DIAPH1 Is Upregulated and Inhibits Cell Apoptosis through ATR/p53/Caspase-3 Signaling Pathway in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

DIAPH2 gene polymorphisms and laryngeal cancer risk in men

BACKGROUND

The DIAPH2 gene is one of the genes commonly associated with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). In our study, we considered the four polymorphisms of this gene, i.e. rs5920828, rs4322175, rs12851931 and rs5921830 as potential genetic risk factors for LSCC.

METHODS

We determined the genotyping of the genetic variants of DIAPH2 in 230 male patients with histologically confirmed LSCC compared to the European population. Demographic and environmental exposure data of each subject were examined. To conduct the genetic tests, extraction of total DNA was performed. We genotyped all four variants in each patient and determined their frequencies.

RESULTS

In the case of the rs12851931 polymorphism in the DIAPH2 gene, a significant difference was observed in the distribution of the T stage depending on the polymorphism. Heterozygotes were more often associated with T2 stage, while homozygotes were more likely to have higher tumor stages. The rs12851931 homozygotes of DIAPH2 were statistically significantly more prevalent in smokers. The results suggested that rs12851931 polymorphism in DIAPH2 could increase the onset risk of LSCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide further information on the role of the DIAPH2 gene in the pathogenesis of LSCC.

Integrating GEO, network pharmacology, and in vitro assays to explore the pharmacological mechanism of Bruceae Fructus against laryngeal cancer

The goal of this study is to look into the pharmacological mechanism of Bruceae Fructus in conjunction with GEO, network pharmacology, and in vitro assays for the treatment of laryngeal cancer to provide theoretical support for its therapeutic use. The active components and matching targets of Bruceae Fructus were retrieved from the TCMSP database, while genes linked with laryngeal cancer were obtained from the GEO, GeneCards, DisGeNET, and DrugBank databases. Besides, the components and targets were supplemented by literatures in PubMed database. Cytoscape software was used to create the active ingredients-target network diagram. The String database was used to build the PPI network. Following that, the core targets were subjected to GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis using the DAVID database. Finally, AutoDock was used to perform molecular docking between the core components and the core targets. To investigate the biological effects of beta-sitosterol, the viability of laryngeal cancer cells was assessed after beta-sitosterol therapy using the MTS technique. Following that, how beta-sitosterol affected colony formation after 14 days of culture of treated cells was researched. Flow cytometry was utilized to detect apoptosis to examine the influence of beta-sitosterol on laryngeal cancer cell apoptosis, and then detected mRNA and protein expression levels of 10 key genes by RT-qPCR and Western Blot assay. There were 1258 laryngeal cancer-related genes and 15 Bruceae Fructus components, with beta-sitosterol and luteolin serving as key components. Bruceae Fructus' primary targets against laryngeal cancer were IL6, JUN, TNF, IL2, IL4, IFNG, RELA, TP53, CDKN1A, and AKT1. GO enrichment yielded 41 CC, 78 MF, and 383 BP. Platinum drug resistance, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, the p53 signaling pathway, apoptosis, the HIF-1 signaling pathway, and 147 additional pathways have been added to KEGG. The results of molecular docking revealed that the core components had a high affinity for the core target. The results of the cell experiment indicate that beta-sitosterol suppressed Hep-2 cell activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Besides, beta-sitosterol has powerful antiproliferative properties in Hep-2 cells. Flow cytometry results showed that beta-sitosterol promoted laryngeal cancer cell apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. The results of RT-qPCR and Western Blot assay showed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of TP53, JUN, TNF-α, CDKN1A, and IL-2 were significantly up-regulated after beta-sitosterol treatment, while the mRNA and protein expression levels of RELA, AKT1, IL-6, IFNG, and IL-4 were significantly down-regulated. This study integrating GEO, network pharmacology, and in vitro assays investigated the probable mechanism of Bruceae Fructus' anti-laryngeal cancer activity, which can give a theoretical foundation for additional future animal experiments.

Nicotine downregulates miR-375-3p via neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase 2 to enhance the malignant behaviors of laryngopharyngeal squamous epithelial cells

Nicotine exposure from smoking constitutes a significant global public health concern. Furthermore, smoking represents a pivotal risk factor for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the influence of nicotine on HNSCC remains relatively underexplored. Our aim was to unravel the molecular mechanisms that underlie the effect of nicotine on the metastatic cascade of HNSCC. In this study, we discovered a significant association between smoking and HNSCC metastasis and prognosis. Nicotine significantly enhanced HNSCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro. Analysis of TCGA-HNSCC and FDEENT-HNSCC cohorts revealed reduced miR-375-3p levels in HNSCC tumor tissues, particularly among current smokers. Additionally, miR-375-3p level was strongly correlated with both lymph node metastasis and tumor stage. By downregulating miR-375-3p, nicotine promotes HNSCC cell metastasis in vitro and hematogenous metastatic capacity in vivo. Utilizing transcriptomic sequencing, molecular docking, dual-luciferase reporter assay, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), we demonstrated that miR-375-3p specifically binds to 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of NTRK2 mRNA. Thus, this study uncovers a novel nicotine-induced mechanism involving miR-375-3p-mediated NTRK2 targeting, which promotes HNSCC metastasis. These findings have implications for improving the prognosis of patients with HNSCC, especially in smokers.

LIGHT regulated gene expression in rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts

BACKGROUND

Synovial hyperplasia caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune inflammatory disease, leads to the destruction of the articular cartilage and bone. A member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily, Lymphotoxin-related inducible ligand that competes for glycoprotein D binding to herpes virus entry mediator on T cells (LIGHT) has been shown to correlate with the pathogenesis of RA.

METHODS

We used cDNA microarray analysis to compare the expression of genes in rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocytes with and without LIGHT stimulation.

RESULTS

Significant changes in gene expression (P-values < 0.05 and fold change ≥ 2.0) were associated mainly with biological function categories of glycoprotein, glycosylation site as N-linked, plasma membrane part, integral to plasma membrane, intrinsic to plasma membrane, signal, plasma membrane, signal peptide, alternative splicing, and topological domain as extracellular.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that LIGHT may regulate the expression in RA-FLS of genes which are important in the differentiation of several cell types and in cellular functions.

Silencing KPNA2 Promotes Ferroptosis in Laryngeal Cancer by Activating the FoxO Signaling Pathway

We aim to clarify the specific role of Karyopherin α2 (KPNA2) in the progression of laryngeal cancer, a kind of malignant tumor with a poor curative effect. We performed the bioinformatic analysis to obtain the ferroptosis-related differentially expressed genes. KPNA2 was screened out. Then the CCK-8 assay, wound healing assay, and transwell assay were used to clarify the changes in the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of laryngeal cancer cells after silencing KPNA2. The concentrations of iron ions, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde were evaluated by the corresponding detection kits. The expression levels of cyclooxygenase 2, Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4, glutathione peroxidase 4, forkhead box O (FoxO)1a and FoxO3a were determined by Western Blot. A total of 45 ferroptosis-related differentially expressed genes in laryngeal cancer were obtained, and KPNA2 was selected after bioinformatic analysis. In ferroptosis-induced laryngeal cancer cells, the cell viability, migration rate, invasion ability, and the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase were further decreased and the expression of cyclooxygenase 2, Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4, iron ions, and malondialdehyde were further increased after silencing KPNA2. The expression levels of FoxO1a and FoxO3a in laryngeal cancer cells were increased by silencing KPNA2. KPNA2 may be a promising therapeutic target for laryngeal cancer. Down-regulation of KPNA2 can promote ferroptosis in laryngeal cancer by stimulating the FoxO signaling pathway.

Diaphanous-related formin subfamily: Novel prognostic biomarkers and tumor microenvironment regulators for pancreatic adenocarcinoma

The diaphanous-related formin subfamily includes diaphanous homolog 1 (DIAPH1), DIAPH2, and DIAPH3. DIAPHs play a role in the regulation of actin nucleation and polymerization and in microtubule stability. DIAPH3 also regulates the assembly and bipolarity of mitotic spindles. Accumulating evidence has shown that DIAPHs are anomalously regulated during malignancy. In this study, we reviewed The Cancer Genome Atlas database and found that DIAPHs are abundantly expressed in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD). Furthermore, we analyzed the gene alteration profiles, protein expression, prognosis, and immune reactivity of DIAPHs in PAAD using data from several well-established databases. In addition, we conducted gene set enrichment analysis to investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the roles of DIAPHs in the carcinogenesis of PAAD. Finally, we performed the experimental validation of DIAPHs expression in several pancreatic cancer cell lines and tissues of patients. This study demonstrated significant correlations between DIAPHs expression and clinical prognosis, oncogenic signature gene sets, T helper 2 cell infiltration, plasmacytoid dendritic cell infiltration, myeloid-derived suppressor cell infiltration, ImmunoScore, and immune checkpoints in PAAD. These data may provide important information regarding the role and mechanisms of DIAPHs in tumorigenesis and PAAD immunotherapy.

Circ_0044556 Promotes the Progression of Colorectal Cancer via the miR-665-Dependent Expression Regulation of Diaphanous Homolog 1

BACKGROUND

Cancer progression can be regulated by noncoding circular RNAs. A recent study has indicated that circ_0044556 facilitated the progression of colorectal cancer.

AIM

This research was performed to explore the regulatory mechanism of circ_0044556 in CRC.

METHODS

Circ_0044556, miR-665 and Diaphanous Homolog 1 levels were detected by the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cell proliferation analysis was performed by cell counting kit-8 assay and Edu assay. Cell cycle progression was assessed using flow cytometry. The protein examination was conducted using western blot. Transwell assay was used to analyze cell migration and invasion. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to validate the interaction between targets. In vivo research was implemented by xenograft tumor assay.

RESULTS

Circ_0044556 was upregulated in colorectal cancer samples and cells. Silencing circ_0044556 inhibited cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in CRC cells. Circ_0044556 could directly target miR-665 and the function of circ_0044556 was associated with the regulation of miR-665. In addition, Diaphanous Homolog 1 was a target gene for miR-665 and the anti-tumor role of miR-665 in colorectal cancer was dependent on the downregulation of Diaphanous Homolog 1. Diaphanous Homolog 1 level was regulated by circ_0044556 via sponging miR-665 in CRC cells. In vivo assay suggested that circ_0044556 promoted CRC tumor growth by regulating the miR-665 and Diaphanous Homolog 1 levels.

CONCLUSION

Our findings manifested that circ_0044556 functioned as an oncogenic circRNA in colorectal cancer by mediating the miR-665/Diaphanous Homolog 1 axis, elucidating the molecular mechanism of circ_0044556 in CRC progression.

Dia1 coordinates differentiation and cell sorting in a stratified epithelium

Although implicated in adhesion, only a few studies address how the actin assembly factors guide cell positioning in multicellular tissues. The formin, Dia1, localizes to the proliferative basal layer of the epidermis. In organotypic cultures, Dia1 depletion reduced basal cell density and resulted in stratified tissues with disorganized differentiation and proliferative markers. Since crowding induces differentiation in epidermal tissues, we hypothesized that Dia1 is essential to reach densities amenable to differentiation before or during stratification. Consistent with this, forced crowding of Dia1-deficient cells rescued transcriptional abnormalities. We find Dia1 promotes rapid growth of lateral cell–cell adhesions, necessary for the construction of a highly crowded monolayer. In aggregation assays, cells sorted into distinct layers based on Dia1 expression status. These results suggest that as basal cells proliferate, reintegration and packing of Dia1-positive daughter cells is favored, whereas Dia1-negative cells tend to delaminate to a suprabasal compartment. This work elucidates the role of formin expression patterns in constructing distinct cellular domains within stratified epithelia.

Susceptibility of cytoskeletal-associated proteins for tumor progression

The traditional functions of cytoskeletal-associated proteins (CAPs) in line with polymerization and stabilization of the cytoskeleton have evolved and are currently underrated in oncology. Although therapeutic drugs have been developed to target the cytoskeletal components directly in cancer treatment, several recently established therapeutic agents designed for new targets block the proliferation of cancer cells and suppress resistance to existing target agents. It would seem like these targets only work toward inhibiting the polymerization of cytoskeletal components or hindering mitotic spindle formation in cancer cells, but a large body of literature points to CAPs and their culpability in cell signaling, molecular conformation, organelle trafficking, cellular metabolism, and genomic modifications. Here, we review those underappreciated functions of CAPs, and we delineate the implications of cellular signaling instigated by evasive properties induced by aberrant expression of CAPs in response to stress or failure to exert normal functions. We present an analogy establishing CAPs as vulnerable targets for cancer systems and credible oncotargets. This review establishes a paradigm in which the cancer machinery may commandeer the conventional functions of CAPs for survival, drug resistance, and energy generation; an interesting feature overdue for attention.

Nanoencapsulation of sulforaphane in broccoli membrane vesicles and their in vitro antiproliferative activity

CONTEXT

The development of nanocarriers of plant origin, such as plant cell membranes, has recently been investigated. Also, plant bioactive compounds as sulforaphane (SFN) from broccoli have recognized antioxidant or anticancer properties.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the capacity of membrane vesicles from broccoli (BM-vesicles) to encapsulate SFN and their application in the cancer cell line.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Physicochemical analysis was carried out to characterize BM-vesicles through different approaches: dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, stopped-flow analysis, and proteomic analysis. They were applied at different concentrations (BM-vesicles at 0.04-0.00315% of protein and SFN at 5, 25, and 100 µM) in SK-MEL-28 cells during 24 h for studying cytotoxicity and gene expression.

RESULTS

The entrapment efficiency was 41%. The anticancer activity tested in cells showed a decrease in proliferation when SFN in BM-vesicles was utilized. Expression patterns when SFN was applied in an encapsulated form showed a reduction of cancer markers and an increase of AQP3. Also, the metabolism of SFN occurred inside of cells, and higher SFN penetrated when it was encapsulated.

DISCUSSION

The results showed that encapsulated SFN was better absorbed by melanoma cells providing metabolism products and a reduction of cancer molecular markers. Also aquaporin, AQP3 was pointed to as an important marker since it appeared to play a key role in homeostasis due to the importance of water transport in biological processes.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that SFN and SFN encapsulated in BM-vesicles have a high activity for the inhibition of melanocyte development. Therefore, BM-vesicles could serve as nanocarriers for drugs.

Bioinformatics analysis of high frequency mutations in myelodysplastic syndrome-related patients

Background

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a group of hematological malignancies that may progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Bioinformatics-based analysis of high-frequency mutation genes in MDS-related patients is still relatively rare, so we conducted our research to explore whether high-frequency mutation genes in MDS-related patients can play a reference role in clinical guidance and prognosis.

Methods

Next generation sequencing (NGS) technology was used to detect 32 mutations in 64 MDS-related patients. We classified the patients' genes and analyzed them by Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, and then calculated the gene survival curve of high-frequency mutations.

Results

We discovered 32 mutant genes such as ASXL1, DNMT3A, KRAS, NRAS, TP53, SF3B1, and SRSF2. The overall survival (OS) of these genes decreased significantly after DNMT3A, ASXL1, RUNX1, and U2AF1 occurred mutation. These genes play a significant role in biological processes, not only in MDS but also in the occurrence and development of other diseases. Through retrospective analysis, genes associated with MDS-related diseases were identified, and their effects on the disease were predicted.

Conclusions

Thirty-two mutant genes were determined in MDS and when mutations occur in DNMT3A, ASXL1, RUNX1, and U2AF1, their survival time decreases significantly. This results providing a theoretical basis for clinical and scientific research and broadening the scope of research on MDS.

DIAPH1 Promotes Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression Through Cell Cycle Regulation

The diaphanous related formin 1 (DIAPH1) protein is involved in the regulation of dynamic cytoskeleton reorganization, which is closely related to mitosis and the cell cycle. Cell cycle disorders are generally regarded as important underlying causes of many cancers. In the current study, we have revealed that DIAPH1 expression is an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and that DIAPH1 promotes colony formation, cell proliferation, and G1/S progression in LSCC cells. Additionally, DIAPH1 promotes growth of AMC-HN-8 LSCC-derived tumors in vivo. In this study, RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that DIAPH1 knockdown led to changes in the expression of genes associated with signaling during the cell cycle. Using western blot analyses, we further demonstrated that DIAPH1 knockdown resulted in upregulation of p21^Waf1/Cip1, p19^Ink4d, p27^Kip1, and p16^Ink4a and downregulation of cyclinA2, cyclinD1, CDK2, CDK4, and CDK6. These results suggest that DIAPH1 influences the expression of genes in several signaling pathways and promotes LSCC progression by regulating the cell cycle.

Formins in Human Disease

Almost 25 years have passed since a mutation of a formin gene, DIAPH1, was identified as being responsible for a human inherited disorder: a form of sensorineural hearing loss. Since then, our knowledge of the links between formins and disease has deepened considerably. Mutations of DIAPH1 and six other formin genes (DAAM2, DIAPH2, DIAPH3, FMN2, INF2 and FHOD3) have been identified as the genetic cause of a variety of inherited human disorders, including intellectual disability, renal disease, peripheral neuropathy, thrombocytopenia, primary ovarian insufficiency, hearing loss and cardiomyopathy. In addition, alterations in formin genes have been associated with a variety of pathological conditions, including developmental defects affecting the heart, nervous system and kidney, aging-related diseases, and cancer. This review summarizes the most recent discoveries about the involvement of formin alterations in monogenic disorders and other human pathological conditions, especially cancer, with which they have been associated. In vitro results and experiments in modified animal models are discussed. Finally, we outline the directions for future research in this field.

Prediction of the mechanism of miRNAs in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma based on the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network

In this study, a bioinformatics analysis is conducted to screen differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Based on this information, we explored the possible roles of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of LSCC. The RNA-Seq data from 79 laryngeal cancer samples in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were sorted. Differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs in LSCC are screened using the PERL programming language, and it was analysed by Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). The miRNA-mRNA regulatory network of LSCC is constructed using Cytoscape software. Then, quantitative real-time PCR (QRT- PCR), Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) and flow cytometry analysis we are used to further validate key miRNAs. We identified 99 differentially expressed miRNAs and 2,758 differentially expressed mRNAs in LSCC tissues from the GEO database. Four more important miRNAs displaying a high degree of connectivity are selected, these results suggest that they play an important role in the pathogenesis of LSCC. As shown in the present study, we identified specific miRNA-mRNA networks associated with the occurrence and development of LSCC through bioinformatics analysis. We found a miRNA molecule closely related to LSCC based on miRNA-mRNA network: miR-140-3p was down-regulated in LSCC. In addition, the potential antitumor effect of miR-140-3p in LSCC was verified in the experiment, and it was proved that overexpression of miR-140-3p could inhibit the proliferation of LSCC cells and promote cell apoptosis, suggesting that miR-140-3p may be a potential tumor marker in LSCC.

YY1 Promotes Telomerase Activity and Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression Through Impairment of GAS5-Mediated p53 Stability

Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is a key transcription factor that exerts functional roles in the cell biological process of various cancers. The current study aimed to elucidate the role and mechanism of YY1 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). YY1 mRNA and protein expression in human LSCC cell lines was detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis. An interaction of YY1, GAS5, and p53 protein stability was predicted and confirmed by bioinformatics, ChIP, Co-IP, RIP, and FISH assays. Following loss- and gain-function assays, LSCC cell proliferation, colony formation, cell cycle, telomere length and telomerase activity were evaluated by CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, and PCR-ELISA, respectively. Nude mice were xenografted with the tumor in vivo. LSCC cell lines presented with upregulated expression of YY1, downregulated GAS5 expression, and decreased p53 stability. YY1 inhibited the expression of GAS5, which in turn recruited p300 and bound to p53, thus stabilizing it. Moreover, YY1 could directly interact with p300 and suppressp53 stability, leading to enhancement of cell proliferation, telomere length and telomerase activity in vitro along with tumor growth in vivo. Collectively, YY1 can stimulate proliferation and telomerase activity of LSCC cells through suppression of GAS5-dependent p53 stabilization or by decreasing p53 stability via a direct interaction with p300, suggesting that YY1 presents a therapeutic target as a potential oncogene in LSCC development and progression.

DIAPH2, PTPRD and HIC1 Gene Polymorphisms and Laryngeal Cancer Risk

AIM, DIAPH2, PTPRD and HIC1 are the cell glycoprotein, which play an important role in the occurrence and development of tumors. This study was designed to assess the association between DIAPH2, PTPRD and HIC1 SNPs and laryngeal cancer risk. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study including 267 patients with histologically confirmed laryngeal cancer and 157 controls. The relationship between genetic variations DIAPH2 (rs6620138), PTPRD (rs3765142) and HIC1 (rs9901806) and the onset of laryngeal cancer were investigated. Statistical analysis to calculate the relationship between DIAPH2, PTPRD and HIC1 genes polymorphism and pathogenesis of laryngeal cancer. RESULTS: The results showed that rs6620138 DIAPH2 polymorphism could increase the onset risk of laryngeal cancer. Statistically significant differences in allele distribution of rs6620138 DIAPH2 and rs9901806 HIC1 in the case and control groups subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: This study results suggested that genetic variation of rs6620138 DIAPH2 polymorphism is related to the susceptibility to laryngeal cancer. Our results provide a basis to begin basic research on the role of DIAPH2 gene in the pathogenesis of laryngeal cancer.

Bioinformatics analysis of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma: seeking key candidate genes and pathways

Background

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is the second most aggressive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Although much work has been done to optimize its treatment, patients with LSCC still have poor prognosis. Therefore, figuring out differentially expressed genes (DEGs) contained in the progression of LSCC and employing them as potential therapeutic targets or biomarkers for LSCC is extremely meaningful.

Methods

Overlapping DEGs were screened from two standalone Gene Expression Omnibus datasets, and Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed. By applying STRING and Cytoscape, a protein–protein network was built, and module analysis was carried out. The hub genes were selected by maximal clique centrality with the CytoHubba plugin of Cytoscape. UALCAN and GEPIA data were examined to validate the gene expression findings. Moreover, the connection of the hub genes with LSCC patient overall survival was studied employing The Cancer Genome Atlas. Then, western blot, qRT-PCR, CCK-8, wound healing and transwell assays were bring to use for further verify the key genes.

Results

A total of 235 DEGs were recorded, including 83 upregulated and 152 downregulated genes. A total of nine hub genes that displayed a high degree of connectivity were selected. UALCAN and GEPIA databases verified that these genes were highly expressed in LSCC tissues. High expression of the SPP1, SERPINE1 and Matrix metalloproteinases 1 (MMP1) genes was connected to worse prognosis in patients with LSCC, according to the GEPIA online tool. Western blot and qRT-PCR testify SPP1, SERPINE1 and MMP1 were upregulated in LSCC cells. Inhibition of SPP1, SERPINE1 and MMP1 suppressed cell proliferation, invasion and migration.

Conclusion

The work here identified effective and reliable diagnostic and prognostic molecular biomarkers by unified bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification, indicating novel and necessary therapeutic targets for LSCC.

GTPases, genome, actin: A hidden story in DNA damage response and repair mechanisms

The classical small Rho GTPase (Rho, Rac, and Cdc42) protein family is mainly responsible for regulating cell motility and polarity, membrane trafficking, cell cycle control, and gene transcription. Cumulative recent evidence supports important roles for these proteins in the maintenance of genomic stability. Indeed, DNA damage response (DDR) and repair mechanisms are some of the prime biological processes that underlie several disease phenotypes, including genetic disorders, cancer, senescence, and premature aging. Many reports guided by different experimental approaches and molecular hypotheses have demonstrated that, to some extent, direct modulation of Rho GTPase activity, their downstream effectors, or actin cytoskeleton regulation contribute to these cellular events. Although much attention has been paid to this family in the context of canonical actin cytoskeleton remodeling, here we provide a contextualized review of the interplay between Rho GTPase signaling pathways and the DDR and DNA repair signaling components. Interesting questions yet to be addressed relate to the spatiotemporal dynamics of this collective response and whether it correlates with different subcellular pools of Rho GTPases. We highlight the direct and indirect targets, some of which still lack experimental validation data, likely associated with Rho GTPase activation that provides compelling evidence for further investigation in DNA damage-associated events and with potential therapeutic applications in translational medicine.

X-ray-responsive polypeptide nanogel for concurrent chemoradiotherapy

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is a standard treatment regimen for medically inoperable stage III non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) owing to its superior prognostics compared with the sequential modality. Nevertheless, the current pattern of CCRT still fails to provide satisfactory survival outcome. Furthermore, CCRT is always accompanied by a higher risk of severe side effects, limiting the dose escalation. Herein, an X-ray-responsive polypeptide nanogel (PNG) was developed for on-demand delivery of chemotherapeutic agent triggered by radiotherapy to synergistically improve the efficacy of CCRT with reduced side effects. The smart PNG was formed by crosslinking methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(L-glutamic acid-co-γ-2-chloroethyl-L-glutamate) (mPEG-b-P(LG-co-CELG)) with a diselenide (Se-Se) bond. The doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded polypeptide nanogel (PNG/DOX) exhibited accelerated drug release when exposed to X-ray irradiation as a result of Se-Se bond degradation. With prolonged circulation and enhanced intratumoral accumulation in vivo, PNG/DOX combined with X-ray irradiation exhibited better synergistic antitumor efficacy and fewer side effects toward human A549 lung carcinoma-bearing nude mice. The smart X-ray-responsive nanogel provides a promising bridge between chemotherapy and radiotherapy and enhances the potential application of CCRT in clinic.

Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Potential Molecular Mechanism and Prognostic Signature Based on Immune-Related Genes

BACKGROUND Immune-related genes (IRGs) are closely related to the incidence and progression of tumors, potentially indicating that IRGs play an important role in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS An RNA sequencing dataset containing 123 samples was collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Based on immune-related differentially expressed genes (IRDEGs), a potential molecular mechanism of LSCC was explored through analysis of information in the Gene Ontology (GO) resource and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and protein-protein interactions (PPIs). A regulatory network of transcriptional regulators and IRDEGs was constructed to explore the underlying molecular mechanism of LSCC at the upstream level. Candidates from IRDEGs for signature were screened via univariate Cox analysis and using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) technique. The IRDEG signature of LSCC was constructed by using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS GO and KEGG analysis showed that IRDEGs may participate in the progression of LSCC through immune-related reactions. PPI analysis demonstrated that, among the IRDEGs in LSCC, the Kininogen 1; C-X-X motif chemokine ligand 10; elastase, neutrophil expressed; and LYZ genes are hub genes in the development of LSCC. At the upstream level, SPI1, SP140, signal transducer and activator of transcription 4, zinc finger E-box binding homeobox, and Ikaros family zinc finger 2 are the hub transcriptional regulators of IRDEGs. The risk score based on the IRDEG signature was able to distinguish prognosis in patients with LSCC and represents an independent prognostic risk factor for LSCC. CONCLUSIONS From the perspective of IRGs, we first constructed an IRDEG signature related to the prognosis of LSCC, which can be used as a novel marker to predict prognosis in patients with LSCC.

Actin regulators in cancer progression and metastases: From structure and function to cytoskeletal dynamics

The cytoskeleton is a central factor contributing to various hallmarks of cancer. In recent years, there has been increasing evidence demonstrating the involvement of actin regulatory proteins in malignancy, and their dysregulation was shown to predict poor clinical prognosis. Although enhanced cytoskeletal activity is often associated with cancer progression, the expression of several inducers of actin polymerization is remarkably reduced in certain malignancies, and it is not completely clear how these changes promote tumorigenesis and metastases. The complexities involved in cytoskeletal induction of cancer progression therefore pose considerable difficulties for therapeutic intervention; it is not always clear which cytoskeletal regulator should be targeted in order to impede cancer progression, and whether this targeting may inadvertently enhance alternative invasive pathways which can aggravate tumor growth. The entire constellation of cytoskeletal machineries in eukaryotic cells are numerous and complex; the system is comprised of and regulated by hundreds of proteins, which could not be covered in a single review. Therefore, we will focus here on the actin cytoskeleton, which encompasses the biological machinery behind most of the key cellular functions altered in cancer, with specific emphasis on actin nucleating factors and nucleation-promoting factors. Finally, we discuss current therapeutic strategies for cancer which aim to target the cytoskeleton.

Protein diaphanous homolog 1 (Diaph1) promotes myofibroblastic activation of hepatic stellate cells by regulating Rab5a activity and TGFβ receptor endocytosis

TGFβ induces the differentiation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into tumor-promoting myofibroblasts but underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Because endocytosis of TGFβ receptor II (TβRII), in response to TGFβ stimulation, is a prerequisite for TGF signaling, we investigated the role of protein diaphanous homolog 1 (known as Diaph1 or mDia1) for the myofibroblastic activation of HSCs. Using shRNA to knockdown Diaph1 or SMIFH2 to target Diaph1 activity of HSCs, we found that the inactivation of Diaph1 blocked internalization and intracellular trafficking of TβRII and reduced SMAD3 phosphorylation induced by TGFβ1. Mechanistic studies revealed that the N-terminal portion of Diaph1 interacted with both TβRII and Rab5a directly and that Rab5a activity of HSCs was increased by Diaph1 overexpression and decreased by Diaph1 knockdown. Additionally, expression of Rab5aQ79L (active Rab5a mutant) increased whereas the expression of Rab5aS34N (inactive mutant) reduced the endosomal localization of TβRII in HSCs compared to the expression of wild-type Rab5a. Functionally, TGFβ stimulation promoted HSCs to express tumor-promoting factors, and α-smooth muscle actin, fibronection, and CTGF, markers of myofibroblastic activation of HSCs. Targeting Diaph1 or Rab5a suppressed HSC activation and limited tumor growth in a tumor implantation mouse model. Thus, Dipah1 and Rab5a represent targets for inhibiting HSC activation and the hepatic tumor microenvironment.

Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE) and Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities in Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease: Insights From Human Subjects and Animal Models

Obesity and diabetes are leading causes of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although extensive strides have been made in the treatments for non-diabetic atherosclerosis and its complications, for patients with diabetes, these therapies provide less benefit for protection from cardiovascular disease (CVD). These considerations spur the concept that diabetes-specific, disease-modifying therapies are essential to identify, especially as the epidemics of obesity and diabetes continue to expand. Hence, as hyperglycemia is a defining feature of diabetes, it is logical to probe the impact of the specific consequences of hyperglycemia on the vessel wall, immune cell perturbation, and endothelial dysfunction-all harbingers to the development of CVD. In this context, high levels of blood glucose stimulate the formation of the irreversible advanced glycation end products, the products of non-enzymatic glycation and oxidation of proteins and lipids. AGEs accumulate in diabetic circulation and tissues and the interaction of AGEs with their chief cellular receptor, receptor for AGE or RAGE, contributes to vascular and immune cell perturbation. The cytoplasmic domain of RAGE lacks endogenous kinase activity; the discovery that this intracellular domain of RAGE binds to the formin, DIAPH1, and that DIAPH1 is essential for RAGE ligand-mediated signal transduction, identifies the specific cellular means by which RAGE functions and highlights a new target for therapeutic interruption of RAGE signaling. In human subjects, prominent signals for RAGE activity include the presence and levels of two forms of soluble RAGE, sRAGE, and endogenous secretory (es) RAGE. Further, genetic studies have revealed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the AGER gene (AGER is the gene encoding RAGE) and DIAPH1, which display associations with CVD. This Review presents current knowledge regarding the roles for RAGE and DIAPH1 in the causes and consequences of diabetes, from obesity to CVD. Studies both from human subjects and animal models are presented to highlight the breadth of evidence linking RAGE and DIAPH1 to the cardiovascular consequences of these metabolic disorders.