Survivin: key regulator of mitosis and apoptosis and novel target for cancer therapeutics

Long road towards effective HER3 targeting in breast cancer

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, encompassing multiple different subtypes. Thanks to the increasing knowledge of the diverse biological features of each subtype, most patients receive personalized treatment based on known biomarkers. However, the role of some biomarkers in breast cancer evolution is still unknown, and their potential use as a therapeutic target is still underexplored. HER3 is a member of the human epidermal growth factors receptor family, overexpressed in 50%-70% of breast cancers. HER3 plays a key role in cancer progression, metastasis development, and drug resistance across all the breast cancer subtypes. Owing to its critical role in cancer progression, many HER3-targeting therapies have been developed over the past decade with conflicting findings. Next-generation antibody-drug conjugates have recently shown promising results in solid tumors expressing HER3, including breast cancer. In this review, we discuss the HER3 role in the pathogenesis of breast cancer and its relevance across all subtypes. We also explore the new anti-HER3 treatment strategies, calling into question the significance of HER3 detection as crucial information in breast cancer treatment.

Overcoming cancer drug-resistance calls for novel strategies targeting abnormal alternative splicing

Abnormal gene alternative splicing (AS) events are strongly associated with cancer progression. Here, we summarize AS events that contribute to the development of drug resistance and classify them into three categories: alternative cis-splicing (ACS), alternative trans-splicing (ATS), and alternative back-splicing (ABS). The regulatory mechanisms underlying AS processes through cis-acting regulatory elements and trans-acting factors are comprehensively described, and the distinct functions of spliced variants, including linear spliced variants derived from ACS, chimeric spliced variants arising from ATS, and circRNAs generated through ABS, are discussed. The identification of dysregulated spliced variants, which contribute to drug resistance and hinder effective cancer treatment, suggests that abnormal AS processes may together serve as a precise regulatory mechanism enabling drug-resistant cancer cell survival or, alternatively, represent an evolutionary pathway for cancer cells to adapt to changes in the external environment. Moreover, this review summarizes recent advancements in treatment approaches targeting AS-associated drug resistance, focusing on cis-acting regulatory elements, trans-acting factors, and specific spliced variants. Collectively, gaining an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms underlying aberrant alternative splicing events and developing strategies to target this process hold great promise for overcoming cancer drug resistance.

Robust aptamer-targeted CRISPR/Cas9 delivery using mesenchymal stem cell membrane -liposome hybrid: BIRC5 gene knockout against melanoma

In this study, a platform was fabricated by combining a cationic lipid, 1,2-Dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP) with mesenchymal stem cell membrane (MSCM) to produce a positively charged hybrid vesicle. The prepared hybrid vesicle was used to condense BIRC5 CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid for survivin (BIRC5) gene editing. The Sgc8-c aptamer (against protein tyrosine kinase 7) was then attached to the surface of the prepared NPs through electrostatic interactions. In this regard, melanoma cancer cells (B16F0 cell line) overexpressing PTK7 receptor could be targeted. Investigations were conducted on this system to evaluate its transfection efficiency, cellular toxicity, and therapeutic performance in preclinical stage using B16F0 tumor bearing C57BL/6 J mice. The results verified the superiority of the Hybrid/ BIRC5 compared to Liposome/ BIRC5 in terms of cellular toxicity and transfection efficiency. The cells exposure to Hybrid/BIRC5 significantly enhanced cytotoxicity. Moreover, cells treated with Apt-Hybrid/BIRC5 showed higher anti-proliferation activity toward PTK7-positive B16F0 cancer cells than that of the PKT7-negative CHO cell line. The active tumor targeting nanoparticles increased the cytotoxicity through down-regulation of BIRC5 expression as confirmed by Western blot analysis. In preclinical stage, Apt-Hybrid/BIRC5 showed remarkable tumor growth suppression toward B16F0 tumorized mice. Thus, our study suggested that genome editing for BIRC5 through the CRISPR/Cas9 system could provide a potentially safe approach for melanoma cancer therapy and has great potential for clinical translation.

In silico analysis of the interaction of de novo peptides derived from Salvia hispanica with anticancer targetsEvaluation of the anticancer potential of de novo peptides derived from Salvia hispanica through molecular docking

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Conventional cancer therapies are not selective to cancer cells resulting in serious side effects on patients. Thus, the need for complementary treatments that improve the patient's response to cancer therapy is highly important. To predict and evaluate the physicochemical characteristics and potential anticancer activity of the peptides identified from S. hispanica protein fraction <1 kDa through the use of in silico tools. Peptides derived from Salvia hispanica's protein fraction <1 kDa were identified and analyzed for the prediction of their physicochemical properties. The characterized peptide sequences were then submitted to a multi-criteria decision analysis to identify the peptides that possess the characteristics to potentially exert anticancer activity. Through molecular docking analysis, the potential anticancer activity of the Potentially Anticancer Peptide (PAP)-1, PAP-2, PAP-3, PAP-4, and PAP-5 was estimated by their binding interactions with cancer and apoptosis-related molecules. All five evaluated PAPs exhibited strong binding interactions (< -100 kcal/mol). However, PAP-3 showed the lowest binding free energies with several of the targets. Thus, PAP-3 shows potential to be used as a nutraceutical or ingredient for functional foods that adjuvate in cancer treatment. Conclusions: Through the molecular docking studies, the binding of the PAPs to target molecules of interest for cancer treatment was successfully simulated, from which PAP-3 exhibited the lowest binding free energies. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are required to validate the predictions obtained by the in silico analysis.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Biological, phytochemical and molecular docking characteristics of Laurus nobilis L. fresh leaves essential oil from Palestine

BACKGROUND

The historical use of Laurus nobilis L., the plant is native to the Mediterranean region and has been cultivated for its aromatic leaves, which are used as a flavoring agent in cooking and for their potential therapeutic properties.

METHODS

The purpose of the current investigation was to characterize the essential oil composition of the fresh L. nobilis leaves from Palestine by using the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), p-nitrophenyl butyrate, and 3,5-dinitro salicylic acid (DNSA) methods were employed to estimate the antioxidant, antiobesity, and antidiabetic effects of the essential oil. While MTS assay were used to evaluate their antiproliferative activities on panels of cell lines. Moreover, the docking studies were aided by the Prime MM GBSA method for estimating binding affinities.

RESULTS

The GC-MS investigation demonstrated that the fresh L. nobilis leaves essential oil has a variety of chemicals, about 31 different biochemicals were identified, and the major compounds were 1,8-cineole (48.54 ± 0.91%), terpinyl acetate (13.46 ± 0.34%), and α-terpinyl (3.84 ± 0.35%). Furthermore, the investigated oil demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against all tested bacterial and candidal strains and significantly inhibited the growth of MCF-7 cancerous cells more than the chemotherapeutic drug Doxorubicin. Furthermore, it contains robust DPPH free radicals, as well as porcine pancreatic α-amylase and lipase enzymes. Using the 1,8-cineole compound as the predominant biomolecule found in the L. nobilis essential oil, molecular docking studies were performed to confirm these observed fabulous results. The molecular docking simulations proposed that these recorded biological activities almost emanated from its high ability to form strong and effective hydrophobic interactions, this led to the getting of optimal fitting and interaction patterns within the binding sites of the applied crystallographic protein targets.

CONCLUSION

The results of these experiments showed that the fresh L. nobilis leaves essential oil has outstanding pharmacological capabilities, making this oil a potential source of natural medications.

Targeting mTOR and survivin concurrently potentiates radiation therapy in renal cell carcinoma by suppressing DNA damage repair and amplifying mitotic catastrophe

BACKGROUND

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was historically considered to be less responsive to radiation therapy (RT) compared to other cancer indications. However, advancements in precision high-dose radiation delivery through single-fraction and multi-fraction stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) have led to better outcomes and reduced treatment-related toxicities, sparking renewed interest in using RT to treat RCC. Moreover, numerous studies have revealed that certain therapeutic agents including chemotherapies can increase the sensitivity of tumors to RT, leading to a growing interest in combining these treatments. Here, we developed a rational combination of two radiosensitizers in a tumor-targeted liposomal formulation for augmenting RT in RCC. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of a tumor-targeted liposomal formulation combining the mTOR inhibitor everolimus (E) with the survivin inhibitor YM155 (Y) in enhancing the sensitivity of RCC tumors to radiation.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We slightly modified our previously published tumor-targeted liposomal formulation to develop a rational combination of E and Y in a single liposomal formulation (EY-L) and assessed its efficacy in RCC cell lines in vitro and in RCC tumors in vivo. We further investigated how well EY-L sensitizes RCC cell lines and tumors toward radiation and explored the underlying mechanism of radiosensitization.

RESULTS

EY-L outperformed the corresponding single drug-loaded formulations E-L and Y-L in terms of containing primary tumor growth and improving survival in an immunocompetent syngeneic mouse model of RCC. EY-L also exhibited significantly higher sensitization of RCC cells towards radiation in vitro than E-L and Y-L. Additionally, EY-L sensitized RCC tumors towards radiation therapy in xenograft and murine RCC models. EY-L mediated induction of mitotic catastrophe via downregulation of multiple cell cycle checkpoints and DNA damage repair pathways could be responsible for the augmentation of radiation therapy.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our study demonstrated the efficacy of a strategic combination therapy in sensitizing RCC to radiation therapy via inhibition of DNA damage repair and a substantial increase in mitotic catastrophe. This combination therapy may find its use in the augmentation of radiation therapy during the treatment of RCC patients.

Cellular mechanisms mediating the anti-cancer effects of carnosol on gingiva carcinoma

Carnosol, a rosemary polyphenol, displays anticancer properties and is suggested as a safer alternative to conventional surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Given that its effects on gingiva carcinoma have not yet been investigated, the aim of this study was to explore its anti-tumor selectivity and to unravel its underlying mechanisms of action. Hence, oral tongue and gingiva carcinoma cell lines exposed to carnosol were analyzed to estimate cytotoxicity, cell viability, cell proliferation, and colony formation potential as compared with those of normal cells. Key cell cycle and apoptotic markers were also measured. Finally, cell migration, oxidative stress, and crucial cell signaling pathways were assessed. Selective anti-gingiva carcinoma activity was disclosed. Overall, carnosol mediated colony formation and proliferation suppression in addition to cytotoxicity induction. Cell cycle arrest was highlighted by the disruption of the c-myc oncogene/p53 tumor suppressor balance. Carnosol also increased apoptosis, oxidative stress, and antioxidant activity. On a larger scale, the alteration of cell cycle and apoptotic profiles was also demonstrated by QPCR array. This was most likely achieved by controlling the STAT5, ERK1/2, p38, and NF-ĸB signaling pathways. Lastly, carnosol reduced inflammation and invasion ability by modulating IL-6 and MMP9/TIMP-1 axes. This study establishes a robust foundation, urging extensive inquiry both in vivo and in clinical settings, to substantiate the efficacy of carnosol in managing gingiva carcinoma.

Long Non-Coding RNAs in Drug Resistance of Gastric Cancer: Complex Mechanisms and Potential Clinical Applications

Gastric cancer (GC) ranks as the third most prevalent malignancy and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. However, the majority of patients with GC are diagnosed at an advanced stage, highlighting the urgent need for effective perioperative and postoperative chemotherapy to prevent relapse and metastasis. The current treatment strategies have limited overall efficacy because of intrinsic or acquired drug resistance. Recent evidence suggests that dysregulated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a significant role in mediating drug resistance in GC. Therefore, there is an imperative to explore novel molecular mechanisms underlying drug resistance in order to overcome this challenging issue. With advancements in deep transcriptome sequencing technology, lncRNAs-once considered transcriptional noise-have garnered widespread attention as potential regulators of carcinogenesis, including tumor cell proliferation, metastasis, and sensitivity to chemo- or radiotherapy through multiple regulatory mechanisms. In light of these findings, we aim to review the mechanisms by which lncRNAs contribute to drug therapy resistance in GC with the goal of providing new insights and breakthroughs toward overcoming this formidable obstacle.

Cellular functions, molecular signalings and therapeutic applications: Translational potential of deubiquitylating enzyme USP9X as a drug target in cancer treatment

Protein ubiquitination, one of the most significant post-translational modifications, plays an important role in controlling the proteins activity in diverse cellular processes. The reversible process of protein ubiquitination, known as deubiquitination, has emerged as a critical mechanism for maintaining cellular homeostasis. The deubiquitinases (DUBs), which participate in deubiquitination process are increasingly recognized as potential candidates for drug discovery. Among these DUBs, ubiquitin-specific protease 9× (USP9X), a highly conserved member of the USP family, exhibits versatile functions in various cellular processes, including the regulation of cell cycle, protein endocytosis, apoptosis, cell polarity, immunological microenvironment, and stem cell characteristics. The dysregulation and abnormal activities of USP9X are influenced by intricate cellular signaling pathway crosstalk and upstream non-coding RNAs. The complex expression patterns and controversial clinical significance of USP9X in cancers suggest its potential as a prognostic biomarker. Furthermore, USP9X inhibitors has shown promising antitumor activity and holds the potential to overcome therapeutic resistance in preclinical models. However, a comprehensive summary of the role and molecular functions of USP9X in cancer progression is currently lacking. In this review, we provide a comprehensive delineation of USP9X participation in numerous critical cellular processes, complicated signaling pathways within the tumor microenvironment, and its potential translational applications to combat therapeutic resistance. By systematically summarizing the updated molecular mechanisms of USP9X in cancer biology, this review aims to contribute to the advancement of cancer therapeutics and provide essential insights for specialists and clinicians in the development of improved cancer treatment strategies.

Functional Significance of miR-4693-5p in Targeting HIF1α and Its Link to Rheumatoid Arthritis Pathogenesis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation and destruction with an unknown origin. Our study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanism behind HIF1α overexpression in RA. Dysregulated miRNA expressions are known to influence gene behavior, thereby enhancing cell proliferation, inflammation, and resistance to apoptosis, contributing to RA development. Our earlier finding indicated that exogenous miRNA similar to miR-4693-5p may modulate RA-related targets. However, the specific role of miR-4693-5p and its targets in RA remain unexplored. In this study, we found that miR-4693-5p was significantly reduced in PBMCs of RA patients, with evidence suggesting it targets the 3' UTR of HIF1α, thereby potentially contributing to its overexpression in RA. In vitro overexpression of miR-4693-5p leads to the knockdown of HIF1α, resulting in inhibited expression of Survivin to disrupt apoptosis resistance, inflammation suppression, and a reduction in the total cellular ROS response in SW982 and RAFLS cells. The results were validated using the CIA Rat model. In conclusion, this study provides a crucial foundation for understanding the functional role of miR-4693-5p. These findings improve our understanding and provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying RA pathogenesis.

Targeting Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 1 Induces Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest of Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells

Liver fibrosis is the integral process of chronic liver diseases caused by multiple etiologies and characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). During liver fibrosis, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) transform into a highly proliferative, activated state, producing various cytokines, chemokines, and ECM. However, the precise mechanisms that license HSCs into the highly proliferative state remain unclear. Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) is a requisite event for the transition of the G1/S and G2/M phases in eukaryotic cells. In this study, it is demonstrated that CDK1 and its activating partners, Cyclin A2 and Cyclin B1, are upregulated in both liver fibrosis/cirrhosis patient specimens and the murine hepatic fibrosis models, especially in activated HSCs. In vitro, CDK1 is upregulated in spontaneously activated HSCs, and inhibiting CDK1 with specific small-molecule inhibitors (CGP74514A, RO-3306, or Purvalanol A) orshort hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) resulted in HSC apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by regulating Survivin expression. Above all, it is illustrated that increased CDK1 expression licenses the HSCs into a highly proliferative state and can serve as a potential therapeutic target in liver fibrosis.

Lymphopenia associated with survivin and its downstream pathway in COVID-19 serving as a potential route in COVID-19 pathogenesis

PURPOSE

Starting in 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused an epidemic that was growing rapidly and has harmed millions of people globally. It has been demonstrated that survivin regulates lymphocyte survival, a main route involved in COVID-19 pathogenesis. Survivin belongs to the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family, and its primary functions comprise regulating mitosis and inhibiting apoptosis. Since lower survivin expression has been shown to increase the sensitivity of lymphocytes to apoptotic induction, we looked into the function of survivin and its corresponding pathways in COVID-19 pathogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The expression of survivin, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), caspases 3, 7, 9, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) was evaluated at both mRNA and protein levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) derived from healthy donors and patients with severe and moderate COVID-19 by qRT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Then, we enforced apoptosis to COVID-19 patient-derived lymphocytes, and the percent was assessed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Survivin and XIAP were less expressed in PBMCs derived from COVID-19 patients as apoptosis inhibitors than PARP, cleaved-PARP, caspase 9, and cleaved caspases 3 and 7, according to the results of real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. Additionally, according to the flow cytometry results, the down-regulation of survivin served as a potential factor in the lymphocyte depletion observed in patients with COVID-19.

CONCLUSION

The role of survivin and its related pathway was first discovered in the development of COVID-19 and may serve as a potential prognostic and therapeutic target.

Prognostic value and therapeutic potential of IAP family in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) ranks as the eighth most prevalent malignancy globally and has the eighth greatest fatality rate when compared to all other forms of cancer. The inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family comprises a collection of apoptosis-negative modulators characterized by at least one single baculovirus IAP repeat (BIR) domain in its N-terminal region. While the involvement of the IAP family is associated with the initiation and progression of numerous tumours, its specific role in HNSCC remains poorly understood. Thus, this study aimed to comprehensively examine changes in gene expression, immunomodulatory effects, prognosis, and functional enrichment of HNSCC utilising bioinformatics analysis. Elevated levels of distinct IAP family members were observed to varying degrees in HNSCC, with high BIRC2 expression indicating a worse prognosis. Additionally, Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were used to probe the enrichment of gene expression and biological processes related to the IAP family in HNSCC. The infiltration levels of immune cells were shown to be strongly associated with the IAP gene expression, as determined by subsequent analysis. Hence, BIRC2 could be an effective immunotherapy target for HNSCC. Collectively, novel knowledge of the biological roles and prognostic implications of IAP family members in HNSCC is presented in this study.

Exosome-based delivery strategies for tumor therapy: an update on modification, loading, and clinical application

Malignancy is a major public health problem and among the leading lethal diseases worldwide. Although the current tumor treatment methods have therapeutic effect to a certain extent, they still have some shortcomings such as poor water solubility, short half-life, local and systemic toxicity. Therefore, how to deliver therapeutic agent so as to realize safe and effective anti-tumor therapy become a problem urgently to be solved in this field. As a medium of information exchange and material transport between cells, exosomes are considered to be a promising drug delivery carrier due to their nano-size, good biocompatibility, natural targeting, and easy modification. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the isolation, identification, drug loading, and modification of exosomes as drug carriers for tumor therapy alongside their application in tumor therapy. Basic knowledge of exosomes, such as their biogenesis, sources, and characterization methods, is also introduced herein. In addition, challenges related to the use of exosomes as drug delivery vehicles are discussed, along with future trends. This review provides a scientific basis for the application of exosome delivery systems in oncological therapy.

Preparation, Optimization, and In-Vitro Evaluation of Brusatol- and Docetaxel-Loaded Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer

Challenges to docetaxel use in prostate cancer treatment include several resistance mechanisms as well as toxicity. To overcome these challenges and to improve the therapeutic efficacy in heterogeneous prostate cancer, the use of multiple agents that can destroy different subpopulations of the tumor is required. Brusatol, a multitarget inhibitor, has been shown to exhibit potent anticancer activity and play an important role in drug response and chemoresistance. Thus, the combination of brusatol and docetaxel in a nanoparticle platform for the treatment of prostate cancer is expected to produce synergistic effects. In this study, we reported the development of polymeric nanoparticles for the delivery of brusatol and docetaxel in the treatment of prostate cancer. The one-factor-at-a-time method was used to screen for formulation and process variables that impacted particle size. Subsequently, factors that had modifiable effects on particle size were evaluated using a 24 full factorial statistical experimental design followed by the optimization of drug loading. The optimization of blank nanoparticles gave a formulation with a mean size of 169.1 nm ± 4.8 nm, in agreement with the predicted size of 168.333 nm. Transmission electron microscopy showed smooth spherical nanoparticles. The drug release profile showed that the encapsulated drugs were released over 24 h. Combination index data showed a synergistic interaction between the drugs. Cell cycle analysis and the evaluation of caspase activity showed differences in PC-3 and LNCaP prostate cancer cell responses to the agents. Additionally, immunoblots showed differences in survivin expression in LNCaP cells after treatment with the different agents and formulations for 24 h and 72 h. Therefore, the nanoparticles are potentially suitable for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.

A novel prognostic predictor of immune microenvironment and therapeutic response in clear cell renal cell carcinoma based on angiogenesis-immune-related gene signature

Background

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common type of RCC, typically produces no symptoms initially. Patients with ccRCC are at increased risk of developing advanced metastatic disease due to the absence of dependable and effective prognostic biomarkers. Therefore, it is particularly urgent to find optimal stratification of patients with ccRCC to distinguish the clinical benefits of different malignant degrees. Angiogenesis has a profound impact on the malignant behavior of renal cancer cells, and anti-angiogenic drugs have been applied to metastatic renal cancer patients. Moreover, immune function dysregulation is also a significant factor in tumorigenesis. We aim to construct a predictive model that combines angiogenesis and immune-related genes (AIRGs) to aid clinicians in predicting ccRCC prognosis.

Methods

We gathered transcriptome and clinicopathology data from two datasets, the E-MTAB-1980 dataset and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We utilized consensus clustering to find new molecular subgroups. A predictive model for the prognosis of angiogenesis-immune-associated genes (AIRGs) was conducted by the lasso and multivariate Cox regression analysis. The signature's predictive ability was then tested in different datasets. Meticulous scrutiny and comprehensive assessment were undertaken, both internally and externally, to establish the prognostic model. Analyses of immunogenomics were carried out to examine the relationship between risk scores and clinical/immune features, including immune cell infiltration, genomic alterations, and response to targeted and immunotherapy therapy.

Results

Our prognostic signature, comprising 4 AIRGs, stood as an independent prognostic factor for ccRCC, while risk scores emerged as a novel indicator for forecasting overall survival. Risk scores exhibited significant associations with various immunophenotypic factors, such as oncogenic pathways, antitumor response, different immune cell infiltration, antitumor immunity, and response to targeted and immunotherapy therapy.

Conclusions

AIRGs-based prognostic prediction model could effectively predict immunotherapy responses and survival outcomes of ccRCC.

Multiple Protein Biomarkers and Different Treatment Strategies for Colorectal Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Prospective

In this review, we emphasized important biomarkers, pathogenesis, and newly developed therapeutic approaches in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). This includes a complete description of small-molecule inhibitors, phytopharmaceuticals with antiproliferative potential, monoclonal antibodies for targeted therapy, vaccinations as immunotherapeutic agents, and many innovative strategies to intervene in the interaction of oncogenic proteins. Many factors combine to determine the clinical behavior of colorectal cancer and it is still difficult to comprehend the molecular causes of a person's vulnerability to CRC. It is also challenging to identify the causes of the tumor's onset, progression, and responsiveness or resistance to antitumor treatment. Current recommendations for targeted medications are being updated by guidelines throughout the world in light of the growing number of high-quality clinical studies. So, being concerned about the aforementioned aspects, we have tried to present a summarized pathogenic view, including a brief description of biomarkers and an update of compounds with their underlying mechanisms that are currently under various stages of clinical testing. This will help to identify gaps or shortfalls that can be addressed in upcoming colorectal cancer research.

Small Molecule Inhibitors Targeting the "Undruggable" Survivin: The Past, Present, and Future from a Medicinal Chemist's Perspective

Survivin, a homodimeric protein and a member of the IAP family, plays a vital function in cell survival and cycle progression by interacting with various proteins and complexes. Its expression is upregulated in cancers but not detectable in normal tissues. Thus, it has been regarded and validated as an ideal cancer target. However, survivin is "undruggable" due to its lack of enzymatic activities or active sites for small molecules to bind/inhibit. Academic and industrial laboratories have explored different strategies to overcome this hurdle over the past two decades, with some compounds advanced into clinical testing. These strategies include inhibiting survivin expression, its interaction with binding partners and homodimerization. Here, we provide comprehensive analyses of these strategies and perspective on different small molecule survivin inhibitors to help drug discovery targeting "undruggable" proteins in general and survivin specifically with a true survivin inhibitor that will prevail in the foreseeable future.

Targeting mTOR and Survivin Concurrently Potentiates Radiation Therapy in Renal Cell Carcinoma by Suppressing DNA Damage Repair and Amplifying Mitotic Catastrophe

Background

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was historically considered to be less responsive to radiation therapy (RT) compared to other cancer indications. However, advancements in precision high-dose radiation delivery through single-fraction and multi-fraction stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) have led to better outcomes and reduced treatment-related toxicities, sparking renewed interest in using RT to treat RCC. Moreover, numerous studies have revealed that certain therapeutic agents including chemotherapies can increase the sensitivity of tumors to RT, leading to a growing interest in combining these treatments. Here, we developed a rational combination of two radiosensitizers in a tumor-targeted liposomal formulation for augmenting RT in RCC. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of a tumor-targeted liposomal formulation combining the mTOR inhibitor everolimus (E) with the survivin inhibitor YM155 (Y) in enhancing the sensitivity of RCC tumors to radiation.

Experimental Design

We slightly modified our previously published tumor-targeted liposomal formulation to develop a rational combination of E and Y in a single liposomal formulation (EY-L) and assessed its efficacy in RCC cell lines in vitro and in RCC tumors in vivo. We further investigated how well EY-L sensitizes RCC cell lines and tumors toward radiation and explored the underlying mechanism of radiosensitization.

Results

EY-L outperformed the corresponding single drug-loaded formulations E-L and Y-L in terms of containing primary tumor growth and improving survival in an immunocompetent syngeneic mouse model of RCC. EY-L also exhibited significantly higher sensitization of RCC cells towards radiation in vitro than E-L and Y-L. Additionally, EY-L sensitized RCC tumors towards radiation therapy in xenograft and murine RCC models. EY-L mediated induction of mitotic catastrophe via downregulation of multiple cell cycle checkpoints and DNA damage repair pathways could be responsible for the augmentation of radiation therapy.

Conclusion

Taken together, our study demonstrated the efficacy of a strategic combination therapy in sensitizing RCC to radiation therapy via inhibition of DNA damage repair and a substantial increase in mitotic catastrophe. This combination therapy may find its use in the augmentation of radiation therapy during the treatment of RCC patients.

Therapeutic Efficacy of YM155 to Regulate an Epigenetic Enzyme in Major Subtypes of RCC

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer and includes more than 10 subtypes. Compared to the intensively investigated clear cell RCC (ccRCC), the underlying mechanisms and treatment options of other subtypes, including papillary RCC (pRCC) and chromogenic RCC (chRCC), are limited. In this study, we analyzed the public databases for ccRCC, pRCC, and chRCC and found that BIRC5 was commonly overexpressed in a large cohort of pRCC and chRCC patients as well as ccRCC and was closely related to the progression of RCCs. We investigated the potential of BIRC5 as a therapeutic target for these three types of RCCs. Loss and gain of function studies showed the critical role of BIRC5 in cancer growth. YM155, a BIRC5 inhibitor, induced a potent tumor-suppressive effect in the three types of RCC cells and xenograft models. To determine the mechanism underlying the anti-tumor effects of YM155, we examined epigenetic modifications in the BIRC5 promoter and found that histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27Ac) was highly enriched on the promoter region of BIRC5. Chromatin-immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that H3K27Ac enrichment was significantly decreased by YM155. Immunohistochemistry of xenografted tissue showed that overexpression of BIRC5 plays an important role in malignancy in RCC. Furthermore, high expression of P300 was significantly associated with the progression of RCC. Our findings demonstrate the P300-H3K27Ac-BIRC5 cascade in three types of RCC and provide a therapeutic path for future research on RCC.

Targeting survivin for cancer therapy: Strategies, small molecule inhibitors and vaccine based therapeutics in development

Survivin is a member of the family of inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs). It is involved in the normal mitotic process and acts as an anti-apoptotic molecule. While terminally differentiated normal tissues lack survivin, several human malignancies have significant protein levels. Resistance to chemotherapy and radiation in tumor cells is associated with survivin expression. Decreased tumor development, apoptosis, and increased sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiation are all effects of downregulating survivin expression or activity. As a prospective cancer treatment, small molecules targeting the transcription and translation of survivin and molecules that can directly bind with the survivin are being explored both in pre-clinical and clinics. Pre-clinical investigations have found and demonstrated the effectiveness of several small-molecule survivin inhibitors. Unfortunately, these inhibitors have also been shown to have off-target effects, which could limit their clinical utility. In addition to small molecules, several survivin peptide vaccines are currently under development. These vaccines are designed to elicit a cytotoxic T-cell response against survivin, which could lead to the destruction of tumor cells expressing survivin. Some survivin-based vaccines are advancing through Phase II clinical studies. Overall, survivin is a promising cancer drug target. However, challenges still need to be addressed before the survivin targeted therapies can be widely used in the clinics.

Roles of estrogen receptor α in endometrial carcinoma (Review)

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is a group of endometrial epithelial malignancies, most of which are adenocarcinomas and occur in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. It is one of the most common carcinomas of the female reproductive system. It has been shown that the occurrence and development of EC is closely associated with the interaction between estrogen (estradiol, E2) and estrogen receptors (ERs), particularly ERα. As a key nuclear transcription factor, ERα is a carcinogenic factor in EC. Its interactions with upstream and downstream effectors and co-regulators have important implications for the proliferation, metastasis, invasion and inhibition of apoptosis of EC. In the present review, the structure of ERα and the regulation of ERα in multiple dimensions are described. In addition, the classical E2/ERα signaling pathway and the crosstalk between ERα and other EC regulators are elucidated, as well as the therapeutic targeting of ERα, which may provide a new direction for clinical applications of ERα in the future.

Insights into In Vivo Environmental Effects on Quantitative Biochemistry in Single Cells

Biomacromolecules exist and function in a crowded and spatially confined intracellular milieu. Single-cell analysis has been an essential tool for deciphering the molecular mechanisms of cell biology and cellular heterogeneity. However, a sound understanding of in vivo environmental effects on single-cell quantification has not been well established. In this study, via cell mimicking with giant unilamellar vesicles and single-cell analysis by an approach called plasmonic immunosandwich assay (PISA) that we developed previously, we investigated the effects of two in vivo environmental factors, i.e., molecular crowding and spatial confinement, on quantitative biochemistry in the cytoplasm of single cells. We find that molecular crowding greatly affects the biomolecular interactions and immunorecognition-based detection while the effect of spatial confinement in cell-sized space is negligible. Without considering the effect of molecular crowding, the results by PISA were found to be apparently under-quantitated, being only 29.5-50.0% of those by the calibration curve considering the effect of molecular crowding. We further demonstrated that the use of a calibration curve established with standard solutions containing 20% (wt) polyethylene glycol 6000 can well offset the effect of intracellular crowding and thereby provide a simple but accurate calibration for the PISA measurement. Thus, this study not only sheds light on how intracellular environmental factors influence biomolecular interactions and immunorecognition-based single-cell quantification but also provides a simple but effective strategy to make the single-cell analysis more accurate.

Molecular mechanisms of resveratrol as chemo and radiosensitizer in cancer

One of the primary diseases that cause death worldwide is cancer. Cancer cells can be intrinsically resistant or acquire resistance to therapies and drugs used for cancer treatment through multiple mechanisms of action that favor cell survival and proliferation, becoming one of the leading causes of treatment failure against cancer. A promising strategy to overcome chemoresistance and radioresistance is the co-administration of anticancer agents and natural compounds with anticancer properties, such as the polyphenolic compound resveratrol (RSV). RSV has been reported to be able to sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents and radiotherapy, promoting cancer cell death. This review describes the reported molecular mechanisms by which RSV sensitizes tumor cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment.

Isoliquiritigenin Inhibits Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Overcomes Chemoresistance by Destruction of Survivin

The oncoprotein survivin plays a pivotal role in controlling cell division and preventing apoptosis by inhibiting caspase activation. Its significant contribution to tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance has been well established. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL), a natural compound, has been recognized for its powerful inhibitory effects against various tumors. However, whether ISL exerts regulatory effects on survivin and its underlying mechanism in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unclear. Here, we found that ISL inhibited the viability and colony formation of OSCC, and promoted their apoptosis. The immunoblotting data showed that ISL treatment significantly decreased survivin expression. Mechanistically, ISL suppressed survivin phosphorylation on Thr34 by deregulating Akt-Wee1-CDK1 signaling, which facilitated survivin for ubiquitination degradation. ISL inhibited CAL27 tumor growth and decreased p-Akt and survivin expression in vivo. Meanwhile, survivin overexpression caused cisplatin resistance of OSCC cells. ISL alone or combined with cisplatin overcame chemoresistance in OSCC cells. Overall, our results revealed that ISL exerted potent inhibitory effects via inducing Akt-dependent survivin ubiquitination in OSCC cells.

Targeting survivin with Tanshinone IIA inhibits tumor growth and overcomes chemoresistance in colorectal cancer

The inhibitor of apoptosis protein survivin has a critical regulatory role in carcinogenesis and treatment tolerance in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the targeted drugs for survivin protein are extremely limited. In the present research, we discovered that Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) played a dual regulatory role in inhibiting tumorigenesis and reversing 5-Fu tolerance via modulating the expression and phosphorylation of survivin in CRC cells. Mechanistically, Tan IIA suppressed the Akt/WEE1/CDK1 signaling pathway, which led to the downregulation of survivin Thr34 phosphorylation and destruction of the interaction between USP1 and survivin to promote survivin ubiquitination and degradation. Furthermore, Tan IIA significantly facilitated chemoresistant CRC cells to 5-Fu sensitivity. These results revealed that Tan IIA possessed a strong antitumor activity against CRC cells and could act as an up-and-coming agent for treating CRC and overcoming chemotherapy resistance.

A co-formulation of interferons alpha2b and gamma distinctively targets cell cycle in the glioblastoma-derived cell line U-87MG

BACKGROUND

HeberFERON is a co-formulation of α2b and γ interferons, based on their synergism, which has shown its clinical superiority over individual interferons in basal cell carcinomas. In glioblastoma (GBM), HeberFERON has displayed promising preclinical and clinical results. This led us to design a microarray experiment aimed at identifying the molecular mechanisms involved in the distinctive effect of HeberFERON compared to the individual interferons in U-87MG model.

METHODS

Transcriptional expression profiling including a control (untreated) and three groups receiving α2b-interferon, γ-interferon and HeberFERON was performed using an Illumina HT-12 microarray platform. Unsupervised methods for gene and sample grouping, identification of differentially expressed genes, functional enrichment and network analysis computational biology methods were applied to identify distinctive transcription patterns of HeberFERON. Validation of most representative genes was performed by qPCR. For the cell cycle analysis of cells treated with HeberFERON for 24 h, 48 and 72 h we used flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The three treatments show different behavior based on the gene expression profiles. The enrichment analysis identified several mitotic cell cycle related events, in particular from prometaphase to anaphase, which are exclusively targeted by HeberFERON. The FOXM1 transcription factor network that is involved in several cell cycle phases and is highly expressed in GBMs, is significantly down regulated. Flow cytometry experiments corroborated the action of HeberFERON on the cell cycle in a dose and time dependent manner with a clear cellular arrest as of 24 h post-treatment. Despite the fact that p53 was not down-regulated, several genes involved in its regulatory activity were functionally enriched. Network analysis also revealed a strong relationship of p53 with genes targeted by HeberFERON. We propose a mechanistic model to explain this distinctive action, based on the simultaneous activation of PKR and ATF3, p53 phosphorylation changes, as well as its reduced MDM2 mediated ubiquitination and export from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. PLK1, AURKB, BIRC5 and CCNB1 genes, all regulated by FOXM1, also play central roles in this model. These and other interactions could explain a G2/M arrest and the effect of HeberFERON on the proliferation of U-87MG.

CONCLUSIONS

We proposed molecular mechanisms underlying the distinctive behavior of HeberFERON compared to the treatments with the individual interferons in U-87MG model, where cell cycle related events were highly relevant.

Arsenicum album Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis, and Inhibits Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Hormone-Dependent MCF7 Breast Cancer Cells

BACKGROUND

Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) has been in therapeutic use since the 18th century for various types of cancers including skin and breast; however, it gained popularity following FDA approval for its use against acute promyelocytic leukemia. This present work was designed to evaluate the anti-cancer potential of a homeopathic potency of arsenic trioxide (Arsenicum album 6C) in hormone-dependent breast cancer.

METHODS

Breast cancer cells (MCF7) were treated with Arsenicum album (Ars 6C) to evaluate its anti-proliferative and apoptotic potential. We examined the effect of Ars 6C on the cell cycle, wound healing, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and modulation of expression of key genes which are aberrant in cancer.

RESULTS

Treating breast cancer cells with Ars 6C halted the cell cycle at the sub-G0 and G2/M phases, which could be attributed to DNA damage induced by the generation of ROS. Apoptotic induction was associated with upregulation of Bax expression, with concurrent downregulation of the Bcl-2 gene. Ars 6C was also seen to reverse epithelial to mesenchymal transition and reduce the migration of breast cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that Ars has significant anti-proliferative and apoptotic potential against breast cancer cells. Further studies are required to elucidate the mechanism by which Ars exerts its effect in the in vivo setting.

SF3B1 hotspot mutations confer sensitivity to PARP inhibition by eliciting a defective replication stress response

SF3B1 hotspot mutations are associated with a poor prognosis in several tumor types and lead to global disruption of canonical splicing. Through synthetic lethal drug screens, we identify that SF3B1 mutant (SF3B1MUT) cells are selectively sensitive to poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi), independent of hotspot mutation and tumor site. SF3B1MUT cells display a defective response to PARPi-induced replication stress that occurs via downregulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase 2 interacting protein (CINP), leading to increased replication fork origin firing and loss of phosphorylated CHK1 (pCHK1; S317) induction. This results in subsequent failure to resolve DNA replication intermediates and G2/M cell cycle arrest. These defects are rescued through CINP overexpression, or further targeted by a combination of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated and PARP inhibition. In vivo, PARPi produce profound antitumor effects in multiple SF3B1MUT cancer models and eliminate distant metastases. These data provide the rationale for testing the clinical efficacy of PARPi in a biomarker-driven, homologous recombination proficient, patient population.

M, Katona G. Survivin prevents the polycomb repressor complex 2 from methylating histone 3 lysine 27

This study investigates the role of survivin in epigenetic control of gene transcription through interaction with the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). PRC2 is responsible for silencing gene expression by trimethylating lysine 27 on histone 3. We observed differential expression of PRC2 subunits in CD4+ T cells with varying levels of survivin expression, and ChIP-seq results indicated that survivin colocalizes with PRC2 along DNA. Inhibition of survivin resulted in a significant increase in H3K27 trimethylation, implying that survivin prevents PRC2 from functioning. Peptide microarray showed that survivin interacts with peptides from PRC2 subunits, and machine learning revealed that amino acid composition contains relevant information for predicting survivin interaction. NMR and BLI experiments supported the interaction of survivin with PRC2 subunit EZH2. Finally, protein-protein docking revealed that the survivin-EZH2 interaction interface overlaps with catalytic residues of EZH2, potentially inhibiting its H3K27 methylation activity. These findings suggest that survivin inhibits PRC2 function.

In Silico Evaluation of HN-N07 Small Molecule as an Inhibitor of Angiogenesis and Lymphangiogenesis Oncogenic Signatures in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Tumor angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis pathways have been identified as important therapeutic targets in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Bevacizumab, which is a monoclonal antibody, was the initial inhibitor of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis that received approval for use in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in combination with chemotherapy. Despite its usage, patients may still develop resistance to the treatment, which can be attributed to various histological subtypes and the initiation of treatment at advanced stages of cancer. Due to their better specificity, selectivity, and safety compared to chemotherapy, small molecules have been approved for treating advanced NSCLC. Based on the development of multiple small-molecule antiangiogenic drugs either in house and abroad or in other laboratories to treat NSCLC, we used a quinoline-derived small molecule-HN-N07-as a potential target drug for NSCLC. Accordingly, we used computational simulation tools and evaluated the drug-likeness properties of HN-N07. Moreover, we identified target genes, resulting in the discovery of the target BIRC5/HIF1A/FLT4 pro-angiogenic genes. Furthermore, we used in silico molecular docking analysis to determine whether HN-N07 could potentially inhibit BIRC5/HIF1A/FLT4. Interestingly, the results of docking HN-N07 with the BIRC5, FLT4, and HIF1A oncogenes revealed unique binding affinities, which were significantly higher than those of standard inhibitors. In summary, these results indicate that HN-N07 shows promise as a potential inhibitor of oncogenic signaling pathways in NSCLC. Ongoing studies that involve in vitro experiments and in vivo investigations using tumor-bearing mice are in progress, aiming to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of the HN-N07 small molecule.

Gallic acid in theabrownin suppresses cell proliferation and migration in non‑small cell lung carcinoma via autophagy inhibition

The bioactive extract of green tea, theabrownin (TB), is known to exhibit pro-apoptotic and antitumor effects on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Gallic acid (GA) is a crucial component of TB; however, its mechanism of action in NSCLC has been rarely studied. To date, little attention has been paid to the anti-NSCLC activity of GA. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of GA in vivo and in vitro. Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8 assay, DAPI staining and flow cytometry, wound-healing assay and western blotting were used to assess cell viability, apoptosis, migration and protein expression, respectively. In addition, a xenograft model was generated, and TUNEL assay and immunohistochemistry analysis were performed. The CCK-8 data showed that the viability of H1299 cells was significantly inhibited by GA in a dose- and time-dependent manner. DAPI staining, Annexin-V/PI staining and wound-healing data showed that GA exerted pro-apoptotic and anti-migratory effects on H1299 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the results of western blotting showed that GA significantly upregulated the levels of pro-apoptotic proteins [cleaved (c-)PARP, c-caspase8, c-caspase-9 and the ratio of γ-H2A.X/H2A.X]. In vivo data confirmed the antitumor effect of GA through apoptosis induction in an autophagy-dependent manner. In conclusion, the present study confirmed the anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic and anti-migratory effects of GA against NSCLC in vitro and in vivo, providing considerable evidence for its potential as a novel candidate for the treatment of NSCLC.

Is the serum level of survivin, an antiapoptotic protein, a potential predictive and prognostic biomarker in metastatic pancreatic cancer?

In the present study, we aimed to assess the association between the serum survivin level and overall survival and treatment response rates in metastatic pancreatic cancer (MPC). Serum samples were prospectively collected from 41 patients with newly diagnosed MPC patients and 41 healthy individuals (control group) to assess the survivin levels. The median survivin level was 136.2 ng/mL in patients with MPC and 52 ng/mL in healthy individuals (P = .028). Patients were divided into low- and high-survivin groups according to the baseline median survivin level. Patients with a high serum survivin level compared with a low serum survivin level had shorter median progression-free survival (2.39 vs 7.06 months; P = .008, respectively) and overall survival (3.74 vs 9.52 months; P = .026, respectively). Patients with higher serum survivin levels had significantly worse response rates (P = .007). The baseline high level of serum survivin in patients with MPC may be associated with treatment resistance and poor prognosis. A confirmation will be needed for these results in future large multicenter prospective studies.

Interaction of quercetin and 5-fluorouracil: cellular and pharmacokinetic study

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, and its uncontrolled blood levels contribute to toxicity. Quercetin, as an important flavonoid, has many biological effects, including anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory features. The current study investigated the synergistic effect between 5-FU and quercetin using HT-29 cell line and fibroblast cells. Rats were assigned to two groups. The 5-FU/quercetin group received intraperitoneal quercetin (10 mg/kg) and the Tween was injected to the control group for 14 consecutive days. On the 15th day, both groups received 50 mg/kg of 5-FU. Upon the final injection, blood samples were obtained at different times. Pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The mean (±SD) of maximum plasma concentration (C_max) of 5-FU in combination therapy group was 3.10 ± 0.18 μg/ml and the area under the curve (AUC) was 153.89 ± 21.36, which increased by 113% and 128% compared to control group, respectively. Quercetin increased anti-tumor activity of 5-FU and enhanced C_max and AUC of 5-FU. These findings confirm the synergistic effects between quercetin and 5-FU at the usual doses in cancer treatment, which may lead to reduced toxicity.

Oncogenic RAS promotes MYC protein stability by upregulating the expression of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein family member Survivin

The small GTPase KRAS is frequently mutated in pancreatic cancer and its cooperation with the transcription factor MYC is essential for malignant transformation. The key to oncogenic KRAS and MYC working together is the stabilization of MYC expression due to KRAS activating the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, which phosphorylates MYC at serine 62 (Ser 62). This prevents the proteasomal degradation of MYC while enhancing its transcriptional activity. Here, we identify how this essential signaling connection between oncogenic KRAS and MYC expression is mediated by the inhibitor of apoptosis protein family member Survivin. This discovery stemmed from our finding that Survivin expression is downregulated upon treatment of pancreatic cancer cells with the KRASG12C inhibitor Sotorasib. We went on to show that oncogenic KRAS increases Survivin expression by activating extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 in pancreatic cancer cells and that treating the cells either with siRNAs targeting Survivin or with YM155, a small molecule that potently blocks Survivin expression, downregulates MYC and strongly inhibited their growth. We further determined that Survivin protects MYC from degradation by blocking autophagy, which then prevents cellular inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A from undergoing autophagic degradation. Cellular inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A, by inhibiting protein phosphatase 2A, helps to maintain MYC phosphorylation at Ser 62, thereby ensuring its cooperation with oncogenic KRAS in driving cancer progression. Overall, these findings highlight a novel role for Survivin in mediating the cooperative actions of KRAS and MYC during malignant transformation and raise the possibility that targeting Survivin may offer therapeutic benefits against KRAS-driven cancers.

New chimeric HDAC inhibitors for the treatment of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-associated deaths due to a high recurrence rate and an increasing occurrence of resistance to established therapies. This highlights the importance of developing new chemotherapeutic agents. The current study focuses on cancer-specific targets such as apoptosis-inhibiting survivin, which distinguishes cancer cells from healthy tissue. A combination of pharmacophores of established anticancer agents to afford chimeric pleiotropic chemotherapeutic agents was tested on this cancer entity. We analysed the effects of the dual mode anticancer agents, animthioxam, brimbam, troxbam, and troxham, as well as their structural congeners suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid and combretastatin A-4 on human cancer cell lines. Their cytotoxicity was determined using the MTT assay, further techniques for detecting apoptotic events, cell cycle analyses, clonogenic and wound healing assays, immunostaining, histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity measurements, and Western blot analysis for the detection of survivin expression in HCT116 colon cancer cells. Molecular docking studies were conducted to assess potential molecular targets of the test compounds. The test compounds were found selectively cytotoxic toward cancer cells by inducing apoptosis. The metastatic potential was effectively reduced by disruption of the microtubular cytoskeleton. The test compounds were also proven to be general HDAC inhibitors and to lead to reduced survivin expression.

A literature review of microRNA and gene signaling pathways involved in the apoptosis pathway of lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world and the deadliest of all cancers. Apoptosis is a key pathway in regulating the cell growth rate, proliferation, and occurrence of lung cancer. This process is controlled by many molecules, such as microRNAs and their target genes. Therefore, finding new medical approaches such as exploring diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers involved in apoptosis is needed for this disease. In the present study, we aimed to identify key microRNAs and their target genes that could be used in the prognosis and diagnosis of lung cancer.

METHODS

Signaling pathways, genes, and microRNAs involved in the apoptotic pathway were identified by bioinformatics analysis and recent clinical studies. Bioinformatics analysis was performed on databases including NCBI, TargetScan, UALCAN, UCSC, KEGG, miRPathDB, and Enrichr, and clinical studies were extracted from PubMed, web of science, and SCOPUS databases.

RESULTS

NF-κB, PI3K/AKT, and MAPK pathways play critical roles in the regulation of apoptosis. MiR-146b, 146a, 21, 23a, 135a, 30a, 202, and 181 were identified as the involved microRNAs in the apoptosis signaling pathway, and IRAK1, TRAF6, Bcl-2, PTEN, Akt, PIK3, KRAS, and MAPK1 were classified as the target genes of the mentioned microRNAs respectively. The essential roles of these signaling pathways and miRNAs/target genes were approved through both databases and clinical studies. Moreover, surviving, living, BRUCE, and XIAP was the main inhibitor of apoptosis which act by regulating the apoptosis-involved genes and miRNAs.

CONCLUSION

Identifying the abnormal expression and regulation of miRNAs and signaling pathways in apoptosis of lung cancer can represent a novel class of biomarkers that can facilitate the early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and prediction of drug response for lung cancer patients. Therefore, studying the mechanisms of apoptosis including signaling pathways, miRNAs/target genes, and the inhibitors of apoptosis are advantageous for finding the most practical approach and reducing the pathological demonstrations of lung cancer.

Changes of proapoptotic and antiapoptotic genes affect sensitivity to apoptotic stimuli in impaired contractility due to long term bladder outlet obstruction

INTRODUCTION

The normal biological process that necessitates cell removal greatly depends on apoptosis. Long term bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) causes damaged smooth muscle cells to undergo apoptosis. However, smooth muscle cell apoptosis that BOO causes is not well known in impaired bladder contractility. Therefore, we designed this study to investigate whether long-term BOO could induce apoptosis activities and to obtain an expression profile of apoptosis related genes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used 10 Sprague-Dawley six-week-old female rats. We separated them equally into two groups: a sham intervention group (group 1) and an eight-week BOO group (group 2). We conducted cystometric evaluation eight weeks following BOO onset, with processing of bladder tissue for PCR array. Every array comprised 84 genes, which were established to contribute to an apoptosis response, cell differentiation and metabolism, and 12 sequences were established for the regulation of loading and the quality of cDNA. We performed real-time PCR. Changes in gene expression presented as a fold increase/decrease. Alterations of more than two-fold constituted the cut-off determining expression.

RESULTS

Group 2 had a greater bladder weight and Impaired bladder contractility. Immunofluorescent staining with CAS3, TUNEL showed increased in the BOO group. In comparison to group 1, group 2 exhibited an at least two-fold upregulation in five genes, the Bcl-2 (15.1), Birc5 (5.8), Cd40lg (7.5), Il10 (16.2), and Naip2 (13.2). They also demonstrated at least a two-fold downregulation in the PRLR (-18.1) gene. Genes Bcl2ald, Circ5, Cd40lg, Il10, Naip2, and PRLR were among the genes with activity against apoptosis. TNF, STAT3 and TP53 mediated the effect that genes had on one another.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that the relative ratios of pro- and antiapoptotic genes determine bladder cell sensitivity cells to apoptotic stimuli in impaired contractility caused by long term BOO. Although we cannot confirm whether this finding is the result of the decompensated phase of the bladder or the process, the gene expression profiles could explain molecular mechanisms of apoptosis in impaired bladder contractility caused by long-term BOO with further studies.

Mechanisms of Drug Resistance in Ovarian Cancer and Associated Gene Targets

In the United States, over 100,000 women are diagnosed with a gynecologic malignancy every year, with ovarian cancer being the most lethal. One of the hallmark characteristics of ovarian cancer is the development of resistance to chemotherapeutics. While the exact mechanisms of chemoresistance are poorly understood, it is known that changes at the cellular and molecular level make chemoresistance challenging to treat. Improved therapeutic options are needed to target these changes at the molecular level. Using a precision medicine approach, such as gene therapy, genes can be specifically exploited to resensitize tumors to therapeutics. This review highlights traditional and novel gene targets that can be used to develop new and improved targeted therapies, from drug efflux proteins to ovarian cancer stem cells. The review also addresses the clinical relevance and landscape of the discussed gene targets.

Dual role of deubiquitinating enzyme USP19 regulates mitotic progression and tumorigenesis by stabilizing survivin

Survivin is a component of the chromosomal passenger complex, which includes Aurora B, INCENP, and Borealin, and is required for chromosome segregation and cytokinesis. We performed a genome-wide screen of deubiquitinating enzymes for survivin. For the first time, we report that USP19 has a dual role in the modulation of mitosis and tumorigenesis by regulating survivin expression. Our results found that USP19 stabilizes and interacts with survivin in HCT116 cells. USP19 deubiquitinates survivin protein and extends its half-life. We also found that USP19 functions as a mitotic regulator by controlling the downstream signaling of survivin protein. Targeted genome knockout verified that USP19 depletion leads to several mitotic defects, including cytokinesis failure. In addition, USP19 depletion results in significant enrichment of apoptosis and reduces the growth of tumors in the mouse xenograft. We envision that simultaneous targeting of USP19 and survivin in oncologic drug development would increase therapeutic value and minimize redundancy.

The Behaviour of Serum Survivin in Patients With Lupus Nephritis

Background:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, multi phenotypic, autoimmune inflammatory disease and renal involvement significantly worsens its prognosis. Apoptosis dysregulation plays a key pathogenic role. Survivin, a protein from the apoptosis inhibitors family, has been considered a promising strategy in cancer therapy and evaluated as one of the regulatory pathways in the scenario of immune-mediated disorders.

Objective:

This study aims to explore survivin behaviour in SLE patients with lupus nephritis (LN), assessing its potential as a therapeutic and prognostic biomarker.

Methods:

297 SLE patients were classified based on the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1997 criteria, from 2000 to 2015. In a cross-sectional study, the serum level of survivin was measured by an ELISA test and compared between 200 SLE individuals and healthy controls. In a longitudinal cohort, 97 patients with active LN had the concentration of survinin measured, before and after treatment with cyclophosphamide pulse therapy.

Results:

The serum concentration of survivin was significantly lower in the SLE group than in healthy controls, regardless of concomitant NL or disease activity. The longitudinal evaluation revealed a significant reduction in survivin serum level after treatment. However, survivin rates were not able to discriminate groups that achieved remission from those that maintained nephritis activity.

Conclusion:

Our study suggests that survivin levels in SLE patients are lower than in the general population. Even so, its use as a biomarker in SLE seems limited, not reflecting disease activity or response to LN treatment, as in other contexts.

Exploring MicroRNA and Exosome Involvement in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Drug Response

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a deadly thoracic malignancy and existing treatment options are limited. Chemotherapy remains the most widely used first-line treatment regimen for patients with unresectable MPM, but is hampered by drug resistance issues. The current study demonstrated a modest enhancement of MPM cell sensitivity to chemotherapy drug treatment following microRNA (miRNA) transfection in MPM cell lines, albeit not for all tested miRNAs. This effect was more pronounced for FAK (PND-1186) small molecule inhibitor treatment; consistent with previously published data. We previously established that MPM response to survivin (YM155) small molecule inhibitor treatment is unrelated to basal survivin expression. Here, we showed that MPM response to YM155 treatment is enhanced following miRNA transfection of YM155-resistant MPM cells. We determined that YM155-resistant MPM cells secrete a higher level of exosomes in comparison to YM155-sensitive MPM cells. Despite this, an exosome inhibitor (GW4896) did not enhance MPM cell sensitivity to YM155. Additionally, our study showed no evidence of a correlation between the mRNA expression of inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) gene family members and MPM cell sensitivity to YM155. However, two drug transporter genes, ABCA6 and ABCA10, were upregulated in the MPM cell lines and correlated with poor sensitivity to YM155.

Survivin in Breast Cancer: A Review

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women and ranks second among causes for cancer-related death in women. Gene technology has led to the recognition that breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease composed of different biological subtypes, and genetic profiling enables the response to chemotherapy to be predicted. This fact emphasizes the importance of selecting sensitive diagnostic and prognostic markers in the early disease stage and more efficient targeted treatments for this disease. One such prognostic marker appears to be survivin. Many studies have shown that survivin is strongly expressed in different types of cancers. Its overexpression has been demonstrated in breast cancer, and high activity of the survivin gene has been associated with a poor prognosis and worse survival rates.

New progress in diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease. Although great progress has been made in its diagnosis and treatment in recent years, its mortality rate is still very significant. The pathophysiology and pathogenesis of PAH are complex and involve endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, smooth muscle cell proliferation, pulmonary arteriole occlusion, antiapoptosis and pulmonary vascular remodeling. These factors will accelerate the progression of the disease, leading to poor prognosis. Therefore, accurate etiological diagnosis, treatment and prognosis judgment are particularly important. Here, we systematically review the pathophysiology, diagnosis, genetics, prognosis and treatment of PAH.

Plant-Derived Bioactive Compounds in Colorectal Cancer: Insights from Combined Regimens with Conventional Chemotherapy to Overcome Drug-Resistance

Acquired drug resistance represents a major clinical problem and one of the biggest limitations of chemotherapeutic regimens in colorectal cancer. Combination regimens using standard chemotherapeutic agents, together with bioactive natural compounds derived from diet or plants, may be one of the most valuable strategies to overcome drug resistance and re-sensitize chemoresistant cells. In this review, we highlight the effect of combined regimens based on conventional chemotherapeutics in conjunction with well-tolerated plant-derived bioactive compounds, mainly curcumin, resveratrol, and EGCG, with emphasis on the molecular mechanisms associated with the acquired drug resistance.

Exploration of the breast ductal carcinoma in situ signature and its prognostic implications

Following the implementation of breast screening programs, the occurrence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) as an early type of neoplasia has increased. Although the prognosis is promising, 20%-50% of DCIS patients will progress to invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) if not treated. It is essential to look for promising biomarkers for predicting DCIS prognosis. The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to explore the expression of genes that differed between DCIS and normal tissue in this investigation. Enrichment analysis was performed to characterize the biological role and intrinsic process pathway. The Cancer Genome Atlas Breast Cancer Dataset was used to categorize the hub genes, and the results were confirmed using the Cytoscape plugin CytoHubba and MCODE. The prognostic ability of the core gene signature was determined through time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC), Kaplan-Meier survival curve, Oncomine databases, and UALCAN databases. In addition, the prognostic value of core genes was verified in proliferation assays. We identified 217 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the present study, with 101 upregulated and 138 downregulated genes. The top genes were obtained from the PPI network (protein-protein interaction). A unique six-gene signature (containing GAPDH, CDH2, BIRC5, NEK2, IDH2, and MELK) was developed for DCIS prognostic prediction. Centered on the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort, the ROC curve showed strong results in prognosis prediction. The six core gene signatures is often overexpressed in DCIS, with a weak prognosis. Furthermore, when breast cancer cells are transfected with small interfering RNAs, downregulation of core gene expression substantially inhibits cell proliferation, revealing a high potential for employing core genes in DCIS prognosis. In conclusion, the current investigation verified the six core genes signatures for prospective DCIS biomarkers, which may aid clinical decision-making for individual care.

Cell atlas of the human ocular anterior segment: Tissue-specific and shared cell types

The anterior segment of the eye consists of the cornea, iris, ciliary body, crystalline lens, and aqueous humor outflow pathways. Together, these tissues are essential for the proper functioning of the eye. Disorders of vision have been ascribed to defects in all of them; some disorders, including glaucoma and cataract, are among the most prevalent causes of blindness in the world. To characterize the cell types that compose these tissues, we generated an anterior segment cell atlas of the human eye using high-throughput single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNAseq). We profiled 195,248 nuclei from nondiseased anterior segment tissues of six human donors, identifying >60 cell types. Many of these cell types were discrete, whereas others, especially in the lens and cornea, formed continua corresponding to known developmental transitions that persist in adulthood. Having profiled each tissue separately, we performed an integrated analysis of the entire anterior segment, revealing that some cell types are unique to a single structure, whereas others are shared across tissues. The integrated cell atlas was then used to investigate cell type-specific expression patterns of more than 900 human ocular disease genes identified through either Mendelian inheritance patterns or genome-wide association studies.

Tumor-Suppressor Role of the α1-Na/K-ATPase Signalosome in NASH Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma †

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with an estimate of 0.84 million cases every year. In Western countries, because of the obesity epidemic, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has become the major cause of HCC. Intriguingly, the molecular mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis of HCC from NASH are largely unknown. We hypothesized that the growing uncoupled metabolism during NASH progression to HCC, manifested by lower cell redox status and an apoptotic ‘switch’ activity, follows a dysregulation of α1-Na/K-ATPase (NKA)/Src signalosome. Our results suggested that in NASH-related malignancy, α1-NKA signaling causes upregulation of the anti-apoptotic protein survivin and downregulation of the pro-apoptotic protein Smac/DIABLO via the activation of the PI3K → Akt pro-survival pathway with concomitant inhibition of the FoxO3 circuit, favoring cell division and primary liver carcinogenesis. Signalosome normalization using an inhibitory peptide resets apoptotic activity in malignant cells, with a significant decrease in tumor burden in vivo. Therefore, α1-NKA signalosome exercises in HCC the characteristic of a tumor suppressor, suggesting α1-NKA as a putative target for clinical therapy.