MT1DP loaded by folate-modified liposomes sensitizes erastin-induced ferroptosis via regulating miR-365a-3p/NRF2 axis in non-small cell lung cancer cells

Research progress on the role of lncRNA, circular RNA, and microRNA networks in regulating ferroptosis in osteosarcoma

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) do not participate in protein-coding. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered form of cell death mediated by reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. Recent studies have shown that ncRNAs such as microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, circular RNAs, and ferroptosis are involved in the occurrence and development of osteosarcoma (OS). Studies have confirmed that ncRNAs participate in the development of OS by regulating the ferroptosis. However, systematic summary on this topic are still lacking. This review summarises the potential role of ncRNAs in the diagnosis, treatment, drug resistance, and prognosis of OS and the basis for diagnosing, preventing, and treating clinical OS and developing effective drugs. This review summarises the latest research progress on ncRNAs that regulate ferroptosis in OS, attempts to clarify the molecular mechanisms by which ncRNAs regulate ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of OS, and elaborates on the involvement of ferroptosis in OS from the perspective of ncRNAs.

Epigallocatechin gallate modulates ferroptosis through downregulation of tsRNA-13502 in non-small cell lung cancer

Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent regulated cell death mechanism, holds significant promise as a therapeutic strategy in oncology. In the current study, we explored the regulatory effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a prominent polyphenol in green tea, on ferroptosis and its potential therapeutic implications for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Treatment of NSCLC cell lines with varying concentrations of EGCG resulted in a notable suppression of cell proliferation, as evidenced by a reduction in Ki67 immunofluorescence staining. Western blot analyses demonstrated that EGCG treatment led to a decrease in the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) while increasing the levels of acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4). These molecular changes were accompanied by an increase in intracellular iron, malondialdehyde (MDA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS), alongside ultrastructural alterations characteristic of ferroptosis. Through small RNA sequencing and RT-qPCR, transfer RNA-derived small RNA 13502 (tsRNA-13502) was identified as a significant target of EGCG action, with its expression being upregulated in NSCLC tissues compared to adjacent non-tumorous tissues. EGCG was found to modulate the ferroptosis pathway by downregulating tsRNA-13502 and altering the expression of key ferroptosis regulators (GPX4/SLC7A11 and ACSL4), thereby promoting the accumulation of iron, MDA, and ROS, and ultimately inducing ferroptosis in NSCLC cells. This study elucidates EGCG's multifaceted mechanisms of action, underscoring the modulation of ferroptosis as a viable therapeutic approach for enhancing NSCLC treatment outcomes.

A Cuproptosis-Related LncRNA Risk Model for Predicting Prognosis and Immunotherapeutic Efficacy in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Cuproptosis is a novel programmed cell death pathway that is initiated by direct binding of copper to lipoylated tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle proteins. Recent studies have demonstrated that cuproptosis-related genes regulate tumorigenesis. However, the potential role and clinical significance of cuproptosis-related long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been established. We performed a bioinformatics analyses of RNA-sequencing data of HCC patients extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset to identify and validate a cuproptosis-related lncRNA prognostic signature. Furthermore, we analyzed the clinical significance of the prognostic signature of cuproptosis-related lncRNA in predicting the immunotherapeutic efficacy and the status of the tumor immune microenvironment. The RNA-sequencing data, genomic mutations, and clinical information were downloaded for 374 HCC samples and 50 normal liver samples from TCGA-Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (TCGA-LIHC) dataset. Co-expression analysis of Gene-lncRNA pairs with 49 known cuproptosis-related prognostic genes was used to define cuproptosis-related prognostic lncRNAs. We performed the LASSO algorithm and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, respectively, to gradually identify the prognostic risk models of cuproptosis-related lncRNA based on the TCGA-LIHC dataset. Subsequently, the predictive performance of the model was evaluated using receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curves, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and prognostic nomogram. The analysis of gene-lncRNA co-expression with 49 known cuproptosis-related genes identified 1359 cuproptosis-related lncRNAs in the TCGA-LIHC data set. A prognostic model was constructed with nine cuproptosis-related prognostic lncRNAs (AC007998.3, AC003086.1, AC009974.2, IQCH-AS1, LINC0256 1, AC105345.1, ZFPM2-AS1, AL353708.1 and WAC-AS1) using LASSO regression and Cox regression analyses. Risk scores were calculated for all HCC patient samples based on the four cuproptosis-related lncRNA prognostic models. All HCC patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk subgroups according to a 1:1 ratio column. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that the overall survival rate (OS) of the high-risk group patients was significantly lower than that of the low-risk group. The principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed that the prognostic lncRNA model accurately distinguished between high- and low-risk HCC patients. Furthermore, regression analysis as well as ROC curves confirmed the prognostic value of the risk score. A nomogram with risk scores and other clinicopathological characteristics was constructed. The nomogram accurately predicted the probability of 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS in HCC patients. Tumor mutation burden (TMB) scores were higher for high-risk patients than for low-risk patients. HCC patients in the low-risk group showed lower TIDE scores and greater sensitivity to antitumor drugs than those in the high-risk group. Tumor immune responses and tumor immune cell infiltration were significantly different between the high-risk and low-risk groups of patients with HCC. Our study identified a 9-cuproptosis-related lncRNA signature that accurately predicted prognosis, immunotherapeutic efficacy, and the status of the tumor immune microenvironment in HCC patients. Therefore, this cuproptosis-related lncRNA risk model is a potential prognostic biometric feature in HCC and shows high clinical value in identifying HCC patients who are potentially responsive to immunotherapy.

Recent advancements in nanomaterial-mediated ferroptosis-induced cancer therapy: Importance of molecular dynamics and novel strategies

Ferroptosis is a novel type of controlled cell death resulting from an imbalance between oxidative harm and protective mechanisms, demonstrating significant potential in combating cancer. It differs from other forms of cell death, such as apoptosis and necrosis. Molecular therapeutics have hard time playing the long-acting role of ferroptosis induction due to their limited water solubility, low cell targeting capacity, and quick metabolism in vivo. To this end, small molecule inducers based on biological factors have long been used as strategy to induce cell death. Research into ferroptosis and advancements in nanotechnology have led to the discovery that nanomaterials are superior to biological medications in triggering ferroptosis. Nanomaterials derived from iron can enhance ferroptosis induction by directly releasing large quantities of iron and increasing cell ROS levels. Moreover, utilizing nanomaterials to promote programmed cell death minimizes the probability of unfavorable effects induced by mutations in cancer-associated genes such as RAS and TP53. Taken together, this review summarizes the molecular mechanisms involved in ferroptosis along with the classification of ferroptosis induction. It also emphasized the importance of cell organelles in the control of ferroptosis in cancer therapy. The nanomaterials that trigger ferroptosis are categorized and explained. Iron-based and noniron-based nanomaterials with their characterization at the molecular and cellular levels have been explored, which will be useful for inducing ferroptosis that leads to reduced tumor growth. Within this framework, we offer a synopsis, which traverses the well-established mechanism of ferroptosis and offers practical suggestions for the design and therapeutic use of nanomaterials.

Competing endogenous RNA networks and ferroptosis in cancer: novel therapeutic targets

As a newly identified regulated cell death, ferroptosis is a metabolically driven process that relies on iron and is associated with polyunsaturated fatty acyl peroxidation, elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial damage. This distinct regulated cell death is dysregulated in various cancers; activating ferroptosis in malignant cells increases cancer immunotherapy and chemoradiotherapy responses across different malignancies. Over the last decade, accumulating research has provided evidence of cross-talk between non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks and highlighted their significance in developing and progressing malignancies. Aside from pharmaceutical agents to regulate ferroptosis, recent studies have shed light on the potential of restoring dysregulated ferroptosis-related ceRNA networks in cancer treatment. The present study provides a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the ferroptosis significance, ferroptosis pathways, the role of ferroptosis in cancer immunotherapy and chemoradiotherapy, ceRNA biogenesis, and ferroptosis-regulating ceRNA networks in different cancers. The provided insights can offer the authorship with state-of-the-art findings and future perspectives regarding the ferroptosis and ferroptosis-related ceRNA networks and their implication in the treatment and determining the prognosis of affected patients.

Noncoding RNAs: the crucial role of programmed cell death in osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the most common skeletal disease characterized by an imbalance between bone resorption and bone remodeling. Osteoporosis can lead to bone loss and bone microstructural deterioration. This increases the risk of bone fragility and fracture, severely reducing patients' mobility and quality of life. However, the specific molecular mechanisms involved in the development of osteoporosis remain unclear. Increasing evidence suggests that multiple noncoding RNAs show differential expression in the osteoporosis state. Meanwhile, noncoding RNAs have been associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and fracture. Noncoding RNAs are an important class of factors at the level of gene regulation and are mainly involved in cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and cell death. Programmed cell death is a genetically-regulated form of cell death involved in regulating the homeostasis of the internal environment. Noncoding RNA plays an important role in the programmed cell death process. The exploration of the noncoding RNA-programmed cell death axis has become an interesting area of research and has been shown to play a role in many diseases such as osteoporosis. In this review, we summarize the latest findings on the mechanism of noncoding RNA-mediated programmed cell death on bone homeostasis imbalance leading to osteoporosis. And we provide a deeper understanding of the role played by the noncoding RNA-programmed cell death axis at the gene regulatory level of osteoporosis. We hope to provide a unique opportunity to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for osteoporosis.

Understanding the Novel Approach of Nanoferroptosis for Cancer Therapy

As a new form of regulated cell death, ferroptosis has unraveled the unsolicited theory of intrinsic apoptosis resistance by cancer cells. The molecular mechanism of ferroptosis depends on the induction of oxidative stress through excessive reactive oxygen species accumulation and glutathione depletion to damage the structural integrity of cells. Due to their high loading and structural tunability, nanocarriers can escort the delivery of ferro-therapeutics to the desired site through enhanced permeation or retention effect or by active targeting. This review shed light on the necessity of iron in cancer cell growth and the fascinating features of ferroptosis in regulating the cell cycle and metastasis. Additionally, we discussed the effect of ferroptosis-mediated therapy using nanoplatforms and their chemical basis in overcoming the barriers to cancer therapy.

Induction of ferroptosis by natural products in non-small cell lung cancer: a comprehensive systematic review

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide that presents a substantial peril to human health. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is a main subtype of lung cancer with heightened metastasis and invasion ability. The predominant treatment approaches currently comprise surgical interventions, chemotherapy regimens, and radiotherapeutic procedures. However, it poses significant clinical challenges due to its tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance, resulting in diminished patient survival rates. Therefore, the development of novel treatment strategies for NSCLC is necessary. Ferroptosis was characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and the accumulation of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative damage of cells and eventually cell death. An increasing number of studies have found that exploiting the induction of ferroptosis may be a potential therapeutic approach in NSCLC. Recent investigations have underscored the remarkable potential of natural products in the cancer treatment, owing to their potent activity and high safety profiles. Notably, accumulating evidences have shown that targeting ferroptosis through natural compounds as a novel strategy for combating NSCLC holds considerable promise. Nevertheless, the existing literature on comprehensive reviews elucidating the role of natural products inducing the ferroptosis for NSCLC therapy remains relatively sparse. In order to furnish a valuable reference and support for the identification of natural products inducing ferroptosis in anti-NSCLC therapeutics, this article provided a comprehensive review explaining the mechanisms by which natural products selectively target ferroptosis and modulate the pathogenesis of NSCLC.

Emerging mechanisms of ferroptosis and its implications in lung cancer

ABSTRACT

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignancies and has the highest number of deaths among all cancers. Despite continuous advances in medical strategies, the overall survival of lung cancer patients is still low, probably due to disease progression or drug resistance. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death triggered by the lethal accumulation of lipid peroxides, and its dysregulation is implicated in cancer development. Preclinical evidence has shown that targeting the ferroptosis pathway could be a potential strategy for improving lung cancer treatment outcomes. In this review, we summarize the underlying mechanisms and regulatory networks of ferroptosis in lung cancer and highlight ferroptosis-targeting preclinical attempts to provide new insights for lung cancer treatment.

[Role of Ferroptosis in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer and Progress of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention]

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the malignant tumors with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Ferroptosis is a new type of programmed cell death caused by abnormal accumulation of iron-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to lipid peroxidation. It involves the balance between iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, oxygen free radical reaction and lipid peroxidation. Recent studies have found that ferroptosis is closely related to the occurrence and development of NSCLC. Due to the emergence of chemotherapy resistance and radiotherapy resistance in the treatment of NSCLC, there is an urgent need to develop new effective drugs and treatment strategies. Traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of NSCLC due to its multi-targets and minimal side effects. In this review, we summarize the mechanism of ferroptosis in NSCLC, and discuss the research status of active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine, single-herb traditional Chinese medicine and Chinese herbal compounds in the intervention of NSCLC through ferroptosis, in order to provide a new theoretical basis for the research of ferroptosis pathway and the prevention and treatment of NSCLC by targeted ferroptosis of traditional Chinese medicine.
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Ferroptosis in lung cancer: dual role, multi-level regulation, and new therapeutic strategies

Lung cancer is a highly prevalent malignant tumor worldwide, with high incidence and death rates. Recently, there has been increasing recognition of the role of ferroptosis, a unique cell death mechanism, in lung cancer. This review aims to summarize the current research progress on the relationship between ferroptosis and lung cancer. It also provides a comprehensive analysis of the regulatory processes of ferroptosis in various stages, including epigenetics, transcription, post-transcription, translation, and post-translation. Additionally, the review explores the dual nature of ferroptosis in lung cancer progression, which presents interesting therapeutic possibilities. On one hand, ferroptosis can promote the escape of immune surveillance and reduce the efficacy of treatment in the early stages of tumors. On the other hand, it can counter drug resistance, enhance radiosensitivity, and promote immunotherapy. The article also discusses various combination treatment strategies based on the mechanism of ferroptosis. Overall, this review offers a holistic perspective on the role of ferroptosis in the onset, progression, and treatment of lung cancer. It aims to contribute to future research and clinical interventions in this field.

Advances in Ferroptosis-Inducing Agents by Targeted Delivery System in Cancer Therapy

Currently, cancer remains one of the most significant threats to human health. Treatment of most cancers remains challenging, despite the implementation of diverse therapies in clinical practice. In recent years, research on the mechanism of ferroptosis has presented novel perspectives for cancer treatment. Ferroptosis is a regulated cell death process caused by lipid peroxidation of membrane unsaturated fatty acids catalyzed by iron ions. The rapid development of bio-nanotechnology has generated considerable interest in exploiting iron-induced cell death as a new therapeutic target against cancer. This article provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements at the intersection of iron-induced cell death and bionanotechnology. In this respect, the mechanism of iron-induced cell death and its relation to cancer are summarized. Furthermore, the feasibility of a nano-drug delivery system based on iron-induced cell death for cancer treatment is introduced and analyzed. Secondly, strategies for inducing iron-induced cell death using nanodrug delivery technology are discussed, including promoting Fenton reactions, inhibiting glutathione peroxidase 4, reducing low glutathione levels, and inhibiting system Xc-. Additionally, the article explores the potential of combined treatment strategies involving iron-induced cell death and bionanotechnology. Finally, the application prospects and challenges of iron-induced nanoagents for cancer treatment are discussed.

Insights into the Roles of Epigenetic Modifications in Ferroptosis

Ferroptosis is a non-apoptotic mode of cell death driven by membrane lipid peroxidation and is characterized by elevated intracellular levels of Fe2+, ROS, and lipid peroxidation. Studies have shown that ferroptosis is related to the development of multiple diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and acute myeloid leukemia. Ferroptosis plays a dual role in the occurrence and development of these diseases. Ferroptosis mainly involves iron metabolism, ROS, and lipid metabolism. Various mechanisms, including epigenetic regulation, have been reported to be deeply involved in ferroptosis. Abnormal epigenetic modifications have been reported to promote tumor onset or other diseases and resistance to chemotherapy drugs. In recent years, diversified studies have shown that epigenetic modification is involved in ferroptosis. In this review, we reviewed the current resistance system of ferroptosis and the research progress of epigenetic modification, such as DNA methylation, RNA methylation, non-coding RNAs, and histone modification in cancer and other diseases by regulating ferroptosis.

Advances in Nrf2 Signaling Pathway by Targeted Nanostructured-Based Drug Delivery Systems

Nanotechnology has gained significant interest in various applications, including sensors and therapeutic agents for targeted disease sites. Several pathological consequences, including cancer, Alzheimer's disease, autoimmune diseases, and many others, are mostly driven by inflammation and Nrf2, and its negative regulator, the E3 ligase adaptor Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), plays a crucial role in maintaining redox status, the expression of antioxidant genes, and the inflammatory response. Interestingly, tuning the Nrf2/antioxidant response element (ARE) system can affect immune-metabolic mechanisms. Although many phytochemicals and synthetic drugs exhibited potential therapeutic activities, poor aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, poor tissue penetration, and, consequently, poor specific drug targeting, limit their practical use in clinical applications. Also, the therapeutic use of Nrf2 modulators is hampered in clinical applications by the absence of efficient formulation techniques. Therefore, we should explore the engineering of nanotechnology to modulate the inflammatory response via the Nrf2 signaling pathway. This review will initially examine the role of the Nrf2 signaling pathway in inflammation and oxidative stress-related pathologies. Subsequently, we will also review how custom-designed nanoscale materials encapsulating the Nrf2 activators can interact with biological systems and how this interaction can impact the Nrf2 signaling pathway and its potential outcomes, emphasizing inflammation.

Butyrate enhances erastin-induced ferroptosis of lung cancer cells via modulating the ATF3/SLC7A11 pathway

Ferroptosis is a novel form of programmed cell death triggered by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and has been associated with various diseases, including cancer. Erastin, an inhibitor of system Xc-, which plays a critical role in regulating ferroptosis, has been identified as an inducer of ferroptosis in cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the impact of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid produced by gut microbiota, on erastin-induced ferroptosis in lung cancer cells. Our results demonstrated that butyrate significantly enhanced erastin-induced ferroptosis in lung cancer cells, as evidenced by increased lipid peroxidation and reduced expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). Mechanistically, we found that butyrate modulated the pathway involving activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), leading to enhanced erastin-induced ferroptosis. Furthermore, partial reversal of the effect of butyrate on ferroptosis was observed upon knockdown of ATF3 or SLC7A11. Collectively, our findings indicate that butyrate enhances erastin-induced ferroptosis in lung cancer cells by modulating the ATF3/SLC7A11 pathway, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for cancer treatment.

Folic Acid-Modified Long-Circulating Liposomes Loaded with Sulfasalazine For Targeted Induction of Ferroptosis in Melanoma

Melanoma is a malignant tumor that originates from melanocytes. The incidence of melanoma is increasing worldwide, partially because of its insensitivity to radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Therefore, effective treatments for melanoma are urgently required. In this study, we employed folic acid-modified sulfasalazine long-circulating liposomes (FA-SSZ-Lips) to precisely target drug delivery to melanoma cells, eliciting ferroptosis effectively. The synthesized FA-SSZ-Lips were characterized as small spheres of a double-layer membrane, a particle size of 110.1 nm, and a ζ-potential of -22.8 ± 0.66 mV. FA-SSZ-Lips are effective drug carriers with SSZ-loading ratio and SSZ release rate of 6.2 ± 0.10%, and 72.63 ± 1.40%, respectively. The liposomes enhanced SSZ solubility, and the folic acid modifications increased the liposome targeting to melanoma cells. Compared with SSZ alone, FA-SSZ-Lips more strongly inhibited B16F10 cell growth, significantly disrupted the intracellular redox balance, and induced ferroptosis. After treatment, considerable differences were observed in the tumor volumes between FA-SSZ-Lips and phosphate-buffered saline control groups. The tumor growth-inhibition value of the FA-SSZ-Lips group reached 70.09%. Thus, FA-SSZ-Lips exhibited favorable antitumor effects in vitro and in vivo and are a promising strategy for melanoma treatment.

The application of nanoparticles based on ferroptosis in cancer therapy

Ferroptosis is a new form of non-apoptotic programmed cell death. Due to its effectiveness in cancer treatment, there are increasing studies on the application of nanoparticles based on ferroptosis in cancer therapy. In this paper, we present a summary of the latest progress in nanoparticles based on ferroptosis for effective tumor therapy. We also describe the combined treatment of ferroptosis with other therapies, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, phototherapy, immunotherapy, and gene therapy. This summary of drug delivery systems based on ferroptosis aims to provide a basis and inspire opinions for researchers concentrating on exploring this field. Finally, we present some prospects and challenges for the application of nanotherapies to clinical treatment by promoting ferroptosis in cancer cells.

The Multifaceted Roles of NRF2 in Cancer: Friend or Foe?

Physiological concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) play vital roles in various normal cellular processes, whereas excessive ROS generation is central to disease pathogenesis. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a critical transcription factor that regulates the cellular antioxidant systems in response to oxidative stress by governing the expression of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes that shield cells from diverse oxidative alterations. NRF2 and its negative regulator Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) have been the focus of numerous investigations in elucidating whether NRF2 suppresses tumor promotion or conversely exerts pro-oncogenic effects. NRF2 has been found to participate in various pathological processes, including dysregulated cell proliferation, metabolic remodeling, and resistance to apoptosis. Herein, this review article will examine the intriguing role of phase separation in activating the NRF2 transcriptional activity and explore the NRF2 dual impacts on tumor immunology, cancer stem cells, metastasis, and long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs). Taken together, this review aims to discuss the NRF2 multifaceted roles in both cancer prevention and promotion while also addressing the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations associated with modulating NRF2 therapeutically in cancer treatment.

Modulation of ferroptosis by non‑coding RNAs in cancers: Potential biomarkers for cancer diagnose and therapy

Ferroptosis is a recently discovered cell programmed death. Extensive researches have indicated that ferroptosis plays an essential role in tumorigenesis, development, migration and chemotherapy drugs resistance, which makes it become a new target for tumor therapy. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are considered to control a wide range of cellular processes by modulating gene expression. Recent studies have indicated that ncRNAs regulate the process of ferroptosis via various pathway to affect the development of cancer. However, the regulation network remains ambiguous. In this review, we outlined the major metabolic processes of ferroptosis and concluded the relationship between ferroptosis-related ncRNAs and cancer progression. In addition, the prospect of ncRNAs being new therapeutic targets and early diagnosis biomarkers for cancer by regulating ferroptosis were presented, and the possible obstacles were also predicted. This could help in discovering novel cancer early diagnostic methods and therapeutic approaches.

Enhancing anti-cancer potential by delivering synergistic drug combinations via phenylboronic acid modified PLGA nanoparticles through ferroptosis-based therapy

In this study, we investigated the potential of the sorafenib (SOR) and simvastatin (SIM) combination to induce ferroptosis-mediated cancer therapy. To enhance targeted drug delivery, we encapsulated the SOR + SIM combination within 4-carboxy phenylboronic acid (CPBA) modified PLGA nanoparticles (CPBA-PLGA(SOR + SIM)-NPs). The developed CPBA-PLGA(SOR + SIM)-NPs exhibited a spherical shape with a size of 213.1 ± 10.9 nm, a PDI of 0.22 ± 0.03, and a Z-potential of -22.9 ± 3.2 mV. Notably, these nanoparticles displayed faster drug release at acidic pH compared to physiological pH. In cellular experiments, CPBA-PLGA(SOR + SIM)-NPs demonstrated remarkable improvements, leading to a 2.51, 2.69, and 2.61-fold decrease in IC50 compared to SOR alone, and a 7.50, 16.71, and 5.11-fold decrease in IC50 compared to SIM alone in MDA-MB-231, A549, and HeLa cells, respectively. Furthermore, CPBA-PLGA(SOR + SIM)-NPs triggered a reduction in glutathione (GSH) levels, an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and mitochondrial membrane depolarization in all three cell lines. Pharmacokinetic evaluation revealed a 2.50- and 2.63-fold increase in AUC0-∞, as well as a 1.53- and 2.46-fold increase in mean residence time (MRT) for SOR and SIM, respectively, compared to the free drug groups. Notably, the CPBA-PLGA(SOR + SIM)-NPs group exhibited significant reduction in tumor volume, approximately 9.17, 2.45, and 1.63-fold lower than the control, SOR + SIM, and PLGA(SOR + SIM)-NPs groups, respectively. Histological examination and biomarker analysis showed no significant differences compared to the control group, suggesting the biocompatibility of the developed particles for in-vivo applications. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that CPBA-PLGA(SOR + SIM)-NPs hold tremendous potential as an efficient drug delivery system for inducing ferroptosis, providing a promising therapeutic option for cancer treatment.

Advances and challenges in the treatment of lung cancer

Lung cancer accounts for a relatively high proportion of malignant tumors. As the most prevalent type of lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is characterized by high morbidity and mortality. Presently, the arsenal of treatment strategies encompasses surgical resection, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and radiotherapy. However, despite these options, the prognosis remains distressingly poor with a low 5-year survival rate. Therefore, it is urgent to pursue a paradigm shift in treatment methodologies. In recent years, the advent of sophisticated biotechnologies and interdisciplinary integration has provided innovative approaches for the treatment of lung cancer. This article reviews the cutting-edge developments in the nano drug delivery system, molecular targeted treatment system, photothermal treatment strategy, and immunotherapy for lung cancer. Overall, by systematically summarizing and critically analyzing the latest progress and current challenges in these treatment strategies of lung cancer, we aim to provide a theoretical basis for the development of novel drugs for lung cancer treatment, and thus improve the therapeutic outcomes for lung cancer patients.

Synergistic anticancer therapy via ferroptosis using modified bovine serum albumin nanoparticles loaded with sorafenib and simvastatin

Ferroptosis is a non-apoptotic cell death pathway characterized by the accumulation of lipid-peroxy radicals within the affected cells. Here, we investigate the synergistic capacity of sorafenib (SOR) and simvastatin (SIM) to trigger ferroptosis for cancer therapy. For precise in-vivo delivery, SOR + SIM was ratiometrically loaded in bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (BSA-NPs) modified with 4-carboxy phenylboronic acid (CPBA). The developed CPBA-BSA(SOR + SIM)-NPs revealed size of 175.2 ± 12.8 nm, with PDI of 0.22 ± 0.03 and Z-potential of -29.6 ± 4.8 mV. Significantly, CPBA-BSA(SOR + SIM)-NPs exhibited > 2 and > 5-fold reduction in IC50 values compared to individual SOR and SIM treatments respectively, in all tested cell lines. Moreover, CPBA-BSA(SOR + SIM)-NPs treated cells exhibited decrease in glutathione levels, increase in malonaldehyde levels and depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1 assay). Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed enhanced AUC0-∞ and MRT levels for SOR and SIM when administered as CPBA-BSA(SOR + SIM)-NPs compared to free drugs. Crucially, in in-vivo experiments, CPBA-BSA(SOR + SIM)-NPs led to a significant reduction in tumor volume compared to various control groups. Histological and biomarker analyses underscore their biocompatibility for clinical applications. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of CPBA-BSA(SOR + SIM)-NPs as a promising strategy for inducing ferroptosis in cancer cells, concurrently improving drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy. This approach opens new avenues in cancer treatment.

Comprehensive landscape and future perspective of long noncoding RNAs in non-small cell lung cancer: it takes a village

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a distinct subtype of RNA that lack protein-coding capacity but exert significant influence on various cellular processes. In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), dysregulated lncRNAs act as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors, contributing to tumorigenesis and tumor progression. LncRNAs directly modulate gene expression, act as competitive endogenous RNAs by interacting with microRNAs or proteins, and associate with RNA binding proteins. Moreover, lncRNAs can reshape the tumor immune microenvironment and influence cellular metabolism, cancer cell stemness, and angiogenesis by engaging various signaling pathways. Notably, lncRNAs have shown great potential as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers in liquid biopsies and therapeutic strategies for NSCLC. This comprehensive review elucidates the significant roles and diverse mechanisms of lncRNAs in NSCLC. Furthermore, we provide insights into the clinical relevance, current research progress, limitations, innovative research approaches, and future perspectives for targeting lncRNAs in NSCLC. By summarizing the existing knowledge and advancements, we aim to enhance the understanding of the pivotal roles played by lncRNAs in NSCLC and stimulate further research in this field. Ultimately, unraveling the complex network of lncRNA-mediated regulatory mechanisms in NSCLC could potentially lead to the development of novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies.

Quality by design-assisted development of D-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate-incorporated gefitinib-loaded cationic liposome(s)

Aim: Gefitinib-loaded D-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS)-coated cationic liposomes (GEF-TPGS-LIPO+) were developed and optimized by the quality by design (QbD) approach for its potential anticancer effect. Methods/materials: Box-Behnken design (BBD) a systematic design of experiments was added to screen and optimize the formulation variables. Results: GEF-TPGS-LIPO+ shows vesicle size (210 ± 4.82 nm), polydispersity index (0.271 ± 0.002), zeta potential (22.2 ± 0.84 mV) and entrapment efficiency (82.3 ± 1.95). MTT result shows the enhanced cytotoxicity and higher intracellular drug uptake with highest and lowest levels of the reactive oxygen species and NF-κB expressions on A549 lung cancer cells, determined by fluorescence-activated cell sorting flow cytometry. Conclusion: Potential anticancer effect on A549 cells might be found due to cationic liposomal interaction with cancer cells.

Epigenetic modulation of ferroptosis in cancer: Identifying epigenetic targets for novel anticancer therapy

Ferroptosis is a newly recognized form of oxidative-regulated cell death resulting from iron-mediated lipid peroxidation accumulation. Radical-trapping antioxidant systems can eliminate these oxidized lipids and prevent disrupting the integrity of cell membranes. Epigenetic modifications can regulate ferroptosis by altering gene expression or cell phenotype without permanent sequence changes. These mechanisms include DNA methylation, histone modifications, RNA modifications, and noncoding RNAs. Epigenetic alterations in cancer can control the expression of ferroptosis regulators or related pathways, leading to changes in cell sensitivity to ferroptosis inducers or cancer progression. Epigenetic alterations in cancer are influenced by a wide range of cancer hallmarks, contributing to therapeutic resistance. Targeting epigenetic alterations is a promising approach to overcoming cancer resilience. However, the exact mechanisms involved in different types of cancer remain unresolved. Discovering more ferroptosis-associated epigenetic targets and interventions can help overcome current barriers in anticancer therapy. Many papers on epigenetic modifications of ferroptosis have been continuously published, making it essential to summarize the current state-of-the-art in the epigenetic regulation of ferroptosis in human cancer.

Harnessing Ferroptosis to Overcome Drug Resistance in Colorectal Cancer: Promising Therapeutic Approaches

Drug resistance remains a significant challenge in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). In recent years, the emerging field of ferroptosis, a unique form of regulated cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, has offered new insights and potential therapeutic strategies for overcoming drug resistance in CRC. This review examines the role of ferroptosis in CRC and its impact on drug resistance. It highlights the distinctive features and advantages of ferroptosis compared to other cell death pathways, such as apoptosis and necrosis. Furthermore, the review discusses current research advances in the field, including novel treatment approaches that target ferroptosis. These approaches involve the use of ferroptosis inducers, interventions in iron metabolism and lipid peroxidation, and combination therapies to enhance the efficacy of ferroptosis. The review also explores the potential of immunotherapy in modulating ferroptosis as a therapeutic strategy. Additionally, it evaluates the strengths and limitations of targeting ferroptosis, such as its selectivity, low side effects, and potential to overcome resistance, as well as challenges related to treatment specificity and drug development. Looking to the future, this review discusses the prospects of ferroptosis-based therapies in CRC, emphasizing the importance of further research to elucidate the interaction between ferroptosis and drug resistance. It proposes future directions for more effective treatment strategies, including the development of new therapeutic approaches, combination therapies, and integration with emerging fields such as precision medicine. In conclusion, harnessing ferroptosis represents a promising avenue for overcoming drug resistance in CRC. Continued research efforts in this field are crucial for optimizing therapeutic outcomes and providing hope for CRC patients.

Metformin induces ferroptosis through the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling in lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Metformin is the most frequently prescribed medication for the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus and has played an anti-tumor potential in a variety of cancer types. Metformin can inhibit the growth of many cancer cells through various mechanisms, including ferroptosis. However, it is still unclear whether metformin can induce ferroptosis in lung cancer.

METHODS

This study evaluated the anti-tumor effect of metformin by detecting the levels of oxidative stress factors, the levels of ferrous ions, and the expression of ferroptosis-related genes in A549 and H1299 lung cancer cell lines treated with or without metformin.

RESULTS

The results showed that metformin treatment increased the levels of MDA, ROS and iron ions, while decreased the levels of GSH, T-SOD and CAT. Meanwhile, metformin treatment reduced the protein expression levels of Gpx4 and SLC7A11, Nrf2 and HO-1, while the addition of ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 reversed the reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrated that metformin exerts anti-tumor effects by inducing ferroptosis through the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in lung cancer cells, providing a theoretical basis for drug therapy of lung cancer patients.

Role of long non-coding RNAs in cancer: From subcellular localization to nanoparticle-mediated targeted regulation

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of RNA transcripts more than 200 nucleotides in length that play crucial roles in cancer development and progression. With the rapid development of high-throughput sequencing technology, a considerable number of lncRNAs have been identified as novel biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of cancer patients and/or therapeutic targets for cancer therapy. In recent years, increasing evidence has shown that the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs are closely associated with their subcellular localization. More importantly, based on the important roles of lncRNAs in regulating cancer progression (e.g., growth, therapeutic resistance, and metastasis) and the specific ability of nucleic acids (e.g., siRNA, mRNA, and DNA) to regulate the expression of any target genes, much effort has been exerted recently to develop nanoparticle (NP)-based nucleic acid delivery systems for in vivo regulation of lncRNA expression and cancer therapy. In this review, we introduce the subcellular localization and regulatory mechanisms of various functional lncRNAs in cancer and systemically summarize the recent development of NP-mediated nucleic acid delivery for targeted regulation of lncRNA expression and effective cancer therapy.

Cross-Regulation Between Redox and Epigenetic Systems in Tumorigenesis: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Applications

Significance: Redox and epigenetics are two important regulatory processes of cell physiological functions. The cross-regulation between these processes has critical effects on the occurrence and development of various types of tumors. Recent Advances: The core factor that influences redox balance is reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The ROS functions as a double-edged sword in tumors: Low levels of ROS promote tumors, whereas excessive ROS induces various forms of tumor cell death, including apoptosis and ferroptosis as well as necroptosis and pyroptosis. Many studies have shown that the redox balance is influenced by epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling, non-coding RNAs (microRNA, long non-coding RNA, and circular RNA), and RNA N6-methyladenosine modification. Several oxidizing or reducing substances also affect the epigenetic state. Critical Issues: In this review, we summarize research on the cross-regulation between redox and epigenetics in cancer and discuss the relevant molecular mechanisms. We also discuss the current research on the clinical applications. Future Directions: Future research can use high-throughput methods to analyze the molecular mechanisms of the cross-regulation between redox and epigenetics using both in vitro and in vivo models in more detail, elucidate regulatory mechanisms, and provide guidance for clinical treatment. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 39, 445-471.

Noncoding RNAs in cancer ferroptosis: From biology to clinical opportunity

Ferroptosis is a recently discovered pattern of programmed cell death that is nonapoptotic and irondependent. It is involved in lipid peroxidation dependent on reactive oxygen species. Ferroptosis has been verified to play a crucial regulatory role in a variety of pathological courses of disease, in particularly cancer. Emerging research has highlighted the potential of ferroptosis in tumorigenesis, cancer development and resistance to chemotherapy. However, the regulatory mechanism of ferroptosis remains unclear, which limits the application of ferroptosis in cancer treatment. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are noncoding transcripts that regulate gene expression in various ways to affect the malignant phenotypes of cancer cells. At present, the biological function and underlying regulatory mechanism of ncRNAs in cancer ferroptosis have been partially elucidated. Herein, we summarize the current knowledge of the central regulatory network of ferroptosis, with a focus on the regulatory functions of ncRNAs in cancer ferroptosis. The clinical application and prospects of ferroptosis-related ncRNAs in cancer diagnosis, prognosis and anticancer therapies are also discussed. Elucidating the function and mechanism of ncRNAs in ferroptosis, along with assessing the clinical significance of ferroptosis-related ncRNAs, provides new perspectives for understanding cancer biology and treatment approaches, which may benefit numerous cancer patients in the future.

Establishing a prognostic model with ferroptosis-related long non-coding RNAs in bladder cancer

Background

Ferroptosis is a distinct form of cell death that has the potential to supersede the drug resistance that is commonly observed with current chemotherapeutic agents. As a result, ferroptosis presents a new and innovative therapeutic pathway for cancer treatment. The current understanding regarding the expression of genes associated with ferroptosis in bladder cancer (BLCA) and their prognostic implications remains unclear. Consequently, this study aimed to examine the potential prognostic value of ferroptosis-associated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in BLCA.

Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was accessed to download RNA sequencing data and clinicopathological features of BLCA while accessing the FerrDb database to download ferroptosis-associated genes. The study calculated risk scores for ferroptosis-associated lncRNAs, and subsequently divided patients with BLCA into two groups, namely high- and low-risk, on the basis of the median risk score. Moreover, Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curves, Cox regression analysis, and column plots were utilized for evaluating the risk score prognostic value. Subsequently, the involvement of ferroptosis-associated mRNA, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mRNA status, and immune responses was investigated for BLCA prognosis.

Results

Thirty-six lncRNAs were identified to be differently expressed and linked to the prognosis of BLCA. The findings from the K-M curve analysis indicated a significant association between a high-risk lncRNA profile and poor BLCA prognosis. The area under curve (AUC) value of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.810. The risk assessment model exhibited superior performance in predicting prognosis for BLCA compared to conventional clinicopathological features.

Conclusions

Thirty-six lncRNAs were found to be linked to ferroptosis for the prognosis of patients with BLCA, and these results may provide new insights for treating BLCA.

The Regulation of Ferroptosis by Noncoding RNAs

As a novel form of regulated cell death, ferroptosis is characterized by intracellular iron and lipid peroxide accumulation, which is different from other regulated cell death forms morphologically, biochemically, and immunologically. Ferroptosis is regulated by iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, and antioxidant defense systems as well as various transcription factors and related signal pathways. Emerging evidence has highlighted that ferroptosis is associated with many physiological and pathological processes, including cancer, neurodegeneration diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and ischemia/reperfusion injury. Noncoding RNAs are a group of functional RNA molecules that are not translated into proteins, which can regulate gene expression in various manners. An increasing number of studies have shown that noncoding RNAs, especially miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, can interfere with the progression of ferroptosis by modulating ferroptosis-related genes or proteins directly or indirectly. In this review, we summarize the basic mechanisms and regulations of ferroptosis and focus on the recent studies on the mechanism for different types of ncRNAs to regulate ferroptosis in different physiological and pathological conditions, which will deepen our understanding of ferroptosis regulation by noncoding RNAs and provide new insights into employing noncoding RNAs in ferroptosis-associated therapeutic strategies.

Regulation of tumorigenesis and ferroptosis in non-small cell lung cancer by a novel BBOX1-AS1/miR-326/PROM2 axis

Dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is associated with the tumorigenesis and ferroptosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). BBOX1 antisense RNA 1 (BBOX1-AS1) functions as an oncogenic driver in NSCLC. Here, we aim to investigate the regulation effect and underlying mechanism of BBOX1-AS1 in NSCLC progression and ferroptosis. RNA expression was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and protein expression was measured by immunoblotting. Cell growth was assessed by CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Transwell assay was applied to evaluate cell invasion and migration. RNA pull-down and dual-luciferase reporter assays were applied to verify the relationship between miR-326 and BBOX1-AS1 or prominin 2 (PROM2). The role of BBOX1-AS1 in NSCLC tumorigenicity was also analyzed by xenograft assays. Silencing BBOX1-AS1 or PROM2 impeded NSCLC cell growth, migration, and invasion. Silencing BBOX1-AS1 induced cell apoptosis and ferroptosis. BBOX1-AS1 up-regulated PROM2 expression, and re-expression of PROM2 reversed the effects of BBOX1-AS1 depletion on cell malignant phenotypes and ferroptosis. BBOX1-AS1 post-transcriptionally modulated PROM2 expression by sponging miR-326. MiR-326 was validated as a mediator of BBOX1-AS1 in regulating NSCLC cell malignant phenotypes and ferroptosis. Additionally, BBOX1-AS1 deficiency in vivo resulted in the suppression of xenograft tumor growth. Together, our study defines a novel BBOX1-AS1/miR-326/PROM2 axis in regulating NSCLC malignant progression and ferroptosis, offering new evidence for the oncogenic role of BBOX1-AS1 in NSCLC. These findings may provide a basis for the future usage of targeting BBOX1-AS1 in NSCLC treatment.

Galangin Attenuates Myocardial Ischemic Reperfusion-Induced Ferroptosis by Targeting Nrf2/Gpx4 Signaling Pathway

Purpose

Myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury (MIRI) is a crucial clinical problem globally. The molecular mechanisms of MIRI need to be fully explored to develop new therapeutic methods. Galangin (Gal), which is a natural flavonoid extracted from Alpinia Officinarum Hance and Propolis, possesses a wide range of pharmacological activities, but its effects on MIRI remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the pharmacological effects of Gal on MIRI.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice underwent reperfusion for 3 h after 45 min of ischemia, and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCs) subjected to hypoxia and reoxygenation (HR) were cultured as in vivo and in vitro models. Echocardiography and TTC-Evans Blue staining were performed to evaluate the myocardial injury. Transmission electron microscope and JC-1 staining were used to validate the mitochondrial function. Additionally, Western blot detected ferroptosis markers, including Gpx4, FTH, and xCT.

Results

Gal treatment alleviated cardiac myofibril damage, reduced infarction size, improved cardiac function, and prevented mitochondrial injury in mice with MIRI. Gal significantly alleviated HR-induced cell death and mitigated mitochondrial membrane potential reduction in NRCs. Furthermore, Gal significantly inhibited ferroptosis by preventing iron overload and lipid peroxidation, as well as regulating Gpx4, FTH, and xCT expression levels. Moreover, Gal up-regulated nuclear transcriptive factor Nrf2 in HR-treated NRCs. Nrf2 inhibition by Brusatol abolished the protective effect of Gal against ferroptosis.

Conclusion

This study revealed that Gal alleviates myocardial ischemic reperfusion-induced ferroptosis by targeting Nrf2/Gpx4 signaling pathway.

HP1 induces ferroptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells through NRF2 pathway in diabetic nephropathy

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of ferroptosis in diabetic nephropathy (DN) and the mechanism of its regulatory genes. HK-2 cells were cultured with high glucose and mice were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin to establish DN models. GSE111154 was analyzed to identify the abnormal expression of genes associated with DN. Cell injury was evaluated through CCK-8 assay and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole/phenylindole double staining. The levels of iron, glutathione, malondialdehyde, urinary albumin, and urinary creatinine were determined by ELISA. Furthermore, western blot and RT-qPCR were used to detect protein and mRNA levels, respectively. Our data showed that heterochromatin protein 1 is an abnormally elevated gene related to DN and is further elevated by ferroptosis activators. Inhibition of HP1 significantly inhibited ferroptosis but promoted cell viability. In addition, nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor2 (NRF2) was decreased in DN cell model, but increased under the action of ferroptosis activators. NRF2 silencing reversed the protective effects of HP1 inhibition on HK-2 cells. Additionally, HP1 silencing also alleviated kidney damage in DN mice. Collectively, these findings suggest that inhibiting HP1 inhibits ferroptosis via NRF2 pathway, thereby protecting renal tubular epithelial cells from damage.

Ferroptosis in tumors and its relationship to other programmed cell death: role of non-coding RNAs

Programmed cell death (PCD) plays an important role in many aspects of individual development, maintenance of body homeostasis and pathological processes. Ferroptosis is a novel form of PCD characterized by the accumulation of iron-dependent lipid peroxides resulting in lethal cell damage. It contributes to tumor progression in an apoptosis-independent manner. In recent years, an increasing number of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been demonstrated to mediate the biological process of ferroptosis, hence impacting carcinogenesis, progression, drug resistance, and prognosis. However, the clear regulatory mechanism for this phenomenon remains poorly understood. Moreover, ferroptosis does not usually exist independently. Its interaction with PCD, like apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and cuproptosis, to destroy cells appears to exist. Furthermore, ncRNA seems to be involved. Here, we review the mechanisms by which ferroptosis occurs, dissect its relationship with other forms of death, summarize the key regulatory roles played by ncRNAs, raise relevant questions and predict possible barriers to its application in the clinic, offering new ideas for targeted tumour therapy.

Ferroptosis as a potential target for cancer therapy

Ferroptosis is a recently discovered essential type of cell death that is mainly characterized by iron overload and lipid peroxidation. Emerging evidence suggests that ferroptosis is a double-edged sword in human cancer. However, the precise underlying molecular mechanisms and their differential roles in tumorigenesis are unclear. Therefore, in this review, we summarize and briefly present the key pathways of ferroptosis, paying special attention to the regulation of ferroptosis as well as its dual role as an oncogenic and as a tumor suppressor event in various human cancers. Moreover, multiple pharmacological ferroptosis activators are summarized, and the prospect of targeting ferroptosis in cancer therapy is further elucidated.

A cuproptosis-associated long non-coding RNA signature for the prognosis and immunotherapy of lung squamous cell carcinoma

Cuproptosis, a copper-induced mechanism of mitochondrial-related cell death, has been implicated as a breakthrough in the treatment of cancer and has become a new treatment strategy. Furthermore, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) can change the biological activities of tumor cells. Worldwide, lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is among the most common annoying tumors. LncRNAs related to cuproptosis are not researched at LUSC. Our research intends to develop a signature on the basis of cuproptosis-associated lncRNAs, which can predict LUSC prognosis and investigate LUSC immunological features. The TCGA database was used to retrieve LUSC transcriptome, clinical, and gene mutation data. For statistical analysis, we utilized the R program. We created a signature consisting of three cuproptosis-related lncRNAs in this investigation (including AC002467.1, LINC01740, and LINC02345). Survival analyses and Receiver Operating Characteristic curves demonstrated that this signature possessed powerful predictive capability. The signature's ability to predict was confirmed by a Receiver Operating Characteristic curve and principal component analysis. Notably, the patient with a high-risk score and a high tumor mutation burden level had a lower survival time. Furthermore, the tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion analysis showed that these individuals with low-risk scores may benefit from immunotherapy. The signature constructed by three cuproptosis-associated lncRNAs may be prognostic markers of LUSC. It contributes to immunotherapy and offers LUSC's therapy a new treatment direction.

New insights into nanosystems for non-small-cell lung cancer: diagnosis and treatment

Lung cancer is caused by a malignant tumor that shows the fastest growth in both incidence and mortality and is also the greatest threat to human health and life. At present, both in terms of incidence and mortality, lung cancer is the first in male malignant tumors, and the second in female malignant tumors. In the past two decades, research and development of antitumor drugs worldwide have been booming, and a large number of innovative drugs have entered clinical trials and practice. In the era of precision medicine, the concept and strategy of cancer from diagnosis to treatment are experiencing unprecedented changes. The ability of tumor diagnosis and treatment has rapidly improved, the discovery rate and cure rate of early tumors have greatly improved, and the overall survival of patients has benefited significantly, with a tendency to transform to a chronic disease with tumor. The emergence of nanotechnology brings new horizons for tumor diagnosis and treatment. Nanomaterials with good biocompatibility have played an important role in tumor imaging, diagnosis, drug delivery, controlled drug release, etc. This article mainly reviews the advancements in lipid-based nanosystems, polymer-based nanosystems, and inorganic nanosystems in the diagnosis and treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Modulation of cellular metabolism by protein crotonylation regulates pancreatic cancer progression

Protein lysine crotonylation has been recently identified as a vital posttranslational modification in cellular processes, particularly through the modification of histones. We show that lysine crotonylation is an important modification of the cytoplastic and mitochondria proteins. Enzymes in glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, fatty acid metabolism, glutamine metabolism, glutathione metabolism, the urea cycle, one-carbon metabolism, and mitochondrial fusion/fission dynamics are found to be extensively crotonylated in pancreatic cancer cells. This modulation is mainly controlled by a pair of crotonylation writers and erasers including CBP/p300, HDAC1, and HDAC3. The dynamic crotonylation of metabolic enzymes is involved in metabolism regulation, which is linked with tumor progression. Interestingly, the activation of MTHFD1 by decrotonylation at Lys354 and Lys553 promotes the development of pancreatic cancer by increasing resistance to ferroptosis. Our study suggests that crotonylation represents a metabolic regulatory mechanism in pancreatic cancer progression.

The epigenetic regulatory mechanisms of ferroptosis and its implications for biological processes and diseases

Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death triggered by the iron-dependent peroxidation of phospholipids. Interactions of iron and lipid metabolism factors jointly promote ferroptosis. Ferroptosis has been demonstrated to be involved in the development of various diseases, such as tumors and degenerative diseases (e.g., aortic dissection), and targeting ferroptosis is expected to be an effective strategy for the treatment of these diseases. Recent studies have shown that the regulation of ferroptosis is affected by multiple mechanisms, including genetics, epigenetics, posttranscriptional modifications, and protein posttranslational modifications. Epigenetic changes have garnered considerable attention due to their importance in regulating biological processes and potential druggability. There have been many studies on the epigenetic regulation of ferroptosis, including histone modifications (e.g., histone acetylation and methylation), DNA methylation, and noncoding RNAs (e.g., miRNAs, circRNAs, and lncRNAs). In this review, we summarize recent advances in research on the epigenetic mechanisms involved in ferroptosis, with a description of RNA N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) methylation included, and the importance of epigenetic regulation in biological processes and ferroptosis-related diseases, which provides reference for the clinical application of epigenetic regulators in the treatment of related diseases by targeting ferroptosis.

Ferroptosis patterns modulate immunocyte communication in tumor microenvironments: clinical value and therapeutic guidance of lung adenocarcinoma

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) emerges as one of the most aggressive tumor types with a poor prognosis. As a novel form of regulated cell death, ferroptosis promotes the clearance of tumor cells. However, few studies demonstrated whether ferroptosis-related genes can modify the behavior of tumor microenvironment (TME) cells. Resorting to non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) clustering based on the expression of ferroptosis-related genes, we identified multiple LUAD TME cell-type subpopulations. These subtypes of TME cells displayed extensive communication with tumor epithelial cells. ATF3+cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), SLC40A1+CD8+T cells, and ALOX5+CD8+T cells showed distinct biological features compared to non-ferroptosis-related TME cells. Patients with a higher abundance of these ferroptosis-related TME cell subtypes showed a favorable clinical outcome. Our study depicted a detailed landscape of LUAD cell composition with a focus on ferroptosis-related genes, which, hopefully, may provide novel insight into further study of the LAUD immune microenvironment.

Epigenetically silenced lncRNA SNAI3-AS1 promotes ferroptosis in glioma via perturbing the m6A-dependent recognition of Nrf2 mRNA mediated by SND1

BACKGROUND

Ferroptosis has been linked to tumor progression and resistance to antineoplastic therapy. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) exerts a regulatory role in various biological processes of tumor cells, while the function and molecular mechanism of lncRNA in ferroptosis are yet to be clarified in glioma.

METHODS

Both gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments were employed to investigate the effects of SNAI3-AS1 on the tumorigenesis and ferroptosis susceptibility of glioma in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis, Bisulfite sequencing PCR, RNA pull-down, RIP, MeRIP and dual-luciferase reporter assay were performed to explore the low expression mechanism of SNAI3-AS1 and the downstream mechanism of SNAI3-AS1 in ferroptosis susceptibility of glioma.

RESULTS

We found that ferroptosis inducer erastin downregulates SNAI3-AS1 expression in glioma by increasing the DNA methylation level of SNAI3-AS1 promoter. SNAI3-AS1 functions as a tumor suppressor in glioma. Importantly, SNAI3-AS1 enhances the anti-tumor activity of erastin by promoting ferroptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, SNAI3-AS1 competitively binds to SND1 and perturbs the m⁶A-dependent recognition of Nrf2 mRNA 3'UTR by SND1, thereby reducing the mRNA stability of Nrf2. Rescue experiments confirmed that SND1 overexpression and silence can rescue the gain- and loss-of-function ferroptotic phenotypes of SNAI3-AS1, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings elucidate the effect and detailed mechanism of SNAI3-AS1/SND1/Nrf2 signalling axis in ferroptosis, and provide a theoretical support for inducing ferroptosis to improve glioma treatment.

Lipid Nanocarrier-Based Drug Delivery Systems: Therapeutic Advances in the Treatment of Lung Cancer

Although various treatments are currently being developed, lung cancer still has a very high mortality rate. Moreover, while various strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer are being used in clinical settings, in many cases, lung cancer does not respond to treatment and presents reducing survival rates. Cancer nanotechnology, also known as nanotechnology in cancer, is a relatively new topic of study that brings together scientists from a variety of fields, including chemistry, biology, engineering, and medicine. The use of lipid-based nanocarriers to aid drug distribution has already had a significant impact in several scientific fields. Lipid-based nanocarriers have been demonstrated to help stabilize therapeutic compounds, overcome barriers to cellular and tissue absorption, and improve in vivo drug delivery to specific target areas. For this reason, lipid-based nanocarriers are being actively researched and used for lung cancer treatment and vaccine development. This review discusses the improvements in drug delivery achieved with lipid-based nanocarriers, the obstacles that still exist with in vivo applications, and the current clinical and experimental applications of lipid-based nanocarriers in lung cancer treatment and management.

Association of nanoparticles and Nrf2 with various oxidative stress-mediated diseases

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that regultes the cellular antioxidant defense system at the posttranscriptional level. During oxidative stress, Nrf2 is released from its negative regulator Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and binds to antioxidant response element (ARE) to transcribe antioxidative metabolizing/detoxifying genes. Various transcription factors like aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) and epigenetic modification including DNA methylation and histone methylation might also regulate the expression of Nrf2. Despite its protective role, Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling is considered as a pharmacological target due to its involvement in various pathophysiological conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, hepatotoxicity and kidney disorders. Recently, nanomaterials have received a lot of attention due to their unique physiochemical properties and are also used in various biological applications, for example, biosensors, drug delivery systems, cancer therapy, etc. In this review, we will be discussing the functions of nanoparticles and Nrf2 as a combined therapy or sensitizing agent and their significance in various diseases such as diabetes, cancer and oxidative stress-mediated diseases.

Ferroptosis in Haematological Malignancies and Associated Therapeutic Nanotechnologies

Haematological malignancies are heterogeneous groups of cancers of the bone marrow, blood or lymph nodes, and while therapeutic advances have greatly improved the lifespan and quality of life of those afflicted, many of these cancers remain incurable. The iron-dependent, lipid oxidation-mediated form of cell death, ferroptosis, has emerged as a promising pathway to induce cancer cell death, particularly in those malignancies that are resistant to traditional apoptosis-inducing therapies. Although promising findings have been published in several solid and haematological malignancies, the major drawbacks of ferroptosis-inducing therapies are efficient drug delivery and toxicities to healthy tissue. The development of tumour-targeting and precision medicines, particularly when combined with nanotechnologies, holds potential as a way in which to overcome these obstacles and progress ferroptosis-inducing therapies into the clinic. Here, we review the current state-of-play of ferroptosis in haematological malignancies as well as encouraging discoveries in the field of ferroptosis nanotechnologies. While the research into ferroptosis nanotechnologies in haematological malignancies is limited, its pre-clinical success in solid tumours suggests this is a very feasible therapeutic approach to treat blood cancers such as multiple myeloma, lymphoma and leukaemia.

Identification of a m6A-related ferroptosis signature as a potential predictive biomarker for lung adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Both N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) and ferroptosis-related genes are associated with the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma. However, the predictive value of m⁶A-related ferroptosis genes remains unclear. Here, we aimed to identify the prognostic value of m⁶A-related ferroptosis genes in lung adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

Lung adenocarcinoma sample data were downloaded from the University of California Santa Cruz Xena and Gene Expression Omnibus databases. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to screen for m⁶A-related ferroptosis genes. Univariate Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier, and Lasso analyses were conducted to identify prognostic m⁶A-related ferroptosis genes, and stepwise regression was used to construct a prognostic gene signature. The predictive value of the gene signature was assessed using a multivariate Cox analysis. In the validation cohort, survival analysis was performed to verify gene signature stability. The training cohort was divided into high- and low-risk groups according to the median risk score to assess differences between the two groups in terms of gene set variation analysis, somatic mutations, and tumor immune infiltration cells.

RESULTS

Six m⁶A-related ferroptosis genes were used to construct a gene signature in the training cohort and a multivariate Cox analysis was conducted to determine the independent prognostic value of these genes in lung adenocarcinoma. In the validation cohort, Kaplan-Meier and receiver operating characteristic analyses confirmed the strong predictive power of this signature for the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma. Gene set variation analysis showed that the low-risk group was mainly related to immunity, and the high-risk group was mainly related to DNA replication. Somatic mutation analysis revealed that the TP53 gene had the highest mutation rate in the high-risk group. Tumor immune infiltration cell analysis showed that the low-risk group had higher levels of resting CD4 memory T cells and lower levels of M0 macrophages.

CONCLUSION

Our study identified a novel m⁶A-related ferroptosis-associated six-gene signature (comprising SLC2A1, HERPUD1, EIF2S1, ACSL3, NCOA4, and CISD1) for predicting lung adenocarcinoma prognosis, yielding a useful prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target.

Ferroptosis in lung cancer: a novel pathway regulating cell death and a promising target for drug therapy

Lung cancer is a common malignant tumor that occurs in the human body and poses a serious threat to human health and quality of life. The existing treatment methods mainly include surgical treatment, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, due to the strong metastatic characteristics of lung cancer and the emergence of related drug resistance and radiation resistance, the overall survival rate of lung cancer patients is not ideal. There is an urgent need to develop new treatment strategies or new effective drugs to treat lung cancer. Ferroptosis, a novel type of programmed cell death, is different from the traditional cell death pathways such as apoptosis, necrosis, pyroptosis and so on. It is caused by the increase of iron-dependent reactive oxygen species due to intracellular iron overload, which leads to the accumulation of lipid peroxides, thus inducing cell membrane oxidative damage, affecting the normal life process of cells, and finally promoting the process of ferroptosis. The regulation of ferroptosis is closely related to the normal physiological process of cells, and it involves iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, and the balance between oxygen-free radical reaction and lipid peroxidation. A large number of studies have confirmed that ferroptosis is a result of the combined action of the cellular oxidation/antioxidant system and cell membrane damage/repair, which has great potential application in tumor therapy. Therefore, this review aims to explore potential therapeutic targets for ferroptosis in lung cancer by clarifying the regulatory pathway of ferroptosis. Based on the study of ferroptosis, the regulation mechanism of ferroptosis in lung cancer was understood and the existing chemical drugs and natural compounds targeting ferroptosis in lung cancer were summarized, with the aim of providing new ideas for the treatment of lung cancer. In addition, it also provides the basis for the discovery and clinical application of chemical drugs and natural compounds targeting ferroptosis to effectively treat lung cancer.

Non-Viral Carriers for Nucleic Acids Delivery: Fundamentals and Current Applications

Over the past decades, non-viral DNA and RNA delivery systems have been intensively studied as an alternative to viral vectors. Despite the most significant advantage over viruses, such as the lack of immunogenicity and cytotoxicity, the widespread use of non-viral carriers in clinical practice is still limited due to the insufficient efficacy associated with the difficulties of overcoming extracellular and intracellular barriers. Overcoming barriers by non-viral carriers is facilitated by their chemical structure, surface charge, as well as developed modifications. Currently, there are many different forms of non-viral carriers for various applications. This review aimed to summarize recent developments based on the essential requirements for non-viral carriers for gene therapy.

Tumor Microenvironment Regulation and Cancer Targeting Therapy Based on Nanoparticles

Although we have made remarkable achievements in cancer awareness and medical technology, there are still tremendous increases in cancer incidence and mortality. However, most anti-tumor strategies, including immunotherapy, show low efficiency in clinical application. More and more evidence suggest that this low efficacy may be closely related to the immunosuppression of the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME plays a significant role in tumorigenesis, development, and metastasis. Therefore, it is necessary to regulate the TME during antitumor therapy. Several strategies are developing to regulate the TME as inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, reversing tumor associated macrophage (TAM) phenotype, removing T cell immunosuppression, and so on. Among them, nanotechnology shows great potential for delivering regulators into TME, which further enhance the antitumor therapy efficacy. Properly designed nanomaterials can carry regulators and/or therapeutic agents to eligible locations or cells to trigger specific immune response and further kill tumor cells. Specifically, the designed nanoparticles could not only directly reverse the primary TME immunosuppression, but also induce effective systemic immune response, which would prevent niche formation before metastasis and inhibit tumor recurrence. In this review, we summarized the development of nanoparticles (NPs) for anti-cancer therapy, TME regulation, and tumor metastasis inhibition. We also discussed the prospect and potential of nanocarriers for cancer therapy.