Inactivation of interleukin-30 in colon cancer stem cells via CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing inhibits their oncogenicity and improves host survival

Current progress in CRISPR-Cas systems for cancer

Cancer has been a primary contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide. With an increasing trend of incidence and prevalence of cancer, progress has also been made in its treatment, starting from radiation and chemotherapy to immunotherapy and gene therapy. CRISPR-Cas technique, a promising gene editing tool, has been employed in cancer research for novel treatment regimens, identification of therapeutic targets, and unraveling the genetic mechanisms behind oncogenesis. CRISPR-based genome editing helped in identifying the roles of specific genetic factors linked to treatment resistance, metastasis, and cancer development. CRISPR allows the discovery of genes and treatment options through specifically interrupting tumor activators or activating tumor suppressor genes in cancer cells. Advancements in CRISPR technology, especially the use of immune cells like chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, has the potential to revolutionize personalized cancer treatment by precisely targeting and killing cancer cells. Furthermore, reactivating tumor suppressor genes makes cancer cells more susceptible to chemotherapy or immunotherapy. CRISPR-mediated genome editing can, hence, help to overcome resistance to traditional cancer treatments. The current manuscript covers that how is the CRISPR technology propelling revolutionary development in the field of cancer research, providing advance perspectives on the molecular causes of the disease and creating new lines for the development of more precise and potent cancer therapies.

Wnt signaling and tumors (Review)

Wnt signaling is a highly conserved evolutionary pathway that plays a key role in regulation of embryonic development, as well as tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Abnormalities in Wnt signaling are associated with tumorigenesis and development, leading to poor prognosis in patients with cancer. However, the pharmacological effects and mechanisms underlying Wnt signaling and its inhibition in cancer treatment remain unclear. In addition, potential side effects of inhibiting this process are not well understood. Therefore, the present review outlines the role of Wnt signaling in tumorigenesis, development, metastasis, cancer stem cells, radiotherapy resistance and tumor immunity. The present review further identifies inhibitors that target Wnt signaling to provide a potential novel direction for cancer treatment. This may facilitate early application of safe and effective drugs targeting Wnt signaling in clinical settings. An in-depth understanding of the mechanisms underlying inhibition of Wnt signaling may improve the prognosis of patients with cancer.

Exploring the detailed role of interleukins in cancer: A comprehensive review of literature

The cancer cells that are not normal can grow into tumors, invade surrounding tissues, and travel to other parts of the body via the lymphatic or circulatory systems. Interleukins, a vital class of signaling proteins, facilitate cell-to-cell contact within the immune system. A type of non-coding RNA known as lncRNAs mediates its actions by regulating miRNA-mRNA roles (Interleukins). Because of their dual function in controlling the growth of tumors and altering the immune system's response to cancer cells, interleukins have been extensively studied concerning cancer. Understanding the complex relationships between interleukins, the immune system, the tumor microenvironment, and the components of interleukin signaling pathways that impact the miRNA-mRNA axis, including lncRNAs, has advanced significantly in cancer research. Due to the significant and all-encompassing influence of interleukins on the immune system and the development and advancement of cancers, lncRNAs play a crucial role in cancer research by modulating interleukins. Their diverse effects on immune system regulation, tumor growth encouragement, and tumor inhibition make them appealing candidates for potential cancer treatments and diagnostics. A deeper understanding of the relationship between the biology of interleukin and lncRNAs will likely result in more effective immunotherapy strategies and individualized cancer treatments.

Deletion of IL-27p28 induces CD8 T cell immunity against colorectal tumorigenesis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, characterized by molecular and clinical heterogeneity. Interleukin (IL)-27, a heterodimeric cytokine composed of p28 and EBI3 subunits, has been reported to exert potent antitumor activity in several cancer models. However, the precise role of IL-27 in the pathogenesis of CRC remains unclear. Here, we show that during the azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced CRC development, IL-27p28 levels are dramatically increased in peripheral blood and tumor tissues, and the cytokine is mainly produced by tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells. IL-27p28 deficient mice display tumor resistances in both inflammation-associated CRC model and syngeneic MC38 colon cancer model. Administration with IL-27p28 neutralizing antibody also reduces the tumor formation in AOM/DSS-treated mice. Mechanically, CD8+ T cells in IL-27p28-/- mice exhibit enhanced tumor infiltration and cytotoxicity, which can be largely attributed to activation of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Furthermore, selective depletion of CD8+ T cells in IL-27p28-/- mice markedly accelerate tumor growth and almost abrogate the protective effects of IL-27p28 deficiency. Most interestingly, the expression of IL-27p28 is also upregulated in tumor tissues of CRC patients and those with high expression of IL-27p28 tend to have a poorer overall survival. Our results suggest that loss of IL-27p28 suppresses colorectal tumorigenesis by augmenting CD8+ T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity. Targeting IL-27p28 could be developed as a novel strategy for the treatment of colorectal cancers.

GPX2 acts as an oncogene and cudraflavone C has an anti-tumor effect by suppressing GPX2-dependent Wnt/β-catenin pathway in colorectal cancer cells

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is a common cancer associated with poor prognosis, and cudraflavone C (Cud C) is a natural flavonol with reported anti-CRC capacity. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the anti-CRC effect require further demonstration. The aim of present study was to evaluate the impact of Cud C on the cell viability and apoptosis of CRC cells and to determine the underlying mechanisms. The Human Protein Atlas (THPA) and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) databases were used to analyze the expression status of glutathione peroxidase 2 (GPX2) in CRC. Cell viability was examined using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Flow cytometry was utilized to evaluate apoptosis. The levels of gene transcription and protein expression of GPX2, caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3), β-catenin, and c-Myc were determined by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Our results showed that GPX2 was overexpressed in CRC as compared to normal tissue and the extent of GPX2 overexpression is greatest in CRC when compared with other cancers according to GEPIA and THPA databases. GPX2 knockdown significantly suppressed the cell viability, induced apoptosis of CRC cell lines, and restrained the activity of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Cud C treatment decreased cell viability, induced apoptosis in CRC cell lines, and diminished the expression level of GPX2-dependent activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway, while such effects can be abolished by GPX2 overexpression. In conclusion, Cud C suppressed GPX2-dependent Wnt/β-catenin pathway to exert anti-CRC function.

Molecular mechanism of vimentin nuclear localization associated with the migration and invasion of daughter cells derived from polyploid giant cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs), a specific type of cancer stem cells (CSCs), can be induced by hypoxic microenvironments, chemical reagents, radiotherapy, and Chinese herbal medicine. Moreover, PGCCs can produce daughter cells that undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition, which leads to cancer recurrence and disseminated metastasis. Vimentin, a mesenchymal cell marker, is highly expressed in PGCCs and their daughter cells (PDCs) and drives migratory persistence. This study explored the molecular mechanisms by which vimentin synergistically regulates PGCCs to generate daughter cells with enhanced invasive and metastatic properties.

METHODS

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) was used to induce the formation of PGCCs in Hct116 and LoVo cells. Immunocytochemical and immunohistochemical assays were performed to determine the subcellular localization of vimentin. Cell function assays were performed to compare the invasive metastatic abilities of the PDCs and control cells. The molecular mechanisms underlying vimentin expression and nuclear translocation were investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, cell function assays, cell transfection, co-immunoprecipitation, and chromatin immunoprecipitation, followed by sequencing. Finally, animal xenograft experiments and clinical colorectal cancer samples were used to study vimentin expression in tumor tissues.

RESULTS

Daughter cells derived from PGCCs showed strong proliferative, migratory, and invasive abilities, in which vimentin was highly expressed and located in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. Vimentin undergoes small ubiquitin-like modification (SUMOylation) by interacting with SUMO1 and SUMO2/3, which are associated with nuclear translocation. P62 regulates nuclear translocation of vimentin by controlling SUMO1 and SUMO2/3 expression. In the nucleus, vimentin acts as a transcription factor that regulates CDC42, cathepsin B, and cathepsin D to promote PDC invasion and migration. Furthermore, animal experiments and human colorectal cancer specimens have confirmed the nuclear translocation of vimentin.

CONCLUSION

P62-dependent SUMOylation of vimentin plays an important role in PDC migration and invasion. Vimentin nuclear translocation and overexpressed P62 of cancer cells may be used to predict patient prognosis, and targeting vimentin nuclear translocation may be a promising therapeutic strategy for metastatic cancers.

Interrogating colorectal cancer metastasis to liver: a search for clinically viable compounds and mechanistic insights in colorectal cancer Patient Derived Organoids

BACKGROUND

Approximately 20-50% of patients presenting with localized colorectal cancer progress to stage IV metastatic disease (mCRC) following initial treatment and this is a major prognostic determinant. Here, we have interrogated a heterogeneous set of primary colorectal cancer (CRC), liver CRC metastases and adjacent liver tissue to identify molecular determinants of the colon to liver spreading. Screening Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs for their ability to interfere with an identified colon to liver metastasis signature may help filling an unmet therapeutic need.

METHODS

RNA sequencing of primary colorectal cancer specimens vs adjacent liver tissue vs synchronous and asynchronous liver metastases. Pathways enrichment analyses. The Library of Integrated Network-based Cellular Signatures (LINCS)-based and Connectivity Map (CMAP)-mediated identification of FDA-approved compounds capable to interfere with a 22 gene signature from primary CRC and liver metastases. Testing the identified compounds on CRC-Patient Derived Organoid (PDO) cultures. Microscopy and Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) based analysis of the treated PDOs.

RESULTS

We have found that liver metastases acquire features of the adjacent liver tissue while partially losing those of the primary tumors they derived from. We have identified a 22-gene signature differentially expressed among primary tumors and metastases and validated in public databases. A pharmacogenomic screening for FDA-approved compounds capable of interfering with this signature has been performed. We have validated some of the identified representative compounds in CRC-Patient Derived Organoid cultures (PDOs) and found that pentoxyfilline and, to a minor extent, dexketoprofen and desloratadine, can variably interfere with number, size and viability of the CRC -PDOs in a patient-specific way. We explored the pentoxifylline mechanism of action and found that pentoxifylline treatment attenuated the 5-FU elicited increase of ALDHhigh cells by attenuating the IL-6 mediated STAT3 (tyr705) phosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONS

Pentoxifylline synergizes with 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) in attenuating organoid formation. It does so by interfering with an IL-6-STAT3 axis leading to the emergence of chemoresistant ALDHhigh cell subpopulations in 5-FU treated PDOs. A larger cohort of CRC-PDOs will be required to validate and expand on the findings of this proof-of-concept study.