Genetic deletion and pharmacological inhibition of Akt1 isoform attenuates bladder cancer cell proliferation, motility and invasion

Exploring the Targets and Molecular Mechanisms of Curcumin for the Treatment of Bladder Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics

Curcumin, a phenolic compound derived from turmeric, has demonstrated anti-tumor properties in preclinical models of various cancers. However, the exact mechanism of curcumin in treating bladder cancer remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic targets and molecular mechanisms of curcumin in the treatment of BC through an integrated approach of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations. PharmMapper, SuperPred, TargetNet, and SwissTargetPrediction were utilized to acquire targets associated with curcumin, while GeneCards, CTD, DisGeNET, OMIM, and PharmGKB databases were utilized to obtain targets related to bladder cancer. The drug-disease interaction targets were obtained using Venny 2.1.0, and GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were then conducted with the DAVID tool. We constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and identified tenkey targets. In conclusion, AutoDock Tools 1.5.7 was utilized to conduct molecular docking simulations, followed by additional analysis of the central targets through the GEPIA, HPA, cBioPortal, and TIMER databases. A total of 305 potential anticancer targets of curcumin were obtained. The analysis of GO functional enrichment resulted in a total of 1105 terms, including 786 terms related to biological processes (BP), 105 terms related to cellular components (CC), and 214 terms related to molecular functions (MF). In addition, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis identified 170 relevant signaling pathways. Treating bladder cancer could potentially involve inhibiting pathways like the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, and IL-17 signaling pathway. Activating TNF, ALB, CASP3, and ESR1 while inhibiting AKT1, EGFR, STAT3, BCL2, SRC, and HSP90AA1 can also hinder the proliferation of bladder tumor cells. According to the results of molecular docking, curcumin binds to these central targets in a spontaneous manner, exhibiting binding energies lower than - 1.631 kJ/mol. These findings were further validated at the transcriptional, translational and immune infiltration levels. By utilizing network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques, it was discovered that curcumin possesses diverse effects on multiple targets and pathways for treating bladder cancer. It has the potential to impede the growth of bladder tumor cells by suppressing various pathways including the PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathways, as well as pathways associated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance and the IL-17 signaling pathway. Curcumin could potentially disrupt the cell cycle advancement in bladder cancer cells by increasing the expression of TNF, ALB, CASP3, and ESR1 while decreasing AKT1, EGFR, STAT3, BCL2, SRC, HSP90AA1, and other targeted genes. These findings reveal the possible molecular pathways through which curcumin exerts its anticancer effects in bladder cancer, and this novel research strategy not only provides an important basis for an in-depth understanding of the anticancer mechanism of curcumin, but also offers new potential drugs and targets for the clinical treatment of bladder cancer. Therefore, this study is of great scientific significance and practical application value for promoting the development of bladder cancer therapeutic field. This finding provides strong support for the development of novel, safe and effective drugs for bladder cancer treatment.

Research Progress of Neural Invasion in Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is one of the highly malignant gastrointestinal tumors in humans, and patients suffer from cancer pain in the process of cancer. Most patients suffer from severe pain in the later stages of the disease. The latest studies have shown that the main cause of pain in patients with pancreatic cancer is neuroinflammation caused by tumor cells invading nerves and triggering neuropathic pain on this basis, which is believed to be the result of nerve invasion. Peripheral nerve invasion (PNI), defined as the presence of cancer cells along the nerve or in the epineurial, perineural, and endoneurial spaces of the nerve sheath, is a special way for cancer to spread to distant sites. However, due to limited clinical materials, the research on the mechanism of pancreatic cancer nerve invasion has not been carried out in depth. In addition, perineural invasion is considered to be one of the underlying causes of recurrence and metastasis after pancreatectomy and an independent predictor of prognosis. This article systematically reviewed the neural invasion of pancreatic cancer through bioinformatics analysis, clinical manifestations and literature reviews.

Redrawing Urokinase Receptor (uPAR) Signaling with Cancer Driver Genes for Exploring Possible Anti-Cancer Targets and Drugs

During tumorigenesis, urokinase (uPA) and uPA receptor (uPAR) play essential roles in mediating pathological progression in many cancers. To understand the crosstalk between the uPA/uPAR signaling and cancer, as well as to decipher their cellular pathways, we proposed to use cancer driver genes to map out the uPAR signaling. In the study, an integrated pharmaceutical bioinformatics approach that combined modulator identification, driver gene ontology networking, protein targets prediction and networking, pathway analysis and uPAR modulator screening platform construction was employed to uncover druggable targets in uPAR signaling for developing a novel anti-cancer modality. Through these works, we found that uPAR signaling interacted with 10 of 21 KEGG cancer pathways, indicating the important role of uPAR in mediating intracellular cancerous signaling. Furthermore, we verified that receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and ribosomal S6 kinases (RSKs) could serve as signal hubs to relay uPAR-mediated cellular functions on cancer hallmarks such as angiogenesis, proliferation, migration and metastasis. Moreover, we established an in silico virtual screening platform and a uPAR-driver gene pair rule for identifying potential uPAR modulators to combat cancer. Altogether, our results not only elucidated the complex networking between uPAR modulation and cancer but also provided a paved way for developing new chemical entities and/or re-positioning clinically used drugs against cancer.

Molecular insights into the behavior of the allosteric and ATP-competitive inhibitors in interaction with AKT1 protein: A molecular dynamics study

AKT1 is a family of serine/threonine kinases that play a key role in regulating cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, and survival. Two significant classes of AKT1 inhibitors (allosteric and ATP-competitive) are used in clinical development, and both of them could be effective in specific conditions. In this study, we investigated the effect of several different inhibitors on two conformations of the AKT1 by computational approach. We studied the effects of four inhibitors, including MK-2206, Miransertib, Herbacetin, and Shogaol, on the inactive conformation of AKT1 protein and the effects of four inhibitors, Capivasertib, AT7867, Quercetin, and Oridonin molecules on the active conformation of AKT1 protein. The results of simulations showed that each inhibitor creates a stable complex with AKT1 protein, although AKT1/Shogaol and AKT1/AT7867 complexes showed less stability than other complexes. Based on RMSF calculations, the fluctuation of residues in the mentioned complexes is higher than in other complexes. As compared to other complexes in either of its two conformations, MK-2206 has a stronger binding free energy affinity in the inactive conformation, -203.446 kJ/mol. MM-PBSA calculations showed that the van der Waals interactions contribute more than the electrostatic interactions to the binding energy of inhibitors to AKT1 protein.

Risk Classification of Bladder Cancer by Gene Expression and Molecular Subtype

This study evaluated a panel including the molecular taxonomy subtype and the expression of 27 genes as a diagnostic tool to stratify bladder cancer patients at risk of aggressive behavior, using a well-characterized series of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) as well as muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). The study was conducted using the novel NanoString nCounter gene expression analysis. This technology allowed us to identify the molecular subtype and to analyze the gene expression of 27 bladder-cancer-related genes selected through a recent literature search. The differential gene expression was correlated with clinicopathological variables, such as the molecular subtypes (luminal, basal, null/double negative), histological subtype (conventional urothelial carcinoma, or carcinoma with variant histology), clinical subtype (NMIBC and MIBC), tumor stage category (Ta, T1, and T2–4), tumor grade, PD-L1 expression (high vs. low expression), and clinical risk categories (low, intermediate, high and very high). The multivariate analysis of the 19 genes significant for cancer-specific survival in our cohort study series identified TP53 (p = 0.0001), CCND1 (p = 0.0001), MKI67 (p < 0.0001), and molecular subtype (p = 0.005) as independent predictors. A scoring system based on the molecular subtype and the gene expression signature of TP53, CCND1, or MKI67 was used for risk assessment. A score ranging from 0 (best prognosis) to 7 (worst prognosis) was obtained and used to stratify our patients into two (low [score 0–2] vs. high [score 3–7], model A) or three (low [score 0–2] vs. intermediate [score 3–4] vs. high [score 5–7], model B) risk categories with different survival characteristics. Mean cancer-specific survival was longer (122 + 2.7 months) in low-risk than intermediate-risk (79.4 + 9.4 months) or high-risk (6.2 + 0.9 months) categories (p < 0.0001; model A); and was longer (122 + 2.7 months) in low-risk than high-risk (58 + 8.3 months) (p < 0.0001; model B). In conclusion, the molecular risk assessment model, as reported here, might be used better to select the appropriate management for patients with bladder cancer.

Mammalian AKT, the Emerging Roles on Mitochondrial Function in Diseases

Mitochondrial dysfunction may play a crucial role in various diseases due to its roles in the regulation of energy production and cellular metabolism. Serine/threonine kinase (AKT) is a highly recognized antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-proliferation, and endocrine modulatory molecule. Interestingly, increasing studies have revealed that AKT can modulate mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, redox states, dynamic balance, autophagy, and metabolism. AKT thus plays multifaceted roles in mitochondrial function and is involved in the modulation of mitochondria-related diseases. This paper reviews the protective effects of AKT and its potential mechanisms of action in relation to mitochondrial function in various diseases.

Targeting Akt-associated microRNAs for cancer therapeutics

The uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells because of activating protooncogenes and/or inactivating tumor suppressor genes are the hallmarks of cancer. The PI3K/Akt signaling is one of the most frequently activated pathways in cancer cells responsible for the regulation of cell survival and proliferation in stress and hypoxic conditions during oncogenesis. Non-coding RNAs are a large family of RNAs that are not involved in protein-coding, and microRNAs (miRNAs) are a sub-set of non-coding RNAs with a single strand of 18-25 nucleotides. miRNAs are extensively involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression and play an extensive role in the regulatory mechanisms including cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and tumorigenesis. The impact of cancer on mRNA stability and translation efficiency is extensive and therefore, cancerous tissues exhibit drastic alterations in the expression of miRNAs. miRNAs can be modulated by utilizing techniques such as miRNA mimics, miRNA antagonists, or CRISPR/Cas9. In addition to their capacity as potential targets in cancer therapy, they can be used as reliable biomarkers to diagnose the disease at the earliest stage. Recent evidence indicates that microRNA-mediated gene regulation intersects with the Akt pathway, forming an Akt-microRNA regulatory network. miRNAs and Akt in this network operate together to exert their cellular tasks. In the current review, we discuss the Akt-associated miRNAs in several cancers, their molecular regulation, and how this newly emerging knowledge may contribute greatly to revolutionize cancer therapy.

CXCL10 and CCL21 Promote Migration of Pancreatic Cancer Cells Toward Sensory Neurons and Neural Remodeling in Tumors in Mice, Associated With Pain in Patients

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is frequently accompanied by excruciating pain, which has been associated with attraction of cancer cells and their invasion of intrapancreatic sensory nerves. Neutralization of the chemokine CCL2 reduced cancer-associated pain in a clinical trial, but there have been no systematic analyses of the highly diverse chemokine families and their receptors in PDAC.

METHODS

We performed an open, unbiased RNA-interference screen of mammalian chemokines in co-cultures of mouse PDAC cells (K8484) and mouse peripheral sensory neurons, and confirmed findings in studies of DT8082 PDAC cells. We studied the effects of chemokines on migration of PDAC cell lines. Orthotopic tumors were grown from K8484 cells in mice, and mice were given injections of neutralizing antibodies against chemokines, antagonists, or control antibodies. We analyzed abdominal mechanical hypersensitivity and collected tumors and analyzed them by histology and immunohistochemistry to assess neural remodeling. We collected PDAC samples and information on pain levels from 74 patients undergoing resection and measured levels of CXCR3 and CCR7 by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting.

RESULTS

Knockdown of 9 chemokines in DRG neurons significantly reduced migration of PDAC cells towards sensory neurons. Sensory neuron-derived CCL21 and CXCL10 promoted migration of PDAC cells via their receptors CCR7 and CXCR3, respectively, which were expressed by cells in orthotopic tumors and PDAC specimens from patients. Neutralization of CCL21 or CXCL10, or their receptors, in mice with orthotopic tumors significantly reduced nociceptive hypersensitivity and nerve fiber hypertrophy and improved behavioral parameters without affecting tumor infiltration by T cells or neutrophils. Increased levels of CXCR3 and CCR7 in human PDAC specimens were associated with increased frequency of cancer-associated pain, determined from patient questionnaires.

CONCLUSIONS

In an unbiased screen of chemokines, we identified CCL21 and CXCL10 as proteins that promote migration of pancreatic cancer cells toward sensory neurons. Inhibition of these chemokines or their receptors reduce hypersensitivity in mice with orthotopic tumors, and patients with PDACs with high levels of the chemokine receptors of CXCR3 and CCR7 had increased frequency of cancer-associated pain.

The unconventional role of Akt1 in the advanced cancers and in diabetes-promoted carcinogenesis

Decades of research have elucidated the critical role of Akt isoforms in cancer as pro-tumorigenic and metastatic regulators through their specific effects on the cancer cells, tumor endothelial cells and the stromal cells. The pro-cancerous role of Akt isoforms through enhanced cell proliferation and suppression of apoptosis in cancer cells and the cells in the tumor microenvironment is considered a dogma. Intriguingly, studies also indicate that the Akt pathway is essential to protect the endothelial-barrier and prevent aberrant vascular permeability, which is also integral to tumor perfusion and metastasis. To complicate this further, a flurry of recent reports strongly indicates the metastasis suppressive role of Akt, Akt1 in particular in various cancer types. These reports emanated from different laboratories have elegantly demonstrated the paradoxical effect of Akt1 on cancer cell epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, invasion, tumor endothelial-barrier disruption, and cancer metastasis. Here, we emphasize on the specific role of Akt1 in mediating tumor cell-vasculature reciprocity during the advanced stages of cancers and discuss how Akt1 differentially regulates cancer metastasis through mechanisms distinct from its pro-tumorigenic effects. Since Akt is integral for insulin signaling, endothelial function, and metabolic regulation, we also attempt to shed some light on the specific effects of diabetes in modulating Akt pathway in the promotion of tumor growth and metastasis.

Identification of aberrantly methylated differentially expressed genes in prostate carcinoma using integrated bioinformatics

Background

Methylation plays a key role in the aetiology and pathogenesis of prostate cancer (PCa). This study aimed to identify aberrantly methylated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways in PCa and explore the underlying mechanisms of tumourigenesis.

Methods

Expression profile (GSE29079) and methylation profile (GSE76938) datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). We used R 3.4.4 software to assess aberrantly methylated DEGs. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) RNA sequencing and Illumina HumanMethylation450 DNA methylation data were utilized to validate screened genes. Functional enrichment analysis of the screened genes was performed, and a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Gens (STRING). The results were visualized in Cytoscape. After confirmation using TCGA, cBioPortal was used to examine alterations in genes of interest. Then, protein localization in PCa cells was observed using immunohistochemistry.

Results

Overall, 536 hypomethylated upregulated genes were identified that were enriched in biological processes such as negative regulation of transcription, osteoblast differentiation, intracellular signal transduction, and the Wnt signalling pathway. Pathway enrichment showed significant changes in factors involved in AMPK signalling, cancer, and adherens junction pathways. The hub oncogenes were AKT1, PRDM10, and FASN. Additionally, 322 hypermethylated downregulated genes were identified that demonstrated enrichment in biological processes including positive regulation of the MAPK cascade, muscle contraction, ageing, and signal transduction. Pathway analysis indicated enrichment in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), focal adhesion, dilated cardiomyopathy, and PI3K-AKT signalling. The hub tumour suppressor gene was FLNA. Immunohistochemistry showed that AKT1, FASN, and FLNA were mainly expressed in PCa cell cytoplasm, while PRDM10 was mainly expressed in nuclei.

Conclusions

Our results identify numerous novel genetic and epigenetic regulatory networks and offer molecular evidence crucial to understanding the pathogenesis of PCa. Aberrantly methylated hub genes, including AKT1, PRDM10, FASN, and FLNA, can be used as biomarkers for accurate PCa diagnosis and treatment. In conclusion, our study suggests that AKT1, PRDM10, and FASN may be tumour promoters and that FLNA may be a tumour suppressor in PCa. We hope these findings will draw more attention to these hub genes in future cancer studies.

Endothelial Akt1 loss promotes prostate cancer metastasis via β-catenin-regulated tight-junction protein turnover

Background

Cancer research, in general, is focused on targeting tumour cells to limit tumour growth. These studies, however, do not account for the specific effects of chemotherapy on tumour endothelium, in turn, affecting metastasis.

Methods

We determined how endothelial deletion of Akt1 promotes prostate cancer cell invasion in vitro and metastasis to the lungs in vivo in endothelial-specific Akt1 knockdown mice.

Results

Here we show that metastatic human PC3 and DU145 prostate cancer cells invade through Akt1-deficient human lung endothelial cell (HLEC) monolayer with higher efficiency compared to control HLEC. Although the endothelial Akt1 loss in mice had no significant effect on RM1 tumour xenograft growth in vivo, it promoted metastasis to the lungs compared to the wild-type mice. Mechanistically, Akt1-deficient endothelial cells exhibited increased phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of phosphorylated β-catenin, and reduced expression of tight-junction proteins claudin-5, ZO-1 and ZO-2. Pharmacological inhibition of β-catenin nuclear translocation using compounds ICG001 and IWR-1 restored HLEC tight-junction integrity and inhibited prostate cancer cell transendothelial migration in vitro and lung metastasis in vivo.

Conclusions

Here we show for the first time that endothelial-specific loss of Akt1 promotes cancer metastasis in vivo involving β-catenin pathway.

10H-3,6-Diazaphenothiazine induces G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and caspase-dependent apoptosis and inhibits cell invasion of A2780 ovarian carcinoma cells through the regulation of NF-κB and (BIRC6-XIAP) complexes

The asymptomatic properties and high treatment resistance of ovarian cancer result in poor treatment outcomes and high mortality rates. Although the fundamental chemotherapy provides promising anticancer activities, it is associated with severe side effects. The derivative of phenothiazine, namely, 10H-3,6-diazaphenothiazine (PTZ), was synthesized and reported with ideal anticancer effects in a previous paper. In this study, detailed anticancer properties of PTZ was examined on A2780 ovarian cancer cells by investigating the cytotoxicity profiles, mechanism of apoptosis, and cell invasion. Research outcomes revealed PTZ-induced dose-dependent inhibition on A2780 cancer cells (IC₅₀ =0.62 µM), with significant less cytotoxicity toward HEK293 normal kidney cells and H9C2 normal heart cells. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and polarization of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) suggests PTZ-induced cell death through oxidative damage. The RT² Profiler PCR Array on apoptosis pathway demonstrated PTZ-induced apoptosis via intrinsic (mitochondria-dependent) and extrinsic (cell death receptor-dependent) pathway. Inhibition of NF-κB and subsequent inhibition of (BIRC6-XIAP) complex activities reduced the invasion rate of A2780 cancer cells penetrating through the Matrigel™ Invasion Chamber. Lastly, the cell cycle analysis hypothesizes that the compound is cytostatic and significantly arrests cell proliferation at G₂/M phase. Hence, the exploration of the underlying anticancer mechanism of PTZ suggested its usage as promising chemotherapeutic agent.