PIK3R3 inhibits cell senescence through p53/p21 signaling

Rapamycin Attenuates H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress-Related Senescence in Human Skin Fibroblasts

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the skin aging process. Rapamycin has been shown to have anti-aging effects, but its role in oxidative senescence of skin cells remains unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of rapamycin on oxidative stress-induced skin cell senescence and to illustrate the mechanism.

METHODS

Primary human skin fibroblasts (HSFs) were extracted and a model of H2O2-induced oxidative senescence was constructed, and the effects of rapamycin on their value-added and migratory capacities were detected by CCK-8 and scratch assays. SA-β-gal was utilized to detect senescence, oxidatively closely related factors were also assessed. Gene and protein expressions of senescence, oxidative, and autophagy were detected by western blotting and quantitative-PCR. The data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance.

RESULTS

Rapamycin (0.1 nmol/L for 48 h) promoted the proliferative and migration of H2O2-treated HSFs (p < 0.05), decreased senescent phenotypes SA-β-gal staining and the expression of P53, and MMP-1 proteins, and increased the expression level of COL1A-1 (p < 0.001). Rapamycin also enhanced the activities of SOD and HO-1, and effectively removed intracellular ROS, MDA levels (p < 0.05), in addition, autophagy-related proteins and genes were significantly elevated after rapamycin pretreatment (p < 0.001). Rapamycin upregulated the autophagy pathway to exert its protective effects.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that rapamycin shields HSFs from H2O2-induced oxidative damage, the mechanism is related to the reduction of intracellular peroxidation and upregulation of autophagy pathway. Therefore, rapamycin has the potential to be useful in the investigation and prevention of signs of aging and oxidative stress.

Genome-wide association studies and Mendelian randomization analyses provide insights into the causes of early-onset colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC; diagnosed <50 years of age) is rising globally; however, the causes underlying this trend are largely unknown. CRC has strong genetic and environmental determinants, yet common genetic variants and causal modifiable risk factors underlying EOCRC are unknown. We conducted the first EOCRC-specific genome-wide association study (GWAS) and Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to explore germline genetic and causal modifiable risk factors associated with EOCRC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a GWAS meta-analysis of 6176 EOCRC cases and 65 829 controls from the Genetics and Epidemiology of Colorectal Cancer Consortium (GECCO), the Colorectal Transdisciplinary Study (CORECT), the Colon Cancer Family Registry (CCFR), and the UK Biobank. We then used the EOCRC GWAS to investigate 28 modifiable risk factors using two-sample MR.

RESULTS

We found two novel risk loci for EOCRC at 1p34.1 and 4p15.33, which were not previously associated with CRC risk. We identified a deleterious coding variant (rs36053993, G396D) at polyposis-associated DNA repair gene MUTYH (odds ratio 1.80, 95% confidence interval 1.47-2.22) but show that most of the common genetic susceptibility was from noncoding signals enriched in epigenetic markers present in gastrointestinal tract cells. We identified new EOCRC-susceptibility genes, and in addition to pathways such as transforming growth factor (TGF) β, suppressor of Mothers Against Decapentaplegic (SMAD), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and phosphatidylinositol kinase (PI3K) signaling, our study highlights a role for insulin signaling and immune/infection-related pathways in EOCRC. In our MR analyses, we found novel evidence of probable causal associations for higher levels of body size and metabolic factors-such as body fat percentage, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, basal metabolic rate, and fasting insulin-higher alcohol drinking, and lower education attainment with increased EOCRC risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Our novel findings indicate inherited susceptibility to EOCRC and suggest modifiable lifestyle and metabolic targets that could also be used to risk-stratify individuals for personalized screening strategies or other interventions.

Involvement of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in p300/p53-mediated age-related atrial fibrosis

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), a key regulator of the fibrinolytic system, is also intimately involved in the fibrosis. Although PAI-1 may be involved in the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and thrombosis in the elderly, but whether it participated in aging-related atrial fibrosis and the detailed mechanism is still unclear. We compared the transcriptomics data of young (passage 4) versus senescent (passage 14) human atrial fibroblasts and found that PAI-1 was closely related to aging-related fibrosis. Aged mice and senescent human and mouse atrial fibroblasts underwent electrophysiological and biochemical studies. We found that p300, p53, and PAI-1 protein expressions were increased in the atrial tissue of aged mice and senescent human and mouse atrial fibroblasts. Curcumin or C646 (p300 inhibitor), or p300 knockdown inhibited the expression of PAI-1 contributing to reduced atrial fibroblasts senescence, atrial fibrosis, and the AF inducibility. Furthermore, p53 knockdown decreased the protein expression of PAI-1 and p21 in senescent human and mouse atrial fibroblasts. Our results suggest that p300/p53/PAI-1 signaling pathway participates in the mechanism of atrial fibrosis induced by aging, which provides new sights into the treatment of elderly AF.

Integrated analysis identities Rho GTPases related molecular map in patients with gastric carcinoma

The intricate involvement of Rho GTPases in a multitude of human malignancies and their diverse array of biological functions has garnered substantial attention within the scientific community. However, their expression pattern and potential role in gastric cancer (GC) remain unclear. In this study, we successfully identified two distinct subtypes associated with Rho GTPase-related gene (RGG) through consensus clustering analysis, which exhibited significant disparities in overall survival and the tumor microenvironment. Subsequently, an extensively validated risk model termed RGGscore was meticulously constructed to prognosticate the outcomes of GC patients. This model was further assessed and validated using an external cohort. Notably, the high RGGscore group was indicative of a poorer prognosis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses unveiled the RGGscore as an autonomous prognostic indicator for GC patients. Subsequent external validation, utilizing two cohorts of patients who underwent immunotherapy, demonstrated a significant correlation between a low RGGscore and improved response to immunotherapy. Additionally, the expression levels of three genes associated with RGGscore were examined using qRT-PCR. Taken together, a pioneering RGGscore model has been successfully established, showcasing its potential efficacy in offering valuable therapeutic guidance for GC.

BTG2 acts as an inducer of muscle stem cell senescence

BACKGROUND

Muscle aging is associated with muscle stem cell (MuSC) senescence, a process of whose DNA damage accumulation is considered as one of the leading causes. BTG2 had been identified as a mediator of genotoxic and cellular stress signaling pathways, however, its role in senescence of stem cells, including MuSC, remains unknown.

METHOD

We first compared MuSCs isolated from young and old mice to evaluate our in vitro model of natural senescence. CCK8 and EdU assays were utilized to assess the proliferation capacity of the MuSCs. Cellular senescence was further assessed at biochemical levels by SA-β-Gal and γHA2.X staining, and at molecular levels by quantifying the expression of senescence-associated genes. Next, by performing genetic analysis, we identified Btg2 as a potential regulator of MuSC senescence, which was experimentally validated by Btg2 overexpression and knockdown in primary MuSCs. Lastly, we extended our research to humans by analyzing the potential links between BTG2 and muscle function decline in aging.

RESULTS

BTG2 is highly expressed in MuSCs from elder mice showing senescent phenotypes. Overexpression and knockdown of Btg2 stimulates and prevents MuSCs senescence, respectively. In humans, high level of BTG2 is associated with low muscle mass in aging, and is a risk factor of aging-related diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy and HDL cholesterol.

CONCLUSION

Our work demonstrates BTG2 as a regulator of MuSC senescence and may serve as an intervention target for muscle aging.

Cellular senescence in liver diseases: From mechanisms to therapies

Cellular senescence is an irreversible state of cell cycle arrest, characterized by a gradual decline in cell proliferation, differentiation, and biological functions. Cellular senescence is double-edged for that it can provoke organ repair and regeneration in physiological conditions but contribute to organ and tissue dysfunction and prime multiple chronic diseases in pathological conditions. The liver has a strong regenerative capacity, where cellular senescence and regeneration are closely involved. Herein, this review firstly introduces the morphological manifestations of senescent cells, the major regulators (p53, p21, and p16), and the core pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying senescence process, and then specifically generalizes the role and interventions of cellular senescence in multiple liver diseases, including alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In conclusion, this review focuses on interpreting the importance of cellular senescence in liver diseases and summarizes potential senescence-related regulatory targets, aiming to provide new insights for further researches on cellular senescence regulation and therapeutic developments for liver diseases.

BSHXF-medicated serum combined with ADSCs regulates the TGF-β1/Smad pathway to repair oxidatively damaged NPCs and its component analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Lower back pain (LBP) is a common and frequent clinical condition, and intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is recognized as the leading cause of LBP, typically manifested by increased nucleus pulposus cell (NPC) senescence and death. In recent years, the treatment of IDD with stem cell injections has had great potential compared to surgical treatment. Combining the two may achieve better results, as BuShenHuoXueFang (BSHXF) is an herbal formula that improves the survival rate of transplanted stem cells and enhances their efficacy.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze BSHXF-medicated serum and investigate the molecular mechanism of BSHXF-mediated serum in promoting the differentiation of adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) into NPCs and delaying the senescence of NPCs by regulating the TGF-β1/Smad pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, an ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometer (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was used to establish a method for the analysis of rat serum samples to track the active components in vivo; the oxidative damage model of NPCs was induced by T-BHP, and a Transwell chamber was used to construct a coculture system of ADSCs and NPCs. Flow cytometry was used to determine the cell cycle; SA-β-Gal staining was used to assess cell senescence; ELISA was used to detect IL-1β, IL-6 inflammatory factors, CXCL-1, CXCL-3, CXCL-10 chemokines, and TGF-β1 in the supernatants of ADSCs and NPCs. WB was used to detect COL2A1, COL1A1, and Aggrecan in ADSCs to assess the manifestation of NP differentiation in ADSCs, and the WB method was used to detect COL2A1, COL1A1, Aggrecan, p16, p21, p53, and p-p53 protein expression in NPCs to reflect the cellular senescence status and to detect TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, p- Smad2, and p- Smad3 protein expression in NPCs to reflect the pathway condition.

RESULTS

We finally identified 70 blood components and their metabolites, including 38 prototypes, from the BSHXF-medicated serum. Compared with that in the nonmedicated serum group, the TGF-β1/Smad pathway was activated in the medicated serum group, ADSCs moved toward NPC characteristics, the number of NPCs in the S/G2M phase increased, the number of senescent NPCs decreased, IL-1β and IL-6 inflammatory factors in the Transwell decreased, CXCL-1, CXCL-3, and CXCL-10 chemokines decreased, and the expression of p16, p21, p53 and p-p53 proteins in NPCs was inhibited.

CONCLUSION

By regulating the TGF-β1/Smad pathway, BSHXF-medicated serum promoted ADSCs to NPCs, effectively alleviated the cycle blockage of NPCs after oxidative damage, encouraged the growth and proliferation of NPCs, delayed the aging of NPCs, improved the deteriorating microenvironment around NPCs, and repaired oxidatively damaged NPCs. The combination of BSHXF or its compounds with ADSCs has great potential for the treatment of IDD in the future.

miR-491-5p regulates the susceptibility of glioblastoma to ferroptosis through TP53

BACKGROUND

Ferroptosis has excellent potential in glioblastoma (GBM) therapy. In this study, we attempted to explore the effect of miR 491-5p on ferroptosis in GBM.

METHODS

In this study, publicly available ferroptosis-related genome maps were used to screen genes upregulated in GBM and their target genes. The Spearman correlation coefficient was applied to analyze the correlation between the tumor protein p53 gene (TP53) and miR-491-5p. The expressions of miR-491-5p and TP53 were determined. The protein abundances of the TP53-encoded factors p53 and p21 were measured. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were assessed. We pretreated U251MG cells and GBM mice with a ferroptosis inducer (erastin). The mitochondrial state was observed. The contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS), total Fe and Fe²⁺ were calculated.

RESULTS

The level of TP53 was significantly increased in GBM and negatively correlated with miR-491-5p. miR-491-5p overexpression promoted U251MG cell proliferation, migration and invasion and interfered with the p53/p21 pathway. TP53 supplement reversed the effects of miR-491-5p. U251MG cells and GBM mice exhibited significant accumulations of ROS and iron. Erastin promoted the expression of TP53. Inhibition of TP53 reversed erastin-induced physiological phenotypes. Moreover, miR-491-5p overexpression caused a decrease in the number of damaged mitochondria and the contents of ROS, total Fe and Fe²⁺. TP53 supplement disrupted miR-491-5p-repressed ferroptosis. Erastin could inhibit GBM growth, and miR-491-5p overexpression impeded the therapeutic effect of erastin.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings reveal the functional diversity of miR-491-5p in GBM and suggest that miR-491-5p/TP53 signaling hinders the sensitivity of GBM to ferroptosis through the p53/p21 pathway.

Exercise intervention mitigates zebrafish age-related sarcopenia via alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction

Sarcopenia is a common disorder that leads to a progressive decrease in skeletal muscle function in elderly people. Exercise effectively prevents or delays the onset and progression of sarcopenia. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying how exercise intervention improves skeletal muscle atrophy remain unclear. In this study, we found that 21-month-old zebrafish had a decreased swimming ability, reduced muscle fibre cross-sectional area, unbalanced protein synthesis, and degradation, increased oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction, which suggests zebrafish are a valuable model for sarcopenia. Eight weeks of exercise intervention attenuated these pathological changes in sarcopenia zebrafish. Moreover, the effects of exercise on mitochondrial dysfunction were associated with the activation of the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α axis and 15-PGDH downregulation. Our results reveal potential therapeutic targets and indicators to treat age-related sarcopenia using exercise intervention.

Single-cell protein activity analysis reveals a novel subpopulation of chondrocytes and the corresponding key master regulator proteins associated with anti-senescence and OA progression

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent senescence-related disease with substantial joint pain, loss of joint function, and cartilage degeneration. Because of the paucity of single-cell studies of OA and the gene dropout problem of single-cell RNA sequencing, it is difficult to acquire an in-depth understanding of the molecular characteristics of various chondrocyte clusters.

Methods

Here, we aimed to provide new insights into chondrocyte senescence and a rationale for the development of effective intervention strategies for OA by using published single-cell RNA-sequencing data sets and the metaVIPER algorithm (Virtual Inference of Protein activity by Enriched Regulon). This algorithm was employed to present a proteome catalog of 62,449 chondrocytes from the cartilage of healthy individuals and OA patients at single-cell resolution. Furthermore, histopathologic analysis was carried out in cartilage samples from clinical patients and experimental mouse models of OA to validate above results.

Results

We identified 16 protein-activity-based chondrocyte clusters as well as the underlying master regulators in each cluster. By assessing the enrichment score of each cluster in bulk RNA-sequencing data, followed by gene-set variation analysis, we preliminarily identified a novel subpopulation of chondrocytes (cluster 3). This clinically relevant cluster was predicted to be the main chondrocyte cluster responsible for maintaining cellular homeostasis and anti-senescence. Specifically, we uncovered a set of the key leading-edge proteins of cluster 3 by validating the robustness of the above results using another human chondrocyte single-cell RNA-sequencing data set, consisting of 24,675 chondrocytes. Furthermore, cartilage samples from clinical patients and experimental mouse models of OA were used to evaluate the expression patterns of these leading-edge proteins, and the results indicated that NDRG2, TSPYL2, JMJD6 and HMGB2 are closely associated with OA pathogenesis and might play critical roles in modulating cellular homeostasis and anti-senescence in chondrocytes.

Conclusion

Our study revealed a novel subpopulation of chondrocytes that are critical for anti-progression of OA and the corresponding master regulator proteins, which might serve as therapeutic targets in OA.

Puerariae lobatae radix protects against UVB-induced skin aging via antagonism of REV-ERBα in mice

Puerariae lobatae radix (PLR) is a wildly used herbal medicine. Here we aimed to assess the PLR efficacy against UVB (ultraviolet-B)-induced skin aging and to determine the mechanisms thereof. We found a significant protective effect of PLR (topical application) on UVB-induced skin aging in mice, as evidenced by reduced skin wrinkles, epidermal thickness, and MDA (malondialdehyde) content as well as increased levels of HYP (hydroxyproline) and SOD (superoxide dismutase) in the skin. In the meantime, Mmp-1, p21 and p53 levels were decreased in the skin of PLR-treated mice. Anti-aging effects of PLR were also confirmed in L929 cells. Furthermore, PLR up-regulated skin expression of BMAL1, which is a known regulator of aging by promoting Nrf2 and antioxidant enzymes. Consistently, Nrf2 and several genes (i.e., Prdx6, Sod1, and Sod2) encoding antioxidant enzymes in the skin were increased in PLR-treated mice. Moreover, based on Gal4 chimeric assay, Bmal1 reporter gene and expression assays, we identified PLR as an antagonist of REV-ERBα that can increase Bmal1 expression. Intriguingly, loss of Rev-erbα protected mice against UVB-induced skin aging and abrogated the protective effect of PLR. In conclusion, PLR acts as an antagonist of REV-ERBα and promotes the expression of BMAL1 to protect against skin aging in mice.

p53/p21 Inhibits Osteoarthritis Progression by Regulating Chondrocyte Pyroptosis

This study aimed to explore the role of p53/p21 in osteoarthritis (OA). OA animal model was established by the anterior cruciate ligamentotomy (ACLT). 24 rats were randomly divided into control, OA, OA+p53 inhibitor and OA+pyroptosis inducer groups (n = 6). In the knee joint tissue, microstructural changes were analysed by Micro-CT. Histopathological changes were stained by HE and safranin-fast green. NLRP3 and Caspase-1 were detected by immunohistochemistry. The chondrocytes C-28I2 were divided into control, LPS+ ATP and p53 inhibitor groups. The cell viability, apoptosis, and LDH release were measured by MTT assay, TUNEL staining and LDH kit. The expression of p53/p21 and pyroptosis pathways were examined by western blot. The p53 inhibitor reduced the relative volume of trabecular bone (BV/TV) and trabecular bone thickness (Tb.Th), while increased trabecular separation (Tb.Sp). Moreover, the p53 inhibitor improved histopathological changes in the knee joint, attenuated cartilage damage, and reduced the expression of p53/p21 and pyroptosis pathways-related proteins. In vitro assay showed that the p53 inhibitor increased C-28I2 cell activity, reduced LDH release and apoptosis and reduced p53/p21 and pyroptosis pathways-related proteins. Totally, p53 inhibitors improved the cartilage tissue and chondrocyte damage, inhibited cell pyroptosis and the progression of OA.

Organophosphorus Flame Retardant TCPP Induces Cellular Senescence in Normal Human Skin Keratinocytes: Implication for Skin Aging

Tris (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCPP) is one of the most frequently detected organophosphorus flames in the environment. Continuous daily exposure to TCPP may harm human skin. However, little is known about the adverse effects of TCPP on human skin. In this study, we first evaluated the detrimental effects and tried to uncover the underlying mechanisms of TCPP on human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT) after 24 h exposure. We found that TCPP caused a concentration-dependent decrease in HaCaT cell viability after exposure to 1.56-400 μg/mL for 24 h, with an IC₅₀ of 275 μg/mL. TCPP also promoted the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and triggered DNA damage, evidenced by an increase of phosphorylated histone H2A.X (γH2A.X) in the nucleus. Furthermore, the cell cycle was arrested at the G1 phase at 100 μg/mL by upregulation of the mRNA expression of p53 and p21 and downregulation of cyclin D1 and CDK4 expression. Additionally, both the senescence-associated-β-galactosidase activity and related proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β and IL-6 were elevated, indicating that TCPP exposure caused cellular senescence may be through the p53-dependent DNA damage signal pathway in HaCaT cells. Taken together, our data suggest that flame-retardant exposure may be a key precipitating factor for human skin aging.

Three-Dimensional Microtumor Formation of Infantile Hemangioma-Derived Endothelial Cells for Mechanistic Exploration and Drug Screening

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is the most prevalent type of vascular tumor in infants. The pathophysiology of IH is unknown. The tissue structure and physiology of two-dimensional cell cultures differ greatly from those in vivo, and spontaneous regression often occurs during tumor formation in nude mice and has severely limited research into the pathogenesis and development of IH. By decellularizing porcine aorta, we attempted to obtain vascular-specific extracellular matrix as the bioink for fabricating micropattern arrays of varying diameters via microcontact printing. We then constructed IH-derived CD31+ hemangioma endothelial cell three-dimensional microtumor models. The vascular-specific and decellularized extracellular matrix was suitable for the growth of infantile hemangioma-derived endothelial cells. The KEGG signaling pathway analysis revealed enrichment primarily in stem cell pluripotency, RAS, and PI3KAkt compared to the two-dimensional cell model according to RNA sequencing. Propranolol, the first-line medication for IH, was also used to test the model's applicability. We also found that metformin had some impact on the condition. The three-dimensional microtumor models of CD31+ hemangioma endothelial cells were more robust and efficient experimental models for IH mechanistic exploration and drug screening.

Eupatilin attenuates the senescence of nucleus pulposus cells and mitigates intervertebral disc degeneration via inhibition of the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the main cause of low back pain. An increasing number of studies have suggested that inflammatory response or the senescence of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells is strongly associated with the progress of IDD. Eupatilin, the main flavonoid extracted from Artemisia, was reported to be associated with the inhibition of the intracellular inflammatory response and the senescence of cells. However, the relationship between eupatilin and IDD is still unknown. In this study, we explored the role of eupatilin in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced activation of inflammatory signaling pathways and NP cell senescence, in the anabolism and catabolism of NP cell extracellular matrix (ECM) and in the effect of the puncture-induced model of caudal IDD in the rat. In vitro, eupatilin significantly inhibited TNF-α-induced ECM degradation, downregulated the expression of related markers of NP cells (MMP3, MMP9, and MMP13), and upregulated the expression of SOX9 and COL2A1. Furthermore, eupatilin reduced TNF-α-induced cell senescence by inhibiting the expression of the senescence of NP cell-related markers (p21 and p53). Mechanistically, ECM degradation and cell senescence were reduced by eupatilin, which inhibited the activation of MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways. Consistent with the in vitro data, eupatilin administration ameliorated the puncture-induced model of caudal IDD in the rat. In conclusion, eupatilin can inhibit the inflammatory response and the senescence of NP cells, which may be a novel treatment strategy for IDD.

PIK3R3, a regulatory subunit of PI3K, modulates ovarian cancer stem cells and ovarian cancer development and progression by integrative analysis

Background

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic disease and is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women worldwide. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) family plays an important regulatory role in various cancer signaling pathways, including those involved in ovarian cancer development; however, its exact function remains to be fully understood. We conducted this study to understand the role of P13K in the molecular mechanisms underlying ovarian cancer development.

Methods

To determine the differential gene expression of phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 3 (PIK3R3), a regulatory subunit of PI3K, in normal, tumor, and metastatic ovary tissues, TNM plotter analysis was performed. The microarray dataset GSE53759 was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus. ROC plotter analysis was conducted to understand the potential of PIK3R3 as a predictive marker for effectiveness of therapy in ovarian cancer. muTarget was used to identify mutations that alter PIK3R3 expression in ovarian cancer. To determine the interacting partners for PIK3R3 in ovarian tissues, the interactome-atlas tool was used. The Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis was conducted to identify the pathways in which these interacting partners were primarily enriched.

Results

PIK3R3 was overexpressed in ovarian and metastatic tumors. Elevated PIK3R3 levels were observed in ovarian cancer stem cells, wherein inhibiting PIK3R3 expression significantly reduced the size of ovarian cancer spheroids. Treatment of ovarian cancer stem cells with PF-04691502 (10 μM), an inhibitor of both PI3K and mTOR kinases, also reduced the size of spheroids and the level of OCT4. PIK3R3 was highly expressed in ovarian cancer with several somatic mutations and was predicted better outcomes in patients undergoing Avastin® chemotherapy using bioinformatic tool. Protein interaction analysis showed that PIK3R3 interacts with 157 genes, including GRB2, EGFR, ERBB3, PTK2, HCK, IGF1R, YES1, and PIK3CA, in the ovary. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that the interacting partners of PIK3R3 are involved in the ErbB signaling pathway, proteoglycans in cancer, FoxO, prolactin, chemokine, and insulin signaling pathways.

Conclusions

PIK3R3 plays a pivotal role in ovarian cancer development and is therefore a potential candidate for developing novel therapeutic approaches.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09807-7.

Inhibition of B-cell lymphoma 2 family proteins alters optical redox ratio, mitochondrial polarization, and cell energetics independent of cell state

SIGNIFICANCE

The optical redox ratio (ORR) [autofluorescence intensity of the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) (NAD(P)H)/flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)] provides a label-free method to quantify cellular metabolism. However, it is unclear whether changes in the ORR with B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family protein inhibition are due to metabolic stress alone or compromised cell viability.

AIM

Determine whether ABT-263 (navitoclax, Bcl-2 family inhibitor) changes the ORR due to changes in mitochondrial function that are independent of changes in cell viability.

APPROACH

SW48 colon cancer cells were used to investigate changes in ORR, mitochondrial membrane potential, oxygen consumption rates, and cell state (cell growth, viability, proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, and senescence) with ABT-263, TAK-228 [sapanisertib, mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1/2 (mTORC 1/2) inhibitor], and their combination at 24 h.

RESULTS

Changes in the ORR with Bcl-2 inhibition are driven by increases in both NAD(P)H and FAD autofluorescence, corresponding with increased basal metabolic rate and increased mitochondrial polarization. ABT-263 treatment does not change cell viability or induce autophagy but does induce a senescent phenotype. The metabolic changes seen with ABT-263 treatment are mitigated by combination with mTORC1/2 inhibition.

CONCLUSIONS

The ORR is sensitive to increases in mitochondrial polarization, energetic state, and cell senescence, which can change independently from cell viability.

Inhibition of USP7 suppresses advanced glycation end-induced cell cycle arrest and senescence of human umbilical vein endothelial cells through ubiquitination of p53

Diabetes mellitus is a n arising public health concern, and diabetic foot is one of the most common complications of diabetes. Current management for diabetic foot cannot reach optimal remission. In this study, we aim to explore the mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of diabetic foot and provide novel strategies for the treatment of diabetic foot. A total of 10 normal skin tissues and 20 diabetic foot ulcer specimens are collected. Cell proliferation is determined by CCK-8 assay. Cell cycle is determined by flow cytometry, and cell senescence is evaluated by β-galactosidase staining. Co-immunoprecipitation assay is used to explore the interaction between USP7 and p53. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are used to establish diabetic cell model, and streptozotocin (STZ) is used to establish diabetic rat model. Our results showed that USP7 expression is increased in diabetic foot ulcer and in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) after treatment with AGEs. Inhibition of USP7 can reduce cell cycle arrest and cell senescence in HUVECs. Moreover, USP7 can interact with p53 and promote its expression through mediating its deubiquitination. Knockdown of p53 can reverse USP7-mediated cell cycle arrest and cell senescence in HUVECs. In diabetic rats, HBX 41108, the specific inhibitor of USP7, can significantly accelerate wound healing. Our study reveals that the inhibition of USP7 can suppress AGEs-induced cell cycle arrest and cell senescence of HUVECs through promoting p53 ubiquitination. USP7 is a potential target for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.

A gradient tree boosting and network propagation derived pan-cancer survival network of the tumor microenvironment

Predicting cancer survival from molecular data is an important aspect of biomedical research because it allows quantifying patient risks and thus individualizing therapy. We introduce XGBoost tree ensemble learning to predict survival from transcriptome data of 8,024 patients from 25 different cancer types and show highly competitive performance with state-of-the-art methods. To further improve plausibility of the machine learning approach we conducted two additional steps. In the first step, we applied pan-cancer training and showed that it substantially improves prognosis compared with cancer subtype-specific training. In the second step, we applied network propagation and inferred a pan-cancer survival network consisting of 103 genes. This network highlights cross-cohort features and is predictive for the tumor microenvironment and immune status of the patients. Our work demonstrates that pan-cancer learning combined with network propagation generalizes over multiple cancer types and identifies biologically plausible features that can serve as biomarkers for monitoring cancer survival.

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Highly performing cancer survival prediction with XGBoost

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Pan-cancer training outperforms single-cohort training

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Combined approach consisting of machine learning and network propagation

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Tumor microenvironment is most strongly involved in cancer survival prediction

Celecoxib prevents tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced cellular senescence in human chondrocytes

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a cartilage degenerative disease commonly observed in the elderly population and significantly impacts the normal life of OA patients. It has been reported that the development of pathological cell senescence in chondrocytes is involved in the pathogenesis of OA. Celecoxib is a common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and it has been recently reported to exert therapeutic effects on OA. However, its underlying mechanism is still unclear. The present study intends to explore its mechanism and provide fundamental evidence for the application of Celecoxib in the treatment of clinical OA. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was utilized to establish an in vitro model of chondrocytes senescence. The elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, increased cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase, reduced telomerase activity, and upregulated senescence-associatedβ-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) staining were all observed in TNF-α-treated chondrocytes, which were then dramatically reversed by 10 and 20 μM Celecoxib. In addition, the upregulated DNA damage biomarkers, p-ATM, and p-CHK2, observed in TNF-α-treated chondrocytes were significantly downregulated by 10 and 20 μM Celecoxib. Lastly, the expression level of p21 and p53 was greatly elevated in chondrocytes by stimulation with TNF-α which was then pronouncedly repressed by treatment with Celecoxib. Taken together, our data reveal that Celecoxib ameliorated TNF-α-induced cellular senescence in human chondrocytes.

Non-coding RNA-associated competitive endogenous RNA regulatory networks: Novel diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities for hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as the most prevalent liver malignancy, is annually diagnosed in more than half a million people worldwide. HCC is strongly associated with hepatitis B and C viral infections as well as alcohol abuse. Obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) also significantly enhance the risk of liver cancer. Despite recent improvements in therapeutic approaches, patients diagnosed in advanced stages show poor prognosis. Accumulating evidence provides support for the regulatory role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in cancer. There are a variety of reports indicating the regulatory role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in different stages of HCC. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) exert their effects by sponging miRNAs and controlling the expression of miRNA-targeted genes. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) perform their biological functions by acting as transcriptional regulators, miRNA sponges and protein templates. Diverse studies have illustrated that dysregulation of competing endogenous RNA networks (ceRNETs) is remarkably correlated with HCC-causing diseases such as chronic viral infections, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. The aim of the current article was to provide an overview of the role and molecular mechanisms underlying the function of ceRNETs that modulate the characteristics of HCC such as uncontrolled cell proliferation, resistance to cell death, metabolic reprogramming, immune escape, angiogenesis and metastasis. The current knowledge highlights the potential of these regulatory RNA molecules as novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in HCC.

The Mechanisms of the Growth Inhibitory Effects of Paclitaxel on Gefitinib-resistant Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cells

BACKGROUND/AIM

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses a great challenge for the treatment of cancer patients. It presents as a severe respiratory infection in aged individuals, including some lung cancer patients. COVID-19 may be linked to the progression of aggressive lung cancer. In addition, the side effects of chemotherapy, such as chemotherapy resistance and the acceleration of cellular senescence, can worsen COVID-19. Given this situation, we investigated the role of paclitaxel (a chemotherapy drug) in the cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cellular senescence of gefitinib-resistant non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells (PC9-MET) to clarify the underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PC9-MET cells were treated with paclitaxel for 72 h and then evaluated by a cell viability assay, DAPI staining, Giemsa staining, apoptosis assay, a reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, SA-β-Gal staining, a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling assay and Western blotting.

RESULTS

Paclitaxel significantly reduced the viability of PC9-MET cells and induced morphological signs of apoptosis. The apoptotic effects of paclitaxel were observed by increased levels of cleaved caspase-3 (Asp 175), cleaved caspase-9 (Asp 330) and cleaved PARP (Asp 214). In addition, paclitaxel increased ROS production, leading to DNA damage. Inhibition of ROS production by N-acetylcysteine attenuates paclitaxel-induced DNA damage. Importantly, paclitaxel eliminated cellular senescence, as observed by SA-β-Gal staining. Cellular senescence elimination was associated with p53/p21 and p16/pRb signaling inactivation.

CONCLUSION

Paclitaxel may be a promising anticancer drug and offer a new therapeutic strategy for managing gefitinib-resistant NSCLC during the COVID-19 pandemic.

C2orf40 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma through interaction with UBR5

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) urgently needs a marker for early diagnosis and targeted treatment. C2orf40 has been identified as a tumor suppressor gene in many cancers. However, the precise role and regulatory mechanism by C2orf40 contribute to HCC remain elusive and merit exploration.

METHODS

Reverse-transcription PCR, quantitative real-time PCR, and methylation-specific PCR were used to detect expression and methylation of C2orf40 in HCC cell lines or tissues. The effects of C2orf40 in liver cancer cells were examined via colony formation, CCK8, transwell, and flow cytometric assays. The effect of C2orf40 on tumorigenesis in vivo was determined by xenografts and immunohistochemical analysis. Western blot, indirect immunofluorescence, Co-IP, and cycloheximide (CHX) were used to further investigate the potential mechanism of C2orf40.

RESULTS

The down-regulation of C2orf40 in hepatocellular cancer tissue samples is often related to the degree of methylation of its promoter CpG. The recovery of C2orf40 expression in HCC cell lines can induce G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis and also inhibit cell migration and invasion by reversing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, C2orf40 can increase the expression of p21 through interaction with UBR5.

CONCLUSIONS

Low expression levels of C2orf40 are related to the hypermethylation of its promoter. C2orf40 can inhibit HCC through UBR5-dependent or p53-independent mechanisms. C2orf40 may be a diagnostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target in HCC.

hTERT Downregulation Attenuates Resistance to DOX, Impairs FAK-Mediated Adhesion, and Leads to Autophagy Induction in Breast Cancer Cells

Telomerase is known to contribute to telomere maintenance and to provide cancer cell immortality. However, numerous reports are showing that the function of the enzyme goes far beyond chromosome ends. The study aimed to explore how telomerase downregulation in MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells affects their ability to survive. Consequently, sensitivity to drug resistance, proliferation, and adhesion were assessed. The lentiviral-mediated human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) downregulation efficiency was performed at gene expression and protein level using qPCR and Western blot, respectively. Telomerase activity was evaluated using the Telomeric Repeat Amplification Protocol (TRAP) assay. The study revealed that hTERT downregulation led to an increased sensitivity of breast cancer cells to doxorubicin which was demonstrated in MTT and clonogenic assays. During a long-term doubling time assessment, a decreased population doubling level was observed. Interestingly, it did not dramatically affect cell cycle distribution. hTERT downregulation was accompanied by an alteration in β1-integrin- and by focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-driven pathways together with the reduction of target proteins phosphorylation, i.e., paxillin and c-Src. Additionally, autophagy activation was observed in MDA-MB-231 cells manifested by alternations in Atg5, Beclin 1, LC3II/I ratio, and p62. These results provide new evidence supporting the possible therapeutic potential of telomerase downregulation leading to induction of autophagy and cancer cells elimination.

Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKIs) and the DNA damage response: The link between signaling pathways and cancer

At the cellular level, DNA repair mechanisms are crucial in maintaining both genomic integrity and stability. DNA damage appears to be a central culprit in tumor onset and progression. Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and their regulatory partners coordinate the cell cycle progression. Aberrant CDK activity has been linked to a variety of cancers through deregulation of cell-cycle control. Besides DNA damaging agents and chromosome instability (CIN), disruptions in the levels of cell cycle regulators including cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKIs) would result in unscheduled proliferation and cell division. The INK4 and Cip/Kip (CDK interacting protein/kinase inhibitor protein) family of CDKI proteins are involved in cell cycle regulation, transcription regulation, apoptosis, and cell migration. A thorough understanding of how these CDKIs regulate the DNA damage response through multiple signaling pathways may provide an opportunity to design efficient treatment strategies to inhibit carcinogenesis.