TGFα-EGFR pathway in breast carcinogenesis, association with WWOX expression and estrogen activation

Transcription factors and hormone receptors: Sex‑specific targets for cancer therapy (Review)

Despite advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, cancer continues to pose a challenge to disease-free longevity in humans. Numerous factors contribute to the onset and progression of cancer, among which sex differences, as an intrinsic biological condition, warrant further attention. The present review summarizes the roles of hormone receptors estrogen receptor α (ERα), estrogen receptor β (ERβ) and androgen receptor (AR) in seven types of cancer: Breast, prostate, ovarian, lung, gastric, colon and liver cancer. Key cancer-related transcription factors known to be activated through interactions with these hormone receptors have also been discussed. To assess the impact of sex hormone receptors on different cancer types, hormone-related transcription factors were analyzed using the SignaLink 3.0 database. Further analysis focused on six key transcription factors: CCCTC-binding factor, forkhead box A1, retinoic acid receptor α, PBX homeobox 1, GATA binding protein 2 and CDK inhibitor 1A. The present review demonstrates that these transcription factors significantly influence hormone receptor activity across various types of cancer, and elucidates the complex interactions between these transcription factors and hormone receptors, offering new insights into their roles in cancer progression. The findings suggest that targeting these common transcription factors could improve the efficacy of hormone therapy and provide a unified approach to treating various types of cancer. Understanding the dual and context-dependent roles of these transcription factors deepens the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying hormone-driven tumor progression and could lead to more effective targeted therapeutic strategies.

The role of miR-152 in urological tumors: potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets

Urological malignant tumors pose a significant threat to human health, with a high incidence rate each year. Prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and renal cell carcinoma are among the most prevalent and extensively researched urological malignancies. Despite advancements in research, the prognosis for these tumors remains unfavorable due to late detection, postoperative recurrence, and treatment resistance. A thorough investigation into their pathogenesis is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. Recent studies have highlighted the close association between microRNAs (miRNAs) and cancer progression. miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs composed of 19-23 nucleotides that regulate gene expression by binding to the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of target mRNAs, impacting key cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and migration. Dysregulation of miRNAs can disrupt the expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, contributing to cancer development. Among the various miRNAs studied, miR-152 has garnered attention for its role in urological malignancies. Several studies have indicated that dysregulation of miR-152 expression is significant in these cancers, warranting a comprehensive review of the evidence. This review focuses on the expression and function of miR-152 in prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and renal cell carcinoma, elucidating its mechanisms in cancer progression and exploring its potential as a therapeutic target and biomarker in urological malignancies.

Molecular Mechanism of WWOX Inhibiting the Development of Esophageal Cancer by Inhibiting Hippo Signaling Pathway

With the emergence of combined surgical treatments, complemented by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, survival rates for esophageal cancer patients have improved, but the overall 5-year survival rate remains low. Therefore, there is an urgent need for further research into the pathogenesis of esophageal cancer and the development of effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment methods. We initially utilized the GeneCards and DisGeNET databases to identify the esophageal cancer-associated gene WWOX (WW domain containing oxidoreductase). Subsequently, we employed RT-qPCR (Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR) and WB (western blot) to investigate the differential expression of WWOX in HEEC (human esophageal endotheliocytes) and various ESCC (esophageal squamous cell carcinoma) cell lines. We further evaluated alterations in cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis via CCK8 (cell counting kit-8) and clonal formation, Transwell assays and flow cytometry. Additionally, we investigated changes in protein expressions related to the Hippo signaling pathway (YAP/TEAD) through RT-qPCR and WB. Lastly, to further elucidate the regulatory mechanism of WWOX in ESCC, we performed exogenous YAP rescue experiments in ESCC cells with WWOX overexpression to investigate the alterations in apoptosis and proliferation. Results indicated that the expression of WWOX in ESCC was significantly downregulated. Subsequently, upon overexpression of WWOX, ESCC cell proliferation and migration decreased, while apoptosis increased. Additionally, the expression of YAP and TEAD were reduced. However, the sustained overexpression of YAP attenuated the inhibitory effects of WWOX on ESCC cell malignancy. In conclusion, WWOX exerts inhibitory effects on the proliferation and migration of ESCC and promotes apoptosis by suppressing the Hippo signaling pathway. These findings highlight the potential of WWOX as a novel target for the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer.

Advancements in NSCLC: From Pathophysiological Insights to Targeted Treatments

With the global incidence of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) on the rise, the development of innovative treatment strategies is increasingly vital. This review underscores the pivotal role of precision medicine in transforming NSCLC management, particularly through the integration of genomic and epigenomic insights to enhance treatment outcomes for patients. We focus on the identification of key gene mutations and examine the evolution and impact of targeted therapies. These therapies have shown encouraging results in improving survival rates and quality of life. Despite numerous gene mutations being identified in association with NSCLC, targeted treatments are available for only a select few. This paper offers an exhaustive analysis of the pathogenesis of NSCLC and reviews the latest advancements in targeted therapeutic approaches. It emphasizes the ongoing necessity for research and development in this domain. In addition, we discuss the current challenges faced in the clinical application of these therapies and the potential directions for future research, including the identification of novel targets and the development of new treatment modalities.