The splicing factor YBX1 promotes the progression of osteosarcoma by upregulating VEGF165 and downregulating VEGF165b

YB1 and its role in osteosarcoma: a review

YB1 (Y box binding protein 1), a multifunctional protein capable of binding to DNA/RNA, is present in most cells and acts as a splicing factor. It is involved in numerous cellular processes such as transcription, translation, and DNA repair, significantly affecting cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Abnormal expression of this protein is closely linked to the formation of various malignancies (osteosarcoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, breast cancer, etc.). This review examines the multifaceted functions of YB1 and its critical role in osteosarcoma progression, providing new perspectives for potential therapeutic strategies.

Targeting endothelial glycolytic reprogramming by tsRNA-1599 for ocular anti-angiogenesis therapy

Rationale: Current treatments for ocular angiogenesis primarily focus on blocking the activity of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), but unfavorable side effects and unsatisfactory efficacy remain issues. The identification of novel targets for anti-angiogenic treatment is still needed. Methods: We investigated the role of tsRNA-1599 in ocular angiogenesis using endothelial cells, a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic model, a laser-induced choroidal neovascularization model, and an oxygen-induced retinopathy model. CCK-8 assays, EdU assays, transwell assays, and matrigel assays were performed to assess the role of tsRNA-1599 in endothelial cells. Retinal digestion assays, Isolectin B4 (IB4) staining, and choroidal sprouting assays were conducted to evaluate the role of tsRNA-1599 in ocular angiogenesis. Transcriptomic analysis, metabolic analysis, RNA pull-down assays, and mass spectrometry were utilized to elucidate the mechanism underlying angiogenic effects mediated by tsRNA-1599. Results: tsRNA-1599 expression was up-regulated in experimental ocular angiogenesis models and endothelial cells in response to angiogenic stress. Silencing of tsRNA-1599 suppressed angiogenic effects in endothelial cells in vitro and inhibited pathological ocular angiogenesis in vivo. Mechanistically, tsRNA-1599 exhibited little effect on VEGF signaling but could cause reduced glycolysis and NAD+/NADH production in endothelial cells by regulating the expression of HK2 gene through interacting with YBX1, thus affecting endothelial effects. Conclusions: Targeting glycolytic reprogramming of endothelial cells by a tRNA-derived small RNA represents an exploitable therapeutic approach for ocular neovascular diseases.

Y-Box Binding Protein 1: Unraveling the Multifaceted Role in Cancer Development and Therapeutic Potential

Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1), a member of the Cold Shock Domain protein family, is overexpressed in various human cancers and is recognized as an oncogenic gene associated with poor prognosis. YBX1's functional diversity arises from its capacity to interact with a broad range of DNA and RNA molecules, implicating its involvement in diverse cellular processes. Independent investigations have unveiled specific facets of YBX1's contribution to cancer development. This comprehensive review elucidates YBX1's multifaceted role in cancer across cancer hallmarks, both in cancer cell itself and the tumor microenvironment. Based on this, we proposed YBX1 as a potential target for cancer treatment. Notably, ongoing clinical trials addressing YBX1 as a target in breast cancer and lung cancer have showcased its promise for cancer therapy. The ramp up in in vitro research on targeting YBX1 compounds also underscores its growing appeal. Moreover, the emerging role of YBX1 as a neural input is also proposed where the high level of YBX1 was strongly associated with nerve cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. This review also summarized the up-to-date advanced research on the involvement of YBX1 in pancreatic cancer.