HN1L promotes migration and invasion of breast cancer by up-regulating the expression of HMGB1

Tumor suppressor KEAP1 promotes HSPA9 degradation, controlling mitochondrial biogenesis in breast cancer

The oxidative-stress-related protein Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) is a substrate articulator of E3 ubiquitin ligase, which plays an important role in the ubiquitination modification of proteins. However, the function of KEAP1 in breast cancer and its impact on the survival of patients with breast cancer remain unclear. Our study demonstrates that KEAP1, a positive prognostic factor, plays a crucial role in regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle transition in breast cancer. We investigate the underlying mechanism using human tumor tissues, high-throughput detection technology, and a mouse xenograft tumor model. KEAP1 serves as a key regulator of cellular metabolism, the reprogramming of which is one of the hallmarks of tumorigenesis. KEAP1 has a significant effect on mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation by regulating HSPA9 ubiquitination and degradation. These results suggest that KEAP1 could serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in the treatment of breast cancer.

Supramolecular Nanoparticles of Histone and Hyaluronic Acid for Co-Delivery of siRNA and Photosensitizer In Vitro

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) has significant potential as a treatment for cancer by targeting specific genes or molecular pathways involved in cancer development and progression. The addition of siRNA to other therapeutic strategies, like photodynamic therapy (PDT), can enhance the anticancer effects, providing synergistic benefits. Nevertheless, the effective delivery of siRNA into target cells remains an obstacle in cancer therapy. Herein, supramolecular nanoparticles were fabricated via the co-assembly of natural histone and hyaluronic acid for the co-delivery of HMGB1-siRNA and the photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6) into the MCF-7 cell. The produced siRNA-Ce6 nanoparticles (siRNA-Ce6 NPs) have a spherical morphology and exhibit uniform distribution. In vitro experiments demonstrate that the siRNA-Ce6 NPs display good biocompatibility, enhanced cellular uptake, and improved cytotoxicity. These outcomes indicate that the nanoparticles constructed by the co-assembly of histone and hyaluronic acid hold enormous promise as a means of siRNA and photosensitizer co-delivery towards synergetic therapy.

Multiple functions of HMGB1 in cancer

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a nuclear DNA-binding protein with a dual role in cancer, acting as an oncogene and a tumor suppressor. This protein regulates nucleosomal structure, DNA damage repair, and genomic stability within the cell, while also playing a role in immune cell functions. This review comprehensively evaluates the biological and clinical significance of HMGB1 in cancer, including its involvement in cell death and survival, its potential as a therapeutic target and cancer biomarker, and as a prosurvival signal for the remaining cells after exposure to cytotoxic anticancer treatments. We highlight the need for a better understanding of the cellular markers and mechanisms involved in the involvement of HMGB1in cancer, and aim to provide a deeper understanding of its role in cancer progression.

Systematic analysis of the role of LDHs subtype in pan-cancer demonstrates the importance of LDHD in the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients

BACKGROUND

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDHs) is an enzyme involved in anaerobic glycolysis, including LDHA, LDHB, LDHC and LDHD. Given the regulatory role in the biological progression of certain tumors, we analyzed the role of LDHs in pan-cancers.

METHODS

Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier curves, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves, and correlation of clinical indicators in tumor patients were used to assess the prognostic significance of LDHs in pan-cancer. The TCGA, HPA, TIMER, UALCAN, TISIDB, and Cellminer databases were used to investigate the correlation between the expression of LDHs and immune subtypes, immune checkpoint genes, methylation levels, tumor mutational load, microsatellite instability, tumor-infiltrating immune cells and drug sensitivity. The cBioPortal database was also used to identify genomic abnormalities of LDHs in pan-cancer. A comprehensive assessment of the biological functions of LDHs was performed using GSEA. In vitro, HepG2 and Huh7 cells were transfected with LDHD siRNA and GFP-LDHD, the proliferation capacity of cells was examined using CCK-8, EdU, and colony formation assays; the migration and invasion of cells was detected by wound healing and transwell assays; western blotting was used to detect the levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Akt phosphorylation.

RESULTS

LDHs were differentially expressed in a variety of human tumor tissues. LDHs subtypes can act as pro-oncogenes or anti-oncogenes in different types of cancer and have an impact on the prognosis of patients with tumors by influencing their clinicopathological characteristics. LDHs were differentially expressed in tumor immune subtypes and molecular subtypes. In addition, LDHs expression correlated with immune checkpoint genes, tumor mutational load, and microsatellite instability. LDHD was identified to play an important role in the prognosis of HCC patients, according to a comprehensive analysis of LDHs in pan-cancer. In HepG2 and Huh7 cells, knockdown of LDHD promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, promoted the protein expression levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, N-cadherin, and Akt phosphorylation, but inhibited the protein expression level of E-cadherin. In addition, LDHD overexpression showed the opposite changes.

CONCLUSION

LDHs subtypes can be used as potential prognostic markers for certain cancers. Prognostic and immunotherapeutic analysis indicated that LDHD plays an important role in the prognosis of HCC patients. In vitro experiments revealed that LDHD can affect HCC proliferation, migration, and invasion by regulating MMPs expression and EMT via Akt signaling pathway, which provides a new perspective on the anti-cancer molecular mechanism of LDHD in HCC.

HMGB1 in the interplay between autophagy and apoptosis in cancer

Lysosome-mediated autophagy and caspase-dependent apoptosis are dynamic processes that maintain cellular homeostasis, ensuring cell health and functionality. The intricate interplay and reciprocal regulation between autophagy and apoptosis are implicated in various human diseases, including cancer. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a nonhistone chromosomal protein, plays a pivotal role in coordinating autophagy and apoptosis levels during tumor initiation, progression, and therapy. The regulation of autophagy machinery and the apoptosis pathway by HMGB1 is influenced by various factors, including the protein's subcellular localization, oxidative state, and interactions with binding partners. In this narrative review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the structure and function of HMGB1, with a specific focus on the interplay between autophagic degradation and apoptotic death in tumorigenesis and cancer therapy. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the significance of HMGB1 as a biomarker and its potential as a therapeutic target in tumor diseases is crucial for advancing our knowledge of cell survival and cell death.

Role and clinical significance of immunogenic cell death biomarkers in chemoresistance and immunoregulation of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common malignancies in the whole world, with little improvement in the 5-year survival rate due to the occurrence of chemoresistance. With the increasing interests in tumor immune microenvironment, immunogenic cell death (ICD)-induced chemotherapy has shown promising results in enhancing sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and improving the efficiency of tumor immunotherapy. This review summarizes the role of key ICD biomarkers and their underlying molecular mechanisms in HNSCC chemoresistance. The results showed that ICD initiation could significantly improve the survival and prognosis of patients. ICD and its biomarker could also serve as molecular markers for tumor diagnosis and prognosis. Moreover, key components of DAMPs including CALR, HGMB1, and ATP are involved in the regulation of HNSCC chemo-sensitivity, confirming that the key biomarkers of ICD can also be developed into new targets for regulating HNSCC chemoresistance. This review clearly illustrates the theoretical basis for the hypothesis that ICD biomarkers are therapeutic targets involved in HNSCC progression, chemoresistance, and even immune microenvironment regulation. The compilation and investigation may provide new insights into the molecular therapy of HNSCC.

NAADP-binding proteins - Linking NAADP signaling to cancer and immunity

NAADP is one of the most potent calcium mobilizing second messengers. Only recently, two NAADP-binding proteins have been identified: HN1L/JPT2 and LSM12. Further, ASPDH was suggested as a less selective binding partner. Apart from this newly uncovered link, little is known about the shared mechanisms between these proteins. The aim of this review is to assess potential functional connections between NAADP and its binding proteins. We here give a description of two major links. For one, HN1L/JPT2 and LSM12 both have potent oncogenic functions in several cancer types. Second, they are involved in similar cellular pathways in both cancer and immunity.

Pyroptosis, Metabolism, and Oxidation in Tumorigenesis: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications

Significance: Pyroptosis is a discovered programmed cell death that is mainly executed by the gasdermin protein family. Cell swelling and membrane perforation are observed when pyroptosis occurs, and is accompanied by the liberation of cell contents. Recent Advances: As the study of pyroptosis continues to progress, there is increasing evidence that pyroptosis influences the development of tumors. In addition, the relationship between pyroptosis and tumor is diverse for different tissues and cells. Critical Issues: In this review, we first introduce the research history and molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis. Then we specifically discuss the link between pyroptosis and metabolic and oxidation in tumorigenesis. In the subsequent sections, we focus on the induction of pyroptosis in cancer and its potential role as a promising target for cancer therapy, and discuss the implications of pyroptosis in tumor treatment. In addition, we further summarize the therapeutic value of pyroptosis in tumor treatment. Future Directions: A detailed understanding of the role played by pyroptosis in tumors will help us to further explore tumor formation and progression and provide ideas for the development of new pyroptosis-based therapeutic approaches for patients. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 39, 512-530.

METTL13 facilitates cell growth and metastasis in gastric cancer via an eEF1A/HN1L positive feedback circuit

Although improved treatment could inhibit progression of gastric cancer (GC), the recurrence and metastasis remain challenging issues. Methyltransferase like 13 (METTL13) has been implicated in most human cancers, but its function and mechanism in GC remain elusive. In the present study, we evaluated its expression in GC samples and found it was aberrantly overexpressed in cancer tissues than that in normal stomach tissues. High expression of METTL13 was closely associated with age, tumor size and T classification. Biological experiments showed that silencing METTL13 suppressed gastric cancer cell proliferation and metastasis in vivo and vitro, whereas opposite effects were observed upon METTL13 overexpression. Further mechanistic explorations revealed that METTL13 regulated the expression of HN1L (Hematological and neurological expressed 1-like), which is reported to be an oncogene in various cancers. Knockdown of HN1L dampened gastric cancer cell growth induced by METTL13. Eukaryotic translation elongation factor-1A (eEF1A), the present sole methylation substrate of METTL13, was involved in the regulation of HN1L by METTL13 in a K55 methylation independent manner. In addition, we also found HN1L could facilitate METTL13 expression in GC cells consistent with a previous report in hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus, these findings demonstrate a METTL13/eEF1A/HN1L positive feedback circuit promoting gastric cancer development and metastasis. It will help develop promising diagnostic and therapeutic targets for this disease.

HN1L/AP-2γ/PLK1 signaling drives tumor progression and chemotherapy resistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Hematological and neurological expressed 1 like (HN1L) is a newly identified oncogene in lung cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma recently identified by our team, but its roles in the development and treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain incompletely cataloged. Here, using ESCC tissue array and public database analysis, we demonstrated that HN1L was highly expressed in ESCC tissues, which was associated with tumor tissue invasion, poor clinical stage and short survival for ESCC patients. Loss- and gain-of-function studies in ESCC cells revealed that HN1L enhances ESCC cell metastasis and proliferation in vitro and in mice models. Moreover, high level of HN1L reduces the sensibility of ESCC cells to chemotherapeutic drugs, such as Docetaxel. Mechanism studies revealed that HN1L activated the transcription of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) by interacting with transcription factor AP-2γ, which increased the expression of malignancy related proteins Cyclin D1 and Slug in ESCC cells. Blocking PLK1 with inhibitor BI-2356 abrogated the oncogenic function of HN1L and significantly suppressed ESCC progression by combining with chemotherapy. Therefore, this study demonstrates the vital pro-tumor role of HN1L/AP-2γ/PLK1 signaling axis in ESCC, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for ESCC patients with high HN1L by blocking PLK1.

Mixed computational-experimental study to reveal the anti-metastasis and anti-angiogenesis effects of Astragalin in human breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most aggressive malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality. Astragalin, a flavonoid widely found in a variety of edible and medicinal plants, is recorded to possess multiple biological and pharmacological activities. However, its effect of anti-breast cancer has been unknown.

METHODS

Computational pharmacology was employed to explore the potential mechanism of anti-metastasis and anti-angiogenesis effects of Astragalin on breast cancer. The targets of Astragalin were obtained from TCMSP, Swiss Target Prediction, SEA, BATMAN-TCM, ChemMapper and STITCH databases, and targets of breast cancer were got from OMIM, GeneCards, and DisGeNET databases. Protein-protein interaction network (PPI), Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed to elucidate the interactions of these two groups of targets. Moreover, the anti-metastasis and anti-angiogenesis effects of Astragalin were validated by in vitro and in vivo experiments using wound healing assay, transwell migration and invasion assay, gelatin zymography assay, tube formation assay, and chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane model.

RESULTS

Computational pharmacology analysis indicated that the effects of Astragalin against breast cancer were mainly related to the regulation of the cell movement, migration, and angiogenesis, and taking AKT, ZEB1, VEGF, and MMP9 as the promising targets. Further experimental pharmacology indicated that Astragalin exerted anti-metastasis and anti-angiogenesis activities on breast cancer, and verified AKT, ZEB1, VEGF, and MMP9 as the key targets.

CONCLUSION

Astragalin suppresses the metastasis and angiogenesis of breast cancer, and AKT, ZEB1, VEGF, and MMP9 are the promising targets for Astragalin against breast cancer. Thus, Astragalin is a potential therapeutic agent for breast cancer.

Immunostimulatory Properties of Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer: From Immunogenic Modulation Mechanisms to Clinical Practice

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among females. Chemotherapy drugs remain the cornerstone of treatment of BC and undergo significant shifts over the past 100 years. The advent of immunotherapy presents promising opportunities and constitutes a significant complementary to existing therapeutic strategies for BC. Chemotherapy as a cytotoxic treatment that targets proliferation malignant cells has recently been shown as an effective immune-stimulus in multiple ways. Chemotherapeutic drugs can cause the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) from dying tumor cells, which result in long-lasting antitumor immunity by the key process of immunogenic cell death (ICD). Furthermore, Off-target effects of chemotherapy on immune cell subsets mainly involve activation of immune effector cells including natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells (DCs), and cytotoxic T cells, and depletion of immunosuppressive cells including Treg cells, M2 macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Current mini-review summarized recent large clinical trials regarding the combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy in BC and addressed the molecular mechanisms of immunostimulatory properties of chemotherapy in BC. The purpose of our work was to explore the immune-stimulating effects of chemotherapy at the molecular level based on the evidence from clinical trials, which might be a rationale for combinations of chemotherapy and immunotherapy in BC.

NAADP-binding proteins find their identity

Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) is a second messenger that releases Ca²⁺ from endosomes and lysosomes by activating ion channels called two-pore channels (TPCs). However, no NAADP-binding site has been identified on TPCs. Rather, NAADP activates TPCs indirectly by engaging NAADP-binding proteins (NAADP-BPs) that form part of the TPC complex. After a decade of searching, two different NAADP-BPs were recently identified: Jupiter microtubule associated homolog 2 (JPT2) and like-Sm protein 12 (LSM12). These discoveries bridge the gap between NAADP generation and NAADP activation of TPCs, providing new opportunity to understand and manipulate the NAADP-signaling pathway. The unmasking of these NAADP-BPs will catalyze future studies to define the molecular choreography of NAADP action.

ENSMUST00000147869 regulates proliferation and fibrosis of mesangial cells in diabetic nephropathy by interacting with Hspa9

AIMS

Our previous study showed that ENSMUST00000147869 was abnormally low expressed in the early stage of diabetic nephropathy (DN). ENSMUST00000147869 could inhibit the fibrosis and proliferation of mouse mesangial cells (MMCs), but the mechanism is still unclear. This study aims to explore the specific mechanism underline ENSMUST00000147869 regulates the proliferation and fibrosis of MMCs in DN.

METHODS

Nucleocytoplasmic fractionation was applied to define the location of ENSMUST00000147869 in MMCs. RNA-protein pulldown, RNA immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry were used to identify upregulated Hspa9 directly interacting with ENSMUST00000147869. SiRNA and lentivirus packaging were used to clarify the role of Hspa9 downregulated by ENSMUST00000147869 in promoting proliferation and fibrosis in MMCs. CHX and MG132 were used to clarify the regulatory role of ENSMUST00000147869 to Hspa9. Immunoprecipitation confirmed the binding of Hspa9 and HMGB1.

RESULTS

HSPA9 was a direct binding protein of ENSMUST00000147869, and ENSMUST00000147869 could inhibit proliferation and fibrosis of MMCs by down-regulating HSPA9 through ubiquitination process. HMGB1 was the downstream binding protein of Hspa9, and ENSMUST00000147869 could inhibit the interaction between Hspa9 and HMGB1.

CONCLUSION

Our data showed that ENSMUST00000147869 regulates Hspa9 through the ubiquitin proteasome pathway, and inhibits the binding of Hspa9 and HMGB1. ENSMUST00000147869/Hspa9/HMGB1 axis may act as a diagnostic molecular marker and an effective therapeutic target for DN. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

HN1L promotes stem cell-like properties by regulating TGF-β signaling pathway through targeting FOXP2 in prostate cancer

Dysregulated hematological and neurological expressed 1-like (HN1L) has been implicated in carcinogenesis of difference cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma and breast cancer. However, the role of HN1L in the progression of prostate cancer (PCA) remains unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the role of HN1L in stemness and progression of PCA. The expression of HN1L in PCA tissues and cells was determined by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blot analysis, and/or immunohistochemistry (IHC). CD133+ cells were sorted from PCA cells using magnetic fluorescence cell sorting technology and were considered as cancer stem cells (CSCs). Sphere formation assays, transwell assays, and animal experiments were conducted to assess cell stemness, migration, invasion, and in vivo tumorigenesis, respectively. The results showed that HN1L expression was higher in PCA tissues and cells as compared with normal tissues and cells, as well as in CD133+ cells as compared with CD133- cells. HN1L knockdown significantly decreased the expression levels of CSC markers including OCT4 (POU class 5 homeobox 1), CD44, and SRY-box transcription factor 2, inhibited cell migration, invasion, and tumorigenesis and decreased the number of tumor spheroids and CD133+ cell population. Furthermore, we found that HN1L could bind to forkhead box P2 (FOXP2) and positively regulated transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) expression via upregulation of FOXP2. In addition, the overexpression of TGF-β in HN1L-knockdown PCA cells increased the number of tumor spheroids and CD133+ cell population, as well as enhanced cell migration and invasion. Collectively, this study demonstrates that HN1L promotes stem cell-like properties and cancer progression by targeting FOXP2 through TGF-β signaling pathway in PCA.

HSP70s in Breast Cancer: Promoters of Tumorigenesis and Potential Targets/Tools for Therapy

The high frequency of breast cancer worldwide and the high mortality among women with this malignancy are a serious challenge for modern medicine. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms of carcinogenesis and emergence of metastatic, therapy-resistant breast cancers would help development of novel approaches to better treatment of this disease. The review is dedicated to the role of members of the heat shock protein 70 subfamily (HSP70s or HSPA), mainly inducible HSP70, glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78 or HSPA5) and GRP75 (HSPA9 or mortalin), in the development and pathogenesis of breast cancer. Various HSP70-mediated cellular mechanisms and pathways which contribute to the oncogenic transformation of mammary gland epithelium are reviewed, as well as their role in the development of human breast carcinomas with invasive, metastatic traits along with the resistance to host immunity and conventional therapeutics. Additionally, intracellular and cell surface HSP70s are considered as potential targets for therapy or sensitization of breast cancer. We also discuss a clinical implication of Hsp70s and approaches to targeting breast cancer with gene vectors or nanoparticles downregulating HSP70s, natural or synthetic (small molecule) inhibitors of HSP70s, HSP70-binding antibodies, HSP70-derived peptides, and HSP70-based vaccines.

Acidic Ca2+ stores and immune-cell function

Acidic organelles act as intracellular Ca²⁺ stores; they actively sequester Ca²⁺ in their lumina and release it to the cytosol upon activation of endo-lysosomal Ca²⁺ channels. Recent data suggest important roles of endo-lysosomal Ca²⁺ channels, the Two-Pore Channels (TPCs) and the TRPML channels (mucolipins), in different aspects of immune-cell function, particularly impacting membrane trafficking, vesicle fusion/fission and secretion. Remarkably, different channels on the same acidic vesicles can couple to different downstream physiology. Endo-lysosomal Ca²⁺ stores can act under different modalities, be they acting alone (via local Ca²⁺ nanodomains around TPCs/TRPMLs) or in conjunction with the ER Ca²⁺ store (to either promote or suppress global ER Ca²⁺ release). These different modalities impinge upon functions as broad as phagocytosis, cell-killing, anaphylaxis, immune memory, thrombostasis, and chemotaxis.

HN1L promotes migration and invasion of breast cancer by up-regulating the expression of HMGB1

Recent reports showed that haematological and neurological expressed 1-like (HN1L) gene participated in tumorigenesis and tumour invasion. However, the expression and role of HN1L in breast cancer remain to be investigated. Here, bioinformatics, western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of HN1L in breast cancer. Wound healing, transwell assay, immunofluorescence assay and mass spectrum were used to explore the role and mechanism of HN1L on the migration and invasion of breast cancer, which was confirmed in vivo using a nude mice model. Results showed that HN1L was significantly over-expressed in breast cancer tissues, which was positively correlated with M metastasis of breast cancer patients. Silencing HN1L significantly inhibited the invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells in vitro and lung metastasis in nude mice metastasis model of breast cancer. Mechanistically, HN1L interacted with HSPA9 and affected the expression of HMGB1, playing a key role in promoting the invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cell. These results suggested that HN1L was an appealing drug target for breast cancer.