FOXO1, a tiny protein with intricate interactions: Promising therapeutic candidate in lung cancer

Oncogenic activation of PI K3 CA in cancers: Emerging targeted therapies in precision oncology

Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are heterodimers consisting of a p110 catalytic subunit and a p85 regulatory subunit. The PIK3CA gene, which encodes the p110α, is the most frequently mutated oncogene in cancer. Oncogenic PIK3CA mutations activate the PI3K pathway, promote tumor initiation and development, and mediate resistance to anti-tumor treatments, making the mutant p110α an excellent target for cancer therapy. PIK3CA mutations occur in two hotspot regions: one in the helical domain and the other in the kinase domain. The PIK3CA helical and kinase domain mutations exert their oncogenic function through distinct mechanisms. For example, helical domain mutations of p110α gained direct interaction with insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) to activate the downstream signaling pathways. Moreover, p85β proteins disassociate from helical domain mutant p110α, translocate into the nucleus, and stabilize enhancer of zeste homolog 1/2 (EZH1/2). Due to the fundamental role of PI3Kα in tumor initiation and development, PI3Kα-specific inhibitors, represented by FDA-approved alpelisib, have developed rapidly in recent decades. However, side effects, including on-target side effects such as hyperglycemia, restrict the maximum dose and thus clinical efficacy of alpelisib. Therefore, developing p110α mutant-specific inhibitors to circumvent on-target side effects becomes a new direction for targeting PIK3CA mutant cancers. In this review, we briefly introduce the function of the PI3K pathway and discuss how PIK3CA mutations rewire cell signaling, metabolism, and tumor microenvironment, as well as therapeutic strategies under development to treat patients with tumors harboring a PIK3CA mutation.

Depside and depsidone-rich hydroalcoholic extract, resourced from the lichen Parmelinella wallichiana (Taylor) Elix & Hale selectively restricts Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer by modulating p53, FOXO1 and PALLADIN genes

The non-specificity of contemporary cancer therapeutics has enticed us to develop safer, anticancer alternatives from natural resources. Lichens are unique natural entities which have long been neglected for explorations in cancer therapy, despite their vast potential. Our present study aims to investigate the anti-cancer potential of a wild lichen Parmelinella wallichiana. The anti-proliferative efficacy of the lichen extracts were screened through MTT assay against a panel of cell lines and the potent hydroalcoholic extract was selected for further evaluation against the most sensitive lung-cancer cell line A549 by implementing a wide range of microscopic and flow cytometric applications. The observations suggest that the extract could selectively induce apoptosis by augmenting ROS and disrupting the mitochondrial membrane potentiality. It was also found that the lichen-induced apoptosis was regulated by two crucial tumor suppressor genes, FOXO1, and p53, along with cell cycle inhibitor p21 which ultimately resulted in robust apoptosis through the up-regulation of pro-apoptotic BAX expression. Moreover, the extract also restricted the cancer progression by down-regulating the PALLADIN expression. Further, an LC-MS-based metabolomic profile highlighted a number of depsides, depsidones and dibenzofurans, which included atranorin, physodalic acid, salazinic acid, constictic acid and usnic acid. Then, an in silico docking with these lichen-derived metabolites against the PI3Kα receptor predicted these compounds has a binding affinity close to a standard PI3Kα inhibitor copanlisib. The study concludes that the extract restricts lung cancer possibly through the PI3Kα/FOXO1 axis and thus Parmelinella wallichiana represents a potential resource for anti-lung cancer drug development in future.

Deletion of the foxO1 gene reduces hypoxia tolerance in zebrafish embryos by influencing erythropoiesis

FoxO1 (Forkhead box O1) belongs to the evolutionarily conserved FoxO subfamily and is involved in diverse physiologic processes, including apoptosis, cell cycle, DNA damage repair, oxidative stress and cell differentiation. FoxO1 plays an important role in regulating the hypoxia microenvironment such as cancers, but its role in hypoxia adaptation remains unclear in animals. To understand the function of foxO1 in hypoxia response, we constructed foxO1a and foxO1b mutant zebrafish using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. It was found that foxO1a and foxO1b destruction affected the hematopoietic system in the early zebrafish embryos. Specifically, FoxO1a and FoxO1b were found to affect the transcriptional activity of runx1, a marker gene for hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Moreover, foxO1a and foxO1b had complementary features in hypoxia response, and foxO1a or/and foxO1b destruction resulted in tolerance of zebrafish becoming weakened in hypoxia due to insufficient hemoglobin supply. Additionally, the transcriptional activity of these two genes was demonstrated to be regulated by Hif1α. In conclusion, foxO1a and foxO1b respond to Hif1α-mediated hypoxia response by participating in zebrafish erythropoiesis. These results will provide a theoretical basis for further exploring the function of FoxO1 in hematopoiesis and hypoxia response.

The Emerging Role of IGF2BP2 in Cancer Therapy Resistance: From Molecular Mechanism to Future Potential

Tumor resistance is one of the primary reasons for cancer treatment failure, significantly limiting the options and efficacy of cancer therapies. Therefore, overcoming resistance has become a critical factor in improving cancer treatment outcomes. IGF2BP2, as a reader of m6A methylation, plays a pivotal role in the post-transcriptional regulation of RNA through the methylation of m6A sites. It not only contributes to cancer initiation and progression but also plays a key role in tumor drug resistance. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the mechanisms by which IGF2BP2 contributes to therapy resistance, with the aim of improving the efficacy of chemotherapy in cancer treatment. Advancing research in this area is crucial for developing more effective therapies that could significantly improve the quality of life for cancer patients.

Specific Deletions of Chromosomes 3p, 5q, 13q, and 21q among Patients with G2 Grade of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) leads as a primary cause of cancer-related premature mortality in Western populations. This study leverages cutting-edge gene-expression-profiling technologies to perform an in-depth molecular characterization of NSCLC specimens, with the objective of uncovering tumor-specific genomic alterations. By employing DNA microarray analysis, our research aims to refine the classification of NSCLC for early detection, guide molecular-targeted treatment approaches, enhance prognostication, and broaden the scientific understanding of the disease's biology. We identified widespread genomic abnormalities in our samples, including the recurrent loss of chromosomal regions 3p, 5q, 13q, and 21q and the gain of 12p. Furthermore, utilizing Metascape for bioinformatic analysis revealed critical biological pathways disrupted in NSCLC, offering promising leads for novel therapeutic interventions.

Targeting ferroptosis regulators in lung cancer: Exploring natural products

Lung cancer remains a formidable global health challenge, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies for improved efficacy. This review explores the untapped potential of natural products and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in lung cancer therapy, focusing on targeting ferroptosis regulators. Natural compounds, such as curcumin and resveratrol, exhibit diverse anti-cancer mechanisms, complemented by TCM's holistic approach rooted in a 3500-year history. Emphasizing the induction of cell death, particularly ferroptosis, the review highlights its significance in overcoming challenges like resistance to conventional therapies. Key ferroptosis regulators are explored in the context of natural products and TCM. The impact of these treatments on crucial pathways, such as antioxidant mechanisms (GPX4, SLC7A11, and NRF2), iron metabolism regulators, and lipid and mitochondria pathways, is examined. The findings provide a comprehensive overview of how natural products and TCM modulate ferroptosis in lung cancer, offering valuable insights for the development of innovative, side-effect-reduced therapeutic strategies. This work holds promise for transforming the landscape of lung cancer treatment by integrating the rich resources of nature into conventional therapeutic paradigms.

Unveiling the potential of FOXO3 in lung cancer: From molecular insights to therapeutic prospects

Lung cancer poses a significant challenge regarding molecular heterogeneity, as it encompasses a wide range of molecular alterations and cancer-related pathways. Recent discoveries made it feasible to thoroughly investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying lung cancer, giving rise to the possibility of novel therapeutic strategies relying on molecularly targeted drugs. In this context, forkhead box O3 (FOXO3), a member of forkhead transcription factors, has emerged as a crucial protein commonly dysregulated in cancer cells. The regulation of the FOXO3 in reacting to external stimuli plays a key role in maintaining cellular homeostasis as a component of the molecular machinery that determines whether cells will survive or dies. Indeed, various extrinsic cues regulate FOXO3, affecting its subcellular location and transcriptional activity. These regulations are mediated by diverse signaling pathways, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), and protein interactions that eventually drive post-transcriptional modification of FOXO3. Nevertheless, while it is no doubt that FOXO3 is implicated in numerous aspects of lung cancer, it is unclear whether they act as tumor suppressors, promotors, or both based on the situation. However, FOXO3 serves as an intriguing possible target in lung cancer therapeutics while widely used anti-cancer chemo drugs can regulate it. In this review, we describe a summary of recent findings on molecular mechanisms of FOXO3 to clarify that targeting its activity might hold promise in lung cancer treatment.

STAT3 drives the malignant progression of low-grade gliomas through modulating the expression of STAT1, FOXO1, and MYC

Low-grade glioma (LGG) is a prevalent and lethal primary brain malignancy, with most patients succumbing to recurrence and progression. The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family has long been implicated in tumor initiation and progression. However, a comprehensive evaluation of the expression status and overall function of STAT genes in LGG remains largely unreported. In this study, we investigated the association between the expression of STAT family genes and the progression of LGG. Through a comprehensive analysis that combined bioinformatics screening and validation assays, we determined that STAT1, STAT3, and STAT5A were upregulated and contributed to the malignant progression of LGG. Notably, our findings suggest that STAT3 is a critical prognostic marker that regulates the progression of LGG. STAT3 emerged as the most significant prognostic indicator governing the advancement of LGG. Additionally, our inquiry into the STAT3-binding proteins and differentially expressed-correlated genes (DEGs) revealed that STAT3 played a pivotal role in the progression of LGG by stimulating the expression of STAT1, FOXO1, and MYC. In summary, our recent study conducted a thorough analysis of the STAT family genes and revealed that directing therapeutic interventions towards STAT3 holds potential as a viable strategy for treating patients with LGG.

The FOXO1/G6PC axis promotes gastric cancer progression and mediates 5-fluorouracil resistance by targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

Gastric cancer (GC) is a prevalent malignancy of the digestive system. Distant metastasis and chemotherapy resistance are the crucial obstacles to prognosis in GC. Recent research has discovered that the glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit (G6PC) plays an important role in tumor malignant development. However, little evidence has highlighted its role in GC. Herein, through a comprehensive analysis including profiling of tissue samples and functional validation in vivo and in vitro, we identify G6PC as a crucial factor in GC tumorigenesis. Importantly, we found that the FOXO1/G6PC axis could accelerate GC cell proliferation, metastasis, and 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) resistance by targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, implicating that as a prospective therapeutic approach in GC.

CT-based radiomics for predicting Ki-67 expression in lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Radiomics, an emerging field, presents a promising avenue for the accurate prediction of biomarkers in different solid cancers. Lung cancer remains a significant global health challenge, contributing substantially to cancer-related mortality. Accurate assessment of Ki-67, a marker reflecting cellular proliferation, is crucial for evaluating tumor aggressiveness and treatment responsiveness, particularly in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis conducted following the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies (PRISMA-DTA) guidelines. Two authors independently conducted a literature search until September 23, 2023, in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. The focus was on identifying radiomics studies that predict Ki-67 expression in lung cancer. We evaluated quality using both Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) and the Radiomics Quality Score (RQS) tools. For statistical analysis in the meta-analysis, we used STATA 14.2 to assess sensitivity, specificity, heterogeneity, and diagnostic values.

Results

Ten retrospective studies were pooled in the meta-analysis. The findings demonstrated that the use of computed tomography (CT) scan-based radiomics for predicting Ki-67 expression in lung cancer exhibited encouraging diagnostic performance. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) in training cohorts were 0.78, 0.81, and 0.85, respectively. In validation cohorts, these values were 0.78, 0.70, and 0.81. Quality assessment using QUADAS-2 and RQS indicated generally acceptable study quality. Heterogeneity in training cohorts, attributed to factors like contrast-enhanced CT scans and specific Ki-67 thresholds, was observed. Notably, publication bias was detected in the training cohort, indicating that positive results are more likely to be published than non-significant or negative results. Thus, journals are encouraged to publish negative results as well.

Conclusion

In summary, CT-based radiomics exhibit promise in predicting Ki-67 expression in lung cancer. While the results suggest potential clinical utility, additional research efforts should concentrate on enhancing diagnostic accuracy. This could pave the way for the integration of radiomics methods as a less invasive alternative to current procedures like biopsy and surgery in the assessment of Ki-67 expression.

Natural killer cell-mediated immune surveillance in cancer: Role of tumor microenvironment

In the immunological surveillance against cancer, natural killer (NK) cells are essential effectors that help eradicate altered cells. The complex interactions that occur between NK cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) are thoroughly examined in this review. The review examines how cytokine stimulation affects NK cell activation, focusing on the dynamic modulation of NK cell function within the TME. It looks at NK cell-related biomarkers such as PD-1/PD-L1, methylation HOXA9 (Homeobox A9), Stroma AReactive Invasion Front Areas (SARIFA), and NKG2A/HLA-E, providing critical information about prognosis and treatment outcomes. The changing landscape of immunotherapies-including checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-NK cells, and cytokine-based interventions-is examined in the context of enhancing NK cell activity. The review highlights the potential pathways for precision medicine going forward, focusing on customized immunotherapies based on unique biomarker profiles and investigating combination medicines to produce more robust anti-tumor responses.