In vivo CRISPR inactivation of Fos promotes prostate cancer progression by altering the associated AP-1 subunit Jun

Targeting mRNA-coding genes in prostate cancer using CRISPR/Cas9 technology with a special focus on androgen receptor signaling

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer is among prevalent cancers in men. Numerous strategies have been proposed to intervene with the important prostate cancer-related signaling pathways. Among the most promising strategies is CRISPR/Cas9 strategy. This strategy has been used to modify expression of a number of genes in prostate cancer cells.

AIMS

This review summarizes the most recent progresses in the application of CRISPR/Cas9 strategy in modification of prostate cancer-related phenotypes with an especial focus on pathways related to androgen receptor signaling.

CONCLUSION

CRISPR/Cas9 technology has successfully targeted several genes in the prostate cancer cells. Moreover, the efficiency of this technique in reducing tumor burden has been tested in animal models of prostate cancer. Most of targeted genes have been related with the androgen receptor signaling. Targeted modulation of these genes have affected growth of castration-resistant prostate cancer. PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and immune response-related genes have been other targets that have been successfully modulated by CRISPR/Cas9 technology in prostate cancer. Based on the rapid translation of this technology into the clinical application, it is anticipated that novel treatments based on this technique change the outcome of this malignancy in future.

Integrative identification of non-coding regulatory regions driving metastatic prostate cancer

Large-scale sequencing efforts have been undertaken to understand the mutational landscape of the coding genome. However, the vast majority of variants occur within non-coding genomic regions. We designed an integrative computational and experimental framework to identify recurrently mutated non-coding regulatory regions that drive tumor progression. Applying this framework to sequencing data from a large prostate cancer patient cohort revealed a large set of candidate drivers. We used (1) in silico analyses, (2) massively parallel reporter assays, and (3) in vivo CRISPR interference screens to systematically validate metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) drivers. One identified enhancer region, GH22I030351, acts on a bidirectional promoter to simultaneously modulate expression of the U2-associated splicing factor SF3A1 and chromosomal protein CCDC157. SF3A1 and CCDC157 promote tumor growth in vivo. We nominated a number of transcription factors, notably SOX6, to regulate expression of SF3A1 and CCDC157. Our integrative approach enables the systematic detection of non-coding regulatory regions that drive human cancers.

A multi-omics approach to reveal critical mechanisms of activator protein 1 (AP-1)

The Activator Protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factor complex plays a pivotal role in the regulation of cancer-related genes, influencing cancer cell proliferation, invasion, migration, angiogenesis, and apoptosis. Composed of multiple subunits, AP-1 has diverse roles across different cancer types and environmental contexts, but its specific mechanisms remain unclear. The advent of multi-omics approaches has shed light on a more comprehensive understanding of AP-1's role and mechanism in gene regulation. This review collates recent genome-wide data on AP-1 and provides an overview of its expression, structure, function, and interaction across different diseases. An examination of these findings can illuminate the intricate nature of AP-1 regulation and its significant involvement in the progression of different diseases. Moreover, we discuss the potential use of AP-1 as a target for individual therapy and explore the various challenges associated with such an approach. Ultimately, this review provides valuable insights into the biology of AP-1 and its potential as a therapeutic target for cancer and disease treatments.

Glucocorticoid receptor action in prostate cancer: the role of transcription factor crosstalk

Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies and is primarily driven by aberrant androgen receptor (AR) signaling. While AR-targeted therapies form the cornerstone of prostate cancer treatment, they often inadvertently activate compensatory pathways, leading to therapy resistance. This resistance is frequently mediated through changes in transcription factor (TF) crosstalk, reshaping gene regulatory programs and ultimately weakening treatment efficacy. Consequently, investigating TF interactions has become crucial for understanding the mechanisms driving therapy-resistant cancers. Recent evidence has highlighted the crosstalk between the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and AR, demonstrating that GR can induce prostate cancer therapy resistance by replacing the inactivated AR, thereby becoming a driver of the disease. In addition to this oncogenic role, GR has also been shown to act as a tumor suppressor in prostate cancer. Owing to this dual role and the widespread use of glucocorticoids as adjuvant therapy, it is essential to understand GR's actions across different stages of prostate cancer development. In this review, we explore the current knowledge of GR in prostate cancer, with a specific focus on its crosstalk with other TFs. GR can directly and indirectly interact with a variety of TFs, and these interactions vary significantly depending on the type of prostate cancer cells. By highlighting these crosstalk interactions, we aim to provide insights that can guide the research and development of new GR-targeted therapies to mitigate its harmful effects in prostate cancer.

JUN mediates the senescence associated secretory phenotype and immune cell recruitment to prevent prostate cancer progression

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer develops through malignant transformation of the prostate epithelium in a stepwise, mutation-driven process. Although activator protein-1 transcription factors such as JUN have been implicated as potential oncogenic drivers, the molecular programs contributing to prostate cancer progression are not fully understood.

METHODS

We analyzed JUN expression in clinical prostate cancer samples across different stages and investigated its functional role in a Pten-deficient mouse model. We performed histopathological examinations, transcriptomic analyses and explored the senescence-associated secretory phenotype in the tumor microenvironment.

RESULTS

Elevated JUN levels characterized early-stage prostate cancer and predicted improved survival in human and murine samples. Immune-phenotyping of Pten-deficient prostates revealed high accumulation of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes, particularly innate immune cells, neutrophils and macrophages as well as high levels of STAT3 activation and IL-1β production. Jun depletion in a Pten-deficient background prevented immune cell attraction which was accompanied by significant reduction of active STAT3 and IL-1β and accelerated prostate tumor growth. Comparative transcriptome profiling of prostate epithelial cells revealed a senescence-associated gene signature, upregulation of pro-inflammatory processes involved in immune cell attraction and of chemokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α, CCL3 and CCL8 in Pten-deficient prostates. Strikingly, JUN depletion reversed both the senescence-associated secretory phenotype and senescence-associated immune cell infiltration but had no impact on cell cycle arrest. As a result, JUN depletion in Pten-deficient prostates interfered with the senescence-associated immune clearance and accelerated tumor growth.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that JUN acts as tumor-suppressor and decelerates the progression of prostate cancer by transcriptional regulation of senescence- and inflammation-associated genes. This study opens avenues for novel treatment strategies that could impede disease progression and improve patient outcomes.

CRISPR/Cas9 model of prostate cancer identifies Kmt2c deficiency as a metastatic driver by Odam/Cabs1 gene cluster expression

Metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) poses a significant therapeutic challenge with high mortality rates. Utilizing CRISPR-Cas9 in vivo, we target five potential tumor suppressor genes (Pten, Trp53, Rb1, Stk11, and RnaseL) in the mouse prostate, reaching humane endpoint after eight weeks without metastasis. By further depleting three epigenetic factors (Kmt2c, Kmt2d, and Zbtb16), lung metastases are present in all mice. While whole genome sequencing reveals few mutations in coding sequence, RNA sequencing shows significant dysregulation, especially in a conserved genomic region at chr5qE1 regulated by KMT2C. Depleting Odam and Cabs1 in this region prevents metastasis. Notably, the gene expression signatures, resulting from our study, predict progression-free and overall survival and distinguish primary and metastatic human prostate cancer. This study emphasizes positive genetic interactions between classical tumor suppressor genes and epigenetic modulators in metastatic PCa progression, offering insights into potential treatments.

Identification of anti-gastric cancer effects and molecular mechanisms of resveratrol: From network pharmacology and bioinformatics to experimental validation

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies with limited therapeutic options and a poor prognosis. Resveratrol, a non-flavonoid polyphenolic compound found in a variety of Chinese medicinal materials, has shown excellent anti-GC effect. However, its exact mechanisms of action in GC have not been clarified.

AIM

To identify the effects of resveratrol on GC progression and explore the related molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

Action targets of resveratrol and GC-related targets were screened from public databases. The overlapping targets between the two were confirmed using a Venn diagram, and a "Resveratrol-Target-GC" network was constructed using Cytoscape software version 3.9.1. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using STRING database and core targets were identified by PPI network analysis. The Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery database was used for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. A "Target-Pathway" network was created by using Cytoscape 3.9.1. The RNA and protein expression levels of core target genes were observed using the Cancer Genome Atlas and the Human Protein Atlas databases. DriverDBv3 and Timer2.0 databases were used for survival and immune infiltration analysis. Subsequently, the findings were further verified by molecular docking technology and in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

A total of 378 resveratrol action targets and 2154 GC disease targets were obtained from public databases, and 181 intersection targets between the two were screened by Venn diagram. The top 20 core targets were identified by PPI network analysis of the overlapping targets. GO function analysis mainly involved protein binding, identical protein binding, cytoplasm, nucleus, negative regulation of apoptotic process and response to xenobiotic stimulus. KEGG enrichment analysis suggested that the involved signaling pathways mainly included PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, ErbB signaling pathway, etc. FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog (FOS) and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) were selected by differential expression analysis, and they were closely associated with immune infiltration. Molecular docking results showed that resveratrol docked well with these two targets. Resveratrol treatment arrested the cell cycle at the S phase, induced apoptosis, and weakened viability, migration and invasion in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, resveratrol could exhibit anti-GC effect by regulating FOS and MMP9 expression.

CONCLUSION

The anti-GC effects of resveratrol are related to the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, invasion and induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by targeting FOS and MMP9.

c-Fos regulated by TMPO/ERK axis promotes 5-FU resistance via inducing NANOG transcription in colon cancer

Acquired drug resistance is one of the most common limitations for the clinical response of colon cancer to 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy. The relevant molecular mechanisms might be diversity, but still not be elucidated clearly. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms of c-Fos, a subfamily of activator protein-1, in 5-FU chemoresistance. We determined that phosphorylated c-Fos promoted colon cancer cells resistance to 5-FU by facilitating the cancer stemness. Mechanically, 5-FU treatment induced autolysosome-dependent degradation of TMPO, which subsequently triggered ERK-mediated phosphorylation of c-Fos. Additionally, c-Fos was found to bind to the promoter of NANOG and phosphorylation of c-Fos at Ser 374 was required for its regulation of NANOG expression. NANOG ablation impaired c-Fos/p-c-Fos induced 5-FU resistance and stemness. Taken together, these findings revealed that TMPO-mediated phosphorylation of c-Fos conferred 5-FU resistance by regulating NANOG expression and promoting cell stemness in colon cancer cells. c-Fos could be as a therapeutic target for colon cancer.

Methylation of the JMJD2B epigenetic regulator differentially affects its ability to coactivate the ETV1 and JUN transcription factors

OBJECTIVES

Jumonji C domain-containing (JMJD) 2B (JMJD2B) is a transcriptional cofactor and histone demethylase that is involved in prostate cancer formation. However, how its function is regulated by posttranslational modification has remained elusive. Hence, we examined if JMJD2B would be regulated by lysine methylation.

METHODS

Through in vitro methylation assays and Western blotting with methyl-lysine specific antibodies, we analyzed lysine methylation within JMJD2B. Identified methylated lysine residues were mutated to arginine residues and the respective impact on JMJD2B transcriptional activity measured with a reporter gene assay in human LNCaP prostate cancer cells.

RESULTS

We discovered that JMJD2B is methylated on up to six different lysine residues. Further, we identified the suppressor of variegation 3-9/enhancer of zeste/trithorax (SET) domain-containing protein 7/9 (SET7/9) as the methyltransferase being responsible for this posttranslational modification. Mutating the methylation sites in JMJD2B to arginine residues led to diminished coactivation of the Ju-nana (JUN) transcription factor, which is a known oncogenic protein in prostate tumors. In contrast, methylation of JMJD2B had no impact on its ability to coactivate another transcription factor associated with prostate cancer, the DNA-binding protein E26 transformation-specific (ETS) variant 1 (ETV1). Consistent with a potential joint action of JMJD2B, SET7/9 and JUN in prostate cancer, the expression of JMJD2B in human prostate tumors was positively correlated with both SET7/9 and JUN levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The identified SET7/9-mediated methylation of JMJD2B appears to impact its cooperation with selected interacting transcription factors in prostate cancer cells. Given the implicated roles of JMJD2B beyond prostate tumorigenesis, SET7/9-mediated methylation of JMJD2B possibly also influences the development of other cancers, while its impairment might have relevance for obesity or a global developmental delay that can be elicited by reduced JMJD2B activity.

To identify biomarkers associated with the transfer of diabetes combined with cancer in human genes using bioinformatics analysis

Currently, the incidence of diabetes mellitus is increasing rapidly, particularly in China, and its pathogenesis is still unclear. The goal of this study was to find meaningful biomarkers of metastasis in patients with diabetes and cancer using bioinformatic analysis in order to predict gene expression and prognostic importance for survival. We used the Differentially Expressed Gene, Database for Annotation Visualization and Integrated Discovery, and Gene Set Enrichment Analyses databases, as well as several bioinformatics tools, to explore the key genes in diabetes. Based on the above database, we ended up with 10 hub genes (FOS, ATF3, JUN, EGR1, FOSB, JUNB, BTG2, EGR2, ZFP36, and NR4A2). A discussion of the 10 critical genes, with extensive literature mentioned to validate the association between the 10 key genes and patients with diabetes and cancer, to demonstrate the importance of gene expression and survival prognosis. This study identifies several biomarkers associated with diabetes and cancer development and metastasis that may provide novel therapeutic targets for diabetes combined with cancer patients.

Pre-Clinical Models to Study Human Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a common cancer among men and typically progresses slowly for several decades before becoming aggressive and spreading to other organs, leaving few treatment options. While large animals have been studied, the dog's prostate is anatomically similar to humans and has been used to study spontaneous prostate cancer. However, most research currently focuses on the mouse as a model organism due to the ability to genetically modify their prostatic tissues for molecular analysis. One milestone in this research was the identification of the prostate-specific promoter Probasin, which allowed for the prostate-specific expression of transgenes. This has led to the generation of mice with aggressive prostatic tumors through overexpression of the SV40 oncogene. The Probasin promoter is also used to drive Cre expression and has allowed researchers to generate prostate-specific loss-of-function studies. Another landmark moment in the process of modeling prostate cancer in mice was the orthoptic delivery of viral particles. This technology allows the selective overexpression of oncogenes from lentivirus or the use of CRISPR to generate complex loss-of-function studies. These genetically modified models are complemented by classical xenografts of human prostate tumor cells in immune-deficient mice. Overall, pre-clinical models have provided a portfolio of model systems to study and address complex mechanisms in prostate cancer for improved treatment options. This review will focus on the advances in each technique.

Integrative identification of non-coding regulatory regions driving metastatic prostate cancer

Large-scale sequencing efforts of thousands of tumor samples have been undertaken to understand the mutational landscape of the coding genome. However, the vast majority of germline and somatic variants occur within non-coding portions of the genome. These genomic regions do not directly encode for specific proteins, but can play key roles in cancer progression, for example by driving aberrant gene expression control. Here, we designed an integrative computational and experimental framework to identify recurrently mutated non-coding regulatory regions that drive tumor progression. Application of this approach to whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data from a large cohort of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) revealed a large set of recurrently mutated regions. We used (i) in silico prioritization of functional non-coding mutations, (ii) massively parallel reporter assays, and (iii) in vivo CRISPR-interference (CRISPRi) screens in xenografted mice to systematically identify and validate driver regulatory regions that drive mCRPC. We discovered that one of these enhancer regions, GH22I030351, acts on a bidirectional promoter to simultaneously modulate expression of U2-associated splicing factor SF3A1 and chromosomal protein CCDC157. We found that both SF3A1 and CCDC157 are promoters of tumor growth in xenograft models of prostate cancer. We nominated a number of transcription factors, including SOX6, to be responsible for higher expression of SF3A1 and CCDC157. Collectively, we have established and confirmed an integrative computational and experimental approach that enables the systematic detection of non-coding regulatory regions that drive the progression of human cancers.

Bisphenol B and bisphenol AF exposure enhances uterine diseases risks in mouse

Bisphenol A (BPA) analogs, bisphenol B (BPB) and bisphenol AF (BPAF) have been widely detected in the environment and human products with increasing frequency. However, uterine health risks caused by BPB and BPAF exposure need to be further elucidated. The study aimed to explore whether BPB or BPAF exposure will induce adverse outcomes in uterus. Female CD-1 mice were continuously exposed to BPB or BPAF for 14 and 28 days. Morphological examination showed that BPB or BPAF exposure caused endometrial contraction, decreased epithelial height, and increased number of glands. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that both BPB and BPAF disturbed the immune comprehensive landscape of the uterus. In addition, survival and prognosis analysis of hub genes and tumor immune infiltration evaluation were performed. Finally, the expression of hub genes was verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Disease prediction found that eight of the BPB and BPAF co-response genes, which participated in the immune invasion of the tumor microenvironment, were associated with uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC). Importantly, the gene expression levels of Srd5a1 after 28-day BPB and BPAF exposure were 7.28- and 25.24-fold higher than those of the corresponding control group, respectively, which was consistent with the expression trend of UCEC patients, and its high expression was significantly related to the poor prognosis of patients (p = 0.003). This indicated that Srd5a1 could be a valuable signal of uterus abnormalities caused by BPA analogs exposure. Our study revealed the key molecular targets and mechanisms of BPB or BPAF exposure induced uterine injury at the transcriptional level, providing a perspective for evaluating the safety of BPA substitutes.

Low expression of the dynamic network markers FOS/JUN in pre-deteriorated epithelial cells is associated with the progression of colorectal adenoma to carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Deterioration of normal intestinal epithelial cells is crucial for colorectal tumorigenesis. However, the process of epithelial cell deterioration and molecular networks that contribute to this process remain unclear.

METHODS

Single-cell data and clinical information were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We used the recently proposed dynamic network biomarker (DNB) method to identify the critical stage of epithelial cell deterioration. Data analysis and visualization were performed using R and Cytoscape software. In addition, Single-Cell rEgulatory Network Inference and Clustering (SCENIC) analysis was used to identify potential transcription factors, and CellChat analysis was conducted to evaluate possible interactions among cell populations. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and gene set variation analysis (GSVA) analyses were also performed.

RESULTS

The trajectory of epithelial cell deterioration in adenoma to carcinoma progression was delineated, and the subpopulation of pre-deteriorated epithelial cells during colorectal cancer (CRC) initialization was identified at the single-cell level. Additionally, FOS/JUN were identified as biomarkers for pre-deteriorated epithelial cell subpopulations in CRC. Notably, FOS/JUN triggered low expression of P53-regulated downstream pro-apoptotic genes and high expression of anti-apoptotic genes through suppression of P53 expression, which in turn inhibited P53-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, malignant epithelial cells contributed to the progression of pre-deteriorated epithelial cells through the GDF signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated the trajectory of epithelial cell deterioration and used DNB to characterize pre-deteriorated epithelial cells at the single-cell level. The expression of DNB-neighboring genes and cellular communication were triggered by DNB genes, which may be involved in epithelial cell deterioration. The DNB genes FOS/JUN provide new insights into early intervention in CRC.

Identification of Critical Molecular Factors and Side Effects Underlying the Response to Thalicthuberine in Prostate Cancer: A Systems Biology Approach

Background

Uncontrolled mitosis of cancer cells and resistance cells to chemotherapy drugs are the challenges of prostate cancer. Thalicthuberine causes a mitotic arrest and a reduction of the effects of drug resistance, resulting in cell death. In this study, we applied bioinformatics and computational biology methods to identify functional pathways and side effects in response to Thalicthuberine in prostate cancer patients.

Methods

Microarray data were retrieved from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and protein-protein interactions and gene regulatory networks were constructed, using the Cytoscape software. The critical genes and molecular mechanisms in response to Thalicthuberine and its side effects were identified, using the Cytoscape software and WebGestalt server, respectively. Finally, GEPIA2 was used to predict the relationship between critical genes and prostate cancer.

Results

The POLQ, EGR1, CDKN1A, FOS, MDM2, CDC20, CCNB1, and CCNB2 were identified as critical genes in response to this drug. The functional mechanisms of Thalicthuberine include a response to oxygen levels, toxic substances and immobilization stress, cell cycle regulation, regeneration, the p53 signaling pathway, the action of the parathyroid hormone, and the FoxO signaling pathway. Besides, the drug has side effects including muscle cramping, abdominal pains, paresthesia, and metabolic diseases.

Conclusion

Our model suggested newly predicted crucial genes, molecular mechanisms, and possible side effects of this drug. However, further studies are required.

In Vivo Application of CRISPR/Cas9 Revealed Implication of Foxa1 and Foxp1 in Prostate Cancer Proliferation and Epithelial Plasticity

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the Western world and the number is rising. Prostate cancer is notoriously heterogeneous, which makes it hard to generate and study in pre-clinical models. The family of Forkhead box (FOX) transcription factors are often altered in prostate cancer with especially high mutation burden in FOXA1 and FOXP1. FOXA1 harbors loss or gain of function mutations in 8% of prostate cancer, which increases to 14% in metastatic samples. FOXP1 predominately occurs with loss of function mutations in 7% of primary tumors, and similar incidents are found in metastatic samples. Here, we applied in vivo CRISPR editing, to study the loss of functions of these two FOX transcription factors, in murine prostate in combination with loss of Pten. Deficiency of Foxp1 increased proliferation in combination with loss of Pten. In contrast, proliferation was unchanged when androgen was deprived. The expression of Tmprss2 was increased when Foxp1 was mutated in vivo, showing that Foxp1 is a repressor for this androgen-regulated target. Furthermore, analysis of FOXP1 and TMPRSS2 expression in a human prostate cancer data set revealed a negative correlation. Mutation of Foxa1 in the murine prostate induces cell plasticity to luminal cells. Here, epithelial cells with loss of Foxa1 were transdifferentiated to cells with expression of the basal markers Ck5 and p63. Interestingly, these cells were located in the lumen and did not co-express Ck8. Overall, this study reveals that loss of Foxp1 increases cell proliferation, whereas loss of Foxa1 induces epithelial plasticity in prostate cancer.

CRISPR/Cas9 application in cancer therapy: a pioneering genome editing tool

The progress of genetic engineering in the 1970s brought about a paradigm shift in genome editing technology. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system is a flexible means to target and modify particular DNA sequences in the genome. Several applications of CRISPR/Cas9 are presently being studied in cancer biology and oncology to provide vigorous site-specific gene editing to enhance its biological and clinical uses. CRISPR's flexibility and ease of use have enabled the prompt achievement of almost any preferred alteration with greater efficiency and lower cost than preceding modalities. Also, CRISPR/Cas9 technology has recently been applied to improve the safety and efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies and defeat tumor cell resistance to conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The current review summarizes the application of CRISPR/Cas9 in cancer therapy. We also discuss the present obstacles and contemplate future possibilities in this context.

Proteomic and Transcriptomic Profiling Reveals Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation as Therapeutic Vulnerability in Androgen Receptor Pathway Active Prostate Tumors

Simple Summary

Metastatic prostate cancer (PC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in males. The lack of preclinical models and molecular characterization for advanced stage PC is a key barrier in understanding the aggressive subsets androgen receptor (AR) pathway active or AR-null castration-resistant prostate cancers (CRPC). Our study aimed to assess the potential of patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models and an approach integrating proteomic and transcriptomic techniques to explore the underlying drivers of metastatic PC. Transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of 42 PDX prostate tumors uncovered both previously established and unexpected molecular features of aggressive PC subsets. Of these, we confirmed the functional role of mitochondrial metabolism in AR-positive CRPC.

Abstract

Metastatic prostate cancer (PC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in males and has limited therapeutic options. The lack of preclinical models for advanced stage PC represents one of the primary barriers in understanding the key genetic drivers of aggressive subsets, including androgen receptor (AR) pathway active and AR-null castration-resistant prostate cancers (CRPC). In our studies, we described a series of LuCaP patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models representing the major genomic and phenotypic features of human disease. To fully exploit the potential of these preclinical models, we carried out a comprehensive transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of 42 LuCaP PDX prostate tumors. The collected proteomic data (~6000 data points) based on 71 antibodies revealed many of the previously known molecular markers associated with AR-positive and AR-null CRPC. Genomic analysis indicated subtype-specific activation of pathways such as Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, mTOR, and oxidative phosphorylation for AR-positive CRPC and upregulation of carbohydrate metabolism and glucose metabolism for AR-null CRPC. Of these, we functionally confirmed the role of mitochondrial metabolism in AR-positive CRPC cell lines. Our data highlight how the integration of transcriptomic and proteomic approaches and PDX systems as preclinical models can potentially map the connectivity of poorly understood signaling pathways in metastatic prostate cancer.

Prostate-specific membrane antigen modulates the progression of prostate cancer by regulating the synthesis of arginine and proline and the expression of androgen receptors and Fos proto-oncogenes

The expression of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is strikingly upregulated during oncogenesis and prostate cancer (PCa) progression, but the functions of this antigen in PCa remain unclear. Here, we constructed PSMA-knockdown LNCaP and 22rv1 cell lines and performed metabonomic and transcriptomic analyses to determine the effects of PSMA on PCa metabolism and transcription. The metabolism of arginine and proline was detected using specific kits. The mRNA and protein expression levels of the identified differentially expressed genes were quantified by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. The proliferation of each cell line was evaluated through CCK-8, EdU and colony formation assays. The migration and invasion abilities of each cell line were detected using wound healing and transwell assays, respectively. PSMA knockdown led to metabolic disorder and abnormal transcription in PCa and resulted in inhibition of the proliferation and metastasis of PCa cells in vitro and in vivo. The depletion of PSMA also promoted the biosynthesis of arginine and proline, inhibited the expression of AR and PSA, and induced the expression of c-Fos and FosB. PSMA plays an important role in the metabolism, proliferation and metastasis of human PCa and may be a promising therapeutic target.

Optimizing sgRNA to Improve CRISPR/Cas9 Knockout Efficiency: Special Focus on Human and Animal Cell

During recent years, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) technologies have been noticed as a rapidly evolving tool to deliver a possibility for modifying target sequence expression and function. The CRISPR/Cas9 tool is currently being used to treat a myriad of human disorders, ranging from genetic diseases and infections to cancers. Preliminary reports have shown that CRISPR technology could result in valued consequences for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), cystic fibrosis (CF), β-thalassemia, Huntington's diseases (HD), etc. Nonetheless, high rates of off-target effects may hinder its application in clinics. Thereby, recent studies have focused on the finding of the novel strategies to ameliorate these off-target effects and thereby lead to a high rate of fidelity and accuracy in human, animals, prokaryotes, and also plants. Meanwhile, there is clear evidence indicating that the design of the specific sgRNA with high efficiency is of paramount importance. Correspondingly, elucidation of the principal parameters that contributed to determining the sgRNA efficiencies is a prerequisite. Herein, we will deliver an overview regarding the therapeutic application of CRISPR technology to treat human disorders. More importantly, we will discuss the potent influential parameters (e.g., sgRNA structure and feature) implicated in affecting the sgRNA efficacy in CRISPR/Cas9 technology, with special concentration on human and animal studies.

Three-dimensional culture models to study glioblastoma - current trends and future perspectives

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent form of primary malignant brain tumor in adults and remains almost invariably lethal owing to its aggressive and invasive nature. There have only been marginal improvements in its bleak survival rate of 12-15 months over the last four decades. The lack of preclinical models that efficiently recapitulate tumor biology and the tumor microenvironment is also in part responsible for the slow phase of translational GBM research. Emerging three-dimensional (3D) organoids and cell culture systems offer new and innovative possibilities for GBM modelling. These 3D models find their application to engineer the disease, screen drugs, establishing live biobank, and explore personalized therapy. Furthermore, these models can also be genetically modified by using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 technology, which would allow one to study the specific role of key genes associated with gliomagenesis. Establishment of a coculture system with GBM cells to understand its invasive behavior is yet another major application of this model. Despite these merits, the organoid models also have certain limitations, including the absence of immune responses and vascular systems. In recent years, major progress has been made in the development and refinement of 3D models of GBM. In this review, we intend to highlight these recent advances and the potential future implications of this rapidly evolving field, which should facilitate a better understanding of GBM biology.

Network pharmacology study on the mechanism of Qiangzhifang in the treatment of panic disorder

Background

Panic disorder (PD) is a kind of mental illness characterized by the symptom of recurring panic attacks. Qiangzhifang (QZF) is a novel decoction developed by Professor Zhaojun Yan based on a unique system of syndrome differentiation and clinical experience. It has achieved remarkable results after long-term clinical practice, but its mechanism of action is still unclear. This study aims to use network pharmacology and molecular docking to explore the mechanism of QZF in the treatment of PD.

Methods

We used the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), a literature search, and Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM) to find active ingredients and targets of QZF. We searched for PD targets in GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD), and DrugBank. We established a PD target database, constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and performed Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis in order to screen possible pathways of action and analyze the mechanism.

Results

This study identified 84 effective components of QZF, 691 potential targets, 357 PD targets, and 97 intersectional targets. Enrichment analysis using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) showed that QZF was associated with 118 biological processes (BPs), 18 cellular components (CCs), 35 molecular functions (MFs) [false discovery rate (FDR) <0.01], and 62 pathways (FDR <0.01). QZF mainly acts on its targets AKT1, FOS, and APP through active ingredients such as quercetin, β-sitosterol, 4-(4'-hydroxybenzyloxy)benzyl methyl ether, harmine, 1,7-dimethoxyxanthone, and 1-hydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyxanthone to regulate serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and other signal pathways to treat PD.

Conclusions

Through network pharmacology and molecular docking technology, we predicted the possible mechanism of QZF in the treatment of PD, revealed the interaction targets and potential value of QZF, and provided a basis for its clinical application.

Targeting AP-1 transcription factors by CRISPR in the prostate

Prostate cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in men. It is a slow progressing cancer, but when the disease reaches an advanced stage, treatment options are limited. Sequencing analyses of cancer samples have identified genes that can potentially drive disease progression. We implemented the CRISPR/Cas9 technology to simultaneously manipulate multiple genes in the murine prostate and thus to functionally test putative cancer driver genes in vivo. The activating protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor is associated with many different cancer types, with the proto-oncogenes JUN and FOS being the two most intensely studied subunits. We analyzed expression of FOS and JUNB in human prostate cancer datasets and observed decreased expression in advanced stages. By applying CRISPR/Cas9 technology, the role of these two transcription factors in prostate cancer progression was functionally tested. Our data revealed that loss of either JunB or Fos in the context of Pten loss drives prostate cancer progression to invasive disease. Furthermore, loss of Fos increases Jun expression, and CRISPR inactivation of Jun in this context decreases cell proliferation. Overall, these in vivo studies reveal that JunB and Fos exhibit a tumor suppressor function by repressing invasive disease, whereas Jun is oncogenic and increases cell proliferation. This demonstrates that AP-1 factors are implicated in prostate cancer progression at different stages and display a dual function as tumor suppressor and as an oncogene in cancer progression.

The CRISPR/Cas9 Minipig-A Transgenic Minipig to Produce Specific Mutations in Designated Tissues

The generation of large transgenic animals is impeded by complex cloning, long maturation and gastrulation times. An introduction of multiple gene alterations increases the complexity. We have cloned a transgenic Cas9 minipig to introduce multiple mutations by CRISPR in somatic cells. Transgenic Cas9 pigs were generated by somatic cell nuclear transfer and were backcrossed to Göttingen Minipigs for two generations. Cas9 expression was controlled by FlpO-mediated recombination and was visualized by translation from red to yellow fluorescent protein. In vitro analyses in primary fibroblasts, keratinocytes and lung epithelial cells confirmed the genetic alterations executed by the viral delivery of single guide RNAs (sgRNA) to the target cells. Moreover, multiple gene alterations could be introduced simultaneously in a cell by viral delivery of sgRNAs. Cells with loss of TP53, PTEN and gain-of-function mutation in KRAS^G12D showed increased proliferation, confirming a transformation of the primary cells. An in vivo activation of Cas9 expression could be induced by viral delivery to the skin. Overall, we have generated a minipig with conditional expression of Cas9, where multiple gene alterations can be introduced to somatic cells by viral delivery of sgRNA. The development of a transgenic Cas9 minipig facilitates the creation of complex pre-clinical models for cancer research.