MiR-495 Inhibits Cisplatin Resistance and Angiogenesis in Esophageal Cancer by Targeting ATP7A

Pristimerin exhibits anti-cancer activity by inducing ER stress and AKT/GSK3β pathway through increasing intracellular ROS production in human esophageal cancer cells

Pristimerin (Pris), a bioactive triterpenoid compound extracted from the Celastraceae and Hippocrateaceae families, has been reported to exhibit an anti-cancer property on various cancers. However, the effects of Pris on esophageal cancer are poorly investigated. This current study sought to explore the activity and underlying mechanism of Pris against human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells. We demonstrated that Pris showed cytotoxicity in TE-1 and TE-10 ESCC cell lines, and significantly inhibited cell viability in a concentration dependent manner. Pris induced G0/G1 phase arrest and triggered apoptosis. It was also observed that the intracellular ROS level was remarkedly increased by Pris treatment. Besides, the function of Pris mediating the activation of ER stress and the inhibition of AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway in TE-1 and TE-10 cells was further confirmed, which resulted in cell growth inhibition. And moreover, we revealed that all of the above pathways were regulated through ROS generation. In conclusion, our findings suggested that Pris might be considered as a novel natural compound for the developing anti-cancer drug candidate for human esophageal cancer.

Capsaicin reverses cisplatin resistance in tongue squamous cell carcinoma by inhibiting the Warburg effect and facilitating mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis via the AMPK/AKT/mTOR axis

Cisplatin is commonly used for the chemotherapy of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC); however, adverse side effects and drug resistance impact its therapeutic efficacy. Capsaicin is an active ingredient in chili peppers that exerts antitumor effects, whether it exerts antitumor effects on cisplatin-resistant cells remains unknown. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of capsaicin on cisplatin resistance in TSCC cells and explored the underlying mechanisms. A cisplatin-resistant TSCC cell line was established by treated with increasing cisplatin concentrations. Combined treatment with cisplatin and capsaicin decreased the glucose consumption and lactate dehydrogenase activity and increased the adenosine triphosphate production both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting the inhibition of the Warburg effect. Moreover, this combined treatment induced cell apoptosis and significantly upregulated the levels of proapoptotic proteins, such as Bax, cleaved caspase-3, -7, and -9, and apoptosis-inducing factor. In contrast, levels of the antiapoptotic protein, Bcl-2, were downregulated. Additionally, LKB1 and AMPK activities were stimulated, whereas those of AKT and mTOR were suppressed. Notably, AMPK knockdown abolished the inhibitory effects of capsaicin and cisplatin on the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and Warburg effect. Overall, combined treatment with capsaicin and cisplatin reversed cisplatin resistance by inhibiting the Warburg effect and facilitating mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis via the AMPK/AKT/mTOR axis. Our findings suggest combination therapy with capsaicin and cisplatin as a potentially novel strategy and highlight capsaicin as a promising adjuvant drug for TSCC treatment.

Copper in colorectal cancer: From copper-related mechanisms to clinical cancer therapies

Copper, a trace element and vital cofactor, plays a crucial role in the maintenance of biological functions. Recent evidence has established significant correlations between copper levels, cancer development and metastasis. The strong redox-active properties of copper offer both benefits and disadvantages to cancer cells. The intestinal tract, which is primarily responsible for copper uptake and regulation, may suffer from an imbalance in copper homeostasis. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most prevalent primary cancer of the intestinal tract and is an aggressive malignant disease with limited therapeutic options. Current research is primarily focused on the relationship between copper and CRC. Innovative concepts, such as cuproplasia and cuproptosis, are being explored to understand copper-related cellular proliferation and death. Cuproplasia is the regulation of cell proliferation that is mediated by both enzymatic and nonenzymatic copper-modulated activities. Whereas, cuproptosis refers to cell death induced by excess copper via promoting the abnormal oligomerisation of lipoylated proteins within the tricarboxylic acid cycle, as well as by diminishing the levels of iron-sulphur cluster proteins. A comprehensive understanding of copper-related cellular proliferation and death mechanisms offers new avenues for CRC treatment. In this review, we summarise the evolving molecular mechanisms, ranging from abnormal intracellular copper concentrations to the copper-related proteins that are being discovered, and discuss the role of copper in the pathogenesis, progression and potential therapies for CRC. Understanding the relationship between copper and CRC will help provide a comprehensive theoretical foundation for innovative treatment strategies in CRC management.

Paris saponin VII reverses resistance to PARP inhibitors by regulating ovarian cancer tumor angiogenesis and glycolysis through the RORα/ECM1/VEGFR2 signaling axis

The emergence of Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) has marked the beginning of a precise targeted therapy era for ovarian cancer. However, an increasing number of patients are experiencing primary or acquired resistance to PARPi, severely limiting its clinical application. Deciphering the underlying mechanisms of PARPi resistance and discovering new therapeutic targets is an urgent and critical issue to address. In this study, we observed a close correlation between glycolysis, tumor angiogenesis, and PARPi resistance in ovarian cancer. Furthermore, we discovered that the natural compound Paris saponin VII (PS VII) partially reversed PARPi resistance in ovarian cancer and demonstrated synergistic therapeutic effects when combined with PARPi. Additionally, we found that PS VII potentially hindered glycolysis and angiogenesis in PARPi-resistant ovarian cancer cells by binding and stabilizing the expression of RORα, thus further inhibiting ECM1 and interfering with the VEGFR2/FAK/AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway. Our research provides new targeted treatment for clinical ovarian cancer therapy and brings new hope to patients with PARPi-resistant ovarian cancer, effectively expanding the application of PARPi in clinical treatment.

Role of microRNA-4739 in enhancing cisplatin chemosensitivity by negative regulation of RHBDD2 in human cervical cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Cisplatin (DDP) is a widely used chemotherapy drug for advanced cervical cancer (CC), but resistance poses a significant challenge. While miR-4739 has been implicated in tumor development, its specific role in regulating DDP resistance in CC remains unclear.

METHODS

We analyzed the expression levels of miR-4739 and RHBDD2 in DDP-resistant and DDP-sensitive CC tissues using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and assessed their correlation through Spearman's correlation analysis. DDP-resistant CC cell lines (HeLa/DDP and SiHa/DDP) were established by gradually increasing DDP concentrations, followed by transfection with miR-4739 mimics, si-RHBDD2, or a RHBDD2 overexpression vector. A series of functional assays, including CCK-8 assay, colony formation, flow cytometry, and transwell assay were performed. The interaction between miR-4739 and RHBDD2 was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. We examined the protein levels of RHBDD2, P-gP, MRP1, cleaved caspase-3, and E-cadherin through western blot analysis. Moreover, we generated xenograft tumors by injecting stably transfected HeLa/DDP cells into mice to compare their tumorigenesis capacity.

RESULTS

We observed downregulation of miR-4739 and upregulation of RHBDD2 in DDP-resistant CC tissues and cell lines. MiR-4739 was shown to directly bind to RHBDD2 gene sequences to repress RHBDD2 expression in HeLa/DDP and SiHa/DDP cells. Our in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that overexpressing miR-4739 overcame DDP resistance in CC cells by targeting RHBDD2. Furthermore, RHBDD2 overexpression reversed the effects of miR-4739 mimics on drug-resistance-related proteins (P-gP and MRP1) and the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and E-cadherin in HeLa/DDP cells.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, our study revealed that miR-4739 can reverse DDP resistance by modulating RHBDD2 in CC cells.

Regulation of Angiogenesis by Non-Coding RNAs in Cancer

Non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, have been identified as crucial regulators of various biological processes through epigenetic regulation, transcriptional regulation, and post-transcriptional regulation. Growing evidence suggests that dysregulation and activation of non-coding RNAs are closely associated with tumor angiogenesis, a process essential for tumor growth and metastasis and a major contributor to cancer-related mortality. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor angiogenesis is of utmost importance. Numerous studies have documented the involvement of different types of non-coding RNAs in the regulation of angiogenesis. This review provides an overview of how non-coding RNAs regulate tumor angiogenesis. Additionally, we discuss emerging strategies that exploit non-coding RNAs for anti-angiogenic therapy in cancer treatment. Ultimately, this review underscores the crucial role played by non-coding RNAs in tumor angiogenesis and highlights their potential as therapeutic targets for anti-angiogenic interventions against cancer.

TAPI-1 Exhibits Anti-tumor Efficacy in Human Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells via Suppression of NF-κB Signaling Pathway

BACKGROUND

TNF-α processing inhibitor-1 (TAPI-1) is a known metalloproteinase inhibitor with potential anti-inflammatory effects. However, its anti-cancer effects on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have not been uncovered.

AIM

In the present study, the effects of TAPI-1 on ESCC cell viability, migration, invasion, and cisplatin resistance and the underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated in TE-1 and Eca109 cells.

METHODS

To this end, TE-1 and Eca109 cells were exposed to TAPI-1 for indicated time intervals. Cell viability was assessed using cell counting kit-8 assay and apoptosis was evaluated using flow cytometry assay. Migration and invasion were assessed using Transwell assays. Gene expressions were analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The activation of NF-κB signaling pathway was elucidated via Western blot and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay.

RESULTS

We observed that higher doses (10, 20 μM) of TAPI-1 inhibited ESCC cell viability, while a lower dose (5 μM) of TAPI-1 inhibited ESCC cell migration and invasion and enhanced the chemosensitivity of ESCC cells to cisplatin. Moreover, TAPI-1 suppressed the activation of NF-κB signaling and the target genes expression in the stage of transcription initiation. Furthermore, blocking NF-κB signaling in advance could abolish all the effects of TAPI-1 on ESCC cells.

CONCLUSION

Overall, these results indicated that TAPI-1 impairs ESCC cell viability, migration, and invasion and facilitates cisplatin-induced apoptosis via suppression of NF-κB signaling pathway. TAPI-1 may serve as a potential adjuvant agent with cisplatin for ESCC therapy.

Targeting epigenetic deregulations for the management of esophageal carcinoma: recent advances and emerging approaches

Ranking from seventh in incidence to sixth in mortality, esophageal carcinoma is considered a severe malignancy of food pipe. Later-stage diagnosis, drug resistance, and a high mortality rate contribute to its lethality. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and esophageal adenocarcinoma are the two main histological subtypes of esophageal carcinoma, with squamous cell carcinoma alone accounting for more than eighty percent of its cases. While genetic anomalies are well known in esophageal cancer, accountability of epigenetic deregulations is also being explored for the recent two decades. DNA methylation, histone modifications, and functional non-coding RNAs are the crucial epigenetic players involved in the modulation of different malignancies, including esophageal carcinoma. Targeting these epigenetic aberrations will provide new insights into the development of biomarker tools for risk stratification, early diagnosis, and effective therapeutic intervention. This review discusses different epigenetic alterations, emphasizing the most significant developments in esophageal cancer epigenetics and their potential implication for the detection, prognosis, and treatment of esophageal carcinoma. Further, the preclinical and clinical status of various epigenetic drugs has also been reviewed.

MicroRNA-495: a therapeutic and diagnostic tumor marker

Therapeutic and diagnostic progresses have significantly reduced the mortality rate among cancer patients during the last decade. However, there is still a high rate of mortality among cancer patients. One of the important reasons involved in the high mortality rate is the late diagnosis in advanced tumor stages that causes the failure of therapeutic strategies in these patients. Therefore, investigating the molecular mechanisms involved in tumor progression has an important role in introducing the efficient early detection markers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) as stable factors in body fluids are always considered as non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic markers. In the present review, we investigated the role of miR-495 in tumor progression. It has been reported that miR-495 has mainly a tumor suppressor function through the regulation of transcription factors and tyrosine kinases as well as cellular processes such as multidrug resistance, chromatin remodeling, and signaling pathways. This review can be an effective step towards introducing the miR-495 as a non-invasive diagnostic/prognostic marker as well as a suitable target in tumor therapy.

MiR-495-3p attenuates cell pyroptosis and endometritis through inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in bovine

miR-495 is aberrantly expressed and affects the progression of inflammation in various diseases. However, the mechanisms of miR-495 in bovine endometritis remain largely unknown. This study investigated the mechanism of miR-495 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced bovine endometritis and pyroptosis and found that miR-495 inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation and inflammatory immune responses in endometritis tissue and cell models. Bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BENDs) were treated with 10 μg/mL LPS to establish a cell inflammatory model. LPS stimulation activated the NLRP3 inflammasome and elevated the expression of proinflammatory factors in BEND cells. In addition, pyroptosis and methylation-dependent inhibition of miR-495 was discovered in LPS-exposed BENDs. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-495 inhibited activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in vitro and vivo. Collectively, our data demonstrate that miR-495 can attenuate activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome to protect against pyroptosis and bovine endometritis, which provides novel therapeutic targets for bovine endometritis and other inflammatory diseases.

Currently Used Methods to Evaluate the Efficacy of Therapeutic Drugs and Kidney Safety

Kidney diseases with kidney failure or damage, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury (AKI), are common clinical problems worldwide and have rapidly increased in prevalence, affecting millions of people in recent decades. A series of novel diagnostic or predictive biomarkers have been discovered over the past decade, enhancing the investigation of renal dysfunction in preclinical studies and clinical risk assessment for humans. Since multiple causes lead to renal failure, animal studies have been extensively used to identify specific disease biomarkers for understanding the potential targets and nephropathy events in therapeutic insights into disease progression. Mice are the most commonly used model to investigate the mechanism of human nephropathy, and the current alternative methods, including in vitro and in silico models, can offer quicker, cheaper, and more effective methods to avoid or reduce the unethical procedures of animal usage. This review provides modern approaches, including animal and nonanimal assays, that can be applied to study chronic nonclinical safety. These specific situations could be utilized in nonclinical or clinical drug development to provide information on kidney disease.

Hsa-miR-503-5p regulates CTDSPL to accelerate cisplatin resistance and angiogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma cells

The study aimed to assess the role of hsa-miR-503-5p in cisplatin resistance and angiogenesis in LUAD and its underlying mechanisms. Hsa-miR-503-5p expression in LUAD and the target gene downstream of hsa-miR-503-5p was predicted by bioinformatics analysis. Binding relationship between the two genes was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. qRT-PCR was conducted for detecting gene expression in cells, CCK-8 for IC50 value, angiogenesis assay for human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) angiogenic ability, flow cytometry for apoptosis ability, transwell assay for migration ability, and western blot for detecting the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1), VEGFR2, and CTD small phosphatase like (CTDSPL). The results showed that hsa-miR-503-5p showed high expression, while its target gene CTDSPL presented decreased expression in LUAD. Hsa-miR-503-5p also had high expression in cisplatin-resistant LUAD cells. Knockdown of hsa-miR-503-5p resensitized LUAD cells to cisplatin, inhibited angiogenesis of drug-resistant cells, and reduced the protein expression of VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and EMT-related targets in cisplatin-resistant LUAD cells, but promoted the apoptosis ability. Hsa-miR-503-5p bound to CTDSPL gene and promoted cisplatin resistance and malignant progression of LUAD cells by negatively regulating CTDSPL. Our results revealed that hsa-miR-503-5p and CTDSPL may be novel targets for overcoming cisplatin resistance in LUAD.

The interplay of signaling pathways and miRNAs in the pathogenesis and targeted therapy of esophageal cancer

Globally, esophageal cancer (EC) is the 6th leading cause of cancer-related deaths and the second deadliest gastrointestinal cancer. Multiple genetic and epigenetic factors, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), influence its onset and progression. miRNAs are short nucleic acid molecules that can regulate multiple cellular processes by regulating gene expression. Therefore, EC initiation, progression, apoptosis evasions, invasion capacity, promotion, angiogenesis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) enhancement are associated with miRNA expression dysregulation. Wnt/-catenin signaling, Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/P-gp, phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/c-Myc, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling are crucial pathways in EC that are controlled by miRNAs. This review was conducted to provide an up-to-date assessment of the role of microRNAs in EC pathogenesis and their modulatory effects on responses to various EC treatment modalities.

Noncoding RNAs in esophageal cancer: A glimpse into implications for therapy resistance

Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most common malignancies of the digestive system and has a high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Chemotherapy in combination with radiotherapy is one of the most important treatment modalities for EC. Chemoradiotherapy is currently acknowledged worldwide as being the standard treatment for locally advanced or unresectable disease. Unfortunately, due to the existence of therapy resistance, a number of EC patients fail to benefit from drug or irradiation treatment, which ultimately leads to poor outcomes. Considerable efforts have been made to explore the mechanisms underlying the therapy resistance of EC. Notably, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are current research areas for the modulation of therapy responses and may serve as new targets to overcome treatment resistance in EC. Herein, we summarized the mechanisms by which ncRNAs are involved in drug and radiation resistance in EC and highlighted their role in promoting or repressing treatment resistance. Additionally, we discussed the clinical relevance of ncRNAs, which may serve as potential therapeutic targets and predictive biomarkers for EC.

Polymorphic renal transporters and cisplatin's toxicity in urinary bladder cancer patients: current perspectives and future directions

Urinary bladder cancer (UBC) holds a potentially profound social burden and affects over 573,278 new cases annually. The disease's primary risk factors include occupational tobacco smoke exposure and inherited genetic susceptibility. Over the past 30 years, a number of treatment modalities have emerged, including cisplatin, a platinum molecule that has demonstrated effectiveness against UBC. Nevertheless, it has severe dose-limiting side effects, such as nephrotoxicity, among others. Since intracellular accumulation of platinum anticancer drugs is necessary for cytotoxicity, decreased uptake or enhanced efflux are the root causes of platinum resistance and response failure. Evidence suggests that genetic variations in any transporter involved in the entry or efflux of platinum drugs alter their kinetics and, to a significant extent, determine patients' responses to them. This review aims to consolidate and describe the major transporters and their polymorphic variants in relation to cisplatin-induced toxicities and resistance in UBC patients. We concluded that the efflux transporters ABCB1, ABCC2, SLC25A21, ATP7A, and the uptake transporter OCT2, as well as the organic anion uptake transporters OAT1 and OAT2, are linked to cisplatin accumulation, toxicity, and resistance in urinary bladder cancer patients. While suppressing the CTR1 gene's expression reduced cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, inhibiting the expression of the MATE1 and MATE2-K genes has been shown to increase cisplatin's nephrotoxicity and resistance. The roles of ABCC5, ABCA8, ABCC10, ABCB10, ABCG1, ATP7B, ABCG2, and mitochondrial SLC25A10 in platinum-receiving urinary bladder cancer patients should be the subject of further investigation.

OPN Promotes Cell Proliferation and Invasion through NF-κB in Human Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background

Osteopontin (OPN) is a phosphorylated glycoprotein. There is increasing evidence that the OPN gene played a major role in the progression of solid organ tumors. However, few studies have clarified how OPN regulated the functional role of human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study was designed to investigate the effect of OPN in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

First, we screened Eca-109 and KYSE-510 cells to construct OPN silencing and overexpression models. Endogenous OPN of Eca-109 and KYSE-510 were knocked down or overexpressed using small interfering RNAs. QRT-PCR, Western blot, flow cytometry, and CCK-8 were used to detect the function of Eca-109 and KYSE-510 cells. Tumor formation in nude mice was used to measure tumor growth after OPN inhibition.

Results

Eca-109 and KYSE-510 cells contain the si-OPN arrest cell cycle in the S-phase and increase apoptosis. These changes were OPN downregulation of the NF-κB pathway that significantly reduced the protein levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and p-p65. However, the activity of Eca-109 and KYSE-510 cells was enhanced in OPN overexpressing cells. Then, the in vivo tumor formation experiment in nude mice showed that the tumor volume and weight of nude mice after silencing OPN were significantly reduced.

Conclusion

This study contributed to understanding the vital role of OPN in ESCC development and progression. This could be a promising molecular target for developing new ESCC diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Establishment and experimental validation of a novel cuproptosis-related gene signature for prognostic implication in cholangiocarcinoma

Background

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly malignant, heterogeneous bile duct malignancy with poor treatment options. A novel type of cell death termed cuproptosis was recently demonstrated to closely correlate with tumor progression. To gain more insight into the role of cuproptosis in CCA, we investigated the prognostic implications of cuproptosis related genes (CRGs) and their relationship to the development of CCA.

Methods

Gene expression data for CCA were obtained from the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) database. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) penalized Cox regression was used to construct a prognostic risk model based on CRGs. RNA-seq, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry staining were used to verify the expression of CRGs in human CCA tissues or cell lines. Further in vitro experiments were performed to demonstrate the role of cuproptosis in CCA.

Results

We established a 4-gene signature (ATP7A, FDX1, DBT and LIAS) that exhibited good stability and was an independent prognostic factor for CCA. Seventy-five CCA samples were divided into high- and low-risk groups based on the risk score. Enrichment analysis revealed increased extracellular activity in the high-risk group and increased lipid metabolic activity in the low-risk group. Moreover, the 4 signature genes were verified in clinical samples and cell lines by RNA-seq, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Further experiments confirmed that cuproptosis can significantly inhibit the viability of CCA cells. Knockdown of the key gene LIAS ameliorated the toxicity of cuproptosis to CCA cells.

Conclusion

We established a 4-gene prognostic signature based on cuproptosis and explored the role of cuproptosis in CCA. The results provide an effective indicator for predicting the prognosis of cuproptosis in CCA.

Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles confer 5-fluorouracil resistance in esophageal cancer via long noncoding RNA AC116025.2 delivery

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) resistance is one of the main causes for treatment failure in esophageal cancer (EC). Here, we intended to elucidate the mechanism of tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (TEVs)-encapsulated long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) AC116025.2 in 5-FU resistance in EC. EVs were isolated from the serum samples of EC patients and HEEC, TE-1, and TE-1/5-FU cells, followed by RT-qPCR detection of AC116025.2 expression in EVs. The relationship among AC116025.2, microRNA (miR)-4496, and SEMA5A was evaluated. Next, EC cells were cocultured with EVs, followed by lentivirus transduction and plasmid transfection for studying the role of TEVs-AC116025.2 in EC cells in relation to miR-4496 and SEMA5A. Tumor formation in nude mice was applied for in vivo confirmation. Elevated AC116025.2 expression was seen in the EVs from the serum of 5-FU insensitive patients and from 5-FU-resistant EC cells. Mechanistically, AC116025.2 bound to miR-4496 that inversely targeted SEMA5A in EC cells. EVs-oe-AC116025.2 augmented EC cell viability, colony formation, and 5-FU resistance, but diminished their apoptosis through miR-4496-mediated SEMA5A. Furthermore, EVs-oe-AC116025.2 augmented tumor formation and 5-FU resistance of EC cells in vivo. Conclusively, our data offered evidence of the promoting mechanism of TEVs in the 5-FU resistance of EC by delivering AC116025.2.

MicroRNAs-mediated regulation of glucose transporter (GLUT) expression in glioblastoma

Current knowledge about the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in tumor glucose metabolism is growing, and a number of studies regularly confirm the impact miRNAs can have on glucose metabolism reprogramming in tumors. However, there remains a lack of understanding of the broader perspective on the role of miRNAs in energy reprogramming in glioblastoma. An important role in the metabolism of glucose is played by carrier proteins that ensure its transmembrane movement. Carrier proteins in mammalian cells are glucose transporters (GLUTs). In total, 12 types of GLUTs are distinguished, differing in localization, affinity for glucose and ability to regulate. The fact of increased consumption of glucose in tumors compared to non-proliferating normal tissues is known. Tumor cells need glucose to ensure their survival and growth, so the type of transport proteins like GLUT are critical for them. Previous studies have shown that GLUT-1 and GLUT-3 may play an important role in the development of some types of malignant tumors, including glioblastoma. In addition, there is evidence of how GLUT-1 and GLUT-3 expression is regulated by miRNAs in glioblastoma. Thus, the aim of this study is to highlight the role of specific miRNAs in modulating GLUT levels in order to take into account the use of miRNAs expression modulators as a useful strategy to increase the sensitivity of glioblastoma to current therapies.

The cuproptosis-related signature predicts prognosis and indicates immune microenvironment in breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is the most diagnosed cancer in women. Cuproptosis is new regulated cell death, distinct from known death mechanisms and dependent on copper and mitochondrial respiration. However, the comprehensive relationship between cuproptosis and BC is still blank until now. In the present study, we acquired 13 cuproptosis-related regulators (CRRs) from the previous research and downloaded the RNA sequencing data of TCGA-BRCA from the UCSC XENA database. The 13 CRRs were all differently expressed between BC and normal samples. Using consensus clustering based on the five prognostic CRRs, BC patients were classified into two cuproptosis-clusters (C1 and C2). C2 had a significant survival advantage and higher immune infiltration levels than C1. According to the Cox and LASSO regression analyses, a novel cuproptosis-related prognostic signature was developed to predict the prognosis of BC effectively. The high- and low-risk groups were divided based on the risk scores. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that the high-risk group had shorter overall survival (OS) than the low-risk group in the training, test and entire cohorts. GSEA indicated that the immune-related pathways were significantly enriched in the low-risk group. According to the CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE analyses, patients in the high-risk group had higher infiltrating levels of antitumor lymphocyte cell subpopulations and higher immune score than the low-risk group. The typical immune checkpoints were all elevated in the high-risk group. Furthermore, the high-risk group showed a better immunotherapy response than the low-risk group based on the Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) and Immunophenoscore (IPS). In conclusion, we identified two cuproptosis-clusters with different prognoses using consensus clustering in BC. We also developed a cuproptosis-related prognostic signature and nomogram, which could indicate the outcome, the tumor immune microenvironment, as well as the response to immunotherapy.