Cuproptosis illustrates tumor micro-environment features and predicts prostate cancer therapeutic sensitivity and prognosis

Crosstalk among mitophagy, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis in central nervous system injuries

Central nervous system injuries have a high rate of resulting in disability and mortality; however, at present, effective treatments are lacking. Programmed cell death, which is a genetically determined form of active and ordered cell death with many types, has recently attracted increasing attention due to its functions in determining the fate of cell survival. A growing number of studies have suggested that programmed cell death is involved in central nervous system injuries and plays an important role in the progression of brain damage. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of programmed cell death in central nervous system injuries, including the pathways involved in mitophagy, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis, and the underlying mechanisms by which mitophagy regulates pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis. We also discuss the new direction of therapeutic strategies targeting mitophagy for the treatment of central nervous system injuries, with the aim to determine the connection between programmed cell death and central nervous system injuries and to identify new therapies to modulate programmed cell death following central nervous system injury. In conclusion, based on these properties and effects, interventions targeting programmed cell death could be developed as potential therapeutic agents for central nervous system injury patients.

Ferredoxin 1: a gatekeeper in halting lung adenocarcinoma progression through activation of the GPRIN2 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a highly lethal form of lung cancer. Despite advancements in treatments, managing LUAD is still challenging due to its aggressive behavior. Recent studies indicate that various molecular pathways, including the dysregulation of ferredoxin 1 (FDX1), play roles in LUAD progression. FDX1, a crucial protein in cellular redox reactions and energy metabolism, has been linked to several cancers. However, its exact role in the development of LUAD is not yet fully understood.

METHODS

We investigated the role of ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) in LUAD progression through analysis of its expression in LUAD tissues and its impact on patient survival. Functional assays were performed to assess the effects of FDX1 overexpression on LUAD cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. A xenograft model was employed to evaluate the tumorigenesis potential of LUAD cells with FDX1 overexpression. Mechanistic insights into FDX1 regulation were gained through depletion experiments targeting the G protein-regulated inducer of neurite outgrowth 2 (GPRIN2)/PI3K signaling pathway.

RESULTS

FDX1 expression was down-regulated in LUAD tissues, correlating with shorter patient survival. Overexpression of FDX1 suppressed LUAD cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, and inhibited tumorigenesis in vivo. Mechanistically, the GPRIN2/PI3K signaling pathway was implicated in FDX1 regulation, as depletion of GPRIN2 reversed the effects of FDX1 overexpression on cellular functions.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight FDX1 as a potential tumor suppressor in LUAD, acting through modulation of the GPRIN2/PI3K signaling pathway. These results suggest FDX1 as a promising therapeutic target for LUAD treatment, warranting further investigation into its clinical relevance.

Bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation of m6A and cuproptosis-related lncRNA NFE4 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

This study aimed to construct an m6A and cuproptosis-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) signature to accurately predict the prognosis of kidney clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) patients using the information acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database.

METHODS

First, the co-expression analysis was performed to identify lncRNAs linked with N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and cuproptosis in ccRCC. Then, a model encompassing four candidate lncRNAs was constructed via univariate, least absolute shrinkage together with selection operator (LASSO), and multivariate regression analyses. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier, principal component, functional enrichment annotation, and nomogram analyses were performed to develop a risk model that could effectively assess medical outcomes for ccRCC cases. Moreover, the cellular function of NFE4 in Caki-1/OS-RC-2 cultures was elucidated through CCK-8/EdU assessments and Transwell experiments. Dataset outcomes indicated that NFE4 can have possible implications in m6A and cuproptosis, and may promote ccRCC progression.

RESULTS

We constructed a panel of m6A and cuproptosis-related lncRNAs to construct a prognostic prediction model. The Kaplan-Meier and ROC curves showed that the feature had acceptable predictive validity in the TCGA training, test, and complete groups. Furthermore, the m6A and cuproptosis-related lncRNA model indicated higher diagnostic efficiency than other clinical features. Moreover, the NFE4 function analysis indicated a gene associated with m6A and cuproptosis-related lncRNAs in ccRCC. It was also revealed that the proliferation and migration of Caki-1 /OS-RC-2 cells were inhibited in the NFE4 knockdown group.

CONCLUSION

Overall, this study indicated that NFE4 and our constructed risk signature could predict outcomes and have potential clinical value.

A cuproptosis-based prognostic model for predicting survival in low-grade glioma

BACKGROUND

It is unknown what variables contribute to the formation and multiplication of low-grade gliomas (LGG). An emerging process of cell death is called cuproptosis. Our research aims to increase therapeutic options and gain a better understanding of the role that cuproptosis-related genes play in the physical characteristics of low-grade gliomas.

METHODS

The TCGA database was utilized to find cuproptosis genes that may be used to develop LGG risk model. Cox analysis in three different formats: univariate, multivariate, and LASSO. The gene signature's independent predictive ability was assessed using ROC curves and Cox regression analysis based on overall survival. Use of CGGA data and nomogram model for external validation Immunohistochemistry, gene mutation, and functional enrichment analysis are also employed to clarify risk models' involvement. Next, we analyzed changes in the immunological microenvironment in the risk model and forecasted possible chemotherapeutic drugs to target each group. Finally, we validated the protein expression levels of cuproptosis-related genes using LGG and adjacent normal tissues in a small self-case-control study.

RESULTS

This study developed a glioma predictive model based on five cuproptosis-associated genes. Compared to the high-risk group, the low-risk group's OS was significantly longer. The ROC curves showed high genetic signature performance in both groups. The signature-based categorisation was also linked to clinical characteristics and molecular subgroups. The prognosis of individuals with grade 2 or 3 glioma is also influenced by our risk model. Immunological testing revealed that the high-risk group had more immune cells and immunological function. The risk model also predicted immunotherapy and chemotherapy medication results. Also, this study confirmed that the expression of cuproptosis-related genes by Western blot.

CONCLUSION

We developed a prediction model for LGG patients using genes associated with cuproptosis. With acceptable prediction performance, this risk model may effectively stratify the prognosis of glioma patients.

Single-cell deconvolution algorithms analysis unveils autocrine IL11-mediated resistance to docetaxel in prostate cancer via activation of the JAK1/STAT4 pathway

BACKGROUND

Docetaxel resistance represents a significant obstacle in the treatment of prostate cancer. The intricate interplay between cytokine signalling pathways and transcriptional control mechanisms in cancer cells contributes to chemotherapeutic resistance, yet the underlying molecular determinants remain only partially understood. This study elucidated a novel resistance mechanism mediated by the autocrine interaction of interleukin-11 (IL-11) and its receptor interleukin-11 receptor subunit alpha(IL-11RA), culminating in activation of the JAK1/STAT4 signalling axis and subsequent transcriptional upregulation of the oncogene c-MYC.

METHODS

Single-cell secretion profiling of prostate cancer organoid was analyzed to determine cytokine production profiles associated with docetaxel resistance.Analysis of the expression pattern of downstream receptor IL-11RA and enrichment of signal pathway to clarify the potential autocrine mechanism of IL-11.Next, chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq) was performed to detect the nuclear localization and DNA-binding patterns of phosphorylated STAT4 (pSTAT4). Coimmunoprecipitation and reporter assays were utilized to assess interaction between pSTAT4 and the cotranscription factor CREB-binding protein (CBP) as well as their role in c-MYC transcriptional activity.

RESULTS

Autocrine secretion of IL-11 was markedly increased in docetaxel-resistant prostate cancer cells. IL-11 stimulation resulted in robust activation of JAK1/STAT4 signalling. Upon activation, pSTAT4 translocated to the nucleus and associated with CBP at the c-MYC promoter region, amplifying its transcriptional activity. Inhibition of the IL-11/IL-11RA interaction or disruption of the JAK1/STAT4 pathway significantly reduced pSTAT4 nuclear entry and its binding to CBP, leading to downregulation of c-MYC expression and restoration of docetaxel sensitivity.

CONCLUSION

Our findings identify an autocrine loop of IL-11/IL-11RA that confers docetaxel resistance through the JAK1/STAT4 pathway. The pSTAT4-CBP interaction serves as a critical enhancer of c-MYC transcriptional activity in prostate cancer cells. Targeting this signalling axis presents a potential therapeutic strategy to overcome docetaxel resistance in advanced prostate cancer.

MT1G, an emerging ferroptosis-related gene: A novel prognostic biomarker and indicator of immunotherapy sensitivity in prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men worldwide. Despite advances in treatment strategies, there is still a need for novel therapeutic targets and approaches. Ferroptosis has emerged as a critical process in the development and progression of several cancers, including prostate cancer (PCA). In this study, we investigate the role of MT1G, a gene implicated in immune responses and ferroptosis, in the pathogenesis of PCA. Our objective is to elucidate its prognostic significance and its impact on the tumor microenvironment, while exploring its potential in enhancing the sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy.

METHODS

We utilized a combination of in silico analysis and experimental techniques to investigate the role of MT1G in PCA. First, we analyzed large-scale genomic datasets to assess the expression pattern and prognostic significance of MT1G in PCA patients. Subsequently, we performed functional assays to explore the impact of MT1G in PCA and its potential involvement in modulating immune responses. In addition, we conducted in vivo experiments to evaluate the effect of MT1G on tumor growth and response to ICI therapy.

RESULTS

Our analysis revealed that MT1G expression is significantly downregulated in PCA tissues compared to normal prostate tissues and is associated with poor prognosis. Furthermore, MT1G overexpression inhibited the growth of PCA cells in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, we found that MT1G regulates the tumor microenvironment by modulating immune cell infiltration and inhibiting immunosuppressive factors. Furthermore, our study reveals a significant correlation between MT1G expression levels and the response to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy in prostate cancer (PCA) patients, as MT1G upregulation leads to an increase in PDL-1 expression. These findings underscore the potential of MT1G as a promising predictive biomarker for ICI therapy response in PCA patients.

CONCLUSION

Our study elucidates the pivotal role played by MT1G in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer (PCA) and its profound implications for prognosis. Moreover, it raises the intriguing possibility that MT1G could pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches in PCA treatment. This potential arises from its ability to orchestrate immune infiltration within the tumor microenvironment, consequently enhancing sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. Therefore, our findings hold substantial promise for advancing our comprehension of PCA and exploring innovative therapeutic strategies.

Interplay of Ferroptosis and Cuproptosis in Cancer: Dissecting Metal-Driven Mechanisms for Therapeutic Potentials

Iron (Fe) and copper (Cu), essential transition metals, play pivotal roles in various cellular processes critical to cancer biology, including cell proliferation, mitochondrial respiration, distant metastases, and oxidative stress. The emergence of ferroptosis and cuproptosis as distinct forms of non-apoptotic cell death has heightened their significance, particularly in connection with these metal ions. While initially studied separately, recent evidence underscores the interdependence of ferroptosis and cuproptosis. Studies reveal a link between mitochondrial copper accumulation and ferroptosis induction. This interconnected relationship presents a promising strategy, especially for addressing refractory cancers marked by drug tolerance. Harnessing the toxicity of iron and copper in clinical settings becomes crucial. Simultaneous targeting of ferroptosis and cuproptosis, exemplified by the combination of sorafenib and elesclomol-Cu, represents an intriguing approach. Strategies targeting mitochondria further enhance the precision of these approaches, providing hope for improving treatment outcomes of drug-resistant cancers. Moreover, the combination of iron chelators and copper-lowering agents with established therapeutic modalities exhibits a synergy that holds promise for the augmentation of anti-tumor efficacy in various malignancies. This review elaborates on the complex interplay between ferroptosis and cuproptosis, including their underlying mechanisms, and explores their potential as druggable targets in both cancer research and clinical settings.

LncRNA AP000842.3 Triggers the Malignant Progression of Prostate Cancer by Regulating Cuproptosis Related Gene NFAT5

OBJECTIVES

Prostate cancer (PRAD) is a highly malignant disease with poor prognosis, and its development is regulated by a complex network of genes and signaling pathways. LncRNAs and miRNAs have significant regulatory roles in PRAD through the ceRNA network. Cuproptosis is a unique form of programmed cell death that is involved in various signaling pathways and biological processes related to tumor development. Nuclear factor of activated T cells 5 (NFAT5), a transcription factor that activates T cells, has been implicated in cuproptosis. However, the regulatory mechanism by which NFAT5 is involved in the ceRNA network in PRAD remains unclear.

METHODS

Through bioinformatics analysis, we found the ceRNA axis that regulates cuproptosis. By performing ROS assay and copper ion concentration assay, we demonstrated that inhibiting NFAT5 can increase the sensitivity of PRAD to cuproptosis inducers. By using luciferase assay, we discovered that AP000842.3 acts as the ceRNA of miR-206 to regulate the expression of NFAT5.

RESULTS

In this study, we found that lncRNA AP000842.3, as a ceRNA of miR-206, was involved in the regulation of levels of the transcription factor NFAT5 associated with cuproptosis in PRAD. First, knocking down NFAT5 can increase the sensitivity of PRAD to cuproptosis inducers. Meanwhile, changes in the expression of AP000842.3 and miR-206 could affect the proliferation of PRAD by regulating NFAT5. Mechanistically, AP000842.3 acts as the ceRNA of miR-206 to regulate the expression of NFAT5. In addition, the effects of lncRNA AP000842.3 on malignant progression of PRAD and NFAT5 were partially dependent on miR-206.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our study reveals a key ceRNA regulatory network in PRAD and can be regarded as a new potential target for PRAD diagnosis and treatment.

Systematic analysis based on the cuproptosis-related genes identifies ferredoxin 1 as an immune regulator and therapeutic target for glioblastoma

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is recognized as the prevailing malignant and aggressive primary brain tumor, characterized by an exceedingly unfavorable prognosis. Cuproptosis, a recently identified form of programmed cell death, exhibits a strong association with cancer progression, therapeutic response, and prognostic outcomes. However, the specific impact of cuproptosis on GBM remains uncertain. To address this knowledge gap, we obtained transcriptional and clinical data pertaining to GBM tissues and their corresponding normal samples from various datasets, including TCGA, CGGA, GEO, and GTEx. R software was utilized for the analysis of various statistical techniques, including survival analysis, cluster analysis, Cox regression, Lasso regression, gene enrichment analysis, drug sensitivity analysis, and immune microenvironment analysis. Multiple assays were conducted to investigate the expression of genes related to cuproptosis and their impact on the proliferation, invasion, and migration of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells. The datasets were obtained and prognostic risk score models were constructed and validated using differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with cuproptosis. To enhance the practicality of these models, a nomogram was developed.Patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) who were classified as high risk exhibited a more unfavorable prognosis and shorter overall survival compared to those in the low risk group. Additionally, we specifically chose FDX1 from the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) within the high risk group to assess its expression, prognostic value, biological functionality, drug responsiveness, and immune cell infiltration. The findings demonstrated that FDX1 was significantly upregulated and associated with a poorer prognosis in GBM. Furthermore, its elevated expression appeared to be linked to various metabolic processes and the susceptibility to chemotherapy drugs. Moreover, FDX1 was found to be involved in immune cell infiltration and exhibited correlations with multiple immunosuppressive genes, including TGFBR1 and PDCD1LG2. The aforementioned studies offer substantial assistance in informing the chemotherapy and immunotherapy approaches for GBM. In summary, these findings contribute to a deeper comprehension of cuproptosis and offer novel perspectives on the involvement of cuproptosis-related genes in GBM, thereby presenting a promising therapeutic strategy for GBM patients.

Machine learning-based approach for efficient prediction of diagnosis, prognosis and lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma using adhesion signature selection

The association between adhesion function and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is increasingly recognized; however, the precise role of adhesion function in the pathogenesis and prognosis of PTC remains unclear. In this study, we employed the robust rank aggregation algorithm to identify 64 stable adhesion-related differentially expressed genes (ARDGs). Subsequently, using univariate Cox regression analysis, we identified 16 prognostic ARDGs. To construct PTC survival risk scoring models, we employed Lasso Cox and multivariate + stepwise Cox regression methods. Comparative analysis of these models revealed that the Lasso Cox regression model (LPSRSM) displayed superior performance. Further analyses identified age and LPSRSM as independent prognostic factors for PTC. Notably, patients classified as low-risk by LPSRSM exhibited significantly better prognosis, as demonstrated by Kaplan-Meier survival analyses. Additionally, we investigated the potential impact of adhesion feature on energy metabolism and inflammatory responses. Furthermore, leveraging the CMAP database, we screened 10 drugs that may improve prognosis. Finally, using Lasso regression analysis, we identified four genes for a diagnostic model of lymph node metastasis and three genes for a diagnostic model of tumor. These gene models hold promise for prognosis and disease diagnosis in PTC.

The key cellular senescence related molecule RRM2 regulates prostate cancer progression and resistance to docetaxel treatment

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men worldwide. Docetaxel chemotherapy has proven effective in improving overall survival in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), but drug resistance remains a considerable clinical challenge.

METHODS

We explored the role of Ribonucleotide reductase subunit M2 (RRM2), a gene associated with senescence, in the sensitivity of prostate cancer to docetaxel. We evaluated the RRM2 expression, docetaxel resistance, and ANXA1 expression in prostate cancer cell lines and tumour xenografts models. In addition, We assessed the impact of RRM2 knockdown, ANXA1 over-expression, and PI3K/AKT pathway inhibition on the sensitivity of prostate cancer cells to docetaxel. Furthermore, we assessed the sensitivity of prostate cancer cells to the combination treatment of COH29 and docetaxel.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated a positive association between RRM2 expression and docetaxel resistance in prostate cancer cell lines and tumor xenograft models. Knockdown of RRM2 increased the sensitivity of prostate cancer cells to docetaxel, suggesting its role in mediating resistance. Furthermore, we observed that RRM2 stabilizes the expression of ANXA1, which in turn activates the PI3K/AKT pathway and contributes to docetaxel resistance. Importantly, we found that the combination treatment of COH29 and docetaxel resulted in a synergistic effect, further augmenting the sensitivity of prostate cancer cells to docetaxel.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that RRM2 regulates docetaxel resistance in prostate cancer by stabilizing ANXA1-mediated activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Targeting RRM2 or ANXA1 may offer a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome docetaxel resistance in prostate cancer.

Copper homeostasis and cuproptosis in tumor pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies

Copper is an indispensable micronutrient for the development and replication of all eukaryotes, and its redox properties are both harmful and beneficial to cells. An imbalance in copper homeostasis is thought to be involved in carcinogenesis. Importantly, cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis cannot be separated from the effects of copper. Cuproposis is a copper-dependent form of cell death that differs from other existing modalities of regulatory cell death. The role of cuproptosis in the pathogenesis of the nervous and cardiovascular systems has been widely studied; however, its impact on malignant tumors is yet to be fully understood from a clinical perspective. Exploring signaling pathways related to cuproptosis will undoubtedly provide a new perspective for the development of anti-tumor drugs in the future. Here, we systematically review the systemic and cellular metabolic processes of copper and the regulatory mechanisms of cuproptosis in cancer. In addition, we discuss the possibility of targeting copper ion drugs to prolong the survival of cancer patients, with an emphasis on the most representative copper ionophores and chelators. We suggest that attention should be paid to the potential value of copper in the treatment of specific cancers.