DDX10 promotes the proliferation and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells via splicing RPL35

DDX56 promotes EMT and cancer stemness via MELK-FOXM1 axis in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major global cause of death, with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cell (CSC)-like properties contributing to its metastasis. DEAD box helicase 56 (DDX56) is involved in carcinogenesis, but its role in EMT induction and stem phenotype maintenance is unclear. This study assessed the impact of DDX56 absence on HCC cell stemness and EMT. DDX56 was found to be overexpressed in HCC tissues, correlating with disease stage and prognosis. In vitro, DDX56 stimulated tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, EMT, and stemness. It also enhanced maternal embryonic leucine-zipper kinase (MELK)-mediated forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) expression, regulating cancer stemness and malignant traits. In vivo, DDX56 knockdown in tumor-bearing mice reduced tumorigenicity and lung metastasis by modulating the MELK-FOXM1 signaling pathway. Collectively, DDX56 initiates stem cell-like traits in HCC and promotes EMT via MELK-FOXM1 activation, shedding light on HCC pathogenesis and suggesting a potential anti-cancer therapeutic target.

Unveiling the role of miR-137-3p/miR-296-5p/SERPINA3 signaling in colorectal cancer progression: integrative analysis of gene expression profiles and in vitro studies

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignancy worldwide, with increasing incidence and mortality rates. Although treatment options have improved, CRC remains a leading cause of death due to metastasis. Early intervention can significantly improve patient outcomes, making it crucial to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying CRC metastasis. In this study, we performed bioinformatics analysis to identify potential genes associated with CRC metastasis.

METHODS

We downloaded and integrated gene expression datasets (GSE89393, GSE100243, and GSE144259) from GEO database. Differential expression analysis was conducted, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. The hub gene SERPINA3 was selected for further in vitro functional studies. Additionally, the role of miR-137-3p/miR-296-5p/ Serpin family A member 3 (SERPINA3) in CRC cell function was investigated using in vitro assays.

RESULTS

Analysis of the gene expression datasets revealed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with CRC metastasis. GO analysis showed enrichment in biological processes such as blood coagulation regulation and wound healing. Cellular component analysis highlighted extracellular matrix components and secretory granules. Molecular function analysis identified activities such as serine-type endopeptidase inhibition and lipoprotein receptor binding. KEGG analysis revealed involvement in pathways related to complement and coagulation cascades, cholesterol metabolism, and immune responses. The common DEGs among the datasets were further investigated. We identified SERPINA3 as a hub gene associated with CRC metastasis. SERPINA3 exerted enhanced effects on migration, proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inhibitory effects on caspase-3/-9 activities in HT29 and SW620 cells. MiR-137-3p overexpression increased activities of caspase-3/-9, decreased migration and proliferation, and also repressed EMT in HT29 cells, which were obviously attenuated by SERPINA3 enforced overexpression. Consistently, SERPINA3 enforced overexpression also largely reversed miR-296-5p mimics-induced increased in activities of caspase-3/-9, decrease in migration, proliferation and EMT in HT29 cells.

CONCLUSION

Through bioinformatics analysis, we identified potential genes associated with CRC metastasis. The functional studies focusing on SERPINA3/miR-137-3p/miR-296-5p further consolidated its role in regulating CRC progression. Our findings provide insights into novel mechanisms underlying CRC metastasis and might contribute to the development of effective treatment strategies. However, the role of SERPINA3/miR-137-3p/miR-296-5p signaling in CRC still requires further investigation.

Role and therapeutic potential of DEAD-box RNA helicase family in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed and the second cancer-related death worldwide, leading to more than 0.9 million deaths every year. Unfortunately, this disease is changing rapidly to a younger age, and in a more advanced stage when diagnosed. The DEAD-box RNA helicase proteins are the largest family of RNA helicases so far. They regulate almost every aspect of RNA physiological processes, including RNA transcription, editing, splicing and transport. Aberrant expression and critical roles of the DEAD-box RNA helicase proteins have been found in CRC. In this review, we first summarize the protein structure, cellular distribution, and diverse biological functions of DEAD-box RNA helicases. Then, we discuss the distinct roles of DEAD-box RNA helicase family in CRC and describe the cellular mechanism of actions based on recent studies, with an aim to provide future strategies for the treatment of CRC.

DDX52 gene expression in LUAD tissues indicates potential as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality globally. While DDX52, an ATP-dependent RNA helicase, plays a role in several biological processes, its specific involvement in LUAD is yet to be elucidated. We utilized ROC curves to determine DDX52's predictive potential for LUAD. Kaplan-Meier survival curves, along with univariate and multivariate Cox analyses, assessed the prognostic implications of DDX52 in LUAD. We constructed nomogram models to further delineate DDX52's influence on prognosis, employed GSEA for functional analysis, and used qRT-PCR to examine DDX52 expression in LUAD tissues. DDX52 expression was notably higher in LUAD tissues, suggesting its potential as a negative prognostic marker. We observed a direct relationship between DDX52 expression and advanced T and N stages, as well as higher grading and staging in LUAD patients. Cox analyses further underscored DDX52's role as an independent prognostic determinant for LUAD. GSEA insights indicated DDX52's influence on LUAD progression via multiple signaling pathways. Our nomogram, founded on DDX52 expression, effectively projected LUAD patient survival, as validated by calibration curves. Elevated DDX52 expression in LUAD tissues signals its potential as a poor prognostic marker. Our findings emphasize DDX52's role not only as an independent prognostic factor for LUAD but also as a significant influencer in its progression through diverse signaling pathways. The constructed nomogram also underscores the feasibility of predicting LUAD patient survival based on DDX52 expression.

Unraveling the function of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in colorectal cancer: Metastasis, therapy response, and revisiting molecular pathways

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a dangerous form of cancer that affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is a major global health concern, and the aggressive behavior of tumor cells makes it difficult to treat, leading to poor survival rates for patients. One major challenge in treating CRC is the metastasis, or spread, of the cancer, which is a major cause of death. In order to improve the prognosis for patients with CRC, it is necessary to focus on ways to inhibit the cancer's ability to invade and spread. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process that is linked to the spread of cancer cells, also known as metastasis. The process transforms epithelial cells into mesenchymal ones, increasing their mobility and ability to invade other tissues. This has been shown to be a key mechanism in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), a particularly aggressive form of gastrointestinal cancer. The activation of EMT leads to increases in the spread of CRC cells, and during this process, levels of the protein E-cadherin decrease while levels of N-cadherin and vimentin increase. EMT also contributes to the development of resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy in CRC. Non-coding RNAs, such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), play a role in regulating EMT in CRC, often through their ability to "sponge" microRNAs. Anti-cancer agents have been shown to suppress EMT and reduce the progression and spread of CRC cells. These findings suggest that targeting EMT or related mechanisms may be a promising approach for treating CRC patients in the clinic.

An empirical review on the resistance mechanisms of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors and predictive molecular biomarkers in colorectal cancer

Despite advances in cytotoxic treatments, colorectal cancer remains a leading cause of death. Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients have a poor prognosis despite improved treatments and more prolonged median survival. Monoclonal antibodies like cetuximab and panitumumab target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). They play an essential role in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) due to their efficacy in multiple phase III clinical trials across multiple treatment lines. It was discovered that anti-EGFR moAbs were only effective for a small number of patients. Mutations in KRAS and NRAS have been identified as biomarkers of drug resistance. New molecular predictors and prognostic markers are used clinically. The K-Ras mutation is the first molecular marker of a lack of response to EGFR-targeted therapy in K-Ras-mutant patients. Validating predictive and prognostic markers will improve cancer treatments. This article examines molecular markers that can predict colorectal cancer prognosis.

Synthetic lethal interactions of DEAD/H-box helicases as targets for cancer therapy

DEAD/H-box helicases are implicated in virtually every aspect of RNA metabolism, including transcription, pre-mRNA splicing, ribosomes biogenesis, nuclear export, translation initiation, RNA degradation, and mRNA editing. Most of these helicases are upregulated in various cancers and mutations in some of them are associated with several malignancies. Lately, synthetic lethality (SL) and synthetic dosage lethality (SDL) approaches, where genetic interactions of cancer-related genes are exploited as therapeutic targets, are emerging as a leading area of cancer research. Several DEAD/H-box helicases, including DDX3, DDX9 (Dbp9), DDX10 (Dbp4), DDX11 (ChlR1), and DDX41 (Sacy-1), have been subjected to SL analyses in humans and different model organisms. It remains to be explored whether SDL can be utilized to identity druggable targets in DEAD/H-box helicase overexpressing cancers. In this review, we analyze gene expression data of a subset of DEAD/H-box helicases in multiple cancer types and discuss how their SL/SDL interactions can be used for therapeutic purposes. We also summarize the latest developments in clinical applications, apart from discussing some of the challenges in drug discovery in the context of targeting DEAD/H-box helicases.

The Role of Amino Acid Metabolism of Tumor Associated Macrophages in the Development of Colorectal Cancer

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are important immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Previous studies have shown that TAMs play a dual role in the development of colorectal cancer and promote the additional exploration of the immune escape of colorectal cancer. Studies have confirmed that macrophages utilize amino acid metabolism under the stimulation of some factors released by tumor cells, thus affecting the direction of polarization. Therefore, we investigated the effect of amino acid metabolism on macrophage function and the involved mechanism. Based on the comprehensive analysis of the GSE18804 GEO dataset and amino acid metabolism pathway, we identified the eight key enzymes of amino acid metabolism in colon TAMs, namely, ACADM, ACADS, GPX4, GSR, HADH, HMGCL, HMGCS1 and IDH1. We then evaluated the expression, survival analysis and relationship of clinicopathological features with these eight key enzymes. The results supported the critical role of these eight genes in colorectal cancer. Macrophages phagocytose tumor cells, and these eight key enzymes were identified in combination with GPX4, a critical protein of ferroptosis, suggesting that the change in the expression of these eight key enzymes in TAMs may be involved in the regulation of colorectal cancer through cell death. Correlation analysis of three programmed cell death (PCD) marker genes indicated that these eight key enzymes may cause macrophage death through pyroptosis, leading to immune escape of colorectal cancer. We also investigated the regulation of ACADS in CRC using flow cytometry, qPCR and ELISAs, which demonstrated that an ACADS deficiency polarizes TAMs to M2 macrophages. In summary, the present study revealed the relationship between amino acid metabolism and the cell death of macrophages, providing a new research direction for the molecular mechanism of macrophage polarization.

Construction of cuproptosis-related gene signature to predict the prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy of patients with bladder cancer through bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation

Background: A new form of cell death, copper-dependent cell death (termed cuproptosis), was illustrated in a recent scientific study. However, the biological function or prognostic value of cuproptosis regulators in bladder cancer (BLCA) remains unknown. Materials and Methods: Sequencing data obtained from BLCA samples in TCGA and GEO databases were preprocessed for analysis. Biological function and immune cell infiltration levels evaluated by gene set variation analysis (GSVA) were employed to calculate enrichment scores. Iteration least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and COX regression model were employed to select feature genes and construct a novel cuproptosis-related (CR) score signature. The genomics of drug sensitivity in cancer (GDSC) and tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) analysis were used to predict the chemotherapy and immunotherapy efficacy for BLCA patients. The relative expression of the genes involved in the signature was also verified by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) in cell lines and tissues. Results: Expression abundance and the prognostic value of cuproptosis regulators proved that cuproptosis might play a vital part in the carcinogenesis of BLCA. GSVA revealed that cuproptosis regulators might be associated with metabolism and metastasis-related pathways such as TGF-β, protein secretion, oxidative Phosphorylation, MYC targets, MTORC1, and adipogenesis pathways. CR scores could predict the prognosis and evaluate the chemotherapy and immunotherapy efficacies of BLCA. CR scores were positively correlated with EMT, MYC, MTORC1, HEDGEHOG, and E2F signaling pathways; meanwhile, they were negatively correlated with several immune cell infiltration levels such as CD8⁺ T cells, γδT cells, and activated dendritic cells. Several GEO datasets were used to validate the power of prognostic prediction, and a nomogram was also established for clinical use. The expressions of DDX10, RBM34, and RPL17 were significantly higher in BLCA cell lines and tissues in comparison with those in the corresponding normal controls. Conclusion: Cuproptosis might play an essential role in the progression of BLCA. CR scores could be helpful in the investigation of prognostic prediction and therapeutic efficacy and could make contributions to further studies in BLCA.