The role of TOP2A in immunotherapy and vasculogenic mimicry in non-small cell lung cancer and its potential mechanism

Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals that MYBL2 in malignant epithelial cells is involved in the development and progression of ovarian cancer

Background

Ovarian carcinoma (OC) is a prevalent gynecological malignancy associated with high recurrence rates and mortality, often diagnosed at advanced stages. Despite advances in immunotherapy, immune exhaustion remains a significant challenge in achieving optimal tumor control. However, the exploration of intratumoral heterogeneity of malignant epithelial cells and the ovarian cancer tumor microenvironment is still limited, hindering our comprehensive understanding of the disease.

Materials and methods

Utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we comprehensively investigated the cellular composition across six ovarian cancer patients with omental metastasis. Our focus centered on analysis of the malignant epithelial cells. Employing CytoTRACE and slingshot pseudotime analyses, we identified critical subpopulations and explored associated transcription factors (TFs) influencing ovarian cancer progression. Furthermore, by integrating clinical factors from a large cohort of bulk RNA sequencing data, we have established a novel prognostic model to investigate the impact of the tumor immune microenvironment on ovarian cancer patients. Furthermore, we have investigated the condition of immunological exhaustion.

Results

Our study identified a distinct and highly proliferative subgroup of malignant epithelial cells, known as C2 TOP2A+ TCs. This subgroup primarily consisted of patients who hadn't received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Ovarian cancer patients with elevated TOP2A expression exhibited heightened sensitivity to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Moreover, the transcription factor MYBL2 in this subgroup played a critical role in ovarian cancer development. Additionally, we developed an independent prognostic indicator, the TOP2A TCs Risk Score (TTRS), which revealed a correlation between the High TTRS Group and unfavorable outcomes. Furthermore, immune infiltration and drug sensitivity analyses demonstrated increased responsiveness to Paclitaxel, Cisplatin, and Gemcitabine in the Low TTRS Group.

Conclusion

This research deepens our understanding of malignant epithelial cells in ovarian cancer and enhances our knowledge of the ovarian cancer immune microenvironment and immune exhaustion. We have revealed the heightened susceptibility of the C2 TOP2A+ TCs subgroup to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and emphasized the role of MYBL2 within the C2 subgroup in promoting the occurrence and progression of ovarian cancer. These insights provide valuable guidance for the management of ovarian cancer treatment.

Identification of hub genes and pathways in hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma: A comprehensive in silico study

Background and Aim

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the most common causes of liver cancer in the world. This study aims to provide a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the development and progression of HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by identifying hub genes and the pathways related to their functions.

Methods

GSE83148 and GSE94660 were selected from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with an adjusted p-value < 0.05 and a |logFC| ≥1 were identified. Common DEGs of two data sets were identified using the GEO2R tool. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and gene ontology (GO) databases were used to identify pathways. Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) analysis was performed by using the Cytoscap and Gephi. A Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) analysis was carried out to confirm the target genes.

Results

One hundred and ninety-eight common DEGs and 49 hub genes have been identified through the use of GEO and PPI, respectively. The GO and KEGG pathways analysis showed DEGs were enriched in the G1/S transition of cell cycle mitotic, cell cycle, spindle, and extracellular matrix structural constituent. The expression of four genes (TOP2A, CDK1, CCNA2, and CCNB2) with high scores in module 1 were more in tumor samples and have been identified by GEPIA analysis.

Conclusion

In this study, the hub genes and their related pathways involved in the development of HBV-associated HCC were identified. These genes, as potential diagnostic biomarkers, may provide a potent opportunity to detect HBV-associated HCC at the earliest stages, resulting in a more effective treatment.

Anti-cancer effects of Coix seed extract through KCTD9-mediated ubiquitination of TOP2A in lung adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Coix seed extract (CSE), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been reported as an adjunctive therapy in cancers. However, the molecular targets are largely unclear. The study is designed to unveil its function in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and the possible molecular mechanism.

METHODS

The HERB database was utilized to predict the molecular targets of the Coix seed, followed by prognostic value prediction in the Kaplan-Meier Plotter database. LUAD cells were infected with sh-KCTD9 after co-culture with CSE, and cell viability, growth, proliferation, and apoptosis were determined. The substrates of KCTD9 were predicted using a protein-protein interaction network and verified. The expression of PD-L1, the contents of TNF-α, IFN-γ, CXCL10, and CXCL9 in the co-culture system of LUAD cells and T cells and the proliferation of T cells were evaluated to study the immune escape of LUAD cells in response to CSE and sh-KCTD9. Lastly, tumor growth and immune escape were observed in tumor-bearing mice.

RESULTS

CSE inhibited malignant behavior and immune escape of LUAD cells, and the reduction of KCTD9 reversed the inhibitory effect of CSE on malignant behavior and immune escape of LUAD cells. Knockdown of KCTD9 expression inhibited ubiquitination modification of TOP2A, and knockdown of TOP2A suppressed immune escape of LUAD cells in the presence of knockdown of KCTD9. CSE exerted anticancer effects in mice, but the reduction of KCTD9 partially compromised the anticancer effect of CSE.

CONCLUSION

CSE inhibits immune escape and malignant progression of LUAD through KCTD9-mediated ubiquitination modification of TOP2A.