Hematopoietic cell kinase enhances osteosarcoma development via the MEK/ERK pathway

Knockdown of HCK promotes HREC cell viability and inner blood-retinal barrier integrity by regulating the AMPK signaling pathway

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a major complication of diabetes causing blindness, is characterized by retinal damage due to capillary degeneration and vascular leakage. Current treatments are not fully effective, highlighting the need for searching new therapeutic targets. Hematopoietic cell kinase (HCK), a protein involved in various diseases, has been identified as a potential biomarker in DR, but its role in disease progression requires further investigation. Here we investigated the role of HCK in DR and its potential mechanism. We found the expression of HCK increased under the stimulation of high glucose (HG) in human retinal capillary endothelial cells (HRECs). Knockdown of HCK can improve HREC cell viability and the integrity of the internal blood-retinal barrier. HCK depletion suppressed the AMPK pathway in HG-induced HRECs. In summary, HCK may be a potential target for the treatment of DR, which provides a theoretical basis for the development of new treatment strategies.

Recent advances in hematopoietic cell kinase in cancer progression: Mechanisms and inhibitors

Hematopoietic cell kinase (Hck), a non-receptor tyrosine kinase belonging to the Src kinase family, is intricately linked to the pathogenesis of numerous human diseases, with a particularly pronounced association with cancer. Hck not only directly impacts the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of cancer cells but also interacts with JAK/STAT, MEK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, CXCL12/CXCR4, and other pathways. Hck also influences the tumor microenvironment to facilitate the onset and progression of cancer. This paper delves into the functional role and regulatory mechanisms of Hck in various solid tumors. Additionally, it explores the implications of Hck in hematological malignancies. The review culminates with a summary of the current research status of Hck inhibitors, the majority of which are in the pre-clinical phase of investigation. Notably, these inhibitors are predominantly utilized in the therapeutic management of leukemia, with their combinatorial potential indicating promising avenues for future research. In conclusion, this review underscores the significance of the mechanism of Hck in solid tumors. This insight is crucial for comprehending the current research trends regarding Hck: targeted therapy against Hck shows great promise in both diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors. Further investigation into the role of Hck in cancer, coupled with the development of specific inhibitors, has the potential to revolutionize approaches to cancer treatment.

Comprehensive analysis of the HCK gene in myeloid neoplasms: Insights into biological functions, prognosis, and response to antineoplastic agents

Myeloid neoplasms result from molecular alterations in hematopoietic stem cells, with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) being one of the most aggressive and with a poor prognosis. Hematopoietic cell kinase (HCK) is a proto-oncogene that encodes a protein-tyrosine kinase of the Scr family, and it is highly expressed in AML. The present study investigated HCK expression in normal hematopoietic cells across myeloid differentiation stages and myeloid neoplasm patients. Within the AML cohort, we explored the impact of HCK expression on clinical outcomes and its correlation with clinical, genetic, and laboratory characteristics. Furthermore, we evaluated the association between HCK expression and the response to antineoplastic agents using ex vivo assay data from AML patients. HCK expression is higher in differentiated subpopulations of myeloid cells. High HCK expression was observed in patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, and AML. In patients with AML, high levels of HCK negatively impacted overall and disease-free survival. High HCK expression was also associated with worse molecular risk groups and white blood cell count; however, it was not an independent prognostic factor. In functional genomic analyses, high HCK expression was associated with several biological and molecular processes relevant to leukemogenesis. HCK expression was also associated with sensitivity and resistance to several drugs currently used in the clinic. In conclusion, our analysis confirmed the differential expression of HCK in myeloid neoplasms and its potential association with unfavorable molecular risks in AML. We also provide new insights into HCK biological functions, prognosis, and response to antineoplastic agents.

Gains of 20q11.21 in human pluripotent stem cells: Insights from cancer research

The genetic abnormalities observed in hPSC cultures worldwide have been suggested to pose an important hurdle in their safe use in regenerative medicine due to the possibility of oncogenic transformation by mutant cells in the patient posttransplantation. One of the best-characterized genetic lesions in hPSCs is the gain of 20q11.21, found in 20% of hPSC lines worldwide, and strikingly, also amplified in 20% of human cancers. In this review, we have curated the existing knowledge on the incidence of this mutation in hPSCs and cancer, explored the significance of chromosome 20q11.21 amplification in cancer progression, and reviewed the oncogenic role of the genes in the smallest common region of gain, to shed light on the significance of this mutation in hPSC-based cell therapy. Lastly, we discuss the state-of-the-art strategies devised to detect aneuploidies in hPSC cultures, avoid genetic changes in vitro cultures of hPSCs, and strategies to eliminate genetically abnormal cells from culture.

Insights on hematopoietic cell kinase: An oncogenic player in human cancer

Hematopoietic cell kinase (Hck) is a member of the Src family and is expressed in hematopoietic cells. By regulating multiple signaling pathways, HCK can interact with multiple receptors to regulate signaling events involved in cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. However, aberrant expression of Hck in various hematopoietic cells and solid tumors plays a crucial role in tumor-related properties, including cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In addition, Hck signaling regulates the function of immune cells such as macrophages, contributing to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. The clinical success of various kinase inhibitors targeting the Src kinase family has validated the efficacy of targeting Src, and therapies with highly selective Hck kinase inhibitors are in clinical trials. This article reviews Hck inhibition as an emerging cancer treatment strategy, focusing on the expressions and functions of Hck in tumors and its impact on the tumor microenvironment. It also explores preclinical and clinical pharmacological strategies for Hck targeting to shed light on Hck-targeted tumor therapy.

Long Noncoding RNA 00472: A Novel Biomarker in Human Diseases

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in human diseases. They control gene expression levels and influence various biological processes through multiple mechanisms. Functional abnormalities in lncRNAs are strongly associated with occurrence and development of various diseases. LINC00472, which is located on chromosome 6q13, is involved in several human diseases, particularly cancers of the breast, lung, liver, osteosarcoma, bladder, colorectal, ovarian, pancreatic and stomach. Importantly, LINC00472 can be used as a biomarker for breast cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapeutic regimens, including doxorubicin. LINC00472 is regulated by microRNAs and several signaling pathways. However, the significance of LINC00472 in human diseases has not been clearly established. In this review, we elucidate on the significance of LINC00472 in various human diseases, indicating that LINC00472 may be a diagnostic, prognostic as well as therapeutic target for these diseases.