Y-box binding protein-1 promotes tumorigenesis and progression via the epidermal growth factor receptor/AKT pathway in spinal chordoma

Y-Box Binding Protein 1: Unraveling the Multifaceted Role in Cancer Development and Therapeutic Potential

Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1), a member of the Cold Shock Domain protein family, is overexpressed in various human cancers and is recognized as an oncogenic gene associated with poor prognosis. YBX1's functional diversity arises from its capacity to interact with a broad range of DNA and RNA molecules, implicating its involvement in diverse cellular processes. Independent investigations have unveiled specific facets of YBX1's contribution to cancer development. This comprehensive review elucidates YBX1's multifaceted role in cancer across cancer hallmarks, both in cancer cell itself and the tumor microenvironment. Based on this, we proposed YBX1 as a potential target for cancer treatment. Notably, ongoing clinical trials addressing YBX1 as a target in breast cancer and lung cancer have showcased its promise for cancer therapy. The ramp up in in vitro research on targeting YBX1 compounds also underscores its growing appeal. Moreover, the emerging role of YBX1 as a neural input is also proposed where the high level of YBX1 was strongly associated with nerve cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. This review also summarized the up-to-date advanced research on the involvement of YBX1 in pancreatic cancer.

Design, Synthesis, Antiproliferative Actions, and DFT Studies of New Bis-Pyrazoline Derivatives as Dual EGFR/BRAFV600E Inhibitors

Some new Bis-pyrazoline hybrids 8-17 with dual EGFR and BRAFV600E inhibitors have been developed. The target compounds were synthesized and tested in vitro against four cancer cell lines. Compounds 12, 15, and 17 demonstrated strong antiproliferative activity with GI50 values of 1.05 µM, 1.50 µM, and 1.20 µM, respectively. Hybrids showed dual inhibition of EGFR and BRAFV600E. Compounds 12, 15, and 17 inhibited EGFR-like erlotinib and exhibited promising anticancer activity. Compound 12 is the most potent inhibitor of cancer cell proliferation and BRAFV600E. Compounds 12 and 17 induced apoptosis by increasing caspase 3, 8, and Bax levels, and resulted in the downregulation of the antiapoptotic Bcl2. The molecular docking studies verified that compounds 12, 15, and 17 have the potential to be dual EGFR/BRAFV600E inhibitors. Additionally, in silico ADMET prediction revealed that most synthesized bis-pyrazoline hybrids have low toxicity and adverse effects. DFT studies for the two most active compounds, 12 and 15, were also carried out. The values of the HOMO and LUMO energies, as well as softness and hardness, were computationally investigated using the DFT method. These findings agreed well with those of the in vitro research and molecular docking study.

The m6A/m5C/m1A regulator genes signature reveals the prognosis and is related with immune microenvironment for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

RNA methylation is a crucial in many biological functions, and its aberrant regulation is associated with cancer progression. N6-Methyladenosine (m6A), 5-Methylcytosine (m5C), N1-methyladenosine (m1A) are common modifications of RNA methylation. However, the effect of methylation of m6A/m5C/m1A in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear.

METHOD

The transcriptome datasets, clinic information, and mutational data of 48 m6A/m5C/m1A regulator genes were acquired from the TCGA database, and the prognostic hazard model was established by univariate and Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) regression. The multivariate regression was performed to determine whether the risk score was an independent prognostic indicator. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and ROC curve analysis were used to evaluate the predictive ability of the risk model. Decision curve analysis（DCA）analysis was conducted to estimate the clinical utility of the risk model. We further analyzed the association between risk score and functional enrichment, tumor immune microenvironment, and somatic mutation.

RESULT

The four-gene (YTHDF1, YBX1, TRMT10C, TRMT61A) risk signature was constructed. The high-risk group had shorter overall survival (OS) than the low-risk group. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis indicated that risk score was an independent prognostic indicator. Risk scores in male group, T3 + T4 group and Stage III + IV group were higher in female group, T1 + T2 group and stage I + II group. The AUC values for 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS in the TCGA dataset were 0.764, 0.693, and 0.689, respectively. DCA analysis showed that the risk score had a higher clinical net benefit in 1- and 2-year OS than other clinical features.The risk score was positively related to some immune cell infiltration and most immune checkpoints.

CONCLUSION

We developed a novel m6A/m5C/m1A regulator genes' prognostic model, which could be applied as a latent prognostic tool for HCC and might guide the choice of immunotherapies.

Prognostic molecular biomarkers in chordomas: A systematic review and identification of clinically usable biomarker panels

Introduction and objective

Despite the improvements in management and treatment of chordomas over time, the risk of disease recurrence remains high. Consequently, there is a push to develop effective systemic therapeutics for newly diagnosed and recurrent disease. In order to tailor treatment for individual chordoma patients and develop effective surveillance strategies, suitable clinical biomarkers need to be identified. The objective of this study was to systematically review all prognostic biomarkers for chordomas reported to date in order to classify them according to localization, study design and statistical analysis.

Methods

Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we systematically reviewed published studies reporting biomarkers that correlated with clinical outcomes. We included time-to-event studies that evaluated biomarkers in skull base or spine chordomas. To be included in our review, the study must have analyzed the outcomes with univariate and/or multivariate methods (log-rank test or a Cox-regression model).

Results

We included 68 studies, of which only 5 were prospective studies. Overall, 103 biomarkers were analyzed in 3183 patients. According to FDA classification, 85 were molecular biomarkers (82.5%) mainly located in nucleus and cytoplasm (48% and 27%, respectively). Thirty-four studies analyzed biomarkers with Cox-regression model. Within these studies, 32 biomarkers (31%) and 22 biomarkers (21%) were independent prognostic factors for PFS and OS, respectively.

Conclusion

Our analysis identified a list of 13 biomarkers correlating with tumor control rates and survival. The future point will be gathering all these results to guide the clinical validation for a chordoma biomarker panel. Our identified biomarkers have strengths and weaknesses according to FDA's guidelines, some are affordable, have a low-invasive collection method and can be easily measured in any health care setting (RDW and D-dimer), but others molecular biomarkers need specialized assay techniques (microRNAs, PD-1 pathway markers, CDKs and somatic chromosome deletions were more chordoma-specific). A focused list of biomarkers that correlate with local recurrence, metastatic spread and survival might be a cornerstone to determine the need of adjuvant therapies.

Research hotspots and trends of chordoma: A bibliometric analysis

Background

Chordoma is a type of mesenchymal malignancy with a high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. Due to its rarity, the tumorigenic mechanism and optimal therapeutic strategy are not well known.

Methods

All relevant articles of chordoma research from 1 January 2000 to 26 April 2022 were obtained from Web of Science Core Collection database. Blibliometrix was used to acquire basic publication data. Visualization and data table of collaboration network, dynamic analysis, trend topics, thematic map, and factorial analysis were acquired using Blibliometrix package. VOSviewer was used to generate a visualization map of co-citation analysis and co-occurrence.

Results

A total of 2,285 articles related to chordoma were identified. The most influential and productive country/region was the United States, and Capital Medical University has published the most articles. Among all high-impact authors, Adrienne M. Flanagan had the highest average citation rate. Neurosurgery was the important periodical for chordoma research with the highest total/average citation rate. We focused on four hotspots in recent chordoma research. The research on surgical treatment and radiotherapy was relatively mature. The molecular signaling pathway, targeted therapy and immunotherapy for chordoma are not yet mature, which will be the future trends of chordoma research.

Conclusion

This study indicates that chordoma studies are increasing. Surgery and radiotherapy are well reported and always play fundamental roles in chordoma treatment. The molecular signaling pathway, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy of chordoma are the latest research hotspots.

YB-1 as an Oncoprotein: Functions, Regulation, Post-Translational Modifications, and Targeted Therapy

Y box binding protein 1 (YB-1) is a protein with a highly conserved cold shock domain (CSD) that also belongs to the family of DNA- and RNA-binding proteins. YB-1 is present in both the nucleus and cytoplasm and plays versatile roles in gene transcription, RNA splicing, DNA damage repair, cell cycle progression, and immunity. Cumulative evidence suggests that YB-1 promotes the progression of multiple tumor types and serves as a potential tumor biomarker and therapeutic target. This review comprehensively summarizes the emerging functions, mechanisms, and regulation of YB-1 in cancers, and further discusses targeted strategies.

CMTM3 suppresses chordoma progress through EGFR/STAT3 regulated EMT and TP53 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Chordomas are rare, slow-growing and locally aggressive bone sarcomas. At present, chordomas are difficult to manage due to their high recurrence rate, metastasis tendency and poor prognosis. The underlying mechanisms of chordoma tumorigenesis and progression urgently need to be explored to find the effective therapeutic targets. Our previous data demonstrates that EGFR plays important roles in chordoma development and CKLF-like MARVEL transmembrane domain containing (CMTM)3 suppresses gastric cancer metastasis by inhibiting the EGFR/STAT3/EMT signaling pathway. However, the roles and mechanism of CMTM3 in chordomas remain unknown.

METHODS

Primary chordoma tissues and the paired adjacent non-tumor tissues were collected to examine the expression of CMTM3 by western blot. The expression of CMTM3 in chordoma cell lines was tested by Real-time PCR and western blot. CCK-8 and colony forming unit assay were performed to delineate the roles of CMTM3 in cell proliferation. Wound healing and Transwell assays were performed to assess cell migration and invasion abilities. A xenograft model in NSG mice was used to elucidate the function of CMTM3 in vivo. Signaling pathways were analyzed by western blot and IHC. RNA-seq was performed to further explore the mechanism regulated by CMTM3 in chordoma cells.

RESULTS

CMTM3 expression was downregulated in chordoma tissues compared with paired normal tissues. CMTM3 suppressed proliferation, migration and invasion of chordoma cells in vitro and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. CMTM3 accelerated EGFR degradation, suppressed EGFR/STAT3/EMT signaling pathway, upregulated TP53 expression and enriched the TP53 signaling pathway in chordoma cells.

CONCLUSIONS

CMTM3 inhibited tumorigenesis and development of chordomas through activating the TP53 signaling pathway and suppressing the EGFR/STAT3 signaling pathway, which suppressed EMT progression. CMTM3 might be a potential therapeutic target for chordomas.

Genes Predicting Survival of Chordoma Patients

BACKGROUND

A chordoma is a slow-growing, invasive neoplasm in the neuraxis that is thought to arise from notochordal cells. At 10-year follow-up, the average survival rate is 50%, though individual prognosis varies substantially. We aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the genes and proteins expressed in these tumors and their prognostic value to facilitate prognostication for patients with chordoma.

METHODS

A systematic search of clinical studies that investigated expressed factors related to chordoma survival was performed in PubMed. Data extracted included RNA and protein expression data and prognostic value (in terms of overall survival, progression-free survival, disease-free survival, and recurrence-free survival) from univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

This review included 78 original studies that collectively evaluated 134 expressed factors. Of these molecular factors, 96 by univariate analysis and 32 by multivariate analysis had a predictive value for patient survival. Of the molecular factors studied in multivariate analyses, 26 factors had a negative effect while 6 had a positive effect on patient survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Identification of molecular factors that are associated with survival contributes to better prognostication of patients with chordoma. Given the rarity of chordoma, often only univariate analyses can be performed. Robust multivariate analyses are scarcer but provide independently significant prognostic factors. The data presented in this review can aid in prognostication for the individual patient and facilitate the development of targeted therapies.

Potential therapeutic strategies for targeting Y-box-binding protein 1 in cancers

As one of the most conservative proteins in evolution, Y-box-binding protein 1 (YB-1) has long been considered as a potential cancer target. YB-1 is usually poorly expressed in normal cells and exerts cellular physiological functions such as DNA repair, pre-mRNA splicing and mRNA stabilizing. In cancer cells, the expression of YB-1 is up-regulated and undergoes nuclear translocation and contributes to tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, tumor proliferation, invasion, migration and chemotherapy drug resistance. During the past decades, a variety of pharmacological tools such as siRNA, shRNA, microRNA, circular RNA, lncRNA and various compounds have been developed to target YB-1 for cancer therapy. In this review, we describe the physiological characteristics of YB-1 in detail, highlight the role of YB-1 in tumors and summarize the current therapeutic methods for targeting YB-1 in cancer.

Y-box binding protein 1 augments sorafenib resistance via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Sorafenib is the first-line treatment for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Y-box binding protein 1 (YB-1) is closely correlated with tumors and drug resistance. However, the relationship between YB-1 and sorafenib resistance and the underlying mechanism in HCC remain unknown.

AIM

To explore the role and related mechanisms of YB-1 in mediating sorafenib resistance in HCC.

METHODS

The protein expression levels of YB-1 were assessed in human HCC tissues and adjacent nontumor tissues. Next, we constructed YB-1 overexpression and knockdown hepatocarcinoma cell lines with lentiviruses and stimulated these cell lines with different concentrations of sorafenib. Then, we detected the proliferation and apoptosis in these cells by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling, flow cytometry and Western blotting assays. We also constructed a xenograft tumor model to explore the effect of YB-1 on the efficacy of sorafenib in vivo. Moreover, we studied and verified the specific molecular mechanism of YB-1 mediating sorafenib resistance in hepatoma cells by digital gene expression sequencing (DGE-seq).

RESULTS

YB-1 protein levels were found to be higher in HCC tissues than in corresponding nontumor tissues. YB-1 suppressed the effect of sorafenib on cell proliferation and apoptosis. Consistently, the efficacy of sorafenib in vivo was enhanced after YB-1 was knocked down. Furthermore, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of DGE-seq demonstrated that the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway was essential for the sorafenib resistance induced by YB-1. Subsequently, YB-1 interacted with two key proteins of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway (Akt1 and PIK3R1) as shown by searching the BioGRID and HitPredict websites. Finally, YB-1 suppressed the inactivation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway induced by sorafenib, and the blockade of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by LY294002 mitigated YB-1-induced sorafenib resistance.

CONCLUSION

Overall, we concluded that YB-1 augments sorafenib resistance through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in HCC and suggest that YB-1 is a key drug resistance-related gene, which is of great significance for the application of sorafenib in advanced-stage HCC.

Long non-coding RNA MIR200CHG promotes breast cancer proliferation, invasion, and drug resistance by interacting with and stabilizing YB-1

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) have been identified as key regulators of tumorigenesis and development. We aim to explore the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of lncRNA MIR200CHG in breast cancer. We found that MIR200CHG is highly expressed in breast cancer tissues and is related to the tumor size and histopathological grade. In vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that MIR200CHG can promote breast cancer proliferation, invasion, and drug resistance. MIR200CHG directly binds to the transcription factor Y-box binding protein-1 (YB-1), and inhibits its ubiquitination and degradation. MIR200CHG regulates YB-1 phosphorylation at serine 102, thereby affecting the expression of genes related to tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and drug resistance. Additionally, MIR200CHG partially affects the expression of miR-200c/141-3p encoded by its intron region. Therefore, MIR200CHG can promote the proliferation, invasion, and drug resistance of breast cancer by interacting with and stabilizing YB-1, and has the potential to become a target for breast cancer treatment.

YB-1 Is Altered in Pregnancy-Associated Disorders and Affects Trophoblast in Vitro Properties via Alternation of Multiple Molecular Traits

Cold shock Y-box binding protein-1 (YB-1) coordinates several molecular processes between the nucleus and the cytoplasm and plays a crucial role in cell function. Moreover, it is involved in cancer progression, invasion, and metastasis. As trophoblast cells share similar characteristics with cancer cells, we hypothesized that YB-1 might also be necessary for trophoblast functionality. In samples of patients with intrauterine growth restriction, YB-1 mRNA levels were decreased, while they were increased in preeclampsia and unchanged in spontaneous abortions when compared to normal pregnant controls. Studies with overexpression and downregulation of YB-1 were performed to assess the key trophoblast processes in two trophoblast cell lines HTR8/SVneo and JEG3. Overexpression of YB-1 or exposure of trophoblast cells to recombinant YB-1 caused enhanced proliferation, while knockdown of YB-1 lead to proliferative disadvantage in JEG3 or HTR8/SVneo cells. The invasion and migration properties were affected at different degrees among the trophoblast cell lines. Trophoblast expression of genes mediating migration, invasion, apoptosis, and inflammation was altered upon YB-1 downregulation. Moreover, IL-6 secretion was excessively increased in HTR8/SVneo. Ultimately, YB-1 directly binds to NF-κB enhancer mark in HTR8/SVneo cells. Our data show that YB-1 protein is important for trophoblast cell functioning and, when downregulated, leads to trophoblast disadvantage that at least in part is mediated by NF-κB.

A novel long non-coding RNA AC073352.1 promotes metastasis and angiogenesis via interacting with YBX1 in breast cancer

Breast cancer is the major cause of cancer death worldwide in women. Patients with metastasis have poor prognosis and the mechanisms of breast cancer metastasis are not completely understood. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to have crucial roles in breast cancer development and progression. However, the underlying mechanisms by which lncRNA-driven breast cancer metastasis are unknown. The main objective of this paper is to explore a functional lncRNA and its mechanisms in breast cancer. Here we identified a novel lncRNA AC073352.1 that was significantly upregulated in breast cancer tissues and was associated with advanced TNM stages and poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. In addition, AC073352.1 was found to promote the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells in vitro and enhance breast cancer metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, we elucidated that AC073352.1 interacted with YBX1 and stabilized its protein expression. Knock down of YBX1 reduced breast cancer cell migration and invasion and could partially reverse the stimulative effects of AC073352.1 overexpressed on breast cancer metastasis. Moreover, AC073352.1 might be packaged into exosomes by binding to YBX1 in breast cancer cells resulting in angiogenesis. Collectively, our results demonstrated that AC073352.1 promoted breast cancer metastasis and angiogenesis via binding YBX1, and it could serve as a promising, novel biomarker for prognosis and a therapeutic target in breast cancer.

Inhibition of YBX1 by miR-216a Suppresses Proliferation and Invasion of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) could be implicated in tumorigenesis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

AIMS

To determine the role of MiR-216a in DLBCL.

STUDY DESIGN

Cell culture study.

METHODS

Expression of miR-216a in DLBCL cells was examined by qRT-PCR. Cell counting kit-8, bromodeoxyuridine staining and transwell assays were performed to evaluate role of miR-216a on DLBCL cell growth. Target gene of miR-216a was verified by luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

MiR-216a was dramatically reduced in DLBCL cells compared to the normal B-cell line (P < .01). MiR-216a reduced the viability and retarded DLBCL cell proliferation. The invasion of DLBCL was suppressed by miR-216a. Y box binding protein 1 (YBX1) was validated as a target of miR-216a. Its expression was reduced by miR-216a mimic and enhanced by miR-216a inhibitor in DB and SU-DHL-10 cells. Knockdown of YBX1 reduced cell viability, proliferation, and invasion of DB and SU-DHL-10 cells.

CONCLUSION

MiR-216a exerted tumor-suppressive effects on DLBCL cells through inhibition of YBX1, providing a new strategy for DLBCL.

Potential Links between YB-1 and Fatty Acid Synthesis in Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma

According to the National Institutes of Health, clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common type of Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), making up approximately 75% of total renal carcinoma cases. Clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma is characterized by a significant accumulation of lipids in the cytoplasm, which allows light from microscopes to pass through giving them a "clear" phenotype. Many of these lipids are in the form of fatty acids, both free and incorporated into lipid droplets. RCC is typically associated with a poor prognosis due to the lack of specific symptoms. Some symptoms include blood in urine, fever, lump on the side, weight loss, fatigue, to name a few; all of which can be associated with non-specific, non-cancerous, health conditions that contribute to difficult diagnosis. Treatment of RCC has typically been centered around radical nephrectomy as the standard of care, but due to the potentially small size of lesions and the possibility of causing surgically induced chronic kidney disease, treatments have shifted to more cautious, less invasive approaches. These approaches include active surveillance, nephron-sparing surgery, and other minimally invasive techniques like cryotherapy and renal ablation. Although these techniques have had the desired effect of reducing the number of surgeries, there is still considerable potential for renal impairment and the chance that tumors can grow out of control without surgery. With the difficulty that surrounds the treatment of ccRCC and its considerably high mortality rate amongst urological cancers, it is important to look for novel approaches to improve patient outcomes. This review looks at available literature and our data that suggests the lipogenic enzyme stearoyl-CoA desaturase may be more beneficial to patient survival than once thought. As our understanding of the importance of lipids in cell metabolism and longevity matures, it is important to present new perspectives that present a new understanding of ccRCC and the role of lipids in survival mechanisms engaged by transformed cells during cancer progression. In this review, we provide evidence that pharmacological inhibition of lipid desaturation in renal cancer patients is not without risk, and that the presence of unsaturated fatty acids may be a beneficial factor in patient outcomes. Although more direct experimental evidence is needed to make definitive conclusions, it is clear that the work reviewed herein should challenge our current understanding of cancer biology and may inform novel approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of ccRCC.

Mechanisms of tRNA-derived fragments and tRNA halves in cancer treatment resistance

The tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) and tRNA halves (tiRNAs) are newly discovered noncoding RNAs in recent years. They are derived from specific cleavage of mature and pre-tRNAs and expressed in various cancers. They enhance cell proliferation and metastasis or inhibit cancer progression. Many studies have investigated their roles in the diagnosis, progression, metastasis, and prognosis of various cancers, but the mechanisms through which they are involved in resistance to cancer treatment are unclear. This review outlines the classification of tRFs and tiRNAs and their mechanisms in cancer drug resistance, thus providing new ideas for cancer treatment.

Silencing of TRIM11 suppresses the tumorigenicity of chordoma cells through improving the activity of PHLPP1/AKT

BACKGROUND

Tripartite motif-containing protein 11 (TRIM11), a member of RING family of E3 ubiquitin ligases, is identified as an oncogene in certain human tumors. However, the detailed biological function of TRIM11 in chordoma is still unclear. The purpose of present research is to explore the role of TRIM11 in human chordoma cells.

METHODS

TRIM11 was induced silencing and overexpression in human chordoma cells using RNA interference (RNAi) and lentiviral vector. qRT-PCR and western blot were used to determine gene expression in chordomas cells. Meanwhile, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to examine the cell proliferation rate. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to quantify the cell apoptosis rate.

RESULTS

We identified that TRIM11 was upregulated in chordomas tissues. Moreover, TRIM11 presented pro-proliferation and anti-apoptosis function in chordoma cells. Further, LY294002, a specific AKT inhibitor, was utilized to examine the connection between TRIM11 and AKT in human chordoma cells. Importantly, our findings elucidated that TRIM11 promoted the growth of chordoma cells and involved in AKT signaling. Much more importantly, knockdown of TRIM11 significantly upregulated the translation of PH domain leucine-rich repeats protein phosphatase 1 (PHLPP1), whereas did not affect its transcription. Results that obtained from co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and ubiquitination assay demonstrated TRIM11 interacted with PHLPP1 and promoted its ubiquitination in chordoma cells. Moreover, overexpression of PHLPP1 inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT in human chordomas cells. These results suggested that TRIM11 mediated the post-translation modification of PHLPP1 and was a novel component in PHLPP1/AKT signaling pathway in human chordoma cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, the present research not only enhanced the understanding of TRIM11 but also indicated its potential target and signaling pathway in human chordoma cells.Trial registration retrospectively registered.

Why Be One Protein When You Can Affect Many? The Multiple Roles of YB-1 in Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma

Lung cancers and malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) have some of the worst 5-year survival rates of all cancer types, primarily due to a lack of effective treatment options for most patients. Targeted therapies have shown some promise in thoracic cancers, although efficacy is limited only to patients harboring specific mutations or target expression. Although a number of actionable mutations have now been identified, a large population of thoracic cancer patients have no therapeutic options outside of first-line chemotherapy. It is therefore crucial to identify alternative targets that might lead to the development of new ways of treating patients diagnosed with these diseases. The multifunctional oncoprotein Y-box binding protein-1 (YB-1) could serve as one such target. Recent studies also link this protein to many inherent behaviors of thoracic cancer cells such as proliferation, invasion, metastasis and involvement in cancer stem-like cells. Here, we review the regulation of YB-1 at the transcriptional, translational, post-translational and sub-cellular levels in thoracic cancer and discuss its potential use as a biomarker and therapeutic target.

Altered transcriptional regulatory proteins in glioblastoma and YBX1 as a potential regulator of tumor invasion

We have studied differentially regulated nuclear proteome of the clinical tissue specimens of glioblastoma (GBM, WHO Grade IV) and lower grades of gliomas (Grade II and III) using high resolution mass spectrometry- based quantitative proteomics approach. The results showed altered expression of many regulatory proteins from the nucleus such as DNA binding proteins, transcription and post transcriptional processing factors and also included enrichment of nuclear proteins that are targets of granzyme signaling – an immune surveillance pathway. Protein - protein interaction network analysis using integrated proteomics and transcriptomics data of transcription factors and proteins for cell invasion process (drawn from another GBM dataset) revealed YBX1, a ubiquitous RNA and DNA-binding protein and a transcription factor, as a key interactor of major cell invasion-associated proteins from GBM. To verify the regulatory link between them, the co-expression of YBX1 and six of the interacting proteins (EGFR, MAPK1, CD44, SOX2, TNC and MMP13) involved in cell invasion network was examined by immunohistochemistry on tissue micro arrays. Our analysis suggests YBX1 as a potential regulator of these key molecules involved in tumor invasion and thus as a promising target for development of new therapeutic strategies for GBM.

Dual Targeting of Y-Box Binding Protein-1 and Akt Inhibits Proliferation and Enhances the Chemosensitivity of Colorectal Cancer Cells

KRAS-mutated colorectal cancers (CRCs) are resistant to cetuximab treatment. The multifunctional Y-box binding protein 1 (YB-1) is overexpressed in CRC and is associated with chemoresistance. In this study, the effects of oncogenic mutated KRAS(G12V) and KRAS(G13D) on YB-1 phosphorylation were investigated in CRC cells. The effects of the inhibition of p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) on YB-1 phosphorylation, cell proliferation and survival were tested with and without treatment with 5-fluorouracil using pharmacological inhibitors and siRNA. YB-1 phosphorylation status and subcellular distribution in CRC patient tissues were determined by immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy. Endogenous expression of mutated KRAS(G13D) and conditional expression of KRAS(G12V) significantly stimulated YB-1 phosphorylation via RSK and were associated with cetuximab resistance. Inhibition of YB-1 by targeting RSK stimulated the Akt signaling pathway, and this stimulation occurred independently of KRAS mutational status. Akt activation interfered with the antiproliferative effect of the RSK inhibitor. Consequently, dual targeting of RSK and Akt efficiently inhibited cell proliferation in KRAS(G13D)-mutated HCT116 and KRAS wild-type SW48 cells. Treatment with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) significantly enhanced YB-1 phosphorylation in KRAS(G13D)-mutated HCT116 cells but not in KRAS wild-type SW48 cells. Dual targeting of Akt and RSK sensitized HCT116 cells to 5-FU by stimulating 5-FU-induced apoptosis and inhibiting repair of 5-FU-induced DNA damage. YB-1 was highly phosphorylated in CRC patient tumor tissues and was mainly localized in the nucleus. Together, dual targeting of RSK and Akt may be an alternative molecular targeting approach to cetuximab for treating CRC in which YB-1 is highly phosphorylated.

Y-box binding protein-1 promotes tumorigenesis and progression via the epidermal growth factor receptor/AKT pathway in spinal chordoma

Chordomas are rare bone tumors with a poor prognosis and no approved targeted therapy. Y‐box binding protein‐1 (YBX1) promotes tumor growth, invasion and drug resistance. However, the role of YBX1 in chordoma is unclear. In this study, we examined the expression of YBX1 using immunohistochemistry and found that YBX1 was significantly upregulated in 32 chordoma tissues compared to distant normal tissues. In addition, YBX1 upregulation was associated with surrounding tissue invasion, recurrence and poor prognosis. Biological function studies demonstrated that YBX1 promoted cell proliferation and invasion, accelerated G1/S phase transition, and inhibited apoptosis. Further investigation revealed that YBX1 enhanced epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) transcription by directly binding to its promoter in chordoma cells. YBX1 regulated protein expression of p‐EGFR, p‐AKT and its downstream target genes that influenced cell apoptosis, cell cycle transition and cell invasion. YBX1 activated the EGFR/AKT pathway in chordoma and YBX1‐induced elevated expression of key molecules in the EGFR/AKT pathway were downregulated by EGFR and AKT pathway inhibitors. These in vitro results were further confirmed by in vivo data. These data showed that YBX1 promoted tumorigenesis and progression in spinal chordoma via the EGFR/AKT pathway. YBX1 might serve as a prognostic and predictive biomarker, as well as a rational therapeutic target, for chordoma.