Transcriptional regulation of bcl-2 by nuclear factor kappa B and its significance in prostate cancer

A synergistic effect of triptolide and curcumin on rheumatoid arthritis by improving cell proliferation and inducing cell apoptosis via inhibition of the IL-17/NF-κB signaling pathway

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive, systemic autoimmune disease. While triptolide (TPL) and curcumin (CUR) are known to have multiple beneficial effects on RA, the combined effect of TPL and CUR remains unexplored. This study aimed to investigate their synergistic effect on cell proliferation and apoptosis via the IL-17/NF-κB signaling pathway. The collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model was established, showing severe joint and synovial damage compared to normal rats. Treatment with TPL and CUR reduced the severity of RA in the CIA rat model and alleviated serum inflammatory cytokines, such as rheumatoid factor, IL-17, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. The elevated levels of IL-17 and NF-κB in CIA rats were also inhibited, and the resistant apoptosis was aggravated by TPL and CUR. In vitro, the improvement of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis were observed in LPS-stimulated MH7A cells treated with TPL and CUR, associated with the inhibition of the IL-17/NF-κB signaling pathway. Taken together, a synergistic effect of TPL and CUR on RA may involve relieving symptoms, improving excessive proliferation, inducing apoptosis resistance, and inhibiting the IL-17/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Targeted BET inhibition with OPN-51107 synergizes with venetoclax in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) remains incurable and its ability to acquire resistance to front-line therapeutics has proved challenging. Bromodomain and extra-terminal proteins, particularly bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), are integral to gene expression in CLL and offer a promising therapeutic target. In this study, we examined the activity of the BRD4 inhibitor OPN-51107 alone and in combination with the BCL-2 inhibitor, venetoclax, in CLL cell lines and patient-derived CLL samples. We demonstrate that OPN-51107 induces anti-tumor activity in both CLL cell lines and patient-derived samples, including relapsed/refractory (R/R) samples and those with high-risk features (i.e. ATM and/or TP53 deletions). Importantly, the combination of OPN-51107 and venetoclax exhibited synergistic cytotoxicity in ibrutinib-resistant CLL cells and patient-derived CLL samples regardless of R/R or deletion status. This study establishes the preclinical efficacy of using OPN-51107 and venetoclax in combination in therapy-resistant and/or high-risk CLL, lending support for its further development as a combination therapy.

IL-18-secreting multiantigen targeting CAR T cells eliminate antigen-low myeloma in an immunocompetent mouse model

ABSTRACT

Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell malignancy that is currently incurable with conventional therapies. Following the success of CD19-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in leukemia and lymphoma, CAR T cells targeting B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) more recently demonstrated impressive activity in relapsed and refractory myeloma patients. However, BCMA-directed therapy can fail due to weak expression of BCMA on myeloma cells, suggesting that novel approaches to better address this antigen-low disease may improve patient outcomes. We hypothesized that engineered secretion of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-18 (IL-18) and multiantigen targeting could improve CAR T-cell activity against BCMA-low myeloma. In a syngeneic murine model of myeloma, CAR T cells targeting the myeloma-associated antigens BCMA and B-cell activating factor receptor (BAFF-R) failed to eliminate myeloma when these antigens were weakly expressed, whereas IL-18-secreting CAR T cells targeting these antigens promoted myeloma clearance. IL-18-secreting CAR T cells developed an effector-like T-cell phenotype, promoted interferon-gamma production, reprogrammed the myeloma bone marrow microenvironment through type-I/II interferon signaling, and activated macrophages to mediate antimyeloma activity. Simultaneous targeting of weakly-expressed BCMA and BAFF-R with dual-CAR T cells enhanced T-cell:target-cell avidity, increased overall CAR signal strength, and stimulated antimyeloma activity. Dual-antigen targeting augmented CAR T-cell secretion of engineered IL-18 and facilitated elimination of larger myeloma burdens in vivo. Our results demonstrate that combination of engineered IL-18 secretion and multiantigen targeting can eliminate myeloma with weak antigen expression through distinct mechanisms.

Foxq1 Promotes Alveolar Epithelial Cell Death through Tle1-mediated Inhibition of the NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a common respiratory disease characterized by diffuse alveolar injury and interstitial edema, as well as a hyperinflammatory response, lung cell damage, and oxidative stress. Foxq1, a member of the FOX family of transcription factors, is expressed in various tissues, such as the lungs, liver, and kidneys, and contributes to various biological processes, such as stress, metabolism, cell cycle arrest, and aging-related apoptosis. However, the role of Foxq1 in ALI is unknown. We constructed ex vivo and in vivo ALI models by LPS tracheal perfusion of ICR mice and conditioned medium stimulation of injured MLE-12 cells. Foxq1 expression was increased, and its localization was altered, in our ALI model. In normal or injured MLE-12 cells, knockdown of Foxq1 promoted cell survival, and overexpression had the opposite effect. This regulatory effect was likely mediated by Tle1 and the NF-κB/Bcl2/Bax signaling pathway. These data suggest a potential link between Foxq1 and ALI, indicating that Foxq1 can be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis of ALI. Targeted inhibition of Foxq1 expression could promote alveolar epithelial cell survival and may provide a strategy for mitigating ALI.

Myosin heavy chain-perinatal regulates skeletal muscle differentiation, oxidative phenotype and regeneration

Myosin heavy chain-perinatal (MyHC-perinatal) is one of two development-specific myosin heavy chains expressed exclusively during skeletal muscle development and regeneration. The specific functions of MyHC-perinatal are unclear, although mutations are known to lead to contracture syndromes such as Trismus-pseudocamptodactyly syndrome. Here, we characterize the functions of MyHC-perinatal during skeletal muscle differentiation and regeneration. Loss of MyHC-perinatal function leads to enhanced differentiation characterized by increased expression of myogenic regulatory factors and differentiation index as well as reduced reserve cell numbers in vitro. Proteomic analysis revealed that loss of MyHC-perinatal function results in a switch from oxidative to glycolytic metabolism in myofibers, suggesting a shift from slow type I to fast type IIb fiber type, also supported by reduced mitochondrial numbers. Paracrine signals mediate the effect of loss of MyHC-perinatal function on myogenic differentiation, possibly mediated by non-apoptotic caspase-3 signaling along with enhanced levels of the pro-survival apoptosis regulator Bcl2 and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB). Knockdown of MyHC-perinatal during muscle regeneration in vivo results in increased expression of the differentiation marker myogenin (MyoG) and impaired differentiation, evidenced by smaller myofibers, elevated fibrosis and reduction in the number of satellite cells. Thus, we find that MyHC-perinatal is a crucial regulator of myogenic differentiation, myofiber oxidative phenotype and regeneration.

Pseudolaric Acid B Targets CD147 to Selectively Kill Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive blood cancer. With low survival rates, new drug targets are needed to improve treatment regimens and patient outcomes. Pseudolaric acid B (PAB) is a plant-derived bioactive compound predicted to interact with cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147/BSG). CD147 is a transmembrane glycoprotein overexpressed in various malignancies with suggested roles in regulating cancer cell survival, proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis. However, the detailed function of PAB in AML remains unknown. In this study, AML cell lines and patient-derived cells were used to show that PAB selectively targeted AML (IC50: 1.59 ± 0.47 µM). Moreover, proliferation assays, flow cytometry, and immunoblotting confirmed that PAB targeting of CD147 resulted in AML cell apoptosis. Indeed, the genetic silencing of CD147 significantly suppressed AML cell growth and attenuated PAB activity. Overall, PAB imparts anti-AML activity through transmembrane glycoprotein CD147.

Profiling of Copy Number Alterations Using Low-Coverage Whole-Genome Sequencing Informs Differential Diagnosis and Prognosis in Primary Cutaneous Follicle Center Lymphoma

Primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma (PCFCL) has an excellent prognosis using local treatment, whereas nodal follicular lymphoma (nFL), occasionally presenting with cutaneous spread, often requires systemic therapy. Distinction of the 2 diseases based on histopathology alone might be challenging. Copy number alterations (CNAs) have scarcely been explored on a genome-wide scale in PCFCL; however, they might serve as potential biomarkers during differential diagnosis and risk stratification. Low-coverage whole-genome sequencing is a robust, high-throughput method for genome-wide copy number profiling. In this study, we analyzed 28 PCFCL samples from 20 patients and compared the copy number profiles with a cohort of diagnostic samples of 64 nFL patients. Although the copy number profile of PCFCL was similar to that of nFL, PCFCL lacked amplifications of 18q, with the frequency peaking at 18q21.33 in nFL cases involving the BCL2 locus (PCFCL: 5.0% vs nFL: 31.3%, P = .018, Fisher exact test). Development of distant cutaneous spread was significantly associated with higher genomic instability including the proportion of genome altered (0.02 vs 0.13, P = .033) and number of CNAs (2 vs 9 P = .017), as well as the enrichment of 2p22.2-p15 amplification involving REL and XPO1 (6.3% vs 60.0%, P = .005), 3q23-q24 amplification (0.0% vs 50.0%, P = .004), 6q16.1-q23.3 deletion (6.3% vs 50.0%, P = .018), and 9p21.3 deletion covering CDKN2A and CDKN2B loci (0.0% vs 40.0%, P = .014, all Fisher exact test) in PCFCL. Analysis of sequential tumor samples in 2 cases harboring an unfavorable clinical course pointed to the acquisition of 2p amplification in the earliest common progenitor underlining its pivotal role in malignant transformation. By performing genome-wide copy number profiling on the largest patient cohort to date, we identified distinctive CNA alterations conceivably facilitating the differential diagnosis of PCFCL and secondary cutaneous involvement of nFL and potentially aiding the risk stratification of patients with PCFCL in the future.

Exploration the mechanism of Shenling Baizhu San in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, network pharmacology and in vitro experimental verification

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Shenling Baizhu San (SLBZS) is a formula of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that enhances the functions of the qi, spleen, and lung. According to the theory of TCM, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often caused by lung qi deficiency, and SLBZS is often used in the treatment of COPD and has achieved remarkable results. However, the active components of SLBZS absorbed in serum and the underlying mechanism of SLBZS in treating COPD remain unclear and require further studies.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The objective of this study is to investigate the active components of SLBZS in rat serum, as well as the crucial targets and signaling pathways involved in the therapeutic effects of SLBZS for COPD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, the absorption components and metabolites of SLBZS in rat serum were identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). Second, potential targets of SLBZS for the treatment of COPD were acquired from publicly accessible online sources. Cytoscape (v3.7.0) software was used to construct a component-target-pathway network and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis of potential targets was performed using the Metascape database. The binding status of the active components in SLBZS to the potential targets was assessed with molecular docking technology. Finally, a cell model of COPD was successfully developed for experimental validation In vitro.

RESULTS

A total of 108 active components were identified, including 30 prototype components and 78 metabolites. A total of 292 potential targets for the treatment of COPD were identified, including TNF, IL-6, TLR9, RELA, and others. The KEGG pathway included inflammatory mediator regulation of TRP channels, necroptosis, and the NF-κB signaling pathway, among others. The In vitro experiments showed that SLBZS-containing serum had the ability to decrease the levels of inflammatory factors and cell death. Additionally, it was observed that SLBZS-containing serum could control the expression levels of TLR9, MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB, and IκBα at the mRNA and protein levels. These findings suggested that SLBZS-containing serum was likely to be involved in the regulation of the TLR9/NF-κB pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

The mechanism of action of SLBZS on COPD was preliminarily elucidated using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, network pharmacology, and In vitro experiments. The primary active components and potential targets of SLBZS were identified, providing a scientific foundation for further research.

Aberrant non-canonical NF-κB signalling reprograms the epigenome landscape to drive oncogenic transcriptomes in multiple myeloma

In multiple myeloma, abnormal plasma cells establish oncogenic niches within the bone marrow by engaging the NF-κB pathway to nurture their survival while they accumulate pro-proliferative mutations. Under these conditions, many cases eventually develop genetic abnormalities endowing them with constitutive NF-κB activation. Here, we find that sustained NF-κB/p52 levels resulting from such mutations favours the recruitment of enhancers beyond the normal B-cell repertoire. Furthermore, through targeted disruption of p52, we characterise how such enhancers are complicit in the formation of super-enhancers and the establishment of cis-regulatory interactions with myeloma dependencies during constitutive activation of p52. Finally, we functionally validate the pathological impact of these cis-regulatory modules on cell and tumour phenotypes using in vitro and in vivo models, confirming RGS1 as a p52-dependent myeloma driver. We conclude that the divergent epigenomic reprogramming enforced by aberrant non-canonical NF-κB signalling potentiates transcriptional programs beneficial for multiple myeloma progression.

The Role of the NF-kB Pathway in Intracranial Aneurysms

The pathophysiology of intracranial aneurysms (IA) has been proven to be closely linked to hemodynamic stress and inflammatory pathways, most notably the NF-kB pathway. Therefore, it is a potential target for therapeutic intervention. In the present review, we investigated alterations in the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), extracellular matrix, and endothelial cells by the mediators implicated in the NF-kB pathway that lead to the formation, growth, and rupture of IAs. We also present an overview of the NF-kB pathway, focusing on stimuli and transcriptional targets specific to IAs, as well as a summary of the current strategies for inhibiting NF-kB activation in IAs. Our report adds to previously reported data and future research directions for treating IAs using compounds that can suppress inflammation in the vascular wall.

Neutralizing tumor-related inflammation and reprogramming of cancer-associated fibroblasts by Curcumin in breast cancer therapy

Tumor-associated inflammation plays a vital role in cancer progression. Among the various stromal cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts are promising targets for cancer therapy. Several reports have indicated potent anti-inflammatory effects attributed to Curcumin. This study aimed to investigate whether inhibiting the inflammatory function of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) with Curcumin can restore anticancer immune responses. CAFs were isolated from breast cancer tissues, treated with Curcumin, and co-cultured with patients' PBMCs to evaluate gene expression and cytokine production alterations. Blood and breast tumor tissue samples were obtained from 12 breast cancer patients with stage II/III invasive ductal carcinoma. Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP) + CAFs were extracted from tumor tissue, treated with 10 μM Curcumin, and co-cultured with corresponding PBMCs. The expression of smooth muscle actin-alpha (α-SMA), Cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2), production of PGE2, and immune cell cytokines were evaluated using Real-Time PCR and ELISA, respectively. Analyzes showed that treatment with Curcumin decreased the expression of genes α-SMA and COX-2 and the production of PGE2 in CAFs. In PBMCs co-cultured with Curcumin-treated CAFs, the expression of FoxP3 decreased along with the production of TGF-β, IL-10, and IL-4. An increase in IFN-γ production was observed that followed by increased T-bet expression. According to our results, Curcumin could reprogram the pro-tumor phenotype of CAFs and increase the anti-tumor phenotype in PBMCs. Thus, CAFs, as a component of the tumor microenvironment, are a suitable target for combination immunotherapies of breast cancer.

Fn14 and TNFR2 as regulators of cytotoxic TNFR1 signaling

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor 1 (TNFR1), TNFR2 and fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14) belong to the TNF receptor superfamily (TNFRSF). From a structural point of view, TNFR1 is a prototypic death domain (DD)-containing receptor. In contrast to other prominent death receptors, such as CD95/Fas and the two TRAIL death receptors DR4 and DR5, however, liganded TNFR1 does not instruct the formation of a plasma membrane-associated death inducing signaling complex converting procaspase-8 into highly active mature heterotetrameric caspase-8 molecules. Instead, liganded TNFR1 recruits the DD-containing cytoplasmic signaling proteins TRADD and RIPK1 and empowers these proteins to trigger cell death signaling by cytosolic complexes after their release from the TNFR1 signaling complex. The activity and quality (apoptosis versus necroptosis) of TNF-induced cell death signaling is controlled by caspase-8, the caspase-8 regulatory FLIP proteins, TRAF2, RIPK1 and the RIPK1-ubiquitinating E3 ligases cIAP1 and cIAP2. TNFR2 and Fn14 efficiently recruit TRAF2 along with the TRAF2 binding partners cIAP1 and cIAP2 and can thereby limit the availability of these molecules for other TRAF2/cIAP1/2-utilizing proteins including TNFR1. Accordingly, at the cellular level engagement of TNFR2 or Fn14 inhibits TNFR1-induced RIPK1-mediated effects reaching from activation of the classical NFκB pathway to induction of apoptosis and necroptosis. In this review, we summarize the effects of TNFR2- and Fn14-mediated depletion of TRAF2 and the cIAP1/2 on TNFR1 signaling at the molecular level and discuss the consequences this has in vivo.

A computational model of the DNA damage-induced IKK/ NF-κB pathway reveals a critical dependence on irradiation dose and PARP-1

The activation of IKK/NF-κB by genotoxic stress is a crucial process in the DNA damage response. Due to the anti-apoptotic impact of NF-κB, it can affect cell-fate decisions upon DNA damage and therefore interfere with tumor therapy-induced cell death. Here, we developed a dynamical model describing IKK/NF-κB signaling that faithfully reproduces quantitative time course data and enables a detailed analysis of pathway regulation. The approach elucidates a pathway topology with two hubs, where the first integrates signals from two DNA damage sensors and the second forms a coherent feedforward loop. The analyses reveal a critical role of the sensor protein PARP-1 in the pathway regulation. Introducing a method for calculating the impact of changes in individual components on pathway activity in a time-resolved manner, we show how irradiation dose influences pathway activation. Our results give a mechanistic understanding relevant for the interpretation of experimental and clinical studies.

Molecular determinants of the response of cancer cells towards geldanamycin and its derivatives

Geldanamycin is an ansamycin-derivative of a benzoquinone isolated from Streptomyces hygroscopicus. It inhibits tyrosine kinases and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90). Geldanamycin and 11 derivatives were subjected to molecular docking to HSP90, and 17-desmethoxy-17-N,N-dimethylamino-geldanamycin (17-DMAG) was the compound with the highest binding affinity (-7.73 ± 0.12 kcal/mol) and the lowest inhibition constant (2.16 ± 0.49 μM). Therefore, 17-DMAG was selected for further experiments in comparison to geldanamycin. Multidrug resistance (MDR) represents a major problem for successful cancer therapy. We tested geldanamycin and 17-DMAG against various drug-resistant cancer cell lines. Although geldanamycin and 17-DMAG inhibited the proliferation in all cell lines tested, multidrug-resistant P-glycoprotein-overexpressing CEM/ADR5000 cells were cross-resistant, ΔEGFR-overexpressing tumor cells and p53 knockout cells were sensitive to these two compounds. COMPARE and hierarchical cluster analyses were performed, and 60 genes were identified to predict the sensitivity or resistance of 59 NCI tumor cell lines towards geldanamycin and 17-DMAG. The distribution of cell lines according to their mRNA expression profiles indicated sensitivity or resistance to both compounds with statistical significance. Moreover, bioinformatic tools were used to study possible mechanisms of action of geldanamycin and 17-DMAG. Galaxy Cistrome analyses were carried out to predict transcription factor binding motifs in the promoter regions of the candidate genes. Interestingly, the NF-ĸB DNA binding motif (Rel) was identified as the top transcription factor. Furthermore, these 60 genes were subjected to Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) to study the signaling pathway interactions of these genes. Interestingly, IPA also revealed the NF-ĸB pathway as the top network among these genes. Finally, NF-ĸB reporter assays confirmed the bioinformatic prediction, and both geldanamycin and 17-DMAG significantly inhibited NF-κB activity after exposure for 24 h. In conclusion, geldanamycin and 17-DMAG exhibited cytotoxic activity against different tumor cell lines. Their activity was not restricted to HSP90 but indicated an involvement of the NF-KB pathway.

β-D-Glucan promotes NF-κB activation and ameliorates high-LET carbon-ion irradiation-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell injury

Background/aim

Heavy-ion irradiation seriously perturbs cellular homeostasis and thus damages cells. Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) play an important role in the pathological process of radiation damage. Protecting ECs from heavy-ion radiation is of great significance in the radioprotection of normal tissues. In this study, the radioprotective effect of β-D-glucan (BG) derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (EA.hy926) cytotoxicity produced by carbon-ion irradiation was examined and the probable mechanism was established.

Materials and methods

EA.hy926 cells were divided into seven groups: a control group; 1, 2, or 4 Gy radiation; and 10 μg/mL BG pretreatment for 24 h before 1, 2, or 4 Gy irradiation. Cell survival was assessed by colony formation assay. Cell cycles, apoptosis, DNA damage, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured through flow cytometry. The level of malondialdehyde and antioxidant enzyme activities were analyzed using assay kits. The activation of NF-κB was analyzed using western blotting and a transcription factor assay kit. The expression of downstream target genes was detected by western blotting.

Results

BG pretreatment significantly increased the survival of irradiated cells, improved cell cycle progression, and decreased DNA damage and apoptosis. The levels of ROS and malondialdehyde were also decreased by BG. Further study indicated that BG increased the antioxidant enzyme activities, activated Src, and promoted NF-κB activation, especially for the p65, p50, and RelB subunits. The activated NF-κB upregulated the expression of antioxidant protein MnSOD, DNA damage-response and repair-related proteins BRCA2 and Hsp90α, and antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that BG protects EA.hy926 cells from high linear-energy-transfer carbon-ion irradiation damage through the upregulation of prosurvival signaling triggered by the interaction of BG with its receptor. This confirms that BG is a promising radioprotective agent for heavy-ion exposure.

Selenium Nanoparticles Control H1N1 Virus by Inhibiting Inflammatory Response and Cell Apoptosis

The treatment of influenza caused by H1N1 has been the focus of much attention. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have been used in many aspects of research in the last two decades. They have shown excellent performance in antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant functions. Previous anti-H1N1 cell experiments using SeNPs have shown that they have evident antiviral effects and low toxicities. This study focuses on the mechanism of selenium nanoparticles against an H1N1 influenza virus infection in vivo. The results showed that the selenium levels in the body decreased after an H1N1 virus infection, and inflammatory factors in the lung tissues increased abnormally, leading to the onset and aggravation of an inflammatory response. The H1N1 virus infection also led to the excessive activation of apoptotic pathways in the body and induced the apoptosis of tissue cells. In addition, this study found that SeNPs can alleviate this phenomenon. All results showed that SeNPs are promising inhibitors for controlling influenza H1N1 virus infections.

Current Understanding of Flavonoids in Cancer Therapy and Prevention

Cancer is a major cause of death worldwide, with multiple pathophysiological manifestations. In particular, genetic abnormalities, inflammation, bad eating habits, radiation exposure, work stress, and toxin consumption have been linked to cancer disease development and progression. Recently, natural bioactive chemicals known as polyphenols found in plants were shown to have anticancer capabilities, destroying altered or malignant cells without harming normal cells. Flavonoids have demonstrated antioxidant, antiviral, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. Flavonoid type, bioavailability, and possible method of action determine these biological actions. These low-cost pharmaceutical components have significant biological activities and are beneficial for several chronic disorders, including cancer. Recent research has focused primarily on isolating, synthesizing, and studying the effects of flavonoids on human health. Here we have attempted to summarize our current knowledge of flavonoids, focusing on their mode of action to better understand their effects on cancer.

Estrogen-dependent activation of NCOA3 couples with p300 and NF-κB to mediate antiapoptotic genes in ER-positive breast cancer cells

Circumvention of apoptosis by the elevation of antiapoptotic proteins is an important cause of carcinogenesis. The induction of antiapoptotic genes, including B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (BCL2), BCL2 related protein A1 (BCL2A1), BCL2 like 1 (BCL2L1), BCL2L2, and myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL1), has been observed in multiple cancers, including breast cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms of their overexpression are still being investigated. Here, we revealed that BCL2, BCL2A1, BCL2L2, and MCL1 but not BCL2L1 were overexpressed in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer cells and clinical biopsies. Stimulation with estrogen in ER-positive cell lines resulted in a dose-dependent increase in BCL2, BCL2A1, BCL2L2, and MCL1 mRNA levels. Molecular investigation revealed that nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) recruited histone acetyltransferase p300 and nuclear receptor coactivator 3 (NCOA3) to form a transcriptional complex. This complex docked the promoters of BCL2, BCL2A1, BCL2L2, and MCL1 and activated their expression. Interestingly, estrogen exposure dose-dependently activated NCOA3. Depletion of the NCOA3-p300-NF-κB components or blockage of NCOA3 function with inhibitors (gossypol and bufalin) in ER-positive cells suppressed BCL2, BCL2A1, BCL2L2, and MCL1 expression, while also decreasing cell viability, colony formation, cell invasion, and tumor growth. Collectively, our results demonstrate an upstream signaling that activates four antiapoptotic genes in ER-positive breast cancer cells. Importantly, our results also imply that targeting NCOA3 or blocking the assembly of the NCOA3-p300-NF-κB complex may be promising therapeutic strategies for treating ER-positive breast cancer.

The good Samaritan glutathione-S-transferase P1: An evolving relationship in nitric oxide metabolism mediated by the direct interactions between multiple effector molecules

Glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) are phase II detoxification isozymes that conjugate glutathione (GSH) to xenobiotics and also suppress redox stress. It was suggested that GSTs have evolved not to enhance their GSH affinity, but to better interact with and metabolize cytotoxic nitric oxide (NO). The interactions between NO and GSTs involve their ability to bind and store NO as dinitrosyl-dithiol iron complexes (DNICs) within cells. Additionally, the association of GSTP1 with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) results in its inhibition. The function of NO in vasodilation together with studies associating GSTM1 or GSTT1 null genotypes with preeclampsia, additionally suggests an intriguing connection between NO and GSTs. Furthermore, suppression of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity occurs upon increased levels of GSTP1 or NO that decreases transcription of JNK target genes such as c-Jun and c-Fos, which inhibit apoptosis. This latter effect is mediated by the direct association of GSTs with MAPK proteins. GSTP1 can also inhibit nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling through its interactions with IKKβ and Iκα, resulting in decreased iNOS expression and the stimulation of apoptosis. It can be suggested that the inhibitory activity of GSTP1 within the JNK and NF-κB pathways may be involved in crosstalk between survival and apoptosis pathways and modulating NO-mediated ROS generation. These studies highlight an innovative role of GSTs in NO metabolism through their interaction with multiple effector proteins, with GSTP1 functioning as a "good Samaritan" within each pathway to promote favorable cellular conditions and NO levels.

Venetoclax improves CD20 immunotherapy in a mouse model of MYC/BCL2 double-expressor diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Approximately one-third of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients exhibit co-expression of MYC and BCL2 (double-expressor lymphoma, DEL) and have a dismal prognosis. Targeted inhibition of the anti-apoptotic protein BCL2 with venetoclax (ABT-199) has been approved in multiple B-cell malignancies and is currently being investigated in clinical trials for DLBCL. Whether BCL2 anti-apoptotic function represents a multifaceted vulnerability for DEL-DLBCL, affecting both lymphoma B cells and T cells within the tumor microenvironment, remains to be elucidated.

METHODS

Here, we present novel genetically engineered mice that preclinically recapitulate DEL-DLBCL lymphomagenesis, and evaluate their sensitivity ex vivo and in vivo to the promising combination of venetoclax with anti-CD20-based standard immunotherapy.

RESULTS

Venetoclax treatment demonstrated specific killing of MYC⁺/BCL2⁺ lymphoma cells by licensing their intrinsically primed apoptosis, and showed previously unrecognized immunomodulatory activity by specifically enriching antigen-activated effector CD8 T cells infiltrating the tumors. Whereas DEL-DLBCL mice were refractory to venetoclax alone, inhibition of BCL2 significantly extended overall survival of mice that were simultaneously treated with a murine surrogate for anti-CD20 rituximab.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the combination of anti-CD20-based immunotherapy and BCL2 inhibition leads to cooperative immunomodulatory effects and improved preclinical responses, which may offer promising therapeutic opportunities for DEL-DLBCL patients.

BCL-2 protein family: attractive targets for cancer therapy

Acquired resistance to cell death is a hallmark of cancer. The BCL-2 protein family members play important roles in controlling apoptotic cell death. Abnormal over-expression of pro-survival BCL-2 family members or abnormal reduction of pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins, both resulting in the inhibition of apoptosis, are frequently detected in diverse malignancies. The critical role of the pro-survival and pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins in the regulation of apoptosis makes them attractive targets for the development of agents for the treatment of cancer. This review describes the roles of the various pro-survival and pro-apoptotic members of the BCL-2 protein family in normal development and organismal function and how defects in the control of apoptosis promote the development and therapy resistance of cancer. Finally, we discuss the development of inhibitors of pro-survival BCL-2 proteins, termed BH3-mimetic drugs, as novel agents for cancer therapy.

DNA Damage Response-Associated Cell Cycle Re-Entry and Neuronal Senescence in Brain Aging and Alzheimer's Disease

Chronological aging is by far the strongest risk factor for age-related dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Senescent cells accumulated in the aging and Alzheimer's disease brains are now recognized as the keys to describing such an association. Cellular senescence is a classic phenomenon characterized by stable cell arrest, which is thought to be applicable only to dividing cells. Emerging evidence indicates that fully differentiated post-mitotic neurons are also capable of becoming senescent, with roles in contributing to both brain aging and disease pathogenesis. The key question that arises is the identity of the upstream triggers and the molecular mechanisms that underly such changes. Here, we highlight the potential role of persistent DNA damage response as the major driver of senescent phenotypes and discuss the current evidence and molecular mechanisms that connect DNA repair infidelity, cell cycle re-entry and terminal fate decision in committing neuronal cell senescence.

Biological relevance of ZNF224 expression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and its implication IN NF-kB pathway regulation

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a heterogeneous disease, whose presentation and clinical course are highly variable. Identification of novel prognostic factors may contribute to improving the CLL classification and providing indications for treatment options. The zinc finger protein ZNF224 plays a key role in cell transformation, through the control of apoptotic and survival pathways. In this study, we evaluated the potential application of ZNF224 as a novel marker of CLL progression and therapy responsiveness. To this aim, we analyzed ZNF224 expression levels in B lymphocytes from CLL patients at different stages of the disease and in patients showing different treatment outcomes. The expression of ZNF224 was significantly increased in disease progression and dramatically decreased in patients in complete remission after chemotherapy. Gene expression correlation analysis performed on datasets of CLL patients revealed that ZNF224 expression was well correlated with that of some prognostic and predictive markers. Moreover, bioinformatic analysis coupled ZNF224 to NF-κB pathway, and experimental data demonstrated that RNA interference of ZNF224 reduced the activity of the NF-κB survival pathway in CLL cells. Consistently with a pro-survival role, ZNF224 knockdown raised spontaneous and drug-induced apoptosis and inhibited the proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from CLL patients. Our findings provide evidence for the involvement of ZNF224 in the survival of CLL cells via NF-κB pathway modulation, and also suggest ZNF224 as a prognostic and predictive molecular marker of CLL disease.

Revealing β-TrCP activity dynamics in live cells with a genetically encoded biosensor

The F-box protein beta-transducin repeat containing protein (β-TrCP) acts as a substrate adapter for the SCF E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, plays a crucial role in cell physiology, and is often deregulated in many types of cancers. Here, we develop a fluorescent biosensor to quantitatively measure β-TrCP activity in live, single cells in real-time. We find β-TrCP remains constitutively active throughout the cell cycle and functions to maintain discreet steady-state levels of its substrates. We find no correlation between expression levels of β-TrCP and β-TrCP activity, indicating post-transcriptional regulation. A high throughput screen of small-molecules using our reporter identifies receptor-tyrosine kinase signaling as a key axis for regulating β-TrCP activity by inhibiting binding between β-TrCP and the core SCF complex. Our study introduces a method to monitor β-TrCP activity in live cells and identifies a key signaling network that regulates β-TrCP activity throughout the cell cycle.

Transcriptional signatures of the BCL2 family for individualized acute myeloid leukaemia treatment

BACKGROUND

Although anti-apoptotic proteins of the B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2) family have been utilized as therapeutic targets in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), their complicated regulatory networks make individualized therapy difficult. This study aimed to discover the transcriptional signatures of BCL2 family genes that reflect regulatory dynamics, which can guide individualized therapeutic strategies.

METHODS

From three AML RNA-seq cohorts (BeatAML, LeuceGene, and TCGA; n = 451, 437, and 179, respectively), we constructed the BCL2 family signatures (BFSigs) by applying an innovative gene-set selection method reflecting biological knowledge followed by non-negative matrix factorization (NMF). To demonstrate the significance of the BFSigs, we conducted modelling to predict response to BCL2 family inhibitors, clustering, and functional enrichment analysis. Cross-platform validity of BFSigs was also confirmed using NanoString technology in a separate cohort of 47 patients.

RESULTS

We established BFSigs labeled as the BCL2, MCL1/BCL2, and BFL1/MCL1 signatures that identify key anti-apoptotic proteins. Unsupervised clustering based on BFSig information consistently classified AML patients into three robust subtypes across different AML cohorts, implying the existence of biological entities revealed by the BFSig approach. Interestingly, each subtype has distinct enrichment patterns of major cancer pathways, including MAPK and mTORC1, which propose subtype-specific combination treatment with apoptosis modulating drugs. The BFSig-based classifier also predicted response to venetoclax with remarkable performance (area under the ROC curve, AUROC = 0.874), which was well-validated in an independent cohort (AUROC = 0.950). Lastly, we successfully confirmed the validity of BFSigs using NanoString technology.

CONCLUSIONS

This study proposes BFSigs as a biomarker for the effective selection of apoptosis targeting treatments and cancer pathways to co-target in AML.

Dysregulation of miRISC Regulatory Network Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Targeting PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains the third leading malignancy worldwide, causing high mortality in adults and children. The neuropathology-associated gene AEG-1 functions as a scaffold protein to correctly assemble the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) and optimize or increase its activity. The overexpression of oncogenic miRNAs periodically degrades the target tumor suppressor genes. Oncogenic miR-221 plays a seminal role in the carcinogenesis of HCC. Hence, the exact molecular and biological functions of the oncogene clusters miR-221/AEG-1 axis have not yet been examined widely in HCC. Here, we explored the expression of both miR-221 and AEG-1 and their target/associate genes by qRT-PCR and western blot. In addition, the role of the miR-221/AEG-1 axis was studied in the HCC by flow cytometry analysis. The expression level of the AEG-1 did not change in the miR-221 mimic, and miR-221-transfected HCC cells, on the other hand, decreased the miR-221 expression in AEG-1 siRNA-transfected HCC cells. The miR-221/AEG-1 axis silencing induces apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest and inhibits cellular proliferation and angiogenesis by upregulating p57, p53, RB, and PTEN and downregulating LSF, LC3A, Bcl-2, OPN, MMP9, PI3K, and Akt in HCC cells.

How to Inhibit Nuclear Factor-Kappa B Signaling: Lessons from Poxviruses

The Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) family of transcription factors regulates key host inflammatory and antiviral gene expression programs, and thus, is often activated during viral infection through the action of pattern-recognition receptors and cytokine–receptor interactions. In turn, many viral pathogens encode strategies to manipulate and/or inhibit NF-κB signaling. This is particularly exemplified by vaccinia virus (VV), the prototypic poxvirus, which encodes at least 18 different inhibitors of NF-κB signaling. While many of these poxviral NF-κB inhibitors are not required for VV replication in cell culture, they virtually all modulate VV virulence in animal models, underscoring the important influence of poxvirus–NF-κB pathway interactions on viral pathogenesis. Here, we review the diversity of mechanisms through which VV-encoded antagonists inhibit initial NF-κB pathway activation and NF-κB signaling intermediates, as well as the activation and function of NF-κB transcription factor complexes.

Targeting a Novel G-Quadruplex in the CARD11 Oncogene Promoter with Naptho(2,1-b)furan-1-ethanol,2-nitro- Requires the Nitro Group

The aggressive nature of the activated B cell such as (ABC) subtype of diffuse large B cell (DLBCL) is frequently associated with altered B cell Receptor (BCR) signaling through the activation of key components including the scaffolding protein, CARD11. Most inhibitors, such as ibrutinib, target downstream BCR kinases with often modest and temporary responses for DLBCL patients. Here, we pursue an alternative strategy to target the BCR pathway by leveraging a novel DNA secondary structure to repress transcription. We discovered that a highly guanine (G)-rich element within the CARD11 promoter forms a stable G-quadruplex (G4) using circular dichroism and polymerase stop biophysical techniques. We then identified a small molecule, naptho(2,1-b)furan-1-ethanol,2-nitro- (NSC373981), from a fluorescence-resonance energy transfer-based screen that stabilized CARD11 G4 and inhibited CARD11 transcription in DLBCL cells. In generating and testing analogs of NSC373981, we determined that the nitro group is likely essential for the downregulation of CARD11 and interaction with CARD11 G4, and the removal of the ethanol side chain enhanced this activity. Of note, the expression of BCL2 and MYC, two other key oncogenes in DLBCL pathology with known promoter G4 structures, were often concurrently repressed with NSC373981 and the highly potent R158 analog. Our findings highlight a novel approach to treat aggressive DLBCL by silencing CARD11 gene expression that warrants further investigation.

HSP90 Inhibitor Ganetespib Enhances the Sensitivity of Mantle Cell Lymphoma to Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Ibrutinib

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a highly aggressive and heterogeneous B-cell lymphoma. Though Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor ibrutinib has shown great efficacy as a single agent for MCL treatment, the real-world use of ibrutinib is still subject to limitations. Our previous study has shown the treatment with HSP90 inhibitor ganetespib can attack major targets of MCL, luckily complementary to ibrutinib’s targets. In this study, transient ganetespib treatment sensitizes MCL cells to ibrutinib as manifested by the significant decrease of IC50 values, percentages of EdU (5-Ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine) positive cells, and levels of p-AKT and NF-κB after combinational treatment. Additionally, pretreatment with ganetespib enhanced cell cycle arrest induced by ibrutinib at G0/G1 phase and significantly decreased levels of cell cycle promoting proteins CDK2, 4, and 6. Pretreatment with ganetespib also enhanced cell apoptosis induced by ibrutinib through the upregulation of cleaved-caspase 9 and downregulation of BCL-2 in MCL cells at the molecular level. The sequential administration of ganetespib and ibrutinib had similar effects on increasing DNA damage as the transient treatment with ganetespib as demonstrated by the improved percentage of γH2AX and 53BP1 foci. Furthermore, ganetespib significantly increased inhibition of tumor growth mediated by ibrutinib in vivo, confirmed by the changes of the expression levels of Ki-67 and BCL-2 through immunohistochemistry assays. This study indicates that HSP90 inhibitor ganetespib maybe ideal for the combinational use with BTK inhibitor ibrutinib to target major pathogenesis-associated signaling pathways for MCL treatment which may help identify new possibilities for clinical trials.

Distinct Gene Expression Patterns of Calcium Channels and Related Signaling Pathways Discovered in Lymphomas

Cell surface calcium (Ca2+) channels permit Ca2+ ion influx, with Ca2+ taking part in cellular functions such as proliferation, survival, and activation. The expression of voltage-dependent Ca2+ (CaV) channels may modulate the growth of hematologic cancers. Profile analysis of Ca2+ channels, with a focus on the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) and L-type CaV channels, was performed on RNA sequencing data from lymphoma cell lines and samples derived from patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). CaV1.2 expression was found to be elevated in classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) cell lines when compared to other B cell lymphoma cell lines. In contrast, CHL exhibited reduced expression of ORAI2 and STIM2. In our differential expression analysis comparing activated B cell-like DLBCL (ABC-DLBCL) and germinal centre B cell-like DLBCL (GCB-DLBCL) patient samples, ABC-DLBCL revealed stronger expression of CaV1.3, whereas CaV1.1, CaV1.2, and CaV1.4 showed greater expression levels in GCB-DLBCL. Interestingly, no differences in ORAI/STIM expression were noted in the patient samples. As Ca2+ is known to bind to calmodulin, leading to calcineurin activation and the passage of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) to the cell nucleus, pathways for calcineurin, calmodulin, NFAT, and Ca2+ signaling were also analyzed by gene set enrichment analysis. The NFAT and Ca2+ signaling pathways were found to be upregulated in the CHL cell lines relative to other B cell lymphoma cell lines. Furthermore, the calmodulin and Ca2+ signaling pathways were shown to be downregulated in the ABC-DLBCL patient samples. The findings of this study suggest that L-type CaV channels and Ca2+-related pathways could serve as differentiating components for biologic therapies in targeted lymphoma treatments.

Necroptosis in heart disease: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic implications

Cell death is a crucial event underlying cardiac ischemic injury, pathological remodeling, and heart failure. Unlike apoptosis, necrosis had long been regarded as a passive and unregulated process. However, recent studies demonstrate that a significant subset of necrotic cell death is actively mediated through regulated pathways - a process known as "regulated necrosis". As a form of regulated necrosis, necroptosis is mediated by death receptors and executed through the activation of receptor interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) and its downstream substrate mixed lineage kinase-like domain (MLKL). Recent studies have provided compelling evidence that necroptosis plays an important role in myocardial homeostasis, ischemic injury, pathological remodeling, and heart failure. Moreover, it has been shown that genetic and pharmacological manipulations of the necroptosis signaling pathway elicit cardioprotective effects. Important progress has also been made regarding the molecular mechanisms that regulate necroptotic cell death in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we discuss molecular and cellular mechanisms of necroptosis, potential crosstalk between necroptosis and other cell death pathways, functional implications of necroptosis in heart disease, and new therapeutic strategies that target necroptosis signaling.

Overexpression of the PPAR-γ protein in primary Ta/T1 non-muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) is a well-known nuclear receptor that is activated in the nucleus to regulate several transcription factors. Its expression patterns have been examined in various types of cancer. The present study investigated the expression patterns of PPAR-γ in non-muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma. The expression rates of PPAR-γ, p53 and Ki-67 were compared to determine whether PPAR-γ may be considered as an immunobiomarker for bladder cancer. The intensity and extent of PPAR-γ expression were evaluated in 79 cases of non-muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma (30 cases of papillary carcinoma low-grade, 30 cases of high-grade and 19 cases of carcinoma in situ) and 30 non-malignant cases. The nuclear overexpression of PPAR-γ was frequently observed in non-muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma (63/79 cases) but was rarely detected in non-malignant cases (2/30 cases). The histological proliferation types of non-muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma revealed that PPAR-γ was more frequently overexpressed in papillary carcinoma (54/60 cases) than in carcinoma in situ (9/19 cases). Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that PPAR-γ was more useful as an immunobiomarker than p53 or Ki-67 (diagnostic odds ratios; 55.13, 16.82 and 11.13, respectively). In summary, this study demonstrated that the expression patterns of PPAR-γ were associated with histological proliferation type and that PPAR-γ was expressed in the nuclei of papillary carcinoma cells. These findings suggested that immunohistochemical staining for PPAR-γ may be used to comprehensively detect non-muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma.

Activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling by gallic acid suppresses progression of human breast cancer in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND

Despite the significant advances in diagnosis and treatment, breast cancer remains the most common malignancy and the second cause of death in women. Increasingly, preclinical evidence has suggested aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr), a ligand activated transcription factor, a promising therapeutic target in breast cancer.

PURPOSE

This study aims at screening a number of phenolic compounds to identify an Ahr ligand with suppressive effects on human breast cancer.

METHODS

Potential interactions between Ahr and phenolic compounds were predicted in silico, and physical interaction was examined by ligand competitive binding in vitro. The MDA-MB-231 and T47D breast cancer cell lines were used to examine the expression of Ahr downstream genes and progression of breast cancer cells in vitro. Binding of Ahr/Ahr nuclear transporter (Arnt) complex to the xenobiotic-responsive element (XRE)-box was examined by DNA-protein interaction (DPI)-ELISA, promoter activity was assessed using luciferase reporter system, and RNA interreference was carried out using electroporation. The real-time PCR and/or immunoblotting were used to quantify gene expressions. Tumor growth in vivo was assessed using a murine orthotopic model.

RESULTS

A combined computational modeling and in vitro approaches identified gallic acid (GA) as an Ahr ligand with agonistic properties. It induced binding of Ahr/Arnt to the XRE-box, enhanced the promoter activity and expression of Ahr downstream genes including cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), and SRY-related HMG-box4 (SOX4)-targeting miR-212/132 cluster and miR-335 in both MDA-MB-231 and T47D cells. GA increased apoptosis while decreased proliferation, migration and invasion capacities of breast cancer cells in an Ahr-dependent fashion. Furthermore, it reduced the levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and SOX4, while selectively increased that of tumor protein 53 (P53), in an Ahr-dependent and -independent fashions. In an in vivo orthotopic model, GA activated Ahr signaling and reduced the growth of breast cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

We identified GA as an Ahr phenolic ligand, and provided evidence on the role of Ahr in mediating its anti-breast cancer effects, indicating that GA, and possibly other phenolic compounds, have important therapeutic implications in human breast cancer through activation of Ahr signaling.

Inflammation, Fibrosis and Cancer: Mechanisms, Therapeutic Options and Challenges

Uncontrolled inflammation is a salient factor in multiple chronic inflammatory diseases and cancers. In this review, we provided an in-depth analysis of the relationships and distinctions between uncontrolled inflammation, fibrosis and cancers, while emphasizing the challenges and opportunities of developing novel therapies for the treatment and/or management of these diseases. We described how drug delivery systems, combination therapy and the integration of tissue-targeted and/or pathways selective strategies could overcome the challenges of current agents for managing and/or treating chronic inflammatory diseases and cancers. We also recognized the value of the re-evaluation of the disease-specific roles of multiple pathways implicated in the pathophysiology of chronic inflammatory diseases and cancers-as well as the application of data from single-cell RNA sequencing in the success of future drug discovery endeavors.

The complexity of biological control systems: An autophagy case study

Autophagy and YAP1-WWTR1/TAZ signalling are tightly linked in a complex control system of forward and feedback pathways which determine different cellular outcomes in differing cell types at different time-points after perturbations. Here we extend our previous experimental and modelling approaches to consider two possibilities. First, we have performed additional mathematical modelling to explore how the autophagy-YAP1 crosstalk may be controlled by posttranslational modifications of components of the pathways. Second, since analogous contrasting results have also been reported for autophagy as a regulator of other transduction pathways engaged in tumorigenesis (Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β/Smads, NF-kB or XIAP/cIAPs), we have considered if such discrepancies may be explicable through situations involving competing pathways and feedback loops in different cell types, analogous to the autophagy-YAP/TAZ situation. Since distinct posttranslational modifications dominate those pathways in distinct cells, these need to be understood to enable appropriate cell type-specific therapeutic strategies for cancers and other diseases.

Association of B-cell lymphoma 2/microRNA-497 gene expression ratio score with metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer: A propensity-matched cohort analysis

Background

Deregulated microRNAs (miRs) significantly impact cancer development and progression. Our in silico analysis revealed that miR‐497 and its target gene B‐cell lymphoma‐2 (BCL2) could be related to poor cancer outcomes.

Purpose

To investigate the BCL2/miRNA‐497 expression ratio in colorectal cancer (CRC) and explore its association with the clinicopathological characteristics and CRC prognosis.

Methods

Archived samples from 106 CRC patients were enrolled. MiR‐497 and BCL2 gene expressions were detected by Taq‐Man Real‐Time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in propensity‐matched metastatic and nonmetastatic cohorts after elimination of confounder bias.

Results

B‐cell lymphoma‐2 gene was upregulated in metastatic samples (median = 1.16, 95%CI = 1.09–1.60) compared to nonmetastatic (median = 1.02, 95%CI = 0.89–1.25, p < 0.001). In contrast, lower levels of miR‐495 were detected in specimens with distant metastasis (median = 0.05, 95%CI = 0.04–0.20) than nonmetastatic samples (median = 0.54, 95%CI = 0.47–0.58, p < 0.001). Estimated BCL2/miR‐497 ratio yielded a significant differential expression between the two cohort groups. Higher scores were observed in metastasis group (median = 1.39, 95%CI = 0.9–1.51) than nonmetastatic patients (median = 0.29, 95%CI = 0.19–0.39, p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed BCL2/miR‐497 ratio score to have the highest predictive accuracy for metastasis at presentation. The area under the curve was 0.90 (95%CI = 0.839–0.964, p < 0.001) at cut‐off of >0.525, with high sensitivity 81.1% (95%CI = 68.6%–89.4%) and specificity 92.5% (95%CI = 82.1%–97.0%). Also, the ratio score was negatively correlated with disease‐free survival (r = −0.676, p < 0.001) and overall survival times (r = −0.650, p < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier curves showed lower survival rates in cohorts with high‐score compared to low‐score patients.

Conclusion

The BCL2/miR497 expression ratio is associated with poor CRC prognosis in terms of metastasis and short survival.

Making Sense of Antisense Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Targeting Bcl-2

The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family, comprised of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins, regulates the delicate balance between programmed cell death and cell survival. The Bcl-2 family is essential in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis, but also a key culprit in tumorigenesis. Anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, the founding member of this family, was discovered due to its dysregulated expression in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Bcl-2 is a central protagonist in a wide range of human cancers, promoting cell survival, angiogenesis and chemotherapy resistance; this has prompted the development of Bcl-2-targeting drugs. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) are highly specific nucleic acid polymers used to modulate target gene expression. Over the past 25 years several Bcl-2 ASO have been developed in preclinical studies and explored in clinical trials. This review will describe the history and development of Bcl-2-targeted ASO; from initial attempts, optimizations, clinical trials undertaken and the promising candidates at hand.

Curcumin: The Golden Nutraceutical on the Road to Cancer Prevention and Therapeutics. A Clinical Perspective

Cancer is considered as the major public health scourge of the 21st century. Although remarkable strides were made for developing targeted therapeutics, these therapies suffer from lack of efficacy, high cost, and debilitating side effects. Therefore, the search for safe, highly efficacious, and affordable therapies is paramount for establishing a treatment regimen for this deadly disease. Curcumin, a known natural, bioactive, polyphenol compound from the spice turmeric (Curcuma longa), has been well documented for its wide range of pharmacological and biological activities. A plethora of literature indicates its potency as an anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agent. Curcumin exhibits anti-neoplastic attributes via regulating a wide array of biological cascades involved in mutagenesis, proliferation, apoptosis, oncogene expression, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. Curcumin has shown a wide range of pleiotropic anti-proliferative effect in multiple cancers and is a known inhibitor of varied oncogenic elements, including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), c-myc, cyclin D1, Bcl-2, VEGF, COX-2, NOS, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukins, and MMP-9. Further, curcumin targets different growth factor receptors and cell adhesion molecules involved in tumor growth and progression, making it a most promising nutraceutical for cancer therapy. To date, curcumin-based therapeutics have completed more than 50 clinical trials for cancer. Although creative experimentation is still elucidating the immense potential of curcumin, systematic validation by proper randomized clinical trials warrant its transition from lab to bedside. Therefore, this review summarizes the outcome of diverse clinical trials of curcumin in various cancer types.

Targeting Cpt1a-Bcl-2 interaction modulates apoptosis resistance and fibrotic remodeling

The mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) regulates metabolic reprogramming in lung macrophages and the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Fibrosis progression is associated with apoptosis resistance in lung macrophages; however, the mechanism(s) by which apoptosis resistance occurs is poorly understood. Here, we found a marked increase in mitochondrial B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) in lung macrophages from subjects with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Similar findings were seen in bleomycin-injured wild-type (WT) mice, whereas Bcl-2 was markedly decreased in mice expressing a dominant-negative mitochondrial calcium uniporter (DN-MCU). Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a (Cpt1a), the rate-limiting enzyme for fatty acid β-oxidation, directly interacted with Bcl-2 by binding to its BH3 domain, which anchored Bcl-2 in the mitochondria to attenuate apoptosis. This interaction was dependent on Cpt1a activity. Lung macrophages from IPF subjects had a direct correlation between CPT1A and Bcl-2, whereas the absence of binding induced apoptosis. The deletion of Bcl-2 in macrophages protected mice from developing pulmonary fibrosis. Moreover, mice had resolution when Bcl-2 was deleted or was inhibited with ABT-199 after fibrosis was established. These observations implicate an interplay between macrophage fatty acid β-oxidation, apoptosis resistance, and dysregulated fibrotic remodeling.

On the Immunometabolic Role of NF-κB in Adipocytes

Two decades of research have established that Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling plays a critical role in reprogramming the fat cell transcriptome towards inflammation in response to overnutrition and metabolic stress. Several groups have suggested that inhibition of NF-κB signaling could have metabolic benefits for obesity-associated adipose tissue inflammation. However, two significant problems arise with this approach. The first is how to deliver general NF-κB inhibitors into adipocytes without allowing these compounds to disrupt normal functioning in cells of the immune system. The second issue is that general inhibition of canonical NF-κB signaling in adipocytes will likely lead to a massive increase in adipocyte apoptosis under conditions of metabolic stress, leading full circle into a secondary inflammation (However, this problem may not be true for non-canonical NF-κB signaling.). This review will focus on the research that has examined canonical and non-canonical NF-κB signaling in adipocytes, focusing on genetic studies that examine loss-of-function of NF-κB specifically in fat cells. Although the development of general inhibitors of canonical NF-κB signaling seems unlikely to succeed in alleviating adipose tissue inflammation in humans, the door remains open for more targeted therapeutics. In principle, these would include compounds that interrogate NF-κB DNA binding, protein-protein interactions, or post-translational modifications that partition NF-κB activity towards some genes and away from others in adipocytes. I also discuss the possibility for inhibitors of non-canonical NF-κB signaling to realize success in mitigating fat cell dysfunction in obesity. To plant the seeds for such approaches, much biochemical “digging” in adipocytes remains; this includes identifying—in an unbiased manner–NF-κB direct and indirect targets, genomic DNA binding sites for all five NF-κB subunits, NF-κB protein-protein interactions, and post-translational modifications of NF-κB in fat cells.

SRPK1 promotes cell proliferation and tumor growth of osteosarcoma through activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway

To explore the expression and the functions of SRPK1 in osteosarcoma, we retrieved transcription profiling dataset by array of human bone specimens from patients with osteosarcoma from ArrayExpress (accession E-MEXP-3628) and from Gene Expression Omnibus (accession GSE16102) and analyzed expression level of SRPK1 and prognostic value in human osteosarcoma. Then we examined the effect of differential SRPK1 expression levels on the progression of osteosarcoma, including cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and investigated its underlying molecular mechanism using in vitro osteosarcoma cell lines and in vivo nude mouse xenograft models. High expression level of SRPK1 was found in human osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines as compared to the normal bone tissues and osteoblast cells, and predicted poor prognosis of human osteosarcoma. Overexpression of SRPK1 in osteosarcoma U2OS cells led to cell proliferation but inhibition of apoptosis. In contrast, knockdown of SRPK1 in HOS cells impeded cell viability and induction of apoptosis. Moreover, silencing SRPK1 inhibited osteosarcoma tumor growth in nude mice. Mechanistic studies revealed that SRPK1 promoted cell cycle transition in osteosarcoma cells and activation of NF-κB is required for SRPK1 expression and its pro-survival signaling. SRPK1 promoted human osteosarcoma cell proliferation and tumor growth by regulating NF-κB signaling pathway.

5-alpha reductase inhibitors induce a prostate luminal to club cell transition in human benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a progressive expansion of peri-urethral prostate tissue common in aging men. Patients with enlarged prostates are treated with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) to shrink prostate volume by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). A reduction in DHT levels can elicit atrophy and apoptosis of prostate secretory luminal cells, which results in a favorable clinical response characterized by improved lower urinary tract symptoms. However, the histologic response to 5ARI treatment is often heterogeneous across prostate acini and lower urinary tract symptoms can persist to require surgical intervention. We used two spatial profiling approaches to characterize gene expression changes across histologically normal and atrophied regions in prostates from 5ARI-treated men. Objective transcriptomic profiling using the Visium spatial gene expression platform showed that 5ARI-induced atrophy of prostate luminal cells correlated with reduced androgen receptor signaling and increased expression of urethral club cell genes including LTF, PIGR, OLFM4, SCGB1A1 and SCGB3A1. Prostate luminal cells within atrophied acini adapted to decreased DHT conditions by increasing NF-κB signaling and anti-apoptotic BCL2 expression, which may explain their survival. Using GeoMx digital spatial profiling with a probe set to assess ~18,000 RNA targets, we confirmed that atrophied acini expressing SCGB3A1 displayed higher levels of club cell markers compared to histologically normal acini with NKX3-1 expression. In addition, club-like cells within regions of 5ARI-induced atrophy closely resembled true club cells from the prostatic urethra. A comparison of histologically normal regions from 5ARI-treated men and histologically normal regions from untreated men revealed few transcriptional differences. Taken together, our results describe a heterogeneous response to 5ARI treatment where cells in atrophied acini undergo an adaptation from a prostate secretory luminal to a club cell-like state in response to 5ARI treatment. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Influence of pH, β-Cyclodextrin, and Metal Ions on the Solubility and Stability of the Medicinally Competent Isoxazole Derivative of Curcumin: A Photophysical Study

The β-diketo-modified isoxazole derivative of curcumin (IOC) is well renowned for its anticancer, antioxidant, antimalarial, antiproliferative, and many other biological activities. With the aim of obtaining fundamental knowledge on the photophysics of IOC, the present work was directed toward delineating those at different pH environments and studying the degradation profiles of IOC at five different pH values. Because one of the primary drawbacks of curcumin is its rapid degradation at physiological conditions, the studies showed that the problem could be resolved, as the IOC molecule was extremely stable even in a highly alkaline medium. Further, in order to encounter the problems associated with the low solubility of IOC in aqueous media, β-CD (β-cyclodextrin) was used and calculations of the thermodynamic parameters revealed that the process of development of the host-guest inclusion complex was highly spontaneous in nature. The synthesis of the IOC:β-CD inclusion complex has also been accomplished in the solid state, and the solid formed has been characterized using various physicochemical techniques. Finally, while variations in the pH as well as addition of foreign metal ions in +1 and +2 oxidation states showed minimal effect on the photophysics of the IOC:β-CD inclusion complex, antiproliferative studies performed with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays revealed their nontoxic nature on fibroblast L929 normal cell lines and extremely toxic activity on human lung cancer A549 cell lines.

Receptor Tyrosine Kinases and Their Signaling Pathways as Therapeutic Targets of Curcumin in Cancer

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are transmembrane cell-surface proteins that act as signal transducers. They regulate essential cellular processes like proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation and metabolism. RTK alteration occurs in a broad spectrum of cancers, emphasising its crucial role in cancer progression and as a suitable therapeutic target. The use of small molecule RTK inhibitors however, has been crippled by the emergence of resistance, highlighting the need for a pleiotropic anti-cancer agent that can replace or be used in combination with existing pharmacological agents to enhance treatment efficacy. Curcumin is an attractive therapeutic agent mainly due to its potent anti-cancer effects, extensive range of targets and minimal toxicity. Out of the numerous documented targets of curcumin, RTKs appear to be one of the main nodes of curcumin-mediated inhibition. Many studies have found that curcumin influences RTK activation and their downstream signaling pathways resulting in increased apoptosis, decreased proliferation and decreased migration in cancer both in vitro and in vivo. This review focused on how curcumin exhibits anti-cancer effects through inhibition of RTKs and downstream signaling pathways like the MAPK, PI3K/Akt, JAK/STAT, and NF-κB pathways. Combination studies of curcumin and RTK inhibitors were also analysed with emphasis on their common molecular targets.

Mechanisms and Regulation of Cellular Senescence

Cellular senescence entails a state of an essentially irreversible proliferative arrest in which cells remain metabolically active and secrete a range of pro-inflammatory and proteolytic factors as part of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. There are different types of senescent cells, and senescence can be induced in response to many DNA damage signals. Senescent cells accumulate in different tissues and organs where they have distinct physiological and pathological functions. Despite this diversity, all senescent cells must be able to survive in a nondividing state while protecting themselves from positive feedback loops linked to the constant activation of the DNA damage response. This capacity requires changes in core cellular programs. Understanding how different cell types can undergo extensive changes in their transcriptional programs, metabolism, heterochromatin patterns, and cellular structures to induce a common cellular state is crucial to preventing cancer development/progression and to improving health during aging. In this review, we discuss how senescent cells continuously evolve after their initial proliferative arrest and highlight the unifying features that define the senescent state.

Gaillardin, a potent sesquiterpene lactone induces apoptosis via down-regulation of NF-κβ in gastric cancer cells, AGS and MKN45

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Inula has been traditionally used as folk medicine in treating different illnesses such as kidney stones, urethra infection, jaundice, bronchitis, respiratory diseases and cancer.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Gaillardin, a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Inula oculus-christi, seems to have great potential as an anti-cancer agent. This study was carried out to evaluate the anti-cancer properties of Gaillardin in gastric cancer cells and also its possible underlying mechanism.

METHODS

The colorimetric MTT assay was used to assess metabolic activity of cells as an indicator of viability and cytotoxicity. Flow cytometry using Annexin V-FITC/PI was applied to detect and quantify the level of apoptosis. Detection of activated caspase-3, as a biochemical marker of apoptosis, was done using caspase-3 assay kit. Activation of NF-κB pathway was determined by western blotting. The mRNA expression levels of NF-κB target genes were measured using quantitative RT-PCR. Moreover, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was evaluated.

RESULTS

Gaillardin significantly reduced cell viability in a time and dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of Gaillardin was attributed to induction of apoptosis. Investigation about the underlying mechanism revealed that Gaillardin exerts its action through inhibition of NF-κB activation and subsequently down-regulation of genes (COX-2, MMP-9, TWIST-1, and BCl-2) regulated by NF-κB. Moreover, Gaillardin caused remarkable elevation in ROS production in AGS and MKN45 cells.

CONCLUSION

We provided evidences about the role of NF-κB pathway in the induction of apoptosis by the sesquiterpene lactone Gaillardin in AGS and MKN45 cells for the first time, which suggest Gaillardin could be considered as a promising natural agent for further investigations to identify new potent anticancer drugs in the future.

miRNA-223-3p modulates ibrutinib resistance through regulation of the CHUK/Nf-κb signaling pathway in mantle cell lymphoma

Since the use of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor ibrutinib in relapsed/refractory (R/R) mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), the problem of drug resistance has become increasingly prominent. Though it has been proven that the nonclassic nuclear factor κB pathway (nonclassic NF-κB pathway) correlates with ibrutinib resistance in MCL, the upstream regulator is unknown. In the present study, conserved helix-loop-helix ubiquitous kinase (CHUK) overexpression accelerated proliferation and suppressed apoptosis of MCL cells after ibrutinib treatment in vitro. The results of luciferase reporter assay, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and Western blot revealed that CHUK was targeted and negatively regulated by miRNA-223-3p. miRNA-223-3p knockdown promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of MCL cells after ibrutinib treatment in vitro and vivo, whereas CHUK knockdown reversed downregulated miRNA-223-3p-promoted cell proliferation after ibrutinib treatment in vitro. In conclusion, miRNA-223-3p modulates ibrutinib resistance through regulation of the CHUK/NF-κB signaling pathway in MCL, which is crucial in providing a marker to predict disease response.

Total Flavonoids of Litchi Seed Attenuate Prostate Cancer Progression Via Inhibiting AKT/mTOR and NF-kB Signaling Pathways

Litchi seeds have been traditionally used in Chinese herbal formula for urologic neoplasms including prostate cancer (PCa). However, the effective components of Litchi seeds and the mechanisms of their actions on PCa cell growth and metastasis remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects and molecular mechanisms of the Total Flavonoid of Litchi Seed (TFLS) in PCa PC3 and DU145 cell lines. We found that TFLS significantly inhibited the PCa cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and prevented cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, we observed that TFLS upregulated the expression of epithelial biomarker E-cadherin and downregulated mesenchymal biomarker Vimentin. TFLS also increased the expression of cleaved-PRAP and Bax, and decreased the expression of Bcl-2 in both PC3 and DU145 cells. Besides, TFLS inhibited AKT signaling pathway by reducing the phosphorylation of AKT and activities of downstream signal transducers including mTOR, IκBα and NF-kB. Finally, TFLS treated mice exhibited a significant decrease in tumor size without toxicity in major organs in vivo. These results indicated that TFLS could suppress PCa cell growth in vivo and inhibit PCa cell proliferation and metastasis in vitro through induction of apoptosis and phenotypic reversal of EMT, which may be achieved by inhibiting the AKT/mTOR and NF-κB signaling pathways. Taken together, our data provide new insights into the role of TFLS as a novel potent anti-cancer agent for the treatment of PCa.

Arsenic trioxide induces expression of BCL-2 expression via NF-κB and p38 MAPK signaling pathways in BEAS-2B cells during apoptosis

Inorganic arsenic compounds are environmental toxicants that are widely distributed in air, water, and food. B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) is an oncogene having anti-apoptotic function. In this study, we clarify that BCL-2, as a pro-apoptotic factor, participates in As₂O₃-induced apoptosis in BEAS-2B cells. Specifically, As₂O₃ stimulated the expression of BCL-2 mRNA and protein in a dose-dependent manner which was highly accumulated in the nucleus of BEAS-2B cell together with chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation during apoptosis. Mechanistically, the process described above is mediated through the NF-κB and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, which can be abated by corresponding inhibitors, such as BAY11-7082 and SB203580, respectively. Additionally, BAY11-7082, actinomycin D, and cycloheximide have inhibitory effects on As₂O₃-induced expression of BCL-2 mRNA and protein, and restore the cell viability of BEAS-2B cells. Suppression of BCL-2 protein activation by ABT-199 also restored viability of BEAS-2B cell in As₂O₃-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, As₂O₃ increased the level of BCL-2 phosphorylation. These results suggest that in BEAS-2B cells, As₂O₃-induced apoptosis is mainly dominated by BCL-2 upregulation, nuclear localization and phosphorylation. The study presented here provides a novel insight into the molecular mechanism of BCL-2-induced apoptosis.