Combined inhibition of AURKA and HSF1 suppresses proliferation and promotes apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma by activating endoplasmic reticulum stress

The role of Aurora kinase A in hepatocellular carcinoma: Unveiling the intriguing functions of a key but still underexplored factor in liver cancer

Aurora Kinase A (AURKA) plays a central role as a serine/threonine kinase in regulating cell cycle progression and mitotic functions. Over the years, extensive research has revealed the multifaceted roles of AURKA in cancer development and progression. AURKA's dysregulation is frequently observed in various human cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Its overexpression in HCC has been associated with aggressive phenotypes and poor clinical outcomes. This review comprehensively explores the molecular mechanisms underlying AURKA expression in HCC and its functional implications in cell migration, invasion, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, stemness, and drug resistance. This work focuses on the clinical significance of AURKA as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for HCC. High levels of AURKA expression have been correlated with shorter overall and disease-free survival in various cohorts, highlighting its potential utility as a sensitive prognostic indicator. Recent insights into AURKA's role in modulating the tumour microenvironment, particularly immune cell recruitment, may provide valuable information for personalized treatment strategies. AURKA's critical involvement in modulating cellular pathways and its overexpression in cancer makes it an attractive target for anticancer therapies. This review discusses the evidence about novel and selective AURKA inhibitors for more effective treatments for HCC.

Revealing the active ingredients and mechanisms of Xiatianwu against hepatocellular carcinoma: a study based on network pharmacology and bioinformatics

Xiatianwu is a traditional Chinese medicine. This study investigates the function of Xiatianwu in treating HCC through database analyses and in vitro experiments. The active ingredients of Xiatianwu were identified from TCMSP and HERB databases and their targets were predicted by Swiss TargetPrediction. The HCC dataset was screened using the GEO database, and the differentially expressed genes between HCC and non-tumor liver tissues were analyzed to identify overlapping targets with Xiatianwu. The intersecting targets underwent enrichment analysis using R software to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of Xiatianwu against HCC. Core targets were identified using the PPI network and MCODE algorithm. Clinical relevance and disease prognosis in HCC were verified using the TCGA database. Meanwhile, binding affinities among components and targets were validated with molecular docking. Finally, the anti-HCC efficacy of the active ingredient was validated in vitro. Our findings revealed that eight active ingredients of Xiatianwu interacted with 11 key targets, providing anti-HCC efficacy. Molecular docking indicated that bicuculline and fumarine exhibited superior binding abilities. Bicuculline, a representative ingredient of Xiatianwu, was chosen for in vitro validation. Results demonstrated that bicuculline, in a dose-dependent manner inhibited HCC cell viability, reduced migration, suppressed the G0/M cell cycle, and decreased core protein expression. Xiatianwu demonstrates significant potential for clinical application in treating HCC. Bicuculline, a key active ingredient of Xiatianwu, exerts anti-HCC effects by inhibiting the cell cycle.

Suppression of NSCLC progression via the co-administration of Danusertib, an AURK inhibitor, and KRIBB11, an HSF1 inhibitor

Aurora kinase (AURK) and heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) are commonly overexpressed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), correlating with poor prognosis. This study aims to assess the therapeutic potential of combining the Danusertib (Danu, AURK inhibitor) and KRIBB11 (HSF1 inhibitor) for NSCLC treatment. The effects of this combination were investigated in A549 cells and a tumor xenograft mouse model. The findings demonstrate that concurrent administration of Danu and KRIBB11 effectively impedes cell proliferation, induces apoptosis, and triggers G2/M cell cycle arrest. Moreover, the combination treatment upregulates pro-apoptotic proteins (Cleaved-caspase3, Cleaved-PARP, and Bax) while downregulating anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2), as well as G2/M-related proteins (CDC2 and cyclin B1). Additionally, the combination treatment elevates reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, decreases mitochondrial membrane potential, and activates the DNA damage pathway. Interestingly, we discovered that the PI3K/AKT pathway is involved in mediating the effects of both Danu and KRIBB11. Furthermore, the combination treatment inhibits tumor growth and AKT signaling in the xenograft mouse model, increases levels of the tumor tissue oxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA), and induces DNA damage. To summarize, a potential therapeutic approach for NSCLC may involve dual inhibition of AURK and HSF1, resulting in the downregulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and the activation of ROS-mediated mitochondrial and DNA damage pathways.

AURKA knockdown inhibits esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression through ferroptosis

Aurora kinase A, as a pro-carcinogenic in gastric cancer and glioma kinase, is enhanced in several human tumors. However, it's regulatory mechanism in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the expression status, functional roles, and molecular mechanisms of AURKA in ESCC development. AURKA expression was analyzed by the screening of the GEO database and detected using an immunohistochemical method. The biological function of AURKA on ESCC was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Western blot assay, malondialdehyde (MDA), iron, and glutathione (GSH) kits were utilized to assess changes in ferroptosis. Database analysis results showed that AURKA was a differential gene in ESCC and was highly expressed in human ESCC tissues. Functionally, AURKA knockdown decreased ESCC cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, when AURKA was knockdown, cells were more correctly blocked in the G2/M phase, and the ferroptosis-related MDA and Fe increased, whereas the GSH reduced. Consistently, Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7a member 11 (SLC7A11) expression were downregulated by AURKA knockdown. However, ferroptosis inhibitor partially restore ESCC cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis caused by AURKA knockdown. AURKA knockdown enhances ferroptosis and acts against cancer progression in ESCC. AURKA acts as a tumor-promoting gene and may serve as potential target for ESCC treatment.

Heat shock factor 1 inhibition enhances the effects of modulated electro hyperthermia in a triple negative breast cancer mouse model

Female breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer worldwide. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive type and there is no existing endocrine or targeted therapy. Modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) is a non-invasive complementary cancer therapy using an electromagnetic field generated by amplitude modulated 13.56 MHz frequency that induces tumor cell destruction. However, we have demonstrated a strong induction of the heat shock response (HSR) by mEHT, which can result in thermotolerance. We hypothesized that inhibition of the heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) can synergize with mEHT and enhance tumor cell-killing. Thus, we either knocked down the HSF1 gene with a CRISPR/Cas9 lentiviral construct or inhibited HSF1 with a specific small molecule inhibitor: KRIBB11 in vivo. Wild type or HSF1-knockdown 4T1 TNBC cells were inoculated into the mammary gland's fat pad of BALB/c mice. Four mEHT treatments were performed every second day and the tumor growth was followed by ultrasound and caliper. KRIBB11 was administrated intraperitoneally at 50 mg/kg daily for 8 days. HSF1 and Hsp70 expression were assessed. HSF1 knockdown sensitized transduced cancer cells to mEHT and reduced tumor growth. HSF1 mRNA expression was significantly reduced in the KO group when compared to the empty vector group, and consequently mEHT-induced Hsp70 mRNA upregulation diminished in the KO group. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) confirmed the inhibition of Hsp70 upregulation in mEHT HSF1-KO group. Demonstrating the translational potential of HSF1 inhibition, combined therapy of mEHT with KRIBB11 significantly reduced tumor mass compared to either monotherapy. Inhibition of Hsp70 upregulation by mEHT was also supported by qPCR and IHC. In conclusion, we suggest that mEHT-therapy combined with HSF1 inhibition can be a possible new strategy of TNBC treatment with great translational potential.

Targeting the heat shock response induced by modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) in cancer

The Heat Shock Response (HSR) is a cellular stress reaction crucial for cell survival against stressors, including heat, in both healthy and cancer cells. Modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) is an emerging non-invasive cancer therapy utilizing electromagnetic fields to selectively target cancer cells via temperature-dependent and independent mechanisms. However, mEHT triggers HSR in treated cells. Despite demonstrated efficacy in cancer treatment, understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms for improved therapeutic outcomes remains a focus. This review examines the HSR induced by mEHT in cancer cells, discussing potential strategies to modulate it for enhanced tumor-killing effects. Approaches such as HSF1 gene-knockdown and small molecule inhibitors like KRIBB11 are explored to downregulate the HSR and augment tumor destruction. We emphasize the impact of HSR inhibition on cancer cell viability, mEHT sensitivity, and potential synergistic effects, addressing challenges and future directions. This understanding offers opportunities for optimizing treatment strategies and advancing precision medicine in cancer therapy.

The Interplay between Heat Shock Proteins and Cancer Pathogenesis: A Novel Strategy for Cancer Therapeutics

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are developmentally conserved families of protein found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. HSPs are engaged in a diverse range of physiological processes, including molecular chaperone activity to assist the initial protein folding or promote the unfolding and refolding of misfolded intermediates to acquire the normal or native conformation and its translocation and prevent protein aggregation as well as in immunity, apoptosis, and autophagy. These molecular chaperonins are classified into various families according to their molecular size or weight, encompassing small HSPs (e.g., HSP10 and HSP27), HSP40, HSP60, HSP70, HSP90, and the category of large HSPs that include HSP100 and ClpB proteins. The overexpression of HSPs is induced to counteract cell stress at elevated levels in a variety of solid tumors, including anticancer chemotherapy, and is closely related to a worse prognosis and therapeutic resistance to cancer cells. HSPs are also involved in anti-apoptotic properties and are associated with processes of cancer progression and development, such as metastasis, invasion, and cell proliferation. This review outlines the previously mentioned HSPs and their significant involvement in diverse mechanisms of tumor advancement and metastasis, as well as their contribution to identifying potential targets for therapeutic interventions.

Comprehensive Profiling and Therapeutic Insights into Differentially Expressed Genes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background: Drug repurposing is a strategy that complements the conventional approach of developing new drugs. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly prevalent type of liver cancer, necessitating an in-depth understanding of the underlying molecular alterations for improved treatment. Methods: We searched for a vast array of microarray experiments in addition to RNA-seq data. Through rigorous filtering processes, we have identified highly representative differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between tumor and non-tumor liver tissues and identified a distinct class of possible new candidate drugs. Results: Functional enrichment analysis revealed distinct biological processes associated with metal ions, including zinc, cadmium, and copper, potentially implicating chronic metal ion exposure in tumorigenesis. Conversely, up-regulated genes are associated with mitotic events and kinase activities, aligning with the relevance of kinases in HCC. To unravel the regulatory networks governing these DEGs, we employed topological analysis methods, identifying 25 hub genes and their regulatory transcription factors. In the pursuit of potential therapeutic options, we explored drug repurposing strategies based on computational approaches, analyzing their potential to reverse the expression patterns of key genes, including AURKA, CCNB1, CDK1, RRM2, and TOP2A. Potential therapeutic chemicals are alvocidib, AT-7519, kenpaullone, PHA-793887, JNJ-7706621, danusertibe, doxorubicin and analogues, mitoxantrone, podofilox, teniposide, and amonafide. Conclusion: This multi-omic study offers a comprehensive view of DEGs in HCC, shedding light on potential therapeutic targets and drug repurposing opportunities.

Heat Shock Factor 1 Inhibition: A Novel Anti-Cancer Strategy with Promise for Precision Oncology

Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) is a transcription factor crucial for regulating heat shock response (HSR), one of the significant cellular protective mechanisms. When cells are exposed to proteotoxic stress, HSF1 induces the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) to act as chaperones, correcting the protein-folding process and maintaining proteostasis. In addition to its role in HSR, HSF1 is overexpressed in multiple cancer cells, where its activation promotes malignancy and leads to poor prognosis. The mechanisms of HSF1-induced tumorigenesis are complex and involve diverse signaling pathways, dependent on cancer type. With its important roles in tumorigenesis and tumor progression, targeting HSF1 offers a novel cancer treatment strategy. In this article, we examine the basic function of HSF1 and its regulatory mechanisms, focus on the mechanisms involved in HSF1's roles in different cancer types, and examine current HSF1 inhibitors as novel therapeutics to treat cancers.

AURKA, as a potential prognostic biomarker, regulates autophagy and immune infiltration in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Dysfunction of Aurora A (AURKA) plays crucial role in tumorigenesis and development of many types of cancer. However, the role of AURKA in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has not been investigated yet.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two independent NPC cohorts (GSE61218 and GSE102349) were enrolled from public database to investigate the expression level of AURKA between NPC and nasopharyngitis samples, the association of AURKA expression level with prognosis in NPC, and the potential mechanism of AURKA in NPC by using bioinformatics analyses. The expression level of AURKA protein in 62 paired NPC and nasopharyngitis tissues was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Two NPC cell lines (SUNE-1 and CNE-2) were enrolled and the expression levels of AURKA in the NPC cells were inhibited by RNA interference. The expression levels of mRNAs were tested by qPCR and western-blotting. CCK-8 assay was applied to measure the cell growth. Cell migration was measured by using wound healing assays.

RESULTS

AURKA was highly expressed in NPC samples compared to nasopharyngitis samples in GSE61218, which was confirmed by IHC. High expression of AURKA was associated with worse prognosis in GSE102349. Notably, silencing of AURKA was associated with significantly decreased cell growth and migration in NPC. Moreover, we found that the differentially expressed genes between high and low AURKA expression groups in GSE102349 were majorly enriched in both autophagy-related and immune-related pathways. Additionally, the expression level of AURKA was associated with the expression levels of autophagy-related genes and the infiltration of immune cells.

CONCLUSION

AURKA overexpressed in NPC, which was associated with poor prognosis. Silencing of AURKA inhibited the proliferation and migration of NPC cells. Besides, AURKA might participate in the regulation of both autophagy and immunity in NPC.

A Novel Ferroptosis-Related Signature for Prediction of Prognosis, Immune Profiles and Drug Sensitivity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant disease with an increasing incidence and a high mortality rate. Ferroptosis, a novel type of cell death, has been reported to be closely associated with the progression of HCC. The aim of our study was to construct a novel ferroptosis-related signature (nFRGs) for prediction of prognosis, immune features and drug sensitivity of HCC patients. Data were obtained from the TCGA, ICGC, GSE104580, CCLE and IMvigor210 datasets, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was used to construct nFRGs. In addition, the analyses involved in prognoses, molecular function, stemness indices, somatic mutation, responses to immunologic therapy, efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) therapy and drug sensitivity were performed using diverse packages of R 4.1.3 between the low- and high-risk groups. The nFRGs included seven ferroptosis-related genes. Our results showed that nFRGs was an independent risk factor for prognoses of HCC patients, and HCC patients in the high-risk group presented with worse prognosis. Compared with the results of other studies, nFRGs was superior to other promising signatures in predicting prognoses of patients with HCC. In addition, most of the enriched pathways of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between these subgroups were related to immune features. The molecular functions, genetic mutation and mRNAsi were varied between the high- and low-risk groups. Moreover, we observed significant immunosuppression state in the high-risk group. Patients in the high-risk group might benefit from immunotherapy, whereas patients in the low-risk group may be susceptible to TACE therapy. Finally, five sensitive drugs and four sensitive drugs were screened for patients in the high- and low-risk groups, respectively. nFRGs may served as a novel biomarker of prognosis and aid in personalized therapeutic strategies for patients with HCC.

Integrated PPI- and WGCNA-retrieval of hub gene signatures for soft substrates inhibition of human fibroblasts proliferation and differentiation

Fibroblasts (FBs) are the most important functional cells in the process of wound repair, and their functions can be activated by different signals at the pathological site. Although wound repair is associated with microenvironmental stiffness, the effect of matrix stiffness on FBs remains elusive. In this study, TGF-β1 was used to mimic the fibrotic environment under pathological conditions. We found that the soft substrates made FBs slender compared with tissue culture plastic, and the main altered biological function was the inhibition of proliferation and differentiation ability. Through PPI and WGCNA analysis, 63 hub genes were found, including GADD45A, CDKN3, HIST2H3PS2, ACTB, etc., which may be the main targets of soft substrates affecting the proliferation and differentiation of FBs. Our findings not only provide a more detailed report on the effect of matrix stiffness on the function of human skin FBs, but also may provide new intervention ideas for improving scars and other diseases caused by excessive cell proliferation, with potential clinical application prospects.