ELF1 suppresses autophagy to reduce cisplatin resistance via the miR-152-3p/NCAM1/ERK axis in lung cancer cells

SUGT1 regulates the progression of ovarian cancer through the AKT/PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway

This study investigates the expression and functional roles of SUGT1 in ovarian cancer, utilizing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) projects. Our analyses reveal that SUGT1 is significantly upregulated in ovarian cancer tissues compared to normal controls. We further explore the prognostic value of SUGT1, where elevated expression correlates with poorer patient outcomes, particularly in ovarian cancer. The functional implications of SUGT1 in cancer biology were assessed through in vitro and in vivo experiments. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) indicates a significant association between high SUGT1 expression and the activation of glycolytic pathways, suggesting a potential role in metabolic reprogramming. Inhibition of SUGT1 via siRNA in ovarian cancer cell lines results in decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis, along with reduced migration and invasion capabilities. Additionally, our study identifies the transcription factor ELF1 as a significant regulator of SUGT1 expression. Through promoter analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation, we demonstrate that ELF1 directly binds to the SUGT1 promoter, enhancing its transcription. This regulatory mechanism underscores the importance of transcriptional control in cancer metabolism, providing insights into potential therapeutic targets. Our findings establish SUGT1 as a crucial player in the oncogenic processes of ovarian cancer, influencing both metabolic pathways and transcriptional regulation. This highlights its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target in managing ovarian cancer.

Hotspots and frontiers of autophagy and chemotherapy in lung cancer: a bibliometric and visualization analysis from 2003 to 2023

Autophagy was considered to induce resistance in chemotherapy, which was significantly associated with proliferation of cancer; however, few bibliometric studies on the relation between autophagy and chemotherapy in lung cancer are available. The aim of the present study was to provide a comprehensive overview of the knowledge structure and research hotspots of autophagy and chemotherapy in lung cancer by bibliometric analysis. Publications related to autophagy and chemotherapy in lung cancer from 2003 to 2023 were searched on the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. The bibliometric analysis was conducted by using VOSviewers, CiteSpace, and the R package "bibliometrix." A total of 675 articles from 70 countries, led by China and the United States, were included in the analysis. The number of publications related to autophagy and chemotherapy in lung cancer is increasing year by year. Nanjing Medical University, Zhejiang University, China Medical University, and Sichuan University are among the main research institutions contributing to this field. The journal Cancers is the most popular publication in this area, with Autophagy being the most co-cited journal. These publications involve 4481 authors, with Chiu Chien-chih and Gewirtz David having published the most papers, and Noboru Mizushima being the most frequently co-cited author. Studying the relation between autophagy and chemotherapy in the occurrence and development of lung cancer, and exploring therapeutic strategies involving autophagy and chemotherapy in lung cancer, are the primary topics in this research field. "Tumor stem cells," "microRNA," and "EGFR" emerge as the primary keywords in the emerging research hotspots. Indeed, this bibliometric study provides valuable insights into the research trends and developments concerning autophagy and chemotherapy in lung cancer. By identifying recent research frontiers and highlighting hot directions, this study serves as a valuable reference for scholars interested in understanding the relationship between autophagy and chemotherapy in lung cancer. The comprehensive summary of findings offers a foundation for further exploration and advancement in this critical area of cancer research.

Unlocking cardioprotection: iPSC exosomes deliver Nec-1 to target PARP1/AIFM1 axis, alleviating HF oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) is characterized by oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of Necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) delivered through exosomes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to address these pathologies in HF.

METHODS

An HF rat model was established, and comprehensive assessments were performed using echocardiography, hemodynamics, and ventricular mass index measurements. iPSCs were used to isolate exosomes, loaded with Nec-1, and characterized for efficient delivery into cardiomyocytes. The interaction between Nec-1-loaded exosomes (Nec-1-Exos), poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), and apoptosis-inducing factor mitochondria-associated 1 (AIFM1) was explored. Gain-of-function experiments assessed changes in cardiomyocyte parameters, and histological analyses were conducted on myocardial tissues.

RESULTS

Cardiomyocytes successfully internalized Nec-1-loaded exosomes, leading to downregulation of PARP1, inhibition of AIFM1 nuclear translocation, increased ATP and superoxide dismutase levels, reduced reactive oxygen species and malonaldehyde levels, and restored mitochondrial membrane potential. Histological examinations confirmed the modulation of the PARP1/AIFM1 axis by Nec-1, mitigating HF.

CONCLUSIONS

iPSC-derived exosomes carrying Nec-1 attenuate oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in HF by targeting the PARP1/AIFM1 axis. This study proposes a promising therapeutic strategy for HF management and highlights the potential of exosome-mediated drug delivery.

Non-coding RNAs and exosomal non-coding RNAs in lung cancer: insights into their functions

Lung cancer is the second most common form of cancer worldwide Research points to the pivotal role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in controlling and managing the pathology by controlling essential pathways. ncRNAs have all been identified as being either up- or downregulated among individuals suffering from lung cancer thus hinting that they may play a role in either promoting or suppressing the spread of the disease. Several ncRNAs could be effective non-invasive biomarkers to diagnose or even serve as effective treatment options for those with lung cancer, and several molecules have emerged as potential targets of interest. Given that ncRNAs are contained in exosomes and are implicated in the development and progression of the malady. Herein, we have summarized the role of ncRNAs in lung cancer. Moreover, we highlight the role of exosomal ncRNAs in lung cancer.

MiRNA-145-5p inhibits gastric cancer progression via the serpin family E member 1- extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 axis

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and play a critical role in cancer physiology. However, there is still a limited understanding of the function and regulatory mechanism of miRNAs in gastric cancer (GC).

AIM

To investigate the role and molecular mechanism of miRNA-145-5p (miR145-5p) in the progression of GC.

METHODS

Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect miRNA expression in human GC tissues and cells. The ability of cancer cells to migrate and invade was assessed using wound-healing and transwell assays, respectively. Cell proliferation was measured using cell counting kit-8 and colony formation assays, and apoptosis was evaluated using flow cytometry. Expression of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated protein was determined by Western blot. Targets of miR-145-5p were predicated using bioinformatics analysis and verified using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Serpin family E member 1 (SERPINE1) expression in GC tissues and cells was evaluated using RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining. The correlation between SERPINE1 expression and overall patient survival was determined using Kaplan-Meier plot analysis. The association between SERPINE1 and GC progression was also tested. A rescue experiment of SERPINE1 overexpression was conducted to verify the relationship between this protein and miR-145-5p. The mechanism by which miR-145-5p influences GC progression was further explored by assessing tumor formation in nude mice.

RESULTS

GC tissues and cells had reduced miR-145-5p expression and SERPINE1 was identified as a direct target of this miRNA. Overexpression of miR-145-5p was associated with decreased GC cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT, and these effects were reversed by forcing SERPINE1 expression. Kaplan-Meier plot analysis revealed that patients with higher SERPINE1 expression had a shorter survival rate than those with lower SERPINE1 expression. Nude mouse tumorigenesis experiments confirmed that miR-145-5p targets SERPINE1 to regulate extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2).

CONCLUSION

This study found that miR-145-5p inhibits tumor progression and is expressed in lower amounts in patients with GC. MiR-145-5p was found to affect GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by negatively regulating SERPINE1 levels and controlling the ERK1/2 pathway.

Effects of Reduced Extracellular Sodium Concentrations on Cisplatin Treatment in Human Tumor Cells: The Role of Autophagy

Hyponatremia is the prevalent electrolyte imbalance in cancer patients, and it is associated with a worse outcome. Notably, emerging clinical evidence suggests that hyponatremia adversely influences the response to anticancer treatments. Therefore, this study aims to investigate how reduced extracellular [Na+] affects the responsiveness of different cancer cell lines (from human colon adenocarcinoma, neuroblastoma, and small cell lung cancer) to cisplatin and the underlying potential mechanisms. Cisplatin dose-response curves revealed higher IC50 in low [Na+] than normal [Na+]. Accordingly, cisplatin treatment was less effective in counteracting the proliferation and migration of tumor cells when cultured in low [Na+], as demonstrated by colony formation and invasion assays. In addition, the expression analysis of proteins involved in autophagosome-lysosome formation and the visualization of lysosomal areas by electron microscopy revealed that one of the main mechanisms involved in chemoresistance to cisplatin is the promotion of autophagy. In conclusion, our data first demonstrate that the antitumoral effect of cisplatin is markedly reduced in low [Na+] and that autophagy is an important mechanism of drug escape. This study indicates the role of hyponatremia in cisplatin chemoresistance and reinforces the recommendation to correct this electrolyte alteration in cancer patients.

Autophagy-driven regulation of cisplatin response in human cancers: Exploring molecular and cell death dynamics

Despite the challenges posed by drug resistance and side effects, chemotherapy remains a pivotal strategy in cancer treatment. A key issue in this context is macroautophagy (commonly known as autophagy), a dysregulated cell death mechanism often observed during chemotherapy. Autophagy plays a cytoprotective role by maintaining cellular homeostasis and recycling organelles, and emerging evidence points to its significant role in promoting cancer progression. Cisplatin, a DNA-intercalating agent known for inducing cell death and cell cycle arrest, often encounters resistance in chemotherapy treatments. Recent studies have shown that autophagy can contribute to cisplatin resistance or insensitivity in tumor cells through various mechanisms. This resistance can be mediated by protective autophagy, which suppresses apoptosis. Additionally, autophagy-related changes in tumor cell metastasis, particularly the induction of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), can also lead to cisplatin resistance. Nevertheless, pharmacological strategies targeting the regulation of autophagy and apoptosis offer promising avenues to enhance cisplatin sensitivity in cancer therapy. Notably, numerous non-coding RNAs have been identified as regulators of autophagy in the context of cisplatin chemotherapy. Thus, therapeutic targeting of autophagy or its associated pathways holds potential for restoring cisplatin sensitivity, highlighting an important direction for future clinical research.

Inhibition of STX17-SNAP29-VAMP8 complex formation by costunolide sensitizes ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin via the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most common gynecological malignancy. Chemotherapy failure is a major challenge in OC treatment. Targeting autophagy is a promising strategy to enhance the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents. In this study, we found that costunolide (CTD) inhibits autophagic flux and exhibits high therapeutic efficacy for OC treatment in an in vitro model. Mechanistically, CTD inactivates AMPK/mTOR signaling to inhibit autophagy initiation at the early stage and blocks mTORC1-dependent autophagosome-lysosome fusion at the late stage during autophagy by disrupting SNARE complex (STX17-SNAP29-VAMP8) formation, resulting in lethal autophagy arrest in OC cells. Furthermore, CTD sensitizes OC cells to cisplatin (CDDP) by blocking CDDP-induced autophagy both in vitro and in vivo. Together, our data provide novel mechanistic insights into CTD-induced autophagy arrest and suggest a new autophagy inhibitor for effective treatment of OC.