lncRNA BREA2 promotes metastasis by disrupting the WWP2-mediated ubiquitination of Notch1

Molecular Mechanism of lncRNAs in Regulation of Breast Cancer Metastasis; a Comprehensive Review

Although the number of breast cancer deaths has decreased, and there have been developments in targeted therapies and combination treatments for the management of metastatic illness, metastatic breast cancer is still the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in U.S. women. Numerous phases and a vast number of proteins and signaling molecules are involved in the invasion-metastasis cascade. The tumor cells penetrate and enter the blood or lymphatic vessels, and travel to distant organs via the lymphatic or blood vessels. Tumor cells enter cell cycle arrest, adhere to capillary beds in the target organ, and then disseminate throughout the organ's parenchyma, proliferating and enhancing angiogenesis. Each of these processes is regulated by changes in the expression of different genes, in which lncRNAs play a role in this regulation. Transcripts that are longer than 200 nucleotides and do not translate into proteins are called RNAs. LncRNA molecules, whose function depends on their unique molecular structure, play significant roles in controlling the expression of genes at various epigenetic levels, transcription, and so on. LncRNAs have essential functions in regulating the expression of genes linked to cell development in healthy and pathological processes, specialization, programmed cell death, cell division, invasion, DNA damage, and spread to other parts of the body. A number of cancer types have been shown to exhibit aberrant expression of lncRNAs. In this review, we describe the general characteristics, potential molecular mechanisms and targeted therapy of lncRNAs and discuss the emerging functions of lncRNAs in breast cancer.

TMEM252 inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and progression in papillary thyroid carcinoma by regulating Notch1 expression

BACKGROUND

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) accounts for about 85% of thyroid cancer cases. Transmembrane protein 252 (TMEM252) is a gene encoding a transmembrane protein that has only been reported to be associated with triple-negative breast cancer. Herein, we first elucidated the physiological roles and possible regulatory proteins of TMEM252 in PTC pathogenesis.

METHODS

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunohistochemical analyses were utilized to ascertain the relative TMEM252 expression in PTC and surrounding normal tissues. Functional investigations involved CCK-8 viability assay, EdU incorporation assay for proliferation, transwell assays for migration and invasion, and an in vivo tumor development assessment to evaluate the TMEM252-mediated regulation of tumor formation.

RESULTS

Our results first revealed diminished TMEM252 transcript and protein expressions in PTC tissues and cell lines. TMEM252 overexpression suppressed cell proliferation through reducing p53, p21, and p16 expression. Conversely, TMEM252 depletion has opposite effects in PTC cells both in vivo. Additionally, the upregulation of TMEM252 demonstrated cell migration and invasion suppression by impeding the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process via inhibition of the Notch pathway. Furthermore, overexpression of TMEM252 suppressed tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Our study elucidates that TMEM252 suppresses PTC progression by modulating the Notch pathway. These findings underscore TMEM252 is a potential therapeutic target in managing PTC.

LncRNA ZFHX4-AS1 as a novel biomarker in adrenocortical carcinoma

Background

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and highly aggressive malignant tumor. Currently, there is a lack of reliable prognostic markers in clinical practice. Extensive research has shown that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) are critical factors in the initiation and progression of cancer, closely associated with early diagnosis and prognosis. Previous studies have identified that ZFHX4 antisense RNA 1 (ZFHX4-AS1) is aberrantly expressed in various cancers and is associated with poor outcomes. This study investigates whether ZFHX4-AS1 affects the prognosis of ACC patients and, if so, the potential mechanisms involved.

Methods

In this study, utilizing four multi-center cohorts from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) program and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), we validated the prognostic capability of ZFHX4-AS1 in ACC patients through Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, cox regression models, and nomograms. Then, we explored the biological functions of ZFHX4-AS1 using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks, and analyses of somatic mutations and copy number variation (CNV). Finally, in vitro experiments were conducted to further validate the impact of ZFHX4-AS1 on proliferation and migration capabilities of ACC cell lines.

Results

Survival analysis indicated that patients in the high ZFHX4-AS1 expression group of ACC had worse prognosis. Cox regression analyses suggested that ZFHX4-AS1 levels were independent risk factors for prognosis. Subsequently, we constructed nomograms based on clinical features and ZFHX4-AS1 levels, demonstrating good predictive performance under the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Analysis based on somatic mutations and CNV revealed that CTNNB1 and 9p21.3-Del drove the expression of ZFHX4-AS1. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, and Transwell assays confirmed that knockdown of ZFHX4-AS1 inhibited proliferation and migration of ACC cells.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that ZFHX4-AS1 has a reliable predictive value for the prognosis of ACC patients and is a promising biomarker.

Lysosomal-Associated Protein Transmembrane 5, Tubular Senescence, and Progression of CKD

Key Points

Background

Tubular senescence is a major determinant of CKD, and identification of potential therapeutic targets involved in senescent tubular epithelial cells has clinical importance. Lysosomal-associated protein transmembrane 5 (LAPTM5) is a key molecule related to T- and B-cell receptor expression and inflammation. However, the expression pattern of LAPTM5 in the kidney and the contribution of LAPTM5 to the development of CKD are unknown.

Methods

Laptm5 −/− mice and tubule specific–Laptm5 knockout mice were used to examine the role of LAPTM5 in tubular senescence by establishing different experimental mouse CKD models.

Results

LAPTM5 expression was significantly induced in the kidney, especially in proximal tubules and distal convoluted tubules, from mice with aristolochic acid nephropathy, bilateral ischemia/reperfusion injury–induced CKD, or unilateral ureter obstruction. Tubule-specific deletion of Laptm5 inhibited senescence of tubular epithelial cells and alleviated tubulointerstitial fibrosis in aged mice. Moreover, Laptm5 deficiency ameliorated kidney injury and tubular senescence in mice with CKD. Mechanistically, LAPTM5 inhibited ubiquitination of notch1 intracellular domain by mediating WWP2 lysosomal degradation and then leading to cellular senescence in tubular epithelial cells. We also observed a higher expression of LAPTM5 in tubules from patients with CKD, and the level of LAPTM5 was correlated with kidney fibrosis and tubular senescence in people with CKD.

Conclusions

LAPTM5 contributed to tubular senescence by regulating the WWP2/notch1 intracellular domain signaling pathway and exacerbated kidney injury during the progression of CKD.

DRAIC mediates hnRNPA2B1 stability and m6A-modified IGF1R instability to inhibit tumor progression

Type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF1R) plays an important role in cancer, however, posttranscriptional regulation such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A) of IGF1R remains unclear. Here, we reveal a role for a lncRNA Downregulated RNA in Cancer (DRAIC) suppress tumor growth and metastasis in clear cell Renal Carcinoma (ccRCC). Mechanistically, DRAIC physically interacts with heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2B1 (hnRNPA2B1) and enhances its protein stability by blocking E3 ligase F-box protein 11 (FBXO11)-mediated ubiquitination and proteasome-dependent degradation. Subsequently, hnRNPA2B1 destabilizes m6A modified-IGF1R, leading to inhibition of ccRCC progression. Moreover, four m6A modification sites are identified to be responsible for the mRNA degradation of IGF1R. Collectively, our findings reveal that DRAIC/hnRNPA2B1 axis regulates IGF1R mRNA stability in an m6A-dependent manner and highlights an important mechanism of IGF1R fate. These findings shed light on DRAIC/hnRNPA2B1/FBXO11/IGF1R axis as potential therapeutic targets in ccRCC and build a link of molecular fate between m6A-modified RNA and ubiquitin-modified protein.

Tumour-regulatory role of long non-coding RNA HOXA-AS3

Dysregulation of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) HOXA-AS3 has been shown to contribute to the development of multiple cancer types. Several studies have presented the tumour-modulatory role or prognostic significance of this lncRNA in various kinds of cancer. Overall, HOXA-AS3 can act as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) that inhibits the activity of seven microRNAs (miRNAs), including miR-29a-3p, miR-29 b-3p, miR-29c, miR-218-5p, miR-455-5p, miR-1286, and miR-4319. This relieves the downstream messenger RNA (mRNA) targets of these miRNAs from miRNA-mediated translational repression, allowing them to exert their effect in regulating cellular activities. Examples of the pathways regulated by lncRNA HOXA-AS3 and its associated downstream targets include the WNT/β-catenin and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) activities. Besides, HOXA-AS3 can interact with other cellular proteins like homeobox HOXA3 and HOXA6, influencing the oncogenic signaling pathways associated with these proteins. Generally, HOXA-AS3 is overexpressed in most of the discussed human cancers, making this lncRNA a potential candidate to diagnose cancer or predict the clinical outcomes of cancer patients. Hence, targeting HOXA-AS3 could be a new therapeutic approach to slowing cancer progression or as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target. A drawback of using lncRNA HOXA-AS3 as a biomarker or therapeutic target is that most of the studies that have reported the tumour-regulatory roles of lncRNA HOXA-AS3 are single observational, in vitro, or in vivo studies. More in-depth mechanistic and large-scale clinical trials must be conducted to confirm the tumour-modulatory roles of lncRNA HOXA-AS3 further. Besides, no lncRNA HOXA-AS3 inhibitor has been tested preclinically and clinically, and designing such an inhibitor is crucial as it may potentially slow cancer progression.

Modulating the Expression of Exercise-induced lncRNAs: Implications for Cardiovascular Disease Progression

Recent research shows exercise is good for heart health, emphasizing the importance of physical activity. Sedentary behavior increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, while exercise can help prevent and treat it. Additionally, physical exercise can modulate the expression of lncRNAs, influencing cardiovascular disease progression. Therefore, understanding this relationship could help identify prospective biomarkers and therapeutic targets pertaining to cardiovascular ailments. This review has underscored recent advancements concerning the potential biomarkers of lncRNAs in cardiovascular diseases, while also summarizing existing knowledge regarding dysregulated lncRNAs and their plausible molecular mechanisms. Additionally, we have contributed novel perspectives on the underlying mechanisms of lncRNAs, which hold promise as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cardiovascular conditions. The knowledge imparted in this review may prove valuable in guiding the design of future investigations and furthering the understanding of lncRNAs as diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases.

LncRNA TubAR complexes with TUBB4A and TUBA1A to promote microtubule assembly and maintain myelination

A long-standing hypothesis proposes that certain RNA(s) must exhibit structural roles in microtubule assembly. Here, we identify a long noncoding RNA (TubAR) that is highly expressed in cerebellum and forms RNA-protein complex with TUBB4A and TUBA1A, two tubulins clinically linked to cerebellar and myelination defects. TubAR knockdown in mouse cerebellum causes loss of oligodendrocytes and Purkinje cells, demyelination, and decreased locomotor activity. Biochemically, we establish the roles of TubAR in promoting TUBB4A-TUBA1A heterodimer formation and microtubule assembly. Intriguingly, different from the hypomyelination-causing mutations, the non-hypomyelination-causing mutation TUBB4A-R2G confers gain-of-function for an RNA-independent interaction with TUBA1A. Experimental use of R2G/A mutations restores TUBB4A-TUBA1A heterodimer formation, and rescues the neuronal cell death phenotype caused by TubAR knockdown. Together, we uncover TubAR as the long-elusive structural RNA for microtubule assembly and demonstrate how TubAR mediates microtubule assembly specifically from αβ-tubulin heterodimers, which is crucial for maintenance of cerebellar myelination and activity.

LncRNA CARD8-AS1 suppresses lung adenocarcinoma progression by enhancing TRIM25-mediated ubiquitination of TXNRD1

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in the tumorigenesis and progression of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, little was known about the role of lncRNAs in high-risk LUAD subtypes: micropapillary-predominant adenocarcinoma (MPA) and solid-predominant adenocarcinoma (SPA). In this study, we conducted a systematic screening of differentially expressed lncRNAs using RNA sequencing in 10 paired MPA/SPA tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues. Consequently, 110 significantly up-regulated lncRNAs and 288 aberrantly down-regulated lncRNAs were identified (|Log2 Foldchange| ≥ 1 and corrected P < 0.05). The top 10 lncRNAs were further analyzed in 89 MPA/SPA tumor tissues and 59 normal tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Among them, CARD8-AS1 showed the most significant differential expression, and decreased expression of CARD8-AS1 was significantly associated with a poorer prognosis. Functionally, CARD8-AS1 overexpression remarkably suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of LUAD cells both in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, inhibition of CARD8-AS1 yielded opposite effects. Mechanistically, CARD8-AS1 acted as a scaffold to facilitate the interaction between TXNRD1 and E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM25, thereby promoting the degradation of TXNRD1 through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Additionally, TXNRD1 was found to promote LUAD cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro. Furthermore, the suppressed progression of LUAD cells resulting from CARD8-AS1 overexpression could be significantly reversed by simultaneous overexpression of TXNRD1. In conclusion, this study revealed that the lncRNA CARD8-AS1 played a suppressive role in the progression of LUAD by enhancing TRIM25-mediated ubiquitination of TXNRD1. The CARD8-AS1-TRIM25-TXNRD1 axis may represent a promising therapeutic target for LUAD.

Targeting notch-related lncRNAs in cancer: Insights into molecular regulation and therapeutic potential

Cancer is a group of diseases marked by unchecked cell proliferation and the ability for the disease to metastasize to different body areas. Enhancements in treatment and early detection are crucial for improved outcomes. LncRNAs are RNA molecules that encode proteins and have a length of more than 200 nucleotides. LncRNAs are crucial for chromatin architecture, gene regulation, and other cellular activities that impact both normal growth & pathological processes, even though they are unable to code for proteins. LncRNAs have emerged as significant regulators in the study of cancer biology, with a focus on their intricate function in the Notch signaling pathway. The imbalance of this pathway is often linked to a variety of malignancies. Notch signaling is essential for cellular functions like proliferation, differentiation, and death. The cellular response is shaped by these lncRNAs through their modulation of essential Notch pathway constituents such as receptors, ligands, and downstream effectors around it. Furthermore, a variety of cancer types exhibit irregular expression of Notch-related lncRNAs, underscoring their potential use as therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers. Gaining an understanding of the molecular processes behind the interaction between the Notch pathway and lncRNAs will help you better understand the intricate regulatory networks that control the development of cancer. This can open up new possibilities for individualized treatment plans and focused therapeutic interventions. The intricate relationships between lncRNAs & the Notch pathway in cancer are examined in this review.

The Tumor Microenvironment: Signal Transduction

In the challenging tumor microenvironment (TME), tumors coexist with diverse stromal cell types. During tumor progression and metastasis, a reciprocal interaction occurs between cancer cells and their environment. These interactions involve ongoing and evolving paracrine and proximal signaling. Intrinsic signal transduction in tumors drives processes such as malignant transformation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, immune evasion, and tumor cell metastasis. In addition, cancer cells embedded in the tumor microenvironment undergo metabolic reprogramming. Their metabolites, serving as signaling molecules, engage in metabolic communication with diverse matrix components. These metabolites act as direct regulators of carcinogenic pathways, thereby activating signaling cascades that contribute to cancer progression. Hence, gaining insights into the intrinsic signal transduction of tumors and the signaling communication between tumor cells and various matrix components within the tumor microenvironment may reveal novel therapeutic targets. In this review, we initially examine the development of the tumor microenvironment. Subsequently, we delineate the oncogenic signaling pathways within tumor cells and elucidate the reciprocal communication between these pathways and the tumor microenvironment. Finally, we give an overview of the effect of signal transduction within the tumor microenvironment on tumor metabolism and tumor immunity.

Myofibrillogenesis Regulator-1 Regulates the Ubiquitin Lysosomal Pathway of Notch3 Intracellular Domain Through E3 Ubiquitin-Protein Ligase Itchy Homolog in the Metastasis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Myofibrillogenesis regulator-1 (MR-1) is a multifunctional protein involved in the development of various human tumors. The study is the first to report the promoting effect of MR-1 on the development and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MR-1 is upregulated in NSCLC and positively associated with poor prognosis. The overexpression of MR-1 promotes the metastasis of NSCLC cells by stabilizing the expression of Notch3-ICD (NICD3) in the cytoplasm through enrichment analysis, in vitro and in vivo experimental researches. And Notch3 signaling can upregulate many genes related to metastasis. The stabilizing effect of MR-1 on NICD3 is achieved through the mono-ubiquitin lysosomal pathway and the specific E3 ubiquitin ligase is Itchy homolog (ITCH). There is a certain interaction between MR-1 and NICD3. Elevated MR-1 can affect the level of ITCH phosphorylation, reduce its E3 enzyme activity, and thus lead to reduce the ubiquitination and degradation of NICD3. Interference with the interaction between MR-1 and NICD3 can increase the degradation of NICD3 and impair the metastatic ability of NSCLC cells, which is a previously overlooked treatment option in NSCLC. In summary, interference with the interaction between MR-1 and NICD3 in the progression of lung cancer may be a promising therapeutic target.

Role of ferroptosis and ferroptosis-related long non'coding RNA in breast cancer

Ferroptosis, a therapeutic strategy for tumours, is a regulated cell death characterised by the increased accumulation of iron-dependent lipid peroxides (LPO). Tumour-associated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), when combined with traditional anti-cancer medicines or radiotherapy, can improve efficacy and decrease mortality in cancer. Investigating the role of ferroptosis-related lncRNAs may help strategise new therapeutic options for breast cancer (BC). Herein, we briefly discuss the genes and pathways of ferroptosis involved in iron and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, including the XC-/GSH/GPX4 system, ACSL4/LPCAT3/15-LOX and FSP1/CoQ10/NAD(P)H pathways, and investigate the correlation between ferroptosis and LncRNA in BC to determine possible biomarkers related to ferroptosis.

Review of pre-metastatic niches in lung metastasis: From cells to molecules, from mechanism to clinics

Distant metastasis is responsible for high mortality in most cancer cases and the lung is one of the most common target organs, severely affecting the quality of daily life and overall survival of cancer patients. With relevant research breakthroughs accumulating, scientists have developed a deeper understanding of lung metastasis (LM) from the rudimentary "seed and soil" theory to a more vivid concept of the pre-metastatic niche (PMN). Thus, the mechanisms of PMN formation become considerably complicated, involving various types of cells, chemokines, cytokines, and proteins, providing potential biomarkers for improved LM diagnosis and treatment techniques. Here we summarized the latest findings (in 3 years) of lung PMN and systematically collated it from basic research to clinical application, which clearly exhibited the influences of the primary tumor, stromal, and bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) and associated molecules in the formation of lung PMN.

WWP2 binds to NKRF, enhances the NF-κB signaling, and promotes malignant phenotypes of acute myeloid leukemia cells

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of the hematological malignancies with a high recurrence rate. WW domain-containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 2 (WWP2) is identified as a pivotal regulator of tumor progression. This study aimed to assess the possible role of WWP2 in AML. Analysis of the GEPIA database indicated an elevated WWP2 expression in AML. We established stable WWP2-overexpressed or WWP2-silenced cells using lentivirus loaded with cDNA encoding WWP2 mRNA or shRNA targeting WWP2. Notably, WWP2 overexpression facilitated cell proliferation and cell cycle progression, which was manifested as the increase of colony formation number, S-phase percentage and cell cycle related protein levels. As observed, WWP2 knockdown presented opposite effects, leading to inhibition of tumorigenicity. Strikingly, WWP2 knockdown induced apoptosis, accompanied by upregulation of pro-apoptosis proteins cleaved caspase-9, Bax and cleaved caspase-3 and downregulation of anti-apoptosis protein Bcl-2. Functionally, we further confirmed that WWP2 overexpression enhanced the NF-κB signaling and upregulated the levels of downstream genes, which may contribute to aggravating the development of AML. More importantly, by co-immunoprecipitation assay, we verified that WWP2 bound to NF-κB-repressing factor (NKRF) and promoted NKRF ubiquitylation. Dramatically, NKRF overexpression abolished the role of WWP2 in facilitating the process of AML. Overall, our observations confirm that WWP2 exerts a critical role in the tumorigenicity of AML, and NKRF is regarded as an essential factor in the WWP2-mediated AML progression. WWP2 may be proposed as a promising target of AML.

Fibroblasts: invigorated targets in pre-metastatic niche formation

At present, tumor metastasis still remains the leading contributor to high recurrence and mortality in cancer patients. There have been no clinically effective therapeutic strategies for treating patients with metastatic cancer. In recent years, a growing body of evidence has shown that the pre-metastatic niche (PMN) plays a crucial role in driving tumor metastasis. Nevertheless, a clear and detailed understanding of the formation of PMN is still lacking given the fact that PMN formation involves in a wealth of complicated communications and underlying mechanisms between primary tumors and metastatic target organs. Despite that the roles of numerous components including tumor exosomes and extracellular vesicles in influencing the evolution of PMN have been well documented, the involvement of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment for controlling PMN formation is frequently overlooked. It has been increasingly recognized that fibroblasts trigger the formation of PMN by virtue of modulating exosomes, metabolism and so on. In this review, we mainly summarize the underlying mechanisms of fibroblasts from diverse origins in exerting impacts on PMN evolution, and further highlight the prospective strategies for targeting fibroblasts to prevent PMN formation.

Contribution and underlying mechanisms of lncRNA TRPM2-AS in the development and progression of human cancers

Long-stranded non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA molecules that are longer than 200 nucleotides and do not code for proteins. They play a significant role in various biological processes, including epigenetics, cell cycle, and cell differentiation. Many studies have shown that the occurrence of human cancer is closely related to the abnormal expression of lncRNA. In recent years, lncRNAs have been a hot topic in cancer research. TRPM2-AS, a novel lncRNA, is aberrantly expressed in many human cancers, and its overexpression is strongly linked to poor clinical outcomes in patients. It has been demonstrated that TRPM2-AS acts as a ceRNA, participates in signaling pathways, and interacts with biological proteins and other molecular mechanisms to regulate gene expression. In addition, it can regulate the proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and treatment resistance of cancer cells. As a result, TRPM2-AS may be a potential target for cancer treatment and a possible biomarker for cancer prognosis. This review outlined the expression, biological processes, and molecular mechanisms of TRPM2-AS in various malignancies, and discussed potential therapeutic uses.

Visualization of breast cancer-related protein synthesis from the perspective of bibliometric analysis

Breast cancer, as a daunting global health threat, has driven an exponential growth in related research activity in recent decades. An area of research of paramount importance is protein synthesis, and the analysis of specific proteins inextricably linked to breast cancer. In this article, we undertake a bibliometric analysis of the literature on breast cancer and protein synthesis, aiming to provide crucial insights into this esoteric realm of investigation. Our approach was to scour the Web of Science database, between 2003 and 2022, for articles containing the keywords "breast cancer" and "protein synthesis" in their title, abstract, or keywords. We deployed bibliometric analysis software, exploring a range of measures such as publication output, citation counts, co-citation analysis, and keyword analysis. Our search yielded 2998 articles that met our inclusion criteria. The number of publications in this area has steadily increased, with a significant rise observed after 2003. Most of the articles were published in oncology or biology-related journals, with the most publications in Journal of Biological Chemistry, Cancer Research, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, and Oncogene. Keyword analysis revealed that "breast cancer," "expression," "cancer," "protein," and "translation" were the most commonly researched topics. In conclusion, our bibliometric analysis of breast cancer and related protein synthesis literature underscores the burgeoning interest in this research. The focus of the research is primarily on the relationship between protein expression in breast cancer and the development and treatment of tumors. These studies have been instrumental in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Sustained research in this area will yield essential insights into the biology of breast cancer and the genesis of cutting-edge therapies.

The Notch signaling-regulated angiogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis: pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic potentials

Angiogenesis plays a key role in the pathological process of inflammation and invasion of the synovium, and primarily drives the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recent studies have demonstrated that the Notch signaling may represent a new therapeutic target of RA. Although the Notch signaling has been implicated in the M1 polarization of macrophages and the differentiation of lymphocytes, little is known about its role in angiogenesis in RA. In this review, we discourse the unique roles of stromal cells and adipokines in the angiogenic progression of RA, and investigate how epigenetic regulation of the Notch signaling influences angiogenesis in RA. We also discuss the interaction of the Notch-HIF signaling in RA's angiogenesis and the potential strategies targeting the Notch signaling to improve the treatment outcomes of RA. Taken together, we further suggest new insights into future research regarding the challenges in the therapeutic strategies of RA.

Apigenin promotes cell death in NCI-H23 cells by upregulation of PTEN: potential involvement of the binding of apigenin with WWP2 protein

The tumour suppressor protein PTEN is often down-regulated in non-small cell lung cancer. A major protein promoting the lowering of the PTEN protein is WWP2. Polyphenols have been shown to promote the expression of tumour suppressor genes like PTEN. We carry out the study to check for the ability of apigenin to bind with the WWP2 protein using in-silico investigation comprising docking and simulation. We checked for the cytotoxic effect of apigenin upon the non-small cell lung cancer cell line NCI-H23. We checked the PTEN expression status at the gene and protein levels. The expression levels of the apoptotic regulators BCL2, BAX and CASPASE3 genes along with the activity levels of the caspase-3 protein were checked. The ultrastructure of the cells was analysed. Our Autodock analysis showed that apigenin bound favourably with the WWP2 protein. Molecular dynamics simulation revealed that apigenin increased the parameters of RMSD, Rg and SASA when bound with the WWP2 protein. The protein-ligand complex had hydrogen bonding and majorly van der Wal's interactions. PCA analysis revealed greater fluctuations in the apigenin-bound state of the protein. The mutant form of the WWP2 revealed similar results in the presence of apigenin. Apigenin showed efficacy against the NCI-H23 cell line and promoted PTEN protein levels, lowered BCL2 gene expression and up-regulated BAX and CASPASE3 gene expression. Increased caspase-3 activity and ultra-structural analysis revealed the occurrence of apoptosis. Thus the binding of apigenin with WWP2 could promote PTEN protein levels and lead to apoptotic activity in NCI-H23 cells.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Unraveling the Complex Web of Mechanistic Regulation of Versatile NEDD4 Family by Non-Coding RNAs in Carcinogenesis and Metastasis: From Cell Culture Studies to Animal Models

Discoveries related to an intriguing feature of ubiquitination have prompted a detailed analysis of the ubiquitination patterns in malignant cells. How the "ubiquitinome" is reshaped during multistage carcinogenesis has garnered significant attention. Seminal studies related to the structural and functional characterization of NEDD4 (Neuronal precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated-4) have consolidated our understanding at a new level of maturity. Additionally, regulatory roles of non-coding RNAs have further complicated the complex interplay between non-coding RNAs and the members of NEDD4 family. These mechanisms range from the miRNA-mediated targeting of NEDD4 family members to the regulation of transcriptional factors for a broader range of non-coding RNAs. Additionally, the NEDD4-mediated degradation of different proteins is modulated by lncRNAs and circRNAs. The miRNA-mediated targeting of NEDD4 family members is also regulated by circRNAs. Tremendous advancements have been made in the identification of different substrates of NEDD4 family and in the comprehensive analysis of the molecular mechanisms by which various members of NEDD4 family catalyze the ubiquitination of substrates. In this review, we have attempted to summarize the multifunctional roles of the NEDD4 family in cancer biology, and how different non-coding RNAs modulate these NEDD4 family members in the regulation of cancer. Future molecular studies should focus on the investigation of a broader drug design space and expand the scope of accessible targets for the inhibition/prevention of metastasis.