One potential oncolytic adenovirus expressing Lipocalin-2 for colorectal cancer therapy

Lipocalin 2-A bone-derived anorexigenic and β-cell promoting signal: From mice to humans

The skeleton is traditionally known for its structural support, organ protection, movement, and maintenance of mineral homeostasis. Over the last 10 years, bone has emerged as an endocrine organ with diverse physiological functions. The two key molecules in this context are fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), secreted by osteocytes, and osteocalcin, a hormone produced by osteoblasts. FGF23 affects mineral homeostasis through its actions on the kidneys, and osteocalcin has beneficial effects in improving glucose homeostasis, muscle function, brain development, cognition, and male fertility. In addition, another osteoblast-derived hormone, lipocalin 2 (LCN2) has emerged into the researchers' field of vision. In this review, we mainly focus on LCN2's role in appetite regulation and glucose metabolism and also briefly introduce its effects in other pathophysiological conditions, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, sarcopenic obesity, and cancer-induced cachexia.

Non-Immunoglobulin Synthetic Binding Proteins for Oncology

Extensive application of technologies like phage display in screening peptide and protein combinatorial libraries has not only facilitated creation of new recombinant antibodies but has also significantly enriched repertoire of the protein binders that have polypeptide scaffolds without homology to immunoglobulins. These innovative synthetic binding protein (SBP) platforms have grown in number and now encompass monobodies/adnectins, DARPins, lipocalins/anticalins, and a variety of miniproteins such as affibodies and knottins, among others. They serve as versatile modules for developing complex affinity tools that hold promise in both diagnostic and therapeutic settings. An optimal scaffold typically has low molecular weight, minimal immunogenicity, and demonstrates resistance against various challenging conditions, including proteolysis - making it potentially suitable for peroral administration. Retaining functionality under reducing intracellular milieu is also advantageous. However, paramount to its functionality is the scaffold's ability to tolerate mutations across numerous positions, allowing for the formation of a sufficiently large target binding region. This is achieved through the library construction, screening, and subsequent expression in an appropriate system. Scaffolds that exhibit high thermodynamic stability are especially coveted by the developers of new SBPs. These are steadily making their way into clinical settings, notably as antagonists of oncoproteins in signaling pathways. This review surveys the diverse landscape of SBPs, placing particular emphasis on the inhibitors targeting the oncoprotein KRAS, and highlights groundbreaking opportunities for SBPs in oncology.

Virotherapy: Current Trends and Future Prospects for Treatment of Colon and Rectal Malignancies

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies. In recent decades, early diagnosis and conventional therapies have resulted in a significant reduction in mortality. However, late stage metastatic disease still has very limited effective treatment options. There is a growing interest in using viruses to help target therapies to tumour sites. In recent years the evolution of immunotherapy has emphasised the importance of directing the immune system to eliminate tumour cells; we aim to give a state-of-the-art over-view of the diverse viruses that have been investigated as potential oncolytic agents for the treatment of CRC.