Neurotransmitters: emerging targets in cancer

Multi-step gene set analysis identified HTR3 family genes involving childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia susceptibility

In our previous conventional genome-wide association study (GWAS), WWOX was a susceptibility gene associated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) development. Nowadays, advancements in genetic association analyses promote an in-depth exploration of ALL genomics. We conducted a two-step enrichment analysis at both gene and pathway levels based on ALL GWAS data including 269 cases and 1039 controls of Chinese descent. The following functional prediction and experiments were used to evaluate the genetic biology of candidate variants and genes. The serotonin-activated cation-selective channel complex gene-set was a potential biological pathway involved in ALL occurrence. Of which, individuals carrying the T allele of rs33940208 exhibited a prominent reduced risk of ALL [odds ratio (OR) = 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.53 to 0.96, P = 2.81 × 10-2], whereas those with the A allele of rs6779545 demonstrated an increased risk (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.51, P = 4.11 × 10-2). Notably, the two variants displayed a better prediction capability when combined, that the risk of developing childhood ALL increased by 131% in subjects with 2-4 risk alleles compared to those with 0-1 risk alleles (Ptrend = 2.05 × 10-3). In addition, the T allele of rs33940208 could reduce HTR3A mRNA level, while the A allele of rs6779545 increased HTR3D mRNA expression. In this study, we identified HTR3A rs33940208 and HTR3D rs6779545 as potential susceptibility loci for ALL in Chinese children. Future validation and functional research will elucidate the underlying molecular processes, refining preventive strategies for this disease.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid-mediated neuro-immune interactions in glioblastoma: Implications for prognosis and immunotherapy response

AIMS

This study aimed to investigate the role of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the glioblastoma (GBM) tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and its impact on prognosis and response to immunotherapy.

MAIN METHODS

This study employed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to delineate the TIME of GBM, utilized non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) for GABA-associated cell clustering, and performed pseudotime analysis for cellular trajectories. Additionally, we integrated immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis to explore the regulatory mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment.

KEY FINDINGS

The study identified distinct GABA-associated immune cell subtypes, particularly macrophages and T-cells, with unique gene expression and developmental trajectories. The development of the GABA-associated scoring model (GABAAS), introduced novel prognostic indicators, enhancing our ability to predict patient outcomes. This study also suggests that GABA-related genes, including NDRG2 and TIMP1, play a crucial role in immune modulation, with potential implications for immunotherapy responsiveness.

SIGNIFICANCE

The findings underscore the potential of targeting GABA-related genes (NDRG2 and TIMP1) and M2 macrophage to reshape the glioblastoma immune landscape, offering a new frontier in personalized neuro-immunotherapy. This approach holds promise to counter individual tumor immunosuppressive mechanisms, enhancing patient outcomes.

Comparison between Substance P and Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide and Their Receptors in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma

Background: Colorectal cancer is a major health problem that still causes many deaths worldwide. Neuropeptides, such as substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide, play the neurotransmitter and neurohormone roles that increase tumor invasiveness and metastasis potential. This study aimed to see whether these neuropeptides and their receptors-neurokinin 1 receptor and calcitonin receptor-like receptor-correlate with the diagnosis stage, tumor differentiation grade, and different patient characteristics in colorectal cancer and also to compare them. Methods: We performed serum analyses of substance P and CGRP levels in patients with colorectal cancer and also the immunohistochemical analysis of their receptors in colorectal tumors and then correlated them with the disease stage and with different tumor characteristics. Results: We demonstrated that both substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide had increased levels in colorectal cancer and that their levels correlated with the stage of the disease and with the tumor differentiation grade. We also demonstrated the correlation of NK-1R and CRLR higher immunohistochemical scores with advanced and poorly differentiated tumors. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the neuropeptides SP and CGRP and their receptors NK-1R and CRLR could play a role in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer, and they could be used as diagnostic and prognostic markers and could represent potential therapeutic targets.

1-Octanol-assisted ultra-small volume droplet microfluidics with nanoelectrospray ionization mass spectrometry

BACKGROUND

Droplet microfluidics with push-pull and microdialysis sampling from brain slices, cultured cells and engineered tissues produce low volume mass limited samples containing analytes sampled from the extracellular space. This sampling approach coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) detection allows evaluation of time-dependent chemical changes. Our goal is an approach for continuous sampling and segregation of extracellular samples into picoliter droplets followed by the characterization of the droplets using nanoelectrospray ionization (nESI) MS. The main focus here is the optimization of the carrier oil for the microfluidic device that neither affects the stability of picoliter droplets nor compatibility with MS detection of a range of analytes.

RESULTS

We developed and characterized a 1-octanol-assisted ultra-small volume droplet microfluidic nESI MS system for the analysis of neurotransmitters in distinct samples including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The use of a 1-octanol oil phase was effective for generation of aqueous droplets as small as 65 pL and enabled detection of acetylcholine (ACh) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in water and artificial CSF. Continuous MS analysis of droplets for extended periods up to 220 min validated the long-term stability of droplet generation and analyte detection by nESI-MS. As an example, ACh response demonstrated a linear working range (R2 = 0.99) between 0.4 μM and 25 μM with a limit of detection of 370 nM (24 amol), enabling its quantitation in rodent CSF.

SIGNIFICANCE

The established droplet microfluidics - nESI MS approach allows the analysis of microenvironments at high spatiotemporal resolution. The approach may allow microsampling and monitoring of spatiotemporal dynamics of neurochemicals and drugs in the brain and spinal cord of live animals.

Schwann cells and enteric glial cells: Emerging stars in colorectal cancer

Cancer neuroscience, a promising field dedicated to exploring interactions between cancer and the nervous system, has attracted growing attention. The gastrointestinal tracts exhibit extensive innervation, notably characterized by intrinsic innervation. The gut harbors a substantial population of glial cells, including Schwann cells wrapping axons of neurons in the peripheral nervous system and enteric glial cells intricately associated with intrinsic innervation. Glial cells play a crucial role in maintaining the physiological functions of the intestine, encompassing nutrient absorption, barrier integrity, and immune modulation. Nevertheless, it has only been in recent times that the significance of glial cells within colorectal cancer (CRC) has begun to receive considerable attention. Emerging data suggests that glial cells in the gut contribute to the progression and metastasis of CRC, by interacting with cancer cells, influencing inflammation, and modulating the tumor microenvironment. Here, we summarize the significant roles of glial cells in the development and progression of CRC and discuss the latest technologies that can be integrated into this field for in-depth exploration, as well as potential specific targeted strategies for future exploration to benefit patients.

Neuroscience of cancer: Research progress and emerging of the field

Cancer cells immediately expand and penetrate adjoining tissues, as opposed to metastasis, that is the spread of cancer cells through the circulatory or lymphatic systems to more distant places via the invasion process. We found that a lack of studies discussed tumor development with the nervous system, by the aspects of cancer-tissue invasion (biological) and chemical modulation of growth that cascades by releasing neural-related factors from the nerve endings via chemical substances known as neurotransmitters. In this review, we aimed to carefully demonstrate and describe the cancer invasion and interaction with the nervous system, as well as reveal the research progress and the emerging neuroscience of cancer. An initial set of 160 references underwent systematic review and summarization. Through a meticulous screening process, these data were refined, ultimately leading to the inclusion of 98 studies that adhered to predetermined criteria. The outcomes show that one formidable challenge in the realm of cancer lies in its intrinsic heterogeneity and remarkable capacity for rapid adaptation. Despite advancements in genomics and precision medicine, there is still a need to identify new molecular targets. Considering cancer within its molecular and cellular environment, including neural components, is crucial for addressing this challenge. In conclusion, this review provides good referential data for direct, indirect, biological, and chemical interaction for nerve tissue-tumor interaction, suggesting the establishment of new therapy techniques and mechanisms by controlling and modifying neuron networks that supply signals to tumors.

The role of the ALKBH5 RNA demethylase in invasive breast cancer

BACKGROUND

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common internal RNA modification and is involved in regulation of RNA and protein expression. AlkB family member 5 (ALKBH5) is a m6A demethylase. Given the important role of m6A in biological mechanisms, m6A and its regulators, have been implicated in many disease processes, including cancer. However, the contribution of ALKBH5 to invasive breast cancer (BC) remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathological value of ALKBH5 in BC.

METHODS

Publicly available data were used to investigate ALKBH5 mRNA alterations, prognostic significance, and association with clinical parameters at the genomic and transcriptomic level. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and enriched pathways with low or high ALKBH5 expression were investigated. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to assess ALKBH5 protein expression in a large well-characterised BC series (n = 1327) to determine the clinical significance and association of ALKBH5 expression.

RESULTS

Reduced ALKBH5 mRNA expression was significantly associated with poor prognosis and unfavourable clinical parameters. ALKBH5 gene harboured few mutations and/or copy number alternations, but low ALKBH5 mRNA expression was seen. Patients with low ALKBH5 mRNA expression had a number of differentially expressed genes and enriched pathways, including the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway. Low ALKBH5 protein expression was significantly associated with unfavourable clinical parameters associated with tumour progression including larger tumour size and worse Nottingham Prognostic Index group.

CONCLUSION

This study implicates ALKBH5 in BC and highlights the need for further functional studies to decipher the role of ALKBH5 and RNA m6A methylation in BC progression.

Single-Cell Chromatin Accessibility Analysis Reveals Subgroup-Specific TF-NTR Regulatory Circuits in Medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma (MB) stands as one of the prevalent malignant brain tumors among pediatric patients. Despite its prevalence, the intricate interplay between the regulatory program driving malignancy in MB cells and their interactions with the microenvironment remains insufficiently understood. Leveraging the capabilities of single-cell Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin sequencing (scATAC-seq), the chromatin accessibility landscape is unveiled across 59,015 distinct MB cells. This expansive dataset encompasses cells belonging to discrete molecular subgroups, namely SHH, WNT, Group3, and Group4. Within these chromatin accessibility profiles, specific regulatory elements tied to individual subgroups are uncovered, shedding light on the distinct activities of transcription factors (TFs) that likely orchestrate the tumorigenesis process. Moreover, it is found that certain neurotransmitter receptors (NTRs) are subgroup-specific and can predict MB subgroup classification when combined with their associated transcription factors. Notably, targeting essential NTRs within tumors influences both the in vitro sphere-forming capability and the in vivo tumorigenic capacity of MB cells. These findings collectively provide fresh insights into comprehending the regulatory networks and cellular dynamics within MBs. Furthermore, the significance of the TF-NTR regulatory circuits is underscored as prospective biomarkers and viable therapeutic targets.

Gelatin nanoparticles loaded with 3-alkylpyridinium salt APS7, an analog of marine toxin, are a promising support in human lung cancer therapy

This study demonstrates the potential of gelatin nanoparticles as a nanodelivery system for antagonists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) to improve chemotherapy efficacy and reduce off-target effects. Too often, chemotherapy for lung cancer does not lead to satisfactory results. Therefore, new approaches directed at multiple pharmacological targets in cancer therapy are being developed. Following the activation of nAChRs (e.g. by nicotine), cancer cells begin to proliferate and become more resistant to chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. This work shows that the 3-alkylpyridinium salt, APS7, a synthetic analog of a toxin from the marine sponge Haliclona (Rhizoneira) sarai, acts as an nAChR antagonist that inhibits the pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects of nicotine on A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells. In this study, gelatin-based nanoparticles filled with APS7 (APS7-GNPs) were prepared and their effects on A549 cells were compared with that of free APS7. Both APS7 and APS7-GNPs inhibited Ca2+ influx and increased the efficacy of cisplatin chemotherapy in nicotine-stimulated A549 cells. However, significant benefits from APS7-GNPs were observed - a stronger reduction in the proliferation of A549 lung cancer cells and a much higher selectivity in cytotoxicity towards cancer cells compared with non-tumorigenic lung epithelial BEAS-2B cells.

Intratumoral Microbiome: Foe or Friend in Reshaping the Tumor Microenvironment Landscape?

The role of the microbiome in cancer and its crosstalk with the tumor microenvironment (TME) has been extensively studied and characterized. An emerging field in the cancer microbiome research is the concept of the intratumoral microbiome, which refers to the microbiome residing within the tumor. This microbiome primarily originates from the local microbiome of the tumor-bearing tissue or from translocating microbiome from distant sites, such as the gut. Despite the increasing number of studies on intratumoral microbiome, it remains unclear whether it is a driver or a bystander of oncogenesis and tumor progression. This review aims to elucidate the intricate role of the intratumoral microbiome in tumor development by exploring its effects on reshaping the multileveled ecosystem in which tumors thrive, the TME. To dissect the complexity and the multitude of layers within the TME, we distinguish six specialized tumor microenvironments, namely, the immune, metabolic, hypoxic, acidic, mechanical and innervated microenvironments. Accordingly, we attempt to decipher the effects of the intratumoral microbiome on each specialized microenvironment and ultimately decode its tumor-promoting or tumor-suppressive impact. Additionally, we portray the intratumoral microbiome as an orchestrator in the tumor milieu, fine-tuning the responses in distinct, specialized microenvironments and remodeling the TME in a multileveled and multifaceted manner.

Perineural Invasion in Cervical Cancer: A Hidden Trail for Metastasis

Perineural invasion (PNI), the neoplastic invasion of nerves, is an often overlooked pathological phenomenon in cervical cancer that is associated with poor clinical outcomes. The occurrence of PNI in cervical cancer patients has limited the promotion of Type C1 surgery. Preoperative prediction of the PNI can help identify suitable patients for Type C1 surgery. However, there is a lack of appropriate preoperative diagnostic methods for PNI, and its pathogenesis remains largely unknown. Here, we dissect the neural innervation of the cervix, analyze the molecular mechanisms underlying the occurrence of PNI, and explore suitable preoperative diagnostic methods for PNI to advance the identification and treatment of this ominous cancer phenotype.

Exploring beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) for diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease dual therapy: in vitro and computational studies

This study explored the flavonoid-rich extract of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) dual therapy by using in vitro and molecular simulation studies. Flavonoid-rich extracts of B. vulgaris fruit were evaluated for their antidiabetic and anti-alzheimic activities. Molecular docking and dynamic simulation were performed to identify potential bioactive flavonoids with dual therapeutic effects on T2D and AD. Flavonoid-rich extracts of B. vulgaris fruit (IC50 = 73.062 ± 0.480 μg mL-1) had moderate activity against α-amylase compared to the standard acarbose (IC50 = 27.104 ± 0.270 μg mL-1). Compared with acarbose, flavonoid-rich extracts of B. vulgaris fruit had appreciable activity against α-glucosidase (IC50 = 17.389 ± 0.436 μg mL-1) (IC50 = 37.564 ± 0.620 μg mL-1). For AChE inhibition, flavonoid-rich extracts of B. vulgaris fruit exhibited (p < 0.0001) inhibitory activity (IC50 = 723.260 ± 5.466 μg mL-1), albeit weaker than that of the standard control, galantamine (IC50 = 27.950 ± 0.122 μg mL-1). Similarly, flavonoid-rich extracts of B. vulgaris fruit showed considerable (p < 0.0001) inhibitory effects on BChE (IC50 = 649.112 ± 0.683 μg mL-1). In contrast, galantamine (IC50 = 23.126 ± 0.683 μg mL-1) is more potent than the extracts of B. vulgaris fruit. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity increased in FeSO4-induced brain damage. In contrast, flavonoid-rich extracts of B. vulgaris fruit protected against Fe2+-mediated brain damage by suppressing MAO activity in a concentration-dependent manner. HPLC-DAD profiling of the extracts identified quercetrin, apigenin, rutin, myricetin, iso-quercetrin, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and gallic acid. Molecular docking studies revealed quercetrin, apigenin, rutin, iso-queretrin, and myricetin were the top docked bioactive flavonoids against the five top target proteins (α-amylase, α-glucosidase AchE, BchE, and MAO). Molecular dynamic simulations revealed that the complexes formed remained stable over the course of the simulation. Collectively, the findings support the prospect of flavonoid-rich extracts of B. vulgaris root functioning as a dual therapy for T2D and AD.

N-Acetylcysteine Attenuates Cisplatin Toxicity in the Cerebrum and Lung of Young Rats with Artificially Induced Protein Deficiency

Neurotoxicity is a major obstacle in the effectiveness of Cisplatin in cancer chemotherapy. In this process, oxidative stress and inflammation are considered to be the main mechanisms involved in brain and lung toxicity. The aim of the present work was to study the influence of the amount of protein on some oxidative parameters in the brain and lungs of rats treated with Cisplatin (CP) and N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) as neuroprotectors. Four groups of Wistar rats, each containing six animals, were fed with a protein diet at 7% for 15 days. Thereafter, the groups were given either a unique dose of CP® 5 mg/kg or NAC® 5 mg/kg as follows: group 1 (control), NaCl 0.9% vehicle; group 2, CP; group 3, NAC; and group 4, NAC + CP. The animals were sacrificed immediately after the treatments. Blood samples were collected upon sacrifice and used to measure blood triglycerides and glucose. The brain and lungs of each animal were obtained and used to assay lipid peroxidation (TBARS), glutathione (GSH), serotonin metabolite (5-HIAA), catalase, and the activity of Ca+2, and Mg+2 ATPase using validated methods. TBARS, H2O2, and GSH were found to be significantly decreased in the cortex and cerebellum/medulla oblongata of the groups treated with CP and NAC. The total ATPase showed a significant increase in the lung and cerebellum/medulla oblongata, while 5-HIAA showed the same tendency in the cortex of the same group of animals. The increase in 5-HIAA and ATPase during NAC and CP administration resulted in brain protection. This effect could be even more powerful when membrane fluidity is increased, thus proving the efficacy of combined NAC and CP drug therapy, which appears to be a promising strategy for future chemotherapy in malnourished patients.

The Neuroimmune Axis and Its Therapeutic Potential for Primary Liver Cancer

The autonomic nervous system plays an integral role in motion and sensation as well as the physiologic function of visceral organs. The nervous system additionally plays a key role in primary liver diseases. Until recently, however, the impact of nerves on cancer development, progression, and metastasis has been unappreciated. This review highlights recent advances in understanding neuroanatomical networks within solid organs and their mechanistic influence on organ function, specifically in the liver and liver cancer. We discuss the interaction between the autonomic nervous system, including sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, and the liver. We also examine how sympathetic innervation affects metabolic functions and diseases like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We also delve into the neurobiology of the liver, the interplay between cancer and nerves, and the neural regulation of the immune response. We emphasize the influence of the neuroimmune axis in cancer progression and the potential of targeted interventions like neurolysis to improve cancer treatment outcomes, especially for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Serotonin Receptor HTR2B Facilitates Colorectal Cancer Metastasis via CREB1-ZEB1 Axis-Mediated Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

A number of neurotransmitters have been detected in tumor microenvironment and proved to modulate cancer oncogenesis and progression. We previously found that biosynthesis and secretion of neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) was elevated in colorectal cancer cells. In this study, we discovered that the HTR2B receptor of 5-HT was highly expressed in colorectal cancer tumor tissues, which was further identified as a strong risk factor for colorectal cancer prognostic outcomes. Both pharmacological blocking and genetic knocking down HTR2B impaired migration of colorectal cancer cell, as well as the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Mechanistically, HTR2B signaling induced ribosomal protein S6 kinase B1 (S6K1) activation via the Akt/mTOR pathway, which triggered cAMP-responsive element-binding protein 1 (CREB1) phosphorylation (Ser 133) and translocation into the nucleus, then the phosphorylated CREB1 acts as an activator for ZEB1 transcription after binding to CREB1 half-site (GTCA) at ZEB1 promoter. As a key regulator of EMT, ZEB1, therefore, enhances migration and EMT process in colorectal cancer cells. We also found that HTR2B-specific antagonist (RS127445) treatment significantly ameliorated metastasis and reversed EMT process in both HCT116 cell tail-vein-injected pulmonary metastasis and CT26 cell intrasplenic-injected hepatic metastasis mouse models.

IMPLICATIONS

These findings uncover a novel regulatory role of HTR2B signaling on colorectal cancer metastasis, which provide experimental evidences for potential HTR2B-targeted anti-colorectal cancer metastasis therapy.

Peripheral Mechanism of Cancer-Induced Bone Pain

Cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) is a type of ongoing or breakthrough pain caused by a primary bone tumor or bone metastasis. CIBP constitutes a specific pain state with distinct characteristics; however, it shares similarities with inflammatory and neuropathic pain. At present, although various therapies have been developed for this condition, complete relief from CIBP in patients with cancer is yet to be achieved. Hence, it is urgent to study the mechanism underlying CIBP to develop efficient analgesic drugs. Herein, we focused on the peripheral mechanism associated with the initiation of CIBP, which involves tissue injury in the bone and changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and dorsal root ganglion. The nerve-cancer and cancer-immunocyte cross-talk in the TME creates circumstances that promote tumor growth and metastasis, ultimately leading to CIBP. The peripheral mechanism of CIBP and current treatments as well as potential therapeutic targets are discussed in this review.

TRPV1 inhibition suppresses non-small cell lung cancer progression by inhibiting tumour growth and enhancing the immune response

PURPOSE

TRPV1 is a nonselective Ca2+ channel protein that is widely expressed and plays an important role during the occurrence and development of many cancers. Activation of TRPV1 channels can affect tumour progression by regulating proliferation, apoptosis and migration. Some studies have also shown that activating TRPV1 can affect tumour progression by modulating tumour immunity. However, the effects of TRPV1 on the development of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have not been explored clearly.

METHOD

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and spatial transcriptomics datasets from 10 × Genomics were used to analyze TRPV1 expression in various tumour tissues. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were examined by cell counting kit 8 (CCK8), colony formation, and flow cytometry. Immunohistochemistry, qPCR, and western blotting were used to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of TRPV1 and other related molecules. Tumour xenografts in BALB/C and C57BL/6J mice were used to determine the effects of TRPV1 on NSCLC development in vivo. Neurotransmitter content was examined by LC-MS/MS, ELISA and Immunohistochemistry. Immune cell infiltration was assessed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

In this study, we found that TRPV1 expression was significantly upregulated in NSCLC and that patients with high TRPV1 expression had a poor prognosis. TRPV1 knockdown can significantly inhibit NSCLC proliferation and induce cell apoptosis through Ca2+-IGF1R signaling. In addition, TRPV1 knockdown resulted in increased infiltration of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, GZMB+CD8+ T cells and DCs and decreased infiltration of immunosuppressive MDSCs in NSCLC. In addition, TRPV1 knockout effectively decreased the expression of M2 macrophage markers CD163 and increased the expression of M1-associated, costimulatory markers CD86. Knockdown or knockout of TRPV1 significantly inhibit tumour growth and promoted an antitumour immune response through supressing γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) secretion in NSCLC.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that TRPV1 acts as a tumour promoter in NSCLC, mediating pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects on NSCLC through IGF1R signaling and regulating GABA release to affect the tumour immune response.

Stiffened tumor microenvironment enhances perineural invasion in breast cancer via integrin signaling

BACKGROUND

Accumulating studies have shown that tumors are regulated by nerves, and there is abundant nerve infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. Many solid tumors including breast cancer (BRCA) have different degrees of perineural invasion (PNI), which is closely related to the tumor occurrence and progression. However, the regulatory mechanism of PNI in BRCA remains largely unexplored.

METHODS

PNI-related molecular events are analyzed by the RNAseq data of BRCA samples deposited in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Extracellular matrix (ECM) components within the tumor microenvironment are analyzed by immunohistochemical staining of α-SMA, Sirius red staining, and Masson trichrome staining. Soft and stiff matrix gels, living cell imaging, and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) coculture assay are used to monitor cancer cell invasiveness towards nerves. Western blotting, qRT-PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay combined with neutralizing antibody and small molecular inhibitors are employed to decode molecular mechanisms.

RESULTS

Comparative analysis that the ECM was significantly associated with PNI status in the TCGA cohort. BRCA samples with higher α-SMA activity, fibrillar collagen, and collagen content had higher frequency of PNI. Compared with soft matrix, BRCA cells cultured in stiff matrix not only displayed higher cell invasiveness to DRG neurons but also had significant neurotrophic effects. Mechanistically, integrin β1 was identified as a functional receptor to the influence of stiff matrix on BRCA cells. Moreover, stiffened matrix-induced activation of integrin β1 transduces FAK-YAP signal cascade, which enhances cancer invasiveness and the neurotrophic effects. In clinical setting, PNI-positive BRCA samples had higher expression of ITGB1, phosphorylated FAK, YAP, and NGF compared with PNI-negative BRCA samples.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that stiff matrix induces expression of pro-metastatic and neurotrophic genes through integrin β1-FAK-YAP signals, which finally facilitates PNI in BRCA. Thus, our study provides a new mechanism for PNI in BRCA and highlights nerve-based tumor treatment strategies.

A GAD1 inhibitor suppresses osteosarcoma growth through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Background

As a marker of the GABAergic system, the expression of glutamate decarboxylase 1 (GAD1) is mainly restricted to the central nervous system. Emerging studies have shown that aberrant expression of GAD1 in tumor tissues may promote tumor cell growth. The role of GAD1 in the development of osteosarcoma (OS) remains unclear, so this study sought to investigate the expression status of GAD1 and the effect of its specific inhibitor 3-mercaptopropionic acid (3-MPA) on OS.

Methods

The R2 database was used to analyze the relationship between the expression of GAD1 and clinical prognosis in OS patients. Immunohistochemistry was used to compare the expression profile of GAD1 between OS and matched neighboring tissues. The potential antitumor effects of 3-MPA on cell viability, colony formation and the cell cycle were examined. Moreover, the in vivo effect of 3-MPA on tumor growth was investigated using tumor-bearing nude mice.

Results

The expression level of GAD1 was aberrantly upregulated in OS tissues, but almost no expression of GAD1 was found in matched neighboring tissues. Western blotting analyses showed upregulation of GAD1 in OS cells compared to human osteoblast cells. In vitro and in vivo, 3-MPA significantly suppressed the growth of OS. Regarding the mechanism, 3-MPA inhibited β-catenin and cyclin D1 in OS cells, thereby inactivating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Conclusions

OS displays increased expression of the GABAergic neuronal marker GAD1, and 3-MPA significantly reduces OS growth by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Genes related to neurotransmitter receptors as potential biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease

INTRODUCTION

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia and is rapidly emerging as one of the costliest and most burdensome diseases. Neurotransmitter receptors play a vital role in many neuronal processes, primarily regulating signal inhibition within the brain to facilitate cell communication.

OBJECTIVES

Our research aims to identify potential biomarkers associated with AD and how these biomarkers impact immune infiltration.

METHODS

We extracted mRNA expression data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and differential expression analysis were employed to identify hub genes as biomarkers in AD. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Gene Ontology (GO), and Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) were used for functional enrichment. Furthermore, we examined 22 immune cell types infiltration using "CIBERSORT".

RESULTS

In this study, we identified 70 neurotransmitter receptor genes showing differential expression in AD: 22 were up-regulated, and 48 were down-regulated. Functional analyses indicated these genes were involved in essential biochemical pathways, including G protein-coupled receptors, neurotransmitter receptor activity, and ion channel interactions. WGCNA generated three co-expression modules, with one demonstrating the strongest association with AD. Five key NRGs (HTR3C, HTR3E, ADRA2A, HTR3A, and ADRA1D) were identified using a combination of differential genes. These genes have better diagnostic value by ROC analysis. Immune infiltration analysis showed that these genes were closely associated with the levels of resting mast cells, activated natural killer (NK) cells, and plasma cells in AD compared to controls.

CONCLUSION

Our study identified five NRGs (ADRA1D, ADRA2A, HTR3A, HTR3C, and HTR3E) with significant associations with AD. These findings may offer promising sights for further studies.

Quinoxaline derivatives: Recent discoveries and development strategies towards anticancer agents

Cancer is a leading cause of death and a major health problem worldwide. While many effective anticancer agents are available, most drugs currently on the market are not specific, raising issues like the common side effects of chemotherapy. However, recent research hold promises for the development of more efficient and safer anticancer drugs. Quinoxaline and its derivatives are becoming recognized as a novel class of chemotherapeutic agents with activity against different tumors. The present review compiles and discusses studies concerning the therapeutic potential of the anticancer activity of quinoxaline derivatives, covering articles published between January 2018 and January 2023.

Amyloid Beta Leads to Decreased Acetylcholine Levels and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Survival via a Mechanism That Involves p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase and Protein Kinase C in a p53-Dependent and -Independent Manner

Several studies have shown an inverse correlation between the likelihood of developing a neurodegenerative disorder and cancer. We previously reported that the levels of amyloid beta (Aβ), at the center of Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology, are regulated by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we examined the effect of Aβ or its fragments on the levels of ACh in A549 (p53 wild-type) and H1299 (p53-null) NSCLC cell media. ACh levels were reduced by cell treatment with Aβ 1-42, Aβ 1-40, Aβ 1-28, and Aβ 25-35. AChE and p53 activities increased upon A549 cell treatment with Aβ, while knockdown of p53 in A549 cells increased ACh levels, decreased AChE activity, and diminished the Aβ effects. Aβ increased the ratio of phospho/total p38 MAPK and decreased the activity of PKC. Inhibiting p38 MAPK reduced the activity of p53 in A549 cells and increased ACh levels in the media of both cell lines, while opposite effects were found upon inhibiting PKC. ACh decreased the activity of p53 in A549 cells, decreased p38 MAPK activity, increased PKC activity, and diminished the effect of Aβ on those activities. Moreover, the negative effect of Aβ on cell viability was diminished by cell co-treatment with ACh.

Accurate detection depression cell model with a dual-locked fluorescence probe in response to noradrenaline and HClO

Due to the serious harm of depression to human health and quality of life, an accurate diagnosis of depression is warranted. For the complex etiology of depression, a single biomarker diagnostic method often leads to misdiagnosis. As noradrenaline and HClO are closely related to depression, a "dual-locked" fluorescence probe R-NE-HClO for diagnosing of depression through the simultaneous detection of noradrenaline and HClO was designed and synthesized. Fluorescence of R-NE-HClO can only be restored in the presence of both noradrenaline and HClO. The probe demonstrates excellent selectivity for noradrenaline and HClO and low cytotoxicity in cell imaging experiments. It is to be observed that we successfully applied the probe to accurately detect depressed cells which provides a possible tool for diagnosing depression.

Immunotherapy for depression: Recent insights and future targets

Depression stands as a prominent contributor to global disability, entailing an elevated risk of suicide. Substantial evidence supports the notion that immune dysregulation may play a role in the development of depression and impede responses to antidepressant treatments. Immune dysregulation may cause depression in susceptible individuals through raising inflammatory responses. Differences in immune cell types and the release of pro-inflammatory mediators are observed in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with major depressive disorder, which is associated with neuroimmune dysfunction. Therefore, the interaction of peripheral and central immune targets in depression needs to be understood. Urgent attention is required for the development of innovative therapeutics directed at modulating immune responses for the treatment of depression. This review delineates the immune mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of depression, assesses the therapeutic potential of immune system targeting for depression treatment, and deliberates on the merits and constraints of employing immunotherapy in the management of depression.

Coagulation proteases and neurotransmitters in pathogenicity of glioblastoma multiforme

Glioblastoma is an aggressive type of cancer that begins in cells called astrocytes that support nerve cells that can occur in the brain or spinal cord. It can form in the brain or spinal cord. Despite the variety of modern therapies against GBM, it is still a deadly disease. Patients usually have a median survival of approximately 14 to 15 months from the diagnosis. Glioblastoma is also known as glioblastoma multiforme. The pathogenesis contributing to the proliferation and metastasis of cancer involves aberrations of multiple signalling pathways through multiple genetic mutations and altered gene expression. The coagulant factors like thrombin and tissue factor play a noteworthy role in cancer invasion. They are produced in the microenvironment of glioma through activation of protease-activated receptors (PARs) which are activated by coagulation proteases. PARs are members of family G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are activated by coagulation proteases. These components play a key role in tumour cell angiogenesis, migration, invasion, and interactions with host vascular cells. Further, the release of neurotransmitters is also found to regulate malignancy in gliomas. Exploration of the interplay between malignant neural circuitry with the normal conditions is also decisive in finding effective therapies for these apparently invasive tumours. The present review discusses the molecular classification of gliomas, activation of PARs by coagulation protease, and its role in metastasis of gliomas. Further, the differential involvement of neurotransmitters in the pathogenesis of gliomas has also been discussed. Targeting these molecules may present a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of gliomas.

Heat-killed Prevotella intermedia promotes the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma by inhibiting the expression of tumor suppressors and affecting the tumor microenvironment

BACKGROUND

Oral microbial dysbiosis contributes to the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Our previous study showed that Prevotella intermedia (P. intermedia) were enriched in the oral mucosal surface, plaque, and saliva of patients with OSCC. Intratumoral microbiome could reshape the immune system and influence the development of various tumors. However, the invasion status of human OSCC tissues by P. intermedia and the pathway through which intratumoral P. intermedia potentiates tumor progression remain unexplored.

METHODS

P. intermedia in human OSCC or normal tissues was detected by FISH. A mouse OSCC cell line SCC7 was adopted to investigate the effects of heat-killed P. intermedia treatment on cell proliferation, invasion, and cytokine release by using CCK-8 assay, transwell invasion assay and ELISA. Moreover, we established a mouse transplanted tumor model by using SCC7 cells, injected heat-killed P. intermedia into tumor tissues, and investigated the effects of heat-killed P. intermedia on tumor growth, invasion, cytokine levels, immune cell infiltrations, and expression levels by using gross observation, H&E staining, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, mRNA sequencing, and transcriptomic analysis.

RESULTS

Our results indicated that P. intermedia were abundant in OSCC and surrounding muscle tissues. Heat-killed P. intermedia promoted SCC7 cell proliferation, invasion and proinflammatory cytokine secretions, accelerated transplanted tumor growth in mice, exacerbate muscle and perineural invasion of OSCC, elevated the serum levels of IL-17A, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and PD-L1, induced Treg cells M2 type macrophages in mouse transplanted tumors. The data of transcriptomic analysis revealed that heat-killed P. intermedia increased the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines while reduced the expression levels of some tumor suppressor genes in mouse transplanted tumors. Additionally, IL-17 signaling pathway was upregulated whereas GABAergic system was downregulated by heat-killed P. intermedia treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our results suggest that P. intermedia could inhibit the expression of tumor suppressors, alter the tumor microenvironment, and promote the progression of OSCC.

Involvement of neuronal factors in tumor angiogenesis and the shaping of the cancer microenvironment

Emerging evidence suggests that nerves within the tumor microenvironment play a crucial role in regulating angiogenesis. Neurotransmitters and neuropeptides released by nerves can interact with nearby blood vessels and tumor cells, influencing their behavior and modulating the angiogenic response. Moreover, nerve-derived signals may activate signaling pathways that enhance the production of pro-angiogenic factors within the tumor microenvironment, further supporting blood vessel growth around tumors. The intricate network of communication between neural constituents and the vascular system accentuates the potential of therapeutically targeting neural-mediated pathways as an innovative strategy to modulate tumor angiogenesis and, consequently, neoplastic proliferation. Hereby, we review studies that evaluate the precise molecular interplay and the potential clinical ramifications of manipulating neural elements for the purpose of anti-angiogenic therapeutics within the scope of cancer treatment.

HER2 heterogeneity and treatment response-associated profiles in HER2-positive breast cancer in the NCT02326974 clinical trial

BACKGROUNDHER2-targeting therapies have great efficacy in HER2-positive breast cancer, but resistance, in part due to HER2 heterogeneity (HET), is a significant clinical challenge. We previously described that in a phase II neoadjuvant trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) and pertuzumab (P) clinical trial in early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer, none of the patients with HER2-HET tumors had pathologic complete response (pCR).METHODSTo investigate cellular and molecular differences among tumors according to HER2 heterogeneity and pCR, we performed RNA sequencing and ERBB2 FISH of 285 pretreatment and posttreatment tumors from 129 patients in this T-DM1+P neoadjuvant trial. A subset of cases was also subject to NanoString spatial digital profiling.RESULTSPretreatment tumors from patients with pCR had the highest level of ERBB2 mRNA and ERBB signaling. HER2 heterogeneity was associated with no pCR, basal-like features, and low ERBB2 expression yet high ERBB signaling sustained by activation of downstream pathway components. Residual tumors showed decreased HER2 protein levels and ERBB2 copy number heterogeneity and increased PI3K pathway enrichment and luminal features. HET tumors showed minimal treatment-induced transcriptomic changes compared with non-HET tumors. Immune infiltration correlated with pCR and HER2-HET status.CONCLUSIONResistance mechanisms in HET and non-HET tumors are distinct. HER2-targeting antibodies have limited efficacy in HET tumors. Our results support the stratification of patients based on HET status and the use of agents that target downstream components of the ERBB signaling pathway in patients with HET tumors.TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicalTrials.gov NCT02326974.FUNDINGThis study was funded by Roche and the National Cancer Institute.

Perineural invasion in colorectal cancer: mechanisms of action and clinical relevance

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the significance of the nervous system in the tumor microenvironment has gained increasing attention. The bidirectional communication between nerves and cancer cells plays a critical role in tumor initiation and progression. Perineural invasion (PNI) occurs when tumor cells invade the nerve sheath and/or encircle more than 33% of the nerve circumference. PNI is a common feature in various malignancies and is associated with tumor invasion, metastasis, cancer-related pain, and unfavorable clinical outcomes. The colon and rectum are highly innervated organs, and accumulating studies support PNI as a histopathologic feature of colorectal cancer (CRC). Therefore, it is essential to investigate the role of nerves in CRC and comprehend the mechanisms of PNI to impede tumor progression and improve patient survival.

CONCLUSION

This review elucidates the clinical significance of PNI, summarizes the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms, introduces various experimental models suitable for studying PNI, and discusses the therapeutic potential of targeting this phenomenon. By delving into the intricate interactions between nerves and tumor cells, we hope this review can provide valuable insights for the future development of CRC treatments.

Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang promotes dendritic cells maturation and retards tumor growth in colorectal cancer mice with chronic restraint stress

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Depression is one of the important risk factors that accelerate the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang (TXYF) is a widely used classical formula for treating psychiatric-related intestinal diseases in traditional Chinese medicine, that is composed of four different herbs: Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. (Baizhu), Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (Baishaoyao), Citrus reticulata Blanco (Chenpi), Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk (Fangfeng). TXYF has over a hundred years of history and can significantly improve depression and reduce intestinal symptoms. However, the intervention effect and mechanism of TXYF on colorectal cancer accompanied by psychological stress are not still clear.

AIM OF STUDY

This study investigated the therapeutic effect of TXYF on CRC mice with chronic restraint stress (CRS) and to explore its mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We constructed a mouse model of chronic stress by CRS and subcutaneous injection of CT26-Luc cells, and administered TXYF by gavage. We measured the body weight, tumor size, and tumor weight of each group of mice. The tumor growth was monitored dynamically of by vivo bioluminescence analysis. The depressive state of each group of mice were evaluated by tail suspension test, forced swimming test, and hormone level changes. We used flow cytometry to detect the ratio of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, Th1 cells, Th2 cells, and dendritic cells (DCs) phenotype (MHC II, CD80, and CD86) and chemotaxis ability (CXCR4 and CCR7) of in peripheral blood and tumor tissue. the levels of IL-12, IL-18, Th1 cytokines, and Th2 cytokines in the serum of each group of mice were determined by ELISA.

RESULTS

TXYF can improve the body weight of CRC mice with CRS, inhibit tumor volume and weight, alleviate depressive state, upregulate 5-HT levels, and inhibit HPA axis hormone secretion. The results of flow cytometry showed that TXYF can promote the maturation of DCs phenotype and function, enhance antigen presentation ability, increase the ratio of CD4+ T cells and CD4+/CD8+ T cells, and shift Th1/Th2 balance towards Th1 cells, thus increasing serum levels of IFN-γ, IL-18, IL-2, and IL-12, while decreasing serum levels of IL-4 and IL-10, and effectively triggering T cell-mediated immune response.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that TXYF inhibits the growth of tumors in CRC mice with CRS by stimulating immune response. The mechanism may be inhibiting the HPA axis and promoting DCs maturation, thus activating T cells and enhancing anti-tumor immune response, ultimately preventing the progression of CRC.

A review on epilepsy, current treatments, and potential of medicinal plants as an alternative treatment

Epilepsy is considered common neurological diseases that threaten the lives of millions of people all around the world. Since ancient times, different forms of medications have been used to treat this condition. Adverse events associated with treatments and the residence time of available drugs caused to search for safer and more efficient therapies and drugs remain one of the major areas of research interest for scientists. As one of the therapeutics with fewer side effects, plants and their essential oils can be considered replacements for existing treatments. Medicinal plants have proven to be an effective natural source of antiepileptic drugs; most of them have their mechanism of action by affecting GABA receptors in different paths. Cannabis indica and Cymbopogon winterianus are well-known plant species with antiepileptic activities. The current review presenting a list of plants with antiepileptic effects aims to pave the way for finding alternative drugs with fewer side effects for scientists.

Neurotransmitter receptor-related gene signature as potential prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers in colorectal cancer

Background: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. A various of neurotransmitter receptors have been found to be expressed in tumor cells, and the activation of these receptors may promote tumor growth and metastasis. This study aimed to construct a novel neurotransmitter receptor-related genes signature to predict the survival, immune microenvironment, and treatment response of colorectal cancer patients. Methods: RNA-seq and clinical data of colorectal cancer from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and Gene Expression Omnibus were downloaded. Neurotransmitter receptor-related gene were collected from publicly available data sources. The Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis (WGCNA), Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) logistic regression, Support Vector Machine-Recursive Feature Elimination (SVM-RFE), and Random Forest (RF) algorithms were employed to construct the Neurotransmitter receptor-related gene prognostic signature. Further analyses, functional enrichment, CIBERSORTx, The Tumor Immune Single Cell Center (TISCH), survival analysis, and CellMiner, were performed to analyze immune status and treatment responses. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays were carried out to confirm the expression levels of prognostic genes. Results: By combining machine learning algorithm and WGCNA, we identified CHRNA3, GABRD, GRIK3, and GRIK5 as Neurotransmitter receptor-related prognostic genes signature. Functional enrichment analyses showed that these genes were enriched with cellular metabolic-related pathways, such as organic acid, inorganic acid, and lipid metabolism. CIBERSORTx and Single cell analysis showed that the high expression of genes were positively correlated with immunosuppressive cells infiltration, and the genes were mainly expressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts and endothelial cells. A nomogram was further built to predict overall survival (OS). The expression of CHRNA3, GABRD, GRIK3, and GRIK5 in cancer cells significantly impacted their response to chemotherapy. Conclusion: A neurotransmitter receptor-related prognostic gene signature was developed and validated in the current study, giving novel sights of neurotransmitter in predicting the prognostic and improving the treatment of CRC.

Combination of PD-1 Checkpoint Blockade and Botulinum Toxin Type A1 Improves Antitumor Responses in Mouse Tumor Models of Melanoma and Colon Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Tumor innervation has been shown to be utilized by some solid cancers to support tumor initiation, growth, progression, and metastasis, as well as confer resistance to immune checkpoint blockade through suppression of antitumor immunologic responses. Since botulinum neurotoxin type A1 (BoNT/A1) blocks neuronal cholinergic signaling, its potential use as an anticancer drug in combination with anti-PD-1 therapy was investigated in four different syngeneic mouse tumor models.

METHODS

Mice implanted with breast (4T1), lung (LLC1), colon (MC38), and melanoma (B16-F10) tumors were administered a single intratumoral injection of 15 U/kg BoNT/A1, repeated intraperitoneal injections of 5 mg/kg anti-PD-1 (RMP1-14), or both.

RESULTS

Compared to the single-agent treatments, anti-PD-1 and BoNT/A1 combination treatment elicited significant reduction in tumor growth among B16-F10 and MC38 tumor-bearing mice. The combination treatment also lowered serum exosome levels in these mice compared to the placebo control group. In the B16-F10 syngeneic mouse tumor model, anti-PD-1 + BoNT/A1 combination treatment lowered the proportion of MDSCs, negated the increased proportion of Treg cells, and elicited a higher number of tumor-infiltrating CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes into the tumor microenvironment compared to anti-PD-1 treatment alone.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate the synergistic antitumor effects of BoNT/A1 and PD-1 checkpoint blockade in mouse tumor models of melanoma and colon carcinoma. These findings provide some evidence on the potential application of BoNT/A1 as an anticancer drug in combination with immune checkpoint blockade and should be further explored.

Crosstalk Between Peripheral Innervation and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive lethal malignancy, characterized by late diagnosis, aggressive growth, and therapy resistance, leading to a poor overall prognosis. Emerging evidence shows that the peripheral nerve is an important non-tumor component in the tumor microenvironment that regulates tumor growth and immune escape. The crosstalk between the neuronal system and PDAC has become a hot research topic that may provide novel mechanisms underlying tumor progression and further uncover promising therapeutic targets. In this review, we highlight the mechanisms of perineural invasion and the role of various types of tumor innervation in the progression of PDAC, summarize the potential signaling pathways modulating the neuronal-cancer interaction, and discuss the current and future therapeutic possibilities for this condition.

An Updated Review on Electrochemical Nanobiosensors for Neurotransmitter Detection

Neurotransmitters are chemical compounds released by nerve cells, including neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, that play an essential role in the transmission of signals in living organisms, particularly in the central nervous system, and they also perform roles in realizing the function and maintaining the state of each organ in the body. The dysregulation of neurotransmitters can cause neurological disorders. This highlights the significance of precise neurotransmitter monitoring to allow early diagnosis and treatment. This review provides a complete multidisciplinary examination of electrochemical biosensors integrating nanomaterials and nanotechnologies in order to achieve the accurate detection and monitoring of neurotransmitters. We introduce extensively researched neurotransmitters and their respective functions in biological beings. Subsequently, electrochemical biosensors are classified based on methodologies employed for direct detection, encompassing the recently documented cell-based electrochemical monitoring systems. These methods involve the detection of neurotransmitters in neuronal cells in vitro, the identification of neurotransmitters emitted by stem cells, and the in vivo monitoring of neurotransmitters. The incorporation of nanomaterials and nanotechnologies into electrochemical biosensors has the potential to assist in the timely detection and management of neurological disorders. This study provides significant insights for researchers and clinicians regarding precise neurotransmitter monitoring and its implications regarding numerous biological applications.

Regulation of Soluble E-Cadherin Signaling in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells by Nicotine, BDNF, and β-Adrenergic Receptor Ligands

The ectodomain of the transmembrane protein E-cadherin can be cleaved and released in a soluble form referred to as soluble E-cadherin, or sE-cad, accounting for decreased E-cadherin levels at the cell surface. Among the proteases implicated in this cleavage are matrix metalloproteases (MMP), including MMP9. Opposite functions have been reported for full-length E-cadherin and sE-cad. In this study, we found increased MMP9 levels in the media of two non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines, A549 and H1299, treated with BDNF, nicotine, or epinephrine that were decreased upon cell treatment with the β-adrenergic receptor blocker propranolol. Increased MMP9 levels correlated with increased sE-cad levels in A549 cell media, and knockdown of MMP9 in A549 cells led to downregulation of sE-cad levels in the media. Previously, we reported that A549 and H1299 cell viability increased with nicotine and/or BDNF treatment and decreased upon treatment with propranolol. In investigating the function of sE-cad, we found that immunodepletion of sE-cad from the media of A549 cells untreated or treated with BDNF, nicotine, or epinephrine reduced activation of EGFR and IGF-1R, decreased PI3K and ERK1/2 activities, increased p53 activation, decreased cell viability, and increased apoptosis, while no effects were found using H1299 cells under all conditions tested.

Integration of Patient-Derived Organoids and Organ-on-Chip Systems: Investigating Colorectal Cancer Invasion within the Mechanical and GABAergic Tumor Microenvironment

Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models are essential in cancer research, but they often neglect physical forces. In our study, we combined patient-derived tumor organoids with a microfluidic organ-on-chip system to investigate colorectal cancer (CRC) invasion in the tumor microenvironment (TME). This allowed us to create patient-specific tumor models and assess the impact of physical forces on cancer biology. Our findings showed that the organoid-on-chip models more closely resembled patient tumors at the transcriptional level, surpassing organoids alone. Using 'omics' methods and live-cell imaging, we observed heightened responsiveness of KRAS mutant tumors to TME mechanical forces. These tumors also utilized the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter as an energy source, increasing their invasiveness. This bioengineered model holds promise for advancing our understanding of cancer progression and improving CRC treatments.

Bidirectional crosstalk between the peripheral nervous system and lymphoid tissues/organs

The central nervous system (CNS) influences the immune system generally by regulating the systemic concentration of humoral substances (e.g., cortisol and epinephrine), whereas the peripheral nervous system (PNS) communicates specifically with the immune system according to local interactions/connections. An imbalance between the components of the PNS might contribute to pathogenesis and the further development of certain diseases. In this review, we have explored the "thread" (hardwiring) of the connections between the immune system (e.g., primary/secondary/tertiary lymphoid tissues/organs) and PNS (e.g., sensory, sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric nervous systems (ENS)) in health and disease in vitro and in vivo. Neuroimmune cell units provide an anatomical and physiological basis for bidirectional crosstalk between the PNS and the immune system in peripheral tissues, including lymphoid tissues and organs. These neuroimmune interactions/modulation studies might greatly contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms through which the PNS possibly affects cellular and humoral-mediated immune responses or vice versa in health and diseases. Physical, chemical, pharmacological, and other manipulations of these neuroimmune interactions should bring about the development of practical therapeutic applications for certain neurological, neuroimmunological, infectious, inflammatory, and immunological disorders/diseases.

Metabolites and Immune Response in Tumor Microenvironments

The remodeled cancer cell metabolism affects the tumor microenvironment and promotes an immunosuppressive state by changing the levels of macro- and micronutrients and by releasing hormones and cytokines that recruit immunosuppressive immune cells. Novel dietary interventions such as amino acid restriction and periodic fasting mimicking diets can prevent or dampen the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment by acting systemically on the release of hormones and growth factors, inhibiting the release of proinflammatory cytokines, and remodeling the tumor vasculature and extracellular matrix. Here, we discuss the latest research on the effects of these therapeutic interventions on immunometabolism and tumor immune response and future scenarios pertaining to how dietary interventions could contribute to cancer therapy.

Chronic stress accelerates glioblastoma progression via DRD2/ERK/β-catenin axis and Dopamine/ERK/TH positive feedback loop

BACKGROUND

After diagnosis, glioblastoma (GBM) patients undertake tremendous psychological problems such as anxiety and depression, which may contribute to GBM progression. However, systematic study about the relationship between depression and GBM progression is still lacking.

METHODS

Chronic unpredictable mild stress and chronic restrain stress were used to mimic human depression in mice. Human GBM cells and intracranial GBM model were used to assess the effects of chronic stress on GBM growth. Targeted neurotransmitter sequencing, RNA-seq, immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the related molecular mechanism.

RESULTS

Chronic stress promoted GBM progression and up-regulated the level of dopamine (DA) and its receptor type 2 (DRD2) in tumor tissues. Down-regulation or inhibition of DRD2 abolished the promoting effect of chronic stress on GBM progression. Mechanistically, the elevated DA and DRD2 activated ERK1/2 and consequently inhibited GSK3β activity, leading to β-catenin activation. Meanwhile, the activated ERK1/2 up-regulated tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) level in GBM cells and then promoted DA secretion, forming an autocrine positive feedback loop. Remarkably, patients with high-depression exhibited high DRD2 and β-catenin levels, which showed poor prognosis. Additionally, DRD2 specific inhibitor pimozide combined with temozolomide synergistically inhibited GBM growth.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that chronic stress accelerates GBM progression via DRD2/ERK/β-catenin axis and Dopamine/ERK/TH positive feedback loop. DRD2 together with β-catenin may serve as a potential predictive biomarker for worse prognosis as well as therapeutic target of GBM patients with depression.

Identification of Novel Prognostic Biomarkers That are Associated with Immune Microenvironment Based on GABA-Related Molecular Subtypes in Gastric Cancer

Background

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) plays an important role in tumorigenesis and progression. Despite this, the role of Reactome GABA receptor activation (RGRA) on gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear. This study was intended to screen RGRA-related genes in GC and investigate their prognostic value.

Methods

GSVA algorithm was used to assess the score of RGRA. GC patients were divided into two subtypes based on the median score of RGRA. GSEA, functional enrichment analysis, and immune infiltration analysis were performed between the two subgroups. Then, differentially expressed analysis, and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were used to identify RGRA-related genes. The prognosis and expression of core genes were analyzed and validated in the TCGA database, GEO database, and clinical samples. ssGSEA and ESTIMATE algorithms were used to assess the immune cell infiltration in the low- and high-core genes subgroups.

Results

High-RGRA subtype had a poor prognosis and activated immune-related pathways, as well as an activated immune microenvironment. ATP1A2 was identified to be the core gene. The expression of ATP1A2 was associated with the overall survival rate and tumor stage, and its expression was down-regulated in GC patients. Furthermore, ATP1A2 expression was positively correlated with the level of immune cells, including B cells, CD8 T cells, cytotoxic cells, DC, eosinophils, macrophages, mast cells, NK cells, and T cells.

Conclusion

Two RGRA-related molecular subtypes were identified that could predict the outcome in GC patients. ATP1A2 was a core immunoregulatory gene and was associated with prognosis and immune cell infiltration in GC.

Clinical Outcomes Depending on Sympathetic Innervation in Pancreatic Cancer

BACKGROUND

The aim of our study was to evaluate sympathetic neuronal remodeling in patients with pancreatic cancer, together with its correlation with clinical outcomes.

METHODS

In this descriptive, retrospective study, we analyzed pancreatic cancer specimens and peritumoral pancreatic tissue from 122 patients. We also investigated tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity for the analysis of sympathetic nerve fibers and beta 2 adrenoreceptors immunoreactivity. To investigate the potential interaction between tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), beta 2 adrenoreceptors (B2A) immunoreactivity, and clinicopathological outcomes, we used the median to classify each case as TH+, respectively, B2A+ (if it presented a value higher than the median).

RESULTS

Firstly, the overall survival was analyzed according to TH and B2A immunoreactivity, in both intratumoral and peritumoral tissue. Only B2A immunoreactivity in the peritumoral pancreatic tissue influenced overall survival at 5 years of follow-up; thus, B2A+ patients recorded a 5-year survival of only 3% compared to B2A- patients who recorded an overall survival at 5 years of follow-up of 14% (HR = 1.758, 95% CI of ratio 1.297 to 2.938, p = 0.0004). Additionally, the increased immunoreactivity of B2A in the peritumoral tissue was also associated with other factors of poor prognosis, such as moderately or poorly differentiated tumors, the absence of response to first-line chemotherapy, or metastatic disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The increased immunoreactivity of beta 2 adrenoreceptors in pancreatic peritumoral tissue represents a poor prognostic factor in pancreatic cancer.

Activity-based bioluminescence probes for in vivo sensing applications

Bioluminescence imaging is a highly sensitive technique commonly used for various in vivo applications. Recent efforts to expand the utility of this modality have led to the development of a suite of activity-based sensing (ABS) probes for bioluminescence imaging by 'caging' of luciferin and its structural analogs. The ability to selectively detect a given biomarker has presented researchers with many exciting opportunities to study both health and disease states in animal models. Here, we highlight recent (2021-2023) bioluminescence-based ABS probes with an emphasis on probe design and in vivo validation experiments.

Neurotransmitters: promising immune modulators in the tumor microenvironment

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is modified by its cellular or acellular components throughout the whole period of tumor development. The dynamic modulation can reprogram tumor initiation, growth, invasion, metastasis, and response to therapies. Hence, the focus of cancer research and intervention has gradually shifted to TME components and their interactions. Accumulated evidence indicates neural and immune factors play a distinct role in modulating TME synergistically. Among the complicated interactions, neurotransmitters, the traditional neural regulators, mediate some crucial regulatory functions. Nevertheless, knowledge of the exact mechanisms is still scarce. Meanwhile, therapies targeting the TME remain unsatisfactory. It holds a great prospect to reveal the molecular mechanism by which the interplay between the nervous and immune systems regulate cancer progression for laying a vivid landscape of tumor development and improving clinical treatment.

The nerve growth factor-delivered signals in prostate cancer and its associated microenvironment: when the dialogue replaces the monologue

Prostate cancer (PC) represents the most diagnosed and the second most lethal cancer in men worldwide. Its development and progression occur in concert with alterations in the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), made up of stromal cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) that dynamically interact with epithelial PC cells affecting their growth and invasiveness. PC cells, in turn, can functionally sculpt the TME through the secretion of various factors, including neurotrophins. Among them, the nerve growth factor (NGF) that is released by both epithelial PC cells and carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) triggers the activation of various intracellular signaling cascades, thereby promoting the acquisition of a metastatic phenotype. After many years of investigation, it is indeed well established that aberrations and/or derangement of NGF signaling are involved not only in neurological disorders, but also in the pathogenesis of human proliferative diseases, including PC. Another key feature of cancer progression is the nerve outgrowth in TME and the concept of nerve dependence related to perineural invasion is currently emerging. NGF released by cancer cells can be a driver of tumor neurogenesis and nerves infiltrated in TME release neurotransmitters, which might stimulate the growth and sustainment of tumor cells.In this review, we aim to provide a snapshot of NGF action in the interactions between TME, nerves and PC cells. Understanding the molecular basis of this dialogue might expand the arsenal of therapeutic strategies against this widespread disease.

Neural functions in cancer: Data analyses and database construction

Recent studies have revealed that neural functions are involved in possibly every aspect of a cancer development, serving as bridges connecting microenvironmental stressors, activities of intracellular subsystems, and cell survival. Elucidation of the functional roles played by the neural system could provide the missing links in developing a systems-level understanding of cancer biology. However, the existing information is highly fragmented and scattered across the literature and internet databases, making it difficult for cancer researchers to use. We have conducted computational analyses of transcriptomic data of cancer tissues in TCGA and tissues of healthy organs in GTEx, aiming to demonstrate how the functional roles by the neural genes could be derived and what non-neural functions they are associated with, across different stages of 26 cancer types. Several novel discoveries are made, including i) the expressions of certain neural genes can predict the prognosis of a cancer patient; ii) cancer metastasis tends to involve specific neural functions; iii) cancers of low survival rates involve more neural interactions than those with high survival rates; iv) more malignant cancers involve more complex neural functions; and v) neural functions are probably induced to alleviate stresses and help the associated cancer cells to survive. A database, called NGC, is developed for organizing such derived neural functions and associations, along with gene expressions and functional annotations collected from public databases, aiming to provide an integrated and publicly available information resource to enable cancer researchers to take full advantage of the relevant information in their research, facilitated by tools provided by NGC.

Systematic investigation of the mechanism of herbal medicines for the treatment of prostate cancer

Due to various unpleasant side effects and general ineffectiveness of current treatments for prostate cancer (PCa), more and more people with PCa try to look for complementary and alternative medicine such as herbal medicine. However, since herbal medicine has multi-components, multi-targets and multi-pathways features, its underlying molecular mechanism of action is not yet known and still needs to be systematically explored. Presently, a comprehensive approach consisting of bibliometric analysis, pharmacokinetic assessment, target prediction and network construction is firstly performed to obtain PCa-related herbal medicines and their corresponding candidate compounds and potential targets. Subsequently, a total of 20 overlapping genes between DEGs in PCa patients and the target genes of the PCa-related herbs, as well as five hub genes, i.e., CCNA2, CDK2, CTH, DPP4 and SRC were determined employing bioinformatics analysis. Further, the roles of these hub genes in PCa were also investigated through survival analysis and tumour immunity analysis. Moreover, to validate the reliability of the C-T interactions and to further explore the binding modes between ingredients and their targets, the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were carried out. Finally, based on the modularization of the biological network, four signaling pathways, i.e., PI3K-Akt, MAPK, p53 and cell cycle were integrated to further analyze the therapeutic mechanism of PCa-related herbal medicine. All the results show the mechanism of action of herbal medicines on treating PCa from the molecular to systematic levels, providing a reference for the treatment of complex diseases using TCM.

High-performance fluorescence probe for fast and specific visualization of norepinephrine in vivo and depression-like mice

Norepinephrine (NE), as an important neurotransmitter, is closely associated with the pathogenesis of anxiety and depressive disorders. Effective monitoring of NE fluctuation aids in the diagnosis of depression and the therapeutic assessment of the antidepressant intervention. The construction of novel fluorescent probes with high specificity towards NE for imaging in depression models is still in demand urgently. In this work, a novel resorufin-based red-emitting fluorescent probe for real-time tracking NE was developed. NE can significantly increase the fluorescence of probe LNE by triggering deprotection of carbonothioate ligand via nucleophilic substitution. The probe LNE demonstrated significant NE selectivity and sensitivity over other analytes in vitro. In addition, probe LNE showed a fast response time (<10 min), and the change in fluorescence signal was positively linked with NE concentration, which could be utilized to track the dysregulation of NE in vivo. More importantly, this powerful probe was successfully employed for real-time visual and imaging of NE in living cells and depression-like behavior animals.

Breast cancer and neurotransmitters: emerging insights on mechanisms and therapeutic directions

Exploring the relationship between various neurotransmitters and breast cancer cell growth has revealed their likely centrality to improving breast cancer treatment. Neurotransmitters play a key role in breast cancer biology through their effects on the cell cycle, epithelial mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, inflammation, the tumor microenvironment and other pathways. Neurotransmitters and their receptors are vital to the initiation, progression and drug resistance of cancer and progress in our biological understanding may point the way to lower-cost and lower-risk antitumor therapeutic strategies. This review discusses multiple neurotransmitters in the context of breast cancer. It also discusses risk factors, repurposing of pharmaceuticals impacting neurotransmitter pathways, and the opportunity for better integrated models that encompass exercise, the intestinal microbiome, and other non-pharmacologic considerations. Neurotransmitters' role in breast cancer should no longer be ignored; it may appear to complicate the molecular picture but the ubiquity of neurotransmitters and their wide-ranging impacts provide an organizing framework upon which further understanding and progress against breast cancer can be based.