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Ge A, Chan C, Yang X. Exploring the Dark Matter of Human Proteome: The Emerging Role of Non-Canonical Open Reading Frame (ncORF) in Cancer Diagnosis, Biology, and Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2660. [PMID: 39123386 PMCID: PMC11311765 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16152660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer develops from abnormal cell growth in the body, causing significant mortalities every year. To date, potent therapeutic approaches have been developed to eradicate tumor cells, but intolerable toxicity and drug resistance can occur in treated patients, limiting the efficiency of existing treatment strategies. Therefore, searching for novel genes critical for cancer progression and therapeutic response is urgently needed for successful cancer therapy. Recent advances in bioinformatics and proteomic techniques have allowed the identification of a novel category of peptides encoded by non-canonical open reading frames (ncORFs) from historically non-coding genomic regions. Surprisingly, many ncORFs express functional microproteins that play a vital role in human cancers. In this review, we provide a comprehensive description of different ncORF types with coding capacity and technological methods in discovering ncORFs among human genomes. We also summarize the carcinogenic role of ncORFs such as pTINCR and HOXB-AS3 in regulating hallmarks of cancer, as well as the roles of ncORFs such as HOXB-AS3 and CIP2A-BP in cancer diagnosis and prognosis. We also discuss how ncORFs such as AKT-174aa and DDUP are involved in anti-cancer drug response and the underestimated potential of ncORFs as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xiaolong Yang
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (A.G.); (C.C.)
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2
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Chen S, Ding P, Zhao Q. Comparison of the predictive performance of three lymph node staging systems for late-onset gastric cancer patients after surgery. Front Surg 2024; 11:1376702. [PMID: 38919979 PMCID: PMC11196640 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2024.1376702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Lymph node (LN) status is a vital prognostic factor for patients. However, there has been limited focus on predicting the prognosis of patients with late-onset gastric cancer (LOGC). This study aimed to investigate the predictive potential of the log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS), lymph node ratio (LNR), and pN stage in assessing the prognosis of patients diagnosed with LOGC. Methods The LOGC data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. This study evaluated and compared the predictive performance of three LN staging systems. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were carried out to identify prognostic factors for overall survival (OS). Three machine learning methods, namely, LASSO, XGBoost, and RF analyses, were subsequently used to identify the optimal LN staging system. A nomogram was built to predict the prognosis of patients with LOGC. The efficacy of the model was demonstrated through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and decision curve analysis. Results A total of 4,743 patients with >16 removed lymph nodes were ultimately included in this investigation. Three LN staging systems demonstrated significant performance in predicting survival outcomes (P < 0.001). The LNR exhibited the most important prognostic ability, as evidenced by the use of three machine learning methods. Utilizing independent factors derived from multivariate Cox regression analysis, a nomogram for OS was constructed. Discussion The calibration, C-index, and AUC revealed their excellent predictive performance. The LNR demonstrated a more powerful performance than other LN staging methods in LOGC patients after surgery. Our novel nomogram exhibited superior clinical feasibility and may assist in patient clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Chen
- Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Ping’an Ding
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Big Data Analysis and Mining Application for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastric Cancer Hebei Provincial Engineering Research Center, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Qun Zhao
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Big Data Analysis and Mining Application for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastric Cancer Hebei Provincial Engineering Research Center, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
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3
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Wu Y, Cao Y, Chen L, Lai X, Zhang S, Wang S. Role of Exosomes in Cancer and Aptamer-Modified Exosomes as a Promising Platform for Cancer Targeted Therapy. Biol Proced Online 2024; 26:15. [PMID: 38802766 PMCID: PMC11129508 DOI: 10.1186/s12575-024-00245-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are increasingly recognized as important mediators of intercellular communication in cancer biology. Exosomes can be derived from cancer cells as well as cellular components in tumor microenvironment. After secretion, the exosomes carrying a wide range of bioactive cargos can be ingested by local or distant recipient cells. The released cargos act through a variety of mechanisms to elicit multiple biological effects and impact most if not all hallmarks of cancer. Moreover, owing to their excellent biocompatibility and capability of being easily engineered or modified, exosomes are currently exploited as a promising platform for cancer targeted therapy. In this review, we first summarize the current knowledge of roles of exosomes in risk and etiology, initiation and progression of cancer, as well as their underlying molecular mechanisms. The aptamer-modified exosome as a promising platform for cancer targeted therapy is then briefly introduced. We also discuss the future directions for emerging roles of exosome in tumor biology and perspective of aptamer-modified exosomes in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Wu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Aptamers Technology, Affiliated Dongfang Hospital of School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, P. R. China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yue Cao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900 th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Li Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Aptamers Technology, Affiliated Dongfang Hospital of School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, P. R. China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900 th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xiaofeng Lai
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Aptamers Technology, Affiliated Dongfang Hospital of School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, P. R. China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900 th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Shenghang Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Aptamers Technology, Affiliated Dongfang Hospital of School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, P. R. China.
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900 th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China.
| | - Shuiliang Wang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Aptamers Technology, Affiliated Dongfang Hospital of School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, P. R. China.
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900 th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China.
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Zhou H, Wu Y, Cai J, Zhang D, Lan D, Dai X, Liu S, Song T, Wang X, Kong Q, He Z, Tan J, Zhang J. Micropeptides: potential treatment strategies for cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:134. [PMID: 38622617 PMCID: PMC11020647 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03281-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Some noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) carry open reading frames (ORFs) that can be translated into micropeptides, although noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been previously assumed to constitute a class of RNA transcripts without coding capacity. Furthermore, recent studies have revealed that ncRNA-derived micropeptides exhibit regulatory functions in the development of many tumours. Although some of these micropeptides inhibit tumour growth, others promote it. Understanding the role of ncRNA-encoded micropeptides in cancer poses new challenges for cancer research, but also offers promising prospects for cancer therapy. In this review, we summarize the types of ncRNAs that can encode micropeptides, highlighting recent technical developments that have made it easier to research micropeptides, such as ribosome analysis, mass spectrometry, bioinformatics methods, and CRISPR/Cas9. Furthermore, based on the distribution of micropeptides in different subcellular locations, we explain the biological functions of micropeptides in different human cancers and discuss their underestimated potential as diagnostic biomarkers and anticancer therapeutic targets in clinical applications, information that may contribute to the discovery and development of new micropeptide-based tools for early diagnosis and anticancer drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Zhou
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, 563000, China
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection & Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, 563000, China
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection & Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Ji Cai
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, 563000, China
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection & Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Zunyi Medical University Library, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Dongfeng Lan
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, 563000, China
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection & Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Xiaofang Dai
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, 563000, China
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection & Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Songpo Liu
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, 563000, China
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection & Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Tao Song
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, 563000, China
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection & Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Xianyao Wang
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, 563000, China
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection & Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Qinghong Kong
- Guizhou Provincial College-based Key Lab for Tumor Prevention and Treatment with Distinctive Medicines, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi563000, China
| | - Zhixu He
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Tissue Damage Repair and Regeneration Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China.
| | - Jun Tan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China.
| | - Jidong Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, 563000, China.
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection & Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Tissue Damage Repair and Regeneration Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China.
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Wang M, Shu H, Cheng X, Xiao H, Jin Z, Yao N, Mao S, Zong Z. Exosome as a crucial communicator between tumor microenvironment and gastric cancer (Review). Int J Oncol 2024; 64:28. [PMID: 38240092 PMCID: PMC10836496 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignancies and has relatively high morbidity and mortality rates. Exosomes are nanoscale extracellular vesicles that originate from a diverse array of cells and may be found throughout various bodily fluids. These vesicles are endogenous nanocarriers in their natural state with the unique ability to transport lipids, proteins, DNA and RNA. Exosomes contain DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids and other bioactive components that have crucial roles in the transmission of information and regulation of cell activities in gastric cancer. This paper begins with an exploration of the composition, formation and release mechanisms of exosomes. Subsequently, the role of exosomes in the tumor microenvironment is reviewed in terms of the immune cell population, nonimmune cell population and other factors. Finally, the current status and challenges of exosome‑based research on the progression, diagnosis and therapeutic methods of gastric cancer are summarized. This holistic review offers insight that may guide future research directions for exosomes and potentially pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions in the management of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghui Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
- HuanKui Academy, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Hongxin Shu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Xifu Cheng
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Hong Xiao
- Queen Marry College, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Zhenhua Jin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Nan Yao
- Queen Marry College, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Shengxun Mao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Zong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
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Wang K, Lu Y, Li H, Zhang J, Ju Y, Ouyang M. Role of long non-coding RNAs in metabolic reprogramming of gastrointestinal cancer cells. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:15. [PMID: 38184562 PMCID: PMC10770979 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03194-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming, which is recognized as a hallmark of cancer, refers to the phenomenon by which cancer cells change their metabolism to support their increased biosynthetic demands. Tumor cells undergo substantial alterations in metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, pentose phosphate pathway, tricarboxylic acid cycle, fatty acid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. Latest studies have revealed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a group of non-coding RNAs over 200 nucleotides long, mediate metabolic reprogramming in tumor cells by regulating the transcription, translation and post-translational modification of metabolic-related signaling pathways and metabolism-related enzymes through transcriptional, translational, and post-translational modifications of genes. In addition, lncRNAs are closely related to the tumor microenvironment, and they directly or indirectly affect the proliferation and migration of tumor cells, drug resistance and other processes. Here, we review the mechanisms of lncRNA-mediated regulation of glucose, lipid, amino acid metabolism and tumor immunity in gastrointestinal tumors, aiming to provide more information on effective therapeutic targets and drug molecules for gastrointestinal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Shunde Foshan), Shunde, Foshan, 528300, Guangdong, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Shunde Foshan), Shunde, Foshan, 528300, Guangdong, China
| | - Haibin Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Shunde Foshan), Shunde, Foshan, 528300, Guangdong, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Shunde Foshan), Shunde, Foshan, 528300, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Yongle Ju
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Shunde Foshan), Shunde, Foshan, 528300, Guangdong, China.
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
| | - Manzhao Ouyang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Shunde Foshan), Shunde, Foshan, 528300, Guangdong, China.
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
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Shah M, Sarkar D. HCC-Related lncRNAs: Roles and Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:597. [PMID: 38203767 PMCID: PMC10779127 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents a significant global health threat, particularly in regions endemic to hepatitis B and C viruses, and because of the ongoing pandemic of obesity causing metabolic-dysfunction-related fatty liver disease (MAFLD), a precursor to HCC. The molecular intricacies of HCC, genetic and epigenetic alterations, and dysregulated signaling pathways facilitate personalized treatment strategies based on molecular profiling. Epigenetic regulation, encompassing DNA methyltion, histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs, functions as a critical layer influencing HCC development. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are spotlighted for their diverse roles in gene regulation and their potential as diagnostic and therapeutic tools in cancer. In this review, we explore the pivotal role of lncRNAs in HCC, including MAFLD and viral hepatitis, the most prevalent risk factors for hepatocarcinogenesis. The dysregulation of lncRNAs is implicated in HCC progression by modulating chromatin regulation and transcription, sponging miRNAs, and influencing structural functions. The ongoing studies on lncRNAs contribute to a deeper comprehension of HCC pathogenesis and offer promising routes for precision medicine, highlighting the utility of lncRNAs as early biomarkers, prognostic indicators, and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimansha Shah
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
| | - Devanand Sarkar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, and VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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