A CGA/EGFR/GATA2 positive feedback circuit confers chemoresistance in gastric cancer

Interaction of PHGDH with IGF2BP1 facilitates m6A-dependent stabilization of TCF7L2 mRNA to confer multidrug resistance in gastric cancer

Multidrug resistance (MDR) remains a significant barrier to effective chemotherapy and results in a poor prognosis for gastric cancer (GC). Exploring the mechanism of MDR is highly important for identifying biomarkers for MDR and developing new treatment strategies. In this study, integrative analyses of multiomics and bioinformatics data were combined with experimental validation to explore the mechanism of MDR in GC. We found that phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), the key rate-limiting enzyme in the serine synthesis pathway, was significantly upregulated in MDR GC cells. PHGDH was found to perform a noncanonical function to promote MDR by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and this effect is mediated by transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2), a pivotal co-activator of β-catenin in the Wnt pathway. Specifically, PHGDH stabilizes TCF7L2 mRNA by interacting with insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1), a key m6A reader, in an m6A-dependent manner, thereby increasing the expression of TCF7L2. Moreover, TCF7L2 binds to the promoter of PHGDH and regulates its expression, which forms a positive feedback loop. This PHGDH/IGF2BP1-TCF7L2 loop contributes to GC MDR and is correlated with a poor prognosis of GC patients.

GATA2 promotes cervical cancer progression under the transcriptional activation of TRIP4

The continued rise in recurrence and mortality rates of cervical cancer suggests the need to find novel therapeutic targets. Previous studies suggest that TRIP4 acts as a transcription factor to regulate cervical carcinogenesis and progression. Our aim was to explore whether the key downstream genes of TRIP4 functions same as TRIP4 in promoting cervical cancer development. We analyzed and confirmed the downstream targets of TRIP4 by RNA sequencing in cervical cancer cells with TRIP4 knockdown. The expression correlation between TRIP4 and GATA2 and the effect of GATA2 on cervical cancer cell growth were determined respectively by Western Blot, Scratch, Spheroid, and MTT analyses. Pulldown and ChIP experiments were performed to analyze the binding of TRIP4 to the promoter of GATA2. The clinical significance of GATA2 and TRIP4 expression in cervical cancer patients was analyzed by tissue microarray staining. GATA2 was highly expressed in cervical cancer tissues. Knockdown of GATA2 inhibited the growth, metastasis and stemness of cervical cancer cells and sensitized cervical cancer cells to radiation therapy. The inhibitory effect of TRIP4 knockdown on cervical cancer cells was rescued by GATA2 overexpression. Furthermore, TRIP4 could bind to the specific GATA2 promoter region, thereby activating its transcription. Clinical tissue microarray analysis indicated that the expression of TRIP4 and GATA2 was positively correlated, and high expression of both predicted a poor prognosis in cervical cancer patients. Our study demonstrated that GATA2 functions as the key downstream target of TRIP4 to promote cervical cancer progression and effective intervention of TRIP4/GATA2 signaling is expected to be developed as potential cervical cancer therapeutic strategy.

Implication of protein post translational modifications in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common and highly lethal malignant tumors worldwide, and its occurrence and development are regulated by multiple molecular mechanisms. Post-translational modifications (PTM) common forms include ubiquitylation, phosphorylation, acetylation and methylation. Emerging research has highlighted lactylation and glycosylation. The diverse realm of PTM and PTM crosstalk is linked to many critical signaling events involved in neoplastic transformation, carcinogenesis and metastasis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of PTM on the occurrence and progression of GC. Specifically, aberrant PTM have been shown to alter the proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities of GC cells. Moreover, PTM are closely associated with resistance to chemotherapeutic agents in GC. Notably, this review also discusses the phenomenon of PTM crosstalk, highlighting the interactions among PTM and their roles in regulating signaling pathways and protein functions. Therefore, in-depth investigation into the mechanisms of PTM and the development of targeted therapeutic strategies hold promise for advancing early diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic evaluation of GC, offering novel insights and future research directions.

Evaluating H2BC9 as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Histone H2B is highly expressed in many types of cancers and is involved in cancer development. H2B clustered histone 9 (H2BC9), a member of the H2B family, plays critical roles in gene expression regulation, chromosome structure, DNA repair stability, and cell cycle regulation. However, the diagnostic and prognostic value of H2BC9 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the potential diagnostic and prognostic value of H2BC9 in HNSCC and investigate its biological role using bioinformatics.

METHODS

The expression pattern and diagnostic value of H2BC9 in HNSCC were explored using UCSC Xena and GEO database. H2BC9 expression was validated using the Human Protein Atlas database, qRT-PCR, and western blotting. Prognostic value was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves, Cox regression analysis, and a nomogram. Drug sensitivity was predicted using the R package pRRophetic, and molecular interactions were analyzed using the DepMap database. The impact of H2BC9 on HNSCC cells was further investigated through in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

H2BC9 was markedly upregulated in HNSCC cell lines and tissues. High expression of H2BC9 was correlated with advanced-stage disease and poor prognosis. KEGG analysis linked H2BC9 to cell cycle regulation and DNA replication. H2BC9 expression influenced the drug sensitivity of paclitaxel, docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil. Key molecules, such as TONSL, PITX2, NOTCH1, and H2BC10, were positively correlated with H2BC9 expression. Silencing H2BC9 suppressed cell proliferation, induced G2/M cell cycle arrest, and enhanced apoptosis and DNA damage in HNSCC cells.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that H2BC9 expression may be associated with HNSCC development and prognosis. These findings may provide a potential therapeutic target for HNSCC.

EGFR upregulates miRNA subset to inhibit CYBRD1 and cause DDP resistance in gastric cancer

Chemoresistance is a considerable challenge for gastric cancer (GC), and the combination of cisplatin (DDP) and anti-EGFR therapy failed to show remarkable benefit. So other targets in EGFR-overexpressed and DDP-resistant GC need to be explored. Both cytological experiments and database bioinformatics analysis were applied in this study. It was confirmed that the prognosis of GC patients with EGFR oe was poor. EGFR regulated intracellular redox metabolism, enhanced GSH content and led to DDP resistance. A subset of miRNAs including miR-135b, miR-106a, miR-29a, miR-23a and miR-15a was upregulated in EGFR-overexpressed and DDP-resistant GC cells. Furthermore, EGFR inhibited CYBRD1 via enhancing the miRNA subset and scavenged the redundant ROS to cause DDP resistance. Therefore, to inhibit the miRNA subset at the same time of anti-EGFR therapy might reverse DDP resistance, serving as a potential novel drug for the future treatment of EGFR-overexpressed and DDP-resistant GC.

Progressive lung fibrosis: reprogramming a genetically vulnerable bronchoalveolar epithelium

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is etiologically complex, with well-documented genetic and nongenetic origins. In this Review, we speculate that the development of IPF requires two hits: the first establishes a vulnerable bronchoalveolar epithelium, and the second triggers mechanisms that reprogram distal epithelia to initiate and perpetuate a profibrotic phenotype. While vulnerability of the bronchoalveolar epithelia is most often driven by common or rare genetic variants, subsequent injury of the bronchoalveolar epithelia results in persistent changes in cell biology that disrupt tissue homeostasis and activate fibroblasts. The dynamic biology of IPF can best be contextualized etiologically and temporally, including stages of vulnerability, early disease, and persistent and progressive lung fibrosis. These dimensions of IPF highlight critical mechanisms that adversely disrupt epithelial function, activate fibroblasts, and lead to lung remodeling. Together with better recognition of early disease, this conceptual approach should lead to the development of novel therapeutics directed at the etiologic and temporal drivers of lung fibrosis that will ultimately transform the care of patients with IPF from palliative to curative.

Identification of core immune-related genes CTSK, C3, and IFITM1 for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infection-associated gastric cancer through transcriptomic analysis

OBJECTIVES

To identify diagnostic genes and mechanisms linking Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection to gastric cancer.

METHODS

Gene expression profiles from GEO were analyzed using differential expression gene (DEG) analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and functional enrichment. A random forest (RF) model assessed immune-related diagnostic genes, examining their expression, diagnostic performance, prognostic value, and immune cell relationships. Expression patterns of core genes were evaluated with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and a regulatory network involving miRNA, mRNA, and transcription factors was built.

RESULTS

We identified 75 genes and developed an RF model including 15 immune-related genes, notably CTSK, NR4A3, C3, and IFITM1. Except for NR4A3, these genes showed higher expression in datasets, confirmed by in vitro tests. Their diagnostic performance had an AUC > 0.7, enhancing to >0.85 in a multi-gene model. Survival analysis linked gene upregulation to poorer prognosis, and scRNA-seq and immune cell infiltration analysis underscored their roles in immune dysregulation and pathogenicity in H. pylori-related gastric cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

CTSK, C3, and IFITM1 are crucial in H. pylori-related gastric cancer, forming a robust diagnostic model and guiding future diagnostic and therapeutic research.

The plasticity of epithelial cells and its potential in the induced differentiation of gastric cancer

Cell plasticity refers to the deviation of cells from normal terminal differentiation states when faced with environmental and genetic toxic stresses, resulting in the phenomenon of transforming into other cell or tissue phenotypes. Unlocking phenotype plasticity has been defined as a hallmark of malignant tumors. The stomach is one of the organs in the body with the highest degree of self-renewal and exhibits significant cell plasticity. In this paper, based on the review of the characteristics of normal differentiation of gastric epithelial cells and their markers, the four main phenotypes of gastric epithelial cell remodeling and their relationship with gastric cancer (GC) are drawn. Furthermore, we summarize the regulatory factors and mechanisms that affect gastric epithelial cell plasticity and outline the current status of research and future prospection for the treatment targeting gastric epithelial cell plasticity. This study has important theoretical reference value for the in-depth exploration of epithelial cell plasticity and the tumor heterogeneity caused by it, as well as for the precise treatment of GC.

Exploring the molecular underpinnings of macrosomia in gestational diabetes mellitus: The role of EGFR signaling and placental syncytiotrophoblast

Macrosomia, which is frequently associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), is linked to maternal glycemic control during gestation. When GDM is complicated by macrosomia (GDMM), the placenta exhibits increased mass, underscoring its role as a critical nexus for maternal-fetal nutrient exchange. Despite this recognized correlation, the underlying mechanisms propelling placental hypertrophy have remained elusive. Our study leveraged single-cell RNA transcriptome sequencing of GDMM placental tissues to pinpoint the specific syncytiotrophoblast (SCT) subsets that regulate placental dimensions. Notably, we observed pronounced upregulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its corresponding ligands, with a particular emphasis on the autoregulatory cascade involving the glycoprotein hormone alpha subunit (CGA), EGFR, and the transcription factor GATA binding protein 2 (GATA2), as well as perturbations in hormonal homeostasis within the SCT. Furthermore, our cell interaction analysis revealed an enhanced interplay between myeloid cells and SCT3, augmenting the EGFR signaling pathway. These molecular exchanges underscore the pivotal role of the placental immune microenvironment in the etiology of macrosomia, shedding light on the pathophysiology of GDMM and paving the way for novel therapeutic approaches.

Mechanism exploration and model construction for small cell transformation in EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinomas

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) transformation accounts for 3-14% of resistance in EGFR-TKI relapsed lung adenocarcinomas (LUADs), with unknown molecular mechanisms and optimal treatment strategies. We performed transcriptomic analyses (including bulk and spatial transcriptomics) and multiplex immunofluorescence on pre-treated samples from LUADs without transformation after EGFR-TKI treatment (LUAD-NT), primary SCLCs (SCLC-P) and LUADs with transformation after EGFR-TKI treatment (before transformation: LUAD-BT; after transformation: SCLC-AT). Our study found that LUAD-BT exhibited potential transcriptomic characteristics for transformation compared with LUAD-NT. We identified several pathways that shifted during transformation, and the transformation might be promoted by epigenetic alterations (such as HDAC10, HDAC1, DNMT3A) within the tumor cells instead of within the tumor microenvironment. For druggable pathways, transformed-SCLC were proved to be less dependent on EGF signaling but more relied on FGF signaling, while VEGF-VEGFR pathway remained active, indicating potential treatments after transformation. We also found transformed-SCLC showed an immuno-exhausted status which was associated with the duration of EGFR-TKI before transformation. Besides, SCLC-AT exhibited distinct molecular subtypes from SCLC-P. Moreover, we constructed an ideal 4-marker model based on transcriptomic and IHC data to predict SCLC transformation, which obtained a sensitivity of 100% and 87.5%, a specificity of 95.7% and 100% in the training and test cohorts, respectively. We provided insights into the molecular mechanisms of SCLC transformation and the differences between SCLC-AT and SCLC-P, which might shed light on prevention strategies and subsequent therapeutic strategies for SCLC transformation in the future.

miR-107 reverses the multidrug resistance of gastric cancer by targeting the CGA/EGFR/GATA2 positive feedback circuit

Chemotherapy is still the main therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer (GC). However, most patients eventually acquire multidrug resistance (MDR). Hyperactivation of the EGFR signaling pathway contributes to MDR by promoting cancer cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis. We previously identified the secreted protein CGA as a novel ligand of EGFR and revealed a CGA/EGFR/GATA2 positive feedback circuit that confers MDR in GC. Herein, we outline a microRNA-based treatment approach for MDR reversal that targets both CGA and GATA2. We observed increased expression of CGA and GATA2 and increased activation of EGFR in GC samples. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that miR-107 could simultaneously target CGA and GATA2, and the low expression of miR-107 was correlated with poor prognosis in GC patients. The direct interactions between miR-107 and CGA or GATA2 were validated by luciferase reporter assays and Western blot analysis. Overexpression of miR-107 in MDR GC cells increased their susceptibility to chemotherapeutic agents, including fluorouracil, adriamycin, and vincristine, in vitro. Notably, intratumor injection of the miR-107 prodrug enhanced MDR xenograft sensitivity to chemotherapies in vivo. Molecularly, targeting CGA and GATA2 with miR-107 inhibited EGFR downstream signaling, as evidenced by the reduced phosphorylation of ERK and AKT. These results suggest that miR-107 may contribute to the development of a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of MDR in GC.

Amplifying colorectal cancer progression: impact of a PDIA4/SP1 positive feedback loop by circPDIA4 sponging miR-9-5p

OBJECTIVE

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignant tumor with a high fatality rate. CircPDIA4 has been shown to have a vital role in cancer development by acting as a facilitator. Nevertheless, the impact of the circPDIA4/miR-9-5p/SP1 axis on development of CRC has not been studied.

METHODS

Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays were used to analyze gene expression. The CCK-8 assay was used to assess cell growth. The Transwell assay was used to detect invasion and migration of cells. The luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation tests were used to determine if miR-9-5p and circPDIA4 (or SP1) bind to one another. An in vivo assay was used to measure tumor growth.

RESULTS

It was shown that circPDIA4 expression was greater in CRC cell lines and tissues than healthy cell lines and tissues. CircPDIA4 knockdown prevented the invasion, migration, and proliferation of cells in CRC. Additionally, the combination of circPDIA4 and miR-9-5p was confirmed, as well as miR-9-5p binding to SP1. Rescue experiments also showed that the circPDIA4/miR-9-5p/SP1 axis accelerated the development of CRC. In addition, SP1 combined with the promoter region of circPDIA4 and induced circPDIA4 transcription. CircPDIA4 was shown to facilitate tumor growth in an in vivo assay.

CONCLUSIONS

The circPDIA4/miR-9-5p/SP1 feedback loop was shown to aggravate CRC progression. This finding suggests that the ceRNA axis may be a promising biomarker for CRC patient treatment.

Notch signaling pathway in cancer: from mechanistic insights to targeted therapies

Notch signaling, renowned for its role in regulating cell fate, organ development, and tissue homeostasis across metazoans, is highly conserved throughout evolution. The Notch receptor and its ligands are transmembrane proteins containing epidermal growth factor-like repeat sequences, typically necessitating receptor-ligand interaction to initiate classical Notch signaling transduction. Accumulating evidence indicates that the Notch signaling pathway serves as both an oncogenic factor and a tumor suppressor in various cancer types. Dysregulation of this pathway promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis in malignancies, closely linked to cancer proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Furthermore, the Notch signaling pathway contributes to maintaining stem-like properties in cancer cells, thereby enhancing cancer invasiveness. The regulatory role of the Notch signaling pathway in cancer metabolic reprogramming and the tumor microenvironment suggests its pivotal involvement in balancing oncogenic and tumor suppressive effects. Moreover, the Notch signaling pathway is implicated in conferring chemoresistance to tumor cells. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of these biological processes is crucial for developing innovative therapeutic strategies targeting Notch signaling. This review focuses on the research progress of the Notch signaling pathway in cancers, providing in-depth insights into the potential mechanisms of Notch signaling regulation in the occurrence and progression of cancer. Additionally, the review summarizes pharmaceutical clinical trials targeting Notch signaling for cancer therapy, aiming to offer new insights into therapeutic strategies for human malignancies.

An emerging role of N-glycosylation in cancer chemoresistance

Chemoresistance poses a significant obstacle in the effective treatment of cancer, limiting the success of chemotherapy regimens. N-glycosylation, the most important post-translational modification (PTM), plays multifaceted roles in the intricate landscape of cancer progression, particularly drug resistance in cancer cells. This review explores the complex relationship between N-glycosylation and chemoresistance in cancer. Altered glycosylation patterns have been proven to impact drug efflux mechanisms in cancer cells, which can further influence the intracellular concentration of chemotherapy drugs. Moreover, N-glycosylation also plays a regulatory role in cell signaling pathways and apoptosis regulators, continuously affecting the stemness and survival of cancer cells under the selective pressure of chemotherapy. Additionally, the impact of the tumor microenvironment on glycosylation patterns adds complexity to this interplay. This review discusses current research findings, challenges, and future directions based on the roles of N-glycosylation in cancer chemoresistance, emphasizing the potential for targeted therapeutic interventions to enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and improve patient outcomes.

Cancer SLC6A6-mediated taurine uptake transactivates immune checkpoint genes and induces exhaustion in CD8+ T cells

Taurine is used to bolster immunity, but its effects on antitumor immunity are unclear. Here, we report that cancer-related taurine consumption causes T cell exhaustion and tumor progression. The taurine transporter SLC6A6 is correlated with aggressiveness and poor outcomes in multiple cancers. SLC6A6-mediated taurine uptake promotes the malignant behaviors of tumor cells but also increases the survival and effector function of CD8+ T cells. Tumor cells outcompete CD8+ T cells for taurine by overexpressing SLC6A6, which induces T cell death and malfunction, thereby fueling tumor progression. Mechanistically, taurine deficiency in CD8+ T cells increases ER stress, promoting ATF4 transcription in a PERK-JAK1-STAT3 signaling-dependent manner. Increased ATF4 transactivates multiple immune checkpoint genes and induces T cell exhaustion. In gastric cancer, we identify a chemotherapy-induced SP1-SLC6A6 regulatory axis. Our findings suggest that tumoral-SLC6A6-mediated taurine deficiency promotes immune evasion and that taurine supplementation reinvigorates exhausted CD8+ T cells and increases the efficacy of cancer therapies.

Circular RNA CircSLC22A23 Promotes Gastric Cancer Progression by Activating HNRNPU Expression

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (CircRNAs) play essential roles in cancer occurrence as regulatory RNAs. However, circRNA-mediated regulation of gastric cancer (GC) remains poorly understood.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of circSLC22A23 (hsa_circ_0075504) underlying GC occurrence.

METHODS

CircSLC22A23 levels were first quantified by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in GC cell lines, 80 paired GC tissues and adjacent normal tissues, and 27 pairs of plasma samples from preoperative and postoperative patients with GC. Then circSLC22A23 was knocked-down with short hairpin RNA to analyze its oncogenic effects on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells. Finally, circRNA-binding proteins and their downstream target genes were identified by RNA pulldown, mass spectrometry, RNA immunoprecipitation, quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot assays.

RESULTS

CircSLC22A23 was found to be highly expressed in GC cells, GC tissues, and plasma from GC patients. Knockdown of circSLC22A23 inhibited GC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. RNA pulldown and RNA immunoprecipitation assays verified the interaction between circSLC22A23 and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein U (HNRNPU). Knockdown of circSLC22A23 decreased HNRNPU protein levels. Moreover, rescue assays showed that the tumor suppressive effect of circSLC22A23 knockdown was reversed by HNRNPU overexpression. Finally, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was found to be one of the downstream target genes of HNRNPU that was up regulated by circSLC22A23.

CONCLUSION

CircSLC22A23 regulated the transcription of EGFR through activation of HNRNPU in GC cells, suggesting that circSLC22A23 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of GC.

[Screening of differentially expressed genes in gastric cancer based on GEO database and function and pathway enrichment analysis]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the core genes related to the diagnosis and prognosis of gastric cancer (GC) based on Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and screen the molecular targets involved in the occurrence and development of GC.

METHODS

GC microarray data GSE118916, GSE54129 and GSE79973 were downloaded from GEO database, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened. Enrichment analysis of the signaling pathways and molecular functions were preformed and protein-protein interaction networks (PPI) were constructed to identify the hub genes, whose expression levels and diagnostic and prognostic values were verifies based on gastric adenocarcinoma data from TCGA. The expression levels of these core genes were also detected in different GC cell lines using qRT- PCR.

RESULTS

Seventy-seven DEGs were identified, which encodes proteins located mainly in the extracellular matrix and basement membrane with activities of oxidoreductase and extracellular matrix receptor and ligand, involving the biological processes of digestion and hormone metabolism and the signaling pathways in retinol metabolism and gastric acid secretion. Nine hub genes were obtained, among which SPARC, TIMP1, THBS2, COL6A3 and THY1 were significantly up- regulated and TFF1, GKN1, TFF2 and PGC were significantly down-regulated in GC. The abnormal expressions of SPARC, TIMP1, THBS2, COL6A3, TFF2 and THY1 were significantly correlated with the survival time of GC patients. ROC curve analysis showed that aberrant expression of TIMP1 SPARC, THY1 and THBS2 had high diagnostic value for GC. High expressions of SPARC, TIMP1, THBS2 and COL6A3 were detected in GC tissues. In the GC cell lines, qRT- PCR revealed different expression patterns of these hub genes, but their expressions were largely consistent with those found in bioinformatics analyses.

CONCLUSION

SPARC, TIMP1, THBS2 and other DEGs are probably involved in GC occurrence and progression and may serve as potential candidate molecular markers for early diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of GC.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Distinct Patterns Between the Invasive and Noninvasive Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors

Although most pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs)/pituitary adenomas remain intrasellar, a significant proportion of tumors show parasellar invasive growth and 6% to 8% infiltrate the bone structures, thus affecting the prognosis. There is an unmet need to identify novel markers that can predict the parasellar growth of PitNETs. Furthermore, mechanisms that regulate bone invasiveness of PitNETs and factors related to tumor vascularization are largely unknown. We used genome-wide mRNA analysis in a cohort of 77 patients with PitNETs of different types to explore the differences in gene expression patterns between invasive and noninvasive tumors with respect to the parasellar growth and regarding the rare phenomenon of bone invasiveness. Additionally, we studied the genes correlated to the contrast enhancement quotient, a novel radiological parameter of tumor vascularization. Most of the genes differentially expressed related to the parasellar growth were genes involved in tumor invasiveness. Differentially expressed genes associated with bone invasiveness are involved in NF-κB pathway and antitumoral immune response. Lack of clear clustering regarding the parasellar and bone invasiveness may be explained by the influence of the cell lineage-related genes in this heterogeneous cohort of PitNETs. Our transcriptomics analysis revealed differences in the molecular fingerprints between invasive, including bone invasive, and noninvasive PitNETs, although without clear clustering. The contrast enhancement quotient emerged as a radiological parameter of tumor vascularization, correlating with several angiogenesis-related genes. Several of the top genes related to the PitNET invasiveness and vascularization have potential prognostic and therapeutic application requiring further research.

The emerging role of noncoding RNAs in the EGFR signaling pathway in lung cancer

Noncoding ribonucleic acids (ncRNAs) have surfaced as essential orchestrators within the intricate system of neoplastic biology. Specifically, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling cascade shows a central role in the etiological underpinnings of pulmonary carcinoma. Pulmonary malignancy persists as a preeminent contributor to worldwide mortality attributable to malignant neoplasms, with non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) emerging as the most predominant histopathological subcategory. EGFR is a key driver of NSCLC, and its dysregulation is frequently associated with tumorigenesis, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. Over the past decade, researchers have unveiled a complex network of ncRNAs, encompassing microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and circular RNAs, which intricately regulate EGFR signalling. MicroRNAs, as versatile post-transcriptional regulators, have been shown to target various components of the EGFR pathway, influencing cancer cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Additionally, ncRNAs have emerged as critical modulators of EGFR signalling, with their potential to act as scaffolds, decoys, or guides for EGFR-related proteins. Circular RNAs, a relatively recent addition to the ncRNA family, have also been implicated in EGFR signalling regulation. The clinical implications of ncRNAs in EGFR-driven lung cancer are substantial. These molecules exhibit diagnostic potential as robust biomarkers for early cancer detection and personalized treatment. Furthermore, their predictive value extends to predicting disease progression and therapeutic outcomes. Targeting ncRNAs in the EGFR pathway represents a novel therapeutic approach with promising results in preclinical and early clinical studies. This review explores the increasing evidence supporting the significant role of ncRNAs in modulating EGFR signalling in lung cancer, shedding light on their potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications.

ATRX is a predictive marker for endocrinotherapy and chemotherapy resistance in HER2-/HR+ breast cancer through the regulation of the AR, GLI3 and GATA2 transcriptional network

Drug resistance in breast cancer (BC) is a clinical challenge. Exploring the mechanism and identifying a precise predictive biomarker for the drug resistance in BC is critical. Three first-line drug (paclitaxel, doxorubicin and tamoxifen) resistance datasets in BC from GEO were merged to obtain 1,461 differentially expressed genes for weighted correlation network analysis, resulting in identifying ATRX as the hub gene. ATRX is a chromatin remodelling protein, therefore, ATRX-associated transcription factors were explored, thereby identifying the network of AR, GLI3 and GATA2. GO and KEGG analyses revealed immunity, transcriptional regulation and endocrinotherapy/chemotherapy resistance were enriched. Moreover, CIBERSORT revealed immunity regulation was inhibited in the resistance group. ssGSEA showed a significantly lower immune status in the ATRX-Low group compared to the ATRX-High group. Furthermore, the peaks of H3K9me3 ChIP-seq on the four genes were higher in normal tissues than in BC tissues. Notably, the frequency of ATRX mutation was higher than BRCA in BC. Moreover, depressed ATRX revealed worse overall survival and disease-free survival in the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-/hormone receptor (HR)+ BC. Additionally, depressed ATRX predicted poor results for patients who underwent endocrinotherapy or chemotherapy in the HER2-/HR+ BC subgroup. A nomogram based on ATRX, TILs and ER exhibited a significantly accurate survival prediction ability. Importantly, overexpression of ATRX significantly inhibited the IC50 of the three first-line drugs on MCF-7 cell. Thus, ATRX is an efficient predictive biomarker for endocrinotherapy and chemotherapy resistance in HER2-/HR+ BC and acts by suppressing the AR, GLI3 and GATA2 transcriptional network.

A state-of-art of underlying molecular mechanisms and pharmacological interventions/nanotherapeutics for cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer

The fourth common reason of death among patients is gastric cancer (GC) and it is a dominant tumor type in Ease Asia. One of the problems in GC therapy is chemoresistance. Cisplatin (CP) is a platinum compound that causes DNA damage in reducing tumor progression and viability of cancer cells. However, due to hyperactivation of drug efflux pumps, dysregulation of genes and interactions in tumor microenvironment, tumor cells can develop resistance to CP chemotherapy. The current review focuses on the CP resistance emergence in GC cells with emphasizing on molecular pathways, pharmacological compounds for reversing chemoresistance and the role of nanostructures. Changes in cell death mechanisms such as upregulation of pro-survival autophagy can prevent CP-mediated apoptosis that results in drug resistance. Moreover, increase in metastasis via EMT induction induces CP resistance. Dysregulation of molecular pathways such as PTEN, PI3K/Akt, Nrf2 and others result in changes in CP response of GC cells. Non-coding RNAs determine CP response of GC cells and application of pharmacological compounds with activity distinct of CP can result in sensitivity in tumor cells. Due to efficacy of exosomes in transferring bioactive molecules such as RNA and DNA molecules among GC cells, exosomes can also result in CP resistance. One of the newest progresses in overcoming CP resistance in GC is application of nanoplatforms for delivery of CP in GC therapy that they can increase accumulation of CP at tumor site and by suppressing carcinogenic factors and overcoming biological barriers, they increase CP toxicity on cancer cells.

Upregulation of LINC00501 by H3K27 acetylation facilitates gastric cancer metastasis through activating epithelial-mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis

BACKGROUND

The molecular mechanism of the significant role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the progression and metastasis of gastric cancer (GC) remains largely elusive. Our objective is to detect overexpressed lncRNA in GC and investigate its role in promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumour microenvironment remodel.

METHODS

LncRNA differential expression profile in GC was analysed using RNA microarrays. The level of LINC00501 was evaluated in both GC patient tissues and GC cell lines by quantitative reverse transcription PCR and large-scale (n = 304) tissue microarray. To explore the biological role and regulatory driver of LINC00501 in GC, various experimental techniques including Chromatin isolation by RNA purification (ChIRP), RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, dual luciferase assays were performed.

RESULTS

Clinically, it was observed that LINC00501 level was abnormal overexpression in GC tissue and was associated with GC progression and distant metastasis. Gain and loss molecular biological experiments suggested that LINC00501, promoted EMT process and angiogenesis of GC. Mechanically, the enrichment of H3K27 acetylation in LINC00501 promoter region contributed to the increase of LINC00501 in GC. LINC00501 transactivated transcription of SLUG, by recruiting hnRNPR to its promoter. The growth of GC was inhibited both in vitro and in vivo by suppressing the level of LINC00501 using pharmacological intervention from the histone acetyltransferase (HAT) inhibitor -C646.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that LINC00501 promotes GC progression via hnRNPR/SLUG pathway, which indicates a promising biomarker and target for GC.

Role of the pioneer transcription factor GATA2 in health and disease

The transcription factor GATA2 is involved in human diseases ranging from hematopoietic disorders, to cancer, to infectious diseases. GATA2 is one of six GATA-family transcription factors that act as pioneering transcription factors which facilitate the opening of heterochromatin and the subsequent binding of other transcription factors to induce gene expression from previously inaccessible regions of the genome. Although GATA2 is essential for hematopoiesis and lymphangiogenesis, it is also expressed in other tissues such as the lung, prostate gland, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, placenta, fetal liver, and fetal heart. Gene or transcriptional abnormalities of GATA2 causes or predisposes patients to several diseases including the hematological cancers acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the primary immunodeficiency MonoMAC syndrome, and to cancers of the lung, prostate, uterus, kidney, breast, gastric tract, and ovaries. Recent data has also linked GATA2 expression and mutations to responses to infectious diseases including SARS-CoV-2 and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, and to inflammatory disorders such as atherosclerosis. In this article we review the role of GATA2 in the etiology and progression of these various diseases.

A novel recombinant ORF7-siRNA delivered by flexible nano-liposomes inhibits varicella zoster virus infection

BACKGROUND

Varicella zoster virus (VZV), which is a human restricted alpha-herpesvirus, causes varicella (chickenpox) and zoster (shingles). The subsequent post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) due to VZV infection is excruciating for most patients. Thus, developing specific therapeutics against VZV infection is imperative. RNA interference (RNAi) represents an effective approach for alternative antiviral therapy. This study aimed to develop a novel anti-VZV therapeutics based on RNAi.

RESULTS

In this study, we screened and found the open reading frame 7 (ORF7) of the VZV genome was an ideal antiviral target based on RNAi. Therefore, a novel siRNA targeting ORF7 (si-ORF7) was designed to explore the potential of RNAi antiviral treatment strategy toward VZV. We used a bio-engineering approach to manufacture recombinant siRNA agents with high yield in E. coli. Then, the efficacy of recombinant ORF7-siRNA (r/si-ORF7) in inhibiting VZV infection both in cellular level and 3D human epidermal skin model was evaluated. The r/si-ORF7 was proved to inhibit the VZV replication and reduce the virus copy numbers significantly in vitro. Furthermore, flexible nano-liposomes were established to deliver r/si-ORF7 to 3D human epidermal skin model and found r/si-ORF7 also could inhibit the VZV infection, thus maintaining normal skin morphology.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our results highlighted that transdermal administration of antiviral r/si-ORF7 was a promising therapeutic strategy for functional cure of VZV infection.

miR-708-3p promotes gastric cancer progression through downregulating ETNK1

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, evolutionarily conserved, non-coding RNAs playing a role in the proliferation, metastasis, apoptosis, chemo-sensitivity, and chemo-resistance of gastric cancer, as well as the stemness of gastric cancer stem cells. miR-708-3p induces gastric cancer cell chemo-resistance, but its actual role in gastric cancer progression remains unclear. This paper shows that miR-708-3p is upregulated in gastric cancer samples and that a high miR-708-3p expression in gastric cancer patients is associated with poor overall survival. Our functional study results indicate that miR-708-3p overexpression promotes gastric cancer cell proliferation and migration, inhibits cell apoptosis, and facilitates the transition from the G0/G1 to the G2/M phase. Furthermore, reducing miR-708-3p levels yielded opposite effects. Next, our in vivo experiments revealed that miR-708-3p advanced gastric cancer cell growth in nude mice. The underlying mechanism was the regulation of ethanolamine kinase 1 (ETNK1) expression by miR-708-3p, which bound to the 3'UTR of the ETNK1 gene in gastric cancer cells. Finally, the recovery assay results showed that ETNK1 overexpression could slow miR-708-3p-induced gastric cancer progression. In conclusion, we identified a new miR-708-3p/ETNK1 pathway involved in gastric cancer progression. These results may offer new targets for gastric cancer therapy and markers for gastric cancer prognosis.

INHA acts as a novel and potential biomarker in lung adenocarcinoma and shapes the immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment

BACKGROUND

INHA expression has been correlated with the development, growth, and progression of multiple cancer types. However, the biological role of INHA has not been investigated in patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Here, we performed a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of the LUAD dataset to determine the mechanisms underlying the regulation of tumorigenesis by INHA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

INHA expression and clinical information of patients with LUAD were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Protein levels in LUAD cell lines and human lung epithelial cells were examined by western blotting. Next, the prognostic value of INHA in LUAD was assessed using Cox regression analysis, while the potential biological functions and the impact on the immune microenvironment of INHA were investigated using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and single sample GSEA (ssGSEA). Finally, the effect of INHA on LUAD cell proliferation and invasion was determined in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

We found significantly high mRNA and protein expression levels of INHA in LUAD tissues and cell lines. Additionally, a higher expression of INHA was linked to a shorter overall survival (OS) and a worse pathological stage, while INHA expression was associated with immune cell infiltration and immune-related markers in the LUAD tumor microenvironment. LUAD with high INHA expression tends to be a cold tumor. Furthermore, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that INHA-related genes were enriched in the cell adhesion and immune signaling pathways of LUAD. INHA promoted LUAD cell proliferation and invasion, in vitro and in vivo, by inducing the EGFR pathway.

CONCLUSION

Our findings revealed that INHA is overexpressed in LUAD and is linked to a poor prognosis. Our study demonstrates the potential of INHA as an immunotherapeutic and predictive biomarker in LUAD.

The Double Face of miR-708: A Pan-Cancer Player with Dissociative Identity Disorder

Over the last decades, accumulating evidence has shown tumor-dependent profiles of miR-708, being either up- or downregulated, and thus, acting as a "Janus" regulator of oncogenic pathways. Herein, its functional duality was assessed through a thorough review of the literature and further validation in silico using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. In the literature, miR-708 was found with an oncogenic role in eight tumor types, while a suppressor tumor role was described in seven cancers. This double profile was also found in TCGA and GEO databases, with some tumor types having a high expression of miR-708 and others with low expression compared with non-tumor counterparts. The investigation of validated targets using miRBase, miRTarBase, and miRecords platforms, identified a total of 572 genes that appeared enriched for PI3K-Akt signaling, followed by cell cycle control, p53, Apellin and Hippo signaling, endocrine resistance, focal adhesion, and cell senescence regulations, which are all recognized contributors of tumoral phenotypes. Among these targets, a set of 15 genes shared by at least two platforms was identified, most of which have important roles in cancer cells that influence either tumor suppression or progression. In a clinical scenario, miR-708 has shown to be a good diagnostic and prognosis marker. However, its multitarget nature and opposing roles in diverse human tumors, aligned with insufficient experimental data and the lack of proper delivery strategies, hamper its potential as a sequence-directed therapeutic.

Eriodictyol Suppresses Gastric Cancer Cells via Inhibition of PI3K/AKT Pathway

Gastric cancer (GC) is among the five most common malignancies worldwide. Traditional chemotherapy cannot efficiently treat the disease and faces the problems of side effects and chemoresistance. Polygoni orientalis Fructus (POF), with flavonoids as the main bioactive compounds, exerts anti-cancer potential. In this study, we compared the anti-GC effects of the main flavonoids from POF and investigated the anti-cancer effects of eriodictyol towards GC both in vitro and in vivo. CCK-8 assays were performed to examine the inhibitory effects of common flavonoids from POF on GC cell viability. Colony formation assays were used to determine cell proliferation after eriodictyol treatment. Cell cycle distribution was analyzed using flow cytometry. Induction of apoptosis was assessed with Annexin V/PI staining and measurement of related proteins. Anti-cancer effects in vivo were investigated using a xenograft mouse model. Potential targets of eriodictyol were clarified by network pharmacological analysis, evaluated by molecular docking, and validated with Western blotting. We found that eriodictyol exhibited the most effective inhibitory effect on cell viability of GC cells among the common flavonoids from POF including quercetin, taxifolin, and kaempferol. Eriodictyol suppressed colony formation of GC cells and induced cell apoptosis. The inhibitory effects of eriodictyol on tumor growth were also validated using a xenograft mouse model. Moreover, no obvious toxicity was identified with eriodictyol treatment. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that PI3K/AKT signaling ranked first among the anti-GC targets. The molecular docking model of eriodictyol and PI3K was constructed, and the binding energy was evaluated. Furthermore, efficient inhibition of phosphorylation and activation of PI3K/AKT by eriodictyol was validated in GC cells. Taken together, our results identify eriodictyol as the most effective anti-GC flavonoids from POF and the potential targets of eriodictyol in GC. These findings suggest that eriodictyol has the potential to be a natural source of anti-GC agents.

CDH17 nanobodies facilitate rapid imaging of gastric cancer and efficient delivery of immunotoxin

BACKGROUND

It is highly desirable to develop new therapeutic strategies for gastric cancer given the low survival rate despite improvement in the past decades. Cadherin 17 (CDH17) is a membrane protein highly expressed in cancers of digestive system. Nanobody represents a novel antibody format for cancer targeted imaging and drug delivery. Nanobody targeting CHD17 as an imaging probe and a delivery vehicle of toxin remains to be explored for its theragnostic potential in gastric cancer.

METHODS

Naïve nanobody phage library was screened against CDH17 Domain 1-3 and identified nanobodies were extensively characterized with various assays. Nanobodies labeled with imaging probe were tested in vitro and in vivo for gastric cancer detection. A CDH17 Nanobody fused with toxin PE38 was evaluated for gastric cancer inhibition in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

Two nanobodies (A1 and E8) against human CDH17 with high affinity and high specificity were successfully obtained. These nanobodies could specifically bind to CDH17 protein and CDH17-positive gastric cancer cells. E8 nanobody as a lead was extensively determined for tumor imaging and drug delivery. It could efficiently co-localize with CDH17-positive gastric cancer cells in zebrafish embryos and rapidly visualize the tumor mass in mice within 3 h when conjugated with imaging dyes. E8 nanobody fused with toxin PE38 showed excellent anti-tumor effect and remarkably improved the mice survival in cell-derived (CDX) and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. The immunotoxin also enhanced the anti-tumor effect of clinical drug 5-Fluorouracil.

CONCLUSIONS

The study presents a novel imaging and drug delivery strategy by targeting CDH17. CDH17 nanobody-based immunotoxin is potentially a promising therapeutic modality for clinical translation against gastric cancer.