BIRC5/Survivin is a novel ATG12-ATG5 conjugate interactor and an autophagy-induced DNA damage suppressor in human cancer and mouse embryonic fibroblast cells

TET1 inhibits the migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells by regulating autophagy

Methylation modifications play pertinent roles in regulating gene expression and various biological processes. The silencing of the demethylase enzyme TET1 can affect the expressions of key oncogenes or tumour suppressor genes, thus contributing to tumour formation. Nonetheless, how TET1 affects the progression of cervical cancer is yet to be elucidated. In this study, we found that the expression of TET1 was significantly downregulated in cervical cancer tissues. Functionally, TET1 knockdown in cervical cancer cells can promote cell proliferation, migration, invasion, cervical xenograft tumour formation and EMT. On the contrary, its overexpression can reverse the aforementioned processes. Moreover, the autophagy level of cervical cancer cells can be enhanced after TET1 knockdown. Mechanistically, methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP)-sequencing and MeDIP quantitative real-time PCR revealed that TET1 mediates the methylation of autophagy promoter regions. These findings suggest that TET1 affects the autophagy of cervical cancer cells by altering the methylation levels of NKRF or HIST1H2AK, but the specific mechanism needs to be investigated further.

CRISPR-Cas-based biosensors for the detection of cancer biomarkers

Along with discovering cancer biomarkers, non-invasive detection methods have played a critical role in early cancer diagnosis and prognostic improvement. Some traditional detection methods have been used for detecting cancer biomarkers, but they are time-consuming and involve materials and human costs. With great flexibility, sensitivity and specificity, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated system provides a wide range of application prospects in this field. Herein, we introduce the background of the CRISPR-Cas (CRISPR-associated) system and comprehensively summarize the diagnosis strategies of cancer mediated by the CRISPR-Cas system, including four kinds of biochemical-based markers: nucleic acid, enzyme, tumor-specific protein and exosome. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges in implementing the CRISPR-Cas system in clinical applications.

Development and validation of a prognostic model for colon cancer based on mitotic gene signatures and immune microenvironment analysis

BACKGROUND

Mitotic processes play a pivotal role in tumor progression and immune responses. However, the correlation between mitosis-related genes, clinical outcomes, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) in colon cancer remains unclear. This study aims to develop a prognostic and therapeutic significance model for colon cancer based on mitosis-related genes.

METHODS

RNA expression profiles and clinical data of 453 colon cancer patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Mitosis-related genes were selected from the MsigDb database. The gene model was constructed using differential analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox regression, and Lasso regression analyses. The predictive model was validated using data from the GSE17536, GSE17537, and GSE39582 datasets. Predictive accuracy was evaluated via Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves, while nomograms were developed by integrating clinical and pathological features. Gene set enrichment analysis explored biological processes and pathways linked to the model. TME was assessed using ESTIMATE, and the proportion and function of immune cells were analyzed through CIBERSORT. Drug sensitivity analysis was conducted using the CTRP database.

RESULTS

A predictive model based on 17 mitosis-related genes (KIFC1, CCNF, EME1, CDC25C, ORC1, CCNJL, ANKRD53, MEIS2, FZD3, TPD52L1, MAPK3, CDKN2A, EDN3, NPM2, PSRC1, INHBA, BIRC5) was created. The model exhibited robust predictive performance across both training and validation cohorts. Nomograms for predicting 3-, 5-, and 7-year survival rates in colon cancer (COAD) patients were generated. The model's correlation with immune cell infiltration and function was highlighted.

CONCLUSION

The mitosis-related gene model serves as a valuable indicator for predicting survival outcomes in colon cancer patients.

LH-stimulated periodic lincRNA HEOE regulates follicular dynamics and influences estrous cycle and fertility via miR-16-ZMAT3 and PGF2α in pigs

Disruption of the estrous cycle affects fertility and reproductive health. Follicular dynamics are key to the regularity of the estrous cycle. We identified a novel lincRNA, HEOE, showing significant upregulation in the ovaries during the estrus phase across various pig breeds. Functional analysis revealed that HEOE is responsive to luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulation, modulating transcriptional suppression and alternative splicing in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs). This leads to increased GC apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation. Mechanistically, HEOE inhibits miR-16 maturation in the nucleus, and sequesters miR-16 in the cytoplasm, thereby collectively reducing miR-16's inhibition on ZMAT3, enhancing the expression of ZMAT3, a key factor in the p53 pathway and alternative splicing, thereby regulating follicular development. This effect was validated in both mice and pig follicles. Persistent overexpression or suppression of HEOE throughout the estrous cycle impairs cycle regularity and reduces litter size. These outcomes are associated with HEOE reduced follicular PGF2α levels and modulation of the cAMP signaling pathway. Our data, combined with public databases, indicate that the high expression of HEOE during the estrus phase is crucial for maintaining the estrous cycle. HEOE is a potential therapeutic target for regulating fertility and ensuring estrous cycle regularity in pigs.

Empagliflozin alleviates obesity-related cardiac dysfunction via the activation of SIRT3-mediated autophagosome formation

BACKGROUND

Empagliflozin (EMPA) has demonstrated efficacy in providing cardiovascular benefits in metabolic diseases. However, the direct effect of EMPA on autophagy in obesity-related cardiac dysfunction remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to determine changes in cardiac autophagy during diet-induced obesity and clarify the exact mechanism by which EMPA regulates autophagic pathways.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a 12-week high-fat diet (HFD) followed by 8 weeks of EMPA treatment. Body composition analysis and echocardiography were performed to evaluate metabolic alterations and cardiac function. Histological and immunofluorescence staining was used to evaluate potential enhancements in myocardial structure and biological function. Additionally, H9c2 cells were transfected with small interfering RNA targeting sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) and further treated with palmitic acid (PA) with or without EMPA. Autophagy-related targets were analyzed by western blotting and RT‒qPCR.

RESULTS

EMPA administration effectively ameliorated metabolic disorders and cardiac diastolic dysfunction in HFD-fed mice. EMPA prevented obesity-induced myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, and inflammation through the activation of SIRT3-mediated autophagosome formation. The upregulation of SIRT3 triggered by EMPA promoted the initiation of autophagy by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Beclin1. Furthermore, activated SIRT3 contributed to the elongation of autophagosomes through autophagy-related 4B cysteine peptidase (ATG4B) and autophagy-related 5 (ATG5).

CONCLUSIONS

EMPA promotes SIRT3-mediated autophagosome formation to alleviate damage to the cardiac structure and function of obese mice. Activated SIRT3 initiates autophagy through AMPK/Beclin1 and further stimulates elongation of the autophagosome membrane via ATG4B/ATG5. These results provide a new explanation for the cardioprotective benefits of EMPA in obesity.

tRF-Leu reverse breast cancer cells chemoresistance by regulation of BIRC5

OBJECTIVE

Accumulating studies reported the crucial roles of tRFs in tumorigenesis. However, their further mechanisms and clinical values remains unclear. This study aimed at the further investigation of tRF-Leu in breast cancer chemotherapy resistance.

METHODS

The high-throughput sequencing was performed and identified the downregulation of tRF-Leu in MCF7/ADR cells. The function of tRF-Leu in breast cancer cells and breast cancer chemotherapy resistance was investigated in vitro and in vivo, including colony formation assay, CCK-8 assay, transwell assay and apoptosis assay. The binding site of tRF-Leu on BIRC5 was verified by dual-luciferase assay.

RESULTS

tRF-Leu was downregulated in MCF7/ADR cells. Overexpression of tRF-Leu inhibited the migration of breast cancer cells. Furthermore, tRF-Leu could reverse the resistance of MCF7/ADR cells to Adriamycin both in vitro and in vivo. BIRC5 was a target of tRF-Leu, which might be involved in the chemotherapy resistance regulation.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that tRF-Leu could inhibit the chemotherapy resistance of breast cancer by targeting BIRC5. These findings might identify new biomarkers of breast cancer therapy and bring new strategies to reverse chemotherapy resistance.

Autophagy in aging-related diseases and cancer: Principles, regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic potential

Macroautophagy/autophagy is primarily accountable for the degradation of damaged organelles and toxic macromolecules in the cells. Regarding the essential function of autophagy for preserving cellular homeostasis, changes in, or dysfunction of, autophagy flux can lead to disease development. In the current paper, the complicated function of autophagy in aging-associated pathologies and cancer is evaluated, highlighting the underlying molecular mechanisms that can affect longevity and disease pathogenesis. As a natural biological process, a reduction in autophagy is observed with aging, resulting in an accumulation of cell damage and the development of different diseases, including neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. The MTOR, AMPK, and ATG proteins demonstrate changes during aging, and they are promising therapeutic targets. Insulin/IGF1, TOR, PKA, AKT/PKB, caloric restriction and mitochondrial respiration are vital for lifespan regulation and can modulate or have an interaction with autophagy. The specific types of autophagy, such as mitophagy that degrades mitochondria, can regulate aging by affecting these organelles and eliminating those mitochondria with genomic mutations. Autophagy and its specific types contribute to the regulation of carcinogenesis and they are able to dually enhance or decrease cancer progression. Cancer hallmarks, including proliferation, metastasis, therapy resistance and immune reactions, are tightly regulated by autophagy, supporting the conclusion that autophagy is a promising target in cancer therapy.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts: a versatile mediator in tumor progression, metastasis, and targeted therapy

Tumor microenvironment (TME) has been demonstrated to play a significant role in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the major component of TME and exhibit heterogeneous properties in their communication with tumor cells. This heterogeneity of CAFs can be attributed to various origins, including quiescent fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), adipocytes, pericytes, endothelial cells, and mesothelial cells. Moreover, single-cell RNA sequencing has identified diverse phenotypes of CAFs, with myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs) and inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs) being the most acknowledged, alongside newly discovered subtypes like antigen-presenting CAFs (apCAFs). Due to these heterogeneities, CAFs exert multiple functions in tumorigenesis, cancer stemness, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, metabolism, and metastasis. As a result, targeted therapies aimed at the TME, particularly focusing on CAFs, are rapidly developing, fueling the promising future of advanced tumor-targeted therapy.

Silencing of tropomodulin 1 inhibits acute myeloid leukemia cell proliferation and tumor growth by elevating karyopherin alpha 2-mediated autophagy

Evidence shows that tropomodulin 1 (TMOD1) is a powerful diagnostic marker in the progression of several cancer types. However, the regulatory mechanism of TMOD1 in tumor progression is still unclear. Here, we showed that TMOD1 was highly expressed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) specimens, and TMOD1-silencing inhibited cell proliferation by inducing autophagy in AML THP-1 and MOLM-13 cells. Mechanistically, the C-terminal region of TMOD1 directly bound to KPNA2, and TMOD1-overexpression promoted KPNA2 ubiquitylation and reduced KPNA2 levels. In contrast, TMOD1-silencing increased KPNA2 levels and facilitated the nuclear transfer of KPNA2, then subsequently induced autophagy and inhibited cell proliferation by increasing the nucleocytoplasmic transport of p53 and AMPK activation. KPNA2/p53 inhibitors attenuated autophagy induced by silencing TMOD1 in AML cells. Silencing TMOD1 also inhibited tumor growth by elevating KPNA2-mediated autophagy in nude mice bearing MOLM-13 xenografts. Collectively, our data demonstrated that TMOD1 could be a novel therapeutic target for AML treatment.

Bone Morphogenetic Protein Signaling Agonist SB4 (BMPSB4) Inhibits Corticotroph Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors by Activation of Autophagy via a BMP4/SMADs-Dependent Pathway

Corticotroph pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs), associated with Cushing's disease (CD), have limited treatment options other than surgical resection. Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), a potential therapeutic target, is decreased in patients with CD. Previous studies have identified BMPSB4 as a potent agonist of the BMP4 signaling pathway. Here, we investigated the effect of BMPSB4 on the corticotroph PitNET cell line AtT20/D16v-F2 and explored the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic potential. We verified the low expression patterns of BMP4 and downstream p-SMAD1/5/9 in CD samples at the transcriptional and protein levels. In addition, BMPSB4 activated SMAD1/5/9 in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, with concomitant inhibitory effects on AtT20/D16v-F2 cells. Further RNA sequencing, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and transfection with the mRFP-EGFP-LC3 adenoviral vector revealed that BMPSB4 induced cellular autophagy, which was the basis for the inhibitory effect of BMPSB4. Moreover, we demonstrated that autophagy induced by BMPSB4 was achieved through the SMADs-dependent pathway. In vivo, BMPSB4 inhibited tumor growth and significantly reduced adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) secretion, thereby alleviating the CD phenotype. In conclusion, this study identified BMPSB4 as an effective therapeutic agent for CD. BMPSB4 activates autophagy through a SMADs-dependent pathway, which in turn promotes autophagy-mediated cell death. Our work further elucidates the mechanism of the BMP4 signaling pathway in CD and suggests broad prospects for the development and application of BMPSB4 in CD therapy.

Identification of PSMD11 as a novel cuproptosis- and immune-related prognostic biomarker promoting lung adenocarcinoma progression

BACKGROUND

Due to the unfavorable prognosis associated with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), the development of targeted therapies and immunotherapies is essential. Cuproptosis, an emerging form of regulated cell death, is implicated in mitochondrial metabolism and is induced by copper ions. This study aimed to explore the prognostic value of cuproptosis- and immune-related genes (CIRGs) in LUAD.

METHODS

We used The Cancer Genome Atlas database to develop a prognostic prediction model for LUAD patients based on eight CIRGs. Using Cox regression analysis, we determined that the CIRG signature is a reliable, independent prognostic factor. We further identified PSMD11 as a critical CIRG and performed immunohistochemistry to study the protein expression levels of PSMD11 in LUAD tissues. We also investigated the impact of PSMD11 on the biological behavior of lung cancer cell lines.

RESULTS

We found that patients with low PSMD11 expression levels displayed an improved prognosis compared with those with high PSMD11 expression levels. Overexpression of PSMD11 enhanced proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth of lung carcinoma cell line A549, while PSMD11 knockdown diminished proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth of lung carcinoma cell line PC9. Additionally, we discovered that PSMD11 expression was positively correlated with the infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and the increased expression of immunosuppressive molecules.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that PSMD11 may serve as a valuable prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for LUAD.

Survivin as a Therapeutic Target for the Treatment of Human Cancer

Survivin was initially identified as a member of the inhibitor apoptosis (IAP) protein family and has been shown to play a critical role in the regulation of apoptosis. More recent studies showed that survivin is a component of the chromosome passenger complex and acts as an essential mediator of mitotic progression. Other potential functions of survivin, such as mitochondrial function and autophagy, have also been proposed. Survivin has emerged as an attractive target for cancer therapy because its overexpression has been found in most human cancers and is frequently associated with chemotherapy resistance, recurrence, and poor survival rates in cancer patients. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of how survivin mediates various aspects of malignant transformation and drug resistance, as well as the efforts that have been made to develop therapeutics targeting survivin for the treatment of cancer.

Exploring effective biomarkers and potential immune related gene in small cell lung cancer

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is well known as a highly malignant neuroendocrine tumor. Immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy has become a standard treatment for extensive SCLC. However, since most patients quickly develop resistance and relapse, finding new therapeutic targets for SCLC is important. We obtained four microarray datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and screened differentially expressed genes by two methods: batch correction and "RobustRankAggregation". After the establishment of a protein-protein interaction network through Cytoscape, seven hub genes (AURKB, BIRC5, TOP2A, TYMS, PCNA, UBE2C, and AURKA) with high expression in SCLC samples were obtained by eight CytoHubba algorithms. The Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression and the Wilcoxon test were used to analyze the differences in the immune cells' infiltration between normal and SCLC samples. The contents of seven kinds of immune cells were considered to differ significantly between SCLC samples and normal samples. A negative association was found between BIRC5 and monocytes in the correlation analysis between immune cells and the seven hub genes. The subsequent in vitro validation of experimental results showed that downregulating the expression of BIRC5 by siRNA can promote apoptotic activity of SCLC cells and inhibit their vitality, migration, and invasion. The use of BIRC5 inhibitor inhibited the vitality of SCLC cells and increased their apoptotic activity. BIRC5 may be a novel therapeutic target option for SCLC.

Milk fat globule epidermal growth factor 8 alleviates liver injury in severe acute pancreatitis by restoring autophagy flux and inhibiting ferroptosis in hepatocytes

BACKGROUND

Liver injury is common in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Excessive autophagy often leads to an imbalance of homeostasis in hepatocytes, which induces lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial iron deposition and ultimately leads to ferroptosis. Our previous study found that milk fat globule epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8) alleviates acinar cell damage during SAP via binding to αvβ3/5 integrins. MFG-E8 also seems to mitigate pancreatic fibrosis via inhibiting chaperone-mediated autophagy.

AIM

To speculate whether MFG-E8 could also alleviate SAP induced liver injury by restoring the abnormal autophagy flux.

METHODS

SAP was induced in mice by 2 hly intraperitoneal injections of 4.0 g/kg L-arginine or 7 hly injections of 50 μg/kg cerulein plus lipopolysaccharide. mfge8-knockout mice were used to study the effect of MFG-E8 deficiency on SAP-induced liver injury. Cilengitide, a specific αvβ3/5 integrin inhibitor, was used to investigate the possible mechanism of MFG-E8.

RESULTS

The results showed that MFG-E8 deficiency aggravated SAP-induced liver injury in mice, enhanced autophagy flux in hepatocyte, and worsened the degree of ferroptosis. Exogenous MFG-E8 reduced SAP-induced liver injury in a dose-dependent manner. Mechanistically, MFG-E8 mitigated excessive autophagy and inhibited ferroptosis in liver cells. Cilengitide abolished MFG-E8’s beneficial effects in SAP-induced liver injury.

CONCLUSION

MFG-E8 acts as an endogenous protective mediator in SAP-induced liver injury. MFG-E8 alleviates the excessive autophagy and inhibits ferroptosis in hepatocytes by binding to integrin αVβ3/5.

Association of ATG16L1 and ATG5 gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to hepatitis B virus infection and progression to HCC in central China

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a severe public health problem worldwide. The relationship between polymorphisms of autophagy-related 16-like 1 gene (ATG16L1) and autophagy-related gene 5 (ATG5) with susceptibility to the stage of HBV infection has been reported in different populations. Nevertheless, this association is not seen in the population of central China. This study recruited 452 participants, including 246 HBV-infected patients (139 chronically infected HBV without hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] and 107 HBV-related HCC patients) and 206 healthy controls. Genotyping of ATG16L1 rs2241880 and ATG5 rs688810 were performed using Sanger sequencing and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism, respectively. Our results indicated that the G allele of ATG16L1 rs2241880 was more frequent in healthy controls than in patients with chronicHBV infection. After adjusting for age and sex, an association between the ATG16L1 rs2241880 polymorphism and HBV infection was significant under the dominant and allele models (p = 0.009 and 0.003, respectively). However, no association between the ATG5 polymorphisms and HBV infection was observed. We also did not find a significant association between ATG16L1 and ATG5 polymorphisms and the progression of HBV-related HCC. Therefore, the genetic polymorphism of ATG16L1 rs2241880 may be associated with susceptibility to HBV infection in the population of central China.

Dioscin inhibits non-small cell lung cancer cells and activates apoptosis by downregulation of Survivin

Human malignancies exhibit elevated levels of survivin, and have been linked to poor prognosis. Targeting survivin expression is a promising therapeutic strategy against cancer cells. Natural compounds have become a hot topic in research due to their non-toxic, non-invasive, and efficient treatment of multiple diseases. In this current investigation, it was discovered that Dioscin, as a natural compound, exerted profound antitumor activity against NSCLC cell lines, inhibiting NSCLC cell viability and promoting apoptosis. Further mechanistic studies showed that Dioscin promoted ubiquitination-mediated survivin degradation via strengthening the interaction between survivin and the E3 ubiquitin ligase Fbxl7. Furthermore, Dioscin exhibited a strong tumor suppressive effect in xenograft tumor models, and Dioscin treatment led to a notable decrease in tumor volume and weight. Based on our findings, Dioscin is expected to be a potential antitumor agent for non-small cell lung cancer treatment.

Targeting survivin for cancer therapy: Strategies, small molecule inhibitors and vaccine based therapeutics in development

Survivin is a member of the family of inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs). It is involved in the normal mitotic process and acts as an anti-apoptotic molecule. While terminally differentiated normal tissues lack survivin, several human malignancies have significant protein levels. Resistance to chemotherapy and radiation in tumor cells is associated with survivin expression. Decreased tumor development, apoptosis, and increased sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiation are all effects of downregulating survivin expression or activity. As a prospective cancer treatment, small molecules targeting the transcription and translation of survivin and molecules that can directly bind with the survivin are being explored both in pre-clinical and clinics. Pre-clinical investigations have found and demonstrated the effectiveness of several small-molecule survivin inhibitors. Unfortunately, these inhibitors have also been shown to have off-target effects, which could limit their clinical utility. In addition to small molecules, several survivin peptide vaccines are currently under development. These vaccines are designed to elicit a cytotoxic T-cell response against survivin, which could lead to the destruction of tumor cells expressing survivin. Some survivin-based vaccines are advancing through Phase II clinical studies. Overall, survivin is a promising cancer drug target. However, challenges still need to be addressed before the survivin targeted therapies can be widely used in the clinics.

Downregulated BIRC5 inhibits proliferation and metastasis of melanoma through the β-catenin/HIF-1α/VEGF/MMPs pathway

PURPOSE

Melanoma is a malignant skin tumor caused by melanocytes and associated with high mortality rates. This study aims to investigate the specific mechanism of ZWZ-3 in melanoma proliferation and metastasis.

METHODS

RNA sequencing was performed to identify the effect of ZWZ-3 on gene expression. siRNA was used to inhibit BIRC5 gene expression in the B16F10 cell line. A zebrafish tumor model was used to assess the therapeutic effect of ZWZ-3 in vivo. Mechanistic insights into the inhibition of tumor metastasis by ZWZ-3 were obtained through analysis of tumor tissue sections in mice.

RESULTS

Our findings demonstrated that ZWZ-3 suppressed melanoma cell proliferation and migration. We performed RNA sequencing in melanoma cells after the treatment with ZWZ-3 and found that Birc5, which is closely associated with tumor metastasis, was significantly down-regulated. Bioinformatics analysis and the immuno-histochemical results of tissue chips for melanoma further confirmed the high expression of BIRC5 in melanoma and its effect on disease progression. Moreover, Birc5 knock-down significantly inhibited melanoma cell proliferation and metastasis, which was correlated with the β-catenin/HIF-1α/VEGF/MMPs pathway. Additionally, ZWZ-3 significantly inhibited tumor growth in the zebrafish tumor model without any evident side effects. Histological and immuno-histochemical analyses revealed that ZWZ-3 inhibited tumor cell metastasis by down-regulating HIF-1α, VEGF, and MMP9.

CONCLUSION

Our findings revealed that ZWZ-3 could downregulate BIRC5 and inhibit melanoma proliferation and metastasis through the β-catenin/HIF-1α/VEGF/MMPs pathway. Therefore, BIRC5 represents a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of melanoma.

Immune-related gene prognostic index (IRGPI) for lung adenocarcinoma predicts patient prognosis and immunotherapy response

OBJECTIVE

We searched for a predictive biomarker that also predicts whether patients would benefit from immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) treatment from a few angles, because existing biomarkers no longer wholly replicate the interconnections of distinctive elements in the tumor microenvironment (TME).

METHODS

We identified 55 pivotal IRGs by performing a WGCNA and univariate Cox regression analysis on a lung adenocarcinoma dataset from the TCGA database. The IRGPI model was then constructed using multivariate Cox regression analysis, which identified 16 genes and verified the use of the GSE68465 database. The AUC of the IRGPI was compared to those of the current biomarkers to determine its predictive potential. Then we examined the molecular and immunological properties of ICB and assessed its effectiveness using CTLA4 expression and TIDE.

RESULTS

Patients with a high IRGPI had a later clinical stage, more severe symptoms, and a worse prognosis. Patients with a low IRGPI had a higher immune escape potential and were less responsive to immunotherapy.

CONCLUSION

The IRGPI may be a biomarker for determining the prognosis of patients and whether they respond favorably to ICB therapy.

Effects of high-risk human papillomavirus infection on P53, pRb, and survivin in lung adenocarcinoma-a retrospective study

Objective

To observe the effects of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection on P53, pRb, and survivin in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods

The cancerous and cancer-adjacent tissues of 102 patients with LUAD from January 2020 to April 2022 were selected for the study. HR-HPV infection was detected by flow fluorescence method, and P53, pRb, and survivin protein expression was detected by immunohistochemical staining method. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the differences in the HR-HPV infection and the expression of P53, pRb, and survivin proteins between LUAD tissues and cancer-adjacent tissues; the correlation between HR-HPV infection and P53, pRb, and survivin protein expression in cancer tissues; and the correlation between HR-HPV infection and clinicopathological features of LUAD.

Results

The infection rate of HR-HPV was higher in the LUAD tissues (28.43%) than in cancer-adjacent tissues (7.84%), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The positive rates of P53 and survivin protein were higher in the LUAD group (33.33% and 67.16%, respectively) than in the cancer-adjacent group (3.92% and 11.73%, respectively), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The positive rate of pRb protein was lower in the LUAD group (58.82%) than in the cancer-adjacent group (92.14%), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The positive rates of P53 and survivin proteins were significantly higher in the HR-HPV LUAD group (58.62% and 86.21%, respectively) than in the non-HR-HPV LUAD group (41.38% and 67.12%, respectively), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The expression rate of pRb protein was significantly lower in the HR-HPV LUAD group (37.93%) than in the non-HR-HPV LUAD group (67.12%), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The expression of p53 and survivin protein was positively correlated with HR-HPV infection (r = 0.338 and 0.444, P < 0.05), whereas the expression of pRb protein was negatively correlated with HR-HPV infection (r =  - 0.268, P < 0.05). HR-HPV infection was not associated with gender, age, and smoking in patients with LUAD (P > 0.05). HR-HPV infection was associated with lymph node metastasis and clinical stage of LUAD (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

HR-HPV infection was associated with lymph node metastasis and clinical stage of LUAD, which may be achieved by up-regulating p53 and survivin protein expression and down-regulating pRb protein expression.

The interrelation of galectins and autophagy

Autophagy is a vital physiological process that maintains intracellular homeostasis by removing damaged organelles and senescent or misfolded molecules. However, excessive autophagy results in cell death and apoptosis, which will lead to a variety of diseases. Galectins are a type of animal lectin that binds to β-galactosides and can bind to the cell surface or extracellular matrix glycans, affecting a variety of immune processes in vivo and being linked to the development of many diseases. In many cases, galectins and autophagy both play important regulatory roles in the cellular life course, yet our understanding of the relationship between them is still incomplete. Galectins and autophagy may share common etiological cofactors for some diseases. Hence, we summarize the relationship between galectins and autophagy, aiming to draw attention to the existence of multiple associations between galectins and autophagy in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, which provide new ideas for etiological diagnosis, drug development, and therapeutic targets for related diseases.

The role of KLF transcription factor in the regulation of cancer progression

Kruppel-like factors (KLFs) are a family of zinc finger transcription factors that have been found to play an essential role in the development of various human tissues, including epithelial, teeth, and nerves. In addition to regulating normal physiological processes, KLFs have been implicated in promoting the onset of several cancers, such as gastric cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, and colon cancer. To inhibit cancer progression, various existing medicines have been used to modulate the expression of KLFs, and anti-microRNA treatments have also emerged as a potential strategy for many cancers. Investigating the possibility of targeting KLFs in cancer therapy is urgently needed, as the roles of KLFs in cancer have not received enough attention in recent years. This review summarizes the factors that regulate KLF expression and function at both the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels, which could aid in understanding the mechanisms of KLFs in cancer progression. We hope that this review will contribute to the development of more effective anti-cancer medicines targeting KLFs in the future.

Nanomedicine for autophagy modulation in cancer therapy: a clinical perspective

In recent years, progress in nanotechnology provided new tools to treat cancer more effectively. Advances in biomaterials tailored for drug delivery have the potential to overcome the limited selectivity and side effects frequently associated with traditional therapeutic agents. While autophagy is pivotal in determining cell fate and adaptation to different challenges, and despite the fact that it is frequently dysregulated in cancer, antitumor therapeutic strategies leveraging on or targeting this process are scarce. This is due to many reasons, including the very contextual effects of autophagy in cancer, low bioavailability and non-targeted delivery of existing autophagy modulatory compounds. Conjugating the versatile characteristics of nanoparticles with autophagy modulators may render these drugs safer and more effective for cancer treatment. Here, we review current standing questions on the biology of autophagy in tumor progression, and precursory studies and the state-of-the-art in harnessing nanomaterials science to enhance the specificity and therapeutic potential of autophagy modulators.

AURKA, as a potential prognostic biomarker, regulates autophagy and immune infiltration in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Dysfunction of Aurora A (AURKA) plays crucial role in tumorigenesis and development of many types of cancer. However, the role of AURKA in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has not been investigated yet.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two independent NPC cohorts (GSE61218 and GSE102349) were enrolled from public database to investigate the expression level of AURKA between NPC and nasopharyngitis samples, the association of AURKA expression level with prognosis in NPC, and the potential mechanism of AURKA in NPC by using bioinformatics analyses. The expression level of AURKA protein in 62 paired NPC and nasopharyngitis tissues was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Two NPC cell lines (SUNE-1 and CNE-2) were enrolled and the expression levels of AURKA in the NPC cells were inhibited by RNA interference. The expression levels of mRNAs were tested by qPCR and western-blotting. CCK-8 assay was applied to measure the cell growth. Cell migration was measured by using wound healing assays.

RESULTS

AURKA was highly expressed in NPC samples compared to nasopharyngitis samples in GSE61218, which was confirmed by IHC. High expression of AURKA was associated with worse prognosis in GSE102349. Notably, silencing of AURKA was associated with significantly decreased cell growth and migration in NPC. Moreover, we found that the differentially expressed genes between high and low AURKA expression groups in GSE102349 were majorly enriched in both autophagy-related and immune-related pathways. Additionally, the expression level of AURKA was associated with the expression levels of autophagy-related genes and the infiltration of immune cells.

CONCLUSION

AURKA overexpressed in NPC, which was associated with poor prognosis. Silencing of AURKA inhibited the proliferation and migration of NPC cells. Besides, AURKA might participate in the regulation of both autophagy and immunity in NPC.

Oncogenic RAS promotes MYC protein stability by upregulating the expression of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein family member Survivin

The small GTPase KRAS is frequently mutated in pancreatic cancer and its cooperation with the transcription factor MYC is essential for malignant transformation. The key to oncogenic KRAS and MYC working together is the stabilization of MYC expression due to KRAS activating the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, which phosphorylates MYC at serine 62 (Ser 62). This prevents the proteasomal degradation of MYC while enhancing its transcriptional activity. Here, we identify how this essential signaling connection between oncogenic KRAS and MYC expression is mediated by the inhibitor of apoptosis protein family member Survivin. This discovery stemmed from our finding that Survivin expression is downregulated upon treatment of pancreatic cancer cells with the KRASG12C inhibitor Sotorasib. We went on to show that oncogenic KRAS increases Survivin expression by activating extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 in pancreatic cancer cells and that treating the cells either with siRNAs targeting Survivin or with YM155, a small molecule that potently blocks Survivin expression, downregulates MYC and strongly inhibited their growth. We further determined that Survivin protects MYC from degradation by blocking autophagy, which then prevents cellular inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A from undergoing autophagic degradation. Cellular inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A, by inhibiting protein phosphatase 2A, helps to maintain MYC phosphorylation at Ser 62, thereby ensuring its cooperation with oncogenic KRAS in driving cancer progression. Overall, these findings highlight a novel role for Survivin in mediating the cooperative actions of KRAS and MYC during malignant transformation and raise the possibility that targeting Survivin may offer therapeutic benefits against KRAS-driven cancers.

Synergistic treatment of osteosarcoma with biomimetic nanoparticles transporting doxorubicin and siRNA

Introduction

Osteosarcoma tumors are the most common malignant bone tumors in children and adolescents. Their treatment usually requires surgical removal of all detectable cancerous tissue and multidrug chemotherapy; however, the prognosis for patients with unresectable or recurrent osteosarcoma is unfavorable. To make chemotherapy safer and more effective for osteosarcoma patients, biomimetic nanoparticles (NPs) camouflaged by mesenchymal stem cell membranes (MSCMs) were synthesized to induce osteosarcoma cell apoptosis by co-delivering the anticancer drug doxorubicin hydrochloride(DOX) and a small interfering RNA (siRNA). Importantly, these NPs have high biocompatibility and tumor-homing ability. This study aimed to improve the efficacy of osteosarcoma therapy by using the synergistic combination of DOX and an siRNA targeting the apoptosis suppressor gene survivin.

Methods

Biomimetic NPs (DOX/siSUR-PLGA@MSCM NPs) were synthesized by coloading DOX and survivin siRNA (siSUR) into poly (lactide-co-glycolide acid) (PLGA) via a double-emulsion solvent evaporation method. The NPs were camouflaged by MSCMs to deliver both DOX and survivin-targeting siRNA and characterized and evaluated in terms of cellular uptake, in vitro release, in vitro and in vivo antitumor effects, and biosafety.

Results

DOX/siSUR-PLGA@MSCM NPs had good tumor-homing ability due to the MSCMs modification. The drug-laden biomimetic NPs had good antitumor effects in homozygous MG63 tumor-bearing mice due to the synergistic effect of the drug combination.

Conclusion

DOX/siSUR-PLGA@MSCM NPs can show improved therapeutic effects in osteosarcoma patients due to the combination of a chemotherapeutic drug and gene therapy based on their good tumor targeting and biosafety.

Study on differentially expressed genes between stage M and stage MS neuroblastoma

Objective

To search for the DEGs between stage MS NB and stage M NB and speculate the possible mechanism of spontaneous regression of stage MS NB.

Materials and methods

The NB datasets GSE49710 and GSE45547 in the GEO database were selected to screen the DEGs between children with NB stage MS vs. stage M, < 18 months. GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis of DEGs was performed using DAVID. The intersecting genes among DEGs and RCD-related genes were selected, and their survival roles and functions were assessed. We then used the collected clinical samples to validate the expression of these genes at the protein level using IHC methods and further analysis to explore their role.

Results

BIRC5, SLCO4A1, POPDC3, and HK2 were found to be downregulated in stage MS NB and related to apoptosis. BIRC5 and HK2 also participate in autophagy. The TF gene is upregulated in stage MS NB and related to ferroptosis. The above five genes are closely related to the survival of children with NB. And the expression levels of all five genes at the protein level were verified by IHC to be consistent with the results of the preliminary screening described above.

Conclusion

BIRC5, SLCO4A1, POPDC3, HK2 and TF are expected to become new important indicators to predict the prognosis of NB and can be used as the basis for further explored the benign prognosis and spontaneous regression mechanism of stage MS NB.

Inhibition of ANGPT2 activates autophagy during hypertrophic scar formation via PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

BACKGROUND

Hypertrophic scar (HS), a fibroproliferative disorder caused by aberrant wound healing following skin injuries such as burns, lacerations and surgery, is characterized by invasive proliferation of fibroblasts and excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation. The dysregulation of autophagy is the pathological basis of HS formation. Previously, angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2) was found to be overexpressed in HS fibroblasts (HSFs) compared with normal skin fibroblasts. However, whether ANGPT2 participates in the process of HS formation and the potential molecular mechanisms are not clear.

OBJECTIVE

This study is intended to figure out the role of ANGPT2 and ANGPT2-mediated autophagy during the development of HS.

METHODS

RT-qPCR was used to detect ANGPT2 expression in HS tissues and HSFs. HSFs were transfected with sh-ANGPT2 to knock down ANGPT2 expression and then treated with MHT1485, the mTOR agonist. The effects of sh-ANGPT2 or MHT1485 on the proliferation, migration, autophagy and ECM accumulation of HSFs were evaluated by CCK-8 assay, Transwell assay and western blotting. The expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway-related molecules (p-PI3K, p-Akt and p-mTOR) was assessed by western blotting.

RESULTS

ANGPT2 expression was markedly upregulated in HS tissues and HSFs. ANGPT2 knockdown decreased the expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt and p-mTOR. ANGPT2 knockdown activated autophagy and inhibited the proliferation, migration, and ECM accumulation of HSFs. Additionally, the treatment of MHT1485, the mTOR agonist, on ANGPT2-downregulated HSFs, partially reversed the influence of ANGPT2 knockdown on HSFs.

STUDY LIMITATIONS

The study lacks the establishment of more stable in vivo animal models of HS for investigating the effects of ANGPT2 on HS formation in experimental animals.

CONCLUSIONS

ANGPT2 downregulation represses growth, migration, and ECM accumulation of HSFs via autophagy activation by suppressing the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Our study provides a novel potential therapeutic target for HS.

Anthocyanin from Lycium ruthenicum Murr. in the Qaidam Basin Alleviates Ultraviolet-Induced Apoptosis of Human Skin Fibroblasts by Regulating the Death Receptor Pathway

Purpose

The study aimed to investigate the potential protective role of anthocyanin from Lycium ruthenicum Murr. in the Qaidam Basin against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced apoptosis of human skin fibroblasts (HSFs).

Methods

HSFs cultured in vitro were randomly divided into a control group, UVB group, and anthocyanin groups (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/mL). HSFs in the UVB and anthocyanin groups were exposed to 30 mJ/cm² UVB to establish a photoaging model. Then, apoptosis rate, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3 (caspase-3), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-7 (caspase-7), and survivin expression were evaluated.

Results

UVB irradiation can increase the apoptosis rate of HSFs and expression of TNF-α, caspase-7, and survivin. Anthocyanin pretreatment (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/mL) decreased UVB-induced apoptosis rate and TNF-α and caspase-7 expression and increased survivin expression. Compared with the control group, the apoptosis rate and expression of TNF-α, caspase-7, and survivin of anthocyanin groups in UVB-irradiated HSFs were high. Among the three doses of anthocyanin (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/mL) groups, the apoptosis rate and TNF-α expression of anthocyanin at 1.0 mg/mL were the lowest. There was no significant change in caspase-3 expression in each group.

Conclusion

Anthocyanin from Lycium ruthenicum Murr. in the Qaidam Basin could alleviate UVB-induced apoptosis by regulating the death receptor pathway.

Combined exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and polystyrene microplastics induced renal autophagy through the ROS/AMPK/ULK1 pathway

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) are new environmental pollutants that attracted increased attention. At present, the effects and underlying mechanisms of action of combined exposure of DEHP and PS-MPs on the kidney have not been elucidated. To investigate the renal toxicity of DEHP and PS-MPs exposure, we established single and combined DEHP and PS-MPs exposure models in mice and HEK293 cells, respectively. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, transmission electron microscopy, monodansylcadaverine staining, immunofluorescence, real-time quantitative PCR, Western blot analysis and other methods were used to detect relevant indicators. The results showed that the expression levels of ROS/AMPK/ULK1 and Ppargc1α/Mfn2 signaling pathway-related genes were significantly increased in the DEHP and PS-MPs exposure models. The mRNA and protein expression levels of autophagy markers were also upregulated. In addition, we found that the expression levels of mRNAs and proteins in the combined exposure group were more significantly increased than those in the single exposure group. In conclusion, combined exposure to DEHP and PS-MPs caused oxidative stress and activated the AMPK/ULK1 pathway, thereby inducing renal autophagy. Our results enhance the field of nephrotoxicity studies of plasticizers and microplastics and provide new light on combined toxicity studies of DEHP and PS-MPs.

Role of ferroptosis-associated genes in ankylosing spondylitis and immune cell infiltration

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic progressive autoimmune disease with insidious onset, high rates of disability among patients, unknown pathogenesis, and no effective treatment. Ferroptosis is a novel type of regulated cell death that is associated with various cancers and diseases. However, its relation to AS is not clear. In the present study, we identified two potential therapeutic targets for AS based on genes associated with ferroptosis and explored their association with immune cells and immune cell infiltration (ICI). We studied gene expression profiles of two cohorts of patients with AS (GSE25101 and GSE41038) derived from the gene expression omnibus database, and ferroptosis-associated genes (FRGs) were obtained from the FerrDb database. LASSO regression analysis was performed to build predictive models for AS based on FRGs, and the ferroptosis level in each sample was assessed via single-sample gene set enrichment analysis. Weighted gene co-expression network and protein-protein interaction network analyses were performed for screening; two key genes, DDIT3 and HSPB1, were identified in patients with AS. The relationship between key genes and ICI levels was assessed using the CIBERSORT algorithm, followed by gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses. Finally, DDIT3 and HSPB1 were identified as diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic targets for AS. DDIT3 was highly positively correlated with the infiltration levels of various immune cells, while HSPB1 was negatively correlated with the infiltration levels of several different types of immune cells. In conclusion, DDIT3 and HSPB1 may induce ferroptosis in the cells of patients with AS via changes in the inflammatory response in the immune microenvironment, and these genes could serve as molecular targets for AS therapy.

miR-92a-3p promotes breast cancer proliferation by regulating the KLF2/BIRC5 axis

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer remains the most common malignancy in females around the world. Recently, a growing number of studies have focused on gene dysregulation. In our previous study, Krüppel-like factors (KLFs) were found to play essential roles in breast cancer development, among which KLF2 could function as a tumor suppressor. Nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear.

METHODS

miR-92a-3p was identified as the upstream regulator of KLF2 by starBase v.3.0. The regulation of KLF2 by miR-92a-3p was verified by a series of in vitro and in vivo assays. Further exploration revealed that Baculoviral IAP Repeat Containing 5 (BIRC5) was the target of KLF2. ChIP assay, dual-luciferase reporter analysis, quantitative real-time PCR, and western blot were performed for verification.

RESULTS

miR-92a-3p functioned as a tumor promoter by inhibiting KLF2 by binding to its 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR). In addition, KLF2 could transcriptionally suppress the expression of BIRC5.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, our results uncovered the miR-92a-3p/KLF2/BIRC5 axis in breast cancer and provided a potential mechanism for breast cancer development, which may serve as promising strategies for breast cancer therapy.

A Metabolism-Related Gene Prognostic Index for Prediction of Response to Immunotherapy in Lung Adenocarcinoma

Immunotherapy, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), is a validated strategy for treating lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients. One of the main challenges in ICIs treatment is the lack of efficient biomarkers for predicting response or resistance. Metabolic reprogramming has been proven to remodel the tumor microenvironment, altering the response to ICIs. We constructed a prognostic model as metabolism-related gene (MRG) of four genes by using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), the nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF), and Cox regression analysis of a LUAD dataset (n = 500) from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), which was validated with three Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets (n = 442, n = 226 and n = 127). The MRG was constructed based on BIRC5, PLK1, CDKN3, and CYP4B1 genes. MRG-high patients had a worse survival probability than MRG-low patients. Furthermore, the MRG-high subgroup was more associated with cell cycle-related pathways; high infiltration of activated memory CD4+T cells, M0 macrophages, and neutrophils; and showed better response to ICIs. Contrarily, the MRG-low subgroup was associated with fatty acid metabolism, high infiltration of dendric cells, and resting mast cells, and showed poor response to ICIs. MRG is a promising prognostic index for predicting survival and response to ICIs and other therapeutic agents in LUAD, which might provide insights on strategies with ICIs alone or combined with other agents.

Identification and Analysis of Immune-Related Gene Signature in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) originates from the hepatocytes and accounts for 90% of liver cancer. The study intends to identify novel prognostic biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of HCC patients based on TCGA and GSE14520 cohorts.

METHODS

Differential analysis was employed to obtain the DEGs (Differentially Expressed Genes) of the TCGA-LIHC-TPM cohort. The lasso regression analysis was applied to build the prognosis model through using the TCGA cohort as the training group and the GSE14520 cohort as the testing group. Next, based on the prognosis model, we performed the following analyses: the survival analysis, the independent prognosis analysis, the clinical feature analysis, the mutation analysis, the immune cell infiltration analysis, the tumor microenvironment analysis, and the drug sensitivity analysis. Finally, the survival time of HCC patients was predicted by constructing nomograms.

RESULTS

Through the lasso regression analysis, we obtained a prognosis model of ten genes including BIRC5 (baculoviral IAP repeat containing 5), CDK4 (cyclin-dependent kinase 4), DCK (deoxycytidine kinase), HSPA4 (heat shock protein family A member 4), HSP90AA1 (heat shock protein 90 α family class A member 1), PSMD2 (Proteasome 26S Subunit Ubiquitin Receptor, Non-ATPase 2), IL1RN (interleukin 1 receptor antagonist), PGF (placental growth factor), SPP1 (secreted phosphoprotein 1), and STC2 (stanniocalcin 2). First, we found that the risk score is an independent prognosis factor and is related to the clinical features of HCC patients, covering AFP (α-fetoprotein) and stage. Second, we observed that the p53 mutation was the most obvious mutation between the high-risk and low-risk groups. Third, we also discovered that the risk score is related to some immune cells, covering B cells, T cells, dendritic, macrophages, neutrophils, etc. Fourth, the high-risk group possesses a lower TIDE score, a higher expression of immune checkpoints, and higher ESTIMATE score. Finally, nomograms include the clinical features and risk signatures, displaying the clinical utility of the signature in the survival prediction of HCC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Through the comprehensive analysis, we constructed an immune-related prognosis model to predict the survival of HCC patients. In addition to predicting the survival time of HCC patients, this model significantly correlates with the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, we concluded that these ten immune-related genes (BIRC5, CDK4, DCK, HSPA4, HSP90AA1, PSMD2, IL1RN, PGF, SPP1, and STC2) serve as novel targets for antitumor immunity. Therefore, this study plays a significant role in exploring the clinical application of immune-related genes.

Aggregation-Induced Emission (AIE) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Characteristics for Targeted and Image-Guided siRNA Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of primary liver cancer and remains a global health challenge. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a promising therapeutic modality that blocks multiple disease-causing genes without impairing cell structures. However, siRNA therapeutics still have off-target proportion and lack effective quantitative analysis method in vivo. Thus, a novel theragnostic nanoparticle with dual-mode imaging is synthesized for targeted and image-guided siRNA therapy of HCC. Survivin siRNA is carried by Poly-ethylenimine (PEI) and interacted with T7-AIE/Gd NPs, which are self-assembled of DSPE-PEG-DTPA(Gd), DSPE-PEG-Mal, DSPE-PEG-PEI, and TPE. The resulting theragnostic nanoparticles exhibit lower toxicity and high therapeutic effect, and excellent T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) imaging performance. Moreover, in vivo MRI and AIE imaging indicate that this kind of theragnostic nanoparticles rapidly accumulates in the tumor due to active targeting and enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effects. Sur@T7-AIE-Gd suppresses HCC tumor growth by inducing autophagy and destabilizes DNA integrity in tumor cells. The results suggest that T7-AIE-Gd nanoparticles carrying Survivin siRNA with dual-mode imaging characteristics are promising for targeted and image-guided siRNA therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Pan-cancer gene expression analysis: Identification of deregulated autophagy genes and drugs to target them

Identifying suitable deregulated targets in autophagy pathway is essential for developing autophagy modulating cancer therapies. With this aim, we systematically analyzed the expression levels of genes that contribute to the execution of autophagy in 21 cancers. Deregulated genes for 21 cancers were analyzed using the level 3 mRNA data from TCGAbiolinks. A total of 574 autophagy genes were mapped to the deregulated genes across 21 cancers. PPI network, cluster analysis, gene enrichment, gene ontology, KEGG pathway, patient survival, protein expression and cMap analysis were performed. Among the autophagy genes, 260 were upregulated, and 43 were downregulated across pan-cancer. The upregulated autophagy genes - CDKN2A and BIRC5 - were the most frequent signatures in cancers and could be universal cancer biomarkers. Significant involvement of autophagy process was found in 8 cancers (CHOL, HNSC, GBM, KICH, KIRC, KIRP, LIHC and SARC). Fifteen autophagy hub genes (ATP6V0C, BIRC5, HDAC1, IL4, ITGB1, ITGB4, MAPK3, mTOR, cMYC, PTK2, SRC, TCIRG1, TP63, TP73 and ULK1) were found to be linked with patients survival and also expressed in cancer patients tissue samples, making them as potential drug targets for these cancers. The deregulated autophagy genes were further used to identify drugs Losartan, BMS-345541, Embelin, Abexinostat, Panobinostat, Vorinostat, PD-184352, PP-1, XMD-1150, Triplotide, Doxorubicin and Ouabain, which could target one or more autophagy hub genes. Overall, our findings shed light on the most frequent cancer-associated autophagy genes, potential autophagy targets and molecules for cancer treatment. These findings can accelerate autophagy modulation in cancer therapy.

Upregulation of Nox4 induces a pro-survival Nrf2 response in cancer-associated fibroblasts that promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis, in part via Birc5 induction

BACKGROUND

A pro-oxidant enzyme, NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) has been reported to be a critical downstream effector of TGFβ-induced myofibroblast transformation during fibrosis. While there are a small number of studies suggesting an oncogenic role of Nox4 derived from activated fibroblasts, direct evidence linking this pro-oxidant to the tumor-supporting CAF phenotype and the mechanisms involved are lacking, particularly in breast cancer.

METHODS

We targeted Nox4 in breast patient-derived CAFs via siRNA-mediated knockdown or administration of a pharmaceutical inhibitor (GKT137831). We also determine primary tumor growth and metastasis of implanted tumor cells using a stable Nox4-/- syngeneic mouse model. Autophagic flux of CAFs was assessed using a tandem fluorescent-tagged ptfl-LC3 plasmid via confocal microscopy analysis and determination of the expression level of autophagy markers (beclin-1 and LC3B). Nox4 overexpressing CAFs depend on the Nrf2 (nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2) pathway for survival. We then determined the dependency of Nox4-overexpressing CAFs on the Nrf2-mediated adaptive stress response pathway for survival. Furthermore, we investigated the involvement of Birc5 on CAF phenotype (viability and collagen contraction activity) as well as the expression level of CAF markers, FAP and αSMA.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that deletion of stroma Nox4 and pharmaceutically targeting its activity with GKT137831 significantly inhibited orthotopic tumor growth and metastasis of implanted E0771 and 4T1 murine mammary carcinoma cell lines in mice. More importantly, we found a significant upregulation of Nox4 expression in CAFs isolated from human breast tumors versus normal mammary fibroblasts (RMFs). Our in situ RNA hybridization analysis for Nox4 transcription on a human breast tumor microarray further support a role of this pro-oxidant in the stroma of breast carcinomas. In addition, we found that Nox4 promotes autophagy in CAFs. Moreover, we found that Nox4 promoted survival of CAFs via activation of Nrf2, a master regulator of oxidative stress response. We have further shown Birc5 is involved as a downstream modulator of Nrf2-mediated pro-survival phenotype. Together these studies indicate a role of redox signaling via the Nox4-Nrf2 pathway in tumorigenesis and metastasis of breast cancer cells by promoting autophagy and survival of CAFs.

A Preclinical Systematic Review of the Effects of Chronic Exercise on Autophagy-Related Proteins in Aging Skeletal Muscle

Background: Exercise is one of the most effective interventions for preventing and treating skeletal muscle aging. Exercise-induced autophagy is widely acknowledged to regulate skeletal muscle mass and delay skeletal muscle aging. However, the mechanisms underlying of the effect of different exercises on autophagy in aging skeletal muscle remain unclear.

Methods: A systematic review was performed following an electronic search of SCOPUS, PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar and two Chinese electronic databases, CNKI and Wan Fang. All articles published in English and Chinese between January 2010 and January 2022 that quantified autophagy-related proteins in aging skeletal muscle models.

Results: The primary outcome was autophagy assessment, indicated by changes in the levels of any autophagy-associated proteins. A total of fifteen studies were included in the final review. Chronic exercise modes mainly comprise aerobic exercise and resistance exercise, and the intervention types include treadmill training, voluntary wheel running, and ladder training. LC3, Atg5-Atg7/9/12, mTOR, Beclin1, Bcl-2, p62, PGC-1α, and other protein levels were quantified, and the results showed that long-term aerobic exercise and resistance exercise could increase the expression of autophagy-related proteins in aging skeletal muscle (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in short term or high-intensity chronic exercise, and different types and intensities of exercise yielded different levels of significance for autophagy-related protein expression.

Conclusion: Existing evidence reveals that high-intensity exercise may induce excessive autophagy, while low-intensity exercise for a short period (Intervention duration <12 weeks, frequency <3 times/week) may not reach the threshold for exercise-induced autophagy. Precise control of the exercise dose is essential in the long term to maximize the benefits of exercise. Further investigation is warranted to explore the relationship between chronic exercise and different exercise duration and types to substantiate the delaying of skeletal muscle aging by exercise.

Over-expression of survivin could prevent the oxidative stress and toxicity of rotenone in SH-SY5Y cells

OBJECTIVES

It is important to find novel therapeutic molecular targets for curing Parkinson's disease (PD). Accordingly, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of over-expression of the survivin gene, a gene frequently reported as neuroprotective, on the in vitro model of PD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Survivin was over-expressed in SH-SY5Y cells. Next, the cells were treated with rotenone (500 nM) for 24 hr. Then, viability and the total antioxidant capacity were assessed. The expression levels of 15 important genes of key cellular processes (oxidative stress, apoptosis, cell cycle, and autophagy) were assessed. The studied genes included survivin, superoxide dismutase, catalase, BAX, bcl2, caspase 3, caspase 8, caspase 9, p53, SMAC, β-catenin, mTOR, AMPK, ATG7, RPS18. The apoptosis level and the frequency of cell cycle stages were assessed by flow cytometry. For analyzing the data, the ANOVA test followed by Tukey's test was used to evaluate the significant differences between the experimental groups. P<0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Survivin could significantly decrease the rotenone-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells. The rotenone treatment led to down-regulation of catalase and up-regulation of bax, bcl2, caspase 3, caspase 8, P53, β-catenin, and ATG7. Survivin could significantly neutralize the effect of rotenone in most the genes. It could also increase the total antioxidant capacity of SH-SY5Y cells.

CONCLUSION

Survivin could prevent the toxic effect of rotenone on SH-SY5Y cells during the development of in vitro PD model via regulating the genes of key cellular processes, including anti-oxidation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and autophagy.

A BIRC5High COD1Low Cancer Tissue Phenotype Indicates Poorer Prognosis of Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients

Extensive data research is helpful to find sensitive biomarkers for prognostic prediction of metastatic breast cancer. Through analyzing multiple GEO datasets, literature retrieval, and verified in GEPIA datasets, we identify BIRC5 (Baculoviral IAP repeat containing 5) and CDO1 (Cysteine dioxygenase type 1) as DEGs (differentially expressed genes) between breast tumor and normal tissue and DEGs between metastatic breast cancer and breast cancer in situ. Then, we performed a series of in silico studies on BIRC5 and CDO1 using online tools including the UALCAN, TIMER, TCGA-BRCA, LinkedOmics Kaplan-Meier Plotter, and an R script for analysis. To verify the association of 2 genes expression and patients’ clinical data, we detected BIRC5 and CDO1 mRNA in the tissue of 48 breast cancer patients. The results showed the tumor with BIRC5^high CDO1^low expression generally indicated patients’ shorter overall (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS). Specifically, BIRC5 and CDO1 levels significantly affect OS or RFS in patients with Lymph node metastasis and molecular subtypes of TNBC (triple-negative breast cancer) and Luminal A. A BIRC5^high tumor displayed a purer tumor purity and expressed more KIR receptors on NK cells while activating more FOXP3⁺CD25⁺ Treg cells. The CDO1^low tumors infiltrated with more immunocytes leading to less tumor purity. In our verified experiment, BIRC5 mRNA level in patients with stage III and over was significantly higher than in patients with stage 0 to II, but there were no significant differences among molecular subtyping groups; TNBC tissue expressed lower CDO1 mRNA level than HER2⁺ and Luminal type cancer tissue. In conclusion, a BIRC5^high CDO1^low expression type in breast cancer tissue indicates a poorer prognosis of patients. The potential mechanism might be increased BIRC5 expression in cancer tissue is likely to accompany NK cells inhibition, activating more Treg cells, and lacking effective CD8⁺ T cells proliferation. Meanwhile, CDO1 level is positively related to more immunocytes infiltration.

M6 A Demethylase FTO Regulates Cisplatin Resistance of Gastric Cancer by Modulating Autophagy Activation via ULK1

Drug resistance is an important factor for treatment failure of gastric cancer. N⁶‐methyladenosine (m⁶A) is the predominant mRNA internal modification in eukaryotes. The roles of m⁶A modification in drug resistance of gastric cancer remains unclear. In the present study, the m⁶A methylated RNA level was significantly decreased while the expression of m⁶A demethylase fat mass and obesity‐associated protein (FTO) was obviously elevated in cisplatin‐resistant (SGC‐7901/DDP) gastric cancer cells. Knockdown of FTO reversed cisplatin resistance of SGC‐7901/DDP cells both in vitro and in vivo, which was attributed to the inhibition of Unc‐51‐like kinase 1 (ULK1)‐mediated autophagy. Mechanistically, ULK1 expression was regulated in an FTO‐m⁶A‐dependent and YTHDF2‐mediated manner. Collectively, our findings indicate that the FTO/ULK1 axis exerts crucial roles in cisplatin resistance of gastric cancer.

RRM2 Mediates the Anti-Tumor Effect of the Natural Product Pectolinarigenin on Glioblastoma Through Promoting CDK1 Protein Degradation by Increasing Autophagic Flux

The natural product pectolinarigenin exerts anti-inflammatory activity and anti-tumor effects, and exhibits different biological functions, particularly in autophagy and cell cycle regulation. However, the antineoplastic effect of pectolinarigenin on glioblastoma (GBM) remains unclear. In the present study, we found that pectolinarigenin inhibits glioblastoma proliferation, increases autophagic flux, and induces cell cycle arrest by inhibiting ribonucleotide reductase subunit M2 (RRM2), which can be reversed by RRM2 overexpression plasmid. Additionally, pectolinarigenin promoted RRM2 protein degradation via autolysosome-dependent pathway by increasing autophagic flow. RRM2 knockdown promoted the degradation of CDK1 protein through autolysosome-dependent pathway by increasing autophagic flow, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of glioblastoma by inducing G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. Clinical data analysis revealed that RRM2 expression in glioma patients was inversely correlated with the overall survival. Collectively, pectolinarigenin promoted the degradation of CDK1 protein dependent on autolysosomal pathway through increasing autophagic flux by inhibiting RRM2, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of glioblastoma cells by inducing G2/M phase cell cycle arrest, and RRM2 may be a potential therapeutic target and a prognosis and predictive biomarker in GBM patients.

BIRC5 regulates inflammatory tumor microenvironment-induced aggravation of penile cancer development in vitro and in vivo

Background

Baculoviral IAP repeat containing 5 (BIRC5) is overexpressed and plays as a key regulator in the progression of various human carcinomas. The inflammatory tumor microenvironment (ITM) is closely associated with the development of cancers. However, the role of BIRC5 in penile cancer (PC) and the ITM-induced abnormal progression of PC is still obscure.

Methods

In this study, serum and tissues of patients with PC were recruited to evaluate the expression profile of BIRC5. We used PC cell lines (Penl1 and Penl2) and constructed a PC xenograft mice model to explore the effects of the silencing of BIRC5 on proliferation, migration, invasion and tumor growth, as well as survival of mice. Besides, interferon (IFN)-γ was utilized to mimic the ITM of PC cells.

Results

Our results showed that BIRC5 was dramatically upregulated in the serum and tissues of PC patients, as well as PC cell lines. Knockdown of BIRC5 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of PC cells. Meanwhile, it suppressed PC xenograft tumor growth and improved mice survival. Moreover, IFN-γ significantly aggravated PC progression both in vivo and in vitro while the silencing of BIRC5 reversed these unfavorable effects.

Conclusions

Taken together, our data revealed that BIRC5 silencing inhibited aggravation of PC cell processes and tumor development induced by ITM. This suggested that BIRC5 may function as a diagnosis and therapy target of PC in the future.

Bioinformatics Analysis Highlight Differentially Expressed CCNB1 and PLK1 Genes as Potential Anti-Breast Cancer Drug Targets and Prognostic Markers

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in women worldwide. Early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of breast cancer are global challenges. Identification of valid predictive diagnosis and prognosis biomarkers and drug targets are crucial for breast cancer prevention. This study characterizes differentially expressed genes (DEGs) based on the TCGA database by using DESeq2, edgeR, and limma. A total of 2032 DEGs, including 1026 up-regulated genes and 1006 down-regulated genes were screened. Followed with WGCNA, PPI analysis, GEPIA 2, and HPA database verification, thirteen hub genes including CDK1, BUB1, BUB1B, CDC20, CCNB2, CCNB1, KIF2C, NDC80, CDCA8, CENPF, BIRC5, AURKB, PLK1, MAD2L1, and CENPE were obtained, and they may serve as potential therapeutic targets of breast cancer. Especially, overexpression of CCNB1 and PLK1 are strongly associated with the low survival rate of breast cancer patients, demonstrating their potentiality as prognostic markers. Moreover, CCNB1 and PLK1 are highly expressed in all breast cancer stages, suggesting that they could be further studied as potential drug targets. Taken together, our study highlights CCNB1 and PLK1 as potential anti-breast cancer drug targets and prognostic markers.

The N6-Methylandenosine-Related Gene BIRC5 as a Prognostic Biomarker Correlated With Cell Migration and Immune Cell Infiltrates in Low Grade Glioma

Gliomas account for 75% of all primary malignant brain tumors in adults and are associated with high mortality. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis repeat containing 5 (BIRC5) plays a critical role in cell apoptosis and the progression of diverse cancers. However, no studies have yet focused on the immunological function and mechanisms of upstream BIRC5 regulation in the progression of low-grade gliomas (LGG). Here, we evaluated BIRC5 expression and clinical characteristics in people with LGG using the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas, The Cancer Genome Atlas, Gene Expression Omnibus, Rembrandt, and Gravendeel databases. We used Kaplan–Meier statistics and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to analyze the prognostic value of BIRC5 in LGG. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment terms were also explored to identify functional roles of BIRC5. The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) and Tumor Immune System Interaction (TISIDB) databases were used to examine the correlation between BIRC5 expression and immune cell infiltration in LGG. The Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) and Cancer Therapeutics Response Portal (CTRP) databases were used to examine the potential drugs targeting BIRC5. We used transwell and wound healing assays to determine the biological functions of BIRC5 in glioma cell migration. Our results demonstrated that BIRC5 was highly expressed in LGG and the expression level correlated with tumor grade, prognosis, histological subtype, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutation, 1p/19q chromosomal co-deletion, chemotherapy status, and O[6]-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status. GO and KEGG analysis showed that BIRC5 is primarily involved in cell proliferation and immune response-related signaling pathways. We also found that BIRC5 was significantly correlated with m6A modification and diverse drug sensitivity. TIMER and TISIDB database analysis showed that BIRC5 expression is associated with infiltration of diverse immune cells and immune modulation in LGG. BIRC5 knockdown inhibited LGG cell migration. Collectively, our results demonstrate that BIRC5 is correlated with cell migration and immune infiltration in LGG and may be a useful prognostic biomarker.

Autophagy and cancer treatment: four functional forms of autophagy and their therapeutic applications

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. Drugs play a pivotal role in cancer treatment, but the complex biological processes of cancer cells seriously limit the efficacy of various anticancer drugs. Autophagy, a self-degradative system that maintains cellular homeostasis, universally operates under normal and stress conditions in cancer cells. The roles of autophagy in cancer treatment are still controversial because both stimulation and inhibition of autophagy have been reported to enhance the effects of anticancer drugs. Thus, the important question arises as to whether we should try to strengthen or suppress autophagy during cancer therapy. Currently, autophagy can be divided into four main forms according to its different functions during cancer treatment: cytoprotective (cell survival), cytotoxic (cell death), cytostatic (growth arrest), and nonprotective (no contribution to cell death or survival). In addition, various cell death modes, such as apoptosis, necrosis, ferroptosis, senescence, and mitotic catastrophe, all contribute to the anticancer effects of drugs. The interaction between autophagy and these cell death modes is complex and can lead to anticancer drugs having different or even completely opposite effects on treatment. Therefore, it is important to understand the underlying contexts in which autophagy inhibition or activation will be beneficial or detrimental. That is, appropriate therapeutic strategies should be adopted in light of the different functions of autophagy. This review provides an overview of recent insights into the evolving relationship between autophagy and cancer treatment.

A New Prognostic Risk Score: Based on the Analysis of Autophagy-Related Genes and Renal Cell Carcinoma

Introduction: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients suffer from its high recurrence and metastasis rate, and a new prognostic risk score to predict individuals with high possibility of recurrence or metastasis is in urgent need. Autophagy has been found to have a dual influence on tumorigenesis. In this study we aim to analyze autophagy related genes (ATGs) and ccRCC patients and find a new prognostic risk score. Method: Analyzing differential expression genes (DEGs) in TCGA-KIRC dataset, and took intersection with ATGs. Through lasso, univariate, and multivariate cox regression, DEGs were chosen, and the coefficients and expression levels of them were components constructing the formula of risk score. We analyzed mRNA expression of DEGs in tumor and normal tissue in ONCOMINE database and TCGA-KIRC dataset. The Human Protein Atlas (HPA) was used to analyze protein levels of DEGs. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was examined in STRING and visualized in cytoscape. Functional enrichment analysis was performed in RStudio. To prove the ability and practicibility of risk score, we analyzed univariate and multivariate cox regression, Kaplan-Meier curve (K-M curve), risk factor association diagram, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) of survival and nomogram, and the performance of nomogram was evaluated by calibration curve. Then we further explored functional enrichment related to risk groups through Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and Metascape database. At last, we investigated immune cell infiltration of DEGs and two risk groups through TIMER database and “Cibersort” algorithm.

Result: We identified 7 DEGs (BIRC5, CAPS, CLDN7, CLVS1, GMIP, IFI16, and TCIRG1) as components of construction of risk score. All 7 DEGs were differently expressed in ccRCC and normal tissue according to ONCOMINE database and TCGA-KIRC dataset. Functional enrichment analysis indicated DEGs, and their most associated genes were shown to be abundant in autophagy-related pathways and played roles in tumorigenesis and progression processes. A serious analysis proved that this risk score is independent from the risk signature of ccRCC patients.

Conclusion: The risk score constructed by 7 DEGs had the ability of predicting prognosis of ccRCC patients and was conducive to the identification of novel prognostic molecular markers. However, further experiment is still needed to verify its ability and practicability.

CircCAMSAP1 promotes non-small cell lung cancer proliferation and inhibits cell apoptosis by sponging miR-1182 and regulating BIRC5

Recently, various studies have suggested that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are ubiquitous in various malignant events, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and are closely related to cell proliferation and apoptosis. Unfortunately, the molecular functions involved in this action still have little overlap. Therefore, this study aimed to identify a novel circCAMSAP1 role in NSCLC. Overexpression of circCAMSAP1 has been demonstrated in NSCLC lung tissues and cell lines. Sequencing and RNase R experiments were planned to determine whether circCAMSAP1 is looped and exists in NSCLC. We also found that downregulated circCAMSAP1 repressed cell proliferation and increased apoptosis of NSCLC cells in vitro and suppressed xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, a luciferase assay revealed that circCAMSAP1 could regulate baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) repeat containing 5 (BIRC5, also known as survivin) expression by directly binding to miR-1182. However, BIRC5 without 3ʹ untranslated regions (3ʹUTR) could reverse the influence of downregulated circCAMSAP1 on proliferation and apoptosis in NSCLC. Together, our findings reveal a novel mechanism by which the circCAMSAP1/miR-1182/BIRC5 axis promotes NSCLC progression.