Inhibition of TRPV4 remodels single cell polarity and suppresses the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma

GL-V9 Promotes Autophagy-Mediated YAP1 Degradation and Activates Mitochondrial Apoptosis in PDAC Cells

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the most aggressive forms of pancreatic cancer with a poor prognosis. YAP1 expression is markedly elevated in PDAC, but how it works is not clear. GL-V9, a derivative of the natural compound wogonin, effectively fights a variety of tumors; however, its effect on PDAC has not yet been studied. Methods: TCGA database analysis, Western blots, immunofluorescence, and real-time PCR were used to evaluate GL-V9's effect on YAP1 expression and mRNA levels. Immunofluorescence was used to examine the co-location of YAP1 with LAMP2 and p62. Co-immunoprecipitation was used to assess the binding of YAP1 to ubiquitin, p62, and TEAD1. A PDAC graft tumor model was used to test GL-V9's pharmacological effects. Western blots and immunohistochemistry were used to measure apoptosis- and autophagy-related protein expression. Results: GL-V9 effectively promoted the degradation of YAP1, reduced YAP1 nuclear localization, and induced mitochondrial apoptosis in PDAC cells. YAP1 overexpression led to the upregulation of Bcl-2 and attenuated the caspase cascade induced by GL-V9. Furthermore, we demonstrated that GL-V9 induced autophagosome-lysosome fusion via the AKT/mTOR/TFEB pathway, leading to mitochondrial apoptosis in PDAC cells. In vivo studies also confirmed that GL-V9 exerts anti-tumor effects by suppressing YAP1 expression, while also activating autophagy and inducing mitochondrial apoptosis in BXPC-3-bearing BALB/c nude mice. Conclusions: Our findings underscore the importance of autophagy-mediated YAP1 degradation in PDAC, providing a novel molecular rationale (GL-V9) as a promising treatment for this disease.

Unveiling the Role of Mechanical Microenvironment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Molecular Mechanisms and Implications for Therapeutic Strategies

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer in the world and the third leading cause of cancer deaths globally. More than 80% of HCC patients have a background of fibrosis or cirrhosis, which leads to changes in physical factors in tumor microenvironment (TME), such as increased stiffness, solid stress, fluid stresses and structural alterations in the extracellular matrix (ECM). In the past, the focus of cancer research has predominantly been on genetic and biochemical factors in the TME, and the critical role of physical factors has often been overlooked. Recent discoveries suggest these unique physical signals are converted into biochemical signals through a mechanotransduction process that influences the biological behavior of tumor cells and stromal cells. This process facilitates the occurrence and progression of tumors. This review delves into the alterations in the mechanical microenvironment during the progression of liver fibrosis to HCC, the signaling pathways activated by physical signals, and the effects on both tumor and mesenchymal stromal cells. Furthermore, this paper summarizes and discusses the therapeutic options for targeting the mechanical aspects of the TME, offering valuable insights for future research into novel therapeutic avenues against HCC and other solid tumors.

Identification and Properties of TRPV4 Mutant Channels Present in Polycystic Kidney Disease Patients

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a disease characterized by the enlargement of the kidney through cystic growth is the fourth leading cause of end-stage kidney disease world-wide. Transient receptor potential Vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), a calcium-permeable TRP, channel participates in kidney cell physiology and since TRPV4 forms complexes with another channel whose malfunction is associated to PKD, TRPP2 (or PKD2), we sought to determine whether patients with PKD, exhibit previously unknown mutations in TRPV4. Here, we report the presence of mutations in the TRPV4 gene in patients diagnosed with PKD and determine that they produce gain-of-function (GOF). Mutations in the sequence of the TRPV4 gene have been associated to a broad spectrum of neuropathies and skeletal dysplasias but not PKD, and their biophysical effects on channel function have not been elucidated. We identified and examined the functional behavior of a novel E6K mutant and of the previously known S94L and A217S mutant TRVP4 channels. The A217S mutation has been associated to mixed neuropathy and/or skeletal dysplasia phenotypes, however, the PKD carriers of these variants had not been diagnosed with these reported clinical manifestations. The presence of certain mutations in TRPV4 may influence the progression and severity of PKD through GOF mechanisms. PKD patients carrying TRVP4 mutations are putatively more likely to require dialysis or renal transplant as compared to those without these mutations.

GL-V9 induce apoptosis of CML cells via MAPK signaling pathway

GL-V9, a derivative of wogonin, has shown potent antitumor effects in various cancers, yet its impact on chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) remains unexplored. In this study, we found that GL-V9 significantly decreased the viability of CML cells. Annexin V/PI staining demonstrated that GL-V9 induced apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. The JC-1 assay indicated a significant reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) in cells treated with GL-V9. Additionally, GL-V9 altered reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in CML cells. Through transcriptomic sequencing and Western blot analysis, we further revealed that GL-V9 activated the MAPK pathway. These results suggest that GL-V9 is a promising therapeutic candidate for CML.

Integrated pan-cancer genomic analysis reveals the role of SLC30A5 in the proliferation, metastasis, and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: SLC30A5, a member of the solute transporter protein family, is implicated in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. This study aimed to explore the expression and prognostic significance of SLC30A family genes in pan-cancer, with a specific emphasis on SLC30A5 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Expression patterns and prognostic implications of SLC30A family genes were assessed across 33 cancer types, especially HCC. Co-expression analysis explored the relationship between SLC30A5 and immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoints, pathway molecules related to tumor angiogenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The role of SLC30A5 in HCC was evaluated through in vitro and in vivo assays, including CCK8 viability assay, EdU cell proliferation assay, colony formation assay, apoptosis assay, wound healing assay, transwell migration assay, and xenograft mouse model assay using Huh7 cells with targeted knockdown of SLC30A5. Results: SLC30A family genes exhibited overexpression in various tumors. In HCC, upregulation of SLC30A5 expression correlated with adverse prognosis. Significant associations were observed between SLC30A5 expression and immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoints, molecules involved in angiogenesis, and EMT. SLC30A5 overexpression was associated with advanced disease stages, higher histological grades, and vascular invasion. Single-cell RNA sequencing data (GSE112271) revealed notable SLC30A5 expression in malignant cells. In vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated that SLC30A5 knockdown in Huh7 cells reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion while promoting apoptosis. Conclusions: This study highlights the clinical relevance of SLC30A5 in HCC, emphasizing its role in cell proliferation and migration. SLC30A5 emerges as a promising candidate for a prognostic marker and a potential target in HCC.

Pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, and excretion study of GL-V9 and its glucuronide metabolite 5-O-glucuronide GL-V9 in Sprague-Dawley rats

The objective of this study is to explore the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, and excretion patterns of GL-V9 and its glucuronide metabolite, 5-O-glucuronide GL-V9, following the administration of GL-V9 to Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. In this research, we developed and validated rapid, sensitive, and selective ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) methods for quantifying GL-V9 and 5-O-glucuronide GL-V9 in various biological samples, including SD rat plasma, tissue homogenate, bile, urine, and feces. Quantification of GL-V9 and 5-O-glucuronide GL-V9 in plasma, tissue homogenate, bile, urine, and feces was performed using the validated LC-MS/MS methods. The bioavailability of GL-V9 in SD rats ranged from 6.23% to 7.08%, and both GL-V9 and 5-O-glucuronide GL-V9 exhibited wide distribution and rapid elimination from tissues. The primary distribution tissues for GL-V9 and 5-O-glucuronide GL-V9 in rats were the duodenum, liver, and lung. GL-V9 was predominantly excreted in urine, while 5-O-glucuronide GL-V9 was primarily excreted in bile. GL-V9 exhibited easy absorption and rapid conversion to its glucuronide metabolite, 5-O-glucuronide GL-V9, following administration.

GL-V9 inhibits the activation of AR-AKT-HK2 signaling networks and induces prostate cancer cell apoptosis through mitochondria-mediated mechanism

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a serious health concern for men due to its high incidence and mortality rate. The first therapy typically adopted is androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). However, patient response to ADT varies, and 20-30% of PCa cases develop into castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). This article investigates the anti-PCa effect of a drug candidate named GL-V9 and highlights the significant mechanism involving the AKT-hexokinase II (HKII) pathway. In both androgen receptor (AR)-expressing 22RV1 cells and AR-negative PC3 cells, GL-V9 suppressed phosphorylated AKT and mitochondrial location of HKII. This led to glycolytic inhibition and mitochondrial pathway-mediated apoptosis. Additionally, GL-V9 inhibited AR activity in 22RV1 cells and disrupted the feedback activation of AKT signaling in condition of AR inhibition. This disruption greatly increased the anti-PCa efficacy of the AR antagonist bicalutamide. In conclusion, we present a novel anti-PCa candidate and combination drug strategies to combat CRPC by intervening in the AR-AKT-HKII signaling network.

Platelet-derived microparticles adoptively transfer integrin β3 to promote antitumor effect of tumor-infiltrating T cells

Approximately two-thirds of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered a "cold tumor" characterized by few tumor-infiltrating T cells and an abundance of immunosuppressive cells. Cilengitide, an integrin αvβ3 inhibitor, has failed in clinical trials as a potential anticancer drug. This failure implies that integrin αvβ3 may play an important role in immune cells. However, the expression and potential role of integrin αvβ3 in T cells of HCC patients remain unknown. Here, we established two HCC models and found that cilengitide had a dual effect on the HCC microenvironment by exerting both antitumor effect and immunosuppressive effect on T cells. This may partly explain the failure of cilengitide in clinical trials. In clinical specimens, HCC-infiltrating T cells exhibited deficient expression and activation of integrin β3, which was associated with poor T-cell infiltration into tumors. Additionally, integrin β3 functioned as a positive immunomodulatory molecule to facilitate T-cell infiltration and T helper 1-type immune response in vitro. Furthermore, T cells and platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) co-culture assay revealed that PMPs adoptively transferred integrin β3 to T cells and positively regulated T cell immune response. This process was mediated by clathrin-dependent endocytosis and macropinocytosis. Our data demonstrate that integrin β3 deficiency on HCC-infiltrating T cells may be involved in shaping the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. PMPs transfer integrin β3 to T cells and positively regulate T cell immune response, which may provide a new insight into immune therapy of HCC.