A novel glycosylated indolocarbazole derivative LCS1269 effectively inhibits growth of human cancer cells in vitro and in vivo through driving of both apoptosis and senescence by inducing of DNA damage and modulating of AKT/mTOR/S6K and ERK pathways

TREM2 deficiency aggravates renal injury by promoting macrophage apoptosis and polarization via the JAK-STAT pathway in mice

The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is an immune receptor that affects cellular phenotypes by modulating phagocytosis and metabolism, promoting cell survival, and counteracting inflammation. Its role in renal injury, in particular, unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) or ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI)-induced renal injury remains unclear. In our study, WT and Trem2-/- mice were employed to evaluate the role of TREM2 in renal macrophage infiltration and tissue injury after UUO. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) from both mouse genotypes were cultured and polarized for in vitro experiments. Next, the effects of TREM2 on renal injury and macrophage polarization in IRI mice were also explored. We found that TREM2 expression was upregulated in the obstructed kidneys. TREM2 deficiency exacerbated renal inflammation and fibrosis 3 and 7 days after UUO, in association with reduced macrophage infiltration. Trem2-/- BMDM exhibited increased apoptosis and poorer survival compared with WT BMDM. Meanwhile, TREM2 deficiency augmented M1 and M2 polarization after UUO. Consistent with the in vivo observations, TREM2 deficiency led to increased polarization of BMDM towards the M1 proinflammatory phenotype. Mechanistically, TREM2 deficiency promoted M1 and M2 polarization via the JAK-STAT pathway in the presence of TGF-β1, thereby affecting cell survival by regulating mTOR signaling. Furthermore, cyclocreatine supplementation alleviated cell death caused by TREM2 deficiency. Additionally, we found that TREM2 deficiency promoted renal injury, fibrosis, and macrophage polarization in IRI mice. The current data suggest that TREM2 deficiency aggravates renal injury by promoting macrophage apoptosis and polarization via the JAK-STAT pathway. These findings have implications for the role of TREM2 in the regulation of renal injury that justify further evaluation.

Senescence-related genes analysis in breast cancer reveals the immune microenvironment and implications for immunotherapy

Despite the advent of precision therapy for breast cancer (BRCA) treatment, some individuals are still unable to benefit from it and have poor survival prospects as a result of the disease's high heterogeneity. Cell senescence plays a crucial role in the tumorigenesis, progression, and immune regulation of cancer and has a major impact on the tumor microenvironment. To find new treatment strategies, we aimed to investigate the potential significance of cell senescence in BRCA prognosis and immunotherapy. We created a 9-gene senescence-related signature. We evaluated the predictive power and the role of signatures in the immune microenvironment and infiltration. In vitro tests were used to validate the expression and function of the distinctive critical gene ACTC1. Our risk signature allows BRCA patients to receive a Predictive Risk Signature (PRS), which may be used to further categorize a patient's response to immunotherapy. Compared to conventional clinicopathological characteristics, PRS showed strong predictive efficacy and precise survival prediction. Moreover, PRS subgroups were examined for altered pathways, mutational patterns, and possibly useful medicines. Our research offers suggestions for incorporating senescence-based molecular classification into risk assessment and ICI therapy decision-making.

DT-13 inhibits the proliferation of pancreatic cancer by inducing apoptosis via AMPK-mTOR signaling

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

DT-13, the principal active component of Mysidium shortscapes from the Liliaceae family, has garnered substantial interest in cancer therapy owing to its potential anticancer properties. This study investigated the effects of DT-13 on the proliferation and apoptosis of human pancreatic cancer cell lines and aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

PANC1 and CFPAC1 cells were exposed to DT-13 and their proliferation was assessed using RTCA and clone formation assays. Apoptotic protein expression was analyzed by western blotting, and apoptotic cells were identified by flow cytometry. RNA was extracted from DT-13 treated and untreated PANC1 cells for RNA sequencing. Differentially expressed genes were identified and subjected to GO bioprocess, KEGG pathway analysis, and western blotting. Finally, to evaluate tumor growth, CFPAC1 cells were subcutaneously injected into BALB/c nude mice.

RESULTS

DT-13 inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of PANC1 and CFPAC1 cells by activating the AMPK/mTOR pathway and suppressing p70 S6K. Moreover, DT-13 hindered the growth of CFPAC1 xenograft tumors in nude mice.

CONCLUSIONS

DT-13 effectively inhibited the growth of human pancreatic cancer cells.

The Potential of Senescence as a Target for Developing Anticancer Therapy

Senescence occurs in response to various stimuli. Senescence has attracted attention because of its potential use in anticancer therapy as it plays a tumor-suppressive role. It also promotes tumorigeneses and therapeutic resistance. Since senescence can induce therapeutic resistance, targeting senescence may help to overcome therapeutic resistance. This review provides the mechanisms of senescence induction and the roles of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in various life processes, including therapeutic resistance and tumorigenesis. The SASP exerts pro-tumorigenic or antitumorigenic effects in a context-dependent manner. This review also discusses the roles of autophagy, histone deacetylases (HDACs), and microRNAs in senescence. Many reports have suggested that targeting HDACs or miRNAs could induce senescence, which, in turn, could enhance the effects of current anticancer drugs. This review presents the view that senescence induction is a powerful method of inhibiting cancer cell proliferation.