regulation of signaling pathways, including Hedgehog, Notch, β-catenin, JAK/STAT, and P13K/AKT/mTOR, leads to the formation of cancer stem cells, resulting in the development of tumors. The growing drug resistance in BC is a significant challenge, highlighting the need for new therapeutic strategies to combat this dreadful disease. Retinoids, a large group of synthetic derivatives of vitamin A, have been studied as chemopreventive agents in clinical trials and have been shown to regulate various crucial biological functions including vision, development, inflammation, and metabolism. On a cellular level, the retinoid activity has been well characterized and translated and is known to induce differentiation and apoptosis, which play important roles in the outcome of the transformation of tissues into malignant. Retinoids have been investigated extensively for their use in the treatment and prevention of cancer due to their high receptor-binding affinity to directly modulate gene expression programs. Therefore, in this study, we aim to summarize the current understanding of BCSCs, their biomarkers, and the associated signaling pathways. Retinoids, such as Adapalene, a third-generation retinoid, have shown promising anti-cancer potential and may serve as therapeutic agents to target BCSCs.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Uracil Derivatives as Thymidylate Synthase Inhibitors

Cell division is driven by nucleic acid metabolism, and thymidylate synthase (TYMS) catalyzes a rate-limiting step in nucleotide synthesis. As a result, thymidylate synthase has emerged as a critical target in chemotherapy. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is currently being used to treat a wide range of cancers, including breast, pancreatic, head and neck, colorectal, ovarian, and gastric cancers The objective of this study was to establish a new methodology for the low-cost, one-pot synthesis of uracil derivatives (UD-1 to UD-5) and to evaluate their therapeutic potential in BC cells. One-pot organic synthesis processes using a single solvent were used for the synthesis of drug analogues of Uracil. Integrated bioinformatics using GEPIA2, UALCAN, and KM plotter were utilized to study the expression pattern and prognostic significance of TYMS, the key target gene of 5-fluorouracil in breast cancer patients. Cell viability, cell proliferation, and colony formation assays were used as in vitro methods to validate the in silico lead obtained. BC patients showed high levels of thymidylate synthase, and high expression of thymidylate synthase was found associated with poor prognosis. In silico studies indicated that synthesized uracil derivatives have a high affinity for thymidylate synthase. Notably, the uracil derivatives dramatically inhibited the proliferation and colonization potential of BC cells in vitro. In conclusion, our study identified novel uracil derivatives as promising therapeutic options for breast cancer patients expressing the augmented levels of thymidylate synthase.

Targeting tumor microenvironment using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes as therapeutics against tumorigenesis

The immune system plays a vital role in suppressing tumor cell progression. The tumor microenvironment augmented with significant levels of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes has been widely investigated and it is suggested that tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes have shown a significant role in the prognosis of cancer patients. Compared to ordinary non-infiltrating lymphocytes, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are a significant population of lymphocytes that infiltrate tumor tissue and have a higher level of specific immunological reactivity against tumor cells. They serve as an effective immunological defense against various malignancies. TILs are a diverse group of immune cells that are divided into immune subsets based on the pathological and physiological impact they have on the immune system. TILs mainly consist of B-cells, T-cells, or natural killer cells with diverse phenotypic and functional properties. TILs are known to be superior to other immune cells in that they can recognize a wide range of heterogeneous tumor antigens by producing many clones of T cell receptors (TCRs), outperforming treatments like TCR-T cell and CAR-T therapy. With the introduction of genetic engineering technologies, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have become a ground-breaking therapeutic option for malignancies, but because of the hindrances opposed by the immune microenvironment and the mutation of antigens, the development of TILs as therapeutic has been hindered. By giving some insight into the many variables, such as the various barriers inhibiting its usage as a potential therapeutic agent, we have examined various aspects of TILs in this work.

A network pharmacology-based investigation of brugine reveals its multi-target molecular mechanism against Breast Cancer

Breast cancer represents the leading cause of mortality among women worldwide. Since the complexity of breast cancer as a disease resides in its heterogeneity as it consists of several subtypes such as hormone receptor-positive subtypes: Luminal A, Luminal B, Her2- overexpressed, basal-like and hormone receptor-negative subtype: TNBC. Among all the subtypes, triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most lethal and complex subtype. Moreover, the available treatment options like surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are not sufficient because of the associated side effects and drug resistance development. Therefore, discovery of new effective natural compounds with anti-tumor activity is required. In this pursuit, marine organisms provide a plentiful supply of such chemicals compounds. A marine compound Brugine found in the bark and stem of mangrove species Bruguiera sexangula is a potential anti-cancer compound. It has shown its cytotoxic activity against sarcoma 180 and lewis lung cancer. The molecular processes, however, are currently unknown. So, in order to research the molecular pathways this compound utilizes, we sought to apply a network pharmacology approach. The network pharmacology strategy we used in this investigation to identify and evaluate possible molecular pathways involved in the treatment of breast cancer with brugine was supported by simulation and molecular docking experiments. The study was conducted using various databases such as the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) for the genetic profile study of breast cancer, Swiss ADME for studying the pharmacodynamic study of brugine, Gene cards for collection of information of genes, STRING was used to study the interaction among proteins, AutoDock vina was to study the binding efficacy of brugine with the best fit protein. The results showed that the compound and breast cancer target network shared 90 common targets. According to the functional enrichment analysis brugine exhibited its effects in breast cancer via modulating certain pathways such as cAMP signaling pathway, JAK/STAT pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway PI3K-Akt pathway, calcium signaling pathway, and Necroptosis. Molecular docking investigations demonstrated that the investigated marine compound has a high affinity for the key target, protein kinase A (PKA). A stable protein-ligand combination was created by the best hit molecule, according to molecular dynamics modeling. The purpose of this research was to examine the importance of brugine as a potentially effective treatment for breast cancer and to obtain knowledge of the molecular mechanism used by this substance in breast cancer.

Prospects for targeting ACKR1 in cancer and other diseases

The chemokine network is comprised of a family of signal proteins that encode messages for cells displaying chemokine G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). The diversity of effects on cellular functions, particularly directed migration of different cell types to sites of inflammation, is enabled by different combinations of chemokines activating signal transduction cascades on cells displaying a combination of receptors. These signals can contribute to autoimmune disease or be hijacked in cancer to stimulate cancer progression and metastatic migration. Thus far, three chemokine receptor-targeting drugs have been approved for clinical use: Maraviroc for HIV, Plerixafor for hematopoietic stem cell mobilization, and Mogalizumab for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Numerous compounds have been developed to inhibit specific chemokine GPCRs, but the complexity of the chemokine network has precluded more widespread clinical implementation, particularly as anti-neoplastic and anti-metastatic agents. Drugs that block a single signaling axis may be rendered ineffective or cause adverse reactions because each chemokine and receptor often have multiple context-specific functions. The chemokine network is tightly regulated at multiple levels, including by atypical chemokine receptors (ACKRs) that control chemokine gradients independently of G-proteins. ACKRs have numerous functions linked to chemokine immobilization, movement through and within cells, and recruitment of alternate effectors like β-arrestins. Atypical chemokine receptor 1 (ACKR1), previously known as the Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines (DARC), is a key regulator that binds chemokines involved in inflammatory responses and cancer proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Understanding more about ACKR1 in different diseases and populations may contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies targeting the chemokine network.

Invasion characteristics and clinical significance of tumor-associated macrophages in gastrointestinal Krukenberg tumors

Background

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have been used as potential drug targets in preclinical research and clinical trials of various cancers. However, their distribution in Krukenberg tumors (KTs) remains unclear. We investigated the expression and prognostic value of TAMs in patients with gastrointestinal cancer with KTs.

Methods

The infiltration of various types of TAMs was detected in surgical tissues of 35 patients with KTs using immunohistochemical staining. The level of infiltration of TAMs in tumor nests (TN), tumor stroma (TS), and invasive margin (IM) areas was evaluated. The Kaplan-Meier method and univariate/multivariate Cox regression risk models were used to analyze the relationship between the degree of TAMs invasion and overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

The distribution of TAMs exhibited spatial heterogeneity between TN, TS, and IM regions in primary tumor (PT) and KT tissues. TAMs infiltrated in the TN had greater prognostic value and were barely influenced by preoperative neoadjuvant therapy, despite similar grades of invasion in PT and KT tissues. Moreover, the number of CD68+ TAMs in TN of KT tissues was an independent risk factor affecting patient OS, whereas tumor resection scope might be an independent risk factor affecting patient PFS.

Conclusions

In view of the close relationship between TAMs, the tumor microenvironment and patient prognosis, targeting TAMs combined with chemotherapy is expected to become a new approach for the treatment of patients with KTs.

Expression patterns and therapeutic implications of histone deacetylase-1 across carcinomas: a comprehensive molecular docking and MD simulation study

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are a group of enzymes that control the expression of genes by deacetylating lysine residues on histone and nonhistone proteins. They control the expression of several proteins linked to the development and spread of cancer. Deregulation of HDAC1 has been reported across several tumors, and targeting HDAC1 with specific inhibitors has demonstrated a promising therapeutic strategy. Mocetinostat, an HDAC1 inhibitor, is yielding promising results both in vitro and in vivo studies. However, toxicities associated with Mocetinostat limit its therapeutic efficacy, so there is an urgent need to investigate novel HDAC1 inhibitors. The present study aimed to explore novel HDAC1 inhibitors and investigate the expression profile, and the prognostic and diagnostic significance of HDAC1 across pan-cancers. HDAC1 was found overexpressed across several tumors and its high expression signifies worse OS and RFS. Also, the study identified two novel HDAC1 inhibitors using an in-silico approach with high binding affinity for HDAC1 compared to Mocetinostat and formed significantly stable complexes. In conclusion, the study signifies that targeting HDAC1 is a promising therapeutic strategy, and exploring novel therapeutic agents through basic, translational design may lead to their ultimate use in cancer prevention.

Transcription Factor MAFB as a Prognostic Biomarker for the Lung Adenocarcinoma

MAFB is a basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor specifically expressed in macrophages. We have previously identified MAFB as a candidate marker for tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in human and mouse models. Here, we analyzed single-cell sequencing data of patients with lung adenocarcinoma obtained from the GEO database (GSE131907). Analyzed data showed that general macrophage marker CD68 and macrophage scavenger receptor 1 (CD204) were expressed in TAM and lung tissue macrophage clusters, while transcription factor MAFB was expressed specifically in TAM clusters. Clinical records of 120 patients with lung adenocarcinoma stage I (n = 57), II (n = 21), and III (n = 42) were retrieved from Tsukuba Human Tissue Biobank Center (THB) in the University of Tsukuba Hospital, Japan. Tumor tissues from these patients were extracted and stained with anti-human MAFB antibody, and then MAFB-positive cells relative to the tissue area (MAFB+ cells/tissue area) were morphometrically quantified. Our results indicated that higher numbers of MAFB+ cells significantly correlated to increased local lymph node metastasis (nodal involvement), high recurrence rate, poor pathological stage, increased lymphatic permeation, higher vascular invasion, and pleural infiltration. Moreover, increased amounts of MAFB+ cells were related to poor overall survival and disease-free survival, especially in smokers. These data indicate that MAFB may be a suitable prognostic biomarker for smoker lung cancer patients.

Adapalene inhibits the growth of triple-negative breast cancer cells by S-phase arrest and potentiates the antitumor efficacy of GDC-0941

Although advances in diagnostics and therapeutics have prolonged the survival of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients, metastasis, therapeutic resistance, and lack of targeted therapies remain the foremost hurdle in the effective management of TNBC. Thus, evaluation of new therapeutic agents and their efficacy in combination therapy is urgently needed. The third-generation retinoid adapalene (ADA) has potent antitumor activity, and using ADA in combination with existing therapeutic regimens may improve the effectiveness and minimize the toxicities and drug resistance. The current study aimed to assess the anticancer efficacy of adapalene as a combination regimen with the PI3K inhibitor (GDC-0941) in TNBC in vitro models. The Chou–Talalay’s method evaluated the pharmacodynamic interactions (synergism, antagonism, or additivity) of binary drug combinations. Flow cytometry, Western blotting, and in silico studies were used to analyze the mechanism of GDC–ADA synergistic interactions in TNBC cells. The combination of GDC and ADA demonstrated a synergistic effect in inhibiting proliferation, migration, and colony formation of tumor cells. Accumulation of reactive oxygen species upon co-treatment with GDC and ADA promoted apoptosis and enhanced sensitivity to GDC in TNBC cells. The findings indicate that ADA is a promising therapeutic agent in treating advanced BC tumors and enhance sensitivity to GDC in inhibiting tumor growth in TNBC models while reducing therapeutic resistance.

The Prognostic and Clinical Value of Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Patients With Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

The prognostic and clinical value of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in patients with breast cancer (BCa) remains unclear. We conducted the current meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the association of CD68+ and CD163+ TAM density with the prognosis and clinicopathologic features of BCa patients.

Methods

Searches of Web of Science, PubMed, and EMBASE databases were performed up to January 31, 2022. The meta-analysis was conducted using hazard risks (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for survival data including overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and BCa specific survival. Sensitivity and meta-regression analyses were also conducted to identify the robustness of the pooled estimates.

Results

Our literature search identified relevant articles involving a total of 8,496 patients from 32 included studies. Our analysis indicates that a high CD68+ TAM density in the tumor stoma was significantly linked with poor OS (HR 2.46, 95% CI, 1.83–3.31, P<0.001) and shorter DFS (HR 1.77, 95% CI, 1.08–2.89, P=0.02) compared to low CD68+ TAM density. A significant association was also found in the tumor nest. Analysis of CD163+ TAM density showed similar results (all P<0.001). Notably, the pooled analysis with multivariate-adjusted HRs for OS and DFS also found that a high TAM density was significantly related to poorer outcomes for BCa patients (all P<0.05). In addition, BCa patients with high TAM density were more likely to have larger tumors, no vascular invasion, and positive estrogen receptor expression (all P<0.05).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis indicates that a high CD68+ and CD163+ TAM density is associated with poor OS and shorter DFS in BCa patients. Further clinical studies and in vivo experiments are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanism of TAMs.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022304853, identifier CRD42022304853.

Targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) in cancer: molecular docking and dynamic simulations of potential CDK1 inhibitors

Cell cycle dysregulation is a characteristic hallmark of malignancies, which results in uncontrolled cell proliferation and eventual tumor formation. Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) is a member of the family of cell cycle regulatory proteins involved in cell cycle maintenance. Given that overexpression of CDK1 has been associated with cancer, CDK1 inhibitors may restore equilibrium to the skewed cell cycle system and operate as an effective therapeutic drug. This study aimed to identify and classify inhibitors having a higher affinity for CDK1 and also evaluate the expression pattern and prognostic relevance of CDK1 in a wide range of cancers. We investigated therapeutic molecules structurally similar to dinaciclib for their ability to inhibit CDK1 selectively. To assess the therapeutic potential of screened Dinaciclib analogs, we used drug likeliness analysis, molecular docking, and simulation analysis. CDK1 was found to be highly upregulated across several malignancies and is associated with poor overall and relapse-free survival. Molecular docking and dynamics evaluation identified two novel dinaciclib analogs as potent CDK1 inhibitors with high binding affinity and stability compared to dinaciclib. The results indicate that increased CDK1 expression is associated with decreased OS and RFS. Additionally, dinaciclib analogs are prospective replacements for dinaciclib since they exhibit increased binding affinity, consistent with MDS findings, and have acceptable ADMET qualities. The discovery of new compounds may pave the road for their future application in cancer prevention through basic, preclinical, and clinical research.

Cyclin-dependent kinases in breast cancer: expression pattern and therapeutic implications

Presently, breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignancies diagnosed and the leading cause of tumor-related deaths among women worldwide. Cell cycle dysregulation is one of the hallmarks of cancer, resulting in uncontrolled cell proliferation. Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are central to the cell cycle control system, and deregulation of these kinases leads to the development of malignancies, including breast cancer. CDKs and cyclins have been reported as crucial components involved in tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. Given the aggressive nature, tumor heterogeneity, and chemoresistance, there is an urgent need to explore novel targets and therapeutics to manage breast cancer effectively. Inhibitors targeting CDKs modulate the cell cycle, thus throwing light upon their therapeutic aspect where the progression of tumor cells could be inhibited. This article gives a comprehensive account of CDKs in breast cancer progression and metastasis and recent developments in the modulation of CDKs in treating malignancies. We have also explored the expression pattern and prognostic significance of CDKs in breast cancer patients. The article will also shed light on the Implications of CDK inhibition and TGF-β signaling in breast cancer.

miR-1290 modulates the radioresistance of triple-negative breast cancer by targeting NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis

PURPOSE

To explore the roles and underlying mechanisms of miR-1290 in determining the sensitivity of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) to radiation therapy.

METHODS

ELISA was performed to detect the levels of IL-18 and IL-1β in radiosensitive cells and serum samples. The level of miR-1290 in radiosensitive cells and tissues was assessed by qRT-PCR assay. A luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm NLRP3 as the target of miR-1290. Functionally, the roles of miR-1290 in TNBC radioresistance were analyzed by transfection of either miR-1290 mimic or miR-1290 inhibitor. Moreover, the involvement of the miR-1290/NLRP3 axis in TNBC radioresistance was analyzed by experiments with a miR-1290 mimic and NLRP3 overexpression. MTT and colony formation assays were used to detect radiation-induced cell viability and proliferation. qRT-PCR and western blot assays were used to detect pyroptosis markers (NLRP3, ACS and caspase-1).

RESULTS

The results showed that radioresistance in TNBC cells was associated with a reduction in pyroptosis. miR-1290 expression was increased in radioresistant cells, and it had higher expression levels in the radioresistant tumor tissues of TNBC patients compared to the radiosensitive samples. The miR-1290 mimic suppressed radiation-induced pyroptosis and reduced the radiosensitivity of TNBC cells. Moreover, we found that NLRP3 was a potential target of miR-1290. Overexpression of NLRP3 partly reversed the effects of miR-1290 on pyroptosis and radioresistance. The mouse models showed that miR-1290 suppressed tumor size, tumor weight and pyroptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

miR-1290/NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis may play an important role in determining radioresistance in TNBC and serve as a novel therapeutic option.

Cryptolepine Targets TOP2A and Inhibits Tumor Cell Proliferation in Breast Cancer Cells - An in vitro and in silico Study

BACKGROUND

DNA Topoisomerase II Alpha (TOP2A), a protein-coding gene, is central to the replication process and has been found deregulated in several malignancies, including breast cancer. Several therapeutic regimens have been developed and approved for targeting TOP2A and have prolonged the survival of cancer patients. However, due to the inherent nature of the tumor cell to evolve, the earlier positive response turns into a refractory chemoresistance in breast cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE

The study's main objective was to analyze the expression pattern and prognostic significance of TOP2A in breast cancer patients and screen new therapeutic molecules targeting TOP2A.

METHODS

We utilized an integrated bioinformatic approach to analyze the expression pattern, genetic alteration, immune association, and prognostic significance of TOP2A in breast cancer (BC) and screened natural compounds targeting TOP2A, and performed an in-silico and an in vitro analysis.

RESULTS

Our study showed that TOP2A is highly overexpressed in breast cancer tissues and overexpression of TOP2A correlates with worse overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS). Moreover, TOP2A showed a high association with tumor stroma, particularly with myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Also, in silico and in vitro analysis revealed cryptolepine as a promising natural compound targeting TOP2A.

CONCLUSION

Cumulatively, this study signifies that TOP2A promotes breast cancer progression, and targeting TOP2A in combination with other therapeutic agents will significantly enhance the response of BC patients to therapy and reduce the development of chemoresistance.

Harnessing the Anti-Tumor Mediators in Mast Cells as a New Strategy for Adoptive Cell Transfer for Cancer

The emergence of cancer immunotherapies utilizing adoptive cell transfer (ACT) continues to be one of the most promising strategies for cancer treatment. Mast cells (MCs) which occur throughout vascularized tissues, are most commonly associated with Type I hypersensitivity, bind immunoglobin E (IgE) with high affinity, produce anti-cancer mediators such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and generally populate the tumor microenvironments. Yet, the role of MCs in cancer pathologies remains controversial with evidence for both anti-tumor and pro-tumor effects. Here, we review the studies examining the role of MCs in multiple forms of cancer, provide an alternative, MC-based hypothesis underlying the mechanism of therapeutic tumor IgE efficacy in clinical trials, and propose a novel strategy for using tumor-targeted, IgE-sensitized MCs as a platform for developing new cellular cancer immunotherapies. This autologous MC cancer immunotherapy could have several advantages over current cell-based cancer immunotherapies and provide new mechanistic strategies for cancer therapeutics alone or in combination with current approaches.

Chemokines in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Heterogeneity: New Challenges for Clinical Implications

Tumor heterogeneity is a hallmark of cancer and one of the primary causes of resistance to therapies. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which accounts for 15% to 20% of all breast cancers and is the most aggressive subtype, is very diverse, connected to metastatic potential and response to therapy. It is a very diverse disease at the molecular, pathologic, and clinical levels. TNBC is substantially more likely to recur and has a worse overall survival rate following diagnosis than other breast cancer subtypes. Chemokines, low molecular weight proteins that stimulate chemotaxis, have been shown to control the cues responsible for TNBC heterogeneity. In this review, we have focused on tumor heterogeneity and the role of chemokines in modulating tumor heterogeneity, since this is the most critical issue in treating TNBC. Additionally, we examined numerous cues mediated by chemokine networks that contribute to the heterogeneity of TNBC. Recent developments in our knowledge of the chemokine networks that regulate TNBC heterogeneity may pave the door for developing difficult-to-treat TNBC treatment options.

Potential Molecular Biomarkers of Vestibular Schwannoma Growth: Progress and Prospects

Vestibular schwannomas (VSs, also known as acoustic neuromas) are relatively rare benign brain tumors stem from the Schwann cells of the eighth cranial nerve. Tumor growth is the paramount factor for neurosurgeons to decide whether to choose aggressive treatment approach or careful follow-up with regular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as surgery and radiation can introduce significant trauma and affect neurological function, while tumor enlargement during long-term follow-up will compress the adjacent nerves and tissues, causing progressive hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo. Recently, with the deepening research of VS biology, some proteins that regulate merlin conformation changes, inflammatory cytokines, miRNAs, tissue proteins and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) components have been proposed to be closely related to tumor volume increase. In this review, we discuss advances in the study of biomarkers that associated with VS growth, providing a reference for exploring the growth course of VS and determining the optimal treatment strategy for each patient.

The tumor microenvironment as driver of stemness and therapeutic resistance in breast cancer: New challenges and therapeutic opportunities

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer (BC), the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths, remains a significant threat to the health and wellness of women worldwide. The tumor microenvironment (TME), comprising cellular components, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), immune cells, endothelial cells and adipocytes, and noncellular components such as extracellular matrix (ECM), has been recognized as a critical contributor to the development and progression of BC. The interplay between TME components and cancer cells promotes phenotypic heterogeneity, cell plasticity and cancer cell stemness that impart tumor dormancy, enhanced invasion and metastasis, and the development of therapeutic resistance. While most previous studies have focused on targeting cancer cells with a dismal prognosis, novel therapies targeting stromal components are currently being evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies, and are already showing improved efficacies. As such, they may offer better means to eliminate the disease effectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In this review, we focus on the evolving concept of the TME as a key player regulating tumor growth, metastasis, stemness, and the development of therapeutic resistance. Despite significant advances over the last decade, several clinical trials focusing on the TME have failed to demonstrate promising effectiveness in cancer patients. To expedite clinical efficacy of TME-directed therapies, a deeper understanding of the TME is of utmost importance. Secondly, the efficacy of TME-directed therapies when used alone or in combination with chemo- or radiotherapy, and the tumor stage needs to be studied. Likewise, identifying molecular signatures and biomarkers indicating the type of TME will help in determining precise TME-directed therapies.